Football Fall 2018
The Sports Ledger
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ALABAMA to hold Benefit Concert Country Music Legend ALABAMA is going back to its roots to headline a once-ina-lifetime concert at Jaksonville State University's Burgess-Snow Field. Isbell and the 400 Unit, Gordon Mote and John Berry will join ALABAMA, the Charlie Daniels Band, Shenandoah and Jamey Johnson for the September 26, 2018 concert. Comedian Darren Knight "Southern Momma" is also scheduled to perform, and SiriusXM's Storme Warren will emcee the event. The Country Music Hall-of-Famers will donate all concert proceeds to Jacksonville State University for tornado relief after an EF-3 level storm tore through Jacksonville and the JSU campus in March 2018.
Aviation PowerPlant Curriculum Receives FAA Approval
Snead State Community College has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to expand the offerings of its new Aviation Program. After a recent visit from FAA representatives, the Aviation College was approved to add PowerPlant Technology to the aviation curriculum, which also includes Airframe Technology. “The FAA’s approval marks the first time in the program’s history that it
is a complete Airframe and PowerPlant program. We’re excited to have reached this milestone. It has taken a lot of hard work and preparation to reach this goal, but we’re pleased to offer this additional opportunity for students,” said Snead State President Dr. Robert Exley. The PowerPlant program will train students to work on aircraft engines, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to take the Federal Aviation Administration’s exam to
be certified as an aviation maintenance technician. “We are very excited to be able to offer the full A&P program at Snead State. Students will get the full program which will make them more marketable when applying for Aviation jobs,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Annette Cederholm. Snead State celebrated the launch of the new Aviation Program in May with a special event held at the Aviation College, located by the Albertville
Regional Airport. The program previously operated under Enterprise State Community College and only offered the Airframe Technology component, which trains students on repair of all aspects of an aircraft with the exception of the engine. Engine repair training falls under the PowerPlant Technology curriculum. Anyone interested in enrolling in the Aviation Program may contact the Snead State Aviation College at (256) 571-0623.
Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
KICKOFF 2018
With Summer winding down and cooler temperatures in the air, high school and college football programs are ready to kick off the 2018 football season. Many cheerleaders, mascots, and fans are also gearing up to cheer for their team, including these Crossville High School Seniors. They are (L-R) Hannah Haston, MaKenzie Bloodworth, Emma Kilgo (mascot), and Madison Sims. For more football information see the inside of this issue of The Sports Ledger and check out our free web site at www.thesportsledger.com
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FALL 2018
Pruitt's Volunteers to open season against Mountaineers on National Television
The University of Tennessee's season opener versus West Virginia on Sept. 1 in the 2018 Belk College Kickoff at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. has been slated for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff and the game will be broadcast nationally on CBS. The Volunteers will put their 12-game winning streak against non-conference opponents on the line against the Mountaineers in one of the premier week-one games of the college football season. When UT and WVU square off on Sept. 1, it will mark the first-ever meeting between the two programs
Network's 18th consecutive season providing national coverage of Southeastern Conference football, presents a total of 17 games, including the SEC Championship on Saturday, Dec. 1 (4:00 p.m. ET). This year's schedule
Photo Courtesy of UT Athletics
LEADING THE WAY -
DeKalb County native Jeremy Pruitt leads a group of Tennessee players onto the practice field this past Spring. Pruitt is the new head football coach at Tennessee. on the gridiron. The Vols have won nine consecutive season openers dating back to 2009. CBS has also released a handful of other select games as well as broadcast windows for its SEC ON
CBS package this season, which has been the highestrated regular-season college football package on any network for nine consecutive seasons. The 2018 SEC ON CBS schedule, the
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2006 Sylvania JV Cheerleaders
kicks off on Sept. 1 with West Virginia vs. Tennessee at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. Other SEC ON CBS games that have already been set include last year's SEC Champion Georgia at South Carolina on Sept. 8. It also includes LSU at
Auburn in a battle of the Tigers. Auburn will be heading into the conference match-up after wining the SEC West Championship last season. Additionally, Florida and Georgia will travel to Jacksonville for their annual rivalry game on Oct. 27.
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2018 FOOTBALL SCHEDULES August 23, 2018
Plainview at Collinsville Gadsden City at Etowah
August 24, 2018
Fort Payne at Pell City Fyffe at Ohatchee Glencoe at Sardis North Jackson at Guntersville Brindlee Mountain at Asbury
August 25, 2018
Geraldine at Crossville JSU vs NCAT, at Montgomery Cramton Bowl
August 30, 2018
NorthWestern State at Texas A&M 8:30pm
August 31, 2018
Collinsville at Crossville Fort Payne at Scottsboro Valley Head at Alabama School for The Deaf Holly Pond at Ider Sardis at Sylvania Woodville at Pisgah
September 2, 2018
New Hope at Section Plainview at North Jackson Geraldine at Fyffe Gaston at Sandrock Moody at Etowah DAR at Douglas Boaz at Guntersville Columbia at Albertville Southeastern at Brindlee Mountain Asbury at Gaylesville
September 1, 2018
Coastal Carolina at South Carolina Ole Miss vs Texas Tech, Houston TX Austin Peay at Georgia Central Michigan at Kentucky Washington vs Auburn, Atlanta, GA Tennessee vs West Virginia, Charlotte, NC UT Martin at Missouri Eastern Illinois at Arkansas Charleston Southern at Florida SF Austin at Mississippi State MTSU at Vanderbilt Alabama vs Louisville, Orlando, FL Boise State at Troy
Miami vs LSU, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX 6:30 p.m.
11 a.m. 11 a.m. 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 5 p.m.
Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
LSU TO OPEN AGAINST MIAMI
LSU runs the football against Notre Dame in the last years Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, FL. LSU will open the 2018 season against Miami in the Advocare Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. Kick off is set for Sunday, September 2 at 6:30 and it will televised on ABC. Notre Dame will host Michigan on Saturday, September 1 at 6:30 p.m. and that game can be watched on NBC.
JSU Football to win OVC
Photo by Kent Gidley
Iron Bowl TO BE HELD IN TUSCALOOSA
Alabama running back Damien Harris tries to advance the football during last year's Iron Bowl. The Tigers defeated the Tide 26-14. Auburn will open the 2018 season at Mercedes Benz Stadium against Washington on September 1. Alabama kicks off the new season against Louisville at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. Both teams are set to finish the regular season in the 83rd annual Iron Bowl on November 24 at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.
Members of the media recently picked Jacksonville State to repeat as Ohio Valley Conference champions. JSU received 14 first-place votes from the 15 media members polled, totaling 134 points. In addition, JSU redshirt junior defensive back Marlon Bridges was voted the OVC conference 2018 preseason Defensive Player of the Year. The Gamecocks will begin the new season in Montgomery on August 25 in the Guardian Credit Union FCS Kickoff at the Cramton Bowl. JSU will play North Carolina A&T and the game will be televised on ESPN.
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September 7, 2018
September 14, 2018
Etowah at Crossville Collinsville at North Sand Mountain Albertville at Fort Payne Decatur Heritage at Valley Head Sand Rock at Ider Sylvania at Susan Moore Pisgah at Brindlee Mountain Section at Fyffe Plainview at Geraldine Southside at Sardis Boaz at Douglas Guntersville at Madison County Asbury at Cedar Bluff
September 8, 2018
Mississippi Valley State at JSU Mississippi State at Kansas State Nevada at Vanderbilt Georgia at South Carolina Arkansas State at Alabama Southern Illinois at Ole Miss ETSU at Tennessee Clemson at Texas A&M Southeast Louisiana at LSU Wyoming at Missouri Arkansas at Colorado State Alabama State at Auburn Kentucky at Florida Florida A&M at Troy
6 p.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6 p.m.
Douglas at Crossville (Homecoming) Fyffe at Collinsville Fort Payne at Jemison Valley Head at Falkville Ider at Section Sylvania at Gaston New Hope at Pisgah Susan Moore at Plainview Cedar Bluff at Sand Rock Brindlee Mountain at Geraldine Sardis at Etowah Alexandria at Boaz Buckhorn at Albertville Scottsboro at Guntersville North Sand Mountain at Asbury
September 15, 2018
Murray State at Kentucky UTEP at Tennessee Vanderbilt at Notre Dame LSU at Auburn Colorado State at Florida North Texas at Arkansas Alabama at Ole Miss MTSU at Georgia UL Monroe at Texas A&M Louisiana at Miss State Missouri at Purdue Marshall at South Carolina
11 a.m. 11 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 6 p.m. 6:15 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m 6:30 p.m.
FALL 2018
September 21, 2018
Crossville at Alexandria Collinsville at Ider Valley Head at Gayleville Plainview at Sylvania Pisgah at Boaz Section at Cedar Bluff Asbury at Fyffe Sand Rock at NSM Geraldine at New Hope Douglas at Sardis Etowah at Southside Cullman at Albertville Guntersville at Arab Brindlee Mountain at Susan Moore Gadsden City at Bob Jones East Limestone at Scottsboro Wellborn at Glencoe
September 22, 2018
Tennessee Tech at JSU Texas A&M at Alabama Arkansas at Auburn Mississippi State at Kentucky Louisiana Tech at LSU Kent State at Ole Miss Georgia at Missouri Florida at Tennessee South Carolina at Vanderbilt Troy at ULM
6 p.m.
September 28, 2018
Crossville at Springville Etowah at Fort Payne Ider at Valley Head Sylvania at North Sand Mountain Pisgah at Section Fyffe at Plainview Sand Rock at Spring Garden Geraldine at Sardis Douglas at Brindlee Mountain Albertville at Boaz Scottsboro at North Jackson Helena at Southside
Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
Battle of Skirum CReek
The Geraldine Bulldogs run a play against DeKalb County rival Crossville during last season's Battle of Skirum Creek. The Bulldogs and Lions open the 2018 football season against each other on Saturday, August 25.
FALL 2018
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September 29, 2018
Austin Peay at JSU Louisiana at Alabama Arkansas at Texas A&M Southern Miss at Auburn Tennessee at Georgia South Carolina at Kentucky Ole Miss at LSU Florida at Mississippi State Tennessee State at Vanderbilt Coastal Carolina at Troy
3 p.m.
October 5, 2018
Crossville at Boaz Collinsville at Section Lee at Fort Payne Woodville at Valley Head Ider at Asbury Sylvania at Brindlee Mountain Geraldine at Pisgah Fyffe at Sand Rock Sardis at Alexandria Pell City at Etowah Southside at Douglas Albertville at Hazel Green Madison Academy at Guntersville
October 6, 2018
JSU at Eastern Kentucky, Richmond Alabama at Arkansas LSU at Florida Vanderbilt at Georgia UL Monroe at Ole Miss Auburn at Mississippi State Missouri at South Carolina Kentucky at Texas A&M
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October 12, 2018
Asbury at Collinsville Buckhorn at Fort Payne Valley Head at Ragland NSM at Ider New Hope at Sylvania Pisgah at Susan Moore Sand Rock at Section Brindlee Mountain at Plainview Cedar Bluff at Fyffe Boaz at Sardis Douglas at Etowah Albertville at Lee Guntersville at Brewer Scottsboro at Arab
October 13, 2018
Troy at Liberty Eastern Illinois at JSU Missouri at Alabama Ole Miss at Arkansas Tennessee at Auburn Georgia at LSU Texas A&M at South Carolina Florida at Vanderbilt
1 p.m. 3 p.m.
October 19, 2018
Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
MANAGING THE LIONs -
The 2018 managers for the Sardis High School football program include: (L-R) Destiny Daniel, Dallas Dean, Allison Burns, Molly Morris and (not pictured) Kristopher McCormick.
Sardis at Crossville Collinsville at Sand Rock Fort Payne at Hazelgreen R. A. Hubbard at Valley Head Ider at Cedar Bluff Sylvania at Pisgah Section at Asbury Plainview at New Hope Fyffe at North Sand Mountain Susan Moore at Geraldine Etowah at Alexandria Douglas at Cleveland Boaz at Southside Jemison at Albertville Ardmore at Guntersville Madison Academy at Scottsboro Arab at Madison County
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October 20, 2018
Georgia at Kentucky South Carolina at Ole Miss La Tech at Mississippi State Charlotte at Tennessee Louisiana at Troy
JSU at Southeast Missouri Tulsa at Arkansas Vanderbilt at Kentucky Miss State at LSU Auburn at Ole Miss Memphis at Missouri Alabama at Tennessee
November 10, 2018
JSU at Tennessee State, Nashville Mississippi State at Alabama LSU at Arkansas South Carolina at Florida Auburn at Georgia Vanderbilt at Missouri Kentucky at Tennessee Ole Miss at Texas A&M
October 23, 2018
Troy at South Alabama
October 26, 2018
Crossville at Southside Cedar Bluff at Collinsville Cullman at Fort Payne Valley Head at Coosa Christian Geraldine at Sylvania Pisgah at Plainview North Sand Mountain at Section Sand Rock at Asbury Sardis at Albertville Boaz at Etowah Alexandria at Douglas Guntersville at East Limestone New Hope at Brindlee Mountain
November 17, 2018
JSU at Kennesaw State The Citadel Alabama Liberty at Auburn Idaho at Florida New Mass at Georgia MTSU at Kentucky Rice at LSU Arkansas at Mississippi State Chattanooga at South Carolina Missouri at Tennessee UAB at Texas A&M Ole Miss at Vanderbilt Texas State at Troy
October 27, 2018
JSU at Murray State Vanderbilt at Arkansas Texas A&M at Mississippi State Kentucky at Missouri Tennessee at South Carolina Florida vs Georgia, Jacksonville
- The Boaz Barracudas Swim Team recently won the 6 & Under Freestyle Relay Gold Medal at the 2018 ARPA State Swimming Championship at the Birmingham Crossplex The team recorded a time of 1:35:29 dropping 13 seconds off their qualifying entry time of 1:48:70. The swimmers include: (L-R) Jaxon Jones, Yohan Garcia, Hudson Bone, and Kai Walker.
November 22, 2018
November 1, 2018 November 2, 2018
Crossville at Plainview Fort Payne at Carver Spring Garden at Ider Fyffe at Sylvania Pisgah at NSM Sand Rock at Westbrook Christian Piedmont at Geraldine Hokes Bluff at Sardis St John Paul II at Douglas Guntersville at Albertville Brindlee Mountain at DAR Asbury at Southeastern
November 3, 2018
STATE SWIM CHAMPS
Mississippi State at Ole Miss Arkansas at Missouri South Carolina at Clemson LSU at Texas A&M Tennessee at Vanderbilt Auburn at Alabama Florida at Florida State Georgia Tech at Georgia Kentucky at Louisville
Valley Head at Collinsville
UT Martin at JSU Texas A&M at Auburn Missouri at Florida Alabama at LSU
FALL 2018
November 24, 2018
Troy at Appalachian State
8u STATE CHAMPS
1 pm
Submitted Photos
- The Aggies recently won the 2018 ARPA 8u State Championship. The team members include: (Back Row L-R) Coaches: Cliff Mitchell, Labron Lusk, Matthew Lambert,Brock Rutledge. (Middle Row L-R) Caroline Aaron, Bailey Lusk, Jesslyn Johnson, Sylvi Rutledge, Maddie Lambert, Ella Brown, Judsyn Greer. (Front Row L-R) Charleigh Teat, Arleigh Mitchell, Henley Kilpatrick, Delaney Lee, and Alice Jordan.
FALL 2018
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COMMUNITY NEWS UFO DAYS - The 14th MULE DAY - The 2018 Annual UFO DAYS will be held on Saturday, August 25 at the Fyffe Town Park. Gates Open at 9 a.m. and the Entertainment is set to start at 10 a.m. Some of those preforming are: Jordan's Crossing, Woody Strut Band, Country Case, Payton Sells, Willie Underwood and Family, Still Kickin', Leah Seawright, Brandon Elder and Bucky Covington.
Mule Day will be held in Collinsville on Monday Sept. 3 at 9:30 a.m. Events will begin on Saturday night Sept. 1 with a barrel race. On Sunday, Sept. 2 there will be a roping event. Admission for mule day is $2.00. For more info call 256-499-5730. BOOM DAY - The 2018 Boom Day Heritage Celebration will be held in Fort Payne on Sept. 15.
63rd FAIR - The 63rd
annual DeKalb County VFW Agricultural Fair will be held September 24-29 at the Fair Grounds in Fort Payne. The gate entry cost is $2.00. COLORFEST - The 2018 Mentone Colorfest will be held October 20-21. YOUTH CAMP - A Youth Softball Camp will be held on Sept 8, 2018 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fyffe Rec Fields. The camp is for kids ages 7-14 and the cost is $85. Feature instructors include Alabama softball players.
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BARN SALE - The
2018 Fall Barn Sale in Fyffe is set for Sept. 14-15. Early admission cost is $18 and General Admission is $8. Kids 12 and under are admitted Free. General Admission is from 3-7 p.m. on Friday and 10-5 on Saturday.
DAY OF CARING - The 2018 United Way
Marshall County Day of Caring will be held on Sept. 11 beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the Albertville First Baptist Church. For more info call 256-582-4700. FESTIVAL - The 54th annual Boaz Harvest Festival will be held on October 5-6. For more info call 256-593-8154. SOFTBALL - The USA Labor Day Softball Classic will be held on Sept. 1 at Paradise Softball Park in Boaz. NASCAR - Racing will return to Talladega on October 13-14, 2018.
WITCHES RIDE -
There will be a Halloween themed Witches Ride for Ladies age 18 and older in Downtown Guntersville on Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. The themed bike ride will benefit the 2nd Chance Animal Shelter.
KIRKLAND WINS GOLD - Kennedy Kirkland,
of Grant, recently participated in the National SkillsUSA Championships in the Esthetics competition and won Gold. The SkillsUSA Championships was held in Louisville, Kentucky this past summer and it was part of the SkillsUSA 54th Annual National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC), which is a showcase for career and technical education students. Kennedy is enrolled at NACC and is Majoring in Salon and Spa Management. In December, she will graduate with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Salon Management.
Fall Baseball League Registration for Snead State’s fall baseball league and baseball showcase is open. The Snead State fall league is designed to provide area high school baseball players in grades 9-12 an opportunity to stay sharp off-season. It is intended for those who plan to play on their high school's varsity, junior varsity or freshmen baseball team. The Fall League consists of six teams with approximately 12 players on each roster. Each team plays eight games. All games are played in late August, September and early October. Teams are coached by Snead State baseball players. Registration is $125 and provides game t-shirts, helmet usage, baseballs, umpires, instruction, and use of facilities. Registration will be $150 after August 25. All participants must sign a waiver, have an updated physical, and a copy of your insurance card to turn in with their registration form. Players can register at snead.edu. A baseball showcase is being held on Saturday, Aug. 25, at Snead State. The showcase is open to baseball players in grades 9-12. The cost is $50 if you register by August 23. After this date, you can register the day of the showcase for $75. Fall league participants will have the opportunity to participate in the showcase free of charge. You can register for the showcase by visiting snead.edu/showcase.
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FALL 2018
Talladega To Hold Kids VIP Experience NASCAR’s youngest fans have big opportunities when attending Talladega Superspeedway’s 1000Bulbs. com 500, a pivotal race in the 2018 NASCAR Playoffs on Sunday, Oct. 14. And, thanks to the Kids VIP Experience presented by Children’s of Alabama, children 12 and younger have a multitude of family-friendly activities to choose from before the drop of the green flag. The Kids VIP Experience presented by Children’s of Alabama provides exciting, behind-the-scenes, up-close access for kids on race morning before the drivers strap into the cockpit of their race car for 500 nail-biting miles of action. Families that purchase admission tickets (kids receive $50 off regular pricing to the 1000Bulbs.com 500) as well as the Pre-Race Pit Pass Upgrade on Sunday are eligible. For only $75 (in advance), the Pre-Race Pit Pass Upgrade allows kids to sign up for their choice of an array of VIP opportunities (limit 2 kids per 1 adult). Once at the Kids Station (which opens at 8 a.m. CDT), located behind pit road near the Media Center, each child may choose one of six “pre-race” experiences on a first-come, first-served basis. These exclusive VIP options for youngsters include: • Reserved Kids VIP area at the Drivers Meeting red carpet entrance for driver autograph opportunities • VIP Hot Lap rides around the 2.66-mile, 33-degree banked venue in a Grand Marshal vehicle • Pit Box Tour with race team crew • Up-close reserved Kids VIP area at Driver Introductions • Fist bumps only in this area. *NO AUTOGRAPHS* • Guided tour of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Garage (seven scheduled tour times) • Photo opportunity in Gatorade Victory Lane For more information on the Kids VIP Experience presented by Children’s of Alabama, Pre-Race Pit Pass Upgrade and Kids Movie Night, which takes place Saturday evening (free admission with a Saturday or Sunday ticket) in the FOX Sports 1 Dome at the nearby International Motorsports Hall of Fame, simply visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com/kids or call 855-518RACE (7223). The 1000Bulbs.com 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) event is the second race (of three) in the Round of 12 in the MENCS Playoffs. The doubleheader NASCAR Playoff weekend kicks off with FREE Friday (Oct. 12) and will allow fans to witness qualifying - that will determine the starting lineup for Saturday’s (Oct. 13) Talladega 250 - from the grandstand for FREE (entry begins at 4 p.m. CDT). Kids 12 and younger also receive FREE admission to Saturday’s Talladega 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) event.
Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
NASCAR -
Kevin Harvick is one of the key NASCAR drivers this season. Harvick and the rest of NASCAR will return to Talladega this fall for the 1000Bulbs.com 500 on October 14, 2018.
Civil War Reenactment
History comes to life each Labor Day weekend in the River City when more than 200 reeanactors offer mock battles, drills and demonstrations for the public to experience. Set to take place September 1-2, 2018, at Point Mallard Park in Decatur, the Battle for Decatur Civil War Reenactment commemorates the four day battle, which took place in October 1864, telling the story of Decatur’s small, but significant role in the War Between the States. The annual event is hosted by the 1st Alabama Cavalry Company G “Wheelers Escort” and admission is free. The Battle for Decatur offers festivalgoers an opportunity to experience Civil War life and to learn about the Civil War’s effect on the city of Decatur. The reenactment includes mock battles, Civil War relic displays and a Civil War camp with displays
of authentic equipment, dress, and drills. More than 200 Civil War reenactors are expected to take part in recreating this part of history. Camps are open to the public both days from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with maneuvers and battles taking place at 2 p.m. The Confederate forces will repeatedly attack the Union troops in the Union fort to mimic the event that occurred at and near the Old State Bank. The public is also invited to a Ladies’ Tea at 10 a.m. and the Military Ball at 8 p.m. featuring 1860s music (no special attire required) on Saturday, September 1 and a church service at 10 a.m. on Sunday, September 2. All three events will be held at The Chapel located near Point Mallard Park. Other activities include drill and firing of mid-19th century muskets mounted cavalry patrols, cannon and a living history
of daily camp life where spectators can purchase Civil War related items. Sutler vendors will be up from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will also be a school day event on August 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to introduce the young and old to the daily life of the cavalryman, artilleryman and infantryman. Other lessons include history of the various flags and Sutlery goods for the soldier and a demonstration on blacksmithing. The historical reenactment represents the historic battle event that took place 155 years ago on the east side of Decatur near the Old State Bank. The City of Decatur was an important transportation site for the Confederate States of America during the Civil War due to the Memphis and Charleston’s railroad bridge crossing the Tennessee River. During the 1864 battle at Decatur,
Confederate General Hood attempted to break Union supply lines at the crucial railroad crossing at Decatur. He was not successful and had to cross the river at Florence. Decatur’s involvement in this campaign and the fierce four-day battle led to the city to be known as “a hard nut to crack.” History enthusiasts are invited to further explore the Civil War story in Decatur by visiting additional exhibits, historic sites and historic trails. The Battle for Decatur Civil War Walking Tour, which begins at the 1833 Old State Bank in historic Old Decatur, is a selfguided walking tour that covers a 13 block area central to Confederate General John Bell Hood’s attempted advance across the Tennessee River, which resulted in a four day battle in October 1864. A brochure is available at www.decaturcvb.org.
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Sardis to compete in 5A Region 6
By Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger The Sardis football program has a tough road ahead of it this season as the Lions will be competing in Class 5A Region 6. The Lions, coached by Gene Hill, have moved from Class 4A to Class 5A and will be facing some very competitive teams. Sardis will open the year on Aug. 31 against the Sylvania Rams. The Lions finished 7-4 last season, with one of their losses to the Rams. A victory in the season opener could help Hill's program build a solid foundation for the rest of the 2018 season. In weeks 2-4 the Lions will play three straight region games that include Southside, Etowah, and Douglas. Sardis will then take on Geraldine on Sept. 28 before facing Region foe Alexandria on Oct. 5. The following week, the Lions will host rival Boaz in a Region match-up and then travel to Crossville to close out Region play. Sardis will travel to Albertville on Oct. 26 and finish out the 2018 regular season against Hokes Bluff.
Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
2018 Sardis High School Football Team
Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
Senior CHEERLEADERS -
The 2018 Senior Cheerleaders at Sardis are (L-R) Abby Lombard, Mary-Kathryn Lang and Gracie Ede.
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Photos by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
2018 Guntersville Wildcat Football Team
Guntersville FOOTBALL COAChes -
The Guntersville Wildcats are coached by Lance Reese. The 2018 coaching staff includes: (Seated L-R) Brad Lett, Head Coach Lance Reese, Andy Petty and Chris Canady; (Standing L-R) Bubba Roberts, Ryan Thomas, Bruce Crawley and Shannon Cahill.
Guntersville CHEERLEADERS -
The 2018 Guntersville cheerleaders include: (Front Row) Maddie Bearden, Ellie Campbell; (Second Row) Millie Baxter, Lindsey Vandergriff, Charisma Brutley, Maddie Booth, Breanna Carter, Katie Grace Segers; (Third Row) Haidyn O'Neal, Tessa Lang, Jayden Rose, Hunter Lane, Payton Tinsley; (Back Row) Mackenzie Nolan, Addy Yancy, Kambri Lacey, Jasey Wallace, and AnnaClaire Summerlin.
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Asbury to play 2018 in new football stadium The 2018 football team at Asbury High School will always be remembered as the first squad to play a game on the school's new football field. According to reports, the Asbury football field will be ready in time for the 2018 season and the first game is scheduled for August 24 against rival Brindlee Mountain. Although there is still work to be completed, including the new field
house, Asbury head Coach Jeff Powell, his players, and community are ready for the new season and a chance to play on their home turf. Asbury has four other home games scheduled for 2018. The Rams will host NSM on Sept. 14, Ider on Oct. 5, Section on Oct 19 and Sand Rock on Oct. 26. Asbury's away games include Gaylesville, Cedar Bluff, Fyffe, Collinsville and Southeastern.
Geraldine SeniorS -
Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
The 2018 Senior football players for the Geraldine Bulldogs posed for a picture during media day. They include: (Front L-R) Matthew Lawson (14), Andrew Hall (5), and PJ Watts (15); (Back L-R) Kade Stiefel (50), Patrick Gilreath (60), DeKota Willoughby (56), and Larkin Rogers (75).
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Geraldine looking for return trip to AHSAA State Playoffs
By Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger The Geraldine High School football program earned a trip to the state playoffs last season and the Bulldogs are hoping to make a return appearance in 2018. However, reaching the playoffs will not be an easy task for the Bulldogs. Geraldine will open up the 2018 season with two competitive road trips against non-region rivals Crossville on Saturday August 25 and Fyffe on August 31. The Saturday season opener against the Lions is dubbed as the "Battle of Skirum Creek" and the
two teams have met on the gridiron 94 times. Last year, the Bulldogs defeated rival Crossville 35-14. However, the Lions own the series with 54 wins. Geraldine has won the rivalry 37 times and the two programs have tied three times. Geraldine's other nonregion games include a trip to Sardis on September 28 and a season finale home game against Piedmont on November 2. The Bulldogs will be seeking revenge against both programs after falling to Sardis 45-27 last season and losing to Piedmont 26-6 in the opening round of the 2017 state playoffs.
Despite the tough non-conference schedule, Geraldine will also face several competitive Region foes in Class 3 Region 7. To achieve the goal of a return trip to the playoffs, the Bulldogs will need to pick up victories against region opponents that include: DeKalb County rival Plainview on Sept. 7, Brindlee Mountain on Sept. 14, New Hope on Sept. 21, Pisgah on October 5, Susan Moore on October 19, and the Sylvania Rams on October 26. The Geraldine football program is coached by Brad Waldrop, who is entering his 4th season with the Bulldogs.
Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
Geraldine CHEERLEADERS -
The 2018 Geraldine Varsity Cheerleaders include (Front L-R) Georgia Mayfield, Desa Faulkner, Chelsea Banks, Tinsley Satterfield; (Back L-R) Sarah Beth Rogers, Gracie Poole, Sabrina Jones, Reagen Richards, Alexia Niles, and Brook Bell.
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2018 Fyffe Fan Day Snapshots
Photos by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
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FALL 2018
2018 Fyffe High School Football Team
Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
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JSU 2018 SCHEDULE August 25 September 1 September 8 September 15 September 22 September 29 October 6 October 13 October 20 October 27 November 3 November 10 November 17
NC A&T Montgomery, AL OPEN Miss Valley St. Jacksonville 6 p.m. OPEN Tennessee Tech Jacksonville 6 p.m. Austin Peay Jacksonville 3 p.m. @ E. Kentucky Richmond Eastern Illinois Jacksonville 3 p.m. @ SE Missouri Cape Girardeau @ Murray State Murray, KY UT Martin Jacksonville 1 p.m. @ Tenn State Nashville @ Kennesaw St. Atlanta, GA
AUBURN 2018 SCHEDULE September 1 September 8 September 15 September 22 September 29 October 6 October 13 October 20 October 27 November 3 November 10 November 17 November 24
Washington Atlanta, GA Alabama State Auburn LSU Auburn Arkansas Auburn Southern Miss Auburn @ Miss State Starkville, MS Tennessee Auburn @ Ole Miss Oxford, MS OPEN Texas A&M Auburn @ Georgia Athens, GA Liberty Auburn @Alabama Tuscaloosa
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ALABAMA 2018 SCHEDULE September 1 September 8 September 15 September 22 September 29 October 6 October 13 October 20 October 27 November 3 November 10 November 17 November 24
Louisville Arkansas State @ Ole Miss Texas A&M LA Lafayette @ Arkansas Missouri @ Tennessee OPEN @ LSU Miss State The Citadel Auburn
Orlando, FL Tuscaloosa Oxford, MS Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa Fayetteville, Ark. Tuscaloosa (HC) Knoxville, TN Baton Rouge, LA Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa
TENNESSEE 2018 SCHEDULE September 1 September 8 September 15 September 22 September 29 October 6 October 13 October 20 October 27 November 3 November 10 November 17 November 24
West Virgina ETSU UTEP Florida @ Georgia OPEN @ Auburn Alabama @ S. Carolina Charlotte Kentucky Missouri Vanderbilt
Charlotte, NC Knoxville Knoxville Knoxville Athens, GA Auburn, AL Knoxville Columbia, SC Knoxville Knoxville Knoxville Knoxville
2018 Douglas Football Team
Photo Courtesy of Bentley Gray
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Boaz to play six road games in 2018 By Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger The Boaz Pirates are preparing to set sail for the 2018 football season and the program will open the year traveling to three different Marshall County rivals starting with Arab on August 24. Boaz will sail into Guntersville on August 31 and visit Douglas on September 7 to take on the Eagles in their 2018 Region opener. Starting on September 14 the Pirates will open up a four game home stretch with Class 5A Region 6 rival Alexandria. Boaz will host Pisgah on September 21, Marshall County rival Albertville on September
28, and the Crossville Lions on October 5. The Pirates and Albertville Aggies have played 77 times with Boaz winning 22 of those gridiron match-ups. Following the four game home stint, the Pirates will play their remaining 2018 regular season games on the road. Boaz will travel to neighboring Sardis to battle the Lions on October 12. The Pirates will play at Southside on October 19 and close our their 2018 regular season campaign at Etowah on October 26. The Pirates are coached by Jeremy Sullivan.
CLOSING IN -
Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
The Boaz defense closes in for a tackle against Crossville during the 2017 season. The Pirates picked up a thrilling 45-44 victory over the Lions for one of the program's three wins last year. The Pirates and Lions are set for a rematch this year on October 5 in Boaz.
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Local Rivals Highlight Aggies Non-Region Schedule By Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger The 2018 football season at Albertville High School is highlighted by several non-region rival games, including a Sept. 28 match-up at Marshall County foe Boaz. Albertville will open the 2018 season against Columbia on Aug. 31 and they will play Cullman in non-Region action at home on Sept. 21. The Aggies will close out the regular season at home against rivals Sardis on Oct. 26 and Guntersville on Nov. 2. The Aggies 6A Region 8 games include Ft. Payne, Buckhorn, Hazel Green, Lee and Mae Jemison. Photos by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
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2018 Albertville Senior Football Players and Cheerleaders
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Photography by Spring and Mona, LLC
2018 Albertville Aggie Band
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Photography by Spring and Mona, LLC
Albertville CHEERLEADERS -
The 2018 Albertville Varsity Cheerleaders include: (Back row L-R) Raylee Wilson, Anna Marie Mann, Alyson Paas, Becca Corbitt, Maggie Corbitt, Ella Bain Johnson, Annaleigh McCord, Kaylee Brown; (Front row L-R) Emma Scott, Deqlyn Lane, Anna Grace Kennamer, Abbigail Kepler, Savanna Stancil, Rory Craft, and Kinsley Little. The Aggie Cheerleaders are coached by Taylor Chastain and Chelsea Kinney.
Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
GETTING READY -
The Albertville Aggies are getting ready for their 2018 season opener against Columbia on August 31.
2018 Freshman Football Squad
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Darnell to lead Lions By Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger The Crossville High School football program will have new leadership this fall, but it will be a familiar face on the sideline. Crossville has hired Dusty Darnell as the Lions new head football coach. Darnell is a 1997 graduate of Crossville and has been involved with high school football for a number of years. Coach Darnell also played college football at Jacksonville State University. The Crossville alumni will coach his first official game on Saturday, August 25 when he leads his players in to battle against DeKalb County rival Geraldine. The matchup against the Bulldogs will kick off a four game home field stretch for the Lions, that will include Collinsville on Aug. 31, Etowah on Sept. 7 and Douglas on Sept. 14. The Lions will travel for the first time in 2018 when they take on Alexandria on Sept. 21. Crossville will travel to Springville on Sept. 28 and to Boaz October 5. Crossville will have an off week on October 12, before welcoming the Sardis Lions on October 19. Coach Darnell and the Lions will close out the 2018 regular season with trips to Southside on October 26 and Plainview on November 2.
Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
2018 Crossville Lions Football Program
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Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
NEW FLAGS -
With the start of a new school year, Crossville High School is showing their support and school spirit by adding new flags around campus.
Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
Crossville Cheerleaders -
The members of the 2018 Crossville High School Cheerleader squad are (Front Row L-R) MaKenzie Bloodworth, Hannah Haston, Madison Sims; (Middle Row L-R) Alyiah Martin, Lexi Kenner, Kiya Spence, Meah Simmons; (Back Row L-R) Angela Goss, Keyston Henderson, Katie Hairell, Emma Kilgo (masot), Marisa Hunt, Jayden McSpadden, and America Lira.
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Collinsville has demanding schedule
Photos by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
Collinsville Varsity Cheerleaders -
The members of the 2018 Collinsville Varsity Cheerleaders are Courtney Baine, Madison Carter, Emily Thrower, Zeb Jones, Brittany Rivera, Payton Hamby, Katie Plunkett, Maggie McKinney, Sarah Patton, Lily Wills, Rubi Velasquez.
Collinsville JV Cheerleaders -
Abigail Henderson, Somer Stewart, Abby Griggs, Karlie Plunkett, Sydney Skelton, Heather Sinclair, Kayla Ford, and Nyjaa Rooks
By Brandon K. Pierce Publisher With a several returning starters this season, the Collinsville Panthers are hoping to be a dominate force in Class 2A Region 8. “We have 21 of 22 starters returning,” noted Coach Ernie Willingham. “Last year most of them played two ways. Some of them still will, but we have several others who have worked their way into starting spots.” On the offensive side of the ball, quarterback Kaleb Jones and running back Mason McKinney will be among 11 returning starters. Both players are also listed as defensive starters, along with a trio of standout linebackers including Jarrod Barkley,
Bryan Lopez and Trevor Arnold. Other key starters are Jason Perez, Garrett Skelton, TJ Osborn, Calvin Willingham, Bryant Patton, Jacob Jones, Issac Tillery, and Michael Tucker. In addition to having experienced leaders on the field, Coach Willingham is excited about the 2018 season for various other reasons. “Our starting line is back in for the third year,” said Willingham, who noted that most his players have worked hard to improve on the field and in the weight room. Even with a solid team this season, Willingham added the Panther’s schedule is “the most demanding it’s ever been.” Collinsville will open
the season against DeKalb County rival Plainview in a home game on Thursday, August 23 at Chad Hawkins Stadium. The Panthers will travel the next two games to Crossville and North Sand Mountain, before returning home to host Fyffe on Sept.14. The Panthers will travel three more times in the second half of the season, including trips to Ider, Section and Sand Rock. Collinsville with host Asbury on October 12 and close out the regular season with home games against Cedar Bluff and Valley Head. “We have an opportunity to step-up, grow-up, toughen-up, and compete with everyone on our schedule,” concluded Willingham.
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2018 Collinsville Panthers Football Team
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2018 Georgia Volleyball Season Preview The 2018 Georgia volleyball season will be the second under head coach Tom Black. The Bulldogs will look to continue growing this season following a successful 2017 campaign. In Black's first season as head coach, Georgia finished 22-12 and fifth in the SEC with a 10-8 conference record. The Bulldogs had one combined conference victory in the previous two seasons. Georgia returns five starters plus a libero in 2018. In all, 11 letterwinners return. Georgia will look to make its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2013 this season. The squad features Preseason All-SEC outside hitter T'ara Ceasar and AVCA All-Southeast Region honorable mention setter Meghan Donovan. A strong sophomore class featuring Ceasar, Rachel Ritchie, and Kendall Glover look to help guide Georgia to its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2013. As a freshman, Ceasar was an All-SEC and AllFreshman Team pick, becoming the first All-SEC freshman Bulldog since Jasmine Eatmon in 2012. She became the first in Georgia history to receive seven SEC weekly honors in one season, breaking the previous record of two by a freshman Bulldog. Ceasar was named to the 2017 AVCA All-Southeast Region Team, finishing the season as the highest-ranked freshman nationally in kills (4.14) and points per set (4.79). The Panama City, Florida native played for the U.S. Collegiate National Team in China over the summer break. The Georgia offense placed itself in the top four of every offensive category in the SEC a year ago, including hitting percentage, assists, kills, and service aces. The conference rankings featured Georgia at the top in service aces with a 1.57 average. The Bulldogs were fourth at .243 in hitting percentage. In kills, Georgia boasted a third-place position (13.75), fueled by Ceasar and Ritchie at third and fourth in the individual rankings. Donovan provided her own third-place spot with 10.95 assists per match, bringing Georgia to its fourth position as a team with 12.91 assists per set. New to the roster in 2018 is a trio of true freshmen in middle blocker Sage Naves (Agoura Hills, Calif.), outside Kayla Rivera (Ventura, Calif.), and opposite Mallory Hernandez (Fishers, Ind.). Entering the season, Georgia was chosen to finish fourth in the SEC Preseason Coaches’ Poll, garnering 105 points in the poll, tied with LSU. The 29-match schedule will feature 12 contests in Athens, all set to be played in Stegeman Coliseum. The Bulldogs will open the 2018 campaign in Athens August 24-25 with the Benson Hospitality Invitational featuring Coastal Carolina, Furman, and Illinois State. SEC play begins at Stegeman on September 21 when Georgia hosts LSU.
Photo by Pierce Photography
CROSSVILLE CLASS OF 1953 - The Crossville High School Class of 1953 recently held a reunion at
the Western Sizzlin in Boaz. The members of the class attending the 2018 reunion include: Front row: Jackie Sue Craft Frazier, Lyman Chumley, Marlene Robinson Johnson, Kay Johnston Williamson, Shelba Hammonds Allen, and Fayreene Milwee Davis. Back Row: Kenneth Colvin, Sallie Hallelson McFarland, Lawrence "Buddy" Wade, Helan Freeman Hubbard, Colene Wilks Hoy, Bobbie Massey Shores, Eugene Leeth, and Hulane Davis.
Photo by Pierce Photography
CROSSVILLE CLASS OF 1963 - The Crossville High School Class of 1963 recently held a reunion at
the Lake Guntersville State Park. The members of the class attending the 2018 reunion include: Front row: Marvin Brice, Mike Colvin, Cecilia (Glenn) Scott, Barbara (Haywood) Martin, Devourah (Dunlap)Frith, Donnie (Barksdale) Colvin, Martha (Smith) Stephens; Back Row: Charles Dunlap, Jimmy McCormick, Bob Nichols, Joe Webb, Gary Head, Tommy Hinton, Richard Cole, Barry Gilbreath, Randall Black, Anthony Morgan, and Max Scott.
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Photo by Pierce Photography
CROSSVILLE CLASS OF 1961 - The Crossville High School Class of 1961 recently held a reunion at
Dallas' Place in Crossville The members of the class attending the 2018 reunion include: (Front Row L-R) Willodean Jolley Jenkins, Linda Brock Bishop, Marjorie Naylor Mugge, Glenda Davis Wilson, Blenda Massey Bruce, Jo Ann Croft Nelson, Norma Jean Kilgore Fortenberry, and Linda Lang Milner; (Back Row L-R) Sammy Mitchell, James Dale Hill, Mancel Norris, Jackie Smith, Maxdell Davis, Joline Roden Underwood, Lyndon Walker, James Cook, Max Roden, Janet Green O'Dell, Ray Liverett, Patsy Dalrymple Brock, Paul Talley, and Jerry Davis.
GIG CAMPUS -
Fred Johnson (left), CEO of Farmers Telecommunications recently presented a certificate to Dr. David Campbell, President of Northeast Alabama Community College certifying that NACC is a Gig Campus. NACC is the only college or university in Alabama that is Gig certified. This FTC partnership helps NACC provide extensive and advanced technology for students and staff, including more than 1,000 personal computers, some twenty-five computer laboratories, smart boards in all classrooms, a nursing simulation instruction laboratory, and an Apple Swift Coding laboratory. Through FTC, the college also was among the first in the state to provide total campus Wi-Fi. NACC Regular registration will be held on August 22. Classes begin August 23. Tuition is only $158 per semester hour. There are no additional fees for admissions or parking. Financial aid, scholarships, and student loans are available for those who qualify. For more information, go to www.nacc.edu.
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2018 Fort Payne High School Football Program
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North DeKalb Teams Ready for Season Teams across the area, including Sylvania and Ider in North DeKalb County are gearing up for the 2018 football season. The Sylvania Rams, reached the third round
2018 Ider Cheerleaders
of the state playoffs last year, before ending the season with a 55-24 loss to Randolph County. The Rams are seeking a return trip to the playoffs and will open the season at home
against rival Sardis on August 31. Ider will kick off the 2018 season against Holly Pond on August 31. It will be the first ever meeting between the two programs.
Sylvania Football Coaching Staff
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Photos by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
PLAINVIEW READY FOR 2018 - The Plainview Cheerleaders lead the football team onto the field during a game last year. The Plainview Bears will kickoff the 2018 season with an away game at Collinsville on Thursday, August 23. The last time Plainview played Collinsville was in 1979 and the Bears defeated the Panthers 28-8. Plainview will play North Jackson and Geraldine away, before returning to Rainsville to host Susan Moore on September 14 in their 2018 home opener.
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