Sarah Finnegan
Briarwood VS Shelby County Football 2017
Carson Donnelley (2) runs the ball during a game between Shelby County and Briarwood on Friday, Oct. 20, 2017, at Lions Pride Stadium in Birmingham.
The Briarwood Christian School football team isn’t satisfied.
Briarwood (8-0, 6-0 Class 5A, Region 5) knocked off Shelby County, 39-14, last week to wrap up the region title, but the Lions felt there were many things they could have done better.
“To be 8-0 is pretty cool, but we’re not near where we want to be,” said senior receiver Carson Eddy.
Briarwood was flagged seven times, three of which were calls for blocks in the back. The offensive line, which was down two starters, allowed three sacks in the first half.
“We’ve got to climb our way out of some of the mistakes we’re making,” said Briarwood head coach Fred Yancey.
Briarwood led 18-0 at halftime, despite getting off to a slow start. The Lions struggled to sustain drives and avoid long down-and-distances, but scoring plays of 37, 47 and 69 yards had a lot to do with that.
Quarterback Michael Hiers finished 10-of-17 for 239 yards and two touchdowns against one interception. Running back JR Tran-Reno did most of his work in the second half, finishing with 11 carries for 151 yards and three touchdowns. Hudson Hartsfield reeled in four passes for 121 yards and a score, while Eddy finished with 99 yards on four grabs. Luke Prewett rushed for 78 yards on just three carries.
The Briarwood defense held Shelby County to 220 total yards, only three of which were passing yards. Recovering fumbles for the Lions were Jonathan Hill, Andrew Sherrod and Joseph Munganast.
Briarwood will get a chance to improve this week, as the Lions travel to Pleasant Grove to wrap up region play on Friday night.
Pleasant Grove comes into the contest 5-3 on the year, 4-2 in region play. The Spartans are fresh off blowout wins over Shelby County and Woodlawn and will be the No. 4 seed to come out of Region 5 for the playoffs.
Last year, Briarwood knocked off Pleasant Grove, 12-7.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Spartan Stadium.
- Gary Lloyd contributed to this report.
