By CHRIS MEGGINSON

Special to the Reporter

WEST BLOCTON – The Montevallo Bulldogs utilized an open week Sept. 28 to put its first loss of the season behind them, as they hit the road Oct. 5 for a 49-28 win at West Blocton to improve to 2-1 in Class 4A, Region 3.

“I was proud of our kids. I thought they played hard and overcame some adversity tonight. West Blocton Coach (Eric) Hiott does a great job over there and has his kids playing hard. To get on the road and get a big region win is always a great night,” Montevallo Coach Brandon Wilcox said.

Montevallo (5-1, 2-1 Region 3) went up 7-0 early after Alex Tyes recovered a fumble to set up the Bulldogs’ first touchdown, a 26-yard touchdown pass from Malik Inabinette to Davion Gilbert

Deon Gilliland, who rushed for 114 yards on 20 carries for Montevallo, added eight points late in the first quarter with a touchdown run and 2-point conversion, making it 15-0. It was the first of four TDs and three 2-point runs, as he accounted for 30 of Montevallo’s 49 points.

“Deon Gilliland had his best game tonight and kind of picked us up on some drives. He was definitely our best player tonight on that side of the football,” Wilcox said.

West Blocton (1-6, 1-3 Region 3) put eight points on the board early in the second quarter, but Gilliland answered with a touchdown, followed by another West Blocton TD to cut into Montevallo’s lead, 21-14, at halftime.

“I thought we were sloppy on offense. I thought we dropped some balls that we normally catch. Overall we’ve got to do a better job offensively … I told our guys at halftime at some point the coaches have to hand the team over to the players. I was trying to encourage them to start taking on a little more initiative and holding the standard themselves and each other accountable. I thought our kids responded,” Wilcox said. “I started seeing some guys step up and play with some energy, some young guys step up and play and that’s what we’re going to have to have if we’re going to continue having success on Friday nights.”

To open the third quarter, Inabinette threw a touchdown pass to JJ Evans, who finished the night with 81 yards on five catches. Gilliand punched in the 2-point conversion for a 29-14 lead. He then countered a West Blocton touchdown later in the quarter to keep Montevallo in front, 35-22, through three quarters and added a late fourth quarter TD run.

West Blocton pulled within a touchdown, 35-28 to open the fourth quarter, but Jay Sullens returned the kickoff 80 yards for a score.

“We had our hands team out there and were honestly wanting them to catch the ball and take a knee. I was screaming, ‘Get down, get down,” Wilcox said. “He kind of bobbled the ball and went up the seam and down the sideline. It was kind of the nail in the coffin as far as getting the momentum back and being able to seal the victory.”

Inabinette finished the night with 241 yards and two TDs on 15-of-28, 241 yards. He also rushed for 32 yards and threw one interception.

Tavicia Tutt led the Montevallo defense with 12 tackles, while Tyes, Avery Anfield and Jaqwan Hill each forced fumbles.

Montevallo will return home to Theron Fisher Stadium on Oct. 12 to host Sumter Central (1-5, 1-2 Region 3) in a region game.