By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Sports Editor

Evangel 20, Bessemer Academy 48

Going up against one of the best AISA teams in the state, the Evangel Lightning were a little overwhelmed early in their contest against Bessemer Academy on Friday, Sept. 21.

“I think we were honestly just shocked at how big and fast they really were,” head coach Tim Smith said after the game.

The Lightning did, however, rebound in the second half, but it was just too little too late in a 48-20 loss.

“We played much better in the second half,” Smith said. “I was pleased with out we bounced back and I’m proud of my kids. We were outmanned, but kept playing. Hopefully this is something that will help us be better down the line. When you play good talent, it makes you better. That’s always been my motto.”

Will Ferrell had a big 60-yard screen play that saw him break one tackle and take it to the house before being injured later in the game. Smith was also impressed with Tyler Henderson on offense at quarterback, while Hunter Greene’s 12 tackles on defense were also noteworthy.

Evangel will host Success Unlimited in their final 11-man game of the season on Friday, Sept. 28, at the Columbiana Sports Complex.

Vincent 12, Thorsby 47

Vincent’s schedule has seen easier times as the Yellow Jackets fell victim to a second consecutive game against a top-5 team when they squared off against the No. 5 Thorsby Rebels.

The Rebels have been dominant so far this season and kept up the impressive play with a 47-12 victory against the Yellow Jackets.

With the loss, Vincent fell to 0-4 overall and 0-2 in region play, while Thorsby remained unbeaten this season.

The good news for the Yellow Jackets is that the next three games are all winnable opportunities depending on health and how much they have grown through this difficult stretch.

Coosa Valley 6, Lowndes Academy 35

Like Vincent, the Coosa Valley Academy Rebels have hit a difficult stretch in their schedule as well after falling to Lowndes Academy by a final of 35-6 on Friday, Sept. 21.

The Rebels have taken on legitimate state championship contenders in three consecutive weeks, making it a difficult stretch.

In their final five games, however, the Rebels will take on just one team with a record above .500 as they look to gain steam in head coach Jamie Scruggs first season at the helm.