By Daniel Boyette/al.com
Cole Guffey accounted for three touchdowns as Hazel Green claimed a playoff spot with a 38-33 win over Gadsden City on Friday (Oct. 16).
The Trojans improved to 5-3 overall and 4-2 in Class 7A, Region 4 with their fifth consecutive victory. Hazel Green will be the region’s No. 4 seed.
Gadsden City (4-5, 3-3) was eliminated from playoff contention with the loss.
Guffey completed 14 of 23 passes for 165 yards and touchdowns of 9 yards to Alondras Strong and 26 yards to Chazz Garrett. Guffey also ran for 69 yards, including a score on a 9-yard scramble, on 14 carries.
The Trojans qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2011.
Jaelyn Fleming led Gadsden City with 171 rushing yards and touchdown runs of 45, 77 and 5 yards on 13 carries. Ahmad DeRamus completed 11-of-20 passes for 201 yards and touchdowns of 18 yards and 14 yards. Both scoring passes went to Darnell Mooney, who finished with nine catches for 170 yards.
Hazel Green took a 24-21 lead into halftime as Guffey hit Garret on a fourth-down play with four seconds left. The Trojans never trailed in the second half.
Gadsden City concludes its season this Friday (Oct. 23) at home against Buckhorn.