The Piedmont Journal - 08/28/13 by Consolidated Publishing Co.

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WEDNESDAY // AUGUST 28, 2013

TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION

PMS one of 12 schools to receive grant LAURA GADDY Consolidated News Service Piedmont Middle School became one of 12 schools on Thursday in the United States to receive a $50,000 grant from Verizon Wireless to bolster technological innovation in education. The money is being used to pay for special training that will help teachers better understand how they can use technology to help students learn.

“We’re not doing this in Birmingham, we’re not doing this in Huntsville or in downtown Atlanta we’re doing this in Piedmont,” said Julie Smith, vice president of external affairs for Verizon’s southern division. “For us to be able to support you in all that you are doing is invaluable to us.” Smith gave school officials a giant check while teachers, students, city council members, school board members and State Sen. Del Marsh looked on.

The Verizon funding will be used to give those middle school teachers two years of training. A company selected to do the training, International Society for Technology in Education, is in Piedmont for three days this week to kick start the training, which will be extended through online training. The company had only been in town a short time when the grant award was announced, but middle school teachers said they were already learning about

new programs and free software that will help them in the classroom. “Piedmont rose to the top,” Smith said. “For us this is a great story in that you wouldn’t expect his in a rural system.” Piedmont City Schools have gained national attention in recent years for the way educators there use technology to teach children. In 2010 the school system began issuing a take-home laptop com■ See GRANT, page 3

Q&A

5K and concert honor A NEW BEGINNING High School begins Thompson Nash Wagonor Piedmont year with new leadership Family expresses appreciation

BY AVERI WARREN Special to theJournal

MARGARET ANDERSON Journal Correspondent Over 1,000 showed up for two events in honor of Thompson Nash Wagoner Saturday. The star himself though didn’t get to attend. Thompson had just received blood on Wednesday and couldn’t be in a crowd that size. His parents though, Duff and Missy Wagoner, grandparents Sam and Celia Almaroad and uncle and aunt, John-Paul and Crissy Werner and lots more relatives, friends and supporters were there. The theme for the night was Light the Sky Up for Thompson. Everyone glowed with painted faces and clothing. Thompson was diagnosed with retinoblastoma (cancer of the eye) at 6 months. He turned 10 months on Saturday. The first event, Glow Dash for T-Nash 5K, began at 8 p.m., for the ■ See BENEFIT, page 3

Submitted photo

Thompson’s parents, Duff and Missy Wagoner, and brother, Sam-Parker Wagoner, at the Glow Dash for T-Nash 5K Saturday.

It’s a new beginning for Piedmont High School. At the end of summer break, a new and exciting school year began for Piedmont High School. New students are roaming the halls with confusion about where to go or what to do but are greeted by the new principal, Adam Clemons, with a simple “hello.” The Piedmont Journal sat down with Clemons to share his toughs about his new position. Journal: Tell us Mr. Clemons what are something’s about yourself that you would like to share. Adam Clemons Clemons: I am a seventh generation Alabamian. The first Clemons came to St. Clair County prior to Alabama becoming a state. I grew up in Madison County, Alabama, near New Market, Alabama. My mother is an educator and my dad ■ See CLEMONS, page 7

JOURNAL FEATURE

Roberts has job/ hobby cracking pecans, shelling peas Roberts mowed yards when SCT closed MARGARET ANDERSON Journal Correspondent Thomas Lee Roberts liked 13 months before he could retire from Standard-Coosa-Thatcher when the mill shut down. Even though he had worked there 32 years, he wasn’t eligible for retirement because he wasn’t 62. “I was out of work,” he said. “I couldn’t draw anything. The company wouldn’t pay you if you weren’t 62, and I liked 13 months.” Roberts make his mind up that there was only one thing to do.

666000999999 PU

80 ROBERTS, NBAR .0104 BWA -0.0015 ■MAG See page 7

Thomas Roberts charges $3 to crack six pounds of pecans.

THE PEIDMONT JOURNEL

VOLUME 32 | NO. 35

OBITUARIES See page 3.

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Anita Kilgore

•Marie Love Hughey, 91 •Mattie Naugher Marshall, 92 •Thomas Franklin Smart, 79

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THE PIEDMONT JOURNAL

OPINION/EDITORIAL

Something about the Southern voice

My accent has been called country, new friend. During our trip to Manhattan, a syrupy, and twang-y. I guess it is all of server in a restaurant there named Nondi said those at one time or another, but mostly I our accents were like those of her kinfolks only call it Southern. in Florida who, unlike her, were originally Like most people, I don’t think from Georgia and Alabama. Nondi was of my accent too much, and since I raised in Florida where there are few natives have always lived in Calhoun County, but many transplants, most of them from mine sounds like that of most other the Northern states. Nondi said hearing our people who live here. However, now voices made her miss her family. She and that my children live in other parts my daughter exchanged contact information; of the country, and since I visit them and they, since both are far away from Sherry-Go-Round regularly, I am more aware not only of family members, promised to stay in touch. my accent but also of the accent of other One Southerner who lives up North Southerners. sometimes gets homesick and drives to a For instance, in April, when I was in Andover, New Jersey, I nearby Cracker Barrel restaurant. Other Southerners tend to walked into a Walmart and was greeted by a cashier. “Hi,” she go there also, she said, and she likes to hear them talk. Of said, dragging out the “i” and making it sound more like “ie.” course, having good Southern cooking is a draw, too. I know I knew at once she was from the South, from other words she that, whenever I travel up North, I seek out Cracker Barrel used, but it was hard to place my finger on how I knew. No restaurants. Those who work there, however, do not always doubt, part of it had to do with her friendly, unhurried voice.” understand the Southern accent. Once, at an Ohio restaurant, “Oh, my goodness,” I said. “You talk like I do.” The woman a hostess misunderstood me. “How many in your party?” she laughed and said she was from South Carolina, although she asked. “Nine,” I said. “None?” she repeated and laughed. could have been from any one of Alabama’s border states. She thought I was joking until I pronounced the number in We all talk about the same way. Some people call it the Dixie our party with a sharper-sounding “i,” which did not come accent. naturally. I was in a hurry that day and didn’t stay to get to become Also in August, my daughter and I visited a Southerner acquainted with the woman. I’m sure she was a nice person, in Morristown, N.J., a former Annistonian, in fact. She is a though, because her voice was a reflection of her pleasant young mother who is adamant about making sure her young demeanor. In August, my daughter’s and my accent attracted a children do not speak with a Yankee accent. She corrects them

Sherry Kughn

when they do. My daughter is not that concerned about the matter. However, her accent is so thick that her children will likely inherit at least some of it. During our visit, while I was playing with her three-year-old son, my grandson, I saw him run toward a group of other children in the park. “Hey, you guys,” he said. I grimaced. Where was the “Hey, y’all” that my children had always called out. I bit my tongue not to correct the grandson. Just this past week, a heavily accented Southern voice made the news. The entire country heard the voice of school clerk Antoinette Tuff. On Wednesday, Aug. 21, she possibly saved lives with her calm, compassionate, and very Southern voice. She talked a shooter at a school in DeKalb County, Ga., into laying down his gun. When I heard the exchange on television, I sat up straight and smiled. Mrs. Tuff didn’t sound country, syrup-y, or twang-y, just loving and Southern; her beautiful voice enveloped the genuineness of her character. Accents from the various regions of the United States sound better when they reflect a person with a positive character trait, especially one who knows how to use language in an honest, engaging, and educated manner. Personally, when I have traveled elsewhere and returned home, the Dixie accent sounds like music to me. By the way, there are a few tests on the Internet to determine the name of the American accent you use. Just type the words “American accent tests” into your search engine and choose one or two. They are fun to take. Email Sherry at sherrykug@hotmail.com

Are you ready for some football? As we approach Labor Day, foremost on most Alabamians’ minds is the beginning of college football season. Traditionally, Labor Day has also marked the kickoff of the political campaign season. As we head into the Labor Day weekend of 2013, my suspicion is that more of you are excited about this Saturday’s first games of the season than who is going to run for governor or more especially state auditor next year. College football is king in Alabama. Make no mistake about it. We love college football. However, it appears the rest of the country is enamored as well. In a recent Forbes magazine article the vaunted financial periodical says, “The players might be amateurs but college football itself hauls in billions of dollars a year in television contracts, ticket sales, sponsorships and paraphernalia.” Not surprisingly, Forbes discovered that the South and more specifically the Southeastern Conference is not only the most dominant on the field, it is by far

Steve Flowers

Inside The Statehouse the richest. Forbes’ study revealed that seven of the ten most lucrative college football franchises are in the SEC. The report lists these SEC schools and their team values if they were in the NFL. At number four was LSU with a team value of $102 million. Georgia was number five at $99 million. Alabama was number six at $96 million. Florida came in seventh at $93 million. Auburn was ninth at $85 million and Arkansas was tenth at $83 million. Therefore, the SEC held places four through ten in the Forbes rankings of richest franchises. Seven

out of ten is not bad. Texas was number one. Michigan was number two and Notre Dame was third. For the most part there is a correlation to how well a team does on the field and their dollar value at the bank. That is not precise though. For example, in the last six years Alabama has emerged as the premier college football program in America, while Texas has suffered through some lackluster seasons. A lot of Texas’ financial success stems from its unique, exclusive television arrangement. Notre Dame also has a novel national television contract and following. However, the SEC recently entered into a lucrative extensive television contract that will air our dominant teams nationwide and insure that our top teams remain in the top ten financially for years to come. By the way, according to Forbes the average salary of the ten highest paid football coaches in the country is $4.2 million. Nine of the ten are state employees. Alabama’s Nick Saban remains number one and

deservingly so. Labor Day generally marks the end of the summer vacation season with many of you slipping in a final trek to the beach. For those of you who like to frequent our own Alabama gulf coast, you will have a new luxury resort hotel to accommodate you soon and it will be owned partially by the state. Gov. Bentley made a convention center hotel on our own Alabama coast a lynchpin of his accomplishments during his first term in office. He repeatedly said, I am tired of going to conferences of Alabama associations that are being held at Sandestin on Florida’s gulf coast. Bentley spearheaded the efforts to make our own Gulf State Park a luxury convention destination. Legislation was passed in this year’s Regular Session to make it a reality. Six governors prior to Bentley have floated the idea. The legislation allows the state to partner with a private developer to build a hotel and conference center at our Gulf State Park. The hotel will actually be built on the stretch of beach where

the old Gulf State Park was located prior to it being decimated by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. The state will use $80 million it received from the 2010 BP gulf oil spill to pay for the project. Therefore, the state will own the land and facility. You could see Bentley’s pride when he signed the bill creating the new luxury state owned hotel. He had the bill signing on the site of the new venture. It was a beautiful clear May day on the Gulf of Mexico with blue skies and seagulls surrounding the Governor and Gulf Coast dignitaries. Bentley beamed as he set the project in motion. It should be a crown jewel for our gulf coast that generations to come can enjoy and from which the state will reap the profits. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His column appears weekly in more than 70 Alabama newspapers. Steve served 16 years in the state legislature. He may be reached at www.steveflowers.us

Here’s one answer to ending teen violence On one of FOX’s top rated cable shows, The Five, Dana Perino opined teenaged criminals like those most recently making headlines for murdering others for “fun” might be deterred by threatening to take away government benefits from their immediate families. Take the three teens in Duncan, Okla., who murdered the young Australian baseball player who was out on a run. The alleged triggerman said they killed the runner because they were “bored.” Would taking away their families’ benefits, i.e. Medicare, Medicaid, welfare, food stamps, housing allowance, etc., provide incentives to teach delinquent teens character/ moral values? If the teens knew killing someone meant their families would lose government benefits, would they think twice before pulling the trigger “for fun?” What about the two teens who killed Delbert “Shorty” Belton, the WWII veteran who fought to preserve our rights and freedoms in the big war? No gun involved here. The “fun” came simply from beating the 88-year old to death. What if parents of the teenaged thugs knew they would lose their government benefits? What if the teenaged idiots knew beating a helpless old American war hero would not only land them in jail, but also hurt their own loved ones? In other words, what if committing felonies had severe consequences for all of those responsible? Government handouts are not rights. They are benefits of a benevolent government, and can be taken away for any number of reasons. I’ve heard discussions for years about holding parents

accountable to some degree for their children’s actions. Why not? These people have had more impact on Daniel their teens’ moral values anyone else…or, Gardner than should have had more influence. Is there a connection between teens growing up in families dependent on government benefits and My Thoughts teenaged violence? Statistics say ‘yes.’ Coincidently, the Cato Institute released a study paralleling a similar study they did in 1995, titled “THE WORK VERSUS WELFARE TRADE-OFF: 2013 … An Analysis of the Total Level of Welfare Benefits by State.” The last paragraph of the Executive Summary provides a hint why we have more families living off government benefits today than we did when LBJ and liberals/progressives hatched their infamous War on Poverty in the 1960s. “The current welfare system provides such a high level of benefits that it acts as a disincentive for work. Welfare currently pays more than a minimum-wage job in 35 states, even after accounting for the Earned Income Tax Credit, and in 13 states it pays more than $15 per hour. If Congress and state legislatures are serious about reducing welfare dependence and rewarding work, they should consider strengthening welfare

work requirements, removing exemptions, and narrowing the definition of work. Moreover, states should consider ways to shrink the gap between the value of welfare and work by reducing current benefit levels and tightening eligibility requirements.” President Obama’s domestic programs and policies have dramatically swelled the ranks of welfare recipients and those dependent on government benefits. Maybe incentives to work and be accountable would help families who’ve grown dependent on government handouts in more ways than one. Would taking away government benefits from parents of children who commit flagrant felonies provide enough incentive to take more responsibility for teaching their children right from wrong, or for children to think twice before killing another innocent? Daniel L. Gardner is a syndicated columnist who lives in Starkville, MS. You may contact him at Daniel@DanLGardner. com, or visit his website at http://www.danlgardner.com Feel free to interact with him on the Clarion-Ledger feature blog site blogs.clarionledger.com/dgardner/

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Obituaries HUGHEY Piedmont - Graveside services for Marie Love Hughey, 91, were held Tuesday, August 27, 2013, at 2 p.m. at Piedmont Memory Gardens with the Rev. Garry Brown officiating. Mrs. Hughey passed away Sunday, August 25, 2013, at Piedmont Health Care Center. Survivors include two sisters, Margaret Acker (Earl), of Spring Garden and Imogene Sanford, of Anniston; six nieces; and six nephews. Pallbearers will be nephews. Mrs. Hughey was born in the Nances Creek Community, was a resident of the Piedmont area most of her life and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Piedmont. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Fred Hughey; parents, Robert Ernest and Sarah Elizabeth Love; one sister, Frances Brown; four brothers, Dewey Love, William Love, Woodrow Love and Clyde Love. MARSHALL Piedmont - Services for Mattie Seale Naugher Marshall, 92, of Piedmont, were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, August 25, 2013, at First United Methodist Church of Piedmont. The family received friends prior to the service from 1-2 p.m. at the church. The Rev. Ron McKay and the Rev. Buddy Nelson officiated with burial in Piedmont Memory Gardens. Mrs. Marshall passed away Friday, August 23, 2013, peacefully at home. Survivors include her daughter, Susan Marshall Ponder, of Anniston; granddaughter, Elizabeth Ashley Pon-

der, of Birmingham; sister, Polly Naugher Putnam, of Piedmont and nieces and nephews. Devoted caregivers were Joy Flenord, Debra Danford, Candi Morris, Joanie Burton and Bobbie Jo Keahey. The family also wishes to thank Lawley Hospice of Rainbow City for their exceptional care. Pallbearers will be Pat Meadows, Norris Ray, Larry Williams, Dan Pasley, Larry Williamson and Jacob Burton. Mrs. Marshall was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, CSM (Ret.) William Orvil Marshall; her parents, William Morris and Jenny Elizabeth Warren Naugher and brothers, Thomas Moses Naugher and Harold Shea Naugher. Mrs. Marshall was born in Oxford and moved to Piedmont with her family as a child. She was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church of Piedmont for over 80 years. She traveled extensively as a devoted military wife always making a loving home wherever she was asked to go. The family requests donations in her memory to the United Methodist Children’s Home. Dansby Heritage Chapel is honored to serve the Marshall Family. SMART Piedmont - Graveside services with Masonic rites for Thomas Franklin Smart, 79, were held Tuesday, August 27, 2013, at 2 p.m. at Union Grove Cemetery with the Rev. Michael Yopp and Brother Eddie Lindsey officiating and Thompson Funeral Home directing. The family and

friends met at the cemetery. Mr. Smart passed away Saturday, August 24, 2013, at Gadsden Regional Medical Center. Survivors include his loving wife of 57 years, Dean Minton Smart, of Piedmont; two sons, Thomas “Eddie” Smart and Phillip Brian Smart, both of Piedmont; three grandchildren, Nathan Smart (Christie), Dulcinea Smart and Chadric Smart; three greatgrandchildren, Cayden Smart, Demirits Smart and Devantae Smart; two brothers, Norris Smart (Nilmarg) and Clark David Smart (Annie), all of Piedmont; one sister, Sara Wheeler Smith (Bobby), of Anniston and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Bobby Smith, Rayford Ivey, Keith Smart, Brian Cheeks, Jeff Smart and Justin Smart. Mr. Smart was a native and resident of Piedmont and was of the Methodist faith. He was a member of Lozahatchee Masonic Lodge #97 F & AM for over 50 years and was a member of Zamora Shrine Temple in Birmingham. Mr. Smart was past state Grand Master of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and retired from the engineering department at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company with 40 years of service. He was preceded in death by a son, Thomas Steven Smart and his parents, Thomas “Lon” and Kate Smart. The family request no flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lozahatchee Masonic Lodge #97 F & AM, P.O. Box 447, Piedmont, AL 36272.

Police Aug. 12 • Theft of services III, criminal mischief III. Officers investigated an illegal hookup to electrical power that occurred between July 29 and Aug. 12 on Carol Street and resulted in the theft of $189 in electricity and $100 damage done to the electrical meter seal. • Criminal mischief II. A 59-year-old male reported $3,000 damage done to wiring and copper line to two commercial air conditioner units located on the Old Piedmont Gadsden Highway. • Domestic violence III. A 22-year-old female reported an incident that occurred at her residence around 4:30 p.m. • Found property. A collection of 32 keys secured by four key rings were found at Mapco and turned over to officers at 6:30 p.m. • Harassment. A 25-year-old female reported an incident that occurred at her residence at 9 p.m. Aug. 13 • Theft of property II, criminal mischief III. Officers investigated $200 damage done to an air conditioner unit located on Highway 9 North. • Criminal tampering II. Officers responded to a call about an incident that occurred at 10:30 p.m. on Walker Street. Aug. 14 • Domestic violence III. A 59-year-old female reported an incident that occurred at her residence at 12:30 p.m. • Fraudulent use of credit/debit card. A 51-year-old female reported a fraudulent transaction made against her Wells Fargo

debit card on July 5. Aug. 15 • Dogs at large. Officers responded to a call about a small black dog running loose on Carol Street. Aug. 16 • Criminal mischief III. A 71-year-old female reported damage done to her mailbox and post that occurred around 3 p.m. Aug. 19 • Reckless Endangerment. Officers investigated an incident that occurred in the McDonalds parking lot around 7:45 a.m. Aug. 20 • Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle. Officers investigated the theft of an Apple Ipad and Acer computer that were taken from a vehicle located in the 400 block of North Center Avenue between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Aug. 18. Aug. 21 • Theft of property III. A 55-year-old female reported theft of a Yard Man push mower, a Torin floor car jack, and a Feather Lite weedeater that were taken from her residence between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Aug. 19. All items have been recovered. • Theft of property III. Officers investigated the theft of $50 in currency that occurred Aug. 19 in the 400 block of Highway 278 Bypass. Aug. 22 • Criminal trespass I. Officers investigated an incident that occurred on VanSant Street Aug. 17. • Giving false identification to law enforcement officer. An incident occurred on VanSant Street at 1:01 a.m. Aug. 17.

GRANT: Superintendent Matt Akin taking technology plans to next level From page 1

puter to each student in grades four through 12. This year the school system is expanding their technology program to include children in kindergarten through third grade by giving students in the younger grades iPods, iPads and laptop computers Superintendent Matt Akin has said that Piedmont City Schools are also taking the technology plans to the next level this year, honing in on their goal to personalize learning to fit each student’s educational needs. That next-level aspect of the technology program is especially taking root in the system’s middle school, where teachers have already been using grant funding to buy special software that allows each student to learn at their own pace. “It’s directly aligned with our goals,” Akin said. “It’s really all about training and technology.” Staff Writer Laura Gaddy: 256-235-3544. On Twitter@LGaddy_Star.

Community Calendar • The Philadelphia Baptist Church will hold a homecoming Sept 15. Special singers will be “Justified” and the special speaker will be Jack Morgan. Service starts at 10:20 a.m. and lunch will be served at noon. Singing will commence after lunch until ? • Effective August 7th, the City of Piedmont will be accepting petitions to bring real property or annexation into the corporate limits of the City of Piedmont. Applications may be picked up at the Piedmont City Administrative Office any time between 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Anyone who has any questions regarding annexation into the City of Piedmont may contact Michelle Franklin, City Clerk at 256-447-3563. • The Dailey Street Baptist Church WMU will have a Bake Sale featuring home baked cakes, cookies, candy, etc. on Saturday, August 31st from 8 a.m. till noon in the fellowship hall For more information contact the church office at 256-447-6301 • Capstone Christian Academy of Piedmont is a non-profit organization that educates and ministers to children from the ages of 4 weeks to 6 years of age and classes that range from Nursery-Kindergarten. The school offers Christian based teaching with the A Beka Curriculum. It is open from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Financial aid is available and registration is open. Contact the school at (256)447-2777 or come by the school at 1003 Industrial Park Blvd. Piedmont, to receive a registration packet. Administrator: Sheila Jennings; Director : Jessica Highfield; Co-Director: Gwen Crawford. • Trade Day and Farmers Market at Nances Creek Community Center on the first Saturday of each month through October. It starts at 7 a.m. There is no set up fee. • YOU’RE INVITED TO LUNCH & LEARN….A series of free gardening programs sponsored by Calhoun County Master Gardeners & Calhoun County Commission held the 4th Wednesday of each month at the Cane Creek Community Garden at McClellan from noon1pm ; bring your own lunch! • August 28 “Getting to Know the Talladega National Forest: Part 2”: Jonathan Stober, District Biologist • September 25 “Gardening for Dry Places”: Hayes Jackson, ACES Speakers & topics subject to change. Contact the Extension Office to confirm. 256 237 1621 • Dogs for the Deaf, located in Central Point, Oregon, is a non-profit organization that rescues dogs from animal

shelters and trains them to help adults and children with different disabilities, challenges, and needs. For example, a Hearing Dog is trained to alert it’s owner to household sounds that could affect his or her safety and an Autism Assistance Dog would keep an autistic child out of traffic, bodies of water, and other dangerous situations. Chris Hill, a resident of Anniston and a volunteer “ambassador” for Dogs for the Deaf, has a DVD presentation he will give to civic and community organizations or individuals. Contact Chris at (256) 835-6918 • The Alabama Shutterbugs, a new club for all skill levels of photographers, meets the second Tuesday of each month, 5:30 PM, in the Noble Building, Suite 100. Anyone interested in photography is welcome to join us. For more information 256.236.8488. • New classes for the Jacksonville State University Adult Wellness classes are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday: Senior water aerobics and senior floor aerobic classes, 8 a.m., Jacksonville State University, Pete Mathews Coliseum. Contact Aubrey Crossen at 256689-2580 or jsu9517k@jsu.edu for more information and: Tuesday and Thursday: Senior water aerobics and senior therapeutic yoga classes, 8 a.m., Jacksonville State University, Pete Mathews Coliseum. Contact Aubrey Crossen at 256689-2580 or jsu9517k@jsu.edu for more information. • Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 21 meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6 P.M. at 114 N. Center Ave. downtown Piedmont, to discuss the latest Veteran’s issues and benefits. If you are a service-connected disabled vet or you think you may have a military service related condition, the DAV may be able to help you. Help Workshops are also available on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday’s of each month from 8 a.m. to noon. Veterans are urged to attend for possible compensation and benefits unknown. • Anyone with knowledge about German and Italian POW’s and their artifacts at Fort McClellan during the time period 1943-1946 please contact Klaus Duncan at 256-782-2991. • Piedmont Health Care has started an Alzheimer’s support group. The Alzheimer’s Support Group at PHCC is designed to increase public awareness and enhance individual and family education regarding Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia. For more additional information, please call Yolanda Pierce, social services director (256) 447-8258 Ext. 232. Refreshments will be provided.

BENEFIT: 1,100 runners participated in the Glow Dash for T-Nash 5K From page 1

this.” She expressed her family’s appreciation to the Team Thompson group, supporters, and everyone who helped with the events. John-Paul Werner said he had a surreal feeling as he was running. “All I kept thinking was if Thompson can go through what he goes through every day, this is the least we can do,” he said. Members of Zeta Tau Alpha came from Washington, D. C., Florida and Georgia. Thompson’s mother and Werner are members of that fraternity. Thompson has undergone five rounds of chemotherapy at St. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis. He has six more to go. So far, he’s had three units of blood.

1,100 runners. The race began and ended at the community center. On one street, runners were cheered on by sounds of “Eye of the Tiger” being played. When they reached fraternity row on the Jacksonville State University campus, they were greeted with more waves of encouragement. Later that night, a benefit concert, “Pink Gone Green,” took place on Lonely Pines Road. About 500 attended. Riley Green performed on a flat bed trailer. “Our family is just so amazed at the support from the community,” said Thompson’s aunt, Crissy Werner. “We’re so proud to be from this community. Some day we wake and think it’s a dream. (Contact Margaret at pollya922@ Unfortunately, though, we’re living in this reality. But we feel like God’s got gmail.com)

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THE PIEDMONT JOURNAL

K4 teacher enjoys life with her five children

Family has 10 chicken houses wen Crawford has hanging in her kitchen a sign that says “Don’t tell God how big your storm is but tell the storm how big your God is.” She and her husband, Robert “Buck,” had been married 17 years when she was diagnosed with fallopian tube cancer, which left her unable to bear children. She and Buck had talked about fostering children for several years, and they decided that time had come. Their fostering classes ended the day Gwen’s cancer treatments ended. She’s been cancer free 10 years. They’ve fostered so many children that Gwen lost count years ago. The count comes to at least over 60. She taught foster parenting classes at the Department of Human Resources in Cherokee County for several years. “My thing with children is that God is the creator, and He chooses from the day that child is conceived who his parents are,” said Gwen. “I feel like my five children were conceived and brought into this world for me. Anybody can have a child, but not everybody can be a mom and dad.” Their oldest child, Meagan, 22, attends Gadsden State. The others attend school at Spring Garden. Lukas, 17, is a senior. Kyle, 11, is in fifth grade, Daniel, 10, is in third grade, and Makenzie, 5, is in kindergarten. The three youngest children attended Capstone School, which is where Gwen teaches K4 and is co-director with Jessica Highfield. She loves her job at Capstone. “When I see that child come in, especially in K4, they walk in that first day, and they’re a baby,” said Gwen. “But then within a few weeks I can see maturity and see them blossom. It’s my job to develop them and establish a foundation in the child. It’s easy to see that transformation and how their little minds work. I enjoy that age.” Gwen was born in Carrollton, Ga. She and her family reside near Spring Garden where they run a poultry farm. They take care of four chicken houses at Indian Mountain in Spring Garden and have another six at Shiloh Farm outside Esom Hill. It’s a family business. Everyone does something to help. “We have the chickens for five weeks, then they leave, and we have two weeks to get the houses ready before our next flock comes in,” she said. “We’ve always been selfemployed. But our dream when we got married, which will be 28 years in December, was to have a poultry farm and five children. Buck works long hours. I try to keep the inside clean and the kids going, and he does most of

NORTHERN STEW 2 lbs. stew beef 2 pkg. onion soup mix 2 lg. onions, chopped 1 lg. can mushrooms, drained 1 can cream of celery soup 2 cans cream mushroom soup Salt and pepper to taste Cook in crockpot. Time may vary. Cover beef with water and add onion soup mix and green onions. Cook on high for several hours until meat is done. Then add your mushrooms, celery and mushroom soups, salt and pepper. Mix well. Reduce heat to medium. Let simmer for one hour. Great with cornbread or garlic toast. (You may substitute beef with deer and beef broth.) TACO SOUP 1 - 12 oz. bag tortilla chips 1 pack shredded cheddar cheese 2 (15 oz.) cans pinto beans 2 (15 oz.) cans corn, drained 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce 1 can Rotels (original or hot) 1 ¼ c. chopped jalapeno, optional 1 onion, chopped 2 lb. ground beef (cooked and drained) 2 packs taco seasoning

Anita Kilgore

Gwen Crawford with her K4 class. the work in the chicken business and the yard. Honestly, to have a marriage and a family-owned business and raise five children, it takes a true partnership. We treat each other equal and with respect. We both realize that we would have nothing if we hadn’t been blessed by the Lord.” Before Gwen went into the chicken business, before she taught school, and before she had children, she was a hairdresser. She never went to cosmetology school, but she worked in a salon for two years in Georgia. She took the state board and passed. After her children arrived, she knew she had to be a stay-at-home mom, at least for a while, so she sold her salon. The Crawfords attend Crossplains Church where Gwen helps take plates of food to Piedmont residents as part of the church’s food ministry. “The Lord really laid it on my heart several years ago to start a food ministry,” she said. “We pushed and pushed and made it happen. We’ve been doing it for two years now.”

RECIPES

Mix cooked ground beef and 2 packs taco seasoning. Add all ingredients together to the meat. Salt and pepper to taste. Cook on medium heat for 30-45 minutes. Serve with shredded cheese on top (sour cream is optional) and tortilla chips). VIDALIA ONION PIE 1 - 8 oz. cream cheese 1 T. sour cream ½ c. mayonnaise 1 t. minced garlic 2 - 6 packs grated parmesan cheese 2 lg. Vidalia onions, chopped Dash of salt, pepper and garlic salt Mix cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise together. Add minced garlic, 1 pack parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and garlic salt. Stir onions into mixture (making sure onions are covered evenly). Press into a glass pie pan or casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes, covered, until onions are tender. Uncover and top with remaining pack of parmesan cheese. Continue to bake at 350 degrees for another 10-15 minutes. Serve with Frito scoops. CHICKEN POT PIE Chicken (boiled and deboned) 1 can mixed vegetables, drained

“

My friends say I’m the new poster child for the Energizer bunny. I’ve always had a lot of energy.” Gwen Crawford

She also enjoys working in her yard and refinishing antiques. “My friends say I’m the new poster child for the Energizer bunny,” she said. “I’ve always had a lot of energy.” Gwen likes to cook and likes the fact that her house is the gathering place. “If you come to my house and you’re not going to eat, it hurts my feelings,” she said. “My family has always been big on cooking and family. My mother is a good cook and part of my raising was going to my granny Gurley and aunt Jeanette’s house for big dinners.” Gwen’s mother, Margie Atkins, lives in Hiram, Ga. Her father and step-mother, Jerry and Darlene Gurley, live in Spring Garden. She has three younger sisters. Michelle Fennell lives in Centre, Tracie Johnston lives in Dallas, Ga., and Britnee Stephens lives in Kingston, Ga. Gwen realizes that all dreams don’t come true. She feels truly blessed that hers have. Some of her family’s favorite dishes are Northern Stew, Taco Soup, Vidalia Onion Pie and Chicken Pot Pie. (Contact Margaret at pollya922@gmail.com)

1 can cream of celery soup 1 can cream of mushroom soup 2 soup cans chicken broth 1 c. flour 1 c. milk 1 stick butter, melted Place shredded chicken in casserole dish. Add mixed vegetables (drained) on top of chicken. Mix celery soup, cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth. Pour over chicken and vegetables. Mix flour, milk and margarine. Pour over casserole. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour or until brown.

THE PIEDMONT JOURNAL

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013 / PAGE 5

Dog fighting crackdown nets 12 arrests in 4 states By By Phillip Rawls Associated Press

ney George Beck said at a news conference. Court-appointed attorneys for MONTGOMERY — An inves- some of the defendants said they tigation into organized dog fight- plan to plead not guilty at an ing and gambling in the Southeast arraignment Wednesday. resulted in 12 arrests and the The defendants are charged seizure of 367 pits bulls in one of with conspiring to promote and the nation’s largest crackdowns sponsor dog fights and arranging on the bloody exhibitions. for dogs to be at the fights in Federal, state and local officials several south and east Alabama announced the arrests Monday. counties and in Holly Springs, They stemmed from raids Friday Miss., between 2009 and 2013. on homes in Alabama and GeorMost of the defendants also gia and the seizure of more than are charged with conducting an $500,000 in cash that investigaillegal gambling business. In an tors believe was tied to illegal indictment returned by a fedgambling on dog fights. eral grand jury in Opelika, one “I believe if Dante were alive defendant is accused of winning today and rewriting the ‘Infer$35,000 at a dog fight in Waverly no’ that the lowest places in hell in August 2011. Two others were would be reserved for those who stopped by officers with $12,000 commit cruelty to our animals in cash after attending a dog fight and to our children,” U.S. Attorat a bar in Macon County in Feb-

ruary 2012, the indictment said. Federal, state and local officials simultaneously served search warrants Friday to make arrests and seize dogs in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi. Coffee County Sheriff David Sutton said the dogs at one Elba home were covered by fleas and were secured by heavy chains connected to car axles buried in the ground. Officials said some pit bulls were so malnourished their ribs were sticking out and others had bad wounds that required emergency care. “Those animals can’t speak like you and I,” Sutton said. “They bark and they whine. We chose to speak for them, and I believe we sent a message out. .... If you do the crime, we are going to come see you.” Officials with the American

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Humane Society of the United States said the organizations are caring for the animals at undisclosed locations, and the animals will have to be kept as evidence while the case progresses. Eventually, they hope to retrain the dogs and get them new homes. “They are finally getting a loving hand from responders who care for these dogs, but sadly there are many other dogs out there going through this type of abuse,” ASPCA vice president Tim Rickey said. Rickey said the case was among the largest ever and was as significant as the largest known seizure of nearly 500 dogs in Missouri and four and surrounding states in 2009. That case became known as the “Missouri 500.”

Charged are: Donnie Anderson, 48, of Auburn; Demontt Allen, 37, of Houston, Texas; William Antone Edwards, 42, of Brantley; William Oneil Edwards, 39, of Elba; Robin Stinson, 40, of Elba; Michael Martin, 54, of Auburn; Lawrence Watford, 35, of Adel, Ga.; Ricky Van Le, 24, of Biloxi, Miss.; David Sellers, 52, of Opelika; Sandy Brown, 47 ,of Brownsville; Carlton Tippens, age unavailable, of Georgia; and Irkis Forest, age unavailable, of Theodore. Federal prosecutor Clark Morris, who coordinated the simultaneous raids, said other people have been indicted and are being sought. The number arrested changed during Monday’s news conference from 10 to 11 and then 12 as authorities continued to round up suspects.

Photo/ASPCA)

In this Aug. 23, 2013, photo provided by the ASPCA, dogs sit at a home in Auburn, Ala. A federal and state investigation into dog fighting and gambling has resulted in the arrest of 12 people from Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Texas. U.S. Attorney George Beck said Monday, Aug. 26, that at least 12 are charged with conducting an illegal gambling business and multiple dog fighting charges, including promoting dog fights.

Photo/ASPCA)

In this Aug. 23, 2013, photo provided by the ASPCA, puppies are carried by an official at a home in Auburn, Ala. A federal and state investigation into dog fighting and gambling has resulted in the arrest of 12 people from Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Texas. U.S. Attorney George Beck said Monday, Aug. 26, that at least 12 are charged with conducting an illegal gambling business and multiple dog fighting charges, including promoting dog fights.

Felony state ethics charges not expected to disrupt Internet negotiations The charges appear to have no connection to ITS’ contract with Piedmont City Schools. Piedmont paid ITS Piedmont’s schools $30,000 a month to provide superintendent says state at-home wireless Internet ethics charges against an service to Piedmont stuemployee of a company dents last year. The board his system hired to provide received a federal grant that Internet service to students matched 80 percent of the shouldn’t disrupt talks to cost, and the city provided restore that service. a monthly contribution Dave Stone, 54, and his of $6,250. However, the wife, Deann Stone, 50, both service stopped in June of Wetumpka, are facing because the grant ended five ethics charges each, a and the city’s contribution release from the Alabama stopped. Officials are in Attorney General’s office talks to reinstate the city’s states. Prosecutors say the contribution and to negoStones mismanaged $49 tiate a lower price with the million in federal grant ITS. Meanwhile, students money from the American returned to school this week Recovery and Reinvestwithout the service. ment Act of 2009 to obtain Piedmont schools Superpersonal gain for themintendent Matt Akin said selves or the company Dave his school system has not Stone works for, Wetumpused any state-directed ka-based Information grant money from ITS and Transport Solutions. the news of the arrest has LAURA GADDY Consolidated News Service

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not changed the city’s and the school system’s plans with ITS. “It doesn’t have anything to do with anything we’ve done with them,” Akin said. “It seems like an isolated incident.” An email from ITS representatives also says the company will continue to work with Piedmont’s schools to provide the service. Dave Stone is one of 150 people employed by ITS. Deann Stone is the former director of federal programs for the Alabama Department of Education. The Stones turned themselves in to officials at the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Wednesday,

according to the release. Dave Stone was placed on administrative leave after the arrest, according to a press release from the company. “While we are hopeful and confident that Dave’s name will be cleared and a judgment reached that no wrongdoing was committed, ITS steadfastly renounces the behavior outlined in today’s indictment. ITS had — and has — no knowledge that one of our employees could be operating outside the state’s ethics law,” ITS CEO Steve Meany said in a Wednesday release. The Stones’ arrests followed an investigation by Alabama Attorney General

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The couple is also accused of violating state ethics law by using a state computer, labor, documents and other materials for their personal benefit through the allocation of funds. The Stones are also being accused of “soliciting or receiving” meals, transportation and lodging in Boston, Mass., to “influence official action.” Staff Writer Laura Gaddy: 256-235-3544. On Twitter @LGaddy_Star.

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Luther Strange and the U.S. Department of Education. Prosecutors presented evidence to a Montgomery County special grand jury Tuesday, and it resulted in the Stones’ indictment, the release states. The couple is being accused of using Deann Stone’s position to generate business for ITS through the reinvestment act grant funds. The money was linked to grants for Marengo, Lowndes and Coosa county school systems, the release states.

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PAGE 6/ WEDNESDAY,AUGUST 28, 2013

THE PIEDMONT JOURNAL

Piedmont Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

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Piedmont Seventh-day Adventist Church 3140 Hwy. 9 S (5mi N of McDonald’s) 256-452-5846 Pastor: Rick Blythe Email: rickblythe@mac.com Website: piedmontsda.com Sabath School: 9:15 am Saturday Worship Service: 11 am Saturday Prayer Meeting: 6:30 pm Friday

First United Methodist Church 300 North Main Street Ph:256-447-7421 Fax: 256-447-6576 Pastor: Rev. Ron McKay Youth Director: Joey Spivey Email: piedmontfumc@yahoo.com Website: piedmontfumc.com Sunday Services: JAVA, JEANS, & JESUS: 8:30 am (Contemporary Service) Sunday School: 9:45 am (All ages) Traditional Worship: 11 am

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THE PIEDMONT JOURNAL

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013 • PAGE 7

Trent Penny / Consolidated News Service

A nice rainbow is used to frame up the American Flag from Highland Cemetery in Piedmont on August 20, 2013.

ROBERTS: Has a hint of asthma, but otherwise in excellent health at 79 From page 1

He got himself a lawn mower and started cutting grass. He made quite a name for himself and almost ended up getting more yards to mow than he could handle. He still mows a few yards today, but not many. “I’ve cut down now,” he said. “I’ve had so many customers.” As time went by, Roberts found another job which turned into a hobby. “One day a fellow by the name of Sam Goss backed up here,” said Roberts. “He had a bunch of pecans in the back of his truck.” That was a lot of pecans for a person to shell, thought Roberts. That’s when he set out to find a machine that would do the job. He found one and thought while he was at it that he’d find one to shell peas as well. Roberts charges $3.50 to shell a bushel basket of peas and $3 to crack six pounds of pecans. “It keeps me busy if it’s a good year,” he said. “I

come out here about 8 in the morning. My wife brings me dinner sometimes. I close at 4.” Roberts doesn’t take appointments. “I just take them as they come,” he said. If he gets behind his son, Thomas Lee Jr., who lives in Piedmont, helps. Roberts was born in Cherokee County. He and his wife, the former Nellie Atkinson, have been married 57 years. They are members of the First Congregational Methodist Church. They have lived in their home on Alabama 21 for 44 years. “Arnold Young framed up the house,” he said. “I did what I could and hired other people to help. Roger Hall and his son did the brick work.” At one time Roberts planted his five acres in vegetable gardens. For the past few years, he’s fenced the back part off and bush hogs it. He continues to grow vegetables in a smaller garden. Roberts put a ditch in his

yard to good use. He dug it deeper so it would hold enough water for him to be able to pump water into his garden. At one time he sold vegetables in front of his house. He placed what he calls an honest box next to the vegetables, and those who bought them could put their money in the box. “Most people were honest and paid,” he said. “I still got my box.” As a young man Roberts worked at Bud Kirk’s Service Station which was located where the gazebo is now. That’s where he met his wife. “She pulled up to get gas one day,” he said. “We talked a little. I had seen her around.” It wasn’t long before he called her. Their first date was at Young’s Truck Stop. Their daughter, Lisa Ann Roberts, lives in Alexander City. They have three grandchildren, Ashley, Adam and Chandler, and four great-grandchildren. Roberts remembers the day in the late ’50s when a

train coming through town caused a lot of excitement. It was carrying shells, and the shells began going off. “They pulled it off down close to the ice plant,” he said. “Shells were going off everywhere. You couldn’t go up there.” Roberts has a hint of asthma, but said at 79, he’s in good health. “I had a wreck here a few years ago,” he said. “I passed out and ran off the road. I was in the hospital a few days, but they never found out why I passed out. It’s never happened again. I like to fish, but I hadn’t done a lot of that lately. I used to have a place on the lake, but we sold it. I built a catfish pond on my son’s land and stocked with a bunch of albino catfish. It had seven. There’s just one left now.” (Contact Margaret at pollya922@gmail.com)

Anita Kilgore

Thomas Roberts is an avid gardener.

CLEMONS: Excited to be in this area From page 1

is retired from the Department of Defense. I graduated from Buckhorn High School, in New Market, in 1995. I graduated from Auburn University with my undergraduate degree, Jacksonville State with my master’s, and Argosy University with my doctorate. I am married to a speech pathologist, and we have four children. I have taught middle and high school for seven years in Adairsville and Shannon, Ga. I have been an administrator for the past five years in Armuchee, GA. Journal: What were the factors that brought you to accept this job? Clemons: I wanted to return to Alabama to live and raise my kids. I was attracted to Piedmont City Schools because of the reputation that the system has for technology and academic innovation. Journal: What do you like about Piedmont High School? Clemons: I tell our students every day that I believe in them because I do. I was fortunate to have folks who believed in me, including as recently as Superintendent Matt Akin, when he hired me. The faculty and staff of PHS believe in our students. As my mother always says, “You got to believe.” Journal: What, if any, changes would you like to see implemented at the school? Clemons: Our theme this year is “Believe in the Promise of Piedmont.” That promise is the students that come through our doors. The faculty and staff of Piedmont High are dedicated to preparing each student for

a career or college. In twenty or thirty years from now, Piedmont, Alabama, will be a better place because we educators at PHS believe in the promise of Piedmont. Journal: The sports program at Piedmont high school has a long standing reputation for excellence in performance, is it a challenge to balance the academics with sports programs? And if so how? Clemons: When I travel around the state, people know about Piedmont for our academic achievements and excellence in extracurricular activities. We are fortunate to have Coach Steve Smith as our athletic director and Jamie Thomas as our band director. Coach Smith is a fine man who cares not only about our athletes, but every student that is in our school. Mr. Thomas gives his all to make sure our band is top notch. We have many coaches and directors who make PHS a great place for students to be involved and connected. With over half of our student population involved in an extra-curricular activity, we have natural leaders who help lead the way for our school. Journal: How does Piedmont help prevent bullying? Clemons: We have many

ways that we try to prevent bullying. Research show that the biggest preventive measure to bullying are by-standards telling bullies that what they are doing is not right, and telling victims that they are by their side. It is very important that victims communicate to the faculty and staff that they are being bullied. We have a tough anti-harassment policy that we follow within our system. Additionally, PHS will be conducting anonymous surveys to determine who our bullies are with the goal being to provide corrective instruction to those who are identified. Journal: What role, if any, do you think religion should play in school? Clemons: I would ask that people would pray for our students, our teachers, our staff members, and me every day. Journal: How do the employees at Piedmont school different for your old school? Clemons: I’ve never seen a more dedicated group of individuals who put the students first. From making the hallways clean to answering the phone in a friendly manner to teaching with all their heart, every individual at Piedmont High goes above and beyond. We are truly a family at PHS.

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PAGE 8/ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013

THE PIEDMONT JOURNAL

Dogs hope to make it four straight over Warriors RIP DONOVAN Sports Correspondent

Coming off an impressive 29-3 victory over visiting Jacksonville Thursday in their preseason jamboree, the Piedmont Bulldogs officially open the 2013 football season at Centre Friday at 7 p.m. against the Cherokee County Warriors. The Bulldogs defeated Warriors 45-21 in 2012, extending their current string of wins in the series to three games. Cherokee County did not play a fall jamboree game so Piedmont coach Steve Smith did not have an opportunity to scout the Warriors. Smith said he doubted veteran Cherokee County coach Tripp Curry would make any drastic changes from previous years. Smith said he believed the Warriors return four experienced players to what he described as “a huge offensive line” and that would be a strength for Cherokee County. “We have pretty much just practiced on ourselves. We’ve been trying to work on getting ourselves ready to play,” Smith

said. “We haven’t spent a whole lot of time talking about them. With the element of the unknown, there’s not really a whole lot we can do.” In the jamboree game, the Bulldogs’ defense survived two early tests. The defense didn’t get a shutout but it didn’t allow a touchdown either. Jacksonville got a 65-yard kickoff return to the Piedmont 34-yard line to start the game and two running plays by big running back Dominique Thomas produced a first down at the Piedmont 17. From there, a motion penalty cost the Golden Eagles five yards before linebacker Jaret Prater stopped Thomas for no gain. After two incomplete passes, the Eagles missed a field goal attempt. Piedmont turned the ball over on downs at the Jacksonville 46 on Piedmont’s initial possession. Two Jacksonville pass completions produced a first down at the Piedmont 27. On third-and-inches, defensive lineman Exavyer Jackson dropped See DOGS, page 10

Tables turned this season as Panthers face Wolves RIP DONOVAN Sports Correspondent

As it did this time last year, Spring Garden opens the new football season against the Fayetteville Wolves. Last year, Fayetteville was young and just getting to know a new head coach and Spring Garden doubled up on the scoreboard, 34-17. This time around, it will be the Panthers who are young and inexperienced when the teams kickoff the 2013 season at Fayetteville Friday at 7 p.m. Spring Garden head coach Jason Howard traveled to Sylacauga last Friday to see the Wolves in action in the B.B. Comer jamboree. Fayetteville defeated Ohatchee in two quarters and led Comer after one quarter before eventually falling to the Tigers. Howard came away impressed, describing Fayetteville as “very much improved, very physical, with a very athletic quarterback.” “They just ran it down Ohatchee’s throat. They got in the ‘I’ – have a real good tailback, real good fullback, didn’t throw the ball a whole lot – and ran just power football behind a big offensive line,” Howard said. “It wasn’t that any one of them stood out. I felt like all of them played pretty well.” Howard said the Wolves lost very few players from the 2012 roster. The addi-

tional year of growth and work in the weight room showed in the physical maturity of the current team. “The fullback, who is real good, was only a ninth-grader last year. They’re more mature, more physical looking. Definitely, they played a more physical ball game than they did last year but all of them were coming back,” said Howard. For a change, there was a little good news for Spring Garden faithful Monday. X-rays showed no break in the ankle senior quarterback Will Ivey injured in Thursday’s jamboree action against Sand Rock. Despite the negative X-rays, Ivey was unable to practice Monday and freshman Ben Ivey took the practice snaps in his older brother’s place. Howard said the decision on the elder Ivey’s availability for the Fayetteville would be made looking at the whole season rather than one

game. “I would rather sit him out for a week or two, get him completely healed, than have it nag him all year,” Howard said. The film the Panther have of their jamboree action against Sand Rock and Fyffe has already started to pay dividends. Howard said he felt his players have already been able to correct some of mistakes they made Thursday evening. “We were able to break that film down and show them, ‘Okay, this is what we’re talking about when we show you this,’” he said. Asked what he considered the key to a successful outing for the Panthers, Howard replied, “We have to be able to stop the run. We knew coming into the season that that was going to be one of the focal points on defense to be in games, to stop the run.” He added that his defense could not afford to give up big plays to Fayetteville’s offense.

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21 Legislate 23 Certain switches 25 Doctors’ org. 26 Spoiled one 27 Stravinsky’s ___ of Spring 28 First name in 27 Down 29 Actor Flynn 30 Normal Vincent ___ 31 House majority leader 35 Expropriated 36 Eye amorously 37 Souped up cars 39 Whitney’s jet engine partner 41 South African township 44 Fire residue 46 Put the bite on 49 Organ rupture 50 Skulker 51 Boston’s airport 52 Alpha’s opposite 53 ___ Semple McPherson 57 Sometimes hard to make them meet 58 Is sick 59 Bee follower 61 Chorus part 62 Playwright O’Casey 63 Ernie or Gomer 65 Cleopatra’s killer 66 Elec. current unit

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Women of Influence will be published on September 22 to coincide with the American Business Women's Association's American Business Women's Day. American Business Women's Day is a day set aside to honor and reflect upon the contributions and accomplishments of the millions of women in the work force and the millions of women business owners in the U.S.

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Wednesday, August 28, 2013 • 9

Reaching 364,000 Households Per Week 256-241-1900

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CONSOLIDATED CLASSIFIED TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE All of the ads in this column represent legitimate offerings, however The Piedmont Journal does recommend that readers exercise normal business caution in responding to ads.

After ALL These Years,

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Alabama Football Tickets Buy/Sell/Trade 256-237-6658

Stairlifts- Wheelchair Lifts local sales, local service, made in the USA, Grizzard Living Aids 256-237-2006 TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE All of the ads in this column represent legitimate offerings, however The Piedmont Journal does recommend that readers exercise normal business caution in responding to ads.

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TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE All of the ads in this column represent legitimate offerings, however The Piedmont Journal does recommend that readers exercise normal business caution in responding to ads.

Driver Trainees Needed Now!

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Fox Hollow - The Cove Lot for sale in this wonderful family oriented subdivision Located in Pell City. Paved sidewalks, community pool, convenient to I-20 and level lot. $25,000

Call Doug 205-296-8312 or Caran 205-368-9772

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AUCTION ABSOLUTE AUCTION September 7th 11:00. 331 5th Street NW Vernon, AL. Beautiful Brick home 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Formal Living Room and Dining room, Den w/fireplace, Kitchen, Breakfast room, Built in Cabinets, Partial Basement. open House August 31, 1 until 4.Redmont Auction & Land Co., Inc. 205-822-4229 www.redmontauction.com Eddie Propst #1161 _________________________ SERVICES High-SPEED Internet is now available where you live for only $39.99 per mo. New superfast satellite Internet with speeds up to 15 Mbps! Ask about discounts for DishNetwork or DirecTV customers! We also now offer phone service as low as $19.99 per mo. Call Today! 1-800-283-1057 w w w. p r o b r o a d b a n d s o l u tions.com (R) _________________________ INSTRUCTION MEDICAL BILLING trainees needed! Train to become a Medical Office Assistant! No experience needed! Online training at SC gets you job ready! HS diploma/GED & PC/Internet needed! 1-888-926-6075. (R) _________________________ HELP WANTED-DRIVERS 25 DRIVER TRAINEES needed now! Become a driver for TMC Transportation! Earn $750 per week! No experience needed! Job ready in 15 days! 1-888-743-4611. (R) _________________________ ATTENTION REGIONAL & dedicated drivers! Averitt offers excellent benefits and hometime. CDL-A required. 1-888-362-8608, recent grads w/a CDL-A 1-5 weeks paid training. Apply online at AverittCareers.com Equal Opportunity Employer. _________________________ ATTN: DRIVER trainees needed! $800 to $1000 a week plus benefits! Home weekly or OTR! Everyone approved if qualified! Company sponsored, cash, finance, post GI (vets), WIA. Will train locally! Call today 1-800-878-2537. (R) _________________________ DEDICATED DRIVING opportunities for team and solo drivers. Quality home time, Steady miles, high earnings. Enjoy Transport America’s great driver experience! TAdrivers.com or 1-866-204-0648. _________________________ DRIVER - TANGO Transport now hiring company drivers & owner operators. Excellent home time. 401k. Family medical/dental. Paid vacations. Apply online at www.drivefortango.com or phone 1-877-826-4605. _________________________ DRIVERS: RUN FB with WTI. Be home through the week and weekends. Start up to 28% plus fuel bonus. New equipment. BCBS. Experience needed. LP available. Call 1-877-693-1305. (R) _________________________ NEW CAREER - CDL training. Jobs available if qualified. Call today - start tomorrow! WIA, VA, Post-9/11 G.I. Bill & Rehab. ESD TDS, LLC. 1-866-432-0430. www.ESDschool.com. (R) _________________________ TRANSFER DRIVERS: Need CDL A or B contract drivers to relocate vehicles to and from various locations throughout U.S. No forced dispatch: 1-800-501-3783. _________________________ LAND FOR SALE HUNTERS PARADISE with pond $3375 per acre! 45 minutes from Nashville. Tracts from 41 to 560 acres with timber, food plots, and views. Call 1-931-629-0595. _________________________ MEDICAL SUPPLIES NEW AND used - stair lift elevators, car lifts, scooters, lift chairs, power wheel chairs, walk-in tubs. Covering all of Alabama for 23 years. Elrod Mobility 1-800-682-0658. (R)

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Vernon W. Simpson and Donna L. Simpson, husband and wife, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., acting solely as nominee for The Mortgage Outlet, Inc., on the 26th day of March, 2008, said mortgage recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Calhoun County, Alabama, in MORT Book 4494, Page 372; said mortgage having subsequently been transferred and assigned to U.S. Bank National Association, by instrument recorded in MORT Book 4673, Page 909, in the aforesaid Probate Office; the undersigned U.S. Bank National Association, as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Anniston, Calhoun County, Alabama, on October 21, 2013, during the legal hours of sale, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Calhoun County, Alabama, towit: Lot 6, of Block “C” of Brownwood Subdivision as recorded in Plat Book “Y” at Page 13 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Calhoun County, Alabama. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, ENCUMBRANCES, AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY IS SITUATED. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. U.S. Bank National Association, Mortgagee/Transferee Ginny Rutledge SIROTE & PERMUTT, P.C. P. O. Box 55727

Birmingham, AL 35255-5727 Attorney for Mortgagee/Transferee www.sirote.com/foreclosures 268825 Piedmont Journal Calhoun Co., AL August 14, 21, 28, 2013

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE

WHEREAS, default has been made in the terms of the mortgage executed on the 22nd day of January, 2004 (1/22/2004), by Gary M. Allen and Sandra Shonkwiler, as mortgagors in favor of The First National Bank of Polk County, as mortgagee, as recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Calhoun County, Alabama, on 6th day of February, 2004 (2/06/2004) in Mortgage Book 4217, at Page 230, and said default continuing, the mortgagee, under power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at auction for cash to the highest bidder on the steps of the Calhoun County Courthouse in Anniston, Alabama, during legal hours of sale on the 18th day of September, 2013 (9/18/2013), the following described real estate embraces in said mortgage, situated in Calhoun County, Alabama, to-wit: A parcel of land located in Section 11, Township 13 South, Range 10 East of the Huntsville Meridian, Calhoun County, Alabama, more particularly described as: Commence at the Southeast corner of Tract #6 of the survey of the old Canter Place as recorded in Deed Book 1613, Page 550, in the Probate Office of Calhoun County, Alabama; thence North 03 degrees 29 minutes East along the East line of said Tract #6 for a distance of 313.06 feet to the point of beginning of said parcel; thence North 86 degrees 49 minutes 44 seconds West for a distance of 441.94 feet to an existing 1/2” pipe; thence North 03 degrees 32 minutes 09 seconds East for a distance of 318.02 feet to an existing 1/2” rebar; thence South 71 degrees 32 minutes 07 seconds East along the Southerly rightof-way line of Bethel Church Road for a distance of 240.18 feet to a point; thence South 10 degrees 43 minutes 15 seconds West for a distance of 82.23 feet to a point; thence South 85 degrees 42 minutes 44 seconds East for a distance of 16 feet to a point; thence South 04 degrees 17 minutes 16 seconds West for a distance of 130 feet to a point; thence South 75 degrees 03 minutes 11 seconds East for a distance 210 feet to the point of beginning. Subject to a 20 foot wide access easement across the West side and across the East end of this parcel, and subject to any utilities easements that might exist. Property address: 526 Bethel Church Road Piedmont, AL 36272, Calhoun County Said sale is made for the purpose of foreclosing of said mortgage, paying the mortgage debt, the costs and expenses

CLOSED In Honor of

of foreclosure, including a reasonable attorney’s fee. Mortgagee reserves the right to bid on the subject property. Said mortgage is a first mortgage and is not junior to another mortgage of record. Said sale is also subject to unpaid taxes or assessments whether of record or not. The First National Bank of Polk County by J. Shane Givens, Attorney for Mortgagee J. Shane Givens Attorney for Mortgagee 296 East Main Street Centre, Alabama 35960 (256) 927-7490 Piedmont Journal Calhoun Co., AL August 28, September 4, 11, 2013

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

STATE OF ALABAMA CALHOUN COUNTY PROBATE COURT CASE NO. 31600 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH E. ROGERS, DECEASED Letters Testamentary on the estate of JOSEPH E. ROGERS, deceased, having been granted to JULIA DIANNE PHILLIPS AND JOSEPH EDWARD ROGERS, JR., the undersigned on August 12, 2013, by the Honorable Alice K. Martin, Judge of Probate of said County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate, are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred. JULIA DIANEE PHILLIPS AND JOSEPH EDWARD ROGERS, JR., Co-Personal Representatives of the Last Will and Testament of JOSEPH E. ROGERS, Deceased Alice K. Martin Judge of Probate Piedmont Journal Calhoun Co., AL August 21, 28, September 4, 2013

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

STATE OF ALABAMA CALHOUN COUNTY PROBATE COURT CASE NO. 31690 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF KENNETH WAYNE MILLER, DECEASED Letters of Administration on the estate of KENNETH WAYNE MILLER, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on August 14, 2013, by the Honorable Alice K. Martin, Judge of Probate of said County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate, are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred. VERLENE MILLER, Personal Representative of the Estate of KENNETH WAYNE MILLER, Deceased Alice K. Martin Judge of Probate Piedmont Journal Calhoun Co., AL August 21, 28, September 4, 2013

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BR set, Hepplewhite DR set, sofa, chairs, secretary bookcase, & more. 256-237-6025 after 10am.

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PAGE 10/ WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013

THE PIEDMONT JOURNAL

DOGS From page 1

Thomas for a 2-yard loss forcing a successful 36-yard field goal try. From there, all the scoring was done by Bulldogs. Tyler Lusk completed a 7-yard touchdown pass to Cody Daughtry with 1:56 left in the first half. Piedmont forced a punt and got the ball back with 55 seconds left in the half. A 43-yard pass from Lusk to C.J. Savage produced the Bulldogs’ second touchdown with 17.6 seconds on the clock. In the third quarter, Piedmont added a safety then Darnell Jackson returned the ensuing free kick 63 yards for a 22-3 lead with 8:41 left in the third. Five minutes later, Prater took an inside handoff at the Jacksonville 26, broke away from two would-be tacklers at the 15 and scored standing up. Freshman Easton Kirk, who was 3-for-4 on extra point attempts in his varsity debut, completed the scoring. Smith said line play, on both sides of the ball, caught his eye as he reviewed the film of the Jacksonville game. “You have a tendency to follow the ball and the result of the play when you’re watching it from the sideline,” Smith said. “After seeing the film and being able to look a lot closer at our linemen – just technique and things like that – position by position, we’ve got some kids that are making progress. I was real proud of how they played in that game.”

Matthew Reynolds

Darnell Jackson eludes a would-be tackler during action in last week’s jamboree.

Piedmont has one senior returning to volleyball team RIP DONOVAN Sports Correspondent

There will be a noticeable youth movement on the volleyball court when Piedmont opens its season at Saks Thursday. Of the 16 players who will spend at least part of their time with coach Grace Strott’s varsity, Mallory Roberts is the only senior. Strott said she worried about the team’s loss of height with the graduation of BreAnna Thompson and Sarah Garner – until the 2013 team finished second at a summer tournament. “This team has more competitiveness to them and desire to play, and it’s more vocal and evident on the floor, than last year,” Strott said. She said she expected the Bulldogs to compensate for a reduction in height with their defensive skills. Libero Torre Roberts joins her sister as a returning player with experience. Juniors Riesha Thompson and Ashlynne Rivers

will play as outside hitters. Junior Carlie Flowers will be a middle and classmate Bre Green will be the setter. Green played back row last year and libero as a freshman. “She has very good hands and she’s smart,” Strott said of Green. Caitlin Tant will be the second middle. Playing as defensive specialists will be Jaylen Major, Tamia Jackson and Jakeiyah Mitchell. Keshauna Jones, Kayla Ray and Madeline Winestead will be reserves at outside hitter. Cherish Boswell is a middle. Cheyenne Law is a libero and Breanna Brazier will be a setter. Strott said she will play a full junior varsity schedule for her younger players and also use them to provide reserve strength for the varsity, particularly in weekend tournaments. Piedmont will follow its game at Saks with a tournament at Pleasant Valley Saturday. The Bulldogs will be in the same pool as Donoho, Cherokee County and Holy Spirit of Tuscaloosa.

For a subscription call Mandy at 256-235-9254

SATURDAY SPORTS INJURY CLINIC Regular Football Season Saturdays

8:00am - 10:00am

SATURDAY SPORTS INJURY CLINIC Tyler Center, 3rd Floor (256) 236-4121

Regular Football Season

John Payne, M.D.

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Duane D. Tippets, M.D.

Gordon Hardy, M.D.

Michael Weidmer, M.D.

Herbert McCrimmon, M.D.

Duane Michael Tippets, D.O.

Jason Cobb, M.D.

Saturdays 8:00 am

Dr. Kenneth Vandervoort

Dr. Gordon Hardy

Anniston Orthopaedics wishes to recognize and congratulate

Dr. Kenneth Vandervoort and Dr. Gordon Hardy

on their achievement of Sports Medicine CertiÞcation from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. This additional education enhances the treatment that Anniston Orthopaedics can provide to area athletes and their family members.

Tyler Center, 3rd Floor

Anniston Orthopaedic Associates, P.A. John R. Payne, M.D. Gordon T. Hardy, M.D. Kenneth L. Vandervoort, M.D. Michael R. Wiedmer, M.D. Duane D. Tippets, M.D. C. Herbert McCrimmon, M.D.

(256) 236-4121

www.AnnistonOrtho.com

Head coach Bill Clark is ready for his first season at JSU.

2 / august 2013

>> 2013 football preview

whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inside high school

>> Jacksonville Christian Academy / >> Jacksonville High School / >> Piedmont High School /

page

anita kilgore// ABOVE: JHS Head coach Clint Smith with quarterback Jackson Bell. >> See Jacksonville High Golden Eagles starting on page 8. anita kilgore// BELOW: Jaxson Thomas, left, and Will Thomas practice on the drums. They are the sons of Piedmont band director Jamie Thomas. >> See Piedmont Bulldogs band on page 21.

>> Pleasant Valley High School / >> Spring Garden High School /

page

college

>> OVC Schedules / >> SEC Schedules /

page

>> University of Alabama / >> Auburn University /

page

>> Jacksonville State University /

page

on the cover

JSU Head coach BILL CLARK // Photo by anita kilgore

to all area schools for a safe and successful 2013 season!

The Jacksonville State University Gamecocks head into the 2013 football season with a new coach, new uniforms and a new offense and defense. First-year head coach Bill Clark has created quite a buzz in the area.

>> 2013 football preview

august 2013 / 3

ANITA KILGORE // Jacksonville Christian Academy varsity football team, manager, and coaches.

Small Thunder team will take the field with confidence By LORI TIPPETS Sports Correspondent Only 22 players from grades 7-12 are on the field for the Jacksonville Christian Academy Thunder this year. Don’t overlook this team due to sheer numbers alone. The players don’t look like they know they are the smallest 1A football school in the state. In practice they take the field with confidence. They have a lot of pride in their school and in their football program. Practice lately has been without head coach Tommy Miller who has been at the helm of the Thunder football program for, well, forever. Miller has been out with an illness and coaching duties have fallen to nine-year assistant Larry Bollinger. Despite only having 22 players, the Thunder is returning an experienced backfield. Junior Daylon Brackett will be back at quarterback and will also be playing at safety and corner on defense. Bollinger says that the team looks up to the junior quarterback. “He leads in the dressing room and the classroom,” said Bollinger. “He is just an outstanding young man. “He is the kind of young man that if you had a daughter he would be the guy you would want to go out with her. He is just a wonderful young man.” The Thunder will also rely heavily on three senior running backs, Tyler Morales, Cody Blohm and Dakota Crook. Also coming back this year at wideout is Kris Armprester.

At center will be sophomore Jonah Parker. “Even though he is young the players are starting to lean on him. He plays the center of the line and they look up to him for leadership,” said Bollinger. JCA will be helped by three players who did not play last year. At linebacker will be Keith Trantham and seniors Clay Montgomery and Jacob Heath will also be helping out. The Thunder have seven seniors on the team this year. “We have a good group of seniors,” said Bollinger. “Between our seniors and juniors we have 10 players so that will help us a lot.” Bollinger pointed out that some younger players like eighth grader Walker Messer and ninth graders Jayden Mitchell and Josh Boling will get a lot of playing time. On offense the Thunder will run a multiple offense and will use a 5-3 scheme on defense. The Thunder will have to be ready to go from week one. They will open up with region play against Woodville and will play eight straight Region games against Collinsville, Donoho, Cedar Bluff, Spring Garden, Gaylesville, Valley Head and Coosa Christian, before having two non-region games at the end of the season against ASD and Shades Mountain Christian. The Thunder will have to be well conditioned; there is no doubt about that. Bollinger says there are 10 players that will probably be on the field the entire game, but feels that as long as the boys maintain good attitudes the season should go well. “It all will come back to where our hearts and minds

are,” remarked Bollinger. “So far in practice we have experienced total unity between the boys. “As long as we can keep their mind where they need to be, as long as they can keep their hearts focused on Jesus, I think we will be a solid football team.” In addition to Miller and Bollinger, the rest of the Thunder coaching staff consists of Steven Lee, who works with the defense and special teams, Lee Bridges, offensive line, Chris Youngman, defensive line and Nick Williams who works with the line on both sides of the ball.

ANITA KILGORE // Assistant coach Larry Bollinger talks

strategy with quarterback Daylon Brackett.

4 / august 2013

>> 2013 football preview

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Proud to Cheer on all Area Teams! Good luck during the 2013 season! The spirit of a community comes alive in the fall as we cheer on our local football teams. At F&M Bank, community spirit is something we know about, as we open our doors each day as your true community bank. Join us as we proudly support our community and our area football teams!

3ERVICE s 3OLUTIONS s 3TRENGTH f-mbank.com

5 / august 2013

JCA Cheerleaders start year with new leadership By LORI TIPPETS SPORTWRITER

junior varsity. Of her captain Coleman says, “Calley is a quiet leader. She is one of those people that everyone respects. Her opinion is final and everyone knows that. If she says, “That’s what we’re doing,” then that’s what Courtney Coleman we do! “She is the kind who leads by example and they all follow.” “Chelsea and Calley work well together,” continued Coleman. “I couldn’t imagine them not being head and co-head. “Chelsea has been through a lot. She has a leadership and strength that is mind blowing. She is very encouraging and very patient. “Calley leads by example and Chelsea herds everybody in the direction they should go.” All of the girls on the cheerleading squad have cheerleading experience, though for some this is the first time to cheer for varsity. In addition to Compton and Butler the other seniors on the squad are Donna Leigh Swindall, Tristen Bowers, Maya Cunningham and Elysabeth Morales.

Cheerleaders at Jacksonville Christian Academy don’t have to look far to find an example of a top cheerleader and a cheerleader to emulate. First-year varsity cheerleading sponsor, Courtney Coleman knows not only what it takes to get to the top but what its like to be at the top. A graduate of Etowah High School, Coleman’s cheerleading squad won the National Championship when she was a senior. They also won the Contest of Champions at Disneyworld and Coleman was named All-American. Coleman turned down a scholarship to Mississippi State to get married. She received her degree from JSU when she followed her husband, Britt, to Jacksonville. The couple have two children ages 13 and 11 and one on the way. Coleman, who volunteers at JCA, was the junior varsity sponsor for two years and before that helped with the Alexandria youth league. This year is the first year that JCA had to cut some girls who were trying out for the squad. Nineteen girls tried out and Coleman kept 12. There are six seniors on the squad so there is a lot of experience. This year, so many of the girls were going on mission trips to Nicaragua or New Orleans, or both, that the squad did not attend a camp. This year’s captain is Calley Compton and Chelsea Butler is co-captain of the squad. Both girls have been cheering since the seventh grade to include two years on CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

>> 2013 football preview

Tailgating Headquarters Savings to Cheer About! We Accept & The Original Cost Plus 10% Food Stamps Welcomed!

GO THUNDER! The City of Jacksonville The Mayor & City Council Members

JACKSONVILLE • 618 PELHAM RD. S

6 / august 2013

>> 2013 football preview

CHEERLEADERS: from page 6

The two junior cheerleaders are Rachel Russaw and Hailee Shell and sophomores Kaeli McCormack, Regan Espana, Sarah Crook and Hannah Latham make up the rest of the squad. Coleman says that her squad, “Has such a chemistry. Sometimes you have that one person who changes the dynamics of everything or there’s friction. We don’t have that at all.” Coleman says that the motto for this year for the cheerleaders is taken from Colossians 3:23. “It’s for us to do all things as we’re working for the Lord not for man,” said Coleman. “Whether that’s painting signs or cheering or anything they are asked to do. “They all have such service hearts,” remarked Coleman of her cheerleaders. “I’ve never had problems from any of them when they’ve been asked to do a task. “Teenager girls see things as beneath them but we have not had that. I’ve been so blessed with this group. I’m really excited! Coleman praised the efforts of former cheerleading sponsor Anna Messer saying that she had laid a good foundation for the girls. “They really respected her,” said Coleman. ANITA KILGORE // ABOVE: 2013 JCA Varsity Cheerleaders. (Front row left to right) Chelsea Butler (co-captain)

and Calley Compton (captain). Second row: Tristen Bowers, Elysabeth Morales, Maya Cunningham, DonnaLeigh Swindall. Back row: Hailee Shell, Regan Espana, Sarah Crook, Rachel Russaw, Kaeli McCormack and Hannah Latham. Sponsor is Courtney Coleman.

thunder 2013 Schedule Aug 30 Sept 6 Sept 13 Sept 20 Sept 27 Oct. 4 Oct 11 Oct 18 Oct 25 Nov 1

anita kilgore // JCA senior football players and cheerleaders.

Have a GREAT Season

Calley Compton & TEAM!

613 N. Main Street • Piedmont, AL 36272

www.piedmontoutdoor.net

Woodville (R) Collinsville (R) Donoho (R) Cedar Bluff (R) Spring Garden (R) Gaylesville (R) Valley Head (R) Coosa Christian (R) ASD Shades Mt. Christian

AWAY AWAY HOME AWAY HOME HOME AWAY HOME HOME AWAY

august 2013 / 7

>> 2013 football preview

ANITA KILGORE // Jacksonville High School varsity football team

Golden Eagles head into season with excitement Coach Clint Smith’s second season By Lori Tippets Sports Writer Jacksonville High School’s second-year head coach Clint Smith is hoping that this year’s team can find its identity. Smith lost eight players to graduation last year, players that had quickly bought in to Smith’s program. “Those guys meant so much to our program and helped to set the tone for what we are trying to do and really bought in to what we are trying to do,” said Smith. “Those are guys that we are really going to miss, guys that have been playing for three or four years. “This year it’s about finding our identity. Last year’s team started out of the gates fast and developed an identity for what we wanted. This group, and we have 14 seniors and a lot of seniors back off of last year’s team, has to understand they need to develop their own identity. “They have big shoes to fill from last year’s seniors. They have to take what they did and continue to improve as we go into this year.” Smith has a wealth of talent returning. Foremost

is senior running back Dominique Thomas. It comes as no surprise that opponents will be keying, and keying heavily, on stopping Jacksonville’s premier back. Thomas was stopped last year with an injury against Alexandria, but in the previous eight games he had amassed 1,420 yards on 182 attempts and accounted for 17 touchdowns. He also had two more scores on receptions. Thomas can’t be stopped by just one defender, it takes gang tackling to bring him down. Give him the outside and he will burn you all the way to the end zone. “Dominique is a special player,” said Smith. “He has all the tools to be a great football player. He had a great season last year and has worked hard this season coming back from his injury. He has worked hard in the weight room getting himself back to where he needs to be.” It is no secret that in addition to Thomas defenses will be keying on quarterback Jackson Bell. Last year was Bell’s first year of playing varsity ball and many wondered just how effective he would be. CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

golden eagles 2013 Schedule Aug 30

Pleasant Valley

HOME

Sept 6

Hokes Bluff (R)

AWAY

Sept 13

Cherokee County (R)

HOME

Sept 20

Munford (R)

AWAY

Sept 27

Weaver

AWAY

Oct 4

Anniston (R)

HOME

Oct 11

Lincoln (R)

HOME

Oct 18

Cleburne County (R)

AWAY

Oct 25

Alexandria (R)

HOME

Nov 1

Saks

AWAY

8 / august 2013

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ANITA KILGORE // Jacksonville High School Golden Eagle Marching Band.

Experienced seniors to lead band

Jeff Gossett is in his 26th year as band director at Jacksonville High School BY LORI TIPPETS SPORTSWRITER Jacksonville High School football fans are going to be seeing a lot of purple, gold and green this season as the marching band brings Mardi Gras to Jacksonville to entertain the fans at half time. Jeff Gossett, director of the band, said that, “since the yearly festival was started in Alabama I thought it would be fun to explore all the pageantry and history with our students. The Golden Eagle band will perform several Dixieland selections like Waiting for the Robert E Lee, Alexander’s Ragtime Band, Lil Liza Jane, Just a Closer Walk with Thee, and When the Saints go Marchin In. Gossett is in his 26th year as a band director and is in his 22nd year at JHS. He has seen his band grow into one of the most respected marching bands around. This year the band has 91 members, broken down into 21 seniors, 18 juniors, 17 sophomores, 20 freshmen and 15 eighth graders. The band did not attend a band camp this year, opting instead to have their own camp at home. It was a strenuous schedule, three weeks of four-day, four-hour

rehearsals. The band would start each day at 4 p.m. and finish each night at 8. Gossett says that the camp wasn’t really all that bad. “You have to understand that between iPod rollout and rain it wasn’t really that bad. We actually get more accomplished with this schedule. I appreciate the students working as hard as they did.” The band this year will be performing in brand new uniforms, courtesy of Rep. Koven Brown and Sen. Del Marsh, and the band boosters. Gossett has been guaranteed that no other uniform in the world has the same design, as the eagle on the uniform jacket is quite unique. The band will be participating in several band contests in the area as well as the JSU homecoming parade and the Jacksonville Christmas parade. In addition, the band will have the fantastic opportunity to travel to Mobile to participate in some Mardi Gras parades, keeping with their theme of the year. Despite having been the band director for so long, Gossett still finds his work to be very rewarding year after year. “What keeps me going are the students,” admits Gossett. “Each year the band has a different personality, different strengths. With teenagers you never really know what’s coming next…it keeps me on

my toes. “This year’s Golden Eagle Band is a bit younger than the previous year. But they are really catching on quickly. They are also a bit more fun loving. I think we are going to have a great time.” Alyce Sparrowhawk is the drum major for the Golden Eagles this year. “She is an outstanding leader,” says Gossett. “Alyce comes from a musical family. Her father, Paul Sparrowhawk and I were in the Southerners together. I won’t say how long ago that was…” Section leaders this year are: Flutes: Cathy Boudousquie and Kenya Satcher; Clarinets: Katie Cline and Daniel Dempsey; Saxophones and Mellophones: Will Cole and John Heintzelman; Trumpets: Hannah Nelson, Emily Ausborn and Brandi Lee; Low Brass: Carson Franks, Elizabeth Keefer and Alex East; Front Ensemble: Hannah Underhill and Cindee Tang; Percussion: Christian Watts. Showstopper Majorettes: Ali Ramsay (feature) and Lauren Johnson. Showstopper Color Guard: Becky Heintzelman and Victoria Paige. Showstopper Dance line: Kiara Davis and Ambria Davis.

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EAGLES: This year’s team is going to have to stay strong all season from page 7

Bell quickly put all questions to rest when he led his team to a 3-0 start and had the Golden Eagles in first place at 4-1 halfway into the season. Bell showed that he had the quickness and agility to make things happen. Many times when it looked like the opposition had him in the backfield for a loss, Bell would escape leaving defenders grasping at air. Bell rushed for over 500 yards and passed for over 1,000 and had his hand in 17 touchdowns. Also back this year for the Golden Eagles is Sid Thurmond who has proven time and again that size really doesn’t matter. Despite being short in stature, Thurmond was a top defender for Jacksonville, constantly breaking up passes, and at wide receiver was one of the top in the county with 37 catches for 541 yards and seven touchdowns.

Also back for the Eagles this year will be senior Payton Sims at wide receiver and Miles Clark at tight end. Senior Kyle Reeves will be back at center and anchoring the offensive line. Josh Barnes and Reid Hobbs will be back at guards. On defense, Kevin Reese will be back at defensive end. Leading tackler from last year, Savon Parker, will be at middle linebacker and Malik Reed will be back at linebacker. Senior Lavontae LaCount will be at outside linebacker. J.J. Johnson, Thurmond and Elijah Cunningham will be taking care of corner duties. Senior Chance Marbut will be playing at safety. Jacksonville will be starting two freshmen on offense, K.J. Satcher at offensive tackle and Nick Gangwer in the running back position. Smith reports that Evan Shook, another freshman, has been working hard and should get a lot of playing time. Smith says that the Eagles will primarily be running the football. “You’ve got

to be able to run the football on offense and you’ve got to be able to stop the run on defense in order to be successful,” said Smith. That’s not to say that you won’t see Bell go to the air. “We do have some weapons and the ability to throw the football,” added Smith. Jacksonville is in one of the toughest 4A regions in the state, playing Hokes Bluff, Cherokee County, Munford, Anniston, Lincoln, Cleburne County and Alexandria. “It’s a very tough region,” reports Smith. “There is a lot of tradition. All the teams in the region with the exception of us have played for or won a state championship. They have a lot of history and they are used to winning.” Smith feels that on any given night anyone can beat anyone else. Jacksonville will also be playing nonregion games, all rivals, starting with Pleasant Valley, playing Weaver in week five and Saks the last week of the season. Helping Smith this year in coaching

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duties will be Ryan Chambless, Jamison Edwards, Marcus Albright, Cordell Hunt and C.J. Boyd. Last year Smith introduced the concept to his team of, “If you want something you’ve never had, you have to do something you’ve never done. “This is something that will hold true every year,” said Smith. “We expect to go out and win every game.” Smith reiterated that last year’s seniors set the tone for the team. “It’s a process, the seniors played a big role last year. When we came in we had to hit the ground running. Those seniors did a good job of doing what we asked them to do and get things going. “This year it will be getting this team to take what they started and continue with it.” Having started out the season in a big way last year (4-1) and then letting things slip away (finishing 5-5) Smith says that this year’s team is going to have to learn how to win games late in the year if they are going to make it to the playoffs.

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10 / august 2013

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ANITA KILGORE // ABOVE: Senior quarterback Jackson Bell and Coach Clint Smith plan for the first game. RIGHT: Head coach Clint Smith (kneeling.) Standing, from left: Cordell Hunt, Ryan Chambless, CJ Boyd, Marcus Albright and Jamison Edwards.

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august 2013 / 11

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JHS cheerleaders ready to pump it up Sponsor Christy Vice is in her 16th season By Lori Tippets Sports Writer For Christy Vice being the cheerleading sponsor at Jacksonville High School has taken on a special meaning. Vice, in her 16th year as sponsor, says that being the sponsor, “gives me a special relationship with the girls that is different than just being a counselor or teacher. There are girls who I had my first year that I am still in contact with. I truly enjoy attending all the football and basketball games. It’s just a part of who I am now.” Vice has 12 cheerleaders on her squad this year. Madison Burroughs is captain with three years on varsity, and Sarah Holcombe, also a senior with three years of varsity experience, is co-captain. Vice laughs and says that Burroughs, “literally has been cheering for JHS since birth. It makes me feel really old that she is the captain this year since I have watched her grow up since my first years at JHS. “Madison loves cheering and it shows. She is passionate about it. It is something she hopes to continue after high school.” Vice continues saying, “Sarah and Madison work really well together. They have cheered varsity since their 10th grade year and have really been leaders every year.” Besides Burroughs and Holcombe, the squad has three other seniors, Madison Murray, with three years of varsity experience, and Brooklyn Bean and Lindsey Bussey, both with one year on the varsity squad. Three juniors will be cheering this year. Anna Sides, Taylor Carter and Michelle Crow and

each has two years of varsity experience. Rounding out the squad are four 10th graders, Camille Clark, Lexie Daugherty, Heather Floyd and Anna Jackson. All are in their first year of cheerleading. The squad did a home camp this year with UCA, who sent instructors to the school to teach the girls chants, cheers and dances. The squad received superior ratings on their cheer and dance. Burroughs, Holcombe, Bean and Jackson were named UCA All-Americans. Vice is hoping to get her cheerleaders back to Kitty Stone Elementary this year for a pep rally. “The younger students really enjoy when we have a pep rally for them,” said Vice. “We have also discussed having another pep rally on the square this year like we have done in the past.” Vice says that the girls all know each other very well and have all cheered either varsity or junior varsity. They have been cheering together for several years. “I feel this group is different because they all love cheering,” said Vice. “I can’t say that for every group that I have had in the past. Sometimes you get some that want the title of cheerleader. I feel all these girls want to be cheerleaders and I think it will show on Friday nights.” Vice encourages people to come out to the Friday night games. “These student-athletes and band members work very hard all year and do an excellent job representing this community. There is nothing they love more than the stands full of fans on Friday nights. “Join the spirit line, yell with the cheerleaders, cheer on the band. They all deserve the support of this community.”

ANITA KILGORE// JHS Golden Eagles cheerleaders, front row from left, Brooklyn Bean, Madison Burroughs, Sarah Holcombe. Second row: Michelle Crow, Taylor Carter, Lindsey Bussey, Anna Jackson, Anna Sides. Third row: Heather Floyd, Camille Clark and Lexie Daugherty.

ANITA KILGORE // Jacksonville High School senior football players and cheerleaders.

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ANITA KILGORE // LEFT: The Golden Eagle Color Guard: Front row, from left: Becky Heintzelman and Victoria Paige. SECOND ROW: Morgan Hedgepath, Zavia Gamble, Tarribian Harris, Ashley Mays, Symbol Swain. THIRD ROW; Kelsey Ervin, MacKenzie Christopher, Donnesha Little, Zahria Teague, Gerryka Gilbert, Tara Maynard, Autumn Moss.

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august 2013 / 13

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2013 OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Aug. 31

Sept. 7

Sept. 14

Sept. 21

Sept. 28

@Vanderbilt @Tennessee 6:30 p.m. @Chattanooga @Ohio 1:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. (CSS)

AUSTIN PEAY EASTERN ILLINOIS EASTERN KENTUCKY

Oct. 19

Oct. 26

@Eastern Kentucky* 5:00 p.m.

Eastern Illinois* 6:00 p.m. (Oct. 10)

@Murray State* 3:00 p.m.

UT Jacksonville @Tennessee Martin* State* State* 4:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. (HC) (OVC Digital (OVC Digital

(OVC Digital Network)

Robert Morris 6:00 p.m. (Aug. 29)

(OVC Digital Network)

(ESPN3)

Coastal Carolina 5:00 p.m.

@Morehead @Eastern Austin Peay* State Illinois* 5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. (OVC Digital

@Louisville 11:00 a.m. (ESPN3) (OVC Digital (OVC Digital Network)

MURRAY STATE

Missouri Campbellsville State @Missouri 6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. (OVC Digital TBA (OVC Digital

Network)

TENNESSEE TECH UT MARTIN

Central @Chattanooga @Boise State Arkansas 2:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. (ESPN3) (OVC Digital (Aug. 29)

Network)

Southeast @Tennessee Tech* Missouri* 1:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

(OVC Digital Network)

Network)

Southeast Missouri* 3:00 p.m.

@Austin Peay* 1:00 p.m.

Eastern Kentucky* 3:00 p.m.

Network)

(ESPN3)

Network)

Eastern @Tennessee Eastern State* Kentucky* Illinois* 2:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. (OVC Digital (OVC Digital (OVC Digital

@UT Martin* 1:00 p.m. Network)

(OVC Digital Network)

Network)

(ESPN3)

Eastern Southeast @Jacksonville Illinois* @UT Martin* Missouri* State* 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. (OVC Digital (HC) (OVC Digital (OVC Digital Network)

Network)

(OVC Digital Network)

Network)

(OVC Digital Network)

(ESPN3)

Network)

Murray @Eastern Austin Peay* State* Kentucky* 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. (OVC Digital (OVC Digital (ESPN3)

Network)

Austin Peay* 1:30 p.m. (OVC Digital Network)

Network)

Murray @Eastern @Southeast Jacksonville @Tennessee Tennessee Tech* @Austin Peay State* Kentucky* State* Missouri* State* 7:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. @Memphis 12:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. (Oct. 10) (OVC Digital (OVC Digital 3:30 p.m. (OVC Digital (HC) (OVC Digital (OVC Digital (OVC Digital Network)

(OVC Digital Network)

Eastern Urbana Tennessee @Austin @Jacksonville Kentucky* University Tech* State* Peay* 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. (HC) (OVC Digital (OVC Digital (OVC Digital (OVC Digital (OVC Digital (OVC Digital (OVC Digital Network)

Network)

(OVC Digital Network)

(ESPN3)

@Murray UT Martin* @Eastern Jacksonville @Eastern @Southeast Indiana Tennessee State* State* Missouri* Illinois* State 7:00 p.m. Kentucky* State* 1:30 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. (Oct. 10) (HC) 7:00 p.m. (OVC Digital (OVC Digital (OVC Digital (OVC Digital (OVC Digital (OVC Digital (ESPN3)

Nov. 23

Network)

@Tennessee Tech* 1:30 p.m.

(ESPN3)

@Eastern Illinois* 1:30 p.m.

(ESPN3)

Network)

Nov. 16

@Eastern Illinois* 12:00 p.m. (OVC Digital (OVC Digital (OVC Digital

Murray UT Martin* @Tennessee State* State* 6:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. (OVC Digital 6:00 p.m.

BethuneJackson State @Tennessee Central State Cookman @Florida A&M 6:00 p.m. Tech* 2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. (in Memphis) 7:00 p.m. (in St. Louis) (Sept. 1) Cumberland 7:00 p.m. @Wisconsin @Hampton (Aug.29) 11:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. (BTN) (OVC Digital

Network)

(OVC Digital Network)

Network)

Nov. 9

Southeast @Tennessee Tennessee @Murray Jacksonville @UT Martin* Missouri* Tech* State* State* State* 1:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. (HC) (OVC Digital OVC Digital (OVC Digital (ESPN3)

@Jacksonville Tennessee @Southeast Austin Peay* Missouri* Tech* State* 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. (HC) (OVC Digital (OVC Digital (OVC Digital

(at Busch Stadium in Network) St. Louis, Mo.)

(ESPN3)

(OVC Digital Network)

Nov. 2

Tennessee @Southeast Tennessee @Jacksonville UT Martin* @Murray Tech* State* State* State* 12:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. Missouri* 3:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. (OVC Digital 1:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. (HC) (OVC Digital Network) (OVC Digital (ESPN3) (ESPN3)

Network)

@Bowling Green 2:30 p.m.

(ESPN3)

(OVC Digital (OVC Digital Network) Network)

Tennessee Murray @Georgia State* @UT Martin* State* 3:00 p.m. State 2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. (HC) 1:00 p.m. (OVC Digital (ESPN3)

Southern Illinois 1:00 p.m.

@Southeastern Louisiana @Ole Miss 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. (Aug. 29)

(ESPN3)

OVC Digital Network)

@Austin Peay* 6:00 p.m. (Oct. 10)

Network)

JACKSONVILLE STATE

TENNESSEE STATE

Oct. 12

@San Diego @Southern Illinois State @Northern Eastern Kentucky* 6:00 p.m. State Illinois Illinois (OVC Digital 1:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.

North @Alabama Jacksonville Alabama 6:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. State (OVC Digital (OVC Digital 5:00 p.m. Network)

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

Oct. 5

Network)

* - Denotes OVC Game; HC - Denotes Homecoming Game; Home Games in Bold; All Times Are Central and Subject to Change

Network)

Eastern Illinois* 1:00 p.m. (ESPN3)

14 / august 2013

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MAJORETTES Lauren Johnson

Ali Ramsey

Madison Burell

Alanna Austin

Drum major Alyce Sparrowhawk

15 / august 2013

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JHS 2013 SHOWSTOPPERS

Don’t Miss a Call

ANITA KILGORE // ABOVE: The Golden Eagle Showstoppers front row, from left: Kiara Ervin and Ambria Davis. Second row: Olivia Tompkins, Ashley Thomas, Haley Cotton, Abby Shering, Tara Kittrel, Briana Graham. Third row: Emilee Arledge, Shacoya Teague, Kira Kingston, Shakia Clark, Lydia Pass, and Shea O’Donnell.

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16 / august 2013

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DOUG BORDEN // Piedmont High School varsity football team and coaches.

Piedmont looking for another playoff trip By rip donOvan Sports Correspondant

No more intra-squad scrimmages. No more preseason jamborees. It’s time for football that counts in the record books and the Piedmont Bulldogs will begin their quest for an eighth consecutive trip to the AHSAA playoffs and a third consecutive undefeated regular season at Centre Friday night at 7 p.m. against the Cherokee County Warriors. In Piedmont’s 29-3 jamboree win over visiting Jacksonville Thursday night, Piedmont head football coach Steve Smith started senior Ty Sparks at quarterback, then went to junior Tyler Lusk and inserted freshman Taylor Hayes in shortyardage situations. Lusk started at safety and Hayes at inside linebacker. Thursday’s combination was the same rotation Smith had used in the intra-squad scrimmage on August 16. After the win over Jacksonville, Smith said Sparks would continue as the starter against Cherokee County. “I look at is as a win-win situation,” Smith said Thursday night of his options at quarterback. “First of all, you’ve got two outstanding kids that have great attitudes. They’re team players and they want to win. That makes it a whole lot easier situation but it’s like I told each one of them, ‘We’re not going to play every snap looking over our shoulder, worrying if we’re going to mess up what’s going to happen then.’ Plus, you throw Taylor in there as a complement in the short-yardage package. The fact of the matter is we’ve got three really good quarterbacks. I’ve got all the confidence in the world in Ty, Tyler and Taylor.” The rotation on the offensive line, a major question mark entering fall preseason practice, seems to be established. In both the intra-squad scrimmage and the jamboree, the Bulldogs started Dustin Norton at left tackle, Chase Bobbitt at left guard, Caleb Adams at center, Jamie Crutcher at right

guard and Jeffery Pryor at right tackle. Taylor Cooper also played at left guard with the other four. Adams and Pryor, both seniors, are the only returning starters. Norton and Cooper are also seniors. Crutcher is a sophomore and Bobbitt is a freshman. Other reserves along the line are junior Jaden Amberson and freshman Will Bedwell at tackle, sophomore Justin Jacobs at guard and freshman Easton Kirk at center. The Bulldogs return an abundance of talented players at running back and receiver. The skill position players will rotate as most will also spend some or most of their time playing defense. Senior Jaret Prater, junior Dreek Thompson and sophomore Darnell Jackson got the bulk of the carries at running back against Jacksonville. “You’ve got three guys there that probably could be 1,000yard rushers as the feature back in somebody’s offense getting 15 to 18 carries a game but they all sacrifice that for the good of the team,” Smith said of the trio prior to the jamboree. Senior Tre Reese and sophomore Neonta Alexander, starters at defensive end and inside linebacker respectively, also got carries in varsity action against the Golden Eagles. At the receiver positions, C.J. Savage and Denard Spears will be the deep threats when the Bulldogs elect to throw downfield. Savage, a junior, was a primary target last year while Spears, a senior, was Class 3A’s 100-meter dash champion at the state track meet in the spring. Junior Cody Daughtry and sophomore Chase Keener will be the primary inside receivers. Against Jacksonville, Daughtry accounted for Piedmont’s first touchdown on a 7-yard throw into the end zone from Lusk when he improvised a way to get himself into an open area. In the hurry-up offense as the final seconds of the first half ticked away, Savage hauled in a pass from Lusk on a

long throw that became a 43-yard scoring play. An 11-yard completion in the end zone from Lusk to Spears on a hitchand-go route on the first possession of the third quarter was negated by a chop block penalty. The rotation at wide receiver will also include junior Mitchell Bennefield and sophomores Bayley Blanchard and Wil Mitchell. Piedmont’s 3-4 defense returns senior Exavyer Jackson, a first-team All-State selection last year, on the defensive front. Jackson will play both nose tackle and end. Senior Ryan Kirk will be at nose tackle when Jackson shifts to end. Tre Reese will play strictly at end on defense and Tyler Lucas will play both end and nose. “We pretty much are going with four guys there,” Smith said. At linebacker, Hayes and Alexander started on the inside against Jacksonville. Prater, Dalton Barber and Jacob Clark rotated on the outside. The secondary is the most experienced part of the Bulldogs’ defensive unit. Daughtry and Darnell Jackson started at cornerback in the jamboree with Thompson and Lusk at the safeties. Savage and Spears were the relief at cornerback. Blanchard, Sparks and sophomore Deven Hincy play behind Lusk and Thompson. Easton Kirk emerged as the place kicker and punter against Jacksonville and connected on three of his four extra point attempts. Darnell Jackson handled kickoffs. Overcoming the lack of starting experience will be Piedmont’s biggest challenge early in the season. “We’ve got a lot of kids that we’re excited about their potential as players but they just haven’t played a whole lot on Friday nights. … They’ve played a lot of Monday night games and a lot of fourth quarters but they haven’t played a lot when it was depending on them,” Smith said of his eighth Piedmont team.

august 2013 / 17

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anita kilgore // Piedmont High School varsity football coaches. (Kneeling ) Head anita kilgore // Piedmont High School varsity football quarterbacks from left, Taylor Coach Steve Smith. (Standing from left) Everett Kelley, Matt Glover, Oscar Bonds, Patrick Walker, James Blanchard, Horace Bramblett and Mark Mitchell. Hayes, Tyler Lusk and Ty Sparks.

*All times Eastern WEEK 1 Thursday, Sept. 5 Ravens at Broncos – 8:30 p.m. ET Sunday, Sept. 8 Patriots at Bills -- 1 p.m. Titans at Steelers -- 1 p.m. Falcons at Saints -- 1 pm Buccaneers at Jets -- 1 pm Chiefs at Jaguars -- 1 pm Seahawks at Panthers -- 1 pm Bengals at Bears -- 1 pm Dolphins at Browns -- 1 pm Vikings at Lions -- 1 pm Raiders at Colts -- 1 pm Packers at 49ers -- 4:25 p.m. Cardinals at Rams -- 4:25 p.m. Giants at Cowboys -- 8:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9 Eagles at Redskins -- 7:10 p.m. Texans at Chargers -- 10:20 p.m. WEEK 2 Thursday, Sept. 12 Jets at Patriots -- 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15 Rams at Falcons -- 1 p.m. Chargers at Eagles -- 1 p.m. Cowboys at Chiefs -- 1 p.m. Dolphins at Colts -- 1 p.m. Titans at Texans -- 1 p.m. Redskins at Packers -- 1 p.m. Browns at Ravens -- 1 p.m. Panthers at Bills -- 1 p.m. Vikings at Bears -- 1 p.m. Saints at Buccaneers -- 4:05 p.m. Lions at Cardinals -- 4:05 p.m. Jaguars at Raiders -- 4:25 p.m. Broncos at Giants -- 4:25 p.m. 49ers at Seahawks -- 8:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16 Steelers at Bengals -- 8:40 p.m. WEEK 3 Thursday, Sept. 19 Chiefs at Eagles -- 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22 Texans at Ravens -- 1 p.m. Giants at Panthers -- 1 p.m. Lions at Redskins -- 1 p.m. Chargers at Titans -- 1 p.m. Cardinals at Saints -- 1 p.m. Buccaneers at Patriots -- 1 p.m. Packers at Bengals -- 1 p.m. Rams at Cowboys -- 1 p.m. Browns at Vikings -- 1 p.m.

2013 NFL regular season schedule Falcons at Dolphins -- 4:05 p.m. Bills at Jets -- 4:25 p.m. Colts at 49ers -- 4:25 p.m. Jaguars at Seahawks -- 4:25 p.m. Bears at Steelers -- 8:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23 Raiders at Broncos -- 8:40 p.m. WEEK 4 Thursday, Sept. 26 49ers at Rams -- 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29 Ravens at Bills -- 1 p.m. Cardinals at Buccaneers -- 1 p.m. Steelers at Vikings -- 1 p.m. Giants at Chiefs -- 1 p.m. Colts at Jaguars -- 1 p.m. Seahawks at Texans -- 1 p.m. Bengals at Browns -- 1 p.m. Bears at Lions -- 1 p.m. Jets at Titans -- 4:05 p.m. Redskins at Raiders -- 4:25 p.m. Eagles at Broncos -- 4:25 p.m. Cowboys at Chargers -- 4:25 p.m. Patriots at Falcons -- 8:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30 Dolphins at Saints -- 8:40 p.m. WEEK 5 Thursday, Oct. 3 Bills at Browns -- 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 Patriots at Bengals -- 1 p.m. Lions at Packers -- 1 p.m. Seahawks at Colts -- 1 p.m. Ravens at Dolphins -- 1 p.m. Saints at Bears -- 1 p.m. Eagles at Giants -- 1 p.m. Chiefs at Titans -- 1 p.m. Jaguars at Rams -- 1 p.m Panthers at Cardinals -- 4:05 p.m. Broncos at Cowboys -- 4:25 p.m. Chargers at Raiders -- 4:25 p.m. Texans at 49ers -- 8:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7 Jets at Falcons -- 8:40 p.m. WEEK 6 Thursday, Oct. 10 Giants at Bears -- 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13 Packers at Ravens -- 1 p.m. Eagles at Buccaneers -- 1 p.m. Steelers at Jets -- 1 p.m. Panthers at Vikings -- 1 p.m. Raiders at Chiefs -- 1 p.m. Rams at Texans -- 1 p.m.

Bengals at Bills -- 1 p.m. Lions at Browns -- 1 p.m. Titans at Seahawks -- 4:05 p.m. Jaguars at Broncos -- 4:05 p.m. Saints at Patriots -- 4:25 p.m. Cardinals at 49ers -- 4:25 p.m. Redskins at Cowboys -- 8:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14 Colts at Chargers -- 8:40 p.m. WEEK 7 Thursday, Oct. 17 Seahawks at Cardinals -- 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20 Buccaneers at Falcons -- 1 p.m. Bears at Redskins -- 1 p.m. Cowboys at Eagles -- 1 p.m. Patriots at Jets -- 1 p.m. Bills at Dolphins -- 1 p.m. Rams at Panthers -- 1 p.m. Bengals at Lions -- 1 p.m. Chargers at Jaguars -- 1 p.m. Texans at Chiefs -- 1 p.m. 49ers at Titans -- 4:05 p.m. Browns at Packers -- 4:25 p.m. Ravens at Steelers -- 4:25 p.m. Broncos at Colts -- 8:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21 Vikings at Giants -- 8:40 p.m. WEEK 8 Thursday, Oct. 24 Panthers at Buccaneers -- 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27 49ers at Jaguars -- 1 p.m. Browns at Chiefs -- 1 p.m. Dolphins at Patriots -- 1 p.m. Bills at Saints -- 1 p.m. Cowboys at Lions -- 1 p.m. Giants at Eagles -- 1 p.m. Steelers at Raiders -- 4:05 p.m. Jets at Bengals -- 4:05 p.m. Falcons at Cardinals -- 4:25 p.m. Redskins at Broncos -- 4:25 p.m. Packers at Vikings -- 8:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28 Seahawks at Rams -- 8:40 p.m. WEEK 9 Thursday, Oct. 31 Bengals at Dolphins -- 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3 Falcons at Panthers -- 1 p.m. Vikings at Cowboys -- 1 p.m. Saints at Jets -- 1 p.m. Titans at Rams -- 1 p.m. Chiefs at Bills -- 1 p.m.

Chargers at Redskins -- 1 p.m. Eagles at Raiders – 4:05 p.m. Buccaneers at Seahawks – 4:05 p.m. Ravens at Browns -- 4:25 p.m. Steelers at Patriots -- 4:25 p.m. Colts at Texans – 8:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4 Bears at Packers – 8:40 p.m. WEEK 10 Thursday, Nov. 7 Redskins at Vikings -- 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 Bengals at Ravens -- 1 p.m. Lions at Bears -- 1 p.m. Eagles at Packers -- 1 p.m. Rams at Colts -- 1 p.m. Seahawks at Falcons -- 1 p.m. Raiders at Giants -- 1 p.m. Jaguars at Titans -- 1 p.m. Bills at Steeelers -- 1 p.m. Panthers at 49ers -- 4:05 p.m. Texans at Cardinals -- 4:25 p.m. Broncos at Chargers -- 4:25 p.m. Cowboys at Saints -- 8:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11 Dolphins at Buccaneers -- 8:40 p.m. WEEK 11 Thursday, No. 14 Colts at Titans -- 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17 Jets at Bills -- 1 p.m. Falcons at Buccaneers -- 1 p.m. Lions at Steelers -- 1 p.m. Redskins atEagles -- 1 p.m. Chargers at Dolphins -- 1 p.m. Ravens at Bears -- 1 p.m. Browns at Bengals -- 1 p.m. Raiders at Texans -- 1 p.m. Cardinals at Jaguars -- 1 p.m. Chiefs at Broncos -- 4:05 p.m. Vikings at Seahawks -- 4:25 p.m. 49ers at Saints -- 4:25 p.m. Packers at Giants -- 8:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18 Patriots at Panthers -- 8:40 p.m. WEEK 12 Thursday, Nov. 21 Saints at Falcons -- 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24 Steelers at Browns -- 1 p.m. Buccaneers at Lions -- 1 p.m. Vikings at Packers -- 1 p.m. Jaguars at Texans -- 1 p.m. Jets at Ravens -- 1 p.m.

Chargers at Chiefs -- 1 p.m. Bears at Rams -- 1 p.m. Panthers at Dolphins -- 1 p.m. Colts at Cardinals -- 4:05 p.m. Titans at Raiders -- 4:05 p.m. Cowboys at Giants -- 4:25 p.m. Broncos at Patriots -- 8:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25 49ers at Redskins -- 8:40 p.m. WEEK 13 Thursday, Nov. 28 Packers at Lions – 12:30 p.m. Raiders at Cowboys – 4:30 p.m. Steelers at Ravens -- 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1 Broncos at Chiefs -- 1 p.m. Titans at Colts -- 1 p.m. Jaguars at Browns -- 1 p.m. Buccaneers at Panthers -- 1 p.m. Bears at Vikings – 1 p.m. Cardinals at Eagles – 1 p.m. Dolphins at Jets – 1 p.m. Falcons at Bills -- 4:05 p.m. Rams at 49ers – 4:05 p.m. Patriots at Texans – 4:25 p.m. Bengals at Chargers – 4:25 p.m. Giants at Redskins -- 8:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2 Saints at Seahawks -- 8:40 p.m. WEEK 14 Thursday, Dec. 5 Texans at Jaguars -- 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 Vikings at Ravens -- 1 p.m. Chiefs at Redskins -- 1 p.m. Bills at Buccaneers -- 1 p.m. Dolphins at Steelers -- 1 p.m. Lions at Eagles -- 1 p.m. Panthers at Saints -- 1 p.m. Colts at Bengals -- 1 p.m. Browns at Patriots -- 1 p.m. Raiders at Jets -- 1 p.m. Titans at Broncos -- 4:05 p.m. Rams at Cardinals -- 4:25 p.m. Seahawks at 49ers -- 4:25 p.m. Giants at Chargers -- 4:25 p.m. Falcons at Packers -- 8:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9 Cowboys at Bears -- 8:40 p.m. WEEK 15 Thursday, Dec. 12 Chargers at Broncos -- 8:25 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 Redskins at Falcons -- 1 p.m.

Cardinals at Titans -- 1 p.m. 49ers at Buccaneers -- 1 p.m. Saints at Rams -- 1 p.m. Seahawks at Giants -- 1 p.m. Bears at Browns -- 1 p.m. Texans at Colts -- 1 p.m. Bills at Jaguars -- 1 p.m. Patriots at Dolphins -- 1 p.m. Eagles at Vikings -- 1 p.m. Chiefs at Raiders -- 4:05 p.m. Jets at Panthers -- 4:05 p.m. Packers at Cowboys -- 4:25 p.m. Bengals at Steelers -- 8:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16 Ravens at Lions -- Mon., 8:40 p.m. WEEK 16 Sunday, Dec. 22 Dolphins at Bills -- 1 p.m. Saints at Panthers -- 1 p.m. Cowboys at Redskins -- 1 p.m. Buccaneers at Rams -- 1 p.m. Bears at Eagles -- 1 p.m. Browns at Jets -- 1 p.m. Colts at Chiefs -- 1 p.m. Vikings at Bengals -- 1 p.m. Broncos at Texans -- 1 p.m. Titans at Jaguars -- 1 p.m. Cardinals at Seahawks -- 1 p.m. Giants at Lions -- 4:05 p.m. Raiders at Chargers -- 4:25 p.m. Steelers at Packers -- 4:25 p.m. Patriots at Ravens -- 8:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23 Falcons at 49ers -- 8:40 p.m. WEEK 17 Sunday, Dec. 29 Panthers at Falcons -- 1 p.m. Packers at Bears -- 1 p.m. Texans at Titans -- 1 p.m. Browns at Steelers -- 1 p.m. Redskins att Giants -- 1 p.m. Ravens at Bengals -- 1 p.m. Eagles at Cowboys -- 1 p.m. Jaguars at Colts -- 1 p.m. Jets at Dolphins -- 1 p.m. Lions at Vikings -- 1 p.m. Bills at Patriots -- 1 p.m. Buccaneers at Saints -- 1 p.m. Broncos at Raiders -- 4:25 p.m. 49ers at Cardinals -- 4:25 p.m. Chiefs at Chargers -- 4:25 p.m. Rams at Seahawks -- 4:25 p.m.

18 / august 2013

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anita kilgore // Piedmont High School varsity managers. (Kneeling ) Riley Kirk, Slade Hainey, Hayden Young, Sloan Smith. (Standing from left) Trevor Anderson, Bryson Ingram, Weston Kirk, Shean Smith.

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ANITA KILGORE // Piedmont varsity cheerleaders are, sitting, Alexis Byers; Kneeling, from left, Briannia Winkles, Sarah Lawrence, Kathryn Lusk, Grayce Goss. Standing, from left, Breanna Morrison, Ashlie McBrayer, Angela Lucas, Hope Morrison, Megan Mohon.

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Cheerleaders attended camp at the beach Girls are excited and prepared for another season of Bulldogs’ football By eddie burkhalter Consolidated News Service Piedmont High School’s varsity cheer squad is made up of 11 cheerleaders this year, but only three are seniors. “So we’ve got a fairly new squad this year,” said Mandy Barber, third grade teacher at Piedmont Elementary and the district’s cheer coach. Piedmont’s cheerleaders got a bit of a lucky break this summer when they attended a Universal Cheerleaders Association cheer camp at Orange Beach in June. “That was our first time to ever attend camp at the beach,” Barber said. But it wasn’t all sunshine and sand. The girls worked extensively on several all new routines. They’re calling one the “Extreme” routine, which they’ll perform for the first time in front of a crowd this week. “We’ll be doing the new cheer and the

extreme routine at the first pep rally,” Barber said. The varsity cheer squad is captained this year by Alexis Byers and the junior varsity squad by Kali Waddell. This year is Barber’s second coaching the bulldog cheerleaders, and she expressed excitement over another year of sidelines and stunts. “We’re doing something a little different this year,” Barber said, explaining that while last year the school district had a varsity competition cheer squad, this year they’ve chosen to compete with a junior varsity squad. “But the junior high competition squad is made up of 7th, 8th and 9th grades,” Barber said. The reason for the change, she explained, is that with so many senior cheerleaders graduating last year there simply wasn’t enough interested girls to form a competi-

tive squad. “We have a huge junior high group,” Barber said. “We’ve got 14 on the junior high squad and most of them wanted to be in competition. This year is going to be a building year for us.” Barber’s hope is that in the future there will be both junior high and varsity competition squads. “I think too that if they’re used to competing at the junior high level, when they get to varsity they’re not going to be nervous. They’re going to be used to it and be able to go out there and do it,” Barber said. Last year’s varsity competition squad placed third in state. The cheerleaders performed for the first time this season at last Thursday’s jamboree game. Barber said her cheerleaders are excited and prepared for another season of Bulldogs’ football.

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august 2013 / 21

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Anita kilgore // Piedmont High School Blue Knights Marching Band

Bond, James Bond is in Piedmont Villains beware. James Bond is coming to Piedmont. More accurately, music from the Bond movies will be coming by way of the Piedmont Blue Knights marching band. This year’s show, “50 years of James Bond”, pays tribute to the many popular songs of Bond movies from yesterday and today. “We’re opening up with the theme from James Bond from “Die Another Day” then we’re doing the newest James Bond Movie ‘Skyfall’,” said Piedmont’s band director Jamie Thomas. The show closer is a mix of all the big Bond movies, from “Goldfinger” to “Live and Let Die” and finally the Bond theme song from “Dr. No.” The Blue Knights will march 78 band members – made up of middle and high school students - this year, which is slightly more than last year, Thomas said. Many are returning experienced players, he said. “We’ve got a more mature group this year. A lot more of our wind players are high school players where, in the past, it’s been a lot more younger folks. This is a really good playing group. A hard working group,” Thomas said. And they’re quick learners, Thomas said, learning the new music in about a week over the summer, which gave them plenty of time to get the on-field moves down. “We had the show completely done (over the summer). Now we’re just cleaning and putting the cool stuff in,” Thomas said. The Blue Knights’ list of competition for this season is long. Piedmont will host the Calhoun County exhibition show Sept.17 this year as well, where

all the marching bands in the county will come to show off their work. The Blue knights will compete at Cleburne County High School on Sept. 21 and at Jacksonville State University on Oct. 5. “We host our contest Oct. 12,” Thomas said, referring to the Chief Ladiga Marching Festival, now in it’s second year. “And there’s a possible Oct. 19 contest for us.” The band received a special honor over the summer. Acting on a request, the Blue Knights performed at the Aug. 16th Rome Braves game, where they played in the stadium plaza before the game and performed the National Anthem on the field. Afterward, the band received complimentary passes and settled in for some hotdogs and baseball. “It was a good way to end band camp,” Thomas said. “We just kind of celebrated there at the end.” Thomas thanked Piedmont City School Superintendent Matt Akin and the school board for making the trip possible by providing transportation. “Our administrators are really supportive of us, and we appreciate that support,” Thomas said. If the players are stepping a bit higher these days, it’s in part due to the many new instruments, Thomas explained. The school district began last year buying about $80,000 worth of new instruments, with help from the Band Boosters Club. “It’s been a complete turnaround, especially just in the morale,” Thomas said. “How they feel. The confidence level of having good equipment. It’s really been good for the band,” Thomas said.

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22 / august 2013

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anita kilgore // Blue Knights marching band dance line. Front row, from left: Joyce Pleze, Morgan Watkins, Morgan Wolfe. Back row: Sydney Ford, Maddie Naugher, Adrienne Garmon.

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anita kilgore // Blue Knights marching band majorettes. Front row, from left: Linda Feazell, Raven Pasley. Back row: Laura Posey, Melissa Fortenberry, Chloe Barnes.

august 2013 / 23

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bulldogs 2013 Schedule Aug 30 Sept 6 Sept 13 Sept 20 Sept 27 Oct 4 Oct 11 Oct 18 Oct 25 Nov 1

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anita kilgore // ABOVEBlue Knights drum major Andrew Posey. BELOW: Band seniors.

anita kilgore // ABOVE: Blue Knights Color Guard.

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submitted photo // Pleasant Valley varsity football team and coaches.

Raiders will hit the gridiron with 42 players this season BY LORI TIPPETS SPORTSWRITER Head Coach Jeff Davis has 42 boys out to help the Raiders improve over a 4-6 season last year. Davis lost several key players from last year and right now is looking for players to step up to fill those spots. The Raiders will have consistency on offense as senior quarterback Lucas Ford is back for his third year. “Lucas is going to come out every day and give you complete effort,” said Davis of his veteran quarterback. “You never question his work effort or if he will give you 100 per cent. Lucas does exactly what we ask him. He is a great student of the game and picks up things well. He is smart and understands what we are trying to accomplish.” Also returning for the Raiders is junior running back Dalton Bean, an explosive runner who is back for his third year, and a healthy Drew Lewiski who the Raiders lost to an injury after two games last year. “Bean is a tremendous leader,” said Davis of his talented back. “He and Drew both are not very vocal but they lead by example. You never question whether or not they are going full speed. “Dalton is a Bean…what can you say? He comes to practice every day, works hard and never complains. “Drew brings an aspect to the ball game we haven’t had for a while, quickness and great speed.”

The offensive backfield will be helped up front by a line that Davis says, “If we can stay healthy, that will be one of our strengths.” The Raiders will have senior Nick O’Dell at center. Senior Jared Colvin, who has played for four years at tackle, has moved to guard. Senior Jacob Harrelson will be at the other guard position. Senior Austin Parris will be at one tackle and Davis is looking at several players for the other tackle position. At tight end will be senior Dustin Andrews who Davis describes as, “a great athlete with great hands and great speed and he does a great job blocking.” Davis admits that his defensive secondary is a big question mark for the Raiders right now, having lost so many starters to graduation. “Lucas (Ford) is going to play defense, something I haven’t done a lot in the past, let my quarterback play defense, but I don’t have a choice this year,” admits Davis. Dalton Bean has been moved from linebacker to strong safety. Lewiski will play at one corner spot and Hunter Carr will play at the other. Davis says that of the 42 out for football, 15 of them are freshman and he has been very impressed with the freshman class. “They are young kids that are really doing a good job back there. We will need them to step up sooner than later. I’m really thrilled with this freshman class;

Raiders 2013 Schedule Aug 30 Sept 6 Sept 13 Sept 20 Sept 27 Oct 4 Oct 11 Oct 18 Oct 25 Nov 1

Jacksonville Ranburne (R) Vincent (R) Victory Christian (R) White Plains Fultondale (R) Ohatchee (R) Woodland (R) Wellborn (R) Gaston

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they stick with it and work hard. If we could build off of that class for the future we’ll be in good shape.” Of those freshman, David Pock and Dakota Jones have caught the coaches’ attention. Sophomore Chance Ferguson and junior Matthew Parker have also shown tremendous improvement according to Davis. “Parker stayed out his tenth grade year and is back this year and slowly catching up. He can play any secondary position,” said Davis. Pleasant Valley is a triple option team. “People know they better play 1-2-3 football when they play us,” admitted Davis. “We’ll be running a triple option. If you can stop the triple option then

continued on page 26

august 2013 / 25

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Raider cheerleaders start season with a new leader Lauren Wills is looking forward to her challenge at PV By Lori Tippets SportsWriter This is going to be a year of firsts for Lauren Wills. It will be her first year at Pleasant Valley High School, her first year of teaching Spanish and her first year as cheerleading sponsor. Wills is going to have a full plate this year. Not only will she be teaching but Wills will also be working on her Masters degree at UAB and is a wife and mother to four children ages 4-19. Despite all the challenges, Wills is looking forward to her new adventures. She was asked just one week before the cheerleading squad went to camp at the University of Alabama to be their sponsor. Wills didn’t hesitate when asked. “I like to get involved in school activities,” said the energetic Wills. “I love school spirit and this will help me have a closer relationship with the kids.” Wills admits that this will be a learning year for her having had only one year of dance line when she was in high school, but she has an experienced squad to work with. All of the 14 cheerleaders and mascot have varsity experience. Cameron Glass, the only senior

on the squad, is captain and has three years of varsity experience. Junior co-captain Allie Battles also has three years on the varsity level. Wills is very excited to have the expertise and experience of Glass and Battles to rely on. “My captains are great leaders, they are very dependable and I can call them anytime I need them and ask them any questions. Rounding out the squad are juniors, Melina Greenwood, Megan Tillison, Dixie Smith and Destiny Barthel and sophomores, Brittany Cangialosi, Anna Johnson, Lauren Johnson, Dakota Parker, Haley Taylor, Madilyn Turner, Samantha Lee and Karry Christopher. Mascot, “Raider Ray”, Calen Wright, is also a junior. Wills is very excited about her cheerleading squad. “This group is awesome,” said Wills. “They are energized, they listen well, they do what you say and are very respectful and very helpful. They are a great bunch of kids; I could not have asked for a better group.” At the University of Alabama cheerleading camp the Raiders brought home second place honors in cheer and third place awards in extreme routine and

SUBMITTED PHOTO // Pleasant Valley High School cheerleaders, front row, from left: Lauren Johnson, Melina Greenwood, Destiny Barthel, Dixie Smith. Second row: Karry Christopher, Brittany Cangialosi, Anna Johnson, Sam Lee, Madilyn Turner. Third row: Coach Lauren Wills, Haley Taylor, Allie Battles, Cameron Glass, DaKota Parker, Megan Tillison, assistant coach Cindy Turner.

homepom. Wright won first place honors in the mascot competition. The cheerleaders are planning on doing some fundraisers, like selling t-shirts and having a picture day at the elementary school with Raider Ray. They are also planning a canned food drive at

Thanksgiving. As for Wills, she can hardly wait for the season to get underway. “I’m excited, I’m ready to get this football season started and see where it goes,” said Wills. “I’ve got a lot of work to do but I’m ready for it!” Pleasant Valley opens season at J’ville.

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26 / august 2013

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Pleasant Valley High School Band

Drum major Andrew Epperson BY LORI TIPPETS SPORTSWRITER Things are on an upswing for Pleasant Valley band director Haley Jackson. Starting her third year as band director, Jackson has seen numbers climb and this year 35 members are in the band up from 22 last year. This year the band will be going with a pop music theme and will feature such songs as, “Fireworks,” “I’ve Got a Feeling,” and “We Are Young.” Junior Andrew Epperson will be back again as drum major. Jackson says that

Epperson, who plays the trumpet, “is an excellent player and leader.” Last year Epperson joined fellow band members Eric Rush, Anna Holcombe and Megan Welch in being named to District Honors in band. Rush and Holcombe went on to AllState competition. During the summer the band held its own camp with JSU coming in to assist. The band plans on participating in band competitions and doing some parades. Jackson is pleased with her group this year saying, “I think they are an awesome group to work with. “We have no

SUBMITTED PHOTO // Pleasant Valley High Danceline: Front row, from left: Caitlyn Fortenberry, Alexis King, Brooklyn House, Kourtney Fortenberry. Second row: Juliana Bellew, Demi Highfield, Abby Epperson, Genevieve Pate, Courtney Vick.

behavior problems. They are all really good kids and I’m lucky to work with them. “They are all good musicians; they want to learn and they want to be here.” Four seniors, Eric Rush, Karie George, Christopher Hilley and Keith McIntyre will anchor the band. The band also has four juniors, Emerald Angerbauer, Kayleana Bowen, Andrew Epperson and Tyler Peck. Sophomores are Carisa Allen, Sabrina Rosenbaum and Jaeson Williams. The lone ninth-grader is Joshua Goodwin. Eighth-graders participating

FOOTBALL

continued from page 24

you can probably stop us.” However, Davis went on, “Don’t blow an assignment because if you do we have kids that can go the distance.” The Raiders are in a tough region with Ranburne, Vincent, Victory Christian, Fultondale, Ohatchee, Woodland and Wellborn. “Week in and week out this region is very competitive,” said Davis. “It’s a tough region and from 1-7 anyone can win.” The Raiders will start off with a non-region game against cross-town rival Jacksonville. “Playing Jacksonville is fun,” said Davis. “We knew going in that most years they would be much more talented but they are fun to play. We have had pretty close games except for last year.

are Frances Cranford, Madison Gaston, Destiny McIntyre, Kristen Peck, Rene Powell and Dekota Roberts. On danceline are sophomores Lauren Epperson and Demi Highfield, ninthgrader Genevieve Pate, eighth-graders Destiny Conley, Caitlin Fortenberry, Kourtney Fortenberry, Alexis King and Courtney Vick and seventh-graders Juliana Ballew and Brooklyn House. Ninth-graders Kaylee Lawler and Madison Baswell and eighth-grader Shaylynn Morris make up the color guard.

“Clint (Smith) and I are friends which makes it more interesting. I don’t like to lose to anyone but especially to a friend.” Davis will be playing another friend, coach Swane Morris, in the last week of the season when the Raiders take on Gaston. The other non-region game will come in week five against White Plains. Davis is short handed on his coaching staff this year due to cutbacks and there are only four coaches on the staff. Davis has Ronnie Preston coaching the offensive line and secondary, Darren Hamby as defensive coordinator and wide receiver coach, and Anthony Findley takes care of the defensive front. “Our coaches step up just like the kids do,” commented Davis. “We have a great bunch of men, good men who are pillars of the community and well respected. They are great men and they are fun to be around.”

august 2013 / 27

>> 2013 football preview

ANITA KILGORE // Spring Garden varsity football team.

Spring Garden slowed down by injuries By rip donOvan Sports Correspondant Will it ever end? That’s what Spring Garden head football coach Jason Howard must be thinking about the series of injuries that have struck his team since the close of the 2012 season. Spring Garden was already facing a rebuilding season. The Panthers lost nine starters who were major contributors for the team that went 9-3 last year. Losses on defense included five of the six leading tacklers. Gone from the offense are two 1000-yard rushers. One of them left as Spring Garden’s career rushing leader. The rebuilding task for 2013 got more difficult when injuries hit the Panthers hard. The most recent occurred in Spring Garden’s jamboree action against Sand Rock Thursday evening in which the two teams played to a 7-all tie over 40 minutes. On Spring Garden’s second possession, senior quarterback Will Ivey kept the ball on a mid-line option but a Sand Rock player rolled over on Ivey’s ankle at the end of the play. Ivey left the game and did not return, missing Spring Garden’s meeting with Fyffe, too.

With no other experienced player in the backfield, Spring Garden had built much of this year’s offensive plan around Ivey. “He looked good, the snaps he got,” Howard said of Ivey’s play before his injury. “He’s the one who scored for us. He looked good in what we were trying to do. We’ve gone to so much option stuff where we’re letting him make decisions and read it and he was doing good.” As of Friday night, Howard was still unsure how seriously Ivey’s injury was. “If Will’s okay, we’ll keep on just like we’d planned. If Will’s not able to go, if we see that Will’s going to miss three or four weeks, we’ll have to go in and adjust a good many things,” Howard said.

With so many inexperienced players, young and old, Howard and his assistants were already moving slowly with their preseason instruction. “This is probably the least amount of stuff that we’ve gotten in going into the season in a long time just because of the learning curve,” Howard said prior to the jamboree. “We’re so inexperienced that we’re just having to take it a little slow and add a little bit to it every day.” “Everything we do builds on us being able to do that base stuff,” he added. “Until we get to where we can run that base stuff perfect then we can’t put in the counters off of it. We’ve got to get where we can run our base stuff perfect. … We’ve just had to shift so many people around, move people here and there. Young !srehtnaP kids, they’re not as familiar with it so we’ve just had to go a little slower.” Now the Panthers face the prospect of entering the season looking to replace their most experienced back in Ivey, also a starter on defense at cornerback and slated to do the punting. “Because so much of our stuff was put on his shoulders for him

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to make those decisions, we’ll have to simplify even more than we already are,” Howard said of the prospect that the senior would be unable to play when the Panthers travel to Fayetteville Friday for their season-opening game. Freshman Ben Ivey, Will’s younger brother, moved to quarterback following Will’s jamboree injury. “As bad as it was for Will to get hurt, it was great for Ben. Ben got a lot of reps,” Howard said, adding that the younger Ivey would have spent some time at quarterback in the jamboree anyway. “Ben really grew up a little bit (Thursday) night. (Thursday) night, he got thrown into it and played well, did everything we asked him to do.” If there are no more injuries, and for Spring Garden lately that’s a

■ See PANTHERS, page 31

panthers 2013 Schedule Aug 30 Sept 6 Sept 13 Sept 20 Sept 27 Oct 4 Oct 11 Oct 18 Oct 25 Nov 1

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ANITA KILGORE // Spring Garden varsity football coaches. (From left) Will Penton, Barrett Ragsdale, Jason Howard, Damor McDonald and Tony Benefield.

ANITA KILGORE // Spring Garden varsity football team managers (From left) Kalesta Free, Kaitlyn Rogers, Tiyonna Rogers, Justin Sides.

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Pump up the Panthers Spring Garden cheerleaders are ready for another season By Eddie burkhalter Consolidated News Service

It may be her first year in a while, but this year isn’t Christina Howard’s first coaching Spring Garden’s cheer squad. Howard, a history teacher at Spring Garden School, said she coached the squad many years ago. This year marks her 14th teaching at the school. As for the Panther’s squad itself, 11 are returning and two are new. The squad held a Universal Cheerleaders Association home camp training session in June where they learned new routines and brushed up on some of the basics, Howard said. This year’s Universal Cheerleaders Association All Americans on the squad are Kaylie Hill, Darby Bryant, Maddy Micha and Kayla Holcomb. Spring Garden’s cheer squad has been producing some notable cheerleaders in recent years. Last year, outgoing senior and All American Kayleigh Smith signed a cheer-leading scholarship with Shorter University. Alyssa Gilley will be keeping the crowd in the stands pumped as Spring Garden’s Pepper the mascot this year. With the first game an away game set for Friday against Fayetteville, Howard said the girls are more than ready to start a new year of Spring Garden football. “They are very excited. They’ve worked very hard and they’re ready to have the chance to be out and show off what they’ve worked on,” Howard said.

ANITA KILGORE // above: Varsity Spring Garden cheerleaders, (front row, from left) Bailee Kerr, Maddie Poole, Chloe Coogler, Kaylie Hill, Abbie Porter, Haley Dobbs. Back row: Darby Bryant, Dallas Smith, Kayla Holcomb, Maddy Micha, Lauren Ledbetter. Not shown is Emory Reedy.

ANITA KILGORE // left: Kim prater and Christina Howard are cheer sponsors

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Panthers: Continued from page 1 From page 1

left: ANITA KILGORE// Spring Garden senior football players and cheerleaders.

big if, Matt Mullinax, a reserve fullback last year will move to the starting role against Fayetteville. Freshman Quintin Downey will be the backup. Kyle Reese, a receiver in years past, will be at tailback and Kris Holcomb will be the wingback. Holcomb, Reese and Mullinax are juniors. Senior center Zack Dobbs and sophomore tackle Sam Parris are returning starters and will anchor the line. At 6-foot-2 and 275 pounds, Parris will be the Panthers’ biggest lineman. Sophomore Corey Williams, who has been nursing an off-field injury recently, will be at left tackle if he is healthy. Hunter Bondie will start at right guard. The 215-pound senior suffered a broken arm early in the 2012 season that shut him down most of the year. Hunter Crider will be at left guard where he played as a reserve last year. Sophomore Ethan Rogers will be the reserve lineman. At tight end will be junior Dalton Kerr. Freshmen Joe Price will be the split end. Chase Jennings, Dylan Short, Austin Shell and Ben Ivey will

also see time at the split end. On defense, Spring Garden will use a five-man front as its base. The ends will be Bondie, a starter there last year before his injury, and Crider. Parris and senior Kyle Barfield, another 200-pounder, will be the tackles. At nose tackle will be sophomore Colton Livingston. At 6-4 and 270, Livingston has size but it’s his first year to play football. Rogers will be the reserve at tackle. Kerr and junior Morgan Twilley, recovering from an injury, are the backups at end. In the middle of the trio of linebackers will be Downey. Dobbs and Holcomb will be on the outside. Williams is the relief at linebacker. Will Ivey and Reese are the cornerbacks and Ben Ivey is the safety. Price will spell them. Howard said freshmen Dawson Broome and Taylor Hardin and eighth-graders Ryan Poole and Eason Reese “could get thrown into the mix pretty quick” to give two-way starters an occasional break. Broome is an end on both offense and defense. Reese, Poole and Hardin are linemen. On special teams, Bondie will kick extra points and field goals. Mullinax will handle kickoffs.

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2013 SEC FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Date Team

Aug. 31

ALABAMA

VIRGINIA TECH Atlanta, Ga.

ARKANSAS

UL-LAFAYETTE Fayetteville

AUBURN

Sept. 7

SAMFORD

Little Rock

WASHINGTON ARKANSAS STATE STATE Auburn Auburn

Sept. 14

Sept. 21

Sept. 28

Oct. 5

Oct. 12

Oct. 19

Oct. 26

TEXAS A&M College Station

COLORADO STATE Tuscaloosa

OLE MISS Tuscaloosa

GEORGIA STATE Tuscaloosa

KENTUCKY Lexington

ARKANSAS Tuscaloosa

TENNESSEE Tuscaloosa

SOUTHERN MISS Fayetteville

RUTGERS Piscataway, N.J.

TEXAS A&M Fayetteville

FLORIDA Gainesville

SOUTH CAROLINA Fayetteville

ALABAMA Tuscaloosa

OLE MISS Auburn

WESTERN CAROLINA Auburn

TEXAS A&M College Station

MISSISSIPPI STATE

Auburn

LSU Baton Rouge

FLORIDA ATLANTIC Auburn

Nov. 2

Nov. 9 LSU Tuscaloosa

Nov. 16

Nov. 23

Nov. 30

MISSISSIPPI CHATTANOOGA STATE Tuscaloosa Starkville

AUBURN Auburn

MISSISSIPPI STATE Little Rock

LSU Baton Rouge (Nov. 29)

AUBURN Fayetteville

OLE MISS Oxford

ARKANSAS Fayetteville

TENNESSEE Knoxville

GEORGIA Auburn

ALABAMA Auburn

FLORIDA

TOLEDO Gainesville

MIAMI Miami Gardens, Fla.

TENNESSEE Gainesville

KENTUCKY Lexington

ARKANSAS Gainesville

LSU Baton Rouge

MISSOURI Columbia

GEORGIA Jacksonville

VANDERBILT Gainesville

SOUTH CAROLINA Columbia

GEORGIA SOUTHERN Gainesville

FLORIDA STATE Gainesville

GEORGIA

CLEMSON Clemson, S.C.

SOUTH CAROLINA Athens

NORTH TEXAS Athens

LSU Athens

TENNESSEE Knoxville

MISSOURI Athens

VANDERBILT Nashville

FLORIDA Jacksonville

APPALACHIAN STATE Athens

AUBURN Auburn

KENTUCKY Athens

GEORGIA TECH Atlanta

FLORIDA Lexington

SOUTH CAROLINA Columbia

ALABAMA Lexington

ALABAMA STATE Lexington

MISSOURI Lexington

VANDERBILT Nashville

GEORGIA Athens

TENNESSEE Lexington

GEORGIA Athens

MISSISSIPPI STATE Starkville

FLORIDA Baton Rouge

OLE MISS Oxford

FURMAN Baton Rouge

ALABAMA Tuscaloosa

TEXAS A&M Baton Rouge

ARKANSAS Baton Rouge (Nov. 29)

ALABAMA Tuscaloosa

AUBURN Auburn

TEXAS A&M Oxford

LSU Oxford

IDAHO Oxford

ARKANSAS Oxford

TROY Oxford

MISSOURI Oxford

MISS. STATE Starkville (Nov. 28)

LSU Starkville

BOWLING GREEN Starkville

ALABAMA Starkville

ARKANSAS Little Rock

OLE MISS Starkville (Nov. 28)

OLE MISS Oxford

TEXAS A&M Columbia

COASTAL CAROLINA Columbia

CLEMSON Columbia

WESTERN KENTUCKY KENTUCKY Nashville

MIAMI (OH) LOUISVILLE Lexington Lexington

LSU

TCU Arlington, Texas

UAB Baton Rouge

KENT STATE Baton Rouge

OLE MISS

VANDERBILT Nashville (Aug. 29)

SEMO Oxford

TEXAS Austin

MISSISSIPPI STATE

OKLAHOMA STATE Houston, Texas

ALCORN STATE Starkville

AUBURN Auburn

MISSOURI

MURRAY STATE Columbia

TOLEDO Columbia

SOUTH N. CAROLINA Columbia CAROLINA (Aug. 29) TENNESSEE TEXAS A&M VANDERBILT

GEORGIA Athens

WESTERN AUSTIN PEAY KENTUCKY Knoxville Knoxville

AUSTIN PEAY

Nashville

TROY Starkville

SOUTH CAROINA

Columbia

SOUTH CAROLINA Columbia

TEXAS A&M College Station KENTUCKY Lexington

GEORGIA Athens

FLORIDA Columbia

SOUTH CAROLINA Columbia, Mo.

TENNESSEE Columbia

UCF Orlando, Fla.

KENTUCKY Columbia

ARKANSAS Fayetteville

TENNESSEE Knoxville

MISSOURI Columbia, Mo.

MISSISSIPPI STATE Columbia

FLORIDA Gainesville

SOUTH ALABAMA Knoxville

GEORGIA Knoxville

SOUTH CAROLINA Knoxville

ALABAMA Tuscaloosa

MISSOURI Columbia

SMU College Station

ARKANSAS Fayetteville

UMASS Foxborough, Mass.

UAB Nashville

VANDERBILT Columbia OREGON Eugene, Ore.

KENTUCKY Starkville (Oct. 24)

ARKANSAS VANDERBILT STATE Nashville Columbia

INDIANA Bloomington

SAM RICE ALABAMA HOUSTON ST. College Station College Station College Station OLE MISS Nashville (Aug. 29)

AUBURN Baton Rouge

MISS. STATE Starkville (Oct. 24)

OLE MISS Oxford MISSOURI Nashville

AUBURN VANDERBILT UTEP College Station College Station College Station GEORGIA Nashville

TEXAS A&M College Station

FLORIDA Columbia AUBURN Knoxville

VANDERBILT KENTUCKY Knoxville Lexington

MISSISSIPPI STATE College Station FLORIDA Gainesville

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LSU Baton Rouge

MISSOURI Columbia

TENNESSEE Knoxville

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august 2013 / 33

>> 2013 football preview

Expectations high for another title in Tuscaloosa DUSTIN HOLMES Sports Correspondent

As the crystal footballs begin to pile up in Tuscaloosa, so to do the expectations. The two-time defending champions begin the 2013 season atop the pile of Football Bowl Subdivision teams with those same expectations but without a core group. Nine players were taken in the NFL draft and three more were signed as undrafted free agents. First round picks nine, 10 and 11 whisked away cornerback Dee Milliner, and linemen Chance Warmack and D.J. Fluker. Running back Eddie Lacy was gone before the end of the second round. All valuable positions the Crimson Tide will need to replace if an unprecedented BCS-era three-peat is to come to fruition, but that conundrum is nothing new for coach Nick Saban. “It’s a challenge each year to reinvent your team,” Saban said at the annual Southeastern Conference Media Days at Hoover. “You always lose good players. So, it creates new opportunities for other players who may not have the same experience. It also creates new roles for players who have been a part of the team, but now maybe have to assume a little different role.” The Offense Nowhere will those roles be more jumbled than on the offensive line. With Warmack, Fluker and Barrett Jones (fourth round) all gone, coaching clichés that state everything starts with the play of the offensive line will put the weight heavily on the shoulders of Cyrus Kouandjio and Anthony Steen. Alabama’s machine-like offense scored in 90 percent of its red-zone chances last season, and it certainly has at least the skill players to match those numbers in this campaign. AJ McCarron has quarterbacked the Tide to back-to-back national championships and came within 67 yards of eclipsing the 3,000-yard mark and around him is a talented group if the dreaded sophomore slump can be avoided. Running back T.J. Yeldon and receiver Amari Cooper return each having met or exceeded 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns at their respective positions. Fellow sophomore Kenyan Drake shined in limited opportunities last season. One is inclined to believe Saban will stick to his system of two running backs, albeit he did diverge from that somewhat with Trent Richardson in 2011. The Defense In Saban’s trademark 3-4 scheme, linebackers are the clear-cut stars of the show. And as good as last year’s squad was --- 250 yards per game (first in the NCAA) and forcing 29 turnovers --- the group of returning linebackers form a nucleus around which even more success could be expected. C.J. Mosley earned consensus first-team All-American honors in 2012 with 107 tackles, eight for loss, four sacks and a pair of interceptions. Another Butkus Award award (the nation’s top linebacker) in the trophy case is a real possibility if too many tackles aren’t taken up by his strong supporting cast of Trey Depriest, Adrian Hubbard and Xzavier Dickson. The secondary should be solid with returners HaHa Clinton-Dix, Vinnie Sunseri and Deion Belue, especially after the misstep by Geno Smith (DUI, one-game suspension). Just like on the offense, the line seems to be the biggest question mark for the Tide. Marcell Darius and Jesse Williams are gone, leaving a big playmaker to a group of players like Brandon Ivory, Ed Stinson and Jeoffrey Pagan. The Big Question Alabama is on a quest to do what no other team has done in the BCS era: win three consecutive titles. While the back-to-back titles are no small feat, during that period what Alabama has failed to accomplish is an undefeated season. First it was a 9-6 defensive slugfest with LSU the Tide battled back from. Next it an early November 29-24 Texas A&M upset that all but solidified Johnny Manziel’s

TRENT PENNY // Nick Saban hopes to have the Crimson Tide on course for another national championship.

Heisman Trophy. Sports Illustrated tabbed four teams - Ohio State, Stanford, South Carolina and Texas A&M - as the next to put a hiccup in the Tide’s run. Alabama faces only one of those teams, the Aggies, during the regular season, following an early off week on Sept. 14.

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34 / august 2013

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Auburn faithful turn to Malzahn to bring Tigers back DUSTIN HOLMES Sports Correspondent

When Auburn won its first national championship in more than 50 years, the credit for it was passed around. Many attributed it Cam Newton. And rightly so, as he compiled 53 touchdowns and nearly 4,500 yards on his way to the Tigers’ third Heisman Trophy on his third season on the Plains. Others pointed to Gus Malzahn. The offensive mastermind turned Auburn’s offense around in his first season and then matched rival Alabama’s national championship the next year. But few pointed to Gene Chizik. The bridge-like coach with similarities to Alabama’s Mike Shula is gone after a dismal 3-9 season and with the chance of bringing back Newton an impossibility, the Auburn family did the next best thing. Malzahn is now faced with the task of pulling off his same Harry Potter-like magic once again on the Plains. The Offense If there’s anywhere the Tiger fans can put their hope it’s on offense. Having been gone for only one season, the learning curve most coaches endure with new systems should only be more than a slight incline with Malzahn having been absent for nine days shy of a year. But one of the most anticipated players wasn’t there for it. With another year comes another new quarterback for the Tigers, and this year that player is Nick Marshall. Similarities have been drawn between Newton and Marshall, who was named to the post recently. And there are some there. Both were dismissed from Southeastern Conference programs (Marshall at Georgia, Newton at Florida), and both revived their careers with impressive Junior College stints. Marshall threw for 3,142 yards and 18 touchdowns and rushed for 1,095 yards and 19 more scores with Garden City (Kan.) Community College. While his numbers are big, his 6-foot-1, 210-pound frame has big shoes to fill in the shadow of Newton’s statue. Tre Mason and Cameron Artis-Payne provide a solid one-two punch to fill the void of Onterio McCalebb. Mason possesses more breakaway speed, while Artis-Payne has more power. And both play right into Malzahn’s plans. “We’re a two-back run play-action team that will run our offense at a two-minute pace the entire game,” Malzahn said recently at the annual SEC Media Days. “Our goal is to play faster than anybody in college football.” The Defense While not as bad as the offense, last year’s defense wasn’t far behind. Giving up more than 400 yards a game gave Auburn little chance to compete. But just like on the offensive side of the ball, there are things to look forward to. Despite stumbles as a head coach Ellis Johnson is a proven defensive mind, with four SEC championship games and a national championship (with rival Alabama) on his resume as an assistant and coordinator. “The way he schemes, makes in-game adjustments,” Malzahn said, “he’s one of the best.” If games are - as the clichés of old coaches like Johnson stress - won in the trenches, Auburn could possibly steal one or two there. Dee Ford returns to anchor a defensive line with three starters from a year ago. Jake Holland returns at linebacker as does leading tackler Jermaine Whitehead, though as the defensive line improves, it won’t require nearly as many stops for Whitehead from his safety position. The interesting question for the Tigers could be with Keihl Frazier. As the quarterback battle hashed its way out in fall practice, Frazier asked to be moved to safety. His athleticism is unquestioned, the only thing up in the air will be how long it

TRENT PENNY // Auburn coach Gus Malzahn hopes to turn around the fortunes of the Tigers.

takes the junior to acclimate himself to the new position in the secondary, which will be key with Johnson’s 4-2-5 alignment. The Big Question While Malzahn was able to deliver a national championship early into his first stay at Auburn, the cupboard wasn’t nearly as bare then as it is now. What will be an acceptable number for the Tigers to show progress in a schedule that includes road games in some of the tougher contests - at LSU and Texas A&M. Getting rivals Georgia and Alabama at home may be little consolation as each are ranked among the nation’s best. Malzahn has put together a top-notch staff, and himself was named by ESPN as the nation’s best recruiter in 2011. With that group, it’s almost certain the Tigers won’t stay down long.

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august 2013 / 35

Jacksonville State to open against ASU This year’s Jacksonville State University football schedule may be the weakest in several seasons. There is no Florida, Arkansas, Georgia Tech or Florida State on the schedule. However, the Gamecocks will still face some of the toughest teams in the NCAA FCS division, plus a powerhouse from Division II – North Alabama - that defeated the Jaxmen the last time the Lions played in Jacksonville. When Jacksonville State played its first season in the Ohio Valley Conference in 2003, it lost only one league counter, but fell in the first round of the playoffs. During the season the Gamecocks suffered a crushing 28-16 loss to North Alabama. The following season, Jacksonville again lost only one conference counter. However, the Gamecocks again fell in the playoffs. The Gamecocks were co-champions in 2011, but did not make the playoffs. The Gamecocks begin a new era this season with Bill Clark taking over the head coaching job from Jack Crowe. The question is whether JSU can better last year’s 6-5 record, although two of those losses were to Arkansas and Florida. The Gamecocks were 5-3 in the OVC and finished fourth. In the OVC pre-season poll, the Gamecocks are again predicted to finish fourth behind Eastern Illinois, Eastern Kentucky and Tennessee State. They received no first place votes. They only placed two players on the preseason All-OVS team – running back DaMarcus James and tackle Tarik Milner. On the bright side, The Jaxmen return 53 lettermen – 29 on offense, 31 on defense and five on specialty teams. Four starters return on offense, seven on defense and three on specialty teams. Clark will be looking for leadership from 13 seniors – Mike Bradford (wide receiver), Gavin Ellis (tight end), Harris Gaston (linebacker), Robert Gray (linebacker), Taylor Johnstone (offensive lineman), Arias Lockheart (safety), James Powell (linebacker), Jerry Slota (tight end), Rashad Smith (linebacker), Barry Stafford (defensive lineman), Griffin Thomas (kicker), Benton Tolson (linebacker) and Ketrick Wolfe (linebacker). The key position the Gamecocks must fill is quarterback, where they lost Marquis Ivory to graduation and Cody Blanchard to the baseball draft. In addition, they must replace Washun Ealey at running back. Ealey had 727 yards running last year and scored 10 touchdowns. In addition he caught three TD passes. However, the Gamecocks have their top rusher returning in James, who had 867 yards and six touchdowns and had one receiving touchdown. Kicker Thomas is also back. He made 10 of 19 field goals and was 38 of 39 on extra points. The man Clark may turn to at quarterback is junior Max Shortell, who transferred from the University of Minnesota. In addition Kyle West (redshirt sophomore from St. Augustine, Fla.) and Eli Jenkins (redshirt freshman from Birmingham) and Steve Coates (junior from Decatur, Ga.) are vying for the starting job. Jayce Barber, a high school signee from Lake City, Fla., is also in the mix. This is Clark’s first college head coaching job after serving as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at South Alabama from 2008 to 2012. He is a Piedmont High School and Jacksonville State University graduate and coached high school football at Piedmont, Tuscaloosa County, Coffee County (Ga.), Dothan and Prattville. At Prattville he won a pair of Class 6S state titles and his last two teams won 30 straight games. His 2007 squad was ranked No. 2 in the nation in the USA Today’s national high school football poll.

ANITA KILGORE// JSU Head Coach Bill Clark

His assistants are Mike Bennefield (line coach), Chuck Dunn (inside linebackers, strength and conditioning), John Grass (offensive coordinator), Jimmy Ogle (running backs), David Reeves (defensive line), Daric Riley (outside linebackers, special teams coordinator), Blake Shrader (cornerbacks), Duwan Walker (defensive coordinator), Cornelius Williams (wide receivers) and Jody Wright (passing game coordinator, recruiting coordinator). The Gamecocks open the season Saturday in Montgomery against Alabama State. Kickoff is at 5 p.m. The last time the two teams met was in 2007 when the Hornets took a 24-19 victory. The first home game at Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium will be on Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. against Jacksonville (Fla.) University.

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2013 football preview

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