By DREW DENNIS / For the Reporter

The Autauga Academy Generals defeated the Coosa Valley Rebels, 21-12, in what was a defensive battle for most of the game until the Generals opened it up in the fourth quarter.

Coosa Valley’s attempt to get on the board first early in the second quarter resulted in a poor snap that led to a missed field goal by Zach Sharp.

Autauga Academy then found the end zone with a 45-yard touchdown run by Eric Graham.  The point after made it 7-0 with 6:09 remaining in the second quarter.

A bad punt by the Generals with 2:05 left in the half gave the Rebels excellent field position on the Generals’ 24 yard line. The drive stalled however and Rebels settled for Zach Sharp’s 41-yard field goal, which made the score 7-3 Autauga going into the half.

The first play from scrimmage for the Generals in the second half resulted in a fumble by Tommie Vinson, which was recovered by Ryan Brooks at the 36 yard line.  The Rebels were once again unable to take advantage of field position but got on the board with Zach Sharp’s 51-yard field, which made the score 7-6 Autauga with 10:18 left in the third quarter.

Coosa Valley’s defense came up big and forced the Generals to consecutive three-and outs.  Coosa Valley appeared to take control of the game and went up 12-7 on Niko Teofilo’s 7-yard touchdown run.  The PAT was no good due to a bad snap on the play.

Autauga came back, as Michael Sweat’s 25-yard pass to Tommie Vinson set up Eric Graham’s 35 yard touchdown run a minute into the fourth quarter that took the air out of the rebels sideline.  Zach Paulene’s two point conversion run was good which gave the Generals the lead back at 15-12.

Zach Paulene scored again from one yard out that was setup by Eric Graham’s 24 yard run, which made it a two possession game for the rebels at 21-12 with 5:29 seconds left in the game.

Coosa Valley was unable to make a run and Autauga came out with a 21-12 victory.

Coosa Valley Academy’s head coach Arlton Hudson said he knew his team was in for a tough football game.

“I told the kids this week it was going to be a dog fight and that they had a couple of athletes that we weren’t going to be able to match up with very well,” he said. “It’s high school football and kids are going to make mistakes, we just have to get better every game.”

The Rebels will host Fort Dale Academy Sept. 6.