The return of Corey Barber to Clay-Chalkville couldn’t have been scripted any better.
The senior wide receiver and Ole Miss commit lit up the field in his first game back with the Cougars, accounting for four total touchdowns in a dominant 42-15 season-opening win over Hueytown on Friday night. Barber, who began his high school career at Clay-Chalkville before transferring to Spain Park for a season, transferred back during the offseason—and wasted no time reminding fans why he’s one of the top playmakers in the state.
Barber’s explosive performance included two long touchdown receptions—one for 63 yards and another for 87—along with a dazzling 40-yard punt return for a score. Just for good measure, he added a 60-yard touchdown pass, showcasing his versatility and football IQ. By the end of the night, Barber had tallied 3 receptions for a total of 169 yards, averaging an eye-popping 56.3 yards per catch.
Speaking after the game, Barber credited his chemistry with quarterback Aaron Frye, who also caught Barber’s touchdown pass. “The connection Aaron and I have is just electric,” Barber said. “And it’s just going to keep getting better as the season goes on. On the punt, I knew if he kicked it to me that I was going to make a play.”
And make a play he did—several of them.
From the opening whistle, Clay-Chalkville (1-0) set the tone on both sides of the ball. The Cougars’ defense was relentless, holding Hueytown to just 257 yards of total offense. The defensive front consistently pressured Hueytown’s quarterback, disrupted the running game, and closed gaps quickly, making life difficult for the visiting team throughout the night.
Head coach Stuart Floyd praised his squad’s effort and preparation, pointing to the offseason grind that laid the foundation for the win. “Defense was outstanding tonight,” Floyd said. “They got after them. It was a good performance. … Aaron did a good job of buying time in the pocket, and Barber is a really good player. The hard work they put in this summer showed up tonight.”
The offensive line gave Frye the time he needed to extend plays, and Frye, in turn, used that time wisely—connecting with Barber on deep throws and spreading the ball around efficiently. But the night truly belonged to Barber, whose elite speed and sharp route-running left defenders grasping at air.
Beyond the flashy stats, Barber’s return signifies something bigger for Clay-Chalkville. His presence gives the Cougars a proven playmaker and leader who’s capable of changing the game in a single snap. With a college future already secured at Ole Miss, Barber plays with confidence and calm, but also with the hunger of someone who knows there’s still plenty to prove at the high school level.
Clay-Chalkville now turns its focus to the rest of the season with momentum and a strong statement win already in hand. If Barber continues to play at this level—and the defense maintains its stingy form—the Cougars could be in for a special year.
For fans of Clay-Chalkville, Friday night wasn’t just about a win—it was a glimpse of what’s possible when talent, chemistry, and preparation come together under the Friday night lights.