Best of 2011

A - 3A All-Prep 2011
FIRST TEAM
QB - Cole Claunch (Colbert Heights), Will Bishop (SCA)
LB - Vic Gilbert (LCHS), Raleigh Killen (Rogers), Josh Ricks (Sheffield)
RB - Austin Kerr (Rogers), Chandler Russ (SCA), CJ Jackson (LCHS)
WR - Cody Stephens (Rogers), Devan Traglia (SCA), Bryson Smith (Colbert Heights
OL - Reid Newton (LCHS), Chase Fuller (Colbert Heights), Blake Harris (Rogers)
DL - Bradley Patterson (Red Bay), Briar Allen (Rogers), Brian Puckett (LCHS), Austin Belue (Red Bay)
Special Teams - Luke Gasque (Sheffield), Colby Spann (Colbert Heights), Tyler Grigsby (Rogers)


SECOND TEAM
QB - Samuel Grisham (LCHS), Hunter Danley (Sheffield)
LB - Daniel Wood (SCA), Hunter Childers (Red Bay), Zane Taylor (Rogers), DJ Simmons (LCHS)
RB - Charles Jackson (Sheffield), Matt Belue (Red Bay), Jake Newton (LCHS)
WR/DB - Edgar Bahena (Tharptown), DJ Sanders (Sheffield)
OL/DL - Tyler Smith (LCHS), Jamie Hartley (SCA), Ben Laster (Hatton)

Best Rushing Attack - Lauderdale County
Best Passing Attack - Colbert Heights
Most Balanced Offense - Shoals Christian
Stingiest Defense - Lauderdale County
Most Impressive Stretch of Games - Rogers Playoff Run; LCHS Week 3-10
Most Improved - Sheffield
Most Exciting Games: Sheffield/Rogers; Rogers/Piedmont, LCHS/Glencoe
Red Bay/Colbert Heights, Sheffield/Cordova

Lauderdale County Tigers

Lauderdale County at Madison Academy Mustangs
The Tigers made a comeback to remember Friday Night.  Down by double digits it didn't look good for advancing.  Then again, maybe this is just the Tigers year to win.  Behind a defense that wouldn't give late in the game and a couple of TD's by Grisham and of course another 100 yard game by Jackson - it turned in to another week of football.  The Tigers have advanced to play Madison Academy.  This is where it ended last year for the Tigers as they lost to the Mustangs 13-12.  This year the Mustangs started the season 0-2.  They have not lost since then.  They have struggled against some teams that are not considered powers, but have played extremely well at other times.  The Tigers were not as dominate as they have been in weeks past but won the game in spite of some mistakes.  These teams are facing off for the 6th time in 8 years.  Madison Academy has won the last 5 meetings.  Times are about to change.  The Mustangs are not as good as last year and the Tigers are even better.  Advantage - LCHS Tigers by 3.

More Playoff Previews

3A
Lauderdale County Tigers vs Glencoe Yellow Jackets

Tiger defense punishes opponents!

The last time these two teams met many of the players parents weren't even in school yet.  Glencoe defeated LCHS 25-22 in 1973.  How much does that have to do with 2011.  None.  But the last six weeks have a lot to do with the outcome.  In the past six weeks the Tigers have given up a total of 9 points.  Three of the opponents were playoff teams.  During that span they have scored 221 points.  Can't imagine anyone statewide dominating teams like that over a similar period of time.  The Tigers defense is overpowering.  It is not just that they dont give up points....they dont allow yards either.  The offense is just as overpowering with three runners consistently closing in if not surpassing 100 yards each night.  The offensive line gets a push and the skilled players follow wisely.  Samuel Grisham makes great reads as to who needs the ball and is obviously more than capable of keeping it and hurting defenses himself.  So what about Glencoe?  They bring a 9-2 record into the game and they too have dominated opponents since October began.  No losses during that period and have limited the opposition to no more than 10 points in a gmae during that stretch.  They have outscored opponents on average by a score of 26-11 this season. But, it is doubtful that they have played anyone as strong as the Tigers since the game with Piedmont (which they lost 28-17).  Competing with Piedmont is a sign that they are for real; however, in the 1973 matchup the Yellow Jackets went on to win the state championship.  Who knows - this years winner may do the same.  Advantage - Lauderdale County Tigers by 4

Sheffield will need its runners to
 break free Friday Night!

Sheffield Bulldogs at Piedmont Bulldogs

The boys from Sheffield will face their toughest challenge to date this Friday Night.  The Bulldogs from Piedmont bring a perfect record into the game.  They score 40+ points per game and allow just over 11 points per game.  In 2009 this school won the state championship.  Several current players were part of that team.   The Piedmont community has not seen many losses inthe past few years and expectations are sky high.  They have been ranked #1 in the state since Week 3.  Rankings don't win games but only very high quality teams get ranked that high.  This team is not happy to be in the second round.  They expect another championship.  Sheffield is on their way up.  No doubt.  They are experiencing success like hasn't been seen in a decade in this community.  The Sheffield Bulldogs bring an incredibly talented and physical defense into the game as well as an electric running game.  It will make for a game that is probably tougher than either team has played all season.  It wold be great if Sheffield pulls the upset.  It could happen.  But if forced to make a pick one would have to say that the Advantage goes to Piedmont - but not by much. 

Rogers Pirates at Saks Wildcats

It is a long drive to Anniston, Alabama from Greenhill.  Don't count on any of the Pirates players or coaches minding too much.  Better to travel than be sitting at home.  After a tiebreaking 3rd place finish the Hamilton Aggies posed a tough challenge.  One 35-21 win later the Pirates have gained some of the swagger they had from earlier in the season.  This is a defense that has only allowed 15 ppg this season and has been able to put almost 35 ppg on the board.  This is an experienced team that is well coached.  The expectations are high in Greenhill and the Pirates might just get to play another week.  Saks is 1-3 in the last 4 games.  They limped into the playoffs on a 3 game losing skid.  The defense starting giving up points and the scoring was limited as they were completely shut out in week 10.  They too know about tiebreakers as they were in a three way tie for 2nd in the region.  They too lost out.  They ended up fourth but apparently got things back on track last week as they knocked off #1 seeded Sardis 34-14.  It will be a challenge - but if the Pirates play as they have many times this season they will survive - Advantage - Rogers Pirates by 2

Round 1 Highlights

Here were some of the BESTS from Friday Night.....

Best Rushing Performance - Austin Kerr of Rogers goes for 274 yards against a very good Hamilton team
Best Rushing Team - LCHS has three runners with 2 TD's each for a total of 417 yards on the ground
Best Start to a game - Sheffield scoring three TD's in the 1st quarter
Best Finish to a game - Muscle Shoals outscores opponents 37-6 in the second half
Best Defensive game - LCHS holds opponents to 5 yds in 1st half and 6 total pts
Best Performance in a loss - Murphy Harrison rushes for 168 yards
Best Overcoming Injuries - Deshler wins 33-10 without Will Minor as Terrance Byrd rushes for 108 yds and 3 TD's
Best Secondary - Sheffield, Muscle Shoals, and Shoals Christian all coming away with 2 interceptions

Best Special Teams - Shoals Christian Devan Traglia with a 68 yards punt return for a TD
Best Ending - Red Bay holds on by recovering an onside kick late to win 28-26
Most Dominating Performance - LCHS both offensively and defensively winning 42-6
Most Impressive Class - Region 8 Class 3A as all 4 teams win.  LCHS, Sheffield at home and Rogers, Elkmont both on the road as Region 5 is eliminated.

Players of the Week - Playoffs Round 1

GOLD- Austin Kerr (Rogers) - 274 rushing yards and 3 TD's in a 35-21 win over Hamilton
SILVER -Matt Belue (Red Bay) rushed for 203 yards and 3 TD's as Tigers hold on to win 28-26
BRONZE - Tyler Jackson (Muscle Shoals) - 190 yards on 10 carries and 2 TD's in a come from behind win over Chelsea 51-27

HONORABLE MENTION
Samuel Grisham (LCHS) - 131 rushing yards on 7 carries with 2 TD's and 2-3 passing in leading the Tigers to a 42-42-6 victory
Hunter Danley (Sheffield) - connecting on TD passes of 16, 39, and 40 yards as he leads the Bulldogs to a 38-14 win
Chandler Russ (Shoals Christian) - 184 yds on the ground with TD's of 26, 34, and 48 yards
Terrance Byrd (Deshler) - 108 yards and 3 TD's on 18 carries in a 33-10 victory
Tyler Boyd (Russellville) - 126 yards rushing on 18 carries in a 30-7 loss to Center Point
Murphy Harrison (Central) - 168 yards on 12 carries in a 42-34 loss
Devan Traglia (Shoals Christian) - Caught a 38 and 43 yd TD pass and ran a 62 yd punt return for a TD
Vic Gilbert (LCHS) - led the Tiger defense with 10 tackles and led a defense that held opponents to 4 yards in the first half and 6 points for the game

3A Playoff Preview

3A

Lauderdale County Tigers vs Holly Pond Broncos
Its hard to imagine a team playing any better than the Tigers are right now.  They have only allowed 3 points since September 23rd.  ITS NOVEMBER!!!  Amazing.  In their last 5 games they have outscored opponents 183 - 3.  Wow.  The season started with a powerful running attack and adequate defense.  Now they are a great defense with a strong running game.  They are 9-1 on the season.  Holly Pond finishes the year 5-5.  They have actually given up more points this season than they have scored.  They are on a 4 game winning streak.  Too bad it will end Friday night and it could be ugly.  Advantage - LCHS by 20+

 Sheffield Bulldogs vs Cordova Blue Devils
What a great season for the Bulldogs and first year Coach Hufstedler.  8-2 and a 2nd place finish in the region.  The Bulldogs defense has allowed only 12 points per game while scoring over 22.  The combination of a rushing and passing attack make them tough for teams to defend.  The defense only allowed region champions LCHS to score more than 7 points.  Cordova is a tough draw for a first round game as they have won 4 region titles in the past 6 years with a state championship in 2007.  These guys expect to win.  This year though they were only 6-4 with opponents scoring as many points as they did on the season.  2 of the losses are to non-region 4A and 5A opponents Dora and Curry.  The other 2 were to the top 2 teams in their region.  They haven't been beaten by a weak team.  The Bulldogs will have to show up in a big way to come away with a win.  Advantage - Sheffield Bulldogs by 5.

Rogers Pirates at Hamilton Aggies
When a team finishes 6-1 in region play they don't typically travel in the first round to play a team that was ranked #2 in the state for much of the season and was the 2010 state runner up.  Such is the case for Rogers.  The good news is that Hamilton has lost their last two games after starting 8-0.  They average 35 points per game and will be a test for the Pirate defense.  The Pirates come in averaging over 30 ppg and only allowing 13.  QB Tyler Grigsby and his receivers make for a great balanced attack when coupled with the running of Austin Kerr and Alex Woodard.  This team has the ability to pull what most would consider an upset.  If they play like they did when they beat LCHS they will.  If they start like they did against Brooks the season will end Friday.  It could be one of the most exciting games in round 1.  Advantage - Playing at home..Hamilton Aggies by 3

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.

Lexington at Lauderdale County

Click here for all the pics from the game.

Pictures/Videos

Team Pictures CD $15.00 Team Video $7.00 Individual 8x10 $6.00

Top Scoring Offenses

Region play is over...the playoff brackets are set.  Teams have all played through the gauntlet of their region opponents.  This means the statistics are a bit more equitable.  With the exception of class differences the teams have all played through their schedule of similiar sized schools.  Each school have one last rivalry game left before some will continue through the playoffs while others will hang up the cleats.  These are the teams that are averaging better than 30 points per game.

School          Points per Game

1. Deshler                 45.6
2. Muscle Shoals       41.9
3. Shoals Christian     41.0
4. Brooks                  40.1
5. Central                  37.0
6. LCHS                   35.1
7. Red Bay                31.6
8. RA Hubbard         30.9
9. Colbert Heights     30.8
10. Rogers                30.1

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.

Region Champs

1A - 5A has a local team that will be hosting the first round of the playoffs and can lay claim to the Regional Championship for 2011.  Each team arrived by virtue of different paths. In 5A and 4A it was apparent early in the season that Muscle Shoals and Deshler were the creme of the crop.  It would not be easy - but they were favored and expected to win in most games.  For the Trojans the title was its first since 1988.  A great accomplishment for this group of players and coaches.  For the Deshler Tigers it was the third consecutive title and the 19th since 1988.  Very different attitudes towards the accomplishment.  In 3A, the Lauderdale County Tigers looked to be in a lot of trouble after losing to Rogers, but after beating Brooks and Sheffield they find themselves winning the 3-way tie breaker to win their first title since 2004.  Red Bay claims the 2A championship, its first since 2007 and in 1A it is Shoals Christian for the first time since the school started its football program in 2002.  Whereas some teams have known for a few weeks, and others had to decipher tie-breakers - the Flame of Shoals Christian did it in the most exciting way.  They played head to head last night for the title.  Coach Odems boys won on the road to seal the championship.   Each of these will be playing week after next at home against a #4 seed.  Each will be favored and might get to play football for a few more weeks!

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.

Blowout!

Want to see a good close game?  Don't go see these teams play!  If you want to see domination these are the teams to watch.  Some teams tout a high powered offense...others a stingy defense.  These teams combine both to produce the largest point differential in the area.  These teams usually win by the largest margins. 

Team                        Avg Margin of Victory
1. Muscle Shoals Trojans     34.6
2. Deshler Tigers                  27.2
3. Lauderdale County           22.4
4. Red Bay Tigers                 18
5. Shoals Christian                 17
6. Rogers Pirates                   15
7. Central Wildcats               13.5
8. Brooks Lions                    13

High Powered Offense

Here are the offenses that are scoring the most thru 8 games of the season:

1. Deshler                43.5
1. Shoals Christian   43.5

3. Muscle Shoals      41.1

4. Brooks                 38.6

5. Central                 37.5

6. LCHS                  34.4

7. Red Bay               31.1

8. Colbert Heights     30.4

 9. RA Hubbard         29.3

10. Rogers                  28.8



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.