Development football league coming to Clanton

Published 3:25 pm Tuesday, January 8, 2019

Former football players from Chilton County and the surrounding area will have a second chance to showcase their skills as part of the Chilton Tigers in the Amateur to Professional Development Football League.

The squad will begin its inaugural season on March 2 against the Georgia Noles. The home opener will be March 30.

According to Chilton Tigers owner/player Blake Shirah, the league is designed to help players who did not get noticed in high school.

“It allows them to get some film up,” Shirah said. “It’s a second chance league.”

Shirah played in the league for another team last season before deciding to help bring a team to his home county.

Past players have used the ADPFL as a springboard to land roster spots in the Canadian Football League and Arena Football League.

Chilton will be one of 22 teams, primarily in the southeast, that make up the league.

The season will consist of 10 games played on Saturdays from March to May.

The Tigers are in the midst of working out a plan to host games at Tiger Stadium on the campus of Chilton County High School.

“This is something for Chilton County to be proud of,” Shirah said.

However, if the plan to play at the high school falls through, they will play their home games at Clanton City Park.

“I had a lot of support from people wanting me to do this,” Shirah said. “Anyway, we have a chance to give back.”

For more information about how to get involved either as a player or sponsor call (205) 294-1489.