2011 Bests

4A-6A All-Prep Team
FIRST TEAM
QB - Kendrick Doss (Florence)
LB - Dylan Hogue (Central), Davian Eggleston (Florence), Ethan Felton, Zach Mize (Muscle Shoals)
RB - Will Minor (Deshler), Beniquez Brown (Florence), Dillon Gist (Muscle Shoals)
DL - Dee Liner (Muscle Shoals), Rock Slaughter (Muscle Shoals)
OL - John Broaddrick (Central), Jamarcus Ford (Deshler), Ben Thomas (Central), Julian Cole (Florence)
WR - JJ Green (Florence), Brandon Creasy (Deshler), BJ Bailey (Deshler)
DB - Kivon Coman (Florence), Jose Bentoncourt (Russellville), Levi Fell (Muscle Shoals)
Special Teams - Devan Sullivan (Muscle Shoals)

SECOND TEAM
QB - Skylar Beck (Brooks)
LB - Logan Ezell (Russellville), Wilson Cook (Wilson), Chandler Sartain (Muscle Shoals)
RB - Clint Prestage (Brooks), Daniel Hayes (Central), Tyler Boyd (Russellville)
DL/OL - Kaelan Bonds (Russellville), Chris Petty (Central), Josh Tillary (Russellville)
WR/DB - Jordan Gist (Russellville), Aaron McClusky (Brooks), Murphy Harrison (Central)

Best Rushing Attack - Muscle Shoals
Best Passing Attack - Florence Falcons
Most Balanced Offense - Brooks Lions
Best Rush Defense - Muscle Shoals
Best Pass Defense - Florence Falcons
Most Improved - Brooks Lions
Brightest Future - Deshler Tigers
Most Exciting Games - Florence/Muscle Shoals,
Central/West Limestone, Muscle Shoals/Chelsea, Brooks/Deshler, Central/Deshler, Florence/Bob Jones,

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 vs Madison Academy

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Rogers vs Piedmont

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4A and 5A Previews

Deshler Tigers at Oneonta Redskins
Friday Night will match two similar teams.  Dehsler scores over 50 ppg while allowing 23.  Most every game they have been involved in, has been decided before the 4th quarter.  With a strong running game they have begun to show some balance with big pass plays as well.  They are 11-1 and in the third round...again....where they are 13-5 throughout history.  These Tigers have matured into a very good team this season.  Oneonta is 10-2 with some good history as well.They are scoring 47+ per game this season while only allowing 16.  They shutout West Limestone 35-0 last week to advance to round 3 for the 9th time where they are 4-5. The two schools only common opponent this season is Alexandria.  The Redskins lost to them by 1 point in week two while the Tigers won 59-19 last week.  Based on this expect Deshler to advance...again.

Muscle Shoals Trojans at Briarwood Christian Lions
The Lions are good.  They are 11-1. So is Muscle Shoals. Both teams beat Chelsea by double digits and both beat Athens by 20+. Briarwood lost to Vestavia Hills (6A team Florence beat in week 1) in mid -season as the only blemish on their record where MSHS lost to Florence.  The Lions are very strong offensively, scoring 43 ppg but not as powerful on defense as they have only 1 shutout all season and allow 21 ppg on average.  Muscle Shoals, on the other hand, scores even more (51 ppg) and allows much less (12 ppg).  If the Trojans can overcome the experience and size of Briarwood they could advance for the second time in school history to the state semi-finals.  The Lions are 8-4 in round 3 all time and have collected 5 state championships.  This is their 3rd consecutive region title.  History is on the Lions side; 2011 might be on the Trojans side though.  Great chance for the visiting team to pull the upset.

Reclassification

With 4 local teams firmly focused on the season at hand - most teams can now plan for next year.  Beginning in 2012 the Regions and Class of several local teams will be different.  Here is how it breaks down.

1A Region 8
Tharptown, Decatur Heritage Hubbard, Waterloo, Vina, Shoals Christian, Phillips, Hackleburg

2A Region 8
Hatton, Lexington, Colbert Heights, Sheffield, Tanner, Phil Campbell, Red Bay, Cherokee

3A Region 8
Clements, Colbert County, Deshler, Elkmont, West Morgan, Westminster Christian, Lauderdale County, Madison Academy

4A Region 8
West Limestone, Central, Wilson, Brooks, Priceville, Haleyville, Rogers, East Lawrence

5A Region 8
Hartselle, Muscle Shoals, Cullman, Athens, Russellville, West Point, Lawrence Co, East Limestone

6A Region 8
Sparkman, Bob Jones, Austin, Florence, Hazel Green, Buckhorn, James Clemens, Decatur

Summary of biggest local changes - Deshler to 3A, Sheffield to 2A, and Rogers to 4A

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.

Lauderdale County Tigers

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

Shoals Christian vs Donoho

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Muscle Shoals vs Cullman

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Deshler vs Alexandria

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4A and 5A Playoff Previews

4A

A healthy Minor makes the difference!

Deshler Tigers vs Alexandria Valley Cubs
A 10-1 Deshler Tiger team will host the 2nd round of the playoffs Friday Night.  Maybe more important than being at home is the fact that the services of Will Minor should be available making the offense that averaged nearly 46 ppg that much more lethal once again.  Depth at RB was not a problem as Minor has more than capable substitutes but nothing can replace his senior experience.  Advancing this far in the playoffs is commonplace for the Tigers, but with this many young and new faces on the team it is quite a feat.  This team is good, but so is Alexandria.  The Valley cubs are 8-3 but have had trouble stopping teams on defense.  They score 38 ppg but are giving up over 31 ppg.  Even in last weeks win they allowed 41 points as the offense lit the scoreboard for 55.  The Tigers only allow 21 ppg.  The valley cubs expect to win as well.  They boast 3 state titles just like the Tigers.  Might be a high scoring contest but expect the Tigers to do more of it.  Advantage - Deshler Tigers by 3.

Dee Liner leads a solid defense!

5A
Muscle Shoals Trojans vs Cullman Bearcats
Wanna see some scoring? Make your way to Dennis Homan field Friday night and enjoy the fireworks.  These two teams scored a combined 109 points in their round 1 wins.  The Bearcats average 40 points but have allowed over 22 ppg.  They are 8-3 on the year losing to 6A Huntsville, undefeated Hartselle, and Fort Payne.  The Trojans will have their hands full.  Muscle Shoals averages an equally high 46.7 ppg but the difference is on defensive side.  The Trojans have allowed only 12 ppg.  Although the Trojans haven't experienced the playoff success of Cullman - the expectations are high.  They expect to advance.  Neither team is satisfied with being in Round 2.  Look for the home crowd to pull the home team through. if the defense plays as it did the first half of the season it might be easier - if not a battle.  Advantage - Muscle Shoals Trojans by 6

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 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

Muscle Shoals Marches to Second Round

All Trojans.....in the fourth quarter.  After falling behind 14-0 the Trojans fought their way into a tie game only to see one play put them down again.  Muscle Shoals was in unfamiliar territory down 21-14 at the half.  The third quarter found the Trojans take a 10 point lead but had it cut to 31-27 by mid 4th Q.  On the kickoff Devan Sullivan ran about 160 yards all over the field in order to get inside the Chelsea 10.  Then the Trojans punched it in.  A Levi Fell interception and another TD  put the game away.  Junior RB Tyler Jackson led the Trojans rushing attack that gained 378 yards by getting 190 himself with 2 TD's.  Dee Liner and Zach Mize led the defense with 14 tackles each while Ethon Felton had 13.  In addition to Fells' interception he batted 5 balls down and contributed 5 tackles as well.  The Trojans finish the game 55-20 winners and will host Cullman next week in Round 2!

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Sheffield Moves To Round Two

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Colbert Heights Season Ends

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Shoals Christian Advances

Chandler Russ leads Flame into Round Two with over 200 yards rushing.  The Flame advance by winning 55-20 after being down 12-6 early.

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5A Preview

Muscle Shoals Trojans vs Chelsea Hornets

The Trojans have talked a lot this year about firsts.  Starting new traditions.  In their 50 year football history they have only advanced past the first round 3 times. They had a great season - now they want to advance in the playoffs.  They don't want to just be good locally but be recognized statewide.  This team has all the tools to do just that.  They are 9-1 with an unblemished region record.  They are averaging over 41 points per game while the defense is allowing under 10. Only one 5A school scored more than 7 points against the Trojans all year long.  Few teams across the state have dominated the competition as they have.  The Hornets are 7-3 with all three losses being region games.  They too score alot (36 per game)  but have allowed over 20 ppg.  That could easily be the difference on Friday.  The Trojan running game has three players at 75+ yards per game.  Too much offense - and WAY to much defense.  Advantage - Muscle Shoals Trojans by 20+

Russellville Golden Tigers at Center Point Eagles
The Golden Tigers enter the playoffs in an unfamiliar position.  They are decided underdogs.  After finishing the year 5-5 they will have their hands full with the 9-1 Eagles.  Russellville scored 25 ppg - unfortunately they allowed around 24 ppg.  The Eagles lone loss was to powerhouse Briarwood Christian.  Center Point has outscored their opponents 35 - 12 on average.  The Tigers will have to play their best football of the year in order to pull off the upset.  Its high school football....anything can happen but... Advantage - Center Point Eagles by 10

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

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More Playoff Previews

4A
Deshler Tigers vs Corner Yellow Jackets
Deshler brings all the tradition of a successful program to the game.  19 region championships since 1990. Although the team is considered to be relatively young, inexperienced is not really accurate at this point.  They have a full season under their belt.  Many of the players DO have experience and know all to well how to win in the playoffs.  They have won almost every game this year outscoring opponents on average 42 - 20.  Their lone loss was to 5A power Muscle Shoals last week.  Corner is 6-4 on the season and finished 4-3 in region play.  The Yellow Jackets have only 1 first round playoff victory in school history.  The Tigers have only lost in the first round of the playoffs five times in the schools history.  Dont' expect the sixth loss this week.  Advantage - Deshler Tigers by 20 +

Brooks Lions vs Dora Bulldogs
The Lions finish the season 8-2 with only 1 loss in region play.  They will host Dora who finishes the season 8-2 as well, however, they lost both games in region play to the #1 and #2 seeded teams Midfield and Fayette County.  Could be an interesting match-up as the Bulldogs are only allowing 10 points per game while the Brooks offense is averaging over 40 ppg.  Only once all season were the Lions held below 26 points and that was 19 against Deshler.  In 8 of the Bulldog games the opponents have been held to 10 or less points while giving up 20 and 33 in the two losses.  This is a good team, but so is Brooks.  The Lions are unpredictable on offense and difficult to stop.  They have plenty of speed and versatility.  Expect them to score 20+.  If the defense can slow Dora down and make a big play or two then the Lions could advance.  Look for this to be a very tough game.  Advantage - Brooks Lions by 2

Central Wildcats at Fayette County Tigers
Fayette County brings a 7-3 record into the game as they average 26 pts per game on offense and allow 23.  They lost to Midfield, 3A Gordo, and in OT to Oak Grove.  Coach Lance Tucker is in his first year at Fayette County after Coach Walden Tucker left with the most wins in Alabama Football coaching history last year.  Coach Woods is also in his first year at Central.  The Wildcats also finish at 7-3 losing to a 3A school (Sheffield) and 2 region opponents.  Central averages a bigger margin of victory as they score just over 35 ppg and allow just over 23.  The Wildcat rushing game is tough to stop.  They were held under 20 points only once all year (Deshler).  Being on the road is a bit tougher - two very evenly matched teams.  Look for the details to play a big part in this game.  Penalties and special teams.  Advantage - Central by 1.

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.

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

Pictures, Pictures!

For many of the local teams the 2011 football season is now over.  For 13 of the teams the playoffs preparation has already begun.  We have posted many pictures on this site thusfar with more to come.  We post them in a small low-resolution format.  If you want to purchase any pictures or even ALL the pictures involving a certain team you can do so.  Simply "Add to Cart" the item you want and then type in the second box the team you want pictures of, the video, or the individual picture you want printed/enlarged.  These high resolution pictures can be enlarged for posters or cropped and zoomed nicely.  Remember the season with a CD of pictures!  Email any questions to preppreview@yahoo.com Thanks and good luck to the 13 playoffs teams this weekend!

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.