by John Goolsby
The Shades Valley football team gave the returning alumni something to celebrate on Homecoming. The Mounties defeated the Woodlawn Colonels 35-14 this past Friday night.
The victory gives the Mounties a 3-3 record in Region 5, and they are locked in a three-way tie with Homewood and Chelsea for a playoff spot.
Coach Rueben Nelson’s team must wait for the results of the Chelsea vs. Calera game and the Homewood vs. Pelham game tonight. For the Mounties to make the playoffs, Chelsea and Pelham must win.
The Mounties face longtime rival Vestavia Hills at home tonight in a non-region game to close out the regular season. The Mounties overall record stands at 3-6.
The Mountie offense got another huge game from running back Jordan Pearson. The senior rushed for 172 yards on 24 carries and scored three touchdowns.
Photo Credit: marvingentry.com
The offensive line paved the way for a Mountie rushing attack that racked up 246 rushing yards. Senior Damion Dick played both ways and made key blocks from the left guard position. Kevin Lin and Xavion Webb both had outstanding games.
Sophomore quarterback J’Cauis Moore completed 6 of 10 passes for 101 yards.
The Mountie defense held the Colonels to 232 total yards. Kordelle Steele led the Mounties from his LB spot with eleven total tackles. Kendorius Turner and Caleel Holifield added eight total tackles. The defensive performance was indeed a team effort. A total of 21 players had at least one tackle assist.
For just the second time all year, the Mounties gave younger players significant game experience. One player that excelled was running back David Ware. The sophomore scored on a 22- yard TD run and rushed for 51 yards. Sophomore Sephan White added a 23-yard run to the rushing totals.
Coach Nelson says he can’t control the playoff situation but can get his Mounties ready for Vestavia. “We are going to keep on chopping wood and trying to get better,” he said.
Shades Valley faces the Rebels of Vestavia Hills for the 49th time tonight at Frank Nix Stadium at 7 PM. The NFHS Network will stream the game live.
The RED & BLACK 