Erik Harris, sports editor
ODENVILLE — The Week 1 Tribune Player of the Week award goes to Springville quarterback Pearson Baldwin, who led the Tigers to a 27-14 season-opening win over St. Clair County last Friday night.
The senior righty went home with three touchdowns — a mark that easily could have been better if not for a dropped pass in the end zone at the end of the first half. Baldwin completed nine of his 19 attempts for 136 yards and two scores to go with another 145 yards rushing on 18 calls.
He also ran in a pair of touchdowns and caught a pass during the road win. His output is not surprising considering head coach Michael Graben’s comments prior to the season.
“Our whole offense will run through (Baldwin),” said Graben during St. Clair High School Football Media Day.
On Friday night, Baldwin was responsible for the team’s first two scores of the season. He woke the scoreboard with a short touchdown run off left tackle and extended the lead to 13-0 with a 30-yard strike to big tight end Ben Bianchi, who would finish the evening with two TD grabs.
Friday night’s win represents Springville’s second straight over St. Clair County — the first such streak since 2003-04.
The Tigers will look to improve to 2-0 this Friday night on the road at Cherokee County.