Here are the Top 10 picks:
1. T.R. Miller-The #1 reason they will win the title, they are T.R. Miller. The #2 reason they will win the title they return 19 of 22 starters off of last years title team. They have great facilities and coaches, they are disicplined in every way, they are simply going to be awesome. In fact this has potential to be the greatest 4A team of all-time. I dont even see anyone giving them good competition in the south and it would shock me to see a team in the north who could hang with them, as powerful as the 4A north is. They will go 15-0 and be remembered for many years to come, just like Clay County 1996, Blount 1996 or their own amazing display in 1994 who is considered the greatest 4A ever. The 1994 team was great, but their reputation of being the greatest 4A ever is in serious danger.
2. Deshler-This was a team that was considered to be rebuilding last season and amazingly they went to the third round of the play-offs. Thats awesome! This team returns talent and all the makings of a title contending team. They will win that brutally tough 4A north and make it to Birmingham to take on a rather familiar foe, TR Miller. Miller wins this season but moves to 3A in 2002, when this happens look for Deshler to move up a spot, until then they are the 2nd best 4A.
3. UMS-Wright-One of only two teams to beat Miller last season, they really had a chance to win it all last year. This year is no different only one team in the southern region stands in their way, if they pull an upset, they could win it all.
4. Cleburne County-What a run they had last year! It was no fluke those guys are for real and this year they will prove it. They key component to their season this year is their brutally tough first few games starting off with Lineville and Alexandria. If they win both of these games, you will see at WORST a semi-final team and possibly a representative in Birmingham.
5. Daleville-Great turnaround last season. They have great talent and and a great coach. I think Miller will have too much talent in the south this season, otherwise Daleville might be the champ. That is not out of reason at all to still happen, Daleville will be a big threat this season and the leading candidate from the south in 2002!
6. Fayette County-They dont have it like they did last year, but dont be shocked if they are in Birmingham again. They have a great coach and tons of talent and experience. they will have a tough time getting back to Birmingham, but it is definetly within their grasp. Watch out these guys are dangerous and will make a lot of noise this year!
7. Central-Coosa-A team that is as talent rich as most 6A schools has finally put themselves on the map! They have had a struggling with poor coaching since all the Coosa County schools were combined. Last season that all changed they went 10-2 and to the 2nd round. They have a GREAT shot at a 10-0 season and semi-final appearance. This is the most dangerous team in 4A, if there is to be a surprise in 4A this year, it will come from the cougars!
8. Alexandria-This is simple, I'm big on tradition and there are few with a better one than the Valley Cubs. This could be their least-talented team in many years, but they will be right in the thick of it and in the top 10 all year. If you thought this was going to be the year you got rid of them, then you are WRONG!!!!!!
9. Jemison-They were a real Cindrella story in 1999, but they are no joke. They are the newest 4A powerhouse and get used to seeing them in the top 10, because they have the talent and coaching to establish a dynasty. Don't let this team sneak up on you, they are for real!
10. North Jackson-A much improved team from a year ago, who made it to the play-offs. Could be very dangerous in that brutal 4A north. This season they have a distant shot to make it to Bham, but this years dream, may turn into next years reality. This team will be a very tough one to beat for another reason, they will have a very emotional season after losing two players and their teammates will be out to dedicate the season to them. They will have more motivation than any other team in Alabama, making them even more dangerous.
|
