Preview: Lauderdale County at Rogers

A real battle of experienced teams in Greenhill.  Lauderdale County and Rogers return more players and have more experience between them than almost any two teams in Northwest Alabama.  33 starters in the game started last year as well.  Last year Rogers won 20 - 14. Coach Dan Beavers team also won the 3A Region 8 title last year and know that this game carries a lot of weight in determining who will win in 2011. Lauderdale County pulled away from Wilson last week while Rogers fell to a much improved Brooks team.  The Tigers ran the ball with a lot of success last week and Rogers gave up over 8 yards per carry.  If that doesn't change then the Tigers will roll.  The experience and coaching staff of Rogers will have the Pirates tightened up defensively, but Lauderdale County will still be a little too strong.  LCHS will gain the early lead in the regional standings and improve to 2 - 0 overall.  Advantage - Lauderdale County in a close one.

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Preview: Brooks at Deshler

Deshler found out last week that the new players can get the job done.  Brooks found out that the returning players have improved dramatically.  Both picked up big wins.  Both teams ran for over 250 yards.  Deshler is at home which usually helps a little.  Last year Deshler won 42 to 12.  Brooks has improved enough to make it much closer but probably not enough to beat them just yet. Brooks has only defeated Deshler 5 times in the history of this game. Deshler should remain the team to beat in the regional play and move to 2 - 0 on the season with another win over Brooks.  Advantage - Deshler.

 

Preview: Colbert Heights at Phil Campbell

Looking for an exciting air show to attend Friday Night?  Make your way to Phil Campbell.  These two teams threw for a combined 581 yards last week.  Could make for an interesting matchup.  Phil Campbell won in dramatic fashion against Cold Springs while Colbert Heights trounced Danville.  Look for the hometown of Phil Campbell to be out in force and give the Bobcats every emotional advantage they can.  It could be a close game, but in the end, look for the Wildcats to have more weapons and have a bit more success on defense.  Enough to start 1 - 0 in region play.  Advantage - Colbert Heights. 

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. 

Players of the Week

Gold - Cole Claunch (Colbert Heights) - Jr QB throws for 252 yds and 3 TD on 15 of 17 in 38 - 6 win over Danville

Silver - Will Minor (Deshler) 21 carries for 160 yds and 4 TDs in 41-21 win over Russellville
Bronze - Skyler Beck - (Brooks) - Int on Rogers opening drive to set up first score for BHS, 80 yd TD run for 2nd score, 35 yd TD pass for 3rd score in 1st half

Honorable Mention-
Clint Prestage -(Brooks) - 144 yds on 15 carries
O - Line (Brooks) Racked up 349 rushing yards from a variety of players against a stout Rogers team
Bryson Smith (Colbert Heights) 5 catches 155 yds 2 TD
Matt Belue (Red Bay) 113 yds on 15 carries 2 TD in 27 - 10 win over Sheffield
Zachary Anthony (Central) 142 yds rushing 2 TD in 39 - 21 win over Lexington
David Alfaro (Cherokee) 146 yds rushing, 3 TD including late TD to comeback and beat Vina 30-28
Dee Liner - (Muscle Shoals) - 3 sacks in 1 half of play and anchored a starting DLine that allowed only 5 plays of positive yards
Floyd Jones - (RAHubbard) -  113 yds on 12 carries with TD in OT for a 6-0 win over Hatton
JuJu Donley (Deshler) 2 interceptions as the Tigers beat Russellville
Falcons Seconday getting 3 ints by three different players in 13 - 7 road win at Vestavia Hills
Darien Fountain (Cherokee) late INT w/ 52 yd return to set up winning TD
Devan Sullivan - (Muscle Shoals) - returns opening kickoff 87 yrds in season opener vs CCHS
Colby Spann (Colbert Heights) 75 yard kickoff return for TD to open 2nd half
Jamie Dorroh (Phil Campbell) 8 catches for 205 yards, 2 TD's
Timothy Bryant (Tharptown) Int, fumble recovery for a score, caught a TD passin 26 - 21 loss to Meek