CLAY — The Pinson Valley skill players did not disappoint at the second-ever Deerfoot Invitational 7-on-7 tournament at Clay-Chalkville on Wednesday.

Behind a wave of explosive plays, the Indians marched on to a 6-1 record that ended in the tournament’s semifinal round, when Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa stormed back to best them, 34-25. Hillcrest would later fall to McAdory in the championship contest.

Pinson Valley started the 15-team tournament with a clean run through pool play. The Indians went 4-0 in the morning to secure the No. 2 seed going into bracket play.

Pool play

Game 1: Pinson Valley 29, Pelham 11

Game 2: Pinson Valley 30, Prattville (A) 6

Game 3: Pinson Valley 27, Prattville (B) 19

Game 4: Pinson Valley 17, Gadsden City 11

Pinson Valley head coach Matt Glover and his experienced secondary started bracket play with a statement, 40-19, win over Prattville (B). They would later down Pelham, 25-15, in Round 2 before falling to Hillcrest in the semifinals.

“Who won the state championship in 7-on-7 last year? Nobody,” said Glover. “This just gives you a chance to play someone else and compete.”

Glover praised the efforts of running back Torrey Hendrix, who stepped out of the backfield to catch numerous passes, and cornerback Ty Woods. He also got a strong outing from defensive back C.J. Rudolph, who tore down a pair of interceptions in bracket play.

Rudolph secured his second interception in highlight-reel fashion against Hillcrest. He broke on a pass in the corner of the end zone, fought through the would-be receiver and and controlled the deflection just inside the field of play.

Hendrix was not an easy assignment for opposing secondaries on Wednesday. Stepping away from his usual position in the Pinson Valley backfield, the upcoming senior showcased his ability to run a double-move that would make Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin throw his hands up.

Hendrix seemed to be junior quarterback Jackie Matthews favorite target, pulling down six touchdown receptions for 198 yards on those scoring plays alone. Four of his touchdowns went the full 40 yards of the playing field.

“Torrey (Hendrix) really helps us at receiver. He’s so explosive, he’s a good double-move guy, he’s a great rout runner and more than all that, he’s a great guy,” said Pinson Valley offensive coordinator Jon Clements. “… someone you really like to coach.”

The Indians also got production form receivers Orion Morris, who scored from six and nine yards out, and Demarion Holloman, who scored from six and 40 yards out. Matthews threw for 11 touchdowns and an interception for Pinson Valley.

The Tribe opens the 2016 football season at home on Aug. 19 against McAdory, the Deerfoot Invitational champions.

Erik Harris is the Sports Editor of The North Jefferson News. Email him at njnsports@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jeharris2.