TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- The undefeated Hewitt-Trussville Huskies showcased their defensive prowess and offensive grit, blanking the Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa Patriots 24-0 at Roy Johnson Jr. Stadium on Friday night. The Class 7A Region 3 showdown highlighted the Huskies' ability to control both sides of the ball, marking Hillcrest's first shutout loss since 2020.
If you like defense, you're going to like this Huskies' defense. "I've seen a lot of energy come to play, like one thing I've been preaching this whole year is go out there and have fun, said Huskies LB De'Narrius Crawford. "You know, have each other back and just having fun, that's all about the game. We have the number one D in the state, you know, everybody preaching it. Ready to come back next week."
The game started with a defensive stand, as Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa forced Hewitt-Trussville to turn the ball over on downs during the Huskies' opening drive. However, the Patriots' offense struggled to capitalize, hampered by Hewitt-Trussville's stifling defense. The Huskies struck first in the game, marching 60 yards down the field behind senior running back Deuce Alston and freshman Jack Floyd. Alston capped the drive with a one-yard touchdown run, giving the Huskies a 7-0 lead with 7:10 left in the first quarter.
With 1:42 left in the first quarter, Henry Farrell drilled a 37-yard field goal, and the Huskies led 10-0 to end the first quarter. The second quarter saw both defenses shine. Hewitt-Trussville fumbled just outside Hillcrest's 10-yard line after a bad snap, but the Patriots couldn't find any rhythm offensively. Late in the first half, linebacker De'Narrius Crawford picked off a Patriots' pass to give the Huskies good field position. Despite the prime field position, the Huskies couldn't convert before halftime, keeping the score at 10-0 at halftime.
Hewitt-Trussville (5-0, 3-0) opened the second half with intensity, forcing Hillcrest into a three-and-out. Starting at midfield, Floyd took charge, showcasing his dual-threat ability. The 5-foot-8, 160-pound signal-caller carried the ball 16 times for 87 yards and a touchdown while completing 14 of 17 passing for 149 yards and another touchdown. His scrambling and precise passing wore down Hillcrest's defense, leading to two more second-half scores.
With 7:56 left in the third quarter, Floyd scored on a 6-yard touchdown run, and the Huskies led 17-0 midway through the third quarter. With 6:19 left in the fourth quarter, Floyd hit Dylan Cope on a 46-yard touchdown pass play, and the Huskies led 24-0 late in the game. "Last year, this team had the most yards against us and scored 16 points in the first half, so we came in this game with a different mindset," said Huskies LB Parker Floyd. "We were determined to shut them out this year."
With the win, Hewitt-Trussville solidifies its status as a top Class 7A contender, improving to 5-0 as it prepares to host Pinson Valley next Friday. Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa (3-2, 1-2) will look to rebound on the road against Hueytown in a non-region matchup.
