Players of the Week: Week 7

GOLD - Will Minor (Deshler) - Ran for 241 yards and 4 Touchdowns to remain undefeated as Tigers win 48-21.  Minor scored on runs of 4, 8, 19, and 47 yards.

Silver -Ethon Felton (Muscle Shoals) - Sophomore collected 14 tackles, 1 int, and 1 fumble recovery in leading a defensethat shutout Russellville 24 - 0.

Bronze - LCHS Offensive Line - Controlling the ball for 36 minutes against Sheffield defense and rushing for 295 yards regardless off how many defenders were put in the box

HONORABLE MENTION
Dillon Gist (Muscle Shoals) - 13 carries for 122 yards in a Muscle Shoals win over Russellville 24-0
Austin Kerr (Rogers) -3 TD's and 173 yards rushing and a 15 yard passing TD
Justin Scott (Central) - 198 yds passing and 3 TD's in a 55-18 win
Skyler Beck (Brooks) - 7 of 10 passing for 196 yds with 3 TDs
Craig Saint (Phil Campbell) - 132 yds and 2 TD's and threw a TD as the Bobcats win 37-23
Colby Spann (Colbert Heights) - 70 yd TD return off an interception that sparked a Wildcat win 33-28
Dee Liner (Muscle Shoals) - 11 tackles and a fumble recovery in holding Russellville to 186 total yds
Kendrick Doss (Florence) - 14-27 passing for 225 yards in a loss the Decatur
Jamie Dorrah (Phil Campbell) - Int return 55 yds for TD, rushed for TD, and a 70 yard kickoff return
Zach Anthony (Central) - Caught TD's of 15 and 47 yds with a rushing TD of 5 yds in a win
Chandler Russ (Shoals Christian) - 30 yd int return for TD and rushed for  a 51 yd TD in a 34-14 win
CJ Jackson (Lauderdale County) -122 yds and 2 touchdowns on 20 carries as LCHS defeats Sheffield
Tyler Grigsby (Rogers) - 8 of 12 for 187 yards passing with 1 TD in a 47-25 win
Daniel Hayes (Central) - 10 carries for 108 yards in a region win over East Lawrence

Bryson Smith (Colbert Heights) - Scored 3 TDs as the Wildcats win a region game with Lamar County

Trojans on Top

Muscle Shoals now sits squarely atop the 5A Region 8 Standings.  They are a perfect 5-0 in region play and are looking to host the first round of the playoffs in a few weeks thanks to a 24-0 shutout of traditional power Russellville.  The Trojans forced 4 turnovers en route to yet another impressive win this season.  It was the first win over the Golden Tigers since any of these current players started grade school.  The first shutout since their grandparents were in high school (1974). Were it not for strong defensive stands in the red zone by the Russellville defense the score could have been worse.  The Trojans were stopped 4 times in the red zone - so they decided to strike from further out.  Tyler Jackson ran a 73 yard TD late in the second quarter to take a 17-0 halftime lead.  The Golden Tiger offense has been its strength all year long.  The Trojan defense held them to 186 total yards on the night.  Sophomore Ethon Felton led the effort with 14 tackles, 1 interception and a fumble recovery.  Junior, Dee Liner, also picked up a fumble and recorded 11 tackles.  Dillon Gist continued to carry the offensive workload with 13 carries for 122 yards while Tyler Jackson had 92 yards on only 4 carries.  The Trojans now find themselves in a new position.  On top looking down at the competition.  A win next week over JO Johnson would seal the first region title since 1988. 

3 Yards and a Cloud of Dust!

Running between the tackles. Ball control. Time management. The Tigers did absolutely nothing fancy as they throw a total of 3 passes and run to the outside a total of three times but totally dismantle the Bulldog defense to the tune of 35 - 3. The Sheffield defense was on the field for 77 plays while the Bulldog offense managed only 26 plays. A very workmanlike, methodical, yet dominating performance by the Tigers. The offensive line helped the Tigers rush for over 250 yards against the areas #2 ranked scoring defense. CJ Jackson led the way with 122 yards on 20 carries. Brian Puckett was in the Sheffield backfield making plays behind the line and recovered a fumble as he led a solid defensive effort for the second week in a row. Sheffield struck first on their opening drive by kicking a 37 yard FG to take the lead 3-0 after Charles Jacksons 30 yard run. Then LCHS scored to go ahead 7-3 after a 15 play 53 yard drive in which no play went for over 7 yards. In the second quarter the Tigers take a 14 - 3 lead after a 9 play drive in which Jackson scores from 3 yards out and accounted for 43 of the 60 yards on the drive. The Tigers open the 3rd quarter with another long drive eating up 13 plays and 68 yards as Jake Newton scores for a 21-3 lead. After Hunter Haney forces a fumble and Puckett recovers, the Tigers finish off the Bulldogs with 2 more TD's in the fourth. The win moves LCHS to 6-1 on the year and a solid second in the region behind Rogers. Sheffield drops to 5-2 on the year and is also 4-1 in the region like LCHS but is behind them in the standings because of the head-to-head loss. Sheffield will host Rogers next week. A win could force a three way tie for the title while the Tigers will travel to Danville.

Pictures from Lauderdale County vs Sheffield...

https://picasaweb.google.com/108775974845844070883/SheffieldAtLauderdaleCounty?authuser=0&feat=directlink

Pictures from Lexington vs Hatton...

https://picasaweb.google.com/108775974845844070883/HattonAtLexington?authuser=0&feat=directlink

Game Preview: Muscle Shoals at Russellville

The tables have turned.  The Trojans are a playoff lock and are simply making sure they wrap up the regional title.  The Golden Tigers are fighting for their playoff hopes.  Oh what a difference a few years can make.  It is the world of high school athletics.  The Trojans bring in a punishing ground attack and a very solid defense.  With three seperate runners in Dillon Gist, Devan Sullivan, and Jake Montgomery all averaging close to 100 yards per game it is a tough trio to stop.  The defense does not give any slack either.  The Trojans are as good as anyone Russellville has played all season long, if not better.  The Tigers bring a different offensive attack.  They will throw the ball more than most teams Muscle Shoals has faced.  The Russellville offense has been able to put points up all season long.  With a balanced attack it will be a test of the Trojan defense like few they have seen.  Being in Russellville adds another bit of difficulty for the Trojans.  Finally, traditions die hard.  Russellville has a tradition of beating Muscle Shoals.  They expect to.  The Trojans will be looking to change that this year - it might not be easy - but look for Muscle Shoals to continue to roll - Advantage - Muscle Shoals

Profile: Chandler Russ - Shoals Christian

The Brotherhood.  Christians often refer to one another as "brothers and sisters".  It may take on a whole new concept at a small school  like Shoals Christian.  Chandler Russ, who is second in the area in rushing at 121.8 yards per game, has to give credit to his true brother, an offensive lineman that blocks for him.  "The biggest part in my success has been my linemen/tight-end, I run as hard and fast as I can and trust my teammates to go hard. The wide receivers also do a great job stalk blocking. We all go hard and thats why we've had success."  But like most 1A schools the roster is filled with players that play both ways.  "The toughest part is getting tired. I'm a kicker on special teams and play middle linebacker on defense so I dont get much time to rest. "  He gets help from another brother here.  His other younger brother is the outside linebacker.  Together the three of them have helped the Flame to a 4-2 record with a 3-1 region record that is currently got them in third place behind Hackleburg and Addison.  Hackleburg visits the Flame this Friday night. In referring to his Sophmore twin brothers Russ says "Its pretty cool to know they're out there with me for my last year". Its that brotherhood and closeness of the players that helps in many ways.  "My favorite part of playing for Shoals Christian is that it gives you opportunities. Everyone gets their chance to play and we are all best friends so its always a good time. Most all of us play every sport so we always play with the same guys all year around which gives us very good chemistry."  So far it seems to be working well...everything is going good in the Flame Family!

Game Preview: Florence at Decatur

The Red Raiders of Decatur are the biggest obstacle between thre Falcons and a possible playoff berth.  Better than just a playoff berth, it could mean home field advantage if someone else can beat Huntsville.  Last year Decatur defeated Florence 27-14.  That was at Braly Stadium.  As a matter of fact, the Red Raiders have outscored the Falcons 159 - 82 and the Falcons have only one win in six tries.  But this is 2011.  The Florence defense is very good and the offense is starting to produce points.  It is a huge game for both teams.  The teams have three common opponents so far this year.  Both teams lost to Huntsville.  Decatur 24-10 and Florence 30-18.  Both beat Sparkman and Buckhorn rather easily as the Red Raiders won both by a combined 63 while Florence won by a combined 56.  So it appears to have all the makings of another fantastic high school football game.  On paper it appears to be an even match-up.  When teams are even it is best to pick the stronger defense.  That would be Florence.  Advantage - Florence Falcons in a tight one.

Game Preview: LCHS vs Sheffield

What a tough game to call.  With the exception of the Rogers game the Lauderdale County Tigers have been totally dominate.  They can run the ball seemingly at will on any opponent and the defense shutout last weeks opponent.  Maybe the Rogers game was simply a wake up call or an aberration on the year.  With the exception of the Red Bay game the Bulldogs have been totally dominate.  They seem to be able to move the ball and have stopped every offense since that week one defeat.  They were playing without some key players that week so the same question is ask... was that just an aberration on the year or a wake up call for the season.  Hard to say who is the better team.  It doesn't really matter - they are both very good... What DOES matter is who will be better Friday night!  LCHS played very impressively in beating a good Brooks team 2 weeks ago. Sheffield has lost the last two times these teams have played. Both were close but both were at Sheffield.  This time it should be a very close game again.  Could go either way.  Excellent offenses, strong defenses.  In a toss up like this the nod usually goes to either the better defense or the home team.  Defenses are about even.  LCHS is at home.  Advantage - in a tight regional matchup - Lauderdale County

Profile: Dillon Gist - Muscle Shoals

Dillon Gist always looked forward to the day he could play Varsity for the Trojan football team.  However, growing up in Muscle Shoals, Gist never saw a team with the chance to accomplish the things this team has the chance to accomplish.  "This team is about starting new traditions" says Gist.  As a senior running back he has been the workhorse for the teams ground game.  With several guys having spectacular games and the ability to break long runs it is his ability to grind the defense down that takes such a toll on opponents.  "Our offensive line blocks their tails off for our backs and all of us backs have to block for each other to be successful. If everybody does their job we don't have a problem running".  With the Trojans piling up 200+ yards rushing on a consistent basis it is obvious these guys are blocking and running well.  The Trojans are off to a 5-1 start with the lone loss being at 6A Florence.  Muscle Shoals is 4-0 in the region with only 3 region games left to play.  A win over Russellville Friday night would move them a step closer to their first regional title since

1988.  Gist says "beating Russellville and Athens in the same year hasn't happened since I have been here" continuing his idea of starting "new traditions".  When a team has enjoyed the type of success the Trojans have enjoyed it is easy to get the community excited.  Dillon points out that "the best thing about playing for Muscle Shoals is our community and the atmosphere they bring on Friday nights home or away games".  This spoken by a senior that has waited his turn and looked forward to this day. "As a little kid I always wanted to play when I grew up and this year has definitely lived up to that so far".  It will be fun to see what this team is able to do!

Region Standings

With three only three region games remaining, the coming weeks will determine the fate of most local teams playoff hopes and positions. 


6A
Florence is currently in a 4 way tie for third place.  Fortunately for the Falcons they play the 2nd place team this weekend.  A win over Decatur would tie them for second place with an edge over Decatur because they would have won the head to head match up.  Being second means playing a first round playoff game at home. 

5A
Muscle Shoals is in total control.  With East Limestone in second but having lost to the Trojans head to head Muscle Shoals would have to lose 2 of the next 3 games in order to be passed at the top. The bigger question is will Russellville get in.  The golden Tigers are in a 4 way tie for 3rd.  With Muscle Shoals this week it will take some very good play the next three weeks for it to work out well for Russellville.

4A
Deshler is on top.  Again.  With a win this week over West they could seal the deal.  A loss would tie them with West and Brooks at 3-1.  Wilson needs to win out.  Central and Brooks appear on track to be in the playoffs but are still battling for home field advantage in Round 1.  Brooks has the advantage with the win over Central head to head but still has to play West Limestone. 

3A
Big games await.  Rogers and Sheffield sit undefeated in region play; however, Rogers has already defeated LCHS.  Sheffield travels to LCHS this week.  Should LCHS win and then Rogers lose to Sheffield it could get very interesting.  Either the next 2 weeks will clear it all up or make it all tied up.  These 3 are fighting for home field advantage while Colbert County is fighting to make the playoffs.  They are currently in 4th.

2A
Red Bay is 4-0 in the region and has already won head to head with second place Colbert Heights, Lamar County, and Lexington.  Red Bay's remaining region opponents are 3-15.  Looks good for the Tigers.  Second place and home field advantage in round 1 is up for grabs.  Colbert Heights and Lexington are both 3-1 and will play in week 9.  Might be a deciding game for both teams. Hatton is currently fifth but gets to play Lexington and Lamar County in the coming weeks.  Wins over these could put them in the playoffs.

1A
Two teams are 4-0.  Shoals Christian is 3-1 with Phillips while RA Hubbard is 2-2.  The Flame control their destiny as two of the three teams ahead of them remain in the weeks ahead - wins put them in the playoffs....possibly even at home. Losses and it could be much more complicated for both RA Hubbard and Shoals Christian.

Winning Big!

These are the teams that are winning by the largest margins.  These are the only local teams that are averaging a win by double digits.  The combined record of these teams is 36-6 with 4 of the six losses being to other teams on this list.  The other two losses were to teams a class larger (MSHS to Florence and Rogers to Brooks)




School                              Avg. Margin of Victory          Record            Lost to..
Muscle Shoals                                34.2                               5-1                 Florence
Deshler                                           23.8                               6-0                
Rogers                                            17.1                              5-1                 Brooks
Sheffield                                          14.5                              5-1                 Red Bay
Lauderdale County                          14.0                              5-1                 Rogers
Colbert Heights                                13.0                             3-2                 Red Bay, Sheffield
Red Bay                                          11.4                              6-0       

       

Player of the Week: Week 6

Plenty of outstanding performances as most local teams won easily.  Here are the best of the best!

GOLD - Beniquez Brown (Florence) - Brown stepped up when the team needed him the most. 22 carries for 132 yards, a receiving TD, a kickoff return 85 yards for a TD for a total of 4 TD's along with his typical big play on defense as he forced a fumble and recovered it himself.

SILVER - Clint Prestage (Brooks) - Prestage got the Lions going after a slow start to the tune of 183 yards rushing with four TD's as well as a 64 yard reception for a TD in a 48-21 win at Wilson.

BRONZE - Cole Claunch (Colbert Heights) - 10 of 12 passing for 248 yards with 4 TD's in only one half of play as Wildcats win 40-6

HONORABLE MENTION
Will Minor (Deshler) - 8 carries 127 yards and 4 TD's in a blowout
Hank Thigpen (Rogers) - Caught a TD pass then ran a 65 yard TD off an interception as Pirates win
Ricardo Carter (Deshler) - Interception return 68 yards for a TD in a win over East Lawrence.
Hunter Haney (LCHS) - recorded a fumble recovery and an interception in the Tigers shutout of Clements
Zach Mize (Muscle Shoals) - 2 interceptions and 5 tackles as the Trojans defeat Athens 24-0.
Sydney Robinson (Colbert County) - 108 rushing yards and a TD on 23 carries in a loss to Rogers
Braxton Gilbert (Central) - makes an interception with seconds to play at the 4 yard line to preserve a WIldcat victory.
Austin Kerr (Rogers) - Scored 3 TD's on 85 yards as Pirates win 41-6
Dillon Gist (Muscle Shoals) - carried 18 times for 127 yards in a win over Athens.
John Greer (Lexington) - leads the Golden Bears with 113 yards rushing and a TD in a 50-21 win
Hunter Danley (Sheffield) - 120 passing yards and 40 rushing yards in leading the Bulldogs to a regional win
Vic Gilbert (LCHS) - led the Tigers with 18 tackles as they win 28-0.
Chandler Russ (Shoals Christian) - 4 TD's and 95 yards rushing as the Flame win another region game
Craig Saint (Phil Campbell) - 198 all purpose yards with 3 TD's in a loss
Chandler Sartain (Muscle Shoals) - 6 tackles and an interception as defense allows only 73 total yards
CJ Jackson (LCHS) - 2 TD's and 132 yards rushing on 16 carries as Tigers win

Power Rankings: Week 6

In a week full of one-sided victories, most teams were impressive.  Some key matchups await this Friday night to help determine regional standings.  Should be good..

 

1. Florence Falcons

 After starting late, the Falcons showed up and left with an impressive win.  Beniquez Brown had a good game running tha bal  and the defense played its normal shutdown style.  This coming week Florence will travel to Decatur who beat them 27-14 last year.  Look for that to change this year.

2. Muscle Shoals Trojans

The Trojans won in Athens.  Not something that has happened very often.  This week the Trojans travel to Russellville.  Another site of few wins for the Trojans...but this team is pulling off plenty of rareties for the Trojans.  A win will put them on the brink of a regional title for the first time in nearly 25 years. 

3.  Deshler Tigers

The Tigers defeated East Lawrence 62-28.  Deshler could have scored plenty more if they chose too.  This team is improving each week and remains one of the few undefeated teams around.  It will be interesting to see how far they can go in the playoffs.  This week they will host West Limestone.  West has only 1 loss.  A win should put Deshler in total control of another region title.

4. Rogers Pirates

41-6 victory over Colbert County.  This veteran team is very impressive defensively, but as the year progresses they are becoming an efficient offensive team as well.  Clements will come to Greenhill this week.  The Pirates still have only the week 1 loss at Brooks between them and a perfect record.  A showdown with Sheffield is coming soon. 

5. Lauderdale County Tigers

The Tigers get a shutout over Clements 28-0.  This week brings the Sheffield Bulldogs to Rogersville.  This is a huge game for the Tigers because the Bulldogs are ahead of them in the region standings.  A win still gives them hope (with some help) of a share in the region title.  

6. Red Bay

Although not as pretty, the Tigers pick up another win.  This team remains undefeated and is continuing to move up in the polls.  Although it is possible that some of the bigger schools ranked below them might beat them head to head, the Tigers did beat Sheffield in week 1 and should be rewarded for beating everyone they have faced so far.

7.Russellville Tigers
A tough loss this week to JO Johnson.  The Golden Tigers will host the Muscle Shoals Trojans this week.  The Tigers will need to beat the Trojans to help their playoff position.  They will have their hands full but being at home will help.  They slip one spot in the polls.

8. Sheffield Bulldogs

The bulldogs pick up a huge homecoming win over region opponent Elkmont.  Sheffield was able to slowly dismantle the Devils defense and win easily.  This will set up a big game with LCHS this week.  The Bulldogs need to win to remain unbeaten in region play.  LCHS won last year 21-19.  Should be a great game.

9. Brooks Lions
Although a little slow in recovering from the week 5 defeat, the Lions ended up winning over Wilson.  This team is explosive offensively.  They remain in a good position for the playoffs, with a possible home field advantage for game 1.  Priceville visits this week. 

10. Central Wildcats

One year later, same result.  A down to the wire finish...coming away with a win over West Limestone.  This victory helps Central stay alive for a good playoff position.  This week East Lawrence will visit Central.  The Wildcats seem to be back on track and playing good football.