The Southern Torch — Vol. 4, Issue 38

Bobby Ledbetter’s

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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2018 / VOL. 4, NO. 37 / $1.00

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Boozer Bridge Saga Continues...

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FRIDAY NIGHT FEVER FULL COVERAGE

Drew Smith, Senior The DeKalb County Commission discussed bridge projects within the City of Rainsville including Boozer Bridge and Chavies Bridge. (Southern Torch)

By Marla Jones Reporter DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — (Video on our Website) The DeKalb County Commission held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday,

September 11.

The Commission discussed the Boozer Bridge Land Agreement between the Commission and the City of Rainsville.

In exchange for backfill and approach work for the Boozer Bridge Project, the City of Rainsville would

deed two to three acres of property on Star Road for a fenced in property to be used by the work crews of the DeKalb County Road Department.

Since the initial agreement between the County and the City of Rainsville, funding through

ATRIP had expired.

DeKalb County Attorney Charles Mooney stated that he had spoken with Nikki Scott, Rainsville City Attorney, several times

>> COMMISSION, P2

Linebacker/Running Back for Plainview

#TORCHSPORTS FOLLOW THE LEADER and watch Sports Editor Marla Jones and Reporter Chris Capps in our new TorchSports online show!

Topics will include: complete breakdowns of the week's games, discussion with coaches, and much more! Check it out on our Facebook page each week sponsored by DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris!

HOME INVASION SUSPECT CAUGHT

By Marla Jones Reporter

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — On May 5, 2018 at 8:52pm, 911 Dispatch received a call about a burglary and possible sexual abuse that occurred in the vicinity of 4th Street NW in Fort Payne.

Officers made contact

with the homeowners that reported that a male subject that had entered the residence while the female homeowner was alone. The male homeowner stated that as he entered the residence, a male subject exited the residence at a fast run.

As officers arrived on the scene, a physical

description was given out of the perpetrator who was masked as he was leaving the residence. Neighbors in the area reported seeing a dark blue or black SUV leaving the area in a hurry.

At the time, rumors began to circulate on social media that more crimes of this nature had occurred in the city limits of Fort Payne

since the initial incident; however, Fort Payne Police Chief Randy Bynum stated that the rumors were nothing but false and provided a list of preemptive measures to improve personal safety around your home. The full list can be found on our website.

As officers were

gathering information, it was discovered that several items were missing from inside the residence and the victim’s vehicle.

Investigators arrived on scene and key evidence was gathered for forensic testing.

>> CAUGHT, P2

Shane Lee Henagar is facing multiple charges. (Fort Payne Police Department)

From Red Devils to Gamecocks LOCAL TIES TO INTERNATIONAL ICON

TORCHCAST

PHOTO BY PICTORIAL PRESS LTD/ALAMY

By Zach Hester Reporter RAINSVILLE, Ala. — As the world reels from a weeklong mourning of

FRIDAY 9/14

91 • 69

SATURDAY 9/15

89 • 69

SUNDAY 9/16

88 • 69

Hollywood icon Burt Reynolds, a local business is holding tight onto a

>> REYNOLDS, P2

SUBMITTED PHOTO

You will find six familiar faces at Burgess-Snow Field while attending a JSU game.

The Fyffe Red Devils turning into Gamecocks are Isabelle Blackwell, Colby Cochran, Segan Thomas, Dakota Dalton, Cole Hosch, and Garrett Butts. The boys are former football players and the girls were Red Devil cheerleaders.

Visit our website at www.southerntorch.com for daily news updates and pick up your weekly print edition at news stands every Friday.

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FRIDAY – SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Michael Posey, Assistant Director of the DeKalb County EMA, was recently awarded top honors by the FEMA Executive Academy.

(Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

COMMISSION from Page 1

and that the City had agreed to transfer the land.

Mooney asked Ben Luther, DeKalb County Engineer, if he had any changes that needed to be made.

Luther stated that the original contract that had been agreed upon by both parties would need some wording changes regarding the funding that is referenced in the contract.

“We have agreed in principle to provide that for the city,” said Luther.

“If, and when, the funding becomes available.”

“To my knowledge, the funding [for Boozer Bridge] is not available any longer [through ATRIP],” Luther continued.

After much discussion and concern, Commissioner DeWitt Jackson reported that the Chavies Bridge Project (which was funded by ATRIP) came in at a higher cost than anticipated and due to that, all ATRIP funds were exhausted for the Boozer Bridge Project.

The Commission then voted to table the discussion until the contract could be amended for wording.

Southern Torch reached out Rainsville Councilmember Ricky Byrum, who is the liaison for the Street Department in Rainsville and said that he and the Mayor were actively working on new funding for the Boozer Bridge Project.

In Other Business: CED Mental Health Director Shelia Hurley addressed the Commission thanking them for all their help in the past and updated them on upcoming activities including Recovery in the Park on September 29 at Geraldine Town Park. Hurley also reported the need for a new facility due to growth across the county. CED Mental Health staffs a full-time nurse practitioner and a full-time counselor to deal with various problems like youth issues and substance abuse.

Personnel changes were discussed for the

Probate Office, Housekeeping, and the DeKalb County Jail DeKalb County Administrator Matt Sharp gave a budget update which includes cost of living raises for employees Emily McCamy of the Council on Aging requested that B&B Reporting do background checks for the agency. She also asked for travel approval and gave an update on the 45th anniversary of the Senior Center which will be held on October 26.

Anthony Clifton, DeKalb County EMA Director, recognized Deputy Director Michael Posey for graduating from the the month long Emergency Management Professionals Program at the National Training Academy in Maryland. He was one of 40 across the nation, one of just two in our region to complete the program.

The next meeting of the DeKalb County Commission will be held on Tuesday, September 25 at 10am in the DeKalb County Activities Building.

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REYNOLDS from Page 1 small piece of history that they shared with the ‘Gunsmoke’ and ‘Smokey and the Bandit’ star.

In the 1980s, Reynolds reached the pinnacle of his success in acting, in addition to becoming a producer and director.

Rainsville Church Pew was contracted in 1985 to

seat Reynolds’ private chapel on his 160-acre BR horse ranch in Jupiter, Fla. The chapel was specifically built for Reynolds’ marriage ceremony to actress Loni Anderson. In fact, the chapel was built three years before Reynolds even proposed to Anderson, proof of plenty of patience and foresight.

The Academy-Award nominated actor contacted the oldest industry in Rainsville after narrowing

CAUGHT

his search for the best church pews in the South.

The Rainsville Church Pew, which is celebrating its 60th birthday this year, has still hung onto a copy of the check adorned with Reynolds’ signature.

PROUDLY SERVING ALL OF NORTHEAST ALABAMA

from Page 1 The evidence was sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Science for extensive testing. Results were returned to the Fort Payne Police Department and a subject was able to be identified.

Shane Lee Henagar, 46 of Fort Payne, was charged with: one count of Burglary in the 2nd, one count of unlawfully entering a motor vehicle, one count of theft in the 3rd, one count of robbery in the 1st, one count of sexual abuse in the 1st, and one count of sodomy in the 1st Class A. We will keep updating this story as more information begins to surface. Full police reports can be found on our website at www. southerntorch.com.

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FRIDAY – SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

FirstOn Socks

Submit your community events to: zach@southerntorch.com

One Year Anniversary

Contributed by The Fort Payne Chamber

By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — If you’re stopping by Boom Days this weekend in downtown Fort Payne, be sure to stop by FirstOn’s booth! They are a business local to the Rainsville area.

According to FirstOn team member Dylan Kate Coffey, “FirstOn is a brand that is designed specifically for the incredible men and women who are first on the scene when emergencies occur, including brave individuals working for our fire departments, our police, military and EMS professionals.”

FirstOn products are made 100% in the United States. They utilize 100% USA fibers like nylon, spandex, staycool polyester and CuTec copper fibers. For further information about how FirstOn products are produced, visit their website at www.firstonsocks.com.

“Our goal as a company is to give back to those first responders who keep us safe on a daily basis by providing a supportive, functional sock that makes foot pain and blisters one less thing to worry about,” Coffey continued. “Our team will be selling our products at Fort Payne’s Annual Boom Days festival this Saturday, September 15!”

Boom Days is set for this Saturday, September 15, and will begin at 10am. It is free and open to the public.

For more information about Boom Days, please visit www.boomdays.com.

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FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Well...I am celebrating my one-year anniversary at the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce. Wow! I feel like I just stepped into my role as Executive Director.

What an exciting and fun year I have had. Let’s recap…

September means Boom Days, and the Chamber assists by providing information to visitors. It’s an exciting event, and we look forward to assisting again this year!

Maurey Roberts does a great job planning and making Boom Days successful each year. This is the single largest annual event for the City of Fort Payne, and it brings in tourists by the droves.

Boom Days is always a fun time for our community!

Next was the 11th Annual Mayor’s Cup at Terrapin Hills Country Club, thankfully everything was planned and ready to go, so I just had to show up.

We had a great time, and

are now planning this year’s Mayor’s Cup for October 12th at Terrapin Hills Country Club. We would love to share more information with you, so reach out to us and let us know if you are interested.

Then we held our Annual Halloween Block Party. This was started several years ago by our downtown merchants.

Held on Halloween night, we block off downtown streets, and businesses set up and hand out candy from 5pm to 7pm. It’s a fun and safe way for children to trick or treat, and we always look forward to seeing those crazy creative costumes.

Up next, we love our Annual Christmas Parade, which is held the second Friday night in December (weather permitting). We aren’t ready to hand out parade applications yet, but stay tuned. Then, in January, we held our Annual Chamber Banquet where we honored businesses for their achievements. This year we honored DeKalb Regional

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Jennifer McCurdy is celebrating one year as Executive Director of the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce. (fortpaynechamber.org)

Medical Center, Large Business of the Year, Wilson & Fiquett DMD, Small Business of the Year, The Optimist Club, Friend of Fort Payne and Judge David Rains, and the V.I. Prewett Lifetime Achievement Award.

Most recently, we held our Women in Business Luncheon honoring three distinguished women — Dr. Aimee Skelton, Woman Owned Business; Dana Grimes Brewis, Woman in Community Leadership; and Brandi Lyles, Woman in Management. Our Chamber Member boutiques participated in a fashion show, and our tables were decorated by Chamber Member stores as well.

While these events were happening, we were busy offering our Members monthly networking and learning opportunities

such as Breakfast and Business, Success in Sixty, and Business After Hours.

We also partnered with Jacksonville State University’s Small Business Development Center to offer free business consultations at the Chamber.

I must mention, the Krazy Kudzu Follies Show is planned for March, and we are already talking about ideas. What a fun event!

If you haven’t already, please peruse our new website at www. fortpaynechamber.com. If you are a member, please log in and update your information. As a member, you can post jobs and specials as well, and even member to member specials can be posted once logged in.

We added sixty new members since last September and look forward to growing members and programs this upcoming year.

Everyone needs a momentary break from the mundane, so slip away and join us at one of our many monthly events. We’d love to visit with you! For more information about the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce, email info@ fortpaynechamber.com or give us a call at (256) 845-2741.

UPCOMING EVENTS Every Wednesday, Parents of Addicted Loved Ones - A new support group for Parents of Addicted Loved Ones is starting in Fort Payne at Word of Life Ministry, located at 3610 Gault Avenue North. The meeting will be held every Tuesday from 6pm to 7:30pm. Any adult family member over 18 is welcome to attend these PAL meetings, however, for insurance reasons, no one under the age of 18 may attend and child care will not be provided. For more information, visit palgroup.org.

Every Wednesday, Breakthrough Church free meal - Come and enjoy a free meal and hear the Word of God on Wednesday nights starting

January 3 at 5:30pm. If you need a ride, please contact: Lynn Haas at (256) 605-7854 or Connie Holdem at (256) 605-1776.

The Month of September, DeKalb Library Yard Sale - The Rainsville Public Library will be holding a yard sale beginning on September 1 and lasting through the month of September. All proceeds will go towards children’s programs.

September 14-15, Fall Vintage Pickin’ Barn Sale - Shop from some of the best vendors around the South! Vintage marketplace featuring farmhouse, primitives, rustic junk, industrial, shabby and french country, repurposed goods and more! There will be live

Know your

neighbor?

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M. Chris Kuykendall

1827 Gault Ave. North Fort Payne, AL 35967 Bus 256 845-4934 chris.kuykendall.b17y@statefarm.com

music and local food vendors. Priority Pickin’ Passes for both days are $15 for a private 3-hour shopping day of the event from 9am to noon. General admission tickets are $6 per day and sale runs from noon to 5pm.

Sunday, September 16 at 5pm. The special singers will be The Mark Askew Family. The church is located at 2321 County Road 356. Pastor Junior Croft and song director Morell Richey invite everyone to attend!

September 15, Boom Days Heritage Celebration - This annual art and musical event displays citizens of Fort Payne taking a second look at their past and the heritage passed down to them through the arts and crafts of our area. The Boom Days Heritage Celebration will feature many of these facets in the presentation of musical performances as well as art displays in the City Park. It begins at 10am and is free and open to the public!

September 22, Festival at the Falls Appreciation Day - Gates will open at 10am for this year’s “Festival at the Falls” Appreciation Day. Admission is free, bring a lawn chair and enjoy the day!

September 16, Chavies Singing - There will be a singing at Chavies Baptist Church on Sunday, September 16 at 6pm and the special guests will be Chosen Generation. All are welcome!

September 16, Flat Rock Singing - There will be a singing at Flat Rock Church near High Falls Park in Grove Oak on

Staff: Southern Torch (USPS Periodicals #19790) is

Eloise Smith, Business Manager Marla Jones, Sports Editor

published each Friday by Southern Torch, Inc. 203

Zach Hester, Graphic Design Artist

Main Street E, Rainsville AL, 35986. POSTMASTER:

Amy Thrash, Advertising Representative

Send address changes to Southern Torch, P.O. Box 614 Rainsville, Alabama 35986-0614.

(256) 638-4040

Lindsey Jones, Office Assistant Membership rates: Regular yearly rate–$30 Senior or Veteran yearly rates–$25

September 22, Cornerstone 5K & Fun Run - Cornerstone Christian Academy will be hosting their “Soarin’ with the Eagles” 5K and Fun Run on Saturday, September 22 beginning at 8am at DeKalb Public Lake in Sylvania. The cost is $25 for 5K, $15 for Fun Run in advance, the prices increase by $5 on the day of the event. Come run or walk to support Cornerstone Christian Academy Athletics.

September 24-29, 63rd Annual DeKalb County VFW Agricultural Fair - Rides on the midway, great food, live entertainment, livestock exhibits, agricultural displays, awards, and so much more can be found on these six nights that the fair returns to DeKalb County at the VFW Fairgrounds! Gates open each night at 5pm with a $4 gate entry fee.

September 29, Cruisin’ for the Kids Motorcycle Ride - The first annual Cruisin’ for the Kids will begin on September 29 with registration at 10am and kickstands up at 11am.

Come join for a great time and a great cause. It begins at the CAC Center in Fort Payne, and all proceeds will go to the DeKalb County Children’s Advocacy Center.

October 6, Second Annual Patsy Pull - Join The Zone Fitness and Training for Breast Cancer Awareness Month by

participating in their second ever Patsy Pull in Collinsville! Teams of 8 will race to see who can pull a fully loaded firetruck a distance of 20 feet in the shortest amount of time!

Teams of 8 — $200 per team (all male and co-ed which must have at least four women). 100% of the profits will be donated to help fight breast cancer. It begins on Main Street in Collinsville from 6pm to 9pm on October 6.

October 13, Run for Rescue 5K - The Friends of DeKalb County Animal Adoption Center will host their annual Run for Rescue 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Kid’s Run/Walk on Saturday, October 13 beginning at the Rotary Pavilion in Fort Payne. 5K will begin at 8am and the Kid’s Run/Walk will follow.

Register at racesonline. com/events/run-forrescue5k. On-site registration begins at 6:30am. For more information, email friendsofdcaac@gmail. com.

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FRIDAY – SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

BUSINESS

Submit your business news to: admin@southerntorch.com

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TO BE PUBLISHED: September 14, September 21, September 28, October 5 Attorney for Plaintiff: Gabriela Watson, Esq. WATSON & WATSON P.O. Box 1068 Albertville, Alabama 35950 Phone: (256) 660-1280 Fax: (256) 660-1541

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DEATH NOTICES

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CORNER STONE Shirley Ann Smith 72 of Flat Rock, passed away on Thursday, September 6 at her residence. Visitation was held from 3pm to 8pm on Friday, September 7 and from 9am to service time on Saturday, September 8 at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held at 11am at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bros.

Scott Crye and Chris Guinn officiating. Burial followed in Overlook Cemetery.

Talley “Bucky” Claude Lambert - 68 of Flat Rock, passed away on Thursday, September 6 at Huntsville Hospital. Visitation was held from 4pm to 8pm on Friday, September 7 and 11am to service time on Saturday, September 8 at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 2pm CT on Saturday, September 8 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Bro. Randy Grider officiating. Burial followed in Smith Cemetery.

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Sarah Etta Tidmore Wilson - 69 of Rainsville, passed away on Friday, September 7 at Erlanger Medical Center. Visitation was held from 1pm to 8pm on Sunday, September 9 and from 10am to service time on Monday, September 10 at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 1pm CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel with Pastor Terry Turner officiating. Burial followed in Friendship Cemetery.

KERBY Ben Tumlin - 81 of Pisgah, passed away on Friday, September 7 at his residence. Visitation was held on Saturday, September 8 from 5pm to 8pm and Sunday, September 9 from 12pm to 2pm at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held at 2pm on Sunday, September 9 at Kerby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Roger Little officiating. Burial followed in New Hope Cemetery.

David Paul Murray II - 49 of South Pittsburg, passed away on Sunday, September 9 at Hospice of Chattanooga. Visitation was held on Thursday, September 13 from noon to 4pm at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held at 4pm on Thursday, September 13 at Kerby Funeral Home Chapel.

RAINSVILLE Williard Parker - 89 of Rainsville, passed away on Friday, September 7 at Huntsville Hospital.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, September 11 from 12pm to 2pm at the funeral home. Funeral services were held at 2pm on Tuesday, September 11 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Keith Ashley and Dennis Parker officiating. Burial followed in Rainsville Memorial Park.

WT WILSON Paul Wendell Black - 75 of Fort Payne, passed away on Thursday,

September 6. Visitation was held from 11am to 8pm at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held 2pm on Sunday, September 9 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bros. Ricky Wooten, Royce Cornelison, and Kerry Furgerson officiating. Burial followed in Wesley’s Chapel Cemetery.

Billy James Reeves - 65 of Collinsville, passed away on Sunday, September 8 at his home.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 15 at 10am for family and from 11am to 12:30pm for friends at the funeral home. A graveside service will follow at 1pm in Mt. Moriah Cemetery.

Lillian Marie Evans - 64 of Crossville, passed away on Saturday, September 8. Visitation was held from 5pm to 8pm on Monday, September 10 at the funeral home.

Funeral services were held at 1pm on Tuesday, September 11 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with Bro. Thurston Townsend

officiating. Burial followed in Kirk Memorial Gardens.

Devonia Ann Belcher - 77 of Henagar, passed away on Saturday, September 9. A graveside service was held at 11am on Tuesday, September 11 at Mountain Home Church Cemetery in Henagar with Bro. Hoyt Gilbert officiating.

Jimmie Delois Clark 81 of Valley Head, passed away on Monday, September 10. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

WT WILSON Charley Leon Rowan - 89 of Collinsville, passed away on Saturday, September 8 at his residence. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

FRIDAY – SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

POLITICS

Inside the Statehouse

By Steve Flowers AL Political Columnist MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Conservative Republicans, like Jeff Sessions, have been obsessed with illegal immigrants for years.

Sessions is and has always been a stickler for obeying the laws of our land. He is the most honest, upright, squeaky clean, politician I have ever seen in my lifetime of observing politics in Alabama. He is like Dudley Do Right, only shorter and straighter. He was an Eagle Scout and you can tell he was not making it up on his resume. He epitomizes a grownup Eagle Scout. He has never outgrown the straight and narrow path.

During his 20-year tenure in the U.S. Senate as our junior Senator, he was the ultimate ideologue and one of, if not the most, conservative members of the Senate. He did not just give lip service to his reactionary positions, He put leg service in to every right-wing cause and issue.

He was the Attorney General of Alabama before his election to the U.S. Senate. Prior to that he was the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama in Mobile. Being a prosecutor has always been his passion.

Therefore, when Donald Trump offered him the U.S. Attorney General post that is why he took it.

Most U.S. Senators would have balked at abandoning a safe Senate seat they could stay in for life. Our Senior Senator, Richard Shelby, would have laughed in Trump’s face if he offered him a Cabinet position. Shelby would have told him, “Thanks but no thanks.” If

Trump had offered him his job as president, Shelby would have considered it a demotion. Probably the only reason that Jeff Sessions has not be fired by the irrational Trump is that he knows that Shelby and Mitch McConnell and the Republican Senate leadership would automatically dissolve any power that Trump has as President. He would be rendered irrelevant when it comes to how any federal dollars are appropriated.

For you see, Chairmanship of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee trumps the President every day of the week. There is an old adage that those that have the gold make the rules. Trump understands that rule.

Having said all that, Jeff Sessions and Donald Trump are right. We have immigration laws in this country, the same way that we have bank robbery and mail fraud laws. Without these laws and the upholding and adherence to these laws, we would have complete anarchy in the United States. It is not right or lawful that Mexicans enter the country illegally while other people from Brazil, China or

Europe are properly applying for citizenship.

The law should be upheld.

States like California have been gleefully welcoming illegal immigrants for decades. It has basically ruined the once Golden State. They are now so deep in debt from giving free health care and school systems to illegals that they will never recover.

My interest has been here at home in Alabama.

It was not our problem.

However, folks, it now is our problem; because California may steal one of our seven Congressional Districts by counting illegal, undocumented Mexicans in the 2020 census. Alabama is now at risk of losing a seat in the U.S. House and concurrently an electoral vote in the presidential elections because we have experienced slower growth than other states; especially those who count people who are here illegally. Conservative states like Alabama have filed suit in federal court to stop the count of illegals.

The census count is immensely important. It determines the number of seats that each state has in

THE FISHERMEN SOUTHERN GOSPEL QUARTET

For Bookings call: Glenn Smith (256) 572-6146

Washington, which also determines the number of electoral votes which ultimately decides the presidency. California wants to use these illegal residents to steal congressional representation from conservative states like us and even states like Ohio who have not harbored hordes of illegal immigrants.

This court battle will boil down to a simple question: Who should be counted? The biggest census battle to determine the answer to this question was started by the Trump administration and implemented by Attorney General Sessions. It is a mandate that the census questionnaire will ask: Are you a citizen?

Folks we have a lot at stake. To lose a congressman to a state like California due to the counting of illegal aliens, could mean not only less representation but billions of dollars in federal grants for Medicaid, Medicare, housing assistance and transportation.

You may have been ambivalent about illegal immigration, but it affects you and it could affect you very adversely if you reside in Alabama.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.

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FRIDAY – SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCHT

FYFFE 56, SECTION 0 ETOWAH 52, CROSSVILLE 7 SAND ROCK 12, IDER 7 SUSAN MOORE 28, SYLVANIA 21

GERALDINE 52, PLAINVIEW 14 FORT PAYNE 42, ALBERTVILLE 21 MARSHALL CHRISTIAN 38, CORNERSTONE 26 COLLINSVILLE 15, NSM 12 OT DECATUR HERITAGE 35, VALLEY HEAD 13

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BULLDOGS BITE THE BEARS

PHOTO BY MARLA JONES

By Marla Jones Sports Editor GERALDINE, Ala. — The Geraldine Bulldogs defeated the Plainview Bears, 52-14 in Class 3A, Region 7 play, on Friday night.

With 5:47 remaining

in the first quarter, Geraldine got on the board first with a 62-yard rushing touchdown by Kyle Thackerson. The extra point by Jose Garcia was good and the Bulldogs went up 7-0. After a fumbled punt by Plainview, with only :06 remaining in

the first quarter, D.J. Graham galloped down the field for 28-yards to score for the Bulldogs. The kick

by Garcia, made the score 14-0.

With only 5:00 remaining in the half, Thackerson intercepted the Plainview ball. The

Bears held them and took over on downs. Jessie Davis bulldozed down the field for the 74-yard touchdown. The kick by David Mejia was good, putting Plainview on the board, 14-7. Brandon East drove down the field for 42 yards, setting up perfect

position. Three plays later and with only :17 remaining in the first half, Andrew Hall scored on a 1-yard dash into the endzone. The PAT by Garcia was good and the Geraldine Bulldogs went into the half with a 21-7 advantage.

With only :45 ticked off the clock in the second half, Graham throws a perfect 70-yard pass to Thackerson for the score.

With 6:20 remaining in the third, Hall scores again for the Bulldogs with a 1-yard dash into the endzone. The kick by Garcia was good.

Geraldine scored their last touchdown of the third quarter on a 2-yard scramble into the endzone

by Graham. The Bulldogs went for two and padded the score to 43-7 going into the fourth. The Bulldogs also cashed in on a safety to make the score 45-7.

In the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs added their final score of the night with a 30-yard rushing

touchdown by Anthony Baldwin with 6:15 remaining in regulation play. The kick by Garcia was good, making the score 52-7. With 2:00 remaining in the game, Jessie Davis scored for the Bears on a 11 yard touchdown. The kick by Mejia was good, making the final score, Geraldine 52, Plainview 14.

Geraldine tallied up 435 yards for the night.

The Bulldogs held the Bears to 275 yards. D.J. Graham went 4-for-6 for 137 yards, Kyle Thackerson led the Geraldine Bulldogs with 195 yards for the night. Jose Garcia was perfect on all six PATs. Graham, Thackerson and Garcia are the Southern Torch Standouts of the game.

Geraldine (2-1) will host Brindlee Mountain on Friday. Plainview (0-3) will host Susan Moore for their first home game of the season.

FP SHOCKS THE AGGIES

By Amy Thrash Sports Reporter

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The Fort Payne Wildcats defeated the Albertville Aggies 42-21 on Friday night. This is the Wildcats first win under new coach Chris Elmore.

The Wildcats got off to a fast start against the Aggies. Donald Winchester dashed to the end zone with a 13-yard touchdown.

The PAT by Alex McPherson was good, giving the Wildcats a 7-0 lead with 6:17 remaining in the first quarter .With 1:15 left in the first quarter, the Wildcats faked a punt and Matthew Shaddix ran a 51-yard touchdown giving the Wildcats the 14-0 lead.

Early in the second quarter, Jordan Bain connected with Matthew Shaddix for the 21-yard touchdown pass, giving

the Wildcats a 21-0 lead.

With 4:29 left in the second quarter Jordan Bain scored on a quarterback keeper from 5 yards out, making the score 28-0.

The Albertville Aggies recovered a fumble on Fort Payne’s opening drive and scored on a 36-yard touchdown with 11:05 remaining in the third quarter. The Wildcats went three-and-out on their next two possessions.The Aggies scored again on a 69-yard touchdown with 5:55 left in the third quarter.. With 23.9 seconds left in the Third, the Aggies score on a 29yard run, cutting the lead to seven.

At the start of the fourth quarter Winchester dashed down the field for a 27-yard touchdown, giving the Wildcats the 35-21 lead, with 11:49 left in the fourth quarter. The Wildcats

PHOTO BY MARLA JONES

defense forced a turnover on downs .With 2:34 remaining in the game, Shaddix scored from the 1-yard line. The final score was Fort Payne 42 Albertville 21.

“I was really proud of

our kids for how they completed and executed when our backs were against the wall,” said Head Coach Chris Elmore. “When you start out 0-2, that 3rd game can be the fork in the road. Our players and

assistant coaches did a great job of rising to the challenge and played some good football to get the first win of the season and hopefully get back on the right track.”

Hunter Lee is Coach

Elmore’s Defensive Player of the Week, and Junior Marquez is the Offensive Player of the Week.

The Fort Payne Wildcats will travel to Huntsville to play the Jemison Jaguars at 7PM.

FRIDAY – SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

SECTION SHUTOUT

7

Crossville falls in Region Opener

PHOTO BY BRUCE WILSON

By Marla Jones Sports Editor FYFFE, Ala. — The Fyffe Red Devils shutout the Section Lions, 56-0 on Friday night.

The Lions received to start the game. Senior, Payton Stoner intercepted the ball and Fyffe drove down the field and struck first with a 29-yard touchdown by Payton Anderson with 5:59 remaining in the first quarter. The kick was good giving the Devils the 7-0 advantage over the Lions.

After another intercep-

tion, this time by Jake Stone, Anderson scores once again on a 12-yard run up the middle, with 2:24 remaining in the opening quarter. The PAT was good and Fyffe went up 14-0.

Anderson stampeded down the field for 25 yards to score with 9:50 remaining in the second quarter. The kick was good giving the Devils the 21-0 advantage. Anderson strikes again on a 35-yard gallop down the field to score with 5:59 remaining in the first half. The kick was good, Fyffe has the 28-0 advantage going into

the half.

Anderson takes the second half kickoff and rumbles down the field for 90 yards, putting Fyffe up 35-0 with 11:44 to play in the third quarter. With 6:26 to play in the third, Anderson once again sails into the endzone for 17 yards to add more points on the board for the Devils, making the score 42-0.

With 2:23 remaining in the third, Jake Stone cashes in on the Red Devil scoring, with a 17-yard gallop into the endzone. The extra point made the score 49-0.

With 5:53 remaining in

regulation play, Kyle Dukes scores the final touchdown of the night, with a 17-yard run up the middle. Fyffe shutouts the Section Lions, 56-0.

Payton Anderson finished the night with yards and six touchdowns, tying the Alabama High School Athletic Association record for touchdowns scored.

Coach Paul Benefield, now holds the Alabama record for most consecutive wins in regular season play.

Region Loss for the Rams

PHOTO BY MARLA JONES

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor CROSSVILLE, Ala. — The Crossville Lions fell to the Etowah Blue Devils 52-7 in their Class 5A, Region 6 season opener.

Etowah attacked fast and hard in the first quarter, scoring four touchdowns. With 9:21 remaining in the first quarter, Etowah scored on a 3-yard touchdown pass. With 8:06 left in the first, they scored on a 48-yard punt return.

With 5:22 left in the first, Etowah scored on a 21-yard touchdown pass. With 1:04 left in the first, the Blue Devils stampeded down the field for 72 yards to score.

The second quarter saw the Blue Devils score three additional touchdowns. With 9:00 remaining in the first half, the Blue Devils threw a 5-yard pass into the endzone for the score.

The Blue Devils returned an interception down the field for 45 yards to score the touchdown with 8:4 remaining in the first half. With 6:53 remaining in the first half, the Blue Devils returned a punt for the 60-yard score.

In the second half, Crossville put points on the board, when Trenton Bryant connected with Cam Adkins and he barreled in for the touchdown. The kick was good putting 7 on the board for the Lions. Etowah scored their final points of the night, with a 40-yard field goal.

Cam Adkins led the Crossville Lions with 126 yards for the night.

Crossville will host Douglas in region play on Friday.

FAN OF THE WEEK PHOTO BY KRISTY GALLAGHER

By Marla Jones Sports Editor SUSAN MOORE, Ala. — The Sylvania Rams fell in regional play against the Susan Moore Bulldogs, 28-21 on Friday night.

Susan Moore gets an early advantage after blocking a punt near the goaline. The Bulldogs dash into the endzone with 9:35 remaining in the first quarter. With 8:58 left in

the first quarter, Sylvania has a injured player on the field. Kennan Wilbanks is took off the field with broken tibia and fibula. .

With 1:58 remaining in the first, Drake Casey brings it in for the Rams. The kick is good and the score is tied 7-7. With :42 remaining in the first, Susan Moore answers back with a long run down the field for the score. The Bulldogs go up, 14-7 to start the second

quarter.

With 7:31 remaining in the first half, Sylvania scores on another touchdown run by Casey.

The PAT is good and the game is tied 14-14. After a Ram fumble, the Bulldogs score on a 14-yard touchdown with :11 remaining in the first half.

The Bulldogs go into the half with the 21-14 advantage.

After a 30-minute

lighting delay, the Rams had a 54-yard touchdown

by Gareth Anderson called back due to a block in the backfield. With 4:19 remaining in the third, Anderson once again crosses the goal line from 2-yards out to tie the game 21-21. Susan Moore answered back with a 10-yard touchdown to make the final score 28-21.

Sylvania will travel to face Gaston in a non-region game on Friday.

This week's Southern Torch Fan of the Week is Jesus Javier Gamez! He is one of our favorite Wildcats! He's pictured with the Southern Torch gals as they celebrated a Fort Payne win on Friday night.

Submit your photos to be next week's Fan of the Week! marla@southerntorch.com

8

FRIDAY – SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

#WINNING

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Tough Battle for the Hornets

PHOTO BY CHERYL BOYDSTON

By Marla Jones Sports Editor

PHOTO BY MARLA JONES

By Marla Jones Sports Editor HIGDON, Ala. — The Collinsville Panthers defeated the North Sand Mountain Bisons, 15-12 in overtime on Friday night and remain perfect in regular season play.

The first quarter of the game was a slugfest between the Panthers and the Lions with neither team scoring.

The Panthers scored first in the second quarter with a 4-yard run by Jarrod Barkley. The extra point failed by Jason Perez failed, giving the Collinsville Panthers the 6-0 lead with 9:07 remaining in the second quarter. With 1:07 remaining in the first half, Kaleb Jones connected with Barkley with a 17-yard

pass for the score. The PAT failed but the Panthers had the 12-0 lead. With a second left in the first half, the Bisons dashed in from a yard out. The kick failed and the teams went into the half, 12-6.

The third quarter was a battle similar to the first quarter, with neither team scoring.

With :35 remaining in regulation play, the Bisons scored on a 56-yard pass.

The PAT failed and the game went into overtime.

The Panthers held the Bisons during their overtime possession. Jason Perez kicked one in from 25 yards out to bring home the win for the Collinsville Panthers.

Collinsville (3-0) will host the Fyffe Red Devils on Friday night.

Cornerstone takes on Marshall Academy

IDER, Ala. — The Ider Hornets fall to the Sand Rock Wildcats, 12-7 in Class 2A, Region 8 play.

With 5:49 remaining in the first quarter, Sand Rock scored first on a 1-yard dash into the endzone. The extra point was no good but gave the Wildcats the early lead 6-0 lead. The teams battled back and forth with no more scoring until the fourth quarter.

In the fourth, with 5:46 left in the game, the Wildcats

scored on a 26-yard charge into the endzone. The extra point was no good but added to the Wildcat lead, 12-0.

With 2:59 remaining in the game, Ider scored on a 3-yard touchdown by Seth Hawkins. The extra point by James Krebs made the score 12-7. The Hornets ran out of time for a comeback and lost the game 12-7.

Ider finished the night with 125 yards. Jacob Higdon led the Hornets with 65 yards on 13 carries.

Ider will travel to face the Section Lions, in regional play, on Friday night.

Valley Head Falls to Decatur

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor VALLEY HEAD, Ala. — The Valley Head Tigers fell to Decatur Heritage 35-13 in Class 1A, Region 7 play.

Decatur scores first with 4:25 remaining in the first quarter on a 12-yard touchdown. The extra point was good, giving the Eagles the early 7-0 lead. Decatur cashes in on a Valley Head interception, the Eagles scored on a 37-yard drive with :45 remaining in the first quarter. The PAT was good and the Eagles went up 14-0. With :21 remaining in the first, Marlon Trinidad scored on a 95-yard touchdown return. The kick was good and the Tigers brought the score to 14-7.

The Eagles scored on a 23-yard touchdown early in the second quarter. The kick was good, giving the Eagles the 21-7 going into the half.

Decatur scored on the opening drive of the third. The Wildcats went up 28-7 with 10:20 remaining in the third.

Six minutes later, Decatur put the final points on the board with a 14-yard touchdown.

In the fourth, Valley Head scored on a quarterback keeper by Jordan Burt. The kick was no good, making the score 35-7. The Eagles ran the clock out for the win.

Valley Head will travel to Falkville for another region game on Friday.

PHOTO BY MARLA JONES

SOUTHERN TORCH STANDOUTS

By Marla Jones Sports Editor

FYFFE, Ala. — The Southern Torch Standouts of the Week are Coach Paul Benefield and Payton Anderson of the Fyffe Red Devils!

Coach Benefield and his Fyffe Red Devils boast the longest winning streak of regular season games currently in the State of Alabama with 30 consecutive victories.

The Red Devils recently celebrated their 100th win since 2010 and only have nine losses in

PHOTO BY KAYLA FORTNER

By Marla Jones Sports Editor ALBERTVILLE, Ala. — In their second game as a football team, Cornerstone Christian Academy Eagles took on Marshall Christian Academy Stallions. The Eagles fell to the Stallions 38-26 on Thursday night.

During the first half, it was an intense battle between the two teams. At halftime, Marshall led Cornerstone, 13-6.

CCA starts the second half with a kick return by Matt Johnson. The extra point by Eli Carter tied the game 13-13.

Marshall answered back with a touchdown. CCA blocked the kick, making the score, 19-13. On Marshall’s next possession, Layne Fortner intercepts the ball. Matt Johnson stampedes into the endzone to tie the game. The extra point was good, giving CCA the 20-19 lead.

On the first play of the fourth quarter, Marshall scored. The kick was good and the Stallions go up 26-20.

Cornerstone scores their final touchdown of the night, late in the fourth. The extra point was no good, so Marshall answered back with two more touchdowns to finish with the 38-26 advantage.

Cornerstone Christian Academy will have a bye week this Friday.

PHOTO BY MARLA JONES

this decade.

Payton Anderson scored six touchdowns in the shutout of the Section Lions last Friday night.

He has 526 yards total in the two games the Red Devils have played thus far.

"Payton has worked hard since he has been here," said Benefield. "Now that he is a senior, we expect him to be the man who gets it done on both sides of the ball. He doesn't get to come off the field, keep him in good shape and well-rested where he will have a great senior year."

Sylvania Volleyball Shuts Out Collinsville

By Marla Jones Sports Editor DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The Sylvania Rams Volleyball team overtook the Collinsville Panthers in three sets on Tuesday, September 11.

The Rams won the first set 25-13, second set 25-19, and the final set 25-18.

The leaders in stats for Sylvania were:

Aces Abbey Graham - 7 Kylie Moree - 2 Kills Hannah Paddock - 11 Baylee Blevins - 8 Kylie Moree - 6 Assist Kenadie Lee - 20 Sarah Smothers - 10 Blocks Hannah Paddock and Abbey Graham each had one apiece.

FRIDAY – SEPTEMBER 14, 2018

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

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