The Alabama Sports Writers Association released its preseason football polls this week, and the Red Bay Tigers come in ranked fifth in the state in Class 2A – the highest preseason ranking in school history.

“This is just a reflection on the hard work and dedication the kids have put into this program the past few years,” said Red Bay Coach Michael Jackson. “It’s an honor to be recognized, but we have to show it on the field.”

Jackson has good reason to be optimistic his team can live up to the lofty expectation. “This is probably the best senior group I have had,” said Jackson. Of his 19 returning seniors, one is a five-year starter, three are four-year starters, and seven are three-year starters.

“They have played in a lot of games, and they have won a lot of games. They know what is expected of them.  They know what it takes. They have one goal in mind: play in the final game of the high school season.”

Jackson said he is looking forward to seeing how this senior class can wrap up their career at Red Bay.

“They are all very competitive. They are a seasoned group. They have been in our strength training program for a long time. They are very athletic and they have played a lot of games,” Jackson said. “They don’t want to lose, and they are not taking anything for granted.”

Mars Hill, the Class 1A semifinalist, moved up to Class 2A and into the region with the Tigers. The Panthers are ranked third. The two teams are scheduled to face off Oct. 16.

The team that beat Mars Hill in the Class 1A championship last year also moved up to Class 2A – Lanett, which ranks second in the state. Leroy is the preseason top–ranked team in Class 2A.