The Southern Torch, Vol. 1, No. 23

THE SOUTHERN TORCH / FRIDAY OCTOBER 30, 2015 / VOL. 1, NO. 23 / $1.00

COMMUNITY

BUSINESS

SPORTS

BRYSON STRONG 5K NOVEMBER 8

TREAT OF THE WEEK: LITTLE JAMES BAR-B-Q & CATERING

TEAM OF THE WEEK: SYLVANIA RAMS

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Rainsville to host 4th Annual ‘Made in DeKalb’ Expo

By Sam Hughes sam@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.— On Thursday, Nov. 5, the DeKalb Economic Development Authority and the Rainsville Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the 4th annual ‘Made In DeKalb’ Expo. This event features manufacturers government entities and other businesses that make up the economic culture of DeKalb County. The event will be open for featured businesses from 8:00am-5:00pm.

This free event will be open to the general public from 2:00-5:00pm at the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center in

Rainsville. Everyone is invited to come and learn about educational opportunities and products that are ‘Made in DeKalb’. Area high schoolers will meet at the expo to learn about job opportunities and

workforce development training offered in DeKalb County as well.

Anyone interested should contact the DeKalb Economic Development Authority info@dekalbeda.com; 256-845-7957, or the Rainsville Chamber of Commerce chamber@ farmerstel.com; 256-638-7800.

Participating companies, organizations and agencies Manufacturers:

GAMEDAY G A M E D A Y

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

See the Southern Torch Gameday Report for Week 10 on p. 11!

Wootten will not seek re-election to DeKalb BOE

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.— DeKalb County Board of Education District 5 representative Terry Wootten (R-Ider)

contacted Southern Torch today to officially announce that after serving 18 years on the DeKalb County BOE, he will not be seeking an additional term in 2016.

“I feel like 18 years is

FANS OF THE WEEK! The Southern Torch Fans of the Week are Kenleigh Mann and Jax Moon. The picture shows what they do best, enjoy a good Collinsville football game!

Support your team and send in your fans pictures! You could be our next Southern Torch Fans of the Week!

Congratulations, Kenleigh Mann and Jax Moon

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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long enough,” Wootten said. “I have really enjoyed my time on the board serving the people of DeKalb County and working to improve the lives of our kids and hopefully improve the quality of their educations. If I was able to reach only one child, to improve or change the life of one single child in DeKalb County it was worth every moment of hard work through good times and even bad.”

DeKalb County Republican Chairman Mark Ford said that the DeKalb BOE and superintendent would miss the wisdom and insight Wooten has provided for more than 18 years.

“Terry Wootten has been a torchbearer for the Republican Party in DeKalb County and a champion for our

education system for the last 18-20 years or more,” Ford said. “It is unfortunate that the school board will be losing its longest standing, most knowledgeable member, but after 18 years of selfless service if anyone deserves a break it is Mr. Wootten. The DeKalb GOP party is blessed year in and year out to have the incredible support from the entire Wooten family. And while Mr. Wootten may be stepping down from public office, we are fortunate that he will continue in his role of leadership within the DeKalb County Republican Party and as one of our representatives to the Alabama Republican Party’s State Executive Committee.”

Wooten says he will continue to do all he can CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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

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

THIS WEEK IN COMMUNITY

Plenty to do in DeKalb on Halloween night Tomorrow night will be a busy night in DeKalb County…

Page 4

THIS WEEK IN FAITH

Mind Your Elders They’ve been singing together since the ‘50s.

But probably not this axact group of fifteen…Page 5

FEATURE

Collinsville’s Cricket Theatre Reopens Doors Thanks to the hard work of the Collinsville Historical Association (CHA) less than one week from today, the Cricket Theatre in Collinsville will open its doors…

Page 8

THIS WEEK IN SPORTS

Rams showed up and showed out This was not a dream season for the Rams…

Page 9 PRESORTED STANDARD MAIL U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 60 RAINSVILLE, AL

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Friday–October 30, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Publisher, Joseph M. Morgan Layout editor, Dwayne Adams

DA’s office to host Law Enforcement Appreciation Day DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — Ninth District Attorney Mike O’Dell is hosting a Law Enforcement Appreciation Day for Dekalb and Cherokee Counties today at the JSU Little River Canyon Center. The event, sponsored by O’Dell’s office in conjunction with Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver and Dekalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris. The event will include four hours of law enforcement training

provided by the JSU Center For Applied Forensics entitled ‘·Crime Scene Processing Updates.”

According to O’Dell, lunch will be provided and door prizes will be given out. “We are following up with the concept that Cops Lives Do Maller, seeking to put our money where our mouths are,” O’Dell said.

“The lunch and training are both provided free of charge. Not only will the participants get a free

lunch and training (allowing them four hours of CEU), but we hope to have a good number of door prizes to give out. We want all our law enforcement to know we appreciate them and the dedicated work they do. We hope this will be a special time for them.”

The activities will kick-off at noon. All law enforcement personnel from Cherokee and Dekalb counties are invited to attend and paiticipate in this event.

“We hope to have a great turnout of officers,” O’Dell stated. “It will provide an excellent opportunity for officer ‘networking’ and fellowshipping. I encourage all agency heads and supervisors to encourage and allow their personnel to attend.

It is not necessary to stay the whole four hours if that is not possible, but we would love to have them come out for lunch at least, so that we can say ‘thank you.”

Collinsville boys victory in the 2013 Class 1A-4A state championship.

DeKalb County Schools Superintendent Hugh Taylor said that he tries to be as supportive as possible when a school or kids from a school in the DeKalb system

express genuine interest in starting a new sport or adding a girls program where one has not traditionally existed at that school in the past.

“It was clear that Collinsville was serious about starting a girls soccer program,” Taylor said. “They had a coach lined up and had more than enough girls in terms of commitments to join the team and they got out in the community and worked together to raise the money they needed to cover the cost of uniforms, travel, referees, new equipment and other required expenses.”

Amy Robertson, an elementary teacher at

Collinsville, will be the team’s first head coach.

Robertson said the girls themselves deserve the credit for making the team a reality.

Collinsville will hold tryouts for girls soccer on Nov. 12-13 and will also be able to begin fall conditioning to prepare for the start of the 2016 season in February.

The team is still working to raise money and anyone interested in supporting girls soccer at Collinsville can send funds to Collinsville High School or visit the team’s gofundme page at https:// www.gofundme.com/ mq73fp8v.

• Fort Payne Water Works • DeKalb County Extension Agency • USDA Rural Development • Export Alabama • AIDT RTP Mobile Lab • DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office • FP Public Safety Class • FP Fire Dept and Training • Rainsville Fire Dept • DeKalb County Schools • DeKalb County EDA • DeKalb County

Tourist Assoc • Fort Payne Schools • Fort Payne Career Center and more...

Collinsville picks up girls soccer, tryouts Nov. 12-13

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

COLLINSVILLE, Ala.—Collinsville High School will soon have a new girls soccer team to complement what is already a very strong boys program. They received clearance last

week from the DeKalb County Board of Education to proceed with putting a team together. Collinsville has expressed interest in starting a girls team for some time, but that interest grew significantly following the

‘Made in DeKalb’ Expo CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 • Heil • Rainsville Technology Inc

• Koch’s Hatchery • Plasman Corp LLC • GH Metal Solutions

• Bailey Bridge • Rainsville Church Pew Company • Urethane Supply • America’s Best Care Plus • Amazing Fruit Products • Granny Hester’s Fine Foods • Heritage Wire Harness • Plastex Matting • Builder’s Supply GOVERNMENT / PUBLIC SAFETY / UTILITIES:

EDUCATIONAL: • BEST Robotics • DeKalb Technology Center • NACC OTHER: • Southern Torch • Lookout Magazine • Ladd Environmental Consulting

Wootten will not seek re-election CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 to help strengthen the GOP party at the local level and help good Republican candidates get elected. Wootten’s announcement means

that District 5 BOE candidate Brad Smith (R-Ider) will now run unopposed in the Republican Primary. No candidate has qualified to date as a Democrat for the BOE District 5 seat.

We will be speaking more in-depth with Wootten in the days to come and will bring you more about his political experience and work in education and the key role he has played in DeKalb GOP politics.

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Friday–October 30, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

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

Bryson Strong 5K Nov. 8

By Tyler Pruett tyler@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala.—

Thirteen-year-old Bryson Richey was a 3-sport athlete; participating in baseball, football, and

basketball at Plainview School when a tragic ATV accident led to the amputation of his left leg.

To embody Bryson’s competitive spirit, the first annual 5K/Fitness Walk and Fun Run for Bryson Richey will be held on Sunday, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m., at the Rainsville Civic Center.

Since the accident, Bryson has received an outpouring of support from the local community and from some big names across the state, including Alabama and Auburn coaches Nick Saban and Gus Malzahn, and Iraq War Veteran and double amputee Noah

Galloway. These special guests have done a tremendous job raising morale and spirits. Event sponsor Rainsville Freedom Run hope that the Bryson Strong 5K/ Fitness Walk and Fun Run will continue that positive trend and also raise critical funds, all of will be contributed to the Bryson Richey Fund.

The entry fee for the 5K and fun run is $20.

Long sleeve, dri-fit, “Bryson Strong” shirts will be on sale for $20.

Deadline to order the shirt is Saturday, Oct. 31.

Registration will be from 1 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. onsite, the day of the

race, or register online at https://www.racesonline. com. Checks should be made payable to the Bryson Strong 5K. For more information contact Pam Willingham at 256-996-7291, or Marcie Davis at 256-9977481. Race information can also be found at the Bryson Strong 5K Facebook page.

Upcoming events DeSoto to host Spookapalooza in November November 1 Spookapalooza Critter Show Join Naturalist Mandy Pearson to discover some of the native creatures of Alabama (as well as non-natives) in this fun uncaged presentation.

Meet some live critters!

Be sure to bring your own comfortable camp chair or blanket, as seating is limited. 9 a.m. DeSoto State Park’s Campground at the Campfire Ring.

Gate will be open to the public. In case of inclement weather, the program will be in the DSP Nature Center (next to the Country Store) Free & Open to everyone.

256-997-5025 November 5 Made in DeKalb Expo Manufacturers and craftsmen from across DeKalb County, Alabama will showcase their products. High school students will have the opportunity to review local manufacturing career options. Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center. Free admission to the public. o November 5 Kamama Music Series

Come and enjoy music with Dana Cooper.

Kamama stage and seating provide the audience an intimate listening experience where live music can be fully appreciated. Adm. is $10 and seating is limited. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Dinner at 5:30 and Music at 7 p.m. 256-634-3001 November 6-8 & 13-15 “Nunsense” Northeast Alabama Community College Theatre presents “Nunsense”. Call 256-638-4418 for more information and tickets.

November 7 Mother’s Day Out 5K & Red Light Fun Run Join FUMC Mother’s Day Out for their 2nd Annual 5K & Fun Run. Check in will be in the parking lot of First United Methodist Church. Registration the day of the race will be from 7 a.m. until 7:45 a.m. Race beginning at 8 a.m. Registration fee for the 5K is $25, the fee for the Red Light Fun Run is $20. 256-845-6221

FORT PAYNE, Ala.— Grab your costume because it is time for Desoto State Park to host its annual Halloween event, Spookapalooza, Oct. 30-November 1, 2015. Spookapalooza, which is free to the public, will feature Halloween-themed activities for all ages.

“This is our biggest event of the year,” said Desoto State Park Naturalist Brittney Hughes. “We are always very excited to see families having fun participating in all of the events our volunteers have worked so hard to prepare.”

Festivities get started Friday, Oct. 30, with a thrilling storytelling campfire talk featuring JSU Field School’s Renee Morrison and friends with stories about growing up on a dairy farm in Choccolocco, Alabama.

Saturday Oct. 31, the fun will continue. At JSU’s Little River Canyon Center Vicky Beckham Smith of A-Z ANIMALS presents Bats Alive! from 11:00-12:00. The Canyon center is located about 10 miles away from DeSoto State Park. Starting at 2

p.m. Desoto State Park volunteers and staff are hosting pumpkin decorating and other fun games and activities.

After that, those brave enough to stick around can then begin trick-ortreating in the improved campground. From 5 -6 p.m. Vicky Beckham Smith returns to present Bats Alive, starting at 6 p.m. in the campfire ring.

This presentation is sponsored by Friends of the Little River Canyon National Preserve, JSU Field Schools and DeSoto State Park. A fun critter

show at 9:00 a.m. the next morning with Cheaha State Park Naturalist Mandy Pearson concludes the spooky festivities Park officials invite guests to bring their own chairs and blankets to the storytelling campfire talks as seating is limited.

Guests wishing to stay overnight in the park should make reservations early by going to www.

ALAPARK.com or by calling 1-800-ALAPARK.

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Friday–October 30, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

COMMUNITY

Plenty to do in DeKalb on Halloween night

By Karah Wilson karah@southerntorch.com

Tomorrow night will be a busy night in DeKalb County as communities

and organizations throughout the region host a variety of events for children and adults of all ages to celebrate

Halloween. The following is a list of just a few of the many options in the area to enjoy the festivities tomorrow night.

Fort Payne: The City of Fort Payne is hosting their annual Halloween Block Party downtown Saturday night from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Hundreds of children and adults turn out each year to celebrate and trick-or-treat with dozens of local businesses and organizations that set up a line of tables and hand out candy to trick or treaters. Be sure to come out to visit with Southern Torch at Fort Payne’s Block Party. We will have a table right in the middle of the action

South DeKalb Launches Area-wide Celebrate Recovery

By Karah Wilson karah@southerntorch.com

GERALDINE, Ala.— South DeKalb Celebrate Recovery, who offers ‘Hope for hurts, habits, and hang-ups,’ launches Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at Skirum United Methodist Church, 2999 County Road 20, Crossville, AL., 35962.

Meetings will be each Tuesday evening and will begin with meal in Coleman Hall at 5:30 p.m. followed by meeting at 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Door opens for Meeting registration at 6:00 p.m.

Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered program using the 12 Steps and their biblical comparisons as well as 8 Principles based on the Beatitudes. Supported by multiple area churches, South DeKalb Celebrate

Recovery offers the following Small Groups: Men’s Chemically Dependent (issue specific), Women’s Chemically Dependent (issue specific), Men’s Codependency (issue specific), Women’s Codependency (issue specific), Men’s Open Share (all hurts/habits/ hang-ups), and Women’s Open Share (all hurts/ habits/hang-ups).

Celebrate Recovery Step-Study is a 12 month program covering the 12 Steps and the 8 Principles based on the Beatitudes spanning 25 lessons.

In an area once known as Meth Mountain, local communities and church congregations continue to be touched by addiction and other destructive hurts, habits,

and hang-ups. Within Celebrate Recovery lives are changed through sharing experiences, strengths, and hopes with one another resulting in stronger personal relationships with others and with the personal, loving, and forgiving Higher Power, Jesus Christ. Such restoration is a win for the more than seventytwo thousand citizens of DeKalb County.

South DeKalb Celebrate Recovery welcomes all who are seeking recovery, those who are court-ordered to attend, as well as all visiting church groups and individuals. For more information contact Jim Elliot at 256-572-4668 and/or Paul Vick at 256-401-3474.

full of treats for the kids.

The Fort Payne Church of God is hosting a Halloween Blowout from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. with some intensely fun and exciting attractions, including a mechanical bull, a bouncy boxing ring, a trackless train, an obstacle course, a rock wall, and much more.

The event is open to the public and all are welcome.

Vintage 1889 is hosting a Halloweenthemed evening with musical guest Ed Howard and his zombie band.

Rainsville: The Rainsville Boo Bash will be held at the Tom Bevill Enrichment Center from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Be sure to come out to visit with Southern Torch at Boo Bash. The Torch will be one of several businesses and organizations taking part in a large-scale Trunk N Treat and passing out candy to trick or treaters.

Be sure to come in

costume and sign up at the Southern Torch Table to have your photo made and enter our Halloween costume contest.

Rainsville Technology Inc. (RTI) will be hosting a Trunk N Treat at RTI headquarters Halloween night.

Down on the Farm will certainly have a busy night as they invite all to come and and explore their famous Corn Maze, one of the most popular Halloween attractions in North Alabama.

Another great option for trick or treating is to be on the lookout for the many churches in the county that will have their premises open for trunk n treats as well. A reminder to always be careful when out with your children during Halloween. Don’t forget to remind your children of this as well. Have a safe and happy Halloween!

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Friday–October 30, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

FAITH Mind Your Elders

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

They’ve been singing together since the ‘50s.

But probably not this exact group of fifteen.

Plus a piano player. And recruits from the congregation. They are the Singing Seniors.

They sing from an old hymnal – I think it was Heavenly Highway Hymns, but I could be wrong. It might have been shaped notes. I didn’t know several of the songs.

But the choir did.

They took times about being the lead singer.

They had a play list they

were using, but they still argued over what page they were supposed to be on next. The piano player told us he couldn’t hear very well. But he could tickle the ivories.

In fact, they were all great. I may not have known “There’s a Rainbow of Perfect Love”, but they did. Their voices may have cracked occasionally, but they meant every syllable of every word they sang.

The Spirit spoke through all of their songs.

My wife and I once attended a large church in Birmingham. One Sunday night an opera singer did a special

program of Christian songs. My wife, a voice major, tells me that her voice was perfect and was amazing. It was also as cold as the bottom of the freezer. Musically perfect. No Spirit. The next night we were at a Billy Graham Crusade in Birmingham. Ethel Waters sang “His Eye Is on the Sparrow”. Her voice was gone. It cracked at times. And I was moved to tears. God sang through her, even in her weakness.

That’s a little of what went on Sunday night with the Singing Seniors.

“Rock of Ages” like they had leaned on Him for ages. Really knew Him. “A Little Talk with Jesus” like they had just had a conversation with Him. They are so committed to their singing. At least seven hour programs a month.

Even when they have to take care going home driving in the dark. The oldest singer was 92. He told me was dreading the drive home, but he would always come and sing as long as the Lord would let him.

There were lots of songs about heaven. “I’ll Fly Away” like they were

really ready to fly away.

Shouldn’t we all be? “City of Gold”. “When I Travel the Last Mile”. One from the congregation said to me that there were a lot of funeral songs. I was shocked. Funeral songs?

No, victory songs. They were not singing about the end. They were singing about the future.

We live in an age that does not value elders. We treat old age like a disease and death as something to fear and avoid. All through history people have valued the wisdom of their elders. Not us.

What can we learn from Senior Singers? I was in a store this week, and I saw an older woman that I know.

Asked her how she was.

She assured me she was okay. I started to walk away, and she stopped me.

“You don’t know do you?” “What’s that, ma’am?”

“I lost my son. He died this week. I have eight children, and he was the fourth I have lost.” How do you respond to that? With the wisdom of the elders.

I said, “I do not pretend to understand

your pain of losing a child. But I know you are hurting.” She lowered her head and shook it yes. I took her hand and as she looked at me I asked, “was he ready for this, did he know the Lord”? A quick nod.

“Then one day soon you will be with him again, won’t you?” I wish you could have seen her smile. The joy in her eyes. They were so bright in anticipation. A look people would pay a lot of money to have. But it is not for sale.

“I’m kind of homesick for a country to which I’ve never been before.

No sad goodbyes will there be spoken, for time won’t matter anymore” the choir sang. That woman knew that. And knowing that helped her with the pain of today.

That’s one thing we can learn from the Singing Seniors. Our elders who can already begin to see across the river. “Beulah Land I’m longing for you. And some day…there my home shall be.”

A Moment with Megan: What Are You Carrying?

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

Who remembers learning about the plagues as a child in Sunday school? If some of you don’t know or have forgotten, let me take you down memory lane.

Exodus 8 talks about the plague of frogs that struck the Nile. Exodus 8:1-4 says, “Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and say to him, “This is what the Lord says: Let my people go, so that they will worship me. If you refuse to let them go, I will plague your whole country with frogs. The Nile will teem with frogs. They will come up into your palace

and your bedroom and onto your bed, into the houses of your officials and on your people, and into your ovens and kneading troughs. The frogs will go up on you and your people and all your officials.”

Lets fast forward through the story, Pharaoh refused and frogs have plagued the land. Then Moses asks Pharaoh when he would like the frogs gone and in verse 10, Pharaoh responds with, “Tomorrow.” WAS HE CRAZY?! Who would want to live another minute, much less hours, with frogs climbing over everything? Lets be real, the frogs were even in their bed, folks (verse 3.)

Lets think about that word, “tomorrow.” How often do we say we will eat better, “tomorrow.” I know I am guilty. Or what about, I will be nicer to my coworker, “tomorrow.” Or, “I will work harder on my school work, “tomorrow.”

The list could go on and on and on! Lets be honest, how often does that “tomorrow” ever come? Maybe you don’t justify your today by

saying “tomorrow” but carry things INTO tomorrow. For example, bitterness, fear, unforgiveness, insecurity, depression, etc. I am a visual person, so I like to think of it as if we are all carrying a backpack filled with things. We are all carrying different things, but some of the things we carry can be weighing us down. And friend, Jesus died so that we can have freedom TODAY. I want to jump to another childhood Sunday school story, David and Goliath. In 1 Samuel, David stepped out in complete faith when he fought (and defeated) Goliath. Can I remind you that David was around the age of 14 and when compared to others around him, he was under-qualified.

David could have easily been overwhelmed with fear. I mean, who wouldn’t when facing a giant with a stone? But he trusted God; he had faith in God. What stands out to me is that David had to do something first- he had to pick up a stone and then throw it!

Sometimes we have to let go of something before

we can see something great happen. What if David was like, “Well, maybe I could fight him TOMORROW, not today, God.” I believe David could have missed out on a huge accomplishment had he of said “tomorrow.”

God can use each of us in a mighty way, but if we are carrying around a bunch of “frogs” it may not be as easy. David could have been carrying around (a frog of) fear, and because of that, he may have missed out on killing Goliath. Just like David, sometimes we have to fight in the spiritual realm. As christians, we are to wake up each day to put on the armor of God. I have by no means mastered this, and have carried many unnecessary “frogs” around myself. The awesome thing though, is that when I have reached the point of exhaustion from the “heavy load,” as well as put my pride aside, Christ intervenes.

Besides, He never intended on us to carry fear, bitterness, depression, etc. He took all that on the cross for us. He is just simply waiting on us

to want him. He is a gentleman, He will never come where He is not invited.

So, friend, my challenge to you this week is to examine what you are carrying today.

Are there things you need to let go of in order to experience complete freedom in Christ? It may not even be a fear or depression issue that you’re carrying around, maybe its bad music or a bad group of friends, etc.

Despite the situation you are in, just like God was bigger than Goliath, He is bigger than anything you are facing. The Bible says He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8.) Friend, please don’t keep carrying around things that Christ carried on the cross. If you feel insecure, He wants to be your security. If you feel guilty, He wants to bring forgiveness. If you are depressed, He wants to be your joy. If you are suicidal, He wants to be your life. Whatever you need… He can be that.

He’s a good, good father.

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Friday–October 30, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

BUSINESS Little James Bar-B-Q & Catering Large Bar-B-Q Plate Rainsville, AL EXCELLENT

VERY GOOD

MEDIOCRE

MODERATE

WEAK

$8.49

Little James Bar-B-Q in Rainsville may not spend a lot in the way of aesthetics, but Treat of the Week isn’t about environment or ambiance. We rate popular menu items from local restaurants solely on how good they taste.

Period. And Little James delivered like a champ. We had the Large Bar-BQ Plate that is served with savory, juicy chunks of pulled pork, bread and your choice of two sides. We chose the cole slaw and baked potato. The cole slaw was very tasty. The potato? Well, it would seem in a miraculous stroke of good fortune on our part that a mistake was made with our order and instead of being served the standard baked potato, we were instead served a Bar-B-Q Baked Potato - stuffed with Bar-B-Q pulled pork, cheese, sour cream and butter. The Bar-B-Q Plate at Little James is very good and worth a trip.

VERY GOOD ADDRESS:

832 Main Street East, Rainsville, AL 35986

CONTACT: Tel. (256) 717-4080

CHAMBER CHATTER October 28, 2015 Carol Beddingfield, Executive Director Are you looking for safe place for children to celebrate Halloween? The Chamber’s Halloween Block Party can be your answer.

The event will be held on October 31st from 5-7 PM downtown Fort Payne.

Not only will there lots of treats but merchants will provide games, face painting, and other fun activities.

Characters in various costumes will entertain everyone. In fact the mascots of local high schools will be available for photos.

Downtown merchants will be open. Over 40 merchants and businesses from all over Fort Payne will participate. Tents, tables, car trucks will be loaded with favors.

Gault Avenue will be lined with the businesses providing fun for all ages. Cotton candy, popcorn, shaved ice, lemonade, and other goodies will be sold.

New Oregon’s Hand of Hope will perform at 6:30 PM in front of the Chamber.

Word of Life Ministry will provide props for photos at the intersection of Third Street North and Gault Avenue.

Miles Smith, owner of Western Sizzlin will bring his special car and staff in full costume.

Mo, the Molar, from Wilson and Fiquett, will be encouraging children to brush especially after all the treats.

Create your favorite costumes for the whole family and join us for a fun and safe Halloween celebration.

RAINSVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE October 29, 2015 Tim Eberhart, Executive Director Fall colors will hit their peak within the next few days.

I can hardly wait to take in some of the spectator scenery myself. This region filled with ridges, valleys, lakes, creeks, waterfalls, caverns and canyons is at its loveliest when it is putting on its fall show.

If you are heading to, through or near Rainsville during a fall foliage adventure of your own, allow me to invite you to block off some time for a pitstop at one of our 18 restaurants. Burger King has just completed their makeover so that’s the ideal place. Danali’s Deli/Yo-Moe is the place to go for pizza and frozen yogurt. Kelly’s Kitchen, 50 Taters, Little James Bar-B-Q, Topher’s Wings, Nancy’s Lunchbox at Alice Circle would each be an exceptional choice. There is also Hardee’s and Taco Bell for every kind of appetite every day.

It’s no wonder I eat out 10 to 15 times per week.

Fall is a time of year when there are a large number of events coming up in the city. If you are heading to, through or near Rainsville for Halloween activities such as the Boo Bash in the Park and RTI’s Trunk or Treat (both on Halloween afternoon), please drive carefully and remember to dine in our city a time or two while you are out and about.

That Boo Bash in the Park sounds like a lot of fun, especially for youngsters under age 12. It will be from 4-6 p.m. HIghlights will include costume contests, games and sweet treats.

The Made in DeKalb Expo will be November 5.

Northeast Alabama BEST Robotics Game Day will be November 7. The Bryson Strong 5K will be November 8, on Sunday after church. Please remember to stop by one of our dining establishments if you will be in Rainsville for one of those events.

Maybe you have no plans to head to, through or near Rainsville until the city-wide Rainsville Holiday Open House on November 13-14. That will be a good time to visit, especially if you are from Crossville, Geraldine, Fyffe, Sylvania, Henagar, Ider, Fort Payne, Section, Rosalie, Dutton or Pisgah. Over 20 of our boutiques, home-improvement stores and other special retailers will be proving that dining is not the only reason to make a stop in Rainsville.

7

Friday–October 30, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

CLASSIFIEDS For Sale

Owl Necklaces in assorted colors, blue & white, white, green and red $ 5.00 each.

Call Nancy at 256-273-1117.

For Sale...Scrubs good/ great condition size medium. Assorted, some sets and some individual tops and pants call Angie for more information at 256-630-2608

Services

RAIN TECH GUTTERS Installs seamless gutters 5 or 6 inch in any color, call 256-899-2620 for more info or estimates.

ROBERT BU L LO C K Handyman Services No Job to Big or Small 256-601-0281

Rainsville amenities. $139,000 Call Shari @ Kim H o r to n Re a l t y at 256-638-5281.

NEW HOUSE FOR SALE at 76 Keef Avenue Rainsville, AL. 2 Bedroom, 2 bath. $99,500 Call 256-899-6418

Mobile Homes for Sale

8.42 acres just south of Henegar over 600 ft. paved road frontage, with 2000, 16x76 Palm Harbor mobile home, fully furnished. Call 770-941-6546, 404-2771617, or 256-638-2006

Houses for Rent

PLANTATION SHUTTERS custom sizes installation available call Jon at 256-638-5270

House for rent in Henagar: No pets, $600/month, $600 deposit. Call 303-358-8127.

REFINISHING Antiques Furniture call for a free estimate Jamey at 256-638-2467

Mobile homes for Rent

Homes for Sale

HOUSE FOR SALE 3 BR and 2 Bath. Recently renovated home on 4 acres conveniently located near

2 BR, 2 BA $400/month, $400 deposit. Also, 3 BR 2BA, $425/month, $425 deposit. Located in Powell.

Both properties include lawn care and trash. No pets. Call 256-228-8555.

Miscellaneous 9-LIVES- Cigar Box Guitars, hand crafted by Steve We b s te r call 256-630-9384 Celebrate Recovery South.

Dealing with addiction?

Join us for the for our new Celebrate Recovery program on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm at the Geraldine Methodist Church, 13394, AL Hwy 227, Geraldine, AL 35974.

Contact Paul Vick: 256-401-3474.

Pets FREE kittens and cats.

They currently live outside but would be great indoor lap cats. call Angie at 256-630-2608

Lots for Sale LOTS FOR SALE- Kilgore Sub-division Rainsville, AL. Owner Financing Available call Jamey at 256-638-2467

Wanted to Buy Wanting to buy OLD FASHION CHURN, Please call Fran at 256-899-2382

8

Friday–October 30, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Publisher, Joseph M. Morgan Layout editor, Dwayne Adams

Collinsville’s Cricket Theatre Reopens Doors

Cricket Theatre in Collinsville, circa 1946

By Joseph M. Morgan joseph@southerntorch.com

COLLINSVILLE, Ala.— Thanks to the hard work of the Collinsville Historical Association (CHA) less than one week from today, the Cricket Theatre in Collinsville will open its doors to the public for the first time in decades. On Thursday, Nov. 5 at 6 p.m. the Cricket will host the stage performance of The Integration of Tuskegee High School, a theater production by Auburn

University’s Mosaic Theatre Company.

The play chronicles the integration era of the civil rights movement through the eyes of the students who were part of the Tuskegee integration. Thanks to a competitive Outreach Scholarship Grant from the Office of Faculty Outreach at Auburn University and the Collinsville Public Library, attendance to the performance will be free of charge.

But the production

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

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

jameswilliamsphotography@yahoo.com

next week that marks the Cricket’s re-opening is much more than a milestone to the people of Collinsville. To many it marks the beginning of the resurrection of a building that has served as a symbol of the city for almost 70 years.

Prior to the Cricket Theatre’s grand opening in 1946, local headlines proclaimed “New Cricket Is Most Beautiful Structure in North Alabama.” The accompanying article said “Collinsville theatre goers can be justly proud of a magnificent structure, one of the strongest and best equipped theatres in the state.

“The front of the new Cricket sign will tower 40 feet in the air with six different colors of lighting and more than 300 feet of tubing; this sign and the neon lights can be seen for more than two miles. The theatre’s name will be spelled out in dazzling neon lights, supported above the marquee by a giant V-type steel support, which will give off illumination for the entire town. With a seating capacity of 800, the building is comprised of 175,000 bricks, equivalent of 15 train car loads; five cars of sand; 25,000 concreate (sp) blocks; 100,000 lbs. of structure steel and better than 27,000 man hours of labor.”

The Cricket Theatre’s architectural and historical significance to the town of Collinsville became absolute in 1951 when the DeKalb County Commission voted to give as a gift to the city of Collinsville the large clock that had adorned the roof of the DeKalb County Courthouse since 1925. As the tallest building in the city, located directly in the middle of Main Street, the roof of the Cricket Theatre was far and away the best location to showcase the city’s new crowning jewel. The merger of the ornate antique clock and the beautiful new theatre in 1950 quickly created a symbol that represented to many the best of that which Collinsville had to offer. It became more

than just a symbol when the city officially adopted the image of the town clock perched proudly atop the Cricket Theatre as the town seal. The Cricket Theatre would thrive for the next 20 years as one of the most popular entertainment venues in DeKalb County and the symbol of the clock atop the theatre became synonymous with the city of Collinsville itself. But when popularity of the theatre began to decline around 1960, the building also began a slow decline.

In a few short years the theatre would close its doors and become abandoned almost altogether. As the theatre sat empty, its maintenance became less and less frequent. By the 1990’s the building had been completely neglected. The lack of maintencane and repairs eventually resulted in leaks and progressively worse structural damage.

By 2004, the leaks in the roof were so bad the entire structure was in danger of collapse. Of obvious concern to all was the stability of the clock that had actually begun to lean as the building deteriorated beneath it. Because the city did not own the theatre building itself, but only the clock, they were unable to facilitate the building’s repair.

Later that year city leaders had no choice but to make the decision to remove the town clock by crane from the increasingly unstable theatre roof. With the clock now removed the Cricket sat in almost complete neglect for another five years.

After months of attempted and failed negotiations to purchase the theatre at a reasonable price with no luck, CHA made the decision in 2009 to pay the private owner the $50,000 asking price for the nearly destroyed historic building with the bold vision of restoring the nearly completely dilapidated city icon to its former glory.

CHA Treasurer

Martha Barksdale said the importance of saving the building and now working to restore it is far greater than the financial cost that will be required to make it happen.

“I’m a preservationist,” Barksdale said.

“This building was the central focal point of our town at one time. It even became a part of the image that represented the entire town of Collinsville.”

Restoration work began in 2010 with a new roof. The association has been working diligently for the past five years to slowly bring the Cricket back to its former glory. It is important to note that while the stage production next week marks the first event of this significance held in the theatre in decades, it does not mark the official re-opening of the Cricket Theatre. Barksdale said there has yet to be a date set for the theatre’s official grand re-opening because the restoration timeline depends greatly on how long it takes to raise the money to continue the work.

“Donations are a big part of it,” Barksdale said.

“The association has been awarded generous grants, donations, and fundraisers and we try to keep something going all the time. There’s wonderful community spirit here and there’s wonderful support. The first public event held since the renovations was the quilt walk which was last month. The next fundraiser coming up for the town of Collinsville and for Cricket Theatre will be the Turkey Trot which will be held Nov. 14 where they will be raising money to help put in more lights and a marquee. We will keep working for as long as it takes to finish the project.”

Cricket Theatre after decades of neglect, circa 1995

9

Friday–October 30, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Rams showed up and showed out

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Sylvania 29New Hope 28 This was not a dream season for the Rams.

They had put in the blood, sweat and tears but it just did not mesh, until Friday night.

Sylvania showed up and showed out. Coach Matt Putnam , “We’ve had a lot of growing pains this year but we are not the same team that started this season.”

On the second play of the game, Dylan Dicus ran for 43 yards giving the Rams excellent field position on the 3-yard line. Caleb Roebuck dashed in for the score with 11:00 left in the first.

The kick by Nick Shepherd was good.

With 2:00 left in the first, New Hope scored on a 11-yard gallop by Shane

The kick was good, tying the game 21-21.

Neither team could score in regulation play and the game went into overtime. The Rams won the toss and opted for New Hope to take the field first. On the first play of overtime, Jonate Cotton scored on a 10-yard rushing touchdown. The kick was good. New Hope led 28-21. The Indians held the Rams until the 3rd down with the Rams stampeded into the endzone, with a 2-yard touchdown by Caleb Roebuck. Showing his daredevil side, Coach Matt Putnam went for the extra two points instead of a kick. Roebuck brought it in for the win, 29-28. Coach Matt Putnam had this to say about the game, “I’m proud of our team for getting the job done

when it counted the most.” For taking down the Class 3A Region 7 leader, the Sylvania Rams were awarded the Southern Torch Team of the Week.

The Southern Torch Standouts for the night were Dylan Dicus, Caleb Roebuck and Hunter

Miller. Dicus had 12 carries for 89 yards, Roebuck had 24 carries for 86 yards and Hunter Miller had 3 carries for 54 yards.

The Sylvania Rams will host the Ider Hornets for their last game of the season, Friday night.

the right direction with the throttle down. Do not stop in front of them, at least that is the message they sent to Geraldine, Friday night.

With 11:11 left in the first quarter, the Bears scored with a 68-yard

pass from Bailey Dukes to Jacob Wooten. The kick

by Louis Hernandez was good. Austin Willoughby scored for the Geraldine Bulldogs with 7:21 remaining in the first.

Plainview blocked the kick and held the lead,

7-6.

Neither team could score in the second quarter. Going into the half, Plainview held on to the 7-6 lead.

Plainview scored with :21 left third quarter on a 2-yard run by Sam Mueller. The point after attempt by Louis Hernandez was good.

In the fourth with 1:30 remaining, Plainview scored again on a 64-yard gallop by Clay Cooper.

The kick by Louis Hernandez was good.

Final Plainview 21, Geraldine 6. Coach Dustin Goodwin was proud of his team, “ I thought we played well on defense. It was a big win for us because of playoff seeding.”

The Bears tried to hold the Bulldog running game down to a bare minimum. Austin Willioughby had 11

carries for 42 yards.

Bryan Jimenez had 13 carries for 30 yards, Justin Murphy had 9 carries for 21 yards.

Sam Mueller led the Plainview Bears with 16 carries for 93 yards. Clay Cooper carried the ball twice for 65 yards. John David Martin had 9 carries for 46 yards.

Plainview will face Fyffe this week. Coach Goodwin had this to say about the upcoming game, “This week will be a tough test for us on both sides of the ball.

Fyffe is a very well coached team with hard nosed, talented players.

Our goal is to continue to improve on a weekly basis.”

Plainview will play at Fyffe. Geraldine will host Crossville at home.

represent Region 7 as the number one seed in the playoffs.

Fort Payne started the game off against Southside with a bang, scoring on their first two possessions. Desmon Turner scored on a 7-yard dash and on a 37-yard gallop into the endzone.

In the second quarter, Trea Prater made an interception and Triston Shaw ran it in with a 65-yard charge into the endzone.

It took Southside three quarters to put points on the board.

They scored with a 19-yard run.

In the fourth, Wanya King scored on a 50-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Ellis. Desmon Turner scored his second touchdown of the night with 5:16 left in the game.

Final Fort Payne 38, Southside 14. The Fort Payne Wildcats held

Alaric Williams to only 61 yards. Williams is a Auburn University commitment. Coach Ellis had this this to say about his team containment of Williams, “We kept Alaric Williams in check for most of the night and that is tough to do.” He also had this to say about beating the defending Region Champions, “I am so proud of our football

team for coming out and playing so well against a good football team. We played really well on both sides of the football. I thought we played fast and physical on both sides of the ball.”

Fort Payne will travel to Anniston this week for their last regular season game. When asked about this week’s game, Ellis had this to say “ Anniston

is a team that has gotten better each this season and are peaking right now at the end of the year, They are a formidable opponent that has a lot of speed and athleticism. We look for a tough game and believe that this game will definitely help us prepare for the playoffs.”

Hammond. The kick by Seth Burke was good.

New Hope also scored on a 12-yard run by Jonate Cotton. The kick was good, giving New Hope the 14-7 lead going into the half.

Rams recovered the New Hope fumble on the first possession after the half. Dylan Dicus ran in the 7-yard prize. The kick

by Shepard was good.

With 6:50 left in the 3rd, the score was tied 14-14.

With 3:48 left in the third, the Indians got revenge, scoring on a 8-yard run

by Jonate Cotton. The kick was good giving New Hope the 21-14 lead.

Hunter Miller had a 43-yard run setting up excellent scoring position for the Rams. Caleb Roebuck made a 3-yard dash into the endzone, with less than :08 seconds remaining in the third, for the Ram score.

Bears bite the Bulldogs

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Plainview 21Geraldine 6 It may have took Plainview a few weeks to get on the right track.

Now, they are moving in

Region champs and record breakers

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Fort Payne 38Southside 14 Not only is Fort Payne perfect in the region, they also have some impressive record breakers this season. Desmon Turner broke the Fort Payne record books for the most touchdowns scored in a season, 37 to be exact. He also tied for the most rushing touchdowns, which was 20. Evan McPherson was a record setter, with the most extra points made in one season. Coach Paul Ellis could not be prouder of his team and their achievements, “Our players set a goal to win the region championship and they put in all the time, hard work, effort to fulfill that dream. Our region was tough from top to bottom this year so it is definitely an honor to

10

Friday–October 30, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Fyffe vs Collinsville

By John E. Morgan, Sports Reporter

Collinsville started the game with Fyffe with excitement and a big play to grab a quick 7-0 lead.

The big play was a Dominick Brockitt halfback pass for 37 yards to Trenton Nash. They were sky high with visions of an upset. The stadium was rocking.

And then Fyffe did what they do. They went 66 yards in seven plays, all on the ground with Dilan Kilpatrick getting the TD and 63 of the yards on the drive. And, on offense, the Red Devils mostly stayed with that plan. They scored TDs on six of their seven possessions, only punting once in the game. Their only mistake was allowing Collinsville’s Jonathan Byers to recover an onside kick at the start of the second half.

On the night,

Kilpatrick had 19 rushes for 138 yards and three touchdowns. He added 41 yards on two receptions. Quarterback Seth Bennefield ran the offense and gained 39 yards rushing. On the only drive where Fyffe had to pass, he hit passes of 38 yards and 7 yards as the first half was running out, giving the Red Devils a 35-7 halftime lead.

Collinsville Coach Ernie Willingham said that he “thought we played hard. We didn’t quit, and I am proud of that.” With several Panthers in street clothes because of injuries, Collinsville did indeed continue to push Fyffe.

Gerald Blakely had 57 yards rushing and 67 yards receiving. Keaton Kilgro started his first game at quarterback going 12 of 23 for126 yards and a TD. He scrambled five times for

26 yards. Nicholas Brockitt had four receptions for 58 yards.

The Panthers actually outgained the Red Devils 312 yards to 297 yards.

Their problem was three fumbles. Fyffe scored touchdowns after all three, recovered by Rickey Butts, Chase Adams and Christopher Collins. Collins fumble was particularly damaging to Collinsville who had just gotten a first down at the 28 and seemed to be on their way to a touchdown that would reduce the Fyffe lead to 21-14. Instead, Collins took the incomplete lateral and ran 70 yards for a touchdown that pushed the lead to 28-7. The Panthers drove again, getting to the 15 before fumbling, setting up that late first half drive for the halftime lead.

That was fourteen

points lost for Collinsville and fourteen points gained by Fyffe, a twenty eight point swing. And the third fumble was followed up with another Red Devil TD. Both teams would add another touchdown for the final 49-14 score.

Willingham said, “We made mistakes and they are a good team. You’ve got to play a clean game to beat them. With a break or two, we could have been within a touchdown of them at worst at half time. I think playing them made us

better, and I hope we made them a little better by not quitting.”

Fyffe Coach Paul Benefield said, “I’m proud of our kids. Both teams played well.

Collinsville got the ball to their players and gave us fits. I am proud to get out of here with a win. Now we need to go home and get ready for Plainview and then for the playoffs.

Collinsville will play Valley Head and then will travel to Randolph County in the playoffs.

The kick by Hernandez was good.

Ider scored on a 7-yard run by Dylan McMahon. The kick by Jay Lea was good. Going into the second quarter, the score was Section 14, Ider 7.

Ider tied the game with 11:42 left in the second with a 7-yard run

by Dylan McMahon and the PAT by Lea was good.

Section took the lead with a touchdown by Jacob Higdon. The kick

by Hernandez was good.

David Atkins scored one more time for the Section Lions before the half.

The point after attempt

by Hernandez was good.

Going into the half, Section lead the Ider Hornets 28-14.

With 10:34 remaining in the 3rd, Dustin

Manning ran in for 81-yards for Ider but the point after attempt was unsuccessful. Jacob Higdon also scored a Ider touchdown but the kick was no good.

Time ran out for the

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

second, Crossville’s Gannon Pointer scored on a quarterback sneak.

The extra point by Ronaldo Jimenez was good. With 6:53 left in the second, Sardis receiver, Austin Hallmark took the ball in from 70 yards for the touchdown.

The PAT was good. With 4:02 left before the half, Dylan Simpson scored the last points for the Crossville Lions. The kick was good. Sardis scores once more before the half with a touchdown by Keenan Lewis.

Going into the half, the score was Sardis 21,

Section defeats Ider

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Section 28-Ider 26 Section had something to prove. They had not won all year and as fans gathered Friday night, they decided it was their time.

The Lions struck early with only :29 missing on the clock, Dustin Martin scored on a 3-yard quarterback keeper. The kick by Alex Hernandez was good. The Lions scored again with another quarterback sneak with 7:54 remaining in the first.

Ider Hornets. Final Section 28, Ider 26. Ider will play at Sylvania, Friday night.

Sardis takes down Crossville Sardis 41-Crossville 14 Crossville traveled to Sardis Friday night.

Crossville was coming off of a huge win against White Plains and they were on top of the world.

Sardis was determined to knock them off.

It did not take Sardis long to start their attack against Crossville. With 5:22 left in the first quarter, Logan Gaskin scored on a quarterback keeper. The extra point

by Javis Smith was good.

With 7:09 left in the

Crossville 14.

The third quarter was scoreless until Sardis made an interception and took it into the endzone, making the score 28-14.

In the fourth, Austin Hallmark scored his second Sardis touchdown. Sardis also scored with a 88-yard stampede

by Linebacker, Jarrod Smith when he recovered a Crossville fumble. Final Sardis 41, Crossville 14.

Crossville will face next door neighbor, Geraldine, Friday night for a fierce rivalry game.

Valley Head falls to Woodville

By Marla Jones, Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

Woodville 32Valley Head 0 Valley Head made the trip to Woodville, Friday night for a Class 1A, Region 7 region game.

Woodville needed the win to insure their spot in the playoffs. Woodville has never beat Valley Head, until now. It seemed that Valley Head could not get their

wheels spinning in the right direction, Friday night. They only had 102 yards the whole game.

The Woodville Panthers scored on runs

by Nick Baker (7-yard run), Kendall Collier (4-yard run) and three times by Justin Ball (7,4, and 19 yards). Ball also played double duty and kicked two extra points for the Panthers.

Woodville defeated Valley Head 32-0.

The Valley Head Tigers and the Woodville Panthers have the same region record. Woodville will be the number three seed since defeating Valley Head. Valley Head will still be in the playoff contention as the number 4 seed. Woodville has never been to the playoffs since their formation in 2006.

Valley Head will travel to Collinsville this week.

11

Friday–October 30, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

Southern Torch Gameday Report with Sideline Guru Dustin Dobbins Sideline Guru Wk.10

Hello again Dekalb County Football Fans. We have 5 games this week .

All Dekalb teams are playing against one another except Fort Payne this week. Fort Payne plays Anniston, Crossville plays Geraldine, Valley Head plays Collinsville, Ider plays Sylvania and the one everyone looks forward to all year- Plainview plays Fyffe. Our final week of regular season should be a good one. Let’s get to picking.

Fort Payne (7-2) at Anniston (4-4-1) The Bulldogs season started off with 3 losses.

Since then they have won 4 out of the next 5. Both sides of the ball have improved a lot. Bulldogs are scoring more and getting scored on less. The Wildcats won their region last week and Desmond Turner is having a dream season and breaking school records. I see the Wildcats winning the game and Turner having another good game.

Ider (4-5) at Sylvania (2-7) The Hornets are on a 4 game losing streak after starting the season with 3 wins. The Hornets lost to Section last week. Injuries

or something has happened to make them lose confidence. Higdon, McMahon, Dobbins and Palmer need to find their groove. The Rams got a huge region win over New Hope last week. Roebuck will have to run wild and Dicus has to have a turnover free game. Rams win with a stingy defensive efforts from Dover and Griffen.

Crossville (1-8) at Geraldine (5-4) The Lions are going across the creek in what use to be a bitter rivalry game. The Lions are improving little by little, they have a good passing game with Pointer throwing to Jones and Dismuke but their running game needs to show up . If Simpson and Owens can’t run, it’s going to be a long night. The Bulldogs lost to Plainview last week. The hard nose rushing attack of the Bulldogs can wear on a defense. I see Hood, Willoughby and Jiminez wearing down the Lions defense. The one dimensional offense by the Lions gets suffocated by Bulldogs defense. Bulldogs win battle on the creek again.

Valley Head (3-5) at Collinsville (5-4)

The Tigers took a gut shot last week losing to Woodville for the first time EVER. Leps will have to play the game of his life on offense and Nixs will have to play a game like Leroy Jordan’s, 31 tackle type game. That is not going to happen. Jones should be back this week and maybe Reed will be also. Without them returning, Blakely and Nash will run enough.

If Jones and Reed do comeback, it could get ugly. Panthers win.

Plainview (6-3) at Fyffe (8-1) This will be our game of the week. The Bears are having a magnificent run with 6 wins in a row. Dukes has really shined at quarterback. Mueller is becoming a work horse at running back and Martin is a good change up style back. Hughes, Kirk and Willingham have become reliable receiver’s. Fyffe has 2 of the best players in the county, in Wooten and Farmer. Kirk patrols the pass really good. The Red Devils run the football at will on opponents and sprinkle in the pass very accurately to keep defenses honest. Kilpatrick is a beast at running back. Benefield does not pass much but

when he does it’s accurate and deep. He runs the ball hard also. Ashley and Collins doesn’t drop too many passes and run speed plays pretty good also.

Defensively the Red Devils are hard to run on and passing is not much easier, reference West End, they threw 5 interceptions. R .Martin and D. Martin play linebacker like it was meant to be played. E.Jones and R.Butts anchor the defensive line. While Collins , Ashley and Anderson patrol the backend. The keys to this game will be the Bears stopping Kilpatrick and the Red Devils not having the deep ball thrown on them.

I see the Red Devils winning a blood,tears and sweat game. This could be the game of the year. See you at the game, save me one of those grilled Hamburgers.

Look for next weeks Playoff edition: • Valley Head at Wadley • Collinsville at Randolph County • Geraldine at Winfield • Plainview at Oakman • Lafayette at Fyffe • Briarwood Christian at Fort Payne

Southern Torch Most Wanted - Week 10 Top Quarterbacks

Attempts

Yards

Touchdowns

Interceptions

1) Crossville / Pointer................ 73/144.................. 834.......................5.......................... 7 2) Collinsville / Jones................ 53/73................... 715.......................9......................... 4 3) Fort Payne / Ellis................... 66/116.................. 724.......................5.......................... 6 4) Plainview / Dukes................. 56/103................. 581.......................4.......................... 5 5) Collinsville / Kilgro............... 34/63................... 545.......................3.......................... 0 6) Fyffe / Benefield.................... 15/28.................... 465.......................7.......................... 2 7) Geraldine / Murphy.............. 28/67................... 403......................2.......................... 4 8) Valley Head / Harrison.......... 14/22.................... 217.......................4.......................... 0 9) Ider / Dobbins....................... 12/22.................... 180.......................2.......................... 2 10) Sylvania / Dicus................... 20/43................... 169.......................1.......................... 4 *No stats at press time for Ider and Valley Head this week

Top Running Backs

Attempts

Yards

Touchdowns

*No stats at press time for Ider and Valley Head this week

Receptions

Yards

Touchdowns

1) Collinsville / Reed................. 23........................ 385.......................6 2) Collinsville / Brockitt............ 16......................... 377.......................2 3) Crossville / Jones................... 29........................ 365.......................1 4) Crossville / Dismuke............. 26........................ 363.......................3 5) Fort Payne / W.King.............. 22........................ 325.......................2 6) Collinsville / Blakely............. 19......................... 235.......................1 7) Fort Payne / Ridgeway........... 27........................ 225.......................1 8) Fyffe / Collins........................ 7.......................... 209......................5 9) Geraldine / Willoughby........ 13......................... 196.......................0 10) Fyffe / Ashley...................... 6.......................... 195.......................3 *No stats this week at press time for Ider and Valley Head

Tackles

1) Plainview / Farmer................ 93 2) Plainview / Wooten............... 92 3) Geraldine / Hood.................. 85 4) Fyffe / R. Martin.................... 69 5) Fyffe / D.Martin..................... 68 6) Fort Payne / Berry................. 66 7) Crossville / Luther................. 65 7) Geraldine / Benitez............... 65 9) Valley Head / Nix.................. 63 10) Collinsville / Hill................. 62

*No Stats for this week at Press time for Ider ,Valley Head

1) Fort Payne / Turner................ 240...................... 1830.....................21 2) Fyffe / Kilpatrick................... 159....................... 1693.....................22 3) Sylvania / Roebuck................ 214....................... 1178......................13 4) Geraldine / Hood.................. 115....................... 992.......................14 5) Plainview / Mueller............... 121....................... 885.......................10 6) Valley Head / Leps................ 85........................ 880......................15 7) Ider / Palmer......................... 85........................ 654.......................9 8) Crossville / Simpson............. 65........................ 621.......................0 9) Geraldine / Willoughby........ 133....................... 659.......................6 10) Collinsville / Reed............... 65........................ 578.......................4

Top Wide Outs

Top Tacklers

and Collinsville

Most Touchdowns

Touchdowns

1) Fort Payne / Turner............... 23 2) Fyffe / Kilpatrick................... 22 3) Valley Head / Leps................. 15 4) Geraldine / Hood.................. 15 5) Sylvania / Roebuck................ 13 6) Collinsville / Reed................. 12 7) Collinsville / Blakely............. 12 8) Plainview / Mueller............... 10 9) Ider / Palmer......................... 9 10) Fyffe / Benefield.................. 8 11) Fyffe / Anderson.................. 8

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

OFFENSIVE MVP CANIDATES Fort Payne / Turner Fyffe / Kilpatrick Valley Head / Leps Geraldine / Hood Sylvania / Roebuck

DEFFENSIVE MVP CANIDATES Plainview / Farmer Plainview / Wooten Geraldine / Hood Fyffe / R. Martin Fyffe / D. Martin

12

Friday–October 30, 2015

THE SOUTHERN TORCH

TEAM OF THE WEEK

Sylvania Rams

Congratulations, Sylvania Rams! You are the Southern Torch Team of the Week for your impressive win over New Hope!

Town of Sylvania Emily C. Wooten, Mayor Council Members:

Gerald Craig, Dana Kling, Cal Deemer, Kimberly Roberts, Larry R. Bailey

Town Clerk: Marla Fairly

Magistrate: Donna Abbott

MATT SHARP DISTRICT 4 Board of Education Member CONGRATULATIONS RAMS! Paid political ad PO Box 325, Sylvania, AL 35988

Proud of you Seniors!

We love you!

Your family!