This story was written by John Goolsby, prep sports editor of the Trussville Tribune.
IRONDALE, Ala. (TRIBUNE) — George Bates understood that his first year at Shades Valley would be challenging.
Taking over a program with a new coaching staff, new expectations, and a roster learning an entirely new way of doing things, Bates expected growing pains. The Mounties finished 2-8 in 2025, but the veteran coach believes the groundwork has been laid for better days ahead…