Will Gaines, Fort Payne Times-Journal
VALLEY HEAD – It’s been seven years since Valley Head defeated Cedar Bluff. That losing streak came to an end on Friday night as the Tigers defeated Cedar Bluff 20-14 and picked up their first region win of the season.
The win comes one week after the Tigers (2-1, 1-0) lost a heartbreaker to Section. This week Valley Head came out with the victory when Jordan Burt intercepted Cedar Bluff quarterback Jacob Burleson with 1:30 remaining in the game to seal the win.
While Valley Head had to hold on for the win at the end, the Tigers controlled the game with a physical brand of football.
The Tigers finished with 258 yards rushing and 303 yards of total offense, while the defense held Cedar Bluff and their offensive threats to just 196 yards of offense and 52 yards rushing.
Bryson Morgan finished with 138 yards on 27 carries with two touchdowns. He also had a 31-yard touchdown catch. Burt had 120 yards on 28 carries and 3-for-6 passing for 45 yards and a touchdown. Eian Bain had two catches for 14 yards and a fumble recovery.
Cedar Bluff (0-2, 0-1) started the game on a high note by taking the opening drive to Valley Head’s 15-yard line, but the Tigers’ defense forced a 25-yard field goal attempt which was blocked.
Morgan scored the first touchdown of the night with a 36-yard touchdown run and Noah Hulgan added the extra-point for a 7-0 Valley Head lead with 11:06 remaining in the second quarter.
Cedar Bluff evened the score with 2:44 remaining in the first half after Burleson scored on a 3-yard run.
But Valley Head quickly regained the lead with a 31-yard touchdown pass from Burt to Morgan with 11.6 seconds left in the first half. Hulgan’s extra-point gave Valley Head a 14-7 lead at halftime.
Valley Head got the ball to start the second half and scored after a 12-play, 65-yard drive that was capped off by a 5-yard run by Morgan. The extra-point failed and Valley Head had a 20-6 lead.
Cedar Bluff then scored on a 7-yard pass from Burleson to Leek with 3:38 left in the third quarter to make the score 20-14.
Valley Head then drove deep into Cedar Bluff territory in the fourth quarter before turning the ball over on downs with 2:05 remaining.
But the Tigers’ defense came up big with Burt’s interception that sealed the win.
Cedar Bluff host Sumiton Christian while Valley Head takes on Woodville next Friday.