James Clemens overcame a new location and new game time to defeat Gardendale 26-14 in its season opener Friday afternoon.

The game was supposed to be played Thursday night at Madison City Schools Stadium. However, stormy weather pushed the game back to Friday, and the school was forced to move the time to 11 a.m. and play at Milton Frank Stadium in Huntsville.

James Clemens jumped out to a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter thanks to a 31-yard field goal by Brody Droppleman and a 30-yard touchdown run by Devon Atkinson, but Gardendale closed to within 10-7 at halftime after a 59-yard touchdown pass from Michael Crowder to William Howell.

James Clemens scored on its opening drive of the second half to take a 17-7 lead after Dylan Blackburn scored on a 7-yard run, but Gardendale once again hit a big play to close within three when Stephen Lancaster galloped 43 yards for a score.

The 17-14 score held until late in the fourth quarter, when Kaliff Austin sacked Crowder in the end zone for a safety with 4:09 remaining. After taking possession following the free kick, the Jets put the game away with a 25 yard touchdown pass from Jackson Reese to Kylen Swoope with 1:55 remaining.

James Clemens will face off against rival Bob Jones next Friday at Madison City Schools Stadium.