Mtn Brook knocks off Vestavia Hills 24-14 in season opener
Vestavia Hills, AL – Mountain Brook cornerback Tucker Crawford snagged a pair of late game interceptions to seal the Spartans’ 24-14 opening game victory over rival Vestavia Hills Friday night at Thompson Reynolds Stadium.
Spartans senior quarterback John Colvin connected with Clark Sanderson for a 17 yard scoring strike to light-up the new Buddy Anderson Field scoreboard to putting the visitors on top early. Reed Harradine split the uprights from 27 yards out to extend the Mountain Brook lead to 10-0 early in the Over the Mountain clash. Rebel receiver Keown Richardson pulled down a 10 yard touchdown catch from John Paul Head with five ticks remaining in the second quarter, cutting the Mountain Brook lead t0 10-6 at the break.
Mountain Brook’s Cole Gamble capped a drive with a three yard touchdown scamper in the third to to extend the Spartan lead to 17-6. Vestavia answered back, pulling within a field goal as Head called his own number and bolted down the sideline for a 44 yard touchdown run.
The stingy Spartan defense coupled with a five yard Colvin to Rob Gillespie fourth quarter touchdown strike spoiled Robert Evans first game at the helm of the Vestavia program.
Before taking over the Rebel program, Evans spent the last four seasons as Mountain Brook’s defensive coordinator, a position now held by longtime Rebel assistant and Vestavia alum Chad Merrill.
Mountain Brook quarterback John Colvin finished the contest completing 12-of-18 throws for 173 yards with a pair of touchdown passes and an interception. Gamble lead he Spartan rushing attack with 73 yards on 19 attempts and a score. Sanderson pulled down five receptions for 98 yards and a first quarter touchdown.
Head connected on 21-of-33 passes for 152 yards with a passing touchdown and two fourth quarter interceptions. He added 133 yards on the ground including a 44 yard scoring run.
Mountain Brook returns to action next Friday night welcoming the James Clemens Jets to Spartan Stadium. Vestavia hosts 6A Homewood at Buddy Anderson Field.
