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

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.

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.

Top Scoring Offense and Defense

ScoringOffense School	Total pts	Avgpts
Muscle Shoals	228	45.6
Deshler	177	35.4
Brooks	173	34.6
Central	170	34
LCHS	158	31.6
Colbert Heights	155	31
Red Bay	147	29.4
Rogers	136	27.2
RA Hubbard	122	24.4
Russellville	121	24.2

Top Defenses

School	Total pts	Avg
Muscle Shoals	47	9.4
Hatton	48	9.6
Sheffield	54	10.8
Rogers	61	12.2
Red Bay	66	13.2
Deshler	68	13.6
Florence	75	15
LCHS	93	18.6
RA Hubbard	98	19.6
Colbert Heights	101	20.2

Top Scoring Defenses

These teams do not give up many points.  Through four weeks these teams are a combined  33 - 11 on the year.  The top 2 teams have not given up more than 9 points in any single game.  And each of them have played some relatively high scoring offenses.  Other teams are consistently getting better.  Lexington has given up less points each week.  Here are the Top 10:

School                            Pts per Game
1. Muscle Shoals                    5

2. Hatton                                7

3. Sheffield                             10

4. Florence                             13.3
5. Deshler                               13.5
6. RA Hubbard                       14
7. Red Bay                             14.8
8. Rogers                               15.3
9. Lauderdale County             16.8
10. Colbert Heights                20.5                    
10. Lexington                         20.5

Top Scoring Offenses

Some teams score alot - that means plenty of pushups!



 The following ten schools have the highest scoring average through 4 games this season. 

SCHOOL                          PTS per GAME

1.  Muscle Shoals                      51.5

2. Brooks                                  36.8

3. Colbert Heights                     35.3

4. Deshler                                  33.8

5. Red Bay                                30.3

6. RA Hubbard                         28.5

7. Lauderdale County                27.3

8. Central                                  27

8. Rogers                                  27

10. Russellville                           26

The Lions seem to have no problems putting big numbers on the board!

Trojans average nearly 50 points per game!

During the first three weeks of the 2011 High School football season, there has been no shortage of point production from several teams in the area.  The Muscle Shoals Trojans not only average 47.7 points per game, but they are 10 points ahead of Colbert Heights, who comes in second with 37.7 PPG.  Can they keep up this pace?  We will have to wait and see.  Here is how the top ten stacks up:



  Team                                      Average Points Per Game
  1.  Muscle Shoals                                     47.7
  2.  Colbert Heights                                    37.7
  3.  R.A. Hubbard                                       35.7
  4.  Brooks                                                 33
  5.  Deshler                                               32.3
  6.  Red Bay                                             28.7
  7.  Shoals Christian                                  27.3
  8.  Central                                                 27
  9.  Wilson                                                26.3
10.  Russellville                                          25.3

Offense sells tickets, but DEFENSE...

wins championships!  We will have to wait and see if this holds true this year, but so far after the third week, these 10 schools have a combined record of 22 - 8.

  Team Defense                                      Pts/gm

  1.  Muscle Shoals                                   4.3
  2.  Hatton                                                7
  3.  Florence                                            7.7
  4.  Rogers                                             10.6
  5.  Sheffield                                          11.3
  6.  Deshler                                            13.3
  7.  R.A. Hubbard                                    14.7
  8.  Red Bay                                           15
  9.  Lauderdale County                             17.7
10.  Central                                              18.7

Passing Leaders

Most High School teams run more than they throw.  These schools have the most success at throwing the ball.  Through three games these are the teams that have throw for the most yardage per game and also the teams that have completed the highest percentage of their passes.

Team                              Yards per Game

1.  Colbert Heights                    241
2.  Brooks                                151
3.  Russellville                         125
4.  RA Hubbard                        115
5.  Sheffield                             112

Team                             Pass Completion %

1.  Colbert Heights                     62%
2.  Brooks                                 61%
3.  Russellville                           59%
4.  RA Hubbard                         58.3%
5.  Florence                               58%

Top 5 Rushing Teams: Offense & Defense

These are the Teams that are moving the ball on the ground
3 weeks into the 2011 season:

     Team                                        Avg Yds/ Gm
1.  Muscle Shoals                                  355
2.  Lauderdale County                             323
3.  Deshler                                             312
4.  R.A. Hubbard                                    282
5.  Sheffield                                           250

These are the Teams that are allowing the fewest rushing yards per game so far in 2011:

     Team                                        Avg Yds/Gm
1.  Red Bay                                          100
2.  Florence                                          107
3.  Lauderdale County                            111
4.  Muscle Shoals                                 114
5.  R.A. Hubbard                                   138

Power Rankings - Week 3

1. Muscle Shoals Trojans

The Trojans continue to dominate opponents.  Scoring in a variety of ways with different people.  Then locking down on defense and in this case - shutting people out of the end zone.  53-0 over Columbia puts them in control of Region 8.  This week they get Lawrence County.  If they continue playing like they are now they will move to 4-0 before they play Florence in week 5. 

2. Florence Falcons
Not often does a team lose and not fall in the polls, but this Florence defense is very impressive.  They did not beat Bob Jones - but it was a fantastic high school football game.  It would be interesting to see these two match up again in the playoffs.  With this defense it will be hard for anyone to beat them.


3.  Deshler Tigers
Weeks one and two the offense could not be stopped but the defense needed work.  Week three the defense shuts down an impressive offensive team in Central.  The Tigers fought hard and pulled out a win.  3-0 with a lot of young players.  The future is bright at Deshler.

4. Russellville Tigers
The Tigers pull out a big Region 8 win at Athens moving them to 2-0.  A solid defensive performance and just enough offense.  The team is improving and becoming a better team each week.  The Tigers will play East Limestone this week.  If this team continues to improve they could possibly be undefeated in the region for the early October match-up with Muscle Shoals.

5. Brooks Lions
Coach Hill had to be pleased with the way his team bounced back from their defeat at Deshler.  The Lions overpowered Ardmore on both sides of the ball and remain the fifth ranked team in our polls.    Next week at Central could decide who gets to play at home in the playoffs and who travels in round 1.

6. Rogers Pirates
Two weeks in a row the Pirates have played a team that was touted as being a serious contender for the 3A Region 8 title.  Two weeks in a row the Pirates defense has completely shut the opponent out.  This defense is very solid.  29-0 over a good Elkmont team puts this Rogers team in total control of the region.

7. Central Wildcats
Even though the Wildcats lost - the defense showed they can be tough and physical.  They were shutout by Deshler but actually played the Tigers a closer game than Russellville or Brooks in many ways.  The Wildcats will host Brooks this week.  Should be a great game.

8. RA Hubbard
After allowing Shoals Christian to hang around for a while - the Raging Chiefs eventually pulled away for another impressive win.  RA Hubbard is on track for another possible deep run in the playofffs based on the way they have put points on the board these past few weeks.

9. Lauderdale County
The Tigers bounced back strong after falling to the Pirates.  It took them a little while to do so as they fell behind 14-0 to West Morgan, but then they awoke.  They scored 41 unanswered and gained 500 yards on offense.  They move up to #9 with their performance.  This week they will host Elkmont.

10. Red Bay
This team has quietly become a force.  They aren't flashy nor do they pour on enormous amounts of points.  But, they win.  27-0 over Sheffield - who hasn't lost since.  Then in week two and three they win region games.  The latest an impressive win over a very good Colbert Heights team. 

High Powered Offense

The team with the most points wins. Every single time.  That is the object of the game - to score more points than the opponent.  These teams have had no problem putting points on the board.  At least not last week.  These teams all average at least 25 points per game.  Some are consistent while one team scored 6 in week one only to solve the problems and hang 53 on the board the following week.  Once again these teams are a combined 15 - 5.  Just like the top defensive teams were.  And again...three of the five losses were to teams on this list in head to head matchups.  So if lots of scoring is what you want to see... these are the teams to watch. 

TEAM                         Point per Game

1. Muscle Shoals                 45
2. Colbert Heights               43.5
3. Central                            40.5
4. Deshler                           38
5. RA Hubbard                   29.5
5. Russellville                       29.5
7. Wilson                            29
8. Brooks                           25.5
8. Red Bay                         25.5
10. Sheffield                        25

Team Defense

The following is a list of the stingiest defenses in the area.  If championships are really won by great defense - then these are the teams to watch out for!  Their combined records are 15 - 5 with 3 of those 5 losses being in head to head matchups with teams on the list.  Hatton is the anomaly, they have only given up 13 points total this season, yet are 0-2 due to scoring only 6 points.  So....If you love to see a good defensive battle - these are the teams to watch!

Fewest Points Allowed

Team                        points per game avg
1. Florence                        6.5
1. Muscle Shoals               6.5
3. Hatton                           7.5
4. Red Bay                        8.5
5. RA Hubbard                 10
6. Colbert Heights             13
6. Sheffield                        13
8. Rogers                          16
9. Central                          17.5
10. Laud. County              19.5

Power Rankings - Week 2

1. Muscle Shoals Trojans

The Trojans start region play with a statement game.  Completely shutting down the East Limestone offense while pouring in points in a variety of ways.  So far - 2 games - 2 dominating performances.  With a strong defense and explosive weapons on offense it will take a very good team to knock this Muscle Shoals team off the top. This week the Trojans will go on the road for the first time and will play Columbia. 

2. Florence Falcons
Beating Buckhorn wasn't nearly as tough as Vestavia Hills, and the Falcons made sure it wasn't even close.  By rushing for 260 yds and passing for another 113 the Falcons gained nearly 7 yds per run and 11 per catch.  That is efficient! Coupled with a lock down defense that picked off 4 passes they look tough to beat.  This week brings Bob Jones to town. 



3.  Deshler
Playing like veterans already.  Each time the Brooks Lions threatened or scored the Tigers made a big play or drive.  The final eneded up looking lopsided yet anyone in attendance knows it was a hard fought and hard earned victory.  Rushing for over 350 yds with two 100 yd rushers in Minor and Byrd made Deshler too tough to handle for Brooks.  This week the Tigers will host Central. 

4. Russellville
The Tigers pick up a win at home against an improved Lawrence County team.  This week they will learn alot more about themselves as they travel to Athens.  If they can beat Athens then they will once again be in control of the region as they have for the past few years.  Cutting out turnovers and getting the running game going made the difference this past week and will need to continue at Athens

5. Brooks Lions
The loss at Deshler showed the Lions have the offense to move the ball.  They averaged over 5 yards per carry running the ball and threw for 237 yards.  Both numbers are impressive.  They couldn't get enough stops to win the game.  This week they will play a significantly less talented Ardmore team that should get them another win. 

6. Rogers Pirates
An impressive win at home against possibly their toughest region opponent.  Not juist a win but a shutout.  The defense definately got the job done.  If the Pirates continue to play like they did Friday night it could be a special season.  Another tough game this week at Elkmont - a win could put them in total control of the region.

7. RA Hubbard
50 + points on offense.  You dont usually lose those games.  The Chiefs found a way to completely make a turnaround from the 6 point performance against Hatton.  They obviously are improved.  It would be great to see how they would match-up with some of the bigger schools.

8. Colbert Heights
They won the shootout with Phil Campbell.  Impressively.  They continue to pour on the offense.  This week they host Red Bay.  Should be a battle of styles.  Red Bay rushing vs the Wildcats passing attack.  This should be a great game to go watch.  Region control on the line.

9. Central Wildcats
The Wildcats move up a notch to number nine with an impressive win.  Priceville is an improved team yet the Wildcats rolled just as easily as last year.  The Central offense continues to pour on the points.  This week at Deshler will be the real test of how far they have come.  It also will help shape the control of the region. 

10. Lauderdale County
A loss at Rogers last week puts the region control in the Pirates hands instead of their own.  The coaching staff will undoubtedly have the Tigers regrouped and ready for a home game against West Morgan.  Should be a great chance to get back on track.

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.