Wanted to wait a couple of weeks to post some opinions to see how the teams play out.
Start with the smaller local schools:
--1A--
Shoals Christian: I talked to a guy with good knowledge of their program before the season started and he told me "in for a long year." The talent is just down. It happens everywhere. I could see them still sneaking up to maybe 5th in their region, just because it's not that great of a region, but I could just as easily see them fall to 7th.
--2A--
Mars Hill: Long year. Just as simple as that. No chance to make the playoffs. Heard their starting QB got hurt in the opener too. Never had that confirmed though. Red Bay or Hatton (leaning toward Red Bay) should win 2A Region 8.
--3A--
Lexington: Always hard nosed, but hard to really gauge much since their first two opponents were Mars Hill and Shoals Christian and now Colbert Heights whom I am not sure what to expect out of. But they definitely have a legitimate shot at a playoff spot in a very competitive region. I had them fighting LCHS for the 4th playoff spot, and right now, I give Lexington the edge.
Colbert County: They have been building something special the last few years but when you get stuck behind the train that is Madison Academy is just makes it hard to take that next step. I had picked them to beat Tanner against the advice of my friends also playing the Times Daily pick 'em and they held up. That could go a long way toward building confidence in dealing with Madison Academy. Prediction - 2nd in the Region
Lauderdale County: I was shocked to see them ranked 10th to begin the season. Sure they have great tradition and have been a power the last few years, but they lost a ton from last year. The Simbeck kid is a very good running back and will get his yards, but they lost a lot on D and at the QB position. The new starting QB was also hurt last week, don't know the lasting effects of the injury, but could be another blow. Prediction - 5th in R8
Sheffield: Has one of the most talent players in the area, Aaron Pride. They have speed all over the field but lack discipline as exhibited by their 4 personal fouls, 1 unsportsmanlike and 5 bad snaps against Brooks. If they keep their head on straight, they have the physical talents to beat a lot of teams. Prediction - 3rd in R8
---4A---
Wilson: Will end up surprising a lot of folks (as if Fridays victory over LCHS didn't already). Very mature team with lot so experience. Jason Futtrell (sp?) is a very very good highschool running back. This is once again a really top heavy region and that could play to their favor. Prediction - 3rd in R8
Brooks: A team full of freshman last year, now starts a bunch of sophs. The future is very bright for this young group, but they may be a year or two away from really challenging for anything. Running back senior Braden Tank will turn some heads and QB Tyce Thomas has improved drastically since last season. Not the fastest team Brooks has had, but seem to be disciplined and stay at home. Prediction: 2nd in R8
Deshler: Let's face it, they always have talent. The issue with Deshler is they start a whole new offense under a whole new coaching regime. Those I have spoke with say the QB has a really good arm and has 1 receiver who is a big threat. Deshlers saving grace is that they play two of their biggest region challenges in the second half of the season (Brooks & Wilson), thus giving them time to mesh. One of Brooks strengths is secondary so that poses a good challenge for them too, but they have 8 weeks to get ready for that game. Prediction 1st in R8
Central: Central is the unknown commodity for me. I just have not heard much about them from any of my friends or high school football acquaintances. They are generally a pretty solid team and they are in a region, that again, is very top heavy. I know they have some talented running backs, but really not sure beyond that. Just on reputation and the bottom half of the region being so weak, I have them ... Prediction - 4th in R8.
--5a--
Russellville: Started a new era this last week by beating the brakes off their rival Deshler. This could bode well, but again, it was Deshlers first game in a new offense that's miles from what they have done in the past. Russellville got the huge benefit of the reclassification which made their region one of the best in the state to one of the worst IMO. I do believe Johnson & East Limestone to be the class of the region and Russellville and West Point will fight it out for the last two spots. Prediction - 3rd in R8
--6A--
Muscle Shoals: What can you say? Easily the toughest region in the state? Muscle Shoals will be beastly again. They have tons of talent and the depth at RB is amazing. I really think they will need to develop more of a passing game though to really have a shot at winning a 6A title. And with this region (Athens, Austin, Florence, Decatur, Cullman, Hartselle), it's a gauntlet. You could be a very good team and still finish 7th. Stab in the dark here... Prediction - 3rd in R8
Florence: What a game against Shades Valley. Florence, although in a losing effort, staked it's claim as a legit title contender. They have speed and talent all over the field. Keeton Anderson is a beast. The QB will take a little time to really get his feet under him, but once he does, they will be very hard to stop. Prediction - 1st in R8.