By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Editor

I had to do a double take last week when deciding where our coverage was going in regards to football.

We’re halfway through the season.

Well, actually, when you read this, we’ll really be halfway through the season, with the whole 11-week season this year, but you get the point.

I find it hard to believe that kickoff was over a month ago. Yet, it’s October. Real football weather looms.

In other words, we’re getting to the good stuff.

There’s been quite a few pleasant surprises and storylines that have popped up over the last few weeks.

For example, Oak Mountain and Montevallo have come out of the game strong. Each team has stunned a few opponents far in the season (Montevallo taking down Oak Grove in dominant fashion, and Oak Mountain holding off Vestavia Hills) and overall, both look like strong playoff contenders.

Evangel Christian shrugged off any doubters by reeling off wins at a steady clip. The Lightning are made up of a group of inexperienced players having to fill the shoes of a national championship-winning team, and aside from a loss to Victory Christian look like a strong contender in the ACSC title hunt.

The same can be said for Hope Christian. The Eagles have battled injuries all season long, and still remain right in the thick of the ACSC championship chase.
Of course, the two will battle for playoff position on Oct. 1 in the annual “Sky Bowl” rivalry. The game is always important in terms of bragging rights and standings, and with how close last year’s contest was, the Eagles will be looking to get the bitter taste of watching the game slip away out of their mouths.

The other in-county game that has serious postseason implications is that of Cornerstone-Kingwood. The Lions look to improve to 3-2 on the year after struggling early, and the Chargers are enjoying a revitalization of sorts, having won three games so far. While it won’t matter for region standings, a win here could give either team momentum needed to make it to the postseason.

It’s hard to believe we’re halfway, but judging by the schedules, the best is yet to come.