West Morgan Football

Power Poll

Three rivals flood the top five

The Power Poll is solely devoted to schools in the Highschoolgameday coverage area. This list does not consider classification, only the outlook for the upcoming season and the dominance it will display on the field. It is not a gospel, only how we rate the programs heading into the 2006 campaign.

This is the first Power Poll in a long line. Each Monday (starting after week one) we will release a new one complete with updated records, who the team beat and who they will face next.


Clay County—(3A Region 5)—easily the most dominant team in the area over the last decade. With most of the talent returning, the Panthers will once again reign supreme in East Alabama, and throughout the state.

Woodland—(2A Region 5)—tabbed the odds-on-favorite in the grueling 2A Region 5, the Bobcats return a deep senior class, most of whom have tasted the Super Six. The hype is based in fact. This team is extremely hungry following an injury plagued 2005.

Cherokee County—(4A Region 6)—this team was one fluke play away from brining home the 3A State Championship last season. This year they are out to capture the 4A crown. With a couple division 1A prospects leading the way, they will be tough to stop.

Cedar Bluff—(1A Region 7)—the talent of Cedar Bluff’s top two players has been well documented over the summer. Outside of quarterback Jamie Hampton and lineman Austin Hayes lies an overlooked squad, who harness the talent for big things.

Lineville—(2A Region 5)—the Lineville Aggies are more talented than usual, which does not bode well for their opponents. This traditionally talented group has been touted as his most athletic team ever by head coach Steve Giddens. We expect to see Woodland and Lineville in the 2A state semi-final.

Alexandria—(4A Region 6)—if you’re one of those counting Alexandria out because of what they lost, you might want to think again. The Valley Cubs will have a few new faces in the paper this season but the results might turn out the same.

Etowah—(5A Region 7)—despite losing playmakers at running back and defensive end, the Blue Devils return a more experienced team overall. They’ve tasted back-to-back region titles in 2004 and 2005, meanwhile running out of gas in the post-season. This time, look for their success to go beyond the first round or two.

Heflin—(4A Region 3)—losing homerun threats Arsenio Hayes, Deontae Carter, quarterback Koty Morehead and all but one offensive lineman would usually spell doom for most schools. Heflin has once again reloaded and will contend for big things in the South.

Pell City—(6A Region 7)—we would love to place the Panthers higher on our list, but it would be tough to do considering they lost 23 seniors off last year’s squad. A former coach recently told us that despite the loss, Pell City will repeat the success of the past few years.

Gadsden—(6A Region 7)—you better catch them early and you better hit them hard. With arguably the most talented set of skill positions in East Alabama, possibly the northern half of the state, the Titans will make a lot of noise if they gel in time.
Honorable mentions: Weaver, Munford, Winterboro, Hokes Bluff

posted by Coach Shaw @ 10:16 AM