Kool-Aid Helps Pinson Valley Win 6A State Title

In a battle of defense, Pinson Valley (12-2) walked away victorious. The Indians defeated Spanish Fort (11-4) 23-13 to win the 6A State Title. This third state championship continues an impressive run for Pinson Valley during the 2010s. The Indians also won the legendary “blue map” in 2017 and 2018, which means this is the team’s third title in four years.

While both teams’ defenses shone brightly through the game, Pinson Valley’s offense pulled through in the fourth quarter and scored two touchdowns to seal the victory. Totaling 321 offensive yards, the Indians were led by Zach Pyron, the junior quarterback went 13-for-21 for 166 yards and two touchdowns. Catching Pyron’s touchdown passes were senior Alabama commit Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” Mckinstry and senior Jaquel Fells, Jr.

This is not Pyron’s first trip to the “Super Seven,” however. The junior transferred from Fyffe High School where he won two state titles with the Red Devils in 2018 and 2019.

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As for the Indians’ rushing attack, Pinson Valley rushed 41 times for 155 total yards. Junior running back Michael Sharpe was the leading rusher with 60 yards and the Indians’ only rushing touchdown.

Mckinstry, who is both a football and basketball commit, was fairly quiet on defense tonight. While this might seem alarming to Crimson Tide fans, it is worth noting that the number one recruit in the state was avoided all night by the Toros’ offense.

Pinson Valley head coach Sam Shade was proud of Mckinstry and the rest of the Indian defense after their victory.

“These guys did a great job for us all season,” Shade said.

Speaking of Spanish Fort, the 6A runner-ups had a tough time on offense. With over 200 total yards, the team out of south Alabama only scored in the second quarter.

Brendon Byrd, the Toros’ sophomore quarterback, went 11-for-24 with 131 yards and one interception. Byrd also rushed for both of the Toros’ touchdowns, even though he finished with -10 yards on 13 carries.

The leading rusher for Spanish Fort was John Morris III. The junior ran 14 times and tallied 111 yards for an average of 7.9 yards a carry.

Throughout the game and even the whole “Super Seven” event, officiating seemed to be a problem that angered many fans. After Mckinstry’s touchdown reception in the fourth quarter, many of the Pinson Valley faithful were frustrated after the officials decided to review a play that was clean and without any possible infraction.

Spanish Fort, which seemed to get a little more leniency during the game finished with six penalties for 55 yards. Pinson Valley finished with 10 penalties and 91 yards.

While Spanish Fort may have come up short tonight, this state championship appearance is still monumental for the Toros. This is their fifth appearance in 11 years. Unfortunately for Spanish Fort, this is the second straight year that the Toros have lost in the state championship.
With the conclusion of this game, the 2020 Alabama high school football season has finished. From forfeitures related to COVID-19 to unbelievable comebacks, this season has been full of surprises.