The Southern Torch, Vol. 1, No. 22

THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY OCTOBER 23, 2015 / VOL. 1, NO. 22 / $1.00

COMMUNITY

BUSINESS

SPORTS

DEKALB COUNTY CCLI PROGRAM

TREAT OF THE WEEK: RIB SHACK

TEAM OF THE WEEK: CROSSVILLE LIONS

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DeKalb County: Home of the Champions Four DeKalb teams crowned Area Champions

Crossville (Class 4A, Area 12)

Geraldine (Class 3A, Area 13)

Plainview (Class 3A, Area 14)

Ider (2A Area) volleyball area champs for 8th year in a row

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

“We are very pleased to be represented by these 5 schools in the Regional Volleyball Play Offs and wish each of them the very best.” —Hugh Taylor, DeKalb Co. Schools Superintendent

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.— Area tournaments were held this week in Girls’ Varsity Volleyball.

And, once again, DeKalb County is the Home of Champions as we had four Area Champs and a runner-up in the tournaments. All five

FAN OF THE WEEK! Bryson Richey is the Southern Torch Fan of the Week this Week. As a 3-sport athlete Bryson is not accustomed to sitting in the stands. But that doesn’t stop him from showing up and bringing the same level of commitment and enthusiasm as he applies on the field. Bryson is a 7th grader at Plainview and and avid sports fan. Bryson was in a 4-wheeler injury earlier this year that resulted in the loss of his leg. The injury hasn’t changed his love for sports though. You are guaranteed to see Bryson at a ballgame every Friday night somewhere in DeKalb County. Bryson is determined to rehab from his injuries soon and return to what he love best, playing sports.

Congratulations, Bryson 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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teams will be heading on to Super Regionals Friday at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville.

Crossville defeated Hokes Bluff to win 4A, Area 12. Their season record is 15-16, and they will be playing Haleyville CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

GAMEDAY

See the Southern Torch Gameday Report for Week 9 on page 11!

Aderholt announces grant awards for two DeKalb fire departments

THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY

The Collinsville Historical Museum moves Not many people in Alabama can trace their town to its founders and original families…

Page 5 THIS WEEK IN FAITH

Strangers in the Dark

I only went because of a girl.

Second year of college…

Page 5 HONORING BREAST CANCER AWARENES MONTH

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Congressman Robert Aderholt recently announced that significant federal funds have been awarded through to the cities of Fyffe and Henagar to help

pay for equipment upgrades and improvements to the fire departments in each town.

“I am very pleased to announce that the Fyffe and Henagar Fire Departments will both be CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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

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

Soaring with eagles: a young woman’s inspirational story of faith and courage Tara McElrath has fulfilled a wide variety of roles throughout her life. She is a daughter, a sister to five brothers, a medical professional, a former stylist, lifelong athlete and former college track star…

Page 7 THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

Fyffe totally dominated on Senior Night It was a beautiful night at Fyffe…

Page 11 PRESORTED STANDARD MAIL U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 60 RAINSVILLE, AL

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Friday–October 23, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCHTHE SOU

Publisher, Joseph M. Morgan Layout editor, Dwayne Adams

Rainsville launches first phase of ACE program RAINSVILLE, Ala.— Representatives from Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments TARCOG met with city officials following the Rainsville City Council meeting Monday night to discuss the start of a project to create a comprehensive, long-term plan for the city.

The plan is part of the Alabama Communities of Excellence (ACE) program for which Rainsville was selected to be a part of in 2013.

ACE is a non-profit that partners with communities across the state, providing leadership and 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

and few tax increases.

And he felt that, most importantly, it was fiscally responsible when combined with the Education Trust Fund that had a surplus.

He was proud that during the sessions there were major conservative accomplishments, including public charter schools, Medicaid reform and prison reform. He pointed out that the budgeting process was able to provide unchanged funding to Medicaid, Prisons, Mental Health, DHR and the courts thanks to small tax increases, the transfer of $80 million

from the Education Fund and a new rolling budget method of dealing with funds. There were even some increases to textbooks, classroom materials, Dual Enrollment programs and Pre-K. Livingston was particularly proud that the legislature did not agree and did not pass the $541 million tax hikes proposed by Governor Bentley. He touted what he called the conservative reforms of the Republican controlled legislature. He included reforms of public charter schools, Medicare, prisons, judicial

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

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program in 2013.

Funding was made available to the city after being awarded a competitive grant to complete a long-term comprehensive By Karah karah@so plan for the city.

“We are very excited to MEN begin this valuable planning Last Sa project and continue as an were da ACE city,” Rainsville Mayor the 34t Nick Jones said. “It is one of in Men the most respected programs an arts of its kind and has a proven hosted and Bro track record of success in vendor terms of economic and arts an industrial development.” custom mainly but not from th Colo an ama visitors

Sen. Steve Livingston delivers State of the State address at NACC

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala— State Sen. Steve Livingston gave his State of the State address

Tuesday. Livingston is a Republican who represents Senate District 8 including parts of Madison County, Jackson County and DeKalb County.

Livingston delivered the address at Northeast Alabama Community College. His speech analyzed the regular session of the Legislature as well as the two special sessions that were needed to pass the Alabama Budget.

He summarized the year by saying that the General Fund Budget that was passed was not perfect, but it did pass with much compromise

This Halloween, come Trick-or-Treat with Southern Torch and have your photo taken to enter the 2015 Southern Torch Halloween Costume Contest.

We will be taking part in the City of Rainsville Boo Bash 2015 at Tom Bevill Center on Oct. 31 from 4-6pm, as well as the Fort Payne Trunk or Treat at The Fort Payne Halloween Block Party from from 5-7pm in downtown Fort Payne.

retirement and campaign finance.

In looking to the future, Livingston said that he thought that the Legislature needed to find ways to cut the “fluff” rather that raise taxes.

To conclude, Senator Livingston pointed out the great opportunities that will come from Google building a hundred acre plant in Jackson County that will provide great opportunities for many people and Karah will give a great boost to By karah@so the whole area.

DEK The De of Educ policy A allowed DeKalb Four DeKalb teams crowned Area Champions bring th devices CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Pisgah to win Class 3A, on to the Super for lear Area 14. Their season Regionals. Their record This pr at 4:15 Friday afternoon. record is 18-24. They will is 15-16. They will play Connec Geraldine defeated Sumiton Christian Friday Learnin Ohatchee to win 3A, Area play Walter Wellborn Friday afternoon at 12:45. afternoon at 3:00. for sho 13. Their season record is Superin Ider defeated Fyffe to All five teams will be Thoma 32-17. They also won the win Class 2A, Area 13. trying to move on to the studen DeKalb County tournaTheir season record is State Championships to the cou ment. They will be 25-9. They will play said tha be held next week in playing Ohatchee Friday Southeastern Friday good fe Birmingham at the morning at 11:30. afternoon at 5:30. the pro Plainview defeated Fyffe will also move Birmingham CrossPlex.

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DeKalb County: Home of the Champions

Aderholt announces grant awards for two DeKalb fire departments CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 receiving grants,” Aderholt said. “While I know everyone in these departments is excited to hear about these grants, they, like myself, realize it will be the people in these two communities who will benefit.”

The Fyffe grant is in the amount of $147,620 and will be used for vehicle acquisition. The Henagar grant is in the

amount of $40,778.

These funds will be used in the daily operations of the department.

The funds were made available through Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG). AFG helps firefighters and other first responders to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources needed to

protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.

“This money will be used to help protect life and property for years to come in DeKalb County,” Aderholt said. “I am glad that our office was able to offer assistance in helping obtain these grants and look forward to seeing how they will help these communities.”

Friday–October 23, 2015

N TORCHTHE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY 34th Annual Colorfest

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

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By Karah Wilson karah@southerntorch.com

ted to MENTONE, Ala.— anning Last Saturday and Sunday as an were days set aside for Mayor the 34th annual Colorfest one of in Mentone. Colorfest is ograms an arts and music festival roven hosted on the main strip and Brow Park where s in vendors can set up their d arts and crafts to sell to nt.” customers. Vendors are mainly from Alabama, but not limited to others from the southeast.

Colorfest not only has an amazing view for visitors but also captures

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By Karah Wilson karah@southerntorch.com

DEKALB CO., Ala.— The DeKalb County Board of Education passed a policy Apr. 16 that allowed students of DeKalb County schools to ns bring their electronic devices in the classroom for learning purposes. ecord This program is called play Connecting Champions Friday Learning Initiative, CCLI for short. Assistant Superintendent Brian will be Thomas met with o the students and parents of ips to the county schools and said that “they gave really in good feedback” towards e the program.

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the eye of fall lovers, master craftsmen, and some of the most interesting vendors you will ever come across in Alabama.

Julie Barkley owns a business called Alabama Living in the Woods.

Barkley takes wooden pallets and creates funny and positive messages with paint to sell to her customers.

“I started out making items for myself,” Barkley said. “I never look at something as it is. I look at it as what I can do with it to give it a second life. I crafted over 20 years ago and when my mom passed away, I needed something to occupy my mind. What I enjoyed most about Colorfest was the atmosphere. It’s in a beautiful location and

the people were really nice. Everyone was very complimentary and appreciative of the crafts I make.”

Another popular vendor at the festival was Plate Breaker, a business ran by Trisha Kennamer, that makes jewelry out of broken plates. The idea came to Kennamer after cleanup from recent tornadoes. Kennamer spent hours helping pick up and threw away many pieces of plates.

“I picked up a piece from those I helped in hopes of making a stepping stone to remember each one. I never got the stone made, but thought ‘what about fixing it to wear as a necklace?’” Kennamer said. “Once I did, people would ask me where I got it and I told them I made it. So, I made a trip to a thrift store, bought a plate, broke it, and here I am today.”

Camp Creek Creations is ran by couple Steve and Sally Smith. Steve Smith is a recycled bottle artist.

“My wife and I have always recycled and I just

took note of how many bottles we were throwing away,” Smith said. Glass is hard to recycle and most recycle centers won’t accept it.”I began teaching myself about glass. How to melt, cut, and alter its color. It’s a great resource and because it’s free, I was free to experiment. Now I make mosaics, jewelry, wind chimes, and a variety of others.” This is the Smith’s second Colorfest as a vendor, the first time being three years ago. “We’ve been to art shows all over the southeast, but never with a view like the one we had this weekend. What a beautiful setting for a show!”

Colorfest also hosts a ‘scarecrow holler’ which is when people submit

websites and advertising,” Thomas said.

“Another thing we are doing is partnering with businesses and community organizations to provide devices to students who don’t have any of their own. Our goal is to have four to five loaner devices per

classroom.” Unclaimed Baggage in Scottsboro has been one of the main sources of loaner devices.

The School Board is also accepting individual donations.

“This program isn’t meant to replace anything, but it does open up another avenue

DeKalb County CCLI Program

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Thomas said that it “is still early on in the program, but teachers and students are excited.”

The program is a class by class program, meaning that the teachers can choose to participate in the program.

“We want our kids to have the same opportunity that other kids have,” Thomas said. “We want to be the best.” Fort Payne has a similar program in their school, however it is a bit different. Fort Payne uses a one-to-one initiative which means that the school provides the same device to all of the students rather than the students bringing their own. “It is hard to have a one-to-one initiative in the county schools without funding.”

One concern parents have is the monitoring and protection of their children’s devices during school hours. “We have a filtered network in place at all of the schools that blocks unwanted

scarecrows they have crafted themselves. This year’s winners were Meranda Febes, first place and people’s choice with Trashy Taylor and Amanda Pope, second place with Se-crow-yah Corn-bet. Winners of the pumpkin patch jubilee are Moonlight Trading Company, first place; Hair at Village, second place; and Mentone Realty, third place.

Colorfest is held the third weekend in Oct. This festival attracts many different types of people from many different types of places.

It is one of Mentone’s largest attractions throughout the year and is home to one of the largest arts and crafts attractions in DeKalb County.

of learning for students,” Thomas said. There have been approximately 1,500 students access this filtered network since the program began. This week teachers underwent CCLI training to learn how to better use the devices to teach students.

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Friday–October 23, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCHTHE SOU

COMMUNITY

The Collinsville RTI 5K Great Pumpkin Run Historical St Museum Moves

By Dr. Joh Pastor–Co

I on a girl. S college A gi asked m Baptist retreat park. I please h prepare there to

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By Sam Hughes

By Sam Hughes

Collinsville, Ala.— Not many people in Alabama can trace their town to its founders and original families. But thanks to the Collinsville Historical Association, a few people can.

The Collinsville Historical Association(CHA) formed in 2003 to preserve the history of the greater Collinsville area. They are now preparing to open their new expanded museum in Historic Downtown

Collinsville.

Martha Barksdale, a member of the CHA since 2003, said “,On June 1st Liberty Bank of Collinsville donated their unused banking facilities to the CHA.” Beginning on Nov. 3, the museum will be open on Tuesday thru Friday 10:00am-4:00pm and Saturday 10am-2:30pm.

The museum is free for all people and accepts donations.

The museum is a collection of items from community members and business.

RAINSVILLE, Ala.— Last Saturday, Oct. 17, RTI held its 3rd Annual Great Pumpkin Run 5K. There were about 200 runners this year. The run was to raise money for the DeKalb County Children’s Advocacy Center(CAC).

The 5K raised more than $10,000 for the DeKalb CAC. Pam Willingham, the director of the race, said “,RTI 5K Committee chose the Children’s Advocacy Center because we believe in the CAC’s program and their efforts

to help abused children in their time of need when they feel they have nowhere else to turn.

With the CAC being a non-profit organization we realize the need the CAC has with funding to ensure that the children get the proper care and attention they need.”

The overall winners of the 5K were Gracie Groat from Fort Payne and Ben Anderson from Fort Payne. There was also a costume competition for the race and the winners for this include Kyle Brown (as Forest Gump) and

Tabitha, Taylor, and Trinity Cook in the children’s costume competition.

RTI had help from Liz Wheatley and the Children’s Advocacy Center Staff, Plainview Science Club, and Boy Scout Troop 96. The race committee included Pam Willingham (race director), Lara little, Andrea Gregory, Sandra Tatum, LaDon Baldwin, Thomas Wilson, Dianne Peppers, Janet Love, Penny Galloway, Kevin List, David Formby and Jason Little.

Dr. Marvin Barron of Rainsville honored with birthday celebration

Dr. Marvin Barron with his wife Mrs. Maxine Barron at the surprise 90th birthday party recently held in Dr. Barron’s honor

By Meg

Founder Movemen for high s informati Movemen where I p and activ

Mat “Ask an to you; find; kn will be Have an frustra verse? E honest There a prayed someth have a have th me. Th verse a tired of God!” h vocabu times I

Former and current staffers in Dr. Barron’s dental office. From left to right: Deborah Shankles, Sandra White, Angelia Patterson, Glenda Holkem, Elizabeth Starkey, Willodean Tilley, and Hilda Barron Frost, daughter of Dr. Barron, holding a t-shirt for June Shirey, a 44 year employee who was unable to attend

A surprise birthday celebration was recently held to celebrate the 90th birthday of Dr. Marvin Barron, a fixture in the Rainsville community who continues to run his dentistry practice that has served the people of Rainsville for more than 58 years. More than 150 friends, patients and loved ones attended the surprise celebration held in his honor. Southern Torch will be writing a full feature length article in an upcoming issue that will share more about the life and times of this interesting Sand Mountain figure, Dr. Marvin Barron.

Friday–October 23, 2015

N TORCHTHE SOUTHERN TORCH

FAITH

un

Strangers in the Dark

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

I only went because of a girl. Second year of college.

A girl I really liked asked me to go on a Baptist Student Union retreat in a nearby state park. I only went to please her. But I was prepared for all those there to be a little weird.

p from he cy iew Boy e race

By Megan Blansit d Pam Founder of The Beautiful

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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

Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

Have any of you been frustrated with this verse? Excuse my honesty, but I sure have!

There are times I have prayed and pleaded for something… and not have a door opened or have that “thing” given to me. The first word in the verse above is “Ask.” “I’m tired of even asking you, God!” has been in my vocabulary, because at times I feel like a broken

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I had been a church going guy all my life. I just wasn’t weird about it.

There were about sixty students on the retreat. We played football. They settled for a tie. Un-American and weird.

Supper was followed by singing and speakers.

We walked the girls to their cabins. A good night kiss. The boys were all sleeping on the floor of the lodge. I got my blankets and went to a corner to be alone.

Someone rolled out a sleeping bag near me as the lights went out. He started talking to me. I could not see his face in the dark. We talked for two hours. We were really a lot alike. His name was Morgan Wallace. When we went

to sleep we were friends.

The next morning I saw Morgan for the first time. I was shocked. He looked way different from me. He had a flat top. Nobody wore their hair that way anymore.

His clothes weren’t right.

I had learned he wanted to be a preacher. I knew I would never be one (God’s humor). Never, ever would I have talked to him if I had seen him.

And now it was too late. He was already my friend. He had found me in the dark.

Morgan and I would room together for two years. I was best man in his wedding, and he was best man in my wedding.

The girl that got me to come on the retreat? We just celebrated our forty-fifth wedding

anniversary. Think what I would have missed if I had not gone on that retreat. If Gloria had not invited me. And if Morgan hadn’t decided to talk to me. There was one more who wanted to talk to me in the dark.

The second night we had a campfire. It was dark. I don’t remember what the speaker said.

Because I was having a “coming to God” moment. He and I had a short conversation. He told me it was time for me to get serious about being a Christian. Time to be completely committed to Jesus Christ. When I left the fire I was. And I have kept that commitment.

In the dark, He had found me. And He wanted me.

With all my prejudices,

prejudgments and pride.

He wanted me.

Remembering that moment still moves me to tears. He wanted me.

And He wants you.

With all your problems and failures, He knows you and still wants you.

Just like He wanted me.

For those of you who are ignoring God because some of us in the Church have failed you, please forgive us. Don’t let our failures keep you from Jesus. We really aren’t as weird as we look.

For those of you who are Christians, find somebody this week that needs Jesus. They are there in the dark. Where you are not looking. But God is. Open your eyes and see them. It might change your life. And theirs.

record, asking for the same thing and never seeing it come to pass.

And the awesome thing, despite my mild temper tantrums, He still loves me and actually sits there with me through it.

One day, while in the kitchen, I was having a pity party, wondering if God would ever come through in certain situations (I would like to think I was making a pizza, but I can’t remember.) Either way, The Lord posed a question in my spirit, “Do you want your pizza before it’s ready or do you want all the toppings?

How many people have ever made a pizza?

I’m no chef, but I do know a pizza will taste pretty nasty if you place all your toppings on the dough, but never place it in the oven. Or what about if you only spread the (cold) dough out and place pizza sauce on it? This may sound cheesy (no pun intended) but please stay with me. Making a pizza, along with making other recipes, involves a process. Think about how nasty most recipes would

be if we only included half the ingredients or didn’t even follow the directions? That would be one messed up recipe!

Now, think about how this parallels with Christ.

The Lord is THE master chef! He knows good and well what He is doing with your life. As humans, it is in our DNA to be impatient. We want all the answers NOW; we despise waiting. But sometimes, (and unfortunately) the Lord makes us wait. Is waiting a terrible thing? Is waiting a punishment?

NO. When we are in a waiting period, this is our time to rejoice! Why? Because something amazing is in the process of being birthed. God loves us enough NOT to do something halfway, friends! (pizza reference.)

When God does something, it is perfect!

He absolutely wants to see us happy and give us our hearts desires, but sometimes we have to wait because as much as we think we are ready for something, it may not be the right time. Also,

some of the things we may be asking for are not the “toppings” for our life. I mean, what if you called Pizza Hut, ordered anchovies on your pizza, and then ended up hating them! In this case, it would have been better if someone knew your taste buds would be disgusted the minute you took a bite. Jesus knows what we will enjoy and what will be disastrous.

The Bible says the Lord knew you in your mothers womb, meaning your life is no accident; He has an incredible plan for your life, friend. If you are a child of the King, be assured the Lord has got your back! It’s time we as Christians stop looking at the waiting period as a valley and look at it as a period of praise. What if your “pizza” is about to be finished! What if the thing you keep asking the Lord for is right around the corner? Despite the situation, in the good and the bad, He is still God. I encourage you, friend, to keep asking… keep seeking… keep knocking.

The Lord goes before you and is setting up

everything perfectly.

Recently, I have kept the song “Trust in You,”

by Lauren Daigle on repeat. The lyrics are beautiful and read: When you don’t move the mountains that I’m needing you to move, when you don’t part the waters I wish I could walk through, when you don’t give the answers as I cry out to you, I will TRUST in you…” Friend, if you’re tired of waiting, if you’re tired of seeking, I beg you to worship while you wait. One, it makes the waiting period sweeter and much more tolerable, and two, you’re only preparing yourself for the massive blessing coming your way! I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to eat something halfway cooked or halfway prepared. I also don’t want half of Gods will, I want all of it! It WILL be worth the wait.

And remember, friend, waiting for something does not mean that you are forgotten or underserving.

A Moment with Megan: Worship While You Wait

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Friday–October 23, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCHTHE SOU

BUSINESS

H

Rib Shak ½ Slab Ribs served with your choice of two sides Fort Payne, AL EXCELLENT

VERY GOOD

MEDIOCRE

MODERATE

$14.50

WEAK

Mama said if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. Despite this advice, we will say that we were disappointed with our first experience at Rib Shak. New restaurants often have a problem with consistency, so perhaps we hit them on a bad night. The sides we chose were baked beans and cole slaw.

Both were delicious. However, the main event, the ribs, were dry and either reheated or not served fresh, and our overall experience wasn’t the greatest.

So w of

MODERATE ADDRESS: 2204 Gault Ave N Fort Payne, Alabama

CONTACT: Tel. (256) 979-1742

CHAMBER CHATTER October 21, 2015 Carol Beddingfield, Executive Director During everyone’s favorite fall past time, football, wings and burgers are really at the top of choices for food.

Jefferson’s offers some of the best selections in our area.

Their “world famous wings” lived up to their reputation. I have never seen so many ways that you could enjoy a hamburger.

The original Jefferson’s Restaurant opened in Jacksonville, Alabama on September 15, 1991. Jeff (Jefferson) Webb, a student at Jacksonville University, realized that the college desperately needed a local hangout.

Jeff begged his parents for a loan and sold his treasured baseball card collection for the financing. Jefferson’s was an immediate hit. Customers loved the huge juicy burgers, fresh gulf oysters and of course the delicious wings.

Over the next 8 years Jefferson’s expanded the menu and developed a dedicated “Cult” like following. In 1999, Jeff partnered with long time employee and friend, Sean McCooey to expand the Jefferson’s brand.

Today, Jefferson’s has 17 franchised restaurants with more to open in the future. Fort Payne’s Jefferson’s is owned by Glynn Grissom.

Jefferson’s will host the Chamber After Hours on October 22nd from 5-7 PM. The restaurant is located at 802 Glenn Boulevard, SW. The public is invited to attend.

Join us for refreshments and laughter as we learn more about how Jeff Webb made his dream of being an entrepreneur come true. Networking and announcements from local business is always part of the After Hours event.

We still have space available at the Halloween Block Party downtown Fort Payne on October 31st from 5-7 PM. Call the Chamber if you would like to participate with us to provide a safe and fun environment for every one of all ages.

RAINSVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE October 22, 2015 Tim Eberhart, Executive Director It has been about 245 years since the first time a chamber of commerce somewhere in America urged local citizens to “shop locally.”

What it means to “shop locally” hasn’t changed much over the many decades. Undoubtedly, it’s about the same now as it was in 1770, in 1884 and in 1999. What has changed is how easy it now is to NOT shop locally.

Give me three or four minutes and a few touches on my tablet and I can buy a shower head or a sherpa jacket trimmed with coyote-fur and have it headed my way from a gargantuan fulfillment center in a place like Kansas City or Boston.

I have been seeing TV commercials for a new mega online retailer a lot lately. The spots say “they’ve got what I need,” so being the curious chap that I am, I wanted to find out what makes this new anti-local giant so special.

I found out that the TV commercials must be working pretty well. I have khakis that fit older than they are, yet they had 1.1 billion in retail sales in 2014.

It got me wondering anew what we could say or do to motivate more citizens to shop locally. Actually I have been racking my brain for a long time – long before I saw the commercials for that new mega online retailer. But, since there are forces at work in the marketplace that are bigger than all of us – forces like the law of supply and demand and the consumer’s freedom of choice – I have never been able to come up with anything new that I think will actually work.

In reality, most brick-and-mortar retail entrepreneurs will struggle yet keep trying anything and everything.

Those who are able will find their niche again and again when necessary. Some shoppers will learn through experience that they are better off shopping locally – in person – for most of the things they need. And, the chamber will keep reminding good citizens to do what good citizens do.

Support the businesses that can help make the local community stronger. Support the businesses that sponsor – or would like to sponsor – local schools, youth sports, etc.

Ordering shower heads and sherpa jackets from Kansas City and Boston doesn’t do that.

By Joseph joseph@s

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Friday–October 23, 2015

N TORCHTHE SOUTHERN TORCH

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Publisher, Joseph M. Morgan Layout editor, Dwayne Adams

Honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Soaring with eagles: a young woman’s inspirational story of faith and courage

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By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

“Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.”

Isaiah 40:31 Tara McElrath has fulfilled a wide variety of roles throughout her life.

She is a daughter, a sister to five brothers, a medical professional, a former stylist, lifelong athlete and former college track star. Just from her experiences in the past year, you can add fighter, survivor and role

model to the list. But above all else, Tara Jean McElrath is a woman of God. It is God she turns to during difficult times. Adversity is a part of life. We all face challenges and hardships that can be difficult to overcome.

Maintaining courage and faith during those difficult times can be difficult, especially when the stakes are as high as they are for those who suffer are battling cancer. Many are unable to face such hardship without losing hope or giving up. There are some however, those like Tara Jean McElrath, who manage to rise above the paralyzing fear and despair in order to fight another day—not just to survive—but to live.

After being diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, Tara McElrath is in the midst of a battle for her life.

And she is determined to win.

It seems impossible that a woman battling such a difficult illness— undergoing aggressive chemotherapy, facing a doubleMastectomy, and an eventual reconstructive surgery—it’s tough to understand how one could continue to display such unwavering strength, courage, and beauty. It is a word very rarely associated with cancer. But it is accurate in this case.

Tara is truly beautiful, despite the illness and difficult treatments. She is radiant—the type of person who smiles

more brightly with her eyes than most do with their entire faces. And in the weeks and months to come, if her condition

gets worse before it begins to get better, or if treatment begins to wear down her CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

8

Friday–October 23, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCHTHE SOU

Publisher, Joseph M. Morgan Layout editor, Dwayne Adams

Honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

body and make her weak—that strength and courage will see her through and she

will remain beautiful.

Because it is etched into her very soul—a permanant part of who she is and what makes her unique

and has allowed her to touch the lives of so many.

Tara points to her Christian faith as the source of her strength. “It’s God,” she says. “It’s that simple. It’s God. He has been working on me for a long time, way before I was diagnosed with cancer. And one blessing in all of this is that now he’s got my attention. I couldn’t do this without God in my life. He gives me a sense of peace that calms me and the genuine belief that I am being healed. I have complete faith in God and I know that he will see me through this.“ Overcoming adversity is more than being able to get through tough times.

It requires emotional, physical and mental strength of a magnitude that most of us cannot even begin to comprehend. Tara continues to face this disease with unbelievable courage and grace. Her faith in God and uncompromising determination is inspirational to all who meet her. She has become a beacon of hope and strength to those who hear her story.

Tara Jean McElrathwas born and raised right here in DeKalb County. She is loved in this community and says she is grateful for all of the prayers and support that she continues to receive.

We are honored at Southern Torch to be even a small part of this incredible

V

movement that has done so very much to increase breast cancer awareness. Even more so, we are honored and humbled to have been given the opportunity to meet Tara and share her story with our readers. We would also like to thank the many advertisers who have generously given to help us support this effort. We want to assure you that every penny of your contribution will go to help Tara fight this By Marla J marla@so disease—100%. If you would like to Valley learn more about J’ville It w what you can do to for Vall help Tara, call week.

Amanada Chambliss were ga Ti at 423-326-7410. Or their hoping you can pick up Team and the Tara T-shirts, Kuzies disappo Vall and Wristbands now the boa at High Maintanence left in t with a 2 Salon. Tara also has a by Devi number of events on was goo Christi the horizon: a with a 3 Womanless Beauty down.

Pageant, Buckets that attemp the sco will be set up through the sec Jack Fort Payne for scored donations and a 5 K inquarter touchd Januaray. If you remain would like to give on two-po line, a group of Tara’s friends have set up a go fund me account at www.gofundme. com/teamtarajean.

Follow Tara on Facebook to keep up with the action.

T

B

By Marla J marla@so

Plainv Brindl Plai Brindle Friday n

Friday–October 23, 2015

N TORCHTHE SOUTHERN TORCH

Victory for the Lions

has uch to cancer n

o

Gannon Pointer connected with Addison Dismuke for a 31-yard touchdown pass.

A interception late in the fourth quarter set up the Lions winning score.

With 2:15 left in the fourth, Blake Owens ran up the middle for the Lions touchdown.

Final Crossville 21, White Plains 13 Crossville was named the Southern Torch Team of the Week for their impressive win. The Southern Torch Standout of the night was Addison Dismuke.

the endzone with a 3-yard run. The score was now 33-27. With 9:31 left, Jacksonville Christian scored on a 21-yard run.

Leps answered back for the Tigers with a 60-yard stampede into the end zone. The 2-point conversion was good.

Jacksonville Christian

tried to jump ahead with a 4-yard dash into the endzone with 6:32 remaining but Valley Head blocked the punt, making the score 41-40.

Luke Nix got on the scoring train for Valley Head with a 13-yard run, for Valley Head, with only 2:10 left in the game.

Valley Head scored one more time on a 7-yard run and the 2-point conversion was good.

Final score was Valley Head 55, Jacksonville Christian 40. Devin Leps was the Southern Torch Standout of the Game.

Valley Head will travel to Woodville, Friday night.

The extra point by Louis Hernandez was good.

Sam Muller attacked again on a 9-yard run with 2:53 remaining in the first. The point by Hernandez was good.

Jacob Wooten caught a

21-yard pass from Bailey Dukes with :45 remaining in the first. Hernandez was flawless again making the score Plainview 21-0.

With 4:30 remaining in the second, Ben Williamson scored on a 1-yard hustle into the endzone with the extra point being good by Hernandez. Going into the half, Plainview led 28-0.

With 10:02 remaining in the third, Plainview scored on a 1-yard run by John David Martin. The PAT was good by Hernandez. Brindlee Mountain finally put points on the board, with a 16-yard pass from Trent Myers to Joey Smith, with 2:55 left in the third. The extra point attempt was unsuccessful.

Going into the fourth, with 10:08 remaining in the game, Junior Marquez scored on a 3-yard run.

The extra point attempt

by Hernandez was good.

Brindlee Mountain scored twice in the

fourth, once on a 7-yard run and on a 47-yard run, both by Joey Smith. One of the two attempts, at a two-point conversion was successful. Final Plainview 42, Brindlee Mountain 20. Coach Dustin Goodwin had this to say about the game, “I thought we played well and were able to get some of our younger guys snaps in the second half, which is good for us. I thought we played hard again.” The Southern Torch Standouts for this game was Sam Muller and Louis Hernandez.

Plainview will host Geraldine this week.

When asked about how the Bears were preparing for the upcoming game against Geraldine, Coach Goodwin said, “ We will go into this week just as we have all year, trying to improve and control the things that we can control.”

Tigers finish strong

ll go t this By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com If o Valley Head 55ut J’ville Christian 44 It was Homecoming to

for Valley Head this week. Young and old bliss were gathered to support Tigers. They were Or their hoping for a great game Team and they were not zies disappointed Valley Head got on now the board first with 5:05 nence left in the first quarter with a 21-yard touchdown has a by Devin Leps. The PAT ts on was good. Jacksonville Christian scored next with a 36-yard touchuty down. The point after failed making ts that attempt the score 7-6, going into rough the second quarter.

Jacksonville Christian scored first in second 5 K inquarter off with a 43-yard touchdown with 2:55 remaining. The ve on two-point conversion

Tara’s up a ount me. an.

Crossville 21White Plains 13 “Winning isn’t everything, but wanting the win is.”

—Vince Lombardi It seemed that victory was something that Crossville just could not achieve. That had not felt the victorious feeling in a long time, nineteen games to be exact. They had not won since October 18, 2013. It seemed at the start of the game, it was not going to happen for them again

this week.

White Plains struck early against the Crossville Lions. Timothy Whiteside returned the kickoff for 90 yards and a touchdown. They scored once again, making the score 13-0. After a 85-yard drive, the Crossville Lions scored on a touchdown by Addison Dismuke. Going into the half, the White Plains Wildcats led the Crossville Lions 13-7.

The third quarter started off with a failed on-side kick for White Plains. Crossville used it to their advantage when

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

e been tunity d with

have n to this to every

9

attempt was successful making the score 14-7.

With 2:55 remaining in the half, Valley Head scored on a 19-yard touchdown by Devin Leps. Going into the half, Jacksonville led the Valley Head Tigers, 14-13.

The third quarter kept the scorekeeper busy.

Jacksonville Christian scored with 10:32 left on a 45-yard touchdown.

Valley Head quickly answered back with a 36-yard touchdown by Devin Leps with 9:45 remaining. With 6:04 left in the third, Jacksonville Christian scored on a 4-yard touchdown. With 5:26 remaining, the Tigers cashed in on another touchdown, making the score 27-25.

The fourth quarter was a scoring frenzy.

With 11:20 left in the game, Leps darted into

Bears maul the Lions

p up

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Plainview 42Brindlee Mountain 20 Plainview traveled to Brindlee Mountain, Friday night. It did not

take Plainview long to start the assault against Brindlee Mountain. With 7:33 remaining in the first, Sam Muller put points on the board for the Bears with his 2-yard stomp into the endzone.

10

Friday–October 23, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCHTHE SOU

Region rivalry

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Geraldine 42Sylvania 30 Geraldine played at Sylvania, Friday night, for a region rivalry game.

Geraldine’s Head Coach Brad Waldrop made his first return trip back to Sylvania. He had volunteered there for many years, before he was awarded the head coaching job at Geraldine. Geraldine’s team did not come for a family reunion.

The Bulldogs attacked early with a 29-yard touchdown run by Austin Willoughby with 6:02

remaining in the first.

The extra point attempt

by Illiar Garcia was good.

With 11:53 left in the second, Luis Jimenez scored on a 3-yard dash into with endzone.

Garcia’s kick failed. With 2:20 left in the half, Steven Hood scored on a 14-yard touchdown. The kick was good by Garcia.

With only 57.8 seconds left before the half, Dilan Dicus put the much needed points on the board for the Rams. He scored on a 28-yard quarterback keeper. The extra point attempt by Nick Shepard was good.

Going into the half, the Bulldogs led the Rams,

20-7.

After a successful onside kick, Caleb Roebuck scored for the Rams on a 1-yard run with 11:07 remaining in the third quarter. The PAT by Shepard, was good. With 6:27 left in the third, Geraldine scored on a 3-yard touchdown by Luis Jimenez. The two-point conversion by Justin Murphy was successful.

After a Ram interception, Austin Willoughby scored on a 3-yard run with 3:52 left in the third.

The PAT by Garcia was good. Geraldine led 35-14, going into the fourth.

Luis Jimenez scored

Fy

for the Bulldogs on a 39-yard touchdown with 11:48 left in the fourth.

The kick by Garcia was good making the score 42-14. Sylvania scored with 3:17 left in the game, the Rams scored on a 8-yard run by Dicus.

Shepard ran the 2-point conversion in. Sylvania scored with 2:00 left in the game with a 1-yard dash by Caleb Roebuck.

Ethan Dover ran in the 2-point conversion. Time

ran out for the Rams.

Final was Geraldine 42, Sylvania 30. When asked Coach Matt Putnam’s assessment of the game

By Dustin for the Rams, his reply was simple, “We have to execute better.”

Fyffe 6 Both Geraldine and It w Sylvania will be on the night a road for this weeks seniors games. Geraldine will before play at Plainview.

Sylvania will be at New Hope.

Cleveland defeats Ider

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Cleveland 49-Ider 12 Ider hosted Cleveland, Friday night. It was

Senior Night for the athletes, cheerleaders and band members. It was to be a time of celebration but Cleveland came to ruin the fun.

Cleveland scored within the first 12 seconds of the game on a 64-yard touchdown by Peyton Gilbert. He also carried the ball in for the two-point conversion, making the score 8-0. It was back and forth for

both teams during the first quarter. Not to be outdone, Ider answered back with a 84-yard kickoff return by Ryan Adams. The two point conversion failed. Payton Gilbert scored again for Cleveland with a 6-yard dash into the endzone.

The two-point conversion was good. Ider scored for the last time of the night with a 2-yard dash into the endzone by Dylan

The crowd roared

By John E. Morgan

In the fourth quarter, it was everything a high school football game should be. Close game, Gaston desperately clinging to a lead.

Collinsville overcoming a huge deficit and driving to tie the game late. Both sides of the field screaming. Everybody on their feet. Cheerleaders cheering. It was wonderful. The kind of game both sides will remember years from now.

It didn’t start that way.

Gaston seized control of the game early. “I thought we started flat”, said Coach Ernie Willingham. “I don’t know why. Our practices were just so-so. We got ourselves in a hole, going down fourteen points early.”

And that hole got deeper. Collinsville quarterback Grant Jones hurt his foot late in the first quarter and did not return. The Panther’s leading rusher and receiver, Dallas Reed, was

limited to two pass receptions and a kickoff return before he, too changed into street clothes. And there were other injuries.

After Jones’s injury, the Panthers were able to punch in a touchdown.

Gaston responded by scoring a TD on the last drive of the first half and the first drive of the second half to lead 29-7 four minutes into the half. They had over 200 yards rushing for the game, led by the running of Jashun Cammeron.

Collinsville looked beat.

But they did not play that way. “We began to play hard. Our defense stiffened, and we started to turn things around.

We had some explosive plays. Trenton Nash and Gerald Blakely played really well”, said Willingham. Blakely rushed for three TDs and Nash had a huge 89 yard kickoff return. “We lost some good players to injury. But the ones who came in really stepped up and played well.”

One of those who

came in was Keaton Kilgro who stepped in at quarterback to go 15 of 27 for 241 yards and a touchdown. He also scrambled for 44 yards.

Willingham said, “He came in and did a good job. He is a new kid at our school and has only been with us part of the season. He did great.”

And so the Panthers clawed their way back into the game. Scoring a TD at the end of the third to get it to 2 TDS. Gaston responded early in the fourth to push it back to 35-14. Nash’s kickoff immediately made it 35-21. Failed possession for both teams. Before Kilgro found Nicholas Brockitt for 70 yards to get it to 35-28 with just under three minutes left.

The onside kick failed – twice. No hope. But the defense forced a fumble. One last chance.

The stands exploding.

The Panthers drove to a first down on the 36 with a minute left. That was as close as they got. Gaston held and ran out the clock.

After the game Willingham shook his head and said, “I don’t know what to say about a game like this.” The next day, Kilgro said, “It was hard to lose. But it was fun. Football is supposed to be fun, and that was fun.” Those fortunate enough to be there would agree.

McMahon. The two-point conversion failed and Hornets were behind 16-12.

In the second quarter, Cleveland scored three times on the Ider Hornets. Once on a 52-yard run, second on a 9-yard run and then on the 1-yard line. All three kicks were good, giving the Cleveland the 37-12 going into the half.

After the half,

Sideli

Hell Cleveland came out and scored twice more. Once Fans. Th on a 15-yard run and then Region on a 6-yard run late in the line for fourth quarter. know w Cleveland’s Peyton this wee Gilbert scored five Fort Pay touchdowns for the Southsi night. They now lead region m Region 7 with a 7-0 record and 5-0 in region Valley H on the l play, goes to Ider will travel to travels t Section for this week’s game.

Section

Fort Payne falls to Gardendale

road to started.

Ider (4The at this p to win o The Hor with Pa hard an

Sylvani

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Gardendale 38Fort Payne 28 The Fort Payne/ Gardendale game was not the game that Wildcat fans would have wanted.

Fort Payne fell to number 10 ranked Gardendale.

The bitter back and forth match was enough to make your head spin.

Gardendale got on the board early racking up 10 points quickly in the first.

Fort Payne answered back with a 40-yard touchdown pass from Wanya King to Desmon Turner.

Sam Young recovered a Gardendale fumble, the next play of the game to set up excellent field position for the the Wildcats. Turner cashed in with his one yard dash into the endzone, giving Fort Payne the lead with 11:51 left in the half.

Gardendale would score and Fort Payne would checkmate. Seconds before the half, Gardendale regained the half time lead with another touchdown.

Going into the half, the score was Gardendale led 24-21.

Gardendale scored quickly in the third quarter. With less the 3

minutes left in the third quarter, Desmon Turner scored to make the score, 31-28. There were fumbles and interceptions that prevented any more scores for both teams, in the third.

In the fourth, Gardendale scored on a 32-yard touchdown preventing any chance for a Fort Payne comeback, that they are famous for. Final Gardendale 38, Fort Payne 28. Fort Payne will host Southside this week.

This will be their final region game. Since Southside loss to Scottsboro, Fort Payne sealed up the Class 6A, Region 7 title. This is a title that they have not held since 2012.

Coach Paul Ellis had this to say about the game, “ Gardendale had a great team and they played well. The game had a playoff feel to it. I thought our kids played hard and fought the entire game. We had a chance to win the game more than once. Our team is a work in progress but hopefully we are building toward something special this year in the playoffs.”

Friday–October 23, 2015

N TORCHTHE SOUTHERN TORCH

Fyffe totally dominated on Senior Night

ms. e 42, n asked m’s game

By Dustin Dobbins, Sports Reporter eply ave to Fyffe 62-West End 3 and It was a beautiful the night at Fyffe. All the seniors were recognized will before the game. The

New

temperature dropped as the game began. The Red Devils warmed up the hearts of all their loyal fans that packed out the home stands. Fyffe’s first position ended in a 5 yard Kilpatrick touchdown.

West End responded on the next drive with Stancil kicking a 10 yard field goal. Fyffe 7 West End 3. Fyffe marched right back down the field and Kilpatrick scored his second touchdown a 10 yard sprint to pay dirt.

Fyffe 14-3 at end of first quarter.

In the second quarter Fyffe took over, starting off with Kilpatrick

Sideline Guru Wk.9

know who’s in and who’s out after this week. We have a big game in Fort Payne this week against e Southside. Plainview has a big ead region match against Geraldine.

0 egion Valley Head has their playoff hopes on the line against Woodville. Fyffe goes to Collinsville, Crossville to travels to Sardis, Ider plays at ek’s Section and Sylvania takes to the road to play New Hope. So let’s get started.

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Collins gets the fourth interception for Fyffe.

Just before the half Benefield throws a 17 yard touchdown to Collins. Fyffe 49-3, Dunston was perfect 7 for 7 in the first half on extra points.

As the third quarter began, Fyffe kept their foot to the pedal.

Benefield threw a 54 yard touchdown to Ashley.

Dunston’s kick was good Fyffe 56-3. Fyffe began to play their younger players and give the seniors the rest of the night off , after a sterling performance for three and a half quarters. Fyffe

added a fifth interception in the fourth quarter, this one was picked off by Dunston. Then Fyffe scored one more touchdown in the fourth quarter when Anderson rambled into the end zone for a 18 yard touchdown. Dunston missed the extra point.

Fyffe wins the game 62-3.

Kilpatrick had 12 carries for 149 yards and 3 touchdowns, Benefield threw 2 touchdowns and ran 1 in. Defense had 5 interceptions. Fyffe plays at Collinsville in the final region game of year.

with Sideline Guru Dustin Dobbins

ton

third urner score,

gallops in for his third touchdown from 22 yards out Fyffe 21-3. Fyffe’s defense showed up and showed out the rest of the first half getting in 4 interceptions. Benefield got the first one. Then Ashley ran 18 yards for the touchdown Fyffe 28-3. Anderson got the second interception on a one handed catch that he zig zagged 34 yards into the end zone, Fyffe 35-3.

West End was determined to pass the ball, when Ashley got the third interception .

Benefield scored on a 2 yard touchdown , Fyffe 42-3. Next possession

Southern Torch Gameday Report

Hello Dekalb County Football t and Once Fans. This is the last week of d then Region football action. A lot is on e in the line for playoff seeding. We should

lls e

11

Ider (4-4) at Section (0-8) The Lions are playing for pride at this point in the season. Trying to win one before the season ends.

The Hornets should win this one with Palmer and Higdon running hard and defense playing hard.

Sylvania (1-7) at New Hope (6-2)

The Rams are still playing hard.

Dicus and Roebuck are still trying to put it all together both are having a good year. Rams defense is young, about a year away from dominating. The Indians are scoring nearly thirty points a game and defense is allowing a little over two touchdowns a game. New Hope wins.

Crossville (1 -7) at Sardis (3-5) The Lions broke a long losing streak last week and should still be riding high. Pointer and Dismuke had a big game on offense while Owens, Luther and Simpson held the fort down on defense. Just don’t think that wave the Lions are riding will be high enough. Sardis wins a nail bitter at home.

Fyffe (7-1) at Collinsville (4-3) The injury bug hit the Panther’s last week as Jones and Reed both got hurt. For the Panthers to win all hands will have to be on deck.

Blakely and Nash won’t be enough.

Red Devils come to Panther’s Den and roll to a big win with Kilpatrick running like a wild buffalo and Benefield is playing quarterback like a pro now. Defense is lights out, picking off five passes last week.

football. Defensively Wooten and Farmer are two of the best in the county. The Bulldogs have a three head gaint in Hood, Willoughby and Jiminez all three are beast on both sides of the ball. Bulldogs run wild in a hard hitting game.

Bulldogs win.

Valley Head (3-5) at Woodville (3-5) Panthers are trying to get into playoffs with a win at home. This should be a back and forth game with the Tigers pulling away late with Leps having another big game. Tigers win in fourth quarter to hold onto a slim hope at the playoffs.

Southside (5-3) at Fort Payne (6-2) GAME OF THE WEEK. Southside has had a few bumps in the road this year but don’t get me wrong they have a great team and will come to Wildcat stadium with a chip on their shoulders. The Wildcats took a hit to the chin last week with a hard fought loss.

Turner and company won’t lose two in row. Turner, King and Ridgeway lead the offense while Richburg, Young and Berry are standouts on defense. Wildcats win a heartbreaker to clinch the region title. See you at the game.

Save me hot dog or two.

Geraldine (5-3) at Plainview (5-3) The Bears have had a incredible run the last five weeks.

Duke’s has took control of the offense and Mueller is having a awesome year running the

Southern Torch Most Wanted - Week 9 Top Quarterbacks

Attempts Yards

Touchdowns

Interceptions

Crossville / Pointer................... 73/137........... 834................5...........................6* Collinsville / Jones.................... 53/73............ 715................9..........................4* Fort Payne / Ellis....................... 54/100.......... 606...............4..........................6* Plainview / Dukes..................... 51/94............ 502...............3...........................5* Fyffe / Benefield....................... 13/24............. 387................6..........................2* Geraldine / Murphy.................. 13/26............. 231................1...........................1 Valley Head / Harrison............. 14/22............. 217................4..........................0* Ider / Dobbins.......................... 12/22............. 180................2..........................2 Sylvania / Dicus........................ 14/29............ 127................1...........................2 *No stats at press time for Sylvania and Ider this week

Top Running Backs

Attempts Yards

Touchdowns

Fyffe / Kilpatrick....................... 138................ 1560..............19 Fort Payne / Turner................... 148................ 1555...............18 Sylvania / Roebuck................... 187................ 1088..............10 Geraldine / Hood...................... 108............... 980...............14 Valley Head / Leps.................... 85................. 880...............15 Plainview / Mueller.................. 105................ 795................9 Ider / Palmer............................ 85................. 654................9 Geraldine / Willoughby............ 122................ 616................6 Collinsville / Reed..................... 65................. 578................4 Crossville / Simpson................. 60................. 559................0 Fyffe / Benefield....................... 52................. 488...............8 Collinsville / Blakely................. 73................. 464...............11 *No stats at press time for Ider this week

Top Wide Outs

Receptions Yards

Touchdowns

Collinsville / Reed..................... 23................. 385................6 Crossville / Jones...................... 29................. 365................1 Crossville / Dismuke................. 25................. 315................3 Collinsville / Brockitt................ 12.................. 252................1 Fort Payne / W.King................. 15.................. 239................2 Fort Payne / Ridgeway.............. 23................. 201................1 Collinsville / Blakely................. 17.................. 198................1 Fyffe / Collins........................... 6................... 189................4 Fyffe / Ashley........................... 5................... 184................3 Fort Payne / Turner................... 12.................. 172................2 Plainview / Hughes................... 17.................. 145................1 Plainview / Kirk........................ 11.................. 140................2 Plainview / Willingham............ 11.................. 132................0 *No stats this week at press time for Ider

Top Tacklers

Tackles

Plainview / Wooten......................... 84 Plainview / Farmer.......................... 84 Geraldine / Hood............................ 77 Fyffe / R. Martin.............................. 64 Valley Head / Nix............................. 63 Crossville / Luther........................... 60 Fort Payne / Berry............................ 60 Fyffe / D. Martin.............................. 57 Sylvania / Griffen............................. 56 Fort Payne / Richburg..................... 56 Geraldine / Benitez.......................... 56 Plainview / Johnson......................... 54

*No Stats for this week at Press time for Ider.

Most Touchdowns

Touchdowns

Fort Payne / Turner......................... 20 Fyffe / Kilpatrick.............................. 19 Valley Head / Leps........................... 15 Geraldine / Hood............................. 14 Collinsville /Reed............................ 12 Collinsville / Blakely........................ 12 Sylvania / Roebuck.......................... 10 Plainview / Mueller......................... 9 Ider / Palmer................................... 9 Fyffe / Benefield.............................. 8* Fyffe / Anderson.............................. 8* Collinsville / Nash........................... 6*

*No stats at press time this week for Ider All stats are subject to change weekly according to how accurate schools send stats in.

OFFENSIVE MVP CANIDATES

Fyffe / Kilpatrick Fort Payne / Turner Geraldine / Hood Valley Head / Leps Collinsville / Reed & Blakely

DEFFENSIVE MVP CANIDATES

Fyffe / R. Martin Geraldine / Hood Plainview / Wooten Plainview / Farmer Valley Head / Nix

12

Friday–October 23, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

TEAM OF THE WEEK

Crossville Lions

Congratulations Crossville Lions!!! You are the Southern Torch Team of the Week for your impressive win over White Plains!!!

CONGRATS LIONS!

WAY TO GO CROSSVILE LIONS! Proud to be a Crossville Lion!

Taylior Freeman

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

jameswilliamsphotography@yahoo.com

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