Minor leads Tigers to Victory!

Will Minor ran for over 200 yards!



Taylor Gross springs Minor for the Touchdown



Deshler 35 Brooks 19.  Sure it is a team effort - but when you rush for over 200 yards the offensive line and the running back deserve some extra credit.  Will Minor ran over people, dragged defenders, and raced his way to 212 yards on 13 carries in leading the Tigers to a 35 - 19 win.  If having one 100 yard rusher isn't enough, Deshler's Terrance Byrd,  a freshman, also went over the 100 yard milestone as he gained 141 yrds on 15 carries.  What a night for the Tigers.  With those stats one might think it was easy.  Not so.  The Brooks Lions threatened all night long.  Skylar Beck and Clint Prestage marched the Brooks offense up and down the field but with each Brooks threat came a quick Deshler response.  The Tigers took a 7 - 0 lead early and Brooks responded by marching down the field to inside the Deshler 10 yard line.  The Lions elected to go for it on 4th and inches when Deshler's Malachi Cole slipped through the line and came up with a big stop denying Brooks the opportunity to tie the game early. 

Three plays later Will Monor breaks free from deep in their own territory for a 70 yard run.  The plays that enveloped the halftime show were the plays that changed the game.  Zac Gardner intercepted a Brooks drive in the closing minutes of the 2nd quarter that could have allowed the Lions to tie the game.  Instead the Tigers use 3 plays to cover 56 yards and take a 29 - 13 lead into the half. The third quarter opened with a determined Brooks team driving the length of the field using most of the quarter to cut the lead to 9 only to have Deshler respond with another score in 5 plays.  Juakeem Fuqua punched it in from 6 yards out and all but sealed the win for Deshler.  The Tigers ended with 352 yards on the ground and Will minor found the end zone 4 times.  The win puts Deshler in a familiar spot in regional play.  The drivers seat.  2-0 on the season and 1-0 in the region.  The three game gauntlet will conclude next week as they will play Central.

Brooks passed for 237 yards but it wasn't enough

Here comes Muscle Shoals!



Sullivan returns a punt for a touchdown!

The Trojans sure know how to start a game.  Last week an opening kickoff return for a TD.  This week after a defensive stop the first Trojan touch resulted in a Zachary Devan Sullivan punt return for a touchdown.  The offense scored 21 in the first half to put the Trojans in control. Ryan Johnson recovered a Muscle Shoals fumble by Nance after a 73 yard run to set up Dylan Gists 11 yard run over the left guard with just under 4 minutes left in the half.  By the time the final horn sounded, the Trojans had poured 42 points on East Limestone while the Indians were stuck on 6.  42 - 6 is an impressive win.  Coach Basden said he was "pleased with the effort" and praised the defense,  "Hats off to the defense  it seemed like they were on the field for probably 90 plays".  Zach Mize helped anchor the defense by contributing 8 tackles and 2 sacks.  Defensive lineman Dee Liner also got in on the scoring when he picked up a fumble and raced 47 yards into the end zone.  Chris Montgomery ran for over 100 yards with 2 touchdowns including a 72 yard TD run. It was a good night to for the entire Trojan team. The Trojans rushed for 416 yards while only allowing 103.  Even though the Indians led in time of possession, the Muscle Shoals defense held strong and limited them the Indians to 6 total points.  They are living up to their ranking and beginning to look like a real threat to reach some lofty goals.  Mize said "this is a big region game...our goal is to win the region...this is just a step".  Winning the region has not happened at Muscle Shoals since 1988.  Doing so would definately be a special accomplishment.  This team may have just the right mix to make it happen.






Trojan Defense made life difficult on East Limestone



Rogers Pirates Roll!

Rogers Defense Stuffs the Tigers

Games are not decided by picks, predictions, or on paper.  Good thing for the boys in Greenhill.  No one told them most people thought this was the year for the Tigers from Lauderdale County.  ASWA has the Tigers ranked high.  We had them picked.  The opinion polls favored LCHS.  But it was ALL Rogers.  The defense of the Pirates never allowed the Tigers to get into the game.  With three down lineman, outside linebackers coming, inside linebackers sliding in, it was a great gameplan by the staff at Rogers and made life miserable for the offensive players at LCHS. 

 Lauderdale County started the game with miscues and penalties just like they did last week.  But Rogers made them pay.  Rogers Blake Kerr put the Pirates up 7-0 with 5:48 to play in the first quarter and by the half they were ahead 21-0.  LCHS opened the second half with a determined drive and was set to change the momentum and get back in the game, but Rogers denied them on a 4th and 4.  Raleigh Killen came up and stopped the Tigers literally less than an inch short of the first down and apparently took all life from the LCHS offense.  The only second half points scored were a late safety by the Pirate defense.  This moves the Pirates and Coach Beavers into great position in the region and will once again put them as the favorites.  They are in control and the way they played tonight.....it will take a very good 3A team to beat them.  They played great.  They were ready.  They have no plans of relinquishing that region title they earned last year just yet. 


Pirates had plenty to cheer as they shutout LCHS



Preview: Wilson at East Lawrence

Cody Gross and his Wilson Warriors will travel to East Lawrence for their first regional game this year.  Last year the Warriors escaped with a 6 - 0 victory.  The two teams are in very similiar situations.  Wilson has a new coach and is coming off a 3 - 7 season as well as a week 1 defeat.  East Lawrence has a new coach in Ernie Ferguson, was 2 - 8 last season, and lost last week as well.  Friday night should be a great way for each coach to measure their teams progress. Wilson improved over last years performance against a very good Lauderdale County team.  East lost to a Lawrence County team that was winless last season.  The game should provide a little more offense than last year but in the end the result will be the same.  Wilson will escape with a victory.  Advantage - Wilson.

Preview: Russellville vs Lawrence County

Russellville didn't start the season exactly like they wanted to.  Lawrence County did.  Lawrence County was winless last year and opened this season with a victory.  Last year the Red Devils scored 29 points.  Not against Russellville....they scored 29 points the entire season!  They put 22 on the board last Friday night.  They obviously have improved.  Russellville moved the ball up and down the field against Deshler, they simply made costly turnovers and mistakes that made the final score look more one-sided than the game did.  Russellville may not be as strong as last year and the Devils may be better, but the difference is not enough to overcome the 42 - 0 difference from a year ago.  Russellville will start the regional play with a win.  Advantage - Russellville.

Preview: Muscle Shoals vs East Limestone

Muscle Shoals Trojans will host the Indians from East Limestone Friday night as both teams begin regional play.  Last year the Trojans were able to win 15 - 6 on the road.  This years Trojans are bigger, faster, and much better.  East may have improved as well, but don't look for them to have progressed as much as Coach Basdens team has.  The defensive line of the Trojans will make life difficult for the Indian offense while the speed and multiple weapons of the Trojan offense will score enough to seal the win.  These teams have only met six times in the past with Muscle Shoals coming away a winner in four of them. Friday night should make number five.  Advantage - Muscle Shoals.

Preview: Lauderdale County at Rogers

A real battle of experienced teams in Greenhill.  Lauderdale County and Rogers return more players and have more experience between them than almost any two teams in Northwest Alabama.  33 starters in the game started last year as well.  Last year Rogers won 20 - 14. Coach Dan Beavers team also won the 3A Region 8 title last year and know that this game carries a lot of weight in determining who will win in 2011. Lauderdale County pulled away from Wilson last week while Rogers fell to a much improved Brooks team.  The Tigers ran the ball with a lot of success last week and Rogers gave up over 8 yards per carry.  If that doesn't change then the Tigers will roll.  The experience and coaching staff of Rogers will have the Pirates tightened up defensively, but Lauderdale County will still be a little too strong.  LCHS will gain the early lead in the regional standings and improve to 2 - 0 overall.  Advantage - Lauderdale County in a close one.

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Preview: Brooks at Deshler

Deshler found out last week that the new players can get the job done.  Brooks found out that the returning players have improved dramatically.  Both picked up big wins.  Both teams ran for over 250 yards.  Deshler is at home which usually helps a little.  Last year Deshler won 42 to 12.  Brooks has improved enough to make it much closer but probably not enough to beat them just yet. Brooks has only defeated Deshler 5 times in the history of this game. Deshler should remain the team to beat in the regional play and move to 2 - 0 on the season with another win over Brooks.  Advantage - Deshler.

 

Preview: Colbert Heights at Phil Campbell

Looking for an exciting air show to attend Friday Night?  Make your way to Phil Campbell.  These two teams threw for a combined 581 yards last week.  Could make for an interesting matchup.  Phil Campbell won in dramatic fashion against Cold Springs while Colbert Heights trounced Danville.  Look for the hometown of Phil Campbell to be out in force and give the Bobcats every emotional advantage they can.  It could be a close game, but in the end, look for the Wildcats to have more weapons and have a bit more success on defense.  Enough to start 1 - 0 in region play.  Advantage - Colbert Heights. 

The Running Game

Running the football requires more than just a good running back.  Good blocking is a must.  A total team effort is required to be successful on the ground.  Although we realize that statistics don't always tell the whole story they do help recognize trends.  Below are both the leaders after Week 1 in running the ball on offense as well as the teams whose defense stopped the run the best.   

Offense                      Yards per Carry
1. Brooks Lions                      8.77
2. Lauderdale County             8.20
3. Central Wildcats                 8.06
4. Cherokee Indians               7.89

5. Muscle Shoals                    7.80

6. Russellville Tigers               6.67

7. Red Bay Tigers                  6.41
8. Florence Falcons                5.98
9. Deshler Tigers                    5.62
10. Tharptown                       5.29

Defense                       Yards/Carry Allowed
1. Lauderdale County                3.05

2. Red Bay Tigers                     3.07

3. Brooks Lions                        3.20

4. Florence Falcons                  3.27

5. Central Wildcats                   3.35

6. Phil Campbell                       3.55

7. Muscle Shoals                      4.35

8. RA Hubbard                        4.97

9. Hatton Hornets                     5.06

10. Cherokee Indians               5.46

Power Rankings Week 1

1. Muscle Shoals Trojans

The Trojans were very impressive in the week 1 win against Colbert County.  They hold on to the top spot.  The Indians are not as strong as in years past but Muscle Shoals ran up 48 points in the first half.  Regardless of who the competition - that is impressive.  They have speed, depth, and size.  The year looks to be promising.

2. Florence Falcons
The Falcons win a huge game on the road.  The defense shined and the offense ground out enough points to seal the win.  The Falcons get closer to overtaking Muscle Shoals as the top team with this win; however, they will meet head to head soon enough.  Should be a great game.

3.  Deshler

How about those Tigers.  Starting 17 first time starters, Deshler was able to take advantage of Russellville miscues and come out of this game with a win for the first time for any of these players.  The offensive line continually opened holes and the intensity was high all night.  This win boosts the Tigers up one slot from last week.

4. Russellville
Falling to Deshler, the Golden Tigers fall one spot in the polls.  No one ever wants to lose, but Deshler is a good team.  So is Russellville.  Costly mistakes at inopportune times was the difference. Russellville is not accustomed to losing,  its okay,  it probably wont happen many more times this year.

5. Lauderdale County
Great team effort allows the Tigers to roll past an improved Wilson Warrior team.  The ground game was almost unstoppable.  A lot of weapons on offense and a solid defense make this a team that can go far in 3A.  A pivitol regional game this week on the road with Rogers could go a long way in determining the standings at seasons end.

6. Brooks Lions
Very impressive first half against Rogers.  The Lions came out strong and had a cushion but allowed the Pirates back in the game.  Credit the Lions for doing what good teams do - they tightened up and drove the field to seal the win.  Impressive start and finish for Brooks.  If they can pull off a road win this week at Deshler then they have the chance to not only move up in these polls but would be in command of the region standings.
7. Rogers Pirates
A loss to Brooks doesnt cost them a spot in the polls.  The Pirates played well and after falling behind came back and competed well.  They will find out this week as they host Lauderdale County exactly how good they actually are. 
8. RA Hubbard
What a start to the season.  Defense shuts Hatton out.  But, the team has to go to overtime to pull out the win.  Any time a team can win a close game it says something about the heart and competitive spirit of a team.  Look for Hubbard to continue to improve and once again be a force in 1A.
9. Colbert Heights
Clicking on all cylinders.  Not many QB's throw with the accuracy that Claunch did Friday night.  Most high school teams hardly throw the ball at all.  This will make Colbert Heights a tough team to defend and keeps them ranked on the Power Rankings despite being a 2A team.  They may have a special year up on the mountain!
10. Central Wildcats
Maybe games really are won and lost in the trenches.  Replacing all skilled positions but returning the offensive line the Wildcats didn't miss a beat.  39 points and another win.  New coach and some new players, but the result is the same.  Good win for the team and coach Wood. 

Players of the Week

Gold - Cole Claunch (Colbert Heights) - Jr QB throws for 252 yds and 3 TD on 15 of 17 in 38 - 6 win over Danville

Silver - Will Minor (Deshler) 21 carries for 160 yds and 4 TDs in 41-21 win over Russellville
Bronze - Skyler Beck - (Brooks) - Int on Rogers opening drive to set up first score for BHS, 80 yd TD run for 2nd score, 35 yd TD pass for 3rd score in 1st half

Honorable Mention-
Clint Prestage -(Brooks) - 144 yds on 15 carries
O - Line (Brooks) Racked up 349 rushing yards from a variety of players against a stout Rogers team
Bryson Smith (Colbert Heights) 5 catches 155 yds 2 TD
Matt Belue (Red Bay) 113 yds on 15 carries 2 TD in 27 - 10 win over Sheffield
Zachary Anthony (Central) 142 yds rushing 2 TD in 39 - 21 win over Lexington
David Alfaro (Cherokee) 146 yds rushing, 3 TD including late TD to comeback and beat Vina 30-28
Dee Liner - (Muscle Shoals) - 3 sacks in 1 half of play and anchored a starting DLine that allowed only 5 plays of positive yards
Floyd Jones - (RAHubbard) -  113 yds on 12 carries with TD in OT for a 6-0 win over Hatton
JuJu Donley (Deshler) 2 interceptions as the Tigers beat Russellville
Falcons Seconday getting 3 ints by three different players in 13 - 7 road win at Vestavia Hills
Darien Fountain (Cherokee) late INT w/ 52 yd return to set up winning TD
Devan Sullivan - (Muscle Shoals) - returns opening kickoff 87 yrds in season opener vs CCHS
Colby Spann (Colbert Heights) 75 yard kickoff return for TD to open 2nd half
Jamie Dorroh (Phil Campbell) 8 catches for 205 yards, 2 TD's
Timothy Bryant (Tharptown) Int, fumble recovery for a score, caught a TD passin 26 - 21 loss to Meek