Time-Out: Friday Night Lights in the Valley

The Friday night lights across the Valley glowed with intensity in Week 4, and the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. With rivalries renewed, new stars stepping onto the stage, and established powerhouses showing why they remain at the top, the night was filled with storylines that stretched beyond the scoreboard. Football in this region is never just a game — it is a reflection of community pride, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

The Central Red Devils took the field looking to make a statement. Just a week earlier, they had been forced to skate by with only a three-point victory, and while a win is always welcomed, there was a sense that the Red Devils had much more to give. On Friday night against Smiths Station, they did exactly that. In a dominant performance that left little room for doubt, Central rolled to a 56-20 victory, putting the game out of reach almost as soon as it began. By halftime, the score had ballooned to 42-6, and the Red Devils never looked back.

The offensive fireworks came from several playmakers, none brighter than Donovan Crow. With just five carries, Crow racked up 59 yards and scored three rushing touchdowns, setting a new career-high in the process. His performance embodied efficiency and explosiveness, the kind that energizes a team and deflates an opponent. Branden Brown delivered one of the game’s most memorable moments when he returned a punt for a touchdown, reminding everyone how dangerous Central’s special teams can be. That phase of the game alone contributed 14 points, underscoring why the Red Devils are such a complete and balanced unit.

Central’s victory was their third in a row, pushing their record to a perfect 3-0 and continuing a trend of offensive dominance that has seen them average over 50 points per game this season. Their path only gets tougher from here, with Dothan looming on the schedule. The Wolves have scored at least 31 points in every contest this year, making Friday’s matchup one of the most anticipated showdowns in the Valley.

Elsewhere, the St. Anne-Pacelli Vikings found redemption on the road. It was their third away trip of the young season, and after suffering setbacks earlier, they finally broke through with a commanding 41-12 win over Stone Mountain. From the very start, the Vikings imposed their will, storming out to a 27-0 lead by halftime and never looking back. Quarterback Dustin Sherman was nearly flawless, throwing for 195 yards and three touchdowns while adding a rushing score to his resume. Cameron Carino provided balance on the ground, pounding out 100 rushing yards and a touchdown, as Pacelli’s offense proved nearly unstoppable with 243 yards rushing in total — their best output since October of 2024.

On defense, the Vikings were equally imposing, generating three sacks and consistently pressuring Stone Mountain’s backfield. Capps Green and Michael Rowe each recorded sacks, disrupting the Pirates’ rhythm and sealing the win. With the victory, Pacelli evened their record at 2-2 and reignited their season, while Stone Mountain dropped to 0-4. The Vikings now turn their attention to Whitefield Academy, a game that could further define their trajectory.

Brookstone also had unfinished business to take care of, and they got their revenge in dramatic fashion. Hosting First Presbyterian Day, the Cougars remembered well the sting of last year’s 6-3 loss. This time, the result was different. Brookstone came out firing and secured a 31-22 victory, extending their home winning streak to five games and remaining perfect on the season. Quarterback Broughton Branch was the star once again, throwing for 130 yards and three touchdowns while adding 91 rushing yards and a score on the ground. His rushing performance was a personal best, a testament to his continued growth as one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the area. For Brookstone, now 4-0, the win was not just about staying unbeaten — it was about proving that last year’s setback was nothing more than a steppingstone.

For Harris County, the story was one of resilience. A week ago, the Tigers endured the kind of loss that can shake a program’s confidence, a 63-0 drubbing at the hands of Carver. But football is often about how teams respond to adversity, and on Friday night, Harris County responded with heart. In a tight, gritty contest against Dougherty, the Tigers prevailed 21-17, their most productive offensive outing of the season. Sophomore Jalen Robinson was the spark, hauling in 93 receiving yards and a touchdown that proved pivotal. The win brought Harris County back to even at 2-2, a much-needed reset as they prepare for a critical conference matchup with Jonesboro on September 19. Dougherty, meanwhile, fell to 1-3, their third consecutive defeat.

The rest of the Valley delivered its own drama. Jordan fell 40-8 to Terrell County, while Spencer was overwhelmed 41-13 by Griffin. Northside dropped a tough one to Monroe, 25-10, and Calvary continued their perfect season with a resounding 35-0 shutout of Tattnall. Each game told its own story of momentum gained or opportunities missed, adding new wrinkles to an already fascinating season.

The schedule ahead promises even more storylines. Thursday night will feature Hardaway and Shaw clashing at Kinnett, while Spencer battles Manchester at Odis Spencer Stadium. On the softball diamonds, rivalries continue to play out with Carver, Shaw, Jordan, Columbus, Sumter County, Northside, and Brookstone all in action. But as always, the heart of the Valley will be under the Friday night lights, where Carver and Northside will square off at Kinnett, Kendrick hosts Sumter County at Odis Spencer, and Columbus faces Jordan at Memorial Stadium.

Week 4 reminded us all why high school football in this region is so much more than wins and losses. It is about pride, redemption, and the pursuit of excellence. Central’s dominance, Pacelli’s breakthrough, Brookstone’s revenge, and Harris County’s resilience all tell the story of a Valley alive with competition and community. And as Week 5 approaches, with undefeated quarterbacks leading the charge and rivalries set to be renewed, one thing is certain: the lights will burn even brighter, and the stories will only grow richer.