Rebels face challenge at No. 2 Spain Park

Ever-improving Vestavia Hills faces a crucial Class 7A, Region 3 game at second-ranked Spain Park on Friday at Jaguar Stadium.

Spain Park (5-1, 4-0) is coming off perhaps its biggest regular-season win in school history, a 17-0 shutout of then-No. 1 Hoover 17-0. It was the first “on-the-field” win over the Bucs in school history, discounting a forfeit.

The win also put the Jags in prime position to win Class 7A, Region 3 as the only unbeaten team in region play. But Hoover, Hewitt-Trussville and Vestavia Hills are all 3-1 in region play. The Jags already own wins over the Bucs and Huskies, giving them the tiebreaker over them.

But the Rebels (5-1, 3-1) can throw a wrench into that plan. A win over the Jags would put Vestavia and Spain Park in a tie for first. It’s possible that there could be a four-way tie at the top if Hoover beats winless Tuscaloosa County and Hewitt tops Thompson.

The Jaguars will look to do what they did against Hoover. Defense, running game and special teams is the calling card for coach Shawn Raney’s squad. The shutout of Hoover was the Jags’ third this season. Meanwhile, Larry Wooden and Wade Streeter power the punishing running game, and Joey Beatty continues to make the big throws when needed. Kickers Tyler Sumpter and Crosby Gray have been outstanding in all phases.

The Rebels forced seven turnovers last week in a 23-13 win over Thompson. They jumped out to a 13-0 lead, reminiscent of the previous week’s start against Oxford. After that, coach Buddy Anderson’s squad turned to the ground game and defense to put away the Warriors.

The Rebels are led by quarterback Brett Jones and the running of Walker Minor and Toliver Chatwood. Although the Rebels prefer to run from their I-formation, Jones went 14-of-18 passing for 125 yards for a very effective night against Thompson.

Defensive back Nolan Turner has been a standout all season. Curry Howard booted three field goals against Thompson.

“We’re playing good, but we can play better,” Anderson said. “Every week in our region is a battle.”

The Rebs have attracted some attention from ASWA voters, picking up 21 votes to be in what would be 11th in the rankings. Bob Jones is the new No. 1 team. Hoover dropped to No. 5.

Spain Park won the meeting between these teams last year 14-13, but the Rebels hold a 9-3 lead in the series all-time.