The Briarwood Christian Lions took on powerhouse Vestavia Hills and came up a bit short last Friday night.

The Lions fell 20-13 on their home turf, but not without a fight.

Vestavia scored 6 points in the first quarter and 7 in the second while Briarwood posted 13 of its own in the second. But a third quarter touchdown by Vestavia proved the difference as the two power teams fought to a scoreless fourth quarter.

&8220;I was proud that we took a fine 6A team to the wire, but disappointed that we didn&8217;t get the win,&8221; said Briarwood head football coach Fred Yancey. &8220;The effort was great but costly penalties and Vestavia&8217;s goal line defense were the difference in the outcome.&8221;

Briarwood actually got the better of Vestavia on paper gaining 212 yards on the ground and 132 yards through the air for 344 yards of total offense to 188 yards on the ground and 97 through the air for 285 yards for Vestavia.

But Briarwood did give up a turnover and was penalized, 62 yards to 26 yards in Vestavia&8217;s favor.

&8220;I though Jonathan Sillers ran like a champion all night and our very inexperienced offensive line did a fine job of protecting (Barrett) Trotter.&8221;

Trotter went 13 of 26 for 137-yards passing and gained 91 yards on 14 carries.

Sillers gained 104 yards on eight carries.

&8220;Defensively, we played as a unit and with great heart. Matthew Gordan was exceptional as a cover corner and Lance Coggins made a difference with his hustle and deadly tackling.&8221;

Receiving for Briarwood were John Byers who caught seven passes for 87 yards, Sillers who caught three passes for 26 yards and Will Noel who caught two passes for 29 yards.

Yancey said, &8220;Next week [this Friday] we play a fine John Carroll Catholic team at home and we will need to learn from the Vestavia game and improve greatly if we are to win our first region game.&8221;