Players of the Week: Week 7

GOLD - Will Minor (Deshler) - Ran for 241 yards and 4 Touchdowns to remain undefeated as Tigers win 48-21.  Minor scored on runs of 4, 8, 19, and 47 yards.

Silver -Ethon Felton (Muscle Shoals) - Sophomore collected 14 tackles, 1 int, and 1 fumble recovery in leading a defensethat shutout Russellville 24 - 0.

Bronze - LCHS Offensive Line - Controlling the ball for 36 minutes against Sheffield defense and rushing for 295 yards regardless off how many defenders were put in the box

HONORABLE MENTION
Dillon Gist (Muscle Shoals) - 13 carries for 122 yards in a Muscle Shoals win over Russellville 24-0
Austin Kerr (Rogers) -3 TD's and 173 yards rushing and a 15 yard passing TD
Justin Scott (Central) - 198 yds passing and 3 TD's in a 55-18 win
Skyler Beck (Brooks) - 7 of 10 passing for 196 yds with 3 TDs
Craig Saint (Phil Campbell) - 132 yds and 2 TD's and threw a TD as the Bobcats win 37-23
Colby Spann (Colbert Heights) - 70 yd TD return off an interception that sparked a Wildcat win 33-28
Dee Liner (Muscle Shoals) - 11 tackles and a fumble recovery in holding Russellville to 186 total yds
Kendrick Doss (Florence) - 14-27 passing for 225 yards in a loss the Decatur
Jamie Dorrah (Phil Campbell) - Int return 55 yds for TD, rushed for TD, and a 70 yard kickoff return
Zach Anthony (Central) - Caught TD's of 15 and 47 yds with a rushing TD of 5 yds in a win
Chandler Russ (Shoals Christian) - 30 yd int return for TD and rushed for  a 51 yd TD in a 34-14 win
CJ Jackson (Lauderdale County) -122 yds and 2 touchdowns on 20 carries as LCHS defeats Sheffield
Tyler Grigsby (Rogers) - 8 of 12 for 187 yards passing with 1 TD in a 47-25 win
Daniel Hayes (Central) - 10 carries for 108 yards in a region win over East Lawrence

Bryson Smith (Colbert Heights) - Scored 3 TDs as the Wildcats win a region game with Lamar County

Player of the Week: Week 6

Plenty of outstanding performances as most local teams won easily.  Here are the best of the best!

GOLD - Beniquez Brown (Florence) - Brown stepped up when the team needed him the most. 22 carries for 132 yards, a receiving TD, a kickoff return 85 yards for a TD for a total of 4 TD's along with his typical big play on defense as he forced a fumble and recovered it himself.

SILVER - Clint Prestage (Brooks) - Prestage got the Lions going after a slow start to the tune of 183 yards rushing with four TD's as well as a 64 yard reception for a TD in a 48-21 win at Wilson.

BRONZE - Cole Claunch (Colbert Heights) - 10 of 12 passing for 248 yards with 4 TD's in only one half of play as Wildcats win 40-6

HONORABLE MENTION
Will Minor (Deshler) - 8 carries 127 yards and 4 TD's in a blowout
Hank Thigpen (Rogers) - Caught a TD pass then ran a 65 yard TD off an interception as Pirates win
Ricardo Carter (Deshler) - Interception return 68 yards for a TD in a win over East Lawrence.
Hunter Haney (LCHS) - recorded a fumble recovery and an interception in the Tigers shutout of Clements
Zach Mize (Muscle Shoals) - 2 interceptions and 5 tackles as the Trojans defeat Athens 24-0.
Sydney Robinson (Colbert County) - 108 rushing yards and a TD on 23 carries in a loss to Rogers
Braxton Gilbert (Central) - makes an interception with seconds to play at the 4 yard line to preserve a WIldcat victory.
Austin Kerr (Rogers) - Scored 3 TD's on 85 yards as Pirates win 41-6
Dillon Gist (Muscle Shoals) - carried 18 times for 127 yards in a win over Athens.
John Greer (Lexington) - leads the Golden Bears with 113 yards rushing and a TD in a 50-21 win
Hunter Danley (Sheffield) - 120 passing yards and 40 rushing yards in leading the Bulldogs to a regional win
Vic Gilbert (LCHS) - led the Tigers with 18 tackles as they win 28-0.
Chandler Russ (Shoals Christian) - 4 TD's and 95 yards rushing as the Flame win another region game
Craig Saint (Phil Campbell) - 198 all purpose yards with 3 TD's in a loss
Chandler Sartain (Muscle Shoals) - 6 tackles and an interception as defense allows only 73 total yards
CJ Jackson (LCHS) - 2 TD's and 132 yards rushing on 16 carries as Tigers win

Mid Season All Stars

Five games into the season.  It is the halfway mark of the regular season.  In many sports there is an "all-star" break in which players with a great 1st half are rewarded and recognized for their outstanding play.  We will do the same.

A-3A

QB

Tyler Grigsby (Rogers) - High completion percentage.  Great decisions.  Can run.  Wins.  Easy choice...he has really done a great job guiding this offense, making all the right throws and runs as well.
Cole Claunch (Colbert Heights) - Excellent accuracy.  He throws well and has continued to do well even as teams completely prepare for the aerial attack.  Lots of yardage no matter who the competition.  Has had a very good start to the season. 


RB
Charles Jackson (Sheffield) - You can count on Jackson for a couple of scores, a long run, and 100+ yards seemingly every game.  The Bulldogs have not lost since his return from a game 1 absence.
Chandler Russ (Shoals Christian) - Hard to ignore back to back 200+ yard rushing games.

Offensive Line
Lauderdale County - These guys make running lanes for anyone.  At least three DIFFERENT runners have had 100 yard rushing games.  These guys have  multiple 400+ rushing nights.  Very solid. 
Red Bay - This line has simply pounded away at people.  Each game this season they have won the battle in the trenches.  This is why they are 5-0 on the season.

WR
Colby Spann (Colbert Heights) - An electric player that can score from anywhere.  Definitely a receiver that a defense has to put their best man on....and yet he still often breaks the long one.
Cody Stevens (Rogers) - Has had some very good games.  The passing game here helps keep defenses honest and Stevens is a big part of that. 

Defensive Line
Rogers - No one has had success running on the Pirates.  Linebackers Raleigh Killen and Zane Taylor stop anything the front doesn't.  Three shutouts in 5 weeks. 
Hatton - Even high powered offenses like RA Hubbard have trouble moving the ball on these guys.  They are extremely tough to run against.
Red Bay - Just as the offensive lines opens holes and wins games - this defensive line doesn't allow anyone to run.  They are the other reason the Tigers are undefeated.

Defensive Secondary

LCHS - Each week it seems this secondary makes big interceptions.  Even a team that throws as well as Brooks was unable to hurt this secondary.  Good athletes and a good scheme.
Sheffield - Bulldog defenders are only giving up 10 pts per game.  They intercepted an accurate passing Colbert Heights team 3 times in 1 game including a late 4th quarter pick to seal the win.
Rogers - Several players have multiple interception games.  You dont shut people out if your secondary is weak.  This one is strong. 

Both Ways/Special Teams
These are the "extras".  The guys who have played great but either at multiple positions or as special teams players.  Guys that you want on your team wherever they line up to play. 

Austin Kerr/Alex Woodard (Rogers) - Austin and Alex have both had games where they run for 100+ with multiple TD's and make interceptions.  Great first half to the season.
Jamie Dorrah/Craig Saint (Phil Campbell) - Both of these Bobcats have had tremendous games running, receiving, and on special teams. 
Jake Newton/Samuel Grisham (LCHS) - these two players have taken turns having exceptional games.  They are QB/RB's that are a big reason the Tigers are doing so well.

Watch Tomorrow for the 4A - 6A All-Stars

Players of the Week - Week 3

 This week had many players that made major contributions to their team.  It was difficult to single out anyone considering the number of outstanding performers.  43 yd field goals, long TD runs, special team TD's, and big rushing numbers.  In the end - it came down to those who played big when it seemed to matter the most.  Good games, good competition, and excellent performances.  Eveyone listed, whether it was the top three or honorable mention, had outstanding games this week.  Congratulations to all!

GOLD - Alex Woodard (Rogers) - Scored three TD's and made 3 interceptions including a late pick as Pirates win 29 - 0.  Alex contributed on both offense as well as defense in a tough region game.

SILVER -  Tyler Boyd (Russellville) - Great game against a good team in a close game - 101 yards rushing including the go ahead TD in a hard fought 17-14 win
BRONZE - LCHS Offensive Line - After falling down 14 - 0 the offense absolutely HAD to find a way to produce.  This line opened holes and made sure that anyone who ran the ball could get yardage.  500 yards of total offense with 471 on the ground in a 41 - 14 win. 

Honorable Mention
Dillon Gist (Muscle Shoals) - Trojan Fullback carries 8 times for 138 yds and 1 TD in 53 - 0 win
Devan Sullivan (Muscle Shoals) - Sophomore carries 13 times for 125 yds and 3 TD's in a win at Columbia
Florence Falcon Defense - Limited the high powered Bob Jones offense to 10 points and 185 total yards in a 10-7 loss
Deshler Tiger Defense - shutout a Central offense that came in averaging 40 ppg
Matt Senkbeil (Red Bay) - 91 yards on 9 carries and 2 TD's as Tigers defeat Colbert Heights 35 - 28.
Will Minor (Deshler) - 135 yards and 2 TD's on 14 carries as Deshler shuts out Central
Cole Claunch (Colbert Heights) - 8 of 21 passing for 183 yards and 4 touchdowns in a loss
Dallas Mitchell (Brooks) - 65 yd touchdown run to open the game against Ardmore
Jose Betencourt (Russellville) - kicker connected on a 43 yd FG as Tigers win by 3
Charles Jackson (Sheffield) - 138 yards on 10 carries and a TD as Bulldogs win 21-7
Matthew Boutwell (Sheffield) - 105 yards rushing on only 4 carries in a win
Jake Newton (LCHS) - 166 yards on 19 carries and 2 TD's in a win
Tyler Grigsby (Rogers) - 7 of 14 passing for 103 yards and 3 TD's as Rogers win on the road
Alex Woodard (Rogers) - Scored two TD's and an Interception as Pirates win 29 - 0
Andrew Davis (Lexington) - 31 carries and 104 yards as Lexington beats Sulligent 20-13
Jesse Naylor (Hatton) - Scored twice and ran 178 yards on 11 carries as Hatton wins
Jamie Dorroh (Phil Campbell) - 95 yd kickoff return for TD and an 85 yd TD run as Bobcats lose
Rogers Defense - 2nd straight shutout
Kendrick Doss (Florence) - 15 of 26 passing for 108 yards in a lose to Bob Jones

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

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

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