Leeds Rolls Past Corner 57-36 to Secure Spot in Class 5A Semifinals

LEEDS, AL – The Leeds Green Wave (11-2) are headed to the Class 5A semifinals after a dominant 57-36 win over the Corner Yellow Jackets on Friday night at Homer Smiles Stadium. 

Quarterback Conner Nelson led the Green Wave with a standout performance, throwing for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns. Nelson’s first touchdown pass—a 50-yard connection with Taylor Gaiter—came on Leeds’ second offensive drive. By halftime, Leeds had built a commanding 35-7 lead, leaving Corner scrambling to keep up. 

Taylor Gaiter proved to be Nelson’s go-to target, racking up 215 receiving yards and scoring two touchdowns. His night was highlighted by an electrifying 92-yard touchdown sprint in the third quarter. On the ground, Z.J. Dale powered the Green Wave rushing attack with 64 yards and two touchdowns. 

For the visitors, quarterback Keaton Coffee delivered a solid performance, amassing 133 passing yards and two touchdowns while rushing for an additional 80 yards and a score. Standout Corner running back Spencer Unruh also contributed to the Yellow Jackets’ offense with 80 rushing yards on 13 carries. 

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Despite the loss, Corner caps their season with an 11-2 record and their first region title since 1987 in the highly competitive Class 5A, Region 5. 

Leeds advances to face the Moody Blue Devils (10-2) in a semifinal showdown at Bill Morris Stadium. The game will be a rematch of their Week 8 regular-season meeting, where Moody emerged victorious with a 38-22 win. Moody secured their spot in the semifials with an impressive 49-7 victory over the Ramsay Rams. 

The stakes are high as Leeds looks to avenge their earlier loss and punch their ticket to the Super 7 for the first time since 2015.