By BRAD GASKINS / Staff Writer

Cornerstone Christian School football coach Tim Smith found a silver lining or sorts in his team’s 48-13 loss at Autauga Academy on Friday night.

“They didn’t quit on me,” Smith said of his players.

CCS trailed 35-0 at the half.

In the third quarter, Ronezz Stevens scored on a 65-yard interception return.

In the fourth quarter, Demetrius Conwell caught a 47-yard touchdown pass from Sterling Riether.

“We were just overmatched,” Smith said. “They were bigger than we were, stronger. They’re one of the best teams in the state (in Class 1A of the Alabama Independent Schools Association).

“They’re going to be hard to beat. I was proud of my kids. They played hard in the second half.”

CCS is 1-1 overall and 0-1 in AISA 1A, Region 2. Autauga Academy is 3-0 overall and 2-0 in 1A, Region 2.

“We’ll have good week of work at practice,” Smith said.

CCS plays host to Coosa Valley Academy on Sept. 9.

“It’s a good rivalry,” Smith said. “Our kids will play hard. Their kids will play hard. It should be a really good football game.”