By Josh Bean Vestavia Hills flag football coach Doug Rogers recalled the season’s first practice when he realized how few experienced players returned from the 2022 squad that had advanced to the state semifinals. Two players with starting experience on offense returned and only one on defense. “I was like, ‘All right we’ve got some work to … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantJordan Ross is always looking for ways to improve.Even though Vestavia Hills’ dynamic 6-foot-5, 220-pound senior defensive end had a dominating 2023 high school football season, he wasn’t satisfied.“I didn’t play my best,” Ross said. “I think I could have played a lot better. I was hoping to be dominant every game.”Rebels head coach Robert Evans … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantVestavia Hills football coach Robert Evans figured the only way for the Rebels’ offense to move the ball consistently during the 2023 season was to turn senior quarterback John Paul Head into a workhorse.Head embraced the role, displaying remarkable durability.“It was tough on my body, but I didn’t mind at all,” Head said. “Some guys throw it a lot … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantFor four years, Mountain Brook coach Maddie Gardner watched Hannah Parant grow and mature as a volleyball player, becoming one of the best in the state.“She’s something special,” Gardner said. “She has a passion for volleyball that is unmatched. As she got older, she learned how to handle pressure situations and not be so stressed out. This year, she … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantEmma Brooke Levering approached the state cross-country meet just as she had any other meet this fall, focusing on herself and not the competition or the outcome.“I knew it was going to be tough and I knew I had to be focused to win it,” said Levering, a junior at Homewood. “I was trying to make it more about my time than about winning. I wanted to … [Read more...]