By David Knox
Sports Editor
PINSON — Eleven weeks ago, Pinson Valley met defending 6A champion Ramsay at Willie Adams Stadium. The Indians walked away with a 35-14 win.
The Rams looked a little lost after that humbling, dropping three midseason games. Then the Indians, rolling on to win after win, looked a little concerned too, losing star quarterback Bo Nix to a broken ankle.
Well, guess what? The Rams are back, Nix is back, and they’re all back for a Class 6A playoff rematch at Willie Adams Friday night at 7.
Nothing on the line but the Indians’ perfect season and a spot in the quarterfinals next week.
Loser goes home.
The Rams (7-4) have won four straight and given up just one score in their past three games. They beat 7A playoff team Mountain Brook 28-7 in the regular-season finale, then blanked Cullman 14-0 in their playoff opener.
Pinson Valley, meanwhile, has simply put together the best season in school history. No Indians team has ever gone 11-0. And no Indians team has ever made it out of the second round.
In their win over Cullman, Ramsay looked to running back Kobe Belcher, who rushed for nearly 200 yards. Starling Thomas, a standout all year on defense and special teams, had a punt return for a score. Terrell Gardner scored twice on kick returns in the win over Mountain Brook.
Nix returned against Pleasant Grove in the regular-season finale. Against Florence in round one, he threw five TD passes in a 23-of-35 effort for 381 yards. Both Khymel Chaverst and Jay Sharp surpassed 110 yards rushing as the Indians ripped off a 45-20 win.
“The defense played awesome, and special teams made some plays. Overall I’m proud of how the whole team did,” head coach Patrick Nix said.
If the Indians can beat the Rams for a second time, Pinson Valley will have set a school-record for wins, finally made it to the state quarterfinals, and be on a collision course with top-ranked Austin, should the Black Bears (11-0) beat Shades Valley.
Tribune’s Keys to the Game:
The Indians have to stay away from mistakes and contain Ramsay’s speed. On offense, Pinson Valley has done a great job of being balanced while putting up a school-record 40.8 ppg, and the defense is as good as any — allowing just 13.0 points contest.
Tribune prediction: Pinson Valley 28, Ramsay 12
Last week: 3-0
Season record 44-7 (86.3%)
