NEAL EMBRY / Special to the Reporter

NORTH SHELBY – After struggling on defense in the first half of their matchup with Hewitt-Trussville Huskies, the Oak Mountain Eagles found themselves down 30-17 early in the second half at home Friday, Oct. 2.

But senior quarterback Warren Shader put his team on his back and ran the Eagles back into the game, eventually gaining the lead in the third quarter.

After cutting the lead to 30-25, Oak Mountain forced a Hewitt turnover on downs, giving them the ball at their own 42-yard line. The Eagles drove down the field, getting to the Huskies’ eight-yard line. However, a pair of penalties, including an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Oak Mountain, pushed the Eagles back to the 25-yard line.

On second down and goal from the 25, Shader dropped back and found Payton Youngblood in the end zone to give Oak Mountain the 31-30 lead.

Unfortunately for the home team, the lead didn’t last long, as Hewitt, who rushed for 315 yards, regained the lead on their next drive. Jarrion Street led the Huskies with 180 rushing yards and three touchdowns, the last of which put the Huskies up for good, coming with just over four minutes left to go in the game.

Oak Mountain had one last chance on offense, and converted a fourth and 20 at one point, but were unable to find the end zone, turning the ball over on downs.

Shader finished with 237 total yards and four touchdowns, and Coleman Reeves added 81 yards and a score for the Eagles.

Hewitt quarterback Zac Thomas had 223 yards and a touchdown for the Huskies, who move to 4-2 overall and 3-1 in 7A, Region 3 play. Oak Mountain falls to 2-4 and 1-3 in region play.

Oak Mountain plays at Mountain Brook Friday, Oct. 9.