Hornets aiming for more

The Chelsea High School football team suddenly has an opportunity to start a winning streak.

The Hornets are fresh off their first win of the season, as they knocked off Chilton County, 25-13, last Friday night.

The defense was a major key for Chelsea in the win. The Hornets held Chilton County to 167 total yards and starved the Tigers offense of points in the final 36 minutes to secure the victory.

“I’m proud of our kids for getting that first taste of victory,” said Chelsea head coach Chris Elmore. “It’s tough when you go 0-7 to start the year and it doesn’t feel good. I’m just happy for our players that they get to enjoy this. They deserve it.”

This Friday, Chelsea (1-7, 1-4 Class 6A, Region 3) gets a crack at Helena, a team with an identical record as the Hornets. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Husky Stadium. 

Like Chelsea, Helena’s only win to this point was against Chilton County, which the Huskies defeated 20-0 on Sept. 8. But since, the Huskies have struggled mightily, to the tune of six straight losses — the last five by 14 points or more.

It will be the final region contest for each team, neither of which will qualify for postseason play.

In last week’s win over Chilton County, Chelsea’s Kendrick Simpson scored a touchdown on the ground, as did Collier Blair. Turner Griffin’s 23-yard pass to Christian Pruitt late in the first half put the Hornets ahead for good.

Simpson led the Chelsea offensive attack with 22 rushes for 119 yards. Griffin finished the game with six completions for 107 yards. Blair also added 17 rushes for 95 yards.

Chelsea wraps up the regular season next week with a home game against Cullman.

- Kadin Pounders contributed to this report.