Ramsay, Jackson-Olin, Hueytown In Preseason Top 10

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The Alabama Sports Writers Association released its 2019 preseason football polls Monday, and some Birmingham schools find themselves in prime position to start the season. Ramsay, Hueytown and Jackson-Olin each found themselves in the top 10 in their respective classes.

Hueytown begins the 2019 campaign ranked No. 5 in Class 6A. The Golden Gophers are the defending Class 6A, Region 4 champions, and return one of the best players in the state in running back Roydell Williams, who rushed for more than 2,700 yards last fall.

Hueytown opens against Homewood August 23.

Jackson-Olin comes into the season ranked 10th in the Class 6A poll, coming off an impressive 10-1 campaign in 2018. The Mustangs tore through the 2018 regular season undefeated before dropping their first-round playoff game to Decatur.

J-O will begin its season August 23 against Fairfield.

Ramsay starts the 2019 season ranked No. 2 in Class 5A. The Rams are coming off an 11-2 season, and are ranked only behind Briarwood, despite receiving more first-place votes. Ramsay opens its season against Minor August 22.

The Class 6A preseason poll:

1. Pinson Valley (17)
2. Saraland (9)
3. Muscle Shoals
4. Clay-Chalkville
5. Hueytown
6. Wetumpka
7. Oxford
8. Spanish Fort
9. Blount
10. Jackson-Olin

The Class 5A preseason poll:

1. Briarwood (4)
2. Ramsay (12)
3. Jasper (2)
4. Madison Aca. (1)
5. Central-Clay Co. (7)
6. Demopolis
7. Mortimer Jordan
8. Vigor
9. Etowah
10. Russellville