Hillcrest Improves to 8-0 With 58-12 Win Over Paul W. Bryant

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Hillcrest continued its undefeated season with a commanding 58-12 victory over Paul W. Bryant on Friday, erupting for 51 first-half points as three Patriots players recorded two touchdowns apiece.

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The Patriots’ first touchdown came on a 7-yard run by senior quarterback Jordan Shambley, giving Hillcrest a 7-0 lead with 6:18 remaining in the first quarter.

Hillcrest’s defense forced a three-and-out on the next drive, leading to another Patriots score. Junior running back Jacobi Harris punched it in from two yards out for his first touchdown, and freshman quarterback Zion Duncan rushed in the two-point conversion to give Hillcrest a 15-0 lead with 2:43 left in the opening quarter.

Two plays later, the Patriots’ defense extended the lead when senior linebacker Jayden Brown stormed past the Stampede’s line and sacked Paul W. Bryant’s quarterback in the end zone for a safety, making it 17-0 with 2:31 left in the first quarter.

Hillcrest added another touchdown before the end of the first quarter, with Harris notching his second rushing score from two yards out to make it 24-0 heading into the second quarter.

In the second quarter, the Patriots added 27 more points. Shambley scored his second touchdown on a 10-yard scramble, and senior punter and punt returner Gunner Webb returned a punt 62 yards for another score.

Freshman backup quarterback Zion Duncan entered the game for Shambley and scored the Patriots’ final two first-half touchdowns: a 29-yard pass to junior wide receiver Christopher Compton and an 80-yard rush, giving Hillcrest a commanding 51-point lead at halftime.

The second half featured a running clock, with Hillcrest bringing in its backups,  many of whom had already subbed in before halftime. Freshman running back Jordan Dozier scored on a 20-yard speed option from Duncan, putting the Patriots up 58-0 with 4:09 left in the third quarter.

Paul W. Bryant managed to get on the board, avoiding a shutout with five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Junior running back Jamarion King scored on a 5-yard rush, making the score 58-6.

The Stampede added another touchdown when senior linebacker Terryll Williams recovered a fumble on a botched speed option and returned it 35 yards for a score. Bryant missed both extra-point attempts, including one blocked by Hillcrest, leaving the final score at 58-12.

Hillcrest improved to 8-0, while Paul W. Bryant dropped to 3-5. The Stampede will travel to face McAdory next Friday, Oct. 23, while the Patriots host Bessemer City in a Class 5A, Region 3 matchup.

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 coverage.