The Chilton County football program continues to grow, literally, under third-year coach Brian Carter.

Ninety-five Tigers dressed out for Friday’s spring exhibition game against Calera, up from 88 last year and 65 in Carter’s first season.

Participation is so high, in fact, that there were not enough jerseys to go around for Friday’s game, leading Carter to dress the varsity team in orange and freshmen in blue.

But despite all the players being shuffled on and off the Tiger Stadium grass, fans’ eyes mostly were fixed on just two: sophomores Cameron Cummings and Forrest Knight, who are battling to replace departed quarterback Taylor Hughes.

“It’s been fun to watch them compete because they’re friends but they’re both competitive,” Carter said. “Right now, Forrest probably has more knowledge of the offense because he was in that position last year (Cummings played wide receiver), and he can maybe throw it a little better.

“Cameron brings his athletic ability, to be able to run it a little better than Forrest.”

Cummings’ legs scored two of CCHS’s three touchdowns in Friday’s scrimmage against Calera. Chilton County lost 39-21 in a game that saw three touchdown in its last minute and ten seconds.

Cummings ran the ball in twice from inside the 10-yard-line. Freshman Austin Dennis added a late, long-run touchdown in the game’s final minute.

Cummings and Knight played several possessions throughout the game’s first three quarters. Freshmen played a large part of the game’s last quarter.

J.J. Agee and Joe Looney also had nice runs. Will Cooper and Taylor Speaks also had interceptions.

Carter said he and his staff have discussed playing both Cummings and Knight at the position in the fall.

“Our supporters, players, everybody just wants what’s best for the team. I’ve stressed that no individual can win a championship; it takes a team.”

The exhibition game was only one aspect of the CCHS football festivities planned for the weekend.

An alumni social preceded the game, and an alumni game fundraiser is planned for Saturday at 7 p.m.

More than 35 players have agreed to play in the game, which Carter said would be as much like a regulation game as possible.

Anyone that graduated from the school earlier than 2005 was allowed to play, and one player listed on the roster graduated in 1974.

Measure will be put into place, such as disallowing tackling below the waist, to prevent injuries, but most other aspects of the game—including sanctioned officials—will be just like a fall Friday night.

“The first time we’re just trying to get it off the ground, learn what you need to do” Carter said. “The ones I’ve talked to have been excited about doing this every year.”

Admission to watch the game will be $5.