Pinson Valley Knocks Off Gardendale 26-15 in Top 10 Clash

Pinson, AL – The sixth ranked Pinson Valley Indians (2-1, 1-0) claimed their fourth consecutive victory over the No. 8 Gardendale Rockets (2-1, 1-0) 26-15 Friday night at Willie Adams Stadium.  

The Rockets lit up the scoreboard with a tick under 4:00 to play in the opening frame as running back L.T. Sanders took a Goose Crowder handoff 75 yards into the Indian endzone. 

Pinson Valley returned the favor two minutes later as the home team capitalized on the the visitors third turnover in the game’s opening quarter with a Michael Sharp rushing score from inside the Rocket 10.  Despite putting the ball on the turf three times in the game’s first 12 minutes, a snagged PAT gave Gardendale a 7-6 lead heading into quarter number two. 

Pinson claimed their first lead of the contest midway thought the second on a 3 yard touchdown run from Kenji Christian.  The Rockets took back a 15-12 advantage heading into the locker room as Derek Carter snagged a 32 yard Crowder pass and streaked into the endzone.  

After the break, the Indian defense stood strong shutting out the potent Rocket offense while putting up a pair of rushing scores courtesy of Christian and junior quarterback Zach Pyron. 

Pyron, a Fyffe High School transfer, finished the game with 167 yards through the air, completing 13-0f-24 passes while running for 34 including a game sealing 11 yard score.  

Gardendale senior signal caller Will “Goose” Crowder completed 15-of-24 throws for 176 and a touchdown.  

Pinson Valley returns to action next Friday night, on the road at Minor (3-0, 1-0).  Gardendale returns to East Jefferson County to face the Clay-Chalkville Cougars (3-0, 1-0).