By Blake Ells Fred Yancey has been coaching football for almost 50 years; his first team was in 1969, right after college. Being named Over the Mountain Journal Coach of the Year is certainly not the first time the Briarwood Christian legend has been recognized for his leadership, but the accolades never get old. “It means that we’ve had a great season,” said Yancey. “As … [Read more...]
Another Title Run for Rebels: Vestavia Hopes to Bring Home Unified Football Championship
By Blake EllsBefore the 7A state championship is played Dec. 6 at Bryant-Denny Stadium, Vestavia Hills will meet Baldwin County in hopes of capturing its first Unified football state championship.The Unified State Championships are a partnership between the Alabama High School Athletic Association and Special Olympics Alabama. This is the fourth year the championship … [Read more...]
Mountain Brook Advances in State Playoffs Despite Injuries
By Blake EllsSenior quarterback Hamp Sisson led Mountain Brook to a 23-22 victory over Bob Jones in the first round of the AHSAA state playoffs, the Spartans’ first playoff victory since 2012. Harold Joiner and AJ Gates sat with injuries, leaving Sisson as the offensive leader. But Sisson had help. “I felt like the offensive line took control of the line of scrimmage,” … [Read more...]
Mountain Brook Boys Win State Cross-Country Title; Vestavia’s Sweeney Takes Top Individual Slot
By Blake EllsThe Mountain Brook boys cross-country team won its 14th state championship on Nov. 11 at Oakville.The Spartans had four finishers in the top 17, including Charlie Slaughter at second and Hunter Harwell at eighth. Joseph Pitard and Gram Denning finished 16th and 17th, respectively. Sophomore Eric Alexander place 41st.Vestavia Hills senior James Sweeney … [Read more...]
Baby Steps: Vestavia’s Davis Looks to Build on Last Season’s Basketball Record
By Blake EllsWhen Patrick Davis took over the Vestavia Hills boys basketball program last season, he was eager for the opportunity to lead the Rebels, which had won two state championships before his arrival.In his first season, the Rebels reached the state semifinals.They return eight players from that ’16-’17 team this year, with hopes of going even … [Read more...]