The Sports Ledger Fall 2020

A Tribute to Beach Racing

Albertville to play in 7A

Fyffe Moves up to Class 3A

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The Sports Ledger Fall 2020

Providing Sports & News Since 2006

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FREE ISSUE

JSU Postpones Fall Sports

By Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger Many universities around the county have been affected by COVID-19 and Jacksonville State University is one of the latest victims of the pandemic.

JSU announced on Friday, August 14, 2020 that fall athletic competition is being postponed. The university received the notice from the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) of the postponement and the athletic programs that will be impacted include football, soccer, cross county, golf and tennis, as well as any non-traditional competition for the baseball and softball programs.

However, the JSU football program may be granted an exception to play up to four nonconference games if they can meet safety guidelines.

The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce

Four Game Schedule

Jacksonville State Freshman Keevaughn Peterson (#98) stares down his target as he prepares to take down UNA quarterback Christian Lopez during the 2019 season. JSU defeated UNA 30-12. The Gamecocks will be limited to no more then four games for the 2020 football season.

According to a press release from the University, the “OVC football-playing institutions that are able to demonstrate a team's willingness and readiness

to compete based on the NCAA's Resocialization of Collegiate Sport: Developing Standards for Practice and Competition and the NCAA's mental

health guidance are approved to play up to four non-conference scheduled games.�

"As to football, the overwhelming majority of our athletes want to compete this Fall," Athletic Director Greg Seitz said.

"While the OVC moved the conference schedule to the spring, the conference presidents voted today to permit conference schools to play up to four non-conference games. We are working diligently to provide our football team the opportunity to play an exciting and meaningful schedule this fall while maintaining the rigorous health protocols which were already established.

Please continue to follow our web site and social media outlets, where any updates to the 2020 football schedule will be posted as soon as they are available."

Douglas Senior Cheerleaders Kaitlyn Perkins, Olivia Dixon, and Ashley Berrey. For more football coverage see the inside of this issue of The Sports Ledger.

The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce

Are you ready for some football?

The 2020 football season is here and some youth programs are already getting things started.

Geraldine's Gavin Lang runs the football for the Bulldogs A-team during Jamboree Action at DAR on Saturday, August 15. The Bulldogs picked up a 20-0 victory over DAR and a 14-0 win over Sardis. For more football coverage see the inside of this issue.

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From the Publisher Alabama Ledger Now Online

Over the past several years The Sports Ledger's primary focus has been to provide our readers with a variety of sports news in both print and online.

During this time we have also provided information about local events and included minimal news coverage for things happening around North Alabama.

In order to increase our news coverage, The Sport Ledger is proud to announce that we have added a news web site called the Alabama Ledger.

This is currently a work in progress and it is still in the early stages, but it can be found by visiting www.alabamaledger.com While we have enjoyed being able to provide you with coverage of our local athletic teams and college programs, the past few months have been

challenging because of sporting restrictions and events being canceled due to COVID-19.

While it is our sincere hope for everyone to stay well and healthy, many of the restrictions put in place are not going to help anyone, or any team.

Despite how you feel, or your opinion, the fact is that mask's do very little good when worn outside or when you wear one 10 feet into a restaurant, only to take it off when you sit down.

Social distancing can help, but that's impossible in our schools and on the football field. It's just not going to happen, no matter how safe anyone wants their kids or student athletes to be.

Let's all pray for the safety of our athletes and that we will soon be able to get back to normal.

How to contact The Sports Ledger

Fall 2020

A Tribute to Beach Racing in Daytona

FEBRUARY 23, 1958: Paul Goldsmith drove Smokey Yunick's '58 Pontiac to victory in the final NASCAR stock car race on the sands of Daytona Beach.

(Photo by ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images)

1952: Marshall Teague entered just four NASCAR Cup races during the season and won two of them, taking the victory on the Daytona Beach-Road Course in Daytona Beach, FL, then following that with a win at Speedway Park in Jacksonville, FL. (Photo by ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images)

Driver Lee Petty poses on the beach with his 1956 Volusia Motors Dodge before the Beach and Road Course race on February 26, 1956 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Petty finished the race 12th. (Photo by Don O'Reilly/Dozier Mobley/Getty Images)

TELEPHONE: 256-506-7368 EMAIL: thesportsledger@gmail.com February 23, 1958: Paul Goldsmith (No. 3), driving Smokey Yunick’s 1958 Pontiac, and Jimmy Thompson (No. 55) in A. L. Bumgarner’s 1957 Pontiac, bring the field down for the start of the final NASCAR Cup race to be held on the Daytona Beach-Road Course.

Goldsmith went on to score the victory. (Photo by ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images)

MAILING ADDRESS PO BOX 175 Albertville, AL 35950 SHIPPING ADDRESS 1458 County Road 21 Crossville, AL 35962 WEBSITE: www.thesportsledger.com PUBLISHER The Sports Ledger was established in 2006 by Brandon K. Pierce MANAGING EDITOR Myra W. Pierce

February 1956: Tim Flock of Atlanta, GA, with the Carl Kiekhaefer-owned Chrysler he drove to a dominating win in the NASCAR Cup race on the Daytona Beach-Road Course. Flock led 34 of the 37 laps run during the race. (Photo by ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images)

Fall 2020

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2020 Weekly High School Football Schedules

Thursday, August 20 Arab at Albertville

Friday, August 21 Asbury at Gaston Weaver at Douglas Fairview at DAR Boaz at Hayden Glencoe at Sardis Guntersville at East Limestone Valley Head at Ragland Ider at Woodville Collinsville at Section Sylvania at Saks Isabella at Fyffe Gadsden City at Etowah Briarwood at Fort Payne Saturday, August 22 New Hope at Crossville Friday, August 28 Whitesburg Christian at Asbury Douglas at Brindlee Mountain Guntersville at Arab Madison County at Boaz Sardis at Sylvania Valley Head at Section Ider at Plainview Crossville at Collinsville Pisgah at Sand Rock Westminster at Geraldine Fort Payne at Gadsden City North Jackson at Whitwell, TN Woodville at NSM Madison Academy at Scottsboro Hokes Bluff at Southside Friday, September 4 Albertville at Sparkman Geraldine at Asbury Brindlee Mountain at Sylvania Sardis at Douglas DAR at Madison Academy Fort Payne at Arab Crossville at Boaz Fairview at Guntersville Cedar Bluff at Valley Head NSM at Ider Fyffe at Collinsville Westbrook at Sand Rock Plainview at Pisgah North Jackson at West Minister Woodville at Coosa Christian Section at Tanner Scottsboro at Oxford Oneonta at Etowah

The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce

Bennefield To Return for Boaz Boaz running back Kadin Bennefield leads the charge for the Pirates during the 2019 game against the Albertville Aggies.

Bennefield will be a returning starter for the Pirates this fall.

Friday, September 11 Albertville at Florence Asbury at Plainview Collinsville at Brindlee Mountain Douglas at Fairview DAR at North Jackson Arab at Scottsboro Boaz at West Point Geraldine at Sardis Guntersville at Crossville Woodville at Valley Head Ider at Tanner Gaston at Sand Rock Sylvania at Fyffe Springville at Fort Payne Section at NSM Falkville at Pisgah Piedmont at Glencoe Oxford at Southside Sumiton Christian at Cedar Bluff Cherokee County at Anniston Friday, September 18 Grissom at Albertville Fyffe at Brindlee Mountain Douglas at Guntersville Westminster Christian at DAR Southside at Arab Sardis at Boaz Valley Head at Gaylesville Section at Ider Sylvania at Collinsville Sand Rock at Southeastern

Plainview at Geraldine North Jackson at Madison Acad.

Ashville at Etowah Sumiton Christian at Woodville NSM at Tanner Scottsboro at Springville Pisagh at Whitesburg Christian Glencoe at Hokes Bluff White Plains at Cherokee County Weaver at Piedmont Friday, September 25 Albertville at Boaz Coosa Christian at Asbury Sumiton at Brindlee Mountain Glencoe at Douglas Pisgah at DAR Arab at Brewer Southside at Sardis Madison County at Guntersville Ider at Valley Head Collinsville at Sand Rock Crossville at Plainview Saks at Geraldine Etowah at Fort Payne Scottsboro at North Jackson Woodville at Decatur Heritage Cedar Bluff at NSM Jacksonville at Piedmont Friday, October 2 Huntsville at Albertville Sylvania at Asbury

Brindlee Mountain at Geraldine St. John Paul II at DAR Pell City at Arab Boaz at Fairview Guntersville at Sardis Appalachian at Valley Head Victory Christian at Ider Sand Rock at Locust Fork Fyffe at Plainview West Point at Crossville Fort Payne at Scottsboro Madison County at North Jackson Cedar Bluff at Woodville Pisgah at NSM Falkville at Section Etowah at Good Hope Springville at Southside Glencoe at Walter Welborn Ohatchee at Piedmont Friday, October 9 Bob Jones at Albertville Brindlee Mountain at Asbury Boaz at Douglas DAR at New Hope Arab at Oxford West Point at Sardis Valley Head at Coosa Christian Pisgah at Ider Plainview at Collinsville West End at Sand Rock Geraldine at Sylvania NSM at Fyffe Crossville at Fairview Southside at Fort Payne North Jackson at Randolph Whitesburg Christian at Section Oneonta at Scottsboro Etowah at Hanceville Ohatchee at Glencoe Gaylesville at Ceadar Bluff Piedmont at Pleasant Valley Friday, October 16 Albertville at Austin Asbury at Collinsville Douglas at West Point Madison County at DAR Guntersville at Boaz Sardis at Crossville Ider at Falkville Sand Rock at Spring Garden Plainview at Sylvania Geraldine at Fyffe Fort Payne at Pell City St. John Paul II at North Jackson

Whitesburg Christian at NSM Section at Pisgah Southside at Scottsboro Saks at Glencoe Cedar Bluff at Appalachian Hokes Bluff at Piedmont Friday, October 23 James Clemens at Albertville Asbury at Fyffe Brindlee Mountain at Plainview Crossville at Douglas DAR at Randolph Arab at Springville Fairview at Sardis West Point at Guntersville Valley Head at Sumiton Christian Ider at Whitesburg Christian Collinsville at Geraldine Sand Rock at Cleveland East Limestone at Sylvania Oxford at Fort Payne North Jackson at New Hope Appalachian at Woodville Falkville at NSM Pisgah at Tanner Section at Hanceville Scottsboro at Pell City Dora at Etowah Glencoe at Pleasant Valley Coosa Christian at Cedar Bluff Jacksonville at Cherokee Co. Thursday, October 29 Collinsville at Valley Head Friday, October 30 Albertville at Guntersville Ragland at Asbury DAR at Brindlee Mountain Douglas at Pisgah Boaz at Arab Sardis at Hokes Bluff Cedar Bluff at Sand Rock Plainview at Glencoe Sylvania at NSM Geraldine at Crossville Fyffe at Scottsboro Fort Payne at North Jackson Section at Woodville Etowah at Southside Piedmont at Alexandria NOTICE - Due to COVID-19 all games for 2020 may be subject to change at any time.

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Fall 2020

Albertville Football To Play in Class 7A

The Albertville Aggies will be facing some tough competition on the gridiron in 2020, as the football program will be competing in Class 7A this fall.

“My guys look at it as an opportunity more than a challenge,” said second year Albertville Football Coach Cliff Mitchell.

With almost 140 players in grades 9-12, including 35 seniors, the Aggies have the numbers to handle the 7A schedule, which will include several larger schools.

“I’m excited about this group of guys we have at Albertville,” Mitchell said. “We’re ready for the challenges ahead.”

Having 15 returning senior starters will also be an advantage for the Aggies this coming season.

“We’ve got really good senior leadership,” Mitchell stated, while also pointing out that this is

the “biggest” senior class that he can remember at Albertville.

The size and leadership will be an asset for the Aggies, in Class 7A Region 4, which will include games against Sparkman (Sept. 4), Florence (Sept.

11), Grissom (Sept. 18), Huntsville (Oct. 2), Bob Jones (Oct. 9), Austin (Oct. 16) and James Clemens (Oct. 23).

All three non-region games this year will be against Marshall County rivals including a home game against Arab for the season opener on Thursday, Aug. 20. The Aggies will face the Boaz Pirates on Sept. 25 and close out the 2020 regular season at Guntersville on Oct. 30.

“We’re excited about those games,” Mitchell added. “Those are those old school home-town games that people get fired up for.”

Photos Courtesy of Spring and Mona Photography

2020 Albertville Aggies

Albertville Varsity Cheerleaders for 2020 The members of the 2020 Albertville High School Cheerleaders are (Front L-R) Maggie Hall, Anna Grace Kennamer, Lily Laverty, Alyssa Smith, Kinsley Little, Laney Hall, Taylor Swords, Ella Shaver; (Back L-R) Emma Scott, Kaylee Brown, Kaeli Mostella, Kelly Snow, Becca Corbitt, Ella Bain Johnson, Anna Marie Mann, Bailey McDaniel, Jaylee O’Dell, and Ava Morrow.

Fall 2020

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Albertville Aggie Band 2020

Albertville Football Roster

#1 Trinity Bell #2 Cole Smedley #3 Zion Davis #4 Chi Jordan #5 Elijah Moss #6 Ty Murphy #7 Jordan Burgess #8 Scout Dixon #9 Jordan Knight #10 Hayden Howard #11 Ben Allen #12 Carter Cornelius #13 Bryson Painter #14 Isaac Henderson #15 Jacob Bouvier #16 Halen Painter #17 Evan Carr #18 Andy Howard #19 Reece Knight #20 Adam Bearden #21 Givenchy Dorival #22 Caleb Champion #23 TJ Wills #24 Tillman Plunket #25 Carter Jenkins #26 Anthony Hollis #27 Jovany Lopez #28 Xavier Harris #29 Evan Martinez #30 Franceguilot Revolte

#32 Elian Diaz #33 Landen Peppers #34 Joel Cain #35 Feliciano Perez #36 Devyn Davis #37 Cade Boman #38 Braxton Bowers #39 Leonardo Pena #40 Landen Powell #41 Carlos Sanchez #42 Ayden Carr #43 William Menendez #44 Cooper Butler #45 Gavin Wagnon #46 Widj Charles #47 Jackon Wheeler #48 Freddy Ortiz #49 Tyler Hatley #50 Jackson Godwin #51 Tayton Higgins #52 Sawyer West #53 Gage Cornelius #54 Bennett Akins #55 Jose Zarate #56 Will Kitchens #57 Brady Mullinax #58 Mason Abel #59 Wyatt Igou #60 Jose Gomez #61 AJ Hannon

#63 Edgar Pizano #64 Giovani Zamaripa #65 Derek Lowe #67 Will Traylor #68 David Velasquez #69 Trent Jones #70 Will Hand #71 Daniel Baldwin #72 Reed Kitchens #74 Juan Lopez #75 Chris Ramirez #76 Ramon Bautista #77 Keejay Blount #78 Henry Lopez #79 Mehki Carmen #80 Rodolfo Baltazar #81 Alex Overa #82 Austin Stewart #83 Silas Busic #84 Jordan Cooper #85 Gael Garcia #86 Jason Rodriguez #87 Kaleb Gant #88 Jeremiah Jones #89 Conner Lowery #90 Alex Mateo #91 Logan Carmichael #92 Caleb Akins #93 Kolton Bagwell

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Fall 2020

Asbury Football Moves To Class 3A

By Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, health and safety restrictions, and the move from Class 2A to Class 3A, the Asbury Rams are excited and looking forward to the 2020 football season.

“In the world that we are living in at the presentday time, we’ve got a lot of restrictions, we’ve got a lot of guidelines that we have to follow,” said Asbury head football coach Chris Williams. “But the number one thing is these kids, their health, their wellbeing, their safety.”

Williams also said that the mental health of today’s student athletes is also important and can often be overlooked during these troubled times.

“Football is a great, great, great medicine for

these kids. To be able to get with one another on the practice field, to be able to socialize with one another, and to escape the reality of the tragedy that we’re going through in today’s society with this pandemic,” added Williams.

The Rams coach said despite all things that could negatively affect his program, his players have a “positive attitude” about the upcoming season, which starts on Friday, Sept. 21 at Gaston.

The season opening game will mark the first time the Rams have competed in Class 3A after making the move up from Class 2A last season.

Asbury will be playing in Region 7 and Coach Williams said that the Rams have a tough road ahead of them this season.

“We get the privilege

2020 Asbury Rams of having Fyffe and Collinsville following us as we go up,” added Williams about the move.

“The rest of the Region, it’s about as brutal as the 2A Region we were in. But right now, with our program where we’re at, what we’re trying to do is focus on winning the day and getting better, making ourselves better going into year five of varsity

football.”

The 2020 Region opponents for Asbury include: Geraldine (Sept.

4), Plainview (Sept. 11), Sylvania (Oct. 2), Brindlee Mountain (Oct. 9), Collinsville (Oct. 16) and Fyffe (Oct. 23).

The Rams’ non-region foes include Whitesburg Christian (Aug. 28), Coosa Christian (Sept. 25), and Ragland (Oct. 30).

Asbury Football Roster #1 Kore Arvie #3 Gavin Johnson #5 Liam Biddix #8 Austin Bloodworth #12 Korbyn Patterson #14 Brad Walden #18 Jacob Gareri #20 Charlie Minton #25 Ronnie Gaspar #28 Dante Broussard #32 Dakota Templeton #35 Nate Minton #39 Daniel Mullinax

Photo Courtesy of Asbury Athletics

#41 #44 #50 #52 #55 #59 #64 #67 #74 #76 #77 #82 #86 #88

Jaden Crow Gavin Parrish Gage Farmer Estivin Franco McKinley Orr Logan Hale Aiden Lemerise Jim Thompson Alex Alarcon Zander Dolin Oscar Rios Drake Benefield Nate Blancett Skylar Ford

DAR to face tough Region

Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger

DAR head coach Joel Poole said the Patriots’ football program is “extremely fired up” about the upcoming football season.

Following a midJuly announcement by the AHSAA, the Patriots and many other football programs around the state returned to the gridiron to prepare for a new season.

After the state’s official announcement, Poole said his telephone “lit up like a Christmas tree.”

“Very little football could go on,” said the head coach about how his program has dealt with the

COVID-19 pandemic the past few months.

However, Poole said that every program has been in the “same boat” because no one really knew if the football season would happen because of trying to keep everyone safe.

“I really think that the communities in most places have been apprehensive,” added Poole about starting back for 2020 football season. “I think, especially for the state of Alabama, you know it’s hugely important and I hope that it continues to be so.”

Despite the shutdown rules, Poole said that many of his players found ways outside of the field house to

keep in shape and that the opening week of practice for 2020 has been good and that approximately 50 players are showing up for workouts.

These players include seven seniors and a larger number of players from both the junior and sophomore classes.

“You got to be game ready every Friday Night,” added Poole and his program is already working toward the 2020 season opener against nonregion opponent Fairview on August 21.

Following the season opener, the Patriots will face a challenging schedule in Class 4A Region 7.

DAR will open 2020 Region action against Madison Academy on Sept. 4. Other region foes for the season include: North Jackson (Sept. 11), Westminster Christian Academy (Sept. 18), St. John Paul II (Oct. 2), New Hope (Oct. 9), Madison County (Oct. 16), and Randolph (Oct. 23).

“It’s an extremely tough Region,” added Poole. “I think the guys are excited to play some of the bigger schools we have to play.”

The Patriots other non-region opponents are Pisgah (Sept. 25) and Brindlee Mountain (Oct. 30).

The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce

Boaz Recreation building closer to completion Construction continues on the new recreation facility in Boaz. The city broke ground on the new complex in September 2019 and at that time the building was estimated to be close to 46,000 square feet and cost approximately $12.75 million. The new facility will reportedly feature two gyms, a walking track, indoor and outdoor pools and meeting spaces.

Fall 2020

By Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger

Last year the Geraldine Bulldogs had a strong football program that reached the third round of the AHSAA State Playoffs.

However, this year Geraldine has a younger team and a lot to figure out if they plan to reach the playoffs this season.

“We’re young, we’re trying to build, and trying to grow,” said Geraldine head Coach Brad Waldrop.

Although his players are excited, and ready to learn, the Bulldogs coach said that there is “no substitute for experience.”

With only seven seniors this year, and the younger group behind them, Waldrop said he is still looking for team leaders to emerge.

Overall, the Bulldogs are still learning to be where they are supposed to be on the field, doing what they’re supposed to do, and learning to be more physical.

Many of those are aspects of the game that are usually covered during the spring training, but like other programs around the state, Geraldine’s spring was cut short due to COVID-19.

“You can’t make up for lost time,” added Waldrop about spring training.

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The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce

Geraldine Wins Jamboree

The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce

Waldrop enters sixth season at Geraldine

Geraldine head football coach Brad Waldrop looks for an explanation from a referee after a penalty was called against his program. Waldrop is entering his 6th season as the head coach of the Bulldogs.

Overall, the sixth-year head coach and his players are excited about the season.

“As a whole, I can sense a little more excitement, you know, in the air, verses years past just because there was that possibility of hey we might not even get to play,” said Waldrop.

There is still a possibility of schedule changes for all teams as programs around the state continue to deal with COVID-19. However, at present time the Bulldogs

are set for a Jamboree at Piedmont and Geraldine will officially open the 2020 season against Westminster Christian on August 28.

Starting in September, the Bulldogs will begin Class 3A Region 7 action by traveling to Asbury on Sept. 4. The other region games include Plainview (Sept. 18), Brindlee Mountain (Oct. 2), Sylvania (Oct. 9), Fyffe (Oct. 16), and Collinsville (Oct. 23).

“I think our region is as good as anybodies in the

state, especially in Class 3A,” said Waldrop. “We expect a ballgame every Friday night.”

The Bulldogs nonregion schedule will be just as difficult as region competition. In addition to the season opener, Geraldine is set to play Sardis (Sept. 11), Saks (Sept. 25) and DeKalb County rival Crossville (Oct. 30).

“People around this area love football,” added Waldrop. “Friday night lights is where it’s all at.”

Geraldine's Kyler Beene attempts to outrun a DAR defender during the A-team's youth jamboree football game on Saturday, August 15. The Bulldogs won the game 20-0.

The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce

Touchdown Lions!

Jace Boggs runs a touchdown in the final seconds to help the Sardis B-team defeat DAR 28-0 in a jamboree game on Saturday, August 15.

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Fall 2020

Boaz Coach Impressed By Team's Character

By Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger

Boaz head football Coach Jeremy Sullivan said it’s been a different kind of summer for the Pirates’ program, but now that practice is underway he is excited about the new season and believes that his players will be ready for the Aug. 21 season opener.

“It’s going to be a fun year for me because I love coaching them every day,” said Sullivan.

“Usually when it’s like that they’re going to get better every week and so we’re going to try to get as good as we can get and win as many games as we can.

That might be none and that might be ten, I don’t know, but we’re going to be the very best we can and that’s all you can really ask for as a coach.”

The character of these young men is what seems to impress the Pirates head coach the most, as Sullivan recently shared a story about how his players helped raise money to purchase a bicycle for a teammate that was walking two miles each way just to show up for workouts.

“It awesome to see our other players have such a selfless mindset and such a giving heart,” commented Sullivan, “We want to win

football games, there is no doubt about that, but there are other things that we would hope we’re helping to teach.”

Sullivan added that his program’s heartwarming story about the player led initiative to help a fellow teammate in need, was shared via video and it has since “blew up” online, adding that the offensive coordinator at Stony Brook University in New York recently emailed him to commend the Boaz players for their act of kindness.

Overall, the fourthyear head coach is proud of his players and believes he has several good leaders on the team this season.

This includes two senior starters who have never played varsity football before.

Sullivan is also looking for Carter Lambert to be the field general this season and lead the Pirates at the Quarterback position.

“I fully expect him to be the starter,” added Sullivan. “He is one of the hardest working kids I have ever coached. He’s totally and completely committed.”

Lambert’s job may not be too difficult, as he will have help from the offensive line and from running back Kaden Bennefield, who has

2020 Boaz Pirates a chance to have a really good season.

“He’s going to be a big part of our offense,” said Sullivan about Bennefield.

Lambert, Bennefield, and their Boaz teammates have a competitive schedule ahead of them this season, as the Pirates will be competing in Class 5A Region 7 against Crossville (Sept. 4), West Point (Sept.

11), Sardis (Sept. 18), Fairview (Oct. 2), Douglas (Oct. 9) and Guntersville (Oct. 16).

The 2020 non-region opponents are Hayden (Aug. 21), Albertville (Sept 24), and Arab (Oct. 30).

“I’m not real sure where Hayden is, but we’re going to be there and we’re going to be ready to play,” stated

Sullivan about the Pirates season opener.

Boaz 2020 Roster #1 Keaton Kennedy #2 Cole Bowling #3 Carson Chamblee #4 Mathias Roberts #5 Jordan Cerillo #6 Junior Lankford #7 Mason Alexander #8 Dylan Posey #9 Canaan Claborn #10 Tyler Pierce #11 Jaquez Kelly #12 Trevor Helton #13 Cade Whorton #14 Carter Lambert #15 Andre Kirkland #16 Bo Brock #17 Tyler Helton #18 Kegan Woods #19 Lucas Zataran #20 Tanner Lacey #21 Kadin Bennefield

#22 #23 #24 #25 #26 #27 #28 #29 #30 #31 #33 #34 #35 #36 #37 #38 #39 #40 #41 #42 #44 #46 #47 #48 #49

Bo Hester Gavin Smart Jacob Bozarth Tristan Burns Javius Hudgins Jaquan Kelly Sean Baugh Davis Kilpatrick Ruben Gomez Gerardo Baeza Jeb Powell Eli Jacobs Logan Mashburn Jack Whitmire Tyler Osborne Mario Bautista Carson Gable Branson Honea Jake Teal Brendan Fowler Ben Morrison Mariyoni Ambrocio Taylor Knight Korbyn Pitts Austin Walker

Photo Courtesy of Bentley Gray Photography

#50 #51 #53 #54 #55 #56 #57 #58 #59 #60 #61 #62 #63 #64 #65 #66 #67 #68 #69 #70 #71 #72 #80

Tyler Whaley Mauricio Frasco Alberto Zaragoza Broderick Brownrigg Peyton Clift Ricky Valasquez Ben Patterson Gavin Huffman Brooks Gentry Kendrick Jamerson Raphael Esquivel Joe Teal Valero Jacinto Dakota Lankford Walker Holland Eder Cruz-Lopez Andy Korsmo JT Pruitt Issac Silvia Conner Washburn Kleiver Roblero Solis Ranai Ortega Alex Pankey Head Coach Jeremy Sullivan

Fall 2020

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PAGE 9

Sardis Set to Play Challenging Class 5A Rivalry Schedule

Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger The Sardis Lions will be starting the program’s third football season in Class 5A and its 10th season under Coach Gene Hill when the new year officially kicks this fall Overall, Hill has high expectation for the Lion’s program in 2020, noting that his players have been working hard to be strong and competitive.

This has not been an easy task, as players were forced out of the weight room due to the COVID-19 pandemic for most of the off season.

“The biggest thing to me that they miss is that time in the weight room, especially when we got out in March, because the last three months of school we really hammer the weight room and into spring training. That’s something you can’t makeup,” Hill said.

For the most part Sardis will field a young team, but Hill noted that the Lions will have nine seniors, as well as 4 returning starters on both offense and defense.

One of the players Hill is looking at to lead the program on the football field this fall will be Brody Samples.

“We got more of a running back at quarterback then we had last year,” said Hill about Samples who has worked hard to become the leading candidate for the Lions quarterback position.

Samples’ arm strength and speed, along with the athletic abilities of his teammates, will help the Lions weather through a

competitive schedule that includes rival games in Class 5A Region 7.

Hill said that playing rival football games is good for both schools, and fans.

Sardis is set to play Glencoe in a Jamboree on Friday, August 21 before opening the 2020 season at Sylvania on August 28.

The Lions Region opponents for 2020 include Douglas (Sept. 4), Boaz (Sept. 18), Guntersville (Oct. 2), West Point (Oct. 9), Crossville (Oct. 16), and Fairview (Oct. 23).

Sardis will host rival Geraldine in nonconference action on Sept. 11. Both remaining non-region games will be against Etowah County rivals.

The Lions will host Southside on Sept. 25 and close out the regular season by traveling to Hokes Bluff for the 2020 Regular season finale on Oct. 30.

2020 Sardis Lions

Photos Courtesy of Bentley Gray Photography

2020 Sardis Cheerleaders The members of the Sardis High School Varsity Cheerleading squad include (Front L-R) Dixie Hartline, Ava Harbian, Haylie Jones, Alyssa Noah, Lexi Stitts, Kimberly Powell, Lanese Edmondson, Abby Garmany, MaKenzie Chapman, Gracie Burns; (Back L-R) Braelyn Carroll, Christina Jones, Gracie Gamble, Sydney Kirkpatrick, Liberty Lion, Kaylen Wallace, Abby Burns, Jocelyn Henson, and Macy Noojin.

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Fall 2020

Crossville to field 'Veteran Group'

Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger Crossville Lions head coach Dusty Darnell knows what it takes to win, and since taking over the high school football team he has worked to rebuild a program that has struggled to maintain its identity over the past decade.

Crossville used to be a powerhouse team, earning the right to compete in the playoffs each season and Darnell hopes his team can return to those days of Lion football.

"I'm actually expecting a lot out of this group," added the third-year head coach.

Darnell described the 2020 Crossville team as a "veteran group" stating that he has 18 seniors this fall.

However, like any program the Lions need to focus on a few key aspects of the game and continue to improve each day.

"We've got to be more disciplined," he said, while adding that his players need to learn to finish games and not make mental mistakes in the second half.

"We can't shoot ourselves in the foot," added Darnell, who is a 1997 graduate of Crossville High School.

During his playing days for the Lions from

1994 to 1996 Crossville earned a spot in the playoffs each season and during that time the program did not lose to its county rival Geraldine in the Battle of Skirum Creek.

To add more fuel to the fire, so to speak, Darnell said that although he has ties to the area and friends that live in the neighboring town, that he really doesn't even like Geraldine.

"I ain't real fond of Geraldine period," added Darnell. "I hate everything purple besides Barney (the dinosaur) and I hate Barney too," laughed Darnell.

The Lions will have to wait until the final game of

the regular season for the annual non-region rivalry match up, as the two programs are set to meet on the gridiron on October 30.

However, the Lions will not have to wait that long to take the field, as Crossville is set to kick off the new year against New Hope on August 22.

The other non-region games for the Lions are Collinsville (Aug. 28) and Plainview (Sept. 25).

The Class 5A Region 7 foes are Boaz (Sept.

4), Guntersville (Sept.

11), West Point (Oct. 2), Fairview (Oct. 9), Sardis (Oct. 16) and Douglas (Oct. 24).

Photo Courtesy of Mountain Valley News

Crossville Football Coaching Staff

The members of the 2020 Crossville coaching staff are (Standing L-R) Johnny Chacon, Kent Colvin, Charles Dutton, Ty Cole, Andrew Jones, Danny Smith, Jonathan McGill, Riley Edwards, and (Kneeling) Dusty Darnell.

Fall 2020

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2020 Crossville Lions Football Team

PAGE 11

The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce

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PAGE 12

Fall 2020

Crossville Football Roster 2020

#1 Harley Hicks #2 Tyler Cox #3 Colton Adkins #4 Hunter Haston #5 Colton Lankford #6 Kolby Lesley #7 Chris Garner #8 Alex Chacon #9 DeKota Causey #10 Landin Cox #11 Jadyn Heflin #12 Elijah Smith #13 Quentin Chapman #16 John Morgan #19 Gary Heflin #21 Ivan Franco #22 Will Goss #23 Isaiah Spence #25 Micha Wainwright #30 Caleb Causey #33 Ernesto Lopez #34 Trace Allen #42 Thomas Matthews #44 Kris Nix

#50 #51 #56 #60 #64 #71 #72 #74 #75 #76 #93

Jesus Garcia Harley Lasseter Trey Bennett Ethan Pass Shane Pass Fernando Guzman Alfonso Lopez Oswaldo Torres Chris Lopez Drayton Leeth Andres Agustin

Head Coach Dusty Darnell Assistant Coaches Johnny Chacon Kent Colvin Charles Dutton Ty Cole Andrew Jones Danny Smith Jonathan McGill Riley Edwards

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2020 Crossville Varsity Cheerleaders

The members of the Crossville High School Varsity Cheerleading squad include (Front L-R) Kiya spence, Meah Simmons, Angela Goss, Lexi Keener; (Back L-R) Sara Kilgo (Fierce), Hallie Freeman, Ali Lopez, Khristina Johnson, Jaycee Bowen, Bryanna Bowling, and Alexis Denton.

Read Free Online at www.thesportsledger.com

The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce

2020 Collinsville Varsity Cheerleaders The members of the 2020 Collinsville High School varsity cheerleading squad are Kayla Ford, Sophia Wills, Abigail Henderson, Sydney Skelton, Nyjaa Rooks, Heather Sinclair, Rylee Tillery, and Madison Carter.

Fall 2020

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Collinsville To Compete in Class 3A

By Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger

The Collinsville High School football program finished the 2019 season by winning a school record 12 games, placing second in Class 2A Region 8 and reaching the AHSAA state semi-finals.

However, the 2020 season will be different as the Panthers have moved up to Class 3A Region 7 and will be under the direction of first year head coach Daniel Garrett.

“We’re doing some things a little bit differently than they have in the past,” said Garrett who is excited about the upcoming season and the fact that his players are working hard every day to build upon the success of last year’s record setting team.

One thing that may help the Panthers this year is the establishment of a new team leadership council.

“They make all the decisions for the team,” said Garrett.

The council consist of seven players, including three seniors, one junior, and three sophomores, and

The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce

the group meets weekly with the coaching staff to help with decision making and recommend ways to help make the football program better.

“We’ve got a bunch of hungry young men that are eager to prove themselves,” Garrett commented.

“I feel like we’ve got a lot of positive things going here and there is a lot of great things that we can accomplish if we continue to buy into the culture and live that out in everything we do on and off the field.”

The Panthers will compete in their first Class 3A football game on Friday, August 21 at Section. Collinsville will return home the following

week to face the Crossville Lions before heading into region action against Fyffe on Sept. 4.

Collinsville was 12-2 last year and both losses were to the Red Devils.

The Panthers other Class 3A Region 7 opponents for 2020 include Brindlee Mountain (Sept.

11), Sylvania (Sept. 18), Plainview (Oct. 9), Asbury (Oct. 16) and Geraldine (Oct. 23).

In addition to the non-region games against Section and Crossville the Panthers will face rival Sand Rock on Sept.

25 before closing out the 2020 regular season by traveling to Valley Head on Oct. 30.

Collinsville Football Roster

#1 Colton Wills #2 Deon Winsley #3 Jacob Jones #5 Carmen Barkley #6 Dalton Hughes #7 Jameson Coker #9 Eli Griggs #10 Keaton DeBoard #11 Fernando Padilla #13 Andres Garcia

#14 #15 #17 #22 #24 #25 #32 #50 #51 #55

John David Vargas Jonathan Henderson Skyler Nestor Chase Goza Austin Morgan Luke Henderson Blake Sparks Jack McPherson Justin Goza Aiden Daniel

#56 #60 #62 #66 #70 #74 #75 #78

Rajuess Rooks Jordan Coker Seth Brown Bryant Patton Trevor Terrell Dameon Venable Elijah Mitchem Shaun Stewart Head Coach Daniel Garrett

The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce

The members of the 2020 Collinsville coaching staff are Shane Stewart, Jordan May, Teddy Helms, Daniel Garrett, Chris Conde, Jeff Stanley, and Ryan Stanley.

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PAGE 14

Fall 2020

Fort Payne to Face Tough Schedule

By Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger For anyone playing football at Fort Payne High School there is an expectation of winning each game and earning a spot in the state playoffs.

“When you grew up and watch teams in Fort Payne, they kind of expect to win, and have found ways to do that in some close games for us,” said head Coach Chris Elmore about his players and what they are capable of on the gridiron.

“They’re used to winning and they expect to win,” he said.

The Wildcats finished last season with a winning 9-3 record, including

a 24-17 victory over Hartselle in the opening round of the state playoffs.

Elmore said that this year’s team is progressing each day and that the program is excited about opening the new season this fall.

“We’ve got kids that are coachable, and we’ve got kids that will work hard,” added Elmore.

The Wildcat’s will have to work hard in every game this season if they expect to match, or improve upon, last year’s ninewin season and playoff appearance. One reason for this is that Fort Payne has a very tough schedule in non-region and in Class 6A Region 7 competition.

“I think a lot of people around Fort Payne thought I had lost my mind when we made the schedule, because we scheduled Athens and Gadsden City to open the season,” said Elmore. “So, I’m not doing a great job scheduling right now, as far as trying to get 10-win seasons.”

Fort Payne's head coach noted that the benefit of playing those type games to start the year will challenge his program and help the Wildcat's to become a better team early in the season.

However, the Athens game, which was originally set to be the 2020 season opener for the Wildcats, has been canceled.

With only days left before the start of the 2020 football season the Golden Eagles were reportedly forced to make the schedule change due a positive COVID-19 case at the school.

According to the Athens High School website, "the first game scheduled for August 21 against Fort Payne has been canceled."

As of press time, Fort Payne had reportedly reached an agreement with Briarwood Christian for the 2020 season opener.

The Wildcat's will host the Lions on August 21.

Briarwood Christian, who is coached by Matthew Forester, was originally set

to play Madison Academy, but like Fort Payne, the Lions were forced to change the games due to COVID-19 concerns from their Huntsville area opponent.

The Wildcats' game against Gadsden City is still set for August 28.

Barring no other schedules changes from concerns over COVID-19, by the third week of the season Fort Payne will be ready to turn their attention to a very competitive Class 6A Region 7 which includes Arab (Sept.

4), Springville (Sept.

11), Scottsboro (Oct. 2) Southside Gadsden (Oct. 9), Pell City (Oct. 16) and Oxford (Oct. 23).

2020 Fort Payne Football Team

Oxford is a very, very good football team and very talented,” said Elmore.

“They’ve got a lot of players back and it will take great effort by anyone to beat them this year.”

Fort Payne is ready for that challenge and looking forward for the opportunity to compete with all teams on the 2020 schedule.

“I think it’s just the excitement of playing the best,” added Elmore.

The Wildcats other non-region games include a match up against rival Etowah on September 25 and the regular season finale will be at North Jackson on October 30.

Photo Courtesy of Andy Vance

Fall 2020

PAGE 15

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Valley Head Excited For Season

Photo Courtesy of Andy Vance

Fort Payne Varsity Cheerleaders

Third year Valley Head football Coach Heath Vincent said that he is “super excited” about the 2020 season and that his program is setting their goals high this year in hopes of a return trip to the AHSAA State Playoffs.

Last year the Tiger’s finished with a 6-5 record after closing out the year with a 34-19 loss to Hackleburg in the opening round of the state playoffs.

This year, Vincent said he has already been impressed by the team’s work ethic and focus, and that the Tiger’s offense been able to pick up where they left off last season. He hopes that will allow the program to be a little more complex on offense.

The coach also noted the effort and time that his players have put into lifting weights and conditioning since he has been at the helm of the program is beginning to show, and he believes that getting “stronger” will help the Tiger’s this season.

“We’ve got our work cut out for us,” added Vincent.

“Our first two (games) are away, so it’s a huge challenge on this team to be able to make those road trips,” he said.

Valley Head is scheduled to open the season at Ragland on August 21. The Tigers will take a trip to Section on August 28 to face the Lions.

Those will be “two good teams right out of the gate to get us ready to go into region play,” said Vincent.

The Tiger’s first home game of the 2020 season will be against Class 1A Region 7 opponent Cedar Bluff on Sept. 4. Valley Head will continue region action with a homecoming matchup against Woodville on Sept. 11.

The 202 Region games will include Gaylesville (Sept. 18), Appalachian (Oct. 2), Coosa Christian (Oct. 9) and Sumiton Christian (Oct. 23).

Valley Head’s remaining games will be against nonregion DeKalb County rivals Ider (Sept. 25) and Collinsville (Oct. 29).

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PAGE 16

Fall 2020

Ider To Be Faster And More Focused

Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger With a high maturity level and better focus this season, Ider head football Coach Miles Keith is excited about the 2020 season.

He believes that his team’s maturity level will be the “one thing that will be a big difference maker” for the Hornets this Fall, and the second-year head coach is ready to start the new year.

“I can’t sit still, I ain’t slept in three days since coach (Steve) Savarese said we’re going,” Keith stated.

“I want our guys to enjoy it. I want to have great energy, and them to have enthusiasm, and want them to work really hard,” he added.

The Hornets have already been working hard and Miles commented that his players are faster this year, compared to last season.

In addition to being fast, he thinks the success of his program, as well as

other teams, during the early part of the season will be based on which teams execute the best on the field and which teams will be in the best physical condition.

“Those teams are going to be the ones that are going to separate themselves from everybody early and we want to be one of those teams,” Miles said.

The Hornets will have their first real chance to prove themselves on the gridiron when they open the season against nonregion opponent Woodville on August 21.

Ider’s other non-region games include Plainview (Aug. 28), Valley Head (Sept. 25) and Victory Christian (Oct. 2).

The Hornets will be competing in Class 2A Region 7 and their 2020 region opponents include North Sand Mountain (Sept. 4), Tanner (Sept. 11), Section (Sept. 18), Pisgah (Oct. 9), Falkville (Oct. 16) and Whitesburg Christian (Oct. 23).

Ider will have on open week on Oct. 30.

The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce

2020 Ider Hornet Football Team

Ider 2020 Football Roster #1 Carson Lipham #2 Hunter Robinson #3 Brodie Chapman #4 Luke Hannah #5 Ben Watkins #6 Ben Smith #7 Aiden Whitaker #8 Hayden Jackson #9 John Jackson #12 Skylar Hawkins #15 Dallen Hartline #17 Chris Hancock #20 Greyson Weldon #21 Andrew Blevins #24 Matt Norman #25 Jesse Massey #27 Daniel Wilson #29 Ryan Wells

#32 #40 #50 #51 #55 #56 #58 #59 #64 #71 #72 #74 #75 #77 #79 #80 #81

Jacob Bradford Faron Everett Alex Browder Kyler Chapmen Cohen Willoughby Bryan Bass Logan Mckee Brock Smith Tucker Gass Jarrett Jenkins Landon Traylor Jacob McElhaney Colton Crane Isaac Friskie Chase Flannigan CJ Sparks Brodie Heard

The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce

2020 Ider Varsity Cheerleaders

The members of the 2020 Ider High School Cheerleaders include: Madylin Johnson, Hayley Kilgore, Isabelle Howard, Rhiannon Pick, Haley Grimes, MaKynna Morgan, Allie Crowely, Makinley Traylor, Mattie Hannah, Emma Hayes, Mikayla Morgan, Cambree Chapman, Paisley Chapman, Jade Hilderbrand, Taegan Willoughby, Jazlyne Nix, and Addisyn Heard.

Fall 2020

PAGE 17

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Sylvania Seeking Ten-Win Season

Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger With seven returning starters, and 13 seniors, the Sylvania Rams are ready to face a tough Class 3A Region 7 football schedule when the season opens this fall.

“In the history of Sylvania we’ve had 3 teams that have won 10 games or more and they want to be the fourth. They want to be on top,” said Rams head coach Matt Putman about his 2020 football team.

“We’re really excited about what we’ve got coming back,” added Putnam.

Most of the offensive line will be returning starters and the Rams’ coach said most of the team was strong and athletic.

Both of those qualities will be important for Sylvania, especially against the program’s 2020 Region opponents which include Brindlee Mountain (Sept. 4), Fyffe ( Sept. 11), Collinsville (Sept. 18), Asbury (Oct. 2), Geraldine (Oct. 9) and Plainview (Oct. 16).

Many of the region games, as well as two of the four non-region matchups, are against rival teams from the surrounding communities.

“I love small town football,” stated Putnam, who believes that playing these type rivalry games makes the season more special.

“Friday nights on Sand Mountain are electric,” he said.

Sylvania will open the season at Saks on Aug. 21.

The Rams will return home for a non-regional game against Sardis on Aug. 28.

The Final two games of the regular season round out the Ram’s non-region schedule. These include a home game against East Limestone on October 23 and a trip to Higdon to face rival North Sand Mountain on Oct. 30.

#27 #33 #44 #49

Keenan Wilbanks Brant Kittle Baylor Richey Jaxon Andrede

#51 #52 #55 #62

Ashdon Cooley Drenan Townsel Clayton Wilks Hunter Brooks

#63 #64 #65 #67

Aspen Cooley Skylar Venable Blake Phillips Caiden Tuttle

#70 #73 #77 #79

Sidney Dekker Zander Wooten Will Smothers Ky Shankles

Photos Courtesy of Andy Vance

Sylvania Roster #2 Lucas Putnam #3 Brody Smith #4 Sawyer Hughes #5 Zach Anderson #6 Brayden Harris #7 Shuan Gimm #8 Evan Haney #9 Jaxon Smith #10 Logan McCullough #11 Brett Sims #13 Hunter Hall #14 Josey Sargent #15 Gareth Anderson #20 Gavin Chambers #21 Leo Kirby #22 Braiden Thomas #26 Styles Hughes

2020 Sylvania Cheerleaders The members of the 2020 Sylvania High School Cheerleader squad include (Front) JohnMark Atchley as the Rowdy mascot; (Kneeling L-R) Kate Berry, Kendall Hill, Abby Shrader, Isabella Corbin, Sommer Gimm, Hannah Essex, and Kelly Barnard; (Standing L-R) Madison Welden, Mykala Ginn, Sadie Goza, Ava Howell, Gabby Green, Gabby Wisner, and Carmen Dailey.

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PAGE 18

Fall 2020

Scottsboro football coach not worried about moving to Class 6A

Scottsboro head football Coach Don Jacobs is working to build a consistent and competitive program, and he believes the Wildcats will be ready when the 2020 football season kicks off this fall.

“This has been a fun group to coach,” Jacobs said, noting one of the advantages for his team this year will be several returning starters.

The Wildcats are set to return five starting players on both offense

and defense. Additionally, Scottsboro will field 19 players from the junior class, including 13 that have played football in the past.

Despite the experience, Jacobs says the Wildcats still need to find a strong center for this fall, after losing last year’s starter at the position to graduation.

Overall, the coach said that one of the keys for his program is to be “consistent” regardless of what’s happing in the other

places and to keep moving forward.

“We play ten ballgames and it’s my job to get you cranked up and ready to go each and every week,” commented Jacobs about the program’s move into 6A this season.

“I have not put very much stock into going to 6A because it don’t matter,” added Jacobs.

“Our Region is really a 5A region that just happened to be bumped up to 6A because of the change in

the numbers from 11 & 12 (grade) and 9 & 10 (grade).”

Scottsboro’s 6A Region 7 schedule includes Oxford (Sept. 4), Arab (Sept. 11), Springville (Sept. 18), Fort Payne (Oct. 2), Southside-Gadsden (Oct. 16) and Pell City (Oct. 23).

The Wildcat’s coach said that several of this year’s Region foes moved up from 5A within the past few years and that only two teams on the 2020

schedule have been in 6A competition for a number of years.

“Really the only two that you are talking about is Pell City and Oxford,” said Jacobs.

“Pell City’s been 6A for a long time and has done absolutely not much,” stated Jacobs. “I don’t think Pell City scares anybody, but we still got to line up and go play.”

“I’m not sure anybody in 7A can beat Oxford,” he added.

Overall, Jacobs said he is not worried much about being in Class 6A, noting that he is “proud” of his kids and that they have had “great attitudes” about the challenging schedule.

Scottsboro is set to open the 2020 season on Sept. 28 against nonregion opponent Madison Academy. The Wildcats other non-region games are North Jackson (Sept. 25), Oneonta (Oct. 9) and Fyffe (Oct. 30).

Pisgah sets sites on return trip to playoffs

By Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger

The Pisgah Eagles are entering the 2020 football season with the hopes of reaching the State Playoffs again this year.

Last year, Pisgah finished fourth in Class 3A Region 7 and earned a spot in the opening round of the AHSAA playoffs.

This year Pisgah has moved down to Class 2A and head coach Luke Pruitt said he is excited about the season.

However, despite playing in the lower classification, it’s not going to be an easy season for the Eagles. The program is rebuilding this year

after losing 12 seniors to graduation and the Eagle’s third year head coach stated that his program needs to improve on both sides of the football.

Pruitt said that the two key issues that his team needs to focus on is being able to control the line of scrimmage on offense and improving tackling skills on defense.

“We’re going to have a young team,” Pruitt said, who noted that over the past two years as head coach that he has worked to build a solid foundation and expects the younger players to be able to step up and contribute this year.

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Pisgah is set for a nonregion season opener on August 28 at Sand Rock and the Eagles are scheduled to host Plainview on Sept. 4 for the 2020 home opener.

Class 2A Region 7 action will kick off on Sept.

11 against Falkville and Pruitt believes this game and the NSM matchup on Oct. 2 may be the toughest two region games on the Eagle’s 2020 schedule.

Pisgah’s other region foes include Whitesburg Christian (Sept. 18), Ider (Oct. 9), Section (Oct. 16) and Tanner (Oct. 23).

The remaining nonregion opponents include DAR (Sept. 25) and Douglas (Oct. 30).

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Mustang Scramble Golf Tournament The Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) Foundation’s Mustang Scramble golf tournament and golf ball drop is set for Thursday, Sept. 10, at Dogwood Hills Golf Resort and Gardens in Flat Rock. This year, teams will tee off at either 8:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Mr. Rudder Williams will be the pilot for the fly over ball drop at this year’s Mustang Scramble. Mr. Williams serves as the chairperson of NACC President Dr. David Campbell’s advisory board. He was born and raised in Bridgeport. He married his high school sweetheart, Donna Williams, and they have two children, four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Mr. Williams is retired from his business, Skyline Oil. He has been an aircraft pilot for over 44 years and is the chairman of the Scottsboro Airport Board.

Mr. Williams is also on the revolving loan fund board for TARCOG, the State of Alabama Aviation Council, a member of the Scottsboro Rotary Club, and is the Secretary of the Economic Development Authority Board. In his spare time, Rudder enjoys spending time with his family and of course, flying! Golf ball drop tickets are now on sale. You may purchase one golf ball for a donation of $20 or six golf balls for a donation of $100. If you would like to purchase a ticket for the golf ball drop at the Scramble, email NACC Development Director Heather Rice at riceh@nacc.edu or call 256-228-6001 ext. 2301. Possible winnings from golf ball drop donations equal up to $1,000.

Fall 2020

North Jackson Opponent Has New Head Coach The North Jackson Chiefs are set to travel out of state this year to take on Whitwell High School in Tennessee. According to reports, Whitwell will be under the direction of new head coach Jake Cabell. Coach Cabell is stepping in to guide the program after the school reportedly parted ways with Travis Olinger after his Inaugural season at the high school.

PAGE 19

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Section To Field 'Stronger' Team

The Section Lions football team will be competing in the Class 2A Region 7 this fall.

“We’re really looking forward to getting going,” said head coach Chris Hammon who noted that the level of competition this year will be challenging for his program. However, it will be a challenge that his players are ready to face.

“We really focus on ourselves, doing what we need to do, preparing and being fundamentally sound. And, if we go into whoever we play that week, and if we do what we’re supposed to do, we feel like we got a good chance,” stated Hammon.

“I feel like this year, we’re three times stronger and just overall better,”

commented Hammon.

The Lions will find out just how much better, when they hit the gridiron on August 21 against the Collinsville Panthers.

Collinsville defeated Section last year 41-7 and went on to finish the year in the state semi-finals.

Section’s other nonregion games this coming season include a week two

match up against DeKalb County rival Valley Head on Sept. 28, a trip to Hanceville on Oct. 23, and the regular season finale at Woodville on Oct. 30.

The Lions’ Class 2A Region 7 foes include Tanner (Sept. 4), NSM (Sept. 11), Ider (Sept.

18), Falkville (Oct. 2), Whitesburg Christian (Oct. 9) and Pisgah (Oct. 26).

North Sand Mountain could lead Class 2A Region 7

By Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger North Sand Mountain football coach Keith Kirby and his players are excited about the upcoming 2020 season and some folks believe this could be a strong year for the Bison program.

Last year, North Sand Mountain finished the year

at 9-4 overall, which set a team record for the most wins in a season. Two of the four losses were to state semifinalist Collinsville, one was to the AHSAA 2A State Champion Fyffe Red Devils, and the other loss was to rival Sylvania.

Both Fyffe and Collinsville were region foes last year and both of

those teams moved up to Class 3A this season. This leaves a big opportunity for the Bison program to build upon the success of last season and move into the top spot in the region.

“I don’t’ know if you can say we’re the top dog or not,” stated Kirby about Class 2A Region 7.

“We’re trying to be

the best we can be, we’re trying to take it one day at time, we’re trying to enjoy being around each other, because you know we can’t take it for granted.”

Overall, the fifth-year head coached noted the region has changed quite a bit, but he is hopeful that his program will have a chance to get into region

competition and see what happens.

“We’ve seen a lot of people leave, but we got some familiar faces in there still,” added Kirby.

North Sand Mountain is scheduled to open Region action against rival Ider on Sept. 4. Other region games for 2020 include Section (Sept. 11), Tanner

(Sept. 18), Pisgah (Oct. 2), Whitesburg Christian (Oct. 16) and Falkville (Oct. 23).

The Bison are currently set to kick off the new season against nonregion opponent Woodville on Aug. 28. Other nonregion games for 2020 include Cedar Bluff (Sept.

25), Fyffe (Oct. 9) and Sylvania (Oct. 30).

Photo Courtesy of Mountain Valley News

2020 North Sand Mountain Football Team

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PAGE 20

Fall 2020

North Jackson football set to play challenging 2020 schedule

By Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger

The 2020 North Jackson High School football program may have one of the toughest Class 4A schedules in North Alabama. However, Head Coach Chandler Tygard stated that if his program will take things one game at a time, and work hard to earn everything possible, he believes the Chiefs can be successful this fall.

“We’ve got a very difficult schedule,” said Tygard, noting that he planned it that way so that his program will gain additional experience.

“We’re playing two 6A’s in Scottsboro and

Fort Payne, we’re playing a rivalry game across the state line in Tennessee, and playing a Jamboree against the 5A runner-up,” he said.

Despite the challenges, the Chiefs coach is excited for the new season and believes that his team can rebuild from a disappointing 2019 season.

Last year North Jackson finished at 2-8 overall, setting a school record for the most losses in a single season. Three of the losses came in the final minutes of each game, including the Chief’s season opening one-point overtime loss to Plainview.

However, with 17 returning starters, including 29

upperclassmen, Tygard stated he is feeling much better about the team’s depth and that “this year it’s all about finishing.”

North Jackson will find out just how much they have improved when the 2020 season kicks off.

The Chiefs will open the new year at Whitwell, TN on August. 28.

Class 4 Region 7 action gets underway on Sept. 4 at Westminster Christian. The program’s other region opponents for 2020 include DAR (Sept.

11), Madison County (Oct. 2) Randolph (Oct. 9), St John Paul II (Oct. 16) and New Hope (Oct. 23) North Jackson will

play rival Scottsboro on Sept. 25 in non-region action and close out the year against Fort Payne on Oct. 30.

North Jackson Chiefs 2020 Football Roster #1 Macklin Guess #2 Myron Walton #3 Cade Reed #4 Ayson Quinn #5 Blake Holladay #6 Brady Cunningham #7 Nigel Lanier #9 Austin Lopez #10 KJ Huckabee #11 Kilan Summers #12 Dalton Morris #13 Johnny Gilliam #15 Jonathan Linderman #16 Ray Ray Sanders

#17 #18 #19 #20 #21 #22 #23 #24 #25 #26 #27 #30 #31 #32 #34 #35 #44 #49 #50 #51 #52 #53 #54

Luke Johnson Prince Hooks Jamarion Farrior Kyle Posey Alex Mitchell EJ Wilson Anthony Guess Devin Duncan Ty Smith Blake Smith Colton Carpenter Nate Whisenant Nick Jernigan Wil Sims Diego Holt Jacob Byrd Ryland Matthews Devonte Pickett Levi Hughes CJ Smith Andres Pascual Jaylon Walker Cayden Wynne

#56 CJ Gulley #57 Osdy Gonzales #58 Ethan Whisenant #59 Seth Johnson #62 Gannon Jernigan #65 Quinton Coutess #66 Aron Morales #68 Jaden Pritchard #70 Peyton King #73 Cameron Mitchell #74 Cameron Gore Head Coach Chandler Tygard Assistant Coaches Jo Hollis Chris Reynolds Jamaal Bess Robert Bess Gerald Riggs Jr. Mark Berryman Jamie Brooks Sam Houston

2020 North Jackson Chiefs Football Team

The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce

Fall 2020

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PAGE 21

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PAGE 22

Fall 2020

Plainview to be stronger and faster

By Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger

Plainview High School coach Nick Ledbetter is confident that he is helping the Bear’s athletic program build a solid foundation and he said that the football team has high expectations for the 2020 season.

“We’re a lot stronger and a lot faster than we have been,” said Ledbetter.

Despite facing the obstacles associated with COVID-19, Ledbetter said his team managed to have a good summer and that many players found time to lift weights, work out and condition themselves for

the upcoming season.

In addition to being stronger and faster, the Bear’s coach added that his players are “bigger” than they have been in the past and the 2020 team will have a lot of depth with just over 50 players.

He said that offensively, Plainview will have about 70% of the starters back from last season, and about 60% of the program’s defensive players will be returning this fall.

Those numbers will help the Bears when they open the 2020 season on August 28 against

DeKalb County rival Ider.

Plainview will travel to Pisgah to play the Eagles on Sept. 4, before kicking off Class 3A Region 7 action with a home game against Asbury on September 11.

The Bear’s other region opponents for 2020 include Geraldine (September 18), Fyffe (October 2), Collinsville (October 9), Sylvania (October. 16) and Brindlee Mountain (October. 23).

Plainview’s remaining non-region games include a match up against Crossville on September. 25 and a regular season finale at Glencoe on October 30.

Photo Courtesy of The Mountain Valley News

2020 Plainview Cheerleaders

The members of the 2020 Plainview High School Cheerleaders include (Front L-R) AnnaKay Hawkins, MaKayla Wells, Caroline Cooper, Grace Devlin, Lacie Oliver; (Back L-R) Ellie White, Lainey Tidmore, Sydney Foster, Emily Guilford and Katie Bryan.

Plainview Bears 2020 Roster #1 Chase Alexander #2 Josh Sandlin #3 Lukas Smith #4 Levi Brown #5 Brody Bryant #6 Harley Wharton #7 Kaden Clifton #8 Brody McCurdy #10 Andrew Hall #11 Bryson Richey #12 Noah White #16 Brady Millican #18 Marcos Vega #19 Sam Crowell #20 Garrett Moore #21 Brando Martinez #22 Jathan Underwood #23 Gavin Brown #24 Arturo Medrano #25 Hunter Patton

#26 #30 #34 #42 #50 #51 #52 #53 #54 #56 #57 #57 #58 #59 #62 #68 #70 #71 #72 #73 #74 #75 #76

Dylan McCollough Braxton Hearn Michael Lopez Andrew Mays Blake Cleveland Austin Strickland Dagan Miller Britt Morgan Fabian Torres Ethan Hope Buddie Jackson Grant Martin Sydney King Matthew Hawkins Corey Killian Mason Tidmore Bishop Brown Ben Durham William Boyer Jimmy Morales Mason Cooper Brayden York Nathan Subias

#77 #78 #81 #83 #88

Aaron Wooten Garrett Smith Deigo Pascual Nate Crow Aiden Champman

Head Coach Nick Ledbetter Assistant Coaches Brad Bruce Josh Clements Chase Parker Jesse Daniel Nathan Ledbetter Jason Lindsey Blake Holloway John Prose Phillip Jackson Josh York Jason Brown Micah Haynes Chris Davis Elijah White

Fall 2020

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The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce

2020 Plainview Football Team, Band and Cheerleaders

The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce

2020 Fyffe Varsity Cheerleaders The Members of the 2020 Fyffe High School Varsity Cheerleaders are (Front L-R) Haylin Veal, Cassidy Lance, Alyssa Howell, Hayden Pettus; (Middle L-R) Hannah Smith, Aubrey Jones, Emma Dalton, Marissa Gray, Jessie Sparks, Bella Dennis; (Back L-R) Maddie Crowe, Sadie Smith, Wriglee Wooten, Brylie Buttram, Emma Jones, Ava Smith, and Jovie Jones.

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Fall 2020

NACC Financial Aid Opportunities

Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) students may be eligible for additional financial aid assistance during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Although families are experiencing many uncertainties pertaining to the pandemic, attending college at Northeast can still be financially feasible for students.

NACC understands many students’ financial situations have been affected by the pandemic and offers some advice to students looking to begin college or further their education.

Northeast’s Financial Aid office is able to assist with adjusting incomes for financial aid eligibility as a result of Covid-19.

“Our Financial Aid staff is wanting students and potential students to know that this possible funding is available,” stated NACC President Dr. David

If a student or a student’s parents became unemployed during the outbreak of Covid-19, they may work with the Financial Aid office to adjust their current income if they are drawing unemployment.

These students may now be eligible to receive a Pell Grant. A Pell Grant consists of money from the U.S. government that will help cover tuition and other costs associated with college. The Pell Grant works on an income-based system, which means it considers both the student’s and parent’s income levels.

Students are not required to

pay back money received from a Pell Grant.

NACC’s Director of Financial Aid Kip Williamson wants students to take advantage of this opportunity. “If you have not completed your FAFSA already, please do so now. If possible, use the IRS DRT (data retrieval tool when completing your FAFSA. It saves a lot of time and makes the verification process much easier,” says Williamson.

Any prospective or enrolled student may apply for financial aid. A financial need is established when it is determined that the resources of the family (expected family contribution, the primary source of student finances) do not meet the cost of attending a particular college, including NACC. To be considered for most types of financial assistance, students must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year before the Fall Semester. NACC encourages students to apply as soon as possible after October 1 for the upcoming academic year, with July 15 as the priority deadline. The academic year is fall-spring-summer, in that order.

Students should check their MyNACC account and campus email regularly.

NACC’s Financial Aid staff has worked diligently through the pandemic to ensure students are well educated about financial aid resources. To learn more about financial aid email finaid@nacc.edu.

The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce

Auburn looks to rebound in 2020 following New Year's Day Loss in Outback Bowl

Auburn Wide Receiver Seth Williams attempts to haul in a catch during the Tigers match-up against Minnesota in the 2020 New Year's Day Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Tigers fell to Minnesota 31-24 to end last season. Williams is listed as a returning Junior on Auburn's 2020 roster. He will join his teammates in playing a revised SEC only schedule, which will include five home games at JordanHare Stadium. These include: Arkansas, Kentucky, LSU, Tennessee and Texas A&M. The Tigers will travel to Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and South Carolina. Dates, times and other information was not available at press time and information about the season is subject to change at anytime due to COVID-19.

Guarantano Set For Senior Season

The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce

University of Tennessee senior quarterback Jarrett Guarantano has been named to the 2020 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List, which is presented annually to the top senior and upperclassman quarterback set to graduate with their class by the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Selection Committee. Candidates are chosen based on player performance both on and off the field. Guarantano is returning for his final season on Rocky Top after spearheading the Vols midyear turnaround in 2019 and lifting Tennessee to a six-game win streak to conclude last season. This includes a 221 yard performance to help lead the Vols to a thrilling 23-22 victory over Indiana in the 2020 Taxslayer Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, FL. During last season, Guarantano led Tennessee with 2,158 passing yards and 16 touchdowns, while completing 152-of-257 pass attempts after appearing in all 13 games with seven starts. Guarantano averaged 14.2 yards per completion to top the SEC.

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Fyffe seeks third straight undefeated season Red Devils move up from Class 2A to Class 3A

By Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger

Fyffe football has a tradition of being successful on the gridiron.

Over the past two seasons the Red Devils have built an undefeated 30-0 record and won back-to-back Class 2A State Championships.

This year, Fyffe will be looking to add to its impressive winning streak as they move up to Class 3A Region 7.

“We will be competitive, if we stay healthy,” said veteran coach Paul Benefield.

“We’re looking forward to any challenge that we see up ahead,” added Benefield.

“We hope that we’re mature and smart enough to know that we better just worry about Isabella right now and that is what we’re worried about.”

The Red Devils are scheduled to open the 2020 season against Isabella on August 21. Fyffe holds a 1-0 record in the series, winning the last match-up 56-30.

As of press time, Fyffe’s second game of the season against Fellowship Christian School in Georgia had been canceled. The

The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce

State of Georgia has pushed back the start of their 2020 season until September 4 due to concerns over COVID-19.

“It’s getting tougher and tougher to coach,” said Benefield about dealing with the pandemic and other issues and changes related to high school football.

During the 2020 DeKalb County Media Days Benefield addressed various topics including COVID-19, the team’s change in classification from 2A to 3A, and how he handles the media and attention his program has received after their success in recent years.

“I want my kids to get all the attention they can, because they deserve everything they get and they work hard for it,” said Benefield, while adding that he expects a lot from his players.

“We don’t have the buddy system,” he said.

“I think we need more Daddy’s and Coaches in the world, instead of buddies.

These guys got buddies, they don’t need me running around with them to be their buddy. Buddies don’t ask buddies to do what I’ve ask them to do.”

Additionally, the legendary coach said jokingly that if things associated with the sport

of football continue down the same path as they have been, that it may lead to just playing flag football someday.

All jokes aside and despite the schedule changes, Benefield said that his program is looking forward to the season.

The Red Devils will open Class 3A Region 7 against DeKalb County rival Collinsville on September 4.

Fyffe’s other region foes for 2020 are Sylvania (Sept. 11), Brindlee Mountain (Sept.

18), Plainview (Oct. 2) Geraldine (Oct. 16), and Asbury (Oct.23).

Fyffe’s two remaining match ups on the shortened

nine game schedule will include NSM (Oct. 9) and Scottsboro (Oct. 30).

Fyffe Red Devils 2020 Roster #3 Hunter Gillian #4 Ike Rowell #6 Blayden Woodall #7 Hunter Machen #8 Evan Chandler #10 Will Edge #15 Justin Stiefle #20 Will Stephens #21 Eli Benefield #22 Brodie Hicks #25 Kaden Sharp #26 Kyle Dukes #27 Caleb Mitchell #28 Ty Bell #30 Riley McBride #33 Simon Hicks #37 Malachi Mize

#40 #43 #50 #54 #55 #56 #57 #60 #61 #66 #67 #70 #71 #72 #73 #74 #77 #79

Owen Blackwell Brody Dalton Brody Blackwell Levi O’Connor Chase Wooten Jacob Mitchell Jake Wooden Cade Underwood Samuel Woods Jacob Butts Parker Thompson Tucker Wilks Yahir Balcazor Kane Brown Austin Mulligan Levi Carroll Elisha Stiefel Caleb Lyles

Manager Ivan Salvador Head Coach Paul Benefield

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Guntersville Excited About 2020 Season

By Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger

Guntersville High School head football Coach Lance Reese is hoping that his program can return to state playoffs again this year and his program is looking forward to the season, as well as the opportunities ahead of them this fall.

The Wildcats will have seven returning starters on both offense and defense, a returning kicker and four different guys that Reese believes can step in and play quarterback this season.

"Seven back on both sides is good, especially with not having a spring training.

So having returning starters is probably more important this year than ever before," said Reese, who is entering his 11th year as head coach at Guntersville.

The veteran coach also noted that the Wildcat's will have a good group of receivers this year and he

Guntersville High School Head Football Coach Lance Reese is entering his 11th season at the helm of the Wildcats. hopes his team will also be better defensively.

As far as competition for the 2020 season, Reese is excited to be competing in Class 5A Region 7 because many of the opponents are from neighboring communities.

"We got some of the more local teams back in there," he said. "It will be great that we get to play more games closer to home."

The Wildcats 2020 Region foes include Fairview (September 4), Crossville (September 11), Douglas (September 18), Sardis (October 2), Boaz (October 16), and West Point (October 23).

The upcoming season opener will the farthest distance away that the Wildcats will have to travel during the regular season.

That game is set for August 21 at East Limestone.

Guntersville is also set to travel to Arab on August 28 for a non-conference game against the Knights.

Following a threegame region stint, the Wildcats will host Madison County on September 25 in their third non-conference game of the season.

The 2020 season finale is set for October 30 against Marshall County rival Albertville, who has moved up to Class 7A.

Reese said that playing the Aggies is "always a great way to end the (regular) season."

Fall 2020

IN THE NEWS NEW HIRE - Douglas has hired Audrey Glitzer to lead the Lady Eagles Volleyball Program. She is a 2014 graduate from Douglas.

POLICE CHIEF - Sardis City recently named Will Alexander as interim Chief of Police. He is replacing Chief James Harp, who is retiring.

FOOD CITY - A new Food City grocery store is coming to the former K-mart location at the intersection of Hwy. 75 and US Hwy 431 in Albertville.

The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce

Two Hotels Coming To Albertville A new Fairfield by Marriott is coming to Albertville.

It will be located across from Gilbert & Baugh Ford on US Hwy. 431. The 4-story hotel will reportedly have 79 rooms and 25 suites and will be part of a hospitality and event park. Hampton Inn & Suites also has a sign for new hotel, which will be located on Hwy. 75 near the intersection of Hwy. 431.

The Sports Ledger | Myra W. Pierce

Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheater

Construction is winding down on the new Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheater in Albertville. The multi-sport complex covers 130 acres and will offer an aquatic center, outdoor water park, fitness center, athletic fields, and event spaces.

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Douglas coach working to rebuild football program

By Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger

First year Douglas head coach Brandon Lyles hopes to help the Eagles rebuild the football program and bring back some of the traditions that have been a part of Douglas High School in year’s past.

Lyles, who is a former player at Douglas, said that while cleaning out the equipment room earlier this summer he found several trophies where past teams had won various honors for their performance on the gridiron.

Over the past few weeks, Lyles has helped build a trophy case to display these items and serve as a reminder to the current players of the opportunities for them to add to the trophy case during their careers at Douglas.

“My goal is for these guys, before they graduate, is to have something they can put in there themselves,” Lyles said about the trophy case during the 2020 Marshall County Media Day. With a younger program, and only two seniors, the rebuilding of traditions at Douglas is not going to happen on the first day, but Lyles believes his team is getting stronger and that they will

be “more competitive” this season.

“The majority of our team is sophomore and freshman,” he said while adding that his players have a great attitude and have being working hard. “It’s been a consistent everyday grind.”

Lyles hope that his players will continue to work hard and stay motived once the season gets underway.

“Our goal is to definitely try to get into that fourth spot (in Class 5A, Region 7) to be in the playoffs and it starts this year,” said Lyles. “I see talent on this team, that if they will do everything and buy into it, we will have an opportunity.”

Douglas is scheduled to open the 2020 season on Friday, August 21 with a home non-conference game against Weaver at Arthur Jarvis Stadium.

The other region games for Douglas include Sardis (Sept. 4), Fairview (Sept. 11), Guntersville (Sept. 18), Boaz (Oct. 9) West Point (Oct. 16), and Crossville (Oct. 23).

The other 2020 nonregion games for the Eagles will be against Brindlee Mountain (August 28), Glencoe (September 25), and Pisgah (October 30).

The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce

2020 Douglas Eagle Football Team Freshman Samuel Wright Jaycob Calloway Gabriel Lawrence Logan Puckett Avery Thomas Micheal Smith Sophomore Landon Abernathy Logan Abernathy

Ralph Vinson Braxton Lindsey Jonathan Fountaine Oswaldo Ortiz Dakota Stewart Eli Teal Will Bishop Dalton Goble Austin Hook Judah Bearden

Jase Nunally Isaac Baker Juniors Kaleb Taylor Joseph Sides Christian Simmons Sean Epps Tristen Dobbs Nathaniel Zuniga Jeremy Dobbs

Lucas Page Jayden Villanueva Landry Bowen Seniors Jalen Tate John Juarez Head Coach Brandon Lyles

The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce

Douglas Senior Football Players, Cheerleaders and Band Members

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Arab To Start New Quarterback

By Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger

The Arab High School football program lost several starting players to graduation last year.

However, second year head coach Lee Ozmint said that he is looking for his team to be competitive this fall.

“I’m just excited that we’re going to get to take the field with the bunch,” Ozmint said while noting that some other states are still trying to figure out a game plan due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite losing players from last year’s team and the various setbacks from the pandemic, Ozmint mentioned that his players have been working hard.

Additionally, several of the players are developing quality leadership skills, which the coach believes will help the Knights to maintain a steady course and stay motived throughout the 2020 season.

“I’m excited about both sides of the football,” Ozmint added.

The Arab defense will have a few returning starters, but the Knights offense will may look somewhat different under the direction of a new quarterback.

“Ed Johnson will take the reins this Fall, and I’m excited to see him run that offense,” Ozmint said.

Despite his coach describing his as “really, really, smart,” Johnson may have a tough year ahead of

him as the Knights’ field general.

Arab will be facing off against some strong competition in Class 6A Region 7 that includes Fort Payne (Sept. 4), Scottsboro (Sept.

11) Southside (Sept. 18), Pell City (Oct. 2), Oxford (Oct. 9) and Springville (Oct. 23).

The Knights nonconference games will also be challenging. Arab is set to open the season against Class 7A Albertville on August 20.

The Knights will travel to Brewer on September 25 and close out the regular season against Marshall County rival Boaz on October 30.

Arab Knights 2020 Roster #1 Will Hudson #2 Alex Alcala #3 Brodie Cash #4 Owen Fleming #5 Jackson Martin #6 Mathew Turnage #7 Ross Reynolds #8 Wes Johnson #9 Caleb Hetler #10 Kent Tyler #11 Brody McCain #12 Ed Johnson #13 Aidan Cox #14 John Ray Wilks #15 Tyler Alldredge #17 Hayden O'Reilly #18 Christian Eaton #19 Spencer Strickland #20 Bryson Bailey #21 Dakota NeSmith #22 Brody Bradshaw #23 Drake Franklin #24 Colby King #25 Mitchell Duquette #27 Matthew Kensing

#28 Amarion Bullock #29 Caleb Roe #30 Chandler Cobb #31 Hayden Patterson #32 Patrick Lawler #33 Josh Roe #34 Caleb Dyson #35 Asher Cooper #36 Jonathan Pugh #37 Jonah Humphreys #38 Reagan Saylor #39 Drake Brown #40 Bryson Patterson #41 Graydon Isom #44 Jacob Cobb #45 Wilson Walker #46 Titus Shell #49 Travis Hartwell #50 Michael Robertson #51 John David Hall #52 Samuel Williams #53 Bradley Ridgeway #54 Zac Pugh #55 Gage Mason #56 Blake Brown #57 Skylar Rodgers #58 Conner Knighten #59 Hunter Leak #60 Jesse McCombs #61 Drew Williams #63 Alex Romero #64 Jase Richey #65 Reed Willis #66 Jacob Thompson #68 Cody Morgan #69 Bryce Morgan #71 Jaden Clark #72 TJ Turney #73 Lane Robertson #74 Brock Johnston #75 Gary Lane Smith #76 Cole Davis #77 Xander Shipp #78 Cade Moore #79 Mo Al-Khawlani #80 Trevor Hinds #81 Colin Stewart #82 Russell Daily #88 Taylor Ferguson #90 Bradley Harris #94 Gavin Currier #97 Ashtan Trussell

Photo Courtesy of Spring and Mona Photography

2020 Albertville Volleyball Team The members of the Albertville High School volleyball team for 2020 include: (Front row) Caroline Thomas, Evie Smart, Leecia Oliver; (Middle Row) Elaina Collins, Erin McManus, Emily Vaughn, Kinsley Chambers, Lenslie Richards; (Back Row) Kaleigh McCreless, Kailey Anderson, Amiah Murry, Brindlee Denney, Sarah Rutledge, and Emma Greer.

Brindlee Mountain Coach Believes Football is Important

By Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger Football is important to many people, especially in smaller communities.

It helps teach student athletes numerous skills and lessons, while preparing younger folks for a life off the gridiron as they grow older.

“What sets people apart is not so much what they do, but the great effort behind what they do on a daily basis, and that’s where we want to be,” commented Brindlee Mountain head football Coach Keith Garner.

“We are committed to working day in, day out,” added the coach about his staff and the small group of players who are showing to prepare for the 2020 season.

“We are just staying with the way we do things.

Trying to do things the right way. Taking it drill by drill, day by day, and not getting too far ahead of ourselves. And, hopefully, it will work out,” he said.

Garner admitted that it has been tough over the past few months, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he believes that students need to be in school and on the playing field if that’s something that can safely happen for everyone involved including students, teachers, parents, and other caregivers.

“We need football,” he said. “We need to be in school if we can be there in a safe manner.”

“It’s a daily battle, but I’m going to tell you,

I still love it. I love our kids and we will keep moving forward,” stated Garner.

The Lions are already moving forward, as the players have been focusing on the fundamentals of football and preparing for the team's 2020 season opener against the Douglas Eagles on August 28.

This season Brindlee Mountain will open Class 3A Region 7 action at Sylvania on Sept. 4. Other Regional opponents will include Collinsville (Sept.

11), Fyffe (Sept. 18), Geraldine (Oct. 2), Asbury (Oct. 9), and Plainview (Oct. 23).

The 2020 non-region opponents for Brindlee Mountain include: Sumiton Christian (Sept. 25) and DAR (Oct. 30).

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IN THE NEWS GROUND BREAKING - Fort Payne will soon be getting a new 40,000 square foot manufacturing facility. Kudzu Millwork, manufacturer of All Temp Windows, recently held a ground breaking ceremony for the facility, which will be located at 1201 Echols Drive in Fort Payne.

FPHS VOLLEYBALL - Fort Payne High School recently hired Justin Kisor as the school's new head Volleyball Coach. The Lady Wildcats were scheduled to open the 2020 season with a tournament at Brooks High School on August 22.

GO VOTE - The 2020 General and Presidential Election will be held on November 3. Municipal Elections for local leaders and mayors are set for August 25.

CUTTING HORSE SHOW - The NEAL Cutting Horse show will be held at the Agri Business Center in Rainsville on October 23-25.

BIG 10 SPORTS POSTPONED - The Big Ten Conference has postponed the 2020-21 fall sports season, including all regular-season contests and Big Ten Championships and Tournaments, due to COVID-19. The fall sports include cross country, field hockey, football, soccer, and volleyball. The Big Ten Conference will continue to evaluate all options regarding these sports, including the possibility of competition in the spring.

Decisions regarding winter and spring sports will also continue to be evaluated.

NASCAR PARTNERSHIP - Acronis, a global leader in cyber protection, has joined 12-time NASCAR Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports to form a multiyear marketing and technology relationship that will run through June 2023. In 2020, Acronis will be featured as a three-race primary partner of the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro driven by Alex Bowman.

BRIDAL SHOW - The 2020 Bridal Extravaganza of Alabama is scheduled to be held on Sunday, September 6 at the Renaissance Hotel and Spa at the Convention Center in Montgomery. Over 5,000 people are expected.

Class Reunions

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Fall 2020

Fall 2020

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PAGE 31

ADCNR Offers Packages for 2020-2021 Licenses

Family Feature

COURTESY OF DAVID RAINER

Hunters and anglers who pursue game or fish in Alabama will have new options to make purchasing licenses for the 2020-2021 seasons easier.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is offering packages that will cover license requirements when pursuing white-tailed deer and wild turkeys or fishing the state’s abundant opportunities for freshwater and saltwater species.

To make it as simple as possible, the packages can be acquired with a one-click purchase when the 2020-2021 licenses become available on Monday, August 24, 2020.

All current licenses expire on August 31, 2020.

“We’re trying to make it easier on people who are hunting and fishing in Alabama, especially non-residents or new hunters and anglers who don’t really know exactly what they need,” Chuck Sykes said. “People can go online and look for what activity they want to do, and we’re providing everything they need to do it with one click.

For the ultimate bundle, consider the new All Access Sportsman’s Package, which includes annual licenses for All Game Hunting, WMA License, Bait Privilege License, Alabama State Duck Stamp, Harvest Information Program (HIP) Stamp, Freshwater Fishing, Saltwater Fishing, Saltwater Reef Fish Endorsement, and Spear Fishing. The All Access Sportsman’s Package will cost $127.95 for residents and $533.25 for non-residents.

The All Access Hunting Package includes All Game Hunting, WMA License, Bait Privilege License, State Duck Stamp, and Harvest Information Program Stamp.

Prices for the hunting package are $73.15 for residents and $407.45 for non-residents.

The All Access Fishing Package covers anglers from the abundant freshwater fishing opportunities to the bounty of Alabama coastal waters and the Gulf of Mexico. The fishing package includes Freshwater Fishing, Saltwater Fishing, Saltwater Reef Fish Endorsement and Spear Fishing. The fishing package prices are $54.80 for residents and $125.80 for non-residents.

ADCNR will offer additional packages for residents and non-residents for those who fish only in saltwater.

Anglers can purchase the Resident Annual Saltwater Pier Fishing Package, which includes Pier Fishing and the Gulf Reef Fish Endorsement. The price is $16.45.

Additional permit fees apply at Gulf State Park Pier.

For those who love to catch red snapper and other reef fish in Alabama’s unparalleled artificial reef zones, the Resident Annual Saltwater Reef Fish Package will include Annual Saltwater Fishing and Gulf Reef Fish Endorsement. The price is $34.75. A Resident 7-Day Trip Saltwater Reef Fish Package is available for $20.30.

There is a Saltwater Spear Fishing package, which includes a Spearfishing license, Annual Saltwater Fishing and Gulf Reef Fish Endorsement. The price is $40.75 for residents. For more info visit outdooralabama.com.

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Fall 2020