The Chelsea Hornets picked off five passes and caused five fumbles on their way to a 20-6 playoff win over East Limestone. The win advanced the Hornets to the quarterfinal round for the first time in school history, with head coach Watt Parker crediting his team’s dominating defensive play for Chelsea’s success.

&8220;Our defense has played really hard,&8221; he said. &8220;They’ve come out and played lights-out football the past few games.&8221;

Doug Pate and Walker Kent led the Hornets on defense. Pate returned an interception 35 yards for a score, recovered a fumble and blocked an extra point for Chelsea.

&8220;This was, by far, his best game of the year,&8221; Parker said of Pate’s play. &8220;He was everywhere we needed him to be.&8221;

Kent had two interceptions in the game, giving the senior 10 on the season.

&8220;We went through the game knowing we had to control the ball,&8221; Parker said. &8220;I felt like we did that very well.&8221;

On offense, the Hornets were led by quarterback Coty McLaughlin, who rushed for two scores in the game.

Chelsea’s victory earned them a third round matchup with 4A powerhouse Alexandria on the road.

Parker said the Cubs have few week spots.

&8220;They are a fundamentally sound football team,&8221; he said. &8220;They have an extraordinarily good running back that’s rushed for 2,000-plus yards and a quarterback who’s passed for 1,000-plus yards.&8221;

Parker said Alexandria is one of the top teams in 4A football.

&8220;When people talk about elite teams, Alexandria is one of those teams.&8221; he said. &8220;This game will show us if we deserve to be mentioned with those teams.&8221;