Clay-Chalkville’s Jaylen Mbakwe Claims AHSAA Spotlight Following Win Over Nationally Ranked Thompson
Birmingham, AL – Clay-Chalkville senior Jaylen Mbakwe, primarily designated as an “athlete” on most observers’ rosters due to his versatility in football, excels at one thing above all else: winning. This exceptional quality shone brightly as he led the unbeaten Cougars to a 36-33 victory over the four-time defending Class 7A state champion, Thompson, in a nationally televised matchup last Thursday night in Alabaster.
Mbakwe was the driving force in the Cougars’ win, contributing 268 yards of total offense and accounting for all five of Clay-Chalkville’s touchdowns. Consequently, he earned the distinction of being featured in this week’s AHSAA Football Spotlight.
Head coach Drew Gilmer’s Cougars, boasting an unblemished 6-0 record and being ranked No. 2 in Class 6A, demonstrated their dominance in front of a national audience on ESPN2. While the University of Alabama commit’s athletic prowess stole the spotlight, the colossal offensive tackle, Jac’Qwan McRoy, showcased his surprising agility and finesse. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-9 and weighing 375 pounds, McRoy left an indelible mark on national television by executing a pivotal two-point conversion through a clever trick play. He dropped back and received a toss from Mbakwe, propelling the Cougars to a 29-26 lead in the waning moments of the fourth quarter. Just a play earlier, he paved the way for Mbakwe’s touchdown run by creating an opening in the Thompson defense.
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Mbakwe’s impressive performance saw him complete 10-of-13 passes for 100 yards while carrying the ball 27 times for a total of 168 yards. Notably, this remarkable display coincided with his 18th birthday celebration.
On the opposing side, Thompson freshman quarterback, Trent Seaborn, completed 14-of-25 passes for 268 yards, including long touchdown strikes covering 64 and 79 yards to Kolby Hearn. However, the Warrior’s efforts fell short, as the loss marked the end of the defending Class 7A state champions’ eight-game winning streak. The 79-yard touchdown came in the final minute of the game, with Thompson (4-1) trailing 36-27, narrowing the Cougars’ lead to three points.
A successful onside kick rekindled the Warriors’ hopes, allowing Seaborn to advance his team into the red zone. Nevertheless, Thompson’s field goal attempt to level the score ultimately missed its mark, enabling the Cougars (6-0) to clinch the victory.
Looking ahead, Clay-Chalkville enjoys a bye week before stepping back in to Class 6A, Region 6 play October 13th at Huffman (0-6, 0-3). Head coach Mark Freeman’s Warriors travel east to take on the 6th ranked Hewitt-Trussville Huskies (5-1, 3-0) in key Class 7A, Region 3 showdown.
