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School Spirit: Spain Park senior cheerleaders Page 26

Thursday, October 1, 2020

OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL Week 6 scores Page 27

Josh Lundy has helped lead Hoover to a 6-0 start, completing 91 of 147 passes (61.9%) for 1,505 yards and 14 touchdowns with only two interceptions.

Competitive #Edgg New Oak Mountain Volleyball Coach Bonds With Her Players

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By Ru in E. G ant ed to play quarterback for the Hoover Bucs. It’s something he dreamed about as a kid while growing up in Hoover.

The first month of Grace Burgess’ first season as Oak Mountain’s volleyball coach exceeded her expectations.

The Eagles fashioned a 14-7 record despite not making it out of pool play last weekend in the Heffstrong Tournament, hosted by Spain Park.

“It has been amazing,” Burgess gushed, “much better than I thought it

‘COLLECTIVE EFFORT’ Lundy Shares the Credit for Bucs’ Success

Josh Lundy has always wantSee EAGLES, page 26

He has been on the Bucs’ varsity since he was freshman, but this season, his senior year, he’s finally Hoover’s full-fledged starting quarterback. And he’s making the most of the opportunity.

Lundy has helped lead Hoover to a 6-0 start, completing 91 of 147 passes (61.9%) for 1,505 yards and 14 touchdowns with only two interceptions. Last Friday in a 28-6 victory against Prattville, he completed 14 of 26 passes for 181 yards and two touchSee LUNDY, page 27

Oak Mountain’s Olivia Steed (9) and Hudson Durrett (10) competing in the Heffstrong Tournament at Spain Park last weekend.

‘Offensive analyst’ Stan White on the sidelines for John Carroll Catholic last Friday.

Culture Change Stan White Helping New John Carroll Coach Try to Turn Cavs’ Football Program Around

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On the eve of Auburn’s season-opening college football game against Kentucky, Tigers broadcaster Stan White was on the sidelines for John Carroll Catholic’s high school contest at Moody.

White has been at all the Cavaliers’ games this season, acting as a volunteer assistant coach under first-year John Carroll head coach Will Mara, a former Cavs’ player and assistant himself.

“Coach Will came and asked me if I’d come and help,” White said. “I told him if he needed me to help out, I’d be glad to help.

“I’m kind of an offensive analyst, sort of a new set of eyes. I’m having a lot of fun.” Mara is glad to have White around.

“He told me he would be as involved as much as I wanted him or as little as I wanted,” Mara said. “He’s come in and he’s really loving it. He’s doing a great job. We’re blessed to have him.”

White already was coaching in John Carroll’s feeder system. He’s the offensive coordinator and play caller for the John Carroll Middle School team.

“I’m enjoying that,” White said. “My kids go to Prince of Peace in Hoover. My oldest son, Braden, is a seventh grader and he’s playing football. My younger son, Harrison, is in the fifth grade and I have a daughter, Lucy, who’s 8. I coach her in softball.”

It Takes a Full Staff

White, a former Berry/Hoover, Auburn and New York Giants quarterback, said the focus shouldn’t be on him, but on Mara and his coaching staff.

“Coach Will is a good guy,” White said. “He’s really trying to change the culture at John Carroll. It’s not going to happen overnight, but

‘In the short time he’s been here, coach Will has created excitement and a culture change. I’m honored that he asked me to be a part of it.’

STAN WHITE

he’s making progress and putting the pieces in place to succeed.

“He’s put together an incredible staff with guys who have played at all levels, high school, See CHANGE, page 27