It’s been a long time coming, but the Shelby County Wildcats are ranked in the Top 10.

The Wildcats broke into the Alabama Sports Writers Association football poll at No. 10 Wednesday for the first time since making the move to Class 5A in 2004.

“I’m really happy for the kids. It’s a testament to their hard work,” SCHS head coach Ryan Herring said. “Rankings don’t mean anything for as far as how you’re going to do this week or the next week, but it’s real special to be the first group of guys to do this in Class 5A.”

The closest Shelby County had been to the Top 10 was reaching the receiving votes category in the final poll of 2006 after beating Chelsea. The ’Cats jumped into the receiving votes category after upsetting Pell City in the season opener. They have steadily climbed toward the poll since, including upsetting then No. 2 Briarwood in week two. Briarwood sits at No. 9 in this week’s poll.

In Class 6A, Pelham fell out of the Top 10 and into the receiving votes category after falling to Mountain Brook, 33-19, Friday. Mountain Brook moved up to No. 7, ahead of Region 6 opponents Hoover and Vestavia.

Shelby Academy fell from the AISA Top 10 after a loss at Edgewood, who moved up one spot to No. 3.