By Gary Lloyd
On Friday, Pinson Valley travels to the scene of the crime.
The Indians play at Class 5A, Region 6 foe Walker in the first game at Walker since a brawl between coaches at the Aug. 30 game against Cullman.
A video of the on-field scene after Cullman’s 13-10 win, shot by Jasper station TV16, allegedly shows Walker head coach John Halladay — who coached Clay-Chalkville to a 19-5 record during the 2005 and 2006 seasons — pushing, punching and taking Cullman defensive coordinator Matt Hopper to the ground.
After being placed on paid leave after the incident, Holladay last week resigned from his position. The brawl has drawn attention from several national media outlets.
Alabama High School Athletic Association Executive Director Steve Savarese said the AHSAA was “saddened” by the incident and is “always disappointed” by unsportsmanlike incidents that involve players or coaches.
Pinson Valley head football coach Matt Glover is just looking forward to the game, an important one for Class 5A, Region 6 standings.
“It’s going to be a good ballgame,” Glover said. “We’re treating it just like a regular game.”
Pinson Valley has plenty of motivation for this game. The Indians fell 31-13 at home to Walker last season, turning the ball over five times in about a 10-minute span in the first half. Quarterback Brooks Garrett did not play in the game a season ago, and running back Nick Gibson was held in check.
Pinson Valley will be looking for payback against a Walker team that is facing numerous distractions already this season.
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