Westminster Christian won its sixth straight, clinching a Class 4A, Region 8 playoff spot with a 48-7 rout at Madison County’s Tiger Stadium.

The Wildcats, 6-1 overall and 5-0 in region play, are tied atop the region with Priceville – next week’s opponent.

Westminster’s defense swarmed the Tigers for 14 tackles for a loss or no gain and held Madison County to its season-low of 7 points. Madison Academy also limited the Tigers to just one touchdown.

Wildcats quarterback Brandon Musch threw two TD passes and ran for another in the opening half. The senior hit Adam Hartman with a 12-yard scoring toss to open the scoring, ran for a 33-yard TD and threw another 12-yard TD to Kyle Everleth. Henry Claunch also had a 5-yard touchdown run in the first half for Westminster.

Madison County’s lone score came on a 33-yard run from Deaireton King with 8:21 left in the first half.

Claunch scored another TD after Westminster covered Madison County’s onside kick attempt to open the first half, running in from 16 yards away.

The Westminster defense would finish the scoring with back-to-back scoop-and-score touchdowns. Tackle Harlan Loveday got the first one from 64 yards out and Isaiah Shingleton ripped the ball away from King on the next possession and scored from the 35-yard-line.

Star of the game: The Westminster defense. The Wildcats had been surrendering more than 34 points a game, but were able to shut down the Tigers, who had been scoring 25 a game. Zeke Carwile had an interception for the winners.

Play of the game: Loveday’s 64-yard scoop-and-score off a quick screen pass that was caught, but knocked loose by Davis Hollingsworth.

Stat sheet: Westminster – 338 total yards, with 257 on the ground. Musch was 7-of-10 passing for 81 yards and two touchdowns. He, who played one possession in the second half, also gained 121 yards on 12 carries and a touchdown. Claunch had 66 yards and scored twice, Charlie Billings ran for 69 yards on 13 attempts and also caught two passes for 19 yards. TJ Carter had two receptions for 37 yards. Madison County – 359 total yards as King gained 183 yards on 21 carries and scored a touchdown. Keonta Hill gained 48 yards on 16 carries. Lucas Putnam was 7-for-15 for 130 yards and one interception. Josh Clark caught four passes for 86 yards and Hill caught two for 33 yards.

By the numbers: 2 – Westminster only had two offensive possessions in the second half due to the defense getting back-to-back scores. 10 – Claunch scored his ninth and 10th touchdowns on the season.

Coachspeak: “This is such a big win for our program and gives us an opportunity to go to the playoffs again and puts us in a position to win a region championship. I thought our guys really came out and tried to sharpen our focus and, of course, it always good to get a region win. I can’t wait to get back to Earl Van Dyke Stadium next week” – Louis LeBlanc, Westminster head coach

They said it: “You know Dave really laid the guy out and I just saw the ball on the ground and picked it up. It was just a blur and I was gone. It was awesome.” – Loveday, on his long touchdown return

“You know, on that play where I scored, I went for the tackle, but got bounced off of him. I saw the ball and (Zeke) just stripped it out of his arms and that was it. But, you know we have more to do and we’re facing another big team that runs the Wing-T and we just have to be focused at practice and it is all about business.” – Shingleton

“You know we just got a big region win over here in Madison County. It’s always tough to come over here and play these guys. They always play a very physical game and are a very talented team. We know we have to tighten up some the little mistakes because we have a big game next week with Priceville. You know those guys are really good at what they do, playing hard and being physical and I’m just excited for it.” – Musch

What’s next: Westminster Christian will host Priceville and with a win can clinch the Region 8 title.

Madison County will travel to North Jackson.