By CHRIS MEGGINSON / For the Reporter

HARPERSVILLE – Coosa Valley Academy came out on top Friday, Sept. 28 in a 14-7 Homecoming win against local rival Cornerstone Christian School.

“It’s always fun to win a rivalry game. The kids were pumped to play and played very well, and played very hard,” CVA Head Coach Jamie Scruggs said. “I’m really proud of how hard our defense played. I’m proud of the team for getting a gritty win on Homecoming night.”

The win snapped a four-game losing streak for the Rebels (2-5).

CVA’s Brayson Edwards threw a few deep passes to open the game, including a 56-yard pass to Cody Eades. The Rebels marched down inside the 5, where Edwards capped the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run. He then connected with Jackson Bryant for a 2-point conversion to give CVA the 8-0 lead.

Edwards finished the night with 183 total yards – 81 on the ground and 102 on 7-of-11 passing. Eades was the go-to target, collecting 101 yards on six receptions. He also carried the ball five times for 42 yards. Kaleb Allen led the ground attack with 22 touches for 141 yards.

Cornerstone got on the board early in the third quarter, scoring on a 20-yard slant pass from Nick Green to Isaac Bradshaw. The Chargers converted the PAT to make it 8-7.

The Rebels answered later in the third quarter on a 2-yard touchdown run by Eades to extend their lead to 14-7.

While CVA had a few costly turnovers inside the red zone, it also had six takeaways on defense, including three inside the 20, including an interception by Ryan Maddox in Rebels territory with about three minutes to play.

It was one of two interceptions for Maddox in the game. Bryant also picked off a pass. Eades led the CVA defense with three takeaways (two interceptions, one fumble recovery). Three of the Chargers’ turnovers came inside the red zone.

“They didn’t beat us, we beat ourselves,” said CCS Head Coach James Lee. “We had opportunities to score. They didn’t stop us, we stopped ourselves. We played extremely hard, but we gave it away.”

Despite the loss, Lee is pleased with his players’ performance.

“I’m so proud that I have the opportunity to coach these kids, because I’ve seen them grow up. They could have just quit. Even though we lost, 14-7, I’m very proud of these young men because they grew up tonight … They’re growing up into men and playing as a team. They’re going to continue to get better the rest of the year.”

CCS was led by its three seniors – Green, Jake Blankenship and Tanner Falkner, according to Lee.

“They played their hearts out tonight and gave everything they have. I’m very pleased with these three seniors,” he said.

Coosa Valley will travel to Edgewood Academy on Oct. 5. Cornerstone (1-6) still carries playoff hopes to Marengo Academy Oct. 5, needing to win at least two of its next three.