The Shelby Academy Raiders marched into Cornerstone’s Memorial field Friday night looking to prove

they are one of the top teams in AISA football this season.

Fifty-three unanswered points later, the Raiders left little doubt in their ability to dominate opponents.

&8220;I thought we played exceptionally well,&8221; Shelby Academy head coach Dewayne Kervin said. &8220;This was the first competition we’ve faced in a while, and even though the score didn’t show it, Cornerstone challenged us.&8221;

The Raiders relied on their running game, which notched 309 yards on 32 carries to carry the team to victory.

&8220;Cody Wilson played by far the best game he has for us all season,&8221; Kervin said of his starting fullback.

Wilson finished the night with 133 yards rushing for the Raiders, while Ryan McBride reached the end zone twice on the night. Preston Newsome also caught two touchdown passes for the Raiders.

Shelby Academy was also led by McBride and Wilson on defense, with each player netting eight solo tackles.

Cornerstone Christian struggled to run the ball against a stifling Raiders’ defense, earning only 18 yards in 17 carries. John Ray led the Chargers with 108 yards passing; but the Raiders picked off four of Ray’s passes, returning two for scores.

&8220;We’re now where we want to be going into the playoffs,&8221; Kervin said. &8220;We got a lot of good game experience for some players tonight that haven’t seen the time they’ve needed on the field so far this year.&8221;

The 8-1 Raiders’ win sealed a playoff spot for Shelby Academy as they prepare to host West Alabama, while Cornerstone is still battling for a postseason berth with a 4-5 record as they travel to Selma to take on Central Friday night