By MICKEL PONTHIEUX / Shelby County Reporter

MONTEVALLO – The Montevallo Bulldogs capitalized on four second half fumbles by the Thorsby Rebels in a 28-20 homecoming win on Oct. 19.

“It was a great job by the guys,” said Montevallo head coach Andrew Zow. “We were able to hang tight. Guys are learning to fight through adversity.

“We have to learn from this and move on.”

The Rebels took a 20-14 lead in at the half when Nathan Oldroyd connected with Bradley Evans for a 21-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter.

Montevallo evened the game with their first drive of the third quarter when Trevor Chatham found Landon Goodwin for a 37-yard touchdown for a 20-20 score.

Thorsby fumbled the ball on their next three possessions, but Montevallo was unable to take advantage until late in the fourth quarter.

The Rebels fumbled on their first play from scrimmage for the third time in the second half to give the Bulldogs the ball in prime scoring position at the 1-yard line.

“The defense turned it completely around in the second half,” said Zow. “They fought hard and all of a sudden the ball started bouncing our way. The offense just has to punch those in.”

Montevallo’s Ronezz Stevens punched the ball in for Montevallo with a touchdown on the ensuing play, and then converted on the two-point conversion to seal up the 28-20 victory.

“We got that opportunity and I felt like we could get it done,” Zow said on the Stephens’ score.

Stevens rushed for a team-high 84 yards on nine carries with two scores.

Thorsby put the first points on the board when Oldroyd found Christopher Brown for a 14-yard touchdown pass for a 7-0 Rebels lead.

The Bulldogs answered on their ensuing possession when Stephens scored on his first touchdown of the night, and later added the two-point conversion for an 8-7 Montevallo lead.

Montevallo added to their lead later in the first when Cortez Williams scored on a 6-yard touchdown run for a 14-7 lead headed into the second period.

Chatham finished the game with 11-for-20 for 110 yards and a touchdown. Landon Goodwin led the Bulldog receivers with five catches for 76 yards and a score.

Montevallo will host Leeds on Oct. 26 in their final home game of the season.