By Rubin E. Grant When the Samford Bulldogs opened their 2018 season last week against Shorter University, senior long snapper Tyler Queen from Vestavia Hills was wearing the Charles Williams Memorial Jersey. His younger brother, Tucker Queen, a sophomore defensive back, said he couldn’t think of anyone more deserving to wear the No. 5 jersey, which is awarded to a different … [Read more...]
‘Heart and Effort’
By Blake Ells Mountain Brook had a few important holes to fill as the 2018 football season arrived, but the Spartans have managed to find new ways to be productive offensively. In the opener against Northridge on Aug. 24, the Spartans spread the carries around as they learn how to replace Harold Joiner, who graduated last spring. Starting running back AJ Gates was … [Read more...]
Henderson Steps Up
By Blake Ells Spain Park’s Jalen Henderson stepped into a much larger role this season following the departure of D’Arie Johnson. In week one, the senior rolled up 172 yards on 31 carries and two touchdowns as the Jaguars defeated then 6A’s seventh-ranked Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa 24-14. The Jaguars expected to split some of Henderson’s carries with Manny Austin and Micheal … [Read more...]
Game Changer: Helmets Go High-Tech for MBHS Football Players
By Ingrid Schnader Amidst the controversy surrounding football and brain damage, Mountain Brook High School football coach Chris Yeager has gone forward and found something to help his players on the field. It all started when he realized that the inside of helmets that players had been using were losing their pliability. “It’s almost like a cardboard box,” he said. “It … [Read more...]
‘Started Out With a Bang’: Seniors Hoping to Lead Oak Mountain Back to the Elite Eight
By Rubin E. Grant Oak Mountain seniors Leah Nielsen and Maddie Moss have been playing volleyball together for so long they could be considered Siamese twins, joined at the brain on the court. “We’re super close,” Nielsen said. “We’ve been playing together since the seventh grade, and for the last two years we’ve played on the same club team. In a game, it’s like we read each … [Read more...]