Briarwood head coach Fred Yancey isn’t concerned that Shelby County gave his heavily favored Lions a close ballgame Friday night.

&uot;I wasn’t really surprised about anything with the game,&uot; Yancey said. &uot;They’re a pretty doggone good team.

&uot;It was a hard-fought game and I’m glad we got a region win.&uot;

Briarwood held on to a 12-3 lead to beat the Wildcats after severe weather delayed the contest for nearly half an hour during the first quarter.

Briarwood scored in the first half when Barrett Trotter punched in a one-yard run to cap off a 55-yard drive.

The Lions were put into scoring position when quarterback Tanner Gell connected with Larry Hedden for a 46-yard reception. A bad snap kept Briarwood from attempting the extra point kick.

The Lions’ other score came on a 7-yard run by Riley Scruggs in the second quarter.

The game’s only other scoring, a 37-yard field goal by Shelby County’s Erick Hernandez, also came in the first half.

Yancey praised the play of his defense, especially the front four led by ends Andrew McCain and J.D. lott.

&uot;It feels good to get the win,&uot; McCain said.

&uot;Hopefully we can continue to play strong through the rest of region play.&uot;

Shelby County coach Bruce Breland said he was concerned about some youthful mistakes but was proud of his team’s effort.

&uot;It’s got to give us some confidence,&uot; Breland said of the Wildcats performance. &uot;These kids have been hearing all along about how they weren’t going to be able to play with Briarwood.

&uot;Of course, we weren’t going in just to play them close, but it has to be good for our kids to know they can compete with a school the caliber of Briarwood.&uot;

Brandon Burns had two receptions for 95 yards for Shelby County. He also intercepted two passes.

Marc Lemley rushed six times for 64 yards while quarterback Josh Dikis was 6-of-16 passing for 151 yards.

Shelby County will play Benjamin Russell at home this Friday night while Briarwood will travel to Valley