Alford Leads Central-Phenix City Past Vestavia Hills 41-21 in 7A Quarterfinals

PHENIX CITY, AL – The defending Class 7A state champion Central-Phenix City Red Devils, secured their spot in the semifinals, defeating Vestavia Hills 41-21 Friday night at Garrett Harrison Stadium. 

The Red Devils improve to 9-2 while the Rob Evans’s Rebels season come to a close at 6-6 having advanced to the Class 7A quarterfinals for the third consecutive season.  

In the first quarter, Tristan Lyles set the Red Devils off to a strong start by intercepting Vestavia quarterback Charlie Taafe and running 44 yards into the endzone. 

Quarterback Andrew Alford showcased impressive skill, completing 21-of-31 throws for a total of 340 yards and three touchdowns. His precise 41-yard pass to Jayshaun Woodhouse, a remarkable 70-yard throw to Daylyn Upshaw, and a 12-yard connection with Michal Bass were pivotal in securing Central’s victory. Kicker Jack Ciancio contributed with a 35-yard field goal, while Keedan Sparks split the uprights from 23 yards out.

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Daylyn Upshaw was Alford’s favorite target, hauling in six receptions for 138 yards.

For the visitors, Vestavia Hills’ standout signal caller Charlie Taafe completed 15-of-22 passes, covering 130 yards and throwing a touchdown to Bruce Littleton. Both Taafe and Littleton also managed rushing touchdowns in the second half of the contest.

Head Coach Patrick Nix’s Red Devils, secured their third consecutive victory and is set to face the Thompson Warriors (9-3) in Alabaster next Friday. This highly anticipated game will serve as a rematch of last year’s Class 7A state title game.