Helena Earns Comeback Victory Over Rival Pelham, 21-20

PELHAM, AL – The Helena Huskies overcame a 10-point halftime deficit to claim a key Class 6A, Region 3 victory over the Pelham Pelham on Friday night at Ned Bearden Stadium. The game concluded with a dramatic final-minute touchdown, sealing the 21-20 win for the Huskies.

With the win, Helena snaps their four game loosing skid and improves to 2-5 overall and 2-2 in the region, while Pelham moves to 3-4 overall and 3-2 in region play.

The decisive moment in the north Shelby County rivalry came when Helena’s Dom Santiago scored on a 3-yard run, tying the game at 20-20. Kicker Chris Lewis then secured the win with the subsequent extra point.

Pelham started strong, establishing a 10-0 lead by halftime. The Panthers’ initial scoring drive was capped by a 33-yard touchdown pass from Dylan Smith to Marcus Arnold. Freddy Lopez Diaz later added a 27-yard field goal.

Helena began its comeback in the third quarter. Santiago punched in a 1-yard touchdown run to narrow the score to 10-7. Pelham quickly responded with a 30-yard touchdown pass from Smith to Jacob Gibbs, extending their lead to 17-7. Before the quarter ended, Helena quarterback Caleb Soreano connected with Bradley Wainwright for a 15-yard touchdown pass, closing the gap to 17-14.

In the fourth quarter, Pelham’s Diaz successfully kicked a 31-yard field goal, pushing the score to 20-14 with 11:54 left to play. However, the Huskies mounted a final drive that culminated in Santiago’s game-winning touchdown run.

Santiago was a key performer for Helena, finishing the high school football matchup with 115 rushing yards on 21 carries. For Pelham, Tristan Rutledge led the ground attack with 160 yards on 29 carries. 

Looking ahead, the Huskies will take on another north Shelby rival next when they welcome the Chelsea Hornets (5-2, 2-2) to Helena.  Pelham will look to bounce back with a difficult road trip to Alexander City to face the Benjamin Russell Wildcats (6-1, 4-0).