Alex Headley
Ko Powell is back on the field. In the second quarter of the Pinson Valley High School match against Center Point High School, Powell and starting quarterback Brooks Garrett made a bold move that resulted in a 34-yard pass from Powell to Garrett, setting up running back AJ Freeman for a 15-yard rushing TD on the following play.
The Indians went on to win the match 31-6.
“I thought it was smart move by our coaches,” Powell said.
Powell played receiver in last week’s game against Clay-Chalkville.
“Ko is a great athlete,” Head Coach Matt Glover said. “We want to find a place for him on the field.”
Powell said he is happy to be in the mix again.
“I’ll do whatever helps my team,” Powell said. “I’m probably looking to play a couple of positions next year.”
Garrett was pleased with the play.
“We practiced it a lot, it worked really well,” he said. “I hope we do it again. It was fun.”
The risky move had Pinson fans on their feet, leading to another touchdown run on the following play.
“I really wanted that rushing touchdown,” Garrett said. “It feels pretty good.”
When the Indian quarterbacks weren’t running the field, Freeman was scoring touchdowns. Freeman rushed 127 yards and had 3 touchdowns. He caught 2 passes for 16 yards.
“AJ is the strongest kid on the team, pound for pound,” Glover said. “He has stepped up big time.”
Freeman said he was pleased with the win.
“We came in and executed like we are supposed to,” he said. “It was a good game.”
Freeman said he is looking to play college ball next year, but doesn’t know where he is headed yet.
Not to be outdone, the Indians defense forced three turnovers. Zach Cunningham sacked the Eagle’s quarterback in the opening moments of the second quarter and Harry Mason caught two interceptions. Mason also plays offense.
“It’s manageable,” he said. “We have a lot of playmakers; they give me a lot of rest.”
Brooks Garrett completed 4 of 12 passes, had 62 yards rushing, one touchdown and one reception for 34 yards receiving. He had 47 yards passing.
The Indians will travel to Curry High School next week for another regional match
. Pinson Valley is 2-1 in regional play with a 3-3 record overall.