By MATT DISCHINGER / For the Repoter

ALEXANDER CITY – Benjamin Russell (3-1) was looking to avenge last week’s loss at Briarwood and took it out on the Chelsea, shutting down the undefeated Hornets (3-1) offense in a 28-7 victory Friday.

Things didn’t start well for the Hornets, who saw a fourth-down snap sail over the head of quarterback Blake Yance.

Three plays later, Benjamin Russell quarterback Casey Cutts connected with wide receiver Justavious Johnson for a 14-yard touchdown.

Benjamin Russell used the game to post its best offensive showing of the season, collecting 298 yards of total offense.

Cutts was 7-of-7 with 77 yards passing and ran the ball 15 times for 72 yards and two touchdowns.

Edwards, who had been close to breaking several runs throughout the game, took his third touch of the second half for a 44-yard touchdown run as part of a 122-yard night.

Garrett Salter summed up the Hornets’ offense with 174 yards rushing in the game on 36 carries.

The Wildcats’ defense bent repeatedly, but didn’t break until 6:35 left in the fourth quarter. That was when Yance scrambled in on an 8-yard run for the Hornets’ only score of the game. Matt Jordan’s point-after kick was good.

Chelsea travels to Chilton County for a non-region game next week.

Mark McLaughlin contributed to this report

football: chelse