Strong Ground Game Pushes Briarwood Christian Past Homewood
Birmingham, AL – In pivotal Class 6A, Region 3 matchup at Lions Pride Stadium, Briarwood Christian managed to fend off a late rally from Homewood, securing a hard-fought 20-13 victory. The Lions showcased their ground game, accumulating a total of 309 rushing yards while limiting Homewood to just 95 yards on the ground. Briarwood finished the game with a total of 342 yards, while the Patriots recorded 285 yards of their own.
The win improves the Lions to 5-4 on the year (4-2 in region play) while the Patriots slip to 5-4 (4-2). With the victory, Briarwood secures the 3 seed from Region 3 and will face off against Carver-Montgomery (7-3, 5-1) in the first round of the AHSAA Class 6A playoffs on November 10th. Homewood, as the No. 4 seed, will travel to Region 2 champion Pike Road (7-2, 6-0) in the first round of the postseason.
Briarwood’s Luke Reynolds was the standout performer of the night, amassing a remarkable 214 yards on 20 carries. Reynolds displayed his versatility by finding the end zone twice with powerful rushing touchdowns. Additionally, Lions quarterback Josh Thompson made significant contributions to the Lions’ ground attack, tallying 80 yards on 9 rushes, including a touchdown of his own.
Homewood’s quarterback, Kaleb Carson, put up a valiant effort, completing 18-of-36 passes for 190 yards and a touchdown. He also showcased his agility by rushing for 50 yards on 20 carries. Demarcus Walker emerged as a key target for Carson, hauling in 8 passes for an impressive 112 yards and a touchdown.
Judson Eanes played a crucial role for Homewood, connecting on two field goals from 35 and 41 yards. Despite their efforts, it wasn’t enough to overcome Briarwood’s stout defense and potent ground game.
With this victory, Briarwood secures the 3 seed from Region 3 and will face off against Carver-Montgomery in the first round of the state playoffs on November 10th. Homewood, as the No. 4 seed, will travel to Montgomery to face Pike Road in the first round of the postseason.
Briarwood’s Brooks Travis picked off a Homewood pass early in the contest that was paid off by a Luke Reynolds touchdown run from the Patriots five yard line to give the Lions an early 6-0 lead. Homewood’s Whit Armistead managed to narrow the deficit with a successful 35-yard field goal late in the first quarter, making the score 6-3.
Click here to check out the full Alabama high school football scoreboard.
Both teams showcased their defensive prowess, with Homewood’s George French blocking a field goal attempt and Briarwood’s Grey Reebals making a spectacular play to block a field goal of his own.
In the third quarter, Reynolds broke through Homewood’s defense with an electrifying 64-yard run, extending Briarwood’s lead to 13-3. Thompson continued to make an impact, completing 3-of-9 passes for 33 yards while also adding 73 rushing yards and a crucial touchdown in the third quarter, pushing Briarwood’s advantage to 20-3.
Homewood refused to back down and made a late surge in the third quarter. Kaleb Carson connected with King Walker on a 65-yard touchdown pass, injecting new life into the Patriots. Armistead added a 41-yard field goal, bringing the score to 20-13. However, Briarwood sealed the victory by recovering the subsequent onside kick.
Looking ahead, Briarwood Christian will travel to Mobile Bay to take on the 7A Fairhope Pirates (2-7, 1-5) to close out the regular season, while Homewood welcomes the Jasper Vikings (1-8, 1-6) to Waldrop Stadium.
