Commentary by Charles Prince

The North Jefferson News



After the Alabama High School Athletic Association announced the realignment of classifications and the public learned that the Gardendale Rockets were no longer a 5A school, but would compete at the 6A level for at least two seasons, the fearmongers had a field day.

Impossible. Can’t win. No chance to win even one region game. Those were just some of the naysayers forecasts for Gardendale football.

Into that black hole of negativity stepped former college offensive coordinator Chris Fancher.

Fancher brought several assets with him to Gardendale that are aids to winning.

First, he brought his own version of the spread offense, one which features plenty of variety. Some spread offenses tend to be one-dimensional, only being effective at throwing the ball, but Fancher’s offense is built around not just one aspect, but both the running and the passing games.

Second, Fancher brought a keen eye for talent. Having been a college recruiter, he knew the talent level Gardendale would see in 6A, Region 6. He wasn’t intimidated by the quality of skill players and the number of outstanding lineman in the region. He believed the Rockets could compete and develop their own 6A stars.

Third, he brought an understanding of what type of shape an athlete has to be in to compete at this level. From the players I’ve talked with, Gardendale football players have never run as much or trained as hard in the weight room as this year’s club has.

Being in better cardiovascular shape than ever, the Rockets aren’t likely to fade late in games due to tiring out. They’ll be able to play as long and as hard as any opponent they’ll have to face.

In addition, the intense weight work has added enough strength to give each Rocket a fighting chance to block or get off the blocks of any 6A player they’ll match up with.

Lastly, Fancher brought a stubborn determination to succeed that this team sorely needed after so many people in the community pushed the panic button over the reclassification.

The players have bought into Fancher’s vision for the program and they’re displaying the same determination that he exhibits.

Just 31 days into the regular season, Fancher appears to be the right fit for the Rockets. He looks to be the right coach at the right time, to not only lead Gardendale into 6A football, but also to build the Rockets into a state-wide power.