By Erik Harris
Trussville Tribune writers Erik Harris, Chris Yow and Kyle Parmley will be awarding Players of the Week in each high school football matchup of the 2015 season. Players or position groups will be awarded based on more than just statistics. The awarded player(s) will also be evaluated based on the timeliness of their performance. Tribune Players of the Week will be announced weekly on Tribune Sports Live.
Pinson Valley 13, Gardendale 42.
Pinson Valley football fans could have a fun pitch-and-catch duo to watch for the next three years. Quarterback Jackie Matthews and Tribune Player of the Week Liallen Dailey (both sophomores) developed a rhythm on Friday night against Gardendale that has plenty of time to grow. Dailey – a rangy wideout that is already drawing the attention of college programs – demanded the attention of his quarterback, pulling in four receptions for 75 yards, including a 23-yarder in the second quarter that sparked a touchdown drive. Dailey is awarded by Kyle Parmley.
Hewitt-Trussville 28, Vestavia Hills 12.
Hewitt-Trussville is now 2-0 in Class 7A, Region 3 play thanks in large part to some salty defensive play. Tribune Player of the Week Bailey McElwain and his sturdy defensive unit held Vestavia Hills to only 12 points after stonewalling Tuscaloosa County for 14 the week prior. McElwain, a Stanford pledge, has caused problems for Region 3 offenses over the last two seasons. Luckily for the opposition, he’ll be moving on to the Pack-12 in a matter of months. McElwain is awarded by Chris Yow.
Clay-Chalkville 41, Huffman 7.
There was no lack of offense from Clay-Chalkville as it cruised past Huffman on Friday night to get Class 6A, Region 12 play off on a positive note, but an opportunistic play by cornerback Amari Holloway might have served as the early backbreaker. The senior intercepted the Vikings’ final effort of the first half and sped through heavy traffic to stretch the lead to 31-0 at intermission.
“I just saw the ball in the air and attacked it,” Holloway said after the win. He is awarded by Erik Harris.
Follow Erik Harris on Twitter @jeharris2.