By Bart Moss for the FCT

The Phil Campbell Bobcats knew the challenge of playing the Tanner Rattlers would be daunting. Tanner was ranked second in the state with one player to committed to the University of Alabama and a couple of others mulling offers from Division I schools.

Tanner lived up to the billing. The team put the Bobcats away early and rolled to a 73-0 win. Phil Campbell Coach Ryan Swinney was more reflective than disappointed.

“We knew it was going to be a huge task,” said Swinney, who has led the Bobcats to the playoffs for two consecutive years. “Tanner is very good. They are big and physical, quick and fast, and they know the game of football. It wouldn’t surprise me at all to see them holding up a state championship trophy in four weeks.”

Swinney was proud of how his team competed and overcame adversity this year.

“We had to overcome a lot this year,” said Swinney. “We had injuries to several players, including two of our key players and team leaders. We never quit. We competed every week. I was proud these guys made the playoffs for the second straight year. That was a big accomplishment for them.”