By MARK WINDHAM / For the Reporter

Kingwood Christian School came out on a mission Sept. 3 against visiting Coosa Valley, jumping out to 24-6 first-quarter lead on its way to 44-12 victory over their cross-county rival.

Kingwood Christian took the opening kickoff and went 73 yards on seven plays for an early 8-0 lead when Kevin Woody scored on a 10-yard quarterback keeper. Tyrone Pope added four carries for 61 yards on the drive and ran in for the two-point conversion.

Kingwood Christian was right back in business after recovering the ensuing onside kick.  Woody found David Fillingim down the sideline for a 52-yard touchdown reception.  Woody added the two-point conversion run as the Lions took a 16-0 lead less than four minutes into the game.

John Bullen helped Coosa Valley get on the scoreboard when he carried the ball three times for 76 yards, capped off with a 27-yard touchdown run.  The extra point was blocked, but the Rebels cut the deficit to 16-6.

Kingwood’s Woody and Pope continued to carry the Lions’ attack as they carried the ball five times for 58 yards with Woody scoring from 9 yards out.  Ethan Wicks ran in the two-point conversion, as the Lions closed out the first quarter with a 24-6 lead.

The Lions added to the cushion in the second quarter when Woody found Douglas Ledlow for a 30-yard touchdown reception to give Kingwood a commanding 30-6 halftime lead.

Kingwood wasted little time adding to its lead in the second half.  After holding the Rebels to a three-and-out, Woody faked a sweep and scampered 81 yards for his third rushing touchdown on the night.

Woody added to his outstanding game with his third touchdown of the night, this one to Payton Sumrall.  Sumrall caught the ball at the 8-yard line and made two nifty moves to complete the 20-yard touchdown play.  Woody added the two-point conversion run to expand Kingwood’s lead to 44-6.

Coosa Valley added one last score, going 52 yards on 11 plays, with Bullen scoring from 1-yard out on fourth-and-goal.

Kingwood coach Vince Elliot was proud of the effort his team put out in the victory.

“We knew coming in, they were very big and physical,” Elliot said.  “We knew we had to use our speed to get around them and that is what we were able to do.  Coosa Valley has a very good team, but our kids came out and played hard to give us a big victory.”

Kingwood was led offensively by Woody, who had 132 yards rushing and three touchdowns.  Woody added 183 yards passing and three touchdowns. Pope added 110 yards rushing.

Coosa Valley was led offensively by John Bullen with 97 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

Both teams are back in region action next week as Coosa Valley (1-1) hosts rival Cornerstone Christian in a key AISA Class 1A region matchup, while Kingwood Christian (2-1) travels to Bessemer Academy for an AISA Class 3A region matchup.