Oak Mountain Slips Past Briarwood Christian in Season Opener

BIRMINGHAM, AL – The Oak Mountain Eagles secured a 38-28 victory over Briarwood Christian Friday night to kickoff the 2024 football season. After Briarwood narrowed the gap to 31-28 midway through the fourth quarter, Oak Mountain quarterback Will O’Dell orchestrated a decisive 9-play, 80-yard drive culminating in a crucial Morty Myrick 7-yard touchdown run with just 2 minutes and 10 seconds remaining on the clock.

O’Dell completed 21-of-26 passes for 225 yards. Additionally, he added 17 carries, covering 164 yards, including a dazzling 15-yard touchdown run just 18 seconds before halftime. Notably, in the second half, O’Dell was perfect through the air, completing 9-of-9 pass attempts.  

By halftime, Oak Mountain had established a 24-10 lead, although Briarwood quickly responded as John Campbell returned the opening kick of the second half for an electrifying 84-yard score.

Myrick, contributing significantly to the win, amassed 60 rushing yards, scoring touchdowns from 7 and 2 yards out. Briarwood’s Chance Freeman connected with Brayden Robertson for a 20-yard touchdown reception. Other contributions included Oak Mountain’s Sean Ray, who ran in a 16-yard touchdown, and Briarwood’s Garrett Heineman, who successfully kicked field goals of 28 and 34 yards.

Briarwood will look to bounce back next Friday night with a road trip to  Homewood’s Waldrop Stadium.  Oak Mountain travels to Shelby County foe Pelham.