Area Sports
Jackson’s E.J. Crowell takes suspension in stride but warns, ‘Y’all done woke up a monster’
By JIMMY WIGFIELD JACKSON — E.J. Crowell went from hitting people in the mouth to squirting water in them Thursday and didn’t even seem angry about it. Jackson’s five-star running back, who is known for his complete repertoire of skills and a penchant for turning defenders into jelly, was suspended for Friday night’s…
Read MoreJackson’s E.J. Crowell suspended for Saraland game for accepting improper gift
By JIMMY WIGFIELD Jackson High School five-star running back E.J. Crowell was suspended on Wednesday by the Alabama High School Athletic Association for accepting an improper gift. Crowell — a Rivals preseason All-American and the nation’s No. 3-ranked running back in the 2026 class who committed to Alabama earlier this summer — was…
Read MoreJackson vs. Saraland is an unofficial state championship game
If there was a state championship game between teams regardless of their class — one that would be historic and fulfill every competitive craving — Jackson versus Saraland on Friday night would be on a very short list, although it’s a seminal game with no serious consequences for the loser, as was proven…
Read MoreNeither team is the underdog in Jackson-Saraland clash, which will feature high rankings, future college stars and a packed house
By JIMMY WIGFIELD Most teams that face Jackson on a football field do so with blood, sweat and fears. But not Saraland. “They’re deserving of all the publicity they have gotten,” Spartans coach Jeff Kelly said, “but I guarantee you our guys — we’re a proud program that is excited to kick the season off…
Read MoreJackson unanimous No. 1 in preseason poll; MGM, Saraland, Vigor, Williamson, Clarke County, Leroy and Millry also ranked
Staff Report Defending Class 4A state champion Jackson is unanimously ranked No. 1 in the preseason poll conducted by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. The Aggies, who are heavily favored to win a second straight Blue Map, received all 18 first-place votes. Saraland, which will visit Jackson for a season-opening showdown on Aug.…
Read MoreTank Jones commits to Oregon over Bama
By ARTHUR L. MACK MOBILE — St. Paul’s edge rusher Tank Jones, the state’s top-ranked football recruit in the 2026 class, committed to Oregon on Thursday. The five-star prospect’s decision was broadcast live nationwide on ESPN’s “Pat McAfee Show” and Jones received a thunderous ovation when he announced he had chosen the Ducks…
Read MoreJackson’s Landon Duckworth chooses South Carolina over Auburn
By JIMMY WIGFIELD JACKSON — Jackson quarterback Landon Duckworth committed to South Carolina on Friday, choosing the Gamecocks over Auburn in a decision he said has been set for a long time. The four-star Duckworth (6-3, 195) — who is rated the nation’s No. 8 quarterback in the 2026 class by Rivals, the No. 6…
Read MoreKids will remember when Ryan Williams threw them a touchdown pass
SARALAND — Ryan Williams, football player extraordinaire, entrepreneur and entertainer — he excels at all three — hurled something like 500 touchdown passes Sunday morning on the field where it seemed he caught nearly that many only a couple of years ago. But the ones he threw to kids of…
Read MoreE.J. Crowell picks Alabama and expects to play early
By JIMMY WIGFIELD JACKSON — Few in the crowd that jammed into the Jackson Community House Thursday evening knew where E.J. Crowell had decided to play college football, perhaps because Crowell himself didn’t know for sure until the early-morning hours. “It was last night,” he said. “Probably one-something in the morning.” Even…
Read MoreBama holds its breath as E.J. Crowell rides the train to stardom and decides which track to take
By JIMMY WIGFIELD JACKSON — E.J. Crowell is in a hurry. A hurry to make his own hole before his blockers can. A hurry to complete his high school career, which he has already outgrown. A hurry to become an SEC superstar, to stand on the Heisman Trophy stage, to pose with NFL…
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