By Rubin E. Grant The Homewood Patriots enter the 2018 football season with designs on making a run at the Class 6A title. In 2017, Homewood came within a minute of finishing the regular season unbeaten. Then after a thrilling comeback first-round playoff win against Fort Payne, the Patriots were eliminated in the second round by Clay-Chalkville to finish the year … [Read more...]
‘It’s All About Competing’: Bucs Staying on the Prowl for Another State Championship
By Rubin E. Grant After winning two consecutive Class 7A football championships and five state titles in the past six years, the Hoover Bucs could be excused for allowing complacency to set in. Except head coach Josh Niblett is not about to let that happen. “The key for us is to continue to be the hunter and not the hunted,” Niblett said. “It’s all about competing.” The … [Read more...]
‘We’re Excited About the Move’: Young Cavaliers Hope to Be More Competitive Moving Down to Class 5A
By Rubin E. Grant Entering his third season as John Carroll Catholic’s head football coach, Logan Colafrancesco is hoping a step down will be a step up. The Cavaliers are moving down to Class 5A after going 4-36 in four years in Class 6A, including 3-7 in 2017. John Carroll will compete in Class 5A, Area 4 along with Briarwood Christian, Fairfield, Parker, Pleasant Grove, … [Read more...]
‘We’ve Got Some Kids Who Can Play’: Eagles Aren’t Flashy, but They Have Talent to Compete
By Rubin E. Grant Fans attending Oak Mountain football games this fall probably won’t see any stars, at least on the Eagles’ side of the ball. That’s because the Eagles don’t have any big-time recruits lining up for them. “We’re not as flashy as some other spots,” Oak Mountain coach Cris Bell said. “We don’t have the four- and five-star players. In fact, some of our guys … [Read more...]
Bucs Expect Team Chemistry, Young Talent to Spark Volleyball Team
By Rubin E. Grant Chris Camper teaches social studies, but he knows a thing or two about chemistry, especially as it relates to team sports. As he embarks on his seventh season as Hoover’s volleyball coach, Camper believes he has the right blend of youth and experience to make the Bucs a Class 7A contender this season. “We’re excited,” Camper said. “We’ve got great senior … [Read more...]