A pair of defensive touchdowns and one long drive were enough to propel the Leeds Green Wave past Pell City on Friday night.

The Green Wave defense scored the first and last touchdowns of the game Friday night, picking off Pell City quarterback Nikita Getmanschuk twice, and returning both for scores in a 30-23 victory.

Leeds head coach called the week of practice following a loss to Mortimer Jordan “bloody” specifically for his defense.

“We challenged the guts of that group,” Hood said. “And they came through tonight.”

The Green Wave (1-1) turned things around late in the third. First, the defense held Pell City’s (0-2) offense on downs inside its own 20-yard line. Junior quarterback Conner Nelson then led an 83-yard drive, capping it with a 5-yard touchdown run that gave the visitors the lead for good.

Nelson would finish with 234 all-purpose yards, scoring 2 touchdowns.

“This means a lot, because people were doubting us this week,” he said.

On the ensuing possession, Leeds’ defense put the game away with their pick-6, a 40-yard catch and run by linebacker Joshua Lee.

“We took it very personal, since last week we took an L,” Lee said. “Just came out just ready, eager to win. Ready to fight.”

Getmanschuk finished with 215 yards through the air, with a touchdown and two interceptions. Receiver Ethan Everett caught that touchdown, a 73-yard catch and run in the second quarter.

“Our team had a chance to win the game,” said Pell City head coach Rush Propst. “We don’t turn the ball over, we probably win the game.”

Both teams enter region play next week. Pell City will host Clay-Chalkville, while Leeds travels to face Springville.