Briarwood Christian School used a balanced offensive attack to move past Williamson in the Lions’ first-round playoff game Friday night.

&uot;That was a big win for us because we beat a quality football team playing at its best,&uot; said Briarwood coach Fred Yancey.

Briarwood averaged nearly six yards per play while gaining 168 yards on the ground and 141 through the air in the 36-22 win.

Quarterback Joe Craddock was 7-of-15, passing for two touchdowns and one interception. He also rushed 13 times for 53 yards.

Craddock, who had been nursing an injured shoulder, was back to 100 percent and was given more opportunities to run by Yancey.

&uot;We fealt like it was good to have Joe back at full speed,&uot; Yancey said. &uot;His shoulder is feeling a lot better. He really is fine.&uot;

The Lions also got a stellar performance from standout Simeon Castille.

Castille was solid on defense, recording 8 tackles and an interception and on special teams where he had 138 return yards on punts and kickoffs.

He also had a big night on the offensive side of the ball, rushing 14 times for 71 yards and a touchdown.

Riley Scruggs and Andy Davis both had rushing touchdowns for the Lions and Zach Trotter had two touchdown receptions.

J.D. Lott blocked a punt for Briarwood, sending the ball out of the endzone for a safety.

Yancey said his senior leaders have stepped up all year, and have continued play a key role in the playoffs.

&uot;They understand what’s at stake and what it will take to win,&uot; Yancey said. &uot;The attitude has been great.

&uot;The seniors have to care more than anybody else,&uot; he said. &uot;They do everything they can to make this team better.&uot;

Briarwood will travel this Friday night for the second round of the playoffs.

The Lions will face the number one ranked team in Class 5A according to the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s latest poll.

Eufaula (11-0) will host Briarwood in the South sub-state bracket.

&uot;We have a tough task ahead of us,&uot; Yancey said.

&uot;We’ve got to somehow slow the run down on defense,&uot; he said. &uot;And on offense we’ve got to move the ball against the second stingiest defense in Class 5A.&uot;