2014 football preview

2014 otm high sc hool Foo tball pr eview

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The Hoover running game will be led by

senior Bradrick Shaw, the MVP of last year’s Class 6a championship game and one of the

top college prospects in the state. The 6-foot-1,

205-pound Shaw rushed for 1,286 yards and 25 touchdowns last season.

a moveable beast

The Hoover Bucs enter 2014 as a heavy favorite to win the new Region 3 and to claim the first ever Class 7A title. Of course, winning state champi-onships is hardly a novel concept for the Bucs, who have claimed eight since 2000, including the last two in a row. If that wasn’t enough Hoover brings a 30 game winning streak into the new season. OTM roundup Page 4.

2 • Thursday, August 21, 2014 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAlstate champions

By Lee Davis

JournAl sporTs wriTer

Sometimes greatness begins in unlikely places.

For the 1974 Homewood football team, it began in a cramped junior high

lunchroom when a charismatic young coach walked in the door.

Amid the long tables, the stacks of trays and the aroma of yeast rolls, Alvin Bresler told a group of teenage boys too young to drive that if they did what he asked, they would become state champions one day.

“i remember it like yesterday,” said pat weaver, one of the attendees of that meeting in the spring of 1972. “we were just a bunch of ninth-graders, and here came this coach from the high school, asking us to believe in his program, and more importantly, believe in ourselves. we were in awe of him.”

At the beginning at least, the new coach had more charisma than resume. Bresler had been a stellar two-sport athlete at shades Valley before signing with Auburn university in 1967. As a Tiger, he became a favorite target of All-American quarterback pat sullivan in the 1970 season. After graduation, Bresler spent a single season as an assistant coach before being hired to guide the football program at brand-new Homewood High school early in 1972.

“i’ll always be grateful to the folks at Homewood for giving me that opportunity,” Bresler said years later. “i wanted to prove that their confidence in me was justified.”

The decision to hire Bresler was cer-

tainly one of the best the Homewood Board of education ever made. After two seasons of building, Bresler and his staff directed the patriots to a Class 4A state championship in 1974, scoring impressive victories over some of Alabama’s best teams in the process.

Bresler’s comparative youth was definitely a plus in his favor, according to Murray legg, who starred at quarterback and defensive back for Homewood prior to an outstanding career at the university of Alabama.

“Coach Bresler was the perfect combina-tion,” said legg. “He was old enough that we respected him but at the same time Coach was close enough in age to us that we could relate to him. That was all part of the chemistry that we had.”

The new coach decided from the opening whistle in 1972 that Homewood would approach everything in a first-class manner, much like a college team. The patriots traveled in Greyhound buses – as opposed to using school

transportation – to games both far and near. They would eat first-class pre-game meals. And they would attend movies as a team the night before games.

“if we were going to ask our players to give 100 percent, it was important to give them 100 percent as well,” said Bresler. “i can’t say enough about the support we had from Michael Gross, our principal at the time. if we needed something, he got it for us.”

Homewood’s big-time approach to football paid immediate dividends. The patriots posted a respectable 6-4 record in their first varsity sea-son of 1972. The next year was even better, as Homewood went 7-2 and earned a berth in the prestigious Crippled Children’s Classic to face mega-power Banks at legion Field.

while the heavily-favored Jets coasted to a comfortable victory, an event that night would forever stick in the craw of Bresler and his play-ers.

“Banks was ahead 28-10 and was close to scoring again with only eight seconds to play,” Bresler recalled. “Their coach called time-out and they scored another touchdown on the last

RemembeR the PatRiotS

Team Attitude Fueled Homewood’s ’74Title Run

Several members of the Homewood High1974 state championship football team gathered at the school last week with head coach Alvin Bresler and assistant coach Wayne Sheets to reminisce. A team reunion is scheduled for Nov.1 at the Homewood Senior Center. From left: Bobby Foreman, Mike Wald, Alan Salter, David Zarzaur, Tommy Wingo, Murray Legg, Pat Weaver, Morris Padgett, Sheets, Wade Kirkpatrick, Bresler, Mark Robbins, Jimmie Lee Edwards, Herman Maxwell, Joe Wurtele, Randy Smith and Wayne Buckley. Journal photo by Lee Walls Jr.

See ‘74 patriots, page 22

The Patriots traveled in Greyhound buses – as opposed to using school transportation – to games both far and near. They would eat first-class pre-game meals. And they would attend movies as a team the night before games.

Members of the 1974 Class 4A State Champion Homewood High School Patriots included Stewart Propst, David Fleisher, Murray Legg, Wayne Buckley, David Dozier, David Zarzaur, Roger Malcolm, Joe Wurtele, Bobby Foreman, Alan Salter, Tim Calloway, Larry Riffe, Jimmy Lee Edwards, Rick Powers, Phillip Piliouras, Hank Marshman, David Williams, Joey Gagliano, Skip Taylor, Robert VandeLune, Jerry Winstead, Ben Lord, Taylor Wingo, Tommy Wingo, Reed Rodgers, Russell Akins, Randy Smith, Rick Cunningham, Chris McIntosh, Pat Weaver, Mike Wald, Richard Andrews, Courtney Crowder, Kevin Scoble, Garry Runyans, Bobby Shearer, Morris Padgett, Bill Brown, Herman Maxwell, Mark Robbins, Wade Kirkpatrick, David Vaughn. Coaches: Alvin Bresler, head coach; Dave Beason, offensive line; Jackie Clayton, offensive line; Wayne Sheets, defensive line and linebackers; David Jones, junior varsity and scout team; Mike Miller, junior varsity and scout team; Peter Braasch, volunteer coach; Butch Braasch, volunteer coach; Palmer Griffin, trainer; Rolan Jackson, manager; Bill Gulas, manager; David Walker, manager; Chuck Yow, manager, Billy Allums, manager. Photo courtresy Joe Wurtele

Thursday, August 21, 2014 • 3 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAl 2014 high school football preview

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4 • Thursday, August 21, 2014 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAl2014 high school football preview

By Lee Davis

JournAl SporTS WriTer

For the past few years, plenty of fans have been unhappy with the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s football regional align-ments.

The critics had a long list of legitimate points. in what sane world, for example, was Spain park vs. Wetumpka a region game, while the Jaguars didn’t play crosstown rival Hoover at all? And who was the genius that determined that while Hoover vs. Vestavia Hills might be an interesting matchup, it would mean absolutely nothing in region standings?

Fortunately, the powers-that-be at the AHSAA got back on course in 2014. The new region groupings actually make geographic and econom-ic sense, but those weren’t the biggest changes as the new season begins.

After decades of six classifications, the AHSAA added a seventh class – a mega league of the state’s 32 largest schools, divided into four regions. Class 7A has generated a lot of buzz, but even veteran coaches don’t know quite what to expect. “We don’t know how the new set-up will work until we get into it,” said Vestavia coach Buddy Anderson, who has seen many changes in his 37 years at the rebel helm. “All i know is that our schedule didn’t get any easier because of it.”

in case you missed it, former Class 6A locals Hoover, Mountain Brook, oak Mountain, Spain park and Vestavia move into Class 7A’s region 3 along with Hewitt-Trussville, Thompson and Tuscaloosa County. The top four teams in the region will qualify for post-season play. “This is the SeC (Southeastern Conference) Western Division of Alabama high school football,” said Mountain Brook coach Chris Yeager. “every coach always says there are no easy games. in this league it is the truth.”

local schools formally in Class 5A – Briarwood, John Carroll Catholic and Homewood – move up to the new Class 6A. They are grouped in region 5 with Hueytown, Jackson-olin, Minor, pelham and Walker. “We just call it the ‘Black and Blue Division’” said John Carroll coach Tim Sanders. “A lot of guys are going to wake up Saturday morning knowing they played in a physical football game the previous night.”

As is the case in Class 7A, the top four teams in each region will continue play in november.

But while some things will be different, others will be the same.

The Hoover Bucs enter 2014 as a heavy favor-ite to win region 3 and to claim the first ever Class 7A title. of course, winning state champi-onships is hardly a novel concept for the Bucs, who have claimed eight since 2000, including the last two in a row. if that wasn’t enough Hoover brings a 30 game winning streak into the new season.

“our expectations are to win a championship,” said Buc coach Josh niblett, who has compiled an 84-6 record since taking the job six seasons ago. “You can call that fair or unfair to the kids, but that’s the way we go about our business.”

As always, Hoover has plenty of tools. Senior quarterback Jack Hutcheson continues in the line of great Buccaneer quarter-backs. Senior Bradrick Shaw, who rushed for 1286 yards and 25 touchdowns last season, is one of the state’s most recruited running backs. He was also the MVp of the 2013 Class 6A champi-onship game.

Defensively, Hoover will be led by linebacker Darrell Williams, who has already committed to Auburn university and lineman Christian Bell, who has chosen the university of Alabama.

The Bucs’ schedule, mixed with local rivals and out-of-state powers, is difficult, but Hoover will be favored in every game.

The good news for Spain park is that the team won its first eight games under new coach Shawn rainey last season. The bad news is that the Jaguars lost their final three, and suffered an unexpectedly early exit from the playoffs.

optimism abounds for 2014 and with good reason. Spain park will be led offensively by quarterback Mason Duke. Duke’s credentials as a winner are unquestioned – he pitched the Jag baseball team to the Class 6A state championship last spring. Standouts on defense for Spain park include cornerback Michael Jackson, who already has offers from major colleges, and safety A.J. Smiley.

is this the year that the Jags finally defeat their arch-rival on the other side of town? We’ll find out on october 2, when Hoover comes to Spain park’s Finley Stadium in front of a packed house and television audience.

The new season will certainly be a historic one for Vestavia, as Anderson needs only two wins to surpass Fayette County’s Waldon Tucker as the winningest coach in Alabama high school football history.

if the rebels can defeat Homewood in their August 29 opener – no certainty by any means – Anderson’s first shot at the record will come on September 5 at oak Mountain.

obviously the rebels plan to win far more than two games in 2014. Veteran quarterback landon Crowder may be one of the area’s best, and as always the rebels have plenty of weapons and a strong offensive line. inexperience on defense could be a problem, and Vestavia plays perhaps the toughest schedule in Class 7A. in addition to its region foes, Vestavia plays Homewood, oxford and Shades Valley.

Despite those issues, expect the

rebels to qualify for post-season play and have a shot at a deep run into november.

Things have gotten so good for Mountain Brook under coach Chris Yeager that last year’s respectable 7-4 mark was considered by many to be somewhat of a disappointment, despite a 10-7 upset of Vestavia. This season the Spartans could do much better. Jacob Carroll is a proven winner at quarterback and Mountain Brook’s defensive unit could be one of Metro Birmingham’s finest.

Maybe the most impressive sign of the Spartan program’s health is sheer numbers. no less than 135 players from grades 10-12 reported for fall practice – the most in school history.

“it seems the harder we work the kids, the more come out the next year,” said Yeager.

Mountain Brook may have to work hard to earn a playoff berth. There’s a good chance it will

get there.After a surprising 7-4 mark in 2012, oak

Mountain backslid to a 4-6 mark last season. But eagle coach Cris Bell is always looking at the long haul when assessing his program. Quarterback Warren Shader returns, and his brother Harold is a spark plug in the backfield. Bell would like to improve the eagles’ passing attack to take pressure off the running game.

Defensively, oak Mountain is youthful, but features plenty of fine athletes. if they can develop quickly, the eagles could be a surprising contender for a playoff spot.

Homewood had a bit of unexpected turmoil in the off-season when Coach Doug Goodwin was released after a three-year record of 18-5. But the school brass wisely elevated assistant Ben Berguson to be the new head man, and the patriots aren’t likely to miss a beat. Carson Griffis, -- a threat with his arm and his feet – returns at quarterback. Tackle John Yarbrough already has college offers and nose guard Kaelan Henry is Homewood’s fiery leader.

The patriots rank as one of the favorites to win Class 6A’s region 5, despite a schedule that includes Class 7A powers Vestavia and Tuscaloosa County.

Very close behind Homewood could be Briarwood, where long-time coach Fred Yancey simply keeps producing winners. A strong offen-sive line bulwarked by John Collier, Greg Green and ross Thompson will make life easier for the lion backfield.

A highly anticipated September 12 visit to Homewood will say a lot about how far Briarwood has come. Win or lose, however, the lions should qualify for the playoffs.

Tim Sanders continues to patiently build at John Carroll Catholic, where numbers and depth remain a problem. The Cavalier coach is still optimistic and likes his team’s spirit. “We really have come a long way from last year,” he said. “i’d go to a foxhole with these guys.”

A key Cavalier to watch is running back Jelani Bender.

Former Homewood coach Dickey Wright con-tinues to lead Shades Mountain to respectability in Class 1A. Wright knows that everything take time, and doing the little things the proper way will pay big dividends later.

The 2014 season brings new classifications and regions, but it’s still football, the game so many love so passionately.

And ultimately that’s all that really matters. q

Something New, Something Old Alignments Change But Competition Stays The Same

Jacob Carroll and his Spartan team-mates move to Class 7A’s Region 3, quite likely the toughest division in the state’s strongest classification.

Carson Griffis will lead the Patriot attack this year as the school moves to Class 6A, Region 5, which also includes Briarwood and John Carroll.

Spain Park will host crosstown rival Hoover in a key Region 3 matchup on Oct. 2 before a packed house and a television audience.

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With a career record of 308-124-1, Vestavia head coach Buddy Anderson is only two victories away from becoming the winningest coach in the history of Alabama high school football.


Aug. 29 Chelsea AwaySept. 5 Jackson-Olin HOMESept. 12 Homewood AwaySept. 19 Hueytown HOMESept. 26 Oak Mountain AwayOct. 3 Walker AwayOct. 10 Pelham HOME Oct. 17 Minor AwayOct. 24 John Carroll Catholic AwayOct. 31 Madison Academy HOME

Date Opponent LocationBriarwood HigH ScHool

Aug. 22 Decatur AwayAug. 29 Vestavia Hills AwaySept. 5 Pelham AwaySept. 12 Briarwood Christian HOMESept. 19 John Carroll Catholic AwayOct. 3 Minor HOMEOct. 10 Walker HOMEOct. 18 Hueytown AwayOct. 25 Jackson-Olin HOMEOct. 31 Tuscaloosa County HOME

Date Opponent LocationHomewood HigH ScHool

Aug. 23 Central Miami (Fla.) HOMEAug. 29 Colquitt County (Ga.) AwaySept. 5 Mountain Brook HOMESept. 12 Oak Mountain HOMESept. 19 Thompson AwayOct. 2 Spain Park AwayOct. 10 Tuscaloosa County AwayOct. 18 Vestavia Hills HOMEOct. 24 Hewitt-Trussville AwayOct. 31 Blackman (Tenn.) HOME

Hoover HigH ScHool Date Opponent Location

Aug. 29 St. Clair County AwaySept. 5 Walker HOMESept. 12 Hueytown AwaySept. 19 Homewood HOMESept. 26 Mortimer Jordan AwayOct. 2 Jackson-Olin AwayOct. 10 Minor HOMEOct. 17 Pelham AwayOct. 24 Briarwood HOMEOct. 31 Springville HOME

Date Opponent LocationjoHn carroll HigH ScHool

Aug. 28 Huntsville AwaySept. 5 Hoover AwaySept. 12 Thompson HOMESept. 19 Vestavia Hills AwaySept. 26 James Clemens HOMEOct. 2 Tuscaloosa County HOMEOct. 10 Oak Mountain AwayOct. 17 Hewitt-Trussville HOMEOct. 24 Spain Park HOMEOct. 31 Huffman Away

Date Opponent Locationmtn Brook HigH ScHool

Aug. 29 Hillcrest Tuscaloosa AwaySept. 5 Vestavia Hills HOMESept. 12 Hoover AwaySept. 19 Tuscaloosa County HOMESept. 26 Briarwood HOMEOct. 3 Hewitt-Trussville AwayOct. 10 Mountain Brook HOMEOct. 17 Spain Park AwayOct. 24 Thompson AwayOct. 31 Pell City HOME

oak mtn. HigH ScHool Date Opponent Location

Aug. 22 Jackson Christian HOMEAug. 29 Meek AwaySept. 5 Winterboro AwaySept. 12 Donoho AwaySept. 19 Victory Christian HOMEOct. 3 Wadley HOMEOct. 10 Coosa Christian AwayOct. 17 Appalachian AwayOct. 24 Talladega Co. Central HOMEOct. 31 Spring Garden HOME

Date Opponent LocationSHadeS mtn HigH ScHool

Aug. 22 Austin HOMEAug. 29 Hueytown AwaySept. 5 Thompson HOMESept. 12 Tuscaloosa County AwaySept. 19 Hewitt-Trussville HOMEOct. 2 Hoover HOMEOct. 10 Vestavia Hills AwayOct. 17 Oak Mountain HOMEOct. 24 Mountain Brook AwayOct. 31 Bessemer City Away

Date Opponent LocationSpain park HigH ScHool

Aug. 29 Homewood HOMESept. 5 Oak Mountain AwaySept. 12 Mountain Brook HOMESept. 19 Hewitt-Trussville AwaySept. 26 Oxford AwayOct. 3 Thompson HOMEOct. 10 Spain Park HOMEOct. 17 Hoover AwayOct. 24 Tuscaloosa County HOMEOct. 31 Shades Valley Away

Date Opponent LocationveStavia HigH ScHool

2014

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6 • Thursday, August 21, 2014 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAlBriarwood

Members of the 2014 Briarwood Christian varsity football team include Bryant Crain, Ethan Housel, Travis Hightower, Sam Sherrod, John Rutledge, Dylan Rizzo, Walker Lott, Jordan DePaolantonio, William Grey, Joseph Cash, William Barfield, Barrett Tindall, Jacob Lamb, Chandler Wilkins, Carter Bankston, Glenn Green, David Lowry, Everett Badeaux, Drake Mitchell, Jordan Harmon, Carson Cupo, R.J. Jennings, J.R. Tomlinson, Miller Kinstley, Garrett Hawkins, Justin Rush, Luke Miskelley, Wilson Hand, Champ Stewart, Jake Morris, Sam Law, Jonathan McGehee, Luther Ward, Kolby Kwarcinski, Blake Armstrong, Blake Guthrie, Trent Crauswell, Garrett Burks, Bailey Hix, Luke Dyson, James Holladay, Hunter Whatley, Tre McClung, Tucker Johnston, Conner Hutson, John Collier, George Green, Nathan Cale, Watkins Youngblood, William Earnest, Cooper Thompson, John Allen Bass, Max Michel, Will Halama, Ross Thompson, Jonathan Thomas, Daniel Johnston, John David Vaughn, Jack Kriner, Jeffrey Brown, Whit Pittman, Bradford Pattillo, Sam Parker, Gracen Hall, Bennett Miles, Will Foust, Samuel Strickland, Cole Steadman and Jacob Shirley.

By Lee Davis


Fred Yancey looks much younger than his 69 years.

one reason for the Briarwood football coach’s youthful appearance is the success

he’s enjoyed since taking over the program nearly a quarter of a century ago. Another reason is that Yancey simply loves his job––and not just the part involving blackboards, practices and pre-game speeches.

“i love to coach, but i also really like being in a school environment,” he said. “Just being around these kids and teachers in an atmosphere conducive to education and spiritual growth is not something in which i’m in any hurry to walk away.”

And that’s good news for lion fans, as Yancey is coming off perhaps one of his best efforts as coach of the team. After a slow 1-2 start in 2013, Briarwood rallied for eight consecutive victories before being eliminated in the second round of the Class 5A playoffs.

“i felt good about what we did last year,” said Yancey. “A lot of kids grew up and we were a good team at the end of the season.”

Although 2013 was a pleasant year for Briarwood, there’s no time to rest on any laurels.

The Alabama High school Athletic Association’s new realignment moves the lions up to Class 6A and into rugged region 5. Gone from the Briarwood schedule are comparatively weak opponents as Chilton County, Talladega and ramsay; in their places are always-tough Hueytown, pelham, Minor and walker.

But Yancey isn’t shedding any tears over the

new challenges.“we always work hard and look forward to

playing whoever is on our schedule,” he said. “i know our guys haven’t been spending any time worrying about it. we’ve been playing Homewood and John Carroll Catholic for a long time, but it’s fun to face new teams and see how well we can perform.”

Plenty of weaPons on offenseAs usual, Briarwood has plenty of weapons. offensively, junior quarterback walker lott is

a man to watch. He led the lions to those eight consecutive wins last season and is effective as a runner, passer and leader.

“walker is our all-around go-to guy,” said Yancey. “He makes the right throws and has a good sense of how to lead.”

lott will be capably backed up by sophomore william Gray and senior Chandler wilkins, who will also be the punter.

Carrying the load in Briarwood’s running game are seniors Glenn Green and Jordan Depaolantonio. Both are solid work horses who have their coach’s confidence.

luke Dyson, John rutledge and whit pittman form the receiver corps.

“i’d like to have more experience (at receiver), but we should be fine,” said Yancey. “The way to get experience is to play, and they will all have the chance to do that.”

69 Iron Yancey and Lions Look Strong Again

Briarwood at a Glance

Key PlayersBriarwood Coach Fred Yancey with Lion players, from left: Jordan DePaolantonio, Travis Hightower, Dylan Rizzo and John Rutledge.Journal photos by Maury Wald

2013 record: 9-3Head coach: Fred Yanceystadium: Lion Pride Field (5,000)Class 6a Region 5Region opponents: Homewood, Hueytown, Jackson-Olin, John Carroll Catholic, Minor, Pelham, Walkerstate championships: 1977, 1998, 1999, 2003

‘I love to coach, but I also really like being in a school environment. Just being around these kids and teachers in an atmosphere conducive to education and spiritual growth is not something in which I’m in any hurry to walk away.’Fred Yancey

Thursday, August 21, 2014 • 7 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAl Briarwood

One of the Lions’ greatest strengths will be their offensive line. The center is junior Ross Thompson. John Collier starts at left tackle with George Green at left guard. On the right side is tackle Daniel Johnston, a 260-pound giant. Vying for playing time at right guard are Jeffrey Brown, who weighs 270 and Tre McClung, a 240 pounder.

Junior Jonathan McGehee will handle placekicking responsi-bilities.

“If we need a field goal to win a game, we feel good about Jonathan,” said Yancey.

Young linebackers

D e f e n s i v e l y , Briarwood will offer its usual 4-3 scheme and has plenty of personnel to execute it.

Senior Carson Cupo and junior R.J. Jennings are steady in the end positions. Playing on the inside is 240-pound senior Jacob Shirley, who has seen extensive playing time. Junior nose guard Carter Bankston will be a force in the middle.

The Lions’ linebacker corps doesn’t have a wealth of experience but is tough and can make plays. Senior Watkins Youngblood is in the middle, flanked by junior Everett Badeaux and sophomore Wilson Hand.

Briarwood’s secondary received a setback when veteran Dylan Rizzo went down with an injury, but he is on the mend. Cornerback Travis Hightower, who started every game last season, is ready to go. Jake Morris and Sam Sherrod

should do well in the safety spots.

‘Good feelinG about our team’“I’ve got a pretty good feeling about our

team,” said Yancey. “I can’t predict how many we’ll win but I know we will compete. Things will be different but we should be up for it.”

That’s a good thing, because as mentioned earlier, Briarwood’s schedule is brutal.

An early test will be a jamboree-format scrimmage with Class 7A’s Vestavia Hills on August 22. One particularly difficult six-week stretch in September and October finds the Lions facing Homewood, Hueytown, Oak Mountain of Class 7A, Walker, Pelham and Minor on consecu-tive Friday nights. Of those, only Hueytown and Pelham are played in the friendly confines of Lion Pride Field.

If Briarwood reach-es post-season play, the Lions will have definitely earned it.

The road won’t be easy, but Yancey character-istically relishes every step of the way.

“In over 40 years of coaching, I’ve learned that kids haven’t changed much,” he said. “The toys and technology are different, but kids who want to play this game work hard and make the sacrifices required. I think it will always be that way.”

If Yancey is correct, don’t look for him to be hanging up his whistle anytime soon. q

OppOnent

Briarwood 2014 Schedule

Aug. 29

date

at Chelsea

Sept. 5 Jackson-Olin*

Sept. 12 at Homewood*

Sept. 19 Hueytown* HC

Sept. 26 at Oak Mountain

Oct. 3 at Walker*

Oct. 10 Pelham*

Oct. 17 at Minor*

Oct. 24 at John Carroll*

Oct. 31 Madison Academy*Region game

8 • Thursday, August 21, 2014 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAlhomewood

Members of the 2014 Homewood High School varsity football team are Tobbie Taylor, Maurice Mayo, Derrick Underwood, Griffin Rivers, Alec Marsch, Tyron Carr, Brady Vincent, Sam Kyle, Waymon Green, Braxton Mann, Lawton Dorough, Brett White, Carson Griffis, Isaiah Johnson, Roger Castro, Jake Burdeshaw, Kevin Patterson, Brandon Claiborne, Jayson Williams, Ethan Harris, Josh Douthit, Patrick Domingo, Fred Williams, Tripp Moss, Antarius Mitchell, Tommy Donaldson, Aaron Phillips, Derrick Bush, Richard DiCarlo, Riley Meeks, D.J. Chambers, Miguel Molina, Nick Dutton, David Bearden, R.J. Shakir, Luke Hindman, Ben Necaise, Kaelan Henry, Elliot Yacu, Bailey Lapinsky, Logan Bales, Peyton Bembry, Javier King, Ty Windham, Wesley Butler, Griffin Gentry, Chase Kelly, Oscar Longinos, Jesus Figueroa, Carlos Figueroa, Jackson Langlow, Bailey Thomas, Tim Smith, John Yarbrough, Victor Gomez, Jermiah Dunham, S.J. Ramsey, Mike Hawkins, Morris Scott, Itrez Steele, Cameron Moody, Kennedy Clark, Mason Thomas, Ethan Sherman, Diego Longino, Terry James, Thomas Estrada, Andrew Cleveland, Griffin Walker, Dixon Simmons and William Gibbons.

By Lee Davis


Doug Goodwin’s fans and detractors were equally surprised when he lost his job as head coach of the Homewood patriots early this year.

His three-year record of 18-5 apparently wasn’t enough to impress the patriot brass as it opted not to bring Goodwin back for 2014.

The good news was that both sides landed on their respective feet. Goodwin got a job working in the football operations department at Auburn university. And Homewood elevated offensive line coach Ben Berguson–who drew rave reviews as interim head coach at spain park four seasons ago–to be its new head man.

“My work at spain park was a valuable learn-ing experience as far as my new job goes,” said Berguson, who has paid his dues in spades. “This

is an exciting opportunity, and i’m grateful for the confidence the community has placed in me.”

That confidence is likely to be justified. A double-digit win total and a deep run in the post-season are reachable goals for the patriots.

“we lost a lot of players, but we have a good

group coming back,” Berguson said. “our offen-sive line should be one of our strong points, and that’s always a great place to start.”

The bulwark of the line will be three starters who are likely to be among the area’s best. right tackle John Yarbrough, left guard Morris scott

and center Cameron Moody return from a line that allowed Homewood backs to score more than 40 rushing touchdowns in 2013. Guard Terry James, a 300-pound giant, and tackle Chase Kelly round out the unit. Yarbrough, scott and Kelly are seniors. Moody and James are juniors.

run first“we’ll be coming out in the multiple spread,

but we’ll be looking to run 70 percent of the time,” Berguson said. “we will hang our hat on running the football. There’s no better way to break the will of your opponent than to run the ball effectively.”

The quarterback is junior Carson Griffis, who started 12 games last season. An outstanding athlete, Griffis is as dangerous on the ground as he is in the air.

“He can beat you with his arm or his feet,” Berguson said.

Griffis also will handle punting chores.

Behind Griffis in the backfield is running back Maurice Mayo, who moves to offense from the defensive back spot. Mayo could well be the latest

arounD the ben Patriots Begin New Era

Under Veteran coach Bergusonhomewood

at a Glance

Key PlayersHomewood Coach Ben Berguson with Patriot players front, from left: Morris Scott and Tripp Moss. Back: John Yarbrough and Kaelan Henry.Journal photos by Marvin Gentry

2013 record: 9-3Head coach: Ben Bergusonstadium: Waldrop Stadium (6,000)Class 6A, region 5region opponents: Briarwood, Hueytown, Jackson-Olin, John Carroll Catholic, Minor, Pelham, Walker.state championships: 1974, 1995, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005

‘We’ll be coming out in the multiple spread, but we’ll be looking to run 70 percent of the time. We will hang our hat on running the foot-ball. There’s no better way to break the will of your opponent than to run the ball effectively.’Ben Berguson

Thursday, August 21, 2014 • 9 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAl homewood

in the line of great Homewood tailbacks who were threats to score every time they touched the football. Derrick Underwood should also be an outstanding runner.

Veterans Lawton Dorough and Alec Marsch will be the wide receiv-ers.

Sophomore Sam Kyle will be the place-kicker.

“Since I was heavily involved in the offense for three years, working with it as a head coach has been an easy transi-tion,” Berguson said.

Defensively, the Patriots will stick with their traditional 3-4 for-mation and will have plenty of quality per-sonnel in all positions.

Itrez Steele and Griffin Gentry, both juniors, should be standouts at defensive end. Berguson calls nose guard Kaelan Henry “the motor of our team” because of his athletic and leadership skills. Another leader is middle linebacker Trip Moss.

Senior Peyton Bembry is solid at inside linebacker while the tandem of Jayson Williams and Tobbie Taylor could dominate at the outside linebacker spots.

topnotch secondaryAs always, Homewood will have a topnotch

secondary. Junior Griffin Rivers is a possible all-star candidate at safety. Jake Burdeshaw should also be a major contributor. Brady Vincent, along with Mayo and Underwood, will see time at cornerback.

“I really feel good about where we are,” Berguson said. “The 11 we put on the field as starters are good football players. Depth is a con-cern, but that’s true with most everybody.”

Homewood will move up to Class 6A as part of the Alabama High School Association’s new seven class realign-ment. The Patriots are a member of Region 5, which includes Briarwood, Hueytown, Jackson-Olin, John Carroll Catholic, Minor, Pelham and Walker.

Although the road to the playoffs is clearly tougher than in the past, Berguson likes the new arrangement.

“This region will be much more competitive than some of the region games we’ve had in the past, and that’s a posi-tive,” he said. “We will have a lot of games that will be decided in the

fourth quarter. Those are the kind of games that get a team ready for the playoffs.”

Berguson didn’t back down on his non-region slate either as the Patriots face Class 7A powers Vestavia Hills and Tuscaloosa County.

The best news for Homewood is that likely region contenders Briarwood, Minor and Walker must come to the Patriots’ Waldrop Stadium.

Many thought Berguson should have been named permanent coach at Spain Park four years ago, but it didn’t happen. His time has finally come, and Berguson–and his players–are determined to make the most of it. Don’t be surprised if the Patriots are still playing near Thanksgiving–and maybe longer. q

To: TriciaFrom: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Date: Aug. 2014

This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the Aug. 21, 2014issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.

if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date, your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

Good Luck to All Past, Present and Future Homewood Football Players!

2830 18th Street South • Homewood, AL 35209 205-879-3986 • Mon.-Sat. 9:30 - 5:30

Homewood 2014 Schedule

Aug. 22

date OppOnentat Decatur

Aug. 29 at Vestavia

Sept. 5 at Pelham*

Sept. 12 Briarwood*

Sept. 19 at John Carroll*

Oct. 3 Minor*

Oct. 10 Walker* HC

Oct. 17 at Hueytown*

Oct. 24 Jackson-Olin

Oct. 31 Tuscaloosa County*Region game

To: 822-9163 From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Date: August 2011

This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal for the august 25, 2011 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!

please initial and fax back within 24 hours.If we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date,

your ad will run as is. We print the paper Monday.


a winning combination

Park South Plaza • 1425 Montgomery Hwy., Suite 111next to Diplomat Deli in Vestavia Hills

Mon.-Fri. 9:30 - 5:30 • Sat. 10-3 • (205) 822-9173

To: MikeFrom: Over The Mountain Journal, 205-823-9646 ph., 205-824-1246, fax Date: August 2014

This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal for the aug. 21, 2014 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.





Congratulations to Homewood High School’s

First State Champions!

“It's the 40th anniversary of Homewood High School winning the 1974 Football State Championship. Congratulations to all of my old teammates. With the leadership and support of a great coaching staff and administration, you started Homewood’s long winning tradition!

I’m proud to have been your teammate!” Mike Wald

Mike Wald 541-0940

10 • Thursday, August 21, 2014 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAlhoover

By Cary EstEs


For a team that seemingly has done it all over the past 14 seasons – eight state champion-ships, 13 appearances in the title game, 10 seasons with no more than one loss – the

Hoover Buccaneers actually have a new goal to try to accomplish this year. They are seeking to become the first champion of the state’s recently created 7A classification.

There is no question that winning the state championship is once again the Bucs’ primary goal this season, just as it has been every year for more than a decade now. Take away the aber-ration of a 6-6 record in 2007, and Hoover is an astounding 181-13 since 2000, including an equally amazing 34-6 mark in the playoffs.

But all those victories occurred under the Class 6A designation. The expansion this year into a Class 7A gives the Bucs – on paper, at least – a new goal to reach. But the objective on the field is the same as it ever was: win it all.

“For us, it’s not about repeating or rebuilding

or regrouping. it’s about refocusing on what we have to do to get better,” said Hoover head coach Josh niblett, who is 84-6 with three state titles in his six seasons leading the Bucs. “The expecta-

tions are no different. our expectations are to win a championship. You can call that fair or unfair to the kids, but that’s the way we go about our business. we want to be the first team to win a 7A

championship. And i’m excited about our region (region 3). it’s going to be a great region.”

out-of-state opponentsAs if playing against such region opponents

as Mountain Brook, spain park, and Vestavia Hills is not demanding enough, the Bucs also have scheduled three games against highly rated out-of-state schools. They will put their 30-game win streak on the line with a season-opening home game against Central Miami (Fla.), and then will travel to Colquitt County in Georgia the

following week. in addition, Hoover will prepare for another likely appearance in the playoffs with a home game during the final week of the regular season against Blackman in Tennessee.

“we’ll find out

MagniFicent seven Bucs Hope to Bring Championship

Magic to New Class Hoover High

at a glance2013 record: 15-0, Won Class 6A championship.Head coach: Josh Niblettstadium: Buccaneers Stadium (11,500)Class 7a, Region 3Region opponents: Mountain Brook, Oak Mountain, Thompson, Spain Park, Tuscaloosa County, Vestavia Hills, Hewitt-Trussvillestate championships: 1977, 1982, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2012, 2013

Key PlayersHoover Coach Josh Niblett with Buc play-ers front, from left: Bradrick Shaw and Justin Johnson. Back: Christian Bell and Darrell Williams.Journal photos by Marvin Gentry

‘Our expectations are to win a championship. You can call that fair or unfair to the kids, but that’s the way we go about our business. We want to be the first team to win a 7A champion-ship. And I’m excited about our region (Region 3). It’s going to be a great region.’Josh Niblett

Members of the 2014 Hoover High School varsity football team are Justin Johnson, Isaiah Sims, Jeremy Williams, Jaylen Carter, Johan Wilbanks, Micah Bagley, Alex Elam, John Ethridge, Jimmie Johnson, Marcus Webb, Jack Hutcheson, Christopher Vacarella, P.J. Hall, Tyler Brown, Tony Bennett, Jermarius Jordan, Trae Anderson, Riley Niblett, Joshua Hall, Tim Mauldin, Javan Jackson, Malcolm Cox, Rubin Stinson, Jared Smith, Aaron Lawler, Bradrick Shaw, Galien Richardson, Malachi Herron, Tyrelle Copeland, Temarcus Bryant, Zac Majors, Coleton Howard, Darnell Lucas, Rob Hood, Jaysen Cook-Calhoun, Kris Parker, Mija Watters, Jonathan Prickett, Devin Baker, Dominic Edge, Cameron Chamblin, Tyler Byrd, Andre Murrell, Hunter Schmith, R.J. Arnold, Christian Bell, Jeremiah Moon, Trey Davis, Kyle Flint, Chance Pruitt, Trevin Pierre-Noel, Kem Muruako, Garrett Sager, Immanuel Johnson, Trent Whisenant, Darrell Williams, Alex Saxon, Clay Banks, Zyggy Arledge, Hasan Islam, Diego Sialer, Tyler Strong, Connor Kilgore, Tyler Stone, De’Shun Erby, Nick Eldridge, Dalton Nelson, Sean Flynn, Alex Horn, Alex Loukotka, Ben Peterson, Danarius Williams, Noah McClaney, Trey Brackett, Austin Harris, Leonard Wood, Quincy Cox, Jake Carter, Donovan Gagakuma, Josh Stevenson, Marcus Hollifield, Bailey Aultman, Zach Chandler, Darius Smith, Xavier Jones, Zack Eldridge, Nathan Perry, Matthew Crochen, Kerry Thompson, Jack Leventry, Anthony Monroe, Charles Johnson, Khamari Brown.

Thursday, August 21, 2014 • 11 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAl hoover

where we are right off the bat, but we want to compete,” Niblett said. “We pride ourselves on competing against high-profile teams from high-profile programs. We believe that helps us get better.”

Hoover’s offense will be directed this season by senior quarterback Jack Hutcheson, who Niblett said put on approximately 20 pounds of muscle over the offseason.

“He’s a student of the game and he’s a tough kid,” Niblett said. “He broke his pinkie finger in the spring and played with it. He’s been a leader and is accountable.”

Junior Chris Vacarella, son of the former Auburn quarterback, will be the backup QB but he might see more than just mop-up play-ing time because of his ability to run the ball.

“He is one of those guys who can make things happen with his legs,” Niblett said. “He gives us some versatil-ity, but he’s still learn-ing. Jack has another year under his belt and understands what he needs to do in cer-tain situations. This is Jack’s team, but we’ll have a package ready for Chris.”

The Bucs’ running game will be led by senior Bradrick Shaw, the MVP of last year’s Class 6A championship game and one of the top college prospects in the state. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Shaw rushed for 1,286 yards and 25 touchdowns last season.

“Everybody knows Bradrick Shaw is special, but we have a couple of X-factors in Marcus Webb and Kris Parker,” Niblett said. “They will be an important part of our offense and on special teams. We were run-heavy last year, but what we’ll do this year is yet to be determined.”

If the Bucs decide to throw the ball more often, they certainly have a number of options. Among the players expected to see plenty of pass-catching action this season are Justin Johnson, Leonard Wood, Alex Elam (who Niblett said is “one of the fastest guys on the team”), Trey Brackett, Marcus Hollifield, Jake Carter, Jimmie Johnson and John Ethridge.

Senior right tackle Alex Horn and junior Nick Eldridge are both returning starters along the line. Niblett said the Bucs are “expecting big things” from Zyggy Arledge at right guard. Dalton Nelson will start at left tackle, Chance Pruitt and Tyler Strong will see time at center,

and Alex Loukotka will battle for one of the guard spots. Quincy Cox and Riley Niblett are the tight ends.

Hoover returns only four starters on defense and overall the unit will not be as big as last sea-son, when the Bucs allowed an average of only 8.9 points per game. The defensive front will be anchored by 6-4, 230-pound Christian Bell, who has committed to the University of Alabama. Jaysen Cook-Calhoun will join Bell in the start-ing lineup at defensive end. Zack Eldridge will start at defensive tackle and Matthew Crochen and Anthony Monroe are also in the mix.

Niblett said he expects the Bucs “to be strong at linebacker,” led by 6-3, 200-pound senior Darrell Williams, who has committed to Auburn University. The team’s other lineback-ers will be seniors R.J. Arnold and Malcolm Cox and junior Jeremiah Moon, who already has received scholarship offers from several SEC schools.

Junior P.J. Hall, who Niblett said “has real good speed and great hands” will start at one cornerback, with Jermarius Jordan, Malachi Herron and Temarcus Bryant com-peting for time at the other corner position.

Senior Micah Bagley is moving from strong safety to free safety, opening up the strong safety position for Jeremy Williams. Ben Abercrombie and Tony Bennett also are in contention for play-ing time.

Senior Hunter Schmith is back for his third season as the team’s starting placekicker.

“His leg is even stronger,” Niblett said. “In the spring, he put countless balls in the end zone on kickoffs. We take a lot of pride in that.”

Bailey Aultman will be the new starting punter and Trey Davis is back as long snapper.

The Bucs expect their deep and talented roster to add up to yet another championship run but Niblett said they also understand that nothing is guaranteed.

“We’ve got the highest enrollment but that doesn’t always mean you’ll have the best team,” Niblett said. “Some folks think that because you have so many numbers to choose from that it correlates into you having the best team but that’s not always the case. We still have to work hard to get better.” q

Hoover High 2014 Schedule

Aug. 23

date OppOnentCentral Miami (Fla.)

Aug. 29 at Colquitt Cty (Ga.)

Sept. 5 Mountain Brook*

Sept. 12 Oak Mountain*

Sept. 19 at Thompson*

Oct. 2 at Spain Park*

Oct. 10 at Tuscaloosa Cty*

Oct. 17 Vestavia*

Oct. 24 at Hewitt Trussville*

Oct. 31 Blackman (Tenn.)*Region game

To: 822-9163 From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Date: August 2011

This is your ad proof from the over the mountain Journal for the august 25, 2011 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.





Friday night lights


Mon.-Fri. 9:30 - 5:30 • Sat. 10-3 • (205) 822-9173

To: Tory From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 Date: August 2014

This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the August 21, 2014 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

Please make sure all information is correct, including address and phone number!

Please initial and fax back within 24 hours.if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date,



Don’t miss your chance to join the exciting field trips, socials, travel and learning opportunities of The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at The University of Alabama’s Vestavia Chapter! Make new friends and expand your learning horizons with other mature adults.

Join Us for the Vestavia Hills Fall Kick-offOLLI’s coming around the mountain, so come take a part in the festivities. Hear all the great news about the program and how you can benefit from a premium membership. Enjoy light music, food, and fellowship as you and a friend discover what Vestavia’s Chapter has prepared for the Fall.What: OLLI at UA’s Vestavia Chapter Kick-off and Onsite RegistrationWhen: Tuesday August 26th @ 4pmWhere: Vestavia Senior Center 1976 Merryvale Rd. Vestavia Hills Al 35216 Contact: Diane Wheeler 205-470-9128Olli.ua.edu or http://ollivestavia.blogspot.com

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Hoover’s offense will be directed this season by senior quar-terback Jack Hutcheson.

Jour

nal f

ile p

hoto

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vin

Gen

try

12 • Thursday, August 21, 2014 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAlJohn Carroll

By Lee Davis


As impressive as John Carroll Catholic’s many merits as an academic institution are, there are people who believe that it is a very difficult place to win football

games.Those people haven’t met Tim sanders.sanders is in his second season as head

coach of the Cavaliers and while he understands the situation, he’s the type who believes good people making good decisions will always lead to eventual success.

“There’s no doubt we have a tough road to hoe,” sanders candidly admitted. “we have to take it one day at a time. if we get consistent and work hard, who knows what can happen? i know this: i’m excited to be here.”

sanders’ contagious excitement is also tem-

pered by the depth of the new challenges John Carroll faces in 2014. Coming off a 2-8 record, the Cavs–because of the Alabama High school Athletic Association’s reclassification–move up a notch to Class 6A.

Complicating the task even further is that John Carroll moves into one of the class’s toughest divisions, region 5. The Cavs’ league

brethren include old foes Briarwood and Homewood as well as Hueytown, Jackson-olin, Minor, pelham and walker.

“we just call it the black and blue division,” sanders said. “every week, you’re going to know you were in a football game.”

John Carroll’s most vexing problem is depth. The Cavs’ roster carries only 48 players from grades 9-12. As a result, numerous Carroll play-ers will have to play offense and defense. By contrast, region rival Homewood has about 70 players within the same grade span.

‘Slow the game down’“That’s an issue for us, no doubt,” sanders

said. “we’ve got to find an answer. Basically we played only 17 kids all season last year. we’ve got to find a way to expand those num-bers.”

The good news for the Cavs is that there are quality athletes on its lakeshore Drive campus. John Carroll will run an offense scheme similar to the one popularized by Auburn university coach Gus Malzahn, with-out the hurry-up aspect.

“we’re going to try to slow the game down,” sanders said. “with our lack of depth,

the longer we can keep the other team’s offense on the bench, the better off we will be.”

The quarter-back is reliable senior riley Mara.

A particular strength for the

positive force Sanders Believes Cavs Can Win

The 2014 John CMembers of the 2014 John Carroll Catholic varsity football team include: Ransom Redman, Alex Zimmerman, Dilan Sherrod, Malcolm Russell, Nick Carney, Matthew Byers, Bailey Mara, Jody Purnell, Nick Bertani, Braydon Bauer, Riley Mara, Conner Bader, William Chamoun, Brendan Pugh, Jeremy Jones, J.R. Oinos, Michael Hankes, Lucas Strachan, Adam Higginbotham, Miller Parker, John Michael Vigona, Bruce Bright, Harry Tighe, Mick Hagelskamp, Alex Mitchell, Marvin Spencer, Zac MacDowell, John Booker, Jelani Bender, Ashton Carpri, Josh Thomas, Paul Anderton, Ethan Scholtz, Alex Hall, William Boyd, Gabriel Cox, Greyson Fant, Micah Griffin, Peyton Harlow, Asad Muhammad, Michael Watts, Matthew Weems, Matthew Walker, Nick Talyor, Patrick Myers, Kobe Howard, Michael McKenna, Oliver Lovelady.

John carroll At A GlAnce

Key playersJohn Carroll Coach Tim Sanders with Cavalier players Front, from left: Jelani Bender, Matthew Byers and Nick Talyor. Back: Micah Griffin and Greyson Fant.Journal photo by Marvin Gentry

2013 record: 2-8head coach: Tim SandersStadium: Carroll Field (4,000)Class 6A, Region 5Region opponents: Briarwood, Homewood, Hueytown, Jackson-Olin, Minor, Pelham, WalkerState championships: 1973

‘There’s no doubt we have a tough road to hoe. We have to take it one day at a time. If we get consistent and work hard, who knows what can happen? I know this: I’m excited to be here.’Tim Sanders

Thursday, August 21, 2014 • 13 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAl John Carroll

Cavs may be in the offensive line. Seniors Greyson Fant, Micah Griffin, Paul Anderton, Nick Talyor and Matthew Walker, junior Peyton Harlow and promising sophomore Ethan Scholtz give John Carroll talent and depth in an essential area.

“So much of what we do will depend on how well our offen-sive line plays,” the coach said.

Working in the rotation at running back are senior Jelani Bender, junior Michael Hankes and sophomore Alex Zimmerman. Mara’s top targets are expected to be seniors Matthew Byers and Adam Higginbotham.

The versatile Jody Purnell will handle kicking assignments.

“On paper we should be strong upfront,” Sanders said. “But remember, some of our guys will be playing both ways.”

Defensively, John Carroll will run out of a traditional 4-3 package with a lot of beef on the front line.

Jeremy Jones and Harlow will anchor the defensive front, with many of the previously mentioned offensive linemen also playing key roles on the other side of the ball.

The linebacker corps will come from the ranks of Anderton, Hankes, Bender, Josh Thomas and Mick Hagelskamp.

Stalwarts in the secondary will include Higginbotham, Nick Bertani, Brendan Pugh

and Lucas Strachan. Higginbotham is the only senior in the group.

“We’ve got to find ways to be creative and make some things happen,” Sanders said. “A lot of people wouldn’t understand that, but

that’s what we have to do.”

Great attitude Great tradition

Despite the prob-lems, Sanders finds much to like about his team.

“We are so further along than we were this time last year,” he said. “Our kids have made sacrifices and worked hard. And I’ll tell you this: I’d go to a foxhole with these guys.”

That attitude will be helpful, as the Cavs’ schedule is brutal. A particularly tough stretch comes in September, when

John Carroll meets Walker, Hueytown and perennial power Homewood on consecutive weekends. A closing stretch the next month includes Minor, Pelham and Briarwood.

While few predict the Cavs will qualify for the playoffs in 2014, Sanders does see a bright light at the end of the tunnel.

“This is a great place to work and I’m thankful every day to be here,” he said. “I have no desire to coach anywhere else. This is a great school with a great tradition. If hard work can do it, we’ll get there.”

A few more players in key positions would help, too. q

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John Carroll 2014 Schedule

Aug. 29

date

OppOnentat St. Clair County

Sept. 5 Walker*

Sept. 12 at Hueytown*

Sept. 19 Homewood*

Sept. 26 at Mortimer Jordan

Oct. 2 at Jackson-Olin*

Oct. 10 Minor*

Oct. 17 at Pelham*

Oct. 24 Briarwood*

Oct. 31 Springville*Region game

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14 • Thursday, August 21, 2014 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAlmountain Brook

Members of the 2014 Mountain Brook High School varsity football team include Wilkerson Anthony, Joey Keating, Andrew Autrey, Taylor Bramblett, John Eagan, Anderson Smith, Drew Odum, Chandler Cox, Ridley Culp, Dillon Sullivan, Patterson Ware, John Luttrell, Fuller Neil, Landon Weaver, Harrison Pyburn, Gary Baltz, Hill Kirkland, Hamp Sisson, Parks Shoulders, Jackson Hicks, Zachary Carroll, J.P. Darnall, Mac Campbell, Mac Harris, T.J. Beard, Connor Adair, Jacob Carroll, William Garcia, Brother Fitzpatick, Drew McMahan, Will Leitner, Will Kimberlin, Trey Collat, Stav Pappas, Stephen Little, Sam Everette, Charlie Fell, Hunter Lucas, Will Pardue, Spence Fulmer, John Calloway, Will Wetzler, Thomas Byrne, Clay Stearns, Brawner Little, Owen Conzelman, Isaiah Chamoun, Miller Stevens, McKee Brown, Wilson Higgins, Keller Briley, Conner Bussman, George Eagan, Quint Jones, Knox Taylor, Jack Grant, Walker McCraney, Spence Hutchinson, Harold Wells, Drew Smith, Michael O’Leary, John Null, Tanner Dean, Mabry Crane, Carter Dukes, Kemper Sanders, Joe Donald, Bradford Turner, Payne Frost, Crawford Tindle, Camden Barnes, Robert Randolph, Alex Pankey, Wilson Golden, Harris Josey, Joshua Weisburg, Michael Matsos, Harrison Weaver, Ward Webb, Will Koopman, Sam Kline, Cole Holmes, Miller Cawthon, Rix Curtis, Jack Fruin, Mathue Thrasher, John Lloyd Reed, Price Delk, David Favrot, Jake Ruttenberg, Justin Thompson, Sam Colvin, Greg Jenkins, Alexander Gonzalez, Reese Thompson, Turner Futch, Jordan Weisberg, Brad Jenkins, Drew Brown, Johnny Leara, Carlton Randleman, Sam Morris, Reid Pyburn, Eland Anthony, Christian Johnston, Forsyth Elliott, Ford Williams, Manly Luttrell, John Pelham, Lawton Sparks, Porter Williamson, William Powell, Henry Barze, Rusk Henry, Connor Tierney, Jackson Lyon, Warren Lightfoot, Michael Smith, Davis Luttrell, Harrison Ritchie, Sims Herron, Ford Alexander, McKinnon Cox, Parker Crane, Daniel McCool, Weston Williams, Sam Rotenstreich, Richie Randolph, Mason Dillard, Will Block and Butler Wilbanks.

By Lee Davis


Chris Yeager has produced many fine teams since taking over as head coach of the Mountain Brook spartans, but many thought he did his best job of coaching

last season.plagued by youth, inexperience and injuries,

Mountain Brook stumbled out of the gate in 2013, losing its first three games, including a 45-28 shellacking at the hands of longtime rival shades Valley.

But Yeager and his team didn’t panic or throw in the towel. They kept working.

The spartans rallied for seven consecutive victories, including a stunning 10-7 upset of highly-regarded Vestavia Hills oct. 25. Mountain Brook’s season ended with a loss to Florence in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs, but considering how things started, spartan partisans had plenty of reasons to smile when the season

concluded at 7-4.As challenging as last season was, it pales

in comparison to what Mountain Brook faces in 2014.

The Alabama High school Athletic Association’s much-discussed seven class realignment places Mountain Brook in super

Class 7A, where the school will have the second-smallest student enrollment in the circuit.

Additionally, the spartans are in Class 7A’s region 3, quite likely the toughest division in the state’s strongest classification. it’s hard to find a tougher league this side of the seC’s western Division.

Yeager, a man who always sees the upside of

things, is clearly ready for the challenge.“i’m excited. our coaches are excited and our

kids are excited,” Yeager said. “This is a fans’ league if ever there was one. every game will have a playoff-like atmosphere. one of the best reasons to play football is to have a schedule like this.”

For the record, Mountain Brook’s com-

petitors in region 3 include Hewitt-Trussville, Hoover, oak Mountain, spain park, Thompson, Tuscaloosa County and Vestavia Hills.

For sure, it’s a tough run, but don’t assume the spartans will spend november sitting in front of the fireplace.

Mountain Brook has plenty of weapons with the potential of a playoff berth and strong post-season showing.

Carroll to run spartan offenseDirecting the spartans’ offense is senior quar-

terback Jacob Carroll, who brings experience and skill behind the center. Carroll often shared time with the now-graduated will Brewster dur-ing the last two seasons and has his coach’s full confidence.

“we’re going to put a lot on Jacob’s shoulders,” Yeager said. “we know he is a winner for us.”

Yeager is look-ing to strengthen his running game and should have the manpower to do it. senior John eagan

brave new world Spartans Optimistic Entering

New Class 7AMountain brook

at a GlanCe

Key PlayersMountain Brook Coach Chris Yeager with Spartan play-ers Front, from left: Parker Crane and Weston Williams. Back: Andrew Autrey and Daniel McCool.Journal photos by Tommy Wald

2013 record: 7-4Head coach: Chris Yeagerstadium: Spartan Stadium (5,000)Class 7a region 3region opponents: CHewitt-Trussville, Hoover, Oak Mountain, Spain Park, Thompson, Tuscaloosa County, Vestavia Hillsstate championships: 1975, 1976

‘I’m excited. Our coaches are excited and our kids are excited. This is a fans’ league if ever there was one. Every game will have a playoff-like atmosphere. One of the best reasons to play football is to have a schedule like this.’Chris Yeager

Thursday, August 21, 2014 • 15 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAl mountain brook

is the speedster in the backfield, while Harrison Pyburn may be counted on in tough short yardage situations. But Yeager readily admits his ground attack is still a work in progress.

“In the NFL, they say one running back is never enough,” the coach said. “We’re going to work hard to try to develop some depth in that position.”

Mountain Brook lost some fine linemen to graduation but there is still plenty of mate-rial on hand.

Senior Reid Pyburn is a reliable starter at guard, and Lawton Sparks will see action at tackle. Seniors Parks Shoulders and Hill Kirkland will get work at tight end. Others expected to contribute on the inside are Greg Jenkins, Sam Morris, Michael Matsos and Rix Curtis.

Carroll’s favorite target will be senior Drew Odum, who was one of the area’s best last season. Yeager would like nothing more than to develop more quality receivers to complement Odum.

Harrison Ritchie and Mason Dillard are bat-tling for placekicking duties.

“A lot of how well we do offensively will depend on how well our running backs develop and if they can take some pressure off our passing game,” Yeager said. “But we’ll need guys every-where to step up if we want to be successful.”

ExpEriEncE on DEfEnsEDefense was a bright spot for Mountain

Brook last year. From mid-September to the end of the regular season, the Spartans surrendered

only an average of 10 points a game. Yeager is expecting more of the same this time around.

“We feel really good about our defensive unit,” he said. “We’ve got enough experience returning that we hope they will be able to be

an anchor early in the season.”

Among the leaders of the Mountain Brook stop unit will be three outstanding senior defensive ends––Daniel McCool, Parker Crane and Weston Williams.

The front line should be solid too, with McKinnon Cox and Ford Alexander working at middle guard.

Mountain Brook’s linebacker corps could be outstanding. Players to watch include George Eagan, Carter Dukes, Joe Donald, Hunter Lucas and Jack Fruin.

As always, the Spartans will feature stars in the secondary. Ridley Culp is the safety while Andrew Autrey, Steven Little and Charlie Fell will also roam in the defensive backfield.

Mountain Brook’s schedule is as difficult in venue as it is in quality. The Spartans face defending two-time state champion Hoover on the road and also journey to Thompson Reynolds Stadium to meet Vestavia Hills.

Yeager is undaunted.“We’ve been successful because we’ve had

kids who would step up and play smart,” he said. “All we can ask our guys is to be as good as they can be. We can’t control what the other teams do.”

Mountain Brook 2014 Schedule

Aug. 28

date OppOnentat Huntsville

Sept. 5 at Hoover*

Sept. 12 Thompson*

Sept. 19 at Vestavia*

Sept. 26 James Clemens

Oct. 2 Tuscaloosa County*

Oct. 10 at Oak Mountain*

Oct. 17 Hewitt-Trussville

Oct. 24 Spain Park*

Oct. 31 at Huffman*Region game

See SpartanS, page 22

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16 • Thursday, August 21, 2014 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAlOak MOuntain

Members of the 2014 Oak Mountain High High School varsity football team are DJ Garver, Connor Templin, Rob Fuller, Connor Harkins, Warren Shader, Juan Palacios, Reid Golson, Matthew Handley, Josh Gaines, Nolan Tucker, Srini Athan, Jason Vise, Kylen Brown, Greyson McClain, Wyatt Legas, Isaiah Godwin-Evans, Nathan Jones, Blake Snow, Avery Holsomback, Sam Christensen, Mitchell Jones, Braxton Green, Logan Webb, Nick Feenker, John Halbert, Whit Jackson, Garrett DeAraujo, Cole Johnson, Evan Benison, Preston Christopher, Dalton Bradford, Will Ferguson, Mingyu Le, Thomas Pechman, Allen Perkins, Lee Darby, Payton Youngblood, Rob Piper, Hall Morton, AJ Fleet, Art Smith, Alex King, Kevin Sims, Matthew Pflaum, Hunter Martinez, William Roberson, Kenny Krishak, Christian Hill, Christon Taylor, Alex Hooks, Daniel Salchert, Thomas Brooks, Cameron Langley, Jaxson Ellis, Jaylin Gaines, Alex Espana, Jackson Sauers, Trey Meadows, Nick Somers, Armond Lloyd, Nathan Bowman, Corey Duke, Kai Christenberry, Spencer Hughes, Harold Shader, Coleman Reeves, Jared Buxton, Jaymz Bischoff, Davis Manning, Zach Pierce, Riley Fowler, Austin Felkins, Zack Lambertson, Parker Guyton, Devin Harris, Will Sayers, Josh Jones, Stone Turner, Kolby Tishler, Dalton Stockli, Justice Hammond, Daniel Perkins, Benton Stroud, William Earle, Jake Madore, Keylan Speed, Cortrez Slater, Michael Walker, Austin Wyatt, Mark Jablonski, Barrett Marraman, Eli Lombardo.

By Cary EstEs


With only nine returning starters back from last year’s 4-6 team, oak Mountain head coach Cris Bell knows that his young squad will need some

time this season in order to grow and develop. The only problem is, the eagles’ early-season schedule doesn’t give them much time.

After opening the season with a road trip to Hillcrest Tuscaloosa, which went 5-6 last season but made the playoffs, the eagles play four consecutive games against four teams – Vestavia Hills, Hoover, Tuscaloosa County and Briarwood – that went a combined 42-10 last year.

“we’re very young, especially on defense (with only three returning starters), so it’s all a matter of how quickly we grow up,” said Bell, who has compiled an 11-10 record in two sea-sons at oak Mountain. “i like the guys we have, but the early part of our schedule is a bear, so they’ll have to mature quickly.”

in addition, oak Mountain is part of the new Class 7A, region 3, which includes Mountain Brook and spain park along with traditional powers Hoover and Vestavia Hills.

“i’m sure some others are going to make the argument for being the toughest region in the state but i’d hate to be in a tougher one,” Bell said. “You can’t afford to relax (in any region

game), that’s for sure.”one of the keys for oak Mountain will be

the continued development of returning starting quarterback warren shader, who Bell said will be asked to do more passing this season. shader averaged barely 40 yards passing per game last season, while rushing for approximately 75 yards per game.

“He can run and throw but we only passed

about six times a game last year,” Bell said. “He had a good year for us last season but he’ll probably have to throw a little more this year because of the region we’re playing.”

Junior logan webb is waiting in the wings in case shader falters.

“He has grown a lot as a quarterback. we like his ability,” Bell said.

There will be a second shader in the oak Mountain backfield, as older brother Harold shader will start at running back along with Josh Gaines. Both rushers averaged better than 5.5 yards per carry last season.

“Both of them can carry the ball and they can catch it out of the backfield, too,” Bell said. “our challenge will be getting the ball into the hands of all three of those guys––warren, Harold and Josh.”

while Bell said he wants the eagles to throw the ball more often this season, there are some concerns about who will be doing the catch-ing. Junior reid Golson is expected to lead the receiving corp but after that the unit is filled with questions marks.

“reid Golson will have to step up and make plays. we have high expectations for him,” Bell said. “The others will be young. evan

Benison, who transferred from Minor, will play running back and receiver. He’s got a little bit of speed that will enable us to stretch the defense. Daniel salchert is also a running back /

groWing up fast Young Oak Mountain Faces Difficult

Early-season Scheduleoak Mountain

at a glance

Key playersOak Mountain Coach Cris Bell with Eagle players front, from left: Riley Fowler and Josh Gaines. Back: Nathan Bowman and Harold Shader.Journal photos by Marvin Gentry

2013 record: 4-6Head coach: Cris BellStadium: Heardmont Park (5,000)Class 7A, Region 3Region opponents: Vestavia Hills, Hoover, Tuscaloosa County, Hewitt-Trussville, Mountain Brook, Spain Park, Thompson

‘Our expectations this sea-son are for our kids to play hard and reach their poten-tial each week. Right now, that’s the main thing we’re asking of them.’Cris Bell

Thursday, August 21, 2014 • 17 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAl Oak MOuntain

receiver and will play both spots for us. He’s pretty quick. We think he will be good, but he is just a sophomore.”

As many as four players could see playing time at tight end––Cole Johnson, Thomas Brooks, Matt Pflaum and Alex King, who is also the team’s long snapper.

The Eagles have two full-time returning starters on the offen-sive line in junior cen-ter Justice Hammond and junior right guard Ben Stroud. Part-time starter Michael Walker returns at right tackle. Senior Blake Snow will play either left tackle or left guard, while the other posi-tion will be filled by Barrett Marraman, William Earle or Mark Jablonski.

“I think our offense has a chance to be good,” Bell said. “On defense, we just want to improve and get better and continue progress-ing. We’ve got competition at each position and that’s a sign that we’re moving in the right direction.”

The only returning starter along the defen-sive line is nose tackle Chris Hill. The defensive end spots are expected to be filled by Avery Holsomback (who transferred from Pelham), Jared Buxton and Lee Darby. Armond Lloyd, Alex Hooks and Allen Perkins are battling for playing time at defensive tackle.

Junior Josh Jones will start at middle line-

backer, with senior Riley Fowler and sopho-more Christon Taylor lining up at the outside linebacker spots. While none of the three were regular starters last season, they all saw playing

time.The true inexperi-

ence will be in the sec-ondary, which Bell said “will be real young.”

Nathan Bowman will play one safety (while also see-ing some time at receiver), with Payton Youngblood and Hall Morton at the other safety position. The cornerback spots will be manned by Kylen Brown, Mitchell Jones and Garrett DeAraujo, who Bell said, “has a lot of ability.”

DJ Garver will be the starting place-kick-er, while Nick Somers and Jaxson Ellis are

competing to be the punter. “D.J. Garver has the chance to do everything

for us but we just want him to concentrate on place-kicking,” Bell said. “He has a chance to be real good.”

Bell believes the Eagles have a chance to be good as well, though it might take some time. That is one of the reasons he is focused simply on seeing steady improvement from his young squad.

“Our expectations this season are for our kids to play hard and reach their potential each week,” Bell said. “Right now, that’s the main thing we’re asking of them.” q

Oak Mountain 2014 Schedule

Aug. 29

date OppOnentat Hillcrest Tuscaloosa

Sept. 5 Vestavia*

Sept. 12 at Hoover*

Sept. 19 Tuscaloosa Cty*

Sept. 26 Briarwood

Oct. 3 at Hewitt-Trussville*

Oct. 10 Mountain Brook*

Oct. 17 at Spain Park*

Oct. 24 at Thompson*

Oct. 31 Pell City*Region game

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10/24 Oak Mountain vs Thompson 10/31 McAdory vs Center Point

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‘We’re very young, especially on defense (with only three returning starters), so it’s all a matter of how quickly we grow up.’

By Cary EstEs

Journal sports writer

Even though the schedule might be tougher, spain park head coach shawn raney is excited about his team’s move into the new Class 7a, region 3 this season. sure, the

Jaguars now have to take on regular playoff contenders Hoover, Vestavia Hills and Mountain Brook on an annual basis. But raney said those are the teams spain park should be playing every year.

“the last few years (as a member of Class 6a, region 4), we didn’t know a lot about those teams,” raney said, referring to a region schedule that included several teams from the Montgomery area. “now we’ll be playing teams and players our kids grew up playing against their whole life in a variety of sports.

“so we’re real excited to be in Class 7a in a tough region. the kids acknowledge that and are working hard. we have a big challenge fac-ing us, but we have a lot of good players and a

lot of great coaches. we expect to go out and win every game. we know how to do it, but it’s going to be a challenge every week.”

winning every game is not necessarily an

unreachable goal for the Jaguars. in fact, they nearly did exactly that last year.

spain park began the 2013 season 8-0 before losing the final two games of the regular season

by a combined total of 10 points, and then fall-ing in the first round of the playoffs by a field goal in overtime.

ExpEriEncEd at Winning gamEsthe Jags’ offense will be led this season by

a player who has plenty of experience in win-ning games, though mostly on the baseball field. starting quarterback Mason Duke was the no. 1 pitcher on spain park’s state championship baseball team last season and raney said he believes Duke will carry that winning attitude onto the football field.

“He started in a lot of big games and he gained a lot of confidence pitching in tough situ-ations and performing well,” said raney, who is

beginning his sec-ond season as the Jags head coach. “He’s a different player because of that and you can see it on the field.”

sophomore Hunter Howell and junior Joey Beatty will be the backup quarterbacks.

18 • thursday, august 21, 2014 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAlspain park

closE to HomE Spain Park to Play Other OTM

Teams in New Class

Members of the 2014 Spain Park School varsity football team are Kourtney Moore, Trent Harper, Derek Williams, Wade Streeter, Parker Kelly, Perry Young, Jordan Dukes, Owen Carr, Michael Jackson, AJ Smiley, Keion Jones, Mason Duke, Joey Beatty, Carson Davis, Bryan Sanderson, Hunter Howell, Bridge Suber, Marcus Strong, Jake Kolazyk, Justin Brown, James Mason, Mohamed Djalo, Josh Smith, Cameron Toyer, EJ Marino, Daniel Nixon, Thomas Jordan, Jack Connell, Larry Wooden, Leon Strong, Logan Shultz, Rondaius Johnson, Damarius Farmer, Ke Sean Bates, Crosby Gray, Hunter Bartlett, Landon Shoemaker, Chase Young, Cameron Brock, DeAndre Thompkins, Houston Hollis, Jordan Schmidt, Peyton Maner, Jordan Cade, Brandon Simmons, Darrius Stringer, Trevor Williams, Chester Hutcherson, Mario Davis, Xavier Blanchard, Rayfe Richey, Josiah Johnson, Carmetrius Walker, Luke Silver, Hayden Fike, Paras Ahuja, Will Mullins, Johnathan Mote, Grey Best, Martin Daugherty, Reed Thomas, Alexander Kassouf, Brett Cocke, Bredt Stover, Harrison Dickson, Burrell Boswell, Riley Hunter, David Kimani, John David Allred, Bryan Ortega, Matt Barrentine, Jack Winchester, James Harris, Jerry Drake, Kurt Greer, Soloman Davidson, Shams Halani, Jordan Jolly, William Mee, Myckael Walton, Michael Allen, William Lambert, Justice Canady, Will Greene, Michael Avery, Will Dailey, Deontae Baskin, Douglas Henze, Brandon Daza, Jonah Tibbs, Damon Wright, Ike Schulkamp, Kalik Mallard, Eric Effinger and Chad Abner.

spain Park at a GlancE

Key PlayersSpain Park Coach Shawn Raney with Jaguar players, from left, front: EJ Marino and Mason Duke. Back: Derek Williams, Michael Jackson, AJ Simley and Harrison DicksonJournal photos by Marvin Gentry

2013 record: 8-3 (lost in first round of playoffs)Head coach: Shawn Raneystadium: Spain Park Stadium at Bob Finley Field (8,000)class 7a, region 3region opponents: Thompson, Tuscaloosa County, Hewitt-Trussville, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Oak Mountain, Mountain Brook

‘We have a big challenge facing us, but we have a lot of good players and a lot of great coaches. We expect to go out and win every game. We know how to do it, but it’s going to be a challenge every week.’Shawn Raney

Thursday, August 21, 2014 • 19 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAl spain park

In the backfield, junior Wade Streeter will attempt to replace last year’s leading rusher, Otis Harris.

“He’s an outstanding kid, one of our hardest workers and a pleasure to be around,” Raney said of Streeter. “He’s a little bit of a thicker back (5-foot-11, 170 pounds) but he’s a slasher with quick feet.”

Sophomore Larry Wooden also is expected to receiving playing time at running back. But Raney said the Jags “don’t have much depth behind those two, so we hope we can keep them healthy.”

The receiving corps will consist of seniors Derek Williams, Trent Harper, Owen Carr and Marcus Strong, and juniors Kourtney Moore, Parker Kelly and Bridge Suber.

“I don’t think we have a big-time player in the group but they are quite talented,” Raney said. “I am pleased with the depth we have at the posi-tion.”

Spain Park returns three regulars from last season along the offen-sive line––senior guard Jack Winchester, senior tackle Harrison Dickson and junior tackle Grey Best. Raney said the other starting guard and center positions will likely come from a group consisting of seniors Matt Barrentine and James Harris and junior Soloman Davidson, with junior Bryan Ortega also vying for playing time.

“This is the thinnest spot on our team. We’re trying to build some depth,” Raney said. “We

have kids who can play, but we just have to fig-ure out who they are.”

The defensive front will be led by junior end Jonah Tibbs, who Raney said “will be a top col-lege prospect.”

The rest of the starting defensive line will consist of Will Dailey at the other end, Chad Abner at nose tackle and Deontae Baskin at tackle. The backups will be Johnathan Mote at nose tackle, Douglas Henze at tackle, and Will

Lambert and Damon Wright at the defensive end spots.

Marino leads linebacing corps

The linebacking unit will be anchored by senior EJ Marino, a three-year starter and Division-I college prospect. He will be joined in the lineup by returning starter Perry Young and either Luke Silver or Houston Hollis. Jordan Cade and Chester Hutcherson will also be in the mix.

The Jaguars are loaded in the sec-ondary, with three

seniors who have been starting since they were sophomores––free safety AJ Smiley, cornerback Rondarius Johnson and cornerback Michael Jackson, who is receiving looks from some Division-I schools. Jordan Dukes and Hunter Bartlett will be the strong safeties and Keion Jones will play some at cornerback.

“They are all pretty good,” Raney saidJunior Crosby Gray will handle both the

punting and placekicker duties. q

Spain Park 2014 Schedule

Aug. 22

date OppOnentAustin

Aug. 29 at Hueytown

Sept. 5 Thompson*

Sept. 12 at Tuscaloosa Cty*

Sept. 19 Hewitt-Trussville

Oct. 2 Hoover*

Oct. 10 at Vestavia Hills*

Oct. 17 Oak Mountain*

Oct. 24 at Mountain Brook*

Oct. 31 at Bessemer City*Region game

To: 822-9163From: Over The Mountain Journal, phone 205-823-9646, fax 205-824-1246 Date: August 2014

This is your AD prOOF from the Over The MOunTAin JOurnAl for the Aug. 21, 014 issue. please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.


please initial and fax back within 24 hours.if we have not heard from you by 5 pm of the Friday before the press date,




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Homewood | Cahaba Village | Mountain Brook Village Hoover | Greystone | Columbiana | Trussville

By Lee Davis

Journal SportS Writer

It’s almost football season at Vestavia Hills, and everyone on campus has heard the news about Buddy anderson.the legendary coach finally has an iphone.

anderson – a proud and persistent hold-out against modern technology – insisted it was no big deal that his traditional flip phone was traded for a shiny new model.

“this is what the school gave me so i use it,” he said, smiling. “personally, i’m just as happy with landlines.”

of course, there’s also that other big story mak-ing the rounds as anderson begins his 37th year at the rebel helm. With a career record of 308-124-1, he is only two victories away from surpassing Fayette County’s Waldon tucker as the winningest coach in the history of alabama high school foot-ball.

But to the ever-modest anderson, becoming the state’s all-time victory leader isn’t any more of

a big deal than getting a new phone.“people are always asking me about the record.

it isn’t about me,” he said. “it’s about the young men and coaches who have built this program and the community that has supported them.”

Whomever the record is about, anderson’s first opportunity to break it will come when the rebels visit oak Mountain on Sept. 5.

“of course i’m concerned about that game, but i’m concerned about every game we play,” he said. “We open with Homewood and play nine others. i’ll worry about them one at a time.”

Vestavia’s 2014 season is historic in another

sense, too. the rebels move up to the alabama High School athletic association’s new Class 7a, a 32-team super conference entailing the state’s largest schools. Vestavia is aligned in region 3, which includes Hewitt-trussville, Hoover,

Mountain Brook, oak Mountain, thompson and tuscaloosa County, and may be the toughest league this side of the Southeastern Conference’s Western Division.

“We won’t know how this new set-up will work until we get into it,” said anderson. “But we should fire the athletic director who gave us this schedule.”

of course, he was joking. anderson is the rebels’ athletic director.

For all the changes, Vestavia looks ready to be a powerful force again. anderson has an impressive group of veterans returning from last year’s squad which went 11-3 and fell one game short of playing for the Class 6a title.

“our kids are

20 • thursday, august 21, 2014 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAlvestavia hills

Vestavia Hills at a Glance

new pHone, old HabItsAnderson Aims For Record

In New Alignment

Key playersVestavia Coach Buddy Anderson with Rebel players front row, from left: Michael Woods and Christian Palmer. Back: Grant Logsdon and Daniel Gosdin.Journal photos by Marvin Gentry

2013 record: 11-3Head coach: Buddy AndersonStadium: Thompson Reynolds Stadium at Buddy Anderson Field (5,000)Class 7A, Region 3Region opponents: Hewitt-Trussville, Hoover, Mountain Brook, Oak Mountain, Spain Park, Thompson, Tuscaloosa CountyState championships: 1978, 1980

Members of the 2014 Vestavia Hills High School varsity football team are Robert Marshall, Hunter Webb, Daniel Sims, Coleman Kitchens, Remington Patterson, Jeremiah Smith, Joshua Denney, Travis Saunders, Brett Jones, Michael Stockard, Levi Wiggins, Garret Lee, Steadman Gully, Sam Wiggins, Mitchell Langley, Ryan Dobbs, Landon Crowder, Daniel Gosdin, Zach Meadows, Nathan Turner, Max Hopkins, Tucker Queen, Jake Hopper, Christian Palmer, Collins Dunn, John Michael Pierce, Isaiah Flowers, Nolan Turner, Morgan Long, Cole Gannaway, James Harris, Manraj Singh, Jackson Ewing, Bo Norman, Reid Adams, Cason Fisher, Ford Waters, Conner Rohling, Hunter Acton, Michael Woods, Walker Minor, Marshall Powell, Steven Thackerson, Sam Lawson, Toliver Chatwood, Cooper Jones, John Morgan, Ray Murphy, Dixon Jones, Will Kerby, Alex Hall, Jo Jo Ross, Hunter Cline, Austin Miller, Parker Hilburn, Carter Jacobs, Will McKinney, Ethan Guidry, Ryan Goodwin, Kenny Chestnutt, Jake Swinson, Jack Graffeo, Lamar Gilbert, Austin Chandler, Tommy McKenna, Grayton Brooks, Addison Stewart, Stuart Bradley, Nate Lewis, George Dazzio, Walker Padgett, Clayton Farris, Cam Pruitt, Dillon Campbell, Austin Maynard, Will Philpot, Trey Kew, Garrett Greiner, Brendan Morgan, Patrick Nuss, James Edwards, Alex Goodwin, Reed McMahon, Stone Brooks, Clay Kerby, Hayden Haynes, Alex Robin, Walter Thomas, Ty Roberts, Whitt Watts, Hamilton Haynes, David McLean, Ben Cage, Barrett Striplin, Jacob Edwards, Hayes Lucas, Aaron Dixon, Prescott Gilbert, Michael Schroeder, Slade Stewart, Parker Robbins, Will Hartsell, Grant Logsdon, Jacobi Hudson, Riley Williams, Will Hopkins, Sam Harvey, Joseph Travis, Davis Gurosky, Parrish Nichols, Sam Jenkins, Curry Howard, Brandon Pennington, Davis Bunn, Pete Turner, Chris Murray, Whitt Harrelson, Jack Hatchett, Davis Moers, Tre Hayes.

‘Our kids are giving great effort in practice. But as always during this time of year, we have a long way to go.’Buddy Anderson

Thursday, August 21, 2014 • 21 OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAl vestavia hills

giving great effort in practice,” said the coach. “But as always during this time of year, we have a long way to go.”

At the heart of Vestavia’s offense is senior quarterback Landon Crowder, who is likely to be one of the region’s best signal-callers. Junior Brett Jones – who would likely start at many schools – is a capable backup.

“We’re blessed to have two fine quarter-backs,” said Anderson.

The fullback is senior Daniel Gosdin, with Morgan Long, Jo Jo Ross, Will McKinney and Michael Woods all in contention.

Carter Jacobs and Christian Palmer will divide time at tailback, with Walker Minor and Bo Norman also enhancing the Rebels’ always potent running game. Jacobs and Palmer are seniors. Minor and Norman are juniors.

Crowder will have a corps of quality receivers as targets. Sam Harvey and Sam Wiggins will see a lot of playing time, and Remington Patterson, Joshua Denney, Michael Stockard and John Michael Pierce are very much in the picture.

The tight end may be junior Davis Gurosky, whose father Scott was a Rebel standout in the 1980s. Grant Logsdon and Riley Williams will rate a look, too.

Vestavia’s offensive line could be one of the team’s greatest strengths as three starters return.

Seniors Ben Cage and Austin Chandler are stalwarts at the tackle spots, with help from David McLean and Garrett Greiner. Senior Hayes Lucas

returns at a guard slot, with Addison Stewart, Whitt Watts and Reed McMahon also in the mix.

Clay Kirby leads at center, with Cage and McMahon also possibilities.

“I would go to war with our three returning starters,” said Anderson. “A big key to our season will be how well the line comes together.”

Jack Hatchett returns as the kicker, along with Curry Howard and Sam Jenkins.

Young DefenseVestavia’s defense

will be young and relatively inexperienced. The redoubtable Dalton Campbell, the 2013 Over the Mountain Journal Football Player of the Year, has gradu-ated.

Competing for the defensive end positions are juniors Sam Lawson

and Dillon Campbell and seniors Chris Murray, Austin Maynard and Pete Turner.

Juniors Alex Robin and Clayton Farris are returning starters at tackle. Providing important depth will be Tre Hayes, David McLean, Ty Roberts, Prescott Gilbert, Stone Brooks, Alex Goodwin, Patrick Nuss and Slade Stewart.

Steadman Gully, a junior, is the only returning starter at linebacker. Vying for the other spots are Michael Woods, Hunter Acton, George Dazzio, and John Morgan.

As usual, the Rebels have plenty of quality in the secondary. Cole Gannaway, Levi Wiggins, Max Hopkins, Ryan Dobbs and Ryan Goodwin are working at the cornerback posts. Coleman

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This is your AD PrOOF from the OvEr THE MOuNTAiN JOurNAl for the August 21, 2014 issue. Please fax approval or changes to 824-1246.

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Vestavia 2014 Schedule

Aug. 29

date OppOnentHomewood

Sept. 5 at Oak Mountain*

Sept. 12 at Hewitt-Trussville*

Sept. 19 Mountain Brook*

Sept. 26 at Oxford

Oct. 3 Thompson* HC

Oct. 10 Spain Park*

Oct. 17 at Hoover*

Oct. 24 Tuscaloosa County*

Oct. 31 At Shades Valley*Region game

See VeStaVia, page 22

Kitchens, Reid Adams, Jackson Ewing, Zach Meadows, Cason Fisher and James Harris are working at strong safety. Meadows’ father Murray was a Rebel star a quarter of a century ago.

Prospects for the other safety spot are Nolan Turner and Hunter Webb.

“We need to get better at every practice,” said Anderson. “Then we’ll get a better idea of how far we have to go.”

The coach isn’t kidding about the sched-ule. After a jamboree format scrimmage with Briarwood on Aug. 22, Vestavia opens with Class 6A rival Homewood. After a visit to Oak Mountain, the Rebels face Mountain Brook, up-and-coming Hewitt-Trussville and Oxford on con-secutive Friday nights. And oh yes, Vestavia visits Hoover on Oct. 17.

“When people see our schedule they under-stand why I’m not focusing on breaking records,” said Anderson. “I just want to win some games.”

True enough, but Anderson has always seen coaching as more than a career. For him, it’s truly

a spiritual calling that he has felt since his teen-age years.

“I remember the date – Jan. 12, 1968,” Anderson recalled. “God called me to be a high school coach. Since that night, coaching is all I’ve wanted to do.”

He can often become emotional when talking about the role football can have in the life of a young man.

“I think of it as the last fortress,” he explained. “A young man can gain lessons on the football field that he won’t get in a classroom, a book or even on google. On the field, he can learn about hard work, sacrifice and the need to get along with others. You don’t get that everywhere any-more.”

Anderson said a retirement date is not on his radar.

“I’ve been coaching the sons of some of my former players,” he said, smiling. “If I’m here so long that I’m coaching their grandsons, then maybe I need to look at doing something else.”

Rebel fans can relax. That’s not going to happen anytime soon. Buddy Anderson has an appointment with the record book and a new iPhone to master. q

play to make the final 35-10. They rubbed our noses in it. We used that as motivation to get ready for the next season.”

In reality, Homewood had much more than motivation on its side as the fall of 1974 approached. The Patriots had accumulated an impres-sive array of talent, led by a nucleus of more than two dozen seniors. Many of the upper classmen had played together since their pre-teen years at Edgewood, Shades Cahaba or Hall Kent elementary schools.

“We called audibles at Edgewood,” said Weaver, who played center. “With Murray (Legg) in the backfield, we felt like we’d gain at least 10 yards on every play.”

While senior tight end Wade Kirkpatrick, linebacker Rick Powers, Legg and junior wide receiver Mark Robbins would eventually earn schol-arships to SEC universities, it may have been the lesser-known players who took Homewood to the top.

“It’s extremely important to remember that the reason we won was because of the guys who didn’t get much publicity,” said Legg. “Everybody had a role to play. Everyone was an important part of the team and they knew it.”

Bresler’s policy toward dressing players for a game was consistent with Legg’s words.

“Some schools liked to dress out a lot of players for games – some of whom had no chance of getting to play that night,” said Bresler. “We were different in that if a young man dressed for a game, there was a good chance he was going to play. Whether it was offense, defense, special teams or just coming in for extra point or field goal attempts, any young man in a Homewood uniform had to be ready to come in and play at any time.”

But if the Patriots’ prospects for a strong season were promising, Bresler and his staff took nothing for granted.

An intense off-season program included boxing and wrestling-style drills. Another patented workout included players running up and down the steep set of steps near the school

parking lot. “Nobody got in trouble because

if they did those drills weren’t going to be fun,” said Weaver, laughing. “It was the ultimate in peer pressure. If somebody didn’t toe the line, they were made to understand that it was going to hurt the entire team. But most of our guys were too tired to be getting into much trouble anyway.”

Bresler didn’t let up with the com-ing of fall practice. He took his team to Camp Mac at Mount Cheaha near Munford. And while the Patriots’ experiences at Camp Mac may not have been quite comparable to Bear Bryant’s legendary practices at Junction City, Texas, they may have been the closest thing to it.

“We didn’t go to Camp Mac in a Greyhound,” Weaver recalled. “And this definitely wasn’t like going to summer camp. All we did was eat, sleep and practice football. But it was a great experience because some of us had never spent any time together away from school or football practice. Camp Mac brought us together in a way that nothing else could have.”

The pre-season practices weren’t for the faint-hearted but once the sea-son began the pace slowed a bit.

“We didn’t really practice on Thursdays before games” said Bresler. “We just did a little walk-through. We were big believers in our players hav-ing fresh legs in the fourth quarter.”

As bright as things looked for the Patriots, they still weren’t getting much respect from the local sports media. Coach Shorty White’s Banks teams had claimed two consecutive Class 4A state championships and were heavily favored to win their third in a row. Woodlawn – led by the great Tony Nathan – was also expected to be among the state’s elite. Homewood was largely overlooked.

That viewpoint slowly began to change on a rainy and muddy opening night in late August when the Patriots opened against always-rugged Jess Lanier in Bessemer. A spectacular catch of a wet ball by wide receiver Joe Wurtele of a pass from Legg gave Homewood its first touchdown of the season.

“It was a typical Joe Wurtele catch,” said Legg. “The only player

I ever saw who had better hands was Ozzie Newsome.”

Legg wasn’t the only player with a high opinion of Wurtele’s ability.

“Joe won’t admit it but it’s true,” added Weaver. “He would dive for ball and we would say ‘did he really catch that?’” We were more of a veer-oriented running team, but we couldn’t have had a better receiver than Wurtele.”

The score got Homewood off to a strong start as they blasted the Tigers 22-0.

Bresler’s team got its first signa-ture win of the season a week later with a 21-6 over perennial power Jeff Davis in the first game ever played at Homewood’s newly-christened Waldrop Stadium. The Legg-to-Wurtele passing combination and spectacular running of Jimmy Lee Edwards, along with great defensive play from tackle Mike Wald and line-backer Tommy Wingo, sparked the hosts to a 21-6 win.

The Patriot Express was derailed the next week when Hueytown upset Homewood 30-23 on Friday, Sept. 13.

“It was disappointing to lose but we didn’t let it get us down,” Wurtele recalled. “And we had a feeling we’d see them (Hueytown) again.”

Homewood rebounded with an easy win over Shades Valley. The Patriots showed their versatility against the Mounties by moving Legg to running back, while star defensive back David Fleisher – the backup quarterback – assumed most of the work behind center.

After the 37-0 domination of Valley, stern tests against Walker County and Minor were next. Against the Vikings, Legg’s touchdown pass to Robbins in the fourth quarter gave the Patriots a 22-18 come-from-behind victory. A week later, Legg’s pass to Wurtele put Homewood in position for Larry Riffe’s scoring run and a 29-24 comeback against the tougher-than- expected Tenacious Tigers.

Solid–– if unspectacular–– wins over Vestavia Hills and John Carroll brought Homewood’s record to 7-1 as the Patriots journeyed to Columbiana Road to play Berry, the traditional over-the-mountain kingpin coached

by the already-legendary Bob Finley.Homewood controlled both sides

of the line of scrimmage and physi-cally dominated the Buccaneers. The final verdict of 14-0 marked the first time Berry had ever been shutout at its home field.

Bresler felt the win over Finley and Berry marked a late turning point in the season.

“After that, I felt we had the confi-dence to win the state championship,” he recalled. “We had three compo-nents going our way: we didn’t have any serious injuries, we had great team chemistry, and we had ‘luck.’ When I say ‘luck’ I mean the kind of good fortune any team has to have when it wins a championship.”

After a 48-6 rout of Mountain Brook, the Patriots concluded their schedule with a 9-1 record and earned a berth in the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s new post-season format.

Homewood didn’t draw an easy number in their first-ever playoff game. As Wurtele had predicted, the Patriots visited Hueytown in the first round.

The venue was different and so was the result. Legg’s touchdown run in the fourth quarter gave Homewood a 21-14 victory.

Next up for the Patriots in the quarter-finals was Bresler’s long-anticipated rematch with Banks. The Jets were handicapped by the loss of All-American quarterback Jeff Rutledge due to injury but brought a champion’s pride to Legion Field where they found themselves the unexpected underdog.

“Without Rutledge, we knew Banks didn’t throw the ball well, so we put as many people in the box as we could,” said Bresler.

The strategy worked. The Jets fumbled on their first three posses-sions and never mounted a serious offensive threat. David Zarzaur’s touchdown run and two field goals by Tim Calloway gave Homewood a decisive 12-0 win and ended Banks’ dynasty forever.

There was nothing stopping Homewood after dethroning the Jets. The following week, the Patriots rolled over a gigantic Anniston team

18-0, in a game far more lopsided than the final score indicated.

The AHSAA’s new format called for the Class 4A state championship game to be played the first Friday night in December at Legion Field. Homewood’s opponent was a rising power from the wiregrass, Dothan High School, led by quarterback Steadman Shealy.

The visitors from the South weren’t daunted by the Patriots’ accomplishments and fought to a 7-3 halftime advantage. But Edwards’ 21 yard touchdown dash in the third quarter gave Homewood a 10-7 lead it never relinquished and the Patriots’ long road to a state championship was complete.

“There may have been more tal-ented teams that year,” said Bresler. “But we just had a group of blue collar type guys who were smart and determined to win. That’s what made this group so special.”

First and foremost the story of Homewood in 1974 was about the value of teamwork.

“Our success was all about every-body working together,” said Legg. “The guys who didn’t get their names in the paper very often were the ones who made it happen for us. I can’t emphasize that enough.”

The victory was sweet, but time – as the case with life itself – marched on. Bresler – by then a hot coaching commodity – took a lucrative posi-tion at Talladega and coached at other schools before entering private busi-ness. The heroes of ’74 moved on as well, going on to success in athletics, academics, business or other fields.

At least one of those 1974 veter-ans enjoyed championship glory a second time. Wurtele’s son Houston played on Homewood’s 2002 state championship team.

“It was exciting to me that my son got to share the same experience as I did,” said Wurtele. “That was a lot like reliving our championship year.”

For the last 40 years, the 1974 Patriots have had much to relive – and celebrate. And it all started in a cramped junior high lunchroom when a young coach shared a vision with a group of young boys that became a modern legacy. q


‘74 Patriots,From Page 2

VestaVia,From Page 21

The best news for Mountain Brook is the numbers game. The Spartans have 135 players from grades 10-12 on their roster–the most in school history. That includes 37 seniors and 59

sophomores.“The kids here respond to work and disci-

pline,” Yeager said. “It seems that the harder we work them, the more guys come out the next year. That’s a good problem to have.”

There are a lot of good things going on at Mountain Brook. They should add up to a busy November in 2014. q

Mountain Brook,From Page 15

Mountain Brook wide receiver Drew Odum

was one of the area’s best last

season. Journal file photo by

Marvin Gentry


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