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(For the Reporter/Robert Dean)

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Sports Editor

Boys

Thanks to a hat trick from Corbitt Grundhoefer, the Oak Mountain Eagles were able to take down Fort Payne 6-3 on Tuesday, March 19, to win their seventh game in the last eight contests and improve to 9-3 overall this season. The Eagles put up five first-half goals to take a 5-1 lead, before overcoming Fort Payne’s two second-half goals to pull off the 6-3 victory. Patrick Guffey played well with two goals, while Cody Wells added one goal.

Spain Park 3, Helena 2

After four consecutive losses by two goals or less, the Spain Park boys’ soccer team was able bounce back with a 3-2 win against Helena. The Jags had lost three of their last four games against ranked teams by one goal, but now have a bit of confidence. After a matchup against Cullman on Friday, March 21, they’ll get a week to rest before striving for a playoff push.

Pelham 2, Stanhope Elmore 3

Pelham fell behind 3-0 in this game, but battled back with goals from Miguel Obando and Irvin Rodriguez. Stanhope Elmore has yet to lose a game this season, so it’s not a bad loss, but each of the Panthers’ last four losses have been by one goal to a ranked opponent. Eventually they’ll have to come through and beat one of those teams to make the season as successful as they’d like.

Briarwood 6, Calera 0

It’s been a special start to the season for the Briarwood Lions this season. Through their first 11 games, the Lions were 9-0-2 and set a record for most consecutive shutouts in a row at 10. That, however, was followed by a 1-0 loss to Albertville in their next game to drop their first game of the season. As good teams do, Briarwood responded on Tuesday, March 19, by taking down Calera 6-0 with yet another shutout. They are now 11-1-2 overall and 3-0 in area play heading into spring break.

Girls

Oak Mountain 3, Vestavia Hills 6

No. 1 Oak Mountain and No. 2 Vestavia Hills came into this 7A matchup with a combined record of 23-0, meaning one would drop their first game of the season on Tuesday, March 19. Despite taking a 2-1 lead, Oak Mountain became that team after giving up four unanswered goals to the Rebels. The Eagles cut the deficit to one on a Danielle Retief goal with 20 minutes remaining, but Vestavia bounced back with two more goals late to close it out by a final of 6-3. 

Chelsea 10, Pelham 0

Both of these teams are now 10-1 overall after this game, but Chelsea made a statement with its 10-0 victory to earn first place in the area for the time being with a 2-0 area record. The Hornets left no doubt in the game by running away with it, and is now the clear favorite to be the No. 1 of the two teams that make the playoffs from the area.

More 280 Reporter

Spain Park finishes off sweep of Chelsea, will play Hewitt-Trussville for area title

Spain Park clinches area title with senior night win over Hewitt-Trussville

Coosa Valley takes area championship, state quarterfinal spot with sweep of Cornerstone

Briarwood wins area championship with second-half rally against Pelham