The Pelham High School Varsity Scholars Bowl team had an air of determination to them Feb. 19 as they sat down in all black clothing, prepared to take on the Warriors.

“It’s nice to know, even though I don’t want to sound arrogant, but it is nice to know that we’ve been the best in the county for this long,” said senior Zach Pritchard.

The Panthers came into the Shelby County Scholars Bowl tournament as defending champs. They beat out Oak Mountain High School last year.

This year, Pritchard and fellow senior Will English came ready to keep the trophy on their own turf. The two started competing together at Riverchase Middle School in the sixth grade. They’ve since competed as members of the county championship team each of the last seven years.

“I was as nervous this year as I am every time,” English said. “It’s really just having a good core group of players. We’ve been lucky enough to have that consistently.”

This year, like any other English said, had its ups and downs.

Some answers rolled off teammates tongues. “What TV show would you associate with the phrase, “The truth is out there?”

“The X-Files,” a Pelham student replied.

Not all questions seemed that simple. Some required the students to solve math problems in under 10 seconds. Several questions stumped both sides, including one about an American architect and another about the famous Buddy Holly. In the end though, Pelham had the quicker minds and hands of the evening.

Shelby County High School Coordinator Larry Hendrick congratulated both teams.

“I’m always amazed at the amount of information you all have,” Hendrick said. “It’s encouraging to see young people like you.”

The final score for this year’s tournament was Pelham 275, Thompson 120.