By Michael Cummings

sports writer

For once, Mark Britton didn’t know what to say. Maybe because he didn’t even have to make a peep.

Moments after his team’s impressive showing in a 49-34 loss at Mountain Brook Friday night, the Cullman High coach fielded a tough question from a member of the local media.

“A guy from The Birmingham News asked me if we were trying for the record (of pass attempts in a game),” said Britton, whose quarterback Tyler Caldwell attempted 54 passes against the Spartans. “I told him I didn’t know what he was talking about.”

For the record, the most passes attempted in an Alabama prep football game is 68, by Northview’s Robert Nomberg, who went 37-for-68 for 379 yards and three touchdowns against Greenville in 1987.

Compare that to Caldwell, who completed four more passes than Nomberg in 14 fewer attempts — not to mention the Cullman senior’s 342 yards against one of the top defenses of Class 6A.

So while Britton might not have known what to say, it’s safe to bet that his players did all the talking necessary — on the field. Despite facing 21-point deficits twice in the first half, the Class 5A No. 8 Bearcats pushed the host Spartans to the limit.

Down just eight after a key fourth-quarter stop, Cullman took over at its own 14 with 10:30 to play and drove to the Mountain Brook 38. On fourth-and-4, Caldwell’s pass fell just out of reach of receiver Zach Horn.

“That was one of the most fun games I’ve ever had as a coach,” said Britton, whose team fell to 7-2 on the season. “It was like a chess match out there with our players. It was a really good chance for our staff to match wits with some really good minds.”

Not to mention the invaluable experienced Cullman’s players gained against what Britton called “one of the finest teams in the state.”

“Obviously, the kids are not satisfied with a loss anytime on a Friday night,” said Britton. “But on the other hand, we came out of there with a lot of confidence.”

Experience wasn’t the only benefit of the Bearcats’ trip down I-65. With the postseason starting in two weeks, Britton’s team got a sneak peek at playoff-caliber offense and defense.

Which was exactly what the hosts were doing at the same time.

“They’re going to be able to make some adjustments for the playoffs over the next few weeks, and we are too,” said Britton. “We want to have this team really fine-tuned when the playoffs roll around.”

Though his team is sore after matching up with a physical 6A squad — including a minor knee injury to multi-purpose threat Bryan Steele — Britton believes the benefits of facing a top-quality opponent were too good to ignore.

“On the negative side, some teams are going to get some good game films on us, but we would rather have a tough opponent that gets our kids conditioned for the playoffs,” said Britton. “And I think this team is capable of making a run in the playoffs. They can play with anyone in the state.”

The Bearcats proved that Friday night, gaining 422 yards of offense and having a chance to tie late in the fourth quarter. But even though they showed they belong with the big boys, there’s no time for rest.

With Austin — another 6A playoff team — coming to town next week, Cullman will face quarterback Stephen Rivers, whose brother Phillip plays for the NFL’s San Diego Chargers.

In addition to Rivers, the Black Bears feature good team speed and excellent special teams play. But according to Britton, Cullman’s approach against Austin won’t change a bit.

“Austin’s coming off a big, big victory with lots of excitement,” said Britton, referring to the Black Bears’ 28-21 overtime win over Buckhorn Friday night. “Tomorrow, we’re going to come in, lift weights and watch some film, and stick to that same routine.”

‰ Michael Cummings can be reached by e-mail at michaelc@cullmantimes.com. or by phone at 734-2131, ext. 258.