Editor’s Note: The Over The Mountain Journal asked several former Alabama and Auburn football players from the Birmingham metropolitan area what their favorite memory was from the Iron Bowl and why. Here are their responses: Gregg Carr Auburn linebacker, 1981–1984 “My favorite memory was in 1982 when we beat Alabama 23-22 in the “Bo Over the Top” game. That was my happiest … [Read more...]

By Solomon Crenshaw Jr. The last time Robby Ashford left Warriors Stadium in Alabaster, the Hoover quarterback felt the pain of a broken foot. The senior signal-caller had staked the Bucs to a lead against Thompson before the home team stormed back for 48-30 victory on Sept 6. The rematch in the Class 7A state semifinals last Friday would produce a greater pain, the anguish … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. Grant Briarwood Christian football coach Matthew Forester had a few choice words for Pleasant Grove coach Darrell LeBeaux after the two teams played in September. But it was an exchange of pleasantries instead of vitriol after the Lions fell 26-14 to the Spartans in a Class 5A, Area 4 contest. “I told him I hoped we would play again in the playoffs,” Forester … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. Grant Grace Carr doesn’t play volleyball for personal glory. For her, it’s all about the team. “Whenever I step on the court, I play for the team,” Carr said. “I don’t want to let anybody down.” Mountain Brook’s senior outside hitter didn’t let her team down for a moment this season. She brought her ‘A’ game to the court game in and game out. In fact, in her … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. Grant John David Smelser was a star baseball player at Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa High School. He was the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s 2007 Alabama Mr. Baseball. He also played baseball in college at Jacksonville State, Shelton State Community College and the University of Alabama. So, how did he wind up coaching high school basketball? Well, his mother, … [Read more...]