Pinson Valley finished in the semifinals of the Deerfoot Invitational at Clay-Chalkville on July 13. 

When it comes to skill players, no one has more coming back than Pinson Valley.

However, the old saying rings true: Games are won and lost at the line of scrimmage. The Indians invite back two returning starters on both the offensive and defensive lines.

“Our O-line is going to be the key to our football team this year,” said head coach Matt Glover. “More than ever, this is a really, really, really young group. That’s going to be the tell-tale sign for us this year is how well our O-line does.”

If the young unit plays beyond its age, an experienced and talented collection of playmakers can potentially post monster numbers on the scoreboard. Junior quarterback Jackie Matthews enters his third fall as a starter, and wields every physical measurable needed to shine in and out of the pocket.

According to Glover, the lefty still needs to win over his teammates.

One of the biggest edits to Pinson Valley’s offense, under the order of offensive coordinator Jon Clements, could be the usage of senior Torrey Hendrix. He’s spent most of his prep career as a hard-to-catch running back, but plans on stepping into the slot this year.

“Torrey’s our best rout runner and he’s probably our best receiver,” said Glover. “He’s going to be key for our offense because he’s going to play receiver and he can still step back there and play running back.”

Expect the versatile senior to touch the ball at least 15 times per game.

Pinson Valley brings back seven starters from a defense that yielded less than three touchdowns per outing last season. Four of those starters reside in the secondary. Glover points to defensive backs Ty Woods and C.J. Rudolph as leaders on his defense.

“Defensively, we’ve got a lot of experience back in the secondary, which is really good because that’s the place that has to have the most (communication),” said Glover.

One newcomer to remember come kickoff is freshman ball carrier Jay Sharp, a middle school track star that reminds Glover of former Indian great, Nick Gibson.

Region outlook: Pinson Valley; Class 6A, Region 6

• Carver Birmingham (5-5 last year)
• Center Point (1-9)
• Clay-Chalkville (14-1)
• Gardendale (10-3)
• Minor (8-5)
• Walker (9-3)

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