PREP FOOTBALL: Bearcats have sights set on another deep playoff run

Published 12:24 am Sunday, November 1, 2009

Ben Moore will be in an unfamiliar position when the postseason begins Friday. He’ll be watching from the Cullman High sideline.

Moore broke his jaw during Cullman’s 28-13 win over Mountain Brook a week ago, which means the junior running back won’t be available for the Bearcats’ first-round matchup with Wenonah Friday night.

This would’ve been a detrimental blow for most teams, but not top-ranked Cullman. The Bearcats have a replacement who’s more than adequate.

His name? Connor Adams.

Adams was the starting running back for Cullman at the beginning of last season, but was replaced by Moore after he sustained a season-ending injury during a game against Curry.

With Moore out of the lineup, Bearcats coach Mark Britton moved Adams from wide receiver to running back in Cullman’s 43-23 win at Austin this past Friday. The senior rushed for 58 yards on 10 carries.

“He did a good job for us,” Britton said. “Losing a player like Ben Moore is tough, but having Connor has helped make it easier. He has experience at that position and has proven he can do the job.”

Cullman finished the regular season unbeaten for the second time in three years. With that goal reached, the Bearcats have now turned their attention to the postseason.

“One thing the group we have, this is a veteran bunch,” Britton added. “We finished the regular season 10-0, which was one of their goals. But now that’s been reached, it’s time to reset and focus on the postseason.”

According to Britton, Cullman’s first-round opponent, Wenonah (6-3), is similar to the Pleasant Grove team the Bearcats beat 28-27 earlier this season.

“They’ve got a lot of athletes … a whole lot of speed,” Britton said. “Pleasant Grove had a little more size, but this Wenonah team has speed across the board.”

Justin Graves can be reached by phone at 734-2131, ext. 257 or by e-mail at jgraves@cullmantimes.com.