By Erik Harris
For The Tribune
Pinson Valley (2-1, 1-1 Class 5A, Region 6) is back at home Friday night as it welcomes region opponent Hayden (0-3, 0-2).
The Indians will look to get back on track after a disappointing region loss last week at Walker. Pinson Valley was unable to frighten the Walker defense with any type of vertical passing game on its way to a 17-7 loss.
After the contest, Pinson Valley head coach Matt Glover mentioned the importance of his team’s ability to make big plays and how his players really feed off that type of quick-striking capability.
Based on his comments, the Indian faithful should be expecting some deeper passes from senior quarterback Brooks Garrett over the top of the Hayden defense.
Pinson Valley senior quarterback Brooks Garrett
file photo by Ron Burkett
Garrett flung three touchdowns in this matchup last September, which ended 29-9 in favor of the Indians. If Garrett can manage that production again this time around, Pinson Valley should have no trouble securing its third win of the season.
Hayden, under the command of former Fultondale head coach Keith Register, is off to an 0-3 start this season. The Hayden defense has give up exactly 35 points in each game.
The Wildcats’ offense was a little slow out of the gate to start the year, but managed to find the first two touchdowns of the Register campaign last week against Moody in a 35-14 loss.
Expect the Pinson Valley defense to feed off the home crowd and cause some negative plays for Hayden. In turn, this should inspire junior running back Nick Gibson and the Indian offense to make things happen.
