Game Preview: Clay-Chalkville at Gardendale

This Friday night we have a huge Class 6A - Region 6 clash when undefeated and No. 2 Clay-Chalkville (3-0, 1-0) travels to Gardendale (2-1, 0-1). Clay-Chalkville holds the all-time series lead 8-1. They defeated Gardendale 38-17 last season. This game will be full of future Division 1 players, including numerous Power 5 recruits with top 2022 players [player_tooltip player_id="125937" first="Khalib" last="Johnson"] and [player_tooltip player_id="127506" first="Marquarius" last="White"] for Clay-Chalkville. Gardendale will feature top 2023 defensive standouts [player_tooltip player_id="125528" first="Kelby" last="Collins"] and [player_tooltip player_id="125525" first="Dallas" last="Young"]. Last week: Clay-Chalkville defeated Jasper 68-21 in their region opener at home. Gardendale lost their region opener on the road to Pinson Valley 38-21. Key Matchup to Watch: Clay-Chalkville offense vs Gardendale defense As I mentioned before, this game is loaded with talent that will play at the collegiate level. There is no better way to highlight that than the matchup between the Cougars high-powered offense and the Rockets talented defense. The Clay-Chalkville offense is averaging 55 points per game in their first three contests led by Louisville commit QB [player_tooltip player_id="125937" first="Khalib" last="Johnson"], underrated RB Edward Olsey, Tennessee commit WR [player_tooltip player_id="127506" first="Marquarius" last="White"], and top 2024 riser WR/DB [player_tooltip player_id="132050" first="Jaylen" last="Mbakwe"]. This offense is one of the best in the state regardless of classification. Gardendale’s defense features some of the state’s top prospects for the class of 2023. DE [player_tooltip player_id="125528" first="Kelby" last="Collins"] and DB [player_tooltip player_id="125525" first="Dallas" last="Young"] are being recruited by a long list of Power 5 programs. They will have to be at their best to slow down an extremely potent offense in Clay-Chalkville. There will be tons of college coaches with eyes on this game and I can’t wait to see this matchup between two of the best teams in Class 6A. Under-the-radar Players to Watch: LT Sanders - Gardendale RB Sanders has 506 yards on 46 carries in Gardendale’s first three games. He is the focal point of the offense and one of the best running backs in class 6A. Sanders needs a huge game to allow Gardendale’s offense to hang with Clay-Chalkville. Edward Olsey - Clay-Chalkville RB This game features two of the most under-the-radar RB’s in the area. Olsey has played a vital role in the Cougars offense averaging 124 yards per game and scoring 6 touchdowns in three games. Olsey gives Clay-Chalkville a strong running game to go along with their prolific passing game. Nick Rigdon - Gardendale LB Rigdon is the leader of the Gardendale defense at the second level. It will be key that he makes plays behind the talented defensive front of [player_tooltip player_id="125528" first="Kelby" last="Collins"] and Caleb Harrell. The Gardendale defense has to tackle well in this game and not allow explosive plays after the catch or after contact in the run game.