By Rubin E. GrantElijah Joseph earned All-State honors by finishing seventh in the 2021 Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 7A state cross-country meet.This fall, Hoover’s senior distance runner has loftier goals in mind, and they’re not just to win the individual title.He wants to help the Bucs win their first boys cross-country team state championship … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantSavannah Gann has become a killing machine — on the volleyball court, that is.During the first two weeks of the 2022 season, Vestavia’s 6-foot senior outside hitter racked up 209 kills in 17 matches, an average of more than 12 per match.Gann is rapidly and well on her way to surpassing the 317 kills she had last year as a junior“Savannah is … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantRay Powell’s roots ran deep at Shades Valley High School.His three older brothers went to school there. One played baseball, one played football and one was a drum major in the band. His mother was kind of the “band mother” and worked in the concession stands.Because of his mother’s duties on game nights, Powell found himself at the concession … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantWith the first season of flag football as a sanctioned Alabama High School Athletic Association sport under their belts, the Spain Park Jaguars are looking to make their mark in the second season this fall.The AHSAA will host a season ending tournament and will crown a state champion as part of the Super 7 Championships for football in November. Spain … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantTim Vakakes was in his office Saturday morning watching film of his first game as Spain Park’s new head football coach. “We made plenty of mistakes,” Vakakes said. “Our kids just have got to figure out how to win.”The Jaguars figured out a way in their opener, edging Calera 14-10 at home and giving Vakakes a victory in his debut.“I’ve been … [Read more...]