Vestavia Hills blanks Shades Valley 17-0

Vestavia Hills, AL – The Vestavia Hills Rebels improved to 4-1 (2-1 in region play) with a 17-0 homecoming shutout of the 6A Shades Valley Mounties Friday night at Thompson Reynolds Stadium.

Following a scoreless first quarter, the Rebels lit up the Buddy Anderson Field scoreboard with 2:49 remaining in the opening half as running back Taiyo Crawford dove into the endzone from just inside the Mountie 10 yard line, capping a seven and a half minute, 86 yard drive. Matthew McMeans added to the Vestavia lead with 40 seconds to play before the break, splitting the uprights from 36 yards out.

The Rebel offense, who was averaging north of 36 points per game heading into the contest, was held in check until senior quarterback Eli Sawyer connected with Wells Watts for an eight yard touchdown strike midway through the fourth.

Rebel signal caller Eli Sawyer finished the game with 13 completions on 23 attempts for 130 yards and a score. A.J. Powell lead the Vestavia rushing attack with 10 carries for 55 yards while Chandler Merrill paced the Rebs receiving corps with four grabs for 57 yards.

Cole Johnston lead the Rebel defense with a pair of sacks and a touchdown saving first half interception.

Third string Shades Valley quarterback Earl Woods completed 10 of 14 throws for 55 yards and an interception while rushing for 59 yards on 7 carries. Running back A.J. Williams carried the ball 18 times for 60 yards on the ground.

The Rebels head east next week to take on the Hewitt-Trussville Huskies (4-2, 1-2) in what will likely be a must win battle for both 7A region 3 squads. Shades Valley welcomes the Clay-Chalkville Cougars (3-2, 0-2) to Irondale as region play resumes.