James "Nick" Nicholas
Briarwood charges the field during a game between Briarwood and Pleasant Grove on Friday, Sept. 7, 2018, at Pleasant Grove High School.
Over the course of the year, 280 Living will keep you up to date on the various local high school athletic teams. For previous weekly updates, click here.
FOOTBALL
Briarwood
The Briarwood football team opened region play with a 10-6 win over Pleasant Grove on Friday night. This week, the Lions continue region play with a trip to Woodlawn.
Chelsea
Chelsea was unable to hang onto a fourth-quarter lead, falling to Carver-Birmingham, 28-24, on Thursday. This week, the Hornets will face a tall task at Jackson-Olin on Friday.
Oak Mountain
Oak Mountain put forth an impressive showing despite falling short in a 52-47 loss at Hewitt-Trussville on Friday night to open Class 7A, Region 3 play. Oak Mountain makes another tough road trip this week, as the Eagles head to Thompson.
Spain Park
Spain Park was saddled with its second straight loss on Friday, as the Jags fell, 28-21, to Vestavia Hills in the Class 7A, Region 3 opener. The Jags continue region play this week at Mountain Brook.
VOLLEYBALL
Briarwood
Briarwood’s volleyball team posted several positive results last week. On Tuesday, the Lions swept a tri-match against Bessemer City (25-8, 25-8) and Leeds (25-6, 25-20). They hosted another tri-match on Thursday, defeating Benjamin Russell (25-17, 25-20) and Shelby County (25-12, 25-13). This week, the Lions travel to Springville for a tri-match with Guntersville on Thursday and compete in the Muscle Shoals tournament on Saturday. Some notable stats from the week:
- Kaley Bruce: 18 set assists, 14 digs, 3 aces, 2 kills, 1 block
- Audrey O’Brien: 25 digs, 13 aces, 5 kills, 3 set assists
- Tully Anne Hamner: 9 kills, 6 digs, 3 aces
- Caroline Mays: 7 kills, 2 blocks, 2 digs
Chelsea
Chelsea won six of its eight matches over the last week and now sits with a 12-3 record on the season. Last week, the Hornets defeated Clay-Chalkville (15-25, 25-22, 25-20, 25-22) before playing in the Rocky Top Classic over the weekend. At the tournament, they beat Bob Jones, Walker Valley (TN), Betsy Lane (KY), Greeneville (TN) and Stewarts Creek (TN), with losses to Roswell (GA) and Blackman (TN). This week, Chelsea has a tri-match with Alexandria and Tuscaloosa County on Tuesday, hosts area foe Helena on Thursday and hosts the Chelsea September SlamFest on Saturday. Some notable stats from last week:
- Victoria Schmer: 123 digs, 16 aces
- Zoe LaBreche: 43 kills, 54 digs
- Jules Hamer: 42 kills, 59 digs, 10 blocks
- Hope Wright: 40 kills, 11 aces
- Bailey-Drew McIntyre: 84 assists, 26 digs, 15 aces
Oak Mountain
Oak Mountain picked up two wins during the week, sweeping Springville and Homewood in three sets each. This week, the Eagles host Ramsay on Tuesday and play a tri-match against Benjamin Russell and Pelham on Thursday. Over the weekend, they will play in the Bayside Academy tournament.
Spain Park
Spain Park played one match last week, as the Jags defeated John Carroll (25-12, 25-15, 25-21) to open up area play. In the match, Sha’Kevia Hogan led the way with 10 kills. Jessica Veal posted 28 set assists. Allie DeSantis had 11 digs and Audrey Rothman had 10 digs. This week, the Jags continue area play at Vestavia Hills on Tuesday and at home against Hewitt-Trussville on Thursday.
CROSS-COUNTRY
Briarwood
Briarwood’s cross-country teams ran at the Etowah County Trail Invitational on Saturday. Trent Malloy posted the best time, finishing the race in 18:31.25. Joseph Bell (20:30), Sam Candler (21:14), Jay Greene (22:04) and Luke Thompson (22:21.42) rounded out the top five team runners. Sloan Malin led the girls team with a time of 27:58.61.
Chelsea
Chelsea ran in the Chickasaw Trails Invitational in Oakville on Saturday. Teanna Cason led the girls team with a 36th-place finish, as she posted a time of 21:04.19. Miles Brush was 50th on the boys side, running in 17:25.09.
Oak Mountain
Oak Mountain’s teams ran in the Chickasaw Trails Invitational in Oakville on Saturday. For the boys, Jonah Barrett led the way with a time of 16:44.35, good for 21st. Hansen McCown and Walker Cole followed closely behind, finishing 25th and 26th, respectively. Emma Grace Phillips and Evie Bell ran in the 20-minute bracket to lead the girls.
Spain Park
Spain Park competed in the Chickasaw Trails Invitational in Oakville on Saturday. Mackenzie Culpepper finished seventh overall to lead the girls team, with a time of 19:41.73. Jacob Warner was the top boys runner, placing eighth overall in 16:11.36.
— What else would you like to see mentioned? For any suggestions, feel free to email sports editor Kyle Parmley at kparmley@starnespublishing.com.
