MOUNTAIN BROOK -- The #3 Mountain Brook Spartans used a big special team play, a passing touchdown and four quarters of big time defense while they defeated #2 Briarwood Christian 14-0 at Spartan Stadium on Thursday night. With the win, the Spartans are on pace to get the Class 6A, Region 5 title and get the number one seed in this region for the playoffs. 

The Spartans defense held Briarwood Christian to only 15 rushing yards in the game and made the Lions a very one dimensional team for most of the game. "The defense was heroic, they played out of their minds," said Spartans head coach Chris Yeager. "They did exactly what they needed to do for us. We had breakdowns on offense in every phase tonight, but the defense just carried us the whole game. They kept playing hard and there are areas we will improve in."

Mountain Brook (6-1, 4-0) scored first in the game when wide receiver Jake Thompson took a punt and raced 75-yards for a touchdown. With the score, the Spartans led 7-0 with 3:34 left in the first quarter. With 10:50 left in the second quarter, John Colvin connected with Jackson Beatty on a 10-yard touchdown pass play for the Spartans and they led 14-0 early in the second quarter.

Both teams had chances during the game, but turnovers, blocked field goal, missed field goal and good defense just limited both teams scoring drives.

Early in the game, Grant Bruce recovered a Spartans fumble at the Lions 4-yard line to turn away a scoring opportunity for Mountain Brook. Spartans linebacker John McMillan recovered a fumble on a 4th and 10 play in Mountain Brook territory in the second half. With 1:13 left in the game, Braxton Dean picked off a Lions pass again deep in Mountain Brook territory to snuff out a Lions scoring opportunity. "Everyone just stuck together on our defensive assignments tonight," said Spartans LB McMillan. "We just played our game. We had to put pressure on (Christopher) Vizzina because he is a really good quarterback. Our game plan was to keep him in the box because we knew he could take off and hurt us running the football and I think we did this for the most part. This is a great region title and a big win for the team."

Injuries had played a part in this game for Briarwood Christian. Wide receiver Jay Butler was injured in the first half of the game and Luke Reebals was very limited on running the football. Wide receiver Nick Dicen has still not made his way on the field this season but should get back soon.

For Briarwood Christian, Vizzina finished the game completing 24-of-45 passing for 245 yards with no touchdowns and one interceptions. Cooper Higgins had eight catches for 60 yards and Ethan Anderson had five receptions for 51 yards. 

For Mountain Brook, Colvin completed 9-of-16 passing for 147 yards and one touchdown. Cole Gamble had 58 yards on 10 carries and George Can had 34 yards on 10 carries. Thompson had four receptions for 38 yards and Beatty had two receptions for 59 yards and the touchdown.

Up next, Mountain Brook will travel to Homewood, while Briarwood Christian has an open week next Friday night.