Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Hoover and North Shelby County
2025PREVIEW HIGH SCHOOL
Rodney Scotts BBQ
Homewood
Vestavia Hills Quarterback Charlie Taffe
Go Vote!
Since 2014, when I was appointed, I have served as the Ward 4, Place 1 representative on the Homewood City Council. After two elections, an extended second term, 11 years and changing Homewood’s form of government, I decided it was time to let a new generation of leaders step up to the plate. I must admit, I’m enjoying not having to worry about campaign signs and candidate forums! In my opinion, municipal government is the purest form of public service— it’s not about party or politics but working together to make the best decisions for your community. Check out our OTM Election Guide to see who’s on the ballot this year (page 12).
Another thing that’s important to our communities—high school football. Loyd McIntosh has done an exhaustive round up of our OTM teams and what their seasons have in store (page 18). Also, we’re celebrating Coach Chris Yeager’s 20th season at the helm of the Mountain Brook High School’s Spartans football team (back page). Last but not least, find your perfect Friday night lights outfit in our fall fashion section on page 14. Here’s to a fabulous fall, Friday night lights and fun fashion! And Go Vote on August 26!
–BARRY WISE SMITH
Publisher
Editor:
Design Director: Claire Cormany
Associate Editor: Nausicaa
Photography: Jordan Wald
Contributors: Nausicaa
Account
2015 Mountain Brook Spartans break on through.
2018 Vestavia Hills fan reaction. Photo by Lee Walls
MOUNTAIN BROOK HIGH SCHOOL REUNION CLASS OF 1980
When Covid got in the way of their 40th reunion, Mountain Brook’s class of 1980 started planning for the 45th instead. The party got under way on Friday, August 1st with drinks at Billy’s Sports Bar and Grill and continued with a Saturday morning tour of the high school. Alumni were shocked at the improvements to campus (though maybe some missed the smoking area). On Saturday night, the main celebration took place at the Birmingham Country Club. Everyone enjoyed music played by the ‘Hams—a band including some former Spartans—and some even took part in a trivia game show led by fellow 1980 classmates, Tricia Drew and Russ Levinson. Russ also led a beautiful memorial prayer for those 1980 alumni no longer with us. On top of reminiscing and catching up, classmates couldn’t help getting excited for an even bigger party for the 50th reunion. Go Spartans! OTMJ
Lea Ann Friday Strickland, Glenn Zindr and Susanne Berry Thomas
Mike Waldrum, John Hilley, Edith Bailey Keller and Jim Pewitt
Mitylene Badham Lockridge, Bradley Oliver Crow and Edith Bailey Keller
Jay and Cindy Krueger, Weyman and Sandi Prater
Joe Larussa, Kirsten Jones Moorman, Lyn Emmerson Smith, Janet Jordan Lusco, Tricia Faulkner Drew, Callie Howe Gilchrist, Mike and Susan Eddleman Waldrum
Jody Cole, Janet Jordan Lusco, Cathy Smith Turner, Margy Perkins Israel, Kelly Selman and Kyle Wilson Karson
Kitty Carney Lovelady, Alison Beall Bryant and Mary Lin Chen Smith
WBig Machines Petting Zoo
hat kid (and their parents) doesn’t enjoy watching construction crews working on giant machines from afar? Kids at the Birmingham Zoo on Aug. 2 got an up-close look at mechanical monsters at the Big Machines Petting Zoo. Thompson Tractor, the City of Birmingham and Jefferson County provided giant equipment for kids to check out. The free event was set up in the zoo’s parking lot. What a great way to spend the last Saturday before the start of the new school year. OTMJ When two leading healthcare systems come together, extraordinary things happen. As Baptist Health Brookwood Hospital — now strengthened by award-winning healthcare leader Orlando Health — we are bringing you expert medical care with the patient-first approach you deserve. With an even brighter future ahead, we’re excited to enhance exceptional, faith-based care in your community. Giving you more reasons to choose well. BaptistHealthAL.com/BrookwoodHospital
Cal, Jonathan, Matthew and Alice Williams
Nick and Tyner Waters and Karson Camp Palmer and Katie Burns and Robby Jasper
Lindsey Bowman, Hunter Hughes and Lukas Bowman
Kaiden and Kayson Bell and Ayana Oden Weston and Luke Lunsford
ART ON TAP
Interactive arts and live music from local bands were featured at Art on Tap, an Aug. 2 fundraiser at Trim Tab Brewery for four area arts organizations recently affected by cuts to the National Endowment for the Arts. InToto Creative Arts, Studio By The Tracks, Sidewalk Film and Cinema and Birmingham Children’s Theatre benefitted from the event, and each plays an important role in the community art scene. An art sale, open mike session and storytelling were among the activities guests enjoyed.
OTMJ
Sonya and Joseph Roberson and Lisa Bynum
Darby Davenport, Keana Jones and Savannah Burk
Tony LeGrone, Mika Carpenter and PJ Bottoms Gerald and Ellen Stephens
Marena, Francesco and Michael Messina
Amy and Spencer DeBurgh
Pam Higgins and Patrice Wasden
Bill and Kim Stockton and Emily and Charles Dellaccio
Magic City Cocktail Challenge
The Ballad of Mockingbirds and Fire,” a concoction created by Andrew Weber of The Refinery, was voted Best Cocktail in Birmingham 2025 at the Magic City Cocktail Challenge on July 31. The winning drink is tequila-based, akin to a watermelon margarita with Tajin, a chili pepper-lime seasoning. The fundraiser for the American Cancer Society was held at Iron City Birmingham and drew a crowd that sampled signature cocktails created by a dozen mixologists. Other honors went to Josh Schaff of Cayo Coco, who won the 2025 Tastemaker Award for “Pearl of Waikiki” and to Lee Castle of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, who earned the Shaker of the Year Award for raising $11,189. OTMJ
Brighter Smiles, Happier Lives
Let us help you achieve a radiant smile that boosts your confidence every day.
We believe in treating each patient like family. Dr. Swicord (pictured) and his team with Dr. Harb are enthusiastic about getting to know each of you, understanding your dental goals, and ensuring that our practice continues to provide the quality, trusted care you expect.
Under Dr. Swicord’s ownership, Smile Craft will continue to offer the services you rely on, from regular checkups to cosmetic treatments and everything in between. We are committed to maintaining a warm, professional environment where your dental health is always our top priority.
We offer Cosmetic, Preventative, Restorative, Orthodontic Aligners and Emergency Services to our patients. We accept many insurances, and we also offer discounts to uninsured patients! Payment options are available for patients to get the treatment they want and need without breaking the bank. Your
Jordan Woody, Mary Robbins Miller, Mary Frances Brown and Kendall Woody Kylee Jackson and Lia Diguglielmo
Mary Frances Weeks and Sara Douglas Waugh
Nancy Jones and Melissa Brent
Daniel and Sue Ellen Cox
Sarah Morgan Johnson, Adam Dakody, Zach Crossman and Reanna Whetstone
Tammy Kumar and Charles Tyson
Jack King, Nate Hudson, Blake Rice and Jonathan Daniel
Jazz Night at the Museum
The Birmingham Museum of Art was the sold-out venue for legendary Birmingham trumpeter Daniel “José” Carr and his band at Jazz Night at the Museum on July 31. Carr was inducted into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame in 2015. He and the band settled in for an evening of dynamic music amid the museum’s exhibits and collections, while those in attendance enjoyed drinks and wandered around the galleries. OTMJ
September 5 & 6
Get ready for fall planting by shopping hard-to-find plants specially selected for our region by expert volunteer growers. Check or card only. Please bring your own folding cart or wagon!
Kelly and Tim Burke
Nicole, Marissa and Neha Biju and Nickey George Taylor Fisher, Libby Davis and Riley Berry
Anne and Bill McMahon
Cassandra Brennan and Daniel McGill Geordie Kennedy and Caroline Fiore
MAGIC CITY CARNIVAL FOR PATHWAYS
Carnival games, fair foods, live music, a silent auction, pet activities and lots of fun were featured at the Magic City Carnival on Aug. 2 at Cahaba Brewing Co. The family-friendly fundraiser drew supporters of Pathways, a shelter dedicated to supporting and empowering women and children experiencing homelessness. OTMJ
Mars Walker, Janice Davis, Journee Mines and Bria and Isaac Posey
Shane, Rhett, Colt and Lauren Hutchinson
Rebecca, Greta and Shaun Swearingen
Sarah Wilson and Alice Blair
Jaxon and Alex Bodner
JJ Turner and Hadley Robertson Kevin, Paul and Courtney Clayton
2025 Over The Mountain Journal
Municipal Election Guide
After an extended five-year term (the state of Alabama added one year to every municipal elected official’s term to get the municipal election cycle off the national election cycle), the over-the-mountain communities are once again going to the polls on August 26. Here’s a guide to who is running where and other important election information.
I’ve spent 20 years in executive and educational leadership. I know what it means to be responsible, serve, and to be trusted.
I’ve walked Ward 3 and knocked on over 900 doors—listening, learning, and connecting with neighbors.
WITH YOUR HELP, WE WILL:
• Pursue smart, community-focused development at Brookwood Village
• Ensure financial oversight through open, accessible systems
• Prioritize infrastructure and long-term planning
• Support our public schools and protect
neighborhoods
• Upgrade parks and expand sidewalks
• Ensure responsible development by Samford
• Champion arts and culture
I pledge to provide leadership that listens carefully, respects our diversity, and moves us forward with courage, clarity, and commitment for the next 4 years.
HOMEWOOD
Perhaps the city with the biggest changes in this 2025 election, every race in Homewood is contested.
n September 2024, Homewood voted to change its form of government from MayorCouncil to Council-Manager starting in 2025. Homewood’s council is going from 11 representatives—two reps each from five wards and a council president elected citywide—to four representatives from four wards (new ward map to the right ) and a mayor elected citywide as the fifth voting member of the council and council president. An interim city manager—Glen Adams—was hired and started in March 2025.
Homewood Mayorial Candidate Robin Litaker
Homewood Mayoral Candidate Jennifer Andress
On the Ballot
HOMEWOOD
Mayor
Jennifer Andress
Robin Litaker
City Council, Ward 1
Tiffany McIntyre
Paul Simmons II
City Council, Ward 2
Nick Sims (I)
JJ Thomas
City Council, Ward 3
Greg Cobb
Chris Lane
John Manzelli
Keith Young
City Council, Ward 4
Winslow Armstead
Kristin Williams
MOUNTAIN BROOK VESTAVIA HILLS
There’s a different kind of change happening in Mountain Brook, with longtime city servants retiring and a new group of leaders stepping up. After longtime City Manager Sam Gaston announced his retirement effective in November, Mayor Stewart Welch announced he was stepping aside after serving two very successful terms as the
city’s mayor. Graham Smith, who has served on the city council since 2020, ran unopposed for mayor and was certified as the mayor along with the city’s new city manager, Steve Boone, on July 14. There are two contested races for city council seats, one of which is the seat being vacated by current Council President Virginia Smith after her service of over 20 years.
On the Ballot
MOUNTAIN BROOK
City Council, Place 2
Gerald Garner
David Silverstein
City Council, Place 4
Becky Holt
Joe Sandner IV
This year in Vestavia Hills, there are three contested races—for the mayor’s office and two city council spots. Councilman Rusty Weaver was unopposed for Council Place 1, and Ali Pilcher was unopposed for Council Place 4, and they have already been certified to start their new terms in November. Incumbent Mayor Ashley Curry is being challenged by former Vestavia Hills police officer Richard Cheatwood.
On the Ballot
VESTAVIA HILLS
Mayor
Richard Cheatwood
Ashley Curry
City Council, Place 2
Kimberly Cook (I)
Karl Julian
City Council, Place 3:
Brian DeMarco
Jacob Pugh
Michael Vercher
Vestavia Hills Mayor Ashley Curry running for re-election
Vestavia Hills Mayorial Candidate Richard Cheatwood
Mountain Brook Mayor Elect Graham Smith
FALL FASHION
Whether you’re hitting the links, taking the town or looking for the perfect back-to-school ‘fit, we’ve got you covered with these fashionable fall finds!
BY BARRY WISE SMITH STYLED AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY CLAIRE CORMANY
FALL FLORALS FOR THE WIN!
Jodifli floral-print, mixed-media dress with Bishop sleeves, $59.99; brown quilted puffer tote, $19.99 and brown Easy Street boots, $54.99 Flip Flops & What Nots
4137 White Oak Dr. // Vestavia Hills 205.967.7429 // flipflopsandwhatnots.com
SLAY THE SCHOOL YEAR IN THIS FASHION-FORWARD ‘FIT FOR TWEENS.
and
3140 Heights Village // Vestavia Hills 205.593.4586 // gigisbham.com
Pleat white blouse with metallic detail, $65; Reese corduroy skirt, $60; mother of pearl clover earrings, $18; point star charm necklace, $16
Alba Saffiano wristlet/wallet, $21 GiGi’s
DRESS DAPPER AND LET YOUR INNER STYLE KING SHINE!
Wintrop button down plaid shirt, $63; brown corduroy pants, $60; blue tan ribbon belt with dogs, $36 and Prodigy driver shoes, $45
The Lili Pad
3138 Heights Village // Vestavia Hills 205.298.1811 // lilipadbham.com
DRESS UP DENIM FOR ANY OCCASION!
L’Agence Elery eyelet blouse; Mother wide-leg jeans; Veronica Beard suede lasso bag and Gus Mayer Shoes brown suede boots.
Gus Mayer 225 Summit Blvd., #700 // The Summit 205.870.3300 // gusmayer.com HIT THE LINKS IN STYLE! TASC Cloud striped polo shirt, $88; Heritage blue Motion (7-inch) shorts, $88 and white Stratford ¼-zip pullover, $128 Tasc
370 Rele St. // Mountain Brook 659.599.9240 // tascperformance.com
Sat., Aug. 23
R(UN) FOR ONE 5K
Join us for a family friendly annual event where Lifeline Children’s Services’ alumni families, friends, advocates and community partners gather to raise support for vulnerable children around the world. It’s a fun morning with bounce houses, food trucks, face painting and more.
WHEN: Registration opens at 7 a.m., 5K begins at 8 a.m.
WHERE: Dawson Church’s Recreation Center
Sat., Aug. 23
ENDITNOW EMPHASIS DAY
Join us for a picnic in the park and march to increase awareness of domestic violence, abuse and sex trafficking.
WHEN: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with the march starting at 3 p.m.
WHERE: Railroad Park 17th Street Plaza
Sat., Aug. 23
AUTISM SHINES GALA
Join us to enjoy catching up with friends, networking and bidding on exclusive auction items to support families affected by autism. There will be music, a sensitivity inclusive menu, craft cocktails and a lively auction! WHEN: 6-10 p.m.
WHERE: Marriott Birmingham
Mon., Aug. 25
OUTRAGED: WHY WE FIGHT ABOUT MORALITY AND POLITICS AND HOW TO FIND COMMON GROUND
Join author and social psychologist
Kurt Gray for an evening of reflection to unpack the science behind our outrage and reveal how empathy, not division, can drive real dialogue.
WHEN: 6-7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Red Mountain Theatre
Mon., Aug. 25
THE MOTH STORYSLAM: CHILDISH
The Moth StorySLAM is an open-mic storytelling competition in which anyone can share a true, personal, five-minute story on the night’s theme, which is CHILDISH: Prepare a five-minute story about feeling young. Sign up for a chance to tell a story, or sit back and enjoy the show!
WHEN: Doors open at 6:30, stories begin at 7:30
WHERE: Saturn Birmingham
Tues., Aug. 26
2025 MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
Head to the polls to vote for Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Homewood, Hoover, or Birmingham mayoral and city council candidates.
WHEN: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
WHERE: Various locations
Wed., Aug. 27
UNITY TOUR 2025
Join us for alternative rock band 311’s Unity Tour, with special guests Badflower, Sitting on Saturn and Dylan Cotrone. WHEN: 6-10 p.m.
WHERE: Avondale Brewing Co.
Thurs., Aug. 28
FALL INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERT
Experience the depth and beauty of Indian classical music with the BMA’s annual fall concert. This special program brings together three outstanding performers of Indian classical music to showcase the divinity, beauty and intricacies of ragas and talas of
North Indian classical music with a unique blend of world music.
WHEN: 6-8 p.m.
WHERE: Birmingham Museum of Art
Aug. 28-29
THREE ON A STRING
The guys are back! We love when Three on a String plays at Homewood Theatre! They are members of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, and they are “still kickin’”. Come hear their own brand of music and comedy…it’s always a good time with Three on a String!
WHEN: Various showtimes
WHERE: Homewood Theatre
Sat., Aug. 30
WEEK ZERO LABOR DAY CLASSIC
Celebrate the start of college football season and the spirit of HBCU culture with us at the Week Zero Labor Day Classic — an unforgettable weekend of sports, food, music and community!
WHEN: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
WHERE: Legion Field
Sat., Aug. 30
ROSS BRIDGE 8K AND HEALTH EXPO
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Ross Bridge 8K and Health Expo! This exciting event invites runners and their families to explore a beautifully scenic route that winds through six unique
neighborhoods of a classic American resort town. There will be prizes, vendors and activities for children at our Health Expo.
WHEN: 8 a.m.-noon
WHERE: Ross Bridge Village Center
Sat., Aug. 30
MODERN GREENBOOK MARKETPLACE
Join us for a market filled with vibrant energy and fun at various blocks throughout City Walk, where we celebrate Black businesses, community and culture.
WHEN: 4-8 p.m.
WHERE: City Walk Birmingham
Sun., Aug. 31
ALABAMA ALL-STAR ALUMNI NIGHT COMEDY SHOW
Join Charles Winston as he hosts Alabama Alumni Night featuring comedians from across the state. This is going to be a great show, so get your tickets now.
WHEN: Doors open at 5:15 p.m., show starts at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: StarDome Comedy Club
Monday., Sept. 1
RUSSELL BAILEY MEMORIAL BEGINNER BIRD WALK
Join us for an excellent opportunity to get into birding, or to get deeper into and better at birding, as you are escorted through the Birmingham Botanical Gardens by your knowledgeable Alabama Audubon trip leaders. WHEN: 8 a.m.-noon
WHERE: Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Sat., Aug. 23
R(UN) FOR ONE 5K
Join us for a family friendly annual event where Lifeline Children’s Services’ alumni families, friends, advocates and community partners gather to raise support for vulnerable children around the world. It’s a fun morning with bounce houses, food trucks, face painting and more.
WHEN: Registration opens at 7 a.m., 5K begins at 8 a.m.
WHERE: Dawson Church’s Recreation Center
Sat., Aug. 23
ENDITNOW EMPHASIS DAY
Join us for a picnic in the park and march to increase awareness of domestic violence, abuse and sex trafficking.
WHEN: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with the march starting at 3 p.m.
WHERE: Railroad Park 17th Street Plaza
Sat., Aug. 23
AUTISM SHINES GALA
Join us to enjoy catching up with friends, networking and bidding on exclusive auction items to support families affected by autism. There will be music, a sensitivity inclusive menu, craft cocktails and a lively auction! WHEN: 6-10 p.m.
WHERE: Marriott Birmingham
Mon., Aug. 25
OUTRAGED: WHY WE FIGHT ABOUT MORALITY AND POLITICS AND HOW TO FIND COMMON GROUND
Join author and social psychologist
Kurt Gray for an evening of reflection to unpack the science behind our outrage and reveal how empathy, not division, can drive real dialogue.
WHEN: 6-7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Red Mountain Theatre
Mon., Aug. 25
THE MOTH STORYSLAM: CHILDISH
The Moth StorySLAM is an open-mic storytelling competition in which anyone can share a true, personal, five-minute story on the night’s theme, which is CHILDISH: Prepare a five-minute story about feeling young. Sign up for a chance to tell a story, or sit back and enjoy the show!
WHEN: Doors open at 6:30, stories begin at 7:30
WHERE: Saturn Birmingham
Tues., Aug. 26
2025 MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
Head to the polls to vote for Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Homewood, Hoover, or Birmingham mayoral and city council candidates.
WHEN: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
WHERE: Various locations
Wed., Aug. 27
UNITY TOUR 2025
Join us for alternative rock band 311’s Unity Tour, with special guests Badflower, Sitting on Saturn and Dylan Cotrone. WHEN: 6-10 p.m.
WHERE: Avondale Brewing Co.
Thurs., Aug. 28
FALL INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERT
Experience the depth and beauty of Indian classical music with the BMA’s annual fall concert. This special program brings together three outstanding performers of Indian classical music to showcase the divinity, beauty and intricacies of ragas and talas of
North Indian classical music with a unique blend of world music.
WHEN: 6-8 p.m.
WHERE: Birmingham Museum of Art
Aug. 28-29
THREE ON A STRING
The guys are back! We love when Three on a String plays at Homewood Theatre! They are members of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, and they are “still kickin’”. Come hear their own brand of music and comedy…it’s always a good time with Three on a String!
WHEN: Various showtimes
WHERE: Homewood Theatre
Sat., Aug. 30
WEEK ZERO LABOR DAY CLASSIC
Celebrate the start of college football season and the spirit of HBCU culture with us at the Week Zero Labor Day Classic — an unforgettable weekend of sports, food, music and community!
WHEN: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
WHERE: Legion Field
Sat., Aug. 30
ROSS BRIDGE 8K AND HEALTH EXPO
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Ross Bridge 8K and Health Expo! This exciting event invites runners and their families to explore a beautifully scenic route that winds through six unique
neighborhoods of a classic American resort town. There will be prizes, vendors and activities for children at our Health Expo.
WHEN: 8 a.m.-noon
WHERE: Ross Bridge Village Center
Sat., Aug. 30
MODERN GREENBOOK MARKETPLACE
Join us for a market filled with vibrant energy and fun at various blocks throughout City Walk, where we celebrate Black businesses, community and culture.
WHEN: 4-8 p.m.
WHERE: City Walk Birmingham
Sun., Aug. 31
ALABAMA ALL-STAR ALUMNI NIGHT COMEDY SHOW
Join Charles Winston as he hosts Alabama Alumni Night featuring comedians from across the state. This is going to be a great show, so get your tickets now.
WHEN: Doors open at 5:15 p.m., show starts at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: StarDome Comedy Club
Monday., Sept. 1
RUSSELL BAILEY MEMORIAL BEGINNER BIRD WALK
Join us for an excellent opportunity to get into birding, or to get deeper into and better at birding, as you are escorted through the Birmingham Botanical Gardens by your knowledgeable Alabama Audubon trip leaders. WHEN: 8 a.m.-noon
WHERE: Birmingham Botanical Gardens
READY, SET...
It’s that time of year again. Marching bands are fine-tuning their renditions of “Seven Nation Army”, the cheerleaders are practicing their basket tosses, announcers are getting their “touchdown” voices in top shape and it’s time to unwrap that first concession stand hot dog.
High school football season is upon us. 2024 was interesting for our area football teams as Homewood, Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills all had great seasons.
As the 2025 season nears, the big question: Can we expect the same level of excellence again? Is a state championship in the cards for one of the over-themountain teams? While the smart money is on “of course,” it would take a crystal ball to answer that question.
What we do know for certain is that everyone is working hard to improve in 2025. Between the early morning practices in the sweltering Alabama summer heat, the hours spent building strength and stamina in the weight room and the vomit-inducing wind sprints, success is measured by sweat, perseverance and determination. As the great Vince Lombardi once said, “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.”
Here is what fans of high school football can look forward to once games kick off on August 22.
HIGH SCHOOL
2025PREVIEW
HOMEWOOD TO SETTLE UNFINISHED BUSINESS IN 2025
BY LOYD MCINTOSH PHOTOS BY JORDAN WALD
By all accounts, a nine-win season record and a trip to the second round of the AHSAA playoffs would be considered a successful campaign. However, Homewood High School Head Football Coach Ben Berguson can’t help but think the 2024 Patriots—to borrow a phrase from the world of business—left some money on the table.
The Patriots finished the 2024 season with a 9-3 overall record and went 5-1 in 6A, Region 5 play, putting up big offensive numbers against most of their competition, including 41 points over Minor, 49 over Mortimer Jordan and 52 over Jackson-Olin and Woodlawn.
Homewood’s losses were all close calls. The Patriots lost to Mountain Brook, 27-22, dropped a close one to area rival and eventual 2024 state champs Parker in mid-October, and, most frustratingly of all, a three-point heartbreaker to Fort Payne in the second round of the playoffs. Homewood outplayed Fort Payne for most of
the game, running up 505 yards of total offense to 372 by Fort Payne, forcing a fumble, blocking a field goal and leading by four points midway into the fourth quarter. However, Fort Payne closed things out with a touchdown following a Homewood fumble to win 35-32.
Over six months later, the loss still stings, but Berguson says the lessons the returning players learned from the experience are fueling their desire for revenge in 2025. In the lead-up to the 2025 season, Berguson has been laser-focused on one concept: closing the deal. “They didn’t like it. They want to prove that they’re better than that,” says Berguson. “Our big thing all spring and summer is just finishing because we lost 3-1 possession games last year.”
The Patriots will return six starters from both the offense and defense, and 30 seniors back in 2025, a good problem to have for the current season but one that he half-jokingly says makes him nervous about 2026. “The only thing scary about that is a lot of our backups are seniors. I’m already worried about next year,” laughs Berguson.
Offensively, the Patriots are loaded with talent at several key positions, including tight end with seniors Hayes DeCoudres and J.T. Watts—two of the state’s top tight ends—returning for their senior years, and wide receiver, where Berguson says they have more depth than Offensive Coordinator Heath Brunner knows what to do with. “We’ve got a good problem at receiver, for sure,” says Berguson. “Coach Brunner’s just got to figure out a way to get all of these guys on the field.”
Among the wide receivers are Tomon Felton, a 6-2 senior and three-year starter and a star on the Homewood track team, of whom Berguson says is “really good at stretching the field vertically.” Additionally, David Walden will return as the starting slot senior after missing some action due to injury last year, and Cam Foster, a rising sophomore who earned extensive playing time as a freshman. Berguson says receiver is perhaps the team’s strongest position; juniors Cornell Warren, Caleb Jackson and Landon Pattus are also expected to get plenty of playing time.
At the end of the day, he says, it all comes down to the quarterback, a position Berguson says is in the capable hands of senior Kaleb Carson. Carson played quarterback for the second half of 2024 after an injury to starter Will Myers, putting up some impressive numbers in the process. A dual-threat quarterback, Carson ran and threw for eight touchdowns and amassed 487 rushing yards and 912 passing yards last season. Berguson says Carson is stepping into the leadership role nicely, and his toolset opens an array of options for the Patriots offense. “What’s so special about him is he knows how to adapt to so many different situations. He really sees the field, and he’ll make something out of nothing,” says Berguson.
Carson learned a lot about himself through that experience and believes he is battle-tested and ready to lead the Patriots’ loaded offense. “I learned that I can come in and be the guy and not be nervous that kind of situation,” Carson says. “I know I can come in and be myself and
MEMBERS OF THE 2025 HOMEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM ARE:
Chappy Chapleau, George French, Timothy Roshell, John Martin, Kamryn Foster, Henry Templeton, Kaleb Carson, John Griffin, Reid Goldstein, Darren Stitt, Quincy McGhee, Landon Pettus, Luke Eldridge, Jack Myers, Locke Tyree, Tomon Felton, J.D. Jordan, Winn Heath, Andrew Knight, David Walden, Sean Stanton, Caleb Jackson, Davis Litton, Coleman Judd, Hardy Butler, Judah Pettus, Tyrek Mosley, Beckham Newell, Parker Lindsey, Porter Batson, Ollie Whitten, Henry Delk, Tate Burdeshaw, Cornell Warren, Manning Yost, Bennett Smith, Christian Dorsey, Charlie Dabbs, Rodregus Lambert, Davis Griffin, Michael Luckianow, Bryon Long, Micah Jones, Jaden Andrews, Cameron Clifton, Tyler Betts, Luke Griffis, Ty Thomas, Liam Stack, Randall Jaquez, Pate Lee, Antonio Williams, Greyson Hofer, Jakari Haynes, Hilton Patterson, Judson Eanes, Ty Ford, E.J. Williams, Luke Serotsky, Colton Gibbs, Ford Hawkins, Gabriel Carlson, Landan Wilkins, Joey Luckianow, Bardon King, Walker Bostick, Edwin Petrey, Henry Studinka, Gray Keown, Asher Ketcham, Drew Berguson, Christian Rivas, Elijah Page, Jose Luis Carias, Yael Hernandez, Ben Pannell, Tristan Bell, Edwin McBride, Xavier Cazares, Makai Thompson, Hayes DeCoudres, J.T. Watts, Canon Tutor, Dennis White, Major Moorer.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
know that I have the guys surrounding me to support me. I’m looking forward to spreading the ball around. “We have some great receivers and great running backs.”
At running back, Berguson says the Patriots have three athletes that can handle the rock at any time: senior Davis Griffin, junior Chappy Chapleau, blessed with great speed and one of the best names in sports, and sophomore Reid Goldstein.
Defensively, Berguson says they are stacked at linebacker, a key position in Homewood’s aggressive 3-4 formation under Defensive Coordinator Freddy Lawrence. The entire linebacker core of starters and backups is seniors and is led by outside linebacker (OLB) Joey Luckianow.
Luckianow ranked second in tackles for the Patriots with 79 total tackles, 37 solo, in 2024. At 6-3, 200 pounds, Luckianow is one of the top-rated linebackers in the state and is key to the Patriots’ success on defense. “He plays to the field, he’s really good at playing in space,” Berguson says.
Like his head coach, Luckianow says the way 2024 ended left a bad taste in his mouth, and he and his teammates are focused on starting and finishing strong in 2025. Additionally, he believes the Patriots’ defense will give opposing offenses more than they can handle and is looking forward to a little payback against
Parker and Mountain Brook this season. “I would say one of our strengths this year is our pass defense. I feel like it’s going to be really hard to get the ball off our (defensive backs) because they’ve been working hard all summer,” Luckianow says. “And we’ve got some linebackers and linemen that are really tough against the run.”
He adds, “We’d love to get a win against Parker and Mountain Brook. We came up a bit short last time, and I think that would be two great teams to really give our payback to.”
Other key players on defense are outside linebacker Henry Templeton and inside linebackers Luke Eldridge and Parker Lindsey. Berguson also feels confident about the secondary with seniors George French, John Martin and three-year starter John Griffin back for their senior years.
On the defensive line, Ford Hawkins is back for his senior year, as well as Randall Jacquez. At 5-9, 230 pounds, Berguson says Jacquez is a handful to deal with up front. “He’s good at getting in the backfield and disrupting everything,” Berguson says.
Berguson is also high on rising junior Major Moore, a 6-4, 210-pound defensive end. “He’s a speedster,” says Berguson. “His motor never stops running off the edge.”
Homewood will host John Carroll to kick off the 2025 season on Friday, August 22. OTMJ
Park South Plaza • 1425 Montgomery Hwy., Suite 111 Next to Diplomat Deli in Vestavia Hills Mon.-Fri. 10 - 5 • Sat. 10 - 3 • (205) 822-9173
Homewood Patriots Head Coach Ben Berguson surrounded by QB Kaleb Carson #3, DB George French #0, WR Tomon Felton #8 and LB Joey Luckianow #49
SPARTANS GELLING, EYEING A STRONG 2025 SEASON
BY LOYD MCINTOSH PHOTOS BY JORDAN WALD
After two straight eight-win seasons, the Mountain Brook High School Spartans are looking to take it up a notch in 2025. Just three seasons ago, the Spartans were a hair away from winning their first state title since 1976 after advancing to the championship game in 2022.
Following the 2022 season, many area teams experienced a little fruit basket turnover as regions were reshuffled. Mountain Brook was one of the schools affected by the change, moving from a region with some truly awful teams into one with 6A powerhouses Clay-Chalkville, Pinson Valley and Oxford— teams that have accounted for nine state championships over the last 20 years.
Mountain Brook has done well in the new 6A Region 5 lineup over the last two years, posting 8-4 records and, in region action, going 5-1 in 2023 and 4-2 in 2024. Two of Mountain Brook’s losses last season came to region foes
Clay-Chalkville and Oxford. The other two came to the same team, 6A state champions Parker High School, who cut through their competition like a hot knife through butter in 2024. The Spartans lost to Parker in the second game of the season and in second round of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) playoffs.
Reflecting on 2024, Mountain Brook Head Coach Chris Yeager says he feels nothing but pride in how the Spartans performed, especially considering the youth and inexperience of last year’s squad. Additionally, he says those bumps in the road provided positive learning experiences and serve as motivation for the 2025 campaign. “The best things that happened to us last year were the games that we lost,” says Yeager. “When you’re having success week in week out, a lot of times you make mistakes, and you have areas that you need to clean up and get better at, but you don’t have a sense of urgency. The thing we learned from last year is every single down counts.”
Yeager continues, “I thought the best thing
that we did last year by far was how we responded to setbacks. No finger-pointing. It was all accepting responsibility and working together to get better.”
Many of the players agree, including offensive lineman Rob Schoenvogel and linebacker Boyd Cooper.
A senior and second-year starter, Schoenvogel says he and his teammates learned a lot about themselves including how strong the team is and how adversity has made them better. “We faced a lot of challenges last year, but we overcame a lot of them,” he says. “We’re going to come back even stronger this year.”
Cooper, a senior and an anchor of the Spartans’ linebacker corps, says the team understands their potential and believes they will be more confident in 2025. “Speaking of last year, I don’t think we realized what we were capable of,” he says.
Entering his 20th season at the helm, Yeager says the 2025 edition of the Spartans are as talented and athletic as any of his recent teams.
However, for Yeager, a great team is more than a collection of guys with great athletic skills. Instead, he says a great team is measured by character, integrity and that elusive quality called team chemistry.
Yeager adds that the 2025 group of Spartans had a great offseason and, more importantly, are gelling, creating a great locker-room environment, which, he says, should translate to their performance on the field. “The thing that I’ve sort of picked up with this group is it appears that they’re close to everyone,” Yeager says.
“To me, it’s all about humility,” Yeager adds. “It’s about putting other people first. It’s not about me, it’s not about my class. It’s about the Mountain Brook Spartans. I think that’s one of the biggest reasons that we’ve got a special locker room.”
The Mountain Brook offense will have a bevy of veterans returning for the 2025 season, including quarterback Cayden Hofbauer. The rising senior had an excellent 2024 campaign,
MEMBERS OF THE 2025 MOUNTAIN BROOK HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM ARE: Stuart Andrews, Alex Long, Cayden Hofbauer, Miller Lee, Mac Mandell, Caden Bryant, Hosford Roberts, Rivers Young, Gabe Smith, Trey Vinson, Miller Crumpton, Luke Carroll, Hayes Windle, Ryder McMakin, Boyd Cooper, Archie Andrews, Billy Pharo, John Colvin, Luke Waldrop, Sam Smith, LG Williams, Lawson McKnight, Gaines Drew, William Russ, Mason Davis, Skip Stuermann, Evan Mussafer, Anderson Roberts, Alec Pledger, Jack Bright, Brody Speer, Josh Holloway, Payne Pennebaker, Bo Finch, Pearson Trammell, Jack DeMedicis, Carter McNeil, Will Ellis, Oliver Nelson, Yates Yarbrough, Miller Teague, Bennett Jordan, Gray Anderson, Graham Smith, Tony Sciara, Fleetwood Ashurst, Brett Turnbull, Jack Rudder, John Thompson, Hunter Carper, Pierson Avery, Meagher Teague, Henry Short, Harrison Walker, Rob Schoenvogel, John Bradford, Wills Allen, Rocco Gray, D.Y. Menendez, Asher Horton, Hutson deVilleneuve.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
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Spartans defensive players to watch L-R: Billy Pharo (DL), Mac Mandell (S) and Boyd Cooper (DL)
Spartan offensive standouts to watch L-R: Pierson Avery (OL), Sam Smith (WR) and Rob Schoenvogel (OL)
amassing 1,114 yards and 10 touchdowns through the air, and rushing for 633 yards and five touchdowns. Yeager says the task for he and Offensive Coordinator Brady Easley is to find more ways to utilize Hofbauer and to help him understand the offense inside and out.
“Last year, going into the season, we had an idea of what Cayden could do,” says Yeager, adding that Hofbauer was learning Mountain Brook’s offensive system as the season went along. “Now I think that he understands not only what we’re doing, but why we’re doing it. There are a lot of things within our system that we wished we could have used last year to take advantage of his ability to run. I’m just not sure that at that point, he was comfortable enough to just flow and let the game come to him, but I think that with his understanding now, we’ll be able to do that.”
Schoenvogel and fellow offensive lineman Pierson Avery agree that, at times, they had some trouble understanding the complex offense last season. However, they agree they have a stronger grasp of the offense going into the 2025 campaign. “We want the players to be able to come off the field and tell the coaches what we need around and be successful throughout the game,” Avery says. “Hopefully, we’ll have a much deeper understanding of the offensive scheme, we’ll be able to work with it better and we’ll be able to run more complicated plays and have more complicated schemes than last year due to the experience.”
Easley is exceptionally high on the wide receiver corps, most of whom are back from the 2024 season. The group made up of seniors Sam Smith, Gabe Smith and Trey Vinson, and juniors Archie Andrews and John Colvin have developed tremendously during the offseason and have developed a tight bond that Easley says has made them loads of fun to coach. “They’ve really grown up, they’ve gotten a lot faster, they’ve worked their tails off in the weight room and they’re a really deep bunch,” says Easley. “I tell them after practice all the time, they are making my job a lot of fun right now.”
Easley continues, “Now we’re looking at four or five guys that can really run, really get past
the defense and they run routes as well as any that I’ve coached. We’re really excited about that whole position group right now, and they’ve made a ton of progress.”
Sam Smith is a talented wide receiver who looks to improve on a solid 2024 campaign. Last season, Smith only appeared in nine games but made a huge impact during his time on the field, hauling in 25 receptions for 444 yards and four touchdowns. This season, he is looking forward to one more go-round with Hofbauer with whom he says he has a special connection. “He can really pinpoint the ball around wherever he wants,” says Smith. “He puts in the breadbasket every time. He’ll throw the ball, and all I have to do is run to it. He knows exactly where to place it for me to go grab it.”
On the other side of the ball, Yeager says the defensive line is emerging as a strength for the 2025 season, primarily due to depth at the position. “Last year we hardly had any depth on the front, and, to me, we’re building legitimate depth now, and that’s really good,” Yeager says.
Cooper is, perhaps, the anchor of the defense, setting the tone with his physical play and leadership. He believes the Spartans defense has the ability to line up against any team on the schedule. “We take a lot of pride in being the tone-setters,” says Cooper. “Defense is about effort and trust, and I think we’ve built that trust. When we’re on the field, we believe we can stop anybody.”
In the secondary, senior safety Ford Hall brings experience and a high football IQ, and cornerback Jack King is expected to have a breakout season.
Yeager says the defense, under the leadership of Defensive Coordinator Shane Sterns, says this year’s unit plays with urgency and discipline, adding that the added depth allows for more rotation and fresher legs in critical moments.
“We’ve always built our identity around playing fast, smart, and physical defense,” says Yeager.
“This year, we’ve got the depth up front to stay fresh and aggressive all four quarters, and that’s going to make a big difference.”
Mountain Brook will host Demopolis to open the 2025 season on Friday, August 22. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. OTMJ
Senior kicker, Anderson Roberts #30
After a slow start in 2024, Vestavia Hills rebounded—to use a basketball term—in a major way. The Rebels dropped their first three games—including a flukey, last-second loss to region rivals Hewitt-Trussville in the second game of the season—then went on a tear.
Vestavia Hills finished the season winning six of their eight games, including a convincing 42-21 victory over Mary G. Montgomery in the first round of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) playoffs.
Vestavia Hills’ final record was an even 6-6, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. The Rebels went 4-3 in what is undoubtedly the most cutthroat region in the state—7A Region 3. They also faced some great out-of-area teams with a combined record of 28-2, including Auburn, Carver-Montgomery, and 6A powerhouse Clay-Chalkville, a team Vestavia Hills
REBELS RETOOL FOR ANOTHER PLAYOFF RUN
BY LOYD MCINTOSH PHOTOS BY JORDAN WALD
beat by two touchdowns in late-season action.
The Rebels are also one of only five teams to advance to the ASHAA quarterfinals for the third consecutive year. Vestavia Hills Head Coach Robert Evans says the difficulty of the 2024 schedule paid dividends as the season progressed. “We played the toughest schedule in Alabama last year, and I was quite proud of our team,” says Evans. “We played our best ball at the end of the year, and that speaks to the maturation of our younger players who were forced to grow up against the best the state has to offer.”
The 2025 season is shaping up to be just as brutal. In addition to region foes like Thompson (2024 state champions), Hewitt-Trussville and Hoover, Vestavia Hills will face 2024 7A runner-up Auburn again this season.
Also on the schedule is 2024 5A state champs, Montgomery Catholic, as well as one of the top teams in South Carolina, the Westside Rams, 2023 5A state champions— the highest level in
South Carolina. Westside will travel to Vestavia Hills to open the season on Friday, August 22. Evans says the challenge will be navigating the schedule, which has no easy games in 2025. He adds that if the team can avoid injuries and develop positive chemistry, then a good year and another trip to the playoffs are in sight. “As a team, we have to really manage the season. We will probably have to adjust the schedule on the next cycle, but there are no off weeks anywhere to be found this year,” Evans says. “Hopefully we can stay healthier this year, gel as a team and win the critical games to get into the playoffs for the fourth year in a row.”
Offensively, Evans notes that the Rebels have some key positions returning with experience in 2025, including senior Caleb Boylan. A three-year starter, the 5-foot-10-inch, 235-pound center is the anchor of the offensive line, a player Evans says “has been in the fire quite a bit” during his high school run. Other seniors returning on the offensive line are Pearson
Tucker and Brody Glenn, who will provide veteran leadership up front.
At quarterback, Evans says the Rebels have two athletes— Charlie Taaffe and Price LeMaster— who can, and will, play under center in 2025, although he is quick to say they don’t have a two-quarterback offense.
Taaffe, a junior, has played with the varsity since his freshman year and may see playing time at other positions during the season. “He is a natural-born leader who just makes plays,” says Evans. LeMaster, also a rising junior, is more of a traditional drop-back passer but has the athleticism to make plays in other ways as well. Evans says the offense, under the auspices of Offensive Coordinator Josh Franklin, may feature Taaffe and LeMaster on the field at the same time throughout the season.
“Both Charlie and Price are athletic players with leadership qualities and the intangibles it takes to be successful as a quarterback,” Evans says. “Price is in the mold of a traditional pocket
Hunt, Caleb Brunson, Price Caudell, Rush Harper, Matthew Pattillo, Baylor Hudlow, Walker Hogue, Cole Holley, Josh Williams, Liam Boryczka, Tyler Simpson, Maddox Vickers, Powell Curry, Lincoln Goforth, Joseph Walker, Palmer Rogers, Travis Winston, Grey Gardner, Brandon Meza, JB Smith, Wrenn Smith, David Hahn, Carson Creel, Patton Cook, Gray Prier, Grayer Manown, Nick Wood, Luke Harper, Parker Williams, Sam Webb, Isaac Plant, Garrett White, Owen Cournoyer, Wesley Newman, Will Vakakes, Micah Joel Washington, Harris Jeffers, Hoke Lindsey, Beau Dillon, Ryder Faust, Paxton Ussery, Steele King, Caleb Boylan, Pearson Tucker, Brody Glenn, Haines Bridges, Jackson Deal, Jaden Kopwe, William Hurt, Copeland Styles, Lawson Cearlock, Dylan Danneman, Bryce Romeo, Jack Farmer, Finley Williams, Maddox Greene, Forrest Kreps, Burk Smith, Luke Merrill, Luke Larisey, Will Gwathney, Aydan Ross-Woody, Jay West, Cooper Moore, Isaiah Pittman, Porter Duncan, Hardy Livingston, Logan Ward, Will Ainsworth, Matthew Hilsmier, Eli Garlington, Alex Stanley, Josh Arendall, Daniel Holmes, Vincent Morlandt, Quincy Davis, Morgan Butler, Yonata Fekadu, Rob Sasser, Jake Hunter.
MEMBERS OF THE 2025 VESTAVIA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM ARE: Lawson Manown, Preston Deal, Major Weaver, Noah Boylan, Griffin Stewart, Zachary Laws, Owen Wilbanks, William Hose, Parker Simpson, Davis Kopwe, Nick Williams, Mason McDaniel, Nolan Blackenburg, Rob Friloux, Ben Wallace, Grayson Harper, Jamari Presley, Will Bochnak, Price LaMaster, Hayes Hudson, Walker Neely, Layton Osborn, Charlie Taaffe, Miller McClure, Carter Stagner, Warren Martin, Foxx Neely, Collier Neely, Luke Stubbs, Ben Ponder, Carson Purdy, Christian Cameron, JD Haynes, Hudson Mote, Baker Huntley, Daniel Richardson, Wheeler Moss, Baker Stewart, Sloan Morgan, Nick Smith, Clayton Cox, Major Goforth, Braxton
PLAYERS TO WATCH
quarterback, and Charlie can go a little bit more off script, which is usually a good thing.”
At running back, junior Noah Boylan looks to make a major contribution to the offense after a solid sophomore year. In 2024, Boylan appeared in nine games, amassing 208 rushing yards and one touchdown, and 97 receiving yards and two scores. “Noah got a lot of work last year as a sophomore and is poised for a breakout season,” says Evans.
Also lining up in the backfield is senior Carson Purdy, who contributed 144 yards on the ground and 25 yards receiving in 2024. Evans says Boylan and Purdy will be the workhorses out of the backfield this season. “Noah and Carson Purdy are both good high school backs. They run hard, understand our offense and can catch the ball out of the backfield,” Evans says. Evans says the coaching staff has also been pleased with senior Major Weaver and junior Carter Stagner this summer.
Evans adds that the Rebels have a corps of talented receivers and tight ends that will be key to the offense this fall. Among the receivers are junior and returning starter Luke Stubbs, who “had a great second half of the year last year and should have a productive year,” Evans says. In 2024, Stubbs had 27 receptions for 440 yards and four touchdowns.
Additionally, junior Zach Laws is an athletic, shifty receiver who can make defenders miss as well as anyone on the team, and senior Hayes Hudson has had a great offseason and will be a solid threat for the Rebels as well. The group of tight ends is led by Will Ainsworth, who Evans says is “one of the best leaders we have on our team.” Evans also has high expectations for junior Grayson Harper and sophomore Braxton
Hunt. “Both Grayson and Braxton have the versatility that helps our offense go,” Evans says. On the other side of the ball, Evans says the defensive line is shaping up to be a strong point for 2025. “Defensively, we will be better than we have been up front,” says Evans. “You win and lose ball games in the trenches, and we have to be better there to win against the upper echelon in the region.”
The D-line will be anchored by senior Josh Arendall, a two-year starter who recently set a school record for the deadlift. Additionally, senior Rush Harper and juniors Haines Bridges and Paxton Ussery are strong, talented linemen and a force to be reckoned with. “Josh, Haines and Paxton are all solid players who can play in this region and be winning players,” Evans says. “Rush Harper is a wildcard because he can play a multitude of positions.”
At linebacker, Evans has confidence in juniors Nick Williams and Daniel Richardson, who gained valuable playing time as sophomores due to injuries and have performed well in the offseason. “We will be better as a team because they had to play last year as sophomores,” says Evans.
Additionally, linebacker Grayer Manown, cornerbacks Parker Simpson and Layton Osborn, strong safety Walker Hogue and cornerback Will Bochnak will start on defense in 2025 after contributing mostly on special teams last year.
Regardless of the outcome in 2025, Evans says he is proud of the young men on the Rebel roster and how they comport themselves on and off the field. “We have great kids who want to compete at the highest level and represent their families and community well,” Evans says. OTMJ
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SPORTS
Thursday, August 21, 2025
CHRIS YEAGER CELEBRATES 20 YEARS AS MOUNTAIN BROOK’S HEAD COACH IN 2025
BY LOYD MCINTOSH PHOTO BY JORDAN WALD
Chris Yeager is celebrating a milestone in 2025.
It was 20 years ago when Chris Yeager was promoted to Head Coach of the Mountain Brook High School Spartans football team following the unexpected departure of Joey Jones.
Yeager’s longevity is rare in a business where the average stay in one place is less than five years. During his two-decade run at Mountain Brook, Yeager has built an impressive résumé: 186 overall wins, 25 playoff victories, 15 winning seasons (three of them during Mountain Brook’s five years in 7A), four semifinal appearances, and advancing to the 6A championship game in 2022.
Winning games and vying for region championships and state titles are important, of course, but Yeager doesn’t gauge success by those metrics. Instead, Yeager is more concerned with the legacy of the young men in Spartan green and gold. “I feel like now, where I am in my career, I’ve learned things from being a head coach that I think I can offer players,” explains Yeager. “I haven’t thought of it much in terms of championships and things like that, but I have thought of it in terms of building lives and equipping players for life after graduation.”
That desire to help players after graduation is one of the reasons why Yeager almost didn’t come to Mountain Brook. But first, a little backstory.
Yeager played college football at the University of North Alabama, immediately jumping into coaching after graduation. In the college ranks, he made stops as an assistant coach at Austin Peay and Troy University before jumping into work as a high school coach.
Yeager was an assistant coach at Peach County High School in Georgia when he received a call from Jones, newly hired as the head coach at Mountain Brook, with an invitation to interview for an assistant coaching position. Yeager says Peach County was on the cusp of becoming a championship-caliber team, and he felt that he could have a greater impact on players in that lower-middle-class
community. “Football, for a lot of the kids there, was their only ticket out,” says Yeager.
“We were doing everything we could as a staff to try and get one more player a ticket to a better life.”
Regardless, Jones persuaded Yeager to meet with him and a few players, but Yeager initially had the impression that Mountain
Brook was the wrong fit. However, as he was driving back home to Georgia, he thought maybe he could make a difference in Mountain Brook after all.
“They knew what they wanted to do in two years, three years, five years. They had a plan for their lives, whereas a lot of kids I was coaching didn’t,” Yeager says.
“I haven’t thought of it much in terms of championships and things like that, but I have thought of it in terms of building lives and equipping players for life after graduation.”
–coach chris yeager
“My initial thought was, ‘you know, these guys don’t need me.’ But It occurred to me while driving back home that these guys can reach people I’ll never reach. They can reach thousands. My thought was that, through the sport of football, maybe we could train these guys to invest their lives in other people.”
I’ve had the opportunity to cover many Mountain Brook games over the years, but one in particular sticks out—the secondround playoff game against Clay-Chalkville in November 2023, a team that went on to win the 6A state title a few weeks later with a perfect 14–0 record and multiple players signing SEC scholarships.
On this night, Mountain Brook was the better team in every way—except the final score. The Spartans went toe-to-toe with Clay-Chalkville, even holding a 13-10 lead late into the third quarter before things slipped away in the fourth, losing 17-13.
I’ve also interviewed many coaches after games like this over the years. Last season, as I was attempting to interview the coach of a team that had lost a close game, an assistant coach stopped me at the door of the locker room and warned me that I need to be careful and not poke that bear.
This wasn’t how Yeager handled the loss at all. On the contrary, Yeager was positively beaming with pride. He knew he had gotten everything possible out of the young men on that team—many of them freshmen and sophomores—and when the tank was all but empty, they found more within themselves and almost beat what is regarded as one of the best teams ever.
“When I walked away from that game, I said, ‘you guys fought like a warrior poet,’” Yeager says. “There are so many things about the outcome that you cannot control but you can control how hard you fight.” Yeager adds, “We emphasize that you play and fight for the person beside you. If we feel like we played as hard as we can for the person beside us, I’m good with that, and the scoreboard takes care that, most of the time.”
Congratulations on 20 years, Coach Yeager. OTMJ
left: Mountain Brook Head Coach, Chris Yeager