By Gene Stanley/Sports Correspondent
Since the Alabama High School Athletic Association went to the region format almost 20 years ago, Glencoe has never won a region title – until this year, that is.
The Yellow Jackets defeated Weaver 56-7 Friday night to wrap up the Class 3A, Region 6 crown.
“I didn’t say anything during the week, but Region 6 is now ours,” coach Lee Ozmint told his players after the game.
Glencoe (8-0, 6-0) has one more region game left – hosting Pleasant Valley next week.
The Yellow Jackets turned in a complete game victory, with the defense and the special teams contributing to the final score. In fact, it was such a complete win that Glencoe led 35-0 after only one quarter.
“I knew Wednesday,” Ozmint said. “I knew that unless Weaver had just outstanding practices and played a great game, that we would win. We were conditioning before practice, during practice and after practice – with no complaints. These kids just wanted it that bad. I knew Wednesday.”
After Glencoe opened the game with an impressive 70-yard drive, the defense held, forcing a Bearcats (3-4, 3-2) punt that Austin Bush blocked and landed on only 1 yard from the goal line. It took only one play for the Jackets to cover that yard, with Thomas Ozmint going in over left tackle. Ozmint also scored the first touchdown.
On Weaver’s next play, Jacob Bradley intercepted a pass and returned it 43 yards for another touchdown, making it three Yellow Jackets touchdowns and five Bearcat plays.
Weaver didn’t get on the board until late in the game, against the Glencoe substitutes. The Yellow Jackets subs came within inches of earning a touchdown after Samuel Hauk covered a Bearcats fumble on the 5 and four plays took the ball to the 1-foot mark.
For Glencoe, Ozmint rushed 22 times for 155 yards and six touchdowns. Dylan Stone gained 134 yards on nine attempts.
Chance Duncan led defensively with seven tackles, followed by Mason Brown and Pace Ozmint with six each. Duncan also had a sack, while Bradley had an interception.