Are you ready for some football?
By Staff
Charles Prince, Sports Editor
It's finally here, the greatest high school sport of all kicks off the regular season this weekend.
Everyone is unbeaten and full of optimism this time of year. Some will have expectations dashed in the first week, other teams will pull surprising upsets. Here's a look at the local high school games you'll see in southern Morgan County. Please note, my picks don't come with a money back guarantee.
Thursday's games…
Austin at Hartselle
New Austin head coach David Norwood seems to have the Tigers number, having whipped Hartselle the last two seasosn while at Gardendale. Austin has the numbers, their team features 82 players from 10 th grade up. The Black Bears have two players, quarterback Kevin Elwell and tight end Jeremy Dorrance, who are being recruited by SEC schools. Clearly, Norwood inherited some talented players in Decatur.
Bob Godsey begins his second season with the Tigers leading a young, but talented squad. On paper it appears that Austin will top the Tigers. But, this game won't be played on paper and the folks up north are in for a surprise…Tigers 20, Black Bears 10.
Danville at Falkville
County rivals square off at Burl Vest Stadium. Danville turned the corner lasts season, ending with a 5-5 record following a winless campaign in 2002. Falkville is coming off a 3-7 season, which was closer to being a 6-4 year.
The two teams both appear to be stronger on defense than offense. It's looks like a low scoring brawl…Hawks 10, Blue Devils 7
Friday's games…
Hanceville at Priceville
The Bulldogs will open their new stadium and open play in its first full season of competition. Priceville hosts another set of Bulldogs, who struggled all through a winless 2003 season.
Priceville head coach Marty Chambers saw his crew rudely welcomed to Class 2A last week when Tanner topped them 27-0 in a preseason jamboree.
Expect the home crowd to go leave happy…Home Bulldogs 24, Visiting Bulldogs 6
Madison County at Brewer
The visiting Tigers are coming off a 1-9 season. The host Patriots are coming off 13 straight loses.
Brewer has not won since Oct. 11, 2002. It's a new season and a new coach. Billy Coleman has his young squad believing they can win. The Patriots have dedicated this game to the student body.
The players want to show things will be different on the football field for Brewer. Will things be different? Let's put it this way, if you hear a lot of noise in Florette after midnight Friday, don't be concerned. It'll be the Brewer fans celebrating…Patriots 28, Tigers 10