Patriots close regular season at Tuscaloosa County

The Homewood Patriots close out the regular season at Northport on Friday night against Tuscaloosa County.

The Patriots (7-2) finished tied with Walker for the Class 6A, Region 5 title, but Walker is the champ due to the Vikings’ win over the Patriots. As runner-up, Homewood is locked in to host Lee of Huntsville next week in round one of the playoffs.

Regardless, the Pats would love to knock off a 7A school Friday and move into the playoffs with momentum.

Homewood is 5-0 all-time against the Wildcats, including a 24-12 win last season. Tuscaloosa County has had a rough go this season, going 0-9.

Last week the Patriots went to Jackson-Olin for a Thursday game and played a solid all-around game in beating the Mustangs 27-3. The defense was especially tough, getting burned only for a fake punt that set up a field goal.

Derrick Underwood amassed 121 yards rushing and scored a touchdown.

“Derrick had a big night,” Homewood coach Ben Berguson said. “Chestin Jones ran well. We had a good game rushing the ball tonight. I was pleased with our offensive line.

“And I was real happy with our defense, they played great again this week. I thought Griffin Gentry had a huge first half.

Berguson still felt the offense could improve and finish off a couple of drives with touchdowns that resulted in Roger Castro field goals. Castro hit from 32 and 33 yards.

Carson Griffis connected with Griffin Walker for a 5-yard TD pass, Walker’s first varsity touchdown.

At the half, Underwood had 121 yards on 15 carries, and he mostly let others do the heavy lifting after the break, especially Jones, who showed off his speed on a 44-yard burst for a TD on Homewood’s first second-half possession.

Kickoff at Tuscaloosa County’s Wildcat Field is 7 p.m.