Hornets searching for first playoff win since 2007

The Chelsea High School football team is searching for its first playoff win since 2007.

The Hornets took the step of capturing momentum heading into the AHSAA Class 6A state playoffs last week, holding off Cullman in a 45-38 victory to conclude the regular season and give Chelsea a three-game winning streak.

“Our philosophy all week was, ‘It’s the next game. Let’s go win it,’ and we did that,” Hornets head coach Chris Elmore said following the game. “I think anytime you keep winning it’s got to help you somehow.”

Quarterback Matthew Marquet finished the game 9-of-15 passing for 171 yards and two touchdowns. On the ground, he rushed for 55 yards on 15 carries and three TDs. Zalon Reynolds rushed for 260 yards. Lee Rickard paced the receiving corps with 72 yards and a touchdown.

Chelsea begins its playoff journey this Friday at home, thanks to securing the No. 2 seed in Class 6A, Region 3. The Hornets (8-2, 4-2 Region 3) will host Bessemer City, the No. 3 seed from Region 4.

“Bessemer’s got a great team, great defense. We’ll have to play well, so it’ll be challenge," Elmore said. "But our guys will be excited for it, and we’ll be ready to go.”

Chelsea's core of playmakers should be prepared this time around, as they got a taste of the postseason last fall. Chelsea fell to Blount in the first round last year, but players have been adamant all year that the shell-shock would be long gone this year.

Bessemer City comes into the contest at 6-4 overall and coming off a loss to Class 7A Huffman to finish the regular season. The Purple Tiger defense has been a strength all season, allowing just 18.9 points per game. It is sure to have its hands full this week, as Chelsea put up 43 points per game in the regular season.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday at Chelsea High School.

The winner is set to face the winner between Park Crossing and Saraland in the second round.

- Sam Chandler contributed to this story.