By Carey Reeder | Managing Editor
Maplesville High School took a battle of unbeatens over Autauga Academy 21-20 to stay atop the Class 1A Region 4 standings on Sept. 20. It was the first meeting all time between the two schools with Autauga’s first year in AHSAA previously in the AISA (Alabama Independent School Association), and it did not disappoint.
“It was a great football game with two great teams out here, and the score showed it was two even teams,” Maplesville head coach Brad Abbott said. “Both teams had some opportunities to fight through some adversity, and we did not quit and they did not quit. It was just a great football game, and our kids really grew up.”
Trailing 12-7 at halftime, Maplesville came out and scored on its first possession in unique fashion as Aidan Abbott fumbled a pass from Pearce Yeargan after turning up field. Davarian Clark was in the right place at the right time as the ball bounced right into his arms to finish out the touchdown run, and put the Red Devils on top 14-12. Yeargan was 9-for-25 passing for 115 yards and added 17 yards on eight carries and a what would prove to be the game-winning touchdown.