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VOL. 118, NO. 34
Police identify 18-month-old drowning victim
By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
The Tallassee Police Department has identified the toddler who drowned Saturday in the Tallapoosa River in Tallassee as 18-month-old Preston Williams from Phenix City. The young boy’s family members were in Tallassee visiting friends from the area.
way back across the river,” Jones said. “That’s when the situation quickly took a tragic turn for the worst. We believe they slipped and dropped the child in the water.” Divers from the Elmore County Sheriffs Department arrived around 3p.m. to begin searching the river for the boy’s body. Several fire departments were on scene, but the Tallassee
Fire Department was first to arrive. “Once we talked to the family and realized the circumstances, we searched the area and it became apparent that this was a recovery effort and we called the divers,” Jones said. According to Jones, another member of the party had to be rescued after water began to rise leaving the See DROWNING • Page 2
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Jones given life, 282 years for crime spree that began in Tallassee
According to Tallassee Fire Chief Travis Jones, the call for help came in at 1:45 p.m. reporting that the toddler had fallen into the Tallapoosa River in an area near what locals refer to as the “Big Eddy” in Tallassee at the boat ramp behind AES on Alabama Highway 229. “Once the family realized the water was rising, they tried to make their
Tallassee’s own inducted into Senior Citizens Hall of Fame
By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Ronald Griffith of Tallassee received a high honor when he was inducted into the esteemed Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame during a special ceremony held in Montgomery at the First Baptist Church. Griffith was acknowledged for his service as state president of Alabama Retired State Employees Advocacy League/ Alabama Public Employees Advocacy League. Griffith was also honored for his efforts to preserve penSee GRIFFITH • Page 3
Submitted / The Tribune
Madelaine Worley, a senior at Tallassee High School, is honored as a Teen Spotlight in Potential Magazine for excelling in her academics and talent. She is featured alongside her parents, Danny and Cindy.
Tallassee senior featured in Potential Magazine STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Submitted / The Tribune
Ronald Griffith of Tallassee was inducted into the prestigious Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame.
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Madelaine Worley, a senior at Tallassee High School, was recently honored as a Teen Spotlight in Potential Magazine for excelling in her academics and talent. At the young age of four, Madelaine and her family were forced to evacuate their Louisiana home due to Hurricane
Katrina. They traveled to Tallassee to stay with family and have lived there ever since. Madelaine started kindergarten in the Tallassee City School District and has been thriving there for her entire academic career. Her claim to fame is her love for music, which began at the end of her sixth grade year. She was at a standstill with other extracurricular See WORLEY • Page 3
Garnetts celebrate 65th wedding anniversary STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Mr. & Mrs. Elmer Lee Garnett celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Aug. 19 at a dinner at Howie’s Restaurant in Smiths Station. Their children hosted the dinner in their honor. Elmer and Carolyn (Godwin) were married on Aug. 16,1952, in Meridian, Mississippi. They lived in Tallassee until Elmer’s career in the Army eventually took them to Fort Benning and Columbus, Georgia, where they lived for most of his 28 years of military service. For the past 30 years, they have resided in Smiths Station. Elmer and Carolyn have three sons, Danny (Debbie), Tommy (Cheryl) and Scott (Debbie). They also have many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who lovingly refer to them as Nan and Pap. Their loving hearts and open doors keep a steady stream of family and friends gathered around the dinner table challenging Nan and Pap to a quick game of dominos or marbles.
Submitted / The Tribune
Left: Elmer and Carolyn (Godwin) were married on Aug. 16,1952, in Meridian, Mississippi. They lived in Tallassee until Elmer’s career in the Army eventually took them to Fort Benning, Georgia. Right: Mr. & Mrs. Elmer Lee Garnett celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Aug. 19 at a dinner at Howie’s Restaurant in Smiths Station.
LINVILLE Time to Get EMORIA M
F U N E R A L
Tariq Khalil Jones, 35, of Tuskegee, Alabama, was sentenced to life in federal prison plus 282 years on Aug. 23 for committing numerous armed robberies and a carjacking, announced A. Clark Morris, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama. The trail of crimes began on Jan. 16, 2016, when Jones robbed the Dollar General on Notasulga Highway in Tallassee. After robbing the Dollar General Jones went on what officials described as a “crime spree”. Jones made his way from Tallassee to Georgia robbing businesses as he went. Jones robbed Tiger Spirits and the Chevron Store 10 in Auburn. The Family Dollar in Opelika and Dadeville were also targeted by Jones and he robbed businesses in the Georgia cities of Newnan and LaGrange. In all, Jones robbed ten businesses as he made his from Alabama to Georgia and back. Jones used a firearm during each of the crimes and while fleeing one of them, he shot at a vehicle with a father and his 3-year-old daughter inside. Luckily, neither was harmed. After another robbery, he carjacked a woman in the store’s parking lot. Jones was indicted in October 2016 See JONES • Page 2
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Page 2 • August 23, 2017
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Obituaries William Gilliard “Gil” McKenzie William Gilliard “Gil” McKenzie, 58, a resident of Montgomery, AL, passed away on August 15, 2017. He is survived by his wife, Melanie McLendon McKenzie, his daughter, Sally Claire McKenzie, and his sons, William “Will” Gilliard McKenzie, II, and Phillip George McKenzie; His mother and father, Mary George Mann McKenzie and Billy Gillyard McKenzie. A memorial service was held on Friday, August 18, 2017 at First Baptist Church Montgomery and was officiated by Dr. Jay Wolf. Pallbearers were Austin Bradshaw, Nimrod Frazer, Jimmy Harris, Deric Murphy, Dr. Mark Roberts, and David Warren. Honorary Pallbearers were Jonathan, Tom, Blake, and Drew McLendon, Joe Baugh, and Keith Newton, all nephews of Gil. Gil was born on September 6, 1958 in Tallassee, Alabama. He attended Tallassee High School then went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Troy State University. He received his Masters in Health Care Administration from the University of Colorado. Gil dedicated his career to rural health care as the Owner, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Gilliard Health Services, Inc., serving the people of Jackson and Evergreen. In addition, he was a co-founder and served on the Board of Directors of Medical Properties Trust in Birmingham. Gil was a faithful member of First Baptist Church Montgomery. He served as a leader of multiple medical mission trips to Malawi, Africa, alongside his family and friends. His hobby was spending time with his wife, children, and their friends at Lake Martin and his Elmore County farm. His humble heart will be missed and remembered by all.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be made to Evergreen Medical Center Sunshine Fund, 101 Crestview Avenue, Evergreen, AL 36401, or Jackson Medical Center Auxiliary, 220 Hospital Drive, Jackson, AL 36545.
Mr. James Daniel Wade “Dick” Mr. James Daniel Wade “Dick,” a resident of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away Friday, August 18, 2017, at the age of 90. He was born April 22, 1927 at Kent, Alabama. Funeral services will be Monday, August 21, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. from Jeffcoat Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Derek Gentle officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery, Jeffcoat Funeral Home directing. Mr. Wade is survived by his wife of 70 years, Anita Emfinger Wade; three sons; Mark Wade (Carolyn), Austin Wade (Linda) and Stan Wade (Rena); his seven grandchildren, Tyler McCollum, Jessica Luhar (Rushi), Jonathan Wade, Stacey Wade, Jay Wade, Dallas Wade and Tara Harper Lowe; his four great grandchildren, Jonny Wade, L.J. Lowe, Ryder Lowe, Savannah Lowe and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Wade; his sister, Mrs. Mondean Gentry; brothers, Eddie Lewis and Charles Ray Wade. Dick served in the Merchant Marines during World War II. He spent 48 years in Law Enforcement, starting in Tallassee for two years in the 50’s, then retired from the Montgomery Police Department as Detective. He also worked as an Elmore County Deputy Sheriff for several years. He then retired from the State of Alabama as Investigator. He also worked as Security for the Legislature for eight years. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and a friend to many in Tallassee,
Montgomery and Eclectic. The family will receive friends Sunday, August 20, 2017, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Jeffcoat Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Boys and Girls Ranches of Alabama at P.O. Box 240009, Montgomery, Alabama, 36124. Online condolences are available at: www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com. Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing
Mr. Lewis O. Rich Mr. Lewis O. Rich, 83, of Tallassee, passed away August 15, 2017. He was born September 18, 1933. A memorial service will be held Sunday, August 20, at 2 p.m. at Linville Memorial Funeral Home with Rev. Gene Helton officiating. He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Rich; sons, David Lewis Rich and Timothy Joe Rich (Angela); siblings, Hattie Mosely, Lydia Davis, Lawton Ward and Hoppie Ward; grandchildren, Bobby Lee, Josh Higgins, Jodie Rich Sides and Miranda Rich; and great grandchildren, Conner Higgins, Lanie Baker, Brayden Jarvis, Jordan Rich, Janie Rich and Kendall Foster. He is preceded in death by a son, John Olin Rich and siblings, Susie Ward, Bobby Joe Rich, Eddie Rich and William Ward. Mr. Rich was a loving and caring father. In his younger years, he was a fire fighter. He played football and was one of Hot O’Brien’s boys. He worked for the State of Alabama for a number of years, after which is assumed the operations of the family farm. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com. Linville Memorial Funeral Home Eclectic, Alabama
Drowning
continued from page 1
individual stranded on a large rock in the river. According to first responders, this was not
the individual who was holding the toddler at the time of the incident. The search for the
boy continued until nightfall and was scheduled to resume at midmorning on Sunday. However, law enforcement officials located the toddler’s body late Saturday evening. The discovery of the child’s body came after Tallassee Police Department personnel received a call from a witness who reported seeing what they believed to be to be the boy’s body near the location where the boy was last seen. “We resumed the search after we received information that a witness had seen something on the river,”
said Tallassee Police Chief Matthew Higgins. “We called Game and Fish to bring us a boat because if that was him we didn’t want to leave him there all night. We went out, conducted a search and performed the recovery. His body was released to the Elmore County Coroner.” This area of the Tallapoosa River, just below Thurlow Dam, has proven to be deadly in the past. Last month, 31-year-old Charles Stewart drowned near this location while kayaking with friends. Water levels below Thurlow Dam can
RODNEY GRIFFITH
quickly fluctuate when the dam’s turbines release thousands of gallons of water downstream as the hydroelectric plant generates power. Alabama Power does sound an alarm before releasing water downstream, but the sound only travels so far. That why this fast rise in the water level has proven to be deadly before. “You can’t hear it this far down river,” Jones said. “We have begged and pleaded to get something down here that will warn people. We did a big risk assessment for
Jones
Lake Martin Properties Serving Lake Martin, Tallassee and the Surrounding Area
continued from page 1
when a federal grand jury returned a 23-count charge, including 10 armed robberies in Alabama and Georgia while brandishing and discharging a firearm and an attempted carjacking, announced George L. Beck Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama. The sentences were handed down after his June 2017 trial where a jury found Jones guilty on each of the twenty-three counts in his indictment. Eleven of the counts carried a mandatory life sentence and included the ten robberies and carjacking. Twelve counts were for using a firearm during the robberies, carjacking and shooting. The first of the firearms counts resulted in a seven-year sentence. For the remaining 11 firearms counts, he was sentenced to 25 years
RODNEY GRIFFITH BROKER CELL: 334-207-0666 WEB: www.rodneygrif¿th.com EMAIL: rodneygrif¿th@windstream.net RED HILL – 3 bd/2 ba., brick, very nice and private, 1 acre, only $115,000. LAKE MARTIN LOT with mobile home, 55-ft. waterfront, 3 bd/2 baths, south end of lake, close to Castaway and Kowaliga, only $240,000. ACRE LOT – Zoned General Business, 54 Hull Street, Tallassee. Lots of road frontage, $45,000. BRICK HOME ON EAST PATTON – 3 bd/2 baths, nice home on 16.6 acres that’s NOT in the city limits, $135,000. RIVER HILLS SUBDIVISION – 23 lots, great views of Lake Tallassee, underground utilities, sewage. Prices start at only $20,000. 13 SOLD – NOW 10 REMAINING. 3 MORE NEW HOMES being built now in River Hills Subdivision. 1500 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, wood and tile floors, fireplace, granite counters, great location within walking distance to downtown Tallassee, $144,900. 1 SOLD AND 2 FOR SALE! BEAUTIFUL BRICK HOUSE in Plantation Pines, 4 bd/3.5 baths, 1.6 acre lot very modern and pretty, REDUCED TO $299,000. 3189 LITTLE ROAD – 4 bd/2ba., large lot, very modern, & pretty, only $215,000. RIVER HILLS SUBDIVISION – Waterfront lot 181 feet W/F 1.3 acres, flat great views, $115,000. TALLASSEE GILMER AVENUE – 3bd/2 baths, next to DQ, zoned commercial, REDUCED TO $89,900. 705 LITTLE ROAD – 4 bd. 5 baths beautiful historic home on 1.5 NDING PE$229000. acres. Completely restored.
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this back in 2008. We measured how quickly the water would rise after they turned (the turbines) on.” According to officials, the child was not wearing a lifejacket. Because this is an area of the river frequented by many, there are signs posted warning not to enter the water without a personal floatation device. “Pay attention to the signs,” Jones said. “Heed the warnings, it is so important to wear a lifejacket.” “We’re still looking into everything,” Higgins said.
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each. The seven-year and 25-year sentences run consecutive to each other for a total of 282 years. The 282 years run consecutive to his life sentences. There is no parole in the federal system. Because Jones had four previous robbery convictions in state court, prosecutors sought life sentences. If the defendant is convicted in federal court of a serious violent felony and has two or more previous convictions for serious violent felonies, federal law imposes a mandatory life sentence. “Tariq Jones terrified innocent people by putting a gun in their faces and demanding money,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Morris. “He showed no regard for human life when he shot at a vehicle with a father and his 3-yearold daughter inside just because he thought he was being followed. He is a violent criminal and I hope this sentence sends a clear message to other offenders that my office will use all of its power and resources to combat violent crime in our communities.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Auburn Police Division, the Camp Hill Police Department, the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office (Newnan, GA), the Dadeville Police Department, the LaGrange, Georgia Police Department, the Opelika Police Department, the Prattville Police Department, and the Tallassee Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys John Geer and Brandon Bates prosecuted the case.
THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE
www.TallasseeTribune.com
August 23, 2017 • Page 3
CommunityCalendar
Submit calendar items: Participate in your Tribune by calling 334-567-3284, faxing them to 334-567-3284, sending your event to carmen.rodgers@tallasseetribune. com or logging on to http://www.thewetumpkaherald.com/. August The Tallassee Garden Club is now taking new members. If you are interested in becoming a member of the club and helping beautify Tallassee, contact Vickie Bowen at 334-415-1987. • Register at Recreation Center for soccer Aug. 21 through Sept. 1 and tentatively begin week of Sept. 18. For boys and girls ages 4-14. Games will be played on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Practice times are determined by each coach. Aug. 24 Clogging class will begin at the Tallassee Recreation Center and run 6-8 weeks. Classes will be held each Thursday. For more information, contact the Tallassee Recreation Center at 334283-4726.
Nurses complete clinicals Submitted / The Tribune
Virginia College School of Nursing, Montgomery Campus, completed a six week Adult Health II rotation at Community Hospital on Aug. 16. Left to right: Alecia Duncan, Aronda Turpin, Sherry Hooks, Winnie Kemoli, Susan Jackson, Rachima Matthews, and their instructor, M. Duncan, MSN, Ed., RN.
Worley
continued from page 1
resource for parents of college-bound teenagers. In each issue, high achieving students in the 7th-12th grade are featured and entered to win the $500 “Reach Your Potential” scholarship awarded in May. Teens are recommended by their school or community leaders for excelling in one or more of the following areas: academics, business, leadership, philanthropy, overcoming adversity, citizenship and community service, athletics and the arts. Potential Magazine’s advisory board chooses teens to feature in each issue and select the scholarship winner in May from each of the finalists. “We love spotlighting teens in Alabama and gaining great advice from their parents,” stated Pam Mashburn, publisher of Potential Magazine. Teens who are selected participate in an interview and photo shoot along with their parents for a spotlight feature in the magazine and website. Nomination forms can be found on www.potentialmagazine.com
activities and music was an opportunity for her to try something new. Since then, she has grown to become a skilled musician. She is a member of the Alabama All State Band and Choir, the Montgomery Youth Orchestra, the University of Alabama Honor Band and several other distinguished organizations. “What Danny and I admire most about Madelaine is how strong of a young lady she is,” her mother, Cindy said. “She is just one of those people that works hard at everything she does. Even when she gets discouraged, she becomes even more determined and pushes through.” Even as a senior in high school, Madelaine knows what she wants for her future. “For a living, I want to educate kids through music,” she said. Madelaine’s desire to teach comes honest. Her father is a teacher and coach at Tallassee High School where he teaches adaptive PE, general studies, transitional job skills and coaches the high school track and field team. Potential Magazine is a multi-media
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Aug. 25 The Tallassee varsity football team has a home non-conference game vs. Russell County at 7 p.m.
Griffith sion and health insurance benefits for state and local government retirees across Alabama. ARSEA/APEAL is a 19,000-member partnership of the Alabama Retired State Employees Association and the Alabama Public Employees Advocacy League representing retirees and employees on the state, county and municipal levels of government. ARSEA/APEAL Executive Director Liane Kelly said, “Because he dedicated his career to serving the citizens of Lauderdale County and continues to work on behalf of his fellow ARSEA/ APEAL members, it is ideal that Ronald Griffith is recognized with this honor.” Griffith, who retired as the Lauderdale County Engineer in 1995 after 25 years of service, has held several leadership positions since joining ARSEA/APEAL. Prior to being elected association president, Griffith was also an active member of the group’s board of directors and currently serves as the chairman of the nominations and elections committee.
Aug. 26 1220 Café is celebrating five years in business from 2-8 p.m. This is a festive, family-friendly party to thank the community for 5 years of business. There will be a bouncy house, train rides, music and bingo from 2-5 p.m. Dancers and tumblers will offer entertainment form 4:30-6 p.m. and Movie Night will begin at 6 p.m. with the Jungle Book showing. There will free drinks and popcorn for the kids. Aug. 28 Tallassee City Council meeting at City Hall beginning at 6 p.m. Sept. 23 Dam Century Ride. Registration for this event has already begun and will be open until the day of the ride. There will be three courses to choose from, so riders of all skill levels may take part in the upcoming ride.
continued from page 1
During his tenure Griffith was one of ARSEA/APEAL’s most engaged and visible presidents. He said he believed members should be given the chance to get to know their association’s president and, as president, he should get to know the members and hear first-hand the causes and concerns that matter to them most. He was also active in the Alabama Society of County Engineers and served as its president and as a board member. With his induction, Griffith joins an impressive list of Senior Citizen Hall of Fame honorees that have been recognized since the Alabama Legislature created the group in 1983. The Hall of Fame was created to honor and recognize Alabama residents who have made exceptional achievements and contributions to the lives of older Americans. To be eligible for permanent membership in the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, a person must be 50 years of age or older and a current resident of the state. For more information, visit www.arsea.org.
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Lewis Grizzard: A Southern writer whose style is sorely missed
A
recent So-Called Column about an anthology of speeches by historian David McCullough had an out-ofthe-starting-gate reference to Southern humorist Lewis Grizzard (1946-1994) and his numerous compendia of newspaper columns. Following the publication of that semi-review of the McCullough collection, I received almost as many comments from readers about having cited Grizzard’s work as I did regarding the crux of the column about McCullough’s speeches. In some respects, a disproportionate response regarding columnist, author, speaker and standup comedian Grizzard isn’t surprising. Since he was an unapologetic advocate for almost everything Southern, Lewis was very popular in his time and location. The Moreland, Georgia native praised traditional Southern values and harkened back to simpler lifestyles that were— and still are—fleeting. However, the key to Grizzard’s success was an ability to write in a conversational manner, like
he was right there, talking with a reader. Compare that to all too many columnists and commentators in these days and times, who tend to make a lot of readers feel like they’re being lectured. Such snobbery in print is bad enough, but it’s even more alienating (and perhaps dangerous) online since the internet is unregulated. Therefore there’s no accountability for accusations and rumor-mongering. Lewis wasn’t a fan of computers (and favored a manual typewriter), so one wonders what he would have thought about the so-called evolution of electronic media. Ol’ Lewis introduced us to pseudonym characters like Weyman C. Wannamaker, Jr. (“a great American”) who were most likely composite individuals, but so what? His syndicated column was published in numerous newspapers in the territory I covered when I was in sales, which meant I could keep up with his commentaries while on the road. As noted in the McCullough column, Lewis actually wrote some of his books straight-on (vs.
The So-Called Column By Willie G. Moseley collections of columns), and the chronicle of his earlier heart problems was particularly personal and harrowing. When I was reading it for the first time, I accidentally left it at home when I went out on an overnight business trip; his narrative was so compelling I was fuming at myself for having forgotten it. Then I was crestfallen— here comes a spoiler—to learn on the last page of that book that the author’s third marriage had failed soon after his surgery. Grizzard was no saint, but admitted to (most of) his shortcomings in print. That said, some of his other fans agreed that there were times—or at least, certain columns—where he came across as jogging in place or maybe even vindictive, but those downer episodes were few and far between.
As his acclaim continued to ascend, Lewis tried his hand at acting (“Designing Women”) as well as stand-up comedy. A lot of his routines were based on columns, so they sounded familiar. While it’s commendable that someone might be successful enough to branch out into a different field of entertainment, my friend Malc, who is my musical and philosophical peer, once opined that Lewis shouldn’t quit his day job, likening the stand-up effort to a movie star forming his/her own rock band. However, Grizzard was also touted as a “lecturer,” indicating he could give instructive and insightful speeches. One would think he would have presented such talks at banquets or maybe to journalism classes, and I’d like to hear what he had to say (or read a transcript). Grizzard’s been gone for over 23 years, but his legend is still around, and can be particularly noticed on I-85 between here and Atlanta— part of the interstate near his hometown is named in honor of him. Sprayberry’s Barbecue
in Newnan offers a “Lewis Grizzard Special” (a barbecue sandwich, Brunswick stew and onion rings). An actor named Bill Oberst Jr. has been presenting a one-man show as a Grizzard impersonator for a number of years. It appears that his only prop is a pedestal table with a manual typewriter on top. One wonders which newspaper columns figured into the script. I still have a few Grizzard anthologies in my office library. After noting the aforementioned readers’ referrals to some of his book titles, I pulled out his first anthology, 1979’s “Kathy Sue Loudermilk, I Love You.” It’s still very casual reading, and while some of content is now dated, the style of Lewis Grizzard’s writing still holds up—I found myself chuckling out loud yet again at the episode about Fuzz Chastain and the house fire. I also have his second anthology. It’s up next. Willie Moseley is the news editor emeritus for The Tribune. His column appears here each Wednesday.
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THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE (533-160) is published weekly on Wednesday by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 301 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee, AL 36078. Periodical postage paid at Tallassee, Alabama. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Tallassee Tribune, 301 Gilmer Avenue, Tallassee, AL 36078. ISSN # 2150-3982. We reserve the right to refuse to print any advertisement, news story, photograph or any other material submitted to us for any reason or no reason at all. •Obituaries - $0.25 per word with a $15 charge for a picture. Obituaries can only be accepted by the funeral home handling the arrangements. The Tallassee Tribune does not accept obituaries from individuals. •Weddings/Engagements/Birth Announcements - $0.25 per word with a $15 for a 2 column, color photo. • One year $25 (In Elmore County, Tallapoosa County and Notasulga) elsewhere $38 The publisher reserves the right to change subscription rates during the term of subscription with a 30-day notice. The notice can be mailed to the subscriber, or by notice in the newspaper itself. To subscribe or if you missed your paper, call David Kendrick at The Alex City Outlook: 256-234-4281. © 2015 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved and any reproduction of this issue is prohibited without the consent of the editor or publisher. Steve Baker: Publisher publisher@tallasseetribune.com • 256-234-4281 David Granger: Interim Managing Editor David.Grangerl@tallasseetribune.com • 334- 567-7811 Corey Arwood: Reporter corey.arwood@tallasseetribune.com • Ext. 102 Carmen Rodgers: Reporter carmen.rodgers@tallasseetribune.com • Ext. 101 Marilyn Hawkins: Marketing Consultant marilyn.hawkins@tallasseetribune.com • Ext. 305 The Tallassee Tribune is contract printed each Tuesday evening in Alexander City, Ala. by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. 256-234-4281.
The Tallassee Tribune
Together, apart
T
here was great unity across these United States as a total solar eclipse crossed our continent on August 21, 2017.” At least, that’s what I hope the history books will say about our time. The last total solar eclipse in the U.S. was on June 8, 1918. There have been several others that touched our 50 states, the most recent being on February 26, 1979. One can go on the Internet and find ABC News anchor Frank Reynolds on a broadcast from 38 years ago as the network covered the last eclipse of the century. “May the shadow of the moon fall on a world in peace,” said Reynolds in his sign-off, referring to August 21, 2017. Eclipse fever has taken the nation’s attention off North Korea and Russia and all the other international doings – temporarily. Without wading too deep into controversial waters, I wanted to point out the calm voices of unity that appeared recently in Montgomery. My alma mater, Robert E. Lee High School, is named for the Confederate general who said, “duty is the sublimest word in the English language.” There is a plaque at the entrance to the school that says, “never by word or deed do anything to discredit the name of this great man.” Part of our education as Lee
Bird’s Eye View By Michael Bird High students was to study General Lee’s conciliatory tone and the steps he took to heal our broken nation after the Civil War. He is known to have been the only student to finish at West Point without a single demerit. His battle plans and strategies are studied to this day by military leaders around the world. And he wasn’t just an outstanding general; he was revered for his character and integrity along with his leadership skills. I’ve read all about him over the years and have not found him to be as controversial a Confederate figure as, say, Nathan Bedford Forrest or Jefferson Davis, who engendered some bitterness post-war and behaved in a way some would call unrepentant. Robert E. Lee may have been on the wrong side of history, but I don’t know that he deserves the treatment he’s been getting lately. That’s why I was so surprised as I read about a protest held at the statue in front of my old school last week. The protesters weren’t even involved with the school. Students were interviewed after the fact and the
general consensus was something so earth-shattering I could hardly believe I was reading it: Lee may have been a slave owner, and he may have fought against the United States, but that was then and this is now. And his name being on a school that is 85 percent African American, according to the students who were interviewed, should say a lot about how far we have come in our culture. I kept looking for incendiary comments and found none. At least, none from Montgomery’s younger set. The hate-spewing neo-Nazis, skinheads, Klansmen and racists who descended upon Charlottesville, Virginia last week are a national scourge. They are an embarrassment to us all. God didn’t create us to fight with one another about things like skin color or religion. And yet, it’s been going on since the beginning of time – along with a lot of other things, some good, some bad. Kind of like total eclipses: they remain a unifying force as all eyes turn toward the heavens, with or without protective lenses, and for those few moments the fractures seem to heal. Perhaps we should look up more often. Michael Bird is choral director and assistant band director for Tallassee City Schools.
Talks THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE
Inside the Statehouse By Steve Flowers
Moore may ride fundamentalist beliefs to U.S. Senate
W
hen the race for the open Jeff Sessions seat began, it appeared to be a Roy Moore versus Luther Strange contest. Well folks, that’s how it ended last Tuesday. We’ve got a runoff between our Ten Commandments Judge, Roy Moore, and Big Luther Strange. Roy Moore has been around Alabama politics for a while now. Alabamians know who he is and what he stands for. He has been standing up for fundamentalist Christian values since his days as an Etowah County Judge where he displayed his initial wooden Ten Commandments plaque on the walls of his courtroom. He became so famous for his stand that he rode that notoriety to being elected Chief Justice of Alabama’s Supreme Court. Alabama is undoubtedly one of, if not the most, fundamentalist Bible-believing states in America. Most of the hardcore fundamentalist Moore followers put more credence in the Old Testament than the New Testament. Therefore, Moore’s emphasis on the Ten Commandments resonated then and still does today. Moore became emboldened when he became Chief Justice. In the dark of night he had a 5,000-pound monument placed in the Supreme Court building’s rotunda. A federal court asked him to remove it. He refused and they removed him. It made him a martyr among the brethren. He ran twice for governor but failed to make the runoff each time. It appeared to be a chink in his armor. It became obvious to those of us who follow Alabama politics that voters thought highly of him as a judge but for some reason did not see him as a governor. This became clearly apparent when five years ago he disposed of two well-financed opponents in a race for his old post as Chief Justice. He won handily even though he was outspent 3-to-1. Folks in Alabama like Moore as a judge. However, it appears that they may like him as a U.S. Senator. If you think he was thought of as a martyr for being removed from the bench for standing up for his Ten Commandments monument, folks in Alabama really resented some vague judicial inquiry commission asking him to leave his seat as Chief Justice for telling Probate Judges in the state to stop marrying gay people. In the “Heart of Dixie” you cannot ask for a better entree into a governor’s race or senate race. Early polling showed Moore was so far out front in the governor’s race that he would have beaten the current field without a runoff. This judicial inquiry group coronated Moore and made him a folk hero. Ole George Wallace would have loved to have been dealt these cards. I can just hear him now, “Well I’ll tell you right now if two homosexual people want to get married in Alabama I’ll be the first one to stand in the courthouse door and stop ‘em. I’ll even get them a one-way bus ticket to California where they can just stay, and I’ll tell you this too, if one of those transgenders protests in front of my car they may as well get ready to get run over. And if y’all send me to Washington, I’ll ask for a seat next to the left-wing socialist wackos Bernie Sanders and Pocahontas Warren and I’ll ask them what bathroom they think the transgenders should go to. Then I’ll introduce a resolution requiring all transgenders be sent to California to live with those communist sympathizing, left-wing movie stars and appear on the Stephen Colbert and Bill Maher shows.” Wallace would have had a field day. Wallace was a master politician; some would say a demagogue. Moore was dealt this hand. He is not the politician that George Wallace was. He actually is a true believer. He is not a demagogue. He has put his money where his mouth is. He lost his job not once but twice over his beliefs. Believe me, George Wallace would not have left his job as governor if they told him he was going to be sent back to Barbour County if he did not get out of that school house door. Folks in Alabama feel like Moore was done wrong and they set out to right that wrong. They were going to elect Moore governor next year. However, they’d rather have him as their Senator. As expected Moore led the field last week. Next week we will analyze the race and runoff and how his opponent, Big Luther Strange, stacks up against Moore. 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.
www.TallasseeTribune.com
August 23, 2017 • Page 5
My little America is a much better place
T
here is so much racial chaos in the news. I hate it. It really doesn’t have to be this way. After a long day, I pulled into my driveway in my little neighborhood and just looked around. I am so blessed. I can see about half the houses in my ‘hood from my yard. My neighborhood consists of around 30-35 houses. It’s like a little America, and I love it. First, let’s get the bad out of the way. The first house you come upon when you enter Little America is vacant and it has been since I bought my house in 2009. I think it was a foreclosure and is still in limbo. I don’t understand all the legalities of that, but it is what it is. It’s not good, but it’s a reality. As you drive on through, you see all kinds of goodness. My next-door neighbors are what neighbors should be. We’ve helped each other out a lot over the past couple of years in a variety of ways. For example, I’ve taken care of their dog when they were out of town, and they’ve taken care of Ruby and Abbey when I’ve been away. They are very neighborly,
I
JODY FULLER Columnist
and I try to return the favor. They are a young couple and just happen to be Caucasian. My other neighbors are relatively new. As the old folks say, they are a “mixed” couple from Texas. He is a white dude and she is a Latina. They have two beautiful children. I’ve talked to him several times, but she is usually busy with the babies. Speaking of old folks, we have them, too. I love old people. I pray every night that I stay healthy enough to grow old. In one of the homes, I only see the wife. She works out in the yard a lot, while I don’t think I’ve ever seen him. In another home, I never see them except for when they are coming and going. I bet they watch a lot of Murder She Wrote. Down the road is an African-American family. I don’t know them, but I wave every time they drive by. I did support their daughter
last year for a school fundraiser. I think he’s retired military. That’s good stuff. I hardly know any of these folks in my neighborhood. After all, it is 2017. Who knows their neighbors? Next to them is another middle-aged Caucasian couple. He has a shop in his garage. One day, I’ll have a shop in my garage. On down is a Korean family, and next to them is a Lesbian couple. America! Across from them is an older lady who walks her little dog every day. I’m sure she knows everything that goes on in the neighborhood. Next to her is a family of rednecks. Now, I don’t know this for a fact, because I have never seen them, but I have heard their truck, which registers a 6.8 on the Richter Scale when it passes my house. Then there is the mystery house. I’m not sure who lives there. They have tinted windows on their car and disappear into the bat cave when they get home each day. I don’t know. I just don’t know. Across from me is a single white female, and next to her is a guy. He’s a
good dude, but get this; he’s a Clemson graduate. As the late, great Lewis Grizzard said, “Clemson is Auburn with a lake.” I call it “the fake Auburn.” Rounding out the neighborhood is another African-American family. I know he’s retired military. He even has the license plate to prove it. They are always out working in the yard. They are good folks – lots of waving. Oh, I almost forgot about the damn Yankees. We are a very inclusive neighborhood. They’re Bama fans, too, which just goes to show how inclusive we really are. They’re good folks. I went to school with their kids. That’s only about half the houses. I’m not sure who lives in the others, but I know who lives in the ones I can see. I like it. I like the make-up of my ‘hood. That’s my little neighborhood. That’s my America. Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. He can be reached at jody@jodyfuller.com. For more information, please visit www.jodyfuller.com
Do you know what I think?
t seems like most meetings are on a Monday night. At most of these meetings we eat and the meals are good. I don’t know what it is but he last few times I’ve gone to one of these meetings I have had to hurry home, just as if I had taken a laxative. I have talked this over with my son and he suggested that I go to the meetings, but not eat the meal. Well, I have thought it over and do you know what I think? I think I am going to continue going to the meetings and I’m going to continue eating the meals. A man my age needs a good cleaning out about once a month anyhow. On Sunday nights at our church sometimes we have preaching with discussion. For instance we may discuss the Ten Commandments and the other night it was on Thou Shalt Not Lie.
The Coffee Breaker By Ronald Brantley Do you know what I think? I think the seniors of the church are the guiltiest of not telling the truth. When you get old your knees ache and pop, the same is true with your back, your teeth don’t fit good, walking up the stairs gives us out. As I said earlier, we are irregular and absent minded. We meet someone and they say, “Hello, how are you?” and the first thing we answer is, “Fine.” Mickey Sayers and I were talking about some of the missions the First Baptist Church of Tallassee has been taking. A group of 15 or 20 was getting ready to go to Gatlinburg, Tennessee to
work on a church that got burned during the fires that practically ruined Gatlinburg recently. Do you know what I think? I think these men are doing a great job. They give of their time away from their homes, family and church. These trips cost them money and they put out a lot of good work. I think they should be applauded. I don’t know all of their names but if you see one, shake his hand and pat him on the back. He deserves it. Recently we have had some big rains and the gates came down on Thurlow Dam allowing water to come rushing over the dam to the rocks below and, in addition to this, I’ve had the opportunity to cross over Kowaliga Bridge a time or two and get a good look at the lake coming and going. I have been from one side of the world to the other and do you know what I
think? I think that right here is probably as pretty as any place in the country. In addition we have as much history in our area as anywhere in this country. I think we are blessed! I voted the other day. The weather was pretty in the morning and there was very little excuse for anyone that wasn’t sick not to vote. I thought back over the many years of voting. The years we paid poll taxes so we could vote. The years we were overseas and voted. Now it is so easy to register and easy to vote. The turnout was small. Do you know what I think? If you didn’t vote you don’t deserve the right to know what I think. Ronald Brantley is a regular columnist for The Tribune. His column appears here each Wednesday. He can be reached by email at Rbrantley1@elmore.rr.com
Football gets state’s collective arteries pumping
M
y favorite time of the year is here. I’m sure the same is true with many of you. It’s time for some football! Friday night kicks everything off for some schools in the county. In opening night games, Reeltown plays neighborhood rival Notasulga on the road, Dadeville hosts LaFayette, Montgomery Catholic will be at Coosa Central and Benjamin Russell has a scrimmage at Stanhope Elmore. Next week, all high school teams begin play and there’s college football – with Alabama tangling with Florida State in Atlanta’s new Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Auburn hosting Georgia Southern at alwayscrazy Jordan Hare, plus a long slate of other games – on Saturday. In the words of that famous University of Wisconsin fan thing, “Jump around!” There’s something about football that seems to get this state’s collective arteries pumping. At the beginning of every season hope
DAVID GRANGER Managing Editor
springs eternal for all, from the smallest Class 1A team in the state to the mighty Alabama Crimson Tide. In essence, each football season is allegorical – it’s all about hope. Hope that, if things are going well for you, you can stay on top. And if things aren’t going so well, hope that you can rebound to count yourself among the winners. And as we move into the new season, perhaps it is the perfect panacea for a country that seems so divided and wrought with unease about the world. For a few months, perhaps we can set that unease on the back burner and, without ignoring it to our detriment, at least count on our particular team’s gridiron warriors to provide us some relief. We’ve a few months to enjoy and by the time the football season is over we
will have turned another page on the calendar. We will have experienced another exciting year of unbelievable plays, wild wins and, perhaps, inconceivable losses. But we will emerge exhilarated and prepared for another two-thirds of a year without the game. And we will begin anew, as we did in this past offseason and do in every offseason, thinking about what might be “next year.” Football season is here. The old and the young will come together for occasions like which they rarely spend together. Communities will find some commonality in their feverish cheering for their high school elevens. Black and white will join hands, as in Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream, as they huddle on artificially lit Friday nights in quaint stadiums throughout our football-crazy country. Old men will remember their days on the same turf their grandsons now roam. Young men will dream of the day they can don the same uniform their older brother wears into battle. Our state, our Elmore County communities, love
our football. It gives us reason to be proud of how we stack up against counties throughout the state. From county line to county line – Millbrook to Tallassee – we can all hold our heads high in the knowledge that we have been at or near the pinnacle. And both of our most major college teams have reached their pinnacle, too. And recently. No, there’s no chill in the air yet. In fact, it’s still darned hot. Yes, play will be stopped more than usual on Friday night so that the players can partake of ample water to keep them properly hydrated. Fans, too, will need to keep their fluids replenished as they will likely break a sweat in their Friday night fervor. No, fall isn’t here yet, but the football season is. And that, alone, is something to cheer about. David Granger is the managing editor of the Tallapoosa Publishers newspapers in Elmore County.
Page 6 • August 23, 2017
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THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE
The Life Of A Firefighter
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THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE
www.TallasseeTribune.com
August 23, 2017 • Page 7
James Otto, Ashton Shepherd to headline Labor Day concert STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Labor Day at Lake Martin Amphitheater (the Amp) this year will feature headliner James Otto, the Nashville singer/songwriter behind the 2015 hit single, Somewhere Tonight. The song launched a new phase in the musician’s career, one in which he’s created his own unique brand of country music. “I really wanted to grab people’s attention with something that’s completely different from what they were used to hearing from me,” Otto explained. Otto grew up in rural America, from a 700acre North Dakota farm to the apple and cherry orchards of Washington State to Alabama, where he discovered country music. After touring the world on a U.S. Navy ship, he settled in Nashville and in 2008 topped the country charts with the Most Played Country Single of the Year, Just Got Started Lovin’ You. Taking the stage before Otto will be The Bank Walkers at 6 p.m., followed by local favorite Rexton Lee and Alabama’s own Ashton Shepherd, whose country albums include Where Country Grows, Out of My Pocket, Sounds So Good and This is America. Gates open at 5 p.m. for the Sept. 3 concert at the Amp. Tickets are $10; kids age 6 and under are admitted free of charge. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and friends, but please leave dogs at home. “The Labor Day weekend concert at the Amp is always a great way to end the summer concert series at Lake Martin,” said Russell Lands’ Director of Special Events and Social Media Robert Gunn. Order tickets at www.theamponlakemartin.com. For information, contact Gunn at 256-397-1019.
Special / The Tribune
James Otto will headline the Labor Day concert at Lake Martin Amphitheater. The artist famous for his 2008 hit ‘Just Got Started Loving You’ will be one of four acts in the lineup for the Sept. 3 show.
Police Reports Monday, Aug. 14 • Disorderly person @ Barnett Blvd- advised • Drug activity @ Barnett Blvd- report made • Lost property @ Barnett Blvd- report made • Disorderly person @ Gilmer Ave- negative contact • Theft @ Tallassee Highway- report made • Theft by deception @ Gilmer Ave- report made • Suspicious person @ Tallassee ERadvised • Attempt to serve court order @ James Street- served • Traffic stop X 6
Tuesday, Aug. 15 • Stolen vehicle @ S Tallassee Dr- report made • Suspicious activity @ Friendship Rdnegative contact • Attempt to contact @ Ashurt Bar Rdassignment complete • Attempt to contact @ Kelly Placeassignment complete • Suspicious person @ Friendship Rdarrest/report • Domestic incident @ Lower Tuskegee Rd- report made • Arrest @ Upper River Road- arrest x 2/ report
• Theft @ Darnell Rd • Domestic violence physical @ Sunwood Ct- report • Suspicious vehicle @ Gilmer Aveadvised • Suspicious person @ Gilmer Ave- unable to locate • Suspicious activity @ Notasulga Rdadvised • Suspicious vehicle @ Gilmer Aveadvised • Juvenile complaint @ Gilmer Aveadvised • Attempt to arrest @ Notasulga Rd- arrest/ warrant/report • Traffic stop X 11
Wednesday, Aug. 16 • B/M arrested @ Barnett Blvd- warrant arrest • Animal control @ Kent Rd- advised • Animal complaint @ Alber Dr- advised • Complaint of fraudulent use @ Barnett Blvd- advised • Complaint of reckless driving @ Upper River Rd- advised • Domestic incident @ Little Rd- report made • Welfare check @ Darnell Rd- civil matter/advised • Suspicious vehicle @ E Roosevelt Stadvised • Attempt to serve @
Willow St- assignment complete • Theft @ S Tallassee Dr- report • Possible theft @ Gilmer Ave- advised • Traffic stop X 11
Thursday, Aug. 17 • Theft by deception @ Gilmer Ave- report made • B/F arrested @ Barnett Blvd- warrant arrest • Theft of property@ Barnett Blvd- report made • Complaint of trespassing @ Jordan Ave- advised • Animal complaint @ Wall St- advised • Suspicious activity @ Cherry St- negative contact • Suspicious activity @ Pecan St- negative contact • Suspicious person @ Barnett Blvdadvised • Domestic incident @ Clay St- report • Suspicious activity @ Gilmer Aveadvised • Traffic stop X 13
Friday, Aug. 18 • W/M arrested @ Freeman Ave- public intoxication • Complaint of harassment @ Jordan Ave- advised • B/M arrested @
Freeman Ave- warrant arrest • W/F arrested @ Barnett Blvd-warrant arrest • Property damage @ Peachwood Dr- report • B/M arrested for shoplifting @ Gilmer Ave- arrest/report • Theft of property @ Gilmer Ave- report • Domestic violence @ Gilmer Ave- report • Harassment complaint @ E Patton Streport • Harassment complaint @ E Patton Stadvised • Attempted burglary @ Hillcrest Stadvised • Domestic violence @ Gilmer Ave- report • Suspicious person @ Gilmer Ave- report • Traffic stop X 5
Saturday Aug. 19 • Citizen inquiry @ N Ann Ave- advised • Water rescue @ AL Hwy 229- report made • Suspicious activity @ Lower Tuskegee Rd- assignment complete • Domestic incident @ S Dubois St- unable to locate • Welfare check @ Riverside Aveadvised • Suspicious vehicle @ Roosevelt boat
ramp- advised • Domestic incident @ Recreation Center Rd- report • Follow-up investigation @ AL Hwy 229body recovered • Suspicious vehicle @ Gilmer Ave- arrest/ warrant/report • Traffic stop X 17
Sunday, Aug. 20 • Suspicious vehicle @ Carr St- advised • Suicidal subject @ Notasulga Rd- report • Arrest @ Notasulga Rd- warrant arrest
• Mental subject @ Riverside Aveadvised • Person with a gun @ Gilmer Ave- unable to locate • Citizen stand-by/ civil matter- Freeman Ave- advised • Welfare check @ Tallassee ER- person ok • Suspicious vehicle @ Softball Wayadvised • Shots fired @ Gilmer Ave- unable to locate • Traffic stop X 3
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Page 8 • August 23, 2017
www.TallasseeTribune.com THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE
Put out that fire
W
ithout wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down. - Proverbs 26:20 Gossip is talking about a situation when you’re not a part of the situation or its solution. Most of us are tempted to commit this sin that lies at the root of so much trouble in our schools, families, workplaces and churches. Last week we saw how the wisdom of Proverbs declares gossip to be among the most dangerous and destructive behaviors. It’s not just that Brother Mike is against gossip. God’s word is clear that God is against gossip. It ruins relationships and disturbs the peace. That’s the very opposite of what we’re supposed to do as Christians. Our text compares gossip to a fire, and points to the obvious truth that a fire can’t keep burning when there is no fuel to consume. We’ve seen news stories about
raging wildfires threatening beautiful homes. Frightened homeowners cut and dig firebreaks to try to keep the fire from reaching their property. They spray water on their roofs to keep a stray spark from igniting a blaze that will destroy the precious house. Today let’s look at a strategy for overcoming the temptation to gossip. Like God promises about every temptation, there is a way to escape. (Yes, there is. Look it up—1 Corinthians 12:13.) Gossip is like a destructive fire. But you can take action in your life and speed to put that fire out. First, confess and renounce the sin of gossip before God. We find mercy when we confess (Proverbs 28:13). God will forgive you and you can live without the shames. Without confession, we don’t experience the sense of cleansing and healing that we need. Ask God to make clear what weakness in you makes
MIKE MCELROY East Tallassee Church of Christ
you susceptible to gossip. Do you feel ignored, or do you crave attention? Ask God to give you wisdom and discernment. We need his strength to overcome (Ephesians 6:10, Philippians 4:13). It’s not easy to break the habit of idle chatter, and we will keep hurting ourselves and others unless we stop doing it. Ask God for insight to examine your motives for speaking and the strength to keep your mouth shut when you should. (Just so you know, that last sentence is for me. Feel free to borrow it if you need it, too.) This may be the most challenging part of the firefighting strategy: walk away
from gossip. It’s not necessary to make a big self-righteous show about it. Just don’t participate. If you are pressed by others to join in, explain with a humble spirit that you no longer choose to talk about such things. Be careful about the way you do this one. It’s easy to slide from the sin of gossip right into sinful pride over how well you’re doing about not gossiping. Finally, if you must tell somebody what you know, gossip to God. This will probably be unsatisfying. He already knows what you’re telling, so you won’t be able to shock him. You’ll probably be humbled by your own need of grace and mercy when you’re telling God about others’ faults and failures. And if you wouldn’t tell God something or tell it with him listening (and he is), it’s probably better not to be talking about it at all. If we would apply the “429 Test” to all we say, I suspect
we’d do less gossiping. What’s the 429 Test? “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as it fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29). Or as the Contemporary English Version puts it: “When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you.” You cannot control what others say. But with God’s help you can extinguish the destructive flames of gossip in your own speech and life, and give the fire no fuel to continue. Remember Smokey the Bear? With his forest ranger hat and shovel in hand, he’d say, “Only you can prevent forest fires.” It’s true about gossip fires, too.
Church Briefs • Episcopal Church of the Epiphany
On Aug. 27 at 10:30 a.m. Father Wells Warren will celebrate the Holy Eucharist, with coffee hour to follow. For more information, visit the church website: http:// epiphanytallassee.org/
• St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church is holding Mass at Lake Martin every Saturday night at 6 p.m. It is at the Church in the Pines, located at Kowaliga. For more information, please call the church at 334-283-2169. “Our Life’s Journey” is an outreach of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Tallassee, Fr. Mateusz Rudzik, Pastor; and Knights of Columbus Council 15093, Andy Lacey, Grand Knight. It airs
on WACQ-AM 580 and FM 101.1 each Sunday from 8-8:30 a.m. Listen online at www.wacqradio.com or on your smart phone using the TuneIn app. The episode guide is as follows: Aug. 20, 27 and Sept. 3 - Fr. Mateusz & Seminarian Tim Florian Parts 1-3 Sept. 10 - COPE & Lorie Mullins Sept. 17 - The Conversion of John Giles Sept. 24 and Oct. 1 - Dr. Ray Parts 1-2 Oct. 8-22 - Dr. Mark Miravalle Parts 1-3 Oct. 29 and Nov. 5 and 12 - Matthew Kelly Parts 1-3 Nov. 19, 26 and Dec. 3 - Building Better Families Parts 1-3
Saturday, Aug. 26, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of Elam, 4686 Notasulga Rd, Hwy 14 in Tallassee. Guest speakers include: Ashley Bryant, Kelli Thigpen and Madison Kelley. Entertainment will be provided by Page Cotten. This event is open to all. Lunch will be served. Admission is free. A love offering will be taken for those who want to give. Ephesians 6:19 “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.” Contact Amy Hughes for other information.
• Living Water Worship Center
•Carrville Baptist Church
•Elam Baptist Church
We would like to invite everyone to our Fall Renewal Services, Aug. 27-30. Guest Speaker will be Jay Driver with music pro-
Elam Baptist Church is hosting “Fearless,” a women’s conference on
vided by Safe House. Sunday Services will be 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Monday thru Wednesday Services will begin at 6:30 p.m. with dinner being served each night at 5:30 p.m. Gospel Project for Kids starts back Sunday, Aug. 20 with Gospel Project continued on Wednesday Nights at 6:30 p.m. Our regular Sunday Services are Sunday School 9:15 a.m., Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. and all Sunday Evening Activities are at 6 p.m. Our Wednesday Night Activities are at 6:30 pm. There are classes for all ages to attend. Revival nights will be held on the last Sunday of each month beginning at 6 p.m. at The Eclectic Warehouse at 45 Main St. in downtown Eclectic.
Area Churches AME ZION Mt. Zion Chapel AME Zion 2340 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-4413 Rogers Chapel AME Zion 709 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8144 Jackson Chapel AME Zion 4885 Coosada Rd., Coosada Jones Chapel AME Zion 2414 Ingram Rd. (Co. Rd. 3), Elmore ABUNDANT LIFE Abundant Life Church 9301 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-9143 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Agape Tabernacle Assembly of God 1076 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic 541-2006 Bethel Worship Center 11117 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-5754 Crossroads Assembly of God 2534 AL Hwy 14., Millbrook 285-5545 First Assembly of God 3511 Shirley Ln., Millbrook New Home Assembly of God 5620 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 5692825 BAPTIST Abraham Baptist Church Millbrook Antioch Baptist Church 1115 Antioch Rd., Titus 567-2917 Beulah Baptist Church 2350 Grier Rd., Wetumpka 514-2881 Blue Ridge Baptist 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 5674325 Brookwood Baptist Grandview Rd., Millbrook Calvary Baptist 504 W. Osceola St., Wetumpka 567-4729
Central Baptist 3545 W. Central Rd., Wetumpka 541-2556 Coosada Baptist 20 Kennedy Ave., Coosada Deatsville Baptist 184 Church St., Deatsville Eclectic Baptist Church 203 Claud Rd., Eclectic 541-4444 Faith Baptist 64 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 567-4417 First Baptist Church 205 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-5191 First Baptist of Elmore Hwy. 14 Co. Rd. 74, Elmore Galilee Baptist 95 Old Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 567-4178 Good Hope Baptist 1766 S. Fleahop Rd., Eclectic Goodship Baptist Hwy. 143, Millbrook Grace Baptist Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-3255 Grandview Pines Baptist Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville Green Ridge Baptist 288 Turner Rd., Wetumpka 567-2486 Harvest Baptist 2990 Main St., Millbrook Hillside Baptist 405 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka Holtville Riverside Baptist 7121 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 514-5922 Lake Elam Baptist 4060 Gober Rd., Millbrook Liberty Hill Baptist 61 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-8750 Lighthouse Baptist 2281 Main St., Millbrook Living Water Baptist 1745 Grass Farm Rd.
HERREN HILL PHARMACY & GIFTS Hometown Service from the People You Trust! 24 Herren Hill Road P.O. Box 780061 Tallassee, AL 36078
HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Sat. 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
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(Co. Rd. 80), Weoka Millbrook Baptist Millbrook 285-4731 Mitts Chapel Baptist 935 Cold Springs Rd., Deatsville 569-1952 Mt. Hebron West Baptist 150 Mt. Hebron Rd., Elmore 567-4441 Mt. Herron East Baptist Church 4355 Mt. Herron Rd. Eclectic, Al 36024 334-857-3689 Mountain View Baptist 1025 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka 5674458 New Harmony Baptist 3094 New Harmony Rd., Marbury 3121878 New Home Baptist 1605 New Home Rd., Titus 567-0923 New Hope Baptist 6191 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville 569-1267 New Lily Green Baptist 6504 Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville New Nazareth Baptist Hwy. 143, Deatsville Pleasant Hill Baptist Pleasant Hill Rd., Eclectic 541-3460 Prospect Baptist Prospect Rd., Eclectic 567-5837 Redland Baptist 1266 Dozier Rd., Wetumpka 567-8649 Refuge Baptist Church 3098 Red Hill Road Tallassee 334-857-2638 Rehoberth Baptist 8110 Rifle Range Rd., Tallassee 567-9801 Rushenville Baptist 10098 Georgia Rd., Eclectic 541-2418 Saint James Baptist 1005 Nobles Rd., Wetumpka 567-6209 Saint James Baptist
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5427 Notasulga Road Hwy. 49 & 14 Tallassee, AL 36078
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119 MAIN STREET
101 Gantt Rd., Deatsville 569-3006 Santuck Baptist 7250 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 567-2364 Seman Baptist Seman, Alabama Shoal Creek Baptist 13214 Holtville Rd., Deatsville 569-2482 Springfield Baptist Hwy. 7, Millbrook Thelma Baptist 810 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 567-3665 Titus Baptist 6930 Titus Rd., Wetumpka 334-531-2120 Tunnell Chapel Baptist 210 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 567-2589 Victory Baptist 5481 Main St., Millbrook Wadsworth Baptist 2780 Hwy. 143, Deatsville 569-2851 BAPTIST - MISSIONARY Atkins Hill 565 Atkins Rd., Wetumpka 567-1141 Cathmagby Baptist 3074 Mitchell Creek Rd., Wetumpka 567-4787 First Missionary Baptist at Guilfield 412 Company St., Wetumpka 567-7455 Goodhope 1389 Willow Springs Rd. Wetumpka 567-7133 Lebanon 17877 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 514-1097 Mount Canaan 1125 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 567-2141 Mount Pisgah 16621 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 567-3668 Mt. Zion
334-559-8712
TALLASSEE
TALLASSEE REHAB PC (334) 283-8032 1000 Friendship Road • Tallassee
Submit your church news to editor@tallasseetribune.com ••• The deadline Is FRIDAY at noon.
371 AL Hwy. 14, Elmore, 567-2613 Mt. Zion #3 1813 Luke Paschal Rd., Eclectic New Home 5130 Elmore Rd., Wetumpka 567-5966 Second Missionary 760 N. Bridge St., Wetumpka 567-8601 Spring Chapel Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-6493 Sweetwater 163 Michael Lane, Wetumpka 334-5389415 Tabernacle Baptist 1020 W. Tallassee St., Wetumpka 5670620 BAPTIST - PRIMITIVE Bethel Old School 4625 Jackson Rd. (C.R. 103), Wetumpka Providence 4850 Chana Creek Rd., Wetumpka CATHOLIC Our Lady of Guadalupe 545 White Rd., Wetumpka 567-0311 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ of Elmore 470 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 567-6670 Church of Christ Grandview Pines 165 Deatsville Hwy., Millbrook Cold Springs Church of Christ 5920 Alabama Hwy. 143, Deatsville Georgia Road Church of Christ 4003 Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 567-2804 Lightwood Church of Christ 251 New Harmony Rd., Deatsville 5691510 Redland Road Church of Christ 2480 Redland Rd., Wetumpka 514-3656 Wetumpka Church of Christ W. Bridge St. At W. Main St., Wetumpka
If you would like to be a sponsor of the Devotional Thoughts each week, please give us a call, 334-567-7811.
–––––– The Tallassee Tribune
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August 23, 2017 â&#x20AC;¢ Page 9
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THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE
THE TALLASSEE TRIBUNE
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August 23, 2017 • Page 11
It’s more convenient than ever to apply for Social Security benefits
Y
ou’ve worked hard your whole life, and receiving your Social Security benefits should be the icing on the cake at your retirement party. We’re working hard to make it as quick and seamless as possible for you to apply for benefits from Social Security. Simply visit www. socialsecurity.gov/ applyforbenefits to get started. Through our safe and secure website, you can apply for: • Retirement benefits; • Spousal benefits; • Medicare;
• Disability benefits; • Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs; and, in some cases, o Supplemental Security Income. You don’t have to be internet savvy to finish most of our online applications in one sitting with your computer. Or, if you prefer, we offer you the options to apply in person at your Social Security office or by telephone with one of our application representatives. Please call 1-800-7721213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays to schedule an
KYLLE’ D. MCKINNEY Alabama Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
appointment. You should also call us to schedule an appointment if you wish to apply for certain family benefits, including those for surviving spouses and children, divorced spouses and dependent children, and parents of beneficiaries.
ones could receive in family or survivor benefits. We’re with you throughout life’s journey, from applying for your first job to receiving your first retirement payment. And we’re proud to help ensure a secure future for you and your loved ones. To learn more about our programs and online services, please visit www. socialsecurity.gov.
After you’ve applied for benefits, whether online, by phone, or in person, you can securely and quickly check the status of a pending claim through your online my Social Security account. If you haven’t created your account yet, you can do so today by visiting www. socialsecurity.gov/ myaccount. You can also use my Social Security to view estimates of how much you would receive in retirement benefits and potential disability benefits and how much your loved
Kylle’ D. McKinney is a public affairs specialist for Alabama Social Security.
Bark in the Park coming in September By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
Our last big event of the year is less than a month away so hope to see everyone at our 12th Annual Bark in the Park at Fort Toulouse in Wetumpka on Sunday, Sept. 17, from 1-5 p.m. Our afternoon kicks off with a Police K-9 demonstration by the Wetumpka Police Department and K-9 partner. You won’t want to miss this, so don’t be late. Throughout the afternoon there will be interactive demonstrations of K-9 nosework which is something any dog of any age can do. At 2:30 we hope you can join in on the Pup Parade to show off your very best pet friend to a huge crowd of pet lovers.
Need to get your dog microchipped? Then make sure to come to the Microchip Clinic Tent thanks to Tuskegee University Veterinary School from 2-3 p.m. For a cost of $25, you can get your dog microchipped and that will also include the registration with 24 PetWatch. If you have questions you would like to ask a veterinarian, there will be veterinarians and senior veterinary students from the Tuskegee Veterinary School on hand. Only questions though. Yhere will be no exams, rabies vaccinations or treatments done. A new and fun event this year will involve using your powers of observation. Have you been out searching for painted rocks in the community lately? Well we
are fixing up special shelter painted rocks that will be hidden out at Ft. Toulouse. During Bark in the Park, finders can exchange their rock for a delectable cupcake! Just think scavenger hunt! We will have drinks, food and yummy Venice Gelato for sale so no one will go hungry. Don’t miss your chance to have a gorgeous and professional portrait of your pet taken by Diana Bunch of Pet Pawtography as she is coming all the way back from Florida to join our event! There will be a variety of children’s games, vendors, a wildlife touch table, Meet the Breed with members of the Montgomery Kennel Club, rescue groups, puppets – the list goes on! Our special multi-color Tie-Dye Bark in the Park
for folks to be able to learn about your business, product or service. We welcome local businesses, clubs, civic groups, etc. Our vendor fee is a measly $35 and you must bring your own tables, pop-up and/or chairs. There is no electricity available so if you must bring a generator please let us know for site planning. To get a vendor application please contact us at the shelter at hselco@bellsouth. net or call us at 334-5673377. Cross fingers for a cool and sunny day and join us for an afternoon of fun with fellow pet-loving folks and shelter supporters! Just in case though, the rain date for Bark in the Park is Sunday, Sept. 24, 1-5 pm, still at Ft. Toulouse.
2016 T-Shirt will be for sale for $15 and will be for sale at our shelter office after Sept. 10. Admission to Bark in the Park is $5 per person 13 years old and older. ALL dogs coming to Bark in the Park must be good in public – meaning good around children, adults and other dogs in a very busy situation – and they must have a current rabies tag or proof of rabies vaccination to come to the Park. Parking can be tight, so please be prepared to walk just a bit to get from your parking spot to our activities. You will receive a map of events as you come through the gate. We do still have Vendor spots available and Bark in the Park is a great place
Pet of the Week – David David is a one-year old Lab mix boy, about 60 pounds. He has a pretty coat that is red with white ticking on his feet. David has a joyful, loving attitude and he’s thankful for any attention that comes his way. He’ll make a great family pet for sure. Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under one year old. cats over one year old can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations,
de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination (if old enough) and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. To meet all the great pets at our shelter come to 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. For more information, go to our website at www.elmorehumane.org, email us at hselco@bellsouth.net or give us a call at 334-567-3377. We are open for adoptions Monday–Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m and Saturday 9 a.m-3 p.m.
Gas prices down in area STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Average retail gasoline prices in the Montgomery area – including Elmore County have fallen 2.7 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.07per gallon Sunday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 205 area gas outlets in Montgomery. The area average compares with the national average that has fallen 2.4 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.32 per gallon, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy. com.
Including the change in gas prices in Montgomery during the past week, prices yesterday were 19.0 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 7.0 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 3.7 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 15.7 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago. According to GasBuddy historical data, gasoline prices on August 21 in Montgomery have ranged widely over the last five years, from $1.88 per gallon in 2016 to $3.49 per gallon in 2012.
Areas near Montgomery and their current gas price climate include Birmingham, at a current average per gallon price of $2.06, down 1.7 cents from last week’s $2.08, and Pensacola, with an average price per gallon of $2.26, down 2.4 cents from last week’s $2.28. Statewide in Alabama on Sunday, gas prices averaged $2.08 per gallon, down 1.4 cents from last week’s $2.09. “The sun is certainly not setting on the impressive demand for gasoline we’ve seen thus far this summer,” said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for
Your Future DĂƩĞƌƐ ƚŽ hƐ͘ WŽĂƌĐŚ ŝƐ ƉƌŽƵĚ ƚŽ ďĞ Ă ƉĂƌƚŶĞƌ ŝŶ ůĂďĂŵĂ͛Ɛ ƉƌŽŐƌĞƐƐ͘ tĞ ŚĂǀĞ Ă ƚƌĂĚŝƟŽŶ ŽĨ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ŽƚŚĞƌƐ͘ WŽĂƌĐŚ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ ŵŽƌĞ ƚŚĂŶ ϭϯ͕ϬϬϬ ũŽďƐ ƚŽ ůĂďĂŵŝĂŶƐ͕ ƉĂLJƐ ŵŝůůŝŽŶƐ ŝŶ ƐƚĂƚĞ ƚĂdžĞƐ ĞĂĐŚ LJĞĂƌ͕ ĂŶĚ ůĂďĂŵŝĂŶƐ͕ ƉĂLJƐ ŵŝůůŝŽŶƐ ŝŶ ƐƚĂƚĞ ƚĂdžĞƐ ĞĂĐŚ LJĞĂƌ͕ ĂŶĚ ŵĂŬĞƐ ĐŚĂƌŝƚĂďůĞ ĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŽŶƐ ƌĞĂĐŚŝŶŐ ŶĞĂƌůLJ Ψϴ ŵŝůůŝŽŶ ĂŶŶƵĂůůLJ͘ ^ƚƌŽŶŐ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƟĞƐ ĐĂŶ ŚĞůƉ ďƵŝůĚ Ă ďĞƩĞƌ ůŝĨĞ ĨŽƌ Ăůů͘ > D E d/s ^͘ > D E /', KZ^͘ WŽĂƌĐŚEĞŝŐŚďŽƌƐ͘ĐŽŵ ƉĐŝͲŶƐŶ͘ŐŽǀ Ϯϱϭ͘ϯϲϴ͘ϵϭϯϲ
GasBuddy. “There has been nearly insatiable demand for gasoline ahead of (Monday’s) eclipse. So much so that some motorists in rural eclipse viewing areas (found) filling their tanks more challenging as stations struggle to keep fuel in their underground tanks. “But the good news is that the bulk of the motoring public is seeing gas prices drift lower as oil prices have slipped. That trend may continue in the week ahead as oil prices have remained under pressure as the season’s close comes into view along with lower gasoline demand and cheaper winter gasoline.”
Recommended Vaccines Child Care Centers (by 12 Months of Age)
Kindergarten through 5th Grade
6th through 12th Grade
DTaP
4*
5*
5*
IPV
3*
4*
4*
MMR
1*
2*
2*
Varicella
1*
1*
2**
Hib
4*
PCV
4* 1*
Tdap Rota
3
Hep A
1
2
2
HepB
3
3
3
HPV
3
MCV
2
Prior to entering any Alabama school or child care center, an up-to-date Certificate of Immunization must be submitted for each child. *Code of Alabama §16-30-4 **1 dose for <13 years of age or 2 doses for >13 years of age
For more information, visit adph.org/immunization or facebook.com/AlabamaImmunizationInfo
12 The Tallassee Tribune • August 23, 2017
LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
SPORTS
Phone 334-283-6568 Fax 334-283-6569 www.TallasseeTribune.com www.tallapoosapublishers.smugmug.com
TIGER NIGHT
Low roster numbers are a symptom of society
E
veryone has a different theory for why football teams’ roster numbers are getting lower and lower by the year. Most of the time I hear about concussion threats and potential for injury. But let’s be honest – the sport of football is the safest it’s been in a long time. Not only are there rules within the game to protect players from injuries, including not being able to hit a defenseless receiver and no targeting allowed, there are also standards by which high school teams must follow when it comes to practice. Two-a-days are a thing of the past. Even having three full weeks of fullcontact practice isn’t allowed anymore. Teams aren’t even allowed to go full contact two days in a row under new AHSAA rules. Plus, helmet upgrades and concussions regulations are through the roof. Every player must pass a concussion standard test prior to the season, and if there is a threat of a concussion, one must re-pass said test before he can rejoin the team. Moreover, safety has always been a concern in football, but that didn’t stop people from playing before. A lot of people also make the argument toward specialization. More student-athletes are dedicating their time to a single sport rather than branching out to multiple teams. Several studies have been done that show specialization actually harms a student-athlete — it’s easier to get burned out on a single sport and injuries become more common. But I don’t buy specialization as a reason for low roster numbers for a couple reasons. For one, you don’t see these drastically low roster numbers across other sports. Many teams in the area have the lowest numbers in memory. While some teams may be small, they aren’t hurting like football seems to be. Secondly, it’s often you hear about a football player specializing. Although football has become a year-round sport, they are often playing basketball or wrestling in the winter and taking advantage of baseball or track and field in the spring. With football, it’s almost harder to specialize because even though there are weight lifting programs and summer workouts, there aren’t travel ball and club teams. What it comes down to is football is one of the toughest sports out there. It’s tough mentally, physically and emotionally. It’s a big time commitment and requires a dedication to hard work and teamwork. Not everyone is cut out to play football. Especially in Alabama, where even in what I’ve been told has been a mild summer, the heat and humidity are consistently bearing down. It can’t be easy. It’s so much easier for kids to sit in the air conditioning and play Madden on their flat-screen TVs than it is for them to actually get outside, don the full pads and tackle on another on the real-life gridiron. And with the way society is today, the easy way out is becoming more and more appealing every day. It’s almost a catch-22, too. With lower roster numbers, there’s more potential for injury and greater chance of success. With more injuries and more losses, fewer players want to come out. While the feeling around the area teams is still positive, I truly worry how some of these teams will make it through the season. Central Coosa currently has less than 20 people on the roster, and Dadeville, Reeltown and Horseshoe Bend are all going to have players going both ways quite a bit. If something doesn’t change in our society and parents don’t start encouraging their kids to become more active, football could continue on a downward slide. Lizi Arbogast is the sports editor of the Tribune.
Fans fill bleachers for event at J.E. Hot O’Brien Stadium By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
Tiger fans filled the bleachers at J.E Hot O’Brien Stadium Friday for the 2017 Tiger Night. Players and cheerleaders from each team were introduced to the community, including Tallassee’s youth league teams, middle school JV team and the high school varsity team. Cheerleaders and the dance team were also introduced. Each team showcased their talent with a 20-minute scrimmage. Many of Tallassee’s top players once played Tallassee youth league football and it is credited as a great feeder program for the Tallassee Tigers.
Carmen Rodgers / The Tribune
Top: Tallassee’s tiny Tigers put their talents on display during Friday’s Tiger Night at J.E. Hot O’Brien Stadium. Above: These two tiny Tiger cheerleaders enjoyed the show. Below: Many of Tallassee’s top players were once tiny Tigers. When it comes to football, Tallassee has a strong feeder program.
High school activities bring communities together By STEVE SAVARESE AND BOB GARDENER
Tailgates. Pep rallies. Friday night lights. The new school year is here. That’s exciting news for student-athletes and high school sports fans alike. Research shows being a student-athlete is about a lot more than fun and games. It teaches important life lessons, too. In fact, high school athletes not only have higher grade-point averages and fewer school absences than non-athletes, they also develop the kind of work habits and self-discipline skills that help them become more responsible and productive community members. This year, the NFHS and AHSAA plan to emphasize to our students, parents, coaches, officials and fans that high school educational-based athletics is more than a game. It is about relationships with friends and foes. The contests are the culmination of much hard work, sacrifice and provide memories that will remain with us for the rest of our lives. The AHSAA will be using the hashtag #MoreThanAGame as a reminder of how dedicated our students, coaches and administrators are to academics, athletics, the team and
community. We also want them to remember how much enjoyment we all take from that hard work, whether it be as part of the team, band or cheerleaders, or being students, parents and fans all supporting their school with pride. Attending high school sporting events teaches important life lessons, too. Among them, it teaches we can live in different communities, come from different backgrounds, faiths and cultures, cheer for different teams and still have a common bond. That’s why attending the activities hosted by your high school this fall is so important. It’s not only an opportunity to cheer for your hometown team, it is also an opportunity to celebrate our commonality. The bond we share is mutually supporting the teenagers in our respective communities. We applaud their persistence, tenacity, preparation and hard work, regardless of the color of the uniform they wear. We acknowledge education-based, high school sports are enhancing their lives – and ours – in ways few other activities could. We agree that, regardless of what side of
the field we sit on, attending a high school sporting event is an uplifting, enriching, family-friendly experience for all of us. Many of the high schools in our state lie at the heart of the communities they serve. They not only are educating our next generation of leaders, they also are a place where we congregate, where people from every corner of town and all walks of life come together as one. At no time is this unity more evident than during a high school athletic event. This is the beginning of a new school year. Opportunities abound in the classroom and outside it. Let’s make the most of them by attending as many athletic events at the high school in our community as possible. We want every student to have fun. Your presence enhances the opportunities and experiences for those you support. Turn on the lights and let the games begin. Steve Savarese is the executive Director of the Alabama High School Athletic Association and a former Benjamin Russell football coach. Bob Gardner is the executive director of the National Federation of State High School Associations.
GRIDIRON GUIDE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW ‘17
SMOKE ON THE WATER Kavosiey Smoke Senior Running Back Wetumpka HS
Breakdowns of Area Teams AREA’S ELITE 8
A Special Supplement for The Wetumpka Herald, Tallassee Tribune and Eclectic Observer
AUGUST 23, 2017
2
2017 GRIDIRON GUIDE
AUGUST 23, 2017
2017 GRIDIRON GUIDE
AUGUST 23, 2017
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TABLE OF CONTENTS GRIDIRON GUIDE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW ‘17
SMOKE ON THE WATER Breakdowns of Area Teams
Kavosiey Smoke Senior Running Back Wetumpka HS
AREA’S ELITE 8
A Special Supplement for The Wetumpka Herald, Tallassee Tribune and Eclectic Observer
AUGUST 23, 2017
On the cover:
KAVOSIEY SMOKE Gridiron Guide is an annual publication of Tallapoosa Publishers. It is designed to highlight the local prep football teams in the Elmore County Region. We hope you enjoy this year’s edition.
STAFF PUBLISHER
Kenneth S. Boone
EDITORIAL
Mitch Sneed, Editor Lizi Arbogast, Managing Sports Editor Evan Dudley, Sports Editor Carmen Rodgers
CIRCULATION
David Kendrick Linda Ewing
4 10 16
STANHOPE ELMORE
TALLASSEE TIGERS
HOLTVILLE BULLDOGS
ELMORE COUNTY PANTHERS
ALSO INSIDE
THE ELITE 8
COMPOSING
Audra Spears Darlene Johnson Hallie Holloway Santana Wood
ADVERTISING
Marilyn Hawkins Kat Raiford
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010 (256) 234-4281 www.alexcityoutlook.com
EDGEWOOD ACADEMY WILDCATS
ACCOUNTING
Lee Champion
INDIANS
MUSTANGS
Mary Lyman Boone Angela Mullins
LEAD PRESSMAN
WETUMKA
12
Kavosiey Smoke enters season with promising ability
9
6 14 18
2017 GRIDIRON GUIDE
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Stanhope Elmore
MUSTANGS AHSAA CLASS 6A /// REGION 2
TEAM breakdown OFFENSE: Quarterback:
New head coach Brian Bedford brings a multiple-set offensive scheme to Stanhope Elmore but is already familiar with the program after serving as assistant for many years. Bradford named senior Johnny Montgomery as the Mustangs’ new signal-caller. “Johnny is an athletic tall guy who has a multiple skill set that will fit our scheme well,” Bradford said. “But he is our guy and we’ll roll with him all the way.” Trey Killingsworth and Xavier Hall will continue to compete for the backup position behind Montgomery.
Offensive Line:
Jake Andrews returns at guard for his senior season and anchors an offensive line that will be a strength for the Mustangs this season. Joining him at the other guard position is Tyurice Osborne. The tackles are set with Joshua Armstrong and Matthew Whitman. “We have a big group who are equally adept at pass and run blocking,” Bradford said. “Our offensive line returns mostly intact with the exception of the center position.” That position comes down to William Nicholson and Ryan Winston, who are both competing for the spot during fall camp.
Skill Positions:
The Mustangs will deploy a threeheaded rushing attack with their running backs. Senior Quantarius Daniels leads the pack that includes Travarasia Duncan and Derrion Ashley. Each back is similar in that they fill the role of the quicker tailback. “We don’t have any bruisers in our running game this year,”
AUGUST 23, 2017
2017 SCHEDULE
*Region Game #Senior Night
Date
Location
9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/20 10/27 11/3
Opponent Prattville Park Crossing* Wetumpka Northview* Charles Henderson Russell County* Carver* Dothan* Lanier* Selma#
Away Home Away Away Away Home Away Home Home Home
TEAM SPECIFICS:
Head Coach: Brian Bradford (1st Year) 2016 Record: (4-6) Stadium: Foshee-Henderson Stadium
Bradford said. “Our primary backs have speed and can make plays in space.” Juniors Kadin Anderson and Jeremy Powers Jr. return at receiver with Conner Bradford working his way into the mix after transferring from Chilton County.
DEFENSE: Defensive Line:
The man on the edge is senior K.J. Stokes, the Purdue commit returns to lead a stout group of defensive linemen. Fellow senior Kelontae Varner wreaked havoc last year – while Stokes manned an outside linebacker position – and is as much a freighting force as Stokes can be. They’ll both be joined by Ladorian Leonard, Cordell Love and Theodore Jackson Jr. “Our defensive line is big, fast and physical,” Bradford said. “They’ll be the strength of our defense for sure.”
Linebackers:
The man in the middle is senior Tyrese Pierce. He’ll be asked to lead and positively affect a new crop of linebackers in Derrick Butler Jr., Elijah Gordy and Jaquevyus Hilliard. “Our linebackers are very physical and run very well with opposing skill players,” Bradford said. “They have great instincts and are football smart.” Stokes played linebacker last year but will return to a defensive end position this year in Bradford’s 4-3 scheme.
Secondary:
The Mustangs return a lot of young players in the defensive backfield but they are lacking in experience. Junior Marlon Hunt Jr. is a leader at corner along with Larry Wright
Staff/ Tallapoosa Publishers
Stanhope Elmore linemen practice blocking drills during fall camp.
Jr. and Jeremy Thompson. Junior Krystopher Chapman starts at free safety and Shemar Pettaway holds down the strong safety position. “We graduated one guy from last year so we have strength in the secondary,” Bradford said. “That’s a lot of experience but it’s young experience. I believe these guys are going to make a lot of plays for us this year.”
SPECIAL TEAMS: Bradford will hold down kicking duties for the Mustangs and Montgomery will remain on the field for fourth down as a punter. The Mustangs are rich with athletes so finding the right player for kick returns will more about opportunity going forward into the season.
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STANHOPE ELMORE HIGH SCHOOL 2017 FOOTBALL ROSTER No.
Name
Position
Grade
Ht.
Wt.
No.
Name
Position
Grade
Ht.
Wt.
1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42
Kadin Anderson Derrick Butler Tyrese Pierce Shemar Pettaway Quantarius Daniels Marlon Hunt Jr. Kerenski McGhee Jeremy Powers Jr. Derrion Ashley Kelvin Stokes Jr. Krystopher Chapman Willie Burks IV Conner Bradford Melvin Brown Jr. Johnny Montgomery Trey Killingsworth Devontae Mayes Jalen Walker Trey Hardy Teddy Harris Jaquevyus Hilliard Travarasia Duncan Larry Wright Jr. Xavier Hall Frederick Moore Thomas Killingsworth Quentarius Edwards Jaqori Williams Logan Swindle Kelontae Varner Elijah Gordy Caleb Davis Cordell Love Isaac Gordy Jeremy Thompson Amahji Truss Coty Talley AB McKeithen Caleb Campbell
WR/SB MLB/FB MLB FS/WR RB FS/SS CB/WR WR/QB RB/MLB DE/MLB OLB/FS CB/FS/SS WR WR QB/P N/A WR WR MLB/RB N/A MLB/OLB RB/SS CB/WR N/A CB/FS N/A FS/CB N/A WR DT/DE N/A OLB/MLB DE N/A N/A N/A N/A DE N/A
Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. So. Sr. Sr. Fr. Jr. So. Jr. Fr. Jr. So. Jr. Fr. So. Jr. So. Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. So. So. Fr. N/A Sr. So.
5-9 5-11 5-11 6-0 5-8 5-9 5-7 5-10 5-10 6-2 5-9 5-11 N/A 5-0 5-9 N/A 5-9 6-0 5-5 N/A 5-6 6-0 5-11 N/A 5-7 N/A 5-8 N/A 5-10 5-10 N/A 6-0 5-8 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
155 230 180 170 145 175 133 170 195 180 165 185 N/A 170 145 N/A 145 165 125 N/A 150 170 155 N/A 155 N/A 160 N/A 160 235 N/A 165 160 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 59 61 62 64 65 66 70 71 72 74 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91
Treâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Darious Henderson Carter Harrison Martin Tolby Will Dasinger Johnathon Downing Keon Zeigler Cameron Davis Donald Allen Theodore Jackson Jr. Ladorian Leonard Donavan Ellis Jacob Andrews William Nicholson Zyurice Osborne Chris Harrison Gary Hood Joel Hough Kaleb Stokes Kentwan Kent Justin Motley Matthew Whitman Connor Mathews Ryan Winston Tyurice Osborne Joshua Armstrong Woody Harris Elijah Graham Martez McGhee Blake Durham Bailey Barfoot TJ Brown Nicholas Hooks Ali McMillian Sharifullah Kochi Tyler Jones Samuel Ellis William Whitlow Chase Eddings
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A DT DT/DE G/T/DE N/A G/C N/A DE N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A T/G/DT G/T N/A T T/G G/DT/T N/A N/A N/A TE N/A WR N/A TE CB/FS/SS WR N/A N/A
N/A Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. N/A So. So. Jr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. N/A Fr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. So. N/A Sr. So. So. N/A Fr.
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 5-8 5-9 5-11 N/A 6-10 5-10 5-10 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 5-10 5-8 N/A 5-10 6-1 N/A N/A N/A N/A 6-0 N/A 5-7 N/A 6-1 5-7 5-7 N/A N/A
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 235 225 260 N/A 255 170 180 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 225 225 N/A 280 275 N/A N/A N/A N/A 190 N/A 130 N/A 170 135 155 N/A N/A
Staff/ Tallapoosa Publishers
Left: First year head coach Brian Bradford is no stranger to the Mustangs after serving as an assistant for many years. Right: Conner Bradford hauls in a catch from quarterback Johnny Montgomery.
2017 GRIDIRON GUIDE
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AUGUST 23, 2017
2017 SCHEDULE
Wetumpka
INDIANS
AHSAA CLASS 6A /// REGION 3
Date
8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/20 10/27
Opponent
Prattville Eufaula Chelsea* Stanhope Elmore Chilton County* Greenville Pelham* Helena*# Opelika* Ben Russell*
*Region Game #Senior Night
Location Home Away Home Home Home Away Away Home Away Away
Staff/ Tallapoosa Publishers
Cody Tucker (77) and Torey Loftin (72) brace themselves as Deandre Ezell (5) waits for the snap.
TEAM breakdown OFFENSE:
Quarterback:
The Indians will deploy both of their returning quarterbacks this year in senior DeAndre Ezell and junior Jadarious Martin. Both players got valuable experience last year and head coach Tim Perry believes utilizing both of their talents is beneficial to the success of the team. “DeAndre is very comfortable in our vertical passing game and he’ll be counted on to lead our team in that respect,” Perry said. “Martin has improved at reading coverages but he’s more explosive with his legs.” Junior Malik Johnson has also improved in the offseason and is competitive in practice with both Ezell and Martin. “We’re not interested in depth charts from the
standpoint that we like to see constant competition between our players,” Perry said. “All of our quarterbacks develop well as a group.”
Offensive Line:
Wetumpka loses three multi-year starters on the offensive line but boasts a plethora of talent to work with until the right unit emerges. Senior Tavien White is leading the competition at the center position with senior Maxwell Congo and sophomore Alex Wallace – a starter from the freshman team – vying for the responsibility of setting the line correctly before the snap. Senior Torien White returns at the guard position with sophomore Cody Tucker competing for the other guard position. Junior Trent White adds more depth at the position. “Torien’s experience from last year – after switching from defense to offense – is paying off and he understands the system well.” Perry said. “Cody is in great shape after starting a few games last year and has become more comfortable at the position along with growing stronger during the offseason.” The tackle position is still wideopen but the depth
is there to tinker with until the best blind-side blockers are found. Congo and Torien White are competing for the positions along with junior Torey Loftin, who is returning after struggling with an ankle injury last year. “Torey played last year before his injury but he’s had a great offseason and an outstanding preseason,” Perry said. Seniors Dalton Knight and Nick Angus are pushing their way into the mix after improving during the offseason and gives the Indians enough depth to keep opening holes for the skill positions. “Dalton is a hard worker, has an incredible work ethic and understand the position well,” Perry said. “Nick is a great young man who has grown stronger and larger over the past couple of years. We’re pleased with his ability to switch from offense to defense and back to offense.
Skill Positions:
It all begins with senior running back Kavosiey Smoke. The self-described “Baby Fournette” is a powWETUMPKA • Page 8
2017 GRIDIRON GUIDE
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2017 WETUMPKA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL ROSTER No.
Name
Position
Grade
Ht.
Wt.
No.
Name
1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 29 30 31 32 34 35 36 37 38 39 41 42
Nick Turner Keedrick Adams Robert LaPrade Deandre Ezell Trey McCreary Kavosiey Smoke Rico Bozeman Kelton Elmore Chase Adams Trey Jones Dennis Marshall Jarkevious Harris Malik Johnson Colton Adams Tre Penick Tyquan Rawls Jadarious Martin Darrian Hill Darren Nolen Desimend Mathews Terrance Thomas Jaylon Tarver Maliq Davis Kamyron Jackson Hezekiah Nowden Stephen King Devonta Jerido Lane Walsh Joseph Shipman Carlos TwoEagle Clay Spivey Trent Blankenship Kenny Cole Ethan Nettles Ta’Sun Traylor Jacob Thrasher Marquez Broaden Travarris Bozeman
FS/WR WR/DB RB/DB QB/WR SS RB/LB DE DT LB DB LB WR QB/QR LB WR/DB QB/DB QB WR LB LB RB FB WR/DB DT DB DB WR FS LB DB SS LB LB DE DT DB DE DE
Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. So. Jr. So. So. So. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. So. So. Sr. So. So. Jr. Sr.
6-3 5-10 5-11 6-4 5-10 6-10 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-2 5-10 5-9 5-10 5-10 N/A 6-0 6-1 N/A 6-2 5-10 6-10 5-10 5-9 5-10 5-11 5-11 5-9 N/A 5-11 N/A 5-9 5-11 5-10 5-9 N/A 5-11 6-1 6-2
190 170 185 215 170 215 215 235 220 175 200 160 160 220 N/A 175 185 N/A 190 200 175 200 160 250 170 175 155 N/A 190 N/A 160 180 180 170 N/A 160 210 220
44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 62 63 64 65 66 68 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 81 83 84 87 88
Caleb Harper Zach Grindle Dustin Kemmerer Dylan Evans Hudson Pruitt Tabor Smith Kadarious McKethern Brentoni Stoudemire Torien White Alex Wallace Cade Taylor Tavien White Dalton Knight Garrett Marsh Jaelon Brown Nick Angus Noah Mitchell Maxwell Congo Trent White Trace Green Hunter Long Aaron Wood Gabe McCain Joshua Petrey Torey Loftin Jacorey Murphy Aydin Grayson Matt Owens Caleb Golden Cody Tucker Amarion Shepherd Luke Fulcher Jaleel Johnson Daquawn Davis Timothy Johnson Robert Stewart E.J. Rogers
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Position LB LB LB LB DE LB OG DT OG OT OG OG OT OT DT DT OG C/OT OG OG DT OG DE OG OT DT OG OG OG OG OT DT DB/WR WR WR/DB PK WR
Grade So. So. Jr. Sr. So. So. So. So. Sr. So. So. Sr. Sr. So. Fr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Jr. So. So. Jr. So. So. So. So. So. So. Jr. Jr.
Ht.
Wt.
5-10 5-11 5-9 N/A 5-11 5-9 N/A 5-9 5-10 N/A N/A 5-10 5-11 6-1 6-2 6-2 5-10 5-11 N/A 5-10 5-11 N/A 5-11 6-1 6-2 5-11 N/A N/A N/A 6-2 N/A 5-10 6-10 5-11 6-0 5-11 6-2
185 175 180 N/A 180 170 N/A 210 280 N/A N/A 280 220 200 280 230 200 240 N/A 185 230 N/A 190 200 295 295 N/A N/A N/A 305 N/A 200 168 165 170 165 175
2017 GRIDIRON GUIDE
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WETUMPKA continued from Page 6 erhouse in the running game but still has the skills to get the ball on the outside and lure defenders to the empty turf. His ball skills make him a prized recruit as he holds offers from five SEC schools. “For all the accolades that come his way, Smoke is extremely humble and unselfish in every way,” Perry said. “He’s a great runner and receiver, a devastating blocker – which he takes great pride in doing – and is a true leader for our team.” But Smoke will not have the ball all to himself. In an era where the position is run by committee, Smoke is joined by senior Robert LaPrade, who has similar skills but will take more snaps on the outside, and sophomore Terrance Thomas, who has shown substantial improvement throughout the summer and preseason. Senior Keedrick Adams returns for his third consecutive year at receiver after leading the Indians in that position the past two seasons. “Keedrick is as consistent of a route runner as you’ll found and he has great hands,” Perry said. “He loves the pressure moments and wants to be the guy who makes the clutch plays. You have to love a guy with that mindset and attitude.” Adams is joined by junior E.J. Rogers, who started last year and has become an experienced blocker on the edge for the running game. LaPrade will also see action at the receiver position along with both quarterbacks. “We like to use both of our QBs since they are both incredibly athletic and have done a great job at learning the position,” Perry said. Seniors Kelton Elmore and Jaylon Tarver will act as halfbacks and will provide blocking for Wetumpka’s tailbacks along with lining up in space in the passing game.
DEFENSE: Defensive Line:
Wetumpka is set at the end position on the defensive line with returning senior starters and cousins Rico and Travarris Bozeman. Both players are intimidating forces and physical and athletic at the position. “Both of those guys are great athletes with a non-stop motor,” Perry said. “They have good hands and run well with opposing running backs.” The defensive tackle position lost two three-year starters but has five players ready to step into the middle of the chaos. Juniors Kamyron Jackson and Jacorey Murphy are the front runners to land the position with recent transfer Ken Gross also competing. Junior Hunter Long and freshman Jaelon Brown, who was moved up from the junior varsity team during fall camp,
will provide depth to the line.
Linebacker:
The Indians return all three of their starting linebackers from last season and the position will be a strength this season as the defensive line creates havoc allowing the linebackers to play with opposing offenses. Junior Colton Adams returns at the Mike position after starting as a sophomore. He was the second-leading tackler for the Indians last year and has grown stronger and more comfortable in pass coverage. Junior Darren Nolen is back at Sam with senior Desimend Mathews providing depth at the Sam and Will positions. “Darren gained a lot of experience last year and Desimend is flexible in his ability to switch from the strong to the weak side,” Perry said. Senior Chase Adams will man the Will position and has improved in his coverage skills while still being a force against the run.
AUGUST 23, 2017
TEAM SPECIFICS: Head Coach: Tim Perry (6th Year) 2016 Record: (8-3) eliminated in first round of playoffs Stadium: Hohenberg Field
Secondary:
The defensive backfield returns a lot of talent as well as a few moves to replace lost starters in the backend. Senior Nick Turner is a three-year start at safety and led the team in interceptions in 2016. Trey McCreary moved from cornerback to safety for his senior season and has shown the coaches a lot of confidence in the transition. “Nick understands coverage well and is a great tackler,” Perry said. “Trey started for us at corner last year but he has had no drop off in ability and has put in the time and effort in switching to safety.” Wetumpka is looking at four corners to guard the outside and do-it-all athlete LaPrade will hold down a corner position in addition to his duties on the offensive side of the ball. Junior Trey Jones returns after suffering a broken collarbone last year in a non-football related accident but salivating as he waits for the new season. Sophomore Stephen King is pushing for playing time at corner and has done an incredible job during camp and sophomore Tyquan Rawls is catching the eyes of the coaches with tremendous upside, according to Perry.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
Junior Robert Stewart will have place kicking duties with punting coming down to Martin and sophomore Zach Grindle. The return game is solid with a literal grab bag of athletes to choose from at leisure. With the amount of speed and agility across the board, Wetumpka can pretty much send any athlete out to return a kickoff or field a punt. It’ll be no surprise if a few are returned for touchdowns this season.
Staff / Tallapoosa Piublishers
Top: Quarterback Deandre Ezell Robert makes a pass. Above: Robert LaPrade (4) helps Keedrick Adams (2) off the turf after a diving catch attempt by Adams.
AUGUST 23, 2017
2017 GRIDIRON GUIDE
9
SMOKE ON THE WATER
Kavosiey Smoke enters season with promising ability By EVAN DUDLEY Sports Editor
T
he fire in the sky, it’s the Alabama heat. And on the practice fields at Wetumpka High School, it can be seen pouring from bodies of the players as they battle the elements and each other. But it’s not keeping them down, despite the sweat, aches and overwhelming exhaustion. And one guy just keeps smiling and waiting for the next play or drill. His positivity is infectious and the rest of the team bursts out in laughter during a break. He’s Kavosiey Smoke. And he’s ready for football. The Wetumpka senior running back enters his final season with fanfare but humbled expectations. The accolades are nice but the new season is at the doorstep and Smoke knows that hard work and selfless play will be rewarded later. Smoke likens himself to former LSU star Leonard Fournette. He watched him explode onto the SEC scene when he was in middle school and has followed Fournette’s career while sharing similar skills to the former All-American and current Jacksonville Jaguar. “I pattern my style after Fournette, I’m powerful and agile and I take a lot of pride in being able to take advantage of opportunities to make big plays,” Smoke said. “I’m a little bit smaller but I can pack just as big a punch.” But Smoke won’t have to throw too many punches in the Indians’ wideopen offense. All the skill positions are loaded with talent but only one ball. But in a time when defenders are larger and quicker, limited touches are not always a bad thing. “Kavosiey is about as an unselfish player that I have ever met,” said Wetumpka head coach Tim Perry. “He’s a leader, motivator and a great teammate. Very humble kid and understands what it takes to have a long and healthy career and be successful, not only as an individual but as a team.” Smoke is aware of the benefits and continues to progress in a career without the wear-and-tear suffered by the old bell-cow running backs. And being fresh on the field yields itself to explosive plays which has garnered attention from the SEC and the rest of the southeast.
Entering the 2017 season, Smoke holds offers from five SEC schools including Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Missouri and South Carolina. He also holds offers from other power five schools and mid-major programs in the region. He has not committed yet but seems to be leaning in one direction, but that can change with an exceptional year and more interest drawn from perineal powerhouses. But Smoke keeps it real and focuses only on what is in front of him. And
“Kavosiey is about as an unselfish player that I have ever met. He’s a leader, motivator and a great teammate. Very humble kid and understands what it takes to have a long and healthy career and be successful, not only as an individual but as a team.” —Tim Perry Wetumpka head coach that’s a showdown Friday night with rival Prattville at Hohenberg Stadium. “I’m just ready to get out there on
Friday night,” Smoke said. “We open at home and the atmosphere is going to be amazing.”
2017 GRIDIRON GUIDE
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2017 SCHEDULE
Tallassee
TIGERS
AUGUST 23, 2017
AHSAA CLASS 4A /// REGION 3
*Region Game #Senior Night
Date
Opponent
Location
8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/20 10/27
Russell County W.S. Neal Handley* Childersburg* Munford* T.R. Miller Dadeville* Holtville* Leeds* # Elmore County*
Home Away Away Home Away Away Home Away Home Away
TEAM breakdown OFFENSE: Quarterback:
Senior Casey Baynes has been the man since week 2 of the 2016 season. In only his second start, Baynes led the Tigers on an 80-yard scoring drive – completing four straight passes – with 1:17 left in the game and scored the winning touchdown on a scramble, as time expired, to defeat W.S. Neal 26-21. “He’s a Jack of all Trades,” Coach Mike Battles Jr. said. “We were unsure who we had coming out of spring last year but we threw Casey into the fire and he didn’t get burned.” Baynes will have to play some defense, along with backup quarterback and starting slot receiver Jacob Burton. Freshman Gannon Reyes, who starts for the junior varsity squad, has an opportunity to gain experience this year at the varsity level and help with the transition once Baynes finishes his senior season.
Offensive Line:
Tallassee lost all but one of its starters from last season. Senior Caleb Stewart to anchor the line at the center position while the Tigers’ plethora of athletes will keep points on the board as the new offensive line comes together as a unit. Taking up the new positions at guard are seniors Ethan Pugh and Dylan Kidd. Juniors Jake Justiss and Anderson Baker have locked up the tackle spots. “We’re blessed to have Stewart back but we have a long way to go with our offensive line,” Battles said. “But they’re learning fast and we can only get better as the season progresses.”
Skill Positions:
The Tigers return their top rushers from last year in juniors Markevious Mathews and Trent Cochran-Gill. Mathews rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season and Gill makes an even bigger impact on the defensive side of the ball. Sophomore Eddie Allen will contribute as will junior Jalen Johnson, who will serve in a tailback and fullback role. “We’re lucky to have our backfield returning but a lot will come down to how fast the offensive line comes together,” Battles said. “We have great athletes but it’ll be hard to get them the ball if we can’t block.” Tallassee also returns its top two receiving threats in junior Kalvin Levett, a big play receiver
Staff / Tallapoosa Publishers
Above: Tallassee linemen block against the defensive line during fall practice. Below: Kalvin Levett (1) gets airbourne as he readies to haul in the catch.
on the outside, and Burton, who will primarily run out of the slot position. Sophomore Matt Justiss and junior Joshua Griffin Jr. will split time at the other outside position. “We can rotate a lot of guys in and out and still be competitive in the passing game,” Battles said. “They’re all big kids and have natural ability.”
DEFENSE: Defensive Line:
The Tigers, unfortunately, are having to replace their entire defensive line this season. However, Battles believes all the versatility of his linemen will ease the transition during the early-going of the season. Senior AnDarius Fergerson mans the nose guard position with seniors Pugh and Ethan Ogburn and Griffin Jr. “We’re a read defense in that allows the linebackers to make plays while our line keeps their line busy,” Battles said. “Our linemen are interchangeable and will hopefully gain experience quickly.” TALLASSEE • Page 11
TEAM SPECIFICS: Head Coach: Mike Battles Jr. (6th year) 2016 Record: (9-4) eliminated in third round of playoffs Stadium: J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium
2017 GRIDIRON GUIDE
AUGUST 23, 2017
11
TALLASSEE HIGH SCHOOL 2017 FOOTBALL ROSTER No.
Name
Position
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 28
Kalvin Levett WR/S Joshua Griffin Jr. WR/DE De’Markion Fergerson WR/CB Derrick Hooks N/A Markevious Mathews RB/CB Tavarious Griffin RB/LB Napoleon Foster-Reed WR/CB Jacob Burton QB/CB Gregory Williams N/A Eng’Tavius Briskey-Chappell TE/MLB Brandon Easterwood WR/CB Joseph Gannon Reyes QB/DB Eryn Cochran-Gill N/A Matt Justiss WR/CB Dalton Lanier N/A Casey Baynes QB/RB Quinton Jeter K Cody Kelley G Cody Gilson G/MLB Jonovan Miller WR/CB Jalen Johnson N/A Bobby Matthew Baker QB/CB James Jolly IV N/A Eddie Allen N/A
Grade
Ht.
Wt.
No.
Name
Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. So. So. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Fr. Jr. So. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. So.
6-2 6-0 5-7 6-0 5-9 5-11 5-7 6-3 5-8 5-6 5-6 5-11 5-9 6-1 5-6 6-0 5-6 5-10 5-10 5-6 5-11 5-9 5-8 5-6
175 175 165 185 175 195 140 170 140 175 155 160 175 175 120 200 120 195 195 130 175 150 185 150
30 32 37 44 45 48 50 51 52 54 55 56 58 59 60 61 62 63 65 73 76 79 88 90
Jacob Dantro William Smith Lucas Holton Nyzarious Robinson John Collier Bonner Mason Bell Bradley Bonner Caleb Stewart Dylan Kidd Michael McGhar AnDarius Fergerson Gabriel Lyons Ethan Ogburn William Blocker Jake Justiss Parker Neighbors Jacob Webster Drake Bonner Coleman Teel Anderson Baker Ethan Pugh Hunter Hammock Michael Battles III Michael Moore
Position N/A N/A N/A N/A TE/DE N/A N/A T/DT T/DT N/A T/DT N/A TE/DE C OL/LB N/A G/DE N/A N/A TE/DE T/DT OL/DL WR/DB TE/DE
Grade Fr. Fr. So. So. Sr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. So. Fr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr.
Ht.
Wt.
5-7 5-7 5-4 5-6 6-3 5-8 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-8 5-10 5-9 6-3 5-7 5-11 6-0 5-6 5-8 6-0 6-2 5-10 5-9 5-4 5-11
138 165 141 150 210 130 200 215 220 195 275 165 215 200 210 220 165 150 210 215 240 275 120 165
TALLASSEE continued from Page 10
Linebackers:
The strength of the defense is the linebacker corps. Gill returns to the inside along with juniors Cody Kelley and (Jake) Justiss. “Trent is the hardest hitter on our team,” Battles said. “And it’s not a question of if he’ll make a big hit but when will he do it.” Tavarious Griffin is a rising sophomore and will work the outside with junior returning starter Anderson Baker. “Both of our outside guys are smart and work extremely hard, there’s no doubt they’ll be successful this season,” Battles said.
Secondary:
Left: Jacob Burton (8) and Casey Baynes (18) jog back to the huddle after a play during practice. Right: Quinton Jeter kicks the ball.
The defensive backfield will be an area that needs addressing early in the season. Mathews and Levett will man the corner spots while on defense and both quarterbacks, Burton and Baynes, will be asked to assume the safety positions until guys like senior De’Markion Fergerson and junior Jonovan Miller grow comfortable at the position. “Casey and Jake are too talented not to use in the backend early in the season,” Battles said. “Hopefully our other guys will learn a lot during the camp and replace those guys freeing them up on offense.”
SPECIAL TEAMS: Junior Quinton Jeter will handle place kicking duties while Jacob Burton is used for kickoffs. Baynes will serve as the punter giving opposing defenses something to think about on fourth down. Mathews will handle returns.
Left: Joshua Griffin Jr. gets ready for the catch. Right: Kalvin Levett (1) avoids a defender after the catch.
Staff/ Tallapoosa Publishers
ELITE 8 12
2017 GRIDIRON GUIDE
AUGUST 23, 2017
Jake Andrews Senior Center /// Stanhope Elmore HS Andrews is ingrained at the center position heading into his senior year, and the lone returning starter on the offensive line will have to help build trust among the new faces early in the season. The Troy commit looks to help lead the Mustangs back to the playoffs under new head coach Brian Bradford. If Andrews plays at an all-state level this season, he can end his career on a high note.
Rico & Travarris Bozeman Senior Defensive Ends /// Wetumpka HS Wetumpka returns its senior bookends, Rico and Travarris Bozeman, and opposing offenses are hoping they don’t make plans for a family reunion in the backfield. The two cousins are the stalwarts of the defensive line and carry a quickness and power that is required of the positon today. Usually reserved for one player, both Bozemans combine into a lethal force the Indians can use to dominate Class 6A Region 3.
D.J. Patrick
Hunter Martin Sophomore Running Back & Linebacker /// Holtville HS Hunter Martin had a breakout freshman season for the Bulldogs and looks to take it to the next level entering his sophomore year. He returns to man the middle linebacker position and will be used on offense in new coach Jason Franklin’s scheme. His versatility will make him a valuable utility player for Holtville for the next three years.
Junior Running Back /// Elmore County HS DJ Patrick had a breakout season in 2016 and still has two years of eligibility remaining for coach Norman Dean and the Panthers. The junior running back is tall and large but swift as a gazelle, picking up two gold medals in the 400-meter dash and triple jump this past spring at the state track meet. If the Panthers can navigate through the district of doom – otherwise known as Class 4A Region 3 – they will have a good shot at getting into the playoffs and Patrick will start to draw the attention of college coaches.
Kavosiey Smoke
Senior Running Back /// Wetumpka HS It’s been a wild ride for Wetumpka senior running back and leader Kavosiey Smoke. He burst onto the scene as a sophomore and hasn’t looked back amassing almost 1,000 total all-purpose yards last year. Smoke is powerful and agile, and heating up the recruiting boards. He currently holds offers from five SEC schools including Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Missouri and South Carolina. He also holds offers from other power five schools and mid-major programs in the region.
Casey Baynes
Keedrick Adams Senior Wide Receiver /// Wetumpka HS Adams returns for his third consecutive year at receiver after leading the Indians in that category the past two seasons. He is a model of consistency and thrives on making the pressure plays. Wetumpka’s high-powered offense should provide enough touches to satisfy Adams along with the multitudes of athletes at their disposal.
Senior Quarterback /// Tallassee HS Tallassee strutted Casey Baynes out on the field in 2016 and cemented his legacy with a last-minute comeback against W.S. Neal. Baynes led the Tigers to the third round of the playoffs and finished the season with 1,700 passing yards and 22 touchdowns and almost 800 rushing yards and 15 TDs. He was named an AHSAA all-star at third-base this summer.
K.J. Stokes Senior Defensive End /// Stanhope Elmore HS KJ Stokes returns for his senior year and will be one of the most dominant defensive players in the region. The Purdue commit recorded 92 tackles, five sacks, four interceptions, four fumble recoveries and forced two fumbles during his junior year in 2016 and is a leader and defensive standout for Stanhope Elmore.
2017 GRIDIRON GUIDE
AUGUST 23, 2017
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2017 GRIDIRON GUIDE
14
AUGUST 23, 2017
Edgewood Acad.
WILDCATS AISA CLASS AAA /// REGION 1
Staff/ Tallapoosa Publishers
Top: Hunter Bowdoin (25) pulls to the outside to block as the rest of the offensive line pushes through the defense. Above: The Edgewood offensive line gathers for a meeting before hitting the pads.
TEAM breakdown OFFENSE: Quarterback:
Christian Ivey takes the reigns as quarterback for the Wildcats after transferring from Montgomery Academy in the Spring, giving second-year head coach Eric Folmar a leader to build around for the next three years. Backing up Ivey will be Alex Johnson who starts for the freshman team. “Christian is a great athlete who has the unique ability to stay poised in the pocket but also escape pressure and make an accurate throw outside of the pocket,” Folmar said. “Alex is very young but he’ll certainly serve an important role with us.”
Offensive Line:
One of Edgewood’s strengths this year is the offensive line. Brandon Boone, one of only two seniors on the team, returns to man the center position. “Brandon is very important to this team and his leadership is beyond reproach,” Folmar said. “He’s strong, athletic and knows all the line calls which enables him to put us in the position to succeed.” Sophomores Korey Dawson and Clay Williams join Boone on either side in the guard positions with freshman Joseph Benton also competing at guard. Freshman Caleb Justiss, a returning starter, and sophomore Cade Bazzell hold down the tackle positions. “Our guards are gritty and versatile and can grind it out in the run
game,” Folmar said. “And Caleb and Cade are smart players and really pave the way for us on offense.”
Skill Position:
The running back position is deep and each player provides a unique skill set that Edgewood plans to use to its advantage. Sophomore Kolby Potts, who transferred from Holtville three weeks ago, is nimble and shift, and provides a nice counterbalance to the bruising Tyler Abernathy. Freshman Mitchell Boyd is a young talent, showing a lot of promise, and coaches plan to utilize Boyd and gain experience. Freshman Undrez Crawford is Edgewood’s big-play threat and started at quarterback last year for the Wildcats. Sophomores Kam Burleson and Des Adam complete the three-wideout rotation. “Kam has great size but new to football so he’s a raw talent that we hope will develop over the course of the season,” Folmar said. “Des will
handle the slot position and has a lot of potential for explosive plays in that role.”
DEFENSE: Defensive Line:
Williams steps up at defensive tackle to man the middle with Dawson playing the role in a smaller but quicker position. The rest of the defensive line is a mirror image of the offensive line with Bazzall, Benton, Boone and Justiss rotating in at defensive end.
Linebacker:
Matt Williams, the other lone senior alongside Boone, returns to his outside linebacker position after leading the team in tackles last year. Abernathy mans the other side with junior Hunter Bowdoin returning to the inside position. “Matt is an incredible force at linebacker with his instincts and ability to find the ball carrier,” Folmar EDGEWOOD • Page 15
2017 GRIDIRON GUIDE
AUGUST 23, 2017
2017 SCHEDULE Date
Opponent
8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/5 10/13 10/20 10/26
Hope Christian Southwest Georgia Academy Springwood* Lee-Scott Academy* Monroe Academy Abbeville Christian Academy Glenwood* Tuscaloosa Academy*# Bessemer Academy* Crenshaw Academy
*Region Game #Senior Night
Location Away Home Home Away Away Away Home Home Away Home
TEAM SPECIFICS: Head Coach: Eric Folmar (2nd Year) 2016 Record: (0-10) Stadium: Charles P. Storrs Field
15
EDGEWOOD ACADEMY 2017 FOOTBALL ROSTER No.
Name
Position
Grade
Ht.
Wt.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 12 13 14 16 21 23 25 27 28 30 32 44 51 52 53 54 55 56 58 61 76 77
Kolby Potts Alex Johnson Undrez Crawford Desmond Adam Kam Burleson Trevor Rodie Mitchell Boyd Blane Guthrie Christian Ivey Anthony Peacock Garrett Ingram Austin Patrick Tanner Potts Dawson Owens Logan Lowery Hunter Bowdoin Tyler Abernathy Matt Williams Luke Sisson Carson Peevy Jackson Welch Sam Willams Brandon Boone Jake Allison Joseph Benton Drew Hansen JT Brazell Caleb Justiss Clay Williams Korey Dawson Cade Bazzell
RB/DB QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/OLB RB/DB QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB FB/LB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB FB/LB TE/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL
So. Fr. Fr. So. So. 8th Fr. Fr. So. So. 8th So. 7th Fr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Fr. Fr. 8th Sr. 8th Fr. Fr. 8th Fr. So. So. So.
5-8 5-7 5-6 5-5 6-2 6-0 5-4 5-7 6-1 5-9 5-8 5-9 5-8 5-10 5-11 5-11 5-10 6-2 5-11 5-8 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-6 6-0 5-8 5-9 6-0 5-11 5-10 6-2
150 150 143 115 145 130 150 120 165 110 125 145 160 135 130 182 165 160 135 145 140 155 165 175 190 145 131 180 187 177 211
PRE-TAILGATE On In Stock... Quarterback Christian Ivey makes a pass.
Staff/ Tallapoosa Publishers
Good Luck Elmore County Teams!
EDGEWOOD continued from Page 14 said. “Hunter is tough as they come and is great once he hits the hole.”
Secondary:
The defensive backfield is young but not short on talent. Crawford and Johnson line up on the outside with Adam returning to the lineup after being injured last season and Potts will rotate between corner and safety. “Drez is a great athlete and plays well as a slot corner and against the run,” Folmar said. Edgewood’s starting quarterback will be forced into secondary duty early but Folmar expects others to
5-GALLON CYLINDERS (20 Lbs.) 7½ -GALLON CYLINDERS (30 Lbs.)
grow comfortable in the position and allow Ivey to focus on offense. Sophomore Austin Patrick is playing football for the first time and freshmen Mitchell Boyd and Blane Guthrie will develop into their roles on defense.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Kam Burleson will handle kickoff and field goal duties. According to Folmar, Burleson has a great kicking form but must find consistency during the season. Ivey will be present on fourth down serving as punter.
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2017 GRIDIRON GUIDE
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AUGUST 23, 2017
Holtville
BULLDOGS AHSAA CLASS 4A /// REGION 3
Staff/ Tallapoosa Publishers
Top: Taylor Bass (28) catches a pass during fall practice. Above: Holtville looks to pound the rock this year behind a rebuilt offensive line.
TEAM breakdown OFFENSE: Quarterback:
The Holtville Bulldogs have a new quarterback this season in sophomore Drake Baker. He will be the centerpiece that first-year head coach Jason Franklin can build around the next three years. “Drake is a great talent with a strong arm and can throw or run with the ball,” Franklin said. Braxton Buck is competing at the backup position while Austin Gay shows a lot of promise as a freshman.
Offensive Line
In the middle for the Bulldogs, junior Preston
Hall and Lane Batyski are battling it out for the center spot. Juniors Dalton Carpenter and Justin Hauswirth will man the guard positions with Malachi Shaw and Batyski providing depth. Senior Blake Talley and junior Sam Jackson have seen the most work at tackle with Ethan Kennemer and Hall rounding out the group. “We have a lot guys competing on the offensive line and that’s a good thing,” Franklin said. “And finding the right group to gel together is what we’re looking for right now.”
Skill Positions
Alex Gibbons and Gay will spend most of their time at the running back position this year and each player has a unique style that Franklin plans to take advantage of this season. “Alex is more of a downhill bruiser while Austin is shift and built in the mold of a traditional tailback,” Franklin said. “We also have our do-it-all guy in Hunter (Martin).”
Martin, a sophomore, who Franklin mentioned, is a utility player who will see action in multiple positions on the field and has a balance of power and quickness at the running back position. Junior Dajon Reeves returns at receiver and will be looked to as a leader and mentor to junior brothers Jaderick and Jadarius Carter, who are playing football for the first time. Senior Todd Buck also contributes at the skill positions.
DEFENSE: Defensive Line
Franklin will employ a six-man rotation on the defensive line and it starts with Travon Daniels, (Todd) Buck and Calvin Gilliand. They are tasked with creating havoc in the trenches allowing the linebackers to make plays. Batyski, Hauswirth and Talley provide depth to a position that will have its HOLTVILLE • Page 17
2017 GRIDIRON GUIDE
AUGUST 23, 2017
17
HOLTVILLE continued from Page 16 hands full in a deep region.
Linebackers
The linebackers are set with Martin manning the Mike Position with senior Alex Boling at Will and Clay Sides at Sam. Franklin will also use what he calls “pirates” who provide depth and have great instincts finding the ball carrier. “We have a lot of speed and experience with our linebackers,” Franklin said. “We’ll be looking to them to make a lot of plays at the line of scrimmage.”
Secondary
The cornerbacks have a three-man rotation in (Jadarius) Carter, Reeves and sophomore Tristan Bullard. Senior Brady Richardson and Gay provide safety help with J.J. Jackson competing for time as well. “We have a lot of fast and intuitive players in the secondary,” Franklin said. “They have the potential to develop into a very good group for us.”
SPECIAL TEAMS: Colton Autry, the hero of 2016 who kicked the Bulldogs to their lone victory in more than three years, returns as placekicker for Holtville and will share punting duties with Peyton Coburn. Franklin is still searching for a return man he can count upon to create field position but he should have no problem with the athletes on roster.
Staff/ Tallapoosa Publishers
First-year head coach Jason Franklin coaches his boys up during an afternoon rain shower.
HOLTVILLE HIGH SCHOOL 2017 FOOTBALL ROSTER No.
Name
Position
Grade
Ht.
Wt.
1 2 4 6 8 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 28 30 32 33 34 38 48 50 57 58 59 60 64 68 70 72 75 77 78 81 82 85
Corbin Smith Austin Gay Todd Buck Brady Richardson Travon Daniels Drake Baker Dajon Reeves Wesley Lide Alex Boling Colton Autrey Tony Bullard Clay Sides Jaderick Carter Braxton Buck Daniel Forney Dylan Bearden Alex Gibbons Jadarius Carter J.J. Jackson Slade Freeman Tristan Watson Taylor Bass Quintez Parker Hunter Martin Tristan Bullard Peyton Coburn Tristan George Evan Headley Sheldon Reynolds Lane Batyski Wesley Harris Malachi Shaw Ethan Kennemer Justin Hauswirth Dalton Carpenter Samuel Jackson Preston Hall Calvin Gilliand Blake Talley Taylor Alston Steven Emfinger Wyatt George Ethan Headley
QB/MLB N/A N/A WR/CB RB N/A WR/FS N/A WR/OLB N/A OLB N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A RB/WR/SS N/A N/A MLB/FB WR/CB N/A N/A MLB/RB N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A T/DE DE/WR C/G N/A T/NG N/A N/A N/A N/A
Sr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Fr.
5-10 N/A N/A 5-7 6-2 N/A 6-2 N/A N/A N/A 5-8 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 5-5 N/A N/A 6-0 5-8 N/A N/A 6-0 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 5-6 N/A 6-3 N/A N/A N/A N/A
150 N/A N/A 140 239 N/A 147 N/A N/A N/A 165 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 122 N/A N/A 165 138 N/A N./A 190 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 243 N/A 342 N/A N/A N/A N/A
2017 SCHEDULE Date 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/19 10/27 11/3
Opponent Marbury Childersburg Munford* Dadeville* Horseshoe Bend Leeds* Tallassee* Elmore County* Handley* Beulah*#
TEAM SPECIFICS: Head Coach: Jason Franklin (1st Year) 2016 Record: (1-9) Stadium: Boykin Field
*Region Game #Senior Night
Location Away Away Home Away Away Home Home Away Home Home
18
2017 GRIDIRON GUIDE
Elmore County
PANTHERS AHSAA CLASS 4A /// REGION 3
AUGUST 23, 2017
TEAM SPECIFICS: Head Coach: Norman Dean (13th year) 2016 Record: (4-6) Stadium: Burt-Haynie Field
2017 SCHEDULE Date
Opponent
8/25 9/1 9/8 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/19 10/27
Montgomery Academy Alabama Christian Academy Leeds* Handley* Childersburg* Montgomery Catholic Munford* Dadeville* Holtville*# Tallassee*
*Region Game #Senior Night
Location Away Home Home Home Away Away Home Away Home Away
ELMORE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 2017 FOOTBALL ROSTER
Staff/ Tallapoosa Publishers
Top: Terrence Head gets ready to make a pass. Above: The defense is ferocious with new defensive coordinator Rodney Taylor at the helm.
No.
Name
Position
Grade
Ht.
Wt.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 17 19 20 21 21 27 28 32 33 48 50 52 54 55 56 62 63 66 67 70 72 74 75 78 92
Terrence Head Antwan Cooks Ladarius Jenkins D.J. Patrick Deangelo Splunge Taylor Henderson Keshawn Benson Jason Aguilar Shakwan Bickley Nicholas Boothe Dalton Odom Donovan Jones Jay Edison Kujala Brody Ward Keith Ballard Nathan Jones James Phillips Joe Stockman Jakob Hodges LaPatrick Brown Jake Moseley Winston Scardina James Ryan Orr Bryson Caudle Devon Buckhannon Ean Carpenter Thomas Bass Samuel Jones Jonathan Bolt Tanner Brooks Garrett Moseley Thomas Watts Dylan Brown Samuel J. Hamm Coby Jacob Mann Collin Dean Taylor Atkinson Gabriel Lantz
QB DB WR RB N/A N/A DB WR DB LB DB RB WR QB DL LB WR K DB RB DE N/A LB DE OL DL LB LB OL LS OL OL OL OL OL OL OL DL
Sr Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Jr. So. 8th So. Fr. N/A N/A Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. So. Jr. So. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Fr. So. So. Sr.
6-1 5-7 5-4 5-11 5-8 N/A N/A 5-8 5-9 N/A 5-6 6-0 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 5-11 N/A 5-6 5-11 5-5 N/A 5-7 N/A 5-7 N/A N/A 5-10 N/A 5-9 N/A 5-9 N/A N/A N/A 5-7
173 135 131 156 119 N/A N/A 126 167 N/A 136 188 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 146 N/A 137 144 172 N/A 169 N/A 169 N/A N/A 185 N/A 179 N/A 270 N/A N/A N/A 150
2017 GRIDIRON GUIDE
AUGUST 23, 2017
19
Staff/ Tallapoosa Publishers
Elmore County is breaking in a new offensive line and the competition is fierce.
TEAM breakdown OFFENSE: Quarterback:
There’s one man and one alone for the Panthers this season. And it’s senior Terrence Head. Head coach Norman Dean said there is no backup plan and they will roll with Head all season. “He works hard and is a tremendous athlete,” Dean said. “He’s strong and balanced in both the passing and running game.”
Offensive Line:
Head will have to make plays with his feet early – or hand off to one of his many talented running backs – until the offensive line forms a cohesive unit after returning only two starters in Devon Buckhannon and Parker Watts. “We have a lot of work to do on the offensive line,” Dean said. “Got a lot of guys competing and hopefully that’ll make us stronger in the long run.”
Skill Positions:
While the offensive line meshes, Head will have a plethora of talented backs and receivers who can make explosive plays. Junior D.J. Patrick is a returning
1,000-yard rusher and has gained a lot of experience during the past two seasons. Donovan Jones will also get his fair share of touches from the running back position, whether it be on the ground or through the air. “D.J. is a special athlete who is a hard runner and one of the toughest competitors I’ve ever coached,” Dean said. “He’ll carry a lot of the load for us but Donovan is every bit as talented and serves in a dual-threat role for us.” Ladarius Jenkins and Shakwan Bickley will be the primary targets on the outside for Head and their size and speed will cause problems for opposing defensive backs.
DEFENSE: Defensive Line:
New defensive coordinator Rodney Taylor brings with him a ferocious attacking defense and the front four have impressed throughout the preseason. Jake Moseley and Bryson Caudle are tenacious at the defensive end and Taylor has the ability to rotate four players at the tackle position including Ean Carpenter, Keith Ballard, Thomas Watts and Buckhannon. “We’re very pleased with the execution we’ve seen so far in these guys,”
Taylor said. “Our scheme starts at the line of scrimmage and we’ve shown we have the potential to be a good unit.”
Linebackers:
Thomas Bass is the man in the middle for the Panthers and he’ll be flanked on each side by two of the most talented players on the team. Patrick will take some time away from punishing defenders to inflict some damage from the Sam linebacker position and Head will man the Will position. LaPatrick Brown will also see some action and provide some depth to the linebacker corps.
Secondary:
Bickley and Antwan Cooks look to lock the defensive backfield down in the safety positions with Taylor
Henson and Keshawn Benson taking up the cornerback spots. The unit is experienced and Taylor is excited to see what they can accomplish this season. “These guys are smart and they catch on fast to the things we’re teaching them,” he said. “They’re fast and they have great energy. Really all of our guys on defense are playing with a lot of energy right now.”
SPECIAL TEAMS: Joe Stockman will handle all of the kicking duties this season and is the fourth member of the Stockman family that has played that role for Dean. “He comes from good kicking stock, I can tell you that much,” he said.
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334-567-3020
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