Pre-season Power Poll #15
#15 – Alexandria Valley Cubs
Head Coach: Frank Tucker [2nd year]
2007 record: 6-4 [Opening round loss to Brooks 12-31]
Key Dates in ’08: Cherokee County – Week 2, St. Clair Co. – Week 3, Hokes Bluff – Week 9, Heflin – Week 10.
Star to Watch: Ethan Vinyard QB - Senior
When the Alexandria Valley Cubs begin the 2008 Pre-Season Power Poll at no. 15, you know there is going to be some pretty tough competition rising out of East Alabama.
The Valley Cubs, fresh off there first round exit in 2007, are entering this season hoping to rebound from their worst playoff showing since 2002 when they finished below .500 and missed out on the post-season all together.
Article continued below...
While this will be Frank Tucker’s second season at the helm of the Valley Cubs, it will be his first to prepare for as the guaranteed H.C. Last season he was thrust into the position after long-time head coach Larry Ginn gave up his post in August due to his bout with cancer.
Tucker’s first season should have received high marks among the Death Valley faithful. After all, last year was expected to be somewhat of a rebuilding year after losing the heart and soul of their previous semi-final round squads – Jacob Welch, Jesse Ashworth Chris Findley just to name a few. Their modest 6-4 record could have been much different had it not been for two close losses to Wellborn and Guntersville, both of which came when Alexandria failed to convert first and goals in the final minutes. If they are able to convert those drives, they play at home in the first round instead of traveling across the state to face a talented Brooks team in Killen.
This year’s run through Class 4A Region 6 may not be as difficult. Guntersville, Alexandria’s nemesis over the past two years, lost a ton of talent to include running back Josh Gunther and quarterback Chaz Rogers. Not to be forgotten is Saks, who won this region in 2007. The Wildcats made the move to the southern half of the state and will compete in Region 4. Still, the road should be tough for Alexandria having to face the likes of Cherokee County, St. Clair County [Region 5 Champ in ‘07], Hokes Bluff and Oneonta.
Back to lead Alexandria for his final season is quarterback Ethan Vinyard. The second year starter under center provides much more than one year of experience under center. As a receiver and defensive back, Vinyard was a vital part of the Valley Cub teams that made four consecutive appearances in the semi-final round. Last year he was voted first team all-county as a safety.
The Cubbies begin the season at home against Anniston inside the friendly confines of Lou Scales Stadium. Historically the Valley is a place where they have owned the opposition. But they’ve lost three of their last 6 contests at home.
2008 Schedule
8/28 – Anniston [H]
9/5 – Cherokee County [A]
9/12 – St. Clair County [H]
9/19 – Jacksonville [A]
9/26 – Wellborn [A]
10/3 – Locust Fork [H]
10/10 – Ashville [A]
10/17 – Oneonta [H]
10/24 – Hokes Bluff [H]
10/31 – Cleburne County [A]
