By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
PINSON – The undefeated and seventh-ranked Oxford Yellow Jackets (5-0, 3-0) broke open a close game in the second half and cruised to a 40-6 region win over Pinson Valley (1-3, 0-2).
The Yellow Jackets drew blood first on a pass from Mason Mims to Jaydonm Thomas to give Oxford a 7-0 lead at the 8:56 mark of the first quarter.
Minutes later, Oxford blocked a Pinson punt out of the back of the end zone to give the Yellow Jackets two points and extended their lead over the Indians to 9-0.
Oxford added a field goal as the first quarter ended to make the score 12-0.
The Indians finally got on the board with an interception return for a touchdown at the 1:47 mark in the second quarter. The PAT was blocked, and the two teams headed to the locker room with Oxford holding a 12-6 lead.
Unfortunately for the Indians, that was as close as they would get.
Less than a minute into the half, Damious Wilson scored on a 79-yard run to make the score 19-6 in favor of the visiting Yellow Jackets.
The Oxford defense controlled the Jndian offense in the second half. The offensive struggles gave the Yellow Jackets’ potent offense too many opportunities.
With 5:27 left in the third quarter, Mims connected with Nick Rich to give Oxford a 26-6 lead.
A minute later, Thomas scored again to pad the Oxford lead to 33-6.
Thomas scored his third and final touchdown of the night with 11:46 remaining in the game to extend the Yellow Jacket lead to 40-6.
Pinson hosts the Homewood Patriots in a non-region game Friday night.