Morgan Academy playoff season ends with loss to Glenwood Gators

Friday the 13^th was unlucky for John T. Morgan Academy ’s hopes for a state football championship. The Senators fell to the Glenwood School Gators 35-6 at the swamp in Phenix City in a game that saw Junior quarterback Andrew Thomas knocked out in the second quarter due to injury. 

However, despite COVID-19, by every other measure, 2020 proved to be an outstanding football season for the Senators. It saw Morgan Academy go 8-3 under the direction of new head football coach and athletic director Danny Raines, outscore opponents 396-313, go 4-1 in region play, 6-0 in home games, earn a second seed and advance to the semifinals of the AISA Class AAA  state football championship playoffs.

Also, for the Senators, Holt Utsey had 1,656 yards on 209 carries for the year.

“The kids did a great job.  It was a really fun season,” said Raines. “Obviously, it’s a great accomplishment” to reach the playoff semi-finals. The senior leadership on this team was outstanding. It’s been a blessing to work with these kids.”

The undefeated 10-0 Glenwood Gators defeated Clarke Prep 55-20 on Nov. 5 to earn the Nov. 13 home date with the Senators. The Gators had a 4-0 regular season regional record in AISA Class AAA Region 1. 

The Senators defeated Hooper Academy 56-16 at home to advance to the second round of the playoffs at Glenwood on Friday. 

Against Glenwood, the Senators amassed 249 yards of total offense, 193 yards rushing and 46 yards passing. Utsey gained 119 yards on 25 carries and had a 16-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter for the only Morgan Academy points in the game. A point after touchdown kick by Wade Mason was blocked.

Chris Gardner gained 49 yards rushing on 10 carries for the Senators. He replaced Thomas as quarterback when Thomas suffered a shoulder injury on a quick kick that was blocked late in the second quarter.

Thomas completed five out of 11 passes for the Senators for 37 yards. 

In addition, for the Senators, Scott Lalone had 16 tackles (13 solos and three assists); Trey Jones had 10 tackles (seven solos and three assists); and Rhyne Williams snatched one interception for the Senators.

Morgan Academy senior football players included: (57) Kenny Nichols, (34) Scott Lalone, (65)Matthew Free, (7) Cobb Beers, (6)  Gardner, (3) Utsey, (58) Brady Roberts, (20) Josh Brown and (75) Clayton O’Shields.

The Senators will return 13 juniors and 13 sophomores in 2021.

An omen that Friday the 13^th was not going to be lucky for Morgan Academy came when the Glenwood Gators took just three plays to cover 64 yards for a touchdown early in the first quarter. The touchdown came on a 19-yard run, and the point after was good.

The Gators led 21-0 at the half on a 66-yard touchdown run and point after kick with 6:44 left in the second quarter. 

And the Gators made it a 35-0 contest with 8:20 left in the fourth quarter on a 43-yard touchdown pass and point after kick.

Utsey scored the lone Morgan Academy touchdown late in the fourth quarter on a 16-yard run.

With the win over Morgan Academy, the Gators will face Pike Liberal Arts in a Super Six Championship game at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery on Nov. 20.