By Carey Reeder
For The Tribune
PINSON — Pinson Valley defeated Florence 45-20 Friday night to move on to the second round of the 6A playoffs.
The Indians looked to be in playoff form early on a cold night at Willie Adams Stadium. Quarterback Bo Nix would not waste any time connecting to Demarion Holloman for a 7-yard touchdown pass early in the first quarter.
Aiden Campbell would add a 27-yard field goal on the following drive to make it 10-0 Indians.
Pinson Valley looked in even better form on the defensive side of the ball, forcing Florence to three and out their first four drives. However, Florence would be able to get on the board late in the first quarter on a 1-yard run by Armoni Goodwin.
The second quarter was dominated by the Indians in both the running and passing attack. Nix would complete a 49-yard touchdown pass to Orion Morris and a 6-yard touchdown pass to Jay Sharp.
Sharp would also add a 59-yard touchdown run on the first play of a drive, pushing the lead to 31-7 at halftime.
“It’s very important to have a balanced attack” coach Patrick Nix commented after the game.
The second half was opened by Goodwin as he scampered for a 37-yard touchdown run, cutting the Pinson Valley lead to 31-14.
Nix and the offense would respond right away, putting together a nine-play drive ending on a 4-yard touchdown pass to Holloman.
Nix would add another touchdown pass to Morris for 64 yards, giving Nix five touchdown passes on the night and pushing the lead to a comfortable 45-14 entering the fourth quarter.
Florence would add a late touchdown run by Goodwin, his third of the night, but it was too little too late for the Falcons as the clock expired and the Indians prevailed.
The balanced attack for Pinson Valley was in full effect with Nix passing for 381 yards in the air and Sharp and Khymel Chaverst both rushing for over 100 yards.
“The defense played awesome, and special teams made some plays. Overall I’m proud of how the whole team did” Coach Nix added.
The Indians move on the second round of the 6A playoffs where they will host Ramsay next Friday night in Willie Adams Stadium.