By Marla Jones, Managing Editor • marla@southerntorch.com
VALLEY HEAD, Ala. — The Collinsville Panthers defeated the Valley Head Tigers, 42-8 on Friday.
The Panthers scored on a 8-yard sprint into the endzone by Jacob Jones with 7:31 remaining in the first quarter. The kick by Jason Perez gave Collinsville the early 7-0 lead. Despite a strong showing by the Tigers, the Collinsville Panthers forced a four-and-out turnover.
Collinsville scored three unanswered touchdowns in the second quarter. Michael Tucker scored on a 6-yard scamper into the endzone. The kick by Perez gave the Panthers the 14-0 advantage. Quarterback Kaleb Jones connected with a 31-yard pass to Tucker for the score with 6:04 remaining in the first half. The kick by Perez made the score 21-0. The final score of the second quarter was on a 2-yard dash into the endzone by Dalton Hughes. The extra point attempt by Perez was good. The Panthers went into the half with the 28-0 advantage.
Marlon Trinidad blocked the Panther punt to score a safety with 9:52 remaining in the third quarter. Collinsville answered back with a 6-yard score by Tucker. The kick by Perez put the Panthers in the driving seat with a score of 35-2.
To start the fourth quarter, Kaleb Jones returned a punt for 51-yards to give the Panthers the 42-2 lead. Thomas Brewster barreled into the endzone for the Valley Head Tigers with :58 remaining in the game. The extra-point failed, making the final score 42-8.
For Collinsville, Kaleb Jones had seven rushes for 123 yards. He went 6-for-11 passing for 128 yards and scored a touchdown. Michael Tucker rushed eight times for 38 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 receptions for 46 yards
For Valley Head, Marlon Trinidad had 22 catches for 71 yards. Thomas Brewster had 7 rushes for 71 yards and Valley Heads only touchdown.
“Valley Head has some big ol’ boys, and they had a good game plan against us. They tried to keep the ball away from us,” said Collinsville Head Coach Ernie Willingham. “We didn’t play great but we played pretty good. Good enough to win and move on."
“Now it’s time for the playoffs. It’s one and done. Do or die” said Willingham, regarding the State Playoffs. “We have a lot of work to do to get ready for a playoff run starting with Colbert County."
Valley Head and Collinsville will both enter the first round of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) playoffs as the number 2 seed in their class and will have home field advantage. Collinsville will host Colbert County while Valley Head will host Hackleburg.
