By Brittney Bailey, For The Tribune
PINSON — The Pinson Valley Indians hosted rival Clay-Chalkville at home Friday night in what became one of the best defensive showdowns so far in the season, with the Cougars taking home the win, 14-12.
Clay-Chalkville overpowers Pinson Valley during a big rivalry game. (Photo by Ron Burkett)
The Cougars got off to a thrilling start after recovering the kickoff fumble but were hit with an interception at the 4-yard line. It wasn’t until the end of the second quarter that Cougar quarterback Kamari McClellan would find usual suspect Mario Craver for a 52-yard floater to put points on the board for the Cougars, followed by a two-point conversion from Rodrekus Johnson to give the Cougars the 8-0 lead.
The Indian defense shut down Cougar quarterback Kamari McClellan for most of the game, forcing 3 turnovers on the night. The Indians ended the night with two turnovers of their own.
The Indians would answer the Cougars’ attempt at halftime redemption with quarterback Keywone Posey finding TJ Metcalf for 8-yards to give the Indians 6 after an unsuccessful PAT conversion attempt. The Cougars had the lead going into halftime, 8-6.
The Cougars would not succeed on their next possession, forcing a punt. The Indians would fumble on their possession, leading to a 58-yard touchdown run from Rodrekus Johnson two plays later, giving the Cougars a 14-6 lead after an unsuccessful PAT.
Posey answered in the third with 5:30 to go, with a 28-yard touchdown run to tack on 6 for the Indians. The PAT attempt would be blocked, making it a 14-12 ball game. The fourth quarter would be nothing but a defensive showdown, with neither team seeing the endzone.
“Thankful for our defense that they came up big; they won the game for us,” Cougar Head Coach Drew Gilmer said. “You can throw all records and stats out the window when it comes to Pinson Valley, you’re in for a battle. We just have to clean up our mistakes. We have to play better.”
Indian Head Coach Lee Guess knew what Pinson Valley was up against with the Cougars and was proud of their ability to close in on what the Cougars do best.
“We knew they would have some explosive guys, but we have to make sure not to give them too many explosive opportunities,” Guess said. “We just have to get our offense cleaned up.”
Pinson Valley takes on Oxford on the road next Friday, September 16, at 7 p.m. Clay-Chalkville will host Center Point at home at 7 p.m.
