Homewood slips past Vestavia Hills 9-7 in Over the Mountain clash

Homewood, AL – The Homewood Patriots improved to 2-0 with a 9-7 win over 7A Vestavia Hills (0-2) Friday night at Waldrop Stadium. 

The victory was the second straight for the Patriots over their Over the Mountain rivals.  Homewood claimed a forfeit win over Vestavia in 2020.  The Rebels now own a 29-21 all-time advantage over the Patriots in a series that dates back to 1972.

Vestavia held a 7-6 advantage late into the battle until backup Patriots placekicker Whit Armistead nailed a game winning 20 yard field goal with just over three minutes remaining in the contest.  The game winning boot was set up when the Homewood defense pounced on a Vestavia fumble, putting the brakes on a Vestavia drive inside the Patriots five yard line.  The Pats took advantage of the Rebel miscue driving 75 yards to set up the go-ahead score.  

First year Rebels head coach Sean Calhoun’s quad mounted a comeback attempt of their own, driving inside the Patriot redzone on their next possession only to come up short as a 34 yard field goal attempt sailed wide left with 13 clicks remaining on the clock. 

Homewood quarterback Woods Ray passed for 130 yards, completing 15-of-23 throws while running the ball 13 times for 68 yards.  

Rebels signal caller Mitchell Towns completed 15-of-24 passes for 128 yards including a 43 yard first half scoring strike to Cole Turner.  

Homewood returns to action next Friday night, on the road at McAdory (2-0).  Vestavia travels south to kick off 7A Region 3 play against arch rival and 2nd ranked Hoover (2-0).