SMITHS STATION — The Valley High School ninth-graders got off to a running start to the season on Wednesday night at Smiths Station. The Rams defeated the Panthers on the road 34-7 in the matchup.

“It was a great team win,” Valley freshman head football coach Michael Power said.

The five Valley touchdowns on the night, including the two defensive touchdowns, were all scored by different players. Kenneth Stephens forced a fumble that resulted in a touchdown to go along with his five tackles in the effort. Jakari Dunn grabbed a pick-six for the Rams as well. Cayden Cook and Mark Madden also tied Stephens for a team-high five tackles.  Zae Turner and Cullen Kennedy also grabbed interceptions from the secondary. Ty’Sean Darden and Quen Story both finished the game with four tackles.

On the offensive side of the ball, Tink Patton completed five-of-eight passes for 145 yards and one touchdown to “Little Man” Martin. 

Martin caught three passes for 85 yards on the night. Flip Jackson led all rushers with 165 yards on the ground to go along with one rushing touchdown and 40 reception yards. Malik Flournoy rushed for 40 yards and a touchdown.

Power said that moving forward, the team will have to work on cutting down on penalties because two additional touchdowns were called back against Smiths Station.

“[The] kids didn’t get frustrated [with the penalties], but kept playing and trusted the game plan,” Power said.

Valley returns home on Sept. 9 to host Auburn High School at 6 p.m. EDT.