Game Night

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Spain Park remains winless against rival in Game of the Week

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Investment = $1550 per week uPelham grounds rival Oak Mountain Page 5 uKingwood Christian tops Coosa Valley in thriller Page 7

SaTURDaY, aUgUST 29, 2012

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CMYK Outside

Jaguars bucked by the Bucs

CMYK INSIDE

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22 | game NIGHT

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

3 | game NIGHT

region standings AHSAA CLASS 6A, REGION 4

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

contents AHSAA CLASS 2A, REGION 6

OVR

REG

OVR

REG

1. Chelsea

0-0

0-0

1. Fultondale

0-0

0-0

2. Oak Mountain

0-0

0-0

2. Ohatchee

0-0

0-0

3. Pelham

0-0

0-0

3. Pleasant Valley

0-0

0-0

4. Spain Park

0-0

0-0

4. Ranburne

0-0

0-0

5. Stanhope Elmore

0-0

0-0

5. Victory Christian

0-0

0-0

6. Prattville

0-0

0-0

6. Vincent

0-0

0-0

7. Thompson

0-0

0-0

7. Walter Wellborn

0-0

0-0

8. Wetumpka

0-0

0-0

8. Woodland

0-0

0-0

AHSAA CLASS 5A, REGION 4

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AISA CLASS 3A, REGION 1

OVR

REG

OVR

REG

1. Briarwood Christian

0-0

0-0

1. Bessemer Academy

0-0

0-0

2. Chilton County

0-0

0-0

2. Glenwood Academy

0-0

0-0

3. Homewood

0-0

0-0

3. Kingwood Christian

0-0

0-0

4. John Carroll

0-0

0-0

4. Lee-Scott Academy

0-0

0-0

5. Ramsay

0-0

0-0

5. Lyman Ward

0-0

0-0

6. Shelby County

0-0

0-0

6. Macon-East Academy

0-0

0-0

7. Sylacauga

0-0

0-0

7. Tuscaloosa Academy

0-0

0-0

8. Talladega

0-0

0-0

OVR

REG

OVR

REG

AHSAA CLASS 4A, REGION 4

Game of the Week:

Jaguars bucked by the Bucs..................................... 4

4

AISA CLASS 2A, REGION 2

1. Bibb County

0-0

0-0

1. Autauga Academy

0-0

0-0

2. Calera

0-0

0-0

2. Coosa Valley Academy

0-0

0-0

3. Carbon Hill

0-0

0-0

3. Crenshaw Christian

0-0

0-0

4. Corner

0-0

0-0

4. East Memorial Christian

0-0

0-0

5. Dora

0-0

0-0

5. Edgewood Academy

0-0

0-0

6. Jemison

0-0

0-0

6. Evangel Christian Academy

0-0

0-0

7. Oak Grove

0-0

0-0

7. Springwood School

0-0

0-0

8. West Blocton

0-0

0-0

AHSAA CLASS 3A, REGION 4

5

AISA CLASS 1A, REGION 1

OVR

REG

OVR

REG

1. B.B. Comer

0-0

0-0

1. Abbeville Christian

0-0

0-0

2. Central Coosa

0-0

0-0

2. Ashford Academy

0-0

0-0

3. Leeds

0-0

0-0

3. Chambers Academy

0-0

0-0

4. Midfield

0-0

0-0

4. Cornerstone Christian

0-0

0-0

5. Montevallo

0-0

0-0

5. Lakeside School

0-0

0-0

6. Tarrant

0-0

0-0

6. Restoration Academy

0-0

0-0

7. Thorsby

0-0

0-0

7. South Montgomery Academy 0-0

0-0

8. Trinity

0-0

0-0

12

19

Pelham grounds Eagles.................................... 5 Vincent cruises past Central............................. 6 Lions top Coosa Valley...................................... 7 Warriors drop region opener............................ 8 Hornets pound Sylacauga................................. 9 Chargers fall to Autauga................................... 10 Calera falls at Elmore County........................... 16 Wildcats fall to Center Point............................. 16 Lions crush Blue Devils.................................... 17 Bulldogs fall to Greensboro.............................. 17 Evangel tops First Assembly............................ 18 Hope downs visiting Lions................................ 18 Bands and cheerleaders.................................... 11 Faces in the crowd............................................. 15 Player of the Week............................................. 19 Game of the Week in photos............................. 12 Game of the Week preview............................... 20 Complete region standings............................... 22

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a look ahead

game of the week: week 1 recap

Jaguars bucked by the Bucs

By Wesley Hallman Sports Editor

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HOOVER — Spain Park High School senior Reid Reinagel had been waiting for the Jaguars’ meeting with rival Hoover in the second game of the season Sept. 2 since a loss to the Bucs in the second round of the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 6A playoffs last November. Reinagel thought the 2011 season may mark the Jaguars’ first win over their rivals in school history. Spain Park is still searching for its first win against Hoover following a 20-0 loss to the Bucs, but Reinagel isn’t giving up hope that it might still happen before the year is in the history books.

“I felt like we had the best shot (to beat Hoover) we’ve ever had,” Reinagel said. “I think we’ll see them again in the playoffs.”

A disruptive Hoover defense kept the Spain Park offense from finding its rhythm in coach Chip Lindsey’s first meeting against the Bucs.

Junior quarterback Nick Mullens completed only 21-of-39 passing attempts for 167 yards with two interceptions in the loss. Mullens said the multiple schemes the Jaguars faced from the Hoover defense kept them from putting together a scoring drive.

“They’re a good team,” Mullens said. “Hoover has a lot of tough schemes.”

Reinagel reeled in a team-high five receptions for 58 yards.

The Jaguars (1-1 overall, 0-1 in Class 6A, Region 6) picked up two first downs on their opening drive before a pass attempt by Mullens was tipped and picked off by the Bucs to end the drive in Hoover territory.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

Warriors to face Jaguars in key region game

By WESLEY HALLMAN Sports Editor

Another Spain Park drive later in the first half featured three first

with an 11-play, 86-yard scoring drive, which was capped by Real’s REPORTER PHOTO/JON GOERING

Spain Park High School junior Nick Mullens fires a pass in the Jaguars’ 20-0 loss to rival Hoover in a Class 6A, Region 6 contest Sept. 2. downs before the drive stalled in Hoover territory.

While the offense struggled, the Spain Park defense did everything it could to keep the Bucs off the scoreboard. Senior defensive back Chris Humes chased down Hoover quarterback Sam Gilliken and stripped the ball away as he was heading into the end zone for a touchdown.

The Bucs finally got on the scoreboard following a 2-yard touchdown run by Gilliken with 3:01 remaining in the opening half. Hoover carried a 7-0 lead into the locker room at halftime following the extra point by Larson Real.

The Bucs opened the second half

35-yard field goal with 8:47 left in the third quarter.

Hoover sophomore Marlon Humphrey intercepted a pass by Mullens near midfield and returned it for a touchdown to give the Bucs a 17-0 lead with 4:37 left in the third quarter. Hoover capped its scoring with Real’s 31-yard field goal with 9:20 remaining in the game.

Spain Park couldn’t muster more than one first down an any drive in the second half. Lindsey said the Bucs were the main reason for the Jaguars’ struggles on offense.

“You’ve got to give a lot of credit to the Hoover defense,” Lindsey said.

Thompson High School plays host to Spain Park in an Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 6A, Region 6 game Friday night looking for its first win of the season.

The Jaguars head to Thompson on a high following two wins in Class 6A, Region 6 to open the season.

The Jaguars were cruising in 2008 before a disheartening loss to the Warriors. If Spain Park wants to prove the first two weeks were no fluke, this one is a must-win for the Jags.

Meanwhile, Thompson is looking for its first win of the season. The Warriors need this one against Spain Park to stay in the hunt for a bid in the Class 6A playoffs. uPelham, coming off a loss to Spain Park, travels to Mountain Brook looking to get back on track. The Panthers still have a lot to play for this season. A win over the Spartans will put Pelham in the driver’s seat for a playoff berth in tough Class 6A, Region 6. u Oak Mountain hosts Gardendale in a Class 6A, Region 6 game. The Eagles can’t be overlooked as a playoff contender in Region 6 after a big win over Mountain Brook last week.uBriarwood Christian, fresh off its 14-6 win over Shelby County, travels to John Carroll in a Class 5A, Region 5 contest. The Lions can’t afford to slip up after claiming region supremacy last week.

3.2 inches wide X 10 inches tall REPORTER PHOTO/JON GOERING

Thompson High School quarterback Trey Matherson hopes to lead the Warriors to their first win of the season Friday night. uThe Shelby County Wildcats look to rebound by hosting undermanned Georgiana in a nonregion game. The game was originally scheduled as a road game, but Shelby County was able to work out a deal to play host to the Bulldogs for the second year in a row. uChelsea hosts Moody in a Class 5A, Region 5 game. The Hornets are trying to get back to full health after losing three key players in the first part of the season to injuries. The Hornets can inch closer to a Class 5A playoff berth with a win over the Blue Devils. uCalera hosts Jemison in a Class 4A, Region 3 game. The Eagles, who are off to a great start in coach Scott Martin’s first season, can move closer to a region title under their first-year coach with a win over the Panthers.

uMontevallo travels to Beulah for a Class 3A, Region 4 game still looking for its first win in 2009 following a tough loss to Dadeville.

The Bulldogs need a win this week if they hope to remain in the hunt for a Class 3A playoff bid. uVincent heads to Isabella for a Class 2A, Region 5 game following a tough loss to Hale County.

The Yellow Jackets are still in good shape for a playoff berth, but they need to take care of business on the road to stay in the conversation for the region championship. uA much anticipated eightman battle between Evangel Christian and Hope Christian will take place Friday night. It will be the Lightning’s first game on the Shelby Academy campus.

Evangel is renting the Shelby Academy athletic facilities this season.

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game of the week: week 2 preview

Chargers host rival Rebels in AISA tilt

By WeSleY HallmaN Sports editor

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Cornerstone Christian School and Coosa Valley Academy meet on the gridiron on a yearly basis.

They’ve never had a more anticipated matchup than the one coming up Friday night.

Shelby County is usually good for producing an Alabama Independent Schools Association Class 1A championship contender. This year it has two — the Rebels and the Chargers.

Cornerstone Christian enters the game with its highest number of players in school history and the most talented players the school has ever fielded.

Shelby Academy transfers dot the lineup, including do-it-all Colton Wingard.

Wingard, a 6-foot-3, 260-pound fullback/defensive lineman, gives the Chargers a huge presence most AISA teams can’t handle. The last time Cornerstone Christian had a monster fullback/defensive lineman was Kirk Johnson in 2007, and the Chargers rode Johnson to the AISA Class 1A championship game.

The Chargers rushing game is bulldozing opponents so far this season and Cornerstone Christian won’t change its plans heading into the matchup with its biggest rival.

Meanwhile, Coosa Valley is a rising program under the direction of Vince DiLorenzo. With the addition of a few talented transfers, including John and Will Bullen from Childersburg, the Rebels have their

REPORTER PHOTO/CINdy WINGARd

Cornerstone Christian School running back Josh Anderson will play a key role in the Chargers’ rushing attack Friday night. best chance at an AISA Class 1A title since winning it all 25 years ago.

“It should be a great game,” said Cornerstone Christian coach Tim Smith. “We have a great rivalry between both schools. It should be a lot of fun.”

Cornerstone Christian enters the

game following a tough losson the road at Autauga Academy in its season opener, while the Rebels are coming off a loss against Kingwood Christian.

This Shelby County Reporter Game of the Week is guaranteed to leave you feeling like you got your money’s worth.

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SaTURDaY, aUgUST 29, 2012

Pelham grounds Eagles

By Neal WagNeR city editor NORTH SHELBY — In the week leading up to Pelham’s second game of the regular season, head PHS football coach Brett Burnett spent time taking the team back to the basics.

“We simplified things, especially on the defensive side of the ball,” Burnett said. “Our defensive staff did a great job, and our defense just played lights-out tonight.

“It’s a much better feeling than last week,” Burnett said, referencing the Panthers’ week 1 loss to Hueytown.

The week of preparation paid off for the Panthers, as Pelham (1-1) grounded cross-town rival Oak Mountain High School (1-1) 16-7 in a Sept. 2 defensive slugfest.

“Obviously, we can’t turn the ball over as many times as we did tonight and expect to win,” said Oak Mountain head coach Jeff Harris.

“I’ve got to give Pelham credit. They did a good job running the ball and controlling the clock.

“We just shot ourselves in the foot with too many turnovers,” Harris added.

Pelham finished the night with 308 total yards, 224 of which were rushing. The Panthers passed the ball eight times in the contest, and only once in the second half.

Pelham sophomore running back Tyler Brasfield led the Panthers’ rush attack with 117 yards on 18 carries. Despite being knocked out of the game with an injury early in the second quarter, junior Jacob Nichols recorded 80 rushing yards.

Pelham’s first drive of the game ended in a blocked field goal, and both teams’ defensive play led to a scoreless game at the end of the first quarter. But an interception by Pelham’s Fletcher Johnson early in the second quarter set up a 19-yard scoring pass from PHS quarterback

3.2 inches wide X 10 inches tall

REPORTER PHOTO/JIMMy MITCHEll

Pelham High School’s Tucker Thomas slips past an Oak Mountain High School defender during the Panthers’ 16-7 win over the Eagles Sept. 2 at Heardmont Park.

Gray Cato to J.T. Ross.

A blocked extra point attempt gave Pelham a 6-0 lead.

But on Oak Mountain’s ensuing possession, the Eagles quickly drove down the field and scored on a 1-yard run by senior Bradley Bostick.

Mitch Mathias added the extra point for the Eagles to give Oak Mountain a 7-6 lead with 7:04 left in the first half.

After the Eagles stopped the Panthers in the end zone on the next series, Pelham’s John Perko connected on a 14-yard field goal to put the Panthers back on top 9-7.

The Eagles’ final drive of the first half ended when Ross recovered an Oak Mountain fumble and ran it back 54 yards for the Panther touch-

“Obviously, we can’t turn the ball over as many times as we did tonight and expect to win,” — Jeff Harris down. Pelham placekicker Justin Nolen completed the point-after attempt as time expired in the second quarter to give Pelham a 16-7 lead. Despite 12 changes of possession in the second half, neither team lit up the scoreboard after halftime.

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Vincent cruises past Central

By Brad gaskins Staff Writer

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VINCENT – Vincent High School made its new coach feel right at home.

The Yellow Jackets cruised to a 40-7 win against Central-Hayneville on Friday night, giving Zeb Ellison his first win as a head coach in their home-opener.

“It’s a big, big load lifted off me,” said Ellison, who spent the last four years as a defensive coordinator at three different schools. “We took a big step from where we were at last week (in a 35-14 loss at Maplesville).”

After that loss, Ellison made a switch at quarterback and tweaked Vincent’s defensive scheme to better suite its depth.

Michael Gilham, a sophomore, made his first start at quarterback.

Demauntey Johnson, a junior who started at quarterback last season, moved to the backfield.

It worked well for Vincent (1-1 overall, 1-0 Class 2A, Region 4) against Central-Hayneville (0-2, 0-1), but only after a shaky start on the first offensive drive.

Gilham made the wrong read and threw an interception.

“I came back and responded well,” said Gilham, who led Vincent to touchdowns on its next five drives to lead 33-0 at halftime.

Gilham threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Terio Rodgers in the first quarter and scored on a 3-yard run in the second quarter.

“I love being the quarterback,” Gilham said, “and I love being the leader of the team.”

ShaCorry Lilly scored on runs of 5 and 20 yards, and Johnson scored on a 9-yard run to cap Vincent’s first-half scoring.

“Demauntey is such a strong runner and good blocker,” Ellison said. “We felt we weren’t using all of our tools and weapons (with him

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2012

player of the week

Ganus leads Hornets to victory

By WESLEY HALLMAN Sports Editor

REPORTER PHOTO/jimmy mitchell

First-year Vincent head coach Zeb Ellison talks to his players during a timeout. at quarterback). We needed an extra blocker, and he’s the best guy for that fit.”

Along with playing halfback and fullback, Johnson also handled Vincent’s kicking duties. He made 4 of 6 point-after kicks.

“Last Friday in the game we saw some things out of Michael that we’re very excited about,” Ellison said. “This week we saw some things out of Demauntey that we’re extremely excited about.”

Central-Hayneville took the first drive of the third quarter and marched to face fourth-and-3 at the Vincent 6. Lilly tackled a scrambling quarterback, Tracey Tillman, in the backfield.

Vincent fumbled on its next drive, but an interception by Lilly returned possession to Vincent and led to a 32-yard run by Rodney Groce for a 40-0 lead.

Vincent’s defense stopped Central-Hayneville again on fourth down, this time on fourth-and-2 from the Vincent 22.

Tanner Sands had interception for Vincent late in the third quarter.

Central-Hayneville scored its lone touchdown – a short pass from Tillman to Alex Bryant – in the final minute of the fourth quarter against Vincent’s reserves.

It was slightly different defense than Vincent used the previous week. Vincent switched from a 3-3-5 to a 3-4 defense.

“The only that things that really changed was the reads out of our linebackers,” Ellison said. “We feel that’s where we need to be for later down the road.”

Vincent’s next home game – Homecoming against Francis Marlon – is Sept. 30. Its next three games are on the road, starting Sept.

9 at Billingsly.

“We’ve got keep focused, don’t overlook anyone and know the odds are going to be stacked against us going on the road,” Ellison said.

“We have to prepare twice as hard and go in there willing to come from behind.”

Chelsea High School senior Jake Ganus has been practically unstoppable through his first three games this season.

Following back-to-back rushing performances of better than 100 yards, Ganus broke out for 264 rushing yards and two touchdowns Sept. 9 while leading the Hornets to a 48-28 win over rival Shelby County at Papa McCombs Stadium.

The starting quarterback had one simple explanation and dished out a ton of praise as he deflected the spotlight following the Hornets’ first victory on the road in Columbiana since 1998.

“My offensive line is one of the most underrated in the state,” said Ganus, who finished with 18 carries. “They make me look good.”

Chelsea pushed its lead to 14-0 following a 70-yard rushing touchdown by Ganus and an extra point

by Martindale with 2:12 left in the opening quarter.

Ganus added a 9-yard touchdown run early in the second half and Martindale added the extra point to give the Hornets a 28-14 lead with 9:43 left in the third quarter.

Ganus threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to McCall to push the Hornets lead to 35-14 with 3:30 left in the third quarter following an extra point by Martindale.

Chelsea capped its scoring in the game with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Ganus to senior Matthew Graben and Martindale added the

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REPORTER PHOTO/jon goering

Chelsea quarterback Jake Ganus extra point to push the lead back to 48-20.

Despite a rash of penalties, Chelsea coach Wade Waldrop couldn’t hide his pride in the

Hornets after the win.

“I’m very proud of our kids,” Waldrop said. “We’ve brought a lot of good teams down here and gone home with tears in our eyes.”

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SaTURDaY, aUgUST 29, 2012

Evangel tops First Assembly FROm STaFF RepORTS

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The Evangel Christian School football team defeated First Assembly Christian 49-12 in eightman football action Sept. 2.

Senior running back Josh Flanders led the Lightning as he rushed for two touchdowns in the victory. Flanders finished with 103 rushing yards and two scores on 11 carries.

Senior running back Hayden Brown put Evangel Christian on the scoreboard with his 14-yard touchdown run early in the first quarter.

Sophomore quarterback Nate Scott rushed in for the two-point conversion to give the Lightning an 8-0 lead with 9:27 left in the opening quarter.

Senior Aaron Walker recovered a

fumble and returned it 26 yards for a touchdown to give the Lightning a 14-0 lead less than one minute later.

Flanders scored his first touchdown on a 1-yard run and junior Charlie Bell added the extra point to give Evangel a 21-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Scott scored on a 15-yard touchdown run with 6:58 left in the first half and Bell added the extra point to push the Lightning’s lead to 28-0.

Following a touchdown by First Assembly, Flanders scored on a 39-yard touchdown run and Bell added another extra point to give Evangel a 35-6 lead heading into the locker room at halftime.

Scott threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Walker and Nathan Lloyd scored on a 14-yard run in the third

The Hope Christian School Eagles downed visiting GeorgiaAlabama Christian School Sept. 2 36-32 in eight-man football action.

The Eagles (2-1) recorded 364 yards of total offense in the win.

Sophomore Dillon Thompson led Hope in receptions, with four catches for 138 yards.

Defensive standouts included Andrew Whitson with 12 tackles and a fumble recovery, Jonathan Misso with 11 tackles, and Reid Allen with eight tackles and a fumble recovery.

“We are starting to gain our composure. We’ve got a young group of guys, and they are starting to get a little bit of experience,” said Hope head coach Mark Rettig.

“I’ve told them that their technique and want-to will determine how well they do this season.”

Hope scored in the first quar-

quarter.

Bell added both extra points to give the Lightning a 49-6 lead at the end of the third quarter.

First Assembly scored its final touchdown with 1:12 remaining in the game.

“We are start-

ter on a 79-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Eric Spence to Thompson, and Charles Streets added the 2-point conversion.

Spence again connected with Thompson in the second quarter on a 12-yard touchdown pass, and Andrew Whitson added the 2-point conversion.

In the third quarter, Spence connected with Thompson on a 33-yard touchdown pass.

The fourth quarter saw a pair of Hope touchdowns: One on a Spence-to-Streets 59-yard pass, and

SaTURDaY, aUgUST 29, 2012

Lions top Coosa Valley By kala BOlTON Staff Writer

Hope downs visiting lions

By Neal WagNeR city editor

7 | game NIgHT

ing to gain our composure. We’ve got a young group of guys, and they are starting to get a little bit of experience.”

— Mark Rettig another after Whitson caused a fumble and Josh Clevenger recovered the ball on the 12-yard line.

Streets then scored on a 1-yard run, and Bell added the 2-point conversion.

HARPERSVILLE — In a game that came down to the last play, the Kingwood Christian School football team beat the Coosa Valley Rebels (0-2) 24-17 on Sept. 2.

Despite being plagued by penalties, the Lions (2-1) maintained a lead most of the game, and their defense showed up big to give the team a W. In start marked by turnovers, Lions’ junior linebacker Dalton Sparks recovered a Coosa Valley fumble in the endzone to give Kingwood Christian a seven-point lead with 1:41 remaining in the first quarter. Both teams intercepted passes on the following two drives, but it was the Lions who capitalized, with sophomore wide receiver Montez Haynes scoring on a 30-yard touchdown pass with 3:06 left in the second quarter, extending the Lion’s lead to 14-0.

The Rebels’ first points came late in the second quarter when senior wide receiver Mason Donahoo hauled in a 65-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Cody Wood. Coosa Valley then tied the game at 14 on a two-yard touchdown run from senior Myles Varner with six seconds remaining in the half.

Following a scoreless third quarter, the Lions struck again with a 20-yard field goal by senior Luke Edge, bringing the score to 17-14 with 10:49 remaining.

The Lions then capitalized on senior running back Charles Robinson’s punt return to the Rebels’ 25-yard-line with a 25-yard touchdown run by junior Dalton Sparks with 9:32 left in the game.

Coosa Valley senior Cody Garrett’s 28-yard field goal made it a one-possession game.

The Rebels came eight yards away from the endzone and tied ball-

3.2 inches wide X 10 inches tall REPORTER PHOTO/KAlA BOlTON

Kingwood Christian School senior running back Charles Robinson evades a Coosa Valley defender in the lions’ 24-17 win over the Rebels on Sept. 2. game, but the Lions’ defense stopped them short as Wood was taken down short of the goal line.

Wood completed 22-of-38 for 296 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions and rushed for 38 yards on eight carries.

“We improved so much from last game,” Wood said. “We’re looking at it as we did out job, and we didn’t lose this game, we just ran out of time.”

Donahoo had 4 receptions for 89 yards and one touchdown and rushed for 15 yards on six carries.

Junior Adam McCranie racked up 71 yards on seven receptions, and senior Steven Cryer totaled five receptions for 50 yards and eight tackles on defense. Junior Landon Floyd and sophomore Zack Mayo had eight tackles each.

“Tonight we played hard,” said Coosa Valley head coach Bobby Hughes. “We hadn’t done that all year, and we came together as a team tonight.”

Lions’ sophomore quarterback Gavin Sumrall was 4-of-13, passing for 61 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Haynes had four catches for 57 yards and 15 tackles.

“I feel like I did pretty good,” said Robinson, who carried the ball 18 times for 97 yards. “I ran the ball hard for my team.”

Head coach Bob Spurgeon said that despite the large number of penalties his players racked up, he was proud of how they finished.

“I was really proud of our efforts,” Spurgeon said, “much more than I’ve been in the previous two games.”

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SaTURDaY, aUgUST 29, 2012

Warriors drop region opener

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SaTURDaY, aUgUST 29, 2012

Lions crush Blue Devils FROm STaFF RepORTS

By eRIc STaRlINg For the Reporter

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HOMEWOOD — The Thompson Warriors came up short on the road against the Homewood Patriots, falling 24-14 at Waldrop Stadium.

Coach Caleb Ross had just one message for his Warriors in the team huddle after the game.

“Keep your head up, it will come,” Ross said.

Mental errors and missed opportunities summed up the night for Thompson.

Homewood would get on the board early, taking advantage of a fumbled punt return by the Warriors. After moving the ball from the Thompson 24 to the 4-yard line, Justin Hardy scored on the hand-off to give the Patriots the early lead.

Thompson couldn’t get much going on offense in the first half.

Quarterback Trey Matherson was pressured most of the evening.

Late in the first quarter, a tipped Matherson pass was intercepted by the Patriots. That play began a 7-play drive that culminated with Stephen Baggett scoring on the quarterback keeper.

“Our offense just wasn’t prepared for this game,” Ross said. “Our defense did a great job keeping us within reach, and we just didn’t take advantage.”

Thompson’s longest drive in the first half began at their own 16-yard line and facing third and long on two separate occasions, the Warriors fought their way for first downs.

With first-and-10 at their own 49, Matherson hit Avery Hale down the sideline and Hale ran it in for a 51-yard touchdown strike. Matt Nall’s extra point made it 14-7 Homewood at the half.

The Patriots field goal with 5:47 remaining in the third quarter would be the only points scored in the frame.

The Briarwood Christian School football team beat the Moody High School Blue Devils 39-14 on Sept. 2.

The Lions struck early on a 22-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Ben Craft to senior Matthew Furuto with 11:23 remaining in the first quarter.

Junior Keaton Russell hauled in a 16-yard pass from Craft with 4:11 remaining in the quarter. Craft then hit junior Daniel Robert for a six-yard touchdown with 48 seconds to go in the first quarter.

Sixteen seconds after Furuto scored on a nine-yard touchdown

run, he threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Robert, bringing the Lions up 36-0 with 9:50 left in the first

half. A 33-yard field goal by senior Benson Mulvaney extended the Lions’ halftime lead to 39-0.

The Blue Devils scored with seven seconds left in the third on a one-yard touchdown run, Their second touchdown came from an eight-yard run with 3:16 left in the game.

Craft completed 9-of-13 attempts, passing for 166 yards and three touchdowns. He rushed three times for 15 yards.

Furuto led the Lions in rushing, totaling 49 yards and one touchdown on four attempts. He also went 4-for-6 passing, racking up 66 yards and one touchdown.

Bulldogs fall to Greensboro

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FROm STaFF RepORTS

REPORTER PHOTO/ERIC STARlING

Thompson High School senior Avery Hale heads into the end zone for a touchdown in the Warriors’ 24-14 loss at Homewood in their Class 6A, Region 6 opener Sept. 2.

“Our offense just wasn’t prepared for this game. Our defense did a great job keeping us within reach, and we just didn’t take advantage.”

— Caleb Ross A blocked punt in the fourth quarter by the Patriots would lead to their final score. The touchdown run and extra point gave Homewood a 24-7 lead with ten minutes remaining in the game.

With 3:20 remaining to be played, Matherson took the snap on his

own 35-yard line and pitched left to Demetrius Alexander who scampered 65 yards for the score.

Nall’s extra point left the final score at 24-14.

The Warriors host Vestavia Hills next week in their first home game of the season.

The Montevallo High School football team dropped its Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 3A, Region 4 opener Sept. 2 against Greensboro 38-13.

Senior running back Garrius Chappell led the Bulldogs (0-2 overall, 0-2 in Class 3A, Region 4) with 83 rushing yards on 22 carries.

Junior running back Eugene Rodgers rushed for 72 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries.

Senior running back R.J. Scaife added 60 yards on 15 carries in the loss.

Senior quarterback Taylor Burr completed 4-of-8 passes for 12 yards with two interceptions.

Following a scoreless first quarter, Montevallo jumped out to an early lead before Greensboro outscored the Bulldogs 38-7 in the final three quarters.

Burr gave the Bulldogs an early 6-0 lead following his 1-yard touchdown run with 11:13 remaining in

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the first half. Burr’s touchdown capped a 9-play, 65-yard drive for the Bulldogs, who struggled to move the ball offensively in the first quarter.

The extra point attempt by kicker Brett Gray was blocked.

Greensboro quickly took control of the game and scored 32 unanswered points before Rodgers capped the scoring for the Bulldogs with his 3-yard touchdown run with 2:37 left in the

game. Rodgers’ touchdown capped a 12-play, 83-yard drive that covered six minutes in the fourth quarter.

Gray added the extra point to cut the lead to 32-13 before Greensboro added a late touchdown.

Montevallo will travel to B.B. Comer in another Class 3A, Region 4 matchup Sept. 9. The Bulldogs are still looking for their first win in the 2011 season.

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Calera falls at Elmore County FROM STAFF REPORTS

3.2 inches wide X 10 inches tall Investment = $275 per week

Elmore County defeated Calera 27-3 in a Class 4A, Region 3 battle Sept. 16. The Panthers struck first on a 51-yard pass from Truman Franklin to Parrish Mitchell at the 10:06 mark of the second quarter.

Shawn Smirnoff added the PAT for a 7-0 ECHS lead.

Calera closed the gap to 7-3 with a 26-yard field goal by Francisco Garcia with 8:06 left in the period.

It was Elmore County the rest of the way. Franklin connected with Smirnoff on a 27-yard strike with 4:54 remaining in the second to go ahead 14-3. The Panthers added another TD before the half for a 21-3 lead as Shukory Whetstone dove in

from 1-yard out with 2:09 left intermission.

The Panthers added a touchdown on a 35-yard pass Franklin to Tyler Black with

until final from 10:49

left in the third quarter. The PAT was blocked, but ECHS held a 27-3 lead. Elmore County’s defense allowed the Eagles just over 100 yards in the contest. Calera’s final two possessions ended in a fumble recovered by the Panthers and an interception by Austin Adams.

“This puts us in the front seat, not the driver’s seat,” said Elmore County coach Norman Dean. “But at least we’re more in control for the playoffs.”

“This puts us in the front seat, not the driver’s seat.”

— Norman Dean

Wildcats fall to Center Point

By Ricky ruston For the Reporter The Shelby County Wildcats made the trek to Center Point in their first Class 5A, Region 7 game of the season Sept. 2, falling to the Eagles 46-14.

All that started well didn’t end well for the Wildcats on the dry Center Point field.

On the opening drive, the visiting Wildcats executed a 15-play, seven-minute drive to near perfection. No loss of yardage plays, no noteworthy objections by the Eagles’ defense.

The drive started from their own 13-yard line and ended with Evan McNeal hitting the end zone on a speed sweep around right end from the Center Point 10-yard line.

The Wildcats (0-2 overall, 0-1 in Class 5A, Region 7) held a 6-0 lead after a missed extra point.

After a Center Point punt, the Wildcats had the momentum start-

ing from their own 40-yard line.

A promising nine-play drive was halted on a failed fourth-down conversion attempt.

The Eagles had an offensive artillery with the shotgun formation being the weapon of choice. It was either pitch and catch to the tune of 270 yards through the air or 198 yards on the ground for the night.

Beginning with their third possession, the Eagles owned a 15-6 lead midway through the second quarter on 15-yard and 42-yard touchdown strikes. The nine-point led stood at halftime.

Quickly out of the gate in the third quarter, the athletic Center Point quarterback hit stride for a 42-yard touchdown scamper to expand the lead to 21-6.

Center Point added two more scores on a 7-yard toss and an 8-yard run to take a 36-6 lead with just under three minutes left in the third quarter.

The lone Shelby County highlight of the half was Marterius McGregor exciting the crowd and fellow teammates by reeling off a 67-yard run to the Eagles’ 1-yard line. Staying with the man that got them there, McGregor crossed the strip one play later.

After a successful two-point conversion, the Wildcats trailed 36-14 with one quarter to play.

An additional 9-yard scoring toss and field goal for the Eagles padded the Center Point lead.

The Wildcats host rival Chelsea for their first home game of the season Sept. 9.

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Hornets pound Sylacauga

By Steven kilpatrick For the Reporter CHELSEA — After a huge win a week ago in their home opener, the Chelsea Hornets remained undefeated after beating the Sylacauga Aggies 35-13 in their Class 5A, Region 7 opener Sept. 2.

The Aggies started out the game with the ball and drove down the field 83 yards after a huge 57-yard passing touchdown from quarterback Robert Hatton to take an early lead over the Hornets.

After failing to convert on fourth down on their first drive of the game, the Hornet defense stepped up and star safety Jake Ganus forced an interception to take the ball back.

Three plays later, Ganus ran it in from 2 yards out to tie the game at 7-7.

Early in the second quarter, after forcing the Aggies to punt, Chelsea (2-0 overall, 1-0 in Class 5A, Region 7) drove down the field to the 6-yard line before the Aggies forced a fumble to take the ball back on their own 20. One play later, Hatton took it 80 yards to the house to give the Aggies a 6-point lead.

It was the last time Sylacauga saw the end zone for the night.

“We rallied on the sideline after that fumble,” Ganus said. “We just said forget about it, and we wanted to come back out and score and do what we do.”

On the Hornets’ next drive, Chelsea drove 65 yards down the field and scored on a 23-yard run by junior running back Julius McCall.

“We made a costly mistake going in, but I told our kids we were good, and we’d be alright,” Chelsea coach Wade Waldrop said during halftime.

The Chelsea defense came out after halftime firing on all cylinders, forcing two three-and-outs on the Aggies’ only drives of the third quarter.

REPORTER PHOTO/cari dean

Jon Wilson of Chelsea recovers an onside kick in the Hornets’ 35-13 win over Sylacauga in their Class 5A, Region 7 opener Sept. 2.

“They both played real hard tonight.

This has to be Julius’ best game by far as his vision. But, they both played a great game.”

— Wade Waldrop McCall had a 32 yard touchdown run during the third quarter to give Chelsea an 8-point lead into the fourth quarter.

The Hornets were not done yet.

After a missed field goal early in the fourth quarter, Chelsea forced another punt and then drove 84 yards down the field to take a 15-point lead after Ganus ran it in from 1 yard out.

On the Aggies’ next drive, they threw another interception, this time to junior linebacker Keelan Gregg. Three plays later, Ganus floated a pass to running back Aki Coles to go up 35-13 late

in the fourth quarter.

The Chelsea offense ended the game with 416 total yards. Both Ganus and McCall broke the 100yard rushing mark with 130 and 181 yards, respectively.

Both had two rushing touchdowns for the game.

“They both played real hard tonight,” Waldrop said. “This has to be Julius’ best game by far as his vision. But, they both played a great game.”

Chelsea heads to Columbiana to take on Shelby County in their second region game of the season Sept.

9.

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faces in the crowd

CONTRIBUTED

LEFT: Cathy McLaughlin and Marty Imman. RIGHT: Anna Abel and Amber Gomez.

3.2 inches wide X 10 inches tall

3.2 inches wide X 10 inches tall REPORTER PHOTO/cindy wingard

Investment = $275 per week

Investment = $275 per week

Cornerstone Christian School junior B.J. Smith leads a pack of Autuaga Academy defenders in the Chargers’ loss Sept. 2.

Chargers fall to Autauga By brad gaskins Staff Writer COLUMBIANA — Cornerstone Christian School football coach Tim Smith found a silver lining or sorts in his team’s 48-13 loss at Autauga Academy on Friday night.

“They didn’t quit on me,” Smith said of his players.

CCS trailed 35-0 at the half.

In the third quarter, Ronezz Stevens scored on a 65-yard interception return.

In the fourth quarter, Demetrius Conwell caught a 47-yard touchdown pass from Sterling Riether.

“We were just overmatched,”

CONTRIBUTED

LEFT: Caroline Veazey and Caroline Gurley. RIGHT: Nicholas and Sophia Ritchey.

“They’re going to be hard to beat. I was proud of my kids. They played hard in the second half.”

— Tim Smith Smith said. “They were bigger than we were, stronger. They’re one of the best teams in the state (in Class 1A of the Alabama Independent Schools Association).

“They’re going to be hard to beat. I was proud of my kids. They played hard in the second half.”

CCS is 1-1 overall and 0-1 in AISA 1A, Region 2. Autauga

Academy is 3-0 overall and 2-0 in 1A, Region 2.

“We’ll have good week of work at practice,” Smith said.

CCS plays host to Coosa Valley Academy on Sept. 9.

“It’s a good rivalry,” Smith said.

“Our kids will play hard. Their kids will play hard. It should be a really good football game.”

CONTRIBUTED

LEFT: Abby Underwood, Emily Couch, Megan Schrock and Caroline Ozgun. RIGHT: Ella and Anne Dawson.

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bands and cheerleaders

bands and cheerleaders

Pelham High School

Pelham High School

PRIDE

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3.2 inches wide X 10 inches tall

Investment = $375 per week

Investment = $375 per week

CONTRIBUTEd Andy Abbott, Megan Aenchbancher, lauren Allison, Sarah Allison, Adam Alred, Matthew Ashley, Kadin Baker, Hayley Barber, Chase Bartlett, Alex Bearden, Katie Belue, Mary Sullivan Benton, Blaire Blackmon, Andreia Bonds, Andrew Bosworth, Courtney Boutwell, Hannah Boutwell, Shelby Bradford, Robby Brannum, Tim Brannum, Wes Bredehoft, Caitie Brown, Barkley Bullard, david Bullock, Shelby Burgess, Katelyn Burnett, Andrew Burnside, Ryan Burtis, Steven Bustamento, James Byrd, Savannah Cambron, Michael Carlile, Alyx Carter, Jasmyn Carter, Morgan Carter, Moises Cellitti, Sean Chappell, Jessa Cherones, Brooke Cole, Zach Cole, Beau Collett, Andrew Comer, Shelby Cost, Chandler Cox, Kristen Cox, Anna Crawford, Christina Crawford, Ben Creel, Taylor Crocker, Juan Cruz, daniel davis, Natalie delgadillo, Selina delgadillo, Nikki devenny, Stephanie dickson, lane dudley, Caitlyn Edmundson, Carmen Ensminger, lex Ensminger, Allie Fain, Jordan Farley, Neil Faulk, danielle Festino, Thomas Fisher, Brandon Flores, Sarah Folsom, Abby Forrester, Cameron Fortson, Tajnea Foster, Tre’ Fugich, Kyle Fuller, Abby Furman, Jacob Gardenhour, lillie Gaston, Maddie Gathings, Konnor George, Alexis Gordon, lauren Gray, Keyshawn Hale, Max Hall, Ethan Hand, Megan Harris, lennon Hayes, Melanie Heard, Gerardo Hernandez, Kiera Hiatt, Shawn Hicks, Nick Hill, Jacob Hodges, Austin Hogue, Tiffany Hogue, Bennett Holland, Kevin Holt, drew Hooper, Brittany Horton, Rhonda Hudson, Shelby Hull, Ryan Ingram, Gabby Ivey, Kelsie Jacks, Ethan Jamerson, Haley Johnson, Ryan Kailey, Connor Kennedy, Alex King, Jacob King, Jimmy King, Olivia King, Jabari lateef, Karlie lawson, Tyler leak, Nicholas lesueur, Michael letson, Mariah liberman, Katherine liddell, Abby lindley, Jessica lingle, Marley lisenba, Nikki loseman, dJ lovoy, Jessica Mansel, Jordan McCarver, Kyle McCune, Matt McGinnis, Aeon McNeal, Jason McTune, John Melton, Jack Miller, Micah Miller, Melissa Minor, Stephen Mixson, Maggie Moore, Rachel Moore, Ally Nicols, Robert North, Allysa Orr, Bradford Owen, Cameron Owen, Tyler Parsons, Brad Payne, Nayeli Pineda, Andrew Pittman, Matthew Potts, Brandon Powell, Jeremy Puckett,Merry Michael Ramsey, Pedram Rastegar, Bailey Ray, Kaitie Read, Kyle Renfroe, Katie Beth Rice, Marlena Rice, Michael Richardson, Tra Richardson, Austin Roberts, Josh Robertson, Isaac Robison, Moises Roman, Connor Romanowski, drew Romanowski, Sage Rose, Alex Rumphrey, Carolina Sandoval, Betsy Schmidt, Jabari Scott, Katie Scott, Brittany Seagle, Tristin Sharp, Presley Sherer, david Silva, Joshua Sims, Mallory Sisk, Carson Smisek, Trey Smith, Katie Smitherman, Perry Smitherman, Molly Snyder, Will Sparkman, daniel Stone, dillon Stone, Patrick Strickland, Mary Sullivan, Abby Summerlin, Alex Summerlin, Brandon Suttles, Julia Tanner, Travis Tarpley, Katie Grace Terry, Katie Thomas, Austin Thornton, John Thurber, Carlos Trejo, Jesús Trejo, Kayla Turner, Zachary Turner, Bradley Twitty, Bailey Tyler, Noah Utsinger, Tevor Wasden, Tiara Watkins, Andrew Watson, Ryan Weaver, Jessie Weldon, Nick Wellborn, Emily White, dalton Whiten, Jacob Wiggins, Aaron Wilkes, Marissa Wilkins, McKay Wilkins, Ashley Williams, Meagan Williams, Savanna Windham, Bethany Wood, Courtney Wood, Kirsten Wood, Caleb Woodard, Josh Woodard, Matthew young.

CONTRIBUTEd

Hannah Hurst, Chloe Bloom, Savannah Burrell, Minnie Greer, Tatum Higginbotham, Hayley lavetto, Ashley Midgette, Courtney Nicholson, Christina Rodriguez, Elizabeth Ross, Geordan Saindon, Sarah Scruggs, Brittney Barker, Abby Beal, lexus Beal, Raegan Bright, Mary Ashley Hereford, Rachel Krebs, Alexis Maske and Alyssa Johnson.

CMYK Outside

PANTHER

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Game of the Week:

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Jaguars vs. Bucs 5

CMYK INSIDE

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3.2 inches wide X 10 inches tall

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REPORTER PHOTOs/jon goering

1. Spain Park defenders Jeniah Jackson and Kameron Ricks close in on Hoover running back Caleb Sims. 2. Bryant Novick protects quarterback Nick Mullens. 3. Spain Park cheerleaders celebrate a big play. 4. Spain Park players warm up before the game.

5. The Spain Park band enters the stadium.

6. Spain Park safety Justin Carter reaches out to tackle Hoover quarterback Sam Gilliken. 7.

A Spain Park drummer marches to his seat before the game. 8. Spain Park running back Alton Daniel looks for running room against the Bucs.