Clay-Chalkville’s defense delivered a game-saving stop in the fourth quarter to preserve a 17-13 victory over Mountain Brook in the second round of the Class 6A playoffs at Cougar Stadium in Clay.

“Defense played great and made stops when we needed them,” Clay-Chalkville coach Drew Gilmer said. “At the end of the game, the defense bailed us out a bone-headed interception to give us the win.”

After Mountain Brook quarterback John Cooper’s pass was tipped and fell incomplete with 3:11 to go, the Spartans’ Clyde Beavers intercepted a pass by Clay-Chalkville quarterback Jaylen Mbakwe pass. Then, on fourth-and-5, a Cougar defensive back knocked a Spartan receiver out of bounds one yard short of a first down with 13 seconds to go.

Clay-Chalkville (11-0) stayed undefeated.

“Our defense stepped up when it counted,” Mbakwe said. “This was Mountain Brook versus Clay-Chalkville. It is going to come down to the end.”

Mbakwe, an Alabama commit, led the Cougars with 129 yards rushing, including scoring runs of 15 and 27 yards.

Key play: After Mountain Brook running back Cole Gamble scored to give the Spartans a 13-10 lead, Clay-Chalkville’s Rod Ivy got a hand of the extra point causing it to fall short.

“That was the turning point in the game,” Gilmer said. “That block made it where they had to score a touchdown. It might have the biggest play in the game.”

Game ball: Gamble ran 37 times for 186 yards for Mountain Brook.

Coachspeak: “This is what high school football in Alabama is about. Two good teams battling down to the end. We had our opportunities, but you have to hand it to Clay-Chalkville. They are terrific team. I am proud of our kids.” – Mountain Brook coach Chris Yeager

“We kept battling and making plays when we needed them. I just glad we get to practice again on Monday.” – Gilmer

What’s next?: The Cougars travel to Muscle Shoals for a 6A quarterfinal.