By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

NORTH SHELBY – The Oak Mountain Eagles (1-8, 0-7 in Class 7A Region 3) twice pulled to within a touchdown of the Vestavia Hills Rebels (5-4, 3-4) in both teams’ final region game of the year on Oct. 26, but the Eagles’ comeback bid ultimately fell short 28-14.

Oak Mountain nearly matched Vestavia in total yardage 275-322, but was unable to overcome the Rebels’ fast start. Oak Mountain freshman quarterback Evan Smith completed 16-of-25 passing attempts for 209 yards and two touchdowns in the loss, and Luke Percer led the Eagles’ ground attack, racking up 60 yards on 12 carries.

Trey Allen caught seven passes for 86 yards, followed by Cole Thomas, who reeled in five passes for 79 yards.

Defensively for the Eagles, Jaylen Thomas recorded five solo tackles, four assists, three sacks and 3.5 tackles for a loss. Nik Heino and Zykeius Strong both recorded three solo tackles and five assists, and Strong had a tackle for a loss.

Kicker Christian Hood was 2-for-2 on extra points.

After a scoreless first quarter, Vestavia jumped to a 14-0 lead when quarterback Eli Sawyer scored on a 27-yard run and later connected with Sean Smyth on a 22-yard touchdown strike.

Oak Mountain answered with 3 seconds left in the first half when Smith completed a 12-yard touchdown pass to Noah Young.

Late in the third quarter, Vestavia extended its lead to 21-7 when Sawyer scored on a 1-yard run.

With 9:48 left in the fourth quarter, Oak Mountain pulled to within seven when Smith completed a 5-yard touchdown strike to Cole Thomas.

Four minutes later, Vestavia secured the victory when Sawyer connected with Michael Vice Jr. on a 43-yard touchdown strike to go ahead 28-14.

Oak Mountain will end its season on Nov. 2 when it hosts Class 5A opponent Center Point.