ST Vol 8 No 49

Fyffe Wins 6th State Championship

AUBURN – A chaotic first half ended with Fyffe holding a double-digit lead over B.B. Comer in Thursday’s 27th Super 7 Class 2A state football championship game at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

The Red Devils, leading 26-16 at intermission, immediately

went back to the basics in the second half and clinched their sixth state championship with a 40-28 victory over B.B. Comer. Fyffe (15-0) took the second-half kickoff and drove 63 yards in 11 clock-sapping plays, including 10 runs, and

Brodie Hicks scored his fourth touchdown of the night on a 1-yard run. Hicks finished with 45 carries for 235 yards and five touchdowns and won the game’s MVP award. The five TDs in a 2A final broke the old record (4) set by Michael Lindsey of Elba in 2011 and tied by

Justus McDaniel of Mars Hill Bible in 2020.

“We knew we were going to have to run it between the tackles,”

Fyffe coach Paul Benefield said. “That’s Brodie’s strong point. … We just mainly ran two of three plays in the second half.”

The Red Devils have earned all six state titles since 2014. B.B. Comer (12-3), coached by Adam Fossett, was in its first state championship game since 1995.

B.B. Comer’s Kamore

FP Resolves Boot Issue Elliott Sworn-in For Another Term

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Fort Payne, Ala.-- (Full Video on Southern Torch Facebook Page) The Fort Payne City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, December 6.

Fort Payne has experienced an ongoing issue of “Boots” being placed on trucks when they park on private property, near the Mapco Gas Station at the South

end of town The property owners have contracted with Buckhead Parking Enforcement of Union City, Georgia to apply and remove the booting device.

In prior Council meetings, Mayor Brain Baine advised that the company is legal in what they are doing. In the past, the trucks have been allowed to park there but now the property owners have

>See Boot, P4

RAINSVILLE, Ala.-- (Full Video on Southern Torch Facebook Page) The DeKalb County Board of Education held a special called meeting on December 6. DeKalb County Commission President Ricky Harcrow swore in Board Member Robert Elliott for another six-year term on the DeKalb County Board of Education.

The Board approved the following Retirements and Resignations:

• Kelly Broyles, Itinerant Special Education Teacher-Fyffe High School, Retirement effective 1/1/23

• Terry-Beth Goodman, English Language Arts

Teacher-Geraldine High School, Resignation effective 12/30/22

• Jacob Isom, Elementary School Counselor-Crossville

Elementary, Resignation effective 12/17/22

• Leah Vaughn, Elementary TeacherCrossville Elementary, Resignation effective 1/2/23

The following Leave of Absence was granted:

• Stacey Dover, Assistant SecretaryPlainview High School

Community Theatre Encourages Volunteering

p.m. NACC Theatre encourages people of all ages to volunteer or audition.

State Champs

By Marla Ballard Reporter

JACKSON COUNTY, ALA.Theatre is a meaningful part of our culture. “Watching a live theatre production can increase our empathy for the groups depicted in the play and may even result in changes in charitable behavior, racial discrimination, and income inequality.”

According to the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology.

Irish playwright, Oscar Wilde said, “I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.”

Nestled on the outer fringes of Jackson County bordering DeKalb County is Northeast Alabama Community College, home to the Tom Bevill Lyceum.

The Lyceum, a

4+million-dollar theatre and classroom facility, opened in 1995 with a seating capacity of over 700. The building houses the Theatre Department supervised by the Director of Theatre, Kayleigh Smith, and the Technical Director, Brad Archer.

The theatre produces approximately three large mainstage productions each year, as well as a summer youth theatre workshop for students 18 years old and younger. NACC theatre students have the opportunity to learn, grow, and develop their skills while earning an Associate in Arts Theatre degree.

The theatre welcomes volunteers from the community to join their theatre family in one or more of these departments; performance, costumes, hair, makeup, set construction, stage managing, sound, lighting, painting,

props, spotlights, vocal directing, and choreography.

“I have had entire families come and volunteer in various avenues over the course of many years,” said Smith. “No experience is needed for volunteering in our theatre department.

The more volunteers we have the lighter the load and the faster we complete the projects. It takes a village! More importantly, the cast and crew become like a family by the time a show opens. Theatre is a great way to bring people together. It’s a very special thing.”

Volunteer cast and crew schedules, especially for the Spring production, require a significant time commitment.

Rehearsals for the Spring musical run from January through April on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings, as well as occasional Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00

“We very much appreciate the financial donations that we get from our community,” stated NACC President Dr. David Campbell. “However, college financial support is the main source of funding. We of course pay for the salaries of personnel, scholarships for student workers, Presidential Hosts as ushers, state-of-the-art modern facilities, sets, lighting, sound, and the plays themselves. One play alone a few years back cost us $70,000. We do try to break even in productions, but that usually is not the case. The college only charges eight dollars per ticket so that everyone in our area can afford to see first-rate live theater. We want to support the arts, though, and of course, theater helps with our promotions. We have a great staff and very talented participants. Come to our plays and support us and the arts and enjoy Broadway-like theater locally!”

Ugly Christmas Sweater

The

will be hosting an Ugly Christmas Sweater event for all of their employees on Friday, December 16, 2022. Two Christmas trees will be set up for the employees to decorate with their own ornaments. Stop by and see your favorite employees as they sport their craziest Christmas outfits!

Inside The Statehouse

By Steve Flowers

Allow me to share the stories of three of my favorite legislative colleagues. Two of these gentlemen are retiring from the Alabama House of Representatives this year, and one passed away in April.

Representative Victor Gaston of Mobile and Representative Howard Sanderford of Huntsville are going home. A third legend and true gentleman, Steve McMillan of Baldwin County, passed away during the last session in April.

Representative Victor Gaston is Speaker Pro Tem of the House. Victor is retiring after 40 years in the legislature. He decided that at age 79 and having spent half of his entire life in the legislature, the timing was right to end his career and not run for reelection. Gaston,

who was an educator by profession and also has family timber interests, lost the love of his life, Jean, only two years ago. They were married for 46 years and were very close. You can tell he misses her immensely. His two sons, Hank and George, have been helpful to him.

Victor was first elected to the House in 1982. In that year, he was only one of eight Republicans in the 105-member House. His district is an affluent silkstocking area of Mobile, and one of the few areas that voted Republican in local races in that era. He serves as a deacon of the Springhill Baptist Church. Additionally, he is active in Mobile with the Penelope House, Home of Grace for Women, and the Mobile Mental Health Center. Besides serving as Pro Tem in the legislature, he has

been active with the American Legislative Exchange Council and is on the State Building Commission. Victor and I came to the House as freshmen together in 1982, and became and remain good friends. I like to give my friends nicknames, I dubbed him, “To the Victor goes the spoils.” He is a formal person and seemed to enjoy the frivolity of the term. Also in our class were Spencer Bachus, Beth Marietta Lyons, and Mo Brooks to name a few.

My friend Howard Sanderford came to the Alabama House of Representatives in January of 1989. We became fast friends. He succeeded my friend, Steve Hettinger, who became mayor

of Huntsville. Howard has represented the 20th District which is comprised of southeast Huntsville. He was elected to this very Republican district seven times and has served a total of 33 years. He was a true blue business Republican, who was perfect for that district. He represented his people well with class and distinction. Howard was an accountant by profession and had a successful career with IBM, retired early, and was able to serve in the legislature with ample time and without the need for the remuneration. He is a devoted family man. Howard and his wife Dot are very close. She

accompanied him to Montgomery most of the time during his 33 years in the legislature. They are active members of the First Baptist Church of Huntsville. At 87 Howard felt like it was time to retire from his second career.

Our friend, Representative Steve McMillan of Baldwin County, passed away at 80 in April after a tough bout with cancer. Steve was a great man and a great legislator. He was a quiet yet very friendly gentleman.

Steve served with distinction for 43 years in the House of Representatives. He was a very diligent and well-prepared legislator. He was extremely conservative in a dignified way. He was not flamboyant and would seldom go to the well and speak. Yet, when he did, people listened. He was well-respected and knew what he

was talking about. He exuded class and epitomized the term gentleman. Steve is survived by his wife Gayle, two sons, and six grandchildren.

The House is losing a lot of experience and leadership with the loss of Steve McMillan and Victor Gaston, and Howard Sanderford.

Coupled with the decision by Speaker of the House, Mac McCutcheon, to not seek reelection, this will leave a void in the Speaker and Pro Tem posts in the House. In addition, the House is losing veterans Mike Ball (R-Huntsville), Allen Farley (R-Jefferson), L.L. Brown (R-Jacksonville), and Harry Shiver (R-Baldwin). The state and many of us will miss these folks. See you next week.

Congratulations to the Section Varsity Cheerleaders! The cheerleading squad won the Class 2A State Cheer Championship at the AHSAA Cheer Championships. This is the second consecutive state title for the Section Lions Cheerleaders!

Congratulations to the Scottsboro Wildcat Varsity Cheerleaders! For the first time in school history, Scottsboro High School is the 5A State Cheerleading Champion!

Jackson County Courthouse

City Employees to Receive 3% Raise

By Marla Jones Managing Editor marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.-- (Full video on Southern Torch Facebook page) The Rainsville City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on December 5.

The Council approved a 3% Cost-Of-Living Raise for City Employees, which was built into the 2022-2023 budget. The raise will go into effect on January 4, 2023.

At last month’s meeting, the Council approved Mayor Rodger Lingerfelt to sign the necessary paperwork to obtain financing for new vehicles for the

Rainsville Police and Fire Department. The wording needed to clarify that the new fleet loan at First Southern State banks would be a draw note.

The Boozer Road Paving Project was accepted with the total being $100,000 plus the stripping. The Council gave Mayor Lingerfelt the authority to negotiate between two companies, the stripping for the Boozer Road project along with the city streets of Rainbow Avenue South, Shankles North, Brown Chapel Road, and Clements for $10,000.

The Council approved a price of $5,000 from F G Lumber, to cut the trees and buy the wood at the new

Former FP Students Compete at College Level

Public Works Site.

A citizen whose address is 3827 Co Rd 121 Fort Payne, requested an 8-yard front load dumpster. The property is outside the city limits but the County does not have any dumpsters in the requested size. The Council approved the request with an additional $25 surcharge to the monthly billing.

The Council approved placing a street light at the DeKalb County Schools Early Learning Center.

The next meeting of the Rainsville City Council will be held on December 19, with a work session beginning at 4:00 and a Regular Meeting beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Fyffe’s Biggest Fan

Saferite Meets Alabama Governor Ivey

Collinsville Drugs

“Caring for you like family”

December 9, Christmas in the Park - The City of Fort Payne presents the 37th annual Christmas in the Park. Join us in City Park for festivities before the annual Christmas Parade begins at 6pm. Visit with Santa. Free hot chocolate, coffee, soft drinks and more!

December 9, Walk

Through Bethlehem - Join us for Walk

Through Bethlehem Experience what life would have been like the week of Jesus’ birth in the city of Bethlehem. Experience the sights, smells, and sounds of the city as you walk through the marketplace hearing personal encounters with the young couple who came to give birth in the city! Broadway Baptist Church 99 McCurdy Avenue South, Rainsville,

Alabama 35986 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

December 9, Fort Payne Christmas Parade - Join us in beautiful downtown Fort Payne on Friday, December 9th as we kick off the night with Christmas in the Park at 4:30 pm followed by the Fort Payne Christmas Parade at 6:00 pm. Larue Hardinger, Toys for Tots, will lead the parade as our Grand Marshal. Downtown Fort Payne is magical during the Christmas season, please make plans to join us for this fun filled night.

December 10, Blow Your Own Ornament at Orbix Hot Glass - Blow Your Own Ornament at Orbix Hot Glass. Orbix Hot Glass is a glass blowing studio and gallery on Lookout

Mountain that offers fine decorative and functional glass, as well as very popular glass blowing classes. Design and literally “blow” your own ornament with the help of a glass artist. Orbix Hot Glass in Fort Payne, Alabama (within 30 minutes of DeSoto State Park) Preregistration required. Ages 5 to adult. Custom reservations can be made for groups anytime. Call 256.523.3188 or email info@orbixhotglass. com for details.

December 10,

Christmas Carshow

Toy Drive Swap Meet - Catagories: Best of Show, Best Ford, Best Mopar, Pre 1950, 1951-60, 1961-70, 1971-80, 1981present. Cars, Trucks, and Motorcycles. Judging and awards presentation at 1PM.

Located at 790 N. Brindlee Mountain Parkway Arab, AL 35016. Registration starts at 8AM $20 for the firsdt vehicle. $10 for each additional, or a new unwrapped toy of equal or greater value. For more information: call (256)586-6041 or loretta.painter@ greywolfautogroup. com

December 17, Here We Are Again!

- The 4th Annual Alabama Tribute -2nd Show Added - The Boys are back for the 4th Annual Alabama Tribute show in our hometown of Fort Payne, Alabama. By Boys in the Band - The Alabama Tribute. Fort Payne Dekalb Theatre 306 Gault Avenue North Fort Payne, AL 35967 at 7:00 PM CST

December 18, Christmas Murder Mystery Dinner Event at Scottsboro’s Brown-Proctor House - Christmas Themed Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Event at Scottsboro’s Historic Brown-Proctor House. Be a Christmas Sleuth for the evening.

Scottsboro-Jackson Heritage Center 208 South Houston Street Scottsboro, AL 35768. Tickets are by reservation only and available from Eventbrite, The Southern Ghost Girls Tours Facebook Page or www. southernghostgirls. com

December 18, New Hope Dinner and a Christmas Show - We will present a wonderful evening of Good Food , Great Company , and

Festive Christmas evening to get you in the Christmas spirit. New Hope Ministries. Highway 78 East Anniston, 36207. No charge for this event but there is limited seating.

December 31,

Hank’s Last Ride: The Music of Hank Williams Sr. - A 70th Anniversary Celebration of the life & legacy of Hank Williams Sr. Fort Payne Opera House is proud to bring you a live performance of Hank Williams’ music and other classic country hits featuring the star of RFD-TV’s Midwest Country, David Church! Fort Payne Opera House 510 Gault Avenue North Fort Payne, AL 35967. Sat, Dec 31, 2022, 6:00 PM CST.

- Submitted photo

Former Fort Payne track and field standouts Patrick Sherrill and Lennon Isben competed in their first college meet on Friday for Montevallo and Jacksonville State at the Icebreaker Invitational in Birmingham. Isben placed 5th in a 40 woman field in the pole vault. Sherrill competed in the 400 meters and 4x400 relay.

Newly elected District 3 Commissioner Ron Saferite, had the opportunity to meet with Governor Kay Ivey while at the new commissioner training seminar in Montgomery.

Gage Thacker won the photo contest hosted by Southern Torch. He made his picture with Sports Editor, Marla Jones, to claim his $50 prize.

Public Notice

CASE NO.:CV-22-900162

DAVID

NOTICE OF FILING OF COMPLAINT TO JO ELLEN OSBORNE JORDAN

Jo Ellen Osborne Jordan, take notice that on September 2, 2022 a Complaint was filed in the above-styled case concerning the return of furniture (an antique music press/ correspondence cabinet) and other personal property of James William Jordan. You are hereby notified to file a responsive pleading within thirty (30) days after the last publication of the Notice or on or about February 3, 2023.

DeKalb County Hospital Association

dba DeKalb Ambulance Service will hold their regularly scheduled board meeting on December 15, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. in the Carson Educational Building at DeKalb Ambulance Service, 208 Airport Road W, Fort Payne, AL. The public is invited to attend.

we are trying to look at a way to help with that, by giving a place for trucks to park,” stated Mayor Baine.

surplus no longer needed for Municipal or public purposes. This pertained to a garbage truck that will be sold to the Town of Collinsville.

The following Board Appointments were made: (These were the only applicants)

• Two (2) vacancies on the Fort Payne Improvement Authority; Robbie Davis and Monia Smith.

• One (1) vacancy on the Fort Payne Water Board; Dana Goggans.

In New Business, the Council discussed changing earned vacation intervals in the personnel policy. Fort Payne has 225 employees with 66% of employees being with the City less than five years.

Education Teacher at Ruhama Jr. High School to Elementary Teacher at Ruhama Jr. High School (effective 1/2/23)

The following Placements were approved by the Board:

(Certified)

• Marisa Hunt Willoughby-Teacher Leave (12/5/224/2/23) Geraldine High School

• Kennedi Traylor-Itinerant Special Education Teacher- Ruhama Jr. High School (Effective 1/2/23)

• Leigh Anne Arnold-Family Consumer Science Teacher-Valley Head High School (Effective 1/2/23)

(Support)

• Amber Dukes - P.E. Aide-Plainview High School (Effective 1/1/23)

were involved.

Mr. Gregory was wanted for scamming local residents by buying automobiles with fake currency.

According to City Attorney, Rocky Watson, Birmingham has a city ordinance against commercial lots “booting” trucks.

Fort Payne Human Resource Director, Tricia Clinton-Dunne, asked the Council to give employees with five years of service, three weeks vacation. She requested that employees with ten years of service, to be awarded with four weeks vacation. The Council approved the request.

The Board approved the fleet renewal for new 2023 Chrevolet Tahoe in the amount of $37,064.70.

Sylvania School repaired the softball fence after damage in the amount of $2,590.00. The Board votefd to reimburse the school for the repairs.

POWELL, Ala.-- This week the Powell Police Department coordinated with the Simpson County Sheriff’s Office (KY), Barren County Sheriff’s Office (KY), and Edmonson County Sheriff’s Office (KY), to take a wanted fugitive into custody.

Christopher Gregory was taken into custody and charged with:

“I want to personally thank the Sheriff’s offices listed, thankful that even Kentucky agencies will go out of their way to help our town. If it wasn’t for them, Mr. Gregory would still remain at large” stated Powell Police Chief Stephen Malone.

Buckhead Parking Enforcement was booting trucks and charging them almost $600-$800 to remove the boot.

“If you want to do something about it, we can,” stated Watson at a previous council meeting.

The Council approved Columbus Day to the City’s recognized list of allowable holidays. This was the last Federally recognized holiday that the City dis not acknowledge.

The date of the next meeting of the DeKalb County Board of Education will be on January 19, 2023. The work session will begin at 4:30 p.m and the regular session at 5:00 p.m.

• Trafficking a controlled substance

• Giving false identification to a law enforcement officer

• Criminal possession of a forged instrument

• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

A stolen RV was recovered, during the arrest.

More charges may result from various Sherrif Offices that

Said notice to be published December

Boot

FROM PAGE 1

“This is not the City doing this, this is not our officers doing this, this is not Mapco doing this. It is kinda a negative light on Fort Payne by them doing this…

In Tuesday’s Fort Payne Council meeting, the Council passed Ordinance 2022-06, which regulates the practice of “Booting” vehicles in the City limits of Fort Payne. The Ordiance sets a maximum limit of

The Fort Payne Council went into Executive Session to discuss pending litigation, with no action taken.

“Small towns seem like easier targets for criminals, but we have just as many resources and the same authority as others, so you can go to Kentucky but we are going to come looking. We are looking forward to extraditing Mr. Gregory back to Alabama to face his felony charges here” concluded Chief Malone. posted that trucks can no longer park on the property.

The next regular meeting of the Fort Payne Council will be on December 20, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

(11/1/22-2/2/23)

• Tanya Ford, EL Teacher-Collinsville High School (11/14/22-12/7/22)

The following On-the-Job Injury was approved:

• Melissa Nabors, Elementary Teacher- Crossville Elementary -1 day

The following Transfer was approved by the Board:

• Misty Beason from Itinerant Special

L. SMITH, as Executor of the Estate of James William Jordan, deceased, PLAINTIFF, VS. JO ELLEN OSBORNE JORDAN, DEFENDANT.

Darrell Ray Norman - 83, of Fort Payne passed away, November 29, 2022. A memorial visitation is planned for Friday, Dec. 2 from 5-7 p.m. at Wilson Funeral Home in Fort Payne.

Patsy Ann Edwards - 84, of Rainsville, passed away Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at her home. To honor her wishes, no services are planned.

Flavil Leon “Bud” Atkins - 82, of Valley Head, passed away Friday, December 2, 2022. To honor his wishes, the family plans to have a private service at a later time.

William R. (Bill) Biddle - 87, a long-time resident of Fort Payne, Alabama, passed away on December 3, 2022, in Birmingham, Alabama. A graveside service will be held at Glenwood Cemetery in Fort Payne on Friday, December 9, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.

James “Jim” Edward Byrum - 73 of Mentone, passed away early Sunday morning at his residence. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, December 10, 2022 with burial following in the Little River Cemetery.

Kenneth L. Elrod - 77, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, formerly of Fort Payne, Alabama, passed away on Saturday, December 3, 2022. Date of Funeral: Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 2:30 PM CST.

Edith Jean Wooten White - 76 of Henagar died Thursday, December 1 at her residence. Funeral services are Saturday at 2 pm CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Pastor Kenneth Bethune and son, Stanley Pangle officiating. Burial will follow in Payne Gap Cemetery.

Tammy Marie Hartline - 46 of Higdon died Sunday, December 4 at Dekalb Regional Medical Center. Funeral services are Tuesday at 2 PM ET at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Pastor Tommy Bearden officiating. Burial will follow.

Mildred Bailey Rogers - 82 of Flat Rock died Monday, December 5 at her residence. Funeral services are Thursday at 2 PM CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Chaplain Eric

Bagwell officiating. Burial will follow in Beulah Chapel Cemetery.

Jimmy Roden - 77 of Rainsville Alabama, passed away on Tuesday, December 06, 2022 at his residence. Funeral service is Friday, December 09, 2022, at 11am.

Rainsville

Eric Taylor - 31 of Henagar, AL passed away on Tuesday, November 29, 2022. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 2PM. Burial will follow.

Marie Bryant - 87 of Fort Payne, AL passed away on Friday, December 2, 2022. Funeral service will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2022 at 2PM. Burial will follow.

Michael A. Goodwin - 65 of Henagar passed away on Friday, December 2, 2022. Funeral service is Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 11:00 am.

Louise Teat - 90 of Rainsville passed away on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at her residence. Funeral service is Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at

2PM. Burial will follow. Tyler Bates - 29 of Henagar/Sylvania, AL passed away on Saturday, September 17, 2022. Memorial service will be held on Friday, December 9, 2022 at 7PM.

Elizabeth Prince - 89, of Scottsboro, passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2022. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 3, Helen Elizabeth Duke Ott - 83, of Scottsboro, Alabama passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at Cloverdale Manor. Helen was a faithful servant to God, and an avid student of God’s word. She was known to her family and friends as Bam, a name given to her by her first grandchild.

Elizabeth Louise Traylor (Liz) - 87, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2022. Funeral service at 2:00 pm at Scottsboro Funeral Home. Burial will follow.

Brenda Johnson80, of Dutton, Alabama, passed away on Sunday, December 4, 2022. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Scottsboro Funeral

Home with Rev. Jeff Adkins officiating. Burial will follow.

Alice Sue Pace78, of Scottsboro, Alabama, passed away on Sunday, December 4, 2022. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Freeman Cemetery.

Mark Anthony Sisk

- He passed away peacefully to his eternal home on November 28, 2022. A graveside service will be held at 2pm

Wednesday, November 30, 2022.

Catrina Clines55, of Rainsville passed away on Wednesday, November 29, 2022. The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.

Wanda Faye

Gaither - 72, of Rainsville passed away on Tuesday, November 29, 2022. Funeral services are set for 1pm Friday, Dec. 2, 2022.

Yener Arael Reynoso-Francisco - age 1 month, of Crossville, passed away on Wednesday, November 30, 2022. Funeral services will be held at 10am on Saturday, December 3.

William Fay

Hudgins - 66 of Gaylesville, passed away Thursday, December 1, 2022. Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Wednesday, December 7, 2022.

James Bruce Goodowens - 82 of Fyffe, passed away Thursday, December 1, 2022. Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Sunday, December 4, 2022 at W.T. Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial to follow.

Marie Riley Wilson - 95 went home to her Heavenly Father on December 1, 2022. Funeral services will be held 1 pm, Saturday, December 3, 2022, at Collinsville Baptist Church with visitation 11 am - 1 pm.

Sandra Lee

“Sandy” Glass - 85, of Ft. Payne passed away on Friday, December 2, 2022. Funeral services are set for 1pm Tuesday, December 6, 2022.

William Terry “Billy” Townsel - 57, of Fyffe passed away on Friday, December 2, 2022. Graveside services are set for 11am Monday, December 5, 2022 at Antioch Cemetery in Fyffe.

Robert Allen Holland - 75, of Section passed away on Friday, December 2, 2022. Funeral services are set for 1pm Monday, December 5, 2022.

Margie Driver Willoughby Masters - 96, of Crossville passed away on Friday, December 2, 2022. Funeral services are set for 3pm Sunday, December 4.

Billy Dan Crowe - 80 of Fyffe, passed away Sunday, December 4, 2022. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Wednesday, Dec. 7.

Cornerstone

Burt

Kerby

W.T. Wilson

Scottsboro

Wilson

20 22 SCOREBOARD Fyffe 40, B.B. Comer 28 AHSAA State Championship Game

Fyffe

Harris, a powerful 6-foot-2, 230-pound junior running back, scored on a 67-yard run on the game’s opening minute, but the Tigers later mishandled a kickoff that Fyffe fell on to set up a first-half touchdown. The Red Devils also turned an interception into Hicks’ 1-yard run with 13 seconds to go before halftime to stretch a narrow 19-16 lead to 26-16.

The Tigers’ defense delivered a goal-line stand in the first half after Fyffe covered a muffed punt and had first-and-goal at the 4, and receiver Richard Weed caught a 44-yard TD pass.

The series of momentum-stealing plays provided an alternate plot to most Fyffe games, which the Red Devils often control with a run-first offense known as the “Big Ugly.” Fyffe imposed its will in the second half with two long scoring drives and

in the last five years. “That’s a great team,” B.B. Comer’s Richard Weed said,

referring to Fyffe.

The Red Devils played without sophomore running

for nearly 2,000 yards before suffering a seasonending knee injury in last week’s semifinal victory over Pisgah. He stood on the sideline with the help

jersey. Benefield chose to move offensive lineman Tucker Wilks to move to fullback, saying “Mr. Outside was injured so the game plan called for handing it to Hicks, Mr. Inside. It worked.

“It came to me

Sunday. We put it in Monday,” Benefield said.

Hicks responded with 45 carries in Fyffe’s 61 total plays to set another Super 7 Class 2A state record. The previous record (31) was set Fyffe’s Dilon Kilpatrick in the 2015 finals.

“It’s tough because you run up the middle every

time,” Hicks said. “You run into people’s faces. It’s definitely not fun. You’ve got to suck it up and do it.”

Harris led B.B. Comer (12-3) with 180 yards and touchdowns runs of 67 and 3 yards on 20

led the Red Devils’ defense with nine tackles.

Benefield now, who ranks third in AHSAA state history with 336 career wins, has coached six state titles in the last decade, building

carries, and he added 15 tackles on defense. Weed caught a 44-yard touchdown pass and added 14 tackles.

Tristan Garrett also scored on an 8-yard run. Hicks scored on TD runs of 6, 1, 1, 19 and 7 yards for Fyffe.

Eighth grader Ryder Gipson scored on a 1-yard run and added six tackles on defense. Will Arnold

Fyffe into a small-school dynasty. This year’s 15-0 finish was the sixth for the Red Devils in the last nine seasons as well. “It keeps getting better,” Benefield said. “This group, I didn’t see it coming. We play nine kids both ways. You expect those injuries will eventually catch up to you – like Logan.”

Valley Head

Fyffe

Ider

Sylvania

Geraldine

Cheryl Boydston | Southern Torch

Brodie Hicks

Game MVP Cheryl Boydston | Southern Torch

Superintendent: Wayne Lyles

Board Members: Randy Peppers, Robert Elliott, Carol Hiett, Monty Darwin, and Kelly Armstrong