Spartans Head Into Rivalry Game Ranked No. 7 In State

MOUNTAIN BROOK, AL - The annual game between Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills has always meant something, regardless of the two teams' records, as the rivalry in multiple sports - not just football - has been heated since the two schools were formed. This year, the match-up features two teams with unblemished records and top 10 rankings.

The Alabama Sports Writers Association has the Spartans ranked No. 7 in its most recent 7A poll, with Vestavia sitting at No. 8. Neither team started the season ranked in the poll, but big wins by both teams have the two schools primed for a fierce showdown.

"The last two games have been decided by overtime," said Spartans coach Chris Yeager. "This is always an intense and exciting game."

Yeager said he has been pleased with what he has seen with his team thus far this season. "Our games have gotten progressively demanding. The team has improved every week. Each win has required a tremendous team effort," he said. (For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Patch morning newsletter.)

Vestavia is coming off a 28-19 win over Tuscaloosa County, and Mountain Brook outlasted Spain Park last week 24-14. Both teams are eyeing a playoff run and a Region 3 title, but Yeager said he is taking each game one at a time.

"We need to stay healthy, build depth and continue to improve," Yeager said.

The ASWA 7A poll, released yesterday, looks like this:

1. Central-Phenix City (24); 4-0
2. Hewitt-Trussville (6); 3-1
3. Thompson; 3-1
4. Auburn; 4-0
5. Hoover; 2-2
6. McGill-Toolen; 3-1
7. Mountain Brook; 4-0;
8. Vestavia Hills; 3-0
9. Lee-Montgomery; 3-1
10. Austin; 3-1

Photo via Shutterstock