Coosa Valley Academy glided into its third region victory during Friday’s homecoming against South Montgomery County, 48-15.

“We can take this momentum and take it all the way to the playoffs,” said assistant coach Paul Houston.

After South Montgomery fumbled on a punt return, the Rebels capitalized on being deep in South Montgomery territory with a pass from Whit Lovelady to Phillip Neal with 6:39 left in the first quarter, putting the Rebels up, 7-0.

South Montgomery tried to answer, marching the football down the field, but could only come up with a field goal, making the score 7-3.

The Rebels answered early in the second quarter with an 18-yard carry by Ricky Ellison to expand Coosa Valley’s lead, 14-3.

Later in the quarter, CVA managed to keep South Montgomery out of the end zone when the Raiders’ offense stalled on the 3 yard line. South Montgomery settled for another field goal to cut into the lead, 14-6. That lead became shorter, 14-9, after an interception before half set up the Raiders’ third field goal.

CVA opened the second half with a 1-yard touchdown carry by Whit Lovelady, putting the Rebels up, 21-9.

South Montgomery was unable to answer, throwing two interceptions in a row. The first went to J.B. Ripley, who carried the ball 55 yards for a touchdown. The second was picked by sophomore Tanner Wood, who put the Rebels in position to collect CVA’s fifth touchdown of the night, another 1-yarder from Lovelady.

After a one-handed, 50-yard reception by Brandon Batchelor with 7:47 left in the game, the Rebels were again put in perfect position to score. They did so when Lovelady found Casey Shellnut on an 8-yard pass, making the score 41-9.

South Montgomery’s offense trotted back onto the field, but quickly had another let down when Wood intercepted the football for a second time. This time, though, he was not stopped, returning the ball 40 yards for the Rebels final touchdown.

South Montgomery finally made it into the end zone, but it was too little too late.

Lovelady’s only win wasn’t just with his team on the field, the quarterback was also named as Coosa Valley’s 2008 Homecoming King. Homecoming Queen was Brooke Green of Vincent.

Coosa Valley (3-2, 2-2) will take on Asford at home next week for its fourth regional game of the season.