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THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019 / VOL. 5, NO. 50 / $1.00
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THIS WEEK IN SPORTS
THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS
THIS WEEK IN POLITICS
THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY
• Fyffe Outruns Reeltown to win the Class 2A State Championship
• Still Time to Sign Up for Health Insurance! • See Who's Featured in our Business Spotlight!
• Lee Announces Run for DeKalb County Commission District 1
• Plainview Class of 1959 Reunites for 50 Years! • ALFA Donates to DeKalb Bands
BACK-TO-BACK CHAMPS
Fyffe Red Devils Win State Championship Over Reeltown, 56-7
ALL PHOTOS BY CHERYL BOYDSTON | SOUTHERN TORCH
Rutledge Named STATE REPUBLICANS DENY WHITMIRE Principal at Plainview By Zach Hester Reporter
zach@southerntorch.com
By Marla Jones Managing Editor
marla@southerntorch.com
RAINSVILLE, Ala. — At Tuesday’s meeting of the DeKalb County Board of Education, Richard Rutledge was appointed as the new principal at Plainview High School. Rutledge, the current Assistant Principal at Crossville High School will serve on a two-year probationary
contract beginning on January 1, 2020. “I’m just very thankful and blessed for the opportunity from Dr.
> RUTLEDGE, P4
ALABAMA — On Sunday, December 8, the Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) heard numerous ballot access challenges from across the state. Among those was a ballot challenge regarding current DeKalb County District Judge Steven Whitmire. On October 8, Whitmire filed paperwork with ALGOP to seek re-election to office through the Republican
DeKalb County District Judge Steven Whitmire (Submitted Photo)
primary in March 2020, despite being the incumbent Democrat Judge. The state committee voted to deny Whitmire ballot access in the upcoming Republican
• Check out this week's edition of Southern Torch for our special Christmas insert!
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primary. According to ALGOP Communication Director Jeannie Faherty, the committee of 22 state party officials heard several different cases and a total of three (3) separate
candidates were denied ballot access. No comment was given by Faherty as to why the committee reached this conclusion. Whitmire made no public announcement of his intentions to switch parties and had failed to appear before the Dekalb County Republican Party prior to filing according to DeKalb County Republican Party Chairman David Gulledge. “He had privately inquired with some party members, but then
> WHITMIRE, P2
SYLVANIA PHARMACY YOUR FRIEND, YOUR DRUGSTORE! 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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THE SOUTHERN TORCH
FRIDAY — DECEMBER 13, 2019
WHITMIRE from Page 1 submitted his paperwork directly to the state Republican Party. Some of the local party leaders felt that was an attempt to ‘work around’ the local Republicans,” stated Gulledge. In a prepared statement from Whitmire, he expressed disappoint-
ment in the committee’s decision but felt he was a Republican in his heart. He further said he felt he had always been fair in his courtroom to everyone and would not be too overly concerned with any political party. Whitmire stated he had the support of a number of local elected Republican officials and party members alike. In closing, Whitmire’s statement read; “Despite
the Committee’s ruling, or what may come from it, I guarantee that I remain committed to serving the people of DeKalb county to the best of my ability. That’s what I’ve always done and what I will continue to do.” Teresa Darwin Phillips, a DeKalb County attorney from Sylvania, qualified to run as a Republican for DeKalb District Judge.
Plainview Class of 1959
Celebrates 50 Years
The Plainview High School Class of 1959, the school's first graduating class, held their 60th Class Reunion on Saturday, October 26. Nine of the 18 living graduates attended. PICTURED (L to R, Front Row): Roberta Harcrow Henderson, Lois Drain Anderson, Lora Casey Pendergrass. (L to R, Back Row): Kenneth Harris, Cecile Brock Wilks, Jimmy Ross King, Kenneth Anderson, Hubert Paul Tumlin, and Wilfred Johnson. (Submitted Photo)
Commission Accepts Hires & Resignations By Zach Hester Reporter zach@southerntorch.com DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The DeKalb County Commission held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, December 10. At the meeting, DeKalb County Attorney Charles Mauney was recognized for his many years of service to this area. This meeting was Mauney’s final meeting as the chief legal counsel for the DeKalb County Commission. Emily McCamy of the DeKalb County Council on Aging delivered an update regarding the Council’s many current activities. She reported the following: • Veterans Breakfast Social: Meets the 2nd Thursday of even months at the Council on Aging (upstairs). Veterans of any age are welcome. • Monthly Food Boxes for Seniors: The monthly food box program, the first on this scale for Northeast Alabama, is a partnership with the Food Bank of North Alabama called the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. The final event of the year was held on Thursday, December 12 from 9am to 11am. In order to qualify for the program, you must be 60 years or older, live in DeKalb County and meet the income guidelines ($1354 for a household of 1, $1832 for a household of 2, $2311 for a household of 3, and $2790 for a household of 4, add $479 for each additional family member). Over 140 clients have been served so far. • Medicare Open Enrollment: 458 have been served during this time for Medicare open enrollment. Lynn Hixon and DiAnne Callahan have assisted in over 200 changes for better health coverage this year, saving a total of
$558,246.22 next year. For the DeKalb County Road Department, the Commission: • Accepted the resignation of Nathaniel Smith as District 2 crew leader • Promoted Kerry Duncan to fill the position of crew leader in District 2 • Hired Danny Bray (for open yard position) and Corey Bouldin (District 4 position) • Reposted two positions The Commission appointed the following people to serve on the DeKalb County Hospital Board: Michael Posey, Tony Taylor, Mike Lee, Sam Phillips, and Patty Pope. The terms for Board members last five years. The Commission approved the request to bid for a new server in the information technology (IT) department. For the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, the
Commission: • Hired Brooke Smith from dispatch to full-time deputy, Tracy Padgett to replace Dustin Fleming as a part-time deputy, Christine Whitcomb as dispatch to replace Brooke Smith • Promoted Sergeant Jeff Baine to Lieutenant, Greg Bryant from deputy to Sergeant, school resource officer (SRO) Paul Bell to Sergeant, Chris Zito from correctional officer to H correctional sergeant M • Approved Nick Brown to attend a crime H scene management class in M the amount of $295 k • Approved three SROs M to attend D.A.R.E. training C in Mississippi (cost to be o split with the DeKalb F County Sheriff’s Office and B the DeKalb County Board A of Education) The next meeting of D a the DeKalb County Commission will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2020, o at 10am in the DeKalb County Activities Building. PROUDLY SERVING ALL OF NORTHEAST ALABAMA
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o R t m
THE SOUTHERN TORCH
FRIDAY — DECEMBER 13, 2019
3
COMMUNITY
DeKalb Seniors Shine at Masters Games
PHOTO BY EMILY McCAMY | DeKALB COUNTY COUNCIL ON AGING
By Southern Torch Staff DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — This year, 24 of DeKalb County’s residents represented well at the Masters Games. The participants came from Collinsville, Fort Payne, Fyffe, Grove Oak, and Sylvania. According to mastersgamesalabama.
org, the Masters Games is a “non-profit organization dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles for active adults ages 50 and older through social, mental, and physical activities.� Each year there are between 600 and 800 participants from across the state. This summer, DeKalb County participants earned 83 ribbons (37 first place,
32 second place, 14 third place) at the District Games in Huntsville. 13 of those participants qualified for the State Games. The top scores earned by DeKalb County residents at the District level were: • Lynn Hixon: Bets Women’s Cornhole, 2nd Best Women’s Basketball, 4th Best Women’s Bowling
• Dianne Manning: Best Women’s Basketball, 2nd Best Bowling, Shuffleboard • Carmie Pettry: 5th Best Men’s Basketball • Dee Vaughn: 4th Best Bowling, Best Softball Throw • Patsy Griggs: Shuffleboard • Dorothy Berry: Shuffleboard
17 DeKalb County residents competed at the State Games where they earned 47 medals including 18 gold, 9 silver, 8 bronze, and 12 1-Mile Fun Walk medals. • Patricia Anderson medaled in four swimming events • Lynn Hixon, Joyce Rabinowitz, Brenda & Carmie Pettry all competed
in the 5K Run/Walk • Ralph Jiminez: 3rd Best Men’s Shuffleboard • Dee Vaughn: 3rd Best Softball Throw, 4th Best Men’s Bowling • Dianne Manning: 5th Best Bowling Congratulations to all participants and winners who represented DeKalb County well at this year’s Masters Games!
more information, visit www.rainsvillefirst.com or call 256-638-3141.
Tyler Reese Tritt (daughter of Travis Tritt) at the Pickin' Post on January 11, 2020 at 6pm. Cost is $20 per person. For more information, please call 256.845.4115.
UPCOMING EVENTS Every Monday, By His Hands Outreach Ministry - The By His Hands Outreach Ministry will host a soup kitchen beginning on Mondays at 6pm. The Clothes Closet will be open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. Both are at 2494 Church Avenue in Rainsville. Donations are greatly appreciated! Every Monday, Sons of Confederate Veterans - The Sons of Confederate Veterans meets the 2nd Monday of each month at Burnt Church at 6pm in Sylvania. Every Monday, Sons of the American Revolution - The Sons of the American Revolution meets the 3rd Monday of
each month at Western Sizzlin' in Fort Payne at 6pm. 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
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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. Every Third Thursday, Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Group - The Alzheimer's Association will begin hosting a caregivers support group solely devoted to those who provide care for people with Alzheimer's on the third Thursday of every month from 11am to 12pm at the Rainbow City First United Methodist Church. For more information, please call Olivia Kendrick at (256) 454-4375. December 13, Cook Castle Christmas Celebration - Cook Castle Events is hosting a Christmas Celebration for the holiday. Join us for music, fun and a wonderful Christmas celebration at Cook Castle on Friday, December 13 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. December 14, Breakfast with Santa at Applebee's - Enjoy a Pancake Breakfast and a picture with Santa at Applebee’s from 8am to
SOUTHERN TORCH • 98-3 WILD COUNTRY • 101-7 THE TORCH Southern Torch (USPS Periodicals #19790) is published each Friday by Southern Staff: Torch, Inc. 203 Main Street E, Rainsville, Eloise Smith, Business Manager Ala. 35986. POSTMASTER: Send address Marla Jones, Managing Editor/Sports changes to Southern Torch, P.O. Box 614, Jenna Sue Payne, Media Sales Manager Joe Sims, Radio Operations Manager Rainsville, Ala. 35986-0614. Zach Hester, Art Director/Reporter Amy Thrash, Account Executive B. Annette Little, Account Executive Teresa Smith, Traffic Director Marshall Stiefel, Distribution/Radio Lindsey Jones, Accounting
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January 11, Tyler Reese Tritt at the Pickin' Post - Come listen to
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THE SOUTHERN TORCH
FRIDAY — DECEMBER 13, 2019
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Case No: 2019-323
Case No: 2019-019 IN RE: THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PEGGY PIPPIN, DECEASED
IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MARY LOUISE BEARDEN, Deceased NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Rhonda Parris, as Executor of the Estate of Mary Louise Bearden, deceased on the 7th day of October, 2019, by the Honorable Ronnie Osborn. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
THE FISHERMEN SOUTHERN GOSPEL QUARTET
Tony Jennings, Attorney fot the Estate of Mary Louise Bearden, deceased
NOTICE OF PETITION FOR FINAL SETTLEMENT A Petition for Final Settlement in the Estate of Peggy Pippin, deceased, having been filed by Executrix, Cynthia Lynn Trimble, in the Probate Court of DeKalb County, Alabama, notice is hereby given to all those heirs at law and next of kin and devisees of Peggy Pippin, deceased, whose whereabouts are unknown, including but not limited to PATRICIA DARLENE VELA, that this matter shall come for hearing on the Petition for Final Settlement on the 17 day of December 2019 at 9.00 o'clock am on the Probate Courtroom of the DeKalb County Courthouse.
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RUTLEDGE from Page 1 Barnett and the Board,� said Rutledge. “I’ve always heard great things about the Rainsville community and Plainview School. They have high standards and high expectations. I just hope that I can come and contribute to that and we can continue to do good things.� For a full list of placements, transfers, retirements, contracts, and leaves of absence, visit our website at southerntorch.com. During the meeting, the Board approved the following early graduations: Crystal Briggs (Collinsville),
Anna Edmondson (Crossville), Lilliona Morales (Crossville), and Zoe Jones (Crossville). The following bids were accepted by the Board: • CNP - Double Stack Steamer for Collinsville High School - Hawk, Inc. - $13,961.22 • CNP - Holding Cabinet for Collinsville High School - BRESCO - $4,596.00 • Re-roofing projects at Multiple Schools Willoughby Roofing and Sheet Metal-Local - $179,415.00 The next meeting of the DeKalb County Board of Education will be held on Thursday, January 23 at 5pm with a work session at 4:30pm.
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There's Still Time to Sign Up for Health Insurance! By Southern Torch Staff FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Are you still uninsured? If so, there's still time to sign up for health insurance by the December 15 deadline. “With many people lacking access to a computer or just needing help maneuvering through the Marketplace website, our application counselors can help,� said Candra Roberts, Marketing and Patient Experience Coordinator at DeKalb Regional. “We can assist individuals and their families evaluate the available health plans and determine if they’re eligible for Medicaid or other insurance options. But you have to call for an appointment; open enrollment ends December 15.� The good news is based on household income and dependents,
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some individuals may qualify for financial assistance from the government – or subsidies – towards the cost of the premium and other financial obligations like co-pays or deductibles. Some of the mandatory benefits included in all Marketplace plans include doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospital and emergency department care, lab services, pediatric care, and free preventive and wellness services. Coverage cannot be denied for individuals with a pre-existing health condition. “Let us help take the frustration out of the enrollment process. Call 256-997-2586 for an appointment before December 15 and let us help you get a healthy start to the New Year,� said Roberts.
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THE SOUTHERN TORCH
FRIDAY — DECEMBER 13, 2019
5
POLITICS
Lee Announces Run for Commission
By Southern Torch Staff
DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — Republican businessman and Mentone Fire Department Chief Joseph Lee has announced his intention to seek the seat for DeKalb County Commission — District 1. In a press release to Southern Torch, Lee stated: "I started at a young age helping my dad with everything from shoeing horses to logging and saw milling.I grew up with this lifestyle and it evolved me into my own business and purchased my first dump truck when I was twenty years old. I really enjoy working for the public and trying to help people. I think as District One Commissioner I can do a lot of good work by listening to the people and letting them know that I hear their problems and i'm going to try to fix them. I will accomplish this by posting my number and letting
DEATH NOTICES BURT Billie Jean Everett Blevins - 81 of Fort Payne, passed away on Tuesday, December 3 at Collinsville Nursing Home. A graveside service was held on Saturday, December 7 at Gravel Hill Cemetery at 1pm.
people know that I will call them back as soon as I can. I want to go to their problem areas and look for myself and meet them. I've been involved in the volunteer fire dept in mentone where we live for almost twenty years, and have served 11 years as Fire Chief. I want to do a lot of things as District One Commissioner, not for recognition, but to better the lives and try to make there everyday life a little better for them. I have already met a lot of people all over District One that are great people and I want to meet a lot more and discuss how I can help them in their area."
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Charles Hammonds 92 of Valley Head, passed away on Sunday, December 8 at Erlanger Medical Center. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 11 at 1pm at Burt Chapel-Valley Head with burial in Valley Head Cemetery.
W.T. WILSON Gonzalo Perez - 67 of Fort Payne, passed away on Friday, December 6. Visitation was held at 11am on Monday, December 9 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel. Syble R. Jolley Dover 82 of Fort Payne, passed away on Saturday, December 7. Funeral services were held on Monday, December 9 at 1pm at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in Glenwood Cemetery. James Larry Ellison - 84 of Madison, passed away on Sunday, December 8. Funeral services were held at 1pm on Wednesday, December 11 at WT Wilson Funeral Chapel with burial in Nazareth Cemetery. Tiffany Leann
Worsham - 27 of Crossville, passed away on Monday, December 9. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Deborah Ann Pippen - 58 of Fort Payne, passed away on Sunday, December 8. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 15 at WT Wilson Funeral Home at 4pm.
CORNER STONE Timothy Roy Anderson - 62 of Bryant, passed away on Wednesday, December 4 at his residence. Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 7 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel at 1pm with burial in Oak Lawn Memorial Park. Shelly LaShae Burns - 32 of Ider, passed away on Thursday, December 5. Funeral services were held on Sunday, December 8 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel at 2pm with burial in Fuller Cemetery. Larry Henderson Giles - 69 of Bryant, passed away on Saturday, December 7 at NHC of Chattanooga. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 10 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel at noon with burial in Oak Lawn Memorial Park.
Lawn Memorial Park.
KERBY Christine Kay Smith 69 of Mentone, passed away on Saturday, December 7. A graveside service was held at Pisgah’s Family Cemetery on Wednesday, December 11 at 2pm.
RAINSVILLE Bobby Kirk - 77 of Rainsville, passed away on Wednesday, December 4 at DeKalb Regional medical Center. Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 7 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel at noon with burial in Kirk Memorial Gardens. Randy Keef - 61 of Pine Ridge, passed away on Thursday, December 5. A graveside service was held on Monday, December 9 on Rainsville Memorial Park at 3pm with burial in Rainsville Memorial Park. Kat Shankles - 76 of Sylvania, passed away on Thursday, December 5 at Kindred Hospital in Rome, Ga. Funeral services were held on Sunday, December 8 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel at 2pm with burial in Rainsville Memorial Park.
Stanley Smith - 73 of Chattanooga, passed away on Friday, December 6 at Park Ridge Hospital. Funeral services were held on Sunday, December 8 at Rainsville Funeral Home Chapel at noon with burial in Pine Grove Cemetery.
WILSON Ruth Pridmore Crabtree - 83 of Fort Payne, passed away on Saturday, December 7 at her home. Funeral services were held at 3pm on Sunday, December 8 at Wilson Funeral Home at 3pm with burial in Glenwood Cemetery. Roy Barkley Jr. - 72 of Valley Head, passed away on Sunday, December 8. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 11 at Wilson Funeral Home at 3pm with burial in Mountain View Memory Gardens.
Unita Bearden Bolton - 81 of Chattanooga, passed away on Monday, December 9 at her residence. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 13 at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel at 2pm with burial in Oak
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THE SOUTHERN TORCH
FRIDAY — DECEMBER 13, 2019
FYFFE OUTRUNS REELTOWN
(Right): Quarterback Zach Pyron outruns the competition at the Class 2A State Championship. (Cheryl Boydston | Southern Torch). (Left): Zach Pyron, pictured with Managing Editor Marla Jones, was named MVP of the game. (Amy Thrash | Southern Torch)
By Marla Jones Reporter marla@southerntorch.com
AUBURN, Ala. – The Fyffe Red Devils rolled to an insurmountable 42-point lead in the opening half and cruised to a 56-7 victory over Reeltown to claim their second straight Class 2A state championship at the 2019 AHSAA Super 7 State Football Championships at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Friday. The Red Devils (15-0) led 28-7 after one period and 42-7 at the half behind quarterback Zach Pyron’s 153 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 20 carries. Pyron threw only one pass in the opening half out of Coach Paul Benefield’s
run-oriented hybrid Wing-T offense, a 20-yard score to tight end Brody Dalton. For the game, Pyron gained 171 yards on 27 carries. Fyffe, coached by Paul Benefield, finished with 325 yards, all but 20 on the ground, on 55 plays to just 51 total yards for Reeltown (13-2), coached by Matt Johnson. The Red Devils’ defensive effort was the second fewest yards allowed in AHSAA Super 7 history dating back to 1996 and secured the school’s fourth state title overall. A big reason the defense was so dominate was the offense’s ability to keep the ball, with a 30:14 time of possession to the Rebels’ 17:46. The Red Devils also converted 9-of-13 third-down
attempts and was 2-of-2 on fourth-down tries while holding the Rebels to 2-of-8 on third downs and 0-for-2 on fourth downs. The winners gave up a 90-yard kickoff return to Eric Shaw for Reeltown’s lone score with 23 seconds remaining in the first quarter, making the score 28-7 after Connor Moore’s PAT. That was the only touchdown Fyffe’s first-team unit gave up all season. The Red Devils outscored opponents 639-43 in 15 games and had nine shutouts. In the opening half, Fyffe’s stifling defense held Reeltown to minus-1 yard rushing and only 5 total yards on just 13 offensive snaps. The
Rebels gained 51 total yards in the game, just 20 on the ground on 23 rushes. Fyffe Linebacker Ty Bell, who recovered a fumble on the kickoff following Dalton’s score, scooped up another loose ball and ran it in for a 7-yard touchdown to put Fyffe up 20-0 with 7:11 to play in the first period. The final Fyffe points – with 1:12 left in the game – also came on a fumble recovery as David McKee grabbed the ball in the end zone after Reeltown’s punter lost it in a scramble for a high snap from center. After Pyron’s third first-half TD, a 1-yard run with 6:16 left in the second quarter, Ike Rowell punched in another score with just
19 seconds left in the period. Rowell finished with 121 yards on 18 carries in the win. The third period was scoreless before Malichi Mize scored from 2 yards out to complete an 11-play, 58-yard drive on the first snap of the final quarter. Dalton was 7-for-8 on extra-point kicks while Pyron ran for a two-point conversion to push the lead to 28-0 with 40 seconds remaining in the first. Cameron Faison was the leading rusher for Reeltown with 20 yards on seven carries. Quarterback Iverson Hooks was 4-of-11 passing for 31 yards with Shaw catching two passes for 19 yards. He also had 114 yards in kickoff returns.
Ike Rowell had five tackles to pace the Red Devils defense. Leading the Rebels was Tra Hughley with a game-leading 10 tackles and two assists. Hooks had eight tackles and Rhasheed Wilson had seven. Reeltown has been a regular visitor to the AHSAA state championship game, with three titles (1987, 2001, 2009) and six runner-up finishes (1984, 1991, 1992, 2000, 2010, 2019). Fyffe’s other state titles were in 2014, 2016 and 2018 – all at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The Red Devils finished second in 2007 and 2015. The coaching win for Benefield was the 297th of his 28-year career. He is now 297-53 overall.
¤ CONGRATULATIONS STATE CHAMPS ¤ Congratulations to the Fyffe Red Devils! pibonline.com Fyffe • Powell • Sylvania • Boaz • Scottsboro • Hokes Bluff • Douglas • Steele • Gurley
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THE SOUTHERN TORCH
FRIDAY — DECEMBER 13, 2019
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THE SOUTHERN TORCH
FRIDAY — DECEMBER 13, 2019
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