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.