LEIGHTON — In a battle of top-10 programs, Class 2A Tanner dominated 3A Colbert County with a 45-20 rout on a muggy Friday night at C.T. Manley Stadium.

Tanner quarterback and Alabama commit Chadarius Townsend accounted for five touchdowns, including a 33-yard scoring toss to Jarmal Townsend, three runs of 38, 10 and 24 yards and an electrifying 85-yard kickoff return on the opening play of the second half to put away any hopes of a Colbert County comeback.

Third-ranked Tanner outgained No. 5 Colbert County 543 yards to 441, allowing the Indians only 160 yards in the first half and one touchdown in the game’s first 40 minutes. Colbert County tacked on two late TDs in garbage time against the Rattlers’ second-team defense. Tanner overcame being flagged 14 times for 125 yards, compared to the Indians’ three penalties for 25 yards.

The Tanner defense has forced seven turnovers through the first two games after senior quarterback Markel Mull intercepted Colbert County quarterback Tyler Jeffreys twice. Seven Rattlers rang up at least one tackle for a loss, with Kaleb Thatch adding two sacks and Dexter Fuqua and Ty Mayberry one apiece.

Tanner coach Laron White attributed his team’s performance to the decision to use man-coverage frequently against Colbert County’s typically potent passing attack, and being able to fend off a much-improved West Limestone team in the season opener. West, which is currently unranked in Class 4A, turned heads on Thursday by taking down 5A No. 5 East Limestone, 26-6.

“After the West Limestone game, we knew they were a good team. After (Thursday) night when West beat East Limestone, it gave our guys a shot in the arm. Our team was relaxed and calm, and we came to play (Friday) night,” White said. “Our co-defensive coordinator Tyrone Harris came up with a good game plan. It was risky because it was a lot of man coverage. I was nervous about it, but it worked out well.”

Clinging to a 7-6 lead early in the second quarter, the Rattlers erupted for 38 unanswered points in the second and third quarters. C.J. Yarbrough, who had three receptions for 73 yards, and Ty Mayberry (three carries for 23 yards), helped keep the chains moving on key third-down plays, and the junior duo of Chadarius Townsend and running back Lee Hisbon continually gashed a tired Colbert County defense for long runs.

Townsend finished 5 of 10 passing for 144 yards and a touchdown and rushed 11 times for 162 yards and three scores. Hisbon added 14 carries for 147 yards and a 10-yard rushing touchdown. Senior placekicker Alan Rios converted all six extra points and a 22-yard field goal to give Tanner a 31-6 lead at halftime.

Jeffreys completed 11 of 23 passes for 214 yards, including a 56-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Skaines on a perfect post pattern late in the fourth quarter. He had two interceptions. Colbert County running back Kearvae Qualls rushed 15 times for 116 yards and a 41-yard TD.

Both teams open region play Friday as Tanner (2-0) hosts Addison and Colbert County travels to Lauderdale County.