Piedmont, AL – In a year, Piedmont’s Pinto goes from ACL injury to state record holder for single-season receiving yards.
By Joe Medley
Watching Rollie Pinto become a state record holder this season leaves one to wonder, what could’ve been last year and what career records could fall within his reach.
As it is, the Piedmont junior went from an ACL injury to breaking an AHSAA single-season record in a year.
Pinto finished his junior season with 1,826 receiving yards, and the AHSAA has confirmed that he holds the association’s new single-season record.
He beat former Westbrook Christian standout Brandon Greer’s mark of 1,736 yards, set in 1998 while catching passes from former Alabama quarterback Brodie Croyle.
It’s a comeback story for Pinto, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the fourth game of the 2023 season, against Ohatchee. He missed the final eight games of the season and all of basketball season.
“It obviously means the world to me,” Pinto said. “Firstly, without God, none of this would have been possible, because without Him, I am nothing, and he helped me so much, especially last year, with my ACL injury, which was so hard for me.
“Looking back, all the hard work that I have put in and all of the adversity I went through, I kept my faith in Christ, and it has really helped me be the player I am today, but I am very blessed to play for Piedmont football and to represent them. Without all of my teammates and coaches, I couldn’t have done this.”
Pinto’s state record comes two years after former Piedmont quarterback Jack Hayes set career marks for touchdown passes, total touchdowns, passing yards and total yards.
“I guess you could say I’m following in the footsteps of my former pass thrower, Jack Hayes, with all of the records he has broken at Piedmont,” Pinto said, “but all in all, I’m super grateful for everything.”
Pinto helped Piedmont advance to the Class 3A semifinals for the ninth time in 10 seasons. Second-year Piedmont coach Jonathan Miller called Pinto’s record “an outstanding accomplishment for a really, really good football player.”
Pinto also rushed for 428 yards and four touchdowns. He returned two punts and one kickoff for a touchdown, building a case to be a finalist for Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 3A back of the year.
His 108 catches ranks tied for fourth, according to AHSAA statistics listed on the association’s web site. Trinity Presbyterian’s Mark White had 108 catches in 2009, and Thompson’s Ahmad Edwards holds the record with 125 in 2017.
“He will be the first to tell you, this wouldn’t be possible without the supporting cast that surrounded him on offense,” Miller said. “Rollie worked extremely hard to rehab his ACL injury and came back a much better version of himself.
“He showed that game after game with his production and ability to make big plays for our team.”
