By Gary Lloyd
Pinson Valley junior running back Nick Gibson probably remembers last season’s game against Mortimer Jordan.
Gibson rushed 24 times for 220 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-7 win over the Indians’ Class 5A, Region 6 opponent. Senior quarterback Brooks Garrett did not play in last year’s game due to injury. Mortimer Jordan’s lone touchdown a season ago came on a short touchdown run by Deandres Merriweather, now at Clay-Chalkville.
If early momentum means anything, it favors Pinson Valley, which defeated Class 4A No. 2 Oneonta 25-18 last week. Mortimer Jordan fell 42-26 against Pleasant Grove. Pleasant Grove standout running back Charles Buchannon carried the ball just 17 times, but went for 199 yards and four touchdowns in the win.
Pinson Valley junior running back Nick Gibson (8) takes a handoff from senior quarterback Brooks Garrett in May’s spring football game at Clay-Chalkville.
file photo by Ron Burkett
Mortimer Jordan’s defense appears to be susceptible to the run, which Pinson Valley is focusing more on this season with a big, deep offensive line and standout back in Gibson and mobile quarterback in Garrett.
Mortimer Jordan can get it done through the air, though, with senior quarterback Devlin Hodges, a Southern Miss verbal commitment. Hodges threw for 195 yards last week and rushed for 55 more.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.
