Birmingham football, 1904–1917 American college football seasons
Birmingham football, 1904–1917 encompassed all of the seasons of college football played at Birmingham College prior to its merger with Southern University in 1918 to form Birmingham–Southern College . The team competed as an independent and played its home games at several locations in Birmingham, Alabama . Birmingham played its first season in 1904, and after going winless in its first two seasons, it defeated Alabama Presbyterian in 1907 for the first victory in the school's history. Birmingham played smaller Alabama schools exclusively through 1909, after which they played larger schools like Alabama , Mississippi A&M , and Vanderbilt .
Douglas "Duck" Henry was the first person to serve as head coach for more than a single season, leading the team to a 1–12–1 record in 1911 and 1912. He was followed by Wallace Pinson who coached the team to a 5–8–2 record from 1913 to 1915. Charles H. Brown took over as head coach in 1916 and led the team to its most successful season to date with a 7–1 record and shutout victories in its final six games.
Seasons overview
1904
1904 Birmingham football Conference Independent Record 0–3 Head coach Home stadium West End Park Seasons
The 1904 Birmingham football team was an American football team that represented Birmingham College (later merged with Southern College to become Birmingham–Southern College ) as an independent during the 1904 college football season . Birmingham compiled a 0–3 record for the season. This was the first season of intercollegiate football played at the College.[ 1]
Schedule
1906
1906 Birmingham football Conference Independent Record 0–2–1 Head coach Home stadium West End Park Seasons
The 1906 Birmingham football team was an American football team that represented Birmingham College (later merged with Southern College to become Birmingham–Southern College ) as an independent during the 1906 college football season . Birmingham compiled a 0–2–1 record for the season.
Schedule
Date Opponent Site Result Source October 23 vs. Howard (AL) L 0–51[ 5]
October 31 Birmingham High School (AL) West End Park Birmingham, AL L 5–15[ 6]
November 29 at Fifth District Agricultural School (AL) Wetumpka, AL T 0–0[ 7]
1907
1907 Birmingham football Conference Independent Record 1–3 Head coach Home stadium West End Park Seasons
The 1907 Birmingham football team was an American football team that represented Birmingham College (later merged with Southern College to become Birmingham–Southern College ) as an independent during the 1907 college football season . Under first-year head coach Ray Stanley , Birmingham compiled a 1–3 record.
Schedule
1908
1908 Birmingham football Conference Independent Record 0–3–3 Head coach Home stadium West End Park Seasons
The 1908 Birmingham football team was an American football team that represented Birmingham College (later merged with Southern College to become Birmingham–Southern College ) as an independent during the 1908 college football season . Under first-year head coach S. R. Batson , Birmingham compiled a 0–3–3 record.
Schedule
1909
1909 Birmingham football Conference Independent Record 4–2 Head coach Home stadium West End Park Seasons
The 1909 Birmingham football team was an American football team that represented Birmingham College (later merged with Southern College to become Birmingham–Southern College ) as an independent during the 1909 college football season . Under first-year head coach Luther Leonard , Birmingham compiled a 4–2 record.
Schedule
1910
1910 Birmingham football Conference Independent Record 3–3–1 Head coach Home stadium West End Park Seasons
The 1910 Birmingham football team was an American football team that represented Birmingham College (later merged with Southern College to become Birmingham–Southern College ) as an independent during the 1910 college football season . Under first-year head coach Vaughn Blake , Birmingham compiled a 3–3–1 record.
Schedule
1911
1911 Birmingham football Conference Independent Record 0–6–1 Head coach Home stadium Munger Bowl Seasons
The 1911 Birmingham football team was an American football team that represented Birmingham College (later merged with Southern College to become Birmingham–Southern College ) as an independent during the 1911 college football season . Under first-year head coach Douglas "Duck" Henry , Birmingham compiled a 0–6–1 record.
Schedule
1912
The 1912 Birmingham football team was an American football team that represented Birmingham College (later merged with Southern College to become Birmingham–Southern College ) as an independent during the 1912 college football season . Under second-year head coach Douglas "Duck" Henry , Birmingham compiled a 1–6 record.
Schedule
1913
The 1913 Birmingham football team was an American football team that represented Birmingham College (later merged with Southern College to become Birmingham–Southern College ) as an independent during the 1913 college football season . Under first-year head coach Wallace Pinson , Birmingham compiled a 0–5 record.
Schedule
1914
1914 Birmingham football Conference Independent Record 3–1–1 Head coach Home stadium Munger Bowl Seasons
The 1914 Birmingham football team was an American football team that represented Birmingham College (later merged with Southern College to become Birmingham–Southern College ) as an independent during the 1914 college football season . Under second-year head coach Wallace Pinson , Birmingham compiled a 3–1–1 record.
Schedule
1915
1915 Birmingham football Conference Independent Record 2–2–1 Head coach Home stadium Munger Bowl Seasons
The 1915 Birmingham football team was an American football team that represented Birmingham College (later merged with Southern College to become Birmingham–Southern College ) as an independent during the 1915 college football season . Under third-year head coach Wallace Pinson , Birmingham compiled a 2–2–1 record.
Schedule
1916
The 1916 Birmingham Panthers football team was an American football team that represented Birmingham College (now part of Birmingham–Southern College ) as an independent during the 1916 college football season . Under head coach Charles H. Brown , the Panthers compiled a 7–1 record. The team's roster included Homer Norton at end and Peahead Walker at quarterback .[ 60]
Schedule
1917
Birmingham College did not field a team for the 1917 college football season due to the impacts of World War I .[ 69] [ 70] At the time the season was canceled, they had a game scheduled against Alabama at University Field in Tuscaloosa on October 6.[ 71]
References
^ "Owenton vs. Jonesville" . The Birmingham News . October 27, 1904. Retrieved May 28, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "State Normal defeats Owenton" . The Birmingham Age-Herald . October 28, 1904. Retrieved May 28, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "High School boys captured game" . Birmingham Age-Herald . November 20, 1904. Retrieved May 28, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Marion beats Owenton" . The Montgomery Advertiser . November 25, 1904. Retrieved May 28, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Howard College defeated Owenton" . The Birmingham News . October 24, 1906. Retrieved May 28, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Owenton team defeated by High School eleven" . Birmingham Age-Herald . November 1, 1906. Retrieved May 28, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Owenton and Fifth District play tie game at Wetumpka" . Birmingham Age-Herald . December 1, 1906. Retrieved May 28, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Birmingham loses to St. Bernard by touchdown" . Birmingham Age-Herald . October 31, 1907. Retrieved May 17, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Birmingham wins from Anniston" . Birmingham Age-Herald . November 10, 1907. Retrieved May 17, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Owenton defeated by the Howard team" . The Birmingham News . November 25, 1908. Retrieved May 17, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Marion wins game" . The Montgomery Advertiser . November 29, 1907. Retrieved May 17, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Owenton and Blountsville played a tie game" . The Birmingham News . October 19, 1908. Retrieved May 17, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Owenton and High School in splendid drawn fight" . Birmingham Age-Herald . November 4, 1908. Retrieved May 17, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Birmingham College plays Albertville a tie game" . Birmingham Age-Herald . November 8, 1908. Retrieved May 17, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Howard team wins" . The Montgomery Advertiser . November 22, 1908. Retrieved May 17, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Owenton beaten by Marion team" . Birmingham Age-Herald . November 27, 1908. Retrieved May 17, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "A. & M. trims Birmingham" . The Commercial Appeal . October 3, 1909. Retrieved May 15, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Birmingham wins at Greensboro" . Birmingham Age-Herald . October 16, 1909. Retrieved May 15, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Birmingham College wins" . The Birmingham News . October 25, 1909. Retrieved May 15, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Birmingham wins in Albertville" . Birmingham Age-Herald . October 31, 1909. Retrieved May 15, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Predestinarians lose; Birmingham College beats the Anniston collegians" . The Montgomery Advertiser . November 7, 1909. Retrieved May 15, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Howard outclasses Birmingham College" . The Montgomery Advertiser . November 21, 1909. Retrieved May 15, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Team heavy but slow - Crimson forwards charges low and fiercely" . The Montgomery Advertiser . October 2, 1910. Retrieved May 15, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Birmingham wins by goal from field" . The Birmingham News . October 8, 1910. Retrieved May 15, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Moccasins rompy with Birmingham College" . Chattanooga Sunday Times . October 23, 1910. Retrieved May 15, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "S.U. is beaten by Owenton Warriors" . The Birmingham News . November 1, 1910. Retrieved May 15, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Without result Marion plays Birmingham team" . Birmingham Age-Herald . November 8, 1910. Retrieved May 15, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Birmingham easy for Mississippi A. & M." Birmingham Age-Herald . November 13, 1910. Retrieved May 15, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Birmingham College beat Anniston boys" . The Montgomery Advertiser . November 20, 1910. Retrieved May 15, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Albertville lads down Birmingham College, 30–0" . The Birmingham Age-Herald . September 24, 1911. Retrieved May 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Vanderbilt in frolic" . The Commercial Appeal . October 1, 1911. Retrieved May 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ Feibieman, H. U. (October 8, 1911). "Alabama walks over Birmingham" . The Atlanta Constitution . Retrieved May 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Birmingham College is beaten by Marion team" . The Birmingham News . October 28, 1914. Retrieved May 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Mississippi A. and M. has easy time with Birmingham" . Birmingham Age-Herald . November 4, 1911. Retrieved May 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Howard defeats Owenton College" . The Birmingham News . November 18, 1911. Retrieved May 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Preds play Birmingham College scoreless tie" . The Montgomery Advertiser . December 1, 1915. Retrieved May 10, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Alabama defeats Birmingham squad by score of 62–0" . The Birmingham News . October 6, 1912. Retrieved May 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "News of Ensley" . The Birmingham Age-Herald . October 16, 1912. Retrieved May 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Albertville defeats Birmingham eleven" . The Birmingham Age-Herald . October 20, 1912. Retrieved May 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Preds defeat Birmingham College in fast battle" . The Birmingham Age-Herald . October 26, 1912. Retrieved May 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Spring Hill downs the Magic City football team" . The Montgomery Advertiser . November 1, 1912. Retrieved May 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Marion beats Birmingham Medical College, 69 to 0" . The Montgomery Advertiser . November 16, 1912. Retrieved May 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Birmingham College defeats old Howard" . The Birmingham News . November 23, 1912. Retrieved May 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ " "Thin Red Line" goes great guns" . The Birmingham News . October 5, 1913. Retrieved May 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Birmingham College not in Alabama Preds class" . The Montgomery Advertiser . October 19, 1913. Retrieved May 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ " 'Nooga slaughters Owenton eleven" . The Birmingham Age-Herald . October 26, 1913. Retrieved May 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Blount High wins game from Birmingham College" . The Birmingham News . November 2, 1913. Retrieved May 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Baptists romp on Birmingham" . The Birmingham News . November 5, 1913. Retrieved May 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Owenton boys put up brisk gridiron battle" . The Birmingham News . October 6, 1914. Retrieved May 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Alabama piles up abundant goals" . The Birmingham News . October 11, 1914. Retrieved May 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Alabama wins from Birmingham College" . The Birmingham Age-Herald . October 11, 1914. Retrieved May 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Marion Institute loses to Birmingham College" . The Montgomery Advertiser . October 17, 1914. Retrieved May 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Birmingham wins by a big majority" . The Birmingham News . November 1, 1914. Retrieved May 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "6 to 6 tie played by local schools" . The Birmingham News . November 13, 1915. Retrieved May 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Alabama rides to victory over Owenton boys" . The Birmingham News . October 10, 1915. Retrieved May 10, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Birmingham College wins" . The Montgomery Advertiser . October 23, 1915. Retrieved May 10, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Another game is lost by the Preds" . The Anniston Star . October 31, 1915. Retrieved May 10, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "In bloody struggle Howard is held to tie by Birmingham squad" . The Birmingham News . November 7, 1915. Retrieved May 10, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Methodists lose to Marion eleven" . The Birmingham Age-Herald . November 26, 1915. Retrieved May 10, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "We Have With Us Today Birmingham's Grid Quad, Who Will Meet Howard Saturday" . The Birmingham News . Birmingham, Alabama . November 20, 1916. p. 10. Retrieved January 31, 2024 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Coach Kelly's boys defeat Methodist clan 13 to 0" . The Birmingham News . October 1, 1916. Retrieved September 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Birmingham has close shave with Cadet outfit at Marion Military Institute" . The Birmingham News . October 14, 1916. Retrieved September 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Birmingham has easy time of it" . The Birmingham News . October 21, 1916. Retrieved September 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Birmingham's win is great triumph" . The Birmingham News . October 27, 1916. Retrieved September 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Cinch game goes to Methodist boys" . The Birmingham News . November 4, 1916. Retrieved September 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Panthers run riot over farmer boys" . The Birmingham News . November 18, 1916. Retrieved September 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Methodists break knot of two years, crushing Baptist foe" . The Birmingham News . November 26, 1916. Retrieved September 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Birmingham has regular picnic" . The Birmingham News . December 1, 1916. Retrieved September 3, 2021 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Gridiron clashes of Birmingham College canceled" . The Birmingham Age-Herald . September 22, 1917. Retrieved May 10, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Birmingham College abandons football" . The Montgomery Advertiser . September 22, 1917. Retrieved May 10, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .
^ "Alabama cancels game" . The Montgomery Advertiser . October 7, 1917. Retrieved May 10, 2025 – via Newspapers.com .