Homewood star tailback Walter Rutledge ran for four touchdowns, leading the Patriots to a 42-7 playoff victory over Russell County.
Rutledge finished the evening with 100 yards on 17 carries, but did not play the entire game. Quarterback Carson Griffis totaled 94 yards, and receiver John Dorough hauled in 3 passes for 51 yards.
The game was effectively won in the second quarter, when the outstanding Patriots' defense scored two touchdowns to run up a 35-7 lead at intermission. Devonta Barnfield scored on a 41-yard pic-six interception, and DeRico Harris scored on a fumble recovery.
Homewood (9-2), has now won nine of its last ten games. Next week, the Patriots travel to Saraland for the second round of the Alabama Class 5A playoffs.
