Photos by Chris Yow
Mountain Brook quarterback Hamp Sisson looks for a receiver in the game against Hewitt-Trussville.
Spain Park looks to close out an undefeated region record when the Jaguars host Mountain Brook on Friday at 7 p.m.
Class 7A’s second-ranked team clinched the Region 3 championship last week by beating Oak Mountain. The 7-1 Jags’ only loss came in triple-overtime at Austin back in August. The region championship is the third in the past four seasons for Spain Park, but the first while being in the same region with city rival powerhouse Hoover.
In the ASWA poll released today, the Jaguars picked up four first-place votes. No. 1 Bob Jones has 25.
The Jaguars have relied on a strong defense that’s allowed just 90 points in eight games and just 52 in six region games. They’ve posted four shutouts.
Mountain Brook (2-6, 1-5) has had a tough season, losing three games by just a touchdown. It’s been something of a youth movement, with sophomore quarterback Hamp Sisson, sophomore running backs Owen Conzelman and Harold Joiner getting lots of action and junior receiver Sims Herron making big catches. Sophomore receiver Wilson Higgins has also stepped up, catching a TD pass against Hewitt-Trussville. Linebackers Will Wetzler, another juinior, and senior linebacker Joe Donald have been stalwarts on defense.
The Spartans lost to Hewitt-Trussville 35-14 last week. They trailed 14-0 at the half, but managed two scores in the second half.
“I felt like our kids responded the second half,” Mountain Brook coach Chris Yeager said. “I thought our kids played hard, I’m pleased with that.”
Yeager said he was proud of his team for fighting back throughout the game, and despite being out of the playoff race, he expects his team to compete for the rest of the season.
“I think the biggest thing is giving your best in whatever you do. It’s about finishing strong. It’s not what happens on the scoreboard,” he said. “This has been a valuable year for us, and it’s important that we finish it correctly. You’re going to face setbacks in your life. How do you stay motivated? Because in your heart you’re a winner.”
Spain Park won last year’s meeting 19-0 and leads the series 7-4. Spain Park’s all-time record is 99-58, including one forfeit by Hoover, so this could technically be the school’s 100th win in football.
Chris Yow, Trussville Tribune, contributed to this report.
