The Class 7A Region 3 race heats up Friday night when the undefeated Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa Patriots (3-0) travel to Buddy Anderson Field to face the Vestavia Hills Rebels (2-1) in a key early-season matchup. The Patriots are coming off an impressive 34-26 victory over perennial powerhouse Hoover in which running back Jacobi Harris rushed for three first-quarter touchdowns. Quarterback Jordan Shambley provided some balance, completing 8 of 14 passes for 143 yards. The Rebels are seeking to rebound from last week’s 28-14 loss to Hewitt-Trussville , though junior quarterback Charlie Taaffe showed promise with 61 rushing yards and 144 passing yards, connecting eight times with receiver Luke Stubbs. Carson Purdy provided Vestavia’s scoring punch with both touchdown runs. Vestavia Hills

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