FROM STAFF REPORTS

August 2007 was a memorable month in Shelby County.

Change was all around, as the AHSAA moved the state wrestling meet from Pelham to Huntsville. The 2006 Shelby County Reporter Player of the Year was arrested and remains in jail on two charges of first-degree robbery. Briarwood started the football season with a historic upset over Vestavia.

With this Year in Review, the Shelby County Reporter looks back month-by-month on the news stories and images that defined the year.

Join us as we recall the triumphs and tragedies, successes and failures that were 2007.

This is part eight of a 12-part series that will run online through Jan. 1

Palmer arrested on robbery charges

Former Chelsea football star and Shelby County Reporter 2006 football Player of the Year Davin Palmer was arrested Aug. 8 on two counts of first degree robbery. Palmer was held in jail on $50,000 bond through the end of the year and awaits a grand jury trial in January 2008.

Montevallo hires new baseball coach

The University of Montevallo named John Jarnagin, formerly of Morehead State University, as its new baseball head coach Aug. 3. Jarnagin is Montevallo’s sixth head baseball coach and replaced Greg Goff, who resigned in May to take the head coach position at Campbell University in North Carolina.

State wrestling meet moved to Huntsville

The AHSAA decided

the state wrestling tournament from the Pelham Civic Complex to the Van Bruan Center in Huntsville

Jones, Davis make football commitments

Eric Jones, a 6-foot-6, 270-pound offensive tackle for Spain Park, made a verbal commitment in early August to play football next fall for Tulane University. According to http://Scout.com, he also received offers from Jacksonville State University and Louisiana Tech. Briarwood defensive end Alex Davis committed to Samford University.

Sillers chooses to play at Alabama

Briarwood Christian senior forward and midfielder Lindsey Sillers verbally committed in early August to play soccer at the University of Alabama as part of the Tide’s 2008 recruiting class. Sillers, who helped lead the Briarwood Lady Lions to their third straight state championship in May, will join high school teammate Callie O’Steen, who was a member of the Tide’s 2007 recruiting class.

Phillips’ boat wins Hottest Rig contest

Calera resident Keith Phillips, a Bassmaster Elite Series Pro, recently won Hottest Rig Running contest. Fans voted his “Pursuing a Dream” boat wrap above 107 other anglers’ boat designs to win the $10,000 grand prize.

Briarwood silences Vestavia Hills

The Briarwood Lions opened the football season with a 21-12 upset at Vestavia Hills Aug. 31. It was the Lions first win in program history over Vestavia.