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

Round 2 Previews

1A
Shoals Christian Flame vs Donoho Falcons

For the third time in school history the Flame advance to the 2nd round of the playoffs.  Shoals Christian also will be playing Donoho for the third time in school history.  The Flame beat the Falcons 50-20 in 2005.  Donoho advances for the 4th time in its 30+ years of football history.  The Flame enter the game via a 55-20 thrashing of Hubbertville.  Behind the passing of Will Bishop and the running of Chandler Russ the Flame offense has been difficult to stop.  Donoho  brings a 10-1 record into the game with their only loss being at the hands of Ragland by the score of 46-13.  The Falcons defense has only allowed more than 8 points in a game twice all year.  They are only allowing 9 points per game.  The Flame are 8-3 and will get to play at home again where they have not lost since week 1 to Lynn.  It should be a tough test for the Flame.  Similar to the Addison and Hackleburg games in which they came out on top.  Look for a similar result - Advantage Shoals Christian by 5. 

2A
Red Bay Tigers at Fultondale Wildcats
The Tigers will face a tough opponent on the road Friday Night.  Fultondale is averaging over over 47 points per game.  They won last week on the road as a #3 seed beating North Sand Mountain 26 - 21.  They also played Tanner closer than anyone else losing 24 - 7 which is by far the fewest points by Tanner all season.  Red Bay bounced back from a Week 10 loss to squeeze out a home win in round 1 28-26.  The Tigers will have a similar challenge this week on the road.  The Wildcats boast a strong defense as do the Tigers.  Red Bay has defeated some good teams this year like Sheffield, Colbert Heights, and Lexington.  If they can get that dominate running game in gear as it was for most of the season they may find themselves advancing to the quarterfinals for only the fifth time.  Fultondale is 0-3 in Round 2.  Look for it to go to 0-4 ...Advantage - Red Bay Tigers by 3. 

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

Playoff Preview

1A

Region Champs will host Hubbertville in Round 1

Shoals Christian Flame vs Hubbertville Lions
The Flame enter the game as a #1 seed for the first time in the schools ten year football history.  The Lions are a #4 seed that finished the season 7-3 as did the Flame.  Difference is - Shoals Christian only lost 1 region game while the Lions were 4-3 in region play.  The teams are similiar in how they win.  They both boast a high scoring offense.  Hubbertville scoring 35.1 per game while the Flame score 38.5 per game.  Difference is, even though the Flame aren't known for stingy defense (25.3 ppg) the Lions give up 30 points per game.  The two teams have 3 common opponents.  Both schools lost to Lynn.  The Flame lost in the season opener 20-7 while the Lions lost at mid-season 42-13.  Both schools beat Vina and Phillips handily as the Flame win by a combined 65 points and the Lions win by a combined 56 points.  The two teams have never played each other. 
     The game could be closer than a typical #1 vs #4 matchup as the Lions are a good team.  Shoals Christians only region loss is the a #4 seed in RA Hubbard.  The balanced attack of run vs pass by the Flame will cause problems for the Lions struggling defense, coupled with  he home field advantage, it might be just the edge needed.  Look for Shoals Christian to win by getting more stops than the Lions.  Advantage - Shoals Christian by 11

2A 
Red Bay Tigers vs LaFayette Bulldogs
The Tigers were 2 quarters from a perfet 10-0 season.  They ended their year by being outscored in the last two quarters they played.  Not the way most want to end - however, sometimes that might be just the ending to spark a little extra hunger as the playoffs begin.  The Tigers have dominated on both offense and defense this season.  Outscoring opponents by a margin of over 16 ppg.  Although the Bulldogs are good they will probably get the same treatment as most everyone that has visited Red Bay...A good ole-fashion whoopin!  Advantage - Red Bay Tigers by 15

Wildcat offense is tough to stop

Colbert Heights Wildcats vs Woodland Bobcats
The #2 seeded Wildcats of Colbert Heights are less than 2 TD's from an undefeated season.  Both losses came to strong teams, Red Bay and 3A Sheffield.  They are an explosive offense averaging 31.3 ppg while limiting opponents to 18.3 ppg.  Woodland brings a 6-4 record to the game.  They score at the same pace as the Wildcats (32.6 ppg) but give up much more on defense (31.1 ppg).  They have never met and have no common opponents this year, however, the tradition of Woodland is strong.  They were in the State Championship game for 1A as recently as 2004 and 2006, and were Region Champs in 2007.  Problem for them is that this is 2011.  Colbert Heights has too many weapons.  It will not be easy - but in the end look for the Wildcats to advance to the 2nd round.  Advantage - Colbert Heights by 13

A good Lexington team might pull off the upset

Lexington Golden Bears at Reeltown Rebels
Reeltown holds all the tradition.  8 state championship game appearances with titles in 87, 01, and 09.  They are 22-6 in first round playoff games.  This is their first year NOT to win the region since 2007.  They are currently 7-3 while outscoring opponents on average 30.6 to 14.4.  One of their losses was to 4A undefeated Dadeville 21-13.  All that sounds like a monumental task for Lexington who sits at 5-5 and averages 23 ppg on both offense and defense.  A closer look reveals some cinks in the Rebel armour as well as some easilty overlooked details of the Golden Bears.  The Rebels lost two region games including one to #4 seed LaFayette 30-29.  They lost to region champ Lineville 34-14 just two weeks ago.  Lexington lost only 2 region games as well.  Both were to the teams seeded ahead of them and neither was a 20 point loss as was Reeltowns.  The other three were to 4A Central, 3A Rogers, and 3A Region Champs LCHS.  Last week they gave LCHS their toughest test of the year since the Rogers game.  Lexington may be the best 5-5 team you will find.  If they play defense like they did last week they might pull the upset.  These teams aren't as far apart as they might seem at first.  Possibly even a toss-up game.  Advantage - Since they are at home - Reeltown by 4.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.