Madison Academy’s Austin Troxell, Jaylin Brackett, Jake Christa and Robbie Orfield team for the gang tackle in a 27-22 win on Oct. 30 over Briarwood Christian. (Photo by Paulette Berryman)

By Mike Easterling

For the Record

HUNTSVILLE – Madison Academy tuned up for the Class 3A high school football playoffs last Friday against a Briarwood Christian team that resides three classifications higher.

The outcome remained in doubt until Jaelin Ferdinand intercepted a Lions’ pass in the end zone with 44 seconds left to play in the 2015 regular-season finale.

But this much isn’t in doubt – the Mustangs are ready to embark on a quest for their fourth straight state championship following a 27-22 victory.

“We had a great night rushing,” Coach Eric Cohu said. “We did have three turnovers, which were costly. It was an exciting game, back and forth. Our defense played outstanding because our offense put us in some bad situations.”

Madison Academy (9-1) won on the strength of Auburn commitment Malik Miller’s 227 yards on 28 rushes with two touchdowns.

His second score was a 1-yard blast that capped a six-play, 71-yard drive to put the Mustangs ahead 27-22 with 3:16 left to play in the game.

Grayson Edgemon completed 8 of twelve passes for 113 yards. He tossed two touchdown passes in the first half as the Mustangs took leads of 7-0 at the end of the first quarter and 14-9 at the half.

Madison Academy led 21-9 before the Lions (4-6) scored 13 unanswered second-half points.

The top-ranked Mustangs now prepare to take on Weaver in the first round of the playoffs. “We’ve got to be prepared for one of the better first round opponents I’ve ever prepared for in the playoffs,” Cohu said.