By Marla Jones, Sports Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — On my second stop of Inside The Huddle, I visited with the Plainview Bears and new coach Nick “Rudy” Ledbetter.

The Plainview Bears were always my rival when I was in school.  As I have got older, and maybe a little wiser, the Bears have turned into one of my favorite teams.  I own a Plainview Football shirt and wear it with pride. Everyone treats me like I am part of the team and I am sure that they are considering adding me to the coaching staff.  I was excited to visit the team and possibly teach them a few things.

Walking up to the practice field, I was amazed at the size of the football team.  The Bears have several talented players to chose from this year. After watching the Bears practice, I know they possess what it takes to a powerhouse in Class 3A this season.  

The Bears practice Monday through Thursday beginning at 8am and going strong until 11am. They split their time between the field and weight room. Strength training is very crucial to any team and the  Plainview coaching staff have really worked hard to provide a top notch workout facility.

The 2017 record for the Plainview Bears were overall 9-2 and perfect in region play. The Bears will have 20 seniors on the team this year with five returning starters on offense and four returning on defense.

The Bears are led by Nick Ledbetter. The coaching staff also includes: his brother Nathan Ledbetter, Josh Clements (who transferred from Sylvania to assist in strength and conditioning), and Chase Parker, who will return to the sidelines this season.

The Bears will begin the 2018 season away at Collinsville on August 23. They will continue to play away at North Jackson on August 31 and at Geraldine on September 7. Their first home game will be against Susan Moore on September 14. They will face rival Sylvania away on September 21. They face another rival at home on September 28 against the Fyffe Red Devils. The Bears battle Brindlee Mountain on October 12 at home after an off week on October 5. The Bears will travel for their final away game at New Hope on October 19. Their final two games will be played against local teams Pisgah and Crossville on October 26 and November 2, respectively.

My prediction for the Plainview Bears this season is that they will go deep into the playoff season and possibly make an appearance at the state championship! TOO MUCH BLUE!