By Rubin E. GrantIn the first 50 years of the Alabama High School Athletic Association football playoff system for all its classifications, which began in 1967, Over the Mountain schools frequently won state championships.John Carroll Catholic was the first, in 1973, followed by Homewood in 1974, Mountain Brook in 1975 and 1976, Berry (now Hoover) in 1977 and Vestavia … [Read more...]
Bandit Blitzer: Estes Creating Big Plays for Hoover’s Defense
By Rubin E. GrantD.J. Estes is the bandit. At least that’s the role he plays in Hoover’s defensive scheme.“I play the nickel safety, what we call the bandit,” Estes said. “I play in the box (near the line of scrimmage) against the run and also man-to-man against the pass. It gives me a good chance to make plays.”The 5-foot-9,182-pound senior defensive back has made … [Read more...]
Stepping Up: Breazeale Looking to Lead Spain Park to Another Volleyball Title
By Rubin E. GrantEven though Spain Park volleyball coach Kellye Bowen has spoken little about the missing centerpiece of the 2021 Class 7A state championship team, senior outside hitter Emily Breazeale knew she would have to elevate her game if the Jaguars were to have any designs on repeating.All-American Audrey Rothman graduated and took her immense talents and … [Read more...]
Bring on the Fun: Parant’s Style Invigorates Mountain Brook’s Volleyball Team
By Rubin E. GrantHannah Parant is a lovable goofball. It shows when Mountain Brook’s junior setter plays volleyball.“I like to think I am the goofiest player on the team,” Parant said. “I don’t think you can play volleyball if you don’t love it and have fun playing it.“I love it so much. It’s the mix of the team part of it and details of the game that I … [Read more...]
Football Recap: Homewood Has Fun Time Clinching Its First Region Title in Five Years
By Rubin E. GrantHomewood football coach Ben Berguson had an enjoyable evening watching his team play last Friday night at Pelham.The Patriots turned in a virtuoso performance, holding the Panthers to only 132 total yards and coming up with two interceptions while recording its first shutout of the season, 28-0.Homewood (6-2, 5-0) clinched the Class 6A, … [Read more...]