2011 Bests

4A-6A All-Prep Team
FIRST TEAM
QB - Kendrick Doss (Florence)
LB - Dylan Hogue (Central), Davian Eggleston (Florence), Ethan Felton, Zach Mize (Muscle Shoals)
RB - Will Minor (Deshler), Beniquez Brown (Florence), Dillon Gist (Muscle Shoals)
DL - Dee Liner (Muscle Shoals), Rock Slaughter (Muscle Shoals)
OL - John Broaddrick (Central), Jamarcus Ford (Deshler), Ben Thomas (Central), Julian Cole (Florence)
WR - JJ Green (Florence), Brandon Creasy (Deshler), BJ Bailey (Deshler)
DB - Kivon Coman (Florence), Jose Bentoncourt (Russellville), Levi Fell (Muscle Shoals)
Special Teams - Devan Sullivan (Muscle Shoals)

SECOND TEAM
QB - Skylar Beck (Brooks)
LB - Logan Ezell (Russellville), Wilson Cook (Wilson), Chandler Sartain (Muscle Shoals)
RB - Clint Prestage (Brooks), Daniel Hayes (Central), Tyler Boyd (Russellville)
DL/OL - Kaelan Bonds (Russellville), Chris Petty (Central), Josh Tillary (Russellville)
WR/DB - Jordan Gist (Russellville), Aaron McClusky (Brooks), Murphy Harrison (Central)

Best Rushing Attack - Muscle Shoals
Best Passing Attack - Florence Falcons
Most Balanced Offense - Brooks Lions
Best Rush Defense - Muscle Shoals
Best Pass Defense - Florence Falcons
Most Improved - Brooks Lions
Brightest Future - Deshler Tigers
Most Exciting Games - Florence/Muscle Shoals,
Central/West Limestone, Muscle Shoals/Chelsea, Brooks/Deshler, Central/Deshler, Florence/Bob Jones,

2011 Rushing Leaders

 Closing out the season with back to back 200+ yard games
 Brown ends the season with the highest average and the
most total yards of any local runner
  .

100 yards rushing in a game is typically the milestone that indicates an especially successful night running the ball.  The following players averaged 100 yards per game for the entire season.  That is impressive.  That speaks well of the entire offense.  These players are the first to speak in praise of their lineman and others that block so the running is possible.  Congratulations on a wonderfully successful individual year statistically for each of these players and their blockers!










Player                       School                 Yards per Game

Grisham AND Jackson of LCHS  averaged over 100 ypg!

1.  Beniquez Brown    Florence                    136
2.  Chandler Russ       Shoals Christian        133
3.  Will Minor             Deshler                     124
4.  CJ Jackson             LCHS                       123
5.  Charles Jackson     Sheffield                   119
6.  Austin Kerr            Rogers                      118
7.  Samuel Grisham    LCHS                       101
8.  Daniel Hayes         Central                      100

Charles Jackson averaged an amazing 16 yards per carry!

Player of the Week: Week 10

he season ends with some outstanding individual performances.  Some players see their season come to a close while others hope to extend it a few more weeks in the playoffs.  Here were the best performances of the week:

GOLD - Beniquez Brown (Florence) - 211 yards rushing on only 15 carries for a 14.6 yards per carry average with 4 TD's as the Falcons win 35 - 18 over Russellville.
SILVER - Charles Jackson (Sheffield) - 189 yards rushing on 12 carries including 3 TD's in a come from behind victory over Central.  He had TD runs of 75, 20, and 35 yards.
BRONZE - Matt Belue (Red Bay) - rushed for 260 yards and 2 TD's on 28 carries as the Tigers lose for the first time all season

HONORABLE MENTION
Cody Stephens (Rogers) - 107 receiving yards and two touchdowns in a Pirate win
Austin Gooch (Cherokee) - 137 yards on 11 carries in a 29-14 win
Austin Long (Hatton) - 170 yards on 17 carries as Hornets win 27-6
Austin Kerr (Rogers) - 109 rushing yards with 2 TD's on 11 carries in a 35-0 shutout
Zachary Harris (Cherokee) - 107 receiving with 3 TD's in an Indian victory
Lauderdale County defense - Another shutout 21-0 over Lexington and scored the 1st halfs only TD
Kendrick Doss (Florence) - rushed for 139 yards and a TD in a win
Ethon Felton (Muscle Shoals) - led the defense with 13 tackles in a win over Deshler
Sydney Robinson (Colbert County) - 139 rushing yds and a TD in a loss to Colbert Heights

Power Rankings Week 10 - End of Regular Season

Here are the final polls for the local teams.  10 weeks in all.  Some teams have disappeared while others have slowly climbed all season long.  9 of these 10 will continue playing into the playoffs in the week or possibly weeks to come.

1. Muscle Shoals Trojans

What a season!  Perfect in region play.  Beating Russellville and Deshler in non-region rivalry games.  Winning impressively almost every Friday night.  The combination a power running game with a very strong defense makes the excitement in Muscle Shoals sky high for the playoffs to begin.

      

 2. Lauderdale County

Improvment every week. Thats what a coach wants.  This team responded in impressive fashion after an embarrassing loss at Rogers.  The Tigers have dominated every game since then from start to finish.  This group has depth and experience.  Playoffs could  last a while!

3. Deshler Tigers

This team is young and talented.  They have beaten a lot of playoff bound teams this season.  They have beaten several of the teams ranked in this poll.  The offense is good.  The defense has improved throughout the year.  A healthy Tiger team can win some playoff games.  It will be interesting to see just how many.

4. Florence Falcons

Hard to rank them too high when they dont make the playoffs; however, this Falcon team can be extremely good at times.  They are the only team to beat Muscle Shoals - but the wear and tear of having to play tough teams every week took its toll.  The defense is incredible when motivated.  Many young talented players returning to build on next season.

5. Brooks Lions

The Lions win easily over Clements and can now focus on their home playoff game with Dora.  This Lion team has matured alot and will be a tough matchup for many teams.  They use their speed well and keep teams off balance with a variety of looks.  It has been an improved season over last year but this team wants more than just being in the playoffs.  Advancing is very likely.

6. Sheffield Bulldogs

What a season for first year Coach Hufstedler and the Bulldogs.  They have improved as a team and are able to end the season with a dramatic victory over 4A playoff-bound Central 27-20.  The defense is solid and the offense can strike from anywhere on the field.  Hosting a playoff game barely a year removed from a 10 game losing streak.  Thats improvement! 

7. Rogers Pirates

The defense looks to be back on track with a 35 - 0 shutout over a Wilson team that has scored nearly 20 all season regardless of the opponent.  This is a Senior heavy team that will be up for the challenge of the road test in round 1 of the playoffs.  The Pirates will visit a very good Hamilton team. 

8. Red Bay Tigers
Tough loss to Marion County 42-33.  Kept them from an unbeaten season.  Thats all.  They are still solid on offense and defense and will do well in the playoffs. They will host LaFayette this Friday in round 1.


9. Colbert Heights Wildcats

Back in the polls again.  this team is explosive offensively and will cause anybody a problem.  They have become a solid defensive team as well.  They win this week 26-6 over Colbert County and will host a playof game against Woodland this Friday. 

 10. Central Wildcats

Wildacts lost a heartbreaker to Sheffield 27-20 but this is still a good team that is playoff-bound.  The Wildcats have a great offense that make them a likely candidate to pull the first round upset in the playoffs.  Great seaosn for first year Coach Wood.

Players of the Week: Week 9

Standout performances bound as region play comes to an end.  These plays stepped up big and performed well as each of their teams were able to win.

GOLD - Cole Claunch
(Colbert Heights) - 23 of 32 passing with 4 TD's and 295 yards as the Wildcats win a pivotal region game over Lexington 34-21.
SILVER - Skyler Beck (Brooks) - 312 yards of total offense. 184 passing yds with 128 more rushing and a TD as the Lions win 52-14.
BRONZE - Beniquez Brown (Florence) - rushed for 201 yards and led the team in tackles as the Falcons come from behind to defeat Hazel Green 27-21

HONORABLE MENTION
Will Bishop (Shoals Christian) - 18 of 32 for 186 yds and a TD in leading the Flame to the region title
Hank Thigpen (Rogers) - 119 rushing yards and 2 TD's on only 6 carries as Pirates win 41-22
Samuel Grisham (LCHS) - 98 yds and 3 TD's in a 41-0 win
Dylan Guthire (Waterloo) - rushes for 182 yds and a TD in a 62-34 win
Dee Liner (Muscle Shoals) - 13 tackles, 1 sack on a defense that allowed -18 rushing yds in a win
Charles Jackson (Sheffield) - 184 yds rushing with 2 TD's as the Bulldogs win 27-6
Will Minor (Deshler) - 95 yards and 4 TD's as the Tigers go undefeated beating Wilson
Daniel Hayes (Central) - 121 yards rushing with 2 TD's on only 10 carries as Wildcats win 33-18
CJ Jackson (LCHS) - 133 yards on the ground with a TD as the Tigers win easily
Terrance Byrd (Deshler) - 151 yards and 2 TD's on only 9 carries in a 62-35 win
Eric Yarborough (Sheffield) - 124 yards rushing and 2 TD's in a region win
Bradley Darby (Waterloo) - piles up 162 rushing yds and a TD in a region win
Chandler Russ (Shoals Christian) - 134 rushing yds and a TD in a huge region win over Addison

Power Rankings - Week 9

With few upsets or surprises most teams performed as expected.  Here is the Top 10 for the local teams after 9 weeks!

1. Muscle Shoals Trojans

In a game that definately fit the billing of a "trap" game....the Trojans needed a half before getting cranked up.  In the end they were just as dominate as always winning 48 - 26.  Giving up 26 points is uncharacteristic...might be just whats needed to get refocused before playoffs and a rival game with Deshler this week.

2. Deshler Tigers

Not just undefeated...these Tigers are almost untested.  No game has been really in doubt late.  This week they will travel to Muscle Shoals which has only one loss.  Although the game means nothing to playoff standings....it has a lot of bragging rights and pride at stake as these are the Top 2 teams around this season. 

3. Florence Falcons
The Falcons show the dominate defense that garnered so much attention earlier in the season.  They completely shut down the Hazel Green defense in the second half and allowed the offense to come back for the win.  Although not in the playoffs Week 10 will bring a matchup with 5A rival Russellville.

4. Lauderdale County Tigers

No one has been as impressive since their loss to Rogers.  Each week they have dominated opponents on offense without flash and are now beginning to shut down opposing offenses as well.  With another shutout this week as the Tigers improve to 8-1 and prepare to face 2A Region runner-up Lexington.

5. Red Bay Tigers

A perfect 9-0.  These Tigers continue to punish opponents as they were 35-7 winners over Cherokee.  For the non-region week 10 matchup they will face Marion County and then prepare to host a playoff game in Red Bay for the first round.

6. Brooks Lions

The Lions continue to be explosive on offense as they score 52 points while limiting East Lawrence to 14.  The Lions will host a playoff game for the first round.  Before that, they will travel to Clements for the last regular season game. 

7. Rogers Pirates

The Pirates stay at #7 as they route Danville 41-22.  The Pirates only have losses to Sheffield and Brooks this season.  In week 10 they will travel to 4A Wilson who has given a lot of teams trouble this season.  They will have to be sharp to escape with another win.

8. Sheffield Bulldogs
The Bulldogs beat West Morgan 27-6.  What a great season.  Week 10 will bring an exciting matchup between two ranked teams from different classes.  4A playoff bound Central will visit 3A Sheffield.  Should make for an interesting game.  A win should move them up in the polls .....for either team.

9. Russellville Golden Tigers

The offense stepped up into high gear...as did the defese. The Tigers were 54-6 winners over Columbia.  This team will be in the playoffs but must face Florence for week 10.  Tough matchup, but definately a great workout before the "2nd" season begins.

                           10. Central Wildcats

Wildacts beat Ardmore 33-18.  This offense has been tough for anyone to stop all season long.  A tough test awaits them in Sheffield next week.  Win or lose the Wildcats are playoff bound and will be on the road in round 1 but are capable of pulling the upset and advancing.

Rushing Leaders

The following are the top ten rushers per game so far this season. For those who may not have had the chance to see some of these runners in person - Sunday afternoon player is equated to the Friday night runner that has the most similar style or skill set.

Rank   Player    School          Yds/Game     NFL Comparision
1.  Will Minor      Deshler             141.9         Adrian Peterson
       - can do it all.  Has the ability to break tackles and then outrun the secondary.  Runs between tackles as well as getting the corner for big gains. A game changer.
2.  CJ Jackson     LCHS               141.6         Maurice Jones-Drew
       - power pack runner that hits the hole quick and explosively
3. Chandler Russ  Shoals Christian 132.8        Joseph Addai (from a few yrs ago)
       - on a team with the spread offense that requires teams to focus on the passing game....next thing you know he has killed you on the ground with 100+ every night
4.  Austin Kerr     Rogers               123.1       a younger Ladanian Tomlinson
      - runs, catches, even throws on occasion.  A touchdown machine that sees the ball in a lot of diffent places on the field.  Must be accounted for.
5.  Beniquez Brown  Florence         118.1      Darren McFadden
     - much bigger than the average running back but has tremendous speed as well.  Thought of as a power runner but often breaks long runs via "trucking" LB's then outruns smaller guys
6. Samuel Grisham   LCHS            103.8       Micheal Vick, Ronnie Brown
     - a QB that runs well...or a RB that lines up at QB.  Either way you look at it he is tough to stop and has had his share of impressive running games
7. Charles Jackson   Sheffield        99.4         Chris Johnson
     - often the most athletic player on the field and the fastest.  Chips away until he can break that long run.  A threat to score every time he touches it no matter what part of the field.
8.  Daniel Hayes       Central           98            Micheal Turner
      - the best runner on a running minded team.  Gets the tough yards and can be counted on each night to be the workhorse that keeps teams on their toes
9.  Clint Prestage      Brooks           92.5        Reggie Bush
     - fast and versatile.  Defense never knows where he will line up.  Is a threat from anywhere at any position from return, to receiver, to RB. 
10. Tyler Boyd        Russellville      89.8         Arian Foster
      - consistent runner with good speed that takes pressure off the passing game by keeping defenses honest.  Good speed and makes defenses play both run and pass or he beats them.

Lockdown Defense

Some teams statistics look good early in the year due to a favorable early season schedule.  Other teams simply get better or worse as the year progresses.  This list is through all 8 games this season.  Each team has played enough games to give a good sampling of who does the best job of keeping the opponents off the scoreboard.

1.  6.6 ppg  Muscle Shoals Trojans - This team has 4 shutouts and has only given up more than a TD once all season long.  A total of 6 points have been scored on them in the last 3 weeks combined.    
 2.  12 ppg   Lauderdale County Tigers - The defense has tightened as the season has progressed.  The schedule is not easy yet they have only allowed 3 points in the past three weeks. 
3.  12.8 ppg  Sheffield Bulldogs - The Bulldogs have had two games won by goal line stands in the closing minutes.  Only twice all season has a team scored more than 14 pts.
4.  13.1 ppg  Red Bay Tigers - They have yet to shut a team out, but they are consistent.  The defense gives up less than 2 TD's and the offense always tops that - therefore a perfect 8-0!

5. 13.6 ppg  Rogers Pirates - After shutting out 3 of the first 5 opponents the defesne has been giving up a bit more.  However, even in the loss this week they only allowed 17 points.  Very solid.
6.  15.3 ppg  Hatton Hornets - Even though they were playing some strong offenses, no one scored more than 9 pts on them until Week 5.  Since then they haven't held anyone below 14. 
7.  16.3 ppg  Deshler Tigers - This defense is probably as good as it needs to be.  With a high scoring offense and most games over at halftime the points are often scored against 2nd teamers.  Starters don't give up many.
8. 16.6 ppg  RA Hubbard Chiefs - Feast or famine.  This D has given up as much as 42 pts but has also had shutouts and 6 and 8 point games as well.
9. 18.9 ppg  Florence Falcons - Not as stingy as they were early in the season.  This defense limited Bob Jones to 10 points but yielded 35 to Decatur.  Can be one of the best at times. 
10. 19.5 ppg Colbert Heights Wildcats - Not typically thought of as a defensive team because of the attention to the high-powered offense, but this past week the goal line stand allowed the offense to go win the game.

Region Standings at 8 Weeks

It couldn't be more intresting Friday Night when Hazel Green visits Florence. As it stands the Falcons are in fifth place because Hazel Green defeated Decatur. That means if Florence can beat Hazel Green then both teams along with Decatur (assuming they lose to Bob Jones next week) will be in a three way tie for 3rd and 4th place. The tie breaker would be head to head - but they all beat each other. Listed below is a copy of the official tie-breakers from the AHSAA

6A
Place  School        Overall    Region     Remaining Games
1      Bob Jones         8-0        6-0           Decatur
2      Decatur            4-4           4-2           Bob Jones
2      Hazel Green     6-2          4-2            Florence
2      Huntsville        5-3           4-2            Grissom
5      Florence           5-3           3-3            Hazel Green
5      Buckhorn         3-5           2-4            Sparkman
7      Grissom           1-7            1-5          Huntsville
8      Sparkman        0-8             0-6         Buckhorn

b)  If more than two teams are tied for any place, the team that defeated all the other tied teams  in the required regular season games will be placed ahead of all the other tied teams.
       If more than two teams are tied for any place and one of the teams did not defeat all the other tied teams, the tie cannot be resolved by this factor.        NOTE:  (applicable in b through p) If two teams tie for the highest winning percentage ahead of all the other teams involved in the tie, apply the two-team tiebreaking factors for those two teams, beginning with (a) and the highest-ranked team will be placed ahead of all tied teams. Then, if needed, for all other teams involved in the original tie, apply tiebreaker (a) if only two teams remain and (b) if more than two teams remain.
        

c)  If more than two teams are tied for any place, the team (or teams) that had the highest winning percentage against the No. 1 ranked team will be ranked ahead of all the other tied teams. If there is a three-way tie for first place, apply (f) and the remaining tiebreakers in the order as needed.
d) Apply (c) using percentage against the No. 2 ranked team.

e) Apply (c) using percentage against the No. 3 ranked team.

f)  Apply (c) using percentage against the No. 4 ranked team.

g) Apply (c) using percentage against the No. 5 ranked team.

h) Apply (c) using percentage against the No. 6 ranked team.

i)  Apply (c) using percentage against the No. 7 ranked team.

j) Apply (c) using percentage against the No. 8 ranked team.

k) The team with the best winning percentage against non-required common opponents.

l) The team whose defeated non-region opponents in class and above have the most victories if
    all teams involved in the tie play an equal number of games.

m) The team whose defeated opponents have the most victories if all teams involved in the tie
      play an equal number of games.

n)  The team whose defeated opponents have the most victories.

o) The team with the most victories if all teams involved in the tie play an equal number of
     games.

p) The team with the most victories.

q)  By flip of a coin.

Whew!  Get all that???  Bottom line - if Florence doesn't win the tie-breakers don't even come into play.  It is their only chance.

Player of the Week: Week 8

Plenty of players had standout performances this week.  Lots of impressive stats.  Some stepped up best when their team needed them the most in big region games. 

GOLD - Clint Prestage (Brooks) - 9 carries for 210 yds rushing with 3 TD's as Brooks earns home field advantage in the first round of the playoffs with a 48-18 win over West Limestone.
SILVER - Cole Claunch (Colbert Heights) - threw for 226 yards and 2 TD's and led his team on a 99 yard drive in the final minute as he scored a rushing TD to come from behind and win 25-21
BRONZE - Will Bishop (Shoals Christian) 15 of 20 passing for 296 yards and 4 TD's in leading the Flame to a 60-24 victory

HONORABLE MENTION
CJ Jackson (LCHS) - 217 yards rushing with 4 TD's in a 54-0 region win
Chandler Russ (Shoals Christian) rushed for 216 yards in a region win over Phillips
Austin Long (Hatton) 253 yards and 2 TD's in a tough region loss to Colbert Heights 25-21
Peyton Davis (Lexington) leads Golden Bears with 120 rushing yards and 2 TD's in a win
Deion Bonton (Brooks) - 13 carries for 127 yards and a TD
Matt Belue (Red Bay) 140 rushing yards with three TD's as Tigers win 41-19
Charles Jackson (Sheffield) - 146 rushing yards and 2 TD's as they beat Rogers 17-6
Beniquez Brown (Florence) - 77 yd TD run on offense, 32 yd int return for TD on defense
Daniel hayes (Central) 125 yds on 16 carries with 3 TD's in a win over Wilson
Cody Stevens (Rogers) 5 catches for 103 yards in a region loss to Sheffield
Justin Cantrell (Deshler) 6 of 10 passing for 137 yds and 2 TD in a 61-13 win
Kendrick Doss (Florence) 200 total yards of offnese in leading his team to a 48-27 win over Grissom
Corey Scott (Lexington) caught two TD's and made 2 interceptions in a 41-28 win
Tyler Boyd (Russellville) - 17 carries for 121 yards and a TD in a homecoming win

Power Rankings: Week 8

Each week brings new upsetrs and shake - ups in the polls.  As the regular season winds down in the next 2 weeks - this is where the teams fall for Week 8.

1. Muscle Shoals Trojans

What was a fore gone conclusion by most weeks ago is now official.  The Trojans are the Region 8 Champions!  They earned it in concincing fashion with a huge win over J.O. Johnson.  The next weeks will allow fine tuning, an attempt to stay healthy, and prepare for the Playoffs.  Oh....and a rival game with Deshler in Week 10! 

2. Deshler Tigers

Just another day at work for Mothershed and the Tigers.  Deshler remains one of only 2 local undefeated teams.  They win another Region title.  The real question for Deshler is how far can they go in the playoffs?  They expect to win region titles - they want so much more. 

3. Florence Falcons
Coach Briggs said the playoffs have already begun for the Falcons.  Each win is a must.  They responded with an inspired performance in defeating Grissom 48 - 27 without senior safety Kivon Coman.  He will be back for the all-important game with Hazel Green.  Backs against the wall sometimes bring out the best.

4. Lauderdale County Tigers

As if a 54-0 win isn't impressive enough, the win last week over Sheffield becomes more impressive as the tiebreakers are now possibly in play.  LCHS learned from the defeat to Rogers and have not even had a close game since then.  They are playing unbelievable football right now.

5. Red Bay Tigers

Undefeated.  These Tigers along with Deshler remain the only local schools yet to taste defeat.  Don't look for Red Bay to do so for snytime soon.  They are solid offensively and defensively.  They are looking to try to be the most successful team in Red Bays history, and are on track to do so. This week will be at Cherokee.
6. Brooks Lions

The Lions wrap up home field in the first round of the playoffs in an impressive 48-18 win over West Limestone.  Talk about halftime adjustments!.  Going in down by 4 at the half the Lions outplayed the Wildcats to the tune of 34 - o for the second half.  Playing at home could make all the difference not to mention playing a 3rd place team from Region 5 as opposed to a winner or runner-up.

  7. Rogers Pirates

Although they lost a heartbreaker to the Bulldogs 17-6 the Pirates are still a very good team.  It is a shame one of these three (LCHS, Sheffield, Rogers) will be a #3 seed.  Sometimes a loss makes you better.  Look for the Pirates to respond well and bounce back even better.

8. Sheffield Bulldogs
To any Bulldog fan being ranked behind a team they just beat doesn't make sense.  The fact is - one of the three 3A teams has to be.  LCHS is ahead of Rogers although they lost to the Pirates.  Fact is - the Bulldogs are very good and responded in championship style after a loss.  They regrouped and resolved to be better.  Playoffs await all three.

9. Russellville Golden Tigers

The Tigers beat an athletic Lee of Huntsville team 24-7.  The offense has normally put points on the board.  This week the defense played well also.  The goals are not the same as usual in Russellville this year but with young players the future looks good.

10. Central Wildcats

Another key win for the Wildcats.  Beating rival Wilson 48-24 is fun.  Being in the playoffs is rewarding.  New coach, some new faces, but the same results as last year.  This team is tough to stop and seems to be able to win the close games as well.  Not a team that anyone wants to host for the playoffs.  Next week the Wildcats travel to Ardmore.

Florence Homecoming!

Click below for all the pics from the game...

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

Game Preview: Florence vs Grissom

Grissom is 1-6 on the season.  The Falcons are 4-3.  The Falcons have their backs against the wall in terms of playoff aspirations.  If they want in they have to win.  This Florence team has played great at times (Vestavia, Bob Jones, Muscle Shoals) and has also had some outings that seemed less than inspired.  Surely the Falcons will play with a sense of urgency and take care of business against Grissom.  Kendrick Doss, JJ Green, and Beniquez Brown have led the offense a long way from those first few games.  If the defense plays like it did early in the season then this might not even be close.  Braly stadium seems to bring out the best in the Falcons - Advantage - Florence.

Top Individual Rushers!

Will Minor of Deshler at nearly 150 per night!

Being able to effectively run the ball is a staple of almost any good high school football team.  Yes, there are exceptions, but for the most part, a good rushing game indicates several things.  Probably controlling the ball.  Time of possession.  It also indicates control of the line of scrimmage.  No matter who is in the backfield there must be a good line.  Therefore, when individual rushers are given credit - it should in essence be a credit to the entire offense.  The lineman block, the receivers block, everyone has a job.  These are the individuals that night in and night out have been the most effective.  These are the top rushers per game through seven games this season.

LCHS's Jackson and Grisham in the Top 5

Player                   School                Yds / Game  
1. Will Minor            Deshler                   147.9
2. Austin Kerr          Rogers                      129.5
3. CJ Jackson           LCHS                       122.7
4. Chandler Russ       Shoals Christian      120.9
5. Samuel Grisham    LCHS                     112.3
6. Beniquez Brown    Florence                 106.4
7. Daniel Hayes         Central                    94.1
8. Charles Jackson     Sheffield                 91.7
9. Dillon Gist              Muscle Shoals        87.9
10. Tyler Boyd           Russellville              85.3

Region Standings and Remaining Games

Top 4 advance to the playoffs with the top 2 playing at home while places 3 and 4 travel.  1st place hosts Region 5 4th place, 2nd place in Region 8 hosts Region 5 third place, 3rd travels to Region 5 2nd ,while Region 8 4th travels to play the Region 5 winner. 

6A
Place     School    Overall   Region    Remaining Games
1        Bob Jones     7-0         5-0        Sparkman, Decatur
2        Decatur         4-3         4-1        Hazel Green, Bob Jones
3        Hazel Green  5-2         3-2        Decatur, Florence
3        Huntsville      4-3        3-2         Buckhorn Grissom
5        Florence        4-3         2-3        Grissom, Hazel Green
5        Buckhorn       3-4        2-3         Huntsville, Sparkman
7        Grissom          1-6       1-4          Florence, Huntsville
8        Sparkman       0-7        0-5         Bob Jones, Buckhorn

Florence sits currently in fifth but a win over Grissom and Hazel Green could end up having them in a tie with Hazel Green as far as record - but having won the head-to-head matchup the Falcons would be in as a #3 or #4 and be traveling to Hillcrest Tuscaloosa or Northridge.

5A
Place    School      Overall   Region        Remaining Games in Region
1       Muscle Shoals    6-1    5-0        JO Johnson, Lee-Huntsville
2       East Limestone   5-2    4-1        Lawrence County, Athens
3       Athens                 3-4    3-2        Columbia, East Limestone
4       JO Johnson          5-2    2-3        Muscle Shoals, Lawrence County
4       Russellville         2-5     2-3       Lee-Huntsville, Columbia
4       Lee-Huntsville     3-4    2-3       Russellville, Muscle Shoals
7       Lawrence County  3-4   1-4       East Limestone, JO Johnson
8       Columbia              2-5     0-5     Athens, Russellville

Muscle Shoals will mathmatically win with either a win or an East Limestone loss.  The Trojans will be favored heavily against both remaining opponents.  Russellville needs to beat Lee to gain the tiebreaker edge and then make sure to beat Columbia as well.  With JO Johnson playing Muscle Shoals you can almost count them another loss.  Golden Tigers will probably be in - but as a #4 seed traveling to a Region 5 winner.  Muscle Shoals probably hosts Shelby County or Pinson Valley while Russellville would travel to Briarwood Christian.  BUT - anything can change with major upsets.  These are most likely scenarios.

Power Rankings: Week 7

Polls are about NOW.  Who is the best NOW as well as who has proven themselves throughout the year.  As teams region positions take place several teams made big moves in the polls.

1. Muscle Shoals Trojans

Although the Falcons beat them in Florence, The Trojans seem to be getting better each week.  They are beating teams with a great running game and a lock-tight defense.  Regional title is 1 win away.  Hosting a playoff game in round 1 should be happening in week 11.  Life is good if you are a Muscle Shoals Trojan!

2. Deshler Tigers

7-0.  It seems no matter who comes to town - the Tigers find a way to step up to the challenge and win.  What started as a young team has gained experience now.  What was a team with questions about depth - has won handily on many occasions and allowed the 2nd team to get experience.  Week 10 against Muscle Shoals will be their biggest test. 

3.  Florence Falcons

The Falcons drop to 4-3 on the year.  They let a good opportunity to get into the playoffs pass by - now putting more pressure on them in the coming weeks to get into the postseason.  Yes - they beat Muscle Shoals - but some weeks this team looks unbelievably good - others, a little closer to slightly above average.  Need wins the next two weeks to be in.

4. Rogers Pirates

6 consecutive wins.  The Pirates defense has gained much of the attention - but Tyler Grigsby and Austin Kerr are starting to put plenty of points on the board.  This week will bring a big game with Sheffield.  A win gives them the region title. Again.  This experienced team shows no sign of letting up and will be fun to see how much noise they can make in the playoffs. 

5. Lauderdale County Tigers

What was suppose to be a good game between two solid teams turned into a route.  The Tigers ground game is punishing.  With Jake Newton, Samuel Grisham, and CJ Jackson - the defense never knows who they have to stop.  Seems like no one can stop any of them.  The offensive is blowing people off the line and winning the battle in the trenches.  They need Sheffield to beat Rogers and force a possible tie for the region title. 

6. Red Bay Tigers

Another week.  Another win.  The Tigers are now 7-0.  They can plan to host the first round of the playoffs.  The ground game of the Tigers is yet to be stopped. 

7.Brooks Lions
This offense continues to be explosive.  Six different players scored this week as they destroy Priceville.  This week they will host West Limestone with  playoff positioning on the line.  If the Lions can find a way to stop West on defense they could secure a home field advantage for round 1.
 

8. Russellville Golden Tigers

The Tigers may have lost to Muscle Shoals, but they competed with them better than most any team has all year.  The typically potent offense was shutout due in part to the number of turnovers.  This week they will host Lee of Huntsville

9. Central Wildcats
Running.  Wing T.  We all know the wildcats can do that.  This week they show some versatility in throwing the ball.  It went very well as the Wildcats score big points again.  This weeks game is region rival Wilson.  Rivals are rarely easy. 

10. Sheffield Bulldogs

After the first drive of the game the Bulldogs only had the ball for 6 minutes the rest of the game.  Hardly enough time for Hunter Danley, Yarbrough, and Jackson to go to work.  All can be forgotten of LCHS if they can beat Rogers this week.  Region title on the line.  If the defense that played in weeks 2 - 6 shows comes through it will be a good game.