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...]
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...]
Community Chest: Over the Mountain Football Part of the Area’s Culture
By Lee Davis Gerald Gann holds the distinction of having been the head football coach at three Over the Mountain schools – Homewood, Hoover and John Carroll Catholic. When he began his career with the Patriots in 1979, the former Berry assistant showed his understanding of the importance the game held in this area. The day Gann accepted the job, he told the gathered media: … [Read more...]
2016 OTM High School Football Preview
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...]
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...]