Each year the population of our state splits between Auburn and Alabama when football season begins. Yes there are the occasional comments about Troy, UAB, USA or even Jacksonville State, but nothing compares to the Tide and Tiger rivalry. 

This season residents of Baldwin County might have another college football team to cheer for and watch their games. Notre Dame is 898 miles away from Gulf Shores but their quarterback is a son of Baldwin County.

Riley Leonard has been getting plenty of national attention after the "Fight Irish" of Notre Dame knocked off Texas A&M. They are currently ranked 5th in the nation. Riley played his high school football for the Fairhope Pirates where he amassed 25 touchdowns and 1,900 yards passing in his last season. Last year he briefly played at Duke due to a season ending injury.

Sports broadcasters from ESPN and other outlets are singing his praise this year as he leads the golden domers of Notre Dame in a charge to the National Playoffs. Riley's 6'4", 216lb. frame is helping him along the way.

So as we settle in for an exciting season of SEC football, don't forget to keep an eye out for the small midwest team we typically despise. Pick up your remote and watch an elite Baldwin County athlete on national television. It is allowed to semi-pull for a team out of the SEC conference .... at times.

Also there is this statement from Riley Leonard during and interview: "Every single person in that city that I came into contact with helped me with my faith. I'm able to bring that here. Obviously that's the most important thing in my life," he told The Irish Tribune at the time. "When I go to bed at night, I’m not thinking, ‘How many touchdown passes did I throw? Did we win or lose?’ I'm thinking, 'Did I better my relationship with Jesus Christ? Did I treat my girlfriend with respect? Did I call my parents?"