By JEREMY RAINES | For the Reporter 

Columbiana – The Shelby County Wildcats looked to pick up their first win of the 2018 season when they played host to the Chilton County Tigers on Friday Sept. 7. Both teams came into the region game at Wildcat Stadium with disappointing 0-2 starts.

The two teams have not faced each other since 2013 when the Tigers beat the Wildcats 35-14. Chilton County didn’t waste too much time as junior quarterback Shi Keem Laister scampered for a touchdown on the Shelby County side of the field.

Laister was met by a Shelby County defender on the goal line where he showcased his power running through the defender to put the Tigers up 6-0, early.

The Tigers were unable to secure a PAT, because a busted play resulted in the kicker attempting to score but was quickly  stopped just short of the goal line by Wildcat defenders.

The game remained 6-0 until just under four minutes left in the first half. After several successful defensive stands were shared by the Tigers and the Wildcats, the Tigers’ senior running back Cameron Wright shocked the crowd with a huge run that put Chilton County up 12-0.

Initially, Wright appeared to have been tackled by the Wildcat defense, but used his athleticism to balance himself and regain momentum leading to a to a big run for the Tigers.

Laister then connected with senior receiver Mason Dennis to increase the score to 14-0 before the end of the half.

Shortly after this impressive drive by the Tigers, Laister again struck with his legs on a huge touchdown run from the Shelby County 40-yard line with only eight seconds left in the half. This increased the Tigers’ lead to 20-0 at the half.

The second half didn’t start any better for the Wildcats, as they turned the ball over on downs on their very first drive of the second half, giving the Tigers another opportunity to add points to their already large lead.

A great run by Laister set the Tigers up with a first-and-goal. A quick handoff to Wright increased their lead to 26-0. A 2-point conversion attempt run was good as Devonte Robinson crossed the goal line.

Shelby County threatened the Tigers as they made their way into the redzone, but strong defensive coverage eventually forced an interception in the endzone.

Laister once again showed his quick speed tacking on six more points with a touchdown run from midfield to put the Tigers up big, 34-0.

That ended up being the final nail in the coffin, as Chilton County was too much for the Wildcats on both sides of the ball.

Raheem Montgomery led the Shelby County ground attack with 60 yards on 12 carries, while Isaac Montgomery led the receiving corps with 28 yards on two receptions.

Chilton County had 352 rushing yards, while Austin Scott and Landen Steward led Shelby County’s defense with nine tackles apiece.

The Wildcats will look to bounce back as they go on the road on Sept. 14 in another region game against the 1-2 Bibb County Choctaws.