FRANKLIN COUNTY
FOOTBALL 2019
All Franklin County Teams featured inside
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FRANKLIN COUNTY FOOTBALL CONTENTS
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5……Season Schedule 6…….Russellville High School 13……Red Bay High School 19…….Phil Campbell High School 24…….Tharptown High School 29…….Vina High School State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL 1801262
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2019 FRANKLIN COUNTY FOOTBALL
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FRANKLIN COUNTY
FOOTBALL EDITORIAL Alison James CONTRIBUTORS Bart Moss Brannon King SALES Peggy Hyde Tori Waits CUSTOMER SERVICE Sommer Morris __________________________
ON THE COVER Senior Reuben Alfaro is a fixture on the Tharptown Wildcats’ football team. | PHOTO BY BART MOSS
Franklin County Football Aug. 23
Oct. 4
Phil Campbell – JAMBOREE GAME Red Bay at Colbert Heights Tharptown at Shoals Christian Vina at Marion County Russellville – JAMBOREE GAME
Phil Campbell at Westminster Red Bay at Sheffield Tharptown – OPEN Vina at Mars Hill Russellville at Lawrence County
Aug. 30
Oct. 11
Phil Campbell at Red Bay Tharptown – OPEN Vina hosts Brilliant Russellville at Deshler
Phil Campbell at at Lauderdale Co. Red Bay at at Colbert County Tharptown hosts Hatton Vina hosts Waterloo Russellville at Hamilton
Sept. 6 Phil Campbell hosts Lexington Red Bay hosts Hatton Tharptown hosts Sheffield Vina at Phillips Russellville hosts Corner
Sept. 13 Phil Campbell hosts Clements Red Bay hosts Addison Tharptown at Colbert Co. Vina hosts Cherokee Russellville at Hayden
Sept. 20 Phil Campbell at Vina Red Bay – OPEN Tharptown at Tanner Russellville hosts West Point
Oct. 17 Phil Campbell hosts East Lawrence
Oct. 18 Red Bay hosts Tanner Tharptown at Addison Vina at Shoals Christian Russellville hosts Jasper
Oct. 25 Phil Campbell at Colbert Heights Red Bay at Tharptown Vina hosts Hackleburg Russellville at Dora
Oct. 31 Phil Campbell hosts Hackleburg
Nov. 1 Sept. 27 Phil Campbell hosts Phillips Red Bay hosts Belmont Tharptown at Brilliant Vina – OPEN Russellville hosts Haleyville
Red Bay at Wilson Tharptown hosts Vina Russellville hosts Central
2019 FRANKLIN COUNTY FOOTBALL
5
GOLDEN TIGERS PURSUE RETURN TO PLAYOFFS Story by BRANNON KING | Photos by JOSEPH ROMANS PHOTOGRAPHY
T
he Russellville Golden Tigers are looking forward to this season after a successful 2018 that included a return to the Class 5A playoffs. Russellville finished 9-2 in Coach John Ritter’s first year at the school. Ritter is entering his seventh season as a head coach and he has a 42-25 career record at Russellville, West Morgan and Red Bay. RHS will compete in Class 5A, Region 7 with Corner, Hayden, West Point, Lawrence County, Hamilton, Jasper and Dora. The non-region slate includes games with Deshler, Haleyville and Central-Florence. Q: How are things different in year two versus year one of running a high school football program?
Coach John Ritter 6
2019 FRANKLIN COUNTY FOOTBALL
A: I think expectations more than anything. They know what we expect, they know how we’re going to practice and the expectations at practice. They know how we’re going to lift and the expectations of lifting and then, really, just having our schemes in. We’re doing a lot of fixing instead of a lot of installing.
Q: How is the offense looking going into the season and who are some of the players to watch for on that side of the ball? A: Up front, we’re really excited with Edgar Amaya, Dakota Andres, Trenton Hollimon is at center, we’ve moved Noah Pounders to guard and then we’ve got Johnathan Vargas at right tackle. We’re huge up front and this is one of the biggest lines that I’ve ever had to coach. Receiver-wise everything has panned out like we thought that it would. We feel like that we have five or six guys that can help us on a Friday night, which is huge because last year, we had three. Jacob Bishop (quarterback) has had a great summer and we’re still looking for a tailback to be the guy. Right now, our plan is to use them all and in a way that they’re going to be productive for us. Q: How is the defense shaping up? A: We’ve got some guys that are big and strong that can run and hit. I think having a year under Coach Balentine has made them more physical and we’re starting to execute better on that side of the ball and understand what’s expected. That’s not a knock on anybody before us, we just do things a little different on offense and defense and those kids understand those expectations. I’m very excited about that bunch and ready to see what they can do against somebody else. Q: Who are some of the leaders on the defense? A: It’s got to be Albaro Francisco and Brooks Scott. You’ve got 300 tackles combined between those two guys. On the
edge, we’ve got Jamal Hubbard and Jaxon Hallmark and Gavin Slay are kinda battling it out for the other linebacker spot. Angel Moreno, Jose Gaspar and Omarion Jackson is another guy that we knew had a lot of ability and he has separated himself from those other guys. We’re very excited about those d-linemen and really the defense as a whole. Ashaad Williams and Caden Watts are back at corner but Marcus Crumpton is pushing those two corners. Q: What are some things that you’d like for people to know about your coaching staff? A: It’s the best staff in Alabama. I thought we had a really good staff last year and I think that we’ve improved on it. On the offensive side of the ball, we’ve got Coach Voss coaching quarterbacks, Coach Maggerise does the running backs, Coach Flanagan and Coach Boatwright do the receivers, Coach Willis the H-backs and Derek Blagburn and Peyton Balentine do the offensive line. Offensively, this is a great group because they all bring something different to the table. Defensively, we were able to hire a former teammate and a former player of mine. Ben Phillips, I played with at Lauderdale County and Barry Reach, I coached at Red Bay. Barry will do the d-line, Tim Townley does the inside linebackers, my dad (Ronnie Ritter) does the outside linebackers, Paul Czervionke does the corners, Trey Stanford does the safeties. Ben is the linebacker assistant that helps with all of the linebackers and Chris Balentine is the defensive coordinator. This really is, top-to-bottom, left-to-right the best staff that I’ve ever worked on and I’d put these guys against anybody in the state.
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256-332-6073 2019 FRANKLIN COUNTY FOOTBALL
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No.1 Caleb Matthews
No.3 Caden Watts
No.4 Airreon McCullough
No.6 Conner Warhurst
No.7 Austin Ashley
No.8 Gavin Slay
No.9 Jacob Bishop
No.10 Jaxon Hallmark
No.11 Gabe Amick
No.12 Jacob Davis
No.13 Rowe Gallagher
No.14 Emitt Green
No.15 Jamal Hubbard
No.16 Ashton Boyd
No.17 Nathan Broackway
No.18 JD Price
No.19 Bryant Hyde
No.20 JD Bishop
No.21 Carson Pace
No.22 Trey Glass
No.23 Marcus Crumpton
No.25 Cole Barnett
No.26 Albaro Francisco
No.28 Will Calhoun
No.29 Peyton Ray
No.30 Karson Hyde
No.31 Brody Logan
No.32 Cody Logan
No.34 Blake Pruitt
No.35 Tate Wyatt
2019 FRANKLIN COUNTY FOOTBALL
RHS GOLDEN TIGERS Schedule
No.36 Brooks Scott
No.40 TJ King
No.38 Grayson Eady
No.41 Taylor Crumpton
No.39 Elisano Juan-Francisco
No.42 Tilmon Baker
DATE
OPPONENT
Aug. 30
at Deshler
Sept. 6
hosts Corner
Sept. 13
at Hayden
Sept. 20
hosts West Point
Sept. 27
hosts Haleyville
Oct. 4
at Lawrence Co.
Oct. 11
at Hamilton
Oct. 18
hosts Jasper
Oct. 25
at Dora
Nov. 1
hosts Central
VIDEO No.43 David Baltazar
No.44 Angel Martinez
No.45 Jose Gaspar
Carlos Richardson
No.46 Iziah Osoro
No.47 Miguel Flores
No.48 Julian Ambrosio
Joel Vargas
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No.49 Jerrin Jackson
No.50 Uriel Hernandez
No.51 Angel Moreno
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No.52 Trenton Hollimon
No.54 Connor Byars
No.56 Trevor Franklin
No.57 Brayden Williams
No.58 Jonathan Vargas
No.60 Emilio Diego
No.61 Maddox Parker
No.62 Tal Hamilton
No.63 Omarion Jackson
No.64 Junior Rodriquez
No.65 Seth Franks
No.66 Andrew McReynolds
No.67 Edgar Amaya
No.70 Josh Lindsey
No.71 Hayden McCrory
No.72 Eduardo Vargas
No.73 Matthew Williams
No.75 Noah Pounders
No.76 Dakota Andres
No.77 Grayson Murray
No.78 Luis Domingo
No.79 Josh Frederick
No.80 Daniel Juan-Francisco
No.81 Ayden Miller
No.82 Carson Weeks
No.83 Grayson Thorpe
No.85 Malachy Fleming
No.86 Ernesto Osorio
No.88 Kade Touchstone
No.99 Hank Cartee
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2019 FRANKLIN COUNTY FOOTBALL
RUSSELLVILLE GOLDEN TIGERS
RUSSELLVILLE CHEERLEADERS
2019 FRANKLIN COUNTY FOOTBALL
11
RUSSELLVILLE BAND
Have A Great Season
RUSSELLVILLE GOLDEN TIGERS!
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2019 FRANKLIN COUNTY FOOTBALL
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TIGERS RETURN WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE Story by BART MOSS | Photos by BART MOSS
I
f Red Bay Coach Michael
Jackson
sounds
excited
about this year’s team, there is good reason: experience. The Tigers return a wealth of starters from last year’s squad. That coupled with their dedication
to
improving
themselves in the offseason
gives
Jackson
optimism for the season ahead. “This group of players has
worked
extreme-
ly hard this summer,” said Jackson. “I have been impressed by their character
and
leader-
ship. I think it mainly has to do with having a lot of experienced guys. We have gotten off to a really good start in fall camp. “If we can build some depth along the way and stay away from injuries,” Jackson added, “we could have a really successful year.” On the offensive side of the ball, the Tigers
Coach Michael Jackson
will be led by Jalen Vinson. “Jalen has worked 2019 FRANKLIN COUNTY FOOTBALL
13
RED BAY TIGERS
very hard to improve this summer,” said Jackson.
RBHS TIGERS Schedule
“He has attended camps to improve his throwing ability.” Jackson also said the makeup of his team will allow him to be more diverse on offense this year.
DATE
OPPONENT
Aug. 23
at Colbert Heights
Aug. 30
hosts Phil Campbell
Sept. 6
hosts Hatton
Sept. 13
hosts Addison
Sept. 20
OPEN
Sept. 27
hosts Belmont (MS)
Oct. 4
at Sheffield
Oct. 11
at Colbert County
Oct. 18
hosts Tanner
Sides both return on the offensive line. Dakota Vin-
Oct. 25
at Tharptown
son and Dominique Brown moved from defense to
Nov. 1
at Wilson
“I think we have a chance to be more multiple,” explained Jackson. “We have more receivers and running backs than I have ever had. We still want to be a power team, but our diversity allows us to do more than one thing with the ball.” Red Bay will have Colbie King and Hunter King at the tailback position. Colyn Humphres will play the slot back position, while Arden Hamilton, Mason Holt, Conner McNeil and Coby Jackson will all play receiver. “All of those guys have had an excellent summer,” said Jackson. “They will be interchangeable, and all will be involved in the offense.” Up front the Tigers are anchored by Dylan Hester, a three-year starter. Levi Raper and Connor
offense.
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2019 FRANKLIN COUNTY FOOTBALL
No.1 Kyser Jackson
No.2 Logan Scott
No.3 Jake Pounds
No.4 Elijiah Luster
No.5 Cameron McKinney
No.6 Nathan Elrod
No.7 Hunter King
No.8 Alexander Kennedy
No.9 Mason Holt
No.10 Jalen Vinson
No.11 Colbie King
No.12 Caleb Stacy
Good Luck Red Bay Tigers & to all Area Teams! TIFFINMOTORHOMES.COM
2019 FRANKLIN COUNTY FOOTBALL
15
RED BAY CHEER
PHOTO COURTESY SCOTTY KENNEDY
Red Bay cheerleaders are (front from left) Makenzie Hester, Anna Kate Kennedy, Alexis Tabbs, Reagan Humphries, Bailey Bolton, Kayleigh Scott, Madisyn Hester, (back from left) Makenna Abels, Talli Hamilton, Chloe Knoblock, Kaitlyn Bullard, Alivia Harris, Sierra Terrell and Destinee Lancaster.
“Our offensive line will be smaller than usual,” explained Jackson, “but what they lack in size, they make up for in quickness and athleticism.” Red Bay returns 10 of 11 starters on defense with a stout line and head-hunting linebacker corp. Red Bay’s defensive line will be one of the biggest in the area with junior Alex Kennedy at 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, junior Logan Scott at 6-foot-1, 249 pounds, sophomore Levi Blanton at 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, and freshman Braden Parker at 6 feet, 245 pounds. “We feel really good about this group,” said Jackson. “All of these guys are returning starters. They are dedicated and talented. Logan might be one of the strongest kids in northwest Alabama; he just maxed out on the bench at 370 pounds. They are really talented.”
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2019 FRANKLIN COUNTY FOOTBALL
We have more receivers and running backs than I have ever had. We still want to be a power team, but our diversity allows us to do more than one thing with the ball. —Coach Michael Jackson
No.13 Lee Lancaster
No.14 Brett Raper
No.16 Coby Jackson
No.18 Connor McNeil
No.19 Dominick Brown
No.20 Hunter Burks
No.21 Braiden Holcombe
No.22 Arden Hamilton
No.23 Aiden Quinn
No.24 Hunter Pounds
No.26 Blake Nix
No.40 Gavin Edgmon
No.50 Connor Sides
No.51 Daniel McKinney
No.52 Preston Sides
No.56 Levi Raper
No.60 Ayden Vinson
No.64 Dakota Vinson
No.65 Brady Hardin
No.66 Jon Shotts
No.68 Caleb Seely
No.72 Braden Parker
No.74 Briley Mills
No.75 Connor Ashley
NOT PICTURED No. 15 Ashton Edgmon No. 17 Glenan Humphres No. 54 Joshua Blanton No. 70 Dylan Hester No. 81 Hayden Bond
No.77 Bryson Brazil
No.80 Jayden Anderson
No.82 Kaleb Bragwell 2019 FRANKLIN COUNTY FOOTBALL
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RED BAY BAND
At linebacker the Tigers return the team’s lead-
Purser has worked with our defense for five year
ing tackler, junior Cameron McKinney – 6-foot-1, 240
and does a really good job getting them ready,” said
pounds – and junior Gavin Edgmond.
Jackson.
Jake Pound will be the only senior on defense. He
“I am very encouraged about our attitude so far,”
will be in the secondary along with Kiser Jackson,
added Jackson. “Our strength and physicality will be
Hunter King and Isaiah Luster – the only newcomer
our character.”
on the defensive side of the ball. “Coach Jamie
Good Luck Red Bay Tigers & To All Area Teams!
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Bill Weatherford R.Ph
256-356-4044 Fax: 256-356-4045
925 Golden Rd. NW, Red Bay, AL 35582 Email: redbaypharmacy811@att.net
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2019 FRANKLIN COUNTY FOOTBALL
Red Bay opens up at Colbert Heights Aug. 23.
BOBCATS TURN CORNER IN YEAR TWO UNDER BARNWELL Story by BART MOSS | Photos CONTRIBUTED
P
Coach Kevin Barnwell
hil Campbell is looking to turn a corner this fall in Coach Kevin Barnwell’s second season as the Bobcats’ head football coach. While finishing the season with an 2-8 record last year, Barnwell’s team showed a lot of fight and never seemed to quit, even under some adverse circumstances. Down the stretch, Phil Campbell was in several games with chances to win late into the game. In year two of the Barnwell era, the Bobcats are looking to flip the script on some of those games and turn those close losses into wins. One thing Barwell said he likes is his team’s attitude and competitiveness. “Our kids are really getting after it this fall,” said Barnwell. “They know what we are trying to do this go around. Last year was a learning curve for all of us. They are understanding what we want to do, they are more coachable, and they have bought into where we want to take this program.” The thing that excites Barnwell the most about his team is the return of some exceptional skill position players. “I think we have some of the best skill guys around,” said Barnwell. “We still have to establish some protection up front for those guys to make more plays. We want to get the ball out into space and let our athletes make something happen. For that to happen, we have got to block really well up front and on the edges.” Two of those skill players will be interchangeable parts to the Bobcats offense – juniors Luke Barnwell and Ridge Raper. Both, Barnwell said, will rotate from quarterback to wide receiver. “Both Luke and Ridge are good quarterbacks and receivers,” said Barnwell. “We are going to play to each of their strengths. They are hard workers, play hard and are very competitive.” 2019 FRANKLIN COUNTY FOOTBALL
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PHIL CAMPBELL BOBCATS
In the backfield, the Bobcats will look to speedster Trey Leindecker as well as Austin Baker and Blaine Goodson. “Trey was a diamond in the rough for us last year,” explained Barnwell. “He had a break-out game against Clements and was a dangerous weapon for us the rest of the year. He is very elusive and the fastest guy on the team. We have to find a way to get him the ball in space to make plays.” “Austin is catching the ball really well out of the backfield,” Barnwell added. “He’s faster, and he’s just a good all-around hard-nosed ball player.” The Bobcats will also try to get the ball into the hands of John Randall Herring at the receiver position. “He is a big guy and will create some match-up problems for teams,” said Barnwell. The Bobcats will be looking to improve their overall play along the offensive line with Eli Smith, Johnson Leath, Kaleb Solis and Imer Ordonez. On the defensive side of the football, the strength of the Bobcats will be in the secondary with Baker, Leindecker, Goodson, Ben Williams and Brandon Baker. “Our secondary is well ahead of where they were last year,” said Barnwell. “They are smarter and understand what we are doing more. They recognize offenses better and can call the defensive plays from the field.” The Bobcats didn’t have much trouble moving the football last year, but to turn the corner, they are going to have to find a way to stop opposing offenses. “We still have to tackle better,” said Barnwell. “We have to get more stops and get the ball into our offenses hands.” The Bobcats’ linebacker corps will consist of Raper, Herring and Austin Douthit. The Bobcats will open the season at Red Bay Aug. 30.
20
2019 FRANKLIN COUNTY FOOTBALL
PCHS BOBCATS Schedule DATE
OPPONENT
Aug. 30
at Red Bay
Sept. 6
hosts Lexington
Sept. 13
hosts Clements
Sept. 20
at Vina
Sept. 27
hosts Phillips
Oct. 4
at Westminster
Oct. 11
at Lauderdale Co.
Oct. 17
hosts East Lawrence
Oct. 25
at Colbert Heights
Oct. 31
hosts Hackleburg
PHIL CAMPBELL CHEERLEADERS
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Have A Great Season Bobcats!
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21
No.1 John Randle Herring
No.2 Ridge Raper
No.3 Eli Jackson
No. 4 Gunner Hargett
No.6 Boone Swinney
No.8 Luke Barnwell
No.11 Andrew Green
No.12 Mason Swinney
No.14 Austen Baker
No.15 Grayson Pilkerton
No.18 Blain Goodson
No.19 Abraham Gonzales
No. 20 Brandon Baker
No. 22 Trey Leindecker
No.24 Imer Ordonez
No.30 Austin Douthit
No. 33 JJ Quillen
No.35 Ben Williams
No.51 Grant Rollins
No.52 Kendric Baker
No.54 Johnson Leeth
No.55 Dalton Cornelius
No.58 Isaiah Oliver
No.60 Mason Mims
No.61 Nick Williams
No.62 Tyler Osborn
No.65 Eli Smith
No.70 Kaleb Solis
No.71 Hunter Grissom
No.77 Jeremiah Malone
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2019 FRANKLIN COUNTY FOOTBALL
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2019 FRANKLIN COUNTY FOOTBALL
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WILDCATS FIGHT TO IMPROVE DESPITE TOUGH REGION Story by BART MOSS | Photos by BART MOSS
R
Coach Kevin Lacey 24
2019 FRANKLIN COUNTY FOOTBALL
apid growth at Tharptown High has had some unintended consequences and caused some growing pains. One of those areas is in sports – football in particular. Tharptown has vaulted from Class 1A to Class 2A in the past few years, and a Class 3A designation might come sooner than later. With that rise has come increased competition across all sports and the adjustments that need to be made to compete at higher levels. The Wildcat football program has found itself in arguably the toughest Class 2A region in the state: Addison, Tanner, Hatton, Sheffield, Colbert County and Red Bay. “We don’t get a week off,” said Tharptown Coach Kevin Lacey. “We have to go out and prepare every day to play some of the best athletes in north Alabama. Not only that, but we have to compete against traditional football powerhouses. “It is not easy. We try to instill in our kids that they have to approach the game a different way and train a different way if they want to have success.” Lacey said he has seen some of his players respond to the challenge.
THARPTOWN WILDCATS
“I have been really proud of some of our guys,” said Lacey. “We had a core group who want to get better show up most days this summer. I would like to have more guys out there in the summer working out, but they have to want to make the sacrifice it is going to take to win.” Some of that core group Lacey is going to look to starts with senior Ruben Alfaro. “Ruben is a big guy that loves to compete and get the ball,” said Lacey. “He plays fullback for us. He was here ev-
ery day this summer. He is a bulldog on the field. He never comes out the game, and he always gives it his all. He is a true leader.” Yovani Gomez will take the snaps for the Wildcats. “Yovani is not a true quarterback, but he is quick and fast and wants to run,” said Lacey. “We are going to try to work to his strengths and keep him out of bad situations.” Newcomer Colton Simmons brings some physicality to both sides of the ball.
THARPTOWN CHEERLEADERS
2019 FRANKLIN COUNTY FOOTBALL
25
No.1 Ruben Alfaro
No.2 Jackson Clement
No.3 Austin Gibson
No.4 Hunter White
No.5 Avie Aguire
No.6 Ricardo Hernandez
No.7 Austin Sutton
No.8 Hunter Reynolds
No.9 Nikolas Chaney
No.10 Dawson Higgins
No.12 Domonic Baker
No.14 Joel Perez
No.20 Chase O’Conner
No.22 Nathan Lucas
No.23 Noel Ordonez
No.24 Yovani Gomez
No.25 Josh Riley
No.26 Jacob Hammack
No.30 Sam Baker
No.38 Adrian Banderas
No.43 Blake Dailey
No.51 Landon McClellan
No.52 Travis Staten
No.55 Gabe Compton
No.58 Noah Capelton
No.60 Eric Espinoza
No.62 Jacob Pointer
No.68 Tyler Amos
No.70 Gunner Lane
No.72 Cayden Martin
26
2019 FRANKLIN COUNTY FOOTBALL
NOT PICTURED Colton Simmons Lonnie Dalrymple
No.75 Shawn Michael Lane
THS WILDCATS Schedule
No.78 Bryson Poss
“Colton is a big, strong, athletic guy,” said Lacey. “He loves the weight room. He is a hard worker. He will have to play both ways. “He just has to learn the game,” Lacey added. “He’s never played. He will have to learn to get in position and use his athleticism.” Another player who brings athleticism to the Wildcats is Chase O’Connor. “Chase is athletic and will go full speed every play.” Up front Lacey will look to Eric Espinoza, Gunner Lane, Tyler Amos and Gabe Compton. “Eric is a returning tackle. He is smart up front,” Lacey said. “Gunner is nursing a small injury right now but should be back soon. Tyler is a big, tall guy who loves the game, and Gabe is a big guy who gives it his all.” Tharptown will open the season on the road at Shoals Christian Aug. 23.
DATE
OPPONENT
Aug. 23
at Shoals Christian
Aug. 30
OPEN
Sept. 6
hosts Sheffield
Sept. 13
at Colbert Co.
Sept. 20
at Tanner
Sept. 27
at Brilliant
Oct. 4
OPEN
Oct. 11
hosts Hatton
Oct. 18
at Addison
Oct. 25
hosts Red Bay
Nov. 1
hosts Vina
Wishing All Franklin County Football Teams a Great Season!
Elected to Serve Dedicated to Excellence David Hester, Rayburn Massey, Jason Miller, Chris Wallace and Probate Judge Barry Moore
Franklin County Commission 2019 FRANKLIN COUNTY FOOTBALL
27
THARPTOWN BAND
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2019 FRANKLIN COUNTY FOOTBALL
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RED DEVILS BUILD PROGRAM UNDER NEW HEAD COACH Story by BART MOSS | Photos BART MOSS
W
Coach Ben Guin
hen Ben Guin took over the Vina football program, he said he knew a couple of things were going to have to happen: No. 1, get kids excited to play football, and No. 2, get numbers up. “We’ve got some great kids who work hard,” said the firstyear coach. “We just need more of them.” Vina is coming off a winless season, and Guin said he believes the Red Devil boys need to take baby steps to get competitive in their region. “We have a tough schedule; there’s no doubt about that,” said Guinn. That schedule includes one of the top class 1A teams in the state in Mars Hill. For the Red Devils to take the steps they need to compete in their area, it is going to take hard work, and Guin said his squad has what it takes to start the ball rolling. “Overall, I think dedication is one of the things that stands out about this team,” explained Guin. “They are extremely dedicated and want to succeed.” 2019 FRANKLIN COUNTY FOOTBALL
29
No. 2 Kevin Corado
No. 3 Connor Davidson
No. 7 Elijah Whitefield
No. 8 Haze Weatherford
No. 9 Wyatt Kennedy
No. 12 Jackson Landers
No. 13 Braden Moomaw
No. 17 River Steele
No. 18 Issac Shelton
No. 24 Malik Fletcher
No. 27 Scott Presley
No. 30 Malaiki Fletcher
No. 35 Glen Ashley
No. 50 Zack Davidson
No. 52 Shannon Upton
No. 65 Tristan Martello
No. 66 Nash Humphres
No. 74 Caden Lawler
Senior Braden Moomaw will lead Vina at the quarterback position this year. “Braden has some experience, which helps a lot. Overall, he’s been pretty dedicated, along with all the other seniors. They will be a big part of what we do,” said Guin. At the skill positions Vina will have senior Jackson Landers, junior Elijah Whitfield, junior Haze Weatherford, Malachi Fletcher, junior Glen Ashley and senior River Steele. Up front on the line, the Red Devils will see senior Nash Humphres, Zach Davidson, Shannon Upton and sophomore Caden Lawler take control of the game. “We will base out of split backfield and branch off of that,” said Guin. “We will probably do more running than passing.” One of the predicaments of a small school is numbers and having enough depth to give players proper rest during a game. “We will have a lot of guys going both ways, and we will have trouble just giving guys breathers,” said Guin. “We just have to get everyone in shape and stay healthy.” Vina will open on the road Aug. 23 at Marion County.
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2019 FRANKLIN COUNTY FOOTBALL
VHS RED DEVILS Schedule DATE Aug. 23 Aug. 30 Sept. 6 Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1
OPPONENT at Marion County hosts Brilliant at Phillips hosts Cherokee hosts Phil Campbell OPEN at Mars Hill hosts Waterloo at Shoals Christian hosts Hackleburg at Tharptown
VINA CHEERLEADERS
Vina cheerleaders are (back row from left) Lexie Collum on Braden Moomaw’s shoulder, Baylee Hutcheson, Greta Raper, Avery McNeill, Kaley Attaway, Sara Harper on Scott Presley’s shoulders, Karli Byrd, Abby Petree, Maddie Mills, Hailey Cantrell, Kaylie Lawler on Jackson Landers’ shoulder, (front row from left) LaDava Davis, Lacey Scott, Pandora Tucker, Abby Shelton, Cheyenne Davidson, Logan Presley, Jalyn Shotts, MyliScott Barnett and Destiny Lynch.
VINA RED DEVILS
2019 FRANKLIN COUNTY FOOTBALL
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