Wetumpka Wins First Ever Playoff Game 27-12 Over Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa
Led by Junior Sohalia Goshton's three touchdown performance, Wetumpka gashed Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa on the ground for over 230 yards of offense in the 27-12 win in the first round of the AHSAA 5A Playoffs.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Wetumpka's postseason run is returning home after the Indians defeated Hillcrest 27-12 Tuesday night in the opening round of the AHSAA Class 5A flag football playoffs.
Behind a three-touchdown performance from junior Sohaila Goshton and another strong outing from Elaine Mayes, Wetumpka (10-6) extended its winning streak to four games and earned a second-round matchup against Spanish Fort on Tuesday, Nov. 10.
The Indians continued their late-season offensive success, with Goshton and Mayes combining for 283 rushing yards on 37 carries. Wetumpka also made several key plays defensively, including an interception returned for a touchdown by Mayes.
Goshton led the Indians on the ground, rushing for 158 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries. The junior averaged 8.8 yards per attempt and found the end zone on runs of 28, 24, and four yards.
Mayes added 125 rushing yards on 19 carries, averaging 6.6 yards per attempt. The junior also delivered one of the game's biggest defensive plays, intercepting a Hillcrest pass and returning it 50 yards for a touchdown.
The performance marked another productive outing for Wetumpka's rushing attack, which entered the postseason averaging more than 230 yards per game on the ground.
Defensively, the Indians made life difficult for the Patriots throughout the contest, recording four sacks and forcing two interceptions.
Sophomore Ja'Nia Davis and junior Hayli Crockett each registered two sacks, with both also contributing quarterback hurries.
Mayes was active on both sides of the ball, recording seven flag pulls in addition to her interception return. Senior Serenity Love and Crockett each finished with six flag pulls, while senior Jaylah Merkerson added five.
Senior Zoe McCullough and Karmen Peake contributed three flag pulls apiece.
Wetumpka's secondary also disrupted Hillcrest's passing attack. Mayes recorded three pass breakups, while Love, Merkerson, and Kamille Tate were also credited with passes defended. Tate added an interception, giving the Indians two takeaways in the victory.
The win continued a strong finish to the season for Wetumpka, which has now won six of its last seven games. The Indians' only loss during that stretch came in a narrow 20-19 defeat against rival Stanhope Elmore on Oct. 7.
Since that setback, Wetumpka has defeated Helena, LAMP, Alabama Christian Academy, and Hillcrest, building momentum at an important point in the season.
The Indians will now return home for the second round of the Class 5A playoffs, where they will host Spanish Fort on Tuesday, Nov. 10. The Wetumpka Sports Network will broadcast the game on the NFHS Network.