Chilton County High School picked up its first win of the 2013 season by returning to a familiar formula.

“The two biggest things were our defense stopped the run, and we ran for 242 yards,” CCHS coach Donnie Hand said. “The name of our game is we’ve got to stop the rush and we’ve got to run.”

The Tigers used the combination of stout defense and strong rushing attack to win 10 games in 2012 but had stumbled out of the gates to a an 0-2 record this season.

CCHS allowed only 65 rushing yards in the 35-14 win at region foe Shelby County.

Hand said the offensive line blocked well, and the Chilton backs hit the holes faster than they had in previous games. Jakevious Boswell led the way with 11 rushes for 100 yards and one touchdown.

The Tigers also passed the ball well, as Trenton Bishop completed seven passes in 13 attempts for 135 yards and three touchdowns.

Bishop and fellow junior Anthony Chavez rotate at the quarterback position. Hand said Bishop played more at quarterback than he has in previous games because he played less at linebacker.

“He had the hot hand, so we didn’t want to swap him,” the coach said and pointed to the line’s protection as a reason for the passing game’s success.

Hand said the CCHS defense is finally settling into a cohesive unit. Though there were several starters back from last year’s defense, only junior cornerback Keandre Binion is back in the same position as a year ago.

“It’s taking a little while to get everybody used to a new defense,” Hand said.

The importance of special teams play was apparent in the game.

The CCHS kickoff team recovered two consecutive pooch kicks at the end of the first half, leading to one touchdown and almost a second (time ran out with the Tigers at the SCHS 4-yard line).

Shelby, meanwhile, scored its only two touchdowns on a punt return and blocked punt.

“It’s always nice to get a win, especially when you’re 0-2,” Hand said.