Polls tough on local teams

By By Todd Thompson, Hartselle Enquirer
Despite winning 15 of its last 19 games, Hartselle will have to fight its way back into the Alabama Sports Writers Association preseason prep football rankings.
Hartselle, who finished 12-1 with a perfect regular season record, received 20 points in the preseason rankings. The total was fifth highest among teams that did not make the top 10.
No other local teams received votes in the poll.
After the loss of one of the school’s top senior classes ever, the Tigers will be opening the 2009 season with a lot of uncertainties.
Hartselle must replace its starting quarterback, top running back, several talented wide receivers and three starting linemen.
Region 8 opponent Russellville, the team that ended Hartselle’s 2008 season in the third round, opens at No. 2 behind defending Class 5A state champion Vigor.
The regular season begins Aug. 27-29 for Alabama High School Athletic Association schools. In opening games involving local schools, Hartselle travels to Chelsea, Priceville hosts Falkville, Danville battles Hatton at home, and Brewer plays at Madison Academy.
Hartselle will be tested early with games against Chelsea, Johnson, East Limestone and the Golden Tigers. All four are expected to be much improved this season and all should make solid runs for playoff bids.
Hartselle also faces a Week 5 showdown with Cordova, the No. 2 ranked team in Class 3A.
There were few surprises at the top of each classification in the preseason poll. All six Alabama High School Athletic Association champions from 2008 will start the upcoming season ranked No. 1 in the state.
Ten of the 12 teams who participated in the Super 6 Championships last year are ranked either No. 1 or No. 2 in the early poll.
Leroy and Sweet Water top the Class 2A and Class 1A polls respectively for the third straight time and fourth in the last five years.
Sports editor Todd Thompson can be reached at 773-6566 or at todd.thompson@hartselleenquirer.com