By Erik Harris
PINSON – After years of practicing and playing on the same patch of land, the Pinson Valley football program will have a fresh cut of grass to call their own next fall.
“The field’s been in bad shape forever,” said Indians’ head coach Matt Glover. “Last year was the first year we weren’t on it practicing. It needed some work.”
photo by Erik Harris
Jefferson County opted to place a new strip of turf that will likely be ready for the beginning of the 2015-16 season. Hartselle will visit Willie Adams Stadium to put the season in motion on Aug. 21.
“We’ve been trying to just patch it year in and year out, trying to get it playable,” said Glover. “It just finally, after so much wear and tear, needed some work.”
The county began the replacement process in April, which caused Pinson Valley to relocate its spring game to Mortimer Jordan. Weather has caused setbacks to the project, but Glover remains confidant that his field will be ready for kickoff.
Although many players were hoping for artificial turf similar to what Hewitt-Trussville and Clay-Chalkville acquired a season ago, the Indians’ will continue playing on a natural field.
“We’re little ole Pinson. We’re happy to get whatever we can get,” Glover said.
Part 2 of the project will provide Pinson Valley with an official practice filed. After having to practice on the game filed for numerous years, the team took its practice efforts to a field behind the Old Rock School in 2015.
Unlike the Friday night playing surface, the weekly practice facility is not expected to be finalized come game day. According to Glover, construction on the practice field is targeting a September conclusion.
“I doubt by the time the season starts, but hopefully by September we’ll be able to use the practice field,” said Glover.
