Auburn Rallies from 21-0 Down to Defeat Vestavia Hills in First Round Rematch

November 8, 2025

Tigers Overcome Early Setback in 52-41 Playoff Thriller

AUBURN, AL – A stunning comeback marked a historic night for the Auburn Tigers. The Tigers overcame a 21-point first-quarter deficit to defeat the second-ranked Vestavia Hills Rebels 52-41 in the opening round of the Class 7A playoffs. The victory at Duck Samford Stadium also represented the 200th career win for head coach Keith Etheredge.

The victory avenged the Tigers 42-14 week two loss to the Rebels.

The game started with the Rebels looking unstoppable. Vestavia Hills scored touchdowns on all three of its first-quarter possessions, building a commanding 21-0 lead. The fast-paced offense, directed by senior quarterback Charlie Taaffe, quickly put Auburn on its heels, creating a scenario reminiscent of their regular-season meeting where the Rebels dominated early.

Vestavia Hills’ Dominant Start

The Rebels set the tone from the opening kickoff, marching 80 yards for their first score. Carson Purdy finished the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run. Vestavia Hills’ momentum continued when a fumble recovery by safety Walker Hogue set up a short field. Taaffe capitalized, scoring on an 11-yard run to make it 14-0.

Auburn’s struggles continued on their next possession. A blocked punt gave the Rebels excellent field position once again. Despite a couple of penalties, Vestavia Hills found the end zone for a third time as Purdy scored on a 6-yard run from the wildcat formation, pushing the lead to 21-0 with just over three minutes left in the opening quarter.

The Tigers’ Historic Turnaround

Down three scores, Auburn began to mount one of the most impressive rallies of the season. From that point forward, the Tigers outscored the visitors 52-20 to secure their spot in the second round of the playoffs. The comeback was engineered by quarterback Cason Myers, who delivered a spectacular performance.

Myers put Auburn on the scoreboard with a 2-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter. The Tigers’ defense then stepped up, with lineman Kollin King tipping and intercepting a pass to halt a Vestavia drive. This turnover led to another touchdown, this time a 1-yard run by defensive lineman Carnell Jackson, cutting the deficit to 21-14. Auburn tied the game at 21-21 before halftime on another short touchdown run by Myers.

A Back-and-Forth Second Half

The third quarter saw both teams trade blows. Auburn took its first lead of the game, 24-21, on a 40-yard field goal by Joseph Daniel. Vestavia Hills immediately responded, with Taaffe putting the Rebels back on top 28-24 with a touchdown run. The lead changed hands again after a failed onside kick by the Rebels gave Auburn a short field, and Myers scored his third rushing touchdown to make it 31-28.

Vestavia’s kicker, Sloan Morgan, tied the game with a 43-yard field goal. An interception then set the Rebels up to take their final lead of the night, 34-31, on another field goal from Morgan.

However, the lead was short-lived. On the very next play from scrimmage, Myers connected with wide receiver Antonio Welch for an 80-yard touchdown pass, putting Auburn ahead for good at 38-34.

Auburn Pulls Away in the Fourth

The Tigers’ balanced attack eventually wore down the Rebels. Myers extended the lead to double digits with his fifth total touchdown, a 5-yard run midway through the fourth quarter. Running back Jaeden King sealed the victory with a 21-yard touchdown run, making the score 52-34.

Vestavia Hills fought until the end, with Taaffe connecting with Price LaMaster for a late touchdown, but it was not enough. Auburn’s defense shut down the final possession with two sacks to end the game.

Key Performances

Auburn:

Cason Myers (QB): 431 total yards, 5 total touchdowns (4 rushing, 1 passing). He completed 25-of-33 passes for 322 yards and ran for 109 yards.
Jaeden King (RB): 131 rushing yards, 1 touchdown.
Antonio Welch (WR): 6 receptions for 138 yards, 1 touchdown.

Vestavia Hills:

Charlie Taaffe (QB): Over 350 total yards, 3 total touchdowns (2 rushing, 1 passing). He completed 20-of-33 passes for 244 yards and rushed for 107 yards.
Luke Stubbs (WR): 8 receptions for 89 yards.
Sloan Morgan (K): 2 field goals (43 and 31 yards), 5-for-5 on PATs.

With the win, Auburn (9-2) advances to face Daphne in the Class 7A quarterfinals. The hard-fought loss ends a strong season for head coach Rob Evans’ Rebels, which finishes with a record of 8-3.

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