CHARLESTON, Tenn. — For just the second time in program history and first time since 2012, the Walker Valley Mustangs are 3-0 to start a football season.
The calling card for the Mustangs has been a rock-solid defense, and it showed up once again as senior linebacker Deundre Hinton (15 tackles) was all over the field from the middle linebacker position in Friday night’s 20-14 home win over Cleveland.
“This is a big milestone for my team,” said Hinton, a transfer from Central who has been a crucial part of a defense that has allowed just 22 points this season. “This team has been through a lot of trials and tribulations. We listen to our coaches and do our jobs and what we are supposed to do. We continue to dig deep and have a lot of will power.”
Walker Valley ended a four-game losing streak in what has been a lopsided series against Cleveland, which had outscored them 115-3 in their previous three meetings.
The Mustangs erupted in celebration when junior Zeke Garrison intercepted a pass over the middle in the final seconds to seal a huge victory for the Class 5A program. Garrison, a team captain, also had an 8-yard touchdown reception to help his team take a 14-7 lead into halftime.