In a thrilling semi-final match, the Vestavia Hills Rebels secured their place in the Alabama High School Athletic Association state championship by defeating Spain Park 20-19 on Wednesday. The game, held at Reynolds Stadium, showcased the resilience of the Rebels, who overcame a 13-0 deficit to clinch the victory.
Quarterback Julia Rose played a pivotal role in the comeback, connecting with her favorite target, Alexis Rubin, for an 8-yard touchdown pass with 4:58 remaining in the game. Rose also delivered a crucial extra point throw to Caroline Nintzel after a previous attempt was nullified due to offensive pass interference. This clutch performance helped the Rebels extend their impressive record to 28 wins and 1 loss this season.
With the win, Vestavia Hills advances to the Class 6A/7A title game scheduled for December 3 at Birmingham’s Protective Stadium. They will face the two-time defending champion, Central-Phenix City, who has not lost in 56 consecutive games. The Rebels are riding a 27-game win streak of their own, adding to the high stakes of the upcoming championship.
Rose’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. She added 288 yards to her state-record total of 6,617 passing yards and notched her 121st career touchdown pass. Completing 18 of 40 attempts, she faced significant pressure from the Spain Park defense throughout the game. “I can’t say enough about Julia Rose,” said Vestavia head coach Daniel Davis. “She willed us to the win. She was not going to be denied.”
Spain Park initially took control of the game with a strong defensive showing. Freshman Libby Gray and senior Josie Gray pressured Rose effectively, leading to mistakes that allowed Spain Park to take a commanding early lead. The Jaguars scored first when Rory Payton intercepted Rose and returned it 44 yards for a touchdown.
The Jaguars increased their lead to 13-0 when quarterback Jenna Kate Hutchison connected with Abby Whatley for a 10-yard scoring pass in the first quarter. However, Rose responded by narrowing the gap with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Molly Mac Sharp, bringing the score to 13-6 at halftime. She later tied the game at 13 with another touchdown pass to Sharp in the third quarter.
As the game progressed, the tension built. Spain Park regained the lead when Hutchison found Whatley again for a 10-yard touchdown pass, putting the Jaguars ahead 19-13 with just 2:35 left in the third quarter. Hutchison finished the game with 186 passing yards, completing 22 of 42 attempts.
Despite the challenges, the Rebels’ defense also shone, with Kate Fitzpatrick and Rubin both recording interceptions that proved critical in maintaining momentum for Vestavia Hills during the match. The victory marked Vestavia’s third win over their Region 5 rival this season, further solidifying their competitive edge.
As the Rebels prepare for the championship game, the focus will be on continuing their remarkable run and capturing the state title. Rose’s determination and leadership will be essential as they face Central-Phenix City, a formidable opponent with a long winning streak. The excitement builds in Vestavia Hills as the community rallies behind their team, eager for a championship victory.
