By Lee Davis Spain Park’s Karlee Moss admits there was a time when she didn’t take volleyball all that seriously. “When I was in sixth grade, playing softball was about the only thing I ever thought about,” she recalled. “Then a friend and I signed up for volleyball as a total joke. But I made the team, and before long I realized that volleyball was the game I wanted to … [Read more...]
Outside Influence: Denkers Hopes Eagles Can Soar for Playoffs
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...]
‘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...]
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...]