High school football: 3 things we learned from Smiths Station’s loss to Gardendale
Smiths Station’s season opener was technically last week, a forfeit win over Russell County.
The Panthers’ first bit of real action was a rain-delayed and rain-soaked struggle.
The Panthers fell 26-7 to Gardendale Friday night in east Alabama, dropping to 1-1 heading into the annual rivalry showdown with Central.
Three things we learned
Chunk plays were Smiths Station’s undoing
Whenever it seemed like the Pathers defense was close to getting Gardendale’s offense off the field, the Rockets would rip off a chunk play to keep the drive alive. This happened numerous times in the first half and led to more than one score, notably the Rockets’ final touchdown.
Panthers offense falls flat
Seven points in a team’s first week of game action isn’t a positive. The Panthers couldn’t get much going offensively: Untimely drops, sacks and errant passes derailed drive after drive.
It doesn’t get any easier next week
If the rivalry doesn’t motivate Central next week, this will: The Red Devils enter the game 0-2 after dropping a close game to Eufaula Friday night. Patrick Nix is still searching for that elusive first win at Central, and Smiths Station is the next team up.
How they scored
Smiths Station-7-0-0-0--7
Gardendale-7-9-3-7--26
What’s next
- Smiths Station hosts Central, Sept. 4 at 8 p.m. EST/7 p.m. CT
- Gardendale travels to Pinson Valley, Sept. 4 at 8 p.m. EST/7 p.m. CT
