CLEMENTS – When Clements coach Forrest Williams got into a situation where he needed a big play in Friday nights’ win over Colbert Heights, there wasn’t any doubt in his mind one of his wide receivers would make it.

Why should Williams have been nervous? Seth Bachelor, Jeremy Craig and Josh Cooper have been making clutch receptions for the Colts all season long.

“Those guys have made play after play for us,” Williams said. “I’ve been saying all year that we are very consistent at wide-receiver.

Throughout the first part of the season, Tanner has looked to wide-receiver Rod Byrd and Elkmont has used tight-end Tim Woolridge to convert several big plays in clutch situations.

In Athens’ win over Decatur Friday night, every time the Golden Eagles where in a third-and-long situation a wide receiver would make a big reception for first down. Vincent Azzarello had six receptions in the Athens’ 34-17 win, with all six in third-and-long situations.

“That’s just the type of player Vincent is,” Creasy said. “He’s one of the toughest kids on this football team and he will find a way to make a play. He’s a warrior.”

Azzarello came through in a big way for Athens, but coach Allen Creasy would have been just as confident with any of Athens’ receivers. In fact, there is an abundance of talented receivers in Limestone County this year and their talent is taking a lot of stress of some local coaches.

Most of the local prep programs have changed to the spread offense, making receiver the new glory position.

“Most of the marquee players in the NFL are receivers,” Creasy said. “So players grow up wanting to play the same position as their favorite players.”

Creasy doesn’t have any shortage in talented receivers this year. Along with Azzarello, the Golden Eagles feature standouts like Jacquez Pride, Justin Brown, Dewan Tisdale, Justin Pitts and William Ming at receiver positions.

“We’ve got several guys who we’re confidant in,” Creasy said. “There are several guys on our team who haven’t been in the limelight as some others have, but they are still very valuable to our team.”

One of the upswings about so many players choosing to be receivers is there is a higher demand for that position at the collegiate level.

“A lot of college programs use multiple receiver sets, so there is definitely a high demand for athletes who can fill those roles,” Creasy said. “They need guys who can not only catch the ball, but are also good blockers.”

Williams said he has been very pleased with the role his receivers have played in Clements’ offense this year.

“We wouldn’t be where we are now without the outstanding play our receivers have given us,” he said.