Sam Adams

With their 31-21 victory over the McGill-Toolen Yellow Jackets (7-3, 5-2) Friday night, the Hillcrest Patriots (9-2, 5-1) have secured a second-round matchup at No. 1 Opelika in the second round.

On the first college football Saturday for the ACC, Tuscaloosa natives likely saw the 2019 Hillcrest graduate, Jay Bramblett, shine on special teams as the starting punter for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Hillcrest picked up its first win in 6A Regional play as it defeated the Brookwood Panthers 49-14.

Both teams started quickly, exchanging opening possession touchdowns. Hillcrest with a 56-yard touchdown pass from Ethan Crawford to J'Quon Sturdivant and Homewood with a Sam Carr 8-yard run. However Hillcrest's ability for explosive plays ultimately propelled them ahead of the home side and allowed them to cruise to a 49-19 victory.