The Southern Torch, Vol. 1, No. 20

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

/ FRIDAY OCTOBER 9, 2015 / VOL. 1, NO. 20 / $1.00

COMMUNITY

BUSINESS

SPORTS

CAR SHOW TOMORROW WILL BENEFIT GERALDINE POLICE CHIEF

TREAT OF THE WEEK: SAN ANTONIO RESTAURANT: STEAK BURRITO GRANDE…

TEAM OF THE WEEK: PLAINVIEW BEARS

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Fort Payne FD announces purchase of two new fire trucks

FPFD Chief Don Fischer and crew stand with engine 1, a 1993 truck that will be replaced by one of the brand new 2016 models

By Dr. John E. Morgan Pastor–Collinsville Baptist Church

FORT PAYNE, Ala.—

Fort Payne Fire Chief Don Fischer announced at Tuesday night’s city council meeting that the

city’s fire department recently made a significant equipment upgrade with the

purchase of two brand new fire trucks. Fischer said the city was overdue CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

county pick up some of the cost of renovations since they would ultimately be beneficiaries of the renovations as well.

“I’m hopeful that the County will be willing to shoulder some of this load,” Jones said. “Having them pay their share is the fair thing to do and we will continue work on the issue and try to find an agreement that is fair and works for both the city of Rainsville and the county. “ The city voted to accept the $202,302 bids for renovation of the Weekly Post building.

Jones also made the announcement Monday night that the first phases of the highly anticipated Alabama Communities of Excellence (ACE) program will soon be underway. ACE is a non-profit that partners

Rainsville Council approves $200K in renovations

FANS OF THE WEEK! The Southern Torch Fans of the Week are Jennifer and Roman Colburn.

Roman is a Fort Payne alumni and they were at the Fort Payne Homecoming for Roman’s 25-year Class Reunion.

Roman went on to play for the University of Alabama and was a member of the 1992 Championship Team. Jenn went to Jacksonville State College where she was a cheerleader and cheered on the 1992 Jacksonville National Championship team.

Roman and Jenn live in Huntsville but Roman says he still bleeds “Black and Gold!!” Submit your picture to Southern Torch for your chance to be our next Fan of the Week.

Congratulations Jennifer & Roman Colburn!

CONNECT WITH US

Visit our website at www.southerntorch.com for daily news updates and pick up your weekly print edition at news stands every Thursday.

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RAINSVILLE, Ala.— The Rainsville City Council met Monday and discussed the status of a number of current and future city improvement projects and the associated cost of the city’s plan to renovate the old Weekly Post Building.

Councilman Roger Lingerfelt reported that the renovations would come in two phases, and cost the city about $202,302.

The city hopes to relocate the DeKalb County extension office to the renovated property.

Currently the city pays all expenses to operate the county extension program, the only exception being the salaries of county employees who work there. Rainsville Mayor Nick Jones said that he would like to see the

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The Southern Torch – Southern Torch, Inc. News every Friday.

For Subscriptions: Call (256) 638-4040 or email subscriptions@southerntorch.com

Supreme Court sides with Thrash, denies DeKalb BOE appeal

After almost a year and a half of delays and legal wrangling, former Fyffe High School Boys Basketball Coach Neal Thrash could finally soon get his day in court.

Earlier this week the Alabama Supreme Court (ASC) announced their decision to deny an appeal from DeKalb County Schools Superintendent Hugh Taylor and the DeKalb County Board of Education to reverse a 2014 ruling by 9th Judicial Circuit Judge Jeremy Taylor in a lawsuit between Thrash and the BOE. In April 2014 DeKalb County Superintendent Hugh Taylor suspended Thrash from his coaching duties at Fyffe High School. Superintendent Taylor made the decision CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY

Miss Northeast Northeast Alabama Community College held its annual Miss Northeast on Oct. 4…

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THIS WEEK IN FAITH

A Day at the Race

My daddy loved covering the Indy 500…

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THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

Bulldogs Battled the Bisons Geraldine traveled to Higdon Friday night to battle with the North Sand Mountain Bisons…

Page 10 PRESORTED STANDARD MAIL U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 60 RAINSVILLE, AL

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Friday–October 9, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Publisher, Joseph M. Morgan Layout editor, Dwayne Adams

Fort Payne FD announces purchase of two new fire trucks CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 for an upgrade and that when delivered, the two new 2016 trucks would immediately be put to use.

The city had budgeted and earmarked funds since 2013 for the purchase of one new fire truck. Fischer said several

months of planning went into determining exactly what model the city would be using and where it would be purchased. In the midst of the process, Fischer said he received the good news that FPFD had been awarded a FEMA grant in the amount of

$300,000 that the department had applied for in Dec. 2014.

The additional funds allowed the purchase of a second new fire truck.

“A number of people have commented to me that this is a big moment for the Fort Payne Fire Department,” Fischer said.

“I tell them no, this is a big moment for the entire city of Fort Payne. I am glad to be able to deliver equipment that can keep our firemen safe. God truly blessed us in allowing everything to come together and fall into place at just the right time.”

end community development programs, strategic planning services, commercial and business development,

education enhancement, tourism, economic development and other support to help Alabama cities and towns improve and develop their communities, strengthen local economies and create long-term economic success.

Rainsville began the ACE program in 2013. The city was funded through a grant to complete a long-term comprehensive plan for the city.

“We are very excited to begin the ACE program,” Jones said. “It is one of the most respected programs of its kind and has a proven track record of success in terms of economic and industrial development.”

Jones said the first step of the program is an orientation that will take place before the end of this month.

Rainsville Council approves $200K in renovations CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

with communities across the state, providing leadership a

Supreme Court sides with Thrash, denies DeKalb BOE appeal CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 without board approval or consultation, saying later that an internal investigation revealed that Thrash was bullying his players.

Thrash filed a lawsuit over the suspension and Circuit Judge Jeremy Taylor ruled that Thrash should have had the opportunity of a hearing before the DeKalb County Board of Education prior to his suspension. On Sept. 14, 2014, Jeremy Taylor set a court date for Nov. 17, 2014, for Thrash to make a case for the hearing.

In response, DeKalb BOE attorneys swiftly filed a writ of mandmamus appealing to the Alabama Supreme Court to reverse the ruling by Judge Taylor that Thrash deserved a hearing before the board before a decision and ruling was made

on suspension. In addition to their appeal to the Supreme Court, the BOE was able to delay the Nov. 17, 2014 court date indefinitely by also requesting a stay to halt circuit court proceedings for as long as it would take the Supreme Court to reach a decision.

Finally, almost a year later, that day has come.

So what does all that mean?

The Supreme Court’s decision this week to dismiss the superintendent and BOE’s writ sends the case back to Judge Taylor. Now that the case is back in his court, Judge Taylor will set a court date and the case will proceed. Finally.

Coach Neal Thrash said he could not comment on his case at this time. Efforts to reach Superintendent Hugh Taylor were unsuccessful.

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Friday–October 9, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

To submit community news, contact: news@southerntorch.com Tel. 256 638 4040 www.southerntorch.com

Car Show tomorrow will benefit Geraldine Police Chief

By Marla Jones marla@southerntorch.com

A close group of friends and family of Geraldine Police Chief Nelson Gregory will be hosting a Car and Motorcycle show Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon at the Pumpkins in the Park Festival at Sylvania Town Park. Proceeds from the show will go to benefit the Gregory family and assist with medical bills as Gregory bravely continues his more than two-year battle with esophageal cancer. He has undergone countless treatments and medical procedures, and recently learned that his condition had worsened and would require live-saving surgery in order for Gregory to survive.

Lawman; Coach; husband; father—over the years Nelson Gregory has been this and so

much more to his family, loved ones and hundreds throughout the community and beyond.

Gregory is a man of strength, courage and honor—a man determined to fight for every moment possible with his family and loved ones. True to his nature while out protecting our community, or even on when on a ballfield coaching one of what was hundreds of games, Nelson Gregory never gave up and he never let those around him quit. In the face of such difficulty, many might despair or lose heart. Not Gregory. As he has from the beginning, he continues to face this disease head on. He has continued to be there for his family and loved ones and even work through his horrible illness.

About two weeks ago, Gregory left for Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla, and less than two days ago he underwent a very difficult 6-hour surgery that in all honesty will probably make it impossible for even a man with his strength and determination to continue to work. Gregory’s recovery will take weeks or even months of expensive medical care and require him to remain in the hospital for several more days and in the Mayo Clinic facility for as long as a month.

Attendance at the event

tomorrow is free. To be a part of the show by entering your car or motorcycle, the fee is only $20. We had an incredible turnout last year and have heard from enthusiasts from all over the region this year who want to be a part of the show and are bringing their cars and bikes from all over. Not a car enthusiast? Don’t worry! There will be plenty of other activities and fun for the whole family and there simply couldn’t be a better atmosphere to help out a great cause and see one of the absolute best car and motorcycle shows in the region. As with last year’s show and all of our fundraising efforts, 100% of the money raised tomorrow or at any time goes directly to the Gregory family.

Lawman; Coach; husband; father—Nelson Gregory has spent his entire life protecting, supporting and providing for those he cares about. He has made us safer and taught our young people not only to be better athletes or ballplayers but to be better men. He has changed the lives of hundreds in our community. And now, he needs us.

If Nelson Gregory has influenced your life, or if you are simply inspired by his story and would like to give back or pay it forward, please come out and join us tomorrow. We will

Miss Northeast

By Karah Wilson karah@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.–––– Northeast Alabama Community College held its annual Miss Northeast on Oct. 4. This pageant was held on Northeast’s campus and began at 7 P.M. that night. Miss Northeast hosted thirteen girls theme for the pageant was “A Fairytale.” Miss Northeast 2015, Natalie Hitchcock, gave some encouraging words to the contestants of the 2016 Miss Northeast. “Whoever is crowned will have just as much fun as I had. I hope that all of the girls enjoy the night and have fun,” Hitchcock said.

During the night, Hitchcock mentioned how the pageant had helped her make new friends and some great

memories.

Elizabeth Kennamer was named Miss Northeast 2016 that night. “I was very surprised when they announced my name! There were so many amazing young ladies in the pageant and any one of them would have made a great Miss Northeast! For me to be chosen was very humbling,” Kennamer said. Kennamer had participated in Miss Northeast before, “I participated last year.

The format of the pageant was the same, however I feel that I have grown as a person.

Instead of entering to win, I just wanted to God to be honored and His will be done,” Kennamer said.

A lot goes into prepping for a pageant. “Besides finding a formal dress, picking out an interview outfit, getting nails

done, and attending two practices to figure out formations, I personally did a lot of self reflection to prepare for the interview and spent lots of time praying that God would use me through this experience,” Kennamer said. “I received so much love and support from family and friends throughout this experience and I realized how truly blessed I am.”

Kennamer will serve as Miss Northeast 2016 all year until the pageant is held again.

Kennamer had some words of encouragement for anyone wanting to participate in any pageant, “Everyone is beautiful in their own way because you were thought of and created for a purpose by God. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

You never know what blessings you may receive from those opportunities!”

Other winners awarded that night were Cassidy Romans, student popular vote; Alyson Smart, Miss Congeniality; 4th alternate, Megan Mitchell; 3rd alternate, Kaylin Pritchett; 2nd alternate, Haiyden Dobbs; and 1st alternate Joanna Hurley.

Along with Miss Northeast, Kennamer was awarded a plaque for judge’s interview and poise and appearance.

accepting contributions all day at the show, or if you cannot make it Saturday we have a fundraising account set up at First State Bank and you can make contributions there, or drop donations anytime at the Southern Torch office at 203 Main St E in Rainsville.

And finally for those who are reading this and know Nelson Gregory, please help us spread the word about our Car Show fundraiser tomorrow by sharing this story with as many people as you can by sharing our story online and even passing this newspaper along.

Reach out to those who were around at the time when your life was changed by Gregory— your baseball or football teammates at the time, fellow law enforcement officers who served with him over the years, other colleagues or friends from school or church—whomever it may be, reach out to them. Give them the opportunity to help a great man—a man who has helped so many others.

Car and Motorcycle Show Saturday Oct. 9 at Sylvania Town Park 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Proceeds will benefit Mr. Nelson Gregory

Fyffe Homecoming Attendants

Fyffe Homecoming is scheduled for Friday, October 9th.

The picture includes 2015 Homecoming Attendants and their escorts.

Bottom row L to R: 12th Grade Attendants and escorts: Josh Noles, Harli Hall, Chad Gray, Anna Wootten, Killian Ciganek, Savannah Johnson Middle Row L to R: 9th grade: Jakob Mitchell and Lily Taylor; 10th grade: Lee Ayers and Taysia Dukes; 11th Grade: Cage Cochran and Addison Rains Top Row: 7th Grade: Gracie Hicks and Parker Godwin; 8th Grade: Maggie Woodall and Austin Buster

Collinsville Homecoming Court

Collinsville High School Front Row (left-right) Freshmen: Sarah Rachel Patton, Lily Wills, Rubi Valasquez, Alyson Lucio; 2nd Row (left to right) Sophomores: Vanessa Aguilar, Sierra Bowers, Gracie Foster; Juniors: Charity Campbell, Mary Katherine Patton, Madison Yates; Seniors: Jasmine Galvez, Maci Sparks, & Senior who isn’t pictured is Danielle Adams

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Friday–October 9, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FAITH

A Day at the Race

By Dr. John E. Morgan Pastor–Collinsville Baptist Church

My daddy loved covering the Indy 500.

And he carried me with him twice. Great race.

And a really smart musk rat.

Daddy talked a lot about Indy. He would tell me “if you ever stand there at the beginning as the cars come down the straightway to start the race…” A pause, a look in his eyes from 300 miles away. “You just have to experience it to understand.” Daddy made it clear he wanted to share the experience with me.

So when I was about 18, I jumped into the car with daddy, the photographer, and a reporter.

Daddy had gotten me a press pass and handed me a camera. A press pass gives you certain privileges even when you are really still a kid.

Daddy walked me down Gasoline Alley where all

the race teams had stalls.

After that, we walked out onto the track where the cars already sat with their drivers. Daddy took a picture of me standing next to Mario Andretti.

He won the race. I’m not saying I had anything to do with that, but I am not denying it, either.

I took pictures near turn one, the first one the cars go through as they start the race. The cars do 200 laps of 2.5 miles each to get to 500 miles.

Daddy said it was a good spot for pictures. He left me and went to another area. I was standing on grass between the chain link fence of the infield and the edge of the track.

“Gentlemen, start

your engines”. 300,000 people on their feet cheering and screaming.

36 open-wheel race cars revving up then beginning to move behind the pace car for a lap. The excitement building. The pace car cuts onto pit row. The people scream. The cars speed up to 200 miles an hour as they cross the start line. Waves of heat and wind as the cars go by. And the ground shaking with their power.

An assault on all your senses. My daddy was right. You will have to experience it yourself to understand.

As the race went on, I got a little tired of the cars going by in three second spurts. I noticed movement between me and the track. There was a stream running along the track like a moat.

And in the stream there was a musk rat swimming. Over to my side of the stream. Gathering grass in his mouth. He swam back across the stream with tail gliding on the water behind him.

Then he ducked his head and went under water at the other bank. When he came back up the grass was gone from its mouth.

As the musk rat made the trip back and forth, over and over, I realized that it was building a nest, a home there in the creek bank. What I found amazing was that it completely ignored the people screaming and the cars going by twenty yards away.

How could he ignore the noise, the vibrations, the exhaust fumes, the

people. It was as if none of us existed. He was building a home. And he did not care about the race. 300,000 people did. But not this musk rat. When I left that day, he was still going strong.

Did he even notice when all the people and cars were gone? Probably not.

I am so glad I had that time with my father. It meant so much to him.

And to me. He had shared something important in his life with me. Fathers and sons.

The world has lots of things in it that are neither good nor bad.

Car races, ball games, work, school, TV, computers, cell phones.

You add on to the list.

But we should never forget what is more important. Families are.

And Jesus reminded us that most important of all is the Kingdom of God, it has to come first. He told us to “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Christians are people who put Christ first in their hearts. Priority number one. If you don’t understand, you need to experience Him yourself.

If you want to read more look at Matthew 6. Especially if you are struggling with life priorities.

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Friday–October 9, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FAITH

A Moment with Megan: Dream Big

By Megan Blansit

Founder of The Beautiful Movement - a youth ministry for high school girls. For more information, visit The Beautiful Movement’s Facebook page, where I post the time, place, and activity for each month

Hi friends! I hope you have all had a wonderful week thus far. I have had a few requests to talk about what The Beautiful Movement is and how it started. First of all, I’m the type of girl who loves to dream big. One of my dreams was to lead a group of girls. I had many ideas that pertain to that but had no idea when or even how it would happen. My journals were full of ideas but my mind couldn’t wrap

around how to “get there.”

Now, lets fast forward from years of journaling. The Beautiful Movement was birthed a year ago this month. The Lord laid it on my heart to start a girls ministry for Dekalb County (& the surrounding areas) and specifically spoke “The Beautiful Movement” into my spirit, “moving girls from insecurity to ultimate security in Christ.” At first I was unsure of what this would entail but after seeking Him, things became more clear. After I had a clearer vision, I shared it with my mom and friends. Thankfully, they were immediately on board and continue to be an encouragement and huge help each month!

The Beautiful Movement is for girls in grades 7th-12th, and is not limited to a specific church or denomination.

We meet once a month at different locations to have a fun and dig into God’s word. Our first girls

night was last November at The Spot coffee shop. I honestly thought maybe five girls would show (way to dream big huh?)

That night 14 girls showed! My co-leader, Cassie, and I were ecstatic. Since then the Lord has continually wowed us! I am limited in space here to discuss the activities we have done but to name a FEW, we have had Cupcake Wars, (as seen on tv) tie dyed shirts, went to the jump park in Gadsden, had a scavenger hunt at the park, and went to Alice Circle for crafts. Pictures from each month are posted on the movement’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ tbmdekalb .Each month is very different from the last, but thats what makes things exciting!

Not only do we have a fun activity for the girls but either me or my co-leader, Cassie Driver, will end the night speaking to the girls.

They always get fed the Word when they come to a girls night. Our

ultimate goal is not only for the girls to have fun, but to have a Christ encounter. The feedback and testimonies we have heard are priceless. So much joy comes from hearing a girl say she is leaving a different person than when she came because she has felt Christ’s love and knows she has a purpose.

I am in awe as I look back over the past few year. We started out with 14 girls at a coffee shop, and the Lord has over tripled that number.

Now we have over 40 girls involved in this ministry, with new faces each month! I know its not about numbers but I get so excited to see this ministry growing. The Lord is truly touching lives and girls are going into their schools, being the witnesses that Christ has called us to be!

Because of their passion for the Lord, they are drawing in their friends. I think it is so important for girls to be connected with other girls who love the Lord. Satan is quick to try and convince us that we are the only person trying to live right, but he is a liar.

Many friendships have formed in The Beautiful Movement and it truly has been beautiful.

The Beautiful Movement is also a free event for every girl. We never want a girl to be turned away because she couldn’t afford to come.

Lets be honest, it takes a lot of money to supply every girl with snack food and all the resources needed for the different activities each month. I have been brought to tears by the people who have not only volunteered their time but their money to this ministry. This ministry could not be done with out donations! For example, how cool is it that we have taken the girls to the jump park in Gadsden and it was paid for by generous people like you. Whenever we have an idea for the next

month, my flesh wants to think, “That will be impossible, how could we fund that?” BUT! The Lord always comes through! Thank you to anyone who has been obedient when the Lord led you to donate.

Whenever a person donates, 100% goes to the ministry.

I believe it was no accident that the Lord had me call this a movement. A few months ago, a friend of mine started a chapter in Knoxville, Tennessee. She is a teacher in an inner city school and meets once a month with girls as well. She has had girls come who didn’t even own a Bible and was able to give them one. Her stories are also tear jerkers. I have no idea what all the Lord has in store for this movement, but I do know that I am expectant and excited!

In closing, I want to give a tremendous thank you to my parents and friends who have supported this ministry, whether it be encouragement, time, or money.

This could not be done without you! I also want to challenge anyone reading this to keep dreaming! Never give up on a dream because it may seem to “farfetched.” God’s expertise is in turning the impossible possible. My dreams don’t stop here and I pray yours don’t stop either. Lastly, maybe the Lord has spoken a specific dream into your heart and the means to achieve it seem almost too difficult, but I encourage you to hang in there, friend. The Lord always comes through!

He has a plan for you and it’s going to be great!

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Friday–October 9, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

POLITICS DeKalb Senator Phil Williams receives BCA Award

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

MONTGOMERY, Ala.— Alabama Sen. Phil Williams was recently awarded the prestigious Business Champion Award from the Business Council of Alabama (BCA) and the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama. The Business Champion Award recognizes legislators for their support of policies that better Alabama’s business climate and the lives of employees, families, and citizens.

Williams, a

Republican who represents portions of DeKalb, Cherokee, Etowah, and Chambers Counties, received the honor in recognition of his commitment to improving Alabama’s economic development and industrial recruitment.

“It is an honor to be named a Business Champion by the Business Council of Alabama and the Chamber of Commerce Association,” Williams said. “I will continue to work hard to recruit new jobs to Alabama, while

also staying focused on giving strong support to our existing businesses, all the way from Goodyear to the local, family-owned small businesses that are the backbone of our economy in northeast Alabama.”

Williams has sponsored or co-sponsored numerous bills in the Alabama Senate to create jobs, recruit industry, encourage business expansion, and promote and protect small businesses in Northeast Alabama and throughout the state.

BCA President and

CEO William J. Canary presented the award to Williams at Back Forty Beer Company in Gadsden.

“Senator Williams has been unrelenting in his commitment to providing a positive environment for job creation,” Canary said.

“In carrying two critical job-creation bills, the Alabama Jobs Act and the Alabama Reinvestment and Abatements Act, in the Senate, he helped ensure that Alabama will stay current in its recruitment and retention of jobs for large and small businesses.”

The Alabama Jobs Act, described as the most significant overhaul of Alabama economic development since Mercedes-Benz came to Alabama, provides tax credits to qualifying projects by the Governor upon the recommendation of the Department of Commerce. The first is a jobs credit in the amount of up to 3 percent of the previous year’s annual wages of eligible employees. The second is a capital investment credit in the amount of

up to 1.5 percent of qualified annual capital investment. Each credit is available for up to the first 10 years of a project.

The second bill for which Canary commended Williams for ushering through the Senate, the Alabama Reinvestment and Abatements Act, promotes capital investment and job growth by expanding the list of projects that qualify for sales, property and mortgage recording tax abatements and enhancing the incentives. Williams is a staunch supporter of working to reduce the tax burdens placed on businesses and industry , create jobs in the business sector and create economic growth Joining Canary for the presentation were Jeremy Arthur, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama, Jason Wilson, owner of Back Forty Beer Company and BCA board member, and other members of the BCA Regional Advisory Committee 8.

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Friday–October 9, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

BUSINESS San Antonio Restaurant Steak Burrito Grande with Beans Rainsville, AL EXCELLENT

VERY GOOD

MEDIOCRE

MODERATE

WEAK

$7.75

A very hearty appetite is needed to take out this Burrito loaded with Steak, peppers and onions that comes with a garnish of lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and sour cream, also your choice of beans or rice for $7.75. We cannot forget the bag of chips and salsa that also comes with it for an appetizer. If your expereincing hunger pains and in Rainsville, stop by and try San Antonio’s. There is something on the menu for everyone.

GOOD ADDRESS: 462 Main St W Rainsville, AL 35986

CONTACT: Tel. (256) 638-3478

RAINSVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE October 8, 2015 Tim Eberhart, Executive Director It’s the time of year when we need to–without compromise–mobilize, organize and energize some of the good citizens of Rainsville. In addition, we will soon recognize one of our finest as our next Rainsville Person of the Year.

We need to find some business people from among our members who would be willing to serve on our organization’s board of directors. There will soon be at least seven open seats. These are volunteer positions. An individual qualifies simply by being an employee, owner or person otherwise associated with a member enterprise.

The directors are expected to attend one monthly meeting, the annual banquet, and–typically–three to five committee meetings during the year. The directors authorize financial, policy and activity-related decisions, and see to it that a few events materialize each year.

If you would like to learn more about serving as a member of our board, please contact one of our current directors, Sandy or me.

We are currently helping organize the upcoming city-wide shopping experience we call the Rainsville Holiday Open House. We expect about 20 stores to participate on November 13-14. In order to optimize the event’s effectiveness, and then have time to customize a strategy, we will soon need to finalize the list of stores.

When it’s all been synchronized, we will then familiarize as many shoppers as possible with the participating stores before the holiday shopping season intensifies. If you own, operate or are otherwise associated with a store in the Rainsville area that would like to sign up or learn more about it, please vocalize your intentions as soon as possible.

If you like to exercise by walking, jogging or running, sign up soon for RTI’s Great Pumpkin Run 5K. It will be October 17. Sign up by October 12 to maximize your chances of getting one of the event t-shirts.

We are now accepting nomination letters for the 2016 Rainsville Person of the Year award. Letters that emphasize a nominee’s outstanding traits may be mailed, dropped off at our office, or emailed. The deadline is December 7.

If you operate a manufacturing facility in DeKalb County, it’s almost past time to sign up for the fourth annual Made in DeKalb Expo. The event will utilize the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center on November 5.

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Friday–October 9, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

OPINION / EDITORIAL

Holding your breath

By Diego Reynoso diego@southerntorch.com

A few weeks ago, I made the decision to share some of my personal experiences as a cancer survivor with our readers. My hope then and now is that I can be a resource to anyone who is dealing with cancer or has a loved one dealing with cancer. There were so many questions that I had after receiving the bombshell news that at the early age of 30 I had cancer. My goal is to be there to answer any questions you might have, either privately or preferably in this column so that others who have the same questions might be helped. One of our readers submitted a question about chemo and what to expect that I will address—the timing of that question is ironic to say the least as you will discover as you read on. I will also talk about some of the things cancer patients experience when taking their routine tests to make sure their cancer isn’t back.

After writing my first column, I received an overwhelming amount of support.

It was humbling and encouraging at the same time because not only were people reading my column, but they expressing their support and showing it to other people. It made me realize that doing this could truly help a lot of people,

but I also realized that it was good for me.

But a lot has changed since I wrote my first column only a couple of weeks ago. I wrote about being diagnosed with cancer and the ups and downs that come along with it. Since we last spoke I’ve run into a down period. I went in recently for a PET—a test done every 3 months during remission to make sure the cancer has not returned.

Now since this wasn’t the first time I’d taken the test, I already knew what to expect and what had to be done. But I assure you that does not mean I wasn’t worried. In fact I was so scared, I was holding my breath. If you’ve ever been diagnosed with cancer and been fortunate enough to treat it to a point that it is in remission and out of your body, taking the PET test is a terrifying experience every single time you go through it.

You see, anytime the cancer comes back, there’s always that chance that the treatment won’t work.

But don’t think i’m not fighting. I have a lot to live for and so do you. I have the best family in the world and I don’t wanna leave them just yet. So, since I’m fighting back I figured I would talk about what to expect from treatment I will have to start taking again.

Everyone that goes through chemo has sides effects from it.

Some worse than others and some unique to only them. I want you to be prepared for these side whether you are about to take chemo or a family member of someone about to.

For me weakness and nausea was the worst. But some things came later. Runny nose, watery eyes and even rashes. Upset stomach is common also. And sometimes those symptoms become severe. For me was when I was taking an aggressive type of chemotherapy called Camptosar. I called it the brown bag special because it came with a brown plastic bag to protect it from UV light.. Being that it is light sensitive I could only stay out in the sun for a minimal amount of time. It’s administered from the bag and goes into your body through a port, which the doctors put in before I started chemo. As soon as it entered my port I felt the side effects. Immediately. I instantaneously broke out in sweats and my jaw tightened.

Felt like I would throw up any second.

I continued that treatment until I received a negative PET scan. Once I got a negative scan and the cancer went into remission I went to a maintenance chemo. Chemo is chemo, so none of it is fun. But maintenance chemo and Campostar are night and day. I took Camptosar for a year and it was miserable. But remember when i said everyone was different? Well after i finished this particular chemo i saw another person on it. I also noticed his side effects were nothing like mine. To him it was mild, so there’s a chance it won’t be as rough on you as it was for me.

I want to say something else. It’s ok to be scared waiting on tests. Its natural. Just try to reach out to your support group and/or person. So, some of you are probably aware that some chemos must be taken at

home. Remember the port I told you about? While I’m typing this out for you I’m wearing a chemo pump. I put in on on Mondays and take it off Wednesdays. It really isn’t the most comfortable thing to wear at times. I throw it on my shoulder like a purse or wear it like a fanny pack haha. Did i mention it is not the most fashion-friendly thing to wear?

Anyways, these are some of the things you might experience if you ever undergo chemo treatment.

I know that some of my descriptions may seem frightening, but I believe the most important thing I can ever do is tell you the truth. If you are facing chemo, you are facing a difficult road—one I’m traveling now. But you can endure. You can do it. And most importantly, you can beat this disease.

Remember you are not alone in this. Nor will you ever be. Lean on your family or loved ones. They will sustain you and hold you up through more than you would ever believe could be endured. And I am here. If you need me, I’m here for you. Chemo or no chemo. Cancer or no cancer.

Reach out. I will do anything I can to help you and your family better understand and cope with having cancer. My email is diego@southerntorch.com. I can, if you allow it, even answer your question here in this column to help others.

Anonymously of course. Thank you for reading and thank you for your support. Don’t give up, and neither will I. Until next time.

—Diego Reynoso

9

Friday–October 9, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Plainview Strikes Again

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Plainview 35-Pisgah 24 “I was very proud of the effort of my kids” —Coach Dustin Goodwin There was several that might have sold

Plainview short. The Bears started the season out slow but they have picked up the pace and now are a force to be reckoned with.

Fans came out on a rainy night to see a good

ballgame between Plainview and Pisgah and they were not disappointed. It was a scary night for most of the night but in the end, there was just Too Much Blue for the Eagles.

Pisgah struck first with a 5-yard dash by Jacob Gamble. The point after attempt was unsuccessful. Kaleb Hughes caught a 19-yard touchdown pass from Bailey Dukes. The PAT was good, giving the Bears the lead 7-6.

With 11:03 left in the second quarter, Audie Smothers connected with JT Jurcick for a 11-yard touchdown reception.

The PAT was not good but the Eagles did have the 12-7 lead. With 6:31 left

before the half, Bailey Dukes scored on a quarterback keeper.

Pisgah Quarterback, Audie Smothers, answered back with a 15-yard touchdown pass to JT Jurcick. Going into the half, the Eagles led the Bears 18-14.

In the third quarter, Smothers connected with Jacob Gamble in the end zone, giving the Eagles the 24-14 lead. Dalton Bowman intercepted the Pisgah ball and Sam Muller scored on a 10-yard touchdown with 3:00 remaining. Muller struck one last time for the win, with a 74-yard stampede into the endzone. Final Plainview 35, Pisgah 24. Coach Dustin Goodwin was

“very proud of our kids and how they played, “Sam Mueller had a great game, our defense blocked well up front and Will Kirk had a great interception.” The Bears were awarded the Southern Torch Team of the Week for their impressive game against Pisgah.

Plainview will host Sylvania this week.

When asked about his thoughts and preparations for the intense rivalry game, Coach Goodwin had this to say, “We will focus like every other game. Sylvania will come to play a hard fought game. We will just have to prepare.”

then on a 45-yard pass reception to Dustin Goodwin.

The second quarter was not any easier for the Ider Hornets. They had started off in slow gear and it seemed catching up with West End would be a hard thing to do.

West End quarterback, Hunter Gant scored on a 19-yard run and the PAT was good. West End was leading the Ider Hornets, 21-0.

Ider put points on the board with a 34-yard touchdown run from Jarett Palmer. The PAT failed.

Hunter Gant connected with Hunter Tarvin for a 35-yard touchdown pass for West End. Jarett Palmer scored more points for the Ider Hornets with his 3-yard dash, making the score 27-12.

West end sealed their victory with two more touchdown passes to Dustin Goodwin and on a 5-yard run by Marcus Strickland.

Final West End 48, Ider 12.

Ider will travel to Collinsville this week.

penalty to grab a 7-0 lead.

The drive featured Gerald Blakely who rushed nine times including seven yards for the TD. On the night he had 152 yards rushing and receiving and had three touchdowns.

It looked as if the Panthers were going to grab complete control of the game when the immediately covered an onside kick and drove down the field. Then the sloppy got involved.

Collinsville fumbled on the four yard line and Section’s Austin Lands recovered. The game went back and forth until Dallas Reed entered the game late in the second half. He had limited time because of an injury. On this drive he rushed three times and then caught a 63 yard Grant Jones pass to give his team a 13-0 halftime lead.

After halftime, Section put together two scoring drives. On the first one, David Atkins

broke the only long run of the night for the Lions going 57 yards for a TD. Then, more sloppy.

Collinsville fumbled and Dalton Rider recovered setting up a 26 yard Alex Hernandez field goal bringing the score to 13-10.

That seemed to wake Collinsville up. They scored touchdowns on their next three possessions and did not let Section move the ball.

Willingham said, “I thought that in the second half we blocked better and had more intensity. We played much better.” The TDs came on runs of 57 and 47 yards by Blakely and another long pass to Reed of 61 yards, this one from Keaton Kilgro.

As the team left the field in the increasing rain, Willingham said, “We’ve got three big region games coming up.

We have to take them one at a time. And the first one is Ider.

#Winning West End shocked Ider

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Fort Payne 28-Lee 14 “Offensively, we played very good defensively we made big plays” —Coach Paul Ellis It was Homecoming for the Fort Payne Wildcats Friday night and they had something to celebrate. Coach Paul Ellis was named the winningest coach in school history. Senior, Desmond Turner, rushed for almost 300 yards and four touchdowns, making him the Southern Torch Standout of the Night. He is over 1,200 yards for the season, thus far. The Fort Payne defense picked off Lee’s quarterback, three times.

They are undefeated in the region. You could say things are looking good for the Fort Payne Wildcats and Coach Ellis could not be any prouder.

“Lee had a super athletic team that played their hearts out.” Ellis also said, “ We are so proud of our players for competing at such a high level and remaining undefeated in region play. Offensively we played very physical and defensively. We made big plays and came up with 3 huge turnovers (all interceptions) in the second half.”

Lee struck first with a 54-yard gallop into the endzone with 4:34 left in the first quarter.

Fort Payne answered back with a Desmond Turner, 1 -yard dart for

the score with 11:16 remaining in the second.

With less that :40 left before the half, Fort Payne decided to spice thing up with a little jump pass trickery to score. Wildcats led 14-7, going into the half.

In the third, Lee took advantage of a interception to score and tied the game with a 15-yard touchdown.

The fourth was all about defense. With 10:44 left in the game, Trea Prater intercepted the ball in the end zone that led to a Desmond Turner touchdown. Tyler Berry got the next interception and Turner thanked him with yet another touchdown.

With less than 3:00 remaining in the game, Daurice Maddox decided he wanted to be a part of the elite interception club and snagged himself a interception sealing the fate for the Lee Generals.

Final score Fort Payne 28, Lee 14.

The Fort Payne Wildcats will travel to Scottsboro this week for another region game.

Coach Ellis stated, “ The Top Cat Trophy is on the line this week.” also, “This game is big for us because it is both a rivalry game and region game as well. Scottsboro has had a lot of injuries to start the year but they are healthy now and will be ready for us. They have a lot of playmakers and will be tough to contain.”

West End 48-Ider 12 Ider was coming off a great win against North Sand Mountain. It seemed that Ider was on a roll and could not be stopped. West End shocked everyone, when they did.

In the first quarter, West End scored twice.

Once on a 21-yard run by Caegan Epperson and

Panthers Win on a Sloppy Night

By John Morgan, Sports Editor

“It was a sloppy night with all the rain. And we played sloppy. We came out with no intensity.

They came out and played hard. It was their homecoming and they played hard.” That was Coach Ernie Willingham’s description of his Panthers 34-performance in the first half in their 34-10 win over Section.

Collinsville actually opened the game with an impressive 17 play, 80 yard drive that took an amazing 8:03 off the clock. The Panthers converted a fourth down and overcame a holding

10

Friday–October 9, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Fyffe puts beat down on Gaston

By Dustin Dobbins Sports Reporter

Fyffe 56-Gaston 14 In a big region match up between Fyffe and Gaston, the second place in region was on the line.

On a rain soaked field, the defending State Champs Fyffe Red Devils showed up and showed out Friday night, scoring 8 consecutive touchdowns. Fyffe started the game off with a 71- yard touchdown pass from Benefield to Collins.

Dunston’s kick was good .

Fyffe 7 Gaston 0. Fyffe’s next possession Kilpatrick raced 60 yards for the touchdown.

Dunston’s kick was no good. Fyffe 13 Gaston 0.

Fyffe’s defense also showed up when Ashley intercepted a Gaston pass. Fyffe capitalized the

next play when Kilpatrick romped 37 yards for touchdown and ran in the 2 point conversion. Fyffe 21 Gaston 0. Gaston’s first score came on a 4 yard touchdown pass from Douglas to Peacock. Kick was no good . Fyffe 21 Gaston 6. Fyffe scored again on a Benefield 37 yard touchdown run .

Dunston’s kick was good.

At the end of first quarter Fyffe leads 28-6.

As the second quarter started Fyffe mounts another drive ending in a 34 yard Benefield touchdown run.

Dunston’s kick is good.

Fyffe 35 Gaston 6. Fyffe gets the ball back and Kilpatrick gallops 27 yards for the touchdown.

Dunston’s kick is good.

Fyffe 42 Gaston 6. As the quarter winds down Ashley sprints 35 yards for the touchdown.

Dunston’s kick is good.

Fyffe goes to half leading 49 to 6.

At the beginning of the third quarter Fyffe fumbles a punt. Black recovered the ball on 25 yard line . Gaston scored on a 1 yard touchdown by Douglas. Gaston converted the 2 points when Douglas passed to

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

on the board for the Geraldine Bulldogs with a 7-yard run. Illair Garcia was spot on with his point after attempt, giving the Bulldogs the lead 7-6.

Cody Schrader scored on a 11-yard run and added more points for NSM with a two-point conversion, making the score 14-7.

Austin Hood tied the game with his 14-yard touchdown. The PAT was good by Illair Garcia was good. Jake Yarbrough gave NSM the 20-14 lead with his 1-yard dart into the endzone.

Peacock. The Third quarter ended with Fyffe 49 Gaston 14. Their was only one score in the fourth quarter. Anderson darted 10 yards for the touchdown. Dunston’s kick was good. The game ends Fyffe 56 Gaston 14.

Fyffe totally dominated the game and Kilpatrick had another big game, he ran for 207 yards and 3 touchdowns. Benefield ran for 150 yards and 2 touchdowns and passed for 100 yards and another touchdown. Fyffe’s homecoming is next Friday against Valley Head.

Bulldogs Battled the Bisons North Sand Mtn 20Geraldine 17 Geraldine traveled to Higdon Friday night to battle with the North Sand Mountain Bisons.

What a battle it was. It was a back- and- forth game until the bitter end.

To start things rolling, North Sand Mountain connected with a 7-yard run by Eric George with 6:14 left in the first. The extra point attempt was unsuccessful.

In the second quarter, Austin Hood put points

Illair Garcia made the

score, 20-17 with his 27-yard field goal but time just ran out for the Geraldine Bulldogs.

Final North Sand Mountain 20, Geraldine 17.

Steven Hood was a Southern Torch Standout with 13 carries for 103 yards and two touchdowns.

Geraldine will host Sand Rock this week.

Heartbreak Spring Garden for Crossville upsets Valley Head

By Amy Thrash Sports Reporter

Saks 42-Crossville 7 “Playing young guys that need to continue to get better, and they will.”

—Coach Brian Clowdis It seems that Crossville can not get a break this football season. During the first quarter of the game against Saks, Crossville had the chance to strike first but just could not get the ball into the endzone.

Saks scored and went for two. They led 8-0 going into the second quarter.

The second quarter did not get easier for the Lions. Saks scored two more touchdowns. Going into the half, Saks led Crossville, 24-0.

Saks racked up another touchdown in the third.

In the fourth, Saks struck again with a field goal plus another touchdown. All hope seemed to be lost for Crossville when Blake Owens had a 8-yard touchdown run with less than 5:00 remaining in the game. Final Saks 42, Crossville 7. Crossville Head Coach Brian Clowdis felt like “ the guys played very well.

Quite simply, we are playing young guys that need to continue to get better, and they will” Crossville will be on the road this week, as they take on Cherokee County for a region game.

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Spring Garden 50Valley Head 6 Valley Head traveled to Spring Garden Friday night for Class 1A, Region 7 play. The game did not turn out the way Tiger fans would have wanted.

Spring Garden held the Valley Head Tigers to only 154 total yards.

By the half, Spring

Garden had held the Valley Head Tigers to only 43 yards. Ethan Harrison had been picked off twice resulting in two West End touchdowns.

Going into the half, Spring Garden was in full control with a lead of 43-0.

Coming back after the half, to add insult to injury, the quarters were shortened to nine minutes. Spring Garden

scored a final time on a 9-yard run with 4:00 left in the game. Valley Head was down but never quit fighting. They are a young team but are maturing and improving every game. Aaron Cole scored with 2:00 left in the game to avoid a Tiger shutout. Final Spring Garden 50, Valley Head 6.

Valley Head will travel to Fyffe, Friday night for yet another tough game.

11

Friday–October 9, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Homecoming Spoiler for the Rams

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Sand Rock 28Sylvania 14 It was Sylvania Homecoming Friday night. Alumni from several different years met to cheer on the Rams to a victory. Sand Rock’s mission was to spoil their celebration.

The Sand Rock Wildcats wasted no time.

With 8:42 left in the first quarter, Alexander McMahan scored with a 1-yard dart into the

endzone. Senior Landry Bowen caught a blocked punt that would help set up Sylvania’s answer back, with a 14-yard touchdown by Dylan Dicus with :43 left in the first.

With 6:00 left in the second quarter, Caleb Kasinger connected with William Carver for the Sand Rock touchdown.

Going into the half, the score was Sand Rock 14, Sylvania 6.

With 9:22 left in the game, Sand Rock struck again with a 11-yard dash

into the endzone for the score. With 6:45 left in the game,Sand Rock added more points to the board with a 9-yard touchdown.

Sylvania tried their best to catch up with a 32-yard touchdown by Caleb Roebuck, but time ran out for the Rams.

Coach Matt Putnam’s assessment? “We’ve got to execute better.”

Final Sand Rock 28, Sylvania 14.

The Rams will travel to play Plainview for a bitter rivalry matchup.

Southern Torch Gameday Report with Sideline Guru Dustin Dobbins

Sideline Guru WK.7 Hello again football fans. Week 7 of DeKalb county football will be a thrilling week. We have 2 bitter rivalry games with Fort Payne playing Scottsboro for the Top Cat trophy. Then what I call the Iron Bowl of Sand Mountain Football Sylvania plays Plainview.

Wow what a week, then we have 2 more barn burners Ider going to Collinsville and Sand Rock playing Geraldine. So lets get to picking.

Crossville (0-6) at Cherokee County (3-3) The Lions keep on trying to find a win in a tuff 4A region. Pointer has 2 good receiver’s to throw to in Dismuke and Jones. Simpson leads the Lions in rushing at 90 yards a game but they have a hard time finding the end zone, combined with the Lions defense allowing over 30 points a game. Not looking good this week as the Warrior have found their groove after losing their first 3 games. The Warriors are now on a 3 game winning streak and I don’t see that streak ending this week. Warrior’s win.

Valley Head (2-3) at Fyffe (5-1) The Tigers got a beat down put on them last week by Spring Garden. Harrison and the Tiger’s

will have to bounce back fast.

Leps and Nixs better buckle all four of their chin straps and be ready to knock some heads.

Fyffe rolled over Gaston last week clicking on all 8 cylinders.

Kilpatrick is playing like a man among boy’s and Benefield looks more comfortable each week at quarterback. Fyffe’s defense is rock solid with the Martin boy’s leading the charge. Fyffe wins big on their Homecoming.

Sand Rock (4-2) at Geraldine (3-3) The Rock has another good team this year. They are on a 2 game winning streak.

This is the first of my 2 games I’m calling Bring your on guts (BYOG) games. This game will be a hard hitting, nose bleeding game. The Bulldogs are needing this win bad.

So I’m looking for Hood, Willoughby and Jiminez to play every play like it’s the Bulldogs last play .

Bulldogs win a close game late.

Ider (4-2) at Collinsville (4-2) This is our second (BYOG) game of the week. The Hornets lost a tuff game to West End last week. Tinker’s boys will be back this week playing hard. The Palmer and Higdon Train should be loaded and ready with Dobbins engineering it to Collinsville .

The Panther will have a derailing party waiting. With Jones, Reed,

Blakely and Nash. This game will be snot bubble blowing game.

Panthers win with to much offense for the Hornets to stop.

Fort Payne (5-1) at Scottsboro (2-4) This is our first of 2 big rivalry games this week. The Top Cat Trophy is a big deal between these two teams.

Scottsboro doesn’t look like on paper they can stay up with Fort Payne. Don’t let records fool you.

Scottsboro has some offense.

With 2 running backs averaging 100 yards a game rushing and a receiver also getting 100 yards a game. Fort Payne will be coming to Scottsboro with a lot of momentum mostly led by Desmond Turner who rushed for 285 yards last week easily putting him over 1000 yards for the year.

Fort Payne’s defense is just as good with Young up front and Berry, Richburg combination up the middle. This should be a slugfest from the Kickoff till the last whistle blows. The Wildcat’s from Fort Payne go to Scottsboro and leave with the Top Cat Trophy AGAIN. Sylvania (1-5) at Plainview (3-3) This is our game of the week. Our second big rivalry game on Friday night. The Iron Bowl of Sand Mountain. Two teams that don’t really care for each other. It’s been like this since the

Hatfield’s and McCoy’s, nothing new nothing has changed. It’s the RAMS verse the BEARS. Throw the wins and loses aside, they want matter in this game. This will be lay it all on the field last man standing football. In this year’s edition the bears have Duke’s under center with Mueller and Martin running the ball and Hughes, Kirk combination at wide outs. It’s been working pretty good the last three games all wins. Bears Defense is getting better also Kirk is patrolling the passing lanes and Farmer, Johnson and Wooten are taking care of the rest. For the Rams Dicus is under center, while Roebuck leads the way on the ground. I’m looking for some help from Miller and Dover for the Rams offense to start rolling again. The Rams defense is led

by Dendy upfront with Dover and Griffen in the middle. Roebuck and Dicus have to play big on pass defense and run support. This game will be a Blood,Mudd,and Guts game . Roebuck has game of a lifetime and Rams upset Bears in a nail bitting, heart stopping ending.

And the RIVALRY CONTINUES. See you at the games. Save me some Hot Chocolate.

Southern Torch’s Most Wanted: WK. 7 Top Quarterbacks

Attempts

Yards

Touchdowns Interceptions

Top Running Backs

Attempts

Yards

Touchdowns

Crossville / Pointer............ 60/110.......... 625................3...................6 Collinsville / Jones............. 44/60............ 536................9...................4 Fort Payne / Ellis................ 40 /78........... 440...............2...................5 Plainview / Dukes.............. 45/89............ 423................2...................0 Fyffe / Benefield................ 7/19.............. 263................3...................2 Ider / Dobbins................... 12/22............. 180................2...................2 Geraldine / Murphy........... 10 / 23........... 158................1....................1 Valley Head / Harrison...... 10/16............ 128................2...................0 Sylvania / Dicus................. 14/29............ 127................1....................2 *No stats at press time for Valley Head and Sylvania this week Fyffe / Kilpatrick................ 124................ 1338..............14 Fort Payne / Turner............ 148................ 1207..............12 Geraldine / Hood............... 80................. 755................13 Sylvania / Roebuck............ 131................ 741................8 Plainview / Mueller........... 72................. 559................6 Geraldine / Willoughby..... 97................. 494...............3 Collinsville / Reed.............. 59................. 462................8 Crossville / Simpson.......... 40................. 452................0 Ider / Palmer..................... 50................. 357................9 Fyffe / Benefield................ 45................. 336................7 Valley Head / Leps............. 21.................. 330...............7 Ider / Higdon..................... 47................. 284................1 Valley Head / Nix............... 26................. 276................0 *No stats at press time for Valley Head and Ider this week

Top Wide Outs

Receptions Yards

Touchdowns

Crossville / Jones............... 27................. 341................1 Collinsville / Reed.............. 15.................. 233................2 Fort Payne / Ridgeway....... 19.................. 184................1 Fyffe / Collins.................... 4................... 173................3 Crossville / Dismuke.......... 17.................. 169................1 Fort Payne / W.King........... 9................... 153................1 Plainview / Hughes............ 17.................. 145................1 Plainview / Kirk................. 11.................. 140................2 Collinsville /Blakely.......... 11.................. 138................2 Sylvania / Miller................ 7................... 89.................0 Fyffe/ Ashley..................... 3................... 75..................1 *No stats this week at press time for Ider and Valley Head

Top Tacklers

Tackles

Most Touchdowns

Touchdowns

OFFENSIVE MVP CANIDATES

DEFFENSIVE MVP CANIDATES

Plainview / Wooten........... 57 Geraldine / Hood............... 57 Plainview / Farmer............ 54 Fyffe / R. Martin................ 52 Crossville / Luther............. 51 Fort Payne / Richburg........ 46 Fort Payne / Berry.............. 46 Fyffe / D.Martin................. 44 Geraldine / Benitez............ 44 Sylvania / Dover................ 43 Sylvania / Griffen............... 40 Geraldine / Willoughby..... 40 *No Stats for this week at Press time for Valley Head and Ider Fyffe / Kilpatrick................ 14 Geraldine / Hood............... 13 Fort Payne / Turner............ 12 Collinsville / Reed.............. 10 Ider/ Palmer...................... 9 Collinsville / Blakely.......... 8 Sylvania / Roebuck............ 8 Valley Head / Leps............. 7 Fyffe / Benefield................ 7 Plainview / Mueller........... 6 Fyffe / Anderson................ 5 Collinsville / Nash............. 5 Plainview / Kirk................. 5 *No stats at press time this week for Valley Head and Collinsville All stats are subject to change weekly according to how accurate schools send stats in.

Fyffe / Kilpatrick................ Fyffe / R. Martin Fort Payne/ Turner............. Geraldine / Hood Geraldine / Hood............... Plainview / Wooten Collinsville /Reed.............. Fort Payne / Berry Collinsville / Jones............. Plainview / Farmer

12

Friday–October 9, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

TEAM OF THE WEEK

Plainview Congratulations, Plainview Bears!! You are the Southern Bears Torch Team of the Week for your impressive win over Pisgah!

NS, O I T A L TU A R G N O S! C R A E B IEW V N I A L P UE!

T

L B H C OO MU ONES ICK N R O Y MA

J

Sports Moments & More Photography Kristy Gallagher 256-605-4048 Call for all your photo needs!

BRANDON FREEMAN City of Rainsville Council member

Go Bears!

DWITT JACKSON

DeKalb County Commissioner Best of Luck to all area teams!

James Williams Photography James Williams, Owner Geraldine, AL (256) 996-0288

jameswilliamsphotography@yahoo.com