Easy to be proud looking back at 2007
Sports Scene
Ross Wood Sports Editor

You can look back at the year that was 2007 and see that this area still maintains a firm stranglehold on success in the sports community.

We have seen teams win championships in football, basketball, baseball and volleyball. Plus many other numerous teams have made great runs in their various sports.

But I think a look back, first, needs to start right here in Grove Hill.

The top story has to be the incredible run the football team made this year.

Going back to that fateful first squad who took to the gridiron in 1917 right up to 2007, no other team had ever done what these young me did.

Some may scoff at an undefeated regular season, but for the Bulldogs and their faithful fans, this was a benchmark season.

This group of young men raced out to a 12-0 record before falling to Calera in the quarter-finals of the playoffs.

Along the way they beat Jackson and Thomasville to win the county title, won their region title and only allowed them to score a total of 12 points.

The players from this team will forever be remember for what they brought to a school for a magical season.

Staying within the halls of CCHS look no farther than the basketball team and their improbable run to the Final Four in Birmingham.

A group without any superstars, but the deepest bench in the state, they made it look easy down the stretch run in Troy.

Had it not been for the 7- footer at Madison Academy, a state title may now be resting in trophy case at the school.

Only one starter is gone from that team as this year's season is well underway.

They can be credited with getting the ball rolling as success breeds success.

As soon as the hoops season ended the Bulldog baseball squad fought tooth and nail throughout the season to make the playoffs. Then they too took the fans and school on a great ride as they too advanced to the third round of the playoffs.

No there were no championships won by any of these teams, but the fans had so much to cheer about, that it hardly mattered. It was just good to see Clarke County High having an impact on sports again.

The best story to come out of 2007 has to be the 4-peat accomplishment by the Clarke Prep School Lady Gators.

The volleyball program had a long and proud history, but no titles, then four years ago a new coach came in and taught the girls how to finish.

Well for four years they have been finishing on top of the heap in the AISA as champions.

Hats off to these ladies and Coach Jami Barlow.

Title road runs through area

Still if someone hopes to win a gridiron championship, then they must realize that the road goes through Southwest Alabama.

That was very clear as Sweet Water and Leroy each won their second straight title in December.

Throw in the Bears' baseball title and you see that with each passing season of the year, that we have a pretty good grip on the state.

As we get settled into the new year, hopefully the success will continue, both in the classroom and on the fields of play.

But we must savor what we have, because it was only 10 years ago that we were not much of a factor.

Have a safe and happy New Year. Enjoy the bowl games responsibly.

That's all folks.....

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