Hillcrest Scores 36 Unanswered in Homecoming Rout of Northridge

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Hillcrest delivered a dominant second-half performance in its Homecoming matchup against Northridge, erupting for 36 unanswered points after entering halftime tied at 7-7.

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Both teams punted on their opening drives, setting a defensive tone early. Offenses struggled to find momentum until Hillcrest struck first with a 60-yard, nine-play drive capped by a three-yard rushing touchdown from junior running back Dylan Taylor, giving the Patriots a 7-0 lead with 1:19 left in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Jaguars’ defense shined, forcing two turnovers on consecutive drives, both courtesy of junior defensive back Jaden Wright.

Wright’s first interception came at the five-minute mark in the second quarter, and Northridge capitalized as sophomore quarterback Maximus Bruinton connected with senior wide receiver Demeriyan Cotton for a 40-yard touchdown, tying the game at 7-7 with 2:54 left in the half.

With under two minutes left in the half, Hillcrest drove into scoring position, but senior quarterback Jordan Shambley’s pass to the back corner of the end zone was intercepted by Wright, his second pick of the game, keeping the score tied at 7 heading into halftime.

The second half told a different story. Northridge opened with an unsuccessful onside kick, giving Hillcrest the ball at midfield. Just two plays later, sophomore running back Anthony Shepherd broke free for a 45-yard touchdown, putting Hillcrest ahead 14-7 with 11:19 left in the third quarter.

From there, Hillcrest took complete control on both sides of the ball. In the third quarter, Taylor powered in his second touchdown, a four-yard run, followed by a successful two-point conversion from sophomore quarterback Dillion Kimbrough, extending the lead to 22-7 with 7:38 remaining in the third.

Taylor completed his three-touchdown night with another rushing score early in the fourth quarter, pushing Hillcrest’s advantage to 29-7 with 11:54 to play.

Hillcrest’s defense got on the scoreboard when sophomore defensive back Jaylin Bennett returned an interception 75 yards for a touchdown, making it 36-7 with ten minutes left.

The Patriots’ final touchdown came courtesy of senior quarterback Jordan Shambley, who, under heavy pressure, found senior wide receiver Brenden Williams in the back of the end zone for a 15-yard score, sealing the 43-7 victory.

Hillcrest improved to 5-0 on the season and 3-0 in 5A Region 3 play. The Patriots will have a bye next week before traveling to Brookwood to face the Panthers on Friday, Oct. 2.

Northridge dropped to 2-3 overall and 1-2 in region play. The Jaguars also have a bye next week before traveling to face Paul W. Bryant on the first Friday of October.

Micah Nichols covers Alabama baseball, football, and basketball for Tide 100.9. Follow @MicahNichols0 on X for in-game updates, highlights, and more Crimson Tide content.