Clay-Chalkville’s defense delivered a dominating performance against Cullman in a 49-6 victory over Cullman in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs on Friday at Cougars Stadium in Clay.

Cullman managed just 52 yards of total offense in the first half and finished with just 122, while intercepting two passes. Auburn commit D.J. Barber led the Cougars defense with nine tackles, including three for a loss – all in the first half.

“Our defense is the heart and soul of our team,” Clay-Chalkville coach Drew Gilmer said. “It all starts with D.J. Barber. He’s a dude. He is one of the very best I have coached. The defense goes as he goes, and they don’t give up many points.”

The Cougars have allowed more than 14 points only once this season – a 36-33 victory over four-time defending Class 7A champion Thompson. In four wins since beating Thompson, Clay-Chalkville has allowed only 28 points.

Alabama commit Jaylen Mbakwe three two touchdown passes, both to Mario Craver, and added two rushing touchdowns.

Cullman (5-6) fell in the first round for the fourth straight season.

Stat sheet: Craver caught a 36-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter and added a 41-yard TD catch in the third quarter. … Mbawke scored on runs of 18 yards and 30 yards. … Taurus Chambers scored the Cougars’ first TD on a 6-yard run and later added a 3-yard TD run. … Aaron Ousley scoredon a 3-yard run. … For Cullman, Tanner Gaines completed 6-of-20 passes for 51 yards, including a 22-yard TD pass to Nick Holland in the fourth quarter.

By the numbers: 381, total yards for Clay-Chalkville, with 201 on the ground and 180 in the air. … 11, completions in 15 attempts for Mbakwe. … 70, penalty yards for the Cougars on seven penalties.

Coachspeak: “We started off fast, and we executed a high level tonight. I’m very proud of my team.” – Gilmer

They said it…: “We played smooth tonight. Jaylen and I have been playing together for a while now – since little league – so it’s natural when we play pass and catch. We know if we make plays, our defense will get the stops.” – Craver

“We have to take it one game at a time now. We know one loss now means the season is over. We have to execute our plays and stay level-headed as we get prepared for Mountain Brook next week.” – Mbakwe

What’s next?: Clay-Chalkville plays Mountain Brook, which defeated Buckhorn on Thursday night, in next week’s second round.