CECIL, Ala. -- D'Arrington Walker scored two touchdowns and offset a big night from Macon-East's Kyle White as the Gators clinched anAISA Class AAA state playoff berth by beating Macon East 21-12 Thursday night.
Walker ran for 143 yards on 16 carries. He scored on a 26-yard run on the first offensive series of the game. He added a 7-yard touchdown run in the third quarter as Glenwood (5-2, 4-1 Region 1) widened its lead to 21-3.
Meanwhile White, a potential all-state selection, was gaining yards but was unable to break into the end zone until the fourth period. He finished the game with 266 yards on 29 carries and scored the Knights' only touchdown on a 60-yard run.
Walker got plenty of help from fullback Luke Dougherty, who had 53 yards on seven carries, and Dylan Denny split his 82 total yards evenly, 41 rushing and 41 receiving.
The Brandon Daley-to-Michael Swann connection worked again for the Gators. Swann, who was leading the team in receiving yardage, had a 40-yard touchdown catch just before halftime. That gives Swann six touchdowns on 11 receptions for the year.
Following White's touchdown run, the Knights (4-3, 2-2) made it interesting as Glenwood was caught deep in its territory and Daley was sacked for a safety. However, following the free kick, the Gators' defense held.
Trotter Barringer had his best defensive performance with 10 stops and a sack, while linebacker teammates Logan Kiker and Josh Jeffcoat chipped in with nine each.
Thursday at Cecil
Glenwood 7 7 7 0--21
Macon East 0 3 0 9--12
First Quarter
G--D'Arrington Walker 26 run (Jake Wilson kick), 7:42
Second Quarter
ME--Daniel Lee 28-yard field goal, 7:57
G--Michael Swann 40 pass from Brandon Daley (Wilson kick), 0:35
Third Quarter
G--Walker 7 run (Wilson kick), 2:20
Fourth Quarter
ME--Kyle White 60 run (Lee kick), 11:47
ME--Safety-Daley tackled in end zone, 11:31
Records: Glenwood 5-2, 4-1 AISA Class AAA Region 1; Macon-East 4-3, 2-2. Next: Glenwood home vs. Tuscaloosa Academy, Friday, 8 p.m.
