Series: Hartselle leads 1-0

Last meeting: Hartselle won 35-27 in the first round of the playoffs

Balanced attack for Hartselle: The Tigers were nearly split 50-50 in yardage against Boaz last week. They had 204 rushing and 199 passing. They will likely need another balanced attack this week against a team that’s averaging scoring 38.2 points per game.

Players in AHSAA spotlight: Hartselle’s Deacon Aldridge was 10-of-15 passing for 199 yards and a TD and rushed for 88 yards and two more scores as the Tigers remained unbeaten with a 52-13 Class 5A playoff win over Boaz. With the Indians trailing 21-6 to East Limestone, Pinson Valley’s Kaleb Harris passed for five touchdowns to cap a comeback in a 42-26 Class 5A playoff win. He was 19-of-31 for 355 yards.

Record setting season for Pinson Valley: The Indians have set numerous records this season including most points in a game (69 against Mortimer Jordan), most points combined in a game (111 against Mortimer Jordan), biggest margin of victory (49 against Moody), most points in a season (420) and most wins in a season (9). Pinson Valley’s only losses are to No. 3 Briarwood Christian and rival Center Point (formerly Erwin High School).

Defense update: The Tigers are now allowing slightly more than a touchdown on the season at 8.5 points per game. Hartselle has only allowed 94 games through 11 games.

All time in the second round: Hartselle has a 9-7 record all time in the second round of the playoffs and has won its last four second round games. The last time Hartselle lost in the second round was in 2004 during Bob Godsey’s second season. Pinson Valley is 0-2 in the second round and is making its first appearance in the second round since 2005.