January 2012 Chatterbox - Ruston High School

SportsChatterboxRuston High School January 19, 2012 Page 30Alabama Rolls Over LSU for National Championshipby Reed MalekSports EditorThe first matchup between the LSU Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide this year was a 9-6 overtime victory by LSU onAlabama’s own turf, which was a snoozer and a thriller at the same time. On January 9, the two national powerhouses met again,this time in New Orleans for the BCS National Championship. Things were not quite the same.The Crimson Tide’s suffocating defense completely shut down LSU’s offense, making Alabama’s 21-0 victory over LSU abreeze for head coach Nick Saban & Co.Early on in the game, it was apparent that LSU was having severe offensive problems. Not that this was a surprise, consideringthat the last time the Tigers and Tide played, only five field goals were scored—no touchdowns. Through the third quarter,this second matchup of the season looked to be more of the same. Alabama led 15-0 going into the fourth quarter, having kickedfive field goals.Late in the fourth quarter, after Alabama’s defense had quelled yet another LSU offensive drive, the Tide’s Heisman runneruptailback Trent Richardson added insult to injury with a 34-yard rushing touchdown, setting up a shocking final score of 21-0.The clearest storyline from this game is, not surprisingly, Alabama’s defense. They managed to hold LSU’s anemic offensebehind the 50-yard line until halfway through the fourth quarter. The Tigers’ quarterback Jordan Jefferson, who performed verywell all season, was shut down to only 53 yards passing. Whenever Jefferson tried to pass, receivers were covered. Whenever hetried to run an option, Alabama’s defense was right there in his face. LSU’s offense finished the game with 92 yards of offense.Though it appeared as if Alabama’s defense could stop an offense of Transformers, there is one bit of controversy that hasmany LSU fans in disbelief. Jordan Jefferson’s performance in the game was absolutely dismal, yet the Tigers’ head coach LesMiles kept him in the entire game. “Backup” quarterback Jarrett Lee is considered by many to be a better pocket passer thanJefferson, and it is a real head-scratcher that coach Miles kept the senior on the bench the whole game, even when LSU’s passinggame was nearly non-existent.Whatever the cause or consequence of LSU’s humiliating loss to Alabama, it must not be forgotten that LSU finished with aspectacular record of 13-1. Not many teams finish a 14-game season being able to say that.After Alabama’s victory on January 9, the Coaches’ Trophy will now reside in the state of Alabama for the third straightyear, and it will also belong to a Southeastern Conference team for the sixth straight year.Alabama head coach Nick Saban hoists theCoaches’ Trophy for the second time in threeyears.Photo obtained at: www.espn.comThe Alabama sideline celebrates.Photo obtained at: www.espn.comSoftball Season Kicks Off!by Alexandria CockerhamSports ReporterAlabama’s defense shut down Jordan Jefferson (#9) all night.Photo obtained at: www.al.comBaseball Hits the Diamondby Reed MalekSports EditorThe softball team began practice on the sixteenth of this month. They are preparingfor their season, which they hope will be as successful as last year’s state championteam.The Lady Bearcats will have their first scrimmage against Parkway on February 4.JV will play at 12:00 and Varsity will play at 1:00. Their first game will be against Airlineat home on February 20. Both JV and Varsity will be playing. I asked one of theplayers how they feel about the season beginning and she expressed how she is “excitedand will play hard to ensure her team win.” The team is working very hard, so come outand support them as they begin their season!Bearcat baseball is preparing to begin their season, as well. The team is currentlyundergoing rigorous practices to get them ready to begin their season on February 4in a scrimmage against Haughton.Last year, the Bearcat baseball team went far into the playoffs as underdogs. Thisyear’s team certainly has some big shoes to fill, being the team to follow up fromsuch success. However, there is no doubt that the ‘Cats can repeat last year’s greatness!Get ready to cheer the Bearcats on again, because spring is back—and so are the‘Cats!