Patriots rebound from tough opener with strong September

The Homewood Patriots began and will end the season with stiff competition.

The team’s first game resulted in a 34-14 loss to the Vestavia Rebels, who are ranked 10th in the state according to maxpreps.com, and will face Russell High School, ranked 26th in the state, in November.

Ranking 33rd in the state, the Patriots have triumphantly rebounded from the tough 2013 season opener. Through September, the team continued to improve play. After Vestavia, Homewood combined an unstoppable offense with a stifling defense in route to a 42-7 demolition of Chilton County.  

Against Chilton County, tailback Walter Rutledge led the devastating offensive attack as he rushed for 118 yards and three touchdowns.

Quarterback Carson Griffis was an effective field general, scoring a touchdown and completing 75 percent of his passes for 125 yards.

Dvonta Barnfield, tailback cornerback, gained an enormous 97 yards and two touchdowns on just three carries. And Devonte Wallace, the wide receiver and kick returner, joined the parade of gaudy offensive stats with 78 yards and a touchdown on just two catches.

The following week, Homewood dominated every phase of the game against the Briarwood  Christian Lions, scoring a whopping 24 points in the second quarter e route to a 38-14 win. The Patriots limited the Lions to only one first down and 52 yards in the first half, while Homewood gained 16 first downs and 260 yards by halftime.

Rutledge, a senior, paced the ground attack with 145 yards on 31 carries. Quarterback Carson Griffis passed for four touchdowns and began the contest with a sizzling 8-for-8 in the first quarter.

In September, the Patriots played Ramsay and Wetumpka, and will kickoff the month of October by playing Carroll Catholic.

The Patriots end of the season matchup is against the Russell Wildcats.

Keep up with the Patriots’ weekly progress in 2013 at thehomewoodstar.com.