Taaffe Dominates as Vestavia Hills Defeats Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa 42-24

VESTAVIA HILLS, AL – The fifth-ranked Vestavia Hills Rebels handed the ninth-ranked Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa Patriots their first loss of the season in a key Class 7A, Region 3 matchup Friday night at Thompson Reynolds Stadium. Rebels signal caller Charlie Taaffe delivered a standout performance, accounting for 294 total yards and five touchdowns in the top 10 showdown.

The Rebels improve to 3-1 on the season, 1-1 in region play while Hillcrest slips to 3-1 (1-1).

Head coach Rob Evans’ Rebels established control early, building a 21-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. The Rebels extended their advantage to 28-10 at the half. While Hillcrest battled in the second half, scoring 14 points, Vestavia matched them with a touchdown in both the third and fourth quarters to secure the win.

Taaffe was efficient through the air, completing 8 of 17 passes for 151 yards and two touchdowns. He was also the Rebels’ leading rusher, carrying the ball 21 times for 143 yards and three scores. Braxton Hunt was a primary target, hauling in three catches for 68 yards and a touchdown. Price LaMaster added a 57-yard touchdown grab, and running back Carson Purdy contributed 67 rushing yards and a touchdown on 12 carries.

The Rebels’ offense generated a total of 473 yards, with 297 coming from their strong ground game. Defensively, Vestavia Hills limited Hillcrest to 280 total yards, holding them to 116 on the ground and 164 through the air.

For Hillcrest, quarterback Jordan Shambley completed 8 of 16 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown. He also led the Patriots in rushing with 97 yards and a score on 17 attempts. Jaylin Cooke led the Hillcrest receiving corps with three catches for 74 yards and a touchdown.

Looking ahead, Vestavia Hills will travel to Alabaster to take on the defending state champion and No. 2 ranked Thompson Warriors (3-1). Hillcrest will welcome the undefeated Hewitt-Trussville Huskies (4-0) to Roy Johnson Jr. Stadium.

FEATURED IMAGE: Jackson HIllis | PrepsNet