Tag: high school football

Mustangs Looking to Make Playoffs for First Time in 16 Years

bdyoung1524Leave a comment

JO_Pic2

Photo credit: Jackson Olin Mustangs

The Jackson Olin High School football team hasn’t made the playoffs since 1999, but the Mustangs are hoping to turn things around this season.

Currently holding a record of 3-3, the Mustangs are only two wins away from exceeding last season’s win column. However, anything less than making it to the playoffs and competing for a championship is a letdown for J.O.

Offensive Line Coach Terrence Swift believes this year will be a breakthrough season for the team.

“The program has evolved over the years and the offensive line is improving week by week. I’m proud of the guys for working hard and I believe we’re ready to take things to the next level and make it to the playoffs,” Swift says.

J.O. has seen strides of improvement since head coach Tim Vakakes took over three years ago. Continue reading “Mustangs Looking to Make Playoffs for First Time in 16 Years” →

High School Football Preview: Birmingham Metro Area Teams to Watch in Week 3

bdyoung15242 Comments

Football

Photo Credit: newcastleathletics.com

As action continues to heat up on the gridiron, here are a few high school games fans should keep a close eye on as they kickoff their Labor Day Weekend:

1. Pleasant Grove at Ramsay – Both teams are looking to capitalize off their momentum after shutout wins in week two. It’ll be a dog fight from start to finish, but the 2014 Class 5A, State Runner-up Spartans (1-1) have something to prove in the Region 5 matchup against the Rams (1-0). By the end of the night, Pleasant Grove prevails.

2. Spain Park at Thompson – Following a shutout win against the Hueytown Golden Gophers at home, The Jaguars (1-1) hit the road to face the unbeaten Thompson Warriors (2-0) in a Class 7A battle. Spain Park hopes to climb the ranks of Region 3 with with an upset, but the Jags have to put together a complete game. However, after a triple-overtime loss to Austin on the road in week one, Jags will find a way to go in and steal one for the upset.

3. Hoover at Mountain Brook – The Spartans are in action at home for the third-straight week. Mountain Brook (1-0-1) faces its toughest opponent thus far in the Hoover Buccaneers (2-0). The Class 7A, Region 5 matchup is the first in-state game for the No. 78 nationally ranked Bucs. Hoover knocked off Oakland High School in Murfreesboro, Tenn. in week one and Manatee High School in Bradenton, Fla. last week. As the face of high school football in Alabama (holding the state-record, 11 championships), the Bucs are chasing their fourth-straight state championship, as well as a national championship. Some notable players to watch for the Bucs are 6-foot-4, 205 pound outside linebacker Jeremiah Moon and 5-foot-11, 175 pound corneback P.J. Hall. Moon is a University of Florida commit and Hall is highly recruited by Louisville and Mississippi State University. Although Spartans have home-field advantage, Bucs will come out on top. Continue reading “High School Football Preview: Birmingham Metro Area Teams to Watch in Week 3” →