Take new strides. That was the motto for Decatur Heritage’s football program heading into fall practice. Well, the Eagles have done exactly that. Decatur Heritage beat Victory Christian 41-14 last week for its second straight win. It’s the first time the Eagles (2-3) have won consecutive games since starting a football program in 2009. “Our kids are really enjoying this,” Decatur Heritage coach Steve Meek said. “They’ve all put a lot of time into this. Getting this program headed in the right direction is important to them, and we’re all enjoying being a part of that.” With a senior-laden team, Meek expected this Decatur Heritage team to vastly improved. The Eagles coach has seen that come to fruition in recent weeks. The difference? “If I had to put a finger on it, I would say that we’ve been more aggressive and physical,” Meek said. “We had been a little bit passive, but overall, we’ve starting to get a little more physical and are initiating contact instead of waiting on it.” Playmakers have also producing. Quarterback Jordan Holland posted solid numbers in both wins, throwing for more than 400, while Sawyer Holland and Lee Godwin have combined for more than 300 yards on the ground. “And we’ve got to have that,” Meek said. Decatur Heritage hosts Shoals Christian on Thursday.
Region races: Local high school football playoff races resume this week, and several area teams find themselves in difficult situations. Athens, R.A. Hubbard and Decatur are all postseason regulars, but with the return of region play, all three teams need strong finishes to qualify. R.A. Hubbard’s situation is arguably the most unexpected. R.A. Hubbard opened the season ranked on the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s Class 1A poll, but losses to Shoals Christian and Hackleburg put the Chiefs at 1-2 in Region 8 with four games remaining. R.A. Hubbard isn’t alone. Decatur (3-2), East Limestone (2-3), Athens (1-4), West Limestone (1-2), Elkmont (1-4) and West Morgan (1-2) all return to region play with 1-2 records and little margin for error with four games remaining on the region schedule. Falkville (5-0, 5-0 in Class 1A, Region 6) is the only area team that has clinched a postseason berth — the first time that has happened since 2006. Austin (5-0, 3-0 in Class 6A, Region 8), Tanner (5-0, 3-0 in Class 2A, Region 8) and Hartselle (4-1, 3-0 in Class 5A, Region 8) could clinch playoff spots this week with wins.
Coach Talk: Samford offensive coordinator Brandon Harris scheduled to be the guest speaker Friday at the weekly Coach Talk luncheon, which is held at noon at the Holiday Inn on 6th Ave SE. Decatur High coach Jere Adcock also will speak about the Red Raiders upcoming game against Bob Jones.
Players of the week: Falkville running back Marcus Woodall received statewide recognition for a standout performance last week in the Blue Devils’ 34-13 win against Sumiton Christian, getting selected as one of the three finalists for the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s offensive player of the week. Woodall rushed for 236 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carriers. He had scoring runs of 90 and 96 yards.