Power Rankings - Week 3

1. Muscle Shoals Trojans

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bulldogs are Back!

There was a day when football at Sheffield was big.  It was relavent.  The Bulldogs were in the hunt for and made noise in the playoffs.  After losing the opener to Red Bay, a smaller 2A school, people weren't sure what to expect from Sheffield this season.  Well, after beating Colbert County last night 21 - 0 they find themselves in control of their own destiny.  The Bulldogs sit atop the Region 8 standings at 2-0 with Rogers.  Coach Hufstedler has to be pleased with that.  Last night Sheffield was able to run the ball for 349 yards.  Charles Jackson gained 138 on 10 carries, while Matthew Boutwell ran for 105 on only 4 carries, while Eric Yarbrough ran for 97.  Boutwell scored a 43 yard TD, Jackson a 49 yarder, and QB Hunter Danley connected with JD Smith for a TD as well.  last year the Bulldogs lost at home 18 - 7 - so in order to go into Leighton and turn the tables was something Coach Hufstedler said was special.  Next week the Clements Colts will come to Sheffield in another Region 8 game.  As for now...looks like the Bulldogs are back. 

Trojans Explode!

Trojans didnt start as strong but the end result was the same!

53 points is impressive.  53 points in 2 1/2 quarters is crazy.  With just over 8 minutes to go in the first half Muscle Shoals and Columbia were deadlocked at zero.  Then the benches cleared, pushing, shoving, and ejections ensued followed promptly by a Muscle Shoals offensive explosion.  Scoring their first touchdown with 7:52 to play in the half the Trojans went on to score 4 times before the break, including a 51 yarder as time expired by Devan Sullivan.  The second half continued the onsloought.  When it was all said and done the Trojans had moved to 3-0 on the season, 2-0 in the region and have yet to have a close game.  The offense ended with 451 yards rushing.  Fullback Dillon Gist ate up 138 yards on just 8 carries.  Sullivan was next with 125 yards on 13 carries including 3 TD's.  Columbia was held to 14 rushing yards on 32 attempts.  The Trojans were penalized 12 times for 137 yards, something Coach Basden will surely address before next week.  One thing is for sure - the Trojans are ready to take on the best in 5A and a game with Florence in 2 weeks is shaping up to be very exciting.

Another imporessive defensive performance by the Trojans!

Oh So Close!

Falcons needed just a little more time



Beniquez Brown ran the ball hard as always



     The Falcons ALMOST pull the big upset and take total control of Region 8...but come up just a bit short after an incredible defensive performance.  Bob Jones brings a team to town averaging 59 points per game and a QB with some very impressive statistics.  The Falcons touted a tight defense allowing 6.5 ppg.  The defense held.  Problem was - BOTH teams defense held.  The Patriots limited the Falcons to 115 yards passing on 14 of 28 and only 96 yards rushing.  The 201 total yards actually eclipsed the Patriots total of 185 yards.  Bob Jones completed 12 of 25 passes for 124 yards and threw 1 interception.  Penalties were limited to 10 yards for Bob Jones while the Falcons were flagged for 75 yards.  In a game where points were rare and yardage was hard earned, it made a difference. 

     The Patriots took a 3 - 0 lead on a 29 yard FG in the 1st quarter.  Then the Falcons Kendrick Doss, late in the first half, flipped the ball backwards, as he was falling, to Beniquez Brown who ran 42 yards on the impromptu creative play.  He got the Falcons to just inside the Patriot 10 yard line where Roland Adams punched it in from 3 yards out for a 7 - 3 Florence lead at the half.  At this point the Falcon defense had only allowed 2 yards rushing by the Patriots.

    The game was changed when coach Kevin Rose chose a halfback pass on 3rd and short.  It was completed to just inside the Falcon 10 and set up a pass from Moss to Reggie Ragland in the corner of the end zone for a 10 - 7 lead.  The Patriots only threw for 55 yards in the second half - 45 of them were on those two plays.  But there was a lot of football left to play. 

     After grinding out most of the remaining time the Falcons return a punt to the Patriot 41 and feel they have life only to end up punting the ball to inside the 5 yard line and seemingly pin the Patriots deep with just under 5 minutes to play; however, the play was ruled a touchback and the Patriots would try to run out the clock.  After moving the ball a bit, Bob Jones is faced with 4th and 2 just across midfield when the Falcons defense strings the play out and comes up with yet one more final defensive stop.  The following is the last 1:21 and the excitement including how close the Falcons were to winning:

1:21 Doss on 3rd and 6 completes pass to Trey Simms for the first down at the 49 yard line -

1:10 Doss completes to JJ Green at 38 yd line for another 1st down -

:57 Doss completes to Brown for a 2 yd gain and stops clock out of bounds -

 :44 2nd and 8 Doss to Green as Patriots blitz - gains 2 but clocks running -

 : 27 3rd and 4 Doss to Green again comes up inches short -

Clock is running - Coach Briggs requests measurement - clock stops with 16 seconds -

4th and inches - Doss on QB sneak -

Illegal Motion against Florence - Now 4th and 6 -

Pass drops incomplete and Patriots win.

The Falcons are for real - the defense is one of the best around - should be a great season ahead -

Oh So Close!





Brown and Cowan stop the pass

Fans could taste the upset



Game Preview: Colbert Heights vs Red Bay

King of the Hill!  Two very solid 2A teams will battle for control of the region tonight on top of Colbert Mountain.  Both teams have been limiting opponents points while scoring plenty on their own.  The Tigers of Red Bay have been a little stingier in allowing only 8.5 ppg while the Wildcats have given up 13.5.  However, the boys on the mountain have piled up an average of 43 ppg to Red Bays 25.  Realistically though, those numbers can be thrown out.  It is going to be a battle tonight between two very good teams.  Colbert Heights passes well and has had excellent special team production while Red Bay grinds it out in the trenches and wears teams down.  Hard to pick a winner here.  Tradition tends to favor the more physical defense which might be Red Bay - but this time we are going with the home team.  The excitement at Colbert Heights will help lead them to a win.  Last year they won 20-14...look for a similiar result this year. Advantage - Colbert Heights

Kivon Coman

     Go west!.  That's what Kivon did.  He could have chosen South Florida or South Alabama.  Many kids are drawn to the coast and the sunny beaches of the gulf, but Florence Falcon safety Kivon Coman wanted to go west.  West to Mississippi State.  He will be a Bulldog next year.  The western division of the SEC. He will be playing not only in the toughest conference in the nation but in the division that has 5 or 6 ranked teams lately.  The Bulldogs are a program on the rise and Coman looks forward to being a part of it.  But he has a few things to take care of in high school first.  This Friday Bob Jones comes to Florence.  This game will have a huge bearing on the Region 8 champion. Winning a championship is one of those unfinished tasks Kivon wants to complete.  He says the Falcons have a tremendous work ethic and are excited about the challenges ahead. 


Makes receivers pay!



     Some kids don't start playing football until they are older. Parents worry about injuries or being too small at first. Kivon has played organized football since he was in 4th grade, and yes, mom was apprehensive at first, but even his mom has warmed to the idea of his football success.."when I was little my mom didn't want me to play -  now she loves me playing".  Unlike many players he has been playing the same position his whole life.  Maybe that's why he is so good at it.  Sure - like most athletes he played QB when he was younger as well, but now is a true defensive specialist.  Of the 23 passes thrown by opponents this season Kivon and the Falcon secondary have intercepted 7 of them.  Only 9 have been caught by opponents.  They catch as many as the other team does!!  When ask about playing alongside someone who gets the attention that Beniquez Brown does Kivon said  "its good because when they are looking at him then I can catch their eye".   Now - football will be the ticket to a good education at an SEC school.  Not bad.  It will be fun to see what this season as well as the future brings for Kivon Coman. 

Game Preview: Muscle Shoals at Columbia

The Trojans have come out strong in every game!

Great individual efforts

Anything can happen on any given night.  Columbia is an athletic team that might be more of a problem than any team the Trojans have faced.  BUT...so far they would have to be a WHOLE lot better in order to test Coach Basdens' team.  Muscle Shoals is leading the Shoals area in scoring at 45 ppg.  They are the stingiest defense at 6.5 ppg.  The offense produces, the defense holds, and the special teams scores touchdowns.  Like we said - anything CAN happen...but dont expect anything much different this Friday night.  Trojans are on the road this time - but in the end - the result will be similiar to last years 34 - 7 win by Muscle Shoals.  Advantage - Muscle Shoals.

Outstanding Team Defense

High powered offense

Every Trojan fan is happy with the way the team is playing!

Game Preview: Deshler vs Central

Big plays on D like this one could be key to stopping Central

If you want offensive fireworks then make your way to Howard Chapell Stadium Friday night as the Deshler Tigers finish a 3 game stretch that should go a long way in determining the Region 8 Champion.  The Tigers will be squarely in control of the Region with a win over Central.  The Wildcats have the opportunity to possibly dethrone the Tigers as the perennial kings of Region 8 with a win.  Deshler has defeated two good teams thus far.  Central has not played quite as tough competition as Deshler but have won easily in both games.  They are ranked 3rd and 4th  in scoring in this area. They currently both average over 38 per game. Deshler is 98 - 4 all time when scoring over 30 points and Central is 38 - 3 when scoring over 30.  The team that can stop the other or make the least turnovers should come out on top. Playing at home may be just the edge Deshler needs.  They have only lost to Central 5 times in 27 meetings. Advantage - In an exciting one - Deshler.

So far Tiger fans have had plenty to cheer!

Game Preview: Florence vs Bob Jones

Kivon Coman anchors a strong secondary

Bob Jones comes into town averaging 59 points per game.  Florence is giving up only 6.5 points per game.  Somethings gotta give!  The game will be decided by which team can hold to their strength the best.  For the Falcons that would mean stopping the high powered offense of the Patriots.  So far the Falcons have made 7 interceptions in 2 games.  The opponents have only completed 9 passes! One of every three throws attempted have been interceptions. They have only allowed 120 yards rushing per game.  It will be interesting to see how Bob Jones plans to attack this defense.  The depth of the Bob Jones team could pose a problem.  Most people don't realize that Bob Jones (the states largest school) has over 2100 students to  Florence's 900.  That is a difference of  1000 +  in the schools enrollment.  That is a bigger difference than the enrollments of  Florence and Waterloo.  Athough they are both 6A - Bob Jones has a size advantage over Florence that is larger than Florence has over the smallest 1A school.  Last year the Patriots outscored the Falcons 45 - 6.  Florence has improved tremendously.  Defense can keep them in the game if the offense can produce enough to pull the upset. The Patriots lost 3 first team all-staters and return 2 time first team all-state LB Reggie Ragland (who has Florence connections...remember Rafield Ragland of Coffee?) and Florence boasts their own all-state LB in Beniquez Brown.  Coach Kevin Rose is from this area and coached here at Sheffield from 2000 - 2006.  All together it has the inside stories, connections, and talent to be a fantastic game.  Although it may be tacky to pick against the hometown team - Bob Jones may be just a bit too tough.  Use this for motivation Falcons and go pull the what is a very likely upset - Advantage - Bob Jones.

High Powered Offense

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

TEAM                         Point per Game

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

Team Defense

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

Fewest Points Allowed

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

BounceBack Team of the Week!

Sometimes a team loses and gets in a rut.  Sometimes a team will fall and decide to stay down.  Other teams bounce back strong.  Sheffield Bulldogs are just such a team.  After losing to Red Bay 26 - 10 a week ago the team made a complete turnaround.  Last week they gave up 113 yards rushing to ONE individual player.  This week they gave up 65 yards to the entire Danville offense.  The return of Charles Jackson made a difference, but not a 40 point difference! They defeated Danville 40 - 0.  Impressive win and even more impressive stats.  They ran the ball for 314 yards while averaging just over 12 yds per carry.  This is one week after averaging 3 yds per carry.  The Bulldogs only completed 2 passes but they went for a total of 114 yards.  Thats a total of 428 yards of offense.  Not bad.  They only allowed 53 yards rushing to Danville on 28 attempts.  Those kind of numbers will win everytime.  Especially since they did not turn the ball over a single time.  Coaches always want to see their team improve.  In this case Coach Hufstedler has to be pleased with the progress a week made.  This week they travel to Colbert County - another team that made a better week two performance.  Should make for an exciting regional matchup. Congratulations Sheffield Bulldogs!

Power Rankings - Week 2

1. Muscle Shoals Trojans

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Players of the Week - Week 2

Gold - Beniquez Brown (Florence) - 180 yards rushing, 2 TD on 20 carries, returned an interception 38 yds for another TD in 34 - 6 win over Buckhorn
Silver - Rogers Defense - Shut out the LCHS Tigers and never allowed them past their 41 yard line until under 2 minutes to play.  Won 23 - 0.  Only gave up 145 total yards and made 4 interceptions and 1 fumble recovery.
Bronze - Will Minor (Deshler) -  213 yards on 13 carries with 2 TD in 35 - 19 win over Brooks

Honorable Mention
Florence Secondary - picking off 4 of the Buckhorn 15 passes. 
Terrance Byrd (Deshler) 141 yds on 15 carries with 2 TD in win over Brooks
Alex Woodard (Rogers) - 94 yards rushing on 10 carries in 23 - 0 win.
Clint Prestage (Brooks) - 107 yards recieving on 9 catches, 6 carries for 41 yards in loss to Deshler
Sheffield Defense - shutout Danville and allowed only 65 total yards in a victory
Skylar Beck (Brooks) - 18 of 26 passing for 237 yards and had a 54 yrd rushing TD
Dee Liner (Muscle Shoals) - 7 tackles, 2 sacks, 47 yard fumble recovery for a touchdown in a win
Colby Spann (Colbert Heights) - 98 yd interception return for TD, 95 yd kickoff return for TD, and a rushing TD in a 47 - 20 win at Phil Campbell
Zack Mize (Muscle Shoals) - 8 tackles, 2 sacks and led a defense that only allowed 123 total yards in beating East Limestone
Jake Roberson (Cherokee) - 7 of 9 passing for 107 yards, threw and rushed for a TD in a loss
Floyd Jones (RA Hubbard) - 140 yds rushing on 2 carries, threw for a TD, ran for two in big win
Charles Jackson (Sheffield) - punt return TD, two rushing TD with 93 yards in 40-0 win
Camari Green (Colbert County) - 70 yd TD run and 80 yd interception return as Indians win 20-12
Daniel Hayes (Central) - 114 yards on 8 carries and a TD along with a 19 yd recieving TD in lopsided win
Tyler Boyd (Russellville) - 111 yards and 4 TD on 14 carries
Dylan Marlar (Colbert Heights) - 2 interceptions for the Wildcats secondary that picked off 6 on the night in a win
Chris Montgomery (Muscle Shoals) - 109 yds rushing on 6 carries in win over East Limestone
Craig Saint (Phil Campbell) - 2 TD's, 6 catches for 156 yards, and 76 yds rushing in a loss