Compiled by the AHSAA
MONTGOMERY – A near-state record receiving performance from Piedmont senior Rollie Pinto was edged out by a record-setting game between Ohatchee and New Hope for the Week 0 Spotlight by the Alabama High School Athletic Association on Tuesday.
Ohatchee outlasted New Hope 76-71 thanks to a last play 37-yard ‘Hail Mary’ pass from quarterback Jake Roberson to Brayden Collins. The two teams accounted for more than 1,300 yards, 21 touchdowns, produced a combined 147 points, and set a number of single-game state records along the way.
As for Pinto, he reached a milestone only a handful of receivers have accomplished in AHSAA prep football history when he snagged 20 receptions in Piedmont’s 34-27 win over Cherokee County. His clutch effort came against a Warrior team that was coming off back-to-back Class 4A state runner-up finishes. The Bulldogs have played in the Class 3A state finals twice themselves over the last four years with Pinto on the team.
Pinto finished Friday’s victory with 250 yards receiving and three touchdowns – 5, 7 and 30 yards – as the Bulldogs pulled out the victory in what has become the longest-running rivalry in both schools’ history.
Piedmont (1-0), coached by Jonathan Miller, evened the 83-game series to 39-39-3 with the win. It snapped a two-game losing streak in the series to the Warriors, coached by Jacob Kelley. Piedmont has won 11 of the last 13 meetings, however.
Pinto’s 20 catches fell two short the AHSAA single-game state record (22) set by of Dora’s Stevie Woods against Oak Grove in 2010 and tied him with Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa’s Cahdil Ellis (2014), Gulf Shores’ Patrick Williamson (2004), and LaFayette’s Chris Simpson (2000) for second all-time in AHSAA state history.
WEIS Radio reporter Shannon Fagan detailed the action, which ended when Piedmont quarterback Cole Wilson, who finished the night 32-of-40 for 343 passing yards and four touchdowns, connected with senior receiver Ishmael Bethel on a last-second 11-yard scoring toss near the back corner of the end zone to give Piedmont the thrilling season-opening victory.
Among the highlights for the Warriors, Ben Frampton returned a kickoff 74 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter.
Other area standout performances recognized by the AHSAA in Week 0 included:
ALEX BATY, GAYLESVILLE: Ran for 235 yards on 26 carries and found the end zone four times to lead the Trojans to a 42-28 victory over Donoho. The win was Gaylesville’s first on the field since beating Talladega County Central 54-14 on Oct. 28, 2022. The Trojans’ only win last season came by forfeit. It was also the first home win for the Trojans since a 24-14 decision over Decatur Heritage on Oct. 14, 2022, and the Trojans’ first season-opening victory since a 38-30 decision over Whitesburg Christian in 2021. Jack Sentell added 175 yards rushing on 10 carries and scored twice for Gaylesville.
HUNTER STALLINGS, CEDAR BLUFF: Completed 13-of- 21 pass attempts for 194 yards and a 54-yard touchdown in a 34-13 loss to Valley Head. He also rushed for 92 yards on 12 carries and had nine tackles on defense including two for loss.
NOAH BARBER, SPRING GARDEN: Was 6-of-12 passing for 165 yards and three TDs in the Panthers’ 41-7 triumph over Sand Rock.
CALEB EDMONDSON, CEDAR BLUFF: Caught five passes for 108 yards and a 54-yard touchdown in the Tigers’ 34-13 loss at Valley Head.
JOHN WELSH, SPRING GARDEN: Returned an interception 68 yards for a touchdown, caught three passes for 80 yards and two scores, and had a 65-yard punt return for a TD called back on a penalty in the Panthers’ 41-7 win over Sand Rock.
A link to this week’s complete Spotlight honorees is below.