The New Tri-State Defender - September 14-20, 2023 by The Tri-State Defender

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September 14 - 20, 2023

VOL. 72, No. 37

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5 former ofﬁcers charged with federal civil rights violations in Tyre Nichols beating death by Adrian Sainz and Jonathan Mattise The Associated Press

Five former Memphis police officers were charged Tuesday with federal civil rights violations in the beating death of Tyre Nichols as they continue to fight second-degree mur-

der charges in state courts arising from the killing. Tadarrius Bean, Desmond Mills, Demetrius Haley, Emmitt Martin and Justin Smith were indicted in U.S. District Court in Memphis. The four-count indictment charges them with deprivation of rights under the color of law through excessive force

and failure to Tadarrius intervene, and Bean through deliberate indifference; conspiracy to witness tampering; and obstruction of justice through witness tampering. The charges come nine months after the violent beating during a Jan. 7 traffic stop near Nichols’ Memphis

Demetrius Haley

Emmitt Martin III

home, in which they punched, kicked and slugged the 29-year-old with a baton as he yelled for his mother. Nichols died at a hospital three days later. The five former officers, all Black like Nichols, have pleaded not guilty to state charges of second-de-

Desmond Mills Jr.

Justin Smith

gree murder and other alleged offenses in the case. “We all heard Mr. Nichols cry out for his mother and say ‘I’m just trying to go home,’” Attorney General

SEE POLICE ON PAGE 2

MEMPHIS MAYORAL ELECTION

Floyd Bonner Jr.

Karen Camper

J. W. Gibson

Michelle McKissack

(L-R) Debate panelists Curtis Weathers, education columnist for The New Tri-State Defender; Richard Ransom, news anchor and managing editor for ABC Channel 24, and Otis Sanford, commentator and political analyst for Channel 24, and columnist for The Daily Memphian, listen intently to responses from Memphis mayoral candidates. (Photos by Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

Van Turner Jr.

Paul Young

City of Memphis mayoral debate sponsored by ABC-TV Channel 24 and The New Tri-State Defender. City elections are Oct. 5. Early voting begins Friday (Sept. 15). Like the previous debate held Aug. 15 hosted by The Daily Memphian and WKNO, former mayor Dr. Willie W. Herenton elected to sit out

Board president Michelle McKissack. “How are you going to be accountable to the people, instead of resting on the laurels of something that happened 15 years ago, when you were last mayor … I know that you like to hold court at Houston’s Restaurant.” Although the rest of the lineup lacks the political experience of the

83-year-old Herenton, who won five consecutive mayor elections, the field isn’t short on name recognition. In addition to Herenton and McKissack, it includes Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr., State Rep. Karen Camper, Downtown Com-

Six mayoral candidates vie for an edge during ABC24-TSD debate

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Minus one of the expected frontrunners, six of the 17 candidates for Memphis mayor jockeyed for position in front of a television audience during Monday (Sept. 11) during a

the discussion. He’s currently in the lead of the 17-member field, polling at 16 percent, according to an Emerson College Polling/WREG-TV News Channel 3 survey of likely Memphis voters in Memphis. “Where are you?” wondered former Memphis-Shelby County School

SEE DEBATE ON PAGE 5

TVA nomination steps Patrice J. Robinson closer to a long-held goal by Karanja A. Ajanaku kajanaku@tsdmemphis.com

For years, Patrice J. Robinson told just about anyone who would listen of her desire to serve on the Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors.

She soon may get the chance. This week President Joe Biden nominated the term-limited Memphis City Council member for the board of the utility giant that provides electricity for 153 local power companies serving 10 million people in Tennes-

see and parts of six surrounding states, as well as directly to 58 large industrial customers and federal installations. “I am on cloud nine, if there’s such a thing,” said Robinson after learning of her nomination via a call from the White House.

“For about four years, I’ve been telling people that’s what I wanted to do. I asked everybody in the world, ‘How do you make that happen? Who do I need to talk to? Is there an application process?’ And I couldn’t get anybody to answer anything. And as much as

I talked about it, I guess somebody, I don’t know who, got the message.” Robinson said her long-held desire to serve on the TVA board is tied to wanting to “complete the work that I have

SEE ROBINSON ON PAGE 2

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The New Tri-State Defender

September 14 - 20, 2023

NEWS

“We all heard Mr. Nichols cry out for his mother and say ‘I’m just trying to go home. Tyre Nichols should be alive today.” — Attorney General Merrick Garland POLICE

CONTINUED FROM FRONT Merrick Garland said in a video statement after the indictment. “Tyre Nichols should be alive today.” U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz in West Tennessee said at an afternoon news briefing that the state and federal cases are on separate tracks. Ritz declined to predict how quickly they would proceed. Kristen Clarke, who leads the U.S. Department of Justice’s civil rights division, said at the appearance that the five former officers used excessive force, failed to advise medical personnel about Nichols’ injuries and conspired to cover up their misconduct. “In our country, no one is above the law,” she said, adding she met earlier Tuesday with Nichols’ mother and stepfather. Caught on police video, the Nichols beating was one in a string of violent encounters between police and Black people that sparked protests and renewed debate about police brutality and police reform in the U.S. Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, attorneys for Nichols’ family, said in a statement that the federal indictment “gives his family hope as they

continue to grieve his loss and inspire change in his honor.” Attorneys for several of the former officers said the indictment was no surprise, and some added that their clients will defend themselves against the charges. The indictment says the officers failed to tell dispatchers, their supervisor and emergency medical technicians they knew Nichols had been hit repeatedly, trying to cover up their use of force and shield themselves from criminal liability. Additionally, the indictment alleges instances where the officers used their body cameras to limit what evidence could be captured at the scene: Martin moved his body camera where it wouldn’t show video of the beating; Haley and Smith activated theirs only after the assault; and Haley and Mills took theirs off when emergency medical personnel were on the scene. At the arrest scene, the officers afterward discussed hitting Nichols with “straight haymakers,” even as Nichols’ condition deteriorated and he became unresponsive, the indictment said. Nichols could be seen on police video on the ground, slumped against a police car. The indictment accuses the officers of gathering after the beating and saying, among

Tyre Nichols other things, that “I thought when he wasn’t going to fall, we about to kill this man.” The indictment does not specify which officer made that statement. The indictment also alleges the officers falsely stated Nichols actively resisted arrest at the beating scene and that he grabbed on Smith’s protective vest and pulled on the officers’ duty belts. A hearing was set for Friday morning in a federal lawsuit filed by Nichols’ mother against the five ex-officers, the city of Memphis and its police department. The former officers then have a scheduled appearance Friday afternoon in state court. The Justice Department announced an investigation in July into how Memphis Police Department officers use force and conduct arrests,

LeMoyne-Owen turns to familiar face to lead men’s basketball by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Antonio Harris has resigned as coach of the Booker T. Washington High School Warriors to become the head basketball coach of the LeMoyne-Owen College Magicians. Harris takes over after the departure of retired NBA veteran Bonzi Wells, who spent the last two seasons as the Magicians’ head coach before leaving to take an assistant coaching job with his former NBA teammate Damon Stoudamire. Harris took over as the Warriors’ head coach in 2013 after the retirement of longtime BTW head basketball coach Fred Horton. Harris played basketball for two years (1997-1999) at the University of Tennessee

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before picking up his college playing career at LeMoyne-Owen (19971999.) The Magicians are expecting a good recruiting class this season. Upon Wells departure, Athletic Director William Anderson has said Antonio the class would be left Harris in the capable hands of assistant coaches Wade Evans and Jerel Jernigan. Harris and the LeMoyne-Owen staff will have to hit the ground running. Fall workouts begin in the next several weeks. The Magicians will start their season with an exhibition game against the University of Memphis on November 2 at FedExForum.

one of several “patterns and practices” investigations it has undertaken in other U.S. cities. In March, the Justice Department said it was conducting a separate review concerning use of force, de-escalation strategies and specialized units in the Memphis Police Department. The officers were part of a crime-suppression team that officials disbanded after Nichols’ death. However, members of that “Scorpion” unit have been moved to other teams. Elsewhere, a federal civil rights case was filed last year against four Louisville, Kentucky, police officers over a drug raid that led to the death of Breonna Taylor, a Black woman whose fatal shooting helped fuel racial justice protests that swept the nation in 2020. In Minneapolis, former police officers were convicted of violating the civil rights of George Floyd, whose death sparked those protests. Former officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 21 years after pinning Floyd to the pavement for more than nine minutes as the Black man pleaded, “I can’t breathe.” (Jonathan Mattise reported from Nashville. Lindsay Whitehurst contributed from Washington.)

ROBINSON

CONTINUED FROM FRONT been doing from my seat on the Memphis City Council, especially as it relates to prioritizing energy efficiency in Memphis. The Share of the Pennies program, I wrote the resolution to get that up and running, and they don’t even allow anybody else to do the Share of the Penny program anywhere in the State of Tennessee, because I’m asking the citizens of Memphis – as a contribution to the people who are less fortunate than some of us – to just give the pennies left on your utility bill to help them weatherize their homes. “And as you see the weather and how it has changed, it is even more important. And from my seat at the city council, I knew that I couldn’t move that work any further than what I had done there to make that a difference.” Robinson also referenced her work chairing a weatherization committee and making “sure that the other organizations in the community are doing their part, and we know what we need and we’re working together.” Now, if she gets through Senate confirmation, Robinson said she is ready to take her interest/work “to the next level.” In addition to having served as the Memphis City Council’s liaison for the MLGW Board of Commissioners, Robinson has served on several organizations for TVA. If confirmed, she will bring a Memphis presence back to the board. “But I don’t just represent MLGW, I don’t just represent Memphis. I represent our valley, and I’m really concerned about West Tennessee and all

the storms that we’ve had to endure.” Robinson added, “It’s been indeed an honor to be nominated and Patrice J. Robinson not just for the TVA Board, but the way they stated it, ‘To serve on the Biden-Harris Administration.’ And I would love for people to know that my role is to represent them ... I’m supposed to be working for TVA, but in that representation, represent those voices so that as they share what they do and what they plan on doing, how those voices play into those decisions.” Robinson earned a Master’s of Science from the University of Tennessee and a Bachelor’s Degree from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis). She is a certified senior professional in human resources (SPHR) and a retired Memphis Light Gas and Water Division supervisor. Biden’s nomination of Robinson was applauded by Tennessee’s Ninth District Congressman Steve Cohen. “Patrice Robinson has a lifetime of experience in utility management and public service and is the ideal candidate for the TVA Board,” Cohen said in a released statement. “I am happy to see a Memphian again appointed to the board – following the service of fellow Memphians Ron Walter, V. Lynn Evans, and Bishop William Graves – since MLGW is TVA’s largest customer. I look forward to following her stewardship of this important regional public utility.”

The New Tri-State Defender

September 14 - 20, 2023

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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, September 14 - 20, 2023, Page 4

The AI revolution is turning into an invasion! by Curtis Weathers

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

On the 82nd anniversary of Emmett Till’s birth, President Joe Biden signed a proclamation to establish the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument in Illinois and Mississippi. (Photo: @whitehouse on Instagram)

Biden needs a reparations commission for 2024

by Kamm Howard NNPA Newswire

Mr. President, the call for justice in America is at a historic high. This current call for justice is founded squarely on the issue of Reparations. This is an American call for justice – not only has it been identified as the major issue by Black Americans via a 2021 Congressional Black Caucus poll, but in a recent USA Today poll, 83 percent of Americans said racism is a problem facing the US. This explains why an array of Americans has enthusiastically joined this call for reparatory justice – allied ethnic groups, many of the largest social justice organizations in the country, a diversity of religious orders, America’s most prestigious universities, major US corporations, some of the largest philanthropies in America, and of immense importance, following Evanston, Illinois – numerous municipalities and States within the Union. This is proof that much of America wants to see this issue addressed and resolved now! Leaders within the Democratic Party in the last Congress demonstrated their political will for a reparations commission. 217 confirmed yes votes in the House and half of the Senate Committee chairs, along with the Senate Leader, and many of their colleagues, signed on to the Senate bill. However, as you are aware, Mr. President, the bipartisanship that is needed to pass the bill in the Senate does not exist. Thus, the only way to move this issue forward, which much of America is demanding, is

through an executive order. This must be done immediately as the next Presidential election is approaching. On one side of this issue are Kamm those calling for Howard “No Reparations No Vote” in their attempt to drive Black voters to the Republican Party. On the other side, are those of us who fully understand the significance of the Black vote for a Democratic Party win. Statistics have shown that since 1960, except for 1964, the Black vote was the deciding factor in each of the Democratic Party’s wins in presidential elections. In essence, the Black vote gave America Presidents Kennedy, Carter, Clinton, Obama, and you Mr. Biden. A growing number of major publications have recognized this dependence of the Democratic Party on the Black vote. Immediately after your election, Vox reported – “The Black Vote is key to Democratic success” – saying you “could not have been competitive without it.” At this same time, the New York Magazine shouted, “Joe Biden Owes It All to African American Voters.” In April of this year, Time Magazine wrote, “Black Voters Gave Biden the White House. They May Determine Whether He Stays There.” The writer concluded: “Put plainly: you can’t win the nomination or the White House as a Democrat without the Black vote.”

And finally, just last month, the Washington Post echoed the Times writer by saying the Black vote “will be crucial in a Biden bid for reelection.” We are 20 percent of your base Mr. President, more than all other people of color combined. When we come out and vote, Democrats win! Certainly, Mr. Biden, the Republicans are fully aware of this as they have directed enormous resources to suppress the Black vote – by spending nearly $1 billion in the last election and introducing over 900 pieces of legislation, according to Marc Morial of the National Urban League. The Democratic Party needs to both counter these efforts by Republicans and address the low enthusiasm for the Democratic Party in the Black community. This counter-offensive must be an immediate statement announcing the implementation of an HR 40like Reparations Commission via Executive Order by the President of the United States of America. This, and only this, will generate the turnout in the Black community necessary for a Democratic Party victory in 2024. The Democratic Party can no longer wafﬂe on this issue of reparations. We need a Reparations Commission Now! You, Mr. President, need a Reparations Commission now – for any hope of a 2024 victory. EO40 Now! EO 40 now! EO40 now! (Kamm Howard is executive director of Reparations United. Text – Reparations Now to 202-347-9797 to support this call.)

Just a few months ago, I wrote a column about the AI (artificial intelligence) revolution taking place around the world. I’ve had an opportunity to learn more since that time, and I’m even more excited about what is transpiring. AI is a rapidly advancing set of technologies that can enable new forms of interaction between students and educators, help teachers and support staff address variability in learning, and provide a wide range of additional support to educators and students that can enrich the teaching and learning process. This is scary, exciting technology. The more I learn about these incredible tools, the more I long to be back leading schools again. Last week, I met another AI chatbot named Claude. Anthropic, the artificial intelligence company founded by ex-OpenAI employees, is the creator of this incredible tool. This particular chatbot, like my other two AI friends, ChatGPT and Bard, can summarize data, answer questions, assist with writing, and generate code. Even more exciting, you can also tweak Claude’s tone, personality, and behavior, which is a bit more comprehensive than the creative, balanced, and precise settings the other chatbots offer. I had a real conversation with Claude about crime in the Black community. The intriguing thing about the entire exchange was that it felt as if I was having a conversation with a real person. Claude was actually debating (arguing) with me about my request for information while never providing the raw data that I requested. It was both fascinating and frustrating at the same time. Claude did, however, provide other sources I could access to obtain the information. This exchange was both exciting and scary. Quite frankly, I’ve never argued with my computer before. Claude’s responses were so human-like that I had to pause from time to time to check my pulse. So, I asked Bard and Chat GTP for the same information. The results were quite different. They both provided me with the information I requested without questioning my intentions. So now I have three very cool AI friends. I haven’t yet figured out which I like best. I’m still deciding. But these tools are evolving at an incredibly rapid pace. In some ways, while I no longer lead or manage a school, I feel as though I’m missing the most exciting transformation in the history of humankind. Educators can sometimes be slow to embrace new technological innovations, especially K-12 public school educators. I spoke to several teachers about my AI friends, and they had extremely limited knowledge of what I was talking about. If I were leading a school or district right now, I would make sure my entire organization was AI literate. So, note to school systems nation-

wide, especially here in Shelby County: Start preparing in-depth AI professional development for your teachers, administrators, support staff, Curtis and students. Weathers The revolution is here! The feds, of course, are fully aware. The federal government continues to collaborate with school systems nationwide, aligning AI models to a shared vision for education, informing and involving educators, and developing education-specific guidelines and guardrails. In the meantime, however, the AI wars are heating up as companies battle for their slice of a rapidly growing market for their technologies. But, once again, users of this technology should proceed with both enthusiasm and cautious optimism. AI is infiltrating every aspect of the education landscape. Developers of technology systems for student information, classroom instruction, school logistics, parent-teacher communication, and more are adding AI capabilities to their systems. AI will change the way teachers teach, students learn, and society functions. It can help to reduce teacher workload, improve student engagement, help to identify, and address learning gaps, and help personalize the learning experience. AI algorithms can analyze students’ strengths and weaknesses in real time and adjust lesson content and difficulty accordingly. This allows for more personalized and effective instruction. Virtual simulations, powered by AI, allow students to interact with historical events, science experiments, or scenarios to complement classroom learning. AI can listen to students’ verbal responses through speech recognition and engage in sensible dialogue and discussions. It can auto-grade assignments and tests, freeing up teachers’ time from routine grading tasks. And the rock star favorite for many educators is AI’s ability to provide students with customized tutoring and practice, like a human tutor. These are just a few examples of AI’s potential impact in the classroom. With proper human oversight, AI holds great promise for transforming teaching and learning in the classroom. As this technology continues to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative and effective ways to use AI to improve education. We just need to keep in mind AI is not a replacement for teachers. It can be a valuable tool, but it cannot replace the human touch that is essential for effective teaching and learning. I will continue to share my thoughts and observations regarding this incredible technology in the future. So, stay tuned for updates. (Follow me, TSD’s education columnist, on Twitter @curtisweathers. Email me at curtislweathers@gmail. com.)

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The New Tri-State Defender

September 14 - 20, 2023

Page 5

NEWS

DEBATE

CONTINUED FROM FRONT mission CEO Paul Young, former NAACP Memphis Chapter president Van Turner Jr., and businessman J.W. Gibson. Among the issues brought up by a trio of hosts – The New TSD education columnist Curtis Weathers, Channel 24 commentator and political analyst, and DM columnist Otis Sanford and ABC24 news anchor and managing editor Richard Ransom – was Memphis’ current struggle with crime, particularly with youth offenders. Bonner, running as a law-and-order candidate, pitched a “Desk-toDuty” plan to put more officers on the streets. Under the proposal, officers typically assigned to administrative work, also would pull routine street duty. He also touted his “history of working” with the Shelby County Commission to achieve goals. “What is it you will be able to do as mayor that you have not been able to do as chief law enforcement officer of Shelby County?” asked Young. Bonner responded by saying the duties of the sheriff only include a few corners of Memphis, while having to police the entire rest of the county. Recently, the Memphis City Council asked the Sheriff’s Department to assign deputies to the Beale Street area after a recent mass shooting. Bonner obliged. The second-term sheriff also drew criticism, particularly his management of the Shelby County Jail. During his tenure, 41 deaths have occurred at the lockup, including Gershun Freeman in October 2022. The 33-year-old died during a violent altercation with jail guards. In addition to being beaten and pepper sprayed, he was kneeled on for several minutes. Bonner has said Freeman died of a heart attack while being restrained. He also said it would be illegal for him to release video of the incident. However, he neglected to cite a particular law. The video was eventually released by the Nashville DA’s office, who oversees the investigation. Bonner also was criticized for his slow response in the death of Tyre Nichols. The TSD’s Weathers asked candidates how the city can continue to pay its bills with Memphis’ trending population decline. Bonner once again returned to addressing crime, while Gibson said he would focus on economic development. Young, who has a background in city planning, said he would invest in community anchors. McKissack’s plan is to invest in young people through community programs. “We invest in them, they will invest back in us,” she said. McKissack also defended her term on the school board, said she hoped to be the first female mayor to represent “60 percent of Memphians.” While schools re-opened during

Debate candidates listen as former Memphis-Shelby County Schools president Michelle McKissack addresses a question about the stalled search for a new superintendent. (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/The New Tri-State Defender)

Panelists and the audience listen attentively as mayoral candidates answer questions about their platforms. her pandemic-ridden term, the board failed to elect a superintendent. It also saw the resignation of former vice chair Sheleah Harris, who cited troubling issues, including the ﬂubbed search for a new superintendent. Turner’s platform includes heavy investment in historically marginalized communities across Memphis, like Whitehaven, Frayser and Hickory Hill. “Unless we address the fact that your ZIP code determines your lot in life in Memphis, Tennessee, we’ll never get it done,” said Turner. The former county commission member didn’t evade questions surrounding his residency. Last year,

Turner moved from an unincorporated part of Shelby County to the Binghamton neighborhood. However, it was revealed that no utility bills were received at the address, despite Turner saying renovations were ongoing. At the time, Bonner also faced residency questions after moving to East Memphis from his Collierville home. Both seemed to run afoul of the City Charter’s five-year residency requirement. The issue was settled after a Chancery Court chancellor ruled a 1996 referendum eliminated the requirement. As CEO of the Downtown Memphis Commission, Young was chided for the failure of hotel deals, like

Loews and One Beale Grand Hyatt. The rehabilitation of 100 N. Main also remains in limbo. Young denied Gibson’s charge that taxpayers were left “on the hook” for those projects. The One Beale’s Grand Hyatt deal fell apart after Mayor Jim Strickland failed to juice the project with additional funds, after initially agreeing to back some of the debt. With no hotel, the deal with the City of Memphis was dead. Gibson also accused Young of allowing crime to fester Downtown. Young rejected the accusation, saying the DMC has “no law enforcement arm.” He also blamed the pandemic

for the area’s stagnation. Returning fire, Young said Gibson’s ownership of the New Daisy Theater did little to help matters. He blamed Gibson for abandoning the landmark and allowing it to become “blighted.” Gibson responded by saying the DMC under Young stymied a reopening of the property. A former Shelby County Commission member, Gibson’s platform includes ambitions to “sell” the city to outside investors. He left politics in 2010. “Little has changed,” according to Gibson. Young also touts a pro-business background from his DMC run. He also served as director for the City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development. With his diversity of background, he believes he will be able to work across the aisle and attract investors, also. While currently working outside of city politics, Camper is the first African American to lead the Tennessee House Democratic caucus. She rejected the accusation that the party hadn’t accomplished anything in Nashville in 15 years, by pointing to bi-partisan bills she helped shepherd through the legislature, including criminal record expungement reforms in 2021. Her platform includes a listening tour to gauge citizen concerns.

The New Tri-State Defender

September 14 - 20, 2023

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NOTICE TO BIDDERS Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000826, Election Commission Renovations (Support Services). Information regarding this Bid is located on the County’s website at www.shelbycountytn.gov . At the top of the home page, click on the dropdown box under “Business”, Click on “Purchasing” and “Bids” to locate the name of the above-described Sealed Bid. BID-I000826 DUE DATE WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2023 AT 2:30 PM CDT (SB-I000826), Election Commission Renovations (Support Services) Shelby County is an equal opportunity afﬁrmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service. By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT

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Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Name of Purchaser Tax Parcel #: Tax Parcel ID No Tax Sale #: Tax Sale No. Price Offered: $Price Offered Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at Bid Off Time on Bid Off Date, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties

MEMPHIS ACQUISITIONS LLC Tax Parcel #: 05206700000030 Tax Sale #: 1803 Price Offered: $4,500.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:30 a.m. on October 16, 2023, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

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BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: MEMPHIS ACQUISITIONS LLC Tax Parcel #: 02605200000150 Tax Sale #: 1804 Price Offered: $3,500.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:00 a.m. on October 16, 2023, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: MEMPHIS ACQUISITIONS LLC Tax Parcel #: 03200800000080

Tax Sale #: 1901 Price Offered: $3,000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:30 a.m. on October 16, 2023, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: MEMPHIS ACQUISITIONS LLC Tax Parcel #: 05208200000640 Tax Sale #: 1802 Price Offered: $4,500.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:00 a.m. on October 16, 2023, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property:

MEMPHIS ACQUISITIONS LLC Tax Parcel #: 02702700000060 Tax Sale #: 1803 Price Offered: $3,000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 11:30 a.m. on October 13, 2023, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: MEMPHIS ACQUISITIONS LLC Tax Parcel #: 02607300000060 Tax Sale #: 1802 Price Offered: $6,000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 11:00 a.m. on October 13, 2023, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby

County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: MEMPHIS ACQUISITIONS LLC Tax Parcel #: 02502200000240 Tax Sale #: 1703 Price Offered: $3,500.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:30 a.m. on October 13, 2023, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: MEMPHIS ACQUISITIONS LLC Tax Parcel #: 02606800000090 Tax Sale #: 1801 Price Offered: $3,500.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:00 a.m. on October 13, 2023, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150

SEE PAGE 8

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The New Tri-State Defender

September 14 - 20, 2023

NEWS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: MEMPHIS ACQUISITIONS LLC Tax Parcel #: 02604300000070 Tax Sale #: 1702 Price Offered: $2,600.00 Terms: Cash

Looking back at ‘Classic’ 34

Page 8

The 34th Annual Southern Heritage Classic Cultural Celebration was awash with crowd-pleasing sights at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. (Photos: Warren Roseborough/The New Tri-State Defender)

Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:30 a.m. on October 13, 2023, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: MEMPHIS ACQUISITIONS LLC Tax Parcel #: 02607300000080 Tax Sale #: 1701 Price Offered: $6,000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:00 a.m. on October 13, 2023, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Lisa Hawkins Tax Parcel #: 0730880A000760 Tax Sale #: 1702 Price Offered: $12,200.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 2:00 p.m. on October 12, 2023, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: MEMPHIS ACQUISITIONS LLC Tax Parcel #: 07508700001060 Tax Sale #: 1801 Price Offered: $5,100.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 12:00 p.m. on October 12, 2023, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: MEMPHIS ACQUISITIONS LLC Tax Parcel #: 02502100000110 Tax Sale #: 1703 Price Offered: $3,500.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 11:30 a.m. on October 12, 2023, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Efrem Sharp Tax Parcel #: 02103200000110 Tax Sale #: 1902 Price Offered: $3,000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 11:00 a.m. on October 12, 2023, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY

GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Zavier Hayes Tax Parcel #: 04904900000210 Tax Sale #: 1802 Price Offered: $4,000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:30 a.m. on October 12, 2023, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Zavier Hayes Tax Parcel #: 04904900000100 Tax Sale #: 1703 Price Offered: $4,000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:00 a.m. on October 12, 2023, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: MEMPHIS ACQUISITIONS LLC Tax Parcel #: 03802300000110 Tax Sale #: 1603 Price Offered: $4,500.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:00 a.m. on October 11, 2023, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby

The New Tri-State Defender

County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: MEMPHIS ACQUISITIONS LLC Tax Parcel #: 03802300000100 Tax Sale #: 1603 Price Offered: $4,500.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:30 a.m. on October 11, 2023, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

September 14 - 20, 2023

Page 9

CLASSIFIEDS

at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 10:30 a.m. on October 10, 2023, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest

and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY

GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Torian Eddie Tax Parcel #: 04507500000040 Tax Sale #: 1802 Price Offered: $4,800.00 Terms: Cash

thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150

Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Edil Ivan Aranda Reyes Tax Parcel #: 04106000000280 Tax Sale #: 1802 Price Offered: $23,800.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:00 a.m. on October 11, 2023, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort. Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Melanie Garcia Tax Parcel #: 06012400000390 Tax Sale #: 1802 Price Offered: $4,000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 11:00 a.m. on October 10, 2023, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Ofﬁce, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

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SPORTS

The New Tri-State Defender, September 14 - 20, 2023, Page 10

With Navy on course for Memphis, Tigers stay unbeaten with romp past ASU’s Red Wolves by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Two games into the season and the University of Memphis Tigers football team is undefeated, with a decisive 37-3 win over the Arkansas State Red Wolves adding to the positive vibes ahead of a nationally televised game against the Navy Midshipmen on Thursday (Sept. 14). Memphis will host Navy (1-1) at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. ESPN will provide the telecast. It will be the American Athletic Terry Conference openDavis er for both teams. For Memphis, the 60-mile trek on Saturday to Jonesboro, Ark. produced the Tigers fifth straight victory over the Red Wolves and their first road victory of the young season. The Memphis defense hasn’t allowed a touchdown in its first two games and is ranked 12th in the nation with points allowed. The defense is second in the nation in total yards having allowed 150, which is second only to the Air Force Academy. Memphis defensive back D.J. Bell had a career-high six tackles and an interception returned 36 yards for a touchdown. Linebacker Chandler Martin finished with a

Memphis defensive back D.J. Bell (No. 35) set off this celebration with an interception that he returned 36 yards for a touchdown. He had a career-high six tackles against the Red Wolves. (Photos: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender)

Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield was pumped as the Tigers took the field to play Arkansas State University and his team responded with a 37-3 win. team-best seven stops to go with 1.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble. The Tigers’ defense forced 4 turnovers in the game. “I have seen it a lot of times in practice” Bell said of the play that resulted in his interception and touchdown. “We were going over what they do. When I saw the play and the receiver going to the boundary, I knew it was my play to make. I just went to the endzone after I made the play.”

Martin said the defense is playing well “because of all the hard work we put in at practice. We try to have a good Tuesday and Wednesday practice and let it roll over into the week. It feels good to see it all come together and play well as a team.” Bell said the defense’s performance up to this point “gives us a lot to build on. It gives us confidence going into next week. It was just a great team win.”

Head coach Ryan Silverfield said, “Anytime you have four takeaways it is stunning…. It is phenomenal going out there to see them play; the effort by the guys. There were multiple players making plays.” Defensive lineman Derick Hunter Jr. posted 1.5 sacks, while Jarra Anderson had one. Defensive back Cameron Smith had three tackles and an interception, while DeAgo Brumfield totaled four tackles, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble and five pass breakups. Offensively, quarterback Seth Henigan completed 21-of-29 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 26 yards and another score. Wide receivers Joseph Scates and Tauskie Dove each had a receiving touchdown against the Red Wolves (0-2), while running back Ke’Travion Hargrove ran it in from 17 yards on the game’s final play. Henigan started the game missing his first four passes and then connect-

ed on 19 of his next 20 passes. “I did not notice I started 0 for 4 or finished that way,” said Henigan. “I am trying to stick to my reads and trust my coaching.” Eight different receivers caught passes. “I feel we have depth in our receivers’ room. Plays are not designed for anyone in particular,” Henigan said. “I just go through my reads. Whatever we can do for our offense to be successful, that is what we will do. (Against Arkansas State on Saturday) it was spreading it around.” Silverfield said Henigan did “a really nice job. He did what he needed to do. He will be the first to say here are the five plays I need to fix. We will fix those and move on.” As for how well the Tigers did the little things on offense, Silverfield said, “I don’t think we did what we needed to do to play as efficiently as we want. Maybe we can play a lot cleaner on offense.”

PREP FOOTBALL

Determined Whitehaven holds off ‘did not quit’ White Station by Terry Davis

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The game between the White Station Spartans and the Whitehaven Tigers featured two teams on different roads in search of gridiron glory. The Spartans, who have not had great seasons of late, faced a prep football powerhouse hungry to match its past. The Spartans entered the Friday night (Sept. 8) matchup with a twogame winning streak and the understanding that a win over the Tigers would send a message to the rest of the district. And while it was close, the Tigers, who now have a two-game win streak of their own, outlasted the Spartans 13-7 at Southwind Stadium. The Tigers (3-1) missed the playoffs last season for the first team in over a decade. They are led by sophomore quarterback Jayden Thomas – who threw for 123 yards – and sophomore running back Christopher Talley. The duo looks to have what it takes to help propel the Tigers back to the top of the district. “When you have a chance to extend leads, you have to take advantage of it,” Whitehaven head coach Rodney Saulsberry said. “Good teams that have players, one thing can happen and things can change. It is a blessing sometimes to get the win and a little adversity.” The Tigers scored two first-half touchdowns to take an early lead (130). The first was on a 4-yard run by Nasir Lucas in the first quarter. The extra point was missed. The second touchdown was scored by Talley in the second quarter. He finished with 142 rushing yards. “He has done a great job this season,” Saulsberry said of Talley. “He has developed himself into a great football player and he is only a sophomore. We are excited about what he

Held in check most of the game, White Station’s offense (left) scored a touchdown in the final minutes when running back Marty Stevens Jr. rushed in from five yards out.

Whitehaven’s Terrance Whitley (10) is tackled by White Station’s Taymarion Williams (4). (Photos: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender)

Whitehaven head coach Rodney Saulsberry is flanked by Tigers as action unfolds in the game against the Spartans of Whitehaven. can be.” Whitehaven missed two field goals in the second half. Both kicks had distance, but each kick was wide left. The Tigers’ defense only allowed 86 total yards in the game. Coming off of a 2-8 season, White Station now is guided by head coach Teran Conley and already has matched last season’s win total. The Spartans’ defense has not allowed a team to score over 14 points. The Spartans were more aggressive in the second half, with some strong running from Marty Stevens Jr. Although he only rushed for 20 yards, Stevens ran hard the entire game and

scored in the final minutes from five yards out. “I am trying to get him recruited,” Conley said of Stevens. “The scouts are looking at his size, but he is a workhorse. He is a workhorse in conditioning and in the film room. So, when he gets out (there) he only knows how to do it that way.” After the hard-fought game, Conley said, “Our guys did not quit. Whitehaven is a good football team. Our boys showed that we are here to stay. We belong in 6A football. We will fight until the end.” Conley said he needed to study the film to learn why the White Station

White Station head coach Teran Conley. offense was not able to get on track. “I don’t know if it was us out of rhythm, or was the moment too big, or did we miss some things.” Still, said Conley, “My boys did not give up. We couldn’t get anything going, but I didn’t see any quit. If we

can continue to do that, we can rally the season. “ The Tigers’ kicking game showed some promise, kicking the football into the endzone all game long. Saulsberry said developing a field goal kicker as a weapon “is one of the things we have to work on. We have to get those field goals. Those are the kind of things that are going to win you a championship. Doing those little things.” The theme for this season for Whitehaven is “To Restore the Roar.” “We are roaring right now,” said Saulsberry. NEXT On Friday (Sept. 15), Whitehaven’s Spartans travel to play the Bartlett Panthers. The Tigers will host the Houston Mustangs. Both games are set to kick off at 7 p.m.