Briarwood Christian Scores Come-From-Behind Victory Over John Carroll Catholic
BIRMINGHAM, AL – In a thrilling fourth-quarter comeback, the Briarwood Christian Lions clinched their third consecutive victory 21-17 over the John Carroll Catholic Cavaliers Friday night at Lion’s Pride Stadium.
This win improves Matthew Forester’s Lions to 3-5 overall and 2-3 in Class 5A, Region 5 play with one region contest remaining.
The Cavilers, who saw their lead evaporate in the forth quarter for the second consecutive week, dip to 2-6 on the season, 1-4 in region play.
A pair of Garrett Barnes touchdown passes to Aubrey Walker and Jaylin Shephard put the visitors on top 14-0 early in the contest.
The Lions caught a break near the end of the second quarter as Will Clark pounced on a fumble at the John Carroll 25 yard line, setting up Luke Reynolds for a 6-yard touchdown run, cutting the Cavaliers’ lead to 14-6.
John Carroll held the upperhand until early in the fourth quarter when Lions quarterback Charles Dedmon connected with Dane Whitehead, who dashed for a 39-yard touchdown. Brooks Allred pushed through a two-point conversion, leveling the score at 14-14.
John Carroll responded with a field goal as J.C. Martinez’ split the uprights from 27 yards out restoring their lead to 17-14.
After an exchange of punts, Briarwood began a decisive drive from their 27-yard line with under four minutes remaining. Dedmon’s 15-yard pass to Sam Canale provided momentum, while Eli Thompson’s impressive 54-yard dash positioned Briarwood close to the end zone.
Reynolds then plunged over the goal line, putting Briarwood on top for the first time with just 1:46 left on the clock.
On the game’s final play, Eli Stubbs put the game on ice, sacking Barnes and forcng a fumble.
Luke Reynolds, who was sidelined for the Lions first five games, shined in his third game back carrying the ball 25 times for 84 yards and scoring two touchdowns. Quarterback Charles Dedmon completed 7-of-11 passes, totaling 146 yards, including a 39-yard touchdown pass to Dane Whitehead. Eli Thompson also contributed significantly with three catches for 72 yards.
For the Cavs, standout signal caller Garrett Barnes connected on 15-of-29 pass attempts for 187 yards and a pair of scores. Aubrey Walker was Barnes favorite target, catching nine passes for 111 yards and a touchdown, while Jaylin Shepherd made four receptions for 60 yards and a TD. The Cavaliers’ rushing attack was led by Tristen Rutledge with 46 yards on nine carries. John Ford contributing 42 yards on 13 attempts.
Looking ahead, Briarwood Christian has the week off before traveling to Blount County to take on region foe Hayden (2-6, 0-4) on October 25th. John Carroll will welcome the Corner Yellow Jackets (6-1, 3-1) to Pat Sullivan Field next Friday night.
