By Staff
Justin Schuver, Sports Editor
Congratulations to both the Hartselle and Danville varsity volleyball teams, who are each ranked No. 3 in their respective classifications as of the most recent poll on Sept. 8.
As of Sept. 8, the Lady Tigers were 13-4 and the Lady Hawks were 16-1, each competing well despite a difficult schedule.
Southern Alabama typically rules the gridiron, but it's in the north where the real volleyball talent lives. Huntsville was the Class 5A state champion in 2004, and Madison Academy was the winner in the Class 3A finals. Here's hoping our local spikers have their own postseason glory.
And now, this week's football picks:
Decatur Red Raiders (4-0) at Hartselle Tigers (3-1): This might be the biggest game of the season so far for Hartselle, who want nothing more than to become the first team since 1985 to defeat both Austin and Decatur. As much as my heart wants to pick Hartselle, Decatur is just too potent on offense and good enough on defense to control the Tigers' running game…Red Raiders 24, Tigers 20.
Danville Hawks (2-2) at Priceville Bulldogs (1-3): Danville endured a heartbreaking overtime loss against Vinemont to fall to a disappointing 1-2 in region play. The Hawks will take out their frustrations on the undermanned but hard-working Priceville team, who are coming off their only win of the season…Hawks 28, Bulldogs 16.
West Point Warriors (3-1) at Brewer Patriots (1-3): Like the other area teams, Brewer is playing a game against a non-region opponent. Unfortunately the Patriots picked a tough foe in a West Point team that has lost just one game this season and is coming off a dominating win over Ardmore…Warriors 24, Patriots 21.
Falkville Blue Devils (1-3) at Vinemont Eagles (2-2): The Blue Devils have had a bit of an up-and-down season, playing Danville close and defeating Cold Springs while looking silly against Lamar County and Cleveland. Falkville's due for a better effort, but Vinemont is a little too talented and has the edge playing at home…Eagles 28, Blue Devils 20.
Arkansas Razorbacks (1-2) at Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0): Coach Houston Nutt is officially on the hot seat, especially with Arkansas native Butch Davis out there as an option. Brodie Croyle, Tyrone Prothro and Kenneth Darby help turn up the heat even more…Crimson Tide 31, Razorbacks 6.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (2-0) at Auburn Tigers (2-1): One of the reasons an undefeated Auburn was held out of last year's BCS title game was because of a weak non-conference schedule. Glad to see the Tigers are paying attention…Tigers 45, Hilltoppers 13.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2-1) at Washington Huskies (1-2): Okay, I admit it. This is probably the game I've most looked forward to this season. This is the game where the Irish will come out and show A) what a good coach Weis is, and B) what a bad coach Willingham is. And with Notre Dame mad after losing last weekend, it should be a long day for Coach Ty…Fighting Irish 56, Purple Puppies 10.