Briarwood Christian Clinches Playoff Spot with 23-7 Victory Over John Carroll Catholic

BIRMINGHAM, AL – The Briarwood Christian Lions secured a playoff berth Friday night, defeating John Carroll 23-7 in a crucial Class 5A, Region 5 matchup at a newly renovated Pat Sullivan Stadium. The Lions overcame an early deficit with two fourth-quarter touchdowns to snap a two-game losing skid.

Head coach Will Mara’s Cavaliers started strong, taking a 7-0 lead on their opening drive. Quarterback Garrett Barnes connected with Andy Everett for an 8-yard touchdown pass. Barnes was efficient throughout the contest, finishing 19-of-25 for 166 yards and one touchdown.

Briarwood’s offense responded on its first possession. An Evan Ball 33-yard field goal cut the deficit to 7-3 late in the first quarter. The Lions took their first lead midway through the second when quarterback Charlie Dedmon hit Eli Thompson for a 22-yard touchdown pass, making the score 9-7.

After a scoreless third quarter dominated by both defenses, the visiting Lions pulled away. With just over six minutes remaining, Dedmon found Dane Whitehead for a 15-yard touchdown. Dedmon completed 14 of 17 passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns on the night.

Jamison Barnes sealed the victory for the Lions with a 20-yard touchdown run with 3:01 left in the game, extending the final score to 23-7.

With the win, Briarwood improves to 4-4 overall and 4-1 in region play. The Lions have an open week before welcoming the Hayden Wildcats to Lion’s Pride Stadium on October 24. John Carroll falls to 2-6, 1-4 in the region, and will travel to north Jefferson County to face the region leading and 9th ranked Corner Yellow Jackets next week.