By Erik Harris
JEFFERSON COUNTY – Monday, Feb. 16 is the first day the Alabama High School Athletic Association allows its teams to begin regular season baseball play, and all three area schools don’t plan on wasting a moment.
Hewitt-Trussville, Clay-Chalkville and Pinson Valley all have two games scheduled for opening day.
The Cougars were set to get things started by hosting Springville in a doubleheader starting at 12:30 p.m. Those games have been postponed. Head coach Shane Chappell and the Indians visit Corner for a game against the Yellow Jackets at 1:30 p.m. followed by a clash with Walker at 4 p.m.
The Huskies were scheduled to head north for their opener against Grissom and Huntsville, but those games were canceled Friday. That tough competition will prepare Hewitt-Trussville for a harsh Class 7A, Area 6, which includes defending Class 6A state champion Spain Park.
Pinson Valley and Clay-Chalkville will both compete in Class 6A, Area 12 with Shades Valley and Huffman.
Hewitt-Trussville last season posted a 31-10 record, losing in the second round of the Class 6A playoffs to Mountain Brook. Pinson Valley last season posted a 20-19 record, losing in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs to Mortimer Jordan. Clay-Chalkville last season posted a 20-14 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 1999.