Pinson Valley wants to be known for defense

By Alex Headley

The Pinson Valley Indians want to a defensive team this season. Head coach Matt Glover is a former defensive coordinator.

“We still have to improve defensively,” Glover said. “We are known as an offensive team at the moment. That’s the opposite of what we want. I want to be known as a strong defensive team. The defense wins championships. We have to get better.”

According to Glover, 75 percent of the defense is returning from last season.

“The defense really started to click in the last three games last season, if we can keep that up, we will do very well,” Glover said. “We have six returning starters from last season, four of which are linebackers.”

Jeffrey Blair, a senior, had 85 tackles last year and Zach Cunningham, a middle linebacker, had 130 tackles last year.

Leading the defense is Jared McCurty, a returning senior and starter.

“He deserves more recognition,” Glover said. “He isn’t flashy but he is very solid as a leader. He is the QB of the defense.”

Glover is optimistic that an experienced defense will give them an edge for the season.

“The best thing is that many of them are seniors,” he said. “They know what is going on and that is huge. They always know what to do.”

The Indians are often lauded for their offensive game, particularly Earnest Robinson, the team’s star receiver, who committed to Auburn before starting his senior season.

“Our offense deserves all the attention they get, but we have some serious playmakers on the defense as well, Glover said.