The
WINTER 2020-21
Sports Ledger Read Free Online at www.TheSportsLedger.com
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
The Alabama football team won its 18th national championship at Hard Rock Stadium on Jan. 11, 2021 with a dominating 52-24 win over No. 3 Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Alabama finished the season with a perfect 13-0 overall record, while Ohio State fell to 7-1. In addition to being the Crimson Tide’s 18th national football championship overall, it was Nick Saban’s seventh as a head coach, giving him the most in collegiate football history, and his sixth at Alabama. DeVonta Smith was the game’s Offensive MVP after setting championship game records for the most receptions (12) and receiving touchdowns (3) while accounting for 215 of the Crimson Tide’s 464 receiving yards, all of which came in the first half. Christian Barmore was named the Defensive MVP after totaling five tackles, a sack and two tackles for a loss of yardage. Mac Jones threw for a CFP championship game record 464 yards by completing 36-of-45 passes, including a CFP championship game record tying five touchdowns. Najee Harris became just the fifth player to score both rushing and receiving
WHAT'S INSIDE Fyffe Wins State Title
Alabama Ledger Established Basketball State Champions Snead State President's and Dean's List for Fall 2020 College and High School Football Highlights Local Athletes Continue Careers in College
Goodbye 2020
Photo Courtesy of Alabama Athletics
Alabama offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood (#70), Crimson Tide Head Coach Nick Saban, and quarterback Mac Jones (#10) accept the National Championship trophy after defeating Ohio State 52-24. touchdowns in a BCS/CFP title game with two on the ground and one through the air. He totaled 158 yards of total offense, including 79 yards rushing on 22 attempts and 79 yards receiving on seven catches. Christian Harris and Dylan Moses led the Tide defense in tackles with six each.
By Brandon Pierce Publisher First of all, if you are reading this edition, welcome to 2021. As we say goodbye to last year, it's a time to move on from what some folks consider one of the worst years in recent history, as the roaring 20's did not start off as expected, especially given the COVID-19 pandemic and other world events. In 2020 folks learned to live with new health and safety rules that forced mask wearing and shutdowns all over the World. Athletic programs and events were halted in mid season, while others were completely canceled.
Overall, it was a tragic year that will never be forgotten. However, as we move forward, with hopes that a vaccine will bring back some form of normalcy, it is important to point out some of the positive aspects of 2020. I know you have read about many of the bad things related to COVID-19, as well as other issues such as rioting and election fraud, but the following pages contain what The Sports Ledger considers to be some of the most important and positive local stories from this past year. Although these are not a complete list of events that happened, they help to reflect back and move forward in 2021.
PAGE 2
www.thesportsledger.com
WINTER 2020-21
Top 10
2020 Sports Stories
Although 2020 was a difficult year for many folks and athletic programs across the nation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were still quite a few exciting headlines for both news and sports. The following pages highlight what The Sports Ledger believes are 10 of the top local stories of interest for 2020. We are kicking off the excitement with the Fyffe Red Devils Class 3A State championship victory. The December 3, 2020 win marked the third year in a row that the Red Devils have won the state championship and it also propelled Fyffe to a impressive 45-0 winning streak. The Red Devils opponents and margin of victory in each game during the last three undefeated football seasons are below.
2018 Fyffe
2019 Fyffe
Geraldine 41-7 Section 56-0 Collinsville 54-24 Asbury 55-0 Plainview 55-7 Sand Rock 48-7 Cedar Bluff 56-0 North Sand Mtn. 42-26 Ider 54-0 Sylvania 41-14
Geraldine 28-0 Section 49-0 Collinsville 24-3 Asbury 47-6 Plainview 35-0 Sand Rock 55-0 Cedar Bluff 42-0 North Sand Mtn. 62-14 Ider 47-0 Sylvania 42-0
Class 2A State Playoffs
Class 2A State Playoffs
Schedule
Cleveland 63-0 Colbert County 35-0 Ohatchee 21-13 Aliceville 49-8
Class 2A State Championship Auburn, AL
Luverne
21-19
Schedule
Sheffield 48-0 Ranburne 38-7 Red Bay 45-6 Collinsville 21-0
Class 2A State Championship Auburn, AL
Reeltown 56-7
2020 Fyffe Schedule
Isabella 48-0 Collinsville 54-0 Sylvania 49-20 Brindlee Mtn. 54-6 Clarke County 21-0 Plainview 42-12 North Sand Mtn. 55-0 Geraldine 51-7 Asbury 54-0 Scottsboro (COVID) 1-0
Class 3A State Playoffs Oakman 69-21 Walter Wellborn 42-13 Ohatchee 26-7 Piedmont 14-6
Class 3A State Championship Tuscaloosa, AL
Montgomery
21-6
Winter 2020-21
PAGE 3
www.thesportsledger.com
Fyffe Wins 3A Championship Fyffe High School’s state-best current football winning streak and championship hopes appeared in serious jeopardy on Thursday, December 3, 2020 late in the fourth quarter when Montgomery Catholic’s defensive stand stopped the Red Devils, trailing 1613, on fourth down at the 1-yard line. But the Red Devils (15-0) didn’t panic. Fyffe, coached by Paul Benefield, had a goal-line stand of its own – forcing the Knights (12-3) to punt from their own end zone which resulted in a safety to close the gap to 16-15. The Red Devils took the free kick and drove 67 yards in just four plays to score the winning Touchdown with just 1:03 left to play to seal a 21-16 victory in the AHSAA Class 3A State Championship game at Bryant Denny Stadium. With the win, Fyffe improved its current undefeated record to 45-0 and captured the program's third straight state championship, including its first in Class 3A. Fyffe had won the previous two Class 2A state titles, before moving up the 3A Classification for the 2020 season. Fyffe won 2A titles in 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2019. Benefield, who was honored earlier this season with the Fyffe football stadium being named in his honor, earned his 300th career coaching victory earlier this season and capped it with another state title.
"This is the sweetest one of all,” Benefield said. "It’s unbelievable. I don’t know what to say or how to put it. We’re not a comefrom-behind type of team. … It’s amazing. It’s an amazing group of kids to go out 45-and-0.” The Red Devils haven’t lost since falling to Sulligent in the 2A quarterfinals in Nov. 2017. Fyffe’s Ike Rowell, who was named the games MVP, scored the gamewinner on a 1-yard run with 1:03 remaining to cap a 67-yard drive that lasted just four plays. Catholic got one last chance but the Knights’ pass into the end zone on the final play fell incomplete. "I knew these guys have no quit in them,” Benefield said. "It’s a special group of kids.” Montgomery Catholic (12-3), coached by Aubrey Blackwell, sprinted to a 16-0 lead in the first quarter with Judd Osten kicking a 26-yard field goal after D.J. Carter’s 65-yard kickoff return to start the game. Quarterback Caleb McCeary hooked up with Myles Butler for two touchdown passes – a 13-yarder to cap a 10-play, 76-yard drive and then a 56-yarder on a screen pass on the first play of the next drive for a 16-0 lead with 41 seconds to go in the first quarter. The Knights missed the first extra point and made the second. Rowell, who rushed for 140 yards on 36 carries and completed 5-of-7
passes for 155 yards, got the Red Devils on the board with a 4-yard run with 2:33 to go in the first half to make it 16-6 after a blocked extra point. He appeared to cut into Catholic’s lead on the final play of the first half when he blocked a field goal and returned it 75 yards for an apparent touchdown. The play was overturned by instant replay following a challenge by Catholic’s Blackwell who was concerned that the play clock had expired. Upon review, the touchdown was nullified, resulting in a delay of game penalty. Catholic then lined up for a final untimed play, but McCeary’s pass fell incomplete and the Knights carried a 16-6 lead into halftime. After teams traded punts throughout the third quarter, Rowell scored on a 3-yard run in the opening minute of the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 16-13. Catholic stopped Ike Rowell on a fourth-and-1 midway through the fourth quarter to maintain a 16-13 lead. After the safety, Fyffe took over at its own 33 with 2:59 to go after the ensuing free kick. Rowell completed passes of 34 and 27 yards – both to Brody Dalton– to move the ball inside the Knights’ 5, and the quarterback scored the game-winner with 1:03 to go, making it 21-16. "We don’t know how to give up,” Dalton said. Catholic drove to the Fyffe 34 and called timeout
The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce
Malachi Mize (#37) and Will Edge (#10) join in the Red Devils' celebration after a 21-16 victory over Montgomery Catholic in the Class 3A State Championship. The win was the third consecutive state title for Fyffe. The Red Devils won the 2A crown in 2018 and 2019. with two seconds to go, but McCeary’s pass on the final play bounced off a teammate in the end zone and fell incomplete. Rowell accounted for 295 of Fyffe’s 316 yards of total offense. He also returned five kickoffs totaling 104 yards. Dalton caught three passes for 76 yards. Red Devil teammate Justin Stiefel added two catches for 79 yards and also intercepted a pass and had four tackles on defense. Hunter Gillilan
led the Fyffe defense with seven tackles. For Catholic, McCeary finished the game with 188 passing yards and two touchdowns. Butler had six catches for 109 yards and two TD catches. T.J. Dudley led the defense with eight tackles, and Jeremiah Cobb logged 19 carries for 87 yards. Catholic was trying to win its first AHSAA state football championship. Article written the AHSAA and Brandon K. Pierce
Fyffe Coach Paul Benefield won his 300th career game during the 2020 football season.
PAGE 4
www.thesportsledger.com
Winter 2020-21
Alabama Ledger Established in 2020
By Brandon K. Pierce, Publisher During 2020 The Sports Ledger, LLC established a news web site called the Alabama Ledger, which is online at www.AlabamaLedger.com Over the past few months the Alabama Ledger has worked to keep readers informed about numerous topics ranging from COVID-19 and statewide updates from Alabama Governor Kay Ivey to local news and crime stories. Although primarily online only, The Alabama Ledger has become one of the best sources for local news from around Northeast Alabama, as well as across the state. The Alabama Ledger started publishing pictures from local events this past fall, including the annual Boaz Harvest Festival and various homecoming courts. In November, the Alabama Ledger provided readers with coverage of President Donald Trump's campaign rally in Rome, GA, and in December the 45th President earned the distinction of being named as the inaugural Alabama Ledger 2020 Person of The Year. The full article about President Trump can be found in the features section of the website, which again is www.AlabamaLedger.com These are just a few of reasons why The Sport Ledger's newest endeavor is considered one our top stories of 2020.
Alabama Ledger | Myra W. Pierce
United State's President Donald Trump waves to supporters from Air Force One during a political rally in Rome, GA this past November. President Trump was named the Alabama Ledger's 2020 Person of the Year. Check out the story online at www.AlabamaLedger.com
Alabama Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce Alabama Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce
Members of the All That Jazz at Studio B Dance Company pose for a picture prior to performing at the 56th annual Boaz Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 3, 2020. The Boaz Harvest Festival was one of the first events covered by the Alabama Ledger.
The City of Boaz held the 2020 Monster Mash at The Mill this past fall. Some of those attending the event were: (Back Row) Terry Gibson, Lindsey Whitehead, Marin Chandler, Megan Chandler, and Dolores Gibson, (Front Row) Maylee Whitehead, Kyndal Whitehead, and Jocilyn Chandler. Check out the photo gallery online at www.AlabamaLedger.com for more pictures from the event.
Winter 2020-21
www.thesportsledger.com
PAGE 5
130 Acre Park Opens In Albertville
The state-of-the-art 130 acre Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheater began operation during 2020. With a variety of athletic competition spaces, event spaces, and community amenities, the venue offers something for everyone and is contributing to economic growth in the Albertville area. For these reasons, among others, the Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheater has earned the honor of being one of The Sports Ledger's top stories for 2020. According to the venue's website, the goal for the elite facility is to serve "all of Sand Mountain with family friendly, public play spaces, live entertainment, and elitelevel athletic facilities." The amenities offered include 14 outdoor turf athletic fields, 16 tennis courts, 7 playgrounds, a five court gymnasium, and event spaces for conferences and community functions. The facility also has an outdoor water park, as well as an aquatic center with an 8 lane indoor competition level swimming pool. For anyone wanting to get in shape for the New Year, there is a two-story, 5,000+ square foot fitness center with start-of-the-art exercise equipment that includes treadmills, ellipticals, spin bikes, free weights, an indoor walking track, lockers, shower facilities, and more. In addition to the athletic and indoor amenities, the facility is reported to have two dog parks, a 17 camper RV park, and community pavilions. The main outdoor attraction is the park's Amphitheater, which reportedly has a large stage area and state-of-theart electronics, that includes two large video boards. The Amphitheater will help bring in local, regional and national entertainers. With the influx of entertainers and people traveling to the complex for various tournaments, there is also a need for additional hotels and restaurants, and many are now being built. Some of these new businesses include a Fairfield by Marriott, Hampton Inn, Buffalo Wild Wings, Firehouse Subs, Dunkin Donuts, and a Food City grocery store.
The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce
The Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheater began operation during 2020, bringing elite-level athletic facilities and various community focused amenities to Albertville, AL. The new venue, which also includes an Amphitheater, will be a benefit to the local community and it will add to the Sand Mountain area's economy by welcoming visitors and traveling athletic teams.
www.thesportsledger.com
PAGE 6
20 Winter 2020-21
AHSAA State Collinsville Girls Win 2A Basketball Title Photo Courtesy of AHSAA
The Collinsville varsity girl's basketball team defeated Cold Springs 58-45 in the 2020 Class 2A State Finals to win the program's first AHSAA state title.
Gadsden State Women To Rely On Local Players
The Gadsden State women's basketball team will rely on local athletes to lead the program during the upcoming season. The team's roster has eight freshman listed and five of those players are from Marshall, DeKalb, and Jackson Counties. Brittany Rivera, who helped lead Collinsville to the 2A State Crown last season, along will Fyffe's Maggie and Marie Woodall are from DeKalb County. Rivera was the Class 2A State Tournament MVP. Chloe Womack, of Pisgah, will represent Jackson County. Womack was named the MVP of the Class 3A Girls State Tournament after she helped lead Pisgah to the program's third straight state championship.
Former Asbury star Grace Walters, as well as returning sophomore Makayla Phillips of Albertville High School will represent Marshall County. Gadsden State is coached by Bryan Phillips.
The Collinsville High School Lady Panthers looked like they had been there before as the program shined in it's first state basketball championship game in school history. Junior guard Hadley Hamilton made the first two 3-point shots she attempted and the Panthers matched Cold Springs step for step as Collinsville (29-3) beat the defending Class 2A state champions. The Lady Panthers won the game 58-45 in the 98th AHSAA State Basketball Championships, which was held at Birmingham’s BJCC Legacy Arena. The win marked Collinsville’s first girls state basketball title and it is one of The Sports Ledger top stories for 2020. Hamilton finished with 16 points, going 4-for8 from the 3-point arc and making all four free throws she attempted. Senior forward Brittany Rivera had 11 points and 13 rebounds to earn Class 2A state tourney MVP honors. She also had five assists, five steals and one blocked shot. Olivia Akins added 16 points and Tyla Tatum had 13 points Collinsville was 13-of-14 at the foul line for the game and 5-of-16 on 3-pointers. Cold Springs’ Lady Eagles, coached by Tammy West, led the nation in 3-point shooting last season and ranked among the nation’s top five this season. Cold Springs (31-5) has won four state crowns including the 2019 title. In the 2020 state finals junior guard Toni West sank 5-of-9 baskets and the team was 8-for-24 against the Lady Panthers. Cold Springs was 7-of-11 on the boards. Collinsville out-rebounded the Eagles 32-19. West finished with 17 points and Elizabeth Hill added 13 points for Cold Springs. Elizabeth Neely had eight points, with six coming on two 3-point shots. _Courtesy of AHSAA
Class 2A Girls’ All-State Tournament Team
Brittany Rivera, Collinsville (MVP); Tyla Tatum, Collinsville; Olivia Akins, Collinsville; Hadley Hamilton, Collinsville; Elizabeth Hill, Cold Springs; Toni West, Cold Spring.
20 Winter 2020-21
www.thesportsledger.com
PAGE 7
Champions Pisgah Girls Win Third Straight State Crown Defending AHSAA State Champion Pisgah jumped out to an 18-point lead by halftime, and then held off T.R. Miller’s strong comeback effort, to pick up the Lady Eagles third consecutive Class 3A state title at the 98th AHSAA State Basketball Championship. Pisgah won the game 59-52. The victory is one of The Sports Ledger top sports stories of 2020. Pisgah (31-3), which graduated eight seniors from the 2019 3A State Championship team, used solid outside shooting and sure-handed play by its guards to seal the 2020 state crown. Chloe Womack had 16 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Lady Eagles. The 5-foot-8 senior had one 3-pointer in the win. Sophomore Molly Heard sank two of Pisgah’s seven 3-point goals and finished with 19 points and eight rebounds. Freshman teammate Kallie Tinker finished with 10 points and four rebounds. She made two 3-pointers and dished out three assists. T.R. Miller (28-2), coached by Ronald Jackson, was paced by Aleria Smith's double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds. Raivon Ewing had 12 points and nine rebounds and Ja’Nazsia Nettles contributed nine points. The loss snapped a 16-game winning streak. Cary Ellison, who has coached Pisgah to six of its eight state titles, won the 625th game of his coaching career with the championship game victory. He was also named the 2020 Jackson County Girls Basketball Coach of the Year. The Lady Eagles head coach now has an overall record of 625-155 with state championships in 1997, 2003, 2005, 2018, 2019 and now, 2020. T.R. Miller’s Jackson has guided the Tigers to four state crowns (1995, 1996, 2002 and 2009). _Courtesy of AHSAA
Class 3A Girls’ All-State Tournament Team
Chloe Womack, Pisgah (MVP); Molly Heard, Pisgah; Kallie Tinker, Pisgah; Aleria Smith, T.R. Miller; Alijah Fountain, T.R. Miller; Sydney Maner, Lauderdale County.
Photo Courtesy of AHSAA
The Pisgah varsity girl's basketball team defeated T.R. Miller 59-52 in the 2020 Class 3A State Finals to win the program's third straight AHSAA state title.
How to contact The Sports Ledger TELEPHONE: 256-506-7368 EMAIL: thesportsledger@gmail.com WEBSITE: www.thesportsledger.com MAILING ADDRESS PO BOX 175 Albertville, AL 35950
Auburn University | Shanna Lockwood
Former Pisgah star and 2019 Miss Alabama Basketball Annie Hughes is playing in her second year at Auburn University. As a freshman in 2019-20, Hughes appeared in all 29 games, earning seven starts. During November and December of the 2020-21 season, she appeared in nine games and scored a season high 17 points in the Tigers' 94-81 victory over North Florida.
SHIPPING ADDRESS 1458 County Road 21 Crossville, AL 35962 The Sports Ledger was established in 2006 PUBLISHER Brandon K. Pierce MANAGING EDITOR Myra W. Pierce
www.thesportsledger.com
PAGE 8
Winter 2020-21
Auburn excited about new coach
Auburn University is excited to have a new head football coach for the 2021 season. In late December, Bryan Harsin was named the 28th head football coach at Auburn University. He steps into the role after former Tigers coach Gus Malzhan was relieved of his coaching duties following the 2020 football season. Malzhan had been the coach at Auburn for the past eight seasons, where he complied a 68-35 overall record, including a 39-27 record in the SEC. The buyout for Gus Malzhan's contract reportedly cost the University several million.
Former Auburn Coach Gus Malzhan Despite the cost of ousting Malzhan, officials at Auburn believe the coaching change will help the program to move forward and be successful in the future. "We started the search with two goals. We want a coach who will lead our team to consistently compete at the highest
levels and to make Auburn proud on and off the field. We found both in Coach Harsin," stated Auburn University President Jay Gogue. "I'm incredibly excited and humbled for the opportunity to be at a place like Auburn University. I knew it would take a special opportunity to get me out of Boise and Auburn is exactly that, the chance to compete at the highest level for one of the greatest programs in college football," said Harsin about the opportunity to bring his coaching skills to the Planes. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for the coaches and players in the Southeastern Conference, but am ready to help build a foundation at Auburn where we can consistently compete for championships. I want our program to make Auburn proud both on and off the field with consistent excellence. I'm very grateful to Allen Greene and Dr. Gogue for this opportunity. Kes, our kids and I can't wait to meet the Auburn family and get to work! War Eagle!" According to a recent announcement by Auburn University Athletics Director Allen Greene, Harsin has spent the previous seven seasons as the head coach at Boise State where he compiled a 69-19 record while winning three Mountain West Conference titles. A former Boise State quarterback, assistant coach and offensive
Courtesy of Todd Van Emst | Auburn University
Brian Harsin was named the new head football coach at Auburn University in December 2020. The Tiger's coaching change is one of The Sports Ledger's top sports stories of year. coordinator, Harsin is 7624 overall as a head coach – including one season at Arkansas State – and has directed his programs to bowl games each season. His impressive resume at Boise saw him lead the Broncos to five 10-win seasons, seven consecutive bowl appearances and six MWC West Division Championships. This past season he led the program to a 5-2 mark and a trip to the MWC championship game. In his debut season, Harsin led his alma mater back to where it rose to national prominence. Boise State went 12-2 in 2014, winning the program's first outright Mountain West Championship and capping
the campaign with a 38-30 victory over Arizona in the 2014 VIZIO Fiesta Bowl. The victory in the Fiesta Bowl was the third such win for the Broncos in the previous nine seasons. Harsin, serving as offensive coordinator in the first two Fiesta Bowl victories, has been a part of each of the school’s three appearances in the game. The victory in the 2014 Mountain West Championship marked Boise State’s first outright league title since joining the conference in 2011, and the first overall since 2009. The only alumnus to lead the Broncos as head coach in the history of Boise State, Harsin has won conference championships as a student-athlete,
assistant coach and head coach. Boise State also captured MW titles in 2017 and 2019, giving Harsin three in six seasons. In 2017, the Broncos capped the championship campaign with a 38-28 victory over Oregon in the Las Vegas Bowl. The Broncos concluded the year at 11-3 overall and ranked No. 22 in both the Associated Press and Coaches Polls. The Broncos went 12-2 in 2019, recording the team’s first perfect 8-0 conference record since joining the MW and earning the school’s fifth all-time appearance in the Las Vegas Bowl. Boise State concluded the season ranked in both the AP (No.
23) and Coaches Polls (No. 22) and were No. 19 in the final rankings of the College Football Playoff Poll, the third-straight season finishing in the top 25 of the CFP. In 2015, the Broncos went 9-4, climbing as high as No. 20 in both the AP and Coaches Polls. Boise State capped the 2015 campaign with a 55-7 victory over Northern Illinois in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, the fifth-largest margin of victory in the history of bowl games. In 2016, Harsin guided the Broncos to a 10-3 record and an appearance in the Motel 6 Cactus Bowl. In 2018, the Broncos concluded the season
Winter 2020-21 ranked in all three major polls - No. 23 in the AP Poll, No. 24 in the Coaches Poll and No. 25 in the CFP Rankings. The Broncos have been ranked in the top 25 in each of Harsin’s six seasons, climbing as high as No. 13 in both the AP and Coaches Polls in 2016, and No. 13 in the Coaches Poll in 2019, Boise State’s highest rankings since finishing eighth and sixth in each, respectively, in 2011. Boise State went 10-3 in 2018, boasting the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year in quarterback Brett Rypien – one of 11 All-Mountain West honorees. Rypien concluded his career as the Mountain West’s alltime leader in career 300yard passing games (21), completions (1,036) and passing yards (13,581). He also ranked second in league history in both wins by a starting quarterback (37) and career attempts (1,619), and tied for second in career touchdown passes (90). Curtis Weaver made it three-straight MW Player of the Year honors for the Broncos in 2019, following Rypien’s nod in 2018 and Leighton Vander Esch’s Defensive Player of the Year award in 2017. Weaver established the MW career sacks record (34.0) in just three seasons before declaring early for the NFL Draft, where he extended the Broncos’ streak of consecutive years with an early entrant being selected. Boise State now has seven consecutive such seasons, one of only nine schools in the country to boast such a distinction. The list also includes Alabama,
Clemson, Florida, FSU, LSU, Penn State, Stanford and Washington. Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (2014) started the streak, followed by running back Jay Ajayi (2015), linebacker Kamalei Correa (2016), running back Jeremy McNichols (2017), linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (2018), running back Alexander Mattison (2019) and Weaver. Vander Esch was a first-round selection of the Cowboys. In his rookie season, Vander Esch was named second-team AllPro by the AP. The Broncos have won at least 10 games in five of Harsin’s six seasons, giving Boise State 17 since joining what is now known as the Football Bowl Subdivision in 1996. The total ranks second behind only Ohio State during that time. The Broncos’ six consecutive bowl appearances under Harsin runs the school’s streak to 18, tied for the nation’s fifth-longest. For his efforts in 2014, Harsin was named a finalist for the Paul “Bear Bryant” National Coach of the Year Award, the Eddie Robinson National Coach of the Year Award and the Dodd Trophy, given annually by the Bobby Dodd National Coach of the Year Foundation. He was also named the nation’s top first-year head coach by the Football Writers Association of America. Harsin was named head coach, Dec. 11, 2013. A graduate of Capital High School in Boise, he played quarterback for the Broncos from 1995-99.
PAGE 9
www.thesportsledger.com Following his graduation from Boise State with a degree in business management, Harsin coached running backs and receivers at Eastern Oregon in 2000. The former Bronco letterwinner began his coaching career at Boise State as a graduate assistant in 2001, before taking over the tight ends as a full-time assistant coach from 2002-05. When Chris Petersen was hired as head coach in 2006, Harsin assumed the role of offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Harsin was Petersen’s offensive coordinator for five of his eight seasons as head coach (200610) and was named a finalist for the 2009 Broyles Award, awarded annually to the nation’s top assistant coach. Boise State went 61-5 during his tenure as offensive coordinator. With Harsin on staff, Boise State has won 11 conference championships. Following the 2010 season, Harsin went to Texas, where he served as co-offensive coordinator from 2011-12. While with the Longhorns, Harsin helped guide the ascension of an offense that ranked 88th in scoring prior to his arrival, to No. 24 nationally in 2012 (36.1). Harsin then earned his first head coaching opportunity at Arkansas State in 2013, which claimed a share of the Sun Belt Conference championship and a berth in the GoDaddy Bowl that season. Harsin and his wife Kes have two daughters, Devyn Lynn and Dayn Mykena, and a son, Davis.
HARSIN ADDS ASSISTANT COACHES
Auburn coach Brian Harsin has already named several assistant coaches to help him lead the Tigers' program. Some of these assistants at Auburn include: Mike Bobo Offense Coordinator Derek Mason Defensive Coordinator Orlando Sentinel Photo | Willie J. Allen Jr.
Auburn Quarterback Bo Nix attempts a pass in the 2021 Citrus Bowl against No. 14 Northwestern. Despite recording 292 yards passing and a touchdown, Nix was not able to lift the Tigers to victory, as Northwestern won the game 35-19. ESPN reported that for the year, Nix passed for 2,415 yards with 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Will Friend Offensive Line Coach Zac Etheridge Cornerbacks Coach Carnell Williams Running Backs Coach Jeff Schmedding Inside Linebackers and Defensive Run Game Coordinator Jeff Pitman Football Strength and Conditioning Coach Brad Bedell Tight Ends Coach Brad Larronda Football Chief of Staff
Find us online at www.thesportsledger.com
www.thesportsledger.com
PAGE 10
Winter 2020-21
Alabama Football Sets SEC Records in 2020
By Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger During 2020 the University of Alabama recorded one the program's most impressive football seasons in history, setting numerous records that includes becoming the only SEC football team to achieve a 10-0 regular season conference record. The Alabama football team also won its 28th Southeastern Conference championship with a 52-46 victory over No. 7 Florida at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, December 19, 2020. The win moved the Crimson Tide to 11-0 on the season, while dropping the Gators to 8-3. It also helped the Tide to finish 2020 as the top ranked team in the country. For these honors, as well as the ones discussed below, the Crimson Tide’s gridiron achievements have been ranked among The Sports Ledger’s top sports stories of 2020. In the 2020 SEC Championship game, Alabama eclipsed the 600plus yard mark by rolling up 605 yards of total offense against Florida. The Crimson Tide has reached the 600-yard plateau only nine times prior, including earlier this season when the Tide produced 650 yards of offense against LSU in Baton Rouge on December 5. The Crimson Tide now has more SEC Championships than any other school and captured its sixth conference title in the last nine seasons. Alabama won the first SEC championship during the
1933 season when head coach Frank Thomas led the Crimson Tide to a 5-0-1 conference record. Thomas led Alabama to four SEC titles. Paul “Bear” Bryant directed the Crimson Tide to six national championships and 13 SEC titles during his 25-year run in Tuscaloosa. Alabama won five straight SEC championships from 197175 and captured eight of the 10 SEC championships from 1970-79. In addition to Thomas and Bryant, Alabama has had five other coaches win SEC championships, including Harold “Red” Drew (1953), Bill Curry (1989), Gene Stallings (1992), Mike DuBose (1999) and Nick Saban (2009, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020). In addition to its 28 SEC championships, Alabama won four Southern Conference titles (1924, 1925, 1926 and 1930), giving the school 32 conference football championships. Under head coach Nick Saban the Crimson Tide has posted 50-plus points against Associated Press Top-25 teams on six occasions, including two this season. This includes a 52-46 victory over No. 7 Florida and a 52-24 victory over No. 13 Texas A&M on October 3, 2020. Not only did the team have a record setting 2020 football season, but so did many of the Crimson Tide’s superstar athletes. Alabama Running Back Najee Harris, who was voted the Most
Courtesy of Alabama Athletics
Alabama's Najee Harris and Alex Leatherwood show off the 2020 SEC Championship trophy following the Crimson Tide 52-46 victory over Florida on Saturday, December 19. Valuable Player in the 2020 SEC Championship, tied his career best with five touchdowns, including three receiving and two rushing scores in the victory over Florida. Harris also gained 245 all-purpose yards, including 178 rushing and 67 receiving. Harris is the fourth Alabama running back to take home the honor, joining Eddie Lacy (2012), Derrick Henry (2015), and Josh Jacobs (2018). He is also the sixth running back in SEC championship game history to earn MVP honors. He is the seventh UA back to rush for multiple touchdowns in an SEC Championship Game. Additionally, Harris’ opening drive touchdown vaulted him past Derrick Henry and Mark Ingram II (42) for most rushing touchdowns in program history. With another score on the ground in the second half against Florida, Harris has 44 rushing touchdowns
for his career. Following the regular season Harris won the Doak Walker Award, which is given to college football's best running back. Crimson Tide Teammate DeVonta Smith tallied 200-plus all-purpose yards with 184 receiving yards on a career-best and SEC Championship Game record 15 catches, two of which went for touchdowns, as well as a combined 24 return yards. DeVonta has also been named the winner of the 2020 Heisman Trophy. Additionally, he won the Biletnikoff Award for Top Receiver, the Maxwell Award, which is given to the top player in College Football, and he has been named the Walter Camp Player the Year. Alabama quarterback Mac Jones passed for a SEC Championship game record of 418 yards, breaking the previous record of 401 set by Florida’s Danny Wueffel
in 1996. Jones also had 33 completions, breaking Florida Shane Matthews 30 completion record set in 1992. The Crimson Tide's quarterback now owns four of Alabama’s 10 alltime 400-plus yard passing performances, passing Tua Tagovailoa (2017-19) for the most 400-yard passing performances in Alabama history. Tagovailoa’s three performances all came
in 2019. Jones was also recently named the winner of the 2020 Davey O'Brien Award, which is given to the nations best college quarterback. Alabama Teammate Landon Dickerson was on the 2020 Rimington Award, which is given to the Most Outstanding Center. Alex Leatherwood earned the 2020 Outland Award, which is given to the Top Interior Lineman.
Winter 2020-21
www.thesportsledger.com
PAGE 11
ALABAMA'S DEVONTA SMITH WINS 2020 HEISMAN TROPHY
UA Photos Courtesy of Alabama Athletics
Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith has been named the 86th winner of the Heisman Memorial Trophy. It marked the first time in 30 years that a wide receiver has captured the prestigious award. Smith tallied 1,856 points to surpass fellow teammate quarterback Mac Jones (1,130), along with quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence (1,187) of Clemson and Kyle Trask (737) of Florida. Smith and Jones mark the first pair of SEC teammates to be named finalists since 1982. Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris (216) finished fifth in the final vote. Smith joins running backs Mark Ingram (2009) and Derrick Henry (2015) as the third player in Alabama history to win the Heisman Trophy.
www.thesportsledger.com
PAGE 12
Winter 2020-21
Photo Courtesy of Spring and Mona
The 2020 Albertville football program made history by becoming the Aggie's first team to compete in Class 7A Competition
Aggie Football Opens 7A Competition
Albertville Replaces Coach Cliff Mitchell with Chip English
The Albertville High School athletic program kicked off the 2020 football season in Class 7A for the first time in school history. The Aggies, guided by second year head football coach Cliff Mitchell, completed the teams inaugural season in the state's largest classification with a 2-8 overall record, including a 34-33 double overtime win over
Former Albertville head football coach Cliff Mitchell
Marshall County Rival Boaz. However, after the 2020 season ended, the Aggies parted ways with Coach Mitchell. The changes in the football program are one of The Sports Ledger's top stories for 2020. In his first year as the Aggies coach, Mitchell guided his team to a 5-6 overall record and a spot in
the Class 6A state playoffs, where the Aggies season came to an end with a 6120 loss to Muscle Shoals. Mitchell finished his two year head coaching stint at Albertville with a 7-14 record. The Aggies have already named a replacement for Coach Mitchell. It was reported that a total of 53 applicants
submitted resumes to fill the Aggies head coaching vacancy and the Albertville Board of Eduction decided to go with a coach who had experience in Class 7A. Albertville has hired Chip English, who has spent the past four seasons at Grissom High School, to be the next coach for the Aggies. English went 16-25 as head coach at Grissom.
“I think the Albertville culture aligns with what I’m about as a coach,” English told AL.com in a recent article. English understands how to coach in 7A and how to groom young athletes for the next level. Several of his players this past season at Grissom have received college offers to continue their sports career and education.
Winter 2020-21
www.thesportsledger.com
PAGE 13
Albertville's Trinity Bell To Play College Football By Brandon K. Pierce | The Sports Ledger The University of Tennessee is continuing its ties to the Sand Mountain area, as one of the Albertville Aggies' top athletes has committed to play football for the Volunteers. Tennessee Head Football Coach Jeremy Pruitt, a native of Rainsville, addressed the Rocky Top’s media on December 16, 2020 to discuss the new recruits, which includes Albertville standout Trinity Bell. “We’re really excited,” said Pruitt about the 2020 football signees. Following his opening comments, Pruitt made a brief statement about each incoming player and Trinity was the first recruit that was mentioned. The Volunteers head coach said that he had been aware of Bell’s abilities for several years after his father mentioned that Albertville High School might have an athlete that could play at the collegiate level. "My Dad (Dale Pruitt) was the head football coach there (Albertville) and he called me and said, ‘listen, there’s a kid here in the seventh grade…I don’t know if he’s going to play in the NFL or play in the NBA, but he’s going to play somewhere. I want to bring him down and introduce him to you.’ So, he’s a young man that I’ve known probably since he was 12 or 13 years old,” said Pruitt. Trinity was probably 6 foot 4 inches tall then, but Pruitt said that Bell now is a guy that is 6 foot 7 inches tall and weighs 265 pounds. On the gridiron Trinity has the ability to compete at multiple positions, including at tight end and defensive end. He is just "extremely athletic,” added Pruitt. "I talked to him the other night after a basketball game and I said, ‘so how many points did you have?’ He said, ‘I had seven dunks.’ So, I said, ‘did you make any free throws?’ He said, ‘I was 5-for-5.’ So, a guy that’s really, really athletic.” Bell is the only high student athlete from Alabama to choose to continue his football career at the University of Tennessee. The other players joining the Volunteers are all from other states and they include: Miles Campbell (6’3”, 235 lbs.) from Douglasville, GA; Christian Charles (6’1”, 185 lbs.) from Gainesville, GA; Katron Evans (6’4”, 315 lbs.) from Chesapeake, VA; Tiyon Evans (5’10”, 225 lbs.) from Hartsville, SC; J’Marion Gooch (6’6”, 350 lbs.) from Gallatin, TN; Amari McNeill (6’4”, 285 lbs.) from Suwanne, GA; Walker Merrill (6’1”, 180 lbs.) from Brentwood, TN; Julian Nixon (6’4”, 235 lbs.) from Roswell, GA; William Parker (6’5” 305 lbs.) from Nashville, TN; Kaidon Salter (6’1”, 185 lbs.) from Cedar Hill, TX; Aaron Willis (5’11”, 207 lbs.) from Colonial Heights, VA; Cody Brown (5’11”, 225 lbs.) from Lilburn, GA; Jaylen Wright (5’10”, 205 lbs.) from Durham, NC; and J.T. Carver (5’11”, 175 lbs.) Martin, TN.
The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce
Aggie Standout Signs with Tennessee Albertville's Trinity Bell attempts to make a catch during the 2020 football season against Marshall County rival Arab. The multi-sport Aggie standout recently agreed to continue his sports career and educational goals at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. In addition to playing football, Trinity has been one of the school's top varsity basketball players for the past five years. However, he will miss the remainder of this season after suffering a ruptured ACL.
PAGE 14
www.thesportsledger.com
Winter 2020-21
games due to COVID-19 concerns at each respective program. Geraldine entered the rivalry match up with a 6-3 record and the Bulldogs had already secured a spot in the Class 3A State football playoffs. However, the Bulldogs' record fell to 6-4 after Crossville rallied for a season ending victory. Geraldine finished the year at 6-5 following a 42-14 loss to J.B. Pennington in the opening round of the State Playoffs. The Bulldogs also finished third in Class 3A Region 7 standings. Crossville reportedly rolled up 374 rushing yards against Geraldine, and the Lions' defense hauled in a pair of second half interceptions, to defeat the visiting Bulldogs 21-12. The win marked the first time that Crossville has defeated Geraldine since earning a 41-21 victory to close out the 2016 season. It also marked the first win in the DeKalb County rivalry game for head Coach Dusty Darnell, who is in his third season at the helm of the Lions’ Program.
Darnell joked before the start of the 2020 season 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. Darnell is a 1997 graduate of Crossville and he played football for the Lions from 1994 to 1996. During his playing days, which are full of rivalry stories, Crossville earned a spot in the playoff each season and the Lions did not lose to Geraldine in the Battle of Skirum Creek. Crossville’s 2020 season ending victory marked the third year in a row that the Lions have finished the year with a win. In 2019, Crossville defeated Plainview 28-12. The Lions finished the 2018 season with a 12-7 victory over Plainview. For both team’s extraordinary efforts in the 2020 rivalry game, as well as throughout the season, the Battle of Skirum Creek is one of The Sports Ledger’s top stories from this past year.
Rivalry Game Among Top 2020 Stories By Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger Competing in a high school rivalry game is an event that many athletes look forward to each season and it is something players and coaches can reflect back on later in life. These games create stories and tales that are discussed at places like the family dinner table, the local barber shop, and even on social media sites. For smaller communities around North Alabama, where the schools are separated by only a few miles, sometimes these rivalry games are so important that winning can make or break a football season. This was the case in the 2020 edition of the Battle of Skirum Creek between the Crossville Lions and the Geraldine Bulldogs on October 30 at Crossville Memorial Stadium. Despite finishing the season with a 3-7 overall record, the Crossville Lions had not won an on-field battle all season, dropping the first seven games in a row. However, the Lions picked up two late season victories as both the Sardis Lions and the Douglas Ealges were forced to cancel
The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce
Members of the Crossville Lions football team pose for a picture following the program's 21-12 victory over DeKalb County Rival Geraldine
Winter 2020-21
PAGE 15
www.thesportsledger.com
White Flag in the Wind
The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce
Crossville Senior Alex Chacon (#8) makes a leaping catching in the 2020 Battle of Skirum Creek against Geraldine.
Opinion Column by Denise Lynn
Times have been hard and 2020 wasn’t an easy year for most. Tough times are gonna happen so we might as well try to learn, grow, and evolve as people. Without those tough times we would grow stagnant. Lets be honest, stagnant water stinks. Tough times bring fresh water, so to speak, to our soul. Most of us would say that fresh water comes from tears shed during the tough times. Looking back for some may seem like a distant bad memory, but for others it may be a very present pain. In times of war, there is always two sides. Both sides want the same thing and that's to win the war. Many times to win the war we will need to surrender the battles, raising a white flag in the wind for all to see. I imagine God is in heaven wishing we would surrender our troubles, problems, and pain from our past, present and future to Him. The funny thing is for most of us we know who wins the war in the end. If we surrender our problems, or battles, to God, He will help us win the war. In the past I have watched movies that depicted some actors who just looked rough, barely alive, and raising the flag to surrender. Surely we don’t have to wait that long. God wants to turn your mess into your message, and take what's broken and repair it. Isaiah 64:8 says “Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are the work of your hand.” Let's raise those hands and surrender and drop the problem at His feet. Psalm 43:5 says “Why, my soul are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?" Our heart and soul may have been beat up by the pain, but God can help us win. Let's raise the white flag, no matter how battered it is, it can still wave in the wind.
PAST TIME SPORTS
Members of the 2006 Douglas Junior Varsity Cheerleaders include: (Front) Kristen Willingham, Meagan Martin, and Savannah Betterton. (Back) Katie Wilson, MacKenzie Bonds, Teneal Heflin and Lauren Eagle. (File Photo by John Chumley)
NOTEWORTHY EVENTS www.thesportsledger.com
PAGE 16
Winter 2020-21
2020 Topics of Interest and
MILWEE GOES TO ARKANSAS STATE
Former Boaz quarterback A.J. Milwee has been hired by Butch Jones to serve as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Arkansas State. Milwee has spent the last two years as an offensive analyst at the University of Alabama. From 2013-2018 he was the offensive coordinator at Akron. Prior, to his stint at Akron he was on the staff at East Mississippi Community College and worked with Terry Bowden's staff as a grad student at the University of North Alabama. During his college playing days at UNA, Milwee set the Lions' all-time passing record of 8,436 yards and passed for 73 career touchdowns.
PLAINVIEW VOLLEYBALL FALLS IN 2020 CLASS 3A STATE FINALS
The Plainview volleyball program, coached by firstyear head coach and alum Kaci Kirk, fell one victory shy of winning the school’s first volleyball state championship and advanced to the championship round for the first time in school history during the 2020 season. The Bears fell to Trinity Presbyterian in the Class 3A State Finals at the 50th AHSAA State Volleyball Tournament in October.
CLASS 3A ALL STATE-TOURNEY TEAM Addison Cherry, Trinity Presbyterian (MVP); Emma Moody, Trinity Presbyterian; Mary Elizabeth Hill, Trinity Presbyterian; Jocelyn Hatfield, Plainview; Ali Price, Plainview; Abby McGee, Plainview. 2020 VOLLEYBALL STATE CHAMPIONS Class 1A - Bayshore Christian Class 2A - Addison Class 3A - Trinity Presbyterian Class 4A - Montgomery Academy Class 5A - Bayside Academy Class 6A - Mountain Brook Class 7A - Hoover
GUNTERSVILLE ATHLETES SIGN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
Several student athletes from the Class of 2020 and the upcoming Class of 2021 at Guntersville High School singed paperwork to continue their athletic careers at various colleges and universities during this past year. Last spring, Guntersville High School announced on social media that eight student athletes had earned opportunities to show off their talents at the next level. Clay Adams and Javior Moore both committed to play football at William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa. According to the University's 2020 roster found online, neither player was listed for this past fall. However, Guntersville's Archer Charles was listed as a junior running back at the University. Campbell Leach stayed closer to home as he committed to become a member of the Snead State Community College basketball program. Leach is listed on the Parsons roster as a Freshman for the 2020-21 season. Joining Leach as a Freshman on the Snead State roster is Fyffe's Gabe Garner. Aubri Hanner signed to play soccer at St. Andrew's University in Laurinburg, North Carolina. Hanner earned playing time as a Freshman this past Fall, helping lead St. Andrew's to a 7-5-1 fall record. While at Guntersville, she was named an All-State Soccer player for four years and she earned Super All-State Soccer honors for one season. Hanner also entered the State Record Book for most goals in a season (51) and the State Record Book for all time goals (178). Three Guntersville Cross Country runners also inked paperwork for their college choices. Bradley Herbert committed to Auburn University Montgomery. Trent Mason picked Jacksonville State University and is listed
RESULTS FROM THE 2020 AHSAA STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
The 2020 AHSAA Super 7 State Finals was held this past December at Bryant Denny Stadium on the campus of the University of Alabama. The results from all seven classifications can be found below. Class 1A - Linden defeated Pickens County 32-8 Class 2A - Mars Hill Bible defeated Abbeville 56-14 Class 3A - Fyffe defeated Montgomery Catholic 21-16 Class 4A - Handley defeated Gordo 35-20 Class 5A - St. Paul's defeated Pleasant Grove 29-21 Class 6A - Pinson Valley defeated Spanish Fort 23-13 Class 7A - Thompson defeated Auburn 29-28
on the Gamecocks 2020 roster. Sam Moultrie agreed to compete in both Cross Country and Track at the Navel Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Moultrie, who was the Salutatorian for 2020 Guntersville Senior Class, is listed on the Navel Academy Cross Country roster. The 2020 Men's Cross Country roster listed on the AUM website does not include Herbert. However, it does include former Guntersville Wildcat standout Jackson Ausley, as well as sophomore Chance Cofield, of Albertville High School. Carley Sims signed a scholarship to player soccer at Faulkner University in Montgomery, AL and she is listed on the University's 2020 roster. Moving forward to the Class of 2021, Guntersville has already had three players commit to college program's after Graduation later this year. Jayden Watkins recently signed to continue her volleyball career at Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, TN. According to the announcement from the University, Watkins had an outstanding senior year, tallying 488 kills at a 34.7 percent clip. She also added 136 digs and 37 service aces en route to being named the All-County MVP. Watkins is the daughter of Sanchez Watkins and Hilary Looney. This past November, Paul Brice and Hope Harrell also made their college choice known. Brice, who was selected this past year for the North All-Star Golf Team, will be taking his talents to the University of Alabama Birmingham. Harrell signed to play Women's Golf at Wallace State. Both will start their 2021 senior golf season at Guntersville when the sport gets underway in March.
Winter 2020-21
PAGE 17
www.thesportsledger.com
BOAZ SWIMMERS EARN STATE MEDALS
SATTERFIELD SIGNS WITH SNEAD STATE
The Boaz women's swim team finished in 4th place at 2020 Class 1A/5A state swim meet this past December. Lilly Beth Morrison, Israel Smart, Laura Whitmire and Ann Catherine McCamy won the silver medal in the 2020 free relay to reportedly become the first ever female state medalists from Boaz High School. Bayside Academy defeated Randolph to claim the Class 1A/5A title. The teams finishing in the Top 10 behind the Lady Admirals and Raiders were: Cottage Hill Christian 141.50; Boaz 104; John Carroll Catholic 90.5; Guntersville 89; Tallassee 66; Madison County 56; Section 40; and Montgomery Academy 32. In the 6A/7A division Huntsville High School totaled 230 points to beat defending champion Westminster Christian. Rounding out the divisions Top 10 team finishers were: Bob Jones 174.50; St. Paul’s 163; Fairhope 156.67; Hoover 142; Auburn 137.50; James Clemens 118.50; Grissom 114; Spanish Fort 112.
This past fall Geraldine High School softball standout Tinsley Satterfield agreed to continue her sports career and education at Snead State in Boaz.
DEKALB COUNTY ELECTS MAYORS
MEN'S SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIP
The Boaz Men's swimming team finished in the runner-up spot in the 2020 AHSAA State Swimming and Diving Meet. T.R. Miller totaled 218 points to edge Boaz, which was just 10 points back at 208. The 2020 state championship was T.R. Miller's third straight 1A/5A state boys’ swimming title. The program shared the 2018 crown with Boaz and won the school's first out-right title in 2019. Other teams finishing in the top 10 were: LAM, 181; Randolph, 148; Faith Academy, 101; St. John Paul II Catholic, 96; Guntersville, 93; Satsuma, 86; Orange Beach, 64; and Indian Springs, 37. Boaz Swimmers Reese Cobb, Jude Burlison, Colby Croghan, and Jack Whitmire won the Silver Medal in the 200 Medley Relay. Huntsville totaled 332 points to claim the Class 6A/7A Men's state title for the fifth straight year.
MISS GUNTERSVILLE 2021
According to information from Guntersville High School, Mamie Patton was named Miss Guntersville 2021 this past fall. Harper Chassay was named First Alternate; Mallory Jones was named 2nd Alternate; and Addison Yancy was named third Alternate.
The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce
Boaz Standout Earns Recognition Guntersville Leads All-Marshall County Team
Boaz football standout Kadin Bennefield has earned numerous post season awards. The Pirates' running back was named to the 2020 All-Huntsville Region Team after reportedly finishing his senior season with 25 touchdowns and 1,148 rushing yards. For his career at Boaz, Kadin was listed as having 38 touchdowns, which according to reports is the third most in school history. His efforts also earned him Co-Offensive MVP All-Marshall County honors. This is a title he shares with Arab's Mathew Turnage, who finished with over 4,000 career rushing yards. The 2020 All-Marshall County overall MVP honor went to Guntersville Wide Receiver Jack Harris. Guntersville teammate Jarrell Williamson earned the defensive MVP honors and Wildcat's head coach Lance Reece was named the Marshall County Coach of the Year. Bennefield is now focusing on his future as a student athlete at the next level. He has been offered numerous college opportunities, one of which is at Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD.
The person serving as Mayor in each city or town can have an impact on many things from the overall economy to athletic events and activities. The Mayors from each city in DeKalb County are: Collinsville Johnny Trafenstedt Crossville Roger 'Dino' Richards Fort Payne Brian Baine Fyffe Paul Cagle Geraldine Chuck Ables Hammondville John Moore Henagar Lee Davis Ider Wendy Lassetter Mentone Rob Hammond Rainsville Rodger Lingerfelt Shiloh Rodney Phillips Sylvania Terry McClendon Valley Head Michael Key
PAGE 18
www.thesportsledger.com
Winter 2020-21
COLLEGE FOOTBALL BOWL GAMES CURE BOWL
MYRTLE BEACH BOWL
The 2020 Cure Bowl in Orlando, FL turned out to be a battle of two great quarterbacks, as both team's field general scored four touchdowns each. Liberty's Malik Willis passed for 210 yards and added four touchdowns on 137 rushing yards to help lead his team to a thrilling 37-34 overtime victory over No. 12 Coastal Carolina. It was the first loss of the year for the Chanticleers (11-1). Grayson McCall led Coastal Carolina with 318 yards passing and three touchdowns. He also had 96 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown.
Appalachian State defeated North Texas 56-28 on Dec. 21 in the Myrtle Beach Bowl. Camerun Peoples led Appalachian State with 317 yards and five touchdowns.
BOCA RATON BOWL The University of Central Florida fell to No. 16 BYU 49-23 in the 2020 Boca Raton Bowl on Dec. 22. Projected NFL first round draft pick Zach Wilson led the Cougars with 425 passing yard and three touchdowns. He also ran for two additional scores in the win.
SERVPRO FIRST RESPONDER BOWL
FAMOUS IDAHO POTATO BOWL Nevada's Carson Strong passed for 271 yards and five touchdowns to help lead the Wolfpack to a 38-27 victory over Tulane in the 2020 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
R&L CARRIERS NEW ORLEANS BOWL Georgia Southern improved to 8-5 with a 38-3 victory over Louisiana Tech in the 2020 R&L Carriers Bowl on December 23. Shai Werts led the program with 126 passing yards and one touchdown, as well as 71 rushing yards for three touchdowns.
MONTGOMERY BOWL Brady White passed for 284 yards and three touchdowns to help Memphis earn a 25-10 victory over Florida Atlantic in the 2020 Montgomery Bowl on December 23. FAU quarterback Nick Tronti led the Owls efforts with 146 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception in the loss to Memphis.
NEW MEXICO BOWL Despite throwing for 216 yards and two touchdowns, Houston quarterback Clayton Tune's three interceptions doomed the cougars, as the program fell to Hawaii 28-14 in the New Mexico Bowl on Christmas Eve. Chevan Cordeiro led Hawaii's offense with 136 yards and three touchdowns.
CAMELLIA BOWL The Cramton Bowl in Montgomery was the site of the only college football game played on Christmas Day. This year's holiday Camellia Bowl match up featured Marshall (7-3) and Buffalo (6-1). Quarterback Kyle Vantrease passed and rushed for the team's two touchdowns and teammate kicker Shane Ciucci added a 21 yard field goal to help lead Buffalo to a 17-10 victory over the Thundering Herd.
Photo by Houston Baptist
Bailey Zappe, a transfer quarterback from Houston Baptist, has signed with Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers finished the 2020 football season with a 39-21 loss to Georgia State in the Lending Tree Bowl.
LENDING TREE BOWL Western Kentucky fell to Georgia State 39-21 in the 2020 Lending Tree Bowl on December 26 at LaddPeebles Stadium in Mobile. Following the game, the Hilltoppers football program announced the signing of quarterback Bailey Zappe a transfer from Houston Baptist. Zappe was College football's leading passer in 2020. In an abridged season of only four games, the Victoria TX, native completed 141-of-215 passes (65.6%) for 1,833 yards, with 15 touchdowns and one interception. At 458.3 yards per game, Zappe's average ranked at 83.3 yards, which ranked above the leading FBS passer Kyle Trask of Florida, who had 375 yards per game in the 2020 regular season. Zappe and the Huskies put up 480 pass yards and three scores at North Texas, 406 and five scores at LA Tech, and 380 and three scores at Eastern Kentucky, but the most notable performance was against Big 12 opponent Texas Tech. Against the Red Raiders, Zappe completed 30-of49 passes for 567 yards with four touchdowns, as HBU dropped a 35-33 heartbreaker even though they entered the game as 40-point underdogs. The 567 pass yards were the most ever for an FCS player against an FBS defense. Zappe eclipsed the 10,000-yard mark for his career with a 12-yard pass to ice a season-ending win for the Huskies at Eastern Kentucky. With 10,004 yards at the end of the season, he led all active FCS quarterbacks and ranked behind only three FBS quarterbacks: Shane Buechele of SMU [11,660], Sam Ehlinger of Texas [11,276] and Brady White of Memphis [10,949].
Nineteenth ranked Louisiana-Lafayette improved to 10-1 with a 31-24 victory over UTSA in the 2020 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl on Saturday, December 26 in Dallas, TX. Levi Lewis helped lead Louisiana with 146 yards passing and two touchdowns.
VALERO ALAMO BOWL The Texas Longhorns rolled up 638 yards and had three players reach triple digits in a 55-23 victory over Colorado in the 2020 Valero Alamo Bowl. Starting quarterback Sam Ehlinger passed for a 160 yards and a touchdown before being sidelined with an injury. Ehlinger, who missed the second half of the Alamo Bowl with what was reported as a shoulder sprain, has entered the 2021 NFL Draft. Texas backup quarterback Casey Thompson finished the game with 170 passing yards and four touchdowns. Teammate Bijan Robinson rushed for 183 yards and a touchdown.
Orlando Sentinel | Stephen M. Dowell
CHEEZ-IT BOWL Miami running back Donald Chaney Jr. (#2) leaps for extra yardage under Oklahoma State safety Tre Sterling (#3) during the 2020 Cheez-It Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando on December 29, 2020. No. 18 Miami fell to the Cowboys 37-34.
Winter 2020-21
PAGE 19
www.thesportsledger.com
GOODYEAR COTTON BOWL The 2020 Goodyear Cotton Bowl was set up to be a battle between No. 6 Oklahoma and No. 7 Florida. However, this was not the case, as the Sooners outplayed the Gators the entire game to pick up a 55-20 victory over one of the top SEC programs this past season. Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler passed for 247 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson and Marcus Major both joined Rattler in triple digits. Stevenson rushed for 186 yards and a touchdown, while Major ran for 110 yards and a touchdown. Florida standout Kyle Trask did not play to form in the game throwing three interceptions and passing for only 158 yards.
DUKE'S MAYO BOWL Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman threw for 318 yards and three touchdowns against Wisconsin in the 2020 Duke's Mayo Bowl on December 30. However, he tossed four interceptions, and the Wake Forest defense could not compete with Wisconsin, as the Badgers picked up a 42-28 victory. Wisconsin scored five rushing touchdowns and quarterback Graham Mertz passed for 130 yards and a touchdown in the win.
ARIZONA BOWL Ball State scored 27 first quarter points, while holding No. 22 San Jose State scoreless in the first half of the 2020 Arizona Bowl. Ball State held on for a 34-13 victory in the New Year's Eve Bowl Game. Drew Plitt led Ball State with 217 yards passing and one touchdown. He also rushed for another score in the win.
Photo Courtesy of Armed Forces Bowl
ARMED FORCES BOWL Tulsa Quarterback Zach Smith (#11) attempts a pass against Mississippi State during the 2020 Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, TX. Smith threw for 347 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. However, that was not enough to propel No. 24 Tulsa to the win, as the Mississippi State Bulldogs pulled out a thrilling 28-26 season ending victory.
Photo Courtesy of ACC Athletics
CLEMSON DEFEATS NOTRE DAME TO WIN 2020 ACC CHAMPIONSHIP Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence (#16) runs the football against Notre Dame during 2020 ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, December 19 in Charlotte, NC. Lawrence passed for 322 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 90 yards and another score, to help lead Clemson to a 34-10 ACC Championship victory over the Fighting Irish. Both teams earned spots in the college playoffs and both program's lost in the semifinal round. Despite a 400 yard performance by Lawrence in the All-State Sugar Bowl, No. 2 Clemson fell to No. 3 Ohio State 49-28. Fourth ranked Notre Dame fell to No. 1 Alabama 31-14 in the New Year's Day Rose Bowl.
AUTOZONE LIBERTY BOWL
FIESTA BOWL
The West Virginia Mountaineers picked up a 24-21 victory over Army in the 2020 Autozone Liberty Bowl. West Virginia played two quarterbacks in the game and both passed for over 100 yards. Jarret Doege threw for 159 yards, one touchdown, and had one interception. Austin Kendall added 121 yards and two touchdowns. The difference in the game's score was a 31-yard field goal by West Virginia's Tyler Sumpter.
The tenth ranked Iowa State Cyclones proved that the program belonged among the top ten college football teams in the nation with a 34-17 victory over Oregon in the 2021 PlayStation Fiesta Bowl. Iowa quarterback Brody Purdy paced the Cyclones with 156 yards passing and one touchdown, as well as 39 yards rushing and another score. Teammate Breece Hall rushed for 136 yards and two touchdowns in the win.
CHICK-FIL-A PEACH BOWL
OUTBACK BOWL
The ninth ranked Georgia Bulldogs took advantage of playing in-state this bowl season, by rallying for a 24-21 victory over No. 8 Cincinnati in the 2020 Peach Bowl in Atlanta, GA. Bulldogs quarterback J.T. Daniels led UGA with 392 passing yards and a touchdown. Cincinnati's Desmond Ridder threw for 206 yards and two touchdowns.
Quarterback Matt Corral passed for 342 yards and two touchdowns to help lead the Ole Miss Rebels to a 26-20 win over Indiana in the 2021 Outback Bowl on January 2.
CAPITAL ONE ORANGE BOWL Fifth ranked Texas A&M had five rushing touchdowns and scored 24 points in the fourth quarter to pick up a 41-27 win over No. 13 North Carolina in the 2021 Orange Bowl. Devon Achane and Isaiah Spiller rushed for two scores each. Quarterback Kellen Mond also rushed for a touchdown and passed for 232 yards in the win.
GATOR BOWL Kentucky's Jordan Houston (#20) runs the football during the Wildcats 23-21 victory over North Carolina State in the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville FL on January 2, 2021.
Photo Courtesy of SEC Athletics
PAGE 20
Tennessee Names Steele As Defensive Assistant Coach
University of Tennessee head football coach Jeremy Pruitt has announced that veteran SEC coach Kevin Steele has joined the program as a defensive assistant coach. Steele, a 1981 graduate of the University of Tennessee and former Vols assistant, returns to Rocky Top after serving as the defensive coordinator at Auburn the past five seasons. His units ranked in the top 20 nationally in scoring defense in four out of those five seasons, while producing 12 NFL Draft picks and multiple first-rounders. "Kevin is someone I have respected and admired for a long time on and off the field," Pruitt said, "I had the opportunity to learn and work with him during our time at Alabama and our friendship grew from there. He has outstanding knowledge of the game and understands what it takes to be successful in this conference. Having coached under the great Johnny Majors, he has a sincere appreciation for what it means to be a Tennessee Volunteer. We are thrilled to welcome Kevin and Linda back to Rocky Top." In total, Steele owns 38 years of coaching experience, including 13 years in the SEC and 10 years as a defensive coordinator. Pruitt and Steele reunite after serving on Alabama's staff together from 2007-08. In 2020, Steele's unit ranked fourth in the SEC in scoring defense while playing a 10-game conference slate. He also served as interim head coach for the Tigers' Citrus Bowl contest against Northwestern. In 2019, Auburn's defense ranked eighth nationally in both red-zone and third-down defense, allowing only 19.5 points per game against a schedule that featured six 11-win opponents. The 2018 Auburn defense ranked 14th nationally in scoring defense (19.2) and allowed only nine rushing touchdowns. The Tigers ranked in the top 20 nationally in sacks (38) and tackles for loss (96) and were ninth nationally with three interception returns for scores. The 2017 season saw Steele earn Broyles Award finalist honors as SEC West champion Auburn ranked 14th in total defense and 12th in scoring defense, allowing just 4.67 yards per play, which was eighth-best nationally. The Tigers ranked seventh nationally in scoring defense, 11th in red zone defense and 28th in total defense in his first season of 2017, an improvement of 43 spots over the previous season. The Tigers held eight consecutive opponents without a rushing touchdown, the longest season streak at Auburn since 1957. Steele served as defensive coordinator and linebacker coach for LSU in 2015, going to Baton Rouge from Alabama, where he spent the 2014 season coaching the Crimson Tide linebackers and special assistant to the head coach. In 2013, he served as Alabama's director of player personnel. Steele was the defensive coordinator at Alabama in 2007 and at Clemson from 2009-11.
www.thesportsledger.com
Winter 2020-21
Cornerstone Christian Competes For State Title Cornerstone Christian Academy in Rainsville competed for the 2020 Christian Football Association's eight-man state championship against Russell Christian this past November in Cottondale, AL. The program fell to the Warriors 41-6. Quarterback Lucas Hale reportedly led the Eagles' championship effort by completing 7 of 17 passes for 116 yards.
The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce
Photo by Kent Gidley
Sarkisian Leaves Alabama For Texas Head Coaching Job Alabama Offensive Coordinator Steve Sarkisian talks with his team earlier this season. Sarkisian helped guide Alabama to an undefeated season and a 52-24 win over Ohio State in the National Championship Game. Next season Sarkisian will be on the side line in Texas as the new head coach for the Texas Longhorns. As of press time, the Crimson Tide was reportedly in talks with Bill O'Brien to step in as the program's next offensive coordinator.
Winter 2020-21
PAGE 21
www.thesportsledger.com
JSU Set For Spring Football The Jacksonville State University football program completed a four game non-conference schedule this past fall and are now geared up and a ready to compete in OVC conference action this Spring. The Gamecocks opened the Fall schedule with a 41-24 loss at Florida State on October 3, 2020. Jacksonville State won the next three games picking up a 34-28 home victory over Mercer on October 10, a 24-17 victory over UNA in Florence on October 17, and a 19-10 victory over Florida International in Miami on October 23. JSU's will begin OVC Conference action on February 21, 2021 at Tennessee State in Nashville. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. The complete JSU spring schedule is below. 2020 JSU SPRING FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce
FORMER FORT PAYNE KICKER ENTERS NFL DRAFT University of Florida's Even McPherson, a former kicker from Fort Payne High School, has reportedly opted to enter the 2021 NFL Draft. McPherson played in ten SEC college football games for the Florida Gators this past season. The highlight of his junior year was a 55 yard field goal against Ole Miss. The kick was the third longest in school history. Overall, McPherson connected on 15 of 19 field goals during the year. In 2019, he played in all 13 games for the Gators making 17 of 19 field goals (89.5%) to finish 10th nationally in field goal percentage while leading the SEC. McPherson also was 17 of 19 as a Freshman in 2018.
Feb. 21, 2021 Feb. 28, 2021 March 14, 2021 March 21, 2021 March 28, 2021 April 3, 2021 April 11, 2021
JSU at Tennessee State Tennessee Tech at JSU JSU at UT Martin SE Missouri at JSU Austin Peay at JSU JSU at Eastern Illinois JSU at Murray State
2 p.m. 3 p.m. 1 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 1 p.m. 2 p.m.
Jax State Baseball To Feature 30 Home Games This Season
The Jacksonville State baseball program and head coach Jim Case has officially announced the Gamecocks' schedule for the upcoming 2021 season. Without any changes due to COVID or other issues, the new year is set to feature 30 home games on Rudy Abbott Field at Jim Case Stadium as part of the 56-game slate for JSU. Jax State will play 11 of its first 12 games on its home turf, starting with a season-opening weekend series against Wright State out of the Horizon League on February 19-21. The Gamecocks' first road trip of the season will be a visit to Tuscaloosa to face Alabama on February 23. The Crimson Tide will return the visit on March 10 at Rudy Abbott Field at Jim Case Stadium. JSU will also welcome Troy (Feb. 24) for a midweek contest, followed by a weekend series with Valparaiso on Feb. 26-28. JSU's final non-conference home series will be against Southern Mississippi on March 5-7. With the rotation in the OVC schedule, the Gamecocks will begin league play a weekend after other squads and will prep for the conference docket with a trip to Mobile, Ala. on March 12-14 to play South Alabama. JSU opens OVC play on the road at Murray State (March 19-20). For the 2021 season, the OVC has reverted back to doubleheaders on the weekend. Most OVC series will be a single game on Friday, followed by a doubleheader on Saturday. JSU will have home-and-home midweek games with UAB, Alabama State, Samford and Troy. JSU will host North Alabama in JSU's solid non-conference slate includes a trip to Starkville, to face Mississippi State on May 18. JSU's home OVC slate includes series against Tennessee Tech (March 26-27), Belmont (April 9-10), Morehead State (April 23-24), SIU Edwardsville (May 7-8) and Eastern Illinois (May 21-22).
Photo by Don Juan Moore
Jacksonville State University running back Josh Samuel (#5) attempts to avoid a tackle by a Florida State defender at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, FL on October 3, 2020. During the four game fall season, Samuel rushed for a total of 251 yards and scored two touchdowns for the Gamecocks, including one against the Seminoles.
PAGE 22
www.thesportsledger.com
Winter 2020-21
Fall 2020 Snead State Honor Roll Students
Snead State Community College has announced its President’s List and Dean's List for the Fall 2020 semester. To be eligible for the President’s List, a student must maintain a perfect grade point average of 4.0 (all A’s) and be enrolled for 12 or more credit hours of regular collegelevel courses. Students must hold a minimum of 3.50-3.99 grade point average and be enrolled in 12 or more hours to be eligible for the Dean’s List:
FALL 2020 PRESIDENT'S LIST
Albertville: Guadalupe Aguilera Chavez, Jennifer M. Altamirano, Mauren Arreaga, John Christian Baker, Brock T. Biddle, Julian Chairez, Rosalinda Dominguez, Luis Angel Elizarraras Mosqueda, Kayla M. Ennis, Marckenson Etienne, Alejandro L. Gomez, John Jeremy Hughes, Flor De Maria Jimenez, Tomas Jimenez Nicolas, Kristopher Allen Kirby, Michael Chase Kitchens, Michelle Renea Lemaster, Corlie Z. Painter, Jainum H. Patel, Michelle Haresh Patel, Sydney C. Patterson, Casey L. Peters, Leanna E. Sampson, Salma Santiago, Jackson Banks Simmons, Anna C. Strange, and Anthony Vazquez. Altoona: Jay Edward Evans, Donovan Pierre-Nicola Guinois-Golden, Donna D. Perez, and Destiny LaKenya Wiley. Arab: Casondra Lee Bell, Chrisopher Isaac Bell, Jasmine Taylor Davis, Katelyn B. Hall, Nona E. Murphree, Phung L. Nguyen, Caitlyn G. Sanderson, Wesley Kent Tyler, Caleb Matthew Whaley, Brandon Paul Whitehead, Kahla D. Wright, and Caleigh Michelle Yates. Athens: Alexandra Grace Patterson. Attalla: Daniel Jordan Bryant, Christopher Jordan Cannon, Tonya Davis, Kenleigh Victoria Huff and Gabrielle Starr Rogers. Baileyton: McKenzie Nicole Smith. Bessemer: Blakely Burr. Birmingham: Katherine M. Gray, Turner James Hughes, and Kailey Cimone Rory. Boaz: Karla Yissele Argote, Sarah Jordan Barnard, Ashia Leighanne Bice, Adam J. Bruce, Sadie Cathryn Burns, Madeline G. Devin, Sarah Addison Diamond, Annalee Ashton Dilbeck, Gracie M. Duncan, Natalie Duvall, Aaron J. Evans, Addison Faith Faucett, Katherine Michelle Hays, Billy Joe Hicks, Dusty Ryan Hunt, Emily Kate Elizabeth Jones, Grace Victoria Kelley, Mary-Kathryn
Lang, Jessica Elena Linares, Brisa Citlalli Martinez, Emily Faith McDuffie, Kandra Kaitlyn Murdock, Lisa Murray, Andrew Reiland, Christopher A. Self, Hayden Alan Simmons, Caroline Paige Smith, Katie L. Suddath, Cailey Breanna Talton, Ashley Diane Thomas, Gracie Laine White, Chase A. Williams, Erin A. Willoughby, Jayda Alise Willoughby, and Natali Guadarrama. Brownsboro: Anna Laura Harmening. Chelsea: Andrew Foster Ponder. Crossville: Cassie Alexandra Black, Krimson Alexandria Kidd, Jay M. Luther, Summer Lane Maddox, Reighan Janae Mintz, Beronica L. Rodriguez, and Alyssa Danielle Stanley. Cullman: Alexandria T. Guthrie. Dawson: Peyton K. Mooney. Fayetteville, TN: Sara C. Koonce. Flowery Branch, GA: Zackary Scott Wagner. Gadsden: Eric Andrew Edge and Riley Elizabeth Price. Gardendale: Jaycee C. Dill. Geraldine: Jackson Scott Bearden. Grant: Alexandria Kincaid Aultman, Ryan Christopher Buchanan, Alexis K. Smith, and Carley S. Webb. Grove Oak: Kelsey Danielle Combs. Guntersville: Alizabeth Rileigh Bunch, Lauryn Elizabeth Caldwell, Billy Daniel Cox, Laura K. Forsythe, Esther Laguerre, Ruben Ortiz, Cade Hamilton Smith, Lida Taing, Mckenzie A. Taylor, and Julio Ezekiel Watson. Harvest: Kathy Renee Burleson. Henagar: Lauren Olivia Womack. Horton: Cameron Shae Cole, Morgan Elizabeth Collins, John David Hutchens, and Bailee L. Sims. Huntsville: William Randolph Conway, Caden Timothy Hearn, Abigail Michelle Hornbuckle, and Zachary Joseph Thomson. Jacksonville: Roberta Marie Kolb. Johns Creek, GA: Ryan James Blake. Kingston, GA: Brooke Renee Roberts. Locust Fork: Parker Ryan Gilliland. Madison: Anna Brooke Lucas. Mobile: Nicholas R. Galanopoulos. Moulton: Savannah Graham. Niceville, FL: Bryce Ryan Ingram. Rainbow City: Anna Kathryn Watkins.
Rome, GA: Madison G. Harper. Sand Rock: Madelyn Paige Chambers. Scottsboro: Baylee Elizabeth Saint. Union Grove: Serena D. Clemons, Rebekah Caroline Gough, Katelyn Grace King, Madison L. Reed, and Anna Elizabeth Williams. Warrior: Shelby Lynn Payne.
FALL 2020 DEAN'S LIST
Albertville: Evelyn Alarcon, Jonathon Matthew Allen, Ian Salvador Basillio, Janeth G. Benitez, Shawna Christine Binkley, Maddux B. Bopp, Payton B. Brown, Lesly Carranza Canseco, Gabriel John Cruz, Lizet Cruz Franco, Amber N. Densmore, Irlanda Denise Diaz, Johnny J. Figueroa, Luis Angel Gavina, Brett Austin Kent Glass, Joshua B. Golden, Daisy Nalleli Guzman, Garrett Edison Hanvey, Nichole Danielle Hathcock, Cathryn Isabella Henderson, Rey Hernandez, Amelia Ellen Higdon, Brandy Michelle Hunt, Mallory E. Jenkins, Susana Leslie Juarez-Soriano, Kaylee A. Justice, John Bryce Kitchens, Madison Lynn Lewis, Neida Selene Martin, Rylee Faith McCullars, Emilie J. Minor, Canaan J. Painter, Brayan E. Perez, Alexys L. Poe, Loren Alison Rahn, Andrea Del Carmen Ramirez Rodas, Allison Mckenzie Reno, Lilian G. Soriano, Gabriela Yasmin Trejo, and Sarah Grace Williams. Altoona: Nicholas Chase Stocks. Anniston: Allison Jade Arenth. Arab: Kenleigh S. Blackmon, Ross Andrew Dyar, Olivia T. Glass, Kathryn F. Langley, Logan Cade Parker, Laura M. Pike, Charles M. Reynolds, Tanner H. Ridgeway, and Alyssa J. Swafford. Ashville: Kassidy Bolin Hollis. Attalla: Allison L. Burns, Seath C. Cagle, Hadley Kathleen Garrett, Kyle James Morgan, Serra K. Noojin, and Brenton Porter. Boaz: Jaylea Rose Allen, Jackson Altema, Yajaira Anahi Arreguin, Brett A. Baker, Dillon Blevins, Braxton M. Brooks, Riley Camp, Christian R. Collins, Haleigh Anne Duncan, Jaxson K. Fowler, Fiena Tsamratul Fuadah, Ethan Neal Gresham, Lauren Skylar Hale, Kaylee G. Harraid, Julia Ann Hartley, Mattie G. Heaton, Alexis Leigh Henderson, Hailey Brooke Hill, Madison Leigh Holliday, Seth R. Hopper, Ethan J. Johnson,
Winter 2020-21 Mary E. Kimbrough, Katelyn Anee Lucas, Anna C. Matthews, Mary Anna Cate McKinney, Kaitlyn Renea Morris, Molly Ann Morris, Matthew S. Nash, Grace Elise Prince, Taylor Brooke Redden, Treyton Cole Ritchie, Felicity S. Rowe, Alexis Leonah Schoggins, Lauren A. Segers, Cason Paul Swatek, Jocelyn Darrian VanSandt, Logan Tyler Walls, and Nicholas Kaiden Williams. Centre: Ethan Warren Teague. Crossville: Maria Alonzo, Maribel Lopez Cortez, Zuleyma Franco Figueroa, Kyleigh N. Foster, Angel Carter Keith, Madison Mackenzie Lesley, Jose Emanuel Ramirez-Rodriguez, Stephen Andrew Rogers, Savannah Elena Stevens, Yuliana Vega, and Ricky Kyler Watson. Cullman: Katie J. Ball and Skylar L. Tucker. Dawson: Jocelyn Corinth Smith. Decatur: Skyler Nicole Benson. East Gadsden: Raymond L. Woodget. Fort Payne: Dylan Blake Evans and Brady A. Moses. Fyffe: Kaitlyn H. Woodall. Gadsden: Rayana Amaya Lashay Coleman, Kaylee Hasley, and Kimberly Ann Medlin. Gallant: Ronald Clark and Molly LeAnne Garnett. Gaylesville: Levi Benjamin Cox Geraldine: Daniel Acosta-Rivera. Grant: Karley Malyn Scott and Caleigh Raeann Walker. Guntersville: Hannah Grace Ball, Elisa Shae Blackwelder, Zachery Bryant Campbell, Logan James Edmonds, Sherry Alexis Glines, Bryan Gomez, Alaina C. Keller, Alexander Henry Luther, Esly Mesadieu, Matthew Thomas Reeves, Brooke Sharp, and Maddie N. Young. Hanceville: MaryGrace Fuller. Helena: Robert Luke Stamba. Hoover: Lawrence Edward Hammonds. Horton: Jesus Cruz, Abby MaKalya Floyd, Idallis Gibson, Jennifer Robles Dominguez, Elizabeth Jane Turner, Teresa Antonia Vaquez Guzman, Shallon Vines, and Virginia Madison Wright. Huntsville: Lexea N. Mifflin, Kevin M. Roden, Katy Schroeder and Julissia Ashanti Watkins. Irondale: Frank Curtis Hogue. Jefferson, GA: Ryan James Godfrey. Joppa: Anna Leigh Chastain. Lacey’s Spring: Bryceton A. Flack. Madison: Braden Cobb. Munford: Andrew Harkins. Oneonta: Stephen M. Dean, Erika Monza Duarte, and Phoebe M. Wallace. Pell City: Madison R. Mitcham. Rainsville: Hayden Reid Slaton. Scottsboro: Savannah Christina Brown, Sy Mattox Stanfield, and Emily Ann Wilson. Seale: Jeraine C. Ellis. Snead: Alanna Grace Eller. Springville: Jacqueline Kershell Rhodes. Taft, Tennessee: Shelby Marie Bryant Tuscaloosa: Heavyn Marie Hammonds. Union Grove: Cameron Michael Burkhalter. Uniontown: Alaysia S. Norfleet. Weaver: McKenna Kaleuati Flynn.
www.thesportsledger.com
PAGE 23
The Sports Ledger | Brandon K. Pierce
GUNTERSVILLE FINISHES REGULAR SEASON AT 10-0 Guntersville's Jack Harris (#8) makes a leaping catch during the second round of AHSAA state playoffs against Pleasant Grove. The Wildcats lost the game 42-21 to finish the year at 10-1. It was the only loss of the year for Guntersville. The Wildcats finished the 2020 regular season with a 54-0 win over Albertville to go undefeated in the regular season for only the 8th time in school history. Harris was a big part of the 2020 season, as he reportedly had 1,142 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. Harris is now the first Guntersville receiver to reach the 1,000 yard mark in a single season. The previous record was set in 2006 by Shannon Cahill, who had 775 yards in 15 games. Harris, along with Quarterback Cole McCarty and Logan Pate earned 2020 All-State Honors. MaxPreps reported that the Wildcat's sophomore quarterback passed for 2,461 yards, 36 touchdowns and only five interceptions this past fall. Pate led the Guntersville ground game with 1,716 yards and 23 touchdowns.
JOE WHITMORE NAMED PRESIDENT AT SNEAD STATE
During 2020 Joe Whitmore was named the President of Snead State Community College and according to a news release his appointment to the new position at the college started on December 1. Whitmore had served as Interim President at the college since June of 2020. Whitmore’s career in higher education began in 1994 when he became the Director of Business Services at Jacksonville State University. Whitmore joined the Snead State Parson family in 2016.
MIAMI FOOTBALL ADDS DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR
The University of Miami football program has hired Travaris Robinson, as defensive backs coach. He is regarded as one of the top recruiters in the country. Robinson, known as “T-Rob,” is a Miami native who boasts 15 years of college coaching experience including the past five season as defensive coordinator at South Carolina.
IDER HIGH SCHOOL NAMES NEW PRINCIPAL In addition to COVID-19 and other issues occurring during 2020, Ider High School was forced to suffer through the loss of Principal Cyrus Frost, who suddenly past away at age 43. Frost was a 1995 graduate of Pisgah High School. The DeKalb County Board of Education has hired Ider native Bridgett Ott to serve as his replacement.
www.thesportsledger.com
PAGE 24
Tennessee Volleyball Adds Five To Class of 2021
The University of Tennessee volleyball program has announced the addition of five signees for the program's 2021 signing class. Emily Beeker (North Carolina), Izzy Durnell (Georgia), Ashllyn King (Tennessee), Ava Moes (Minnesota) and Julie Wittekind (Ohio) make up the Class of 2021, with Wittekind joining the Lady Vols as a mid-year enrollee. The class includes a pair of 2020 Under Armour Honorable Mention All-Americans and a PrepVolleyball.com top 150 prospect.
Auburn Softball To Field Two Top 100 Players
Softball America has released its 2021 Top 100 Collegiate Players and the Auburn Tigers had two players earn a spot in the publication’s preseason rankings. After ending her debut season part of SA’s Top 100 of 2020, junior pitcher Samantha Yarbrough remains in the rankings at No. 68. Transferring into the program from Ole Miss, Kaylee Horton checks in at No. 90. In 2020, Yarbrough
appeared in 13 contests, primarily as a relief pitcher. The right-hander earned a starting role over the final two weeks of the shortened 2020 season with three starts, two of which were complete-game efforts. Over her debut season with the Tigers, Yarbrough went 6-0 in the circle with a save. She allowed just eight runs over 48.2 innings. Dishing out over 16 innings of scoreless softball, Yarbrough recorded a 1.15 ERA to
W
FAMILY FEATURES
rank sixth among SEC pitchers. The Fairhope, AL native allowed just 24 hits and held opponents to a .147 average at the plate. Horton, a transfer from Ole Miss, did compete for the Rebels in 2020, but her defensive strength and pop at the plate is poised for a breakout 2021 campaign for Auburn. During her junior season at Ole Miss, Horton was named to the SEC All-Defensive team after committing just one error
in right field. The Jasper, AL native started 61 games and closed the 2019 softball season with a .290 average, adding 31 runs and 28 RBI. Horton was tied for second in the SEC with five triples. She added four doubles for a .364 slugging percentage. She tallied 13 multi-hit and eight multiRBI games for the Rebels. On the base paths, Horton went 23-for-29 in steal attempts to rank fourth in the league.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
hile you may not be able to enjoy game day with thousands of your closest friends at the stadium this year, that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy tailgate-worthy grub at home with a smaller group of friends and loved ones. Step up your home-gate with an appetizing pre-game lineup featuring customized hot dogs and bratwursts as the main course with other plate-filling appetizers on the side to keep the noshing going right up to game time like baconwrapped potatoes, sweet cinnamon churros and a savory take on guacamole. Find more game day recipes worth cheering about at Culinary.net.
A simple and tasty main course, hot dogs and bratwursts are mainstays on game day and can be easily topped and customized to match each guests’ taste buds, regardless of age. Consider setting out a variety of garnishes and topping options such as these:
Winter 2020-21
n Ketchup n Mustard n Relish n Onions n Chili n Nacho cheese n Shredded cheese n Jalapeno peppers n Diced tomatoes n Sauerkraut n Cole slaw n Pickle spears n Barbecue sauce n Sriracha
Churros
Add A Sweet Cinnamon Snack
Sweet, handheld snacks make for perfect teammates while watching a game at home, and these Churros are an ideal example of a quick, fun bite that’s made with ease. Requiring less than an hour in the kitchen, they can be made in short order without missing your favorite team’s first play. Lightly coated with fresh cinnamon and flavored with C&H Golden Brown Sugar, these deep-fried delights are as simple to make as they are delicious. Find more home-gating recipe ideas at chsugar.com.
Photo courtesy of C&H Sugar
1 1/4 c ups water 1/2 c up unsalted butter 2 teaspoons C&H Golden Brown Sugar 1/4 t easpoon salt 1 cup all-purpose flour 3 large eggs, lightly beaten 3 cups canola oil, for frying 1 cup C&H Sugar 2 tablespoons cinnamon
In medium saucepan over high heat, combine water, butter, sugar and salt; bring to boil. Reduce heat and add flour. Using wooden spoon, mix vigorously until mixture forms into dough. Remove from heat. While stirring, gradually add eggs into dough. Mix well. Place dough in pastry bag fitted with large star tip. In heavy pot over medium-high heat, heat oil until it reaches 365 F. On plate, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon; set aside. Squeeze churro dough in 4-inch strips into hot oil. Fry 5-6 churros in batches until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. When ready, transfer to plate lined with paper towels. Roll churros in sugar-cinnamon mix.