Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
For the second year in a row, the Rehobeth Rebels simply had no answer for the Stanhope Elmore power rushing attack. A year after Arthur Mcqueen set the school’s single game rushing record with 420 yards and 5 touchdowns, Stanhope Elmore’s 11th grade running back Dee Barnes ran for 378 yards and 5 touchdowns. In the 1st half, Barnes had touchdown runs of 82 yards, 63 yards, and 54 yards. In the 2nd half, he had touchdown runs of 63 yards and 30 yards.
Through 8 games, Barnes has rushed for 1454 yards and 24 touchdowns. Barnes needs 4 touchdowns over the last two games to tie the school’s single season record, and 5 touchdowns to set the new record.
Stanhope Elmore quarterback Davis Foshee returned after missing the last three games. He passed for 88 yards, which included a 55-yard touchdown pass to Leland Merritt in the opening quarter.
Mustangs’ defensive back Jay Stone added a 20-yard interception returned for a touchdown late in the 4th quarter for the final score of the game, as the Mustangs coasted to a 47-26 victory in the all-important region game.
“I’m extremely proud of how well our offensive line played, and the opportunities they gave to Dee to have a big game,” said Stanhope Elmore Head Coach Hunter Adams. “Having Davis Foshee back healthy to facilitate the offense also makes us a much better team. Jay Stone and Jessie Chreistensen were warriors on defense all night long. Jay’s pick-6 sealed the game for good. Overall though, our eye discipline on defense got us in trouble too many times.”
Defensively, Chreistensen was all over the field for the Mustangs, with double digit tackles and a couple tackles for loss. Jacob Tharpe and Dominic Sager also had multiple tackles for loss.
The Mustangs record improves to 5-3 overall and 3-2 in Class 6A Region 2. More importantly, the win clinches Stanhope Elmore a spot in the playoffs for the first time in five years.
“It is a great feeling (to make the playoffs),” said Coach Adams. “But in that feeling is also a realization that this should be our standard. I’m proud of this group of young men and coaches.”
The Mustangs will travel to Wetumpka next week to take on their biggest rival. The Indians boast the exact same overall and region record, although the Indians have won four straight games as they sit at 5-3 overall. The Indians defeated Park Crossing 41-6 on Friday night to also clinch a playoff spot.
“We have to have a very focused week. Wetumpka is playing good football, they are confident, and they execute well. We can’t get wrapped up in the rivalry, but have to be wrapped up in responsibility.”
The showdown between the rivals has added significance, as the winner will clinch the #3 seed in Region 2, and the loser will be the #4 seed, and likely have to travel to Saraland, one of the top programs in the state over the last few years. The Spartans are currently 8-0 and have outscored their opponents a whopping 328-47.
