Instead of picking up momentum for a crucial stretch of four consecutive region games, Chilton County left Marbury on Friday with a disappointing 35-28 loss.

CCHS (2-3, 1-2 Class 5A, Region 3) scored the game’s first points, with 5:28 remaining in the first half, under unusual circumstances.

The Tigers appeared to score on a third down-and-goal from the 8-yard line when sophomore quarterback Cameron Cummings rolled right then came back left to find senior Will Cooper. But the play was called back because of an illegal player downfield—as was the very next play, which appeared to be a touchdown pass from Cummings to senior Jacob McKinney.

The visitors finally got it right from the 18-yard line, as Cummings connected with McKinney over the middle of the field.

Senior Zach Headley added the point after, which was the difference in the 7-6 halftime score because Marbury missed its kick following a 1-yard touchdown run by junior Jerry Tyus.

But Chilton couldn’t stop Marbury’s running game in the second half. The Bulldogs rushed for touchdowns of 10 yards (Tyus), 30 yards (junior Lorenza Cooper), 30 yards again (Tyus) and 14 yards (Tyus).

Cummings found senior Chris Felder wide open in the right corner of the end zone from seven yards out with 10:21 left in the game, and Felder fought his way into the end zone from two yards away on a 4th-and-2 play with just under 5 minutes left in the game.

CCHS concluded the scoring on a 17-yard pass from Cummings to senior Montel Wilkes with 30 seconds remaining, but Marbury (4-1, 2-1) recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the clock.

Cummings led the Tigers in rushing (149 yards on 23 carries) and passing (17-for-30 for 180 yards).

Wilkes caught six passes for 87 yards, and Jacob McKinney had three catches for 37 yards.

Sophomore Richard Hilliard led the defense with 13 tackles, and Cobly Bernier had 12 tackles.

Dariel Maul recovered two fumbles.