Neely, Burrow Power Mortimer Jordan Past Cullman 35-23 in Class 5A Region 5 Clash
CULLMAN, AL – Mortimer Jordan withstood a furious fourth-quarter push from Cullman and put the game away in the final minutes, downing the Bearcats 35-23 on Friday night in a Class 5A, Region 5 battle. Quarterback Blaze Neely delivered when it mattered most, firing a 48-yard touchdown strike to Zavier Burrow with the outcome still hanging in the balance.
The win lifted the Blue Devils to 3-1 overall and 1-1 in region play. Cullman dropped to 2-2 and 1-1, watching a spirited comeback fall just short.
Blue Devils Seize Early Control
Mortimer Jordan set the tone from the start and built a 14-0 lead behind a balanced attack. Neely kept defenses honest with both his arm and his legs, while running back Kris Brown pounded the ball on the ground. Brown finished with 38 yards on seven carries and added a rushing touchdown.
Cullman finally answered late in the first half. Quarterback Colt Colvard connected with Grayson Gay for a touchdown just before the break, trimming the deficit and giving the Bearcats a needed jolt of momentum heading into halftime.
Neely and Burrow Stretch the Lead
The Blue Devils regained their footing after the break and pushed the margin to 28-10 midway through the fourth quarter. Neely was efficient through the air, completing 7 of 14 passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns. He was even more dangerous on the ground, rushing eight times for 79 yards and a score.
Burrow proved to be a matchup nightmare all night. Beyond his work at receiver, he flipped field position with a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, one of the game’s signature plays. He hauled in four catches for 75 yards to go with his special teams heroics.
Cullman Storms Back
The Bearcats refused to fold. Colvard found Sam Ellerbee for a touchdown to cut into the lead, and Cullman then recovered an onside kick to keep the pressure on. Moments later, Colvard hit Nelson Hollingsworth for another score, pulling the Bearcats within 28-23 with 3:29 left. Brooks West added a field goal on the night to round out Cullman’s scoring.
Suddenly, the visitors had life and a chance to complete the rally.
Burrow Delivers the Dagger
The comeback lasted all of 27 seconds. On the ensuing possession, Neely dropped back and launched a 48-yard touchdown pass to Burrow, restoring a two-score cushion at 35-23. The strike quieted Cullman’s momentum and sealed the result for Mortimer Jordan.
The quick answer underscored the Blue Devils’ ability to respond under pressure, a trait that will serve them well as region play tightens.
Looking Ahead
Mortimer Jordan carries momentum into the coming weeks with a chance to climb the Region 5 standings after evening its league record. The Blue Devils showed they can win a shootout, leaning on Neely’s dual-threat playmaking and Burrow’s explosiveness.
Cullman, meanwhile, heads to Huffman next week looking to bounce back. The Bearcats displayed plenty of fight in the fourth quarter, and Colvard’s arm gives them a foundation to build on as they chase their first region win of the season.
