Offense sparks Wildcat win

COLBERT HEIGHTS - Playing what coach Ivan Denton called the best offensive game of the season, Colbert Heights jumped out to a quick lead and never looked back as the Wildcats dropped Red Bay 39-21 Thursday night.

Colbert Heights (7-3) rolled up 379 yards of total offense, highlighted by the passing of quarterback Jordan Berry.

Berry finished completed 17 of 24 passes for 255 yards and four touchdowns.

"This was a great win for us," Denton said after the game. "I'm especially proud of the seniors playing their last regular-season home game. They played well."

Denton said Berry did a good job running the offense.

He said Berry completed passes to the second and third options on a lot of plays.

"This was the best overall offensive performance we've had all year. A lot of players touched the ball tonight," Denton said.

In fact, five different players scored for the Wildcats.

Colbert Heights took a quick 13-0 lead in the first quarter when Berry threw two touchdown passes.

The first score capped a 57-yard drive when Berry passed 15 yards to Josh Lindsey. A few minutes later, Berry hooked up with Travis Michael for 10 yards and a touchdown. The passe ended a 75-yard drive for the Wildcats.

An interception by Cameron Handley early in the second quarter set up Colbert Heights' next score. Three plays after getting the ball, Berry passed to Matt Smith for 44 yards and a touchdown.

With 3:18 left in the half, the Wildcats made it 26-0 when Handley capped a 61-yard drive with a 2-yard run around left end.

Red Bay (5-5) scored just before the half ended when Joseph Reach scored from 2 yards out to cap a 57-yard drive.

Colbert Heights continued the aggressive offensive show in the second half with two scores in the third quarter to put the game out of reach.

Smith threw a 23-yard pass to Josh Balta. As the third quarter was ending, Berry connected with Balta for 8 yards and the Wildcats' final touchdown.

Trailing 39-7, in the fourth quarter, Red Bay's Hunter Childers passed to Kevin Hastings for 33 yards and a touchdown. The score capped a 66-yard drive by the Tigers.

Reach ended the night's scoring with a 23-yard touchdown run with 1:06 left to play.

Colbert Heights and Red Bay travel next week to start the state playoffs.

The Wildcats travel to Hamilton in the 3A playoffs, while Red Bay will be at Lamar County in the 2A playoffs.