Finally, someone figured out how to slow down Alabama commit Ryan Williams and the Saraland offense. The answer, it turns out, is to not let them on the field.

In a battle for the Class 6A, Region 1 championship, No. 3 Theodore rallied from nine points down in the fourth quarter to knock off No. 1 Saraland 27-26 in front of boisterous overflow crowd at C.A. Douglas Field.

The Bobcats held the ball for 67 offensive snaps compared to only 29 for Saraland. Fifty of the 67 Theodore snaps were running plays, including 38 carries for 213 yards and two touchdowns by Brayden Jenkins.

“Give credit to Theodore. They have a very physical team,” said Saraland coach Jeff Kelly. “We played a lot of plays on defense, and I think it caught up with us at the end.”

Despite the discrepancy in plays, Saraland still led 26-24 when Theodore took control of the ball on its 13 with 6:24 remaining. The Bobcats began the drive with a 14-yard pass from Cam Rigby to Treyvian Glover, then it was time to rely on Jenkins. The 180-pound senior reeled off runs of 3, 3, 41 and 13 yards.

Saraland’s defense made a stand late to force a field goal. But Miguel Frias completed his perfect night with a 25-yard field goal with 1:19 remaining for a 27-26 lead.

Saraland’s offense had one more chance. The Spartans started from their 12 and moved to the 50, but K.J. Lacey fumbled while being sacked. Will James pounced on the loose ball with 29 seconds remaining to seal the victory.

“This was a great night for Theodore High School and for high school football,” said coach Eric Collier. “I’m so proud of our kids and so proud of our community.”

Matchup coming to a college stadium: James played for the first time since suffering an injury in the season opener. The Southern Miss commit blocked an extra point, recovered the fumble to clinch the win and covered Williams on every snap. James won his share of battles, but Williams still finished with five catches for 49 and a touchdown catch of 13 yards that he hauled in while pirouetting in the front corner of the end zone. The sophomore Tide commit also returned a punt 76 yards for a touchdown.

King of the hill: Rigby showed poise all night directing the Theodore offense while also scoring on a 5-yard run in the fourth quarter. The quarterback said the win should send a message. “This game just came down to our big dogs up front playing great,” Rigby said. “Playing against a team like Saraland allows us to compete against great competition. But it also allows people to see that we’re the real deal, too. We’re them boys.”

They said it: “This environment is special for any high school football player. I think we grew up tonight.” Saraland coach Jeff Kelly

They said it: “That boy (Williams) is athletic. I’ve known him since park ball. He’s a great player. But I love my brothers so much.” — Theodore defensive back Will James

Stat of the Game: Saraland’s running game was limited to 2 yards on 12 carries.

What’s next? Both teams will wrap up their Class 6A, Region 1 slate at home. Saraland (8-0 overall and 6-1 in region play) will host McGill-Toolen, while Theodore (9-0, 7-0) will entertain St. Paul’s. Regardless of the outcome, Theodore has earned the region championship.