From
Leeds Council increase parking fines, lowers fee for yard sales
Joe Cochran honored at Pinson Council meeting, Robbie Roberts sworn in as mayor
11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Center Point man killed in crash during police chase
By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
LEEDS, Ala. – The Leeds City Council met briefly on Monday, Oct. 7 where they approved an ordinance that adjusts two policies of the city’s fine and fee schedule. The changes specifically affect fines for unlawful-
By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
PINSON, Ala. – Pinson
Councilor Robbie Roberts was sworn in as the city’s new mayor on Thursday, Oct. 3, following the passing of Joe Cochran, on Sept. 20.
The regular meeting began with a memorial for Cochran in which all members of the council gave their comments.
“He is greatly missed,” said Councilor Clinteshia
Irvin. “A wonderful visionary. I don’t think I–nobody can fill those shoes, I don’t think. I miss him, I really do.”
“I’m going to miss a very good friend and a very good mentor,” said Councilor Brad Walker. “Thank you, Joe.”
“I’ll never forget it,” he said. “Like I say, I was umpiring. We finished in the inning. It went a little longer, and Joe came out on the field and stopped the game so we could get interviews. And that’s just Joe. And it worked, and we had been friends ever since.”
and ask for something and Joe would do everything he could.”
Councilor John Churchwell recounted when he first met with Cochran in 2003 as he was umpiring a softball game. Cochran had been running for the council when they met at the game.
Trussville schools recognized as A+ College Ready Schools of Distinction
From Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. –
Two Trussville City Schools have been honored with the prestigious A+ College Ready School of Distinction recognition the district announced this week, highlighting their commitment to academic excellence and increased Advanced Placement participation.
Hewitt-Trussville High School was awarded the recognition for demonstrating two years outstanding achievements in AP programs, rigorous coursework, and a strong focus on college and career readiness.
Hewitt-Trussville Middle School received the award in recognition of its students students exceeding the stated PSAT 8/9 growth goal all three years while participating in the A+ College Ready program.
“I am so proud of our students at both Hewitt-Truss-
ville High School and Hewitt-Trussville Middle School for their work with the A+ College Ready state program,” Superintendent
Dr. Patrick Martin said.
“In Trussville, we pride ourselves on excellence in the areas of Academics, Athletics, and the Arts. Our students, 6th through 12th grade, are showing their commitment to not only their academic prowess but being well-rounded young
people that are aspiring to do great things. They not only make Trussville City Schools proud, but also the great community of Trussville. I hope that our students and staff hold their heads up high knowing what an accomplishment this is.”
The A+ College Ready program is known for its rigorous standards and its mission to increase the
See TCS, Page 3
“I will always remember and admire Joe’s love for the schools and sports and what he could do for children,” said Councilor Glenda Kirkland. “He was always–any child could walk up to him
Afterwards, Roberts addressed comments that were made at a contentious meeting on Sept 19 in which the council was divided over Cochran’s performance as he continued to deal with ALS. That night Cochran was absent and little was known about his condition worsening, Roberts said.
“On behalf of the council
day afternoon after his
crashed while being pursued by the Kimberly Police Department, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. At approximately 3 p.m., 27-year-old Cameron
POLICE CHASE, Page 5 See LEEDS, Page 4
Jefferson State celebrates launch of skilled worker program
From Tribune staff reports
CENTER POINT, Ala.
– The Federation for Advanced Manufacturing (FAME) program launched its Magic City chapter at Jefferson State Community College’s Jefferson Campus on Thursday, which will work to address the urgent need for skilled welders, machinists, and industrial maintenance technicians in central Alabama.
The FAME program partners industry with area employees for work-based learning opportunities that focus on high-demand skills and credentials needed for successful manufacturing careers.
“These employers are committing their time, effort and resources to provide meaningful work-based learning opportunities for our students,” JSCC President Keith Brown said. “This partnership will further our workforce development efforts to meet the needs of our local community.”
The Signing Day introduced the Magic City FAME chapter and solidified the partnership between Jefferson State and charter members including Coca-Cola, Amerex, Buffalo Rock, SPOC Automation, Maclean Power Systems, and CMC Steel Alabama.
“FAME is pivotal for our local economies because it highlights the collaborative efforts of our local manufacturers and Jefferson State,” said Alisyn Jackson, deputy director of FAME USA.
“It is beneficial for students because they earn a livable wage while attending college and learning the skills to be successful.”
Robbie Roberts is sworn in with his family, wife Gina and daughters Emily and Natalie. Photo by Nathan Prewett.
A memorial for Joe Cochran at the seat that he formerly had as mayor. Photo by Nathan Prewett.
Photo by Hannah Curran
The Trussville Tribune
190 Main Street
Trussville, AL 35173 (205) 533-8664
Scott Buttram, Publisher publisher@trussvilletribune.com
Chris Basinger, Staff Reporter chris.basinger@trussvilletribune.com
Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor John Goolsby, Sports Editor news@trussvilletribune.com
Brookelyn Rush, Office Manager
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Pinson
I want to say that at the last meeting, which was quite frankly not our finest hour, it wasn’t my finest hour, we did not know that Joe was as sick–of course, we knew about his illness–but we did not know that his end was very, very close,” he said.
He momentarily added, “We would never have had the discussions we had had we known this because it wasn’t fair. It was not respectable to the gentleman.”
He then emotionally shared a text that Cochran had sent after Roberts’ father passed away.
“Although we have disagreements, we need to come together in prayer for Robbie and his family,” he had written.
City employees Marie Turner, Bob Jones and Eric Winfrey, and City Attorney Shane Black later added their thoughts.
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With the position of mayor absent, Black outlined the policy of filling in the unexpired term either from within the council or outside of it. Kirkland made a motion to nominate Roberts, who was appointed after a 3-2 vote, with Irvin and Walker opposing.
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Roberts was sworn in shortly afterwards in the presence of his family–his wife Gina and their daughters Emily and Natalie.
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During public comments several spoke, with one being Dana Henry, who is Cochran’s sister-in-law. She admonished Roberts for the last meeting, calling his comments “vile”. Natalie Roberts later spoke and defended him.
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you’ve got to cause a little chaos to make progress.’” In other business the council:
• Approved the annexation of 6582 Davison Road,
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“I’m very honored to have the position and to continue on,” Roberts later commented to the Tribune. “I want to be able to continue the things that Joe got started and be able to hopefully continue to make Pinson a great place to live in. It’s a lot of responsibility but I’m glad to be able to take it on.”
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Later in the meeting Roberts gave an update on the situation brought up at the last meeting on the fall baseball program in which the liaisons voiced their concerns about it not being able to be held. After discussing it with them he said that a resolution was worked out to allow it to go forward.
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Last to speak was Irvin, addressing her own comments at the Sept. 19 meeting when she confronted Roberts about his attitude regarding Cochran’s performance as mayor. She said that she had talked with Roberts before the Oct. 3 meeting but wanted to speak about it publicly.
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• Passed an ordinance separating the office of city clerk and city treasurer,
• Passed a resolution updating the position of revenue clerk from non-exempt to exempt,
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“I apologize for not going to him personally,” Irvin said. “But I stand by what I said.”
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She momentarily added, “This will not be the first time somebody’s been upset by what I say. That’s a part of us living, and so while we say things that hurt–I won’t say hurt others–they don’t feel comfortable sometimes they have to be said. And so I look forward to us moving forward. I think we’re going to do great things. In the words of Joe, ‘Sometimes
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• Heard from Gerolyn Woodruff, who introduced herself as the new Rudd Middle School principal, Approved authorizing the council to look for vendors for payroll outsourcing and Delayed a public hearing concerning the condition of the building on 4310 Main Street. Pinson City Council meets on the first and third Thursdays of every month at City Hall on 4410 Main Street. Live-streamed meetings can be seen on the city’s Facebook page. Nathan Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@ gmail.com.
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Main St. Gift Company opens inside Swag Salon/Boutique
By Chris Basinger, Staff Writer
TRUSSVILLE, Ala.
–
From sweet treats to surprise gifts, Trussville salon-goers now have a new spot to find a little joy.
Main St. Gift Company celebrated its opening inside Swag Salon/Boutique in downtown Trussville Thursday evening, featuring a wide selection from holiday decorations and self care to devotionals and jewelry.
“Our customers love to shop, and so I thought why not just have this here for them to shop here,” Swag Salon owner Jessica Sutherland said.
“When people come in getting their hair done they can easily grab something for a party that they’re going to or if they have a friend going through something, it’s right here, so while you’re processing getting your hair done you can grab and go, it’s right here, you don’t have to go anywhere else.”
“We just wanted to have something that was a quick grab and go,” said Morgan Helms, who owns and operates Main St. “Little inexpensive cute things–going to meet a friend for lunch and want to take a little happy or you have a friend that had a bad day and want to get a little candle to drop off on her porch on the way home.” Sutherland said she brought Helms in to run the shop and find the right things to fill it with, adding, “She has the eye for it and she has taken it and ran with it and she’s been amazing”
Bakery
From front page
Sunshine’s Bakery, owned by Sunshine Dang and Ronald Williamson, hosted community members including Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. for its celebratory opening over the weekend. The bakery, located at 2231 1st Ave. South, will serve up treats from croissants and cookies to sourdough and muffins Wednesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunshine’s is also looking to hire employees to help bake and clean, and anyone interested can contact them at (205) 602-3485 or sunshinesbakery.llc@ outlook.com.
TCS
From front page
number of students who are ready for college-level coursework.
By being named a School of Distinction, Hewitt-Trussville High School has proven its ability for two years to challenge students, support advanced learning opportunities, and foster an environment where students can thrive academically.
“For Hewitt-Trussville High School to be named a 2024 A+ College Ready School of Distinction and a 2024 Advanced Placement Honor Roll School is a humbling honor,” said HTHS Principal Aaron King.
“We have a little bit of everything,” Helms said. “We do have one whole section that I’ve been calling my ‘teenage girl section’ because it’s like bright colors. My mom keeps asking me like, ‘What does that mean?’ I was like I don’t know but I guarantee if a 16, 17-yearold came in here they would know exactly what it was!”
“Come see us, come get your hair done here,” Sutherland said. “Swag is the place to be!”
“Our teachers have worked exceedingly hard to not only increase the rigor of our curriculum, but also to open the access of our highly rigorous Advanced Placement program. Tammy Dunn and her team at A+ College Ready have supported our faculty in building a culture around open access to advanced placement that has elevated our school community to an elite academic status. I am proud of what our teachers
Art Festival
From front page is a collaboration between Arts Trussville, a local nonprofit founded in 2023, and Alabama Art Supply.
The district will be filled with over thirty tents, showcase pieces from artists across Central Alabama including paintings, sculpture, pottery, and glass works.
Local artists from the Cahaba Art Association here in Trussville will be featured as well.
are helping our students accomplish.”
AP English teacher Lacey DeShazo added, “As someone who has taught AP Literature here for more than a decade, I have watched as our program has gone from one that was on the small side—only reaching the very top students— to a massive one that seeks to expose any willing learner to college-level skills. I’m so proud to work with colleagues that support open access classes, but also have the expertise to help most of our students get college-ready, qualifying scores.”
Hewitt-Trussville Middle School is the only middle school in Alabama to ever receive recognition as a Mary D. Boehm School of Achievement.
This award is named after Mary D. Boehm, a longtime advocate for education in the state. It is presented to schools that demonstrate exceptional academic achievements, particularly in preparing students for success in AP courses and exams, college readiness, and career success.
“To be recognized as a Mary D. Boehm School of
To make room for the event, Morrow Avenue and Beech Street will be blocked off to vehicle traffic and transformed into a pedestrian plaza for visitors to mingle among the artists and enjoy their artwork. The art on display will be for sale through personal interaction with the exhibiting artists while other selected items will be available for bids in a silent auction tent to benefit Children’s Hospital of Alabama. There will also be some
Achievement is a blessing for Hewitt Trussville Middle School,” said HTMS Principal Jared Meads. “I want to thank A+ College Ready for their support over these previous three years. This award is a testament to the hard work put forth by the students, as well as a reflection of the quality teachers we have at Trussville City Schools. Our administrative team could not be more proud, and we look forward to continuing this great work at Hewitt Trussville Middle School.” 8th Grade Physical Science teacher Jada Burns added, “Serving HTMS as A+ Coordinator for the past 2 years has been my honor. I work alongside some of the best teachers in the state. I take pride in how we all work together to strive to make a better learning environment for our students at HTMS because teaching and learning remain the focus.”
Representatives from both Hewitt-Trussville High School and Hewitt-Trussville Middle School will be recognized at the October Trussville City Schools Board of Education meeting.
prize giveaways at the festival, which will be awarded between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
There will also be a Bluegrass Festival on Sunday featured on the Gateway’s stage. This will be the second annual art show sponsored by Arts Trussville, who will have a tent for community members to learn more about how they can get involved in the work they are doing. For more information, visit artstrussville.org or contact kathy@artstrussville. org.
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Morgan Helms and Jessica Sutherland celebrate the new gift shop's opening. Chris Basinger/Trussville Tribune
Local business leader publishes book to help growing small businesses
From Tribune staff reports
ODENVILLE, Ala. –
Local business leader and marketing expert Dona Atkinson Bonnett announced the launch of her latest book this week, “50 Marketing Tips for Your Small Business,” looking to help guide small business owners wanting to attract more customers and enhance their visibility.
“Business owners face many challenges, from competition to the economy, and one of the biggest hurdles is keeping a steady flow of customers,” said Bonnett, who owns adr Business & Marketing Strategies.
“This book provides 50 great marketing ideas to help local businesses not only survive, but thrive. We want to help you take your business to the next level.”
In the book, Bonnett addresses the critical need for brick-and-mortar stores to compete with the growing trend of online shopping in today’s competitive market and offers a comprehensive approach to boosting local business traffic.
“50 Marketing Tips for Your Small Business” is now available on Amazon in both Kindle e-book and paperback formats.
Leeds Chamber staffer honored for 15 years in industry at state conference
From Tribune staff reports
LEEDS, Ala – Leeds
Area Chamber of Com-
merce Social Media and Membership Coordinator
Diane Poole was recognized for her years of service in the industry at the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama’s professional development conference this week.
Over 100 chamber pro-
fessionals from across the state gathered at the Orange Beach Event Center to learn, collaborate, and grow.
Poole’s Distinguished Service Award recognizes her 15 years in the chamber industry, serving the Trussville Area Chamber (11 years), Clay-Pinson Chamber (1 year), Greater Irondale Chamber (over 1 year), and Leeds Area Chamber
(over 2 years).
“The relationships built and the progress made in each community are what make this journey so special,” Poole said.
“I’m excited for the future and the continued opportunity to serve and support our local businesses and communities. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey!”
PUBLIC NOTICE: Requesting review of three tilt/communication poles located at 1200 Norfolk Southern Drive, Irondale, Jefferson County, Alabama 35210: an existing 35-foot tilt/communications pole (33° 32' 57.06" N 86° 41' 47.72" W), which is proposed to be increased to 45-feet; a proposed new 45-foot tilt/communications pole (33° 32' 57.30" N 86° 40' 34.32" W); and a proposed new 60-foot tilt/communications pole (33° 33' 45.18" N 86° 40' 58.84" W).
Public comments regarding potential effects from these three sites on historic properties may be submitted within 30-days from the date of this publication to: Jenny Guest, Terracon, 13050 Eastgate Park Way Suite 101 Louisville, Kentucky 40223, 502-365-9702 or jenny.guest@terracon.com.
Goodwill opens new career center in Center Point
From Tribune staff reports
CENTER POINT, Ala.
– Center Point’s Goodwill Store and Donation Center celebrated the opening of its new career center last week, which looks to help boost employment locally.
The career center is a free resource for community members seeking job placement assistance, skills train-
ly parking in handicapped spaces and permit fees for yard sales.
The new policy increases the parking fine from $250 to $500 while the fee for yard sales has been lowered from $25 to now being no cost at all.
“You may wonder why we would want to reduce the–or even continue to have a permit for our yard sales,” Mayor David Miller said.
“And that’s so that we can keep track of–I know that we’ve had instances, one on my street where a person was essentially running a flea market and was having a yard sale about every two days without having a business license, so that’s the reason for that.”
ing, resume preparation, and access to local resources to meet their needs.
“We want to thank our community and partners for making this possible,” Alabama Goodwill shared on Facebook.
“We are thrilled to expand our service options for Center Point and provide the community with resources for their success.”
Miller added that the new parking fines policy would also bring the city up to date with other nearby cities such as Moody and Irondale, which have also implemented $500 fines.
During public comments the council heard from Tena Payne of Earthborn Pottery on Parkway Drive, who said that she was audited in 2023 by Avenu and was told that she should be paying for multiple business licenses due to her performing several functions there, including teaching.
She said that she received a certificate designating the building as a B-2, which she said should allow her to avoid having to pay for those. She had also received a notice that her business license had changed and that she was told that she had to pay more than $21,000 to bring it up to date.
The career center is located at the back of the store and welcomes walk-ins every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those interested in the program can start by creating a My Career Advisor account at mycareeradvisor. com/register to be connected with a workforce specialist.
city’s legal counsel to work out a solution and reconfirm the building’s B-2 status. In other business the council:
• Accepted a Jefferson County grant proceeds to support the senior citizens programs,
• Renewed its agreement with St. Clair County for municipal inmate housing,
• Approved a 5% cost of living adjustment for all city employees,
• Adopted and ratified the June 2024 city expenditures and payables, and
• Declared surplus property and authorized their sale, including an old fire truck to be donated to a museum. Meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of every month at City Hall on 1400 9th Street Northeast. Agenda packets can be seen online at the City of Leeds website.
She asked that the city government intervene, to which Miller said that he would consult with the
Nathan Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@ gmail.com.
Center Point celebrates the opening of Goodwill's new career center.
Photo via Alabama Goodwill.
Police investigate the scene of the shooting.
1 dead, 1 wounded as ShotSpotter registers 42 rounds of gunfire
From Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –
Four ShotSpotter alerts reg-
istering a total of 42 rounds of gunfire on Saturday morning sent Birmingham Police Officers rushing to the 800 block of 3rd Avenue West, according to BPD Sgt. LaQuitta Wade.
When officers arrived at the scene of the 3 a.m. incident, they found the aftermath of a shootout in a Birmingham business parking lot that left one person
dead, another person with life-threatening wounds, and bullet casings scattered across the property.
Wade said officers found a person unresponsive in a vehicle, suffering from a gunshot wound. Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel pronounced the victim dead on the scene.
Officers were notified that a second shooting victim had arrived at Princeton Hospital by way of a private vehicle. That victim had sustained life-threatening
injuries, Wade said.
Officers believe the unknown shooter was lying in wait as one of the victims attempted to leave the parking lot and began shooting into the victim’s vehicle, fatally wounding the victim.
“We also believe an additional unknown person began firing shots in the parking lot of the location and the second victim was caught in the crossfire,” Wade said.
Police do not have a suspect in custody at this time.
25-year-old Pinson man dies in motorcycle crash
From Tribune staff reports
PINSON, Ala. – A Pinson man was killed after his motorcycle crashed on Sunday, Oct. 6, along Pine Mountain Road, according to the Jefferson County Cor-
oner’s Office. At approximately 12:47 p.m., Zachary Lewis Cole, 25, was riding his motorcycle when it was involved in a two-vehicle crash in the 8700 block of Pine Mountain Road.
Cole was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the circumstances surrounding the wreck. No other details have been released at this time.
Springville hosting memorial for fallen St. Clair County law enforcement officers
From Tribune staff reports
SPRINGVILLE, Ala. –
The City of Springville is preparing to host a memorial service honoring fallen officers in St. Clair County this Sunday, Oct. 13.
The ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. at Big Springs Park, and the public is invited to attend.
“This special ceremony pays tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our community,” the city wrote. “Let’s stand together in remembrance and support.”
23-year-old missing, last seen near I-59 around Roebuck
From Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.
– The Birmingham Police Department is asking the public for assistance locating a missing woman who was last seen on Sunday near Roebuck.
Gia Maria Beck, 23, was last seen wearing navy blue jogger pants rolled up to her knees near Interstate 59. She is 5 feet 6 inches tall, and it is unknown if she has any mental illnesses. Anyone with knowledge of her whereabouts can contact BPD at (205) 328-9311.
Police Chase
From front page
De’juan Nix was fatally injured when the 2015 Nissan Altima he was driving left the roadway, struck a ditch, and hit a tree before overturning.
At the time of the crash, he was attempting to elude officers with the Kimberly and Warrior Police Departments.
Nix was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at
the scene.
The crash occurred on U.S. Highway 31 North between Old Highway 31 and Nail Road.
ALEA is investigating the circumstances surrounding the wreck.
Gia Maria Beck
Alabama Senators Challenging Mexican Seizure of State Company Facilities
By Paul DeMarco
Alabama has a lot of important corporate citizens.
Birmingham based Vulcan Materials Company, is one of them, as it is the United States number one producer of aggregate materials for such as crushed stone, sand and gravel. The company is also a major producer of as-
phalt and ready-mixed concrete. And unfortunately, the company made the news this past week when the Mexican government seized Vulcan’s deep-water port on the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula on the Caribbean Sea.
This fight between Mexico and Vulcan has been brewing since 2018 but has now
reached the point of the confiscation of the company’s operations.
Alabama Senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt have been outspoken in their criticism of Mexico and its lame duck president who on his few remaining days in office ordered the shutdown of Vulcan’s port. At this point, if Mexico does
not return the facilities back to Vulcan, Senators Tuberville and Britt must immediately demand that the Biden Administration take swift retaliatory action against Mexico. They have already made it clear to the incoming president of Mexico that he must reverse the actions of the current leadership.
The United States should
not stand by with what has occurred to Biden, and Alabama’s entire federal leadership need to ensure that Mexico feels strong ramifications for their actions.
Paul DeMarco is a former member of the Alabama House of Representatives and can be found on X, formerly Twitter, at @Paul_ DeMarco
Leaf Peeper Season coming soon!
By Jenna P. Jones, Trussville Tree Commission
The process of autumn leaves changing colors is called senescene. And here to explain that beautiful mystery is a publication from the Alabama Forestry Commission:
The Secret of Fall Colors Few sights satisfy the soul like the brilliant colors splashed across our nation’s hardwood forests each fall. Refusing to slip quietly into winter, nature marches out with great fanfare, trumpeting the bright oranges and yellows of sugar maples across New England, blaring the gold of aspens across the Rockies, and blowing sultry notes across the South in the deep scarlet of red oaks and deep purple of black gums.
But what determines which color tone is assigned to a particular tree? And how is the color change triggered? Actually, the secret is in the sap. The chemical composition of each tree’s sap provides “instructions” on what fall color its leaves should turn.
The amount of iron, magnesium, phosphorus or sodium in the tree, and the acid-
ity of the chemicals in the leaves, determines whether the tree turns amber, gold, red, orange, purple, or just fades from green to brown. For example, scarlet oaks, red maples, and sumacs have a slightly acidic sap which causes their leaves to turn bright red. On the other hand, the leaves of some varieties of ash, growing in areas where limestone (alkaline) is present, will turn a regal purplish-blue.
What triggers the change? Popular myth credits Jack Frost with orchestrating the color transformation, but in reality, the thermometer has little to do with it. The answer lies in the shifting rhythm of day and night. As the days grow
shorter and the nights longer, a chemical clock inside the trees starts up, releasing a hormone which restricts the flow of sap to each leaf. As autumn progresses, the sap flow slows and chlorophyll, the chemical that gives leaves their green color in the spring and summer, disappears. The residual sap becomes more concentrated as it dries, creating the colors of fall.
Autumn leaves are not merely pretty. As leaves die and fall to earth, minerals that were taken up into the tree return back to the soil. Mammals, insects, fungi, and bacteria on the forest floor help decompose the leaves, releasing their nutrients to growing plants and
trees, and adding organic material to the soil. And even as this year’s leaves fall, next spring’s leaves are tightly wrapped in buds. When they unfurl, they will replenish the air as they absorb carbon dioxide and “exhale” oxygen.
Far less dramatic than hardwoods, most conifers also lose their three-yearold “leaves,” or needles, in the fall. And every spring, tender green shoots grow at the end of pine limbs in a cycle of renewal.
The renewal of fall’s color mirrors the renewal of our forests. Just as trees prepare themselves for spring by putting forth buds, people prepare for future generations by planting forests.
In 1992, 178 million tree seedlings were planted in Alabama. This amounts to 45 trees for each and every Alabamian. As long as this concern for our state’s forests flourishes, Alabamians will have ample forestland for their recreation and timber needs, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the glorious colors of autumn.
The Alabama Forestry Commission offers these suggestions for trees which can give your yard more fall color: Yellow Gold: Beech, Birch, Elm, Ginkgo, Hackberry, Hickory, Locust, Pecan, Persimmon, Swamp White Oak, Sycamore, Willow Orange: Northern Red
In conclusion, fall and winter are the most ideal seasons to plant trees. Cooler temperatures trigger a rest for trees to spend less energy producing foliage and instead, direct resources to root growth. Do your ‘best tree for the best place’ research before purchasing a tree this fall. In addition, the Alabama Forestry Commission provides both free bare root and 3 gallon trees during February’s Arbor Week. The Trussville Tree Commission works in collaboration with the AFC to supplement even more trees in this giveaway. The Tree Commission has worked diligently to earn the title of Tree City USA for the past 2 years and anticipates a renewal in 2025.
For the leaf peepers among us, there are several good leaf peeper driving/ hiking maps that will update the daily color transition. In your search, include the words North or Central Alabama. Happy leaf peeping!
Oak, Sassafras, Southern Red Oak
Gold: Ash, Buckeye, Willow Oak, Yellow Poplar Red: Black Cherry, Dogwood, Red Maple, Scarlet Oak, Sour-wood, White Oak
Paul DeMarco
Lass But Not Least: A Visit to an Old Friend
By Ken Lass
She is 74 years old. She lives alone in a tiny apartment in a building designated for low income and mentally challenged individuals.
Let’s call her Sue. Several years earlier she had been diagnosed with a form of schizophrenia. She says she heard voices in her head, and often had trouble deciding if they were real. She is on medication. Heavy medication. She has no immediate family living nearby. We don’t get to see her very often. Her place is several hundred miles from our Trussville home. It had been two years since we made this trip. But we wanted to see how she was doing. When we arrived, we knocked on her door. No answer. Odd, since she was expecting us. We eventually found her in the lunch room, sitting by herself, waiting for the meal to be served, even though that was not going to happen for another half hour. Apparently she had forgotten we were taking her out for lunch.
Her mind is cloudy and fading fast. She’s losing the ability to execute very simple functions. For example, she tells us her TV is broken and only gets one channel. We find her TV is working fine. She just can no longer figure out how to operate the remote control to change channels. I explain the process to her and have her try it. She is overjoyed to see the channels change and to experience a whole new world of viewing options. Will she remember how to do it?
Sue used to call us regularly to check in. That stopped abruptly a few
months ago. She tells us her phone is not working. It’s an old fashioned, non-smart, mobile phone. She says she has trouble remembering to charge it. We find her phone on the kitchen counter with the batteries taken out and lying beside it. I ask her who took the batteries out. She’s not sure. Maybe it was the cleaning lady, she says, but can offer no reason why. She has complained in the past of solicitors constantly calling her, trying to sell her things. A few times she has been tricked into buying items she didn’t need. We suspect she took the batteries out herself to stop the calls.
I put the batteries back in the phone. It works perfectly. We emphasize it’s important to keep her phone working so that we can call her, or she can call us, or if she needs to call for help in an emergency. We point out how the number of an incoming call shows up on the phone display screen, and how she can tell if it’s us by recognizing our number. She slowly nods and says simply “okay”. We’re not at all sure she comprehends. She used to get out and walk for exercise every day, but a few years back she was on a city sidewalk watching a Flag Day parade when somebody accidentally bumped into her and knocked her down, breaking her hip. Now she uses a walker and no longer has any desire to go out for strolls. We ask her what she does to pass the time. Sue tells us she is very busy cleaning and organizing her apartment. But one glance around the place reveals it is anything but organized. There is clutter piled up ev-
erywhere. Unopened mail stacked up on her small nook table. Dishes and glasses, some washed, some not, covering up her kitchen counter. Empty soft drink bottles standing on end tables and shelves. There are countless containers of creams, razors, and other toiletries sitting around her bathroom sink. You can scarcely turn the water on
without knocking something over. She lives on social security and a stipend from Medicare. She sees a doctor, a physical therapist and a psychiatrist. Social workers take her shopping. The building provides lunch, for a fee, every day except Sunday. We ask her what she had for breakfast today. She replies an ice cream sand-
Problem?
wich and a few Cheerios. Her suppers are largely TV dinners. We always take her out to eat when we’re there, figuring she would love a trip to a nice restaurant. We ask her where she wants to go. She says she wants a hamburger and fries. A good ole greasy burger and fries. She says she never gets those anymore. Well, If that’s what she wants, we
decide that’s what she gets. Fast food it is. She devours her burger as though she just went to heaven, and heaven turned out to be McDonald’s.
After lunch we go back to her place, watch TV with her for a few hours (several different channels!) then give her a big hug, tell her to stay in touch, and say our goodbyes. Somehow, through it all, she seems at peace, taking small bits of pleasure and joy out of life where she can. She seemed to truly delight in seeing us again.
I know you’re not supposed to hate, but I hate mental illness. It robs you of your dignity and your ability to experience many of the wonderful blessings of this world. Sue’s life is not what it should be, but it is what it is. It’s not fair, but I guess nobody promised that.
One of every five adults in the United States experiences some sort of mental health issue each year. October 6 through 12 is Mental Illness Awareness Week. Organizations that try to meet this need, such as NAMI, could use your support. More than likely, several folks like Sue are in our community. They shouldn’t have to face their demons alone.
Ken Lass, Tribune columnist
Virginia “Jenny” Crider
december 20, 1937 — september 26, 2024
Mrs. Virginia (Jenny) M. Crider age 86 of Morganton Hwy Suches, Georgia passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday September 26, 2024, at her home following an extended illness. Jenny was born on December 20,1937 in Dayton, Ohio, the daughter of the late Robert Edgar Mitchell and the late Floy Long Mitchell. Jenny loved working large jig saw puzzles, crossword puzzles and coloring pictures. Most of all she was a prayer warrior who loved the Lord and going to her church. She was a loving and caring mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Jenny was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Martin Crider and her first husband, Charles Edward Tucker, Senior; brother, Robert Edgar Mitchell Jr. and a sister, Elaine Mitchell. Jenny was of the Baptist faith and long-time member of Sixty Sixth Street Baptist Church, Birmingham; Ruhama Baptist Church, Birmingham; and The Church at Grants Mill, Irondale.
Surviving Mrs. Crider are two daughters and one son, one daughter-in-law in and two sons-in-law: Debra and Ken Langford of Suches, GA. Cathy and Jerry Stewart of Springville, AL. and Chuck and Jerrye Tucker of Dora, AL. Jenny had nine grandchildren: Bobby (Pamela), Joseph Sr. (Christina), Jeremy (Susanne), Kevin (Lindsey), Kayla, Ricky, Chuck Jr., Jon and Brandon. Eleven great grandchildren, Alexus (Tom), Brooke, Carley, Shanna, Madison, Jason, Kaylee, Kyleigh, Joseph, Amelia and Grayson, several nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends also survive.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 5th, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Jefferson Memorial Gardens Funeral Home and Gardens, Trussville, AL., with interment immediately held after the service at Jefferson Memorial Gardens, Trussville. Family visitation will be from1:00 to 2:00 before the service. Senior Pastor Steve Cleckler of The Church at Grants Mill is officiating the service. Flowers are accepted or if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in Jenny’s memory.
The family extends their gratitude and thanks to Appalachian Hospice of Blairsville, Georgia for their compassion, care and support to Jenny and the family. Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville, GA along with Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens, Trussville, AL oversees the arrangements.
Erskine Sims
november 25, 1933 — september 30, 2024
Funeral services will be Friday, October 4th, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home for Erskine Sims, age 90, of Pinson, who passed away Monday, September 30, 2024, due to issues caused by pneumonia. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Jefferson Memorial Gardens. Services under the direction of Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens.
A visitation honoring Erskine’s life will be Friday from 1:00 PM until the time of service at the funeral home.
Erskine was a longtime faithful member at Gardendale First Baptist Church. He was born and grew up in Bessemer, AL, to Jessie James and Mary R. Sims. He faithfully served his country in the United States Army from 1952 to 1955.
Upon being honorably discharged from the military, Erskine began his longtime career of 65 plus years with CSX Railroad, moving up through various positions due his loyal and dedicated service.
Erskine was always an active person, who enjoyed daily walks and working out to keep in shape, along with a love for sports, especially bowling and playing golf.
Erskine was loved by his family and will be deeply missed.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Waltraud Trudy Sims; children, Silvia Hening (Chuck Palmer), Pamela Bantner; Terry Sims (Kim); grandchildren, Adrian Reynolds, Rhi Currier, Layla Hunt (Clark), Rachel Higginbotham (Chase), Jenna Sims; great grandchildren, Preston Ramirez, Audrey Rose Higginbotham. He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Jesse, Kenneth, and Arcue Sims, Otis, John, Neil, and Alton Doriety.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Gardendale First Baptist Church in honor of Erskine.
Gerald Glenn Merchant
august 14, 1958 — september 30, 2024
Gerald Merchant, the fifth of seven children, passed away on September 30, 2024 at the age of 66. He was a kind and genuine person who always did the right thing. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Loree Merchant and his younger brother, Gordon.
Gerald is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Clowdus Merchant, his sons Scott (Gina) and Philip (Dawn) Williams and his grandchildren, Ariel (Anthony) Johnson, Brady and Patrick Williams. He also leaves behind a great-grandchild, Riley Johnson and his siblings, Billy, George (Sandra), Gary (Alice), Michael Merchant and Gloria Wolfe, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Gerald’s life trade was plumbing, but his true passion was serving his family as well as others. Since retiring, he dedicated his time to Serving You Ministries and other missions at Northpark Baptist Church. He was deeply loved by his family and friends and his loss will be felt by many for years to come.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Northpark Baptist Church on Monday, October 14th with a visitation beginning at 9:30 AM and service to follow at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northpark Baptist Church Missions, P.O. Box 1110, Trussville, AL 35173 or nponline.org
Martha Vest
march 3, 1936 — september 30, 2024
Martha Lucinda Vest passed away peacefully in her home on September 30, 2024 at the age of 88. She was born on March 3, 1936 at home in rural Blount County, AL near Friday’s Crossing. Cindy spent her childhood on the family farm with her ten siblings. She went on to marry James Vest and raise their three children in the East Lake suburb of Birmingham. Cindy and James moved to Pinson in
and daughters Elaine and Karen. She is survived by her son, Kenneth; grandchildren Marty, Nicole, Lauren, Daniel, and Katelyn; and great-grandchildren Charlotte, Bennett, Ethan, Alikai, Nolan, and Cameron. She will be remembered as a devout Christian, fantastic cook, and someone who loved visiting with friends and family.
Wanda Jorda n
october 13, 1947 — october 1, 2024
Graveside Services for Mrs. Wanda Jordan, age 76 of Center Point, will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. at Jefferson Memorial Gardens with her family and friends officiating.
Mrs. Jordan passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 peacefully at her home. Born and raised in Alabama, she received her bachelor’s degree in nursing and worked as a Registered Nurse and in the medical field for most of her life. Mrs. Jordan was a breast cancer survivor, and she loved her family deeply.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Ted Jordan, her daughter, Traci Bailey (Mel), four grandchildren, Trey, Jordan, Raegan and Joshua Bailey, and her sister, Cathryn Conn.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Lillie Self, her sister, Carolyn Spencer and her brother, Robert Self.
Pallbearers will be Trey Bailey, Jordan Bailey, Raegan Bailey, Joshua Bailey, Benjamin Self, Randy Spencer, Chris Conn and Dewayne Conn.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024 from 9:00 A.M. until service time at 10:00 A.M. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home.
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Local Meetings
● Trussville City Council Meetings: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., City Council Annex
● Trussville Board of Education Meetings: 3rd Monday of each month at 6 p.m., TCS Central Office
● Clay City Council Meetings: 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.
● Pinson City Council Meetings: 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.
● Center Point City Council Meetings: 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, at 6:30 p.m.
● Argo City Council Meetings: 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 5 p.m.
● Springville City Council Meetings: 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 6 p.m.
● Irondale City Council Meetings: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.
● Leeds City Council Meetings: 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 6 p.m.
● Moody City Council Meetings: 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at 6 p.m.
Trussville Public Library
● Bookin’ It 5K: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 8 a.m. - Fundraiser for Friends of the Trussville Library
● ACT Prep: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 10 a.m. - ACT Prep Class
● ACT Prep: Saturday, Oct. 13 at 1:30 p.m. - ACT Prep Class
● Halloween Painting: Monday, Oct. 14 at 4 p.m.
- Teens, join us to paint a Halloween-themed piece of art
● Chess Club: Monday, Oct. 14 at 5 p.m. - Learn the basics, cool tricks, strategy, opening, and tactics in chess from a ChessKidsNation coach
● Yoga in the Park with Brittney Lee: Monday, Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. - Take a moment for yourself and join us for a yoga session with Brittney Lee in Masonic Park behind the library
● Books & Brews: Monday, Oct. 14 at 7:15 p.m. - An evening Adult Book Club meeting at Ferus Artisan Ales
● Library 101: Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 10 a.m. - Learn the basics of what TPL has to offer and how you can access it
● Teen Advisory Board: Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 4 p.m.
- A place for teens help out at the library
● Adult Book Club: Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. - New date and time for adult book club at the Parkway Room
● Video Game Tournament (Teens): Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. - Video Game tournament featuring various games and prizes
● Children’s Storytime: Thursday, Oct. 17 at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. - Join Ms. Alicia for stories, songs, bubble time, and lots of fun! ● Understanding Medicare: Thursday, Oct. 17 at 1 p.m. - Educational seminar about Medicare options ● Teen-Homeschool Hangout: Thursday, Oct. 17 at 1 p.m. - For 6th-12th graders ● Pages
By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
CENTER POINT, Ala.
– The Moody Blue Devils (4-2, 3-0) traveled to Center Point on Friday night and defeated the Eagles 36-12.
The win was Moody’s first over Center Point (4-3, 3-1) in nine meetings. The Eagles had outscored the Blue Devils 96-25 the previous two years.
Georgia Southern commit Charlie Johnston threw for 264 yards and four touchdowns on the night.
Johnston’s favorite target of the night was Josiah Dozier. The junior hauled in six passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns.
The game saw the return of Center Point’s Deon Moore, who had missed the two previous games.
The Moody defense limited Moore to 148 yards, in part due to George Bate’s squad’s plethora of injuries.
Moody’s head coach, Jake Ganus, was happy with the win but was not pleased with his team’s errors.
“The turnovers, the penalties, if I’m being honest, that game was really bad, that score was a lot different,” said Ganus. “I know we won by however much, but the standard is the standard.”
“If we are going to play and compete for a state championship, we have to get a lot better, but I am proud of our guys.”
The Johnston to Dozier
Moody tops Center Point
combination got Moody on the board first with a 43yard strike with 11:50 in the second quarter. It didn’t take Moody long to get on the board again. Following a sky kick kickoff recovery by Brody McCutcheon, the Blue Devils scored on a Bravis Cave, Jr. six-yard run. Cave followed up his score with a two-point conversion to make the score 15-0 with 10:36 on the clock.
On Center Point’s ensuing drive, the Eagles moved to the Moody 25-yard line on a 28-yard Moore to Antonio Garfield completion. The Eagles’ drive ended
when Kaleb Goff intercepted a Moore pass on fourth down and returned it to the Center Point 27-yard line.
Three plays later, the Blue Devils were on the board again, courtesy of a 14-yard reception by Braden Wright from Johnston. The PAT attempt failed, and Moody held a 21-0 lead with 4:22 remaining in the half.
Center Point could not move the ball on its next possession and gave it back to Moody.
The Blue Devils, looking to get another score before the half, went to the air, but Mikhi Carson intercepted Johnston’s pass and
returned it for a touchdown.
The two-point try was no good, and the Eagles cut the lead to 21-6 with 1:36 on the clock before the break.
The Blue Devils weren’t done scoring, though. With 1:02 left, Johnston connected with Jalijah Rutledge for a 45-yard touchdown to put Moody up 29-6 after a successful two-point conversion by Goff.
A 75-yard pass from Johnston to Dozier four minutes into the second half
pushed the Moody lead to 36-6.
The Eagles put together a drive and scored on a Moore eight-yard run with 7:12 in the game. The twopoint try failed, and Moody returned to St. Clair County with a 36-12 victory.
Center Point head coach George Bates was disappointed with the Eagle’s loss but optimistic about the rest of the season.
“We are working on our team,” he said. “We are try-
ing to see what works. At the end of the day, we have a bye week to work on some things.”
“We will get some kids back and look different in the playoffs.”
Moody hosts Leeds in the “Battle of the Bridge” Friday night. The Greenwave hold a 15-1 on-thefield record against Moody. The last Blue Devil victory came in 2009.
Center Point has a much-needed bye week.
Moody’s Charlie Johnston takes the snap.
Photo by: John Goolsby
Josiah Dozier locates the ball. Photo by: Moody Football
Cougars survive Spartans
By Britney Bailey and John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
CLAY, Ala.
– The 6A third-ranked ClayChalkville Cougars (6-0, 3-0) continue their winning streak with a 21-14 region win over Mountain Brook in a rare home game.
It took quarterback Aaron Frye’s three touchdown, 298-yard performance, and a late stand from the Cougar defense to defeat the 6A eighth-ranked Spartans (4-3, 1-2).
The Cougar offense started unusually slowly, with a turnover on their first possession; Clay would not find the endzone until the second quarter.
A 65-yard combination on two plays from Aaron Osley, with 32 yards and 33 yards from Frye, put the Cougars at the two-yard line.
Frye finished the sequence and put six on the board for the Cougars’ first lead of the night with a two-yard run.
The PAT from Joseph Del Toro put the Cougars up 7-0 at the 11:00 mark in the second quarter.
The visiting Spartans answered with 5:46 to go in the second quarter after a short touchdown run from Mountain Brook running back Stuart Andrews to tie it up.
Clay retaliated quickly on their next possession,
with Frye finding Marlon Compton for 25 yards to put the Cougars back in scoring position.
Cougar running back Aaron Osley added to the mix, and Frye finished the job again on a seven-yard run to up the Cougar lead to 14-7 after the successful PAT with a little over three minutes left in the half.
The Cougar offense, starting at their own 22-yard line to open the half, kept the momentum going. Frye’s eight-yard run, his third rushing score of the night, extended the Cougars’ lead to 21-7 with just over seven minutes remaining in the quarter. The Cougars executed a critical fake punt of 16 yards by Xavier Starks to keep the 11-play drive alive.
The Spartans would find the endzone two minutes later, on a 10-yard run from Spartan quarterback Cayden Hofbauer to cut the Cougar lead to seven.
With less than 90 seconds left on the clock and leading 21-14, the Cougars were at the Spartans’ 21yard line facing a fourthand-1. Clay, looking to put the game away, decided to go for it, but fumbled the snap and the Spartans took possession.
A personal foul on Clay and a 33-yard completion set Mountain Brook up with a first and goal from the Cou-
gars’ eight-yard line with 23 seconds on the clock.
Although the contest ended in a chaotic clock situation with an almost tying touchdown from the Spartans, the Cougar defense held on to the win. Defensive lineman Patrick Smith, Jr. ended the game with a sack on the Spartan quarterback, but the officials gave Mountain Brook time back for one last play.
The game would end on a failed Hail Mary from the Spartans, and the Cougars would remain undefeated.
Cougar Head Coach Stuart Floyd, on his team’s back-to-back weeks of close game wins against tough teams, said, “It’s good to win tough games. Win close games, you get in the playoffs, you’re going to have some tight games. I wish we would play better so they weren’t tight, but at the same time, when you get in the playoffs and you’ve been there and got that experience with a tight game, you can fall back on that.”
Frye completed 14 of 22 passes for 178 yards and rushed 13 times for 120 yards.
Osley rushed for 90 yards on 16 carries. Compton had four catches for 53 yards.
Clay-Chalkville will host Huffman in regional play next Friday.
Greenies outscore Saints in region matchup
By Will Heath, For the Tribune
LEEDS – The 8thranked Green Wave rolled up over 400 yards of offense, and blocked a punt that resulted in a touchdown, in a 56-point outburst on Friday night at Homer Smiles Field.
They needed every ounce of it to escape against region foe St. Clair County in a 56-42 victory.
Leeds (6-1, 4-0) got 286 all-purpose yards from senior quarterback Conner Nelson, who combined with tailback ZJ Dale to score all 42 of the offensive points for the home team on Senior Night. As a team, Leeds rushed for 328 yards.
“Just doing everything we could to score,” said senior offensive tackle Gavin Bowlin.
The Green Wave needed it to withstand the offensive onslaught from St. Clair County (2-4, 0-3). Sophomore quarterback Landyn Smith threw for 428 yards and five touchdowns. Most of that tally went to senior wideout Jeremiah Thomas, who finished with 193 yards. Smith earned most of his passing yardage on bombs, with completions of 40, 61, 39, 52, 49 and 26 among his total.
“Offensively, we can be electric when we want to be,” St. Clair County head coach Tyler Robinson said afterward.
Smith scored the Saints’ final TD — a 10-yard rush — midway through the fourth quarter, as the Saints drew to within 49-42. But the Green Wave offense took over after, driving 82 yards and bleeding all but 90 seconds off the clock. Nelson rammed in a 3-yard TD to cap the drive.
“That (drive) was a
beautiful thing,” Leeds head coach Jerry Hood said. “Our offensive kids that are all returners, held up their end of the bargain tonight, while we learn how to play a little better pass coverage.”
Another difference for Leeds tonight came on special teams. The Green Wave took the lead for good when junior Gavin Howard blocked a St. Clair County punt, then scooped up the loose ball and returned it for a touchdown.
“I came off the edge, timed it perfectly and got my hands in a perfect position and blocked it,” Howard said. “We had our struggles. We came together and played as a team, and bowed up in the end and won the game.”
The two teams traded scores for most of the rest of
the game. The Green Wave punted once, in the third quarter, while the Saints would punt only once more after Howard’s block.
“I was proud of the way they played offensively,” said Robinson. “I just wish we played a full game tonight.
Hood said the experience will be a valuable one for his young secondary.
“I am so proud of them for persevering,” Hood said.
“No matter what everybody else thinks of them.”
That experience will have to serve in the coming week. Leeds will travel to face archrival Moody on Friday.
“That’s going to be a good one,” Bowlin said.
St. Clair County will return home to face Springville.
Cougars celebrate win over Spartans.
Credit: Jake McCune
Leeds coach Jerry Hood addresses his team after the win over St Clair. Photo by: Will Heath
Springville loses region game against Jacksonville
By Johnny Sanders, Sports Editor
SPRINGVILLE, ALA-
BAMA – The Springville Tigers hosted the Jacksonville Golden Eagles on Friday night in a key region matchup on homecoming in a game that saw Springville come out on fire, but mistakes and a Jake Conner injury proved to be too much to overcome for the home team as they fell 44-14 to Jacksonville.
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it 37-7 and that is how the quarter would end.
The Tigers would not give up and, with freshman Brennen Archer at quarterback, they put together a drive that saw him go twofor-two for 22 yards and it was capped off by a Hunter Kreamer touchdown from 12 yards out to make it 3714 Eagles.
Huskies fall on the road to Warriors
By Sherry S. Parker, For the Tribune
ALABASTER, Ala. –
The Hewitt Trussville Huskies (5-2, 2-2) took their show on the road Friday night to take on the Thompson Warriors (5-2, 4-0) and left Alabaster with a hardfought 15-10 Region 3 loss.
After an impressive opening drive put Hewitt in field goal range, the 42-yard attempt came up short.
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Jacksonville would tack on another score at the 7:01 mark of the fourth and the game would end with the Eagles winning 44-14.
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be missed, making it 13-7 Eagles.
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Springville got the ball first and used a healthy does of Gavin Webber to get the ball down the field. Mixed in there was a 22-yard connection from Jake Conner to Brodie Frederick that set the Eagles on their heels. On first and goal from the fouryard line, Webber punched in his first touchdown on the night and the homecoming crowd was electric as their team took a 7-0 lead at the 7:51 mark of the first quarter. Jacksonville would be unable to get much done on offense as Springville’s defense was playing inspired and stuffed them, holding them to a punt. Springville would get the ball and move it a little, but an 18-yard loss on a bad snap forced a punt for the Tigers. Jacksonville would drive the ball down and score on the final play of the first quarter to make it 7-7 after one period of play.
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Springville would face a tough third and 14 at their own 20-yard line, but Conner found Cade Gleason for 19 yards to get the first. On the next play, Webber would bust up the middle for 15 yards, but the end result would be a fumble that Jacksonville would recover.
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The Eagles would bust off a 41-yard touchdown run at the 8:52 mark of the second quarter. The PAT would
Springville’s next drive would end with a punt, along with an injury to Conner, leading to Jacksonville’s next touchdown with 7:12 to go in the half, this time a long pass to make it 20-7.
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The Tigers would take over again and, on their third play, with 1:14 to go before the break, Gleason would fumble the ball and Jacksonville recovered, taking over at the 20 and scoring 20 seconds later to make it 27-7 Eagles and that would be the score as the teams went into the locker room for halftime.
After the break, Jacksonville started with the ball and drove it deep into Springville territory. The Tiger defense stood tall and held the Eagles to a field goal and it was 30-7 Eagles at the 9:10 mark of the third.
The Tigers, with Conner back at the helm, would get themselves into a fourth and two situation and line up in punt formation. Conner was the up-back and took the snap on the fake, but he only managed one yard and Jacksonville took over.
Using a running game that amassed over 300 yards on the ground, the Eagles extended the lead with 4:58 to go in the third, making
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“It was embarrassing, honestly, said Jon Clements. “Offense was bad. Defense was bad. Special teams was bad. We didn’t do a whole lot right. It’s not good football. We turned it over. Couldn’t get off the field on third down. That’s my fault and I’m going to go tell them it’s my fault. Jake got hurt and I hope he gets better. That just kind of took the air out of the whole place. That says a lot about what kind of player he is and what he means to the program. It took the air out of me too, if I’m being honest. I was really proud of our ninth-grade quarterback Brennen Archer. He doesn’t realize it tonight, but this is going to pay dividends for him, getting a good bit of playing time against a good team. Hat’s off to them. They had four losses in a row and came in here and hammered us. They played the right way and we played like we just had to show up and that’s what happens to you.”
The Husky defense held Thompson scoreless throughout the first quarter, denying the Warriors the end zone in back-to-back first and goal situations.
Thompson picked up a safety for their first points of the night with just seconds remaining in the first quarter.
In a second quarter similar to the first, both defenses made stand after stand, shutting down scoring opportunities.
The second half of play showed a battle of the defenses much like the first.
With 5:44 remaining in the third quarter, Thompson’s final points of the night came on a 27-yard touchdown. After the successful PAT, Hewitt trailed 15-0.
The Husky offense, however, was not quite finished.
After a series of turnovers on both sides, Thompson picked up a touchdown by Michael Dujon with 25 seconds remaining in the half. After a failed attempt at a two-point conversion, the Warriors led the Huskies 8-0.
Springville will travel to St Clair County next Friday in a must-win region game.
“We will go back to the drawing board and we will see what kind of team we have. There’s going to be a lot of honesty on Monday and we will see if we can’t fix this.”
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After two turnovers, Noah Dobbins found his groove, connecting with Jackson Martin for a 20-yard touchdown with 1:42 remaining in the third quarter. Colton Argo’s point after cut the Thompson lead to 15-7.
With just under a minute to go in the game, Hewitt got the ball back at its own nine-yard line. The Huskie drive ended with an interception near midfield with 10 seconds on the clock. Senior wide receiver Jacob Serena exited the game with less than nine minutes remaining with an apparent injury.
Hewitt-Trussville will be back in Husky Stadium next Friday night to host Prattville for homecoming.
After battling into field goal range, Argo split the uprights to tack on three points for the Huskies with 5:44 left to play, leaving the score 15-10.
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Aaron Frye – QB - Clay-Chalkville Cougars
Springville football coach Jon Clements. Photo by: Ron Burkett
Husky receiver James Kelly with the ball. Photo by: Shawn Bowles Photography