Carver-Montgomery Kicks Off Season with 41-19 Win Over Vestavia Hills

MONTGOMERY, AL – Senior quarterback T.J. Russell led Carver-Montgomery to a commanding 41-19 win against Vestavia Hills at the AHSAA Kickoff Classic, held at Cramton Bowl on Friday night.

This victory marked the beginning of the Coach Bobby Carr era for the Wolverines and celebrated the merger with Montgomery’s historic Sidney Lanier High School, which closed its doors after the 2023-24 academic year. Lanier, with a legacy dating back to its first season in 1910, boasted a 613-440-39 record and claimed seven state titles, including the first three state championships in 1966, 1967, and 1968 after the introduction of playoff games.

Carver’s defense set the tone early. They forced a fumble on Vestavia Hills’ opening drive, allowing linebacker Stephon Andrews to scoop up the ball and dash 30 yards for a touchdown. Though the extra point was missed, Carver led 6-0 just 31 seconds into the game.

Russell, showcasing his passing prowess, connected efficiently with running back Anthony Rogers. Their chemistry was evident in a 17-play, 91-yard drive culminating in Tre Berry’s 2-yard rushing touchdown, giving Carver a 13-0 lead after Harry Welch’s successful PAT.

Vestavia Hills responded late in the first quarter. Carson Purdy took a pitch from quarterback Charlie Taaffe and launched a 25-yard touchdown pass to Luke Tubbs. However, their fake PAT attempt failed, leaving Carver with a 13-6 advantage.

In the second quarter, Rebels kicker Owen Simpson narrowed the gap with a 34-yard field goal, reducing Carver’s lead to 13-9. He added another field goal later, bringing Vestavia Hills within a point, 13-12.

Russell, who completed 14-of-17 passes for 167 yards in the first half, extended Carver’s lead with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Rogers, closing the half 21-12 in favor of the Wolverines. Carver’s defense limited Vestavia Hills to just 115 total yards in the half.

Rogers sparked the second half with a 51-yard kickoff return. Russell capitalized by immediately firing a 48-yard touchdown pass to T.K. Norman, boosting Carver’s lead to 28-12.

Despite Vestavia’s efforts, Corey McMeans intercepted a Taaffe pass and returned it 67 yards, setting up another Carver touchdown. Russell connected with Javoski Barnes for a 13-yard TD, widening the gap to 34-12.

The Wolverines’ defense continued to shine, as linebacker Greg Tate intercepted a tipped pass and returned it 37 yards, setting the stage for another scoring opportunity. Though Vestavia’s Cross Tonsmeire intercepted a Russell pass and returned it 30 yards, Carver’s defense held firm, and Berry added another rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter, stretching the lead to 41-12.

Vestavia Hills managed a late touchdown with Price Lamaster’s 34-yard pass to Noah Boyan, ending the game at 41-19.

Berry led all rushers with 73 yards on 23 carries, while Carver amassed 395 total yards compared to Vestavia Hills’ 234. Zion Crumpton had five receptions for 79 yards. Collectively, Carver’s defense snagged four interceptions, returning them for a combined 172 yards.

For Vestavia Hills, Purdy rushed for 47 yards on 10 carries, while Taaffe and Lamaster combined for 98 passing yards. Defensively, Grayson Bruno recorded 11 tackles, and Cross Tonsmeire and Jacob Matson each added six. Carver’s defensive efforts were highlighted by Maye with eight tackles and Camarre Jackson with six.

Featured Image: Carver quarterback T.J. Russell breaks away for an 18-yard gain in the Wolverines’ Kickoff Classic win.  (AHSAA PHOTO | David Holtsford)