By Rubin E. GrantTim Shepler took note of Nick Saban’s facial expression when the famed Alabama football coach announced his retirement in January and figured he probably should follow suit.Moreover, after Christmas last year, Shepler, the Homewood basketball coach, already had alerted high school administrators that they probably should start thinking about his … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantWill Jackson wasn’t a part of Homewood’s 2021 state championship soccer team as he spent his freshman season training in the MLS Next youth soccer program in Nashville.He was on the team in 2023 when the Patriots suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Fort Payne in the Class 6A semifinals.Last Saturday, Jackson made sure the Patriots wouldn’t come … [Read more...]

By Evan DudleyOutside and inside, it’s all part of the same ride for Laine Minich.An impenetrable force, a brick wall built around a net, Minich is not perfect, but the junior goalkeeper pitched a shutout in every playoff match in leading the Mountain Brook girls soccer team back to the promised land.“Every goal is something I learn from and I have so much to … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantEven though he was part of two state championship teams as a player, Homewood soccer coach Julian Kersh wouldn’t put himself in the same class with current Patriots senior Will Jackson (pictured).“I wish I was half the player Will J is,” said Kersh, who played on Homewood’s 2005 and 2006 boys title teams. “He’s got a talent level that you only expect to … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantVestavia Hills junior Luke Bedwell didn’t intend to sound like a broken record, but he did repeat the same hard work theme while explaining how the Rebels won their third consecutive Class 7A state tennis championship and he won his third straight individual title.“We put in a ton of work in the offseason and during the season,” Bedwell said. “We worked … [Read more...]