Pleasant Valley – Pleasant Valley takes care of business against Gaston, clinches program’s highest ever playoff seed while breaking a 13-year playoff drought.
Friday scoreboard
Alexandria 50, Talladega 15, FINAL
Anniston 38, Cleburne County 36, FINAL
Central-Clay 30, Russell County 14, FINAL
Cherokee County 56, Ashville 7, FINAL
Geraldine 54, Glencoe 7, FINAL
Handley 35, Munford 14, FINAL
Piedmont 22, Hokes Bluff 21, FINAL OT
Jacksonville 62, White Plains 0, FINAL
Tuscaloosa Christian 56, Jax Christian 48, FINAL
Leeds 30, Lincoln 14, FINAL
Plainview 34, Ohatchee 18, FINAL
Oxford 35, Center Point 14, FINAL
Pleasant Valley 50, Gaston 20, FINAL
Ranburne 64, Central-Coosa 39, FINAL
Randolph County 32, Dadeville 22, FINAL
Wellborn 62, Saks 34, FINAL
Moody 34, Southside 21, FINAL
Spring Garden 41, Ragland 27, FINAL
Wadley 47, Talladega County Central 0, FINAL
Beulah 38, Weaver 31, FINAL
Isabella 55, Woodland 14, FINAL
Open: Donoho.
Pleasant Valley didn’t break its 13-year playoff drought. The Raiders splashed into their region’s No. 3 seed.
The Raiders erupted for a 41-point lead at halftime and went on to beat Gaston 50-20 at home on Friday in the Class 2A, Region 6 finale for both teams.
Pleasant Valley broke a four-game losing streak that started after the Raiders opened an injury-crossed season with four wins. Most importantly, they improved to 5-4 overall and 4-2 in region play.
Pleasant Valley clinched the third of the region’s four playoff spots and will open the playoffs at Region 7 runner up Pisgah on Nov. 10.
Pleasant Valley will appear in the playoffs for the first time since 2010.
“So happy for our team and what it means to this team and coaching staff to make the playoffs as a three seed,” Pleasant Valley coach Jonathan Nix said. “This is the highest region seed since region play in school history.
“Our seniors this year were in kindergarten the last time PV made the playoffs. We are excited about making the playoffs but want to focus on a strong finish in the regular season next week. Our players are improving every week.”
The Raiders close out regular-season play with a non-region game against Weaver at home.
Jaden Sparks set up Pleasant Valley’s first touchdown Friday with a fumble recovery and 50-yard return. Clark Hill made good with a 15-yard touchdown run.
Holt Bentley followed with a 15-yard touchdown run, and Braxton Salster hit a 60-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Sparks.
A Tristan Williams interception set up Salster’s 35-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Sparks, and the Raiders led 28-0 after the first quarter.
Hill’s 5-yard touchdown run, Hunter Sparks’ 38-yard interception return and Salster’s 46-yard touchdown run put the Raiders up 47-6 at halftime.
Starters rested most of the second half.
“We had so many key injuries this season, but the team kept buying into each other,” Nix said. “We have had eight freshmen starting on defense or offense the past two weeks.
“We are so excited for this team and how they pulled together this season.”
