Turnaround season ends for Flame

FLORENCE - In game planning for Friday night's Class 1A playoff opener against Lynn, Patrick Odom came across plenty of video of Casey Hulsey, the Bears stud junior running back.

Unfortunately for Odom, and the Shoals Christian defense, there wasn't much video of Brody Meeks.

Playing in the first dry conditions either team had seen in nearly four weeks, Hulsey and Meeks combined to rush for 250 yards and four touchdowns as Lynn defeated Shoals Christian 43-25, eliminating the Flame from the playoffs.

"We knew that their running back (Hulsey) was going to be a force on the ground," he said. "We didn't anticipate the quarterback (Meeks) being able to do so many things with his legs, though. It's hard enough to stop one effective running back, but when you get two on the field at the same time it becomes nearly impossible."

Shoals Christian jumped out to an early lead, scoring on a 28-yard field goal by Taylor Brackin midway through the first quarter.

Meeks wasted no time in giving the Bears the lead, scoring on a 50-yard run four plays later.

Lynn extended the lead late in the second quarter on a 2-yard touchdown pass from Tyson Jones to Jacob Lawson. A 2-point conversion pass from Jones to Hulsey gave the Bears a 15-3 lead heading into halftime.

The Flame cut into the lead midway through the third quarter when Will Bishop connected with Charlie Kelley for a 27-yard touchdown pass, trimming the lead to 15-10.

A bad punt snap resulted in a safety for the Flame, cutting the lead to 15-12, but a 50-yard touchdown run by Hulsey two plays later pushed the lead to 21-12, effectively putting the game out of reach for Shoals Christian.

Bishop would add two fourth quarter touchdown passes, but touchdown runs of 6 and 24 yards by Hulsey, and a late interception returned for a touchdown by Lawson put the final score at 43-25, effectively ending the Flame's turnaround season.

"It was nice to finally get to play on a dry field for a change," Hulsey said.

"When you don't have to worry about slipping all over the field you can just focus on moving the ball. Our line did a great job of opening the holes for us tonight, and we were able to make some big plays. It was just a solid all-around effort."

Hulsey finished the game with 141 yards rushing and three touchdowns, while Meeks added 109 yards and a score.

Odom insisted the loss doesn't negate what his team has accomplished this season.

"Coming off a 2-8 season there probably weren't many people that expected to make it this far," he said.

"We had a remarkable turnaround, and everything looks even brighter for our future. We are only graduating three seniors this year, so there is plenty to be excited about for the Shoals Christian football program."