Rebels need strong start in September

The Vestavia Hills High School football team will spend the next month completing the first half of its 2018 season. With Class 7A, Region 3 matchups against Hewitt-Trussville, Hoover and Thompson looming in October, the Rebels’ playoff hopes may hinge on a strong September.

Following the annual season-opening jamboree against Briarwood on Aug. 24, the Rebels will host Homewood on Friday, Aug. 31. Last fall, Homewood knocked off the Rebels, 6-0, giving the Patriots their first victory in the rivalry in 10 years.

On Sept. 7, Vestavia Hills opens region play with a trip to Spain Park. The Jaguars won 33-14 in the matchup a season ago and the Rebels have not come out on top in the series since 2011. 

Next, the Rebels find a matchup they have had success in over recent seasons, as they face Tuscaloosa County on Sept. 14. Vestavia Hills has shut out the Wildcats each of the last two seasons, including a 28-0 win last fall. The Rebels have won the last three meetings between the two teams.

Vestavia Hills and Mountain Brook will renew their longtime rivalry on Sept. 21 at Spartan Stadium. The two teams have met every year since 1971 and the Rebels hold a 29-23 edge in the all-time series. In 2017, the two teams played into overtime before the outcome was settled, as Mountain Brook came away with a 17-10 victory.

The Rebels conclude the month on Sept. 28 with another consistent opponent on the schedule. Vestavia Hills will travel to Shades Valley, a team the Rebels have fallen to the last two years. Last fall, the Mounties pulled away and won 41-24.

Be sure to follow Vestavia Voice online to keep track of the Rebels football team throughout the fall. Weekly previews and game recaps can be found at vestaviavoice.com on Friday nights. 

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@VestaviaVoice) for live updates during football games throughout the season.