by John Goolsby
The 2022 edition of the Shades Valley Mounties got their first taste of competition today. The Mounties traveled to Spain Park to take on the Jags, Hueytown, and Helena.
The Mounties went 3-0 in the 7-on-7 competition. In the 11-on-11 competition, Shades Valley defeated Spain Park and dropped two close contests to the Golden Gophers, led by former Mountie QB Earl Woods, and the Huskies. “The boys showed some fight today,” said Shades Valley head coach Rueben Nelson.
The Mountie players feel like they are making solid progress as a team. “The team performance was great. I feel like we are coming together as a team,” said junior linebacker Ethan Johnson. “I feel like we performed great as a team, stepped up to the plate, and competed with some of the best,” added junior quarterback Steve Brown.
Brown had a big day throwing to the Mountie receivers. “I think his arm strength is amazing,” said standout junior wide receiver Christian Thomas.
Thomas, who had a huge day, had possibly the most spectacular reception of the day.
Wideouts Quincy Crawford, Kendarius Irvin, and Marcus Thomas also had big days catching the ball.
Junior cornerback Erin Callens and senior cornerback Jacob Mahand were standouts for the Mountie defense. Senior linebacker Kordell Steele said the defense played well overall, “but we need to start being more aggressive. Other than that, we are looking good.”
The Mounties host Anniston next Thursday at Frank Nix Stadium.
The RED & BLACK 