Steven Crowder (15) poses with teammate Stephen Lancaster (22). 

No one on the home sideline of Driver Stadium would admit it on Friday night. Not one person serving under the Matt Plunkett regime would utter the word, not even after Gardendale notched its first win over a Class 7A program, in this case second-ranked James Clemens. 

Rockets’ senior linebacker Steven Crowder didn’t need to say anything. His performance in Gardendale’s 26-13 win showed just how disrespected he felt. He and the Rockets have seen no love from the first two Alabama Sports Writers Association Top 10 polls, which have left Gardendale on the outside looking in.

The Navy pledge shined on defense, securing 22 tackles including a pair of quarterback sacks. When things got hairy for the Rockets in the third quarter, defensive coordinator Wes Patterson looked directly at Crowder: “We have got to keep it together out there. We are fine.” 

Gardendale wouldn’t allow another point. 

Earlier in the contest Crowder found his first of three touchdowns, tracking down a loose ball and running it back 30 yards to give the hosts a 13-0 advantage through one quarter of play. It was just the confidence his team needed to pull the upset. 

Holding a 13-6 lead, Crowder put his 6-foot-2 frame in the Rockets’ backfield and woke a lifeless running game with a 17-yard touchdown, complete with a Tebow-esk stiff arm at the goal line to send Gardendale into the locker room with a 20-6 lead. 

His final score served as the unofficial knockout punch. It looked like a play he and his younger brother Michael Crowder, playing in his second-career start under center, have run countless times in the backyard. Little brother rolled right, big brother quietly snuck left and the two connected for a 13-yard pitch and catch on a critical 4th-and-8 to extend Gardendale’s lead to 26-13 with 8:54 remaining in the contest. 

Erik Harris will award North Jefferson News Player(s) of the Week following each North Jefferson News Big Game throughout the 2016 football season. Next Friday’s Big Game: Fultondale (1-0) – Hanceville (1-1). 

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