2010 football season begins next week with start of fall practice
Russellville’s Brent Calloway, right, and Robert Terrell, left, block each other during spring practice. Both will be called on this year to help a Russellville defense that lost several starters to graduation. | File photo
The first game of the 2010 high school football season is a month away, but area team will begin preparing for the opening kickoff next Tuesday.
It is the first day the Alabama High School Athletic Association allows football practice.
Teams will practice in helmets and shorts the first few days before shifting to full pads by the end of the week.
There are many intriguing questions heading into the season.
Will Russellville be able to duplicate the success it had earlier in the decade by returning to the state championship game for a third straight year?
The Golden Tigers lost several players who were key in helping Russellville reach the championship game the last two years. Brent Calloway, one of the nation’s top players returns to lead the rushing attack while highly regarded transfers are expected to help keep the Golden Tigers title contenders in Class 5A.
Will Red Bay be able to avoid the types of injuries that plagued the Tigers last season and keep the streak of consecutive playoff appearances alive?
Red Bay lost its starting quarterback during the opening days of fall practice and key offensive players fell to injuries during the season.
Can Phil Campbell continue to improve during its second year under coach Bo Culver, who guided the Bobcats to three wins last year?
Culver had the Bobcats looking strong in their spring game, which bodes well, but realignment could be an issue.
Tanner is gone, but newcomers Lamar County and Sulligent were playoff teams last year with Lamar County reaching the semifinals. Colbert Heights also joins the region after dropping down for Class 3A.
Can Tharptown and Vina adjust to new coaches in time to be contenders in tough region?
Tharptown is guided by former Vina coach Bill Smith while the Red Devils are unsure whom their coach will be.
In addition to the new coaches these teams will face several strong teams in Class 1A, Region 8. R.A. Hubbard remains in the region while Addison moves in after playing in Class 2A the previous two seasons. The 2009 state runners-up at Hackleburg are also in the region.
There are several questions this season, but none will close to being answered until practice starts Tuesday.
