By: Railey Ayers

“Junior, Junior, Junior,” was the cry heard round Vaughn Road in Montgomery as the Cougars faced the oversized Evangel Christian Lions Friday night, eventually winning 46-34.

Fans were shouting for senior Billy Wright, more affectionately nicknamed “Junior.” Whether it was a kick return, a pass or a run, CCA fans made apparent whose hands they wanted the football in.

The fans’ loud, spirit-filled suggestions proved to be successful. Wright scored four touchdowns for the Cougar offense, running 10 yards for one touchdown, catching two touchdown passes of 46 and 18 yards and returned a kick for a touchdown. He also tacked on an interception, just in case someone in the stands questioned why his name was made into a chant.

Though Wright boasted an incredible performance, the Cougars’ offensive success cannot be credited to him solely.

Senior quarterback Cole Roper rushed 13 times for 107 years and two touchdowns, including a 50-yard run. Junior Quashaun LaPrade boasted 20 carries for 127 yards, including an 85-yard touchdown, proving once more why he is the state of Alabama’s leading rusher.

Crenshaw’s onslaught of defensive breakthroughs was led by junior Clay Hammonds and sophomore Logan Johnson, who both recovered fumbles. Junior Gauge Cornelius managed a team-leading 10 tackles, and juniors Tyler Henderson and LaPrade added seven tackles each.

“I’m proud of you guys tonight. You did some very good things,” said CCA head coach Mike Sims to his players after Friday’s game.

“But this is the sixth game in a row that we have lost the turnover battle. It’s killing us and we can’t keep it up. We have to eliminate turnovers. I’m still proud of you. You fought well.”

Sims’ words didn’t sound like the kind of thing that is typically said to a team after a huge win, but the first year head coach wanted to make sure that his team knew that despite a big win, their errors still needed fixing.

“We have Hooper next week for Homecoming. But Homecoming is for everyone else. My players are going to practice and play like they do every week. We are going to work hard and do things just the same. No fluff,” Sims said.