By Bobby Mathews, sports editor
PINSON — Sometimes the Team of the Week doesn’t put up gaudy numbers.
So it is with No. 8-ranked Pinson Valley, who came into Friday night’s game against Ramsay with more questions than answers. Quarterback Zach Pyron was out due to concussion protocol. Star running backs Mike Sharpe and Jaylen Taylor were out, too. The defending 6A state champions were 3-2 going into the game after an upset loss to Jackson-Olin.
Ramsay is traditionally a tough team to beat. And while the Rams may be down from what they once were, a 17-0 shutout is no mean feat. To do it with less than a full complement of offensive players is extremely impressive. The Indians proved that they’re not done this season — not by a long shot.
Pinson Valley put the first points on the board with 5:35 left to go in the first quarter, staking the Indians to a 7-0 lead that would have been enough to win the night, because Pinson Valley’s defense was completely dialed in. With Ramsay driving, the Indians forced a turnover on downs inside their own 20 to reclaim the ball and protect their lead.
That lead held through the third quarter until the Indians struck again with a field goal by senior kicker Zaylen McCray with nine minutes left in the game for a 10-0 lead.
Pinson Valley head coach Sam Shade has to like what he sees on this Indians team, as underclassmen rose up when called up. Just like the 2020 season, the team is coming together and gelling at the right time. With a string of three state championships over the last five years and the last two Mr. Football winners for the state of Alabama, there’s a lot of pride in playing for Pinson Valley.
Those young men who normally stand on the sidelines proved that when they were called up to produce against a tough Ramsay squad.
The win moved the Indians to 4-2 on the season, with a showdown vs. Clay-Chalkville looming on October 15.
The Indians currently occupy the No. 3 playoff spot for 6A Region 6. Pinson Valley is the Tribune’s Team of the Week. Team of the Week is sponsored by Courtesy GMC.
Pinson Valley will next travel to play at Mortimer Jordan on Friday, October 1, 2021 at 7 p.m.