Are they for real?

August 29, 2009

By Drew Champlin

We’ll find out next week if a couple of our bigger schools, Dothan and Rehobeth, are for real.

Both have struggled for the past few seasons, but Dothan put a whoopin’ on Eufaula, a 5A power. Next is a trip to Auburn, a very good team this season. It might be tough for Dothan to go up there and get a win, but “looking good and losing close” wouldn’t be a bad thing. Auburn and Opelika are probably the head of the class in that region, but after that, anyone could sneak in and get a playoff spot.

Rehobeth looked very good and physical to me Friday night. It was against a Class 3A school, but the roster sizes are similar. However, Rehobeth has more numbers this year and really worked hard in the strength program in the offseason. All sophomore sensation Corey Perkins needed was a slight hole, and he ran for 246 yards on 23 carries. There are plenty more Rebels who can carry the ball, and fullback Bull DeVane opened up his share of holes.

The Rebels get Valley at home this week. I’d expect a fired up Rehobeth crowd and with teams like Charles Henderson and Eufaula (region foes) falling hard in week 1, this region could be anybody’s for the taking. Rehobeth won 10 games in 4A in 2005, but the move up to Class 5A hasn’t been kind.

Maybe this is the year it changes, but we’ll find out how good Rehobeth and Dothan are next Friday night.

Tough night to cover a game

By Jon Johnson

It was early in the game when longtime Wiregrass referee James Parrish collapsed while signaling a penalty. By halftime, the word Parrish had died reached those at Rip Hewes Stadium, where Dothan was playing Eufaula.
It was extremely hard for me to get interested in watching football on this night.
I admire the other officials at the game for carrying on like professionals, even after learning Parrish had passed.
For the players, coaches and fans, it was tough to carry on as usual.
For the record, Dothan played a fantastic game in beating Eufaula 31-7. Dothan, I really believe, has turned the corner and has a chance to do some really big things this season.
The first Friday night of the high school football season is now behind.
There were some terrific games.
But as a the press rolls, my thoughts remain on Parrish.
A sad night, indeed.

2009 season about to kick off

August 26, 2009

By Jon Johnson

I’m really looking forward to the Houston Academy-Providence Christian matchup at Rip Hewes Stadium on Thursday night. It was a great game last year with a fantastic atmosphere. I expect another big crowd for this one, but don’t know if a young Providence team will be able to keep it close the whole way against Houston Academy.
It’s almost unreal that the Raiders start a senior at every position. J.H. Johnson at quarterback has really developed going into his senior year for HA, and Andrew Dauphin is always a threat to break a long run at tailback.
Providence certainly can make a game of it if the Eagles can run the ball effectively behind what is a very good offensive line. I’m sure the Eagles will try to control the clock, and if they can do so, it could go down to the wire.
It will also be interesting to see how Northview fares in its opener at Robert E. Lee as new Cougar coach Wayne White has his debult. I heard the Cougars’ starting QB - and that would be B.J. Chitty - missed some practice time due to being sick. Obviously, if he can’t play, it will hurt Northview’s chances.
Cottonwood at Slocomb is another interesting match-up tonight. I believe Slocomb’s ground game with Greg Burdeshaw at tailback could prove to be the difference.