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

Rogers Pirates



Pirates will need big plays from the offense!

 Rogers Pirates vs
Piedmont Bulldogs
Hosting a playoff game is always exciting.  Hosting the 3rd round is even more special.  Hosting the #1 ranked team in the state for a trip to the Final 4 is exactly what will be happening in Greenhill, Alabama this Friday Night.  The Pirates bring a veteran squad into the game that is known for stingy defense but has quietly put up big numbers on offense lately.  They are averaging 35 ppg game while only allowing 16.  At 10-2 it has been a great season, but after such a dramatic win last week the Pirates are no doubt hungry for some more. Piedmont is for real.  They are scoring 44 ppg while only allowing 13.  The task is huge for Rogers, but last week the Sheffield Bulldogs played them well.  If Sheffield can compete - then Rogers should be able to as well, especially being at home.  Could be the perfect situation for an upset.

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

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.

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.

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.

Bulldogs Shock the Pirates!

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

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

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

Game Preview: Rogers vs Sheffield

Expect the Bulldogs to be determined to make a better showing than last week.  Losing like they did to a team that Rogers beat handily COULD make for an over-confident Pirate squad.  Don't count on it.  This Rogers team is Senior-heavy - which means leadership and experience.  Look for them to be anxious to seal the Region Title, home field advantage in Round 1 and host a #4 seed.  All should motivate the Pirates to play well.  The Bulldogs have their backs against the wall.  A win could force a 3-way tie for first.  Sometimes a loss motivates a team to play better. (See Rogers after Brooks=undefeated...see LCHS after Rogers=totally dominate).  Sheffield will be ready and will make things difficult on the Pirates.  In the end, the Rogers defense will not allow the Bulldogs to score enough to overcome the ability of Grigsby, Kerr & Company to put points up.  Advantage - Rogers.