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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Mountain Brook running back Cole Gamble (19) runs with the ball during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Mountain Brook head coaches Chris Yeager and Vestavia Hills head coach Robert Evans talk before a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Mountain Brook quarter back John Cooper (11) gets ready to throw a pass during warm ups before a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Mountain Brook kicker Harrison Fell (36) warms up while Mountain Brook coach Gabe Rodriguez looks on before a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Vestavia wide receiver Parker Fulton (14) catches a pass during warm ups before a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Vestavia Hills head coach Robert Evans before a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Mountain Brook head coach Chris Yeager before a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Vestavia kicker Owen Simpson (96) punts the ball during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Vestavia quarter back John Paul Head (13) throws a pass during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Vestavia huddles up during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Mountain Brook defensive back Tucker Crawford (29) breaks up a pass during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Vestavia running back William Tonsmeire (1) runs with the ball during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Vestavia running back Bruce Littleton (22) runs with the ball during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Vestavia quarter back John Paul Head (13) scores a touchdown during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Mountain Brook quarter back John Cooper (11) throws a pass during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Vestavia wide receiver Keown Richardson (8) looks to stiff arm Mountain Brook defensive back Hampton King (38) while running with ball during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Mountain Brook quarter back John Cooper (11) throws a pass to running back Stuart Andrews (10) during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Mountain Brook line backer William Grier McDuffie (10) tackles Vestavia quarter back John Paul Head (13) causing a fumble during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Vestavia quarter back John Paul Head (13) throws a pass during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Vestavia running back Wiliam Tonsmeire (1) fights for extra yardage during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Vestavia defensive end Jordan Ross (5) catches a touchdown pass during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Vestavia quarter back John Paul Head (13) runs with the ball while being escorted by his teammates during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
The Vestavia Marching Band performs during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Vestavia running back William Tonsmeire (1) runs with the ball during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
The Vestavia Marching Band performs during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
The Vestavia Marching Band performs during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
The Mountain Brook Marching Band performs during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
The Vestavia Marching Band performs during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Mountain Brook running back Cole Gamble (19) runs with the ball during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
The Mountain Brook Marching Band performs during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Vestavia head coach Robert Evans talks with officials during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Vestavia huddles up before a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
The coaches shake hands after a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Mountain Brook head coach Chris Yeager addresses his team after a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
The Mountain Brook marching band pumps up the crowd during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
A Vestavia cheer leader signales the start of the 4th quarter during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
The Vestavia cheer leaders preform during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Mountain Brook students cheer on their team during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Vestavia head coach Robert Evans addresses his team after a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Mountain Brook quarter back John Cooper (11) throws a pass to tight end JC Adams (46) during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
The Mountain Brook offensive line and Vestavia defensive line wait for the snap during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
Mountain Brook cheerleaders lead the crowd in cheers during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
The Mountain Brook Marching Band performs during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by Richard Force
Mountain Brook vs. Vestavia Hills Football
The Vestavia Marching Band performs during a game between the Mountain Brook Spartans and Vestavia Hills Rebels at Spartan Stadium in Mountain Brook, AL on Thursday August 24, 2023. Photo by Richard Force
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Photo by David Leong.
Vestavia quarterback John Paul Head (13) carries the ball in a game against the Spartans at Mountain Brook High School’s Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Vestavia quarterback John Paul Head (13) looks for a receiver in a game against Mountain Brook High School at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Vestavia running back William Tonsmeire (1) carries the ball in a game against Mountain Brook High School at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Vestavia wide receiver Carson Mann (5) carries the ball in a game against Mountain Brook High School at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
The Mountain Brook marching band performs during halftime in a game against Vestavia Hills at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Vestavia kicker Owen Simpson (96) in a game against Mountain Brook High School at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Vestavia quarterback John Paul Head (13) carries the ball in a game against Mountain Brook High School at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Mountain Brook running back Cole Gamble (19) carries the ball in a game against Vestavia Hills High School at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Vestavia quarterback John Paul Head (13) looks for a receiver in a game against Mountain Brook High School at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Vestavia quarterback John Paul Head (13) hands off the ball to Running Back William Tonsmeire (1) in a game against Mountain Brook High School at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
The Mountain Brook marching band performs during halftime in a game against Vestavia Hills at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Vestavia kicker Owen Simpson (96) in a game against Mountain Brook High School at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Mountain Brook kicker Harrison Fell (36) attempts an extra point in a game against Vestavia Hills High School at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Mountain Brook quarterback John Cooper (11) looks for a receiver in a game against Vestavia Hills High School at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Mountain Brook quarterback John Cooper (11) throwing a pass in a game against Vestavia Hills High School at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Vestavia running back William Tonsmeire (1) carries the ball in a game against Mountain Brook High School at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Vestavia quarterback John Paul Head (13) carries the ball in a game against Mountain Brook High School at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
The Vestavia Hills marching band performs during halftime in a game against Mountain Brook at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
The Vestavia Hills marching band performs during halftime in a game against Mountain Brook at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
The Vestavia Hills marching band performs during halftime in a game against Mountain Brook at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Mountain Brook wide receiver Hudson Young (26) misses a pass in a game against Vestavia Hills at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Vestavia quarterback John Paul Head (13) carries the ball in a game against Mountain Brook High School at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
The Mountain Brook marching band performs during halftime in a game against Vestavia Hills at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
The Vestavia Hills marching band performs during halftime in a game against Mountain Brook at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Vestavia quarterback John Paul Head (13) throws the ball in a game against Mountain Brook High School at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Vestavia wide receiver Cooper Mollison (11) carries the ball in a game against Mountain Brook High School at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Vestavia kicker Carter Shirley (19) kicks an extra point in a game against Mountain Brook High School at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Mountain Brook quarterback John Cooper (11) carries the ball in a game against Vestavia Hills at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
The Vestavia Hills marching band performs during halftime in a game against Mountain Brook at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Vestavia Hills marching band drum major during halftime of a game against Mountain Brook at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Mountain Brook Head Coach Chris Yeager talks with the Spartans following the team’s 35-10 loss to Vestavia Hills at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
The Vestavia Hills marching band performs during halftime in a game against Mountain Brook at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
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Photo by David Leong.
Vestavia corner Kaden Daniels (6) blocks a pass to Mountain Brook wide receiver Clark Sanderson (21) in a game at Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Photo by David Leong.
MOUNTAIN BROOK – By the end of the 2022 season, the Vestavia Hills and Mountain Brook high school football teams were playing as well as any teams in Alabama.
The Rebels and Spartans squared off to begin the 2023 campaign in an annual rivalry, and Vestavia Hills was the squad able to pick up where it left off last fall.
Vestavia Hills routed Mountain Brook 35-10 on a hot evening at Spartan Stadium in a non-region game to kick off the year.
“Mountain Brook is about as quality of a program run by as quality of a man as you can find,” Vestavia Hills head coach Robert Evans said following the game. “We needed to win one of these in a rivalry game.”
Evans served as the defensive coordinator for Mountain Brook and head coach Chris Yeager before taking the Vestavia Hills job last season. The Spartans are coming off an appearance in the Class 6A state championship game, but were unable to gain much traction Thursday night.
“We’re better than we played tonight,” Yeager said. “I know we are. I’m glad we played a really good team and a great opponent. I’m not thankful for the outcome, but I’m thankful for the lessons we’re going to learn from this.”
As was the case in many games last fall, Vestavia Hills quarterback John Paul Head stole most of the spotlight on the stat sheet. The dual-threat signal caller rushed for three touchdowns and threw for another. He ran for 119 yards on 24 carries and completed 13-of-17 passes for 122 yards.
He scored on runs of 2 and 29 yards in the first quarter, springing the Rebels to a 14-3 lead. He added another 1-yard score in the third quarter, but it was his passing touchdown in the second quarter, one that put his team up 21-3 heading into halftime, that will stick with many fans.
The Rebels had a short field after a special teams turnover and entered the red zone quickly. From the 5-yard line, Head dropped back and floated a pass to the back corner of the end zone, where Jordan Ross leapt high into the air and snared the touchdown pass.
Ross, a four-star defensive end prospect who committed to Tennessee earlier in the week, may have bought himself a few more chances on the offensive side of the ball with the impressive touchdown snag.
"We've been working on that in practice," Ross said. "I didn't think it was really going to happen, but he called the play. John Paul threw the pass and I caught it."
The game was pushed back to a 7:30 p.m. kickoff to alleviate some of the heat concerns during what has been the hottest week of the year, but the conditions were still difficult to manage.
“It was a battle of attrition,” Vestavia Hills head coach Robert Evans said. “These conditions are legit and real. I thought our pace wore on them in the first half.”
In a scene not unusual in season-opening games, both teams turned the ball over multiple times. Mountain Brook’s Hampton King and Vestavia’s Kohen Nelson exchanged interceptions on consecutive series in the third quarter.
Mountain Brook’s Cole Gamble picked up right where he left off a season ago, rushing for 215 yards on 24 carries. He was also one of four Mountain Brook receivers to tally between 22 and 26 receiving yards. John Cooper threw for 111 yards in his first start as the Spartans’ quarterback.
“We leaked and leaked and leaked but we had several fourth down stops,” said Evans, who pointed to the total yardage similarities. Mountain Brook finished with 370 total yards, compared to Vestavia’s 367.
Stuart Andrews scored Mountain Brook’s lone touchdown with a 10-yard run in the fourth quarter, but Vestavia Hills’ Chase Webb returned the ensuing kickoff 98 yards to give the game its final tally.
“This is not our first time we’ve been in situation,” Yeager said. “We’re not going to push any panic buttons, we’re not going to get down on our kids, we’re not going to lose confidence.”
Mountain Brook will head to James Clemens next Thursday night to play a second straight 7A team to begin the season. Vestavia Hills will host longtime rival Homewood for the second straight year, as Waldrop Stadium is currently under construction.
“Hopefully we can put on a good showing and wear some red jerseys,” Evans said.
