AGGIES WIN! AGGIES WIN! Albertville snaps 33-game losing streak with 20-18 victory over Grissom

By TAYLOR BECK, Sports Editor

HUNTSVILLE — The drought is finally over.

The Albertville Aggies snapped a 33-game losing streak Friday night, holding off Grissom 20-18 at Wilks Family Field inside Joe Davis Stadium for their first victory since Aug. 26, 2022.

The win not only gave the Aggies (1-5, 1-3 Class 7A, Region 4) their first taste of victory in over three years, but also sparked an emotional celebration for the team, school, and community.

As the Aggies defense swatted away a last-second Grissom heave and the scoreboard hit all zeros, Albertville players jumped with joy, some breaking into tears. Fans who had made the 90-minute drive roared. Students stormed the field. The Aggie Marching Band resounded triumphantly. Head coach Adam Winegarden even got a Gatorade bath.

Albertville’s cheerleaders sure had something to cheer about Friday night. Photo by TAYLOR BECK l The Leader

“We’ve got a bunch of great kids, and I think that over a period of time when you haven’t had success for a long period of time, and people tell you you can’t, that’s something you gotta work through,” Winegarden said postgame. “And I’ve watched these kids slowly grow as the year has gone, and I’ve seen their inner belief just continue to get better and better and better… All of these kids are special, and, you know, there’s so much more in them, and to see them get a taste of it tonight is really special.”

The game began with drama as Grissom opened with a surprise onside kick, recovering at the Aggies’ 41-yard line. But Albertville’s defense held firm and forced a punt.

Albertville answered immediately with a 79-yard scoring drive capped by a 7-yard touchdown run from quarterback C.J. Zuniga to take a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter. Grissom responded with a 9-yard touchdown run early in the second, but the extra point sailed wide, keeping Albertville ahead 7-6.

The Aggies struck again before halftime. Taking advantage of a short field after a failed Grissom onside attempt, Zuniga plunged in from the 1-yard line to make it 13-6 with 5:21 left in the half.

Albertville carried that lead into the break, but Grissom clawed back in the third. A fumbled option pitch gave the Tigers the ball near midfield, and they converted on fourth-and-goal from the 3 with a direct-snap touchdown run. Once again, the Aggies stuffed the 2-point try and clung to a 13-12 advantage.

Players hug and celebrate the team’s first win in three years with Coach Winegarden. Photo by TAYLOR BECK l The Leader

Zuniga and the Aggie offense answered in the fourth quarter. He found Taliq Saint for a 30-yard touchdown strike, pushing the lead to 20-12 with 10:46 to play.

But Grissom wasn’t finished. The Tigers powered through on a 73-yard drive, capped with another short touchdown run. On the 2-point attempt to tie the game, the Aggies stood tall again, stopping Grissom short to preserve a 20-18 lead.

With time winding down, Albertville defensive back Cooper Scott came up with a critical interception with just over two minutes left. The Aggies were forced to punt one final time, but the defense batted down Grissom’s last desperation throw to seal the long-awaited victory.

Zuniga finished 6-of-9 passing for 92 yards and a touchdown while adding two rushing scores. Albertville ran 33 times for 164 yards, led by Collin Parker (15 carries, 64 yards), Eguensley Cerant (9 for 45), and Jakari Kirkland (3 for 34).

C.J. Zuniga is all smiles after a touchdown run against Grissom. Photo by TAYLOR BECK l The Leader

Saint had the key 30-yard touchdown catch, while Brandt Sweatt added two receptions for 20 yards, Parker caught two for 18, and Cobi Watson hauled in one for 24.

For Winegarden, his staff, and the players, the win was more than just breaking a streak — it was proof of progress.

Albertville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Bart Reeves shared in the moment.

“It’s the best feeling in the world. Now that monkey’s off the back, and now we just keep moving forward, keep getting better,” Reeves said. “And you know, these kids, we have the best kids in the world. We wanted these seniors to have at least one win, and they got it. They got it, and I think they stand a great chance to get them maybe a second or third win before the season’s over. But we love the kids, love the coaching staff. We’ve got this program running the right direction.”

Editor’s Note: Stats are unofficial totals recorded at the game by the Leader.

Players and fans celebrate Albertville’s first win in three years Friday night. Photos by TAYLOR BECK l The Leader