From Staff Reports
Vestavia Hills captured its second 7A Region 3 win in a row Thursday night, dominating Oak Mountain 41-0 at Thompson Reynolds Stadium. The Rebels’ offense, led by senior quarterback Charlie Taaffe, had another explosive outing, while the defense suffocated the Eagles from start to finish.
Taaffe had an outstanding night, rushing for four touchdowns and more than 100 yards in the win over an outmatched Oak Mountain squad. Vestavia’s offensive attack was balanced, racking up 330 total yards, including 264 on the ground, while the defense held Oak Mountain to just 212 total yards and forced four turnovers.
Vestavia set the tone early. On the opening drive, Taaffe scrambled 24 yards for the game’s first score, less than two minutes into the contest, to go up early, 7-0. The Rebels struck again in the second quarter after linebacker Daniel Richardson intercepted Oak Mountain quarterback John Vacarella deep in Eagle territory. Three plays later, Taaffe kept the ball on a read option and powered in from 14 yards, giving Vestavia Hills a 14-0 lead.
After another defensive stop, Taaffe marched the Rebels downfield once more, capping the drive with a 12-yard touchdown run, pushing the Rebels’ advantage to 21-0 at halftime.
Oak Mountain had a few opportunities in the first half but were unable to put any points on the board. The Eagles missed a 39-yard field goal in the first quarter and the Rebels’ defense forced three Oak Mountain interceptions.
Additionally, the Rebels sacked Vacarella three times, held the Eagles to 85 rushing yards, and allowed only 11 first downs all night. Linebackers Paxton Ussery, Haines Bridges, and Price LaMaster each recorded a sack, while defensive backs Parker Simpson and Lawson Manown added interceptions.
The Rebels’ offense didn’t let up in the second half. Junior running back Carson Purdy punched in a three-yard touchdown early in the third quarter, and Taaffe followed with a 22-yard touchdown run midway through the period—his fourth of the game—to extend the lead to 35-0.
LaMaster took over at quarterback in the fourth quarter, orchestrating a final scoring drive, handing the ball to Major Weaver, who powered across the goal line from two yards out. The extra point attempt was no good, but the Rebels had more than enough cushion to coast to a decisive region win.
Weaver added 28 yards on eight carries, while Purdy finished with 57 yards and a touchdown. Taaffe completed 10 of 16 passes for 66 yards, spreading the ball around to Grayson Harper and Luke Stubbs, who combined for 60 receiving yards.
With the win, Vestavia Hills improved to 5-2 overall, 3-2 in region play, and in third place behind Thompson and Hewitt-Trussville.
Vestavia Hills will be on the road to face winless Tuscaloosa County (0-6, 0-4) in a key region contest on Friday, October 17.
