Santos pitches shutout to lead Panthers past Hoover

Santos pitches shutout to lead Panthers past Hoover

Matt Conde

Sports Editor

PELHAM — Pelham High School baseball coach Jeff Mauldin used an appropriate phrase to describe senior Trae Santos' performance against Hoover in a Class 6A, Area 10 game April 2.

Santos played “lights-out" according to Mauldin, which helped the Panthers keep the Bucs off the scoreboard in a 10-0 five-inning shut out.

Santos (7-0) started on the mound and pitched five innings without allowing a run on two hits with seven strikeouts and one walk.

Santos had plenty of support at the plate.

The Panthers (27-2), 6-0 in Class 6A, Area 10) got on the board first and were challenged until the fourth inning, when they exploded with nine runs. The game was then called after the fifth due to Pelham’s 10-0 lead.

Michael Bishop slammed a home run and finished 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Hunter Ragsdale was 1-for-2, drove in two runs and scored twice. Trae Santos, Andrew Bishop, Tripp Martin, Jake Williams, and Reed Bright also scored a run.

“We played one of our better games of the year,” Mauldin said. "We played great defense and swung the bat the best I’ve seen us swing all year. Our players and coaches respect the teams we play and Hoover is a good team, they just didn’t play their best and we played close to our best.”

The Panthers are one win away from claiming the Class 6A, Area 10 title outright after missing the Class 6A playoffs a year ago. Recently the Panthers moved up to No. 19 in the Easton Sports NationalHigh School Poll.

For More Information, please visit www.ShelbyCountyReporter.com.

Alabama vs. Texas, The New Rivalry?

Alabama vs. Texas Tech, The New Rivalry?

Matt Conde

Sports Editor

The strength of a football schedule is made-up by non-conference games, especially in the SEC. Alabama has seen new opponents within the last few years including Clemson and Virginia Tech. This year they will see the face of a well-magnified Penn State led by Joe Paterno. Other SEC schools have seen tough non-conference opponents as well. Now unless you are Florida or South Carolina, there really is no other school in the SEC that has a “rival” non-conference opponent.

Alabama is in the process of putting together their non-conference football schedule for the 2012 season. Guess who is in the talks, The Red Raiders of Texas Tech led by their new coach, Tommy Tubberville. As we are all well aware of, Tubby came from Alabama’s biggest rival, Auburn. He put together an impressive resume against Alabama, held up six fingers, and then he disappeared. He went under the radar when Alabama landed football guru, Nick Saban. Although Tubby did beat Saban’s Alabama team once, it never happened again. So are Alabama officials creating a new rivalry, or is Saban making a statement? A statement that says you cannot outcoach me wherever you go, or is this a game to reclaim that forfeited bowl victory from the 2005 season? Yet, turn the tables, is this going to be a game where Tubby can “Gun Up” his fingers in the air like the Raider faithful do, or is this going to be a hard learning lesson for the Tide? I can’t answer any of these questions just yet. However, I will tell you that this non-conference game will be viewed like two SEC powerhouses colliding on any given Saturday.

What team will Auburn fans pull for in a possible Texas Tech vs. Alabama football matchup? I’ll leave that for you to answer below.

Oak Mountain Soccer Advances to Metro Tournament semifinals

#10 John Imwalle of Oak Mountain celebrates

after scoring a goal to help win 2-1 over Briarwood

Christian.

Oak Mountain advances to Metro tournament semifinals

Matt Conde

Sports Editor

The Oak Mountain High School boys' soccer team knocked off Briarwood 2-1 to advance to the semifinals of the Metro tournament March 27.

Oak Mountain's Daniel Wolfe scored the first goal for the Eagles, who are ranked No. 8 nationally in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll, off a corner kick. Minutes later, John Imwalle scored Oak Mountain's second goal with an assist by William Glass.

Briarwood Christian's Cooper Harrington scored the Lions' only goal with seven minutes remaining in the game. Oak Mountain (8-0) held on down the stretch for the win.

“I’m happy with the win," said Oak Mountain coach Ryan Patridge. “It was tougher than a lot of people thought it would be, but it was definitely a fun game tonight.”

Briarwood coach Mark Wallace was disappointed after the loss, but was pleased at how close the Lions played Oak Mountain.

“We had two awful minutes where we gave up two goals, but we played the best team in the state," Wallace said.

After the win, Oak Mountain played Homewood in a quick game in a contest delayed by severe weather March 25.

With only one-minute halves and two five-minute overtimes, the game was eventually decided on penalty kicks.

Oak Mountain won the match 5-4 after two missed penalty kicks by Homewood.

Oak Mountain now advances to the Metro tournament semifinals March 27. The Eagles host John Carroll in a semifinal game at Oak Mountain High School at 9 a.m.

The championship game is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Hoover High School.

For More Information, please visit www.shelbycountyreporter.com

Coming Soon: The Birmingham Barons

Coming soon: The Birmingham Barons

Matt Conde
Sports Editor

The Birmingham Barons, Double A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, hope to heat things up this season at Regions Park in Hoover. With Opening Day right around the corner on April 8^th, crews are working to host many exciting events that fans will not want to miss.

The Barons, who finished 44-26 last season and second in the South Region of the Southern League, plan to build off their success and make a strong statement with the players they have lined up for this season. Although they finished second overall in the Southern League at the end of the previous season, they did manage to capture the First-half division title.
For fans, this season looks exciting with the Opening Weekend booming off to honor the 2009 Alabama Crimson Tide National Football Champions. Other events that are scheduled are Thirsty Thursdays and Friday Fireworks which are back by popular demand.
The 15^th Annual Rickwood Classic is set for June 2^nd at 12:30 p.m. with the Barons hosting the Tennessee Smokies. The Rickwood Classic pays tribute to the historic Birmingham Barons who began play in 1885 and survived the changing from many leagues. One noticeable change fans will see this year at the Rickwood Classic, are the throwback uniforms that replicate the jerseys from the 1910 season. This has been a tradition of the past since the Rickwood Classic began. This year also marks the 100^th anniversary of Rickwood Field, America’s Oldest Ballpark.
Baron fans can hear all the team's games on 690 WJOX-AM with announcer Curt Bloom bringing all the action from every home and away game.
Be sure to be there when the Barons start off this season with the Carolina Mudcats, and shoot for success. Fans are encouraged to visit http://www.Barons.com/ for more information regarding this upcoming season.

Spain Park rallies to hand Thompson first loss

Matt Conde

Sports Editor

HOOVER — The Thompson High School baseball team visited Spain Park Feb. 22 in a quest to remain undefeated in the Birmingham Metro tournament.

After handing rival Pelham its first loss of the season Feb. 20 with an 8-4 win over the Panthers,Thompson went out to keep its undefeated streak alive.

The Warriors couldn't keep their winning streak alive, as Spain Park came from behind to defeatThompson, 6-4.

“Like another area opponent, they are all good teams and it comes down to who makes plays on defense,” said Thompson coach Pat Hamrick.

Thompson (6-1) had a rough night at the plate. The Warriors faded after jumping out to an early 2-0 lead after the second inning.

“They (Spain Park) struggled defensively, but we didn’t get hits to capitalize on it," Hamrick said.

Thompson got on the board first in the second inning with a hit by Skylar Estell, who finished 1-for-3 and scored once. Ian Murray was 1-for-3 and scored a run. Jacob Swindle also scored. Matt Haskins was 1-for-2 and got on the board with one run scored.

Spain Park responded in the fourth inning with a run by Chris Ellis, who was 2-for-3. Ellis also had two RBI and one run scored. Zach Vardaman was 2-for-3 and finished with one RBI and a double. Mikey White was 1-for-2 and scored twice, while Carter White was 2-for-3 with two RBI.

Charlie McPherson earned the win for the Jaguars (6-2) after allowing only five hits and four runs with four strikeouts and five walks. Colton Freeman saved the game in the final two innings with four strikeouts, two walks and no hits.

“All the teams in this tournament are all about the same,” said Spain Park coach Will Smith. "It comes down to pitches, and I thought Charlie did a good job,”

Smith wasn't as pleased with his players defensive effort behind McPherson.

“We are still making some errors out in the field which are some concerns," Smith said. "That’s tough to do and beat anybody. Fortunately we were able to overcome it."

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Please visit www.shelbycountyreporter.com

Thompson beats Pelham in battle of undefeated rivals

Thompson beats Pelham in battle of undefeated rivals

Matt Conde
Sports Editor
ALABASTER — The Thompson High School baseball team defeated Pelham 8-4 in a battle between two undefeated rivals Feb. 20 in the Birmingham Metro tournament with a packed house on hand in Alabaster
The Warriors, who are the two-time defending Metro tournament champions, saw five players score a run. Ian Murray scored twice for Thompson (6-0) and had two RBI, while Gus Williford was 1-for-1 with three walks and two runs scored.
Matt Haskins and Adam McKenzie each scored a run. Haskins also had two RBI and a double. Skylar Estell was 0-for-3, but had two runs scored. Alex Henderson finished with an RBI.
Jacksonville State University signee Trae Santos finished the game 2-for-4 with one RBI and two doubles for the Panthers, who fell to 4-1. Michael Bishop scored two runs and had an RBI. Tripp Martin scored one run and drove in a run. Andrew Bishop scored one run.
Pelham got on the board first with a run in the first inning but fell behind later due to many errors. Pelham coach Jeff Mauldin gave credit to the Warriors for capitalizing on Pelham’s mistakes, which ultimately determined the outcome of the game.
“We played very poor, not Pelham baseball and somewhat embarrassing," said Pelham coach Jeff Mauldin. “We just got beat by a good team and for us to beat good teams, we’ve got to play a lot better. Playing like this is not accepted."
Thompson coach Pat Hamrick said the Warriors were fortunate the Panthers struggled in the field.
“We luckily got some breaks,” Hamrick said. “Our area is really tough. They (Pelham) have a great team, but we just got fortunate.”
Both teams will resume Metro tournament play on Monday, Feb. 22. Pelham will face Pinson Valley and Thompson will take on Spain Park.

More Birmingham Metro Tournament Coverage can be found by clicking HERE.

Mascots: Behind the Mask

Mascots: Behind the Mask

By Matt Conde

Sports Editor

Everyone has a memory as a child of seeing his or her favorite mascot, whether it be at Disney World or at a sporting event. However, have you ever wondered what it takes to be a mascot? Many hours go into planning, so that every spectator can have a positive and joyful experience with a mascot. Reading this will not spoil the secret that remains with a mascot, but it will perhaps give you a better appreciation for the hard work these furry characters give on a daily base.

Mascots are what bring the excitement to people as they perform and sometimes, it can bring an unpleasant side to someone as well. On a recent mascot appearance that Pelham High School's own, “Paws the Panther” was at, "Seeing a child smile is what keeps me going, despite the fact that I have someone's unattended child pulling my tail," Paws said. No matter where Paws may go, he seems to have some obnoxious fan aggravating him and always pulls off quite a popular fan club. "Not every place is like that though," Paws said, "Some places you have tight security where nothing can get to me thanks to the city’s finest," he explained. Being a mascot for a school may never have a dull moment, for it is a symbolic representative. Everyone knows who you are and the attention you get is equal to what a celebrity receives just walking down the street.

Now it is not everyday you see a panther walking down the street, so some mascots have to train a little bit harder to give that unforgettable performance. Between life in the spotlight and "study time, "Staying in shape and drinking your fluids is key to living a life as a hometown celebrity,” Paws said. Many people underestimate the dedication that Paws has for being a mascot. Paw’s love for the sport and his love for kids is portrayed as second-to-none. "With the kids following Paws around, it is hard to not just turn around and growl at them,” one fan explained. “You have to be patient, the ones that help you stay patient are the little children that have a crush on you until you get close,” Paws said.

Paws has made his mark throughout the community and he seems to want people to not be afraid of him. Other high school and college mascots have united throughout the community to help good causes such as the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education). So the next time you hug a mascot or have your picture made, remember the hard hours and dedication these furry characters put in to help make a smile and a memory last a lifetime.