By PERRY SMITH / Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – Shelby Academy wasn’t the only team looking for a boost going into the first round of the AISA playoffs, but they may have gotten the biggest lift.

The Raiders got off to a slow start, fumbling on their first two drives, but got their act together quickly, running up a 27-6 halftime lead and finishing on top of Abbeville, 48-12.

Head coach Shannon Jones thought the team’s bye week, which was a result of Central Christian’s forfeiture of the season, was the cause for the school’s slow start and penalties.

“Being off a week kills you,” Jones said, adding they really needed to play the week after a tough loss to South Choctaw prior to their forfeiture win.

Shelby Academy relied on the running game that has carried them all season, putting up 340 yards rushing in the first half on their way to 439 for the game.

Running back Brandon Horton had several long runs, including a 52-yarder, one of three touchdowns and 133 yards for the junior. Chad King led the team in rushing with 165 yards and two touchdowns, with Jeremy Ogles and JoJo Tidmore also adding rushing touchdowns.

Shelby travels to Luverne Friday to take on Crenshaw Christian in the first round of the AISA playoffs.

football: raider