Football teams gear up for Sept. 11 gridiron action

This week high school football games will fall on the 19th anniversary of one of the most tragic days in American history: Sept. 11.

For those who lived through that horrific day, it hardly seems like it was 19 year years ago. On the other hand, most if not all the players playing Friday night were not yet born on that day. Now they are living through and playing football during the worst pandemic in more than 100 years.

History should never be lost on the American people. America has always faced adversity and, for the most part, come out on top in the end. Football, and all sports for that matter, teach those life lessons as well.

Many are thankful these young men have been able to salvage a football season that seemed beyond reach not so many weeks ago.

They have done what they needed to do to get to this point. They have learned to overcome adversity.

Red Bay is the only county team that will not play this week.

• Phil Campbell (3-0) at Clements (0-2): The Phil Campbell Bobcats are off to an expected hot start, beating Lamar County 33-6 and Elkmont 62-22. The Bobcat offense has been clicking despite the loss of the starting running back. The Bobcats amassed 601 yards of total offense last week against Elkmont, but Clements is expected to be a little tougher of an opponent, despite having lost the first two games to Wilson 19-13 and East Limestone 53-19. Phil Campbell lost this game last year 44-27.
• Russellville (3-0) hosts Brewer (0-3): The Golden Tigers should have another relatively easy week with historically mismatched Brewer. Russellville hasn’t faced the Patriots since 2007. When they were playing between 2002-07, the Golden Tigers won by a combined score of 284-46. Russellville has won the first two games without breaking a sweat, beating Decatur 28-0 and Mae Jemison 41-0. Brewer, on the other hand, has struggled, losing to Danville 35-19, Priceville 38-21 and Ardmore 48-7.
• Tharptown (2-1) hosts Lexington (0-3) (Homecoming): Tharptown ran into a regional brick wall last week after starting off 2-0, losing to the Colbert County Indians 50-0. The Wildcats will host the Lexington Golden Bears for homecoming Friday night. Tharptown and Lexington have never met on the football field. The Golden Bears are off to an 0-3 start, losing to three quality opponents: Lauderdale County 20-7, Tanner 20-13 and Red Bay 40-13.
• Vina (0-2) hosts Decatur Heritage (1-2): Vina is off to a rough start, losing the first two games to Marion County and Shoals Christian. The Red Devils will host the Eagles this week. Decatur Heritage is one of the better teams to move into Vina’s region. Vina didn’t play the Eagles last year, and the Red Devils are 0-5 in historical matchups. Decatur Heritage lost its first two games to Falkville and Colbert Heights before beating Phillips last week 40-14.