Hillcrest Patriots Flex Muscle Over Central High School in First Meeting Since 2023

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The Hillcrest Patriots dominated the Central Falcons in the Patriots' home opener, 53-13. The Patriots advance to 4-0 on the season, with Friday night's victory being their first home game of the 2026 season.

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The Patriots' run game took the spotlight in Friday night's colossal victory, with four different Patriots ball carriers scoring on the ground. AJ Shephard led the way with 100 yards and two touchdowns on just six carries, while quarterback Jordan Shambley also toted the rock six times for 62 yards and a score. Hillcrest starting running back Jacobi Harris carried the ball seven times for 57 yards and two scores, while Dylan Taylor also had two scores and 29 yards on five carries.

Running back Jacobi Harris was also the leading receiver with seven receptions from Shambley for 98 yards in the 40-point route on Friday night. The Patriots defense hauled in two interceptions for the second consecutive week, with Ka'Marcus Smith and Jaylin Bennett collecting two from Central quarterback Armani White.

For the Falcons, running back James Freeman scored the two touchdowns of the night: one on the ground and one on a kickoff return. On the night, he was the Falcons' leading rusher with seven carries for 65 yards and a score, while returning two kickoffs for a total of 112 yards and a touchdown.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.