By Staff
Red Bay enters football season ranked fourth in 2A, Russellville fourth in 5A
Scot Beard
One year after a trip to the Class 2A state semifinals, the Red Bay High School football team is looking to continue the success of recent years.
The Alabama Sports Writers Association thinks the Tigers are up to the task. Red Bay is ranked fourth in the Class 2A preseason poll. Leroy took the top spot in Class 2A followed by Clay County and Addison. Fyffe rounds out the teams in the Top 5.
"I hope (the players) take pride in it and keep it going," said Red Bay coach Dale Jeffreys.
Jeffreys was quick to point out that the preseason poll is not a good indicator of this year's team because it is based on last season's squad.
"It doesn't mean anything," Jeffreys said. "Last year's team isn't going to win a single game this year."
Jeffreys said the key to Red Bay's success is the hard work ethic the players have had over the years.
This year is no exception. Jeffreys said several players have gotten stronger during summer workouts, but he will still have to wait and see which players will step up on the field.
"They have been in the weight room a long time and we are ready to do football," Jeffreys said. "We have to wait and see, but I hope to have a few surprises."
Russellville is the only other team based in Franklin County to earn a preseason ranking.
The Golden Tigers are fourth in Class 5A, and the team received a pair of first-place votes.
Eufaula was the No. 1 team in 5A followed by Briarwood and Cullman. McAdory was the fifth-ranked team.
The preseason poll was voted on by 28 members of the Alabama Sports Writers Association.