By Lee Davis
In some ways, the 2014 high school football season was one of the most unusual on record.
For one thing, when was the last time that perennial powers Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills both missed the playoffs in the same season? The Spartans were good enough to narrowly defeat the Rebels, and Vestavia was good enough to give Buddy Anderson his record-breaking 307th victory, but neither team finished high enough in the Class 7A Region 3 standing to advance into November.
Just as perplexed over the prospect of putting the footballs away in November was Coach Shawn Raney of Spain Park. “I’m not an expert on Alabama high school football history,” he said. “But I can’t imagine a team beating both Mountain Brook and Vestavia in the same season and not making the playoffs. That’s exactly what happened to us last year.”
The surprising rise of Oak Mountain also played havoc with the eight-team Region 3 race as well. But at the end, it was simply the intensity of the competition that made the difference. “We lost five games by a touchdown or less,” Vestavia’s Anderson said. “Going into the ninth game of the season, there potentially could have been a five way tie for third place. It’s incredible how balanced our region is once you get past Hoover.”
Maybe the Bucs and their domination was the only thing that seemed normal in Region 3 in 2014. After suffering two early losses to out-of-state schools, Hoover won 12 consecutive games to take their third consecutive state championship – and first ever in brand-new Class 7A. There seems to be no end to the Bucs’ dynasty, which has posted a 96-8 record since Josh Niblett took command of the program in 2008. In addition to four state championships, Hoover has also claimed three runner-up finishes in that period.
Moving to 2015, here’s a look at how the Over the Mountain schools might finish in their respective regions and overall.
Hoover (Class 7A Region Three) Once again, all roads lead through the Bucs, as Niblett’s charges are heavy favorites to win their fourth consecutive state championship. Hoover is talented, deep and has the confident swagger that sustained success can breed. Those facts of life don’t mean the Bucs are unbeatable. Vestavia – hosting Hoover on October 16 – may have the best shot at an upset. Remember, no coach in Central or North Alabama has a better record against Hoover than Anderson.
Oak Mountain (Class 7A Region Three) Much of the North Shelby County community is still buzzing over the Eagles’ 10-2 mark last season, which included a runner-up finish in the region. Perhaps no coach in Alabama has done a better job of rebuilding a struggling program in a short time than Cris Bell. The question now is can Oak Mountain sustain its success? The Eagles won’t sneak up on anybody this time. Oak Mountain should qualify for the playoffs again, but the Eagles must travel to play both Mountain Brook and Vestavia.
Spain Park (Class 7A Region Three). The Jaguars will feature a strong running game that should help them get back into the playoff picture. Head coach Shawn Raney, beginning his third year at the helm at Spain Park, is a former Hoover assistant and understands what is required for the Jags to earn their first ever on-the-field victory over the Bucs. Who knows? Maybe this is the year.
Vestavia Hills (Class 7A Region Three) The Rebels suffered through a rare losing season in 2014, but they were arguably five touchdowns away from an 8-2 mark. Vestavia usually follows lackluster seasons with good ones, and 2015 likely will be no exception. If the Rebels can shore up some key positions, they will probably be back in the playoffs. The Vestavia sideline will definitely have a different look: Peter Braasch, the Rebels’ defensive coordinator since 1978, retired after last season.
Mountain Brook (Class 7A Region Three) The Spartans were another hard-luck story last season, losing three times on the game’s final play. Coach Chris Yeager likes his team’s attitude and expects a better season. Mountain Brook lost a tough 12-0 battle to Hoover last season, and the Bucs must come to Spartan Stadium this year. If star linebacker Joe Donald can stay healthy, Mountain Brook could have one of the area’s best defenses, and that’s always a good place to start.
Homewood (Class 6A Region Five) The Patriots are hungry to win their first state title since 2005, and they may have the talent to do it. Coach Ben Berguson’s team fell in the second round of the Class 6A playoffs a year ago, and expects to do better this time around. Homewood’s only serious question mark seems to be the youth of its offensive line. The Patriots probably rank as the favorite to win the region.
Briarwood (Class 6A Region Five) The Lions earned a playoff berth last season but would like to make a bigger splash than the 4-7 overall record of 2014. With an improved offense and excellent defense, Briarwood should post a winning record and return to post-season play. Coach Fred Yancey has made the Lions a consistent winner over nearly three decades and that’s not likely to end anytime soon.
John Carroll (Class 6A Region Five) Coach Tim Sanders knows he has a long road to hoe at Carroll, but is making steady progress. A young and talented group of transfers from other schools is a sign of hope that Cavalier fans have some better seasons to look forward to in the future. ϖ
