John Paul Head rushed for three touchdowns and threw for one more as Vestavia Hills finished its regular season with a 44-24 victory at Helena.

The Rebels (7-3) head to the Class 7A playoffs on a three-game winning streak.

“The main objective was to get out healthy and we got out healthy,” Vestavia coach Robert Evans said. “It was almost like an exhibition game, but they have good players and Coach (Richie) Busby does a good job.

“We’re looking forward to taking our product on the road and hopefully putting a good show on up in Austin.”

Head threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Andrew Sykes in the first quarter and added second-quarter touchdown runs of 11 and 12 yards. He scored on a 2-yard run in the fourth quarter, and Vestavia’s other offensive touchdown came on a 1-yard run by Jack Lockhard.

The Huskies (6-4) ended the season on a three-game losing streak, as they missed out on the 6A playoffs.

“We just shot ourselves in the foot,” Busby said. “Our guys are still hurting from missing the playoffs and just didn’t do a real good job down the stretch, but I thought we ran the ball well and our offensive line played well. You’re just not mentally there when you know you’re not playing the next week.”

Key moment: If Helena had any chance of winning, it ended on its first two second-half possessions. Vestavia’s Grant Downey intercepted a pass on the first drive and while that ensuing drive didn’t end in a score, the Rebels did get in the end zone on a forced fumble in which Jordan Ross scooped and scored from 11 yards out.

Play of the game: It was Ross’ touchdown, which came on a forced fumble when Helena tried an end-around, but botched the handoff. It put Vestavia up 36-10 in the third quarter.

By the numbers: 3, victories by Vestavia in the series, one where the Rebels have not lost to the Huskies. … 2, 2-point conversions from the Rebels on pass receptions by Charlie Ingram and Warren Ainsworth.

Stat sheet: For Vestavia, Head completed 15-of-22 passes for 199 yards and rushed for 132 yards, Lewellyn threw for 119 yards, including touchdown passes to Jax Rush. Brady Johnson had two catches for 88 yards. … For Helena, A.J. Horstead ran for 152 yards and a score, and Jordan Washington ran for 123 yards. … Vestavia outgained Helena 454 yards to 403 yards.

Coachspeak: “I was proud of our guys. It’s hard to get up emotionally for a game that amounts to an exhibition after a long season. That’s why a lot of people have gone to taking a bye in Week 10.” – Evans

“Jordan and AJ are both quality running backs. They’ve been good for us all year. The offensive line really played well tonight.” – Busby

What’s next?: Vestavia travels to Austin next week in the first round of the Class 7A playoffs. Helena’s season is over.