By Gary Lloyd
Hewitt-Trussville hosts Pinson Valley on Friday at Jack Wood Stadium in the teams’ jamboree game.
Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
Pinson Valley head football coach Matt Glover said the freshman teams will play first, then varsity and junior varsity teams.
The game could go a long way in determining Hewitt-Trussville’s starting quarterback for this season. Senior Blake Bailey and sophomore Zach Thomas are battling for the starting spot.
Hewitt-Trussville senior running back Peyton Palmer (22) celebrates a touchdown last season.
file photo by Anna Malone
Bailey is a transfer from rival Clay-Chalkville. Bailey was Hayden Moore’s backup a season ago, completing 6-of-13 passes for 38 yards and three touchdowns to zero interceptions. Riddle said Bailey did not participate in spring drills due to playing baseball. He throws the ball “extremely well” and has good experience, Riddle said.
Thomas is an “extremely talented” quarterback with a good arm and who runs the ball well, Riddle said.
Pinson Valley has an experienced quarterback in senior Brooks Garrett, and one of the Birmingham metro area’s best running backs in junior Nick Gibson.
Hewitt-Trussville posted a 4-6 record last season and missed the Class 6A playoffs for the first time since the 2006 season. Pinson Valley compiled an 8-4 record last season and lost in the second round of the Class 5A state playoffs to Muscle Shoals.
Hewitt-Trussville opens the 2013 season at No. 2 Clay-Chalkville next Friday at 7 p.m. Pinson Valley travels to Class 4A No. 2 Oneonta for a 7 p.m. game next Friday.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.
