Dan Starnes
The Vestavia Hills Rebels open Class 7A, Region 3 play Friday night when they host Oak Mountain. The game on Buddy Anderson Field at Thompson Reynolds Stadium kicks off at 7 p.m.
The Rebels are rolling, coming off a convincing 41-7 win over Class 6A’s then-No. 9 team in rival Homewood. Vestavia Hills dominated in every phase of the game, scored on its first three possessions and led 28-0 at halftime.
Brett Jones got things started with a 63-yard touchdown pass to Nolan Turner less than a minute into the game and Walker Minor rushed for 101 yards and three touchdowns as the Rebels returned to the grinding ground game to break the spirit of the Patriots. William Schaffeld also rushed for two touchdowns as the offensive line paced by Alex Robin and Clayton Farris was too physical for the home team.
It was the ninth straight win for the Rebels in the series.
“Our defense played well,” said coach Buddy Anderson, who notched his 312th career win. “I was proud of them. I’m feeling good about where we are right now, but we’ve got a long way to go.”
The Eagles should be a sterner test. Oak Mountain went 10-2 last season and opened the season as the No. 5 team in Class 7A. Although the Alabama Sports Writers Association poll was not out at press time, the Eagles are unlikely to still be on that perch. Oak Mountain was blanked by Hillcrest of Tuscaloosa 31-0 in their season-opening game.
The Eagles were without head coach Cris Bell and several players who were serving suspensions. They also were missing some players due to injuries.
Oak Mountain won last year’s meeting 14-7 in overtime. The Rebels lead the series 9-2.
Anderson was pleased, but not ready to look too far ahead as rugged Region 3 play arrives. “We’ve got our work cut out for us every week,” he said.
