OTMJ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL u OTMJ.COM
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020
FOOTBALL AUGUST 20, 2020
OVER THE MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL 2020 PREVIEW
safety in
SMALLER numbers
High school football stadiums won’t be packed with fans shoulder-to-shoulder this year as OTM schools move to limit attendance at games to prevent the spread of coronavirus. See story in our 2020 OTM High School Football Preview inside this issue.
BRIARWOOD PAGE 6
HOMEWOOD PAGE 8
HOOVER PAGE 10
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
JOHN CARROLL PAGE 12
MOUNTAIN BROOK PAGE 14
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OTMJ.COM
OAK MOUNTAIN PAGE 18
SPAIN PARK PAGE 20
VESTAVIA HILLS PAGE 22
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH INSIDE:
TEAM PROFILES SCHEDULES TEAM PICTURES ROSTERS
PLUS:
A LOOK BACK AT HOMEWOOD’S EPIC 2000 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Friday Night Lights Will Look Different This Fall As OTM Schools Move to
END OF THE LINE Mountain Brook senior Strother Gibbs, who made his first appearance on the varsity as an eighth grader, is entering his third season as the Spartans’ full-time starting quarterback. PAGE 4
Limit Attendance at High School Football Games PAGE 2
Oak Mountain vs Vestavia 2017 Journal file photo by Lee Walls.
FALL FASHION
Journal photos by Marvin Gentry
SOCIAL
2 • Thursday, August 20, 2020
OPINION/CONTENTS
Inside
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Murphy’s Law
I HEFNER TO LEAD HOMEWOOD Homewood Resident Named New School Superintendent PAGE 8
A PLACE TO PLAY Vestavia Hills Officially Opens Cahaba Heights Park PAGE 10
THE NEW FASHION STATEMENT Assistance League’s PrimeTime Treasures Crafter Spends Pandemic Making Mask PAGE 16
SPARTANS ON THE MOVE Mountain Brook Volleyball Team Ready for New Challenge in Class 6A PAGE 20
ABOUT TOWN 4 PEOPLE 6 NEWS 8 LIFE 10
Football, Football, Rah, Rah … Really?
several hours, even though there’s love football. The game mirrors my nowhere else I’d rather be. Sure, most approach to life: try something, fail, games will be played outdoors, but try something else, fail again, but even with 80% of the people masked after you’ve tried for a reasonable (and let me just say, seriously, what is amount of time, win or lose, you stop with those other 20%???), all that rahand watch a marching band. rah-rah-ing directed toward the 50-yard For a long time, sports opportunities line could create a body fluid cloud that were slim. I have no idea how the Off would waft willy-nilly throughout the Track Betting people stayed afloat, stadium. The poor players and cheerunless fans were betting on how many leaders, of course, would take a direct times the COVID task force used the hit. words “mitigate” or “out of an abunYou’ll have to forgive me. dance of caution,” but that sounds like more of a drinking game challenge. Sue Murphy Sometimes I get stuck in worst case We are indeed thirsty for some scenario mode. Maybe everything will be fine. Let’s go with that. legitimate competition, so I was glad So … let’s talk about tailgating. to see that some institutions are If the players are Following the recommended guidegoing to try to put together a football lines, you could tailgate with nine of season … or at least part of me was. doing it to hear the We’ve been holed up for so long that roar of the crowd, they your closest trusted and masked friends if you BYOB, BYOF(ood), any little ray of normalcy lifts my and offer your pregame rah-rah’s spirits. But, the loving, caring, some- may be disappointed. from a six-foot distance. You’ll probwhat reluctant grownup part of me It’s uncertain how ably have to yell. looked at those eager young men much crowd will be in The alternative would be to stay being sent out there to physically home and watch the game (again, if engage with each other at close attendance. there is one) on TV. To create a true range for my entertainment and felt tailgate experience, you could haul more than a little ashamed. It’s not exactly the Roman emperor sending the indentured glad- your TV out into the hot asphalt driveway and drink iators out into the coliseum, but still … lukewarm beverages out of a Solo cup while you ate a Now, I know the players want to play. I mean, why plate of bad nachos. If you’re looking for even more else would a person run around in triple-digit heat wearauthenticity, you could stick a tiny bootleg bottle of ing 10 pounds of protection only to be thrown to the rock hooch in your sock. If you have nine other such motivated neighbors and hard turf again and again and again? You have to love a long extension cord, you could all gather in the cul-dethe game. sac and sweat together. At halftime, you could crank up a If the players are doing it to hear the roar of the Beatles/Queen soundtrack and simultaneously run everycrowd, they may be disappointed. It’s uncertain how much crowd will be in attendance. As of this writing, the one’s sprinkler systems for a makeshift dancing waters seating arrangements are still TBA. extravaganza. It’s a little crazy, but these are desperate Even if they open wide the gates, I probably won’t be times. Like I said, I don’t know what’s going to happen. All in attendance. My biggest outing the past four months I know is that, boy, right now, I could really use a marchhas been to go to the grocery store, so I do not see ing band. myself sitting cheek-to-jowl with 85,000 strangers for
SOCIAL 12 SCHOOLS 14 FASHION 16 SPORTS 20
otmj.com With everything that’s happening “Over the Mountain,” it can be difficult to keep up. That’s why we have launched the OTMJ newsletter. Published every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday - we’ll give you a quick recap of the latest news, sports and social events as well as a heads up on upcoming events so you won’t miss any of the interesting and fun happenings in the Greater Birmingham metro area. To sign up for our newsletter, visit otmj.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, @overthemountainjournal, for daily updates on what’s going on around town, too.
Over the Mountain Views
BACK TO SCHOOL WEEK
OVER THE MOUNTAIN
Vol. 30, No. 2
Over The Mountain Journal is a suburban bi-weekly newspaper delivered to Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County areas. Subscriptions for The Journal are available for $24 yearly. Mail to: Over the Mountain Journal, P.O. Box 660502, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. Phone: (205) 823-9646. E-mail the editorial department at editorial@otmj.com. E-mail our advertising department at mwald@otmj.com. Find us on the Web at otmj.com. Copyright 2020 Over The Mountain Journal, Inc. All rights reserved. The Journal is not responsible for return of photos, copy and other unsolicited materials submitted. To have materials returned, please specify when submitting and provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope. All materials submitted are subject to editorial review and may be edited or declined without notification.
3Creative Montessori
Photo courtesy Creative Montessori in Homewood
August 20, 2020 JOU RNAL Publisher & Editor: Maury Wald Copy Editor: Virginia Martin Features Writer: Donna Cornelius Staff Writers: Emily Williams Photographer: Jordan Wald Editorial Assistant: Stacie Galbraith Sports: Rubin E. Grant Contributors: Susan Murphy, June Mathews, Emil Wald, Marvin Gentry, Lee Walls, Bryan Bunch Advertising Sales: Julie Trammell Edwards, Tommy Wald, Gail Kidd
in Homewood welcomed students back to school on Monday. Faculty and staff spent a portion of their summer adapting to the “new normal” through their toddler and primary summer programs. See story on page 18. Homewood city schools kicked off the new year on Aug. 19, while Hoover, Mountain Brook and Vestavia were set to open on Aug. 20. Shelby County schools opened on Aug. 13.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, August 20, 2020 • 3
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4 • Thursday, August 20, 2020
Think of Laura
11th Annual Head Over Teal Goes Virtual for Gynecologic Cancer Awareness
Formed for Laura
Laura Crandall Brown passed away at 25 while battling ovarian cancer. Childhood friend Constance Rutledge said the foundation was inspired by Brown’s desire to help other women fighting gynecologic cancers. Rutledge first met Brown in middle school, but they become close friends after reconnecting in college.
AUG. 20 - SEPT. 3 Thurs., Aug. 20 Sidewalk Sips
By Emily Williams
What: Celebrate the opening of Post Office Pies in Lane Parke by spending the evening shopping and enjoying light sips from Lane Parke tenants, including B.Prince above. Included will be sales, freebies and giveaways. When: 5-7 p.m. Where: Lane Parke Website: mtnbrookchamber.org
Photo courtesy Laura Crandall Brown Foundation
It is estimated that more than 33,000 women will die this year as a result of a gynecologic cancer, according to the Laura Crandall Brown Foundation. Compared to the rest of the country, the state of Alabama is tied for first in the nation in cervical cancer deaths and ranks sixth for ovarian cancer deaths. Throughout September, the nation will recognize Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month. In Birmingham, that means the foundation is gearing up for its eighth annual A State of Teal awareness campaign and the 11th annual Head Over Teal 5K/10K. Since 2009, the foundation has granted more than $500,000 to programs researching methods of early detection of ovarian cancer. In addition, the foundation provides educational outreach to promote gynecologic cancer awareness, as well as patient support. “We are delighted to continue our awareness campaign in September,” said Ramona Graffeo, LCBF executive director. “With no early detection or screening for four of the five gynecologic cancers, spreading gynecologic cancer awareness information is vital to women of all ages and a cornerstone of what we do here at LCBF.”
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
ABOUT TOWN
Aug. 20-23 Art From the Heart
Following CDC guidelines, this year’s Head Over Teal run will break from tradition and be held virtually from Sept. 18 to Sept. 26.
“I loved everything about Laura,” Rutledge said, noting that Brown was the kind of friend who offered a grounding presence. “She loved to read,” she said. “She told me once that she loved the way books smelled. When she picked up a book, she would smell the pages and that’s how she’d decide to read one.” Brown also was known for her artistic ability. One of the most precious things Rutledge owns is a door that Brown painted for her. “I pass it daily and think of her and tell my kids about her,” Rutledge said. Following Brown’s death, Rutledge became involved in the newly formed Laura Crandall Brown Foundation as a way to honor her friend’s memory and feel connected to her. “We used to put on an event called Pirates & Ninjas, which was a party that originated in college, to get the young adult crowd involved and raise money for the foundation,” she said. “It was really an opportunity for a lot of Laura’s friends to get together and have a fun night in memory of
her.” The annual Head Over Teal run was Rutledge’s first experience running – or trying to run – a 5K. The event wasn’t so much about running a perfect 5K, but about the cause. “It was really great to be part of something that was created to honor (Laura) and raise money toward finding early detection and ultimately a cure for the cancer that took her from us way too soon,” Rutledge said. Following CDC guidelines, this year’s Head Over Teal run will be held virtually from Sept. 18 to Sept. 26. Runners can choose to run a 5K or 10K, documenting their race time, sharing photos of supporters and connecting with the LCBF staff and other participants by posting on social media with the notations #headoverteal and #headovertealgoesvirtual. Supporters can follow along on Facebook and Twitter, @ LCBFoundation; Instagram, @lcbfoundation; and YouTube and Flickr at Laura Crandall Brown Foundation. For more information, visit thinkoflaura.org/headoverteal.
What: Studio by the Tracks hosts an online silent auction featuring hundreds of original artwork from its studio artists alongside works by donating artists from around the country. Items include paintings, jewelry ceramics and more. When: Bidding begins at noon, Aug. 20; ending at 8 p.m., Aug. 23 Website: studiobythetracks.org
Fri., Aug. 21 Clays 4 Kids
What: Enjoy a chance to win prizes at aTeam Ministries’ annual sporting clays tournament. This is a great event for the most advanced, as well as the first-time shooter. When: 8 a.m., registration; 9 a.m., safety presentation, 9:30 a.m., clay shoot Where: Selwood Farm Website: ateamministries.org
Virtual Bad Art Night
What: The O’Neal Library hosts its summer favorite via Zoom. Kits will be provided for pickup at the library and include a masterpiece to recreate, craft supplies and the secret ingredient you must include in your work. Prizes for the absolute worst. Registration required. When: 5-6:30 p.m. Website: “Virtual Bad Art Night” Facebook page
Free Friday Flick
What: Grab a blanket, your family and friends and watch a showing of “Sonic the Hedgehog.” When: 6:30-10 p.m. Where: Veterans Park Website: hooveral.org
Sat., Aug. 22 Railroad Park Foundation’s Wine Event: Spectacular Spain
What: The Junior Board presents a virtual wine tasting led by Scott Jones of Jones is Thirsty and special guest, certified Sommelier Carlos Cisneros. Participants will taste and discuss three different types of Spanish wines. When: 7 p.m. Website: “Railroad Park” Facebook page
Aug. 22 and 23 Bow-Up Against Breast Cancer
What: Heritage Archery Club and the BCRFA present a 3-D archery tournament, including a silent auction and prize drawings. Proceeds benefit research at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center.
When: Aug. 22, 7 a.m.; Aug. 23, 2 p.m. Where: Heritage Archery Club, Cullman Website: bcrfa.org
Aug. 24-30 Sidewalk Film Festival
What: This year’s festival will transition to a drive-in providing attendees with a safe option to view the more than 150 features and short films on four different screens. When: Gates open, 6:30 p.m.; screenings, 8 p.m. Where: The Grand River Drive-In at the Backyard of the Outlet Shops of Grand River, Leeds Website: sidewalkffest.com
Sat., Aug. 29 R(un) for One 5K
What: Lifeline presents its ninth annual 5K, where 100% of the proceeds benefit (un)adopted, Lifeline’s international orphan care ministry. This years run will highlight the country of Liberia. When: 7:30 a.m.-noon Where: Veterans Park Website: lifelinechild.org
Tailgate Challenge
What: Enjoy a tailgate party in the comfort and safety of your own home while sharing the experience with family, friends and football fans from all over. Proceeds benefit The Bell Center’s mission to maximize the potential of children at risk for developmental delay. When: 11 a.m2 p.m. Website: thebellcenter.org
Childcare Resources Virtual Fairy Tale Ball
What: Dress in your fairy tale best and enjoy a live-streamed DJ, meetn-greet with characters, a magic show, craft activities, Jedi Academy and more, with children’s packets delivered by a characters. When: 5:30 p.m. Website: ccr-bhm.org
Journey of HOPE “At Home”
What: Share in an evening of inspiration, achievement and entertainment by coming together in a live-stream event honoring the staff and memory of Dr. Gary Edwards, United Abilitie’s CEO of nearly 38 years. When: Stream begins, 6:30 p.m.; live program, 7 p.m. Website: unitedability.org
Aug., 29-30 Barber Double SARRC/Time Trial
What: Join Barber Motorsports Park for 12 races and time trials featuring wheel-to-wheel racing action from an amazing array of cars, with everything from NASCAR-style stock cars to Formula cars. Registration ends Aug. 26 at noon. When: check the website Where: Barber Mortosports Park Website: motorsportreg.com
Sun., Aug. 30 Brunch with the Bachelors: Meet Your Zoo’s African Elephant Herd What: Groups of four and above can enjoy a classic brunch with waffles, private elephant demonstration, tour of the “bachelor pad” with a
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
BBG Prepares to Host Fall Plant Sale on Sept. 12
dedicated expert and a keepsake. When: 10 a.m. Where: Birmingham Zoo Website: birminghamzoo.com
Sept. 1-7 Virtual Art Off the Lake
What: Purchase unique artwork from featured artists from all over the country. A portion of the proceeds directly supports the seriously ill children and families served by Children’s Harbor. Website: childrensharbor.com
Sept. 1-20 Hike the Hill
What: Vestavia Hills Rotary Club hosts a fundraiser to benefit Vestavia Hills City Schools’ PTO programs and other charities. Individuals may “Hike the Hill” (the 1.5 mile course begins at Little Shades Creek Bridge on Morgan Road, and ends at the corner of Lime Rock Road and Panorama Drive) at any time during the two-week period, while social distancing. Website: vestaviarotary.org
Sept. 1-30 Taco Fest Taco Trail
What: This free event will feature an interactive Taco Trail Map to some of Birmingham’s best taco eateries. Restaurants and food trucks will offer specials to those who participate and prizes will be given away every day on social media. Website: barehandsinc.org
Thursday, August 20, 2020 • 5
ABOUT TOWN
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ Spring Plant Sale may have been cancelled due to the pandemic, but preparations for the Fall Plant Sale are full speed ahead. This year’s sale will take place Sept. 12 at the gardens and will feature four plant groups – perennials, native plants, herbs, and trees and shrubs. Social distancing measures will be observed throughout the event. There also will be an array of specialty plants available for preorder. Virtual sales will provide shoppers first dibs on a variety of plants that are specially selected by BBG volunteers and suited for this region. Virtual preorder sales must be submitted by Aug. 24, and orders will be assigned pickup times on Sept. 8 through Sept. 10. Forms can be downloaded This year’s sale will take place Sept. 12 at and printed from the website, bbgardens.org/fall-plant-sale. A the gardens. Social distancing measures will minimum $60 order is required. be observed throughout the event. Completed forms can then be scanned or photographed and sent in an email to plantsales@bbgardens.org. Member priority shopping will take place Sept. 11 from 4:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. The public sale will be held from 8 a.m. until noon Sept. 12.
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Look Forward.
6/5/20 9:20 AM
6 • Thursday, August 20, 2020
PEOPLE
The Longest Day
By Emily Williams On June 20, the day of the summer solstice, the Alzheimer’s Association kicked off a fundraising campaign called The Longest Day. The campaign, which lasts through mid-August, calls on fundraisers to use their creativity. Because of the need for caution during the pandemic, participants can come up with their own ways to raise money from athome or other socially distant activities. Those could include biking, knitting, playing card games and many other things that allow the participant to take part in a favorite activity while raising money for the cause. According to the organization, Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. Alzheimer’s, as well as other forms of dementia, affect more than 5 million Americans, including more than 96,000 Alabamians. Among those raising funds for the campaign were Vestavia Hills residents Catherine Poellnitz and Cole Tenners, each calling on their talents to create fundraising opportunities for the campaign.
Penny Wars
Poellnitz enlisted the help of members of the youth group she leads at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Vestavia Hills. “When I was asked about fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Association, I immediately said yes because one of their biggest goals is
ENGAGE
Vestavia Residents Get Creative to Raise Alzheimer’s Funds looking for a cure, looking for something that can help the disease, doing research and fundraising,” Poellnitz said. Her group for seventh through ninth graders competed against her group for 10th through 12th graders in “Penny War” to see who could raise the most money. While the groups couldn’t meet in typical fashion, members each col- Catherine Poellnitz lected pennies enlisted the help in jars, which of members of Poellnitz col- the youth group she leads at St. lected and Stephen’s Episcopal combined throughout the Church in Vestavia Hills. month. “I think it is so nice to think that something so small, like even a penny, could help … this wonderful association that’s trying to fight Alzheimer’s,” Poellnitz said. She participated in the fundraiser in honor of her grandmother, who died with Alzheimer’s disease when
. EXCITE . EDUCATE
The Cook Museum of Natural Science is a state-of-the-art natural science museum in downtown Decatur, AL that opened last summer. It provides a fun and immersive experience where kids can explore, interact with, and learn about nature.
cookmuseum.org
Poellnitz was in middle school. Poellnitz recalls her many visits to see her grandmother. She said it was hard as the disease progressed to the point that her grandmother did not recognize her or anyone in her family besides her grandfather. “(My grandfather) was always a light spot in the darkness of the whole disease,” she said, adding that he made it a point to feed his wife at least one meal each day. “She lit up right as he came in the room, and just being able to see that happen made things easier.” Even after her grandmother’s death, Alzheimer’s and dementia remain ever-present worries for Poellnitz. Though still a young adult, she worries about showing early signs of memory loss when she misplaces her keys or notices other instances of general forgetfulness. “I feel silly because it’s something so simple, but it’s definitely a concern,” said Poellnitz. “The Alzheimer’s Association is amazing. The work that they do for research and looking for a way to find a cure and fundraising for those things – it’s amazing and I look forward to continuing to help them any way that I can,” said Poellnitz.
Gaming for Research
Sixteen-year-old Cole Tenners was ready to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association before he even knew about The Longest Day fundraiser, reaching out to his local chapter in the early summer to see how he could help out. When representatives told him about The Longest Day fundraiser, he decided to utilize his love of video games Cole Tenners decided to utilize his love to generate money for the of video games to generate money for campaign. Tenners the campaign. hosted a 24-hour live-stream session of himself playing videogames on the online streaming platform Twitch, beginning at midnight June 9. Throughout the session, he provided a link to the Alzheimer’s Association where viewers could donate. He noted that the only people who donated at first were his family members. So, to get the attention of more viewers, he reached out to a larger
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Twitch streamer who goes by the username iSpotYouDrop. “I asked … if he would like to help me with it and he said he was closely affected by Alzheimer’s as well, so he came in and donated some and participated,” said Tenners. Tenners’ own drive to support the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association began with his grandfather. Though his grandfather died when Tenners was 7 years old, he began to decline mentally when Tenners was about 4 to 5 years old. Tenners notes that the disease took away the opportunity to build a memorable relationship with his grandfather. “I was just thinking about how all of my friends get to go hang out with their grandfathers and go fishing with them,” Tenners said. “I never really got to do that, so I wanted to do something about it. “There’s always been that deep void missing there that we never had filled,” said Tenners. Fueled by his memories of his grandfather, Tenners participates in the fundraiser to promote research efforts. “We have 40, 50 or 60 years of our age before we can even get diagnosed with this disease, so I want to try and do something before that can even happen to me,” Tenners said. “I don’t want that to happen.” The Longest Day fundraiser continues through mid-August. For more information, visit alz.org/thelongestday.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Country Music Star Sara Evans to Release Memoir ‘Born to Fly’
The memoir of Mountain Brook resident and award-winning country music star Sara Evans, “Born to Fly,” will be released Sept. 8. The book has been published by Howard Books, a subsidiary of Simon & Schuster. In the memoir, Evans will share stories about her career, fame, family and faith. Drawing on stories from her own life, she shares wisdom on topics ranging from motherhood and marriage to finding your purpose. “I am so excited to release my memoir this year,” Evans said in a release. “With 2020 being the twentieth anniversary of my “Born to Fly” album release, which was such a pivotal project for me and my career on so many levels, this book really brings everything full circle. I am so proud of how it all came together and can’t wait to share it with everyone.” The release of her memoir comes on the heels of the May 15 release of her newest album, “Copy That.” The 13-song album was the first solo record Evans has released in almost three years. On it she puts her own spin on iconic pop and country songs that inspired her throughout her career.
Thursday, August 20, 2020 • 7
PEOPLE Last year, Evans and her children Avery and Olivia Barker collaborated on an album and tour, The Barker Family Band. A multi-platinum entertainer, Evans’ nearly 20-year career includes five No. 1 singles: “No Place That Far,” “Suds in the Bucket,” “A Real Fine Place to Start,” “Born to Fly,” and “A Little Bit Stronger.” The latter spent two weeks in the top slot and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. In addition, Evans has earned the Academy of Country Music Top Female Vocalist accolade as well as Billboard, Country Music Association and Broadcast Media Inc. awards, along with many other nominations. The CMA awarded Video of the Year honors for her chart-topping single “Born to Fly.” For more information on Sara Evans, visit SaraEvans.com.
Hoover’s Yount Named Interim CEO at United Ability Lee Yount, a career disability services leader in the Birmingham community, recently took the reins as interim chief executive officer at United Ability following the death of Dr. Gary Edwards, the group’s long-time CEO. Yount will serve in that position while the Board of Directors of United Ability, searches for a permanent CEO. She started work July 27. Most recently, Yount was CEO of Glenwood in Birmingham. During her
The Clotheshorse
tenure, the organization grew into one of the most significant nonprofit autism and behavioral health service - a designer consignment store agencies in Alabama, according to a press release Men’s, Children’s and Clearance from United The Barn - 3365 Morgan Drive, Ability, which Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 formerly was Women’s United Cerebral Rocky Ridge Plaza Suite 104 Palsy of Greater 2512 Rocky Ridge Road, Birmingham. Lee Yount Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 Yount has more than 40 years of experience supporting people with autism, behavioral Monday-Saturday 10 AM- 6 PM. Closed Sunday health disorders and developmental 205.823.9144 • shoptheclotheshorse.com disabilities, according to the release. “I am very pleased that Ms. Yount, a long-time friend and 30-year colleague of Dr. E, has agreed to serve as our interim CEO while we conduct our search,” Allen Bolton, United Ability board chairman, said in the statement. “Lee’s leadership experience plus her familiarity with United Ability means that she can hit the ground running as a member of our outstanding executive team,” Allen Bolton, United Ability board chairman, said in the statement. “United Ability provided servicesTo: to her brother Becky Jim as a child and adult.From: For that, she is The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 Over ‘forever grateful,’” BoltonDate: added. August 17th Yount said she looked forward to continuing the work of Edwards. This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the “I also look forward to joining the August 20, 2020 issue. United Ability team and supporting our mission of empowering individuals with 2700 19th Place South, Homewood disabilities to live full and meaningful 871-9779 • Tue.-Fri. 10:30-5:30Sat. 11:00-4:30 lives,” she said.
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NEWS
8 • Thursday, August 20, 2020
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
The Homewood Board of Education recently named Dr. Justin Hefner the new superintendent of Homewood City Schools. Hefner, a Homewood resident, took the job as of Aug. 17. He replaces Dr. Bill Cleveland, who announced his retirement in February after 29 years in education. “For 10 years, my wife and I have lived and raised our children in Homewood as I truly believe it is such a special community with some of the best educators in the state. I am humbled and excited to serve the students, staff and families of Homewood,” Hefner said. “Dr. Cleveland leaves a tremendous legacy for the school system, and I am thankful and honored to con-
tinue the mission of Homewood City Schools,” he continued. With 14 years of education experience, Hefner has served as a district administrator, principal, teacher and coach. He joins the Homewood school system from Pelham City Schools, where he has served as the director of teaching and learning academic officer and principal of Pelham Park Middle School. Before joining Pelham schools, Hefner was a teacher, mentor and instructional coach at Homewood Middle School. He also was named the schools’ Teacher of the Year and served on the district’s administrative cohort. Hefner received his bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University
and his master’s in education from Texas State University. In 2016, he earned his education specialist degree from Samford University as well as his doctorate in education. While at Samford, he received the Samford Learning for Life Award and served on the School Leadership Summit Committee. He also is an adjunct instructor at the University of West Alabama and a leadership mentor at Samford. In addition, he serves on multiple committees and boards and is an active member in many professional organizations, including the American Association of School Administrators’ Aspiring Superintendent’s Academy, and is a district representative for the Council for Leaders in Alabama
Photo courtesy Homewood City Schools
Homewood Schools Names New Superintendent
Hefner, a Homewood resident, took the job as of Aug. 17. He replaces Dr. Bill Cleveland, who announced his retirement in February.
Schools. “I would like to thank Dr. Bill Cleveland for the culture he has created at Homewood and my fellow board members for their tireless devotion to the process we followed,” said school board President Charles Douthit.
Crestline Piggly Wiggly’s Arrelia Callins Honored With Mountain Brook Proclamation Mountain Brook city officials and Piggly Wiggly Crestline staff and supporters gathered Aug. 5 to celebrate one of the store’s longestrunning employees, Arrelia Callins. Callins is honoree for the Maranathan Academy’s Focused & Fabulous 2020 Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show, being held virtually Aug. 20 at 11:30 a.m. The luncheon raises funds to support the academy’s scholarship program and its mission to provide quality education to critically at-risk youth in Birmingham. Academy officials dubbed Callins an icon of Southern hospitality through her work and interactions with the community as a cashier at the Piggly Wiggly.
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
A Treasure Known to Be True
Honoring Arrelia Callins, far left, with an official proclamation from the city of Mountain Brook were, from left: Donna Dukes, Stewart Welch, Philip Black, Andy Virciglio and Kathryn Corey.
The honor prompted an official proclamation from the city, read by Mayor Stewart Welch, celebrating her contributions to the community. In response, Callins said she, “feels truly blessed – so, so blessed.” The city’s proclamation stated that Maranathan Academy identifies Callins as “the
living embodiment of all of the character traits that Maranathan strives to instill in its students: faith in God, determination to build integrity, love of mankind, a strong work ethic and the ability to treat all people kindly and with respect. Throughout her 35 years working at the
“The Homewood community requested a specific type of leader for our school system, and I firmly believe Dr. Justin Hefner will be a strong leader for our school system for many years to come.” —Emily Williams
Piggly Wiggly, Welch said, Callins has “built relationships with generations of shoppers through all walks of life and throughout the Mountain Brook community. “A treasure known to be true for all who hold it, her friendship is everlasting and has made the Mountain Brook community a better place because she has been among us,” Welch said. “Miss Arrelia is loved by all of us and we know she gives us love in return.” Guests in attendance, including Piggly Wiggly Crestline co-owners Andy Virciglio and his father Stanley Virciglio, reminisced about her history at the store. Andy Virciglio noted that, at some point in the early 1970s, Callins became one of the first black cashiers at what was then a Winn-Dixie. Stanley Virciglio said he tried to entice her to join the staff at the Piggly Wiggly a few times, but she remained at the Winn-Dixie until it closed. “I told her, ‘If you want another job, you come let me know.’ Because I tried to hire her and she wouldn’t come,” he said. But a few years later, she asked him if that job was still available. “It’s the best hire we have ever made,” he said. – Emily Williams
Children’s of Alabama Scores Grant to Study Cancer Tumors in Children Children’s of Alabama for the second year in a row has received a $75,000 grant from the Starr Children’s Fund, run by the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation. This grant will support continued research to improve understanding of the biological drivers of highrisk pediatric cancer. “Our ultimate goal is to find cures for pediatric solid tumors,” said Dr. Jamie Aye, who works in pediatric hematology oncology at Children’s of Alabama and is assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of
Alabama at Birmingham. “Our research is unique in that we are using actual patient tumors, which is a more accurate way of looking at these cancers. In addition to finding cures, we hope to find treatments that will not involve some of the current late side effects we see so that our patients have the healthiest life possible.” The foundation’s board of directors and medical advisory board selected Children’s from among 18 top-ranking organizations across the country. “Since the Vince Lombardi Cancer
Foundation’s inception, we have given more than $21 million to fund our mission of preventing cancer, providing the best care to those fighting it and finding a cure,” foundation President Trace Tendick said in a statement. “We are proud of our national impact and are excited to be funding some of the most innovative work taking place within the cancer community.” Cancer is the number one cause of death by disease among children, but only 4% of cancer research dollars are spent for projects directed at child-
hood cancers, according to the statement. The Starr Children’s Fund, created by the late Bart Starr and his wife, Cherry, is devoted to raising funds specifically for pediatric cancer research and treatments. “Childhood cancer is very badly underfunded,” Cherry Starr said in a statement issued by the foundation. “Bart and I decided that our future efforts would be to work with children with cancer and raise the money they so badly need.” The foundation is fund-
ing five grants totaling $373,864. In addition to Children’s of Alabama, recipients include Children’s Cancer Therapy Development Institute in Beaverton, Oregon; American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin and Children’s of Wisconsin; and Team Phoenix-Aurora Health Care in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. To learn more about Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation’s funding process or to apply for a grant, visit lombardifoundation.org/fundingprocess.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, August 20, 2020 • 9
NEWS
Photo courtesy Birmingham Zoo
Zoo to Host Virtual Luau to Raise Funds for Emergency Animal Fund
CallStandard.com 205•322•2679
ZooRendezvous chairs, from left: Bronwyne Chapman, Candice McKinney and Ann Blair Gribbin.
For the 2020 Zoo Gala, the Birmingham Zoo has planned a virtual event inspired by a similar fundraiser hosted by the Los Angeles Zoo. The Zoo Rendezvous Virtual Luau, presented by IberiaBank, will take place Sept. 10 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Festivities will include a preshow that begins at 6:45 p.m., Hawaiianstyle music by Electric Avenue, Hula dancers and more entertainment. Chairs for the virtual party are Bronwyne Chapman, Candice McKinney and Ann Blair Gribbin. Honorary chairs include Wally Nall III, Zoo Corporate Relations Director Leigh Laser Collins, and Lisa and Craft O’Neal. While the event is free, the event organizers have planned extras that
guests can purchase as a donation. A variety of meals, wine and swag
It costs at least $30,000 a day to maintain the facility, whether the zoo is open for visitors or closed to the public; this includes $1,000 a day to feed more than 550 animals that call the zoo home. are available for preorder on the fundraising website, givebutter.com/ VtVOT6, and will be delivered to your
GETTING READY FOR A MOVE? door Sept. 10. In addition, an online auction will take place from Sept. 3 CALL CLIMATE until Sept. 12 at 10 p.m. at luau. STORAGE givesmart.com. FOR THE Zoo officials are anticipating a proEASY BUTTON jected $2.7 million dollar loss this year. It costs at least $30,000 a day to maintain the facility, whether the zoo is open for visitors or closed to the PHASE II OPENING SOON public; this includes $1,000 a day to Store and Organize your things. Let us help you with storing your feed more than 550 animals that call things before, during or after your move. You can rent your new unit the zoo home. completely online and we pratice social distancing. The Zoo Rendezvous fundraising Call us today to arrange Your New Space! goal is $400,000, which will benefit FREE 24 HOUR ACCESS • FREE WiFi the Emergency Animal Fund. FREE MOVEHousekeeping, IN TRUCK • FREE LOCK & KEYS • In-Home Care, Including Bathing, Grooming, The event will be broadcast at youtube.com/bhamzoo. For more Meal Preparation, Care, Medication Reminders FIRST MONTH FREE! JUST MENTION THIS AD! To: Incontinence Standard information, visit birminghamzoo. From: Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 720 MONTCLAIR ROAD and Transportation com.
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LIFE
10 • Thursday, August 20, 2020
A Place to Play
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Vestavia Hills Officially Opens Cahaba Heights Park as Construction of New Merkel House Begins
In early 2019, the site that is now Cahaba Heights Park was simply a space to play baseball, a couple of fields in need of repair. This summer, the space has been redesigned and reopened to serve as a multi-faceted park for people across age groups and interests. The city of Vestavia Hills had been planning to breathe new life into the athletic facility for years through its Community Spaces plan. City officials and community members gathered Aug. 14 with social distancing measures in place to cut the ribbon on the newly reopened facility. “Now you can exercise, picnic, practice baseball skills, enjoy parties,” said city manager Jeff Downes. “To say the least, in the near future, you can exercise your dog, as well as enjoy senior programming in a new facility.” The athletic facility on site consists of four turf baseball fields named after local families: Fox, Kelly, Reese and Moss. A new, inclusive playground, designed by Williams Blackstock Architects, features a large play structure, swings, a freestanding climbing structure and a Hyper Shade to provide an escape from the sun. There is also a sizable green space for community members to enjoy the outdoors. Before the grand opening, the park was open to youth baseball leagues and children visiting the playground. “Casual visits will shed light on the fact that the Cahaba Heights community really desires and appreciates nice green space,” Downes said. While at the park over the past few weeks, Downes has noticed children exploring the playground. In addition, the baseball fields have played host to two youth baseball tournaments, which Downes noted were well received by the community. “This is the launchpad for many such opportunities to enjoy this reworked recreation center,” he added.
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
By Emily Williams
City officials, above and below, officially open the athletic facility, that consists of four turf baseball fields named after local families: Fox, Kelly, Reese and Moss, with a ribbon cutting and first pitch.
“New” New Merkel
The final phase for the park will be the completion of a dog park and the construction of the new New Merkel House, a new building adjacent to the park that will serve as a senior center. The project went to bid this summer and construction began this month. It is projected to be complete in January. “The new building will modernize the senior facility opportunity and offer a multi-use opportunity for the entire community,” Downes said. The single-story building will offer large meeting rooms, offices and a programming room.
At the ribbon cutting ceremonies last week Vestavia Hills Public Services Director Brian Davis, above, talked about the park’s history in the Cahaba Heights community.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
‘My Journey Came Full Circle’
UAB Student Tells Her Own Story, Takes Third in National French Essay Contest By Shannon Thomason
“I couldn’t cope with stress, and on top of that, I was searching for a ‘magic pill’ to fix me.” ABBY GARVER
“I couldn’t cope with stress, and on top of that, I was searching for a ‘magic pill’ to fix me,” Garver said. “This didn’t exist. As I became sicker and more heavily medicated, I became acutely aware of the fact that I had lost my former self. It was truly devastating. After I got sick, things that were once easy were hard, if not impossible.” One thing somehow survived the illness — her French abilities were unaffected and continued to improve. French became the one thing that made her feel exceptional and not impaired. It became a cathartic outlet; she began to read and write French poetry. In creative writing, she was less critical of herself than when she wrote in English. It calmed her racing thoughts. French was “a haven,” she said. “In my essay, I say, ‘In English: I think; in French: I feel.’ The essay describes my journey, from the inspiration to learn, mostly due to family, to French becoming my lifeboat in dangerous waters,” Garver said. University of Alabama at Birmingham assistant professor of French Charly Verstraet, Ph.D., said he is delighted with her success. “Abby’s third place in such a competitive and prestigious award for
Abby Garver of Hoover was at the top of her class when she began to learn French in high school. One year later, at age 16, she was diagnosed as bipolar. It shook her world, she said, especially her academics.
Photo courtesy UAB
Abby Garver, who is graduating from UAB with degrees in French and Spanish, shared her struggle through mental illness and won third prize from more than 1,000 submissions in a national contest held by the American Journal of French Studies. The journal sought essays on the question, “Why did you start learning French?” Garver, of Hoover, placed in the top 4% among students from schools such as New York, Tulane, Brown and Duke universities. As a winner for the 2020 edition, her essay, “Mon asile de la folie (My asylum from the madness),” will be published in print. Garver said she first thought the essay’s prompt was not inspiring, so she decided to also write what keeps her passionate about the language. “It’s all related to the same journey and struggle,” Garver said. Garver was at the top of her class when she began to learn French in high school. One year later, at age 16, she was diagnosed as bipolar. It shook her world, she said, especially her academics.
Thursday, August 20, 2020 • 11
LIFE
French studies is a reflection of her sensibility for languages, her unique creativity and her hard work throughout the years at UAB,” Verstraet said. Garver also took the Avant Standardsbased Measurement of Proficiency assessment to qualify for a Global Seal of Biliteracy. UAB is the first university in the state to award the seal. Her degree started as just a French major. UAB’s Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures requires all foreign language majors to take one semester of another foreign language, and she chose Spanish. It came so easily after learning French, she said, that one semester turned into two, then why not a minor? “I couldn’t stay away from that language either,” Garver said. “Before I knew it, the chair of the department encouraged me to seek the double foreign language major. In the end, I did.”
Garver finished her studies at UAB as a full-time student; but for years, it was one or two classes a semester, sometimes none. She began in 2007; by her final semester she was working part time while a full-time student taking all 400-level classes in three languages, and she made the Presidential Honor Roll. In addition to the essay contest, she won second place in a UAB French poetry contest and was named 2020 Outstanding Student in French. She was asked to introduce guest lecturer Edouard Duval-Carrié in February.
Taking Control of Her Life
Garver said her health is much better these days and credits a new psychiatrist, treatment with years of therapy and being on only one medication. “It may sound like bragging, but I am exceptionally proud at how I changed my own narrative and ended
To: From: Date:
my studies, never being so convinced that I would succeed,” Garver said. “My journey came full circle. I worked hard. I never gave up, and I endured the struggle. I was sometimes told that maybe I should just drop out and find another path. I refused. Receiving a diploma was everything to me. It took longer than I would have desired; but in the end, I’ve learned more than I ever could have imagined, and I am ready. I am ready for the next challenge and the next chapter.” Garver thanks her professor Verstraet for his support and encouragement. “He continued to believe in me, from naming me as one of the ambassadors, selecting me to introduce Duval-Carrié and personally telling me I needed to enter the essay contest because I was a good writer,” she said. “When your professors believe in you as a student, it really has a ripple effect.” Garver is focusing her efforts in Washington, D.C., where she hopes to work with her French for the United States government. She is open to working abroad, in another city or in the private sector and “will know the right fit when I find it,” she said. She insists on the importance of mental health and encourages everyone to seek help when they need it. “Asking for help is not a weakness; it’s a strength,” she said. Shannon Thomason is a Public Relations Specialist at UAB.
Store is full of wonderfull antiques
Attic Antiques Over The Mountain Journal, PHONE: 205-823-9646 FAX: 205-824-1246 August 2020
Rehab Reality... by Judy Butler
What’s Your New Normal?
This is a question that is prevalent in today’s world with the coronavirus. It’s also relative to those with addiction. When the addiction to drugs or alcohol takes over one’s life it creates a new normal for the individual. Each day is a challenge of how to escape the death valley of addiction. A recent report stated, “Unlike the stereotypical view of an alcoholic or otherwise chemically dependent person, it’s estimated that approximately 75% of these individuals are highly functional. They are students, housewives, businessmen/women, professionals, and active community members. High Functioning Alcoholics/ Addicts (HFA) are people who are, in fact, chemically dependent but who are able to maintain their external life and in some cases at a very high level. They maintain their obligations with school, work community, and family.” “Many High Functioning Alcoholics/Addicts are often not view by themselves, healthcare professionals, and loved ones as being chemically dependent because they are maintaining a (sometimes high) level of success and achievement in their life. They are often suffering silently with the thought in the back of their head that ‘something is wrong with the way I drink or use drugs.” And because of success their addiction confirms that ‘this behavior is normal’. While it might be their normal time will compound this behavior beyond the ‘normal’. Many clients who come to Bayshore Retreat are over the age of 40. They choose Bayshore Retreat because of its size (limit of six clients at a time), its home environment, and the ability to work remotely from there. It’s not your typical rehab and this is the difference that can make a difference.
This is your AD PROOF from the OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL for the August 20, 2020 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.
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SOCIAL
12 • Thursday, August 20, 2020
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
SOCIAL ANIMALS Hand in Paw Hosts Pet-Friendly Date Night Drive-Thru
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
A
fter canceling the annual Picasso Pets fundraiser due to the pandemic, Hand in Paw created a new fundraiser, Tail Waggin’ Takeout. The drive-thru date night event was hosted Aug. 14 in the Hand in Paw Parking lot. Guests purchased tickets in advance and received takeout meals that included appetizers from A Social Affair, bottles of wine, gourmet cookies for humans, dog treats for man’s best friend from Miss Coco’s One Lucky Dog Treats and a cocktail kit from Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Funds raised through the event will benefit Hand in Paw’s virtual animal-assisted therapy sessions as well as preparations to reenter society following the pandemic.
Clockwise from above: Coco Kennedy and Marigold; Paul ChinLai with Macey, a therapy dog; From left, Hand in Paw Development Director Ashley Foster, Administrative Assistant Lucy Bennett and Executive Director Margaret Stinnett; Mary Shaffer Akin and Eli; and Conor Davis and Bernie.
Hear Ye, Hear Ye
A royal march took place at the Birmingham Zoo on Aug. 15 as kids gathered for the annual Fairytales and Frogs event. Dressed as fairytale characters and creatures, kids were given crowns as they entered and queued up for a socially distant march on a oneway path through the zoo, offering royal waves, curtsies and bows to onlookers. Though there was no meet and greet or photo session as in years past, the Enchanted Princesses were on site, walking and waving to admirers in attendance. ❖
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
Zoo Hosts Annual Fairytale and Frogs Event
Far left, Sariah and Sayuri Kuhn. Left, Nora and Allie Nichols. Above, Brooke and Gwen Weaver.
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Runway Style
Exceptional Foundation Hosts Socially Distant Fashion Show
Thursday, August 20, 2020 • 13
SOCIAL
Exceptional Foundation president and CEO Tricia Kirk, left and Seth Bokatzian were among the welldressed crowd.
On Aug. 6, Exceptional Foundation participants and staff celebrated individuality and creativity with a fashion show. Participants donned their masks and were seated at a social distance throughout the event, each taking their turn to strut down the runway to cheers from the audience. The event is one of many ways the foundation is adapting to health and safety guidelines, according to event officials, requiring the staff to come up with innovative programming ideas. Persevering through the ongoing pandemic, the foundation continues to provide adults and children with specials needs the social and recreational activities they require to promote healthy living, support social relationships, improve life skills and foster community involvement. ❖
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Outside the Box
14 • Thursday, August 20, 2020
SCHOOLS
By Emily Williams
Creative Montessori Reopening Plan Embraces Outdoor Learning
Students spend a lot of time in the garden with the flowers, planting and tending to them.
a typical practice for older kids. “In most of the classrooms you will see that there is a Montessori hand washing lesson,” she said. “You’re away from the sink. You have a basin, a pitcher, some soap and a little nail brush. We haven’t had it in my toddler classroom in a while, so I’m putting that out. What better time to play with soapy water?”
Photos courtesy Creative Montessori School
Schools have struggled throughout the late summer, creating plans that allow their doors to reopen and education leaders to welcome children back to classrooms for the first time since early March. At Creative Montessori School in Homewood - which serves kids from 18 months to eighth grade - school faculty and staff spent a portion of their summer adapting to the “new normal” through their toddler and primary summer programs. Students arrived back to school Aug. 17 to familiar routines as well as new elements implemented to follow guidelines suggested by the CDC and state and local health departments. According to CMS Communications Director Natalie Garcia, students in grades primary and above have the option of learning from home. Those who wish to go back to school will be spending less time mingling and more time outdoors. Working with the rising temperatures of late summer in Alabama, tents have been ordered and will be placed throughout outdoor spaces to provide shade for classes. Students will wear masks while in all indoor spaces and outdoors when appropriate. Toddler instructor Lauren Williams and primary instructor Courtney Davis were among the teachers who led summer classes. Both found that spending more time outdoors was an easy transition for the children, who also took to wearing their masks over time. “It was really nice, because we had smaller numbers over the summer and it allowed us to adjust to the new routine and get a grasp on things,” Davis said. Before the pandemic, classes frequently would mingle, as is typical for a Montessori-style of learning. Williams noted that, because of the pandemic, class sizes will be kept smaller and students won’t interact with other groups, to maintain a lower contact rate. On a typical day, classes also will rotate between indoor classes and outdoor learning spaces. The design of the school already lends itself to the new teaching style, Davis said, and having the tents will enhance students’ ability to learn in the outdoors even on rainy days. “A lot of schools right now are thinking outside of the box, which is a concept quite normal to Montessori schooling,” she said. “Our everyday learning is that we are one with nature.
That’s what we teach the children. There’s nothing different for us there.”
Toddlers
According to Williams, the summer students were outside almost every day in June. Her students range from 18 months to 3 years old, and their lessons both in the classroom and in the outdoors is heavy on purposeful work. Lessons that allow them to take care of themselves and gain some autonomy are a foundation for all future learning, Williams said. “Toddlers love purposeful work,” she said. “They love to put clothes on. They like to wash dishes.” Her students are thrilled each day when they get to go out into their garden and water the plants. This summer, the kids tried something new to them as well as to Williams. They delved into growing food. “I’ve never grown food before, so this was just a big experiment that the kids and I were learning together,” she
said. A hallmark of their success in agriculture was a lone watermelon. Williams said that her class and many others were rooting for this one watermelon for much of the summer, though she was constantly wary that it wouldn’t make it. “I was cutting this gigantic watermelon and feeding it to them, and they just kept asking for more watermelon, more watermelon,” she said. Seeing her students get excited about growing their own food was just as exciting for Williams. Over the summer session, they also made leaps in preparing the kids for fall. Cleanliness is a big hurdle for a small child, especially when spending time outdoors. “They are toddlers,” she said. “They put their hands in their mouths, but we do wash hands a lot throughout the day.” A CMS alum herself, Williams is excited to re-introduce a classic Montessori lesson to her toddlers that is
Primary Students
With her primary students, ages 3-6, Davis has seen a similar love of the outdoors and getting messy. While her students were working from home during the schools’ spring closure, one of her top suggestions for parents were not to sweat the messy stuff. She likes to let her students explore during their outdoor time: playing in the rain and mud, finding worms and the like. Everything in life can be made into an educational opportunity, she said, no matter how small. “If they dug a mud hole and their shoes got muddy, we teach them how to clean their shoes or work on redressing themselves,” she said. Her students spend a lot of time in the garden with the flowers, tending to them and cleaning up the beds when the blooms die off. They also grow herbs and have lessons on grinding the herbs and the sensory experience of smelling them. The students also are allowed to go out and cut flowers themselves and take
Photos courtesy The Altamont School
Altamont Student Selected for NASA Internship to Study Mosquito Habitat Kuleen Sasse, a Vestavia Hills native and senior at The Altamont School, was selected for the prestigious Student Enhancement in Earth and Space Science summer internship. The nationally competitive program sponsored by NASA’s Texas Space Grant Consortium selects students to conduct research using NASA data.
Investigations are being conducted as part of Mosquito Mappers, a SEES team co-sponsored by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies under the NASA Earth Science Education Collaborative project. Team members receive training from NASA scientists on safety procedures, mosquito ecology and habitat, larva identification, land
cover classification and satellite data analysis. Each intern devotes 10 to 15 hours a week in June and July participating in weekly data explorations, developing and implementing a research design and collaborating with NASA subject matter experts. Using the Globe Observer citizen science app and a microscope that clips onto their mobile devices,
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
them back inside for flower arranging lessons. Those arrangements are then placed around the classroom. “We talk about “making the classroom beautiful” by taking things from the outdoors and bringing them inside,” she said. Over the break, Davis also encouraged parents to allow their kids to continue to do purposeful work in nature, whether pulling weeds out in the yard or cutting flowers for an arrangement. “We had one parent who told us everywhere they went their boy said, ‘Oh, I’m just gonna cut this.’ He would bring all of those flowers he cut back home and find a little vase to put them in,” she said. “She said he did this for about an hour. He was so focused.” Building that focus, Davis noted, is an important lesson that prepares students to properly concentrate during lessons in math, science and language. “We’re being mindful that education not only happens in the classroom, but through everything we do in life.” Cleanliness and mask-wearing has also become part of her summer students’ education. Not only did they learn how to wear their masks, Davis taught them about proper mask care, how to store them and when it is appropriate to change your mask, for example, if you have sneezed. “We started out wearing (the masks) for just 30 minutes,” she said. “The next day we would add on more time. So, eventually it got to the point where they were wearing it for the entire time that they were in the building and practicing it a little bit outside on the playground, as well.” Davis and fellow members of the faculty expect that interacting with summer students who are comfortable with the masks will help ease returning students into the new rules. “We are also teaching them to be mindful that (masks) protect other people,” she said. Both Davis and Williams noted that all of these changes have been just as much a learning opportunity for the school faculty and administration as they have been for the kids. Teachers have been able to call on their connections with fellow Montessori schools to glean ideas. “We have connections with schools in Oregon, Atlanta and Florida,” Williams said. “So, we are learning from these other schools about what they are doing to stay safe. “I’m just looking forward to having all of the kids back in class. A lot came back this summer, but there are a few that we haven’t seen since March.” students can report actual and potential mosquito habitats they identify. Paired with satellite observations of temperature, water and vegetation, the data can help scientists forecast a community’s risk of mosquito-borne disease. Kuleen’s experience at The Altamont School helped prepare him for the internship. Altamont encourages students to take charge of their learning, experiences and community.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
SCHOOLS
Thursday, August 20, 2020 • 15
Mountain Brook’s Gaston Earns PEO Star Scholarship
J.T. Matthews
Emma Leggett
Amariah Thurston
Vestavia Rotary Names Students Chosen for Scholarships The Vestavia Hills Rotary Club awarded annual scholarships to three Vestavia Hills High School seniors July 21 via a virtual Zoom meeting. Each $1,500 scholarship is given in honor of three Rotarians who have made significant contributions to the Vestavia Hills Rotary Club and the community. The Ray Hurlbert Strive for Excellence Scholarship was awarded to J.T. Matthews. The Michael Gross Service Above Self Scholarship went to Emma Leggett. Amariah Thurston received the Lindy Martin Builder of Goodwill Scholarship. Matthews plans to pursue his interest in music at the University of Alabama in Huntsville while majoring in aerospace engineering. He was on the VHHS band’s drum major team for three years, president of the Music Performance Club, a National Honor Society member, Scholars Bowl team member and an Eagle Scout. Leggett plans to attend Auburn University, where she will major in biomedical sciences, and continue her studies at the Harrison School of Pharmacy. At VHHS, she was captain of the Rockette Danceline, a chair and a team captain of the Research in Science and Engineering program and an active fundraiser for its charity. Thurston will major in political science and economics at Columbia University. She was a member of Vestavia’s Model United Nations delegation and the Youth Legislature delegation. A member of four honorary societies, she was named Honorary History Student and participated in the Scholars Bowl and the Economics Challenge Team.
We work tirelessly to help kids get well because the world needs to see what Natalie dreams up. WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.
Photos courtesy Republican Women of North Shelby
The local chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood recently presented its P.E.O. Star Scholarship for the 2020-2021 academic year to Alison Gaston, a recent graduate of Mountain Brook High School. Gaston is the daughter of Maury and Nancy Gaston. She was recommended for the scholarship by P.E.O. Chapter T of Birmingham. Alison Gaston This fall, Gaston will attend the University of Alabama, where she plans to pursue a degree in public relations with a minor in political science. The P.E.O. Star Scholarship is a $2,500 scholarship based on excellence in leadership, extracurricular activities, community service, academics and potential for success. The program is open to young women who are citizens or legal permanent residents of the United States or Canada and who are graduating high school seniors at the time of application. A student must be recommended by a P.E.O. chapter.
Members of the Republican Women of North Shelby County present Luke Love with a $1,000 scholarship. From left: Cheryl Landreth, vice president; Liz Bishop, president; Sheila Lyon, treasurer; Luke Love; Melissa Dixon, scholarship committee and Hope Skoney, secretary.
Republican Women of North Shelby County Award Inaugural Scholarship to Oak Mountain Grad The Republican Women of North Shelby County on July 14 awarded its first-ever college scholarship to Luke Love, a graduate of Oak Mountain High School. The $1,000 scholarship has been paid directly to the University of South Alabama, where Love will be a freshman this fall. Love was recommended for the scholarship by Susan Schwartz, AP U.S. government and politics teacher at Oak Mountain. “Luke is an example of a future Republican Party leader,” Schwartz said. “He is quick to demonstrate his core values that match the core values of leaders serving others, not themselves or special interests. Luke loves his country and believes that America is exceptional and is a world leader. Luke is kind, compassionate, but firm in these beliefs.”
Essays were judged by educators, who unanimously selected Love based on his academic and extracurricular achievements at Oak Mountain. According to organization officials, Love graduated with a 4.5 GPA and scored a 35 on the ACT. He plans to become an orthopedic surgeon. “I will forever be mindful of the drive required to help make the world a better place,” Love said. Love’s father, Chris, is the head basketball coach at Oak Mountain High School and his mother, Sarah, is an AP English teacher. In addition to his studies, Love played in the marching band at Oak Mountain and will be a member of the band in college. “I have felt no greater sense of citizenship or patriotism than when playing our nation’s national anthem
before Friday night football games,” Love said. Money to fund the scholarship was raised through a barbeque and the raffle of an American flag quilt made by club member and master quilter Alma Gaertner. According to President Liz Bishop, the club plans “to continue offering scholarships each year to deserving high school seniors, and I hope our local students will take advantage of becoming more involved with our party and volunteer to make their voices heard. It could really pay off! Our scholarship was created to provide an opportunity for collegebound students ready to make their mark on the world. We are proud to award this scholarship to Luke Love and will follow his bright future at South Alabama and wherever his career leads him.”
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FASHION
16 • Thursday, August 20, 2020
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Fall Fashions
Journal photos by Jordan Wald
JOURNAL PHOTOS BY LEE WALLS
By Emily Williams
a little money, but it also gives them money too,” Johnson he hot new accessory said. Giving back with her gift for summer, fall and of sewing continues to be beyond is undoubtedimportant to her. ly the mask. PrimeTime Treasures is While some people opt for one of three Assistance a simple paper mask, stores League projects. It seeks to throughout the Over the offer senior citizens a place to Mountain area have equipped sell their crafts and supplethemselves with more fashment their incomes. In addiionable options, allowing tion, the retail space hosts the wearers to coordinate with Encore thrift store, which raistheir outfits and express es funds for Operation School themselves while hiding their Bell. That program provides own expressions and remainnew clothes to underserved ing healthy during the elementary school children in Assistance League’s PrimeTime Treasures COVID-19 pandemic. the Birmingham area. At the Assistance League’s At first, Johnson thought Crafter Spends Pandemic Making Masks PrimeTime Treasures storethat she would sell a bunch of front on Oxmoor Road in masks in the first month and Homewood, Robin Johnson’s hand-sewn then people wouldn’t come back for more. She masks are piquing the interest of shoppers. was wrong. While the store was closed at the begin“I sold as much in June as I did in July,” ning of the pandemic, Johnson was busy honshe said. ing her new craft. She joined a Facebook She was commissioned to make a mask of group devoted to enlisting the help of local every single color she had so the buyer could coordinate with her outfits each day. sewers to make masks for health care workers “So, I thought maybe the shop would want when PPE was scarce. those, too,” she said. “Maybe someone else is “We were making the homemade washthinking about that. So, I did that, I gave them able ones so (nurses, doctors and such) would two of every color I have.” never have to wear their medical masks outShe made solid-colored masks in case side of surgery or any other situation that schools required students to wear those. Some called for real medical masks,” she said. have, she said, but most have opted to tell stuJohnson was able to speak with one of the dents simply that their masks should be tastenurses for whom she made masks, who ful if they are patterned. worked in the COVID-19 unit at UAB and “Most people want one that has something told her the hospital required hospital staff to At first, Johnson thought that she would sell a bunch of masks in the to do with them,” she said. “They want dogs, wear masks every second they were on campus. With the help of local sewers, they could first month and then people wouldn’t cats or flowers.” come back for more. She was wrong. It has called her to become creative, espewear their medical PPE while working and cially when designing masks for men. switch to a washable, hand-sewn mask when She has some Marvel fabric for comic book leaving or entering the hospital. and superhero fans, a space theme and a map scene. There are also “I started on April 2,” Johnson said, adding that she donated masks for men that feature buffalo plaid. Some are plain, some about 500 masks before PPE supplies were restored. have paw prints and some have deer heads. Gaining Popularity “The most I have sold of any one design, it has been Alabama,” Just as the need for mask donations began to dwindle, Johnson she said. “And Auburn is a very close second.” noticed in June that sales of her handmade dog bandanas picked up The outlet to sell her work has been much needed for Johnson, at the newly reopened PrimeTime Treasures. who typically sells some of her products at local craft shows, all of “I called them and asked them why, all of a sudden, did my dog which have been cancelled for the remainder of the year. bandanas start selling; and she said that people were buying them “I was really glad, and I still am, to have something to do,” she for masks,” she said. said. “When it was so important for us to crank (masks) out as fast Eventually, shoppers began asking for actual masks, and as we could, that was pretty stressful for me. I don’t work well Johnson was happy to oblige as she had a huge amount of leftover under that kind of pressure when I’m sewing, so I’m enjoying it a materials from her donation work. lot more now by doing it for the shop, because there is no number “I liked being able to sell them at the store because it gives me commitment. It’s entirely up to me.”
The New Fashion Statement
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Photo special to the Journal
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, August 20, 2020 • 17
FASHION
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Fall Fashions
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DETAILS
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4. Emily Maye Eustice is wearing Eurotard’s wrap skirt, $18, with a Mirella embellished mesh leotard, $50, and Capezio Hanami ballet shoes, $25. Ashlyn Hays is wearing a Dance N Motion cutaway zebra mesh top, $25, with Capezio paneled leggings, $47, and Capezio Hanami pirouettes, $25. Applause Dancewear, 205-871-7837. 5.Lisa Sharp is wearing a Mumu floral, bell-sleeved top, $38, with Frame denim skinny jeans, $45, BCBG booties, $28, and a Longchamp handbag, $78. Her look is complete with a necklace, $12, and acrylic earrings, $8. Second Hand Rose, 205970-7997. 6. Step out in style in Pierre Dumas taupe booties with a stacked heel, $49.99, and Very G Sunshine Leopard canvas heel booties, $49.99. Flip Flops & What Nots, 205-967-7429.
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Journal file photo by Jordan Wald
18 • Thursday, August 20, 2020
‘We’re social distancing, wearing masks, checking temperatures, making sure everything is sanitized and wiping the balls off during practice. We’re mindful that we need to keep the safest possible environment.’
HOMEWOOD From page 20
Journal file photo by Marvin Gentry
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
SPORTS
Outside hitter Alex Hershbine
Padgett guided Homewood to a 31-16 record, an area championship and a super regional appearance in her only season as head coach, in 2019. Meanwhile, Freedman was all set to begin her sixth season as an assistant at Hoover under head coach Chris Camper. She wasn’t thinking about leaving, until Gann called. “It was such a great opportunity that I definitely wanted to explore,” Freedman said. “It was crazy how it happened. He called me at 11 o’clock and I was (at Homewood) at 2:30 p.m. for an interview. I met with coach Gann and the principal, Mr. (Zack) Barnes.” In three days, Freedman was offered the job and was more than happy to accept. “I’m blessed to be in this position,” she said. “I think I fit well with the girls.” Freedman is familiar with Homewood since she attended school in the Homewood system from kindergarten through the 10th grade. She played basketball and volleyball for the Patriots as a freshman and sophomore under coaches Susan Cook and Nivada Spurlock. She transferred to Vestavia Hills for her junior and senior years and played both sports there under Mandy Burgess and Fran Braasch. “I am blessed to have had such amazing coaches as role models and mentors,” Freedman said.
After high school, Freedman continued her volleyball career at the University of South Carolina, playing libero in 2004-2005. She eventually received a Bachelor of Science in economics from UAB, where she also earned her master’s in education. Throughout her coaching career, Freedman has been the head coach of numerous club teams through the Birmingham Volleyball Club, but she credits Camper for her becoming a high school head coach. “Coach Camper has been such a great mentor,” Freedman said. “He has supported me 100%. He allowed me to grow in the classroom and in coaching, improving myself so I could make the transition to a high school head coach.” Since she wasn’t hired until July, Freedman had to hit the ground running, getting to know her players and getting them ready for the season while also adhering to safety guidelines during practices because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’re social distancing, wearing masks, checking temperatures, making sure everything is sanitized and wiping the balls off during practice,” Freedman said. “We’re mindful that we need to keep the safest possible environment.”
Opening Rally
Homewood opens the season Thursday at Clay-Chalkville and will play in the Juanita Boddie Tournament Friday and Saturday at the Finley Center in Hoover. Freedman likes what the Patriots
will bring to the court. “I think we have a pretty strong team,” she said. “We lost only two seniors off last year’s team, so we have several veterans returning.” The Patriots have six seniors, including setter Abby Wilson and her twin sister Jane Wilson, a defensive specialist. The others are defensive specialists Emma Johnson and Sarah Smith and outside hitters Alex Hershbine and Xeo Jenkins. This is Smith’s first season to play high school volleyball because she was playing club volleyball in the past. She already has committed orally to Memphis. The strength of the Patriots’ team comes from its juniors, including Olivia Brown, who is transitioning from middle hitter to outside hitter; Mackenzie Yoakum, a 6-foot, lefthanded outside hitter; Olivia Outman, a setter; Haley Callaham, a libero; and Lilly Janas, a middle hitter. Versatile sophomore Shawnise Gregory also will receive some court time. “She’s athletic and quick,” Freedman said. Homewood will compete in Class 6A, Area 9 along with Mountain Brook, Briarwood and Chelsea, which reached the state tournament last year. Mountain Brook is dropping down to 6A after winning the 7A title in 2019. “We’re in a tough area, but we’re excited about playing Mountain Brook and the other teams in our area,” she said. “It will make us play faster and increase our tempo. I think we’re up for the challenge.”
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, August 20, 2020 • 19
SPORTS
‘Huge Honor’
Blackburn Recognized as PGA Teacher and Coach of the Year
Journal file photo by Marvin Gentry
That core of returning players from last year’s state championship team includes senior outside hitter Celie Field, below, senior libero Evelyn King, and junior middle hitters Greer Golden and Hannah Hitson, above.
SPARTANS Brook has been reclassified as Class 6A. The Spartans set a school record with 59 victories last year, but gone from that team are Carr, an outside hitter; the Vandevelde twins, Ann, a setter, and Liz, a libero; outside hitter Mary Katherine Fowlkes; and middle hitter Kate Amberson. “We basically had the same group of kids in the first three years I’d been here, except for one or two new ones second year,” Mountain Brook coach Vickie Nichols said. “This is the first year I’m replacing half a team. “We’ll have six new people, but we have a core of four very good players coming back.” That core includes senior outside hitter Celie Field, senior libero Evelyn King, and junior middle hitters Greer Golden and Hannah Hitson. “Those girls have been showing in practice that they can carry the load,” Nichols said. “I’ve been very impressed with them. Having Hannah and Greer back in the middle is great. I am really excited about them.” With Carr gone, Nichols has to find someone to join Field at outside hitter. The top two choices are senior Lilly Gilbert and junior Lucy Redden. “Lilly didn’t play with us last year, but she started for us two years ago so I am excited to have her back,” Nichols said. “She’s a hard worker. Lucy is very athletic, and she can also play right side or middle.” Sophomore Sims Kilgore is the likely starter at right side hitter. “She played on the varsity last year as a freshman and she’s still growing as a player,” Nichols said. Replacing Ann Vandevelde as set-
Journal file photo by Jordan Wald
From page 20
ter has been another priority for Nichols. “We’ve got three girls who we’re working in that spot,” Nichols said. “They are all capable, but we’re trying to figure out who will start.” Sophomore Alaina Long, who was the backup setter as a freshman, might be the favorite to start, but she has strong competition from junior Anna Betah and freshman Hannah Parant. Rounding out the roster are senior utility player Megan Lee and junior defensive specialist Alexandra Carlson. The Spartans will open the season Thursday at home against John Carroll Catholic and will compete in the Juanita Boddie Tournament Friday and Saturday at the Finley Center in Hoover.
Although Mountain Brook has moved down a class and won’t have to contend with 7A powers McGillToolen and Hoover, the Spartans will face stiff competition in Class 6A. Among the top teams in 6A are two-time defending class champion Spanish Fort; Hazel Green, which has reached the Class 6A title match three of the past four seasons; Jasper, which won the Class 5A crown in 2019 and is moving up; Pelham; and Hartselle. “It’s going to be a fight for us, but it should be fun,” Nichols said. “We’re looking forward to it. “I know some people are underestimating us because of the players we lost, but we’ve got some good girls on our team and they are working hard. I think we’re going to be fine and we’ll find a way to win.”
Mark Blackburn was doing what he’s been doing for 20 years when the announcement came that he was receiving what he termed a lifetime achievement award. He was in Memphis early last week, coaching one of his golfers as the golfer prepared for the World Golf Championships-FedEx St. Jude Invitational. While he was there, the PGA of America announced that he was the recipient of the 2020 PGA Teacher & Coach of the Year Award for his “outstanding services as a golf teacher, innovator and coach.” Blackburn is a 14-year PGA member in the Alabama-NW Florida Section and director of instruction at Greystone Golf & Country Club. “It’s a huge honor,” Blackburn said after returning to Birmingham from Memphis. “The national teacher and coach of the year award is given to one person annually. It’s the Mt. Rushmore of golf teachers. All the teaching greats have been chosen. “It’s a career achievement award for me. I am excited to represent Greystone and the Alabama-NW Florida Section.” Blackburn is a decorated PGA member, a four-time Alabama-NW Florida Section PGA Teacher of the Year (2008-2010, 2015) and two-time Alabama-NW Florida Section Horton Smith Award recipient (2011, 2018). The Horton Smith Award was renamed the PGA Professional Development Award this year. Blackburn also is one of Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Teachers and one of Golf Digest’s 50 Best Teachers in America. His Blackburn Golf Academy develops and coaches juniors, club golfers, elite amateurs, and college and professional clients from around the world. Among the many PGA Tour golfers taught by Blackburn are Chez Reavie, Kevin Chappell, Charley Hoffman, Mike Weir and Heath Slocum. A native of England, Blackburn came to the United States in 1994 on a golf scholarship to the University of Southern Mississippi, where he was a letterman and team captain. Following college, he had aspirations of playing professionally, but inconsistencies and injuries led him down a new path, studying the golf swing, teaching theories and coaching philosophies. Those findings transitioned into Blackburn’s
Photo courtesy PGA of America
By Rubin E. Grant
Blackburn is a 14-year PGA member in the Alabama-NW Florida Section and director of instruction at Greystone Golf & Country Club.
“Coaching Codification,” which applies a holistic, sport-science approach to teaching and coaching golfers. He founded Blackburn Golf in 2000 and continues to work with golfers of all levels, focusing on each student’s unique movement patterns to develop an efficient and repeatable technique for their desired ball flight. In conjunction with coaching, Blackburn is a passionate educator, keen to share knowledge while presenting to PGA Sections and International Federations around the world. Since the spring, Blackburn has had to adjust the way he teaches because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’ve been fortunate to do a lot remotely with ladies and men,” Blackburn said. “Technology work is great, but it’s challenging. “And when we have instruction in person, we’ve been following all the precautions with masks and social distancing. We’re doing everything outside at Greystone and doing things in line with the CDC guidelines.” Blackburn is part of a group of 12 PGA Professionals and one PGA Section receiving the PGA of America’s 2020 national awards. “This year’s national award winners are proven leaders and innovators in the game and business of golf, and the PGA of America salutes their accomplishments and passion for the sport,” said PGA President Suzy Whaley. “These 2020 recipients represent the best of the association and inspire our nearly 29,000 PGA professionals to reach new heights every day, as they strive to grow the game and drive our profession to a new standard of excellence.”
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SPORTS Thursday, August 20, 2020 ❖ OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Blackburn Recognized as PGA Teacher and Coach of the Year PAGE 19
Freedman Comes Full Circle to Coach Homewood Volleyball Team
By Rubin E. Grant
Andie Freedman was in her classroom at Hoover High School one Monday morning in July when her phone rang. On the other end was Homewood athletic director Doug Gann, asking her if she had any interest in becoming the Patriots’ head volleyball coach. The position came open suddenly when Cynthia Padgett moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, because her husband, Scott Padgett, the former Samford men’s head basketball coach, accepted an assistant coaching job at New Mexico.
See HOMEWOOD, page 18
Mountain Brook Volleyball Team Ready for New Challenge in Class 6A Journal photo by Jordan Wald
The Mountain Brook volleyball team might have taken a step down in classification, but don’t expect the Spartans to take a step back. After winning the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 7A state championship in 2019 with a senior-laden team, led by Player of the Year Grace Carr, Mountain New volleyball coach Andie Freedman is familiar with Homewood since she attended school in the Homewood system from kindergarten through the 10th grade.
Junior middle hitter Greer Golden
See SPARTANS, page 19
BIRMINGHAM THE SUMMIT | 209 SUMMIT BLVD. | BIRMINGHAM, AL | P: 205-970-9758
MONDAY–SATURDAY 10AM –6PM SUNDAY 12 –6PM
Journal file photo by Marvin Gentry
By Rubin E. Grant
FOOTBALL AUGUST 20, 2020
OVER THE MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL 2020 PREVIEW
BRIARWOOD PAGE 6
HOMEWOOD PAGE 8
HOOVER PAGE 10
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
JOHN CARROLL PAGE 12
MOUNTAIN BROOK PAGE 14
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OTMJ.COM
OAK MOUNTAIN PAGE 18
SPAIN PARK PAGE 20
VESTAVIA HILLS PAGE 22
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH INSIDE: TEAM PROFILES SCHEDULES
PLUS: A LOOK BACK AT HOMEWOOD’S EPIC 2000 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
END OF THE LINE Mountain Brook senior Strother Gibbs, who made his first appearance on the varsity as an eighth grader, is entering his third season as the Spartans’ full-time starting quarterback. PAGE 4
Friday Night Lights Will Look Different This Fall as OTM Schools Move to Limit Attendance at High School Football Games PAGE 2
Journal photos by Marvin Gentry
TEAM PICTURES ROSTERS
OTM FOOTBALL PREVIEW
2 • Thursday, August 20, 2020
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
SAFETY IN SMALLER NUMBERS Friday Night Lights Will Look Different This Fall
By Rubin E. Grant
H
DOUG GANN, HOMEWOOD ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
a person from another household except to the extent necessary, and only to the extent necessary, for players, coaches, and officials to directly participate in the athletic activity.” In a memo sent to schools on Aug. 6, the Alabama High School Athletic Association wrote that schools are “strongly encouraged to establish and follow policies for limiting event attendance in order to comply with the current public health order, and to require fans to wear facial coverings while entering and exiting the gates, while in the stands, and elsewhere.” Visiting teams will be allotted two tickets per player and cheerleader at the Patriots’ home games. Tickets will be available only through GoFan, and when the 25% capacity is reached, there will be no more tickets for that particular game.
“We’re not going to have a good student turnout,” Gann said. “It’s not because we don’t want to, but because we can’t do it.” There also will be cashless concessions to prevent long lines at the concession stands. Other schools are taking similar measures.
“I am concerned that someone who has been going to our games since the first one in 1973 will show up and not be able to get in because they don’t have a digital ticket.” The Lions will not charge for parking, but concessions will be different.
The Hoover Met
‘I’ve always told our guys I don’t care if we’re playing in a cow pasture, I just want to play football. So if you like playing football with almost nobody there, this will be it.’
Hoover athletic director Andy Urban said the Bucs will be at half capacity for its home games at the Hoover Met, beginning with Friday’s game against Dothan. “The Met seats about 10,800 spectators, so we’ll have about 5,000 fans,” Urban said. “After we get in central personnel like the band, we’ll have about half of the stadium left for fans. It might be bigger for some games, such as Spain Park. “The biggest thing is there will be signage everywhere telling folks to social distance and masks are required.” The Bucs will allow only fans with digital tickets to enter to cut down on the number of help personnel, such as ticket takers. Fans can also pay for parking digitally, which Urban strongly suggests. “We can take a credit or debit card for parking, but that means it will take more time to get into the stadium,” he said. Even though the Bucs sell a booster club membership pass for its home games, Urban said there will be more tickets available for each game. When fans enter the Met, they will have to go left or right to enter the portal to their seats. Only the band will be allowed to enter through the middle section. “It’s going to be different and it’s going to be different for the teams,” Urban said. “For the number of players we have, you can’t fit them all into the locker room for them to remain socially distant, so we’ll have to do something different. And we have to get something in place for the opposing team.”
CHRIS YEAGER, MOUNTAIN BROOK FOOTBALL COACH Journal file photo by Marvin Gentry
‘We’re going to be at 25% capacity and that’s not including the band. We’re going to take the band and spread it out and take up half the bleachers, and even have some on the visitor’s side. The cheerleaders will be on the track as always.’
Spain Park students attending a game against Hoover last year at the Hoover Met.
Journal file photo by Jordan Wald
omewood athletic director Doug Gann spent much of the second week of August in meetings with administrators in the Homewood school system and the people who manage Waldrop Stadium. They were trying to craft a plan for fans to safely attend the Patriots’ home football games during the COVID-19 pandemic. One thing is for certain, going to games during the 2020 high school football season will be different for Homewood fans and the other Over the Mountain schools as fewer fans are allowed in. “It’s crazy,” Gann said. “Everybody is trying to hit a moving target. When you think you have a plan in place, it changes. We think we have a good plan, but we’ll see what happens.” Homewood is scheduled to open the season Friday at 7 p.m. against Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa at Waldrop. “We’re going to be at 25% capacity and that’s not including the band,” Gann said. “We’re going to take the band and spread it out and take up half the bleachers and even have some on the visitor’s side. The cheerleaders will be on the track as always. “We’re going to have every other bleacher for fans. We hate it because it means a lot more people will not get to come.” Homewood is complying with the state of Alabama’s current Safer at Home public health order. It states, “Players, coaches, officials and spectators may not congregate within 6 feet of
Mountain Brook will have about 15% capacity for its home games at Spartan Stadium, which seats 4,500.
Briarwood at Half Capacity
Briarwood also will have half capacity for its home games at Lion Pride Stadium, which normally seats 2,800, plus standing areas. “It’s not been easy coming up with a plan for our home games,” Briarwood athletic director Jay Mathews said. “We’re going to contactless tickets, so all of our tickets will be digital. You can’t get in without a digital ticket and a face mask.
“We’re going to limit it to prepackaged food and bottled drinks,” Mathews said. “We’re going to have mobile concessions to limit the time people congregate in lines. We won’t have food trucks as we’ve done in the past. “We are going to livestream every game so our grandparents and other fans will be able to watch the games.”
Mountain Brook Fan Limit
Mountain Brook will have about 15% capacity for its home games at Spartan Stadium, which seats 4,500. “We’ll have about 600 fans in the stadium, so we’re going to be playing in front of smaller crowds,” Mountain Brook coach Chris Yeager said. “Players will get only two tickets each for their families. “I’ve always told our guys I don’t care if we’re playing in a cow pasture, I just want to play football. So, if you like playing football with almost nobody there, this will be it.”
Thursday, August 20, 2020 • 3
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Over the Mountain
2020 Football Schedule BRIARWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
Date
Opponent
Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 23 Oct. 30
Date
Madison Academy Spain Park Chelsea Woodlawn Huffman Mortimer Jordan Shades Valley Mountain Brook Homewood Corner
Location HOME AWAY AWAY HOME HOME AWAY AWAY HOME AWAY HOME
JOHN CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL
Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30
Date Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23
Oct. 30
Opponent
Location
Fultondale Moody G.W. Carver Cordova Fairfield Parker Ramsay Pleasant Grove Wenonah St. Clair
AWAY AWAY AWAY AWAY HOME HOME HOME AWAY HOME HOME
SPAIN PARK HIGH SCHOOL Opponent
Huntsville Briarwood Hewitt-Trussville Thompson Gadsden City Oak Mountain Hoover Vestavia Hills Tuscaloosa County Hueytown
Location AWAY AWAY HOME HOME AWAY AWAY HOME HOME AWAY AWAY
Date Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 15 Oct. 23 Oct. 30
Date Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 9 Oct. 15 Oct. 23 Oct. 29
HOMEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL Opponent
Hillcrest Vestavia Hills McAdory Chelsea Woodlawn Huffman Shades Valley Mountain Brook Briarwood Pelham
Location HOME
CANCELLED
HOME HOME AWAY AWAY HOME AWAY HOME AWAY
MTN BROOK HIGH SCHOOL Opponent
Vestavia Hills Huntsville Woodlawn Huffman Shades Valley Thompson Briarwood Homewood Chelsea Austin
Location CANCELLED
HOME AWAY AWAY HOME AWAY AWAY HOME HOME AWAY
Date
HOOVER HIGH SCHOOL Opponent
Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23
Date
Dothan Bessemer City Vestavia Hills Gadsden City Oak Mountain Prattville Hewitt-Trussville Spain Park Tuscaloosa County Thompson
HOME HOME AWAY HOME HOME HOME AWAY AWAY HOME AWAY
OAK MTN. HIGH SCHOOL Opponent
Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30
Date
Location
Chelsea Pelham Gadsden City Vestavia Hills Hoover Spain Park Tuscaloosa County Thompson Hewitt-Trussville Pace
Location
HOME HOME AWAY HOME HOME HOME AWAY HOME AWAY AWAY
VESTAVIA HIGH SCHOOL
Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30
Plus tax, title, and administrative fee. All rebates to dealer. Rebates subject to change without notice.
Opponent
Mountain Brook Homewood Hoover Oak Mountain Tuscaloosa County Thompson Hewitt-Trussville Spain Park Gadsden City Shades Valley
Location CANCELLED CANCELLED
HOME AWAY HOME AWAY HOME AWAY AWAY HOME
4 • Thursday, August 20, 2020
OTM FOOTBALL PREVIEW
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
END OF THE LINE Gibbs Sets Sail on His Final Season as Spartans’ Quarterback
By Rubin E. Grant
C
Journal file photos by Lee Walls
hris Yeager is entering his 15th season as Mountain Brook’s head football coach, but it seems like Strother Gibbs has been his starting quarterback during his entire tenure. That’s because Gibbs made his first appearance on the Spartans’ varsity in a spring game when he was in the eighth grade. As a freshman, he was the back-up quarterback behind senior Hamp Sisson. Then, Gibbs took over as the starter as a sophomore in 2018, and this fall he’s entering his third season of running the Spartans’ offense. “He’s finally a senior,” Yeager said. “It just feels like he’s been here forever.” The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Gibbs finds it incredible that 2020 will be his final season with the Spartans. “It’s hard to believe,” Gibbs said. “I feel like I should have a couple of more years left,” he added with a laugh. “It’s gone by fast.” Gibbs had a solid sophomore season in his first season as a starter, then had a breakout season in 2019 as a junior, despite playing the Spartans’ final four games with turf toe, the result of a torn ligament. He completed 97 of 155 passes for 1,290 yards and 10 touchdowns, and he rushed for 758 yards and 14 touchdowns as the Spartans finished 8-3 and reached the first round of the Class 7A playoffs. Gibbs downplayed his 2019 performance. “I feel like my teammates put me in a great position to succeed,” he said. “My teammates were great leaders. They told me how to act in practice and in games and to remain calm.”
Cool Passion
Gibbs’ calm demeanor might not be noticeable because of the fire and passion with which he plays. “On the outside, it looks like I’m worked up,” Gibbs said. “I just naturally look tensed up. But on the inside, I am calm.” Gibbs’ coolness was on display last year in the Spartans’ signature victory of the season, an 11-10 upset of Hewitt-Trussville. Mountain Brook trailed 10-3 with less than three minutes remaining when Gibbs led them on a scoring drive that included two fourthdown conversions. Gibbs capped the march with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Jake Thompson on a fourth-and-goal play with 10.9 seconds remaining. What followed was one of the wackiest, most improbable two-point conversions ever. The play was designed to be a reverse pass from receiver Paulson Wright back to Gibbs, who took the snap while in the shotgun and handed it off to running back Sam Higgins. But Higgins was hit before he could pitch the ball to Wright and it bounced out to the 20-yard line before Wright scooped it and, while just in bounds, flung it into the air off his back foot. Thompson caught the ball near the goal line and two Hewitt defenders pushed him into the end zone to complete the immaculate conversion and give the Spartans an amazing victory. “I’ve probably watched that play 150 times,” Gibbs said. “Our center thought he had messed up the snap and he was apologizing. I told him it was a good snap and exchange, and it all worked out. We won.”
Gibbs had a solid sophomore season in his first season as a starter, then had a breakout season in 2019 as a junior, despite playing the Spartans’ final four games with turf toe, the result of a torn ligament.
Yeager appreciates the passion and intensity Gibbs brings to the game. “The thing I love about Strother is his desire to compete,” Yeager said. “And he’s a complete player. He’s a good runner, good passer and good decision maker.”
Taking the Leadership Role
Gibbs’ leadership will take center stage this season with the graduations of Higgins, tight
end Crawford Golden and offensive lineman Andrew Fleming. Golden and Fleming were both named to the 2019 OTMJ All-OTM team. “I’m going to miss those guys,” Gibbs said. “I played with them a long time. It’s going to be really weird with them not here. But I think I’m ready to be more of a leader.” The Spartans are dropping down from Class 7A to 6A this season, but Gibbs expects the year to be a challenge. “The competition level will still be tough,” he said. “The only change is from 7A to 6A. We still have to be ready to play each week. “Our expectations are still the same. We expect to make a run in the playoffs and go as hard as we can and control what we can, such as going hard in practice as well as games.” The Spartans’ season opener against archrival Vestavia Hills was canceled because of a COVID-19 outbreak on the Rebels’ team. Mountain Brook had attempted to schedule another opponent but at press time had not. Instead, the Spartans will open the season Aug. 28 at home against Huntsville. “It’s disappointing we can’t have a game the first week, but the important thing is for everybody to stay safe under these circumstances,” Gibbs said. “Now, we’re just looking forward to Huntsville.”
‘The thing I love about Strother is his desire to compete. And he’s a complete player. He’s a good runner, good passer and good decision maker.’ CHRIS YEAGER, MOUNTAIN BROOK FOOTBALL COACH
Thursday, August 20, 2020 • 5
OTM FOOTBALL PREVIEW
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
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6 • Thursday, August 20, 2020
BRIARWOOD CHRISTIAN
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
Members of the 2020 Briarwood Christian School varsity football team are: Miller Stubblefield, Brooks Donnelly, Brady Waugh, Cal Higdon, Sawyer Tindall, Isaac Roberts, Luke Hand, Luke Gilbert, Vraj Patel, Cohen Luker, AJ Davis, Parker Hutson, Eli Steadman, William Lloyd, Reece Garner, Sam Gage, Jakob Brower, Christopher Vizzina, Payton Clement, Sawyer Russell, Seth Alford, Haddon Stubbs, Riley Margene, Luke Reebals, Nicholas Dicen, Grant Bruce, Tyler Smith, Ethan Anderson, Pierce Reichle, Bailey Salmon, Peyton Steed, Tyler Waugh, Alastair Harris, Daniel Corbin, Sam Hoff, Harrison Self, Robert Beason, Vance Hopkins, Mathis Tindall, Wells Connell, Preston King, Grant Dickinson, Knox Merry, Aidan Punch, Walker Chambless, Buddy Campbell, Aaron Cale, Colton Williams, Jake Scott, Caleb Laechelt, Hardy Thompson, Alex Hudson, Harrison Clemmer, Garrett Harmon, Charlie Heidepriem, Holden Patterson, Peyton Fox, Carson McKeen, James Michael Tedesco, Alex Moorer, Andrew McAdams, Jason Bess, Griffin Clark, Rich Connell, John Taylor, Harris Smith, Clay Dorrill, Jay Butler, Beau Barnes and Sully Wright.
READY FOR PRIME TIME Lions Plan to Tackle Class 6A Head On
By Rubin E. Grant
M
OFFENSE Quarterbacks
Christopher Vizzina started last
briarwood KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH 2020 SCHEDULE Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 23 Oct. 30
Madison Academy @ Spain Park @ Chelsea* Woodlawn* Huffman* @ Mortimer Jordan @ Shades Valley* Mountain Brook* @ Homewood* Corner
*Conference game
briarwood
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
atthew Forester’s first season as Briarwood’s head football coach got off to a rocky start in 2019. The Lions lost their first two games, then reeled off 11 consecutive victories to reach the Class 5A semifinals. Their reward is a move up in classification and into the challenging Class 6A, Region 5 that also includes Mountain Brook, which dropped from 7A, and Homewood, a perennial playoff team. Forester said the Lions are ready to face the task head on. “We’re going to do the best we can and see where we are at the end of the season,” he said. “We have more returning starters than normal, including six on defense, so that’s exciting,” he said. “We’ve got a bunch of guys who have played a lot of football. We have a returning quarterback, which we haven’t had in a while, so that’s exciting. We have a great bunch of other guys who are ready to step into prime time.” Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of the Lions:
AT A GLANCE
Briarwood coach Matthew Forester with, from left: Parker Hutson, Eli Steadman, Brooks Donnelly and Bailey Salmon.
Head Coach: Matthew Forester 2019 Record: 12-2 Region: Class 6A Region 5: Homewood, Chelsea, Shades Valley, Huffman, Mountain Brook and Woodlawn. Stadium: Lion Pride Field (5,000)
season as a 14-year-old freshman and proved more than capable of running the Lions’ offense.
size, 6-foot-3½, 190 pounds. He’s a great kid and comes from a great family. He does things the right way.”
“He’s a calm guy under pressure and a great leader,” Forester said. “He’s got a lot of intangibles, plus
Brady Waugh, another sophomore, will be Vizzina’s primary backup. “He got a lot of experience playing on our junior varsity last year, so we feel confident in his ability,” Forester said.
Running Backs
The Lions boast two junior running backs, Luke Reebals and Riley Margene. “They’ve been a tandem since middle school,” Forester said. Reebals actually started at receiver last year but moved into the backfield when then-senior Luke Prewett was injured. “I am excited to see what he does now that running back is his dominant position,” Forester said. Senior Parker Huston, who also plays linebacker, and sophomore Colton Williams add depth.
Receivers/Tight Ends
Senior Brooks Donnelly returns after missing last season because of a knee injury and will play outside receiver along with senior Eli Steadman. Nic Dicen, Sawyer Tindall, Payton Clement and Luke Gilbert also will see plenty of playing time. Dicen and Gilbert are juniors, and Tindall and Clement are seniors. “This group was a question mark last year, but we have some experience now,” Forester said. The Lions will employ a tight end
Thursday, August 20, 2020 • 7
BRIARWOOD CHRISTIAN
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
senior, and weak side linebacker Hutson both this season with Bailey Salmon and Sam Gage return. sharing the role. “They’ve been with us since the ninth grade “Both guys are seniors and we’re looking and you don’t have to tell them what they need forward to them having a great year,” Forester to do,” Forester said. “They provide great leadsaid. “They have put a lot into our program ership and understand what it since they’ve been here.” takes to win.” Junior Mathis Tindall and Seniors Aaron Cale and sophomore Walker Chambless CLASS 6A, REGION 5 Luke Hand are battling to start will serve as backups. INCLUDES MOUNTAIN at the other linebacker spot, BROOK, WHICH Offensive Line but both will play extensively. DROPPED FROM 7A, AND The Lions have to replace Junior Grant Bruce and HOMEWOOD, A PERENhighly decorated tackle Trent sophomore Grant Dickinson NIAL PLAYOFF TEAM. Howard, who’s now at provide depth. Clemson. Junior Charlie Secondary Heidepriem will take over at Senior Alastair Harris left tackle with junior Peyton returns for his third season as a Fox at right tackle. Junior Alex starter in the secondary. Moorer and senior Daniel Corbin will man the “He’s sort of our Swiss army knife,” Forester guard positions along with sophomore Harrison Clemmer. Senior Harris Smith will be the center. said. “We moved him from linebacker to cornerback and he can also play safety. He’s a big-time Sophomore Jason Bess and junior Rich player for us.” Connell will provide depth at tackle and James Senior safety Cal Higdon is another returning Michael Tedesco will be the reserve center. starter, while seniors Vraj Patel and Pierce Reichle and juniors Haddon Stubbs, Ethan DEFENSE Anderson, Reece Garner and Seth Alford are in the mix for the other spots in the secondary. Defensive Line “It depends on where we want Alastair Carson McKeen was brought over from the more,” Forester said. offense to beef up the defensive line. Kickers “He’s our only senior on the defensive line,” The Lions will have a new kicker for the first Forester said. “We’re looking for him to have a time in a while after Noah Nall graduated. great senior year.” “We’re going to miss having him,” Forester Junior Miller Stubblefield is the lone returnsaid. ing starter up front, while juniors Holden Without Nall, the Lions are trying out several Patterson and Clay Dorrill, and senior Tyler players to handle the placekicking and punting Smith will be in the rotation. duties. Among the candidates are Alford, Linebackers Stubbs, junior Jakob Brower and sophomores All-State middle linebacker Tyler Waugh, a Aidan Punch and Harrison Self.
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HOMEWOOD
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Members of the 2020 Homewood High School varsity football team are: JaCorrie Ponds, Blake Bunshaw, Len Irvine, Brody Susce, Jackson Parris, J.C. Daniel, J’veon Snow, Sam Carr, Charlie Reeves, Aron Marsch, Charlie Goode, Harris Fowlkes, Woods Ray, Dashaun Cottrell, Harvey Ray, Hunter Drake, Clay Burdeshaw, Parker Sansing, Trey Glover, Owen Isenhower, Taylor Patterson, Jed Stone, Jon Merrell, Logan Hall, Luke Phelps, Mondrell Odell, Tripp Gann, Cameron Humes, Conner Pilgram, Taylor Ratcliff, Carter Dabbs, Carter Engle, Calyb Colbert, Jordan Kiwoi, Abdul Maflahi, Josh Beasley, Adam Parker, Miller Chapman, Henry Watson, Brennan Wheat, Will Crittenden, Mike Ngei, Andrew Ochoa, Emmanuel Erhumwunsee, Jordan Cotrell, Luke Hamner, Frank Studinka, Martin Sanchez, Taylor Lemmon, Maxy Salazar, Jack Glenn, Jack Watson, Jalen Wright, Miles Williams, Graham McLean, Cooper Johnston, Thomas Roney, Aaron Ford, Clark Snow, Dailon Hentley, James Brooks, Foster Snow, Jack Hevey, Rigdon Gibbons, Robert Wilkerson and Hayden Eldridge.
FAMILIAR FOES
Young Patriots Facing Challenging Opponents In Revamped Region By Rubin E. Grant
H
homewood KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH 2020 SCHEDULE Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 15 Oct. 23 Oct. 30
Hillcrest @ Vestavia/CANCELED McAdory Chelsea* @ Woodlawn* @ Huffman* Shades Valley* @ Mountain Brook* Briarwood* @ Pelham
*Conference game
homewood
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
omewood football coach Ben Berguson is pretty straightforward and not given to nuances. But when talking about the Patriots’ prospects for the 2020 season, Berguson gave a nuanced response. “Last year we were inexperienced, but this year we’re very young with only 16 seniors,” Berguson said. “We do have six starters returning on defense, which is good, and four on offense.” After consecutive 10-win seasons in 2017 and 2018, the Patriots slipped to 4-7 in 2019. They did reach the playoffs for the eighth consecutive season, but they were eliminated in the first round. If Homewood extends their playoff streak to nine, they will have to secure a spot while competing in a revamped Class 6A, Region 5, which includes Mountain Brook after the Spartans dropped down from 7A and Briarwood after it moved up from Class 5A. “The region has gotten a lot tougher than it’s been in the past with Mountain Brook and Briarwood moving in,” Berguson said. “But also new to the region are Shades Valley, Woodlawn and Huffman, so there will be some added speed.” The only other holdover in the region is Chelsea.
AT A GLANCE
Homewood coach Ben Berguson with, from left: Len Irvine and Charlie Goode.
Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of the Patriots.
OFFENSE Quarterback
Head Coach: Ben Berguson 2019 Record: 4-7 Region: Class 6A Region 5: Chelsea, Shades Valley, Huffman, Briarwood Christian, Mountain Brook and Woodlawn. Stadium: Waldrop Stadium (5,000)
Less than two weeks ago, the Patriots still were trying to determine who would be starting quarterback.
Senior Brody Susce, a transfer from Spain Park who also plays baseball, and sophomore Woods Ray were competing for the job. “You may see both of them throughout this year,” Berguson said. “Brody Susce has tremendous arm strength. He can throw a baseball 90 mph. Woods Ray has skills you don’t find in too many 10th graders. He’s a dual threat. I’m impressed with him.”
Running Backs
Sophomore Sam Carr returns after playing extensively as a freshman. “He got a bunch of carries,” Berguson said. To add depth, senior Jed Stone moved to running back from receiver. Sophomore Jackson Parris also is in the mix. “He is way ahead of his time,” Berguson said. “He’s one of our better athletes and might be the best. He’s going to get touches at running back and wide receiver. He will also play safety. He’s the only guy on the team who will play both ways. He’s a really good player.
Receivers/Tight Ends
The Patriots have to replace Trae Ausmer, a game breaker who had more than 1,000 yards receiving in 2019. The top outside receiving returnee is senior Len Irvine, who had more than 500 receiving yards last season playing opposite Ausmer.
HOMEWOOD
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
“He’s sneaky good,” Berguson said. In the slot, the Patriots will have Aron Marsch, whose older brother played for Homewood and at UAB. “He’s real explosive,” Berguson said. “He can get the ball and go score.” Junior J.C. Daniel is another slot receiver with breakaway speed. Another outside receiver is sophomore Charlie Reeves. “You’ll see him getting a lot of playing time,” Berguson said. Versatile 6-foot-5, 225-pound junior Harvey Ray, the older brother of Woods Ray, will play tight end. “We can move him to backfield to play fullback or we can flex him out,” Berguson said. “He has good hands and is a good blocker. If he has a good year, he’ll be big-time prospect.”
Offensive Line
Homewood’s offensive line suffered a big blow when all-state lineman Lucas Padgett moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, when his dad, Scott Padgett, the former Samford men’s head basketball coach, accepted an assistant coaching job at New Mexico. “We are going to miss him,” Berguson said. “You don’t find many 6-4, 290-pound boys walking about the hallways.” Without Padgett, the Patriots return three starters on the line, left tackle Clark Snow, right tackle Thomas Roney and guard James Brooks. Sophomore Jack Glenn will take over at center and Graham McLean will play the other guard spot. Senior Foster Snow and junior Cooper Johnston also will receive playing time.
DEFENSE Defensive Line
The Patriots have done some shuffling on
Thursday, August 20, 2020 • 9
their defensive front. Senior Jalen Wright, who played defensive end last year, has moved to nose guard. Senior Emmanuel Erhumwunsee, at 6-foot-3, 220-pounds, has moved from outside linebacker to defensive end. Josh Beasley, a 6-foot-5 junior, will start at the other defensive end with junior Taylor Ratcliff in reserve.
Linebackers
Both starting inside linebackers return, senior Charlie Goode and junior Henry Watson. Goode was the Patriots’ defensive player of the year in 2019. The outside linebackers rotation will include junior Carter Engle, sophomore Miller Chapman and junior Jon Merrell, who moved from safety.
Secondary
“I feel the strength of our team is the secondary,” Berguson said. “We have a good bunch of experienced players back there.” Berguson believes seniors JaCorrie Ponds and J’veon Snow are both college prospects at cornerback. Senior Cameron Humes is also an experienced corner, and sophomore Owen Isenhower has impressed over the summer. The safeties are seniors Blake Bunshaw and Dashaun Cottrell, along with junior Taylor Patterson.
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Kickers
Female kicker Katie Crim, who handled the place-kicking chores last season, has decided not to play football but concentrate on soccer. Sophomore Maxy Salazar, a reserve defensive lineman, will be the placekicker and also kick off. “He’s got really good leg strength,” Berguson said. Irvine will be the punter again this season.
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10 • Thursday, August 20, 2020
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
HOOVER
Members of the 2020 Hoover High School varsity football team are: Malik Thomas, Massiah Tolen, Joseph Buffet, Matthew Palmer, Marcus Williams, Dylan Pauley, Josh Smith, Jamal Denson, Jason Riles, Isaac Lovoy, Bryce Cole, Josh Lundy, Brain Porter, Jacob Johnson, Shun Sheffield, Juston Taylor, Riley Knowlton, Will Whisenhunt, Dawson Rye, Josh Giddens, Austin Rye-Crook, Constantine Hontzas, Foster Ware, Carter Short, Amari Sanders, Noah Cameron, Albert Osorio, Nick Paradise, Carter Milliron, Cristian Fields, Nick Folse, Matthew Lippy, Mickey Holley, Drew Colclough, Adam Lepkowski, Brandon Baker, Christian Ledbetter, Trent Preyer, Keyvon Lavender, Connor Harby, Jake Euler, Noah Rosser, Jalen Taylor, Jabari Gaines, Cotton Peters, Corey Warren, Jacob Finley, Evan Reeder, Paul Thompson, Terrell Jones, Micah Steele, Daylan Hurst, DJ Black, Kohl Jolley, Josh Carter, Houston Vessey, Patrick Stewart, Matthew Shepherd, Ashton Taylor, Markus Clark, Andrew Counce, RJ Brackett, Alex Tountasakis, Connor Graham, Kevin Perez, Jordan Washington, Jon Jacobs, Jason Avelar, Ethan Blake, Cai Mayowa, Drew Gertsenberg, Keith Jacobs, Andrew Childs, Michael Edwards, Jaylen Harris, Terry Hinton, Arman Moosani, John Smitherman, Dale Miller, Logan Ware, Evan McCain, Josh Whitt, Jaquavious Lewis, Jordan Norman, Eli Wagoner, Ahamari Williams, Sam Schmidt, Brewer Smith, James Vick, KJ Law, Harrison Spurling, LaMarion McCammon, Mekhi Hameen, Brayden Urban, Kelton Owens, Josh Peavy, Malachi Threatt, Quincey Dudley, Peyton Argent, Cooper Graham, Jay Avery, Omar Simpson, Nemo Anderson, Kyle Gullahorn, Elijah Carroll, Christian Hinson, Kaleb Jackson, Andrew Parrish, DJ Estes, Christian Carter, Owen Brooks, Len Wood, Nick Mathews, AJ Franklin, Tyrick Harris, Grant Bonner, Daniel Hernandez, Ethan Hubbard, RJ Hamilton, Yavah Smith, Devan Carlisle, Christian Randolph, Tavares Gordon, Chrishuan Lingashi, Chaleb Powell, Jestin Kelley and Sky Niblett.
CHAMPIONSHIP FOCUS Bucs Focused on Ending Brief Title Drought
By Rubin E. Grant
B
hoover KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
Quarterbacks
2020 SCHEDULE Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23
Dothan Bessemer City @ Vestavia Hills* Gadsden City* Oak Mountain* Prattville @ Hewitt-Trussville* @ Spain Park* Tuscaloosa County* @ Thompson*
*Conference game
hoover
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
y Hoover football standards in the 21st century, it seems like an eternity since the Buccaneers won a state championship. In actuality, it’s only been since 2017, when the Bucs last captured the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 7A title. But Hoover didn’t advance to the championship game the past two seasons, the first time in 20 years the Bucs have gone consecutive seasons without playing for a crown. They hope to put an end to the minidrought in 2020. “Our kids, staff, school and community understand there’s no goal but to win a state championship,” Hoover head coach Josh Niblett said. That’s what we’re focused on. That’s what we’re always focused on.” The Bucs return 12 starters, five on defense and seven on offense, from the 2019 team that went 10-3, but they lost to Thompson in the Class 7A semifinals for the second consecutive year. Hoover will have to deal with the defending champion Warriors again this season while competing in rugged Class 7A, Region 3. Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of the Bucs.
OFFENSE
AT A GLANCE
Hoover coach Josh Niblett with, from left: Malik Thomas, Dylan Pauley, Constantine Hontzas and Josh Lundy.
Head Coach: Josh Niblett 2019 Record: 10-3 Region: Class 7A Region 3: HewittTrussville, Oak Mountain, Spain Park, Thompson, Tuscaloosa County, Vestavia Hills and Gadsden City. Stadium: Buccaneer Stadium (5,000), The Met (10,800)
Senior Josh Lundy will take over as the Bucs’ starting quarterback after starting several games last season while Robby Ashford was injured. Junior Evan Reeder, who started a couple of games in 2019, will be the backup. “Josh has a little more experience and understands the offense better,” Niblett said. “We’re excited about the progress of both guys. They’re a big key to what we do offensively.” Sophomore Brewer Smith is waiting in the wings.
Running Backs
Senior Dylan Pauley, a Vanderbilt University commitment, will be the Bucs’ primary running back. “He’s been playing for us since he was (a) sophomore,” Niblett said. “He’s a big, explosive back.” Sophomore Ahamari Williams will get his share of carries after gaining experience toward the end of last season. “He’s a very explosive back,” Niblett said. “He’s really compact and he’s a power runner, but he can pick ‘em up and put ‘em down, too.” Senior Brian Porter moved over from defense to provide some depth.
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Clark and Corey Warren returning. Senior Malik Thomas is a “match-up night“They’re big and explosive and create mare,” according to Niblett. havoc,” Niblett said. “He’s a special receiver,” Niblett said. “He’s Seniors Cristian Fields and Noah Rosser, big, strong and he can run.” sophomore Andrew Parrish and junior Houston Joseph Buffett, a senior Vessey are all expected to play speedster, returns as the other key roles. ‘OUR KIDS, STAFF, starting outside receiver. Linebacker SCHOOL AND COMMUNISophomore K.J. Law and TY UNDERSTAND THERE’S The Bucs have plenty of junior Cai Wayowa will conNO GOAL BUT TO WIN A depth at linebacker with tribute. STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.’ returning starters Josh Smith R.J. Hamilton, a sophoand Jason Riles on the inside. more with dynamic ability, Sophomore Chaleb Powell, will be the top inside receiver. who Niblett said has a chance to be “really Also in the mix are senior Isaac Lovoy and good,” junior Ashton Taylor and senior Carter juniors Cotton Peters and Dylan Hurst. Milliron are reserves on the inside. When the Bucs employ a tight end or fullHoover features senior Marcus Williams on back, senior Will Whisenhunt, junior Jabari the outside. Niblett calls him one of the best in Gaines, senior Dawson Rye, senior Keyvon the nation because of his versatility. Other outLavender or freshman Sky Niblett, the coach’s side backers include seniors Juston Taylor and son, will be on the field. Shun Sheffield, juniors Josh Carter and Micah Offensive Line Steele, and sophomore D.J. Estes. The Bucs have three senior starters returning Secondary on the offensive line, center Nick Paradise, left Senior safety Matthew Palmer returns to tackle Adam Lepkowski and left guard Christian head up the secondary. Senior cornerback Jamal Ledbetter. Denson also returns and will be joined at corner Jordan Washington, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound by senior Massiah Tolen, who moved over from junior, will start at right guard. running back. Sophomore Dale Miller is a back“He has a chance to be powerful,” Niblett up corner. Vying for playing time at safety are said. Senior Brandon Baker will start at right tackle. senior Bryce Cole, junior Paul Thompson and “We’ve got five solid guys, but we’re going to sophomore Jay Avery. have to develop some depth,” Niblett said.
Receivers/Tight Ends
Kickers
DEFENSE Defensive Line
Thursday, August 20, 2020 • 11
HOOVER
The Bucs have plenty of experience up front with senior Amari Sanders and juniors Markus
Senior Constantine Hontzas, a model of consistency, returns to handle the place-kicking and punting. Sophomore Peyton Argent will be his backup. Hoover also has two highly regarded long snappers in seniors Milliron and Carter Short.
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12 • Thursday, August 20, 2020
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
JOHN CARROLL CATHOLIC
Members of the 2020 John Carroll Catholic varsity football team are: Martice Smith, Luke Harris, Christian Harper, Quad Harrison, Lawrence Johnson, Aaron Mason, Ethan Cull, Nicholas Sellers, Nick Reed, Kaleb Bryant, Zachary Archer, Bobby Campbell, Jharod Johnson, Andrew Couture, Carson McFadden, Bryant Fleming, James Hallman, Kameron Jackson, Brandon Rashleigh, JT Weisberg, John Michael Wos, Bennett Fleming, Jack Somerville, Gabriel DeShazo, A-hijah Bell, Chase Botthof, Seth Seidenfaden, Mitchell Walker, Pow Harrell, Jacob McMahon, John Hallman III, Melvin Grissett III, Fintan Loehr, Greg Shunnarah, Davis Deason, Ethan Kelley, Grey Higgins, Tyler Johnson, Jack Chandler and Leo Neil.
‘TOGETHER WE RISE’ Cavs’ New Coach Mara Hopes to Break Losing Cycle
By Rubin E. Grant
S
john carroll catholic KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH 2020 SCHEDULE Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30
@ Fultondale @ Moody @ G.W. Carver* @ Cordova* Fairfield* Parker * Ramsay* @ Pleasant Grove* Wenonah* St. Clair
*Conference game
john carroll
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
ince taking over as John Carroll Catholic’s head football coach in June, Will Mara said it’s been like “trying to drink water from a fire hydrant.” “There’s been a lot coming at me,” Mara said. “But this is my dream job. I’m 100% blessed to be in this position. It still hasn’t sunk in that I’m the head coach. I’m super excited and the kids have been working hard.” Mara has been involved with the Cavaliers’ football program for 15 years. He graduated in 2011 and in recent years has been head coach at the middle school and an assistant with the varsity program. He replaces Logan Colafrancesco, who compiled a 6-34 record in four seasons. John Carroll hasn’t had a winning season since 2010. They went 6-4 that year and have won only 14 games since. The Cavs were 2-8 in 2020. Mara believes the Cavs will be able to reverse the losing trend in time. “All I’ve heard is you can’t win here, that you don’t want to come here, it’s where coaches go to kill their careers,” Mara said. “We have taken that as motivation. We have a dry-fit shirt under our jerseys that says, ‘Together We Rise’ on the front and ‘You Can’t Win Here’ on
AT A GLANCE
John Carroll Catholic coach Will Mara with, back, from left: Davis Deason and Christian Harper. Front: Quad Harrison, Nicholas Sellers and Aaron Mason.
the back. We have it on the back because that’s behind us. “We have stressed two words,
adaptability and accountability, adapting to a new coaching staff and a new system and being accountable
Head Coach: Will Mara 20189 Record: 2-8 Region: Class 5A, Region 5: CarverBirmingham, Cordova, Fairfield, Parker, Pleasant Grove, Ramsay and Wenonah. Stadium: Carroll Field (4,000)
John Carroll has moved from Class 5A, Region 4 to Region 5 this season and will compete against Carver-Birmingham, Cordova, Fairfield, Parker, Pleasant Grove, Ramsay and Wenonah. Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of the Cavaliers:
OFFENSE Quarterbacks
Senior Nicholas Sellers returns as the Cavaliers’ starting quarterback. “He’s a great game manager,” Mara said. “He’s really embraced how we have set up the offense with the RPO (run-pass option). He’s an extension of myself on the field and has the ability to execute what we’re doing.” Senior Jharod Johnson was expected to battle Sellers for the quarterback job but might not play this fall. If he doesn’t, freshman Carson McFadden will be the backup. “He’s a super smart kid and can execute what we’re doing,” Mara said.
Running Backs
to each other. I think we’ve made big improvements in the last two months.”
The Cavs have to replace the highly productive Jeremiah Gibbs, who used up his AHSAA eligibility and transferred to Banks Academy. Junior Aaron Mason returns from a
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
knee injury and will take over as the primary running back. Senior Martice “Smitty” Smith also will contribute. When the Cavs need a bigger back, senior guard Tre Grissett will move to fullback. Sophomore Seth Seidenfaden also will be used some out of the backfield. “He’s kind of an H-back,” Mara said. “He’s a powerful runner and has great feet and hands.” ‘THERE’S BEEN A LOT COMING AT ME. BUT THIS IS MY DREAM JOB. I’M 100 PERCENT BLESSED TO BE IN THIS POSITION. IT STILL HASN’T SUNK IN THAT I’M THE HEAD COACH. I’M SUPER EXCITED AND THE KIDS HAVE BEEN WORKING HARD.’
Receivers/Tight Ends
Junior Quad Harrison heads up the receiving corps. “He’s an amazing leader and he’s the hardest worker on the team,” Mara said. Senior Ethan Cull also returns. Two others in the mix are junior Christian Harper and senior J.T. Weisberg, who is playing for the first time.
Offensive Line
The Cavs have to replace the majority of their offensive line, with only junior center Davis Deason returning as a starter. “We’re going to have to blend our offensive and defensive linemen,” Mara said. Grissett will play left guard and sophomore
JOHN CARROLL CATHOLIC Jacob McMahon will play left tackle. Junior Greg Shunnarah will play right guard and junior Lawrence Johnson will play right tackle.
DEFENSE
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Defensive Line
The Cavs have two nose guards who are completely opposite in size. Junior Tyler “Big T.” Johnson is 6-foot-4, 330 pounds. “He’s a big kid who had some hip issues in the past, but he’s really worked hard,” Mara said. The other is 5-foot-3, 160-pound senior Kameron Jackson. “He’s feisty and very quick,” Mara said. “He gets in there and scraps.” The defensive ends will rotate between senior Bryant Fleming, junior Bennett Fleming, Grissett, Lawrence Johnson and Shunnarah.
Linebackers
Thursday, August 20, 2020 • 13
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Senior Mitchell Walker will man one of the inside linebacker spots along with senior Pow Harrell. The outside linebackers are freshman Zach Archer, who also will play some at safety, and senior Kaleb Bryant.
Secondary
Harrison will play free safety with senior Luke Harris at strong safety. The cornerbacks will be Harper and Smith.
Kickers
Seidenfaden and senior Gabriel DeShazo are expected to handle the placekicking and punting duties.
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14 • Thursday, August 20, 2020
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
MOUNTAIN BROOK
Members of the 2020 Mountain Brook High School varsity football team are: Paulson Wright, James Barron, Blake Pugh, Zach Bass, Jack Lukens, Coleman Clay, James Nichols, Heath Griffin, Caldwell McCraney, John Colvin, Lev Berman, Kamp McMinn, Rhyne Hogue, George Cain, Howell Fell, Win Horn, Sam Hunt, Colten Niemann, Kaleb Osborn, Charles Crommelin, Michael Lorino, Strother Gibbs, Reed Harradine, Grady Breland, Braxton Dean, Sam Edmunds, Brock Payne, Rob Gillespie, James Hufham, Sims Brown, Mac Palmer, Matt Holloway, Jake Thompson, Joseph Kunze, Will Waldrop, Andrew Putman, Pearson Bedingfield, Mac McCowan, Corbin Peterson, Evan Bibb, Jackson Burwell, Jones Beavers, Max Calloway, Alexander Horn, Slate Sokol, Elliott Bloomston, Charlie Berryman, Parker Belt, Preston Horsley, Michael Brogan, Trenton Wright, David Dixon, Paul McMinn, Vaughn Frost, Ford Moffatt, John McKimmon, William Evans, Franklin Barton, George Lloyd, Pete Fruin, Calvin Wilbanks, Carter Kelley, John McMillan, Ethan Shunnarah, Trenton Hirn, George Scofield, Billy Radney, Quinn Thomas, Bennett Kilpatrick, Coleman Bates, Colledge Elliott, Wyatt Brooks, Henry Boehme, Will Brower, Mac Smith, Drew Elliott, Braxton Wetzler, Will Grant, Charles Schilleci, Alex Burns, Rob Gunn, John Abele, Will Troiano, Nelson Crawford, Will Decker, Grayson Chew, Lawson Evans, John Hendry, Jack Smith, Wilder Hines, Ryan Kampakis, William Tomlin, Miles Waldrop, Nathan Krueger, Will Monroe, Thomas Luttrell, Davis Peterson, Rudy Harrison, Geoffrey Cook, Benjamin Payne, Jackson Beatty, Wells Marks, Jackson Young, Alex Abele, Jacob Rosenthal, Palin Wilkinson, Hogan Caruso, Adair Wade, Miles McGilberry, Sam McPherson, Laurence Barringer, Ethan Wint, Edward Barze, Luke Calloway, Turner Welsh, Jack Windle, Gray Doster, Parker Avery, Grant Johnson, Carl Evans, Tompkins Richardson, Jackson Thomas Kelly, Carter Drew, Billy Hoyt and Maddox Pugh.
‘BETTER BE READY TO PLAY’ Spartans Optimistic About Move to Class 6A
By Rubin E. Grant
M
mountain brook KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH 2020 SCHEDULE Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 9 Oct. 15 Oct. 23 Oct. 29
Vestavia/CANCELED Huntsville @ Woodlawn* @ Huffman* Shades Valley* @ Thompson @ Briarwood* Homewood* Chelsea* @ Austin
*Conference game
mountain brook
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
ountain Brook football coach Chris Yeager expects it will take a few games for the Spartans to get a feel for what they’re doing this season. “We had a good summer of workouts and we have a lot of optimism, but we’ve got a long way to go to be the team we want to be,” Yeager said. “We can tell that we missed spring training, but I am sure other teams are in the same boat.” Coming off an 8-3 season, the Spartans return six starters on offense and six on defense and have 42 seniors to help with continuity. Mountain Brook will not compete in the state’s highest classification for the first time in school history. The Spartans have dropped down from Class 7A to 6A and will compete in Region 5 along with Homewood, Briarwood, Shades Valley, Chelsea, Woodlawn and Huffman. “There are good players and good coaches in every classification in the state, so when you step on the field on Friday nights, you better be ready to play,” Yeager said. “We’re in a great region and it’ll be a playoff atmosphere whoever we play.”
AT A GLANCE
Mountain Brook coach Chris Yeager with, from left: Charles Crommelin, Andrew Putnam, Zach Bass and James Hufham.
Head Coach: Chris Yeager 2019 Record: 8-3 Region: Class 6A Region 5: Homewood, Chelsea, Shades Valley, Huffman, Briarwood and Woodlawn. Stadium: Spartan Stadium (4,500)
The Spartans still have four 7A schools on their schedule as nonregion opponents: Vestavia Hills, Huntsville, Thompson and Austin. “We’re playing all 7A non-region teams to make sure the axe is sharp,” Yeager said. Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of the Spartans.
OFFENSE Quarterbacks
Senior Strother Gibbs, who made his first appearance on the varsity as an eighth grader, is entering his third season as the Spartans’ full-time starting quarterback. “The thing I love about Strother is his desire to compete,” Yeager said. “And he’s a complete player. He’s a good runner, good passer and good decision maker.” Gibbs accounted for 24 touchdowns, 10 passing and 14 running in 2019. Sophomore John Colvin will be Gibbs’ primary backup, but receivers Paulson Wright, a senior and Jake Thompson, a junior, could also play quarterback if necessary.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, August 20, 2020 • 15
MOUNTAIN BROOK
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Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
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The Spartans will turn to seniors Michael Brogan, (32) Kamp McMinn and Ethan Shunnarah as well as junior George Cain and sophomore Heath Griffin to carry the load at running back.
Running Backs
With Sam Higgins gone, the Spartans will turn to seniors Michael Brogan, Kamp McMinn and Ethan Shunnarah as well as junior George Cain and sophomore Heath Griffin to carry the load at running back. “We’ve got a few guys, but we need one person to step up and be the guy down in and down out,” Yeager said. “They have got to gain some consistency.”
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Receivers/Tight Ends
Wright and Thompson return as Gibbs’ primary targets. Junior Sims Brown moved from defensive back to receiver to provide some depth. Also in the mix are senior Pearson Bedingfield and sophomore Jackson Beatty. Senior Turner Welsh and sophomore Miles McGilberry are competing for the tight end spot.
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
MOUNTAIN BROOK
SPARTANS From page 15
Offensive Line
M Y L A G O S M Y WAY
The Spartans have plenty of experience on the offensive line with senior centers Will Grant and Drew Elliott; guards Wilder Hines, a junior, Davis Peterson, a sophomore, and Ryan Kampakis, a senior; and senior tackles Charles Law Schilleci, Jack Smith and Grayson Chew. “We’ve got a lot of good possibilities and each one’s skill set is different,” Yeager said. “We’ve got to find the ones who check all the boxes and get the guys to jell together.”
DEFENSE Senior nose tackle Braxton Wetzler figures to spearhead the defense. He is a four-year starter with his first two seasons spent as a starter on the offensive line. Seniors John McKimmon, Rob Gunn and Colledge Elliott will rotate at defensive end. Senior Calvin Wilbanks will back up Wetzler at nose tackle after moving down from linebacker. Juniors Tompkins Richardson and Gray Doster will provide depth.
Linebackers
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The Spartans have to replace Clark Griffin, who has been the team’s leading tackler the past three seasons. Senior Matt Holloway returns after missing much of last season with a knee injury. Senior Win Horn, sophomore Trenton Wright and junior John McMillan figure to start.
Journal photo by Lee Walls
Defensive line
Yeager said they also have a good core group of youngsters, including sophomores Pete Fruin, Parker Belt and Billy Radney, who will compete for playing time. Junior Quinn Thomas will play linebacker and defensive end.
Secondary
Yeager really likes the makeup of the
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
MOUNTAIN BROOK
Seniors John McKimmon, Rob Gunn (pictured) and Colledge Elliott will rotate at defensive end.
Spartans’ secondary. “We’ve got good experience and it’s the strength of our football team,” he said. Leading the way are senior cornerbacks Blake Pugh and Rhyne Hogue, senior safety James Nichols and senior Lev Berman, who will play safety and cornerback. Senior Brock Payne, a transfer from Vestavia Hills, will see time at
safety, as will senior Paul McMinn. Senior Zach Bass provides depth at cornerback.
Kickers
Reed Harradine, a 6-2 sophomore who Yeager said could be special, will be the Spartans’ placekicker and will share punting duties with junior Trenton Hirn.
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18 • Thursday, August 20, 2020
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
OAK MOUNTAIN
Members of the 2020 Oak Mountain High School varsity football team are: Noah Young, Corbitt Grundhoefer, Mark Johnson, Trey Vassell, Cameron Atkinson, Devan Moss, Evan Smith, Cade George, Ethan Hammett, Jimmy Harris, Tyler Do-Bui, Titus Tucker, Garrett Murphy, Eli Hackbarth, Truitt Crowley, Hogan Morton, Jett Wilson, Carter Lehman, Zach Taylor, Chris Weston, Noah Hagedorn, Amar McIntosh, Jaquarious Davis, Tucker Boswell, Judah Tait, Jacob Helgason, Aiden Laughlin, Tyler Lawson, Quest Agee, Dean Null, Preston Miller, Zach Smith, Chase Schwender, David Gathu, Davis Coggin, David Parker, Andrew McCallister, Nic Rigdon, Jett Turner, Justin Kennedy, Drew Rowland, Mason Burnett, Nolan Fuqua, Christopher Mattox, Crawford Romanowski, Mattox Vines, Alfredo Hernandez, Ellis Porch, Benny Bailey, Charlie Serra, Sawyer Hutto, Grayson Pugh, Alex Mathis, Grayson Cowart, Hudson Youngblood, Harrison Miller, Peyton Swann, Matthew Vickery, Will Wittman, Evan Laycock, Jacob Katona, Warner Perry, Gavin Nelson, Luke Oswalt, Micai George, Andrew Lee and Braxton O’Brien.
SEASONED EAGLES
With Nine Starters Returning on Defense Oak Mountain Ready to Embark on Playoff Push By Rubin E. Grant
O
oak mountain KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
ak Mountain coach Cris Bell believes the Eagles are ready to challenge for a playoff berth this season. “If we can stay healthy, we’ll be OK,” Bell said. “We’ve got a really solid nucleus returning. On defense, we have nine guys who started or played impactful snaps. On offense, we’ve got (quarterback) Evan (Smith) back. He makes a lot of things go for us. He can take a bad call of mine and make it better. “The talent and outright ability on offense is the best we’ve had since the 2014 or 2015 season.” The Eagles haven’t been to the Class 7A playoffs since 2016 and are coming off a 4-6 season in 2019. Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of the Eagles:
Quarterbacks
Smith, a junior, has started since he was a freshman and already has multiple college offers. Titus Tucker, a senior who moved in from California, will back up Smith and play some receiver. Senior Tyler Do-Bui, who was Evan’s backup last year, is another backup and will play slot receiver. “He’s one of the smartest players I’ve ever coached,” Bell said.
Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30
Chelsea Pelham @ Gadsden City * Vestavia Hills* Hoover* Spain Park* @ Tuscaloosa County* Thompson* @ Hewitt-Trussville* @ Pace
*Conference game
oak mountain
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
OFFENSE
2020 SCHEDULE
AT A GLANCE
Oak Mountain coach Cris Bell with, back, from left: Drew Rowland, Dean Null, Noah Young and Alex Mathis. Front: Micai George, Chase Schwender, Zach Taylor and Judah Tait.
Running Backs
Senior Judah Tait will be the tailback. He started last year and averaged more than 5 yards a carry.
“He’s got a bunch of ability, but we need more consistency from him,” Bell said. Junior Aiden Laughlin and sopho-
Head Coach: Cris Bell 2019 Record: 4-6 Region: Class 7A Region 3: Hoover, Hewitt-Trussville, Gadsden City, Spain Park, Thompson, Tuscaloosa County, Vestavia Hills Stadium: Heardmont Park (5,000)
man. “We need him to grow up in a hurry,” Bell said. “He’s got the talent and ability, and he’s got good hands.” Junior Cade George also will play the position. “He’s got good speed and can get on the corner,” Bell said. Also in the mix is junior Corbitt Grundhoefer. “He’s a good athlete with good hands,” Bell said. “He’s a good role player.” Senior Jaquarius Davis is another. “We need to get him out in the open,” Bell said. “He can turn average plays into big plays.”
Receivers
Senior Noah Young, 6-foot-4, 200 pounds, is a big-play receiver. He has gotten offers from the University of North Alabama and Samford University. Junior Ethan Hammett is a returning starter. “He’s put some weight on,” Bell said. “He’s got good speed. We think he could be a dynamic player. Tucker also will play some receiver. Senior Harrison Miller will play tight end and H-back.
Offensive Line
more Trey Vassell will serve as backups. Sophomore Mark Johnson will play A-back. He lettered as a fresh-
The Eagles have three returning starters: Junior Nic Rigdon, who will play center or guard, senior guard Alex Mathis and senior right tackle Drew Rowland. Senior Chris
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, August 20, 2020 • 19
OAK MOUNTAIN
DEFENSE Defensive Line
The Eagles have plenty of experience up front with three returning starters, including defensive ends Gavin Nelson, a junior, and Braxton O’Brien, a senior. Junior Zach Smith is slated to be the backup. Senior Micai George returns as a starter at nose tackle with junior Mason Burnett and seniors Andrew Lee and Jacob Katona ready in reserve. “I like that group,” Bell said. “It’s the best we’ve had since 2015. Mason has a high motor. They have done a lot of disrupting our offense in camp.”
Pure joy
Linebacker
The linebacking corps is the least experienced group on the defense. Junior Cam Atkinson is expected to be one of the starters. Senior Dean Null, who started at safety last year, has moved to linebacker. Others in the mix are junior Mattox Vines, sophomore Garrett Murphy and senior Tucker Boswell.
Secondary
Mattox is expected to slide in at left tackle after gaining some experience last year. The center position is up for grabs with senior Nolan Fuqua, junior Charlie Serra and sophomore Hudson Youngblood competing for the spot. Junior Grayson Cowart and sophomore Alfredo Hernandez also will vie for playing time. “This is the most experienced line we’ve had in some time,” Bell said.
All four starters return in the secondary with seniors Zach Taylor and Jimmy Harris at cornerback, although Harris missed most of last season because of an injury. Senior Chase Schwender returns as the starting free safety and senior Eli Hackbarth is the strong safety/rover. Sophomore Devan Moss, junior Quest Agee and senior Hogan Morton will be the reserves.
Kickers
Morton will take care of the place-kicking duties for the Eagles, while Garrett Murphy is likely to be the punter.
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20 • Thursday, August 20, 2020
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
SPAIN PARK
Members of the 2020 Spain Park High School varsity football team are: Jaylen Ward, Pierson Cole, David Moultry, Micheal Benson, Bennett Meredith, Chanz Pickett, Elijah Johnson, Larry Ford, Justin Pegues, Jayst Dorion, T’Nazj Means, KJ Rudolph, Evan Smallwood, Michael Ogletree, James Broderick, Tate Brune, Taeshaun Sessions, Jack Baylor, Cooper Kelley, Cailon Hudson, Brian Alston, Clay Spencer, Jack Kendrick, Landon Miller, John Robert Thompson, Cameron Flanigan, John Michael Lee, George Gilbert, TJ Metcalf, Kerec Hill, Keon Buck, Caldwell Bussey, Drake Tabor, Cason Billings, Stopher Walls, Nyc Speer, Caleb Ward, Ethan Gutowski, Zamir Farris, Dillion Orr, Tyler Hunter, Braden Brock, Logan Denson, Sam Moates, Angel Ortiz, Jackson Major, Alex Smith, Alex Morton, Jackson Mitchell, Evan Bishop, Jamal Scott, Jonas Harrelson, Gage Hughes, Braxton Sumpter, Ashton Sauder, Tucker Steed, Jeremiah Myers, Jordyne Hoskins, Trip Morgan, John David Coggin, Travis Mann, Conner Elrod, Thorton Allen, Victor Lam, Parker Stone, Jackson Boler, Morgan Bowden, Aiden Blizzard, Jayson Webb, Connor May, Zach McPeters, Stephen Olsen, Andrew Moses, Micah Ford, Walker Russell, Chandler Curry, Rodney Scott, Russell Partin, Mason Bowden, Joseph Heatherly, AJ Hazel, Rayshod Burts and Samuel Garibay.
‘IT COULD BE SPECIAL’ Skilled Jaguars Ready to Make a Playoff Run
By Rubin E. Grant
C
OFFENSE Quarterbacks
Meredith is a 6-foot-2 junior. “He’s athletic, he throws really
spain park KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH 2020 SCHEDULE Aug. 20 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30
@ Huntsville Briarwood Hewitt - Trussville* Thompson* @ Gadsden City* @ Oak Mountain* Hoover* Vestavia Hills* @ Tuscaloosa County* @ Hueytown
*Conference game
spain park
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
oming off consecutive 4-6 seasons, Spain Park coach Shawn Raney described the outlook for the Jaguars’ 2020 football season as “very encouraging.” “We’ve got some big kids for a change and our offense has the most skilled players we’ve ever had,” Raney said. “I hope we get to play the whole season because I think it could be special. “Harrison Barker, our quarterback, is gone, but we have Bennett Meredith, who already has an offer from Troy, and we’ve got our whole line back.” Spain Park once again will compete in rugged Class 7A, Region 3 with defending Class 7A champion Thompson as well as Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Oak Mountain, Hewitt-Trussville, Gadsden City and Tuscaloosa. The Jags start the season on the road against non-region competitors Huntsville and Briarwood at home. “I’ve always wanted to play Briarwood,” Raney said. “That’ll be a good rivalry.” Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of the Jaguars.
Receivers/Tight Ends
AT A GLANCE
Spain Park coach Shawn Raney with, from left: Stephen Olsen, Braden Brock, T’Nazj Means and Samuel Garibay.
Head Coach: Shawn Raney 2019 Record: 4-6 Region: Class 7A Region 3: Hoover, Hewitt-Trussville, Gadsden City, Oak Mountain, Thompson, Tuscaloosa County, Vestavia Hills Stadium: Finley Stadium (5,000)
well, and he understands the game,” Raney said. “He knows where to go with the football.” Sophomore Evan Smallwood will serve as Meredith’s backup.
9, 170-pound senior, also will get playing time in the backfield. “They’re small, but they’re fast and they can all catch the football,” Raney said.
Running Backs
The Jags will rely on two small but shifty running backs, 5-foot-7, 155-pound junior Justin Pegues and 5-foot-10, 150-pound sophomore Zamir Farris. T’Nazj Means, a 5-foot-
The Jags have a bevy of talented wide receivers led by senior Cooper Kelley and junior Jaylen Ward, who already has received multiple NCAA Division I offers. Junior David Moultry is another Division 1 prospect. Juniors Kerec Hill and Landon Miller, a deep threat, round out the Jags’ explosive group. Caldwell Bussey, a 6-foot-3 sophomore, and senior James Broderick will play tight end. Broderick also will slide into the backfield to play fullback from time-to-time.
Offensive Line
Senior tackle Stephen Olsen, a three-year starter, returns to anchor the offensive line. Jayson Webb, a 6-foot-5, 280-pound senior, will start at the other tackle. “He’s a basketball player who decided to come out and play,” Raney said. “He has really worked hard to turn himself into a good football player.” Junior Jackson Boler and sophomore Morgan Bowden will be the guards and junior Connor May will play center. Versatile sophomore Rayshod Burts will serve as backup at each position. “We’ve got six kids who will all be in there, but we’re trying to establish some depth,” Raney said.
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, August 20, 2020 • 21
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
SPAIN PARK
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Junior receiver Jaylen Ward has received multiple NCAA Division I offers.
Linebackers
According to Raney, the Jags’ linebacking corps is a lot more athletic and has a lot more size than it has had recently, but little experience. Senior Jayst Dorion and sophomore Jonas Harrelson figure to be in the middle with junior Jack Baylor and sophomore Caleb Ward on the outside. Junior Ethan Gutowski and sophomore T.J. Metcalf will play nickel, a hybrid linebacker/ defensive back position.
Secondary
DEFENSE Defensive Line
Senior Samuel Garibay will anchor the interior. “He’s a good football player,” Raney said. Senior Dillon Heatherly and juniors Jamal Scott, Micah Ford, and A.J. Hazel also will play on the interior. “We’ve got some bigger kids, but they just hadn’t played a lot,” Raney said. Senior Gage Hughes and sophomore Mason Bowden, the twin brother of Morgan Bowden, will play defensive end with Bussey and sophomore Brian Alston serving as reserves.
Raney believes the Jags’ secondary will be much improved. Senior Braden Brock and junior Tyler Hunter will start at cornerback with Alex Smith and Michael Benson in reserve. Seniors Michael Ogletree and Jackson Major, juniors Pierson Cole and Tucker Steed and sophomore Jack Kendrick will rotate in the safety positions.
Kickers
Senior Drake Tabor returns for his third season as the Jags’ place-kicker. “We feel good about him,” Raney said. Although Tabor can also punt, Raney said the punting duties are “up in the air.” Junior Braxton Sumpter could do some of the punting.
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22 • Thursday, August 20, 2020
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
VESTAVIA
Members of the 2020 Vestavia Hills High School varsity football team are: Gabriel Adams, Braynt Agee, Warren Ainsworth, Cade Allen, John Ross Ashley, Jackson Ayers, Alex Baldone, Clayton Barnes, Jackson Baynham, Jackson Bazemore, William Bond, Thomas Brown, Sam Carroll, Andrew Cespedes, John Michael Chandash, Josh Cheatham, Ian Cheng, Jaden Reece Coffey, Will Cox, William Cox, Taiyo Crawford, Walker Creel, Jack Davis, Jack Dawsey, Samuel Deason, Joshua Decker, Robert Dillon, Michael Dobbs, William Douglass, Brayden Duke, Fort Edmonds, John Edwards, Cole Evans, John Friloux, John Elliot Gilbert, Kaleb Glass, Braden Glenn, Darren Gordon, Nelson Greiner, Hudson Hager, Kamal Hamed, Pierce Hanna, Samuel Hansen, John Harden, David Hargrove, Barrett Harper, Caleb Harwell, Christopher Haynes, John Hinton Hogue, Chapman Horsley, Caiden Howle, Charles Hughes, Dylan Jaquess, Blake Jeffers, Gaines Johnson, Graham Johnson, Benjamin Keene, John King, Jack Lamey Jr., Michael Lawrence, Faith Lenhart, Zachary Lightfoot, Bryce Littleton, Jack Lockhart, Chandler Long, Russell Luccasen, Camren Lyaka, Riggs Manown, Walker McCulley, Whitten McCulley, Skylar McGee, Morgan McInnis, Alex McKinstry, Matthew McMeans, Jack McMurray, Holt Melvin, John David Miles, Tyler Moore, Jordan Moss, Zackary Mueller, Landon Neese, Max Neuroth, Sims Nichols, James O’Neill, Garrett Osborn, Houston Owen, Carl Parker, Reid Patterson, Douglas Perry, Jack Poole, Glen Porter, Dawson Ray, Leighton Reese, Daniel Reynolds, John Martin Richter, Aidan Robinson, Colton Rohling, Bradley Knox Romeo, Chase Rose, Adam Rudulph, William Sasser, Trey Saunders, Troy Saunders, Tyler Schneckenberger, Vaughn Schneider, Hoke Smith, Wheeler Smith, Tucker Smitha, Andrew Spray, Audey Stein, Davis Stewart, Hill Stokes, Joseph Sullivan, Luke Henry Swanzy, R Hasting Sykes, Thomas Andrew Sykes, Jack Talley, Mitchell Taylor, Everett Thompson, Mitchell Towns, Cole Turner, Carter Tyus, Caleb Uhlich, Andrew Ulch, Kent Vickers, Eli Vielguth, Vincent Visser, Robert Wamock, Garrett Warren, Thomas Watson, Thomas Waudby, Grainger West, Lane Whisenhunt, Jamar Wilkins and Connor Witherington.
REBELS READY
vestavia hills KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH 2020 SCHEDULE Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30
Vestavia Hungry for Success in Anderson’s Final Season By Rubin E. Grant
Anderson’s lengthy career with the Rebels. The 70-year-old coach cloud of uncertainty has announced earlier this summer he was enveloped the Vestavia retiring at the end of the 2020 camHills’ football program paign, his 43rd as the Rebels’ head heading into the 2020 seacoach. He is the winningest coach in son. state history, with a 342-154 record. Legendary head coach Buddy Before the suspension of practice, Anderson and several Rebels players Anderson said he liked the work ethic tested positive for COVID-19 in midof his team. August, forcing the “The kids have school to suspend been working hard ‘WE’VE GOT MORE KIDS practice and cancel and they’re hungry,” THIS YEAR OUT FOR its first two games of he said. “We have a FOOTBALL THAN EVER. the season, against chance to be a good WITH THE FRESHMEN, Mountain Brook and football team. We IT’S OVER 200. THAT’S Homewood. (See have some inexperiA GREAT PROBLEM TO story on page 25) ence on defense, but HAVE.’ The Rebels were we’ve got some hoping to resume good athletes over practice Aug. 21 and there. On offense, play their first game of the season we’ve got an experienced offensive Sept. 4 against Hoover. line and we’ve got experience at runThis will be the final season of ning back.
A
@ Mtn. Brk./CANCELED Homewood/CANCELED Hoover* @ Oak Mountain* Tuscaloosa County* @ Thompson* Hewitt Trussville* @ Spain Park* @ Gadsden City* Shades Valley
*Conference game
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
vestavia hills AT A GLANCE
Vestavia Hills coach Buddy Anderson with, from left: Everett Thompson, Caleb Uhlich, Josh Cheatham and John King.
“We’ve got more kids this year out for football than ever. With the fresh-
men, it’s over 200. That’s a great problem to have.”
Head Coach: Buddy Anderson 2019 Record: 7-4 Region: Class 7A Region 3: Hoover, Hewitt-Trussville, Gadsden City, Oak Mountain, Spain Park, Thompson, Tuscaloosa County, Stadium: Thompson Reynolds Stadium at Buddy Anderson Field (5,000)
Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of the Rebels.
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, August 20, 2020 • 23
VESTAVIA at tailback after seeing plenty of action as sophomores. Senior Tai Crawford also is in the mix. Senior Landon Neese returns at fullback, with seniors Brayden Duke and Alex McKinstry and junior Rob Warnock in reserve.
Receivers/Tight Ends
Journal file photo by Bryan Bunch
Senior Charlie Hughes is a returning starter at wide receiver. Seniors Lleyton Hargrove and Knox Romeo and juniors Cole Turner and Colton Rohling are also on hand. Turner is the younger brother of Clemson defensive back Nolan Turner, a former Rebel. “He’s a good athlete, but he has a lot of rough edges,” Anderson said. Senior Hasting Sykes will start at tight end, with senior William Cox and juniors Walker Creel and Josh Decker seeing time at the position. Senior Tai Crawford, above, and juniors Pierce Hanna and Bryant Agee will carry the load at tailback for the Rebels in 2020.
OFFENSE Quarterbacks
The Rebels have to replace highly successful quarterback Eli Sawyer, who helped them average 30.5 points per game in 2019. With Sawyer gone, the Rebels will turn to senior Braden Glenn as the starter. He spent the past two seasons as Sawyer’s backup. “He brings a whole different skill set,” Anderson said, “but he’s a great leader.” Juniors Mitchell Towns and Fort Edmonds are penciled in as Glenn’s backups.
Running Backs
Juniors Pierce Hanna and Bryant Agee return
Offensive Line
The offensive line has experience and depth. The starting tackles are senior Dawson Ray and junior Hoke Smith, with juniors Cade Allen, Cole Lenhart and Nelson Greiner in reserve. Sophomores Sam Deason and Hudson Hager are also in the mix. The starting guards are seniors Drew Ulch and John King. Juniors Jack Dawsey and John David Miles and senior Darren Gordon will serve as backups. Junior Hill Stokes returns as the starter at center with sophomore Jack McMurray and senior Walker McCulley as backups.
DEFENSE Defensive Line
Seniors Bryce Littleton and Trey Saunders are expected to start at defensive end, with
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See REBELS, page 25
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VESTAVIA
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OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Thursday, August 20, 2020 • 25
VESTAVIA
REBELS SIDELINED
Anderson Knew Immediately Something was Askew By Rubin E. Grant
Rescheduling the Season
The Rebels will try to replace one of the two non-region contests that were canceled with another game during week 5, originally sched-
Journal file photo by Marvin Gentry
Buddy Anderson had no idea his wife was baking chicken for Sunday dinner. So, when Linda Anderson told him the chicken was done, Buddy Anderson was caught off guard. “Usually when she bakes chicken, I can smell it,” Anderson said. “But I didn’t smell anything. So, I went upstairs and opened the aftershave I use, and I couldn’t smell it, either.” Anderson knew immediately something was askew. He also knew that loss of smell was one of the symptoms of COVID-19. So the next day the legendary Vestavia Hills football coach and his wife went to get With Anderson tested for the corotesting positive and navirus. The test several players result came back testing positive, positive for both. too, Vestavia “All of this is Hills announced strange,” Anderson it was suspending said. “I don’t (know) football practice where the virus through Aug. 20. came from. It’s invisible. “I’ve had a little cough, but before the start of every football season I have a cough because I’m talking to my team so much. Neither of us have had a fever. She had a little rash, which is another symptom, and she threw up a couple of times. “It’s going to take some time for us to get to feeling better.” With Anderson testing positive and several players testing positive, too, Vestavia Hills announced it was suspending football practice through Aug. 20. “Over the past several days, Vestavia Hills High School athletics staff (has) been monitoring several students and coaches in the varsity football program who recently tested positive for COVID-19 or were in close contact with individuals who tested positive,” the statement read. “As a result, the football program will not practice again until Aug. 21, the day the season was originally set to begin.” The Rebels canceled their first two games of the season “due to the inability of the team to practice for an extended period.” Vestavia Hills had been scheduled to open the season against
Mountain Brook and play Homewood on Aug. 28. “I hate that for the kids. We tried to identity the things to help them stay safe and healthy. Their health is most important to us. We had gone all summer – from June 8 until last Monday – without a positive test, but we had a player test positive last Monday. Then another and then two more. We felt like it was best to stop.”
REBELS From page 23
senior Carter Tyus, junior Blake Jeffers and sophomores Andrew Sykes and Lane Whisenhunt in reserve. Defensive tackle Michael Lawrence is the lone returning starter on the defense. The other starting tackle will be senior Everett Thompson. The backups are juniors Max Neuroth, Eli Vielguth and Vaughn Schneider.
Linebackers
Senior Josh Cheatham, who played extensively last season, will be one of the starters. Others in the mix are senior Aidan Robinson and juniors John Edwards, Jack Davis, Davis
uled to be an open week. Vestavia Hills’ first game of the 2020 season now will be a Class 7A, Region 3 contest against Hoover on Sept. 4. “We’re going to take two weeks off and then start back practicing and hopefully play the rest of the season,” Anderson said. “But only God knows for sure.” School officials confirmed all other school athletics practices and events are taking place as scheduled. Earlier this summer, Anderson, 70, announced he was retiring at the end of the 2020 season, his 43rd as the Rebels’ head coach. He is a National High School Hall of Fame inductee and the winningest coach in the state, with a 342-154 record. Despite contracting COVID-19, Anderson said he is at peace with his decision to coach one final season. “If we don’t play, it will be emotional for me,” he said. “If we do play, it will be emotional at the end. But none of this has taken God by surprise. He knew this day was coming.”
Stewart and Adam Rudulph.
Secondary
Seniors Tyler Moore and Caleb Uhlich will start at cornerback, with seniors Skylar McGee and Cam Lyaka and junior Zack Mueller serving as backups. Senior Joseph Sullivan will start at free safety and junior John Ross Ashley at strong safety, with senior Leighton Reese and sophomores Will Cox, Jack Lamey and Dylan Jaquess in reserve.
Kickers
Matthew McMeans returns as the placekicker after connecting on 40 of 41 extra-point attempts. He will likely handle punting duties, too. “We’re glad to have him back,” Anderson said.
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26 • Thursday, August 20, 2020
A LOOK BACK
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
‘GREATEST GAME OF ALL TIME’ Patriots Revisit Epic 2000 Championship Contest
By Rubin E. Grant
Dominating Defense
The Patriot defense dominated throughout the night holding the Wildcats to only 3 first downs and 13 yards passing. Both Super Six records that still stand. Chris McCauley, who forced a late fumble to set up the game-tying field goal, led the Patriot defense with nine tackles. Homewood defensive back Jonathan Herr had seven tackles and Bo Speer recorded seven stops, including two tackles for losses. The Patriots had a chance to win in the final seconds, but Schatz’s 27-yard field goal attempt was blocked by the Wildcats’ Eric Brock, sending the game into overtime.
Epic Finish
And then it turned epic. The teams traded touchdowns in the first three overtimes and field goals in the fourth overtime, keeping the score tied 34-34. In the fifth overtime, Homewood had the ball
Homewood High School sports program
A
Members of the 2000 Homewood High School football team, winners of the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 5A state championship.
‘I think it was worth the price of admission. We gave them their money’s worth. It was an exciting game. In the years since, people tell stories about how they couldn’t leave.’ BOB NEWTON, FORMER HOMEWOOD FOOTBALL COACH Journal images
s one of the greatest championship games in the history of Alabama high school football unfolded, Parker Gargis and Colt Byrom found themselves on opposite ends of the emotional spectrum. Gargis was simply enjoying the moment, while Byrom was a nervous wreck as Homewood battled Benjamin Russell on a cold early December night at Legion Field for the Alabama High School Athletic Association 2000 Class 5A championship. “I was 16 years old and I didn’t understand the magnitude of it,” said Gargis, who was a sophomore quarterback and safety on the team. “I was just playing and having fun.” Byrom was a senior receiver and he understood how Gargis felt, but he had a completely different perspective. “Of course, he felt that way,” Byrom said. “He was just a sophomore and didn’t know any better. For me it was my last high school game and I was super tense. When the defense was on the field, I could hardly watch. I was like, man, we’ve got to make that play.” Despite their contrary emotions, Gargis and Byrom made a connection that lifted Homewood to a 41-34 victory in a five-overtime thriller, giving the Patriots their third state championship and avenging a season-opening 25-18 loss to the Wildcats. Both teams finished with 13-2 records. Regulation had ended in a 10-10 tie after the Patriots overcame a 10-0 deficit in the fourth quarter, tying the score on Jeremy Schatz’s 33-yard field goal with 8:53 remaining.
Above, Taylor Barker picks up tough yardage in the Patriots five-overtime thriller victory over Benjamin Russell on a cold December night at Legion Field. Left, coverage of Homewood and Hoover winning state championships in the Dec.14, 2000 issue of Over The Mountain Journal.
first and scored on a 5-yard touchdown pass from Gargis to Byrom. “We ran a goal-line play that worked,” Byrom recalled. “It was a little wheel route with a rub on the defender. Parker made a great throw and luckily I was able to hold on and make the catch.” Gargis was named the MVP after accounting for 227 yards total offense and five touchdowns. The victory and title wasn’t secured until Herr batted down a pass in the end zone on a fourth-and-six play on Benjamin Russell’s possession, ending the marathon game and sending the Patriots into a frenzied celebration. Andrew Reid, a sophomore offensive lineman, didn’t play in the game because of a season-ending knee injury midway through the campaign. He watched from the sideline and joined in jubilation. “It was crazy,” Reid said. “It was the greatest
high school football game of all time in the state of Alabama. I couldn’t play, but at the end of the day it didn’t matter. We got the win. “It was freezing cold, which wasn’t good for my knee. I had just had surgery a few weeks earlier, but when Jonathan knocked down that pass, I ran out on the field. It was the first time I had tested my knee after the surgery and that’s the best my knee ever felt.”
Unique Game
Bob Newton, the Patriots’ head coach at the time, said fans in attendance were treated to a special event. “I think it was worth the price of admission,” Newton said. “We gave them their money’s worth. It was an exciting game. In the years since, people tell stories about how they couldn’t leave. “It was the longest game I had ever been
involved in. The teams were matched up pretty evenly. We had played them earlier in the year and they beat us. Playing five overtimes was a pretty unique thing. We were fortunate to come out on the winning side.” The Patriots held a 10-year recognition ceremony and reunion of the 2000 championship team during a game at Waldrop Stadium in 2010. A 20-year on-field reunion won’t happen this fall because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but that doesn’t mean members of the team won’t get together to reminisce, especially since some of them still live in or near Homewood. Byrom is vice president of Byrom Building Corp.; Reid is an agent with New York Life Insurance Co. in Birmingham; and Gargis is a senior contract administrator at Kinder Morgan Inc., an energy company. “COVID will probably change what we will be able to do, but we’ll find a way for everybody to catch up,” said Byrom. “It’s going to be kind of tough to do something at the stadium,” Reid said. “But in late November or early December, we’ll round everybody up, probably on a Saturday, and watch the game again and reminisce.”
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