NEAL EMBRY / Special to the Reporter

NORTH SHELBY – The Briarwood Lions used a balanced offense and strong defense to earn the win at home Friday, Oct. 23, against the John Carroll Cavaliers, clinching a spot in the 6A state playoffs in the process.

Lions quarterback William Gray got the scoring started early in the first quarter with a five-yard touchdown run. The junior quarterback had 106 yards and three total touchdowns for the game.

John Carroll’s first drive ended in an interception, but the Cavaliers forced a turnover of their own on Briarwood’s next drive. Unfortunately for the visitors, the offense failed to capitalize on the opportunity.

Briarwood almost turned the ball over again on their next possession, as Gray threw the ball into the secondary and right through the hands of a Cavalier defensive back. On the next play, Gray found Carson Eddy for a 16-yard touchdown. Eddy finished the game with 109 total yards and two touchdowns.

After another Lions touchdown, the home team was up 20-0 near the end of the first half.

While John Carroll may not have won the game, they did turn in the play of the night.

Right before halftime, John Carroll forced another Gray interception. The Cavaliers found themselves facing a fourth down and 32 from their own 45-yard line after incurring several penalties. Running back Demetrius Battle took the handoff and ran it in from 45 yards out to cut the lead to 14. Battle finished the night with 101 yards and two touchdowns.

The second half saw the Lions extend their lead while playing dominating defense. Eddy added a rushing touchdown from 50 yards away, while Carter Bankston had an interception return for a touchdown for Briarwood.

“We’re still in the process of trying to become a terrific team, and the boys have not given up on (that) idea,” Briarwood coach Fred Yancey said.

Briarwood travels to Madison Academy on Friday, Oct. 30, to finish their regular season.