By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Writer

Anyone else having a hard time believing we’re already at the halfway point of football season? You’ve read the previews of all our teams in the Shelby County Football Magazine, so now we’ll provide a mid-season mini-review for each program.

— Briarwood: Starting QB Will Edward went down with a severe thumb injury. In his place stepped Walker Lott, who has shown a ton of promise so far. He is the future of the squad.

— Calera: For all the hype of the offense, the D is playing lights out in Calera. That, more than anything, might be what takes them to the next level.

— Chelsea: Chris Elmore has them pointed in the right direction. Now for just a little luck.

— Coosa Valley Academy: Coach Arlton Hudson’s boys are stronger than a year ago, just lacking in depth. A powerful squad that can compete with anyone’s first 11.

— Cornerstone: Tim Smith has the young Chargers learning to win after blowing out Lyman Ward.

— Evangel: Lightning’s posing a strong threat for a NACA national title.

— Hope: Unless the high-flying Eagles have a say in it.

— Kingwood: KCS’s high-octane offense makes sure defenses have their track shoes on. The Lions might have a real shot at an AISA title this year.

— Montevallo: While the scoreboard doesn’t show it, head coach Andrew Zow is starting to turn the Bulldogs into a formidable squad. The defense has played lights out the last two weeks, the squad has just run out of gas late.

— Oak Mountain: The Eagles are doing a great job of rebuilding after last year’s run.

— Pelham: Other than the loss to Thompson, the Panthers have outplayed every opponent they’ve faced.

— Shelby County: Coach Brent Smith has a talented but young group that is learning to gel. Expect a turnaround in the second half.

— Spain Park: Quietly dominating with defense. Expect a deep playoff run.

— Thompson: Coach Mike Montgomery’s squad is finally buying into his system, and it is paying off big time. Playoffs? Quite possibly.

— Vincent: The Jackets are as cohesive a group as there is in 2A. However, they face a ridiculous road schedule that does them no favors.