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...]
Repeated Efforts: Jaguars Hope to Be Consistent Program
By Lee Davis When Spain Park coach Shawn Raney talks about great seasons in Jaguar football history, he’s just as likely to discuss 2007 as he is 2015. That may seem strange because Raney wasn’t Spain Park’s coach in the 2007 season. But there’s a lesson from that year that he wants his players to carry into 2016. “The last time Spain Park reached the state championship … [Read more...]
Trophy Case: Spain Park Staff Earns National Award
By Lee Davis A decade ago, C.J. Hawkins left a successful program at Clay-Chalkville to become the new softball coach at Spain Park. On her first week at her new job, Hawkins realized the challenge she faced. “We were cleaning out the dugout and found an award they had been giving to players for diving for a fly ball – just diving for it, that’s all,” she said. “We knew then … [Read more...]
All-Star Effort: Jaguars’ Wiley Leads North to Impressive Win
By Lee DavisAustin Wiley entered the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s All-Star Week with a big reputation. He left it with an even bigger one. Wiley, Spain Park’s 6-foot-11-inch center who has already committed to Auburn University, put together an impressive show in the North-South All-Star Basketball game. Wiley scored 30 points and snatched 15 rebounds … [Read more...]