We're kicking off the season with our annual with previews of your favorite Over the Mountain football teams. Meet the players that coaches predict will play key roles in their success on the field. Follow the links below for team profiles, schedules, rosters and more.An added bonus to get you into the spirit of the season, OTMJ Sports Writer Lee Davis … [Read more...]
Rushing Challenge: Jaguar Larry Wooden Ready for a Big 2016
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...]
Stepping Up: Bell Leaning on Players to Lead Eagles Back to a Playoff
By Tyler WaldrepOak Mountain coach Cris Bell didn’t need a visit to the hospital to realize things needed to change for his team, but that’s what he got. In February, spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the open spaces in the spine, crushed the nerves between Bell’s L2 and L5 vertebrae and left him unable to walk for nine days. “I remember they would move me from the bed … [Read more...]