By WESLEY HALLMAN / Sports Editor

Calera High School wrapped up Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 4A, Region 3 play with a 39-22 win over Childersburg on the road in its final region game Oct. 20.

The Eagles, who erased a 14-13 deficit at halftime, racked up 319 yards of total offense in the victory.

Senior wide receiver Jeremy Hyde accounted for four touchdowns in the victory.

“I’m wanting to get back on a winning streak,” Hyde said. “It’s my senior year. I want to go out with some wins.”

Following a rushing touchdown by Childersburg in the first quarter, Calera senior Jeremy Hyde broke free up the middle of the field for an 80-yard touchdown run to put the Eagles on the scoreboard with 6:04 remaining in the opening quarter. Sophomore Stephen Ellison added the extra point to tie the game at 7-7.

The Eagles (3-6 overall, 2-5 in Class 4A, Region 3) took a 13-7 lead following a 1-yard touchdown run by junior Sam Adams with 8:47 remaining in the second quarter. Childersburg blocked a punt by Hyde and returned it for a touchdown to carry a 14-13 lead into the locker room at halftime.

Calera regained the lead following a 22-yard touchdown pass from Zack Reneau to Hyde with 9:08 left in the third quarter, which gave the Eagles a 19-14 lead. Childersburg added a touchdown with 6:42 remaining in the quarter to take a 22-19 lead, its last of the game.

Following a long pass play from Hyde to Reneau following a reverse handoff from sophomore Ronnie Clark to Hyde, Reneau threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Hyde in the flat with 3:52 remaining in the third quarter to give the Eagles the lead for good. Ellison added the extra point to give Calera a 26-22 lead.

Reneau threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Clark in the corner of the end zone with 8:20 remaining in the game, which pushed the Eagles’ lead to 32-22.

Calera melted the clock late in the fourth quarter with runs by Clark and Adams before Reneau tossed a 5-yard touchdown pass to Hyde with 49 seconds remaining in the game. Ellison added the extra point for the final point in the game.

Adams rushed for 82 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. Reneau completed 15-of-19 passes for 129 yards and four touchdowns.

First-year coach Wiley McKeller said the youthful Calera squad has shown improvement each week.

“This team is still working and getting better,” McKeller said. “That’s what you want to see.”