VINEMONT, Ala. – Vinemont scored with 12 seconds remaining Friday night, but its ensuing 2-point conversion attempt came up short as Hokes Bluff held on for a 29-28 victory. Karson Arbet connected with Brandon Johnson for a 5-yard touchdown to bring Vinemont within a point. The Eagles attempted a 2-point conversion for the lead, but the play was ruled short of the goal line. Vinemont was unable to recover the ensuing onside kick.
Vinemont received the opening kickoff and drove down the field, taking a 6-0 lead on Josh Rhodes’ 6-yard touchdown run with 4:39 remaining in the first quarter.
The Eagles forced a punt on Hokes Bluff’s next possession but later turned the ball over.
A Hokes Bluff fumble two plays later returned possession to Vinemont, which capitalized on Rhodes’ 1-yard touchdown run with 1:39 remaining in the first half to extend its lead to 14-0.
Hokes Bluff answered before halftime, cutting the deficit to 14-7 with just under a minute remaining.
The visitors needed only two plays on their opening possession of the second half to tie the game at 14.
Arbet scored on a 3-yard run late in the third quarter to put Vinemont ahead 22-14.
Hokes Bluff tied the game at 22 on the ensuing possession, then took a 29-22 lead midway through the fourth quarter.
An interception ended a late Vinemont possession, but the Eagles forced a quick punt to give their offense one more opportunity.
Arbet’s touchdown pass to Johnson brought Vinemont within 29-28 before the unsuccessful conversion attempt.
Vinemont fell to 4-4 overall and 2-3 in Class 3A, Region 6 play. Hokes Bluff improved to 3-4 overall and 3-2 in the region.
Vinemont travels to Glencoe on Friday, Oct. 16, for another region matchup.
