The 2A Vincent Yellow Jackets squared off against 3A Montevallo last Friday night in a cross-county rivalry match between two playoff bound teams, but came out on the short end of a 40-25 score.

The win improved Montevallo to a 7-3 overall record while it dropped the Jackets to 6-4 as both prepare for playoff action this coming Friday night.

As had been the case the previous 11 times Vincent stepped up to play a school in a higher classification, the Jackets just couldn&8217;t muster enough fire power to pull off a win.

Vincent head football coach Dwight Spradley said he thought his kids played hard, but said Montevallo is a good football team.

While he said his Jackets just couldn&8217;t run the ball, they were able to complete some passes in the first quarter. But basically, Spradley said his team struggled all night long.

Montevallo head football coach Jim King said he was proud of his own kids for playing hard.

King said his Bulldogs wanted to finish the year on a positive note and go into the playoffs with a 7-3 record.

King said his players worked hard and deserved the success. He especially noted the play of Desmond Piper who ran for two touchdowns and who tossed two touchdown passes.

King had good words for Brandon Broadnax on both sides of the ball, as well as the play of T.J. Cottingham.

While allowing the Jackets 171 passing yards, the Bulldogs held the visitors to 28 yards on the ground.

Montevallo rushed for 393 yards and passed for 107 yards for 500 yards of total offense.

King said his Bulldogs began the year losing in a jamboree 32-0 in one half of play. He noted how far they have come.

Despite the loss to Montevallo in an out of classification match, Vincent won its 2A region with a team Spradley said he just wanted to be able to compete with.

He said he was extremely proud of his team for winning the region.

This Friday night Vincent host West Morgan in North Sub-state 2A playoff action.

Spradley said West Morgan is probably the best fourth seed in Class 2A. While the opponents sport a 7-3 record, Spradley said they beat the top team in their region in week nine.

Spradley lamented the opponents boast a good quarterback, running back and receiver.

King has to prepare his team to go on the road to play defending state champions Pike County.

King said 9-1 Pike County has no weaknesses.

&8220;We&8217;ll have to play out best game of the year, can&8217;t make any mistakes and can&8217;t have turnovers [to win].&8221;