By Gary Lloyd
CLAY — They’re inexperienced, but they’re perfect.
Darryien Wilson and Tyrell Pigrome saw limited action as sophomores in 2013, but both impressed in their time on the field.
Wilson played quarterback in two games, completing all 12 of his passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed nine times for 14 yards. Pigrome played quarterback in one game, and he completed all five of his passes for 81 yards and a score. He rushed five times for 68 yards and a touchdown.
“They’re getting better,” Clay-Chalkville head coach Jerry Hood said in May, before the Cougars’ 21-0 win over Parker in their spring game.
Pigrome may have a slight edge for the starter position. He started that spring game against Parker, and he played 20 snaps in the first half. Wilson played 11 snaps. In the varsity half, Pigrome completed 5-of-7 passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns, both to junior wide receiver T.J. Simmons. Wilson was 2-of-4 for 19 yards. Wilson did rush for a 62-yard touchdown in the junior varsity second half.
Hood said over the summer there was no decision yet on who would be the starter or if the Cougars would employ a two-quarterback system.
“They’ve got to play and earn their stripes,” Hood said.
Hood said Pigrome is a smart quarterback, has a good throwing motion and can run. He said Wilson is a consistent quarterback that has a few mechanical issues coaches are working on. He’ll be a contributor, Hood said.
Clay-Chalkville’s last three quarterbacks — Hayden Moore (Cincinnati), Jacob Thomas (North Alabama) and Y’Latio Jones (Malone University) — earned the opportunity to play football at the next level. Hood doesn’t worry about the few snaps Pigrome and Wilson have played.
“I don’t really know what you worry about,” he said. “Both kids know our offense, both kids put in the work, both kids can win football games.”
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.