By Lee DavisOak Mountain outside hitter Torie Denkers is a study in intensity every time she walks on a volleyball court. But there’s something about playing arch-rival Spain Park that brings her to an even higher level. “My older brother Trevor went there (Spain Park) years ago, so I think there’s the sibling rivalry thing going,” Denkers said last week. “Whatever it … [Read more...]
Energizer Lions: Briarwood off to Big Start in New Class
By Lee Davis During 26 seasons as head coach at Briarwood, Fred Yancey has seen just about everything, and he’s loving the look of his latest team. The Lions’ 25-14 win over highly regarded Mortimer Jordan on Sept. 23 ran Briarwood’s record to 4-1 and, more importantly, 4-0 in Class 5A Region Three play. They followed that with a 44-6 rout of St. Clair County last … [Read more...]
‘I Knew It Was Good’: Dillard’s Winning Boot Gives Spartans Win Over Jags
By Lee DavisMason Dillard admitted it: The senior placekicker was a little nervous as Mountain Brook lined up for what would prove to be the winning field goal against highly regarded Spain Park. “Absolutely I was nervous,” Dillard said the next morning. “But I really shouldn’t have been. I had a great snapper and a great holder and a great line. All I had to do was … [Read more...]
Raising Alabama: Canfield Builds State’s Commerce on Three Pillars
By Lee DavisA phone call from the governor’s office was the last thing in the world Greg Canfield was expecting on Independence Day weekend of 2011. After a successful career in business and on the Vestavia Hills City Council, Canfield had settled in at his position as the chairman of the Commerce and Small Business Committee in the Alabama House of Representatives. … [Read more...]
Mid-Term Exams: Maybe Not Great, but Plenty of Good
By Lee Davis It seems incredible to believe, but we crossed the midpoint of the 2016 high school football regular season last week. While none of the eight Over the Mountain teams have made it through mid-September with a perfect record, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that at least three have a chance for memorable years. Here is a quick look at where they … [Read more...]