Homewood marches past Arab 42-14 in round one matchup

Arab, AL – The Homewood Patriots (6-5) snapped a four game loosing streak to advance to the second round of the AHSAA, Class 6A playoffs with a 42-14 win over Arab Friday night on Brindlee Mountain. 

The Knights, who were hosting a playoff matchup for the first time since 2003, entered the matchup as the No. 2 seed from Region 7.  The 6-5 Patriots rolled in as the 3 seed from Region 5.  

The Patriots lit up the SportsPlex scoreboard early as running back Mondrell Odell capped a 70 yard opening drive with his first score of the night, bolting into the endzone from just inside the Arab five yard line. 

The Knights answered back on their first drive of the contest, highlighted by a Ed Johnson to Dakota NeSmith pass for 16 yards and a pair of Hayden O’Reilly runs.  Senior quarterback Ed Johnson found his brother Wes for a 15 yard scoring strike to tie the game at 7 apiece with 5:59 remaining in the opening quarter. 

Homewood respond with a string of first downs, marching through the Knight defense to the Arab five yard line where Aaron Marsh took the direct snap and forced his way across the goal line.  The Patriots lead 14-7 with 10:06 to play in the first half and they didn’t look back. 

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Arab’s second possession looked promising as the Knights drove into Patriot territory but the drive stalled after a costly offensive pass interference penalty and ended with an acrobatic interception by the Homewood defense on fourth down.  

The Patriots took advantage of the Arab miscue as Odell found pay-dirt from the Knight eight yard line giving the visitors a 21-7 lead at the half. 

On the first play after the break, Taylor Patteson picked off an Ed Johnson pass giving the ball back to the visitors.  Patriots quarterback Woods Ray payed off the pick with a four yard touchdown toss to his brother Harvey putting Homewood up by three scores with just under a half remaining.  

In the final quarter and a half, the Patriot rushing attack wore down the Knight defense as Caleb Colbert tacked on a pair of scores on the ground.  

A five yard Arabian Knight touchdown, courtesy of Hayden O’Reilly, with a minute and change remaining effectively closed out the contest. 

Click here to check out second round pairings for next week’s playoff contests. 

Homewood quarterback Woods Ray finished the night with 125 yards through the air, completing 12-of-15 passes and a score.  Mondrell Odell lead the Patriot rushing attack 141 yards and a pair of first half touchdowns on 20 attempts.  Caleb Colbert tacked on two second half rushing scores in route to a 75 yard performance.  Harvey Ray snagged three receptions for 23 yards and the Patriots lone receiving score.  

Arab signal caller Ed Johnson completed 7-of-18 throws for 56 yards with  a touchdown and three interceptions.  Hayden O’Reilly rolled up 136 yards on 18 carries and a score.  Wes Johnson caught three passes for 28 yards and a touchdown through the air. 

The Knights season comes to a close at 8-3.  Homewood will welcome the Gardendale Rockets (9-2), who knocked off previously unbeaten and 2nd ranked Hartselle in round one, to Waldrop Stadium next Friday night in the second round of the postseason.