Rebels play classic game, come up short in shootout

The Vestavia Hills Rebels built a 28-10 lead over arch rival Hoover, only to come up short in a 31-28 classic.

The loss leaves the Rebels just one game shy of playing for the Class 6A state championship,  Also, the loss leaves Rebels legendary Head Coach Buddy Anderson just one game shy of tying the record for most coaching victories in Alabama high school football.

The win puts the number one ranked Bucs (14-0) in the Class 6A state championship game next Friday against Auburn in Tuscaloosa's Bryant-Denny stadium.

Vestavia's star running back Jordan Johnson closed his splendid 2013 season with 166 yards on 24 carries.  Johnson's, and Vestavia's success in the running game was a far cry from their previous meeting with Hoover, in which the Rebels averaged less than one yard per rush.

On a team loaded with stars, junior quarterback Jake Hutcheson served as the architect of the comeback.  Because Vestavia concentrated their defensive efforts on stopping the Bucs' star back Bradrick Shaw, Hutcheson orchestrated the Hoover comeback via the air attack.  Passing for 172 yards, Hutcheson completed two touchdown passes on critical third-down plays.

Hoover jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead thanks to a Bradrick Shaw touchdown run.  However, the Rebels quickly returned serve with their own scoring drive.  On their next possession, the Bucs' punt was blocked and Vestavia recored on Hoover's three-yard-line.  Two plays later, Vestavia owned a 14-7 lead and a belief that they could win the game.  

Vestavia (11-3) will now prepare for the 2014 season, in which they will surely begin as one of the state's top-ranked teams.