By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



As temperatures continue to plummet, the Alabama Crimson Tide is preparing to take on Texas Thursday in the BCS Championship game in sunny California.

Tomorrow’s high in Pasadena is expected to be 75 degrees with a low of 48. The high in Tuscaloosa is expected to reach 38 degrees with a low of 19. Snow showers are also possible.

Cold weather or not, Crimson Tide fans across north Jefferson County are gearing up for the big game. At least two Gardendale residents, Charles and Peggy Tumlin, will actually be at the game. The trip served as part of their Christmas presents to each other.

“We are so excited; football is our big thing,” said Peggy Tumlin on Tuesday. “I think Alabama will come out on top. I can’t wait.”

The couple is traveling with Total Sports, who they’ve used to travel to other Alabama games in the past. They would have liked to have been in California earlier, but Peggy, who serves on the Gardendale City Council, didn’t want to miss Monday’s meeting.

Her game prediction? Alabama, 35-12.

Gardendale resident Keith Rice won’t be at the game, but he’ll be watching with his family. The lifelong Alabama fan said he’s such a big fan, he even named his dog “Bear.”

“I just love the Bear Bryant legacy,” he said. “It’s all about winning, man. Winning.”

His prediction? Alabama by 3 points.

In Mt. Olive, business owners Boyd Sutherland and Robin Lee are also excited about Thursday’s matchup. Sutherland operates Boyd’s Tires at 2300 Mt. Olive Road, while Lee operates Lulu’s at 2456 Mt. Olive Road.

Sutherland, who hails from Haleyville, said he’s been a Crimson Tide fan for 76 years. That also happens to be his age. His tire and wheel store is filled with photos and Crimson Tide memorabilia.

“We’ve got a TV here [at the store] and all my friend are coming by to watch the game,” he said of his Thursday night plans. “We’re going to celebrate and do business at the same time.”

His game prediction? Alabama, 35-10.

Lee plans to celebrate the game by offering 40 percent discounts on her Crimson Tide merchandise, including scarves, jewelry, purses and handbags.

“Our Alabama sales have been awesome,” she said. “I’ve had to go to the market three times to get more houndstooth merchandise.”

She also plans to host an Alabama Fan contest today at 5:30 p.m. in which the biggest Alabama fans will be judged on their attire and team spirit. The winner gets a $100 gift card, with second and third places winning cards worth $50 and $25 respectively.

Lee, herself an Alabama fan, will be watching Thursday’s game with friends. “Alabama’s going to kick butt,” she said.

Her prediction? Alabama, 21-14.

Like Lulu’s, Bama Fever in Fultondale has also seen steady sales of Crimson Tide-related merchandise, according to manager Andy Brown. He said his store normally sees a drop-off each year after Christmas, but not this year.

“Sales are great; we’ve never had January sales like this,” he said. “People are really buying the game day shirts and any kind of outer wear.”

Brown, an Auburn fan, has worked for Bama Fever for two-and-a-half years. He said despite his allegiance to the Tigers, he hopes Alabama wins on Thursday.

“It’s great for business and it will help us retain the seasonal employees we have,” he said. “It affects the economy on a much greater scale.”

He said if Alabama wins, championship shirts will start arriving at the store that night and will go on sale Friday morning. The store opens at 10 a.m., but may open earlier.

Food and drinks will also be a huge part of Thursday night’s celebration for many. Home Field Sports Grill in Fultondale is preparing for a large crowd. Manager Jeremy Douglas said food and drink specials would be offered all night and all six of his establishment’s big-screen televisions will be tuned in to the game.

“If I could predict the crowd size, I’d be a millionaire,” he said. “We do good for Alabama games.”

Little Caesar’s in Gardendale may also sell quite a few $5 pizzas. Manager Paula Brown said her restaurant stays pretty busy on game days. She may qualify as one of the few in the state who won’t be watching the game. “Who’s playing?” she said with a laugh. “I don’t watch the games; I’m not a football fan.”