The Homewood Patriots avenged their shutout loss to Vestavia last week by defeating the Helena Huskies 24-15.

The Patriots (2-1) and Huskies (2-1) were frozen at zero for the first 20 minutes of the game until Homewood finally settled in.

Senior running back Mondrell Odell capped off a methodical, six-minute drive with a 4-yard touchdown to strike the first blow in this group 6A match-up.

Despite great efforts by Helena running back Jordan Washington, Homewood’s defense remained strong and forced a punt as time whittled down in the first half. With less than 90 seconds left, Woods Ray lead the Patriots on a 75-second drive, capped off with a 25-yard touchdown to Charlie Reeves, extending the Homewood lead to 14-0.

Right out of halftime, Helena forced a 3-and-out, giving the ball back to the Husky offense. A 61-yard touchdown drive ensued, as Washington scored a 31-yard touchdown, giving Helena its first points of the game. Helena converted a 2-point conversion drawing within six of the Patriots.

A tipped pass on Homewood’s next possession led to an interception and another Washington touchdown for Helena. For the first time in this game, head coach Ben Berguson and his Patriots trailed the Huskies.

Homewood was able to regain the lead as Whit Armistead drilled a 23-yard field goal giving the Patriots a 2-point cushion.

The rest of this game would hinge on how well the Patriot defense could defend the Huskies. Helena mismanaged its chance as they fumbled the ball on the ensuing kickoff, leading to a 19-yard Calyb Colbert touchdown. 

The Huskies continued to struggle as they could not rely on the run game at this stage and were forced to air it out. The Patriots made another stand, leading to a turnover on downs. 

From there on out it was cruise control, as the Patriots milked the clock and secured their second victory of the season. 

Homewood continues regional play next week, against the Calera Eagles at Waldrop Stadium.