By DAVIS POTTER / Staff Writer

Welcome back, Brandon Wells.

Wells, Calera High School’s starting quarterback, returned to his original position Oct. 22 and led the Eagles to a 40-28 road win at Munford, keeping  the Eagles’ playoff hopes alive.

The senior quarterback, who had played other positions throughout the year after suffering wrist and shoulder injuries early in the season, went 14-for-20 for 303 yards with five touchdowns and a pick.

Perhaps nobody was happier to see him back under center more than Calera head coach Scott Martin.

“Brandon finally played healthy, and he hadn’t been able to all year,” Martin said. “It was good to see him return as our leader at quarterback. He threw the ball extremely efficient. He looked like a college quarterback.”

Receivers Ronnie Clark and Jeremy Hyde were the main beneficiaries of Wells’ return, as both were on the receiving end of his touchdown passes. Hyde caught five passes for 77 yards and three touchdowns while Clark reeled in five passes for 175 yards and a pair of scores.

Clark also added a touchdown on the ground to go with 81 rushing yards on six carries for the Eagles, who improved to 4-4 overall and 3-3 in Class 4A, Region 3 play.

Linebacker Henoko Lubala had a huge night for the Eagles’ defense, tallying 11 tackles, two sacks and two tackles-for-loss. The Eagles also had three interceptions on the night.

Martin said he was proud of the players for their effort.

“To go on the road, it was a pretty tough environment,” Martin said. “I’m proud of the kids for answering the call.”

Calera will host Childersburg in its final Class 4A, Region 3 contest of the season Oct. 22.