By Lee DavisSpain Park’s two football victories over archrival Hoover last season added some spice to an already intense crosstown rivalry. And Larry Wooden wouldn’t have it any other way. “Yes, we’ve talked some smack with them (Hoover players) since then,” Spain Park tailback Wooden said at media day in July. “It goes both ways. It’s just a fun part of the … [Read more...]
All the Way in Class 5A: New Classification Raises Lion Hopes
By Lee DavisThere’s a new look for Briarwood football in 2016. The new look isn’t the coach, as veteran Fred Yancey begins his 27th year as the leader of the Lions. The new look isn’t in the uniforms, either, as the team’s gold helmets and blue jerseys have become one of the area’s finest traditions. The new look comes in the schedule, as Briarwood, a private … [Read more...]
Dressed to the Nines: Patriots Hope to Reach Double Figures in 2016
By Lee DavisWhenever Homewood coach Ben Berguson discusses his 2016 team, he always points out a strange quirk in the Patriots’ recent won-lost records. “For the past four seasons, we’ve won exactly nine games each,” said Berguson, who is entering his third year as head coach. “That’s pretty good at a lot of places, but we’d really like to improve on that this … [Read more...]
A Different Vibe: Hoover Coach Aims to Return to Championship Game with a New Energy
By Lee DavisHoover coach Josh Niblett has celebrated four state championships with his players since he took over in 2008, but somewhere along the way the cheers became less notable. At times, all he could hear following a win was a sigh. “That’s kind of been a change of thought around here because, normally, when you won, you just went, ‘Wheeeew. Alright. Glad we … [Read more...]
Upwardly Mobile: Spartans Look for Improvement in 2016
By Lee DavisMountain Brook coach Chris Yeager would be the first to say that the past two seasons have not been vintage times for his football program. The Spartans ended 2015 with their second consecutive 3-7 record, one of the few times in recent decades that Mountain Brook has posted back-to-back losing marks. Despite the disappointments, optimism on Bethune Drive … [Read more...]