Editor’s note: This is the eighth in a series in which the Reporter will follow a Shelby County football team as it prepares for an upcoming game. A different team will be featured each week.

The Oak Mountain Eagles kept their playoff hopes alive with a 13-7 win over John Carroll Catholic last Friday night.

The Eagles (4-3 overall) moved into a four-way tie for third place in Class 6A, Region 6 with their first region victory of the season.

&uot;It was a big win for us because it was a region game,&uot; Oak Mountain head coach Toney Pugh said.

&uot;If we win our next two games against Hoover and Spain Park we could host a first-round game (in the playoffs) and that would be huge.&uot;

John Carroll was held in check by Bradley Frye, who led with 15 tackles, and an Oak Mountain defense that held the Cavaliers to 7 points.

The Eagles defense shut out the Cavaliers in the final three quarters after allowing a one-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

&uot;Our defense did a good job of eliminating the big play,&uot; Pugh said. &uot;We just went in trying to know exactly where their big-play guys were.&uot;

The offense was led by sophomore quarterback Trent McKnight who accounted for both of the Eagles’ touchdowns, scoring on a 7-yard keeper in the first quarter and finding Clay Cochran for a 10-yard touchdown pass in the second.

McKnight was 8-of-13 passing for 107 yards. He also rushed 14 times for 36 yards.

&uot;Trent’s really doing a good job,&uot; Pugh said. &uot;He has a calming affect on our offense.&uot;

Chris Johnson led the Eagles with 55 yards rushing on 13 attempts and Bear Burnett was the leading receiver with 54 yards on 2 receptions.

Oak Mountain will face region power Hoover next week.

After Friday night’s win the Eagles know they can play with anybody, Pugh said, including the defending state champion Buccaneers, who were a nationally ranked before falling to Vestavia Hills last Friday.

&uot;We played them before. For three quarters last year we played them as well as anybody,&uot; Pugh said.

Here is how Oak Mountain will prepare for their game against the Bucs at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium.

Monday, 2:55 p.m.: Stretch.

Monday, 3:00 p.m.: Banzai, field goal and extra point blocking.

Monday, 3:10 p.m.: MEAT, Punt blocking.

Monday, 3:20 p.m.: Offensive and Defensive fundamentals.

Monday, 3:40 p.m.: Offense &045; Pass Pro, Defense &045; Pass defense/rush.

Monday, 4:05 p.m.: Offense &045; running.

Monday, 4:20 p.m.: Defensive keys.

Monday, 4:30 p.m.: Blitz pick-up.

Monday, 4:55 p.m.: Specialty conditioning.

Tuesday, 2:55 p.m.: Stretch.

Tuesday, 3:00 p.m.: MEAT, Punt.

Tuesday, 3:10 p.m.: Offensive and Defensive fundamentals.

Tuesday, 3:40 p.m.: Offense &045; Pass Pro/rush, Defense &045; Pass defense/rush.

Tuesday, 3:55 p.m.: Defensive keys.

Tuesday, 4:05 p.m.: Offensive runs.

Tuesday, 4:20 p.m.: Defensive team.

Tuesday, 4:45 p.m.: Offensive team.

Tuesday, 5:00 p.m.: Defense, goal line/short yardage.

Tuesday, 5:10 p.m.: Blitz pick-up.

Tuesday, 5:20 p.m.: Offensive goal line/short yardage.

Tuesday, 5:25 p.m.: Specialty conditioning.

Wednesday, 2:45 p.m.: Stretch.

Wednesday, 2:50 p.m.: Banzai, kick-off returns/hands. Punting and Punt block/MEAT.

Wednesday, 3:10 p.m.: MEAT, Punt blocking.

Wednesday, 3:20 p.m.: Offensive and Defensive fundamentals.

Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.: Offense &045; Passing.

Wednesday, 3:50 p.m.: Defense &045; Pass rush.

Wednesday, 4:00 p.m.: Offense &045; running.

Wednesday, 4:15 p.m.: Offensive Team.

Wednesday, 4:30 p.m.: Defensive Keys.

Wednesday, 4:40 p.m.: Defensive teams.

Wednesday, 4:55 p.m.: Defensive special situations.

Wednesday, 5:05 p.m.: Offensive special situations.

Wednesday, 5:10 p.m.: Specialty Conditioning.

Wednesday, 5:25 p.m.: Weight room.

Thursday, 2:30 p.m.: Stretch.

Thursday, 2:35 p.m.: Pre-game groups.

Thursday, 2:37 p.m.: Team defense/offense/kicking.

Thursday, 2:40 p.m.: Passing and Offensive line assignments.

Thursday, 2:45 p.m.: Game Simulation.

Thursday, 3:25 p.m.: Sub drill.

Friday, 7 p.m.: Kickof