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THURSDAY • AUGUST 18, 2016
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Vol. 27, No. 33
The race for town council
Candidates share their views for the future
By COREY ARWOOD and WILLIAM CARROLL Staff Writers
MAYOR
Incumbent Mayor Gary Davenport
is facing off against current Place Five Councilmember Wanda Estes for the town’s top spot.
1. Tell me about your background, what should the voters know about you and your candidacy? Davenport said he has deep roots in Eclectic. Having lived in the
town for 21 years, he said he and his wife were co-owners of Eclectic Emporium, with children, who had graduated from the Elmore County School System. Davenport said he was an independent business owner, and had been with Nationwide Insurance for 38 years with offices in four locations across the Central and Southeast portions of the State.
Enrollment up at Elmore County Schools
See SCHOOL • Page 3
Today’s
Weather
By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
William Carroll / The Observer
Several volunteers work to pack and load bags of shoes Wednesday morning at the Eclectic Public Library as part of its fundraising program. Below, 4,050 shoes packing into the back of a trailer will now make their way to Haiti.
A WORLD OF SHOES Eclectic Library’s footwear donation on its way to Haiti By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor
The Eclectic Public Library had a little extra time to collect shoes for its fundraising activities and ended up collecting 4,050 shoes, some 1,500 shoes over the goal the library set for itself back in April. The library had teamed with Funds2Orgs, an organization that collects shoes for families around the world. As part of the arrangement the library agreed to collect 2,500 shoes, which would earn the library approximately $1,000. As part of the deal, the library had until the end of June to collect the 2,500 shoes. As the deadline passed, the library had obtained some 3,700 pairs of shoes. “They didn’t come and pick up the shoes right away,” Eclectic Public Library Director Betty Coker said. “So we just kept on collecting shoes.”
By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer
The UAB Department of Nutrition Sciences is conducting a study aimed to decrease the gap between research and practice by partnering with Community Hospital to improve the dissemination and implementation potential of a physical activity program (BEAT Cancer). This program has been proven to help cancer survivors become more physically active. The objective of the study is to develop an implementation toolkit to help rural healthcare providers implement this program. This project will extend the program’s reach and its potential to reduce health disparities in rural cancer survivors.
The study is funded by the National Cancer Institute, which is part of the National Institutes of Health. The NIH is one of 11 agencies that compose the Department of Health and Human Services. The National Cancer Institute was established under the National Cancer Institute Act of 1937 and is the Federal Government’s primary agency for cancer research and training. The National Cancer Act of 1971 broadened the scope and responsibilities of the NCI and created the National Cancer Program. Over the years, legislative amendments have maintained the NCI authorities and responsibilities and added new information dissemination mandates as well as a requirement to assess
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The annual Taste of Eclectic is scheduled for September 19. The event will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. Like last year’s event, this year the Taste of Eclectic will be held at the Elmore County High School Cafeteria. This is the 18th annual Taste of Eclectic. Eclectic the Beautiful hosts this event and the main objective of this fundraiser is the promotion of patriotism. The group oversees Veteran’s Park and this is the sole fundraiser for the organization. “We are trying to do our best for the park,” said Patty Dunson, with Eclectic the Beautiful. “We pay for insurance and the electricity at Veteran’s Park.” With over twenty sponsors this event is sure to have something for everyone. Vendors include Little Caesar’s, Nails, Must Stop Café, Boomer T’s, Cotton’s BBQ, Cozumel, Cost Co, Zaxby’s, Creek Casino, Kountry Kitchen, Central Store, El Gran, Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart, 1220 Café, Grumpy Dogs, Blue Bell and Champs BBQ. According to Dunson, some of these vendors will deliver food for this event and others will donate refreshments and other needed supplies. Every year the group spends numerous hours recruiting these vendors. “Our ladies make a personal visit to each vendor,” she said. “They take a form with them explaining the importance of this fundraiser.” With the list growing longer by the year, this event has become a staple for area residents and some have said this is the social event of the season. The price for admission is still $10 for adults and $5 for children. “In 18 years we have never changed See TASTE • Page 3
Community hospital needs participants in cancer study
Low
FRIDAY: HIGH 89 LOW 74
On Wednesday morning, the truck from Funds2Orgs came to Eclectic and a representative from the organization, as well as several area volunteers loaded a total of 167 bags, containing 4,050 shoes onto a large hauling See LIBRARY • Page 3
88 73 High
Estes said she has lived in Eclectic for 26 years, and taught at Elmore County High School for 12. Prior to that, Estes said she had owned her See CANDIDATES • Page 5
Annual Taste of Eclectic set for Sept. 19
By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor
Elmore County schools have added in excess of 200 new students according to the most recent statistics provided by the district. Elmore County Schools Superintendent Dr. Andre Harrison told the Elmore County Board of Education that enrollment numbers were up in all schools countywide as of the sixth day in school with the exception of Eclectic Elementary and Eclectic Middle School. Harrison said that the numbers the district has run show over 200 more students attending school in Elmore County district wide. Harrison said that the district is currently looking at the number of teachers it has for students and analyzing capacity numbers for a number of schools. One of the examples of a school showing tremendous growth was Holtville Middle School. Harrison said that HMS grew from 489 students at the end of last year to 559 students, creating a question as to the number of teachers
“I’m very fond of Eclectic, and chose to live here because of the type of town it is and the sanctuary it offers,” said Davenport.
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the incorporation of state-of-the-art cancer treatments into clinical practice. According to Kim Vest with Tallassee’s Community Hospice Care, this study is important to Tallassee and it’s residence because the focus is on rural areas as well and improving patient care in these areas. “Improving the well being of cancer survivors in rural areas,” she said. The study involves participation in three meetings facilitated by the UAB Exercise and Cancer Research Team. The meetings will be held at Community Hospital. The first meeting is scheduled for August 29th with time to be announced. Please contact Kim Vest at 334-283- 4250 if you are interested in participating.
PAGE 2 • AUGUST 18, 2016
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Area Calendar
Obituaries Howard Clayton McCroskey, Sr.
MCCROSKEY, Howard Clayton Sr., a resident of Eclectic, AL; passed away Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at the age of 75. Funeral services will be held Sunday, August 14, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at Perry Hill Road Baptist Church in Montgomery, AL. with Pastor Stephen Nulph officiating. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery with Gassett Funeral Home of Wetumpka directing. Mr. McCroskey is preceded in death by his parents, Elgin Graves & Helen Martin McCroskey, son, Thomas Earl Branch, brother, Carl McCroskey, sisters, Martha Ann Groves, Freeda Simcox, and Sandra McCroskey. He is survived by his wife, Jo McCroskey, sons, Howard C. McCroskey Jr., Rodney Wayne McCroskey, daughters, Deborah Elizabeth Castle, Kay B. Durham, brothers, Billy McCroskey, Larry McCroskey, Butch McCroskey, Phil McCroskey, sister, Dulcie Rose Mumpower, 11 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Visitation will be held Sunday, August 14, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. until service time at Perry Hill Road Baptist Church. Online Guest Book available at www.gassettfuneralhome.net
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
AUGUST 17 Please contact the Tallassee Recreation Department if you are interested in a Self Defense Class 2834726. Class would consist of situational awareness, prevention, recognition of criminal behavior and some physical defense. This is NOT a mixed martial class. Class would meet one-week night approx. 2 hours and Saturday approx. 8 hours. AUGUST 17 Register for youth wrestling at the Tallassee Recreation Center. Participants ages 6-13 with 4 weight classes. Register on August and begin practice in October. The season runs until February. AUGUST 17 Register for youth Soccer for ages 4-14 for boys and girls. Registrar at the Tallassee Recreation Center fee is $45 per child and season runs from October to
RODNEY GRIFFITH Lake Martin Properties Serving Lake Martin, Tallassee and the Surrounding Area
RODNEY GRIFFITH BROKER CELL: 334-207-0666 WEB: www.rodneygrif¿th.com EMAIL: rodneygrif¿th@windstream.net LAKE TALLASSEE – 650-ft. waterfront, 3 lots, 3± acres, super panoramic view, good building site, $225,000. COMMERCIAL PROPERTY, RED HILL – Formerly The Country Mile convenience store, gas station and restaurant. Will sell only gas station and convenience store or all. Call for details, $245,000. BEAUTIFUL HISTORIC HOME on Little Rd., Tallassee – 1.5 acres, completely remodeled. Very nice, 5 bd/5.5 baths, $239,000. 78 ACRES off Lower Tuskegee Hwy., on Cleghorn Road, great hunting only, $135,000. RIVER HILLS SUBDIVISION – 19 lots, great views of Lake Tallassee, underground utilities, sewage. Prices start at only $20,000. 4 SOLD – 19 remaining. BEAUTIFUL BRICK HOUSE in Plantation Pines, 4 bd/3.5 baths, 1.6 acre lot very modern and pretty, REDUCED TO $299,000. 3189 LITTLE ROAD – 4 bd/2ba., large lot, very modern, & pretty, only $215,000. 8 ACRES – KENT ROAD – UNRESTRICTED, REDUCED TO $45,000. TALLASSEE GILMER AVE. – 3bd/2 ba next to DQ, zoned commercial, REDUCED TO $99,000. TALLASSEE BRICK HOME – on 1 acre with a 2 acre fish pond, 3 bd, 2 ba, large den and kitchen, garage, large screened porch, G heat pump, REDUCED FROM NDIN PEacres $159,000 TO $149,000. 8 more also adjacent to it. COMMERCIAL PROPERTY – 8 ACRESGclose to Walmart on Hwy. 14, PENDIN REDUCED $189,000. 548 PROSPECT ROAD, ECLECTIC – Beautiful home on 4 ACRES, 3 bd/ 2.5 baths, very modern and private, very close to Lake Martin. Reduced to $259,000. TALLASSEE 854 E. PATTON – 3 bedrooms, 2 baths with 3 acres of land, $125,000.
November. Games are usually played on Monday and Thursday nights. We usually have approximately 150 participants, which make up 8-10 teams. AUGUST 22 Regular City Council Meeting. AUGUST 23 City Elections AUGUST 24 The Flat Rock Missionary Baptist and Oak Grove Missionary Baptist presents college and career night on Wednesday, August 24 from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at Flat Rock Missionary Baptist. This event is designed for high school students to explore college and career possibilities, gather scholarship information and find out about financial aid opportunities. AUGUST 26-27 The Tallassee High School Class of 1981 is planning its class reunion, to be held August 26 and 27 in Tallassee. If you are a member of the class and have not been contacted by a classmate, please call Suzy Solomon Wilson at 334-283- 8172. AUGUST 27 Movie Under the Stars will be on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at City Hall Greens. Kids activities will start at 6:30 pm and Kung Fu Panda will begin at dark (8:15 to 8:30). Bring your chairs and blankets
and come out and enjoy a fun family evening. Concessions will be provided: popcorn, sno-cones and drinks. This is a FREE event. SEPTEMBER 8 Tallassee Chamber of Commerce presents the Downtown Chamber Social. From 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. come and network with local business and learn about the benefits of being a Chamber member. There will be good food and good fun while supporting your local retail businesses in downtown Tallassee. Start on S. Ann Avenue and visit businesses to get some food and refreshments and see what products and services downtown Tallassee has to offer. This event is for Chamber members and non-members. Meander to all the marked business from S. Ann Ave, Barnett Blvd, Sistruck Street and end at James Street behind the Chamber office where we will have hotdogs, music and information regarding The Tallassee Chamber of Commerce. SEPTEMBER 12 Jobs for Life (JfL) Tallassee class beginning September 12th. JfL Tallassee is a Biblical-based, non-denominational program that assists qualified individuals in finding and keeping a job. Potential students should be able and willing to work and are
JOBS available
Tallapoosa Publishers is a multi-media news and sales organization that is located in Wetumpka and Alexander City,
Alabama. The Wetumpka Herald and The Tallassee Tribune along with its sister publications have been the voice of central Alabama since 1892. Wetumpka enjoys steady growth along with a list of many recreational opportunities.
We currently are seeking one outside and one inside advertising account executive.
As an Advertising account executive you will be expected to develop new business and maintain an existing account base of clients by selling a variety of advertising products and services. Some of our advertising products include print, online and mobile editions of the newspaper, magazines, inserts, direct mail and email marketing. This role is critical to supporting the over all revenue objectives at out organization. Our Account Executives use a consultative sales approach to identify the marketing and advertising needs of their clients in order to make effective recommendations. At the close of sale, this position requires you to complete detailed paperwork to fulfill orders that include placement of ads, the creative message, and reports to communicate campaign performance.
Qualifications Ideal candidates will have 2 plus years of outside sales experience. Most importantly, the candidate will have a demonstrated track record of achievement and be able to work in a fast paced and deadline oriented environment. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Candidates must have excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills including basic computer skills for Microsoft office suite including Google for email, scheduling, and documents. Our outside sales positions require you to have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
Please email resume to marketing @alexcityoutlook.com
unemployed or underemployed. Classes will meet on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 6:30 until 8:00 pm, for 8 consecutive weeks. Meetings are held in the ACTS Building. No charge to the student. There are no age requirements. ONGOING EVENTS CHILD FIND: The Tallassee City School System is launching its annual campaign to assist children—birth to age 21—who have disabilities and may need special services. The campaign urges parents, service providers, and concerned citizens to contact Child Find, a program to locate, identify and evaluate children with disabilities or children who are believed to have disabilities. The Tallassee City School System wishes to notify you of the availability of special education services in our public schools. If you have questions regarding our programs, or if you wish to refer a student, please contact Lynell Carr at (334) 2835675 or Child Find (Alabama Department of Education) at 1-800548-2547.” ART EXHIBITION: There is a free exhibit of 65 works of art by the late Priscilla Crommelin featuring vibrant still life and floral paintings, portraits and landscapes at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery. SATURDAY NIGHT JAMBOREE: Every second and fourth Saturday of the month is the Highway 231 Saturday Night Jamboree at the Alabama League of the South Cultural Center Building at 12814 Highway 231 North in Wetumpka. There will be country, gospel, and rock and roll music in a good atmosphere. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with music from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be line dancing, no alcohol, no smoking and no charge. Donations accepted for upkeep of the building. Contact Ray Funderburk at R&R Music and things at 334-991-4682 or 224850-9804 with questions. SANTUCK FLEA MARKET: First Saturday, MarchDecember, dawn to 2 p.m in the area surrounding Santuck Baptist Church. An outdoor flea market with booths featuring arts, crafts, antiques, novelties, imports, food and more. Free admission to the public with free parking available. For info, call 334-5677400. BLUEGRASS JAM: First Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka. All acoustic instruments welcome guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass, singers. Beginner, intermediate, advanced and listeners. For info, call 334578-9485. SIT AND SEW: First Saturday of each month, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka. All sewers and knitters welcome. Bring your own sewing machine or hand-sewing project. Assistance and encouragement to help you through
your project. Ironing board and iron provided. Free. For info, call 334-578-9485 or visit www.arrac.org. POTTERY CLASS: Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka For age 16 and older. $80 for four classes or $20 per week. Taught every Saturday by Rick Bowman. Bring your own tools or use art center tools. Center provides other supplies. For info, call 334-313-1646. CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP: Saturdays, 11 a.m. at the Alabama River Region Arts Center, Wetumpka. For ages 12 and older. $32 for four classes. Taught every Saturday by Cliff Wayne. For info, call 334-300-9394. MASTER GARDENERS LUNCH AND LEARN: Second Tuesday of each month, 12 to 1 p.m. at the Elmore County Extension Office, Wetumpka. Hosted by the Central Alabama Master Gardeners Association. Free and open to the public. Bring a sack lunch, drinks provided. For info, call 334-567-6301 or visit www.aces.edu/ counties/Elmore/. SENIOR ACTIVITIES: “Prime Time” activities at the Wetumpka Senior Center, held at the Fain Center, 120 Cotton Street for those 55 and older: Regularly Scheduled Activities Monday-Friday Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Cost is $1.60 donation if possible. SilverSneakers Classic Exercise Class - M, W, F at 9:30 a.m. - total body toning and muscular strength SilverSneakers Circuit Exercise Class Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. - cardio workout SilverSneakers Yoga Class - Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. - deep breathing, stretching, muscle relaxation Bridge Club Wednesdays, Noon to 3 p.m. Audio Book Clubsecond and fourth Monday of every month at 1 p.m. - enjoy listening to a book on tape while knitting, crocheting, sewing, etc. NEW REGULARLY SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES DIY Classes - Every first and third Monday at 1 p.m. Do It Yourself Classes to learn to make things you can use around the house, including soap, lotions, crafts and decorations. Uno Wednesdays - 1 p.m. every Wednesday take part in a rousing game or two of Uno. Sock Sisters - 1 p.m. every Thursday come and make non-slip socks to give to nursing home residents. Volleyball - Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Join us for an intense game of volleyball, using a beach ball! Bridge - Wanted: Bridge players for afternoon Bridge Club. Meets Wednesday afternoons Noon to 3 p.m. NOTE: For info on any Prime Time event, call 334-567-1335. ECLECTIC: The Eclectic Senior Center is open every weekday until noon. For more info, call Deborah Rowe at 334-5413581.
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
AUGUST 18, 2016 • PAGE 3
Library
continued from page 1
truck. According to Coker the shoes are on their way to Miami, where they will then be transported to needy people in Haiti. Coker said that she estimates the library should receive around $1,670, or $10 per bag, but said she wouldn’t be sure until the final check arrived. “The people of Eclectic and surrounding areas have been wonderful,” Coker said. “All of our area churches participated.” Coker noted that one of the churches actually used the shoe drive as part of a Bible School project, and many others had prominent boxes for the donation of shoes.
During the moving process, several people from the community lent a hand and loaded the 20 to 25 pound bags onto the trailer truck brought to carry the shoes to their next destination. The removal of the shoes not only means more funds for the library, which anticipates using the funds to pay its bills, but more space as well, as the library was using an entire room of the recently opened library annex to store the shoes. “With the shoes out we now have all of this space to use for classes and other activities,” Coker said. “One of the first classes we are going to have
here will be a Spanish class.” Coker said the room will be used for a number of classes and other activities and now that additional space was freed up, the library could complete the painting and other necessary improvements to continue to provide activities for the community. Coker said she wanted to use the main portion of the annex building for after school activities, specifically activities for teens. “We’d like to be able to give the teenagers something to do,” she said specifically noting that she would like to offer educational movies, similar to the Wetumpka library’s teen program.
School
Need CPAP?
continued from page 1
at that school and whether those numbers would be sufficient to handle the growth. Harrison also pointed out the increase at Redland Elementary as that issue has been brought up recently during several board meetings. According to Harrison in October of 2015, Redland had 908 students, as of the most recent count it has 924. Redland parent Brian Ward brought up the increased numbers and pointed out to the board that the increase
was not consistent with a report presented to the board that showed a decrease at RES. Specifically Ward noted that the estimates placed this year’s enrollment at 885. Harrison said the increase puts RES at capacity, and while he provided no solu-
tion to the board on the immediate issue of the school’s capacity, noted that he was looking at it closely. In other matters before the board: • The board approved the appointment of Jason Mann as the district’s new chief school
financial officer. Board Member Michael Morgan told the board that a committee had unanimously selected Mann after an interview process wherein the board elicited candidate submissions for the position.
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Taste
continued from page 1
the price,” Dunson said. This is a large event for the town and Dunson says it takes everyone working together to make it happen. “We have a really good group,” she said. “We’re so appreciative for everyone who participates.” With so much to offer for such a marginal cost, this year’s Taste of Eclectic is sure to bring people together for an evening of good food, good fun and good company.
SPORTS EXTRA Central Alabama’s Most Comprehensive High School Football Coverage Begins August 20th
Don’t Miss It!!! 13 Schools in the Lake & River Region
SATURDAYS THE WETUMPKA HERALD Outlook The Tallassee Tribune The
Steve Baker, Publisher William Carroll, Managing Editor Opinions expressed in guest columns and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the management of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.
PAGE 4 • AUGUST 18, 2016
OPINION
“Our liberty cannot be guarded but by the freedom of the press, nor that be limited without danger of losing it.” --Thomas Jefferson THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
The Observer strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and, above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.
There could be more to lottery than just a lottery
A
t first blush, it appears so simple. The state’s General Fund budget is underfunded, and Medicaid, Michele the program Gerlach that provides health care for about 1 million people in Alabama – many of them children – is $85 million short in the FY 2017 budget. Gov. Robert Bentley, a former Baptist deacon, announced last month he would call the legislature into session this coming Monday to address his proposal for a statewide lottery. To date, he has not issued the official call, which specifies what the legislature can address in a special session. The Montgomery Advertiser reported late Friday that Bentley’s office won’t issue the call until Monday, when the legislature is expected to begin meeting. There is great irony in the fact that our state, which spent untold amounts of money shutting down gambling operations it decided were illegal and immoral, now is led by a governor arguing that passing a lottery is the only moral answer. Think Country Crossing. Think Victoryland. Think GreenTrack. Meanwhile, the governor has been making appearances around the state at places like Children’s Hospital, and giving speeches that insist the legislature must adopt a lottery to save the lives of children. After all, he says, there are only six or so states without a lottery. Bentley’s proposal for a lottery is a bit short on details, but he claims it will generate $225 million. Because he hasn’t shared his math, it isn’t immediately clear if that’s the gross amount expected to be
generated, or the net. Other gaming interests in the state have been rather quiet on the issue. The Poarch Creek Indians, who operate casinos in Atmore, Montgomery and Wetumpka, and who own race facilities in Mobile and Birmingham, only say “We support the governor’s efforts to find a solution to the crisis.” A second proposal, by Sen. Jim McClendon, puts more on the menu. McClendon is proposing not just a lottery, but “virtual lottery terminals” at VictoryLand, GreenTrack, and the Mobile and Birmingham race courses. He says he also would allow the governor to negotiate a gaming compact with the Indians, presumably for expanded gaming. The truth is, if any lottery bill passes, the Poarch Creek Indians won’t need the compact they’ve sought with the state for decades. The federal government allows recognized Indian tribes to operate the same level of gaming allowed by the state, in three classes. Class 1 gaming resembles something like poker at the hunting camp or annual pow wow; Class 2 is bingo; Class 3 is everything else. If a lottery passes, the slot-style electronic “bingo” machines can be switched in a heartbeat to slot machines; and they can add table games to their entertainment offerings in Atmore, Wetumpka and Montgomery. The compact – nor the share of proceeds that usually accompany it – would not be needed. As simple as Bentley’s proposal sounds, there is nothing simple about it. The legislature should not move swiftly and emotionally, but deliberately and thoughtfully, with the long game in mind. Gerlach is publisher of Andalusia The Star-News.
Eclectic Observer The
What's good for the goose is good for the Tallassee
O
ne of the most important goals we strive for here at our Elmore County newspapers is fairness. Fairness in how we deal with others and fairness in how we deal with communities. A few weeks ago, I wrote an “I told you so” type column involving a criminal case filed by the city of Wetumpka. This week will be the “I told you so moment” for the city of Tallassee. A few weeks ago I chastised city officials who had met in secret to discuss the qualifications of mayoral candidates for the upcoming Aug.23 elections in Tallassee. Specifically I questioned the legality of the meetings as being in violation of the open meetings laws and strongly suggested that the city stay out of the matter as it was outside their purview. As can be expected, city officials moved ahead hastily and voted to file a lawsuit against two candidates running for mayor. Last week, Circuit Court Judge Sibley Reynolds dismissed the matter stating that pursuant to Alabama Code section 17-16-44 no jurisdiction exists to hear the matter. What the order doesn’t say however is why no jurisdiction exists. This answer can actually be found a few sections later in Alabama Code section 17-16-56 “…the party
WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor
contesting must file in the office of the clerk of the circuit court of the county in which the election was held, a statement in writing, verified by affidavit, of the grounds of the contest as provided in this article and must give good and sufficient security for the costs of the contest, to be approved by the clerk.” Note the important part of the statute placed in bold, which required that in order to file an election contest, it must be done after an election has been held, not before. This makes sense because there would be no reason to contest a losing candidate. Why waste money trying to prove someone doesn’t live in the city if they don’t win anyway? In the cases I found on this issue when I wrote my first column, all of them had been filed after an election was completed. Therefore, it appears as though Judge Reynolds dismissed this matter because the city improperly filed it before they were even legally allowed to. So not only was it a bad idea to file the action for political reasons, it was also bad
because it was illegal. At the time of my first column on this matter I was not aware of the statute. In each state I’ve lived in I try to learn the laws as best as practical in order to be able to share that information with readers. As I have done more research on campaign issues it has become apparent that Tallassee City Attorney John Smith should have known about this provision. The fact that he didn’t calls into question exactly why the city is paying him anything for his services. It also creates an even more vexing issue. In previous columns, I suggested that the closed door meetings held by the city in this matter were illegal. Now there is no doubt that they were. The open meeting statute allows a board to go into closed door executive sessions for a few limited reasons. In this case, they went into executive session purportedly for this reason outlined in Alabama Code section 36-25A-7(3) “To discuss with their attorney the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated or imminently likely to be litigated if the governmental body pursues a proposed course of action, or to meet or confer with a mediator or arbitrator with respect
to any litigation or decision concerning matters within the jurisdiction of the governmental body involving another party, group, or body.” Notice the focus of the statute is litigation. Something the city couldn’t even technically contemplate due to the statute. Therefore any discussions about litigation that couldn’t have proceeded should never have happened, much less in illegal executive sessions. The city’s attorney should have instructed them on this issue, but it appears it was more important for the attorney to allow this farce to continue. I am sure it is more cost effective for an attorney to induce the city into litigation, but it is a bad idea for the taxpayers. Once again the city wasted money that could have been used for something quite a bit more productive. But alas, I tried to tell you all several weeks ago that this was a bad idea and yet none of you listened, save councilman Rob Rygiel, who had the good sense to stay out of the decision altogether. So shame on the city council of Tallassee. Next time someone tries to give you advice, you should listen. William Carroll is the managing editor of The Observer.
YOUR VIEW Want to share your opinion on a situation, topic, etc.? X WRITE: Your View, The Wetumpka Herald, P.O. Box 99, Wetumpka, AL 36092 X EMAIL: News@TheWetumpkaHerald.com Include your name, address and phone number. Only your name and city will be printed. We reserve the right to edit or to refuse to publish any submission. You may submit one letter per month, limited to 300 words or less.
334-567-7811 • Fax 334-567-3284 email: news@thewetumpkaherald.com THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER (005-022) is published weekly on Thursday by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Periodical postage paid at Wetumpka, Alabama. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Eclectic Observer, P.O. Box 99, Wetumpka, AL 36092-0099. ISSN # 1536-688X. We reserve the right to refuse to print any advertisement, news story, photograph or any other material submitted to us for any reason or no reason at all. •Obituaries - $.25 per word per paper. Additional $15 charge for a photo per paper. (Herald, Weekend, Observer, Tribune). •Weddings/Engagements - $.25 per word per paper. $15 charge for a 2-column photo. •Birth Announcements - $.25 per word per paper. $15 charge for a photo. SUBSCRIPTION RATES One Year in Elmore, Tallapoosa or Coosa County: $25 One Year Elsewhere: $38 The publisher reserves the right to change subscription rates during the term of subscription at any time. To subscribe or if you miss your paper, call 256-234-4281. © 2016 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved and any reproduction of this issue is prohibited without the consent of the editor or publisher. ADMINISTRATION Steve Baker, publisher publisher@thewetumpkaherald.com William Carroll, managing editor william.carroll@thewetumpkaherald.com NEWS Corey Arwood, staff writer corey.arwood@thewetumpkaherald.com Carmen Rodgers, staff writer carmen.rodgers@thewetumpkaherald.com Cory Diaz, sports editor Cory.Diaz@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . Ext. 306 SALES Jayne Carr, marketing consultant Jayne.Carr@TheWetumpkaHerald.com . . . . . . Ext. 313 Molly Brethauer, marketing consultant molly.brethaur@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . Ext. 305
Recognizing unfairness, empathizing with the poor
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ast month, I was taken aback when I went to pay my power bill. I’d been so busy that I’d forgotten to pay the darn thing. The day I paid it was the day it was to be disconnected, but it had not yet been disconnected. Much to my surprise, there was a $50 non-payment fee. Keep in mind, it had not been disconnected, so to the best of my knowledge, no extra work was created for anyone due to my forgetfulness. I take that back, because there was a letter sent out telling me of the non-payment fee. The letter stated the fee would take effect if payment was not received by July 25. I received that letter on July 26, when I returned home from making my payment. I thought my penalty was the late fee, which according to the letter is “$5.00 or 5% of the amount due, whichever is GREATER.” The whole situation had me steaming. I had the money; I just forgot to pay. I began to empathize with those who don’t have the money. I’ve been there. In fact, I grew up with nothing and have most of it left. In 2002, between college graduation and Officer Candidate School, I got behind on bills. The army kept telling me I’d be gone in two weeks, but that two weeks turned into a year. Who is going to give you a job when you might have to
JODY FULLER Guest Columnist
leave in two weeks? Fortunately, I had friends who were small business owners help me out. I dug ditches and cleaned carpets for months. I did whatever I had to do. I had to make choices between which bills to pay and which ones to let slide. Of course, I paid the utilities first. One time, I went to pay my telephone bill after it had been disconnected. “My phone was disconnected this morning, so I need to pay it,” I said as I handed her my check. “It appears they are just doing some work on that line, so it’s not been disconnected,” she said. “Cool. Can I get that check back?” I asked. She gave it back. My phone was disconnected the next week. People find themselves in financial turmoil for a variety of reasons. There are times the blame falls solely on them. Other times, it happens due to situations truly beyond their control. While other times, it’s a combination of both. Again, I empathize with the poor. I had the money; I just forgot. What about those who
do not have the money? If they can’t pay their bill, how is adding a $50 non-payment fee going to help them? I understand the need to have a deterrent for late payments, but why not “$5.00 or 5% of the amount due, whichever is LESS?” The same thing can be said to the banks that charge exorbitant fees for insufficient funds. Again, I understand the need to have a deterrent in place, but one of my banks charges $36 for insufficient funds fees. Does it really create that much more work to justify that kind of fee? The easy answer is to not write bad checks, but life sometimes throws us curve balls. Bo Jackson is the greatest athlete of all time but struggled mightily with a curve ball. Throughout my struggles, I’ve always had my faith, family, and friends in my corner. I just don’t know where I’d be without that trifecta. I’m grateful they’ve always been there to throw me a rope of hope when I’ve found myself in a hole. Institutions should want to drop a ladder. Instead, they drop a shovel. Let’s help people—not help them dig their own hole. Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. He can be reached at jody@jodyfuller.com. For more information, please visit www.jodyfuller.com.
THE ECLECTIC OBSERVER
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AUGUST 18, 2016 • PAGE 5
Candidates own daycare business. She said she had been married to her husband, who she said was an officer in the military, for 26 years and had six children, and five grandchildren. “Campaigning, my goal has been to be honest and tell what I like to see changed and listen to what other people like to see changed,” said Estes. “I would like to see some accountability and fairness in everything’s that done throughout the town.” She said a goal in her candidacy would be to look out for the town employee’s needs as well as the citizens and to take the time to listen to the people and get to know them. “Let them feel like their thoughts and opinions count, some may work some may not but it still everybody needs to be listened to,” Estes said. She said she loved her job, people and enjoyed helping others and talking with the elderly, She said, “you get a lot of wisdom from that.” 2. What do you think are the biggest or issues problems currently facing the Town of Eclectic, and how would you propose to solve them? “We’ve got a lot of cleaning up to do around here,” Estes said adding that local businesses needed more support. She said strategies needed to be developed to help support the existing businesses, while welcoming newcomers. “Our town employees, their well being needs to be met also because when their well being is met they are more interested on working on our town and keeping it like it needs to be,” Estes said. Ultimately, she said being “fair and honest” were key components of her platform. Davenport said a leveling or decrease in the town’s population was the first among the issues the town faces. Whether it was due to an aging population, or the younger population leaving, Davenport said, “We have got to provide a reason for people to move here or stay here.” A way of accomplishing this he said was to provide more housing options, such as rental properties, apartments or starter homes and garden homes. “I think that pretty much will take care of a lot of our issues, the more people that you have living here then the more business owners are willing to invest in businesses here and to invest in existing buildings and structures because they can get a return on their dollar,” Davenport said. The recently completed comprehensive plan undertaken by the town, he said, indicated the first thing residents wanted was more housing, along with improvements to streets and sidewalks. 3.What changes or modifications would like to see in Eclectic? How will you implement these changes? Greater financial responsibility was what Davenport said was a main a goal he had been working on in recent years, and one that he would continue to pursue in order to raise the town’s financial ratings. He said they had been working on getting caught up with complet-
continued from page 1
ing the town’s audits and this would help raise their ratings. “We are paying off our bond issues,” Davenport said. “Middle of next year we will actually pay off one of our municipal bonds.” This he said would place them in a better position to spend money on projects, and “reward city employees,” he said with raises.
assets. She said to create opportunities for growth by developing strategies to support the businesses that move in and for those all ready in Eclectic. In doing this, she said it would attract even more businesses to the area by establishing Eclectic as a good place to do business.
Estes said she would like to see the town become more family oriented. One way of doing this would be to create more of a working relationship with the school system, along with local businesses, “for the future of our children,” Estes said. She said area youth are how to help the town grow, and would like to see better collaboration between those entities to build the town up around them.
In Eclectic Town Place 2, current council member Charles Powell faces off against challenger Chrissy Calhoun.
4. If elected, what would you like to accomplish during your term in office? Estes said she would like to bring greater accountability to town government. “We as a mayor, the council and the town employees we’re employees for our citizens, we work for our citizens they’re paying us to keep up the town for them,” Estes said. Cleaning up the town, and providing a safe and clean environment for local youth along with recreation, were at the top of Estes’ list of desired accomplishments. She said it would not be possible to satisfy everyone, but she could at least talk with them and listen to ideas.
During a potential next term in office, Davenport said he would like to get Eclectic back in a financial position he said it needed to be in. “I’d like to do start doing a lot more roadwork, sidewalk work, renovation of the downtown area, bringing in recreational activities for the families that live here,” Davenport said. Some of those ideas included bicycling and walking trails along parks and park upkeep. He said within two years he wanted to begin setting up a reserve fund to “take advantage of opportunities that become available to the town.” 5. Economic growth and development is an ongoing issue, how do you propose to facilitate attracting businesses to Eclectic? He said Eclectic was “fortunate” to have little problem attracting businesses, and averaged about 10 to 12 a year, however he said the “trouble” was keeping them. “So the way that you are going to keep those businesses is to have people living here that will shop Eclectic, that will stay in Eclectic, provide services that the businesses offer, so that people don’t have to go out of Eclectic,” Davenport said. He said providing incentives to business owners for upgrades to their properties would also be a means of bringing in more businesses and keeping those that are all ready in Eclectic. Estes said to play on the town’s current
PLACE 2
1. Tell me about your background, what should the voters know about you and your candidacy? Powell, said he had been on the council for eight years. “I helped get the senior center started, I think I’ve done a pretty good job interacting with the constituents,” said Powell. “I do the best I can with what we got.” Calhoun said she was the previous assistant attorney for the town’s municipal court, and her law office had been in Eclectic since 2009. She currently serves as the program director for undergrad legal studies at South University in Montgomery. She said she had three children, two of which had graduated from Elmore County High School. 2. What do you think are the biggest issues or problems currently facing the Town of Eclectic, and how would you propose to solve them? She said she thought Eclectic had come a long way in attracting businesses to the area, and should now focus on maintaining those that are there. “Some tend to come and go rather quickly and I would want to see the citizens of Eclectic have a larger variety so that they could fulfill their needs without having to go to one of the larger surrounding towns,” said Calhoun. Powell said more businesses were needed for the empty buildings downtown, and that the store-fronts needed to be “reworked,” to promote businesses. He also said more recreation options were needed for local youth. 3. What changes or modifications would like to see in Eclectic? How will you implement these changes? “I think we need to clean the town up, the town ... I think it would be more attractive to business prospects,” Powell said. Just put more on these store owners up town, let them do a little work on them,” Powell said. “Put awnings up there, and fix the sidewalks in front of the buildings, just make it more presentable.” Calhoun said she wanted something “geared” toward young adults and teenagers established in the area. “We have some wonderful youth programs at the local churches and I would just like to see something there, we have great restaurants, we have some shopping available,” Calhoun said. She said with football season taking up the next few months, she wanted to establish something
healthy for students around town for when the season wraps up. 4. If elected, what would you like to accomplish during your term in office? “I’d like to the citizens as a whole have pride in their council, my hope would be that I would bring honor and pride back to that particular office so the citizens could be proud,” Calhoun said. She added, “Not of course to say they’re not, but some may not be and I would like to see a more broad positive feedback on the council.” “I would like to be the best councilman I could be,” Powell said. “I go to the senior center a lot, I would like to see it grow, and just I would like to see the streets worked on a lot and the sidewalks worked on just make the town presentable, pretty in other words make it pretty.” 5. Economic growth and development is an ongoing issue, how do you propose to facilitate attracting businesses to Eclectic? Powell suggested forming a committee that would reach out to businesses outside of Eclectic, and placing advertisements. “Just make the town more attractive to where people will want to come up here businesses will want to come here,” Powell said. Calhoun said both she and her husband were business oriented. She said she wanted to see growth in the town, but not at a rate that would, as Calhoun said, subtract from the “charm” of Eclectic. She proposed a medium option, where the town was able to maintain it’s size but have needs of residents met within its borders. “I would like to see the money to be spent and kept there in Eclectic and to be used for the betterment of the town itself,” Calhoun said.
PLACE 4 In council Place 4, current council member Linda Reed will face challenger Stephanie Stepney. An interview opportunity on Tuesday was missed with Stepney Attempts were made later that evening, and the following day to connect with Stepney. However she said the one opportunity was all that she had for an interview and her schedule Wednesday was full. Reed did meet and discuss her positions with us. 1. Tell me about your background, what should the voters know about you and your candidacy? Reed said she is a lifetime resident of Eclectic having lived in the town for 60 years. She is a graduate of Elmore County High School and noted that most of her family lives in and around the Eclectic area. She has served eight years on the council and said she does it out of love for her community. 2. What do you think are the biggest problems currently facing the town of Eclectic? And how would you propose to solve those problems? “We still have some vacant stores downtown,” Reed said. “We are trying to entice people to open
new businesses here. We seem to be growing. We just need the community to be more active in what we are doing.” Reed said that the community has an ideal fire department and that she would like to see the community more involved in the fire department. She also said she would like to see citizens more involved in the process of governing. “I want more people to attend the council meetings and see what is going on at the council meetings,” she said. 3. What changes or modifications would you like to see in Eclectic? How will you implement these changes? “We need sidewalk repairs, we need street repairs,” she said. “There are some grants we are working on to help us with this.” Reed noted she’d like to see more businesses move into the community, noting that continued growth is important. “We’ve got new businesses coming in, the little town is growing,”
she said. 4. If elected, what would you like to accomplish during your term in office? “I would like to see improvements to storefronts, sidewalks, streets, community wide working together,” she said. “I would like to see subdivision completed.” Reed noted that three houses were being built with the possibility of eight more houses in a recent subdivision development. “I’d like to see more people moving in the city limits. I’d like to see more activities for our youth.” 5. Economic growth and development is an ongoing issue, how do you propose to facilitate attracting businesses to Eclectic? Reed focused on increasing the number of community activities in Eclectic. She referenced the upcoming opening of the new Dollar General as a sign of continued growth, but noted that she’d like to see more businesses come into the community.
PAGE 6 • AUGUST 18, 2016
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ast week, I got a post which said:
“I would like your take on a statement I’ve just been told: ‘You can’t be Christian if you are a (here insert Democrat or Republican, your choice), therefore, you have no God!’ Is this true? Is God a (insert party name, again)? I was told it’s in the Bible. Can you tell me where?” My friend: Please know that I have tried never to influence anyone’s political choices and will not here. That is never the job of the clergy. In fact, using God, religion, or Christianity for personal gain, power, influence or political success is what the Old Testament would call “an abomination” and what I would characterize as “despicable.” This includes those who bill themselves as “Christian Restaurants,” “Christian Lawyers,” “Christian Car Dealers,” etc., and especially those who seek votes saying that they are more Christian than their opponents – you may remember that “The Religious Right “ tried that several years ago and we have seen it in many state and federal political campaigns since.
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
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You can’t be a Christian if. . . So, what does the Bible say? It probably sounds silly, but I did do a Bible word search on the words “republican” and “democrat” in three different English translations and two Greek Lexicons. Of course, neither of those words nor any words with the same meaning are found in the Bible. So, when your “friend” says “You can’t be Christian if you are a (party name) . . . You have no God . . . it’s in the Bible,” she is taking some Bible verse(s) and interpreting/ twisting them for her own purpose or agenda. That’s nothing new. When the Bible does not address a particular subject, Bible “interpretations” have often been used to prove a point or control someone else: e.g., don’t ordain women because Paul says women should not speak in church, don’t drink because the Bible says that the body is a temple, slavery is ordained by God because Paul tells slaves to be obedient to their masters, God is all powerful because Jesus says “with God, anything is possible,” when in fact, that statement was the answer to the specific question: “Who, then, can be saved?” By necessity, we interpret the Bible all the time. Every
REV. BOB HENDERSON Trinity Episcopal
sermon preached is an interpretation. However, when an interpretation is “selectively” applied, as it was to you, alarm bells go off in my head, and I begin questioning the validity and the motive behind the “interpretation.” In addition to the Bible’s silence on the specific accusation your friend made, there are theological reasons to question what she has said. The first is this: if (insert name of party) are, in fact, Godless, what does that say about who God is and God’s relationship with us? The only thing I can think it says is that God does not love humans who believe certain things, in this case what the (insert party name) stands for and has stood for in the past. That condemns an awful lot of people. This, of course, contradicts the many Bible verses which
say God loves us all and will continue to love every human, unconditionally, no matter what (Romans 8:28-29, for example) as well as our belief that God is Love. The second is Matt. 7:1-2 “ “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get.” “You aren’t Christian, you have no God” is the rankest kind of judgement, especially since it goes further than simply disagreeing with another person’s opinion or belief. There are always people with whom we disagree, but when we say that they are “Godless,” we substitute ourselves and our judgment for God’s. That, I believe, is what Matthew is warning us about. That kind of judgment is also an example of spiritual pride . It says that “What I believe about God is the only true belief,” something about which Jesus constantly lambasted the Pharisees and Sadducees.
ple of God’s love. It is an attempt to use “God” to control that person. We humans have called on “God” to control people for centuries. In fact, many of the “interpretations” discussed above, are exactly that – an attempt to control. Finally, the overall theme of the Bible, especially the New Testament, is as (a Trinity parishioner) pointed out in a comment to your post: “God is. God is love. It is up to the Republican or Democrat to accept God, not the other way around.” I would go even a step further and say that God’s love calls us to love our enemies, including those in an opposing political party, pray for them, and try, as best we are able, to show or reflect God’s unconditional love to them and to those who are observing us. I will try not to condemn, ridicule or judge your “friend” as best I can, despite my typical human urge to do so. I will only say that I do not find that the Bible or my understanding of Biblical or Christian theology supports her statements.
It follows, then, that telling someone else that they are Godless because they don’t agree with you, isn’t an exam-
Henderson is a rector at Trinity Episcopal Church in Wetumpka .
Area Churches AME ZION Mt. Zion Chapel AME Zion 2340 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 567-4413 Rogers Chapel AME Zion 709 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 5678144 Jackson Chapel AME Zion 4885 Coosada Rd., Coosada Jones Chapel AME Zion 2414 Ingram Rd. (Co. Rd. 3), Elmore ABUNDANT LIFE Abundant Life Church 9301 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-9143 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Agape Tabernacle Assembly of God 1076 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic 541-2006 Bethel Worship Center 11117 U.S. Hwy 231., Wetumpka 567-5754 Crossroads Assembly of God 2534 AL Hwy 14., Millbrook 285-5545 First Assembly of God 3511 Shirley Ln., Millbrook New Home Assembly of God 5620 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 569-2825 BAPTIST Abraham Baptist Church Millbrook Antioch Baptist Church 1115 Antioch Rd., Titus 567-2917 Beulah Baptist Church 2350 Grier Rd., Wetumpka 514-2881 Blue Ridge Baptist 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 567-4325 Brookwood Baptist Grandview Rd., Millbrook Calvary Baptist 504 W. Osceola St., Wetumpka 5674729 Central Baptist 3545 W. Central Rd., Wetumpka 541-2556 Coosada Baptist 20 Kennedy Ave., Coosada Deatsville Baptist 184 Church St., Deatsville Eclectic Baptist Church 203 Claud Rd., Eclectic 541-4444 Faith Baptist 64 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 567-4417 First Baptist Church 205 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 5675191 First Baptist of Elmore Hwy. 14 Co. Rd. 74, Elmore Galilee Baptist 95 Old Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 567-4178 Good Hope Baptist 1766 S. Fleahop Rd., Eclectic Goodship Baptist Hwy. 143, Millbrook Grace Baptist Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka 567-3255 Grandview Pines Baptist
Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville Green Ridge Baptist 288 Turner Rd., Wetumpka 567-2486 Harvest Baptist 2990 Main St., Millbrook Hillside Baptist 405 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka Holtville Riverside Baptist 7121 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 5145922 Lake Elam Baptist 4060 Gober Rd., Millbrook Liberty Hill Baptist 61 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 5678750 Lighthouse Baptist 2281 Main St., Millbrook Living Water Baptist 1745 Grass Farm Rd. (Co. Rd. 80), Weoka Millbrook Baptist Millbrook 285-4731 Mitts Chapel Baptist 935 Cold Springs Rd., Deatsville 569-1952 Mt. Hebron West Baptist 150 Mt. Hebron Rd., Elmore 567-4441 Mountain View Baptist 1025 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka 567-4458 New Harmony Baptist 3094 New Harmony Rd., Marbury 312-1878 New Home Baptist 1605 New Home Rd., Titus 567-0923 New Hope Baptist 6191 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville 5691267 New Lily Green Baptist 6504 Deatsville Hwy., Deatsville New Nazareth Baptist Hwy. 143, Deatsville Pleasant Hill Baptist Pleasant Hill Rd., Eclectic 541-3460 Prospect Baptist Prospect Rd., Eclectic 567-5837 Redland Baptist 1266 Dozier Rd., Wetumpka 5678649 Refuge Baptist Church 3098 Red Hill Road Tallassee 334-857-2638 Rehoberth Baptist 8110 Rifle Range Rd., Tallassee 567-9801 Rushenville Baptist 10098 Georgia Rd., Eclectic 541-2418 Saint James Baptist 1005 Nobles Rd., Wetumpka 567-6209 Saint James Baptist 101 Gantt Rd., Deatsville 569-3006 Santuck Baptist 7250 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 567-2364 Seman Baptist Seman, Alabama Shoal Creek Baptist 13214 Holtville Rd., Deatsville 569-2482 Springfield Baptist Hwy. 7, Millbrook Thelma Baptist 810 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 567-3665
Titus Baptist 6930 Titus Rd., Wetumpka 334-531-2120 Tunnell Chapel Baptist 210 Central Plank Rd., Wetumpka 567-2589 Victory Baptist 5481 Main St., Millbrook Wadsworth Baptist 2780 Hwy. 143, Deatsville 569-2851 BAPTIST - MISSIONARY Atkins Hill 565 Atkins Rd., Wetumpka 567-1141 Cathmagby Baptist 3074 Mitchell Creek Rd., Wetumpka 567-4787 First Missionary Baptist at Guilfield 412 Company St., Wetumpka 5677455 Goodhope 1389 Willow Springs Rd. Wetumpka 567-7133 Lebanon 17877 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 514-1097 Mount Canaan 1125 Weoka Rd., Wetumpka 5672141 Mount Pisgah 16621 U.S. Hwy. 231, Titus 567-3668 Mt. Zion 371 AL Hwy. 14, Elmore, 567-2613 Mt. Zion #3 1813 Luke Paschal Rd., Eclectic New Home 5130 Elmore Rd., Wetumpka 5675966 Second Missionary 760 N. Bridge St., Wetumpka 5678601 Spring Chapel Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka 5676493 Sweetwater 163 Michael Lane, Wetumpka 334538-9415 Tabernacle Baptist 1020 W. Tallassee St., Wetumpka 567-0620 BAPTIST - PRIMITIVE Bethel Old School 4625 Jackson Rd. (C.R. 103), Wetumpka Providence 4850 Chana Creek Rd., Wetumpka CATHOLIC Our Lady of Guadalupe 545 White Rd., Wetumpka 567-0311 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ of Elmore 470 Caesarville Rd., Wetumpka 567-6670 Church of Christ Grandview Pines 165 Deatsville Hwy., Millbrook Cold Springs Church of Christ 5920 Alabama Hwy. 143, Deatsville Georgia Road Church of Christ 4003 Georgia Rd., Wetumpka 5672804 Lightwood Church of Christ 251 New Harmony Rd., Deatsville
569-1510 Redland Road Church of Christ 2480 Redland Rd., Wetumpka 5143656 Wetumpka Church of Christ W. Bridge St. At W. Main St., Wetumpka 567-6561 CHURCH OF GOD Elmore Church of God 10675 Rucker Road, Elmore Gethsemane Church of God 705 Cotton St., Wetumpka 567-9886 Church at the Brook 2890 Hwy. 14, Millbrook Maranatha Church of God 2621 Holtville Rd., Wetumpka 5676786 Victory Tabernacle AOH Church of God Hwy 143, Millbrook Wetumpka Church of God Hwy. 9 N. Wetumpka 215-3091 CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN Cedarwood Congregational Christian 10286 US Hwy 231 N, Wetumpka 567-0476 Seman Congregational Christian 15970 Central Plank Rd., Seman Union Congregational Christian 8188 Lightwood Rd., Marbury 5692122 EPISCOPAL The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 2602 Gilmer Ave., Tallassee 252-8618 Trinity Episcopal Church 5371 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-7534 St. Michael & All Angels Church 5941 Main St., Millbrook HOLINESS New Beginnings Holiness 865 Crenshaw Rd., Wetumpka 5679211 Summit Holiness 2050 Hwy. 14, Millbrook Temple of Deliverance Holiness 620 Alabama St., Wetumpka 5143114 JEHOVAH’S WITNESS Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 9235 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka 567-8100 LATTER DAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1405 Chapel Rd., Wetumpka 5678339 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Cobbs Ford Rd., Millbrook LUTHERAN Christ Lutheran Church 2175 Cobbs Ford Rd., Prattville PRESBYTERIAN
First Presbyterian Church 100 W. Bridge St., Wetumpka 5678135 Millbrook Presbyterian Corner of Main St. & Coosada Rd. Valley View Presbyterian - PCA 4125 Rifle Range Rd. Wetumpka 386-2386 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST First Elmore Seventh Day Adventist 210 Lucky Town Rd., Elmore 5141020 INDEPENDENT METHODIST Claud Independent Methodist Church 81232 Tallassee Hwy, Eclectic 5412552 UNITED METHODIST Cain’s Chapel United Methodist 96 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville 5692375 Central United Methodist Church 11721 Central Plank Rd. Central Elmore United Methodist Church 40 Hatchet St., Elmore 567-8653 First United Methodist Church 306 W. Tuskeena St., Wetumpka 567-7865 First United Methodist Church 3350 Edgewood, Millbrook Harmony United Methodist Church 8000 Titus Rd., Titus Mulder Memorial United Methodist 3454 Fire Tower Rd., Wetumpka 567-4225 New Style United Methodist 64 Old Georgia Plank Spur, Wetumpka 567-9840 Oak Valley Station United Methodist 162 Parsonage Road, Tallassee 541-3924 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 1003 Pierce Chapel Rd., Santuck 265-6099 Providence United Methodist 1540 Providence Rd., Titus Robinson Springs Methodist Church 5980 Main St., Millbrook Trinity United Methodist 135 Little Weoka Creek Rd., Equality 567-9997 Union United Methodist 691 Central Rd. Eclectic Wallsboro United Methodist 11066 US Hwy. 231, Wetumpka CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE Millbrook Church of the Nazarene 3251 Browns Rd., Millbrook PENTECOSTAL Faith Deliverance Church 475 Jackson St., Elmore 567-9209 OTHER Central Bible Chapel 3630 Edgewood Rd., Millbrook Chapel of Praise Hwy. 14, Millbrook
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AUGUST 18, 2016 • PAGE 7
THE 2016 OLYMPIC GAMES
The Olympic Games originated in Ancient Greece in the year 776 B.C. The games were held every four years on the plain of Olympia in Peloponnesus, Greece. The four years between Olympics were referred to as an Olympiad. Only men were permitted to participate and watch the games because they were GHGLFDWHG WR WKH JRG =HXV 7KH ¿UVW 2O\PSLFV KDG RQO\ RQH HYHQW D VKRUW UDFH called the spade. The winner was crowned with a wreath of olive branches on his head called a kotinos. Many events, such as the long jump, the javelin throw, the discus throw, the foot race and wrestling, were added to the ancient games over time. The Olympic torch was burned throughout the ancient games, although there was no torch relay in Ancient Greece. In 394 AD, the Byzantine Emperor Theodosius II banned the games. The modern Olympic Games were brought back by a French educator and athlete, Baron Pierre de Coubertin. After a revival of interest of the ancient games in Greece, Coubertin created the International Olympic Committee, or IOC. The IOC has governed all modern games since LWV FUHDWLRQ LQ 7KH ¿UVW PRGHUQ 6XPPHU 2O\PSLFV ZHUH KHOG LQ $WKHQV *UHHFH LQ $SULO RI 7KH 6XPPHU DQG :LQWHU 2O\PSLF *DPHV DUH KHOG HYHU\ IRXU \HDUV ZLWK WZR \HDUV EHWZHHQ HDFK 6XPPHU DQG :LQWHU JDPHV :LQQHUV DQG UXQQHUV XS UHFHLYHG JROG DQG VLOYHU PHGDOV 7KH EURQ]H PHGDO ZDV LQWUR GXFHG LQ 7KH V\PEROLF 2O\PSLF ÀDJ ZDV GHVLJQHG LQ DQG ¿UVW ÀRZQ GXULQJ WKH 2O\PSLFV ,Q $XJXVW WKH 6XPPHU 2O\PSLFV ZLOO EH KHOG LQ Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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AUGUST 18, 2016 • PAGE 9
Rabies prevention, vaccinations are important safety measures By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
W
hile our Shelter is a private, not-forprofit organization, we have contracts with the county and cities in accordance with Alabama Law to provide an animal sheltering facility for Elmore County residents. Shelters exist under the state Rabies laws as a public health service so that there is a place for stray and unwanted pets to go to. The county and cities provide for the Animal Control Officers who are then able to bring any stray animals they pick up to us for the required seven-day hold to allow owners a chance to retrieve their lost pet(s). We provide a safe and humane shelter for the animals in our care and then work to find responsible homes for as many as we can. One part of Alabama Law
that causes some consternation and confusion is in regards to pets that have bitten a person. The bottom line is that we (shelter) cannot take in a dog, cat or ferret that has bitten (or exposed) a person in the preceding ten days as we are not a qualified quarantine facility under AL Law. AL Code Section 3-7A requires that a dog, cat or ferret that has bitten a person be either quarantined under the direct supervision of a licensed Alabama Veterinarian or the animal must be humanely euthanized and sent for rabies testing at one of the state laboratories. As we do not have a Veterinarian on our staff, we cannot take in animals that have bitten (or exposed – exposure as determined by a public health officer, Rabies Officer and/ or Veterinarian) a person and we make no exceptions to this
HUMANE SOCIETY OF ELMORE COUNTY NEWS law, ever. Please understand it does not matter if the pet has a current vaccination, is ten years old or a week old, the law is very clear and we must deny entry to that pet. So what do you do? If the pet that has bitten a person is owned, it is the owner’s responsibility to have the pet legally quarantined or sent for testing and all of that is at the owner’s expense. The owner of said animal has other legal issues and to quote AL Code Section 3-7A-9(d): It shall be a violation of this chapter for the owner of such animal to refuse to comply with the law-
ful order of the health officer in any particular case. It is unlawful for the owner to sell, give away, transfer to another location or otherwise dispose of any such animal that is known to have bitten or exposed a human being until it is released from quarantine by the rabies officer, duly licensed veterinarian or by the appropriate health officer. Violations of this law are punishable as a Class C Misdemeanor. If the animal that has bitten is a stray, then this is when the city/county Animal Control Officers will come into play. Once that bite is reported to the Health Department (often via a doctor or the emergency room) or directly to police/sheriff, the Animal Control Officer will do their best to catch/trap the animal. Once caught, and identified as the animal that has bitten, the ACO will take the ani-
mal to a licensed Veterinarian for testing – in almost all instances those animals will not be quarantined but immediately sent for testing. Rabies is still a very real and very dangerous disease. It is a preventable disease which is why it is so important to keep pets’ rabies vaccinations current. Bites are serious as well and there are good reasons for our laws. So please understand that we operate within those laws and why we will not take in pets that have bitten a person. And please do not ignore bites either – rabies is a fatal disease if left untreated. If you (or any person) is bitten, please seek immediate medical treatment to ensure all necessary steps are taken to protect human life - it doesn’t get much more important than that!
Meet Connie, HSEC Pet of the Week Connie is 1-2 year old Terrier/Corgi mix girl, only about 25 lbs and just a very sweet girl. She loves to give kisses, is great with other dogs and would just love a family to call her own. Our adoption fees are $100 for dogs & $50 for cats under one-year-old; cats over one-yearold can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination
if old enough, 45 days of pet health insurance and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. To meet all the great pets at our shelter come to 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL, 36092, go to our website at www.elmorehumane.org for more information, email us at hselco@bellsouth.net or give us a call at 334567-3377. We are open for adoptions Mon–Fri 10-5 & Sat 9-3.
PAGE 10 • AUGUST 18, 2016
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Cory Diaz / The Observer
Top left, rising senior quaterback Will Venable looks to lead Elmore County in its season opener Friday hosting Montgomery Academy at Burt-Haynie Field. Top right, Elmore County linebackers Ryan Orr, left, and Keshaan Bowman will help give the Panthers defensive depth.
Elmore County eyes execution over Eagles in opener By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
You don’t win 32 games by accident. Montgomery Academy grinded out a 32-5 record over the last three seasons using a lot of talent and execution, exactly what Elmore County needs to stop in order to win the season opener Friday at Burt-Haynie Field. “The thing most of those Montgomery private schools do is they execute,” Norman Dean, who entering his 15th season as the Panthers head coach, said. “They’re in the right place at the right time, doing the right things. We’re going to have to execute well and give great effort. The team that makes the fewest mistakes will have a chance to win.” While Friday night will be Gary Nelson’s first game as the Eagles’ head coach, he’s been on staff for the last five seasons under now MA athletic director Anthony McCall.
“The crux of what we do will remain the same,” Nelson said. “Taking over, I didn’t want to fix anything that wasn’t broken.” Returning nine starters led by Mike linebacker Jud Blount, Montgomery Academy’s defense provides stability as its looks to slow down Panther senior quarterback Will Venable, junior wide receiver Terrence Head and company. “We’ve got guys at all three levels that have played a lot of football for us,” Nelson said. “Jud Blount leads that unit. A three-year starter for us, you can’t say enough about him, just a great kid and player. “I see unbelievable young players (for Elmore County). Their quarterback is the real deal, he throws well, runs well. A tough kid and by the way he carries himself, you can tell he’s a great leader. They still have players on the edge, the guy that’s in the slot (Head), he’s unbelievable. On the offensive line, their center (Ryan Rush) is a heck of a player, he anchors that unit. They’re a really good football team.”
For ECHS’s defense that welcomed just four guys back, Rush and fellow senior Jakobi Bickley on the defensive line as well as the defensive backs Head and D.J. Patrick will have to contend with the unknown of first-year starting quarterback Trey Lindsey, along with running back Keefe White and sophomore wide out Nate Meachem. “They lost their quarterback from last year, so it’ll be a new position for them. Hopefully, we’re a mystery to them, too,” Dean said. Playing an unfamiliar opponent, he said sometimes you have to give it an eye test. “Once the game gets started, you look for those matchups, you look for space and opportunity. Are we in a position to line up somebody taller than somebody they got? After a couple of plays, do we have more speed?” Elmore County will find out versus Montgomery Academy Friday at 7 p.m.
AHSAA: Coaches allowed to instruct out-of-season By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor
High school coaches may now hold organized instruction for players outside of their respective sports season during the school year, the Alabama High School Athletic Association announced Tuesday at its annual Media Day. According to an amendment to Section 15 of the AHSAA bylaws, voted on by certified coaches across the state, no more than one coach from each sport will be allowed to coach his or her athletes in groups not exceeding 50 percent of the number to play the game for two hours per week per athlete while school is in session. For example, a football coach, a head coach or an assistant, cannot instruct six playevrs at one time. No student is permitted to work more than two hours per day. No two coaches may teach at the same time. Instruction for a student-athlete is restricted for one sport if he or she is currently play-
ing another sport. Also, a student-athlete must also be given a “dead period,” or a two-week period of rest if they’re not starting a different sport, before a coach can work with him or her. The first weeks of fall football practice as well as the two weeks following a football team’s last game is also a dead period. -- The AHSAA reported its highest total of revenue sharing of $1.8 million, out of $6.8 million total revenue, for the 201516 school year to its member schools. “We’ve had this program for seven years, and what I think is most impactful is we’ve almost given back $10 million to our schools in that seven years,” AHSAA Executive Director Stever Savarese said. -- Provided by Gerber Life, AHSAA student-athletes are eligible under a new $5 million Catastrophic Insurance Plan that features a $10,000 deductible, down from $25,000, as well as lifetime benefit offers if a player were to suffer a life-altering injury while competing.
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Madison County’s Bootleg BBQ won the Alabama Wildlife Federation’s annual Wild Game Cook-Off Aug. 6 at the Lanark Pavillion in Millbrook.
Bootleg BBQ wins Wild Game Cookoff STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Coosa River Trifecta, Smoked Quail over Rice with Piney Woods Lodge Tomato Gravy, and Smoked Caribou were some of the tasty dishes served up to close to 300 people at the Alabama Wildlife Federation’s (AWF) Wild Game Cook-Off State Finals held at AWF’s headquarters in Millbrook Aug. 6. This championship event is a combination of winners from the more than 300 cook teams from regional events held throughout the year. Twelve teams were there to win the coveted State Champion Title, not to mention the $1,000 grand prize that goes along with it. The judges, Jake Carlton, Wind Creek General Manager; Jimmy Gray, Vice President of Engineering and Operations at Central Alabama Electric Coop; Art Leadingham, owner of Leadingham Rogers, LLC, and Freddy Padilla, Alabama Power Company Governmental and Corporate Affairs had a tough time, but in the end winners from the Madison County CookOff, Bootlegg BBQ, including Mike
and Kedia Page placed first with their delicious To Killa Rabbit. In the last 10 years, Bootlegg BBQ is only team to be awarded top honors of AWF Wild Game Cook-Off Champions twice. Second Place Winner from the Guntersville Cook-Off, Spices Smokehouse including Robert Entrekin, Lynn Entrekin, Tee Rice and Kay Rice placed with their delicious Seafood Pie. Third Place Winner, People’s Choice Award and Best Presentation Award from the Talladega Cook-Off, Chonita’s Cookers including Mark & Severa McGrady, Angel & Joey Davis and Maria placed with their delicious Elk Cheesesteak Eggroll. Best Presentation Runner-Up went to Team Advantage. In addition to the great food, there was a silent auction, raffle and entertainment provided by Rob Thornhill. The purpose of AWF Wild Game Cook-Offs is to supply a place for AWF members to interact, for non-members to learn more about AWF, and to provide the opportunity to raise funds to support AWF and its programs and projects. The Cook-Offs also demonstrate that sportsmen/women utilize the wild game and fish they harvest and cook it with care, skill and expertise to produce great table fare.
AUGUST 2015
2015 GRIDIRON GUIDE
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2016 GRIDIRON GUIDE
AUGUST 2016
Defensive front delivers savage spirit for Wetumpka If you visit a Wetumpka football practice, you’ll hear a lot of yelling, competitive banter -- maybe a friendly insult mixed in. Overlaying throughout practice, you’ll catch encouragement -- in screaming form. But the shouting isn’t coming from the Wetumpka coaching staff. It’s coming from Trent Holley and Jay McDonald. Three-year starters for the Indians, the two senior defensive tackles yell to their teammates every day -- mostly directed across the line of scrimmage -not to tear them down, but to build them up. “Both of them were selected unanimously as team captains, and rightfully so,” Tribe head football coach Tim Perry said. “We identified the leadership qualities that Jay and Trent, not just vocal leaders, but the effort they gave in the weight room, the effort they gave on the practice field. The extra time they would put in on their own.” Stepping in leadership roles has been a long time coming for McDonald and Holley. Perry saw what the team had in the pair as freshmen, but he knew it would take time and experience would develop. Now entering their senior year, they’ve finally arrived at where their team needs them, even if sometimes they take it a little too far. “We have talked to those two young men for three years about don’t wait until your senior year. Establish yourself now, we need leaders right now and they’ve embraced that role,” the coach said. “They will get the team going. They will push it, and sometimes, we’ve got to rein them in a little
bit. “But as a coach, you’d rather rein in young men that have taken the role so seriously and personally. You’d much rather rein the players in than try to light a fire under them.” The immediate beneficiaries of Holley and McDonald’s leadership has been starting defensive ends Rico and Travarris Bozeman. Coaches have noticed -- and heard -- a difference in both juniors, who received significant playing time in 2015, coming into their first season as full-time starters. As a whole, the defensive line, led by McDonald and Holley, encompasses the tenacious spirit the Indians will carry into battle each Friday night this fall. “Leaders come in different forms. But Jay and Trent are really kind of the total package when it comes to that because they’re not just vocal,” Perry said. “They work hard at practice, they give great effort, they work hard in the weight room, in the summer workouts and conditioning. “They’re always on me about doing more, pushing the team harder. They have fulfilled all of our expectations as leaders. You need those kind of guys. Every team needs guys, you know, you need guys that are going to be consistent, to be there every day, work hard. You need guys that are going to step outside their comfort zone, and not necessarily draw attention to themselves, but to rally the team around them. Jay and Trent have done that and continue to do it.”
Wetumpka defensive linemen Rico Bozeman (8), Trent Holley (50), Jay McDonald (83) and Travarris Bozeman (42) bring the ruthless attitude to the Indians. The four, all over 6-foot tall and a weigh a combined 915 pounds, will wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks this season.
2016 GRIDIRON GUIDE
AUGUST 2016
Tyler Anderson Senior Guard /// Holtville HS
Over the offseason, Holtville broke even, losing a First-Team All-Area offensive lineman then gaining another one right back. Transferring out of Edgewood Academy this summer, rising senior Tyler Anderson landed with the Bulldogs. The 6-foot-1, 305-pounder, who graded out the highest offensive lineman for EA in 2015, will play guard in Holtville’s flexbone triple option and will be a natural fit with his strength and athleticism for a big guy.
Jake Andrews Junior Center /// Stanhope Elmore HS
For different stints during the past two seasons for the Mustangs, Jake Andrews has had to play both sides of the ball out of need. After being an All-Area honorable mention on the defensive line last year, the rising junior has finally settled into the center position over the offseason, and in the process, picked up a scholarship offer from Troy University. With his strength and footwork for his size, Andrews (6-foot-3, 300) will be counted on in Stanhope Elmore’s offense.
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Stanhope Elmore
MUSTANGS
AUGUST 2016
Team Specifics HEAD COACH STADIUM Mike Dean (1st year) Foshee-Henderson 2015 RECORD Stadium (2-7)
AHSAA CLASS 6A /// REGION 2 2016 Schedule
AUGUST 26 Prattville SEPTEMBER 2 at PARK CROSSING* 9 Wetumpka 16 NORTHVIEW* 23 Charles Henderson
30 at RUSSELL COUNTY* OCTOBER 7 G.W. CARVER* 14 at DOTHAN* 21 SIDNEY LANIER* 27 at Selma *Region Game
2016 ROSTER 1. Quincy Turner Sr. 3. Zech Byrd Sr. 4. Quinaz Turner Sr. 5. Marlon Hunt So. 6. Quantarius Daniels Jr. 7. Stanley Knight Sr. 8. Ty Pierce So. 9. K.T. Martin Sr. 10. Michael Dean Sr. 11. K.J. Stokes Jr. 12. Tripper Warlick Sr. 13. Kerenski McGhee So. 14. Kadin Anderson So. 15. Cameron Daniels Sr. 16. Johnny Montgomery Jr. 17. Jeremy Powers So. 18. Willie Burks Fr. 19. Derrion Ashley So. 20. Trey Hardy So. 21. Kareem Jackson Sr. 22. Krystopher Chapman So. 23. Owen Woodard So. 24. Travarasia Duncan Fr. 25. Larry Wright So. 26. Jaylen Toby Sr. 29. Keondre Palmer Jr. 30. Jaquevyus Hilliard So. 31. Adrian Laskey Fr. 32. Kelontae Varner Jr. 33. Matthew Arnold So. 34. William Nicholson So. 35. Caleb Davis Fr. 36. Gregory McKenzie Sr. 37. Derrick Butler So. 38. Tanner Sheffield Jr.
39. Alex Cheesman Sr. 42. Deandre Meadows Sr. 43. Jordan Epkins Fr. 45. Donald Allen Fr. 46. Quentarius Edwards Fr. 47. Melvin Brown Jr. 48. Tyler Jones Fr. 49. Frederick Moore Fr. 51. DeAndre Morgan Sr. 52. LaDorian Leonard So. 53. Christian Loving Fr. 54. Jake Andrews Jr. 55. Cordell Love So. 62. Latrell Davis Sr. 63. Jalen Morrow Fr. 66. Matthew Whitman So. 68. Hayden Williams Sr. 70. Connor Mathews Fr. 72. Tyurice Osborne Jr. 73. Jared Sims Sr. 74. Joshua Armstrong Jr. 75. Devron James Sr. 78. Stephen Cope Sr. 80. Shemar Pettaway So. 81. Devontae Mayes So. 82. Darius Williams So. 83. Bailey Barfoot So. 84. Jaylen Walker Fr. 85. Nicholas Hooks Fr. 87. Sharifullah Kochi Jr. 88. Jaden Greer So. 89. Samuel Ellis Fr. 90. Theodore Jackson Fr. 96. Zyurice Osborne Jr. 97. Ab McKeithen Jr.
Team BREAKDOWN DEFENSE LINEBACKERS Everything starts on defense for Stanhope Elmore this season. Inside Mustangs new head coach Mike Dean’s intricate, multiple packaged scheme, the attack launches from the linebacking troop. And within that group, the Jack linebacker makes the play, and this year, K.J.
Tripper Warlick /// QB
Stokes is “the man.” “The Mike linebackers makes the call, (rising senior Deandre Meadows), then it comes back to the Jack, which is K.J.,” Dean said of Stokes, who he moved from defensive line to outside linebacker. “It’s revolved around the Jack, he’s the one that makes plays. Jack is the man, so K.J. allows us to do what we do.” With Dean coming in as late as he did after longtime coach Jeff Foshee resigned in June, Stokes (6-foot-4, 240) and Meadows (5-foot-11, 220) are still getting
used to the scheme and making the right calls. Rising sophomores Ty Pierce and Krystopher Chapman round out the starting linebacker positions, and while they’re young, Dean likes what’s he seen so far. “Pierce, it’s taking some time, but he’ll get there -- he’s a little bit younger. Krys Chapman, playing At the Same linebacker spot. He’s just a sophomore, but I think he could be special. I really do. He’s a football player, he comes and gets you.”
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AUGUST 2016
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OFFENSIVE LINE
Sophomore safety Kerenski McGhee looks to be a major player for Stanhope. SECONDARY Much like the linebackers, safeties make their own separate calls for coverage, but it’s all about deception. “They’re echoing calls, we’re checking coverages -- they don’t know what we’re in. We’re disguising it,” Dean said. “If we’re in (cover three), it looks like two.” He lauded the performance of rising sophomore strong safety Marlon Hunt (5-foot-9, 175) and rising sophomore free safety Kerenski McGhee (5-foot-7, 155), as the defensive back will be charged to do a lot. “Marlon Hunt, he has picked his game up. And McGhee, those two young guys that are picking up what we’re doing. The safeties are quarterbacks, just like the Mike. It puts a lot of pressure on the (rising seniors Quincy and Quinaz Turner) at corner because they’ve got to lock on. “Quinaz, he’s a field corner. If they go wide side and try to isolate a good receiver, he’s going to be on them.”
DEFENSIVE LINE Up front defensively, Dean has been looking for consistency. Different packages will vary formations at the line of scrimmage as the Mustang defensive linemen will shift and move around to give off the multiple looks. “We’re going to be in a split middle. There’s a lot of communication, talking, everybody makes plays,” the coach said. “The d-line is going to make plays; the d-line can have 10 to 12 sacks.” Rising junior Kelontae Varner is poised to lead the attack on the defensive line for Stanhope that features new faces and starters. Senior O’Neal McKenzie transferred over from rival Wetumpka and rising freshman Frederick Moore will see his first varsity playing time this year. “To me, Varner is the one making more plays. He has a lot more passion, enthusiasm, his motor’s going. The other two can do it, it’s just the consistency. O’Neal, Varner and Moore, they all look the part. We just got to get them playing every snap where they start the first couple. “With all the slanting, moving, twisting, you’re doing something, so you’re going to make plays.”
OFFENSE
Last season left a huge chip on the offensive line’s shoulders. Dropping the first six games of 2015 and only scoring 28 points or more three times, winning two of those contests, the group up front have come together and feels like it got the necessary leadership, starting with rising junior center Jake Andrews, who holds an offer from Troy. “It helps that they face a defense (like ours). We blitz more than anybody, you’re not going to see as much as you see from us,” Dean said. “You’ve got to have a leader and that’s Andrews role and it’s only going to make him better at the next level. He’s taken that role and running with it.” Seniors Jared Sims, Latrell Davis, Hayden Williams and junior Joshua Armstrong fill out the rest of an offensive line looking for redemption. “They’ve got a little bit of a chip on their shoulder; 2-7 hurt them. That’s something you can build on.”
QUARTERBACKS The starting quarterback job belongs to Tripper Warlick. Knowing that could cure the offensive ailments after splitting time in 2015 with Tanner Anderson, who gave up football this season. “It’s huge for him that he’s not sharing time. I think last year, you saw it, it was back-and-forth, and I don’t think either one could really settle into that role,” Dean said. “I don’t think either one truly went out and took it. “Confidence is huge and when you’re constantly looking over your shoulder, it’s not easy. For him, knowing he’s the man -- he doesn’t have to win the ballgame, just don’t lose it. You’ve got the talent around you. He understands what’s expected of him. He’s a leader and he’s got experience and a great kid. And a good quarterback, too.” Behind Warlick, junior Johnny Montgomery is getting reps, as well as senior K.T. Martin, who normally lines up at receiver and running back.
SKILL POSITIONS
Quantarius Daniels /// RB
Mismatches outline the main focal point for the Mustangs offensive attack this season and it all starts with senior receiver and tight end Zech Byrd. At 6-foot-6, the University of Florida verbal commit presents opposing defenses with a tough decision, and Stanhope will do all it can
to exploit that decision. “(We’re going to get Byrd the ball) as much as possible. You’re not going to see him in a tight end position,” Dean said. “He’ll be the No. 1, he’ll be inside on the slot, he could be No. 3, No. 2, he could be isolated one-on-one. It’s a numbers game. We’re going to move him around. It’s a mismatch and I’ll take it every time. If he wants the ball, we’ll get him the ball. “We want to create mismatches elsewhere. We’ve got than one player.”
Mustangs head coach Mike Dean With Byrd on the outside, rising sophomores Kadin Anderson and Jeremy Powers has stepped up. But SEHS’s second top option resides in the backfield with returner Kareem Jackson, who’s been cleared after undergoing toe surgery in the offseason. “He’s ready to go for Prattville. We’ve got three, four guys; that’s one we got, we’ve got stable of running backs that can run. And I believe in that and each one brings a different element.” Seniors Stanley Knight (5-foot-10, 175) adds power from a fullback type position while junior Quantarius Daniels, more of a scat back, adds shiftiness.
SPECIAL TEAMS Ukrainian Alex Cheesman, a starter on Stanhope’s soccer team, will handle the kickoff and field goal duties. “He’s got a good leg, but we need more consistency. Kickers are psychological. Then, there’s a little language problem, so me yelling at me ain’t going to help,” Dean said. “He’s got to get better at field attempts; he gets nervous with bodies coming at him. But he’s not used to American football, so we keep practicing that.” Do-it-all player Jackson has taken over punting duties, but Dean admittedly hates punting. “We’ll punt with offensive personnel. I try to keep the ball, it’s always what I’ve done.” In the return game, Quinaz Turner gives the Mustangs a scoring threat with his 4.38 10-yard dash speed. Martin and Jackson will also field kicks. “You’re going to win two games or lose two games a year because of special teams. That’s a fact and that’s why we put our best players on it.”
Mustang linemen work through drills.
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Wetumpka
INDIANS
AUGUST 2016
Team Specifics HEAD COACH STADIUM Tim Perry (5th year) Hohenberg Field 2015 RECORD (4-7) eliminated in 1st round of playoffs
AHSAA CLASS 6A /// REGION 3 2016 Schedule
AUGUST 19 at Prattville 26 Eufaula SEPTEMBER 2 at CHELSEA* 9 at Stanhope Elmore 16 at CHILTON COUNTY*
23 Greenville (HC) 30 PELHAM* OCTOBER 7 at HELENA* 14 OPELIKA* 21 BENJAMIN RUSSELL* *Region Game
2016 ROSTER 1. Nick Turner Jr. 2. David Arrington Jr. 4. Robert Laprade Jr. 5. DeAndre Williams Sr. 6. Trey Bryant Sr. 7. Kavosiey Smoke Jr. 8. Rico Bozeman Jr. 9. Clay Weldon Sr. 10. Keedrick Adams Jr. 11. Maurice Young Sr. 12. Demarco Wilson Jr. 13. Steven Smoke Sr. 14. Malik Johnson So. 15. Colton Adams So. 16. DeAndre Ezell Jr. 17. Trey McCreary Jr. 18. Jadarious Martin So. 19. Darrian Hill Jr. 20. Darren Nolen So. 21. Desimend Mathews Jr. 23. Kelton Elmore Jr. 24. Chase Adams Jr. 25. Kamyron Jackson So. 26. Jamarcus Townsend Sr. 27. Jaylen Oden Sr. 28. Cullen Powers So. 29. Jarkevious Harris So. 30. Noah Barclay So. 31. Christopher Carter So. 33. Jaylen George-Mitchell So. 34. Clay Spivey Jr. 35. Dennis Marshall So. 36. Trey Jones So.
37. Ethan Nettles Jr. 41. Marquez Broaden So. 42. Travarris Bozeman Jr. 43. Daquan Cook Jr. 45. Elijah Weems Sr. 46. Dustin Kemmerer So. 47. Dylan Evans Jr. 48. Terrence Crayton So. 50. Trent Holley Sr. 51. Elijah Elmore So. 52. Torien White Jr. 53. Nick Angus Jr. 54. Will Bowden Sr. 55. Tavien White Jr. 56. Dalton Knight Jr. 59. John Ellis Rawls Sr. 62. Jaylon Tarver Jr. 63. Maxwell Congo Jr. 64. Dalton Hawkins Sr. 65. Trenton White So. 66. Hunter Long So. 68. Kody Estes Sr. 72. Torey Loftin So. 73. Jacorey Murphy So. 77. Cody Tucker So. 80. Michael Johnston Sr. 81. Cameron Speake Sr. 82. Anthony Garcia So. 83. Jay McDonald Sr. 84. Tracy Brooks So. 85. Riley Palmer Sr. 86. Tyler Loza Sr. 88. E.J. Rogers So.
Jay McDonald /// DT
Team BREAKDOWN OFFENSE SKILL POSITIONS Wetumpka’s offense, which will field a new starting quarterback this season, likely won’t see much of a drop off as the team’s top two leading scorers return to lead the charge. Rising senior running back DeAndre Williams and fellow junior tailback Kavosiey Smoke are poised to pack
a more powerful and consistent punch. The duo gained 1,333 yards on the ground in 2015, with Smoke leading the way with 801. “DeAndre and Kavosiey were both elected captains, with Kavosiey as a junior that hasn’t happened very much since I’ve been here,” Indians head football coach Tim Perry said. “That’s a testament to his leadership, work ethic. Both young men are meeting our expectations in the weight room, on the practice field. “They’re practicing hard, giving us great effort, and
we’re excited about being able to go into the season with those two young men.” Senior Steven Smoke (5-foot-9, 200) moved from defense to the H-back position this offseason, giving the Tribe an extra blocker and another option to pick up tough, short yardage. Out wide, starting safety Nick Turner will see snaps at receiver to complement returning junior Keedrick Adams. “We’re not sure how many snaps Nick will get at receiver. But that gives us a 6-foot-4 receiver to put out
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there and be able to utilize his height and skills to create mismatches.”
OFFENSIVE LINE Collectively a year older, a lot more is expected out of the Indians’ offensive line. The unit returns three veteran starters in seniors center Will Bowden, left tackle Kody Estes and right guard John Ellis Rawls, as the eventual two new starters will learn and absorb assignments from the experienced trio. “In a shotgun offense, it helps to have (starting center Bowden) coming back that has that much experience of understanding the offense and the blocking schemes. Those three guys bring us experience to the offensive line,” Perry said. “We’ve got several other young men, senior Dalton Hawkins, he played last year. We’ve been giving him reps at guard. We’re not having to teach him a lot of things, he understands his assignments.” Former defensive line starters, and twin brothers, Tavien and Torien White are vying for a spot on the offensive line, along with juniors Maxwell Congo, Dalton Knight and Jaylon Tarver.
QUARTERBACKS
best for our team and give us the best chance for the offense to move the ball, then yes, we’re not going to hesitate at all about playing two quarterbacks. One’s a passer and one’s a runner,” Perry said. “If they’re both able to execute the offense, then that’s going to make us harder to defend because defenses have to get ready for two styles of quarterbacks.”
DEFENSE DEFENSIVE LINE Wetumpka needed more speed on defense, and this season, that speed starts up front on the defensive line. Three-year starters Trent Holley and Jay McDonald anchor a quicker and stronger defensive front. With playing time at all positions on the line, McDonald (6-foot-5, 245), who missed most of 2015 with an injured elbow, and Holley (6-foot-2, 240) will stack the inside this year. “We felt like that their style of play, as physical as they are, they would be better suited to play defensive tackle,” Perry said. The move freed up the defensive end spots for junior pair, and cousins, Rico Bozeman and Travarris Bozeman, who both received a significant amount of playing time as sophomores. Their length, Rice listed at 6-foot-3 and Travarris at 6-foot-2, along with their swifter step gives the Tribe better pursuit to the outside. “Rice and Travarris are taller, leaner athletes. They runs a little bit better,” Perry said. “Moving Jay and Trent inside, and having Rico and Travarris outside, it gives us a little more speed with our defensive front.”
In the quarterback competition, DeAndre Ezell has the slight edge but Perry still likes rising sophomore Jadarious Martin and what he brings to the offense. “(Ezell’s) got a slight edge based on making plays. It’s still pretty close because Jadarious Martin, they are two different types of quarterback,” the coach said. “DeAndre’s strength right now is throwing the ball. Jadarious, his strength is making plays with his feet. Both are doing an excellent job. Ezell has a year of varsity experience, he’s used to reading high school coverages, the tempo of the high school game and the way high school defenses stem their coverages. We have confidence in both of them.” Regardless of who starts at quarterback, the other will see the field at wide receiver. But Perry can see both sharing the Rising junior quarterback DeAndre Ezell signal caller position. “If that’s what’s going to be gives Tribe a threat in the passing game.
SECONDARY Of the nine starters coming back on the defensive side of the ball, a third of them roam the secondary. Turner takes over a leadership role for the unit at strong safety, while junior David Arrington and senior Jamarcus Townsend, at free safety and cornerback, respectively, look
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to bolster the group’s effectiveness on Friday nights. “That’s the advantage of having returning staters; they’ve been in these big games. These guys on defense, some of them have started for 22 games,” Perry said. “That experience should help us in not to be as nervous and uncertain going into a season because now you’ve played in games, practices, all different style of offenses we gone against and the different type of athletes. We ought to be accustomed to that.” Trey McCreary, Darren Nolen, Trey Jones and Robert Laprade are all competing to fill out the other cornerback position.
LINEBACKERS Perry and the coaching staff were admittedly concerned about the depth of their linebackers coming out of spring practice. But the summer and offseason progression of a handful of guys have eased the worry some. Rising junior Kelton Elmore (5-foot-10, 220), after getting playing time the last two years, appears ready to take the reins of the group. And after being hindered in 2015 by a shoulder issue, junior Chase Adams has come back strong, while his younger brother, Colton has been impressive during team workouts. “Colton has really impressed us coming out of spring. He’s very physical, reads really well, he understands the schemes and has had a great summer,” Perry said of the sophomore. Senior Elijah Weems, the most experienced linebacker on the team, will help provide depth and look to contribute.
SPECIAL TEAMS Replacing place kicker Will Digmon, who signed with Huntingdon College as a kicker, will not be easy. Two-year backup Tyler Loza, now entering his senior season, looks prepared to assume field goal and kickoff duties, but the Tribe coaches are leaving the competition open. “We’re going to play the players that’s making the plays, not just in games but in practice. And the guys that is most consistent,” Perry said. “Rick Cahalane, our new coach and special teams coordinator, is doing a great job with that. It’s a constant evaluation.” Edgewood Academy transfer Maurice Young, along with Willliams, Smoke and Laprade will vie for kick and punt returning duties. Williams, returning KO last yera, Smoke, Laprade, Maurice Young is very explosive and has ability to return punts and kickoffs. Punts, Turner. Several giuys have those skill and all guys getting reps.
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Zech Byrd
Senior Tight End /// Stanhope Elmore HS No other high school prospect in the state blew up on the recruiting trail this offseason quicker than Stanhope Elmore tight end Zech Byrd. During a two-week span in February, Byrd picked up nine scholarship offers, from prominent SEC and Big Ten programs, before verbally committing to the University of Florida on Aug. 6. Coaches like Alabama’s Nick Saban and Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh love the three-star 6-foot-6, 240-pound tight end’s size and ceiling. Byrd only caught 15 passes as a junior, but new Mustang head coach Mike Dean plans to get the Gator commit the ball as often as possible.
Trent Holley
Senior Defensive Tackle /// Wetumpka HS The motor never stops running for Trent Holley. One of the strongest players on Wetumpka’s roster, the rising senior defensive tackle will look to build off the solid junior campaign where he led the Indians defense in sacks (4) and recorded 46 tackle en route to grabbing First-Team All-Area honors. At 6-foot-2, 240 pounds, Holley is also one of the more versatile guys at head coach Tim Perry’s disposal, as Holley sees snaps on offense in the team’s “heavy” package. A team captain and a leader, the senior lineman is poised for a breakout year.
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Kavosiey Smoke Junior Running Back /// Wetumpka HS
It’s been a busy offseason for Kavosiey Smoke. After leading the Wetumpka offense in rushing yards (801) and attempts (126) as a sophomore, the 6-foot, 215-pound tailback stamped his own style of running that translated into two scholarship offers from Division I schools, headlined by the University of Florida from the SEC. Putting on a few more pounds of muscle, Smoke will look to be more physical in the Tribe’s ground game and is fit to pick up more offers from prominenet collegiate programs as his junior year progresses.
KJ Stokes
Junior Outside Linebacker /// Stanhope Elmore HS K.J. Stokes already looks the part. As a sophomore playing most snaps on the defensive line for Stanhope Elmore, the 6-foot-4, 230-pounder recorded 76 tackles, including six sacks and forced two fumbles en route to nabbing an All-Area First-Team selection. Under new head coach Mike Dean, Stokes, who already has a scholarship offer from Troy University, will play at the Jack linebacker spot, putting the athletic junior with deceptive speed in space and in position to run down opponents and make stops in space.
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Tallassee
AUGUST 2016
Team Specifics HEAD COACH 5A playoffs Mike Battles Jr. (5th year) STADIUM 2015 RECORD J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium (5-6), lost in 1st round of
TIGERS
AHSAA CLASS 4A /// REGION 3 2016 Schedule
AUGUST 19 at Russell County 26 W.S. Neal SEPTEMBER 2 HANDLEY* 9 at CHILDERSBURG* 16 MUNFORD*
23 T.R. Miller 30 at DADEVILLE* OCTOBER 6 HOLTVILLE* 14 at LEEDS* 20 at ELMORE COUNTY* *Region Game
2016 ROSTER 1. Kalvin Levett So. 2. John Hucerson So. 3. Kiwanis Woods Jr. 4. Matt Justiss Fr. 5. Markevious Mathews So. 6. Tavarious Griffin Fr. 7. Napoleon Foster-Reed Fr. 8. Jacob Burton Jr. 10. Jonovan Miller So. 12. De’Markion Ferguson Jr. 14. Eryn Cochran-Gill So. 15. Joshua Griffin So. 16. Brady Hancock Sr. 18. Casey Baynes Jr. 19. Bobby Baker Fr. 20. Devyn Dumas Sr. 21. Logan Goodman Sr. 23. Jamarcus Miller Sr. 25. Troy Nabors Sr. 27. Kaleb Graham Fr. 31. Devan Reeves Fr. 32. Tyrek Turner Fr. 33. JaDarrion Williams Fr.
34. Anderson Baker So. 42. Jake Justiss So. 44. Derrick Hooks Fr. 50. Keno Morris Sr. 51. Caleb Stewart Jr. 52. Dylan Kidd Jr. 54. Cody Gilson So. 55. AnDarius Ferguson Jr. 56. Nicholas Talley Sr. 58. Ethan Ogburn Jr. 59. William Blocker Fr. 60. Trevor McDonald Fr. 61. Luke Miller Fr. 62. Jacob Webster Fr. 63. Cody Kelley So. 64. Jacob Baker Sr. 65. Eng’Tavius Briskey-Chappell Fr. 76. Ethan Pugh Jr. 78. Xavier Williams Sr. 81. Brandon Easterwood So. 84. Barry Purter Fr. 85. Jeremiah Gamble So. 99. Thomas Jones Sr.
Logan Goodman /// TE
Team BREAKDOWN Contributed Report Ask Tallassee head coach Mike Battles, Jr. where he wants to be consistently strong, he won’t pull any punches – offensive and defensive lines. This season, he is working for depth on both. It’s a big reason the fifth-year coach of the Tigers has a little more hop in his step at practice.
“Our front seven will be our strength on both sides,” he said. “ (It’s the) best offensive line we’ve had since I’ve been here and we’ve got backups there.” Led by seniors Nick Talley, Jake Baker and tight end Logan Goodman, Tallassee should have the bulk up front for a solid running game, which has been their bread and butter since Battles arrived. Despite his enthusiasm, depth might still be an issue at
other positions, but Battles has a plan for that, too. “We will have to spell (the linemen) because they are also on defense,” Battles said. “The second group may not be as good as the first group. “We are teaching three kids to play two positions, four kids to play three and five to play four. We are looking for a backup at safety and at corner because you know somebody’s going to get hurt and there are a few of our
AUGUST 2016
2016 GRIDIRON GUIDE
Rising senior offensive lineman Jake Baker (64) will help pave the way for the Tigers’ Old Notre Dame Box rushing attack. ninth graders that have shined in the summer such as (defensive backs) Matthew Baker and Caleb Graham. You can tell they are starting to catch on.” Tallassee had 44 dressing out in preseason, eight of which started at some point last year. Most made all of their workouts during the summer, and that has their head coach smiling. The strongest players on the team will make up the
right side of the line. “Nick and Jake benched 355 (pounds) and I stopped them on 500 (pounds) on the squat,” Battles said. “They’ve been working out five days a week since January. All these kids have been. They are all stronger.” It might help that Tallassee is dropping back from Class 5A to 4A but the region includes the reigning state champion Leeds as well as what may have been the second-best team in the classification last season in Munford. Battles is pressing the “next play” attitude wanting the Tigers to look ahead. “That’s our motto this season – next play,” he said. “We can’t do anything about last year or the last play. It’s over – focus on what’s in front of you. If we take that mindset with everything we do, we’ve got a chance to be pretty good.” Junior Casey Baynes is set to start at quarterback, who Battles compares to favorably a family member. “He reminds me of his brother, Jed,” Battles said. “He makes plays and that’s all we ask him to do. If we need him to throw it in the stands to protect the football, that’s what he’ll do.” The Tigers will be somewhat young in the backfield but the speed is there. Markevious MatCasey Baynes will add an aerial dimension to the offense. thews and Kiwanis Woods
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Tallassee head coach Mike Battles should carry the load. If Tallassee is to improve its 5-6 record from a year ago, it will be on the senior class. “The potential is there. Our seniors are taking the lead and they have the experience that should help us this year,” Battles said. The Tigers open Aug. 19 on the road against Russell County.
Kalvin Levett /// WR
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AUGUST 2016
Emerald Mtn.
PATRIOTS ACEA /// 6-MAN DIVISION 2016 Schedule AUGUST 19 VICTORY BAPTIST* SEPTEMBER 2 CAHAWBA CHRISTIAN* 9 at MARION ACADEMY* 23 at CHILTON CHRISTIAN*
30 BROOKLANE* (HC) OCTOBER 7 at MEADOWVIEW* 21 CLAY COUNTY*
Team Specifics HEAD COACH Troy Campbell (1st year) 2015 RECORD (5-2), played ACEA JV STADIUM Patriots Field
2016 ROSTER
*Region Game
1. Alex Santana Sr. 2. Mathewe Mitchell Sr. 3. Noah Smith Jr. 4. Stephan Thornton Jr. 5. Cole Campbell Fr. 6. Kyle Cornelius Fr. 7. Alex Hutchenson Fr. 8. Coley Spivey Fr. 9. Jackson Waid Fr. 10. John David Edwards 7th.
Team BREAKDOWN Emerald Mountain Christian School will set its biggest milestone to date -- five years in the making -- when it opens the 2016 football season. Preparing its players and program through junior high and junior varsity and installing their own football field, the Patriots will play its first varsity game in the Alabama Christian Education Association when its hosts Victory Baptist School to open the season. To help usher in the team and school into a new era is first year head coach Troy Campbell, who’s been on the football staff the last couple of years. And much like when EMCS started the football program, this season is all about building. “Growing the boys into good young men,” Campbell said. “Put Christ first and good sportsmanship. Wins or losses doesn’t mean everything, but we want to built them into a good program for next year and see if we can get better. We’re just working for the long term.” While only three return from last season’s squad, Emerald Mountain gets back senior defensive playmaker Alex Santana, who was forced to miss 2015 due to being a junior. “It’s going to be huge. We’ve got three or four big players from last year that are coming back, that will be leaders on the field,” Campbell said. “They already know the plays, they can help run them correctly with the new guys.
Mathewe Mitchell /// RB
We’ve done good this summer getting players to come in, so this will be huge to have them here to help teach them.”
OFFENSE Campbell expects the smoothest transition for the Pats to varsity level of play on the offensive side of the ball, as all four returners, Santana, Stephan Thornton, Cole Campbell and Jackson Waid hold key roles. Couple the experience with speed and athleticism in a spread-type scheme, EMCS hopes to put a lot of points on the board. “They’re going to be in a starting position and the other boys are just as good. We’re going to do the spread offense a lot, we’re going to do the power offense a lot,” Campbell said. “We’ve got several options and we’re going to slow the tempo down to give us time to rest. We want control.” While they’ll mostly line up front, Cole Campbell and Waid, with their still present a passing threat from freshman newcomer quarterback Coley Spivery and allows the Patriots to keep their opponents honest to open things up for Mitchell and Thornton. “Jackson and Cole have good hands, I like to throw to them a lot because they can catch just as good as any other
receiver I got. (With their speed Thornton and Mitchell) puts us a step ahead of the game. If we can get someone out in front to block for them, there’s no telling what can happen. If we can one good block, they’re gone.”
DEFENSE “Attack, attack, attack” is how Campbell described the mantra of the EMCS defense. The speed of Thornton and Mitchell, who’ll play at linebacker and defensive back, respectively, plus the fearlessness of Santana at middle linebacker will drive the unit. “We’re going to get in the backfield before they can get the handoff or pass, we’re going to be there. I’m going to put my fastest boys in the middle, they’re going to bust through,” the coach said. “I’m going to put my bigger boys outside, controlling the ends. “Alex Santana, a senior, great running back and one of my main linebackers. He doesn’t think, he just goes and hits somebody. That’s all he wants to do. He can really hit somebody. John David Edwards, first year seventh-grade. Kyle Cornelius, first year, be good on the offensive side, he’s got a lot of speed. Tall guys so he can do well at the defensive back position or defensive end.”
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13
New Life Chr.
EAGLES
ACEA /// 8-MAN DIVISION 2016 Schedule
AUGUST 26 at GUNN CHRISTIAN* SEPTEMBER 2 FIRST ASSEMBLY* 9 TABERNACLE CHR.* 16 MEADOWVIEW* 23 VICTORY (MS)* (HC)
Team Specifics HEAD COACH Tommy Merrell (1st year) 2015 RECORD (5-4) STADIUM Eagle Stadium
30 at EAST MEMORIAL* OCTOBER 7 TUSCALOOSA CHR.* 14 at FIRST ASSEMBLY* 21 at RUSSELL CHRISTIAN* *Region Game
2016 ROSTER 1. Garic Brittain 2. Jon Cuevas 3. Christian Arrington 4. Ross Deavers 5. Elijah Gordy 6. Bailey Hamrick 7. Jacoby Lightfoot 8. Daniel Talley 9. Charlie Turner 10. Brent Estes 11. Isaac Gordy 12. Ben Hall-Agerton 13. Isaac Merrell 14. Kaleb Varner 15. Jackson Ratliff 16. Keston Spires
Jr. Jr. So. So. So. So. So. So. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. 8th 8th
Team BREAKDOWN When New Life Christian Academy players learned who their new head coach was going to be for the 2016 season, there were cheers and excitement. Tommy Merrell took over the Eagles in mid-July, becoming the team’s second head coach in as many years. But he wasn’t new coach to the program. “I coached the defense last year; I’ve been here for five years,” Merrell said. “First of all, consistency is the main thing. “A lot of the kids have been around me a whole year, many of them since eighth- and seventh-grade, and we know each other really well. It’ll make the transition a lot easier. With them being excited about it makes it easier on me.” Consistency will be more imperative this season, Merrell said, as six key seniors graduated off the 2015 team that improved its record from 2-8 in 2014 to 5-4 and nearly making the Alabama Christian Education Association 8-man Division playoffs. “Last year’s team was senior-led. This year, we don’t have a single senior,” Merrell said. “We’ve got a young team, mostly sophomores and freshmen, a couple of juniors. We don’t have a lot of experience. But they’re a feisty group, and you have to be when you’re smaller than everybody else. We’ll have our
Jon Cuevas /// DE, TE
quarterback back; he’s not a rookie so that should help. “I do believe we can build on last year, and keep it going and try to make the playoffs.”
OFFENSE Rising sophomore signal caller Ross Deavers returns to command a quick-hitting spread offensive attack, a stark contrast to the downhill scheme from a season ago. “Him having a year’s experience and coming in and knowing what looks the defense gives him, knowing what play and understanding that not every play has to be a big play -- going for the home runs led to interceptions. This year, he understands it’s alright to get five yards, to throw it away,” Merrell said of Deavers. “He’ll help out with consistency at quarterback and we’ll be able to stay in most of our games, if not all of them this year.” Kaleb Varner, who will be the Eagles’ most trusted skill guy, will vie for snaps as well with his athleticism, Merrell said. Three-year starting guard Jacoby Lightfoot, a sophomore, is the lone returning starter on the offensive
line. Junior Garic Brittain and freshman Isaac Merrell look to fill out the line.
DEFENSE Welcoming in many first-time starters, New Life’s defense hopes to bend the learning curve with a focus on flipping the turnover battle it lost last season. “If we get the ball turned over, it puts our offense in a better position to score. Last year, we gave up a lot of long touchdown passes,” Merrell said. “We’ve got to stop that, get more pressure on the quarterback and we’ll rely on our defensive line to do that. And we need to hold coverage longer that two seconds.” The new coach said he’ll charge Deavers, who returns at middle linebacker, and newcomer Christian Arrington at safety with anchoring pass coverage. As far as pressuring the quarterback? Isaac Merrell at defensive tackle and junior John Cuevas will be a major factor, penetrating the weak side of the line. “We feel he has the best advantage putting him on their weakest blocker. With his length, if he doesn’t get to the quarterback, he can get his arms up and distract the quarterback.”
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AUGUST 2016
Victory Baptist
EAGLES
ACEA /// 6-MAN DIVISION 2016 Schedule
AUGUST 19 at EMERALD MTN.* 26 at MARION ACADEMY* SEPTEMBER 2 at BROOKLANE* 9 at CLAY COUNTY*
Team Specifics HEAD COACH Jim Hardy (4th year) 2015 RECORD (7-3) lost in ACEA state title game STADIUM Victory Baptist Field
30 MEADOWVIEW* OCTOBER 7 CORNERSTONE* 14 CAHAWBA CHRISTIAN* 21 CHILTON CHRISTIAN* *Region Game
2016 ROSTER 1. D.J. Davidson 2. V’anthony Phillips 4. Tristan Finley 11. Tanner Talley 20. Josh Lopez 21. Jacob Groff 22. Carter Byrd 25. Brandon Hollon 26. Will Fondren 27. Ryan Owens 29. William Duhon 42. Nick Wizkonski 62. Jarod Reeves 66. Gerald Reeves
Jr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Fr. So. Jr. Sr. So. So. So. Sr. Fr. Fr.
Team BREAKDOWN Victory Baptist School said goodbye to a lot during and after last season. Coming off two straight undefeated state championship seasons, the Eagles saw their win streak end at 22 games, losing in Week 3 to Cullman Christian Academy, who also caged their ascension at the top in the 2015 Alabama Christian Education Association 6-man state title game. After the season, Victory lost arguably it most paraded player in history in quarterback Mason Byrd, who signed with Faulkner University May 5. Head football coach Jim Hardy said through the loses of last year -- VBS finished 7-3 -- his team gained one thing. “I think as a whole, the players learned what it takes to prepare and it doesn’t mean that because the team before won, it doesn’t mean you’ll win,” Hardy said. “We won two straight and were going for three, they thought they could show up and were supposed to win. “The other guys prepared for us to beat us. I got told by the team in the state championship game that they spent three weeks preparing for us. But he had a better team and more talent, too.” With his largest roster at Victory at 16 players, Hardy’s hopeful he team can regain the championship attitude.
Brandon Hollon /// QB
“They understand, the older ones, what it takes. And hopefully they can bring the younger ones up. We’ve got a mixture of good talent. You never know where you’re going, but I like the start of it anyway.”
OFFENSE First things first for the Eagles is finding a replacement for Byrd, a pro style signal caller who threw for more than 6,000 yards in three years. While he hasn’t settled on a successor, Hardy knows things will run differently and has the potential to be multidimensional. “The position will be quicker that it’s ever been, footwise. We may not be as accurate and as mentally prepared as Mason was, but we’ll have a more athletic type quarterback.” Rising senior Brandon Hollon, sophomore Will Fondren and lefty junior D.J. Davidson are all vying for the spot. “It’s about which one settled into the mental side. They’re all talented and throw pretty good, so we’ll see who can be mentally prepared and settle into their own quicker than the others.” Hardy said whomever doesn’t win the quarterback
will still hold a key offensive playmaking spot, either at running back or receiver. Sophomore William Duhon and Prattville High School transfer Tristan Finely, a junior, will factor in as well.
DEFENSE Victory lost two regular season games by three combined points and then imploded to allow 54 points in the state title game loss to Cullman. The way last season concluded left a bad taste in the Eagles’ mouth. “I think I can definitely see the emphasis (of the last game) in our summer program. The kids are understanding how to prepare,” Hardy said. “The loss has motivated the offseason program.” Rising senior Tanner Talley (6-foot-3, 205) looks to lead a defense that will feature four new starters, who Hardy expects to find a rhythm as the season goes. “I feel like just because of the tradition of what’s going on here, the younger ones see what we’ve done and the work to get to this point. A lot of the young kids upand-coming, we felt like last year, were just as talented,” the coach said. “We have a good chance of being a good defense, we just got to get them game reps early.”
2016 GRIDIRON GUIDE
AUGUST 2016
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Will Venable
Senior Quarterback /// Elmore County HS Will Venable will captain the Panther attack as one of only four starters returning on the offense. As a junior, the quarterback earned an All-Area honorable mention last year, throwing for 1,299 yards and 18 touchdowns. As the area’s lone starting quarterback coming back this season, Venable is expected to have a breakout year and help guide the Panthers to its first Class 4A playoff berth in five years.
DeAndre Williams Senior Running Back /// Wetumpka HS
Sharing snaps with another elite running back, DeAndre Williams made the most of the opportunities when his number was called in 2015, leading Wetumpka’s offense with 12 touchdowns on just 97 carries, all the while catching the eye of a handful of bigtime college programs such as Clemson. The 6-foot-3, 205 pound tailback finished with 532 yards, an average of more than five yards a touch. With the Indians backfield still intact, Williams will play an even bigger role in the offense as he looks to finish his career strong.
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2016 GRIDIRON GUIDE
AUGUST 2016
ASWA PRESEASON FOOTBALL POLL Class 7A
Class 3A
1. McGill-Toolen (27) (13-1) 347 2. James Clemens (2) (10-2) 248 3. Hoover (1) (10-3) 219 4. Central-Phenix City (9-4) 172 5. Spain Park (12-2) 169 6. Bob Jones (9-2) 164 7. Hewitt-Trussville (6-5) 158 8. Murphy (7-4) 98 9. Auburn (7-5) 49 10. Gadsden City (5-5) 32
1. Piedmont (28) (14-1) 354 2. Gordo (2) (12-1) 266 3. T.R. Miller (10-3) 190 4. Bayside Acad. (11-4) 173 5. Hillcrest-Evergreen (8-6) 168 6. Opp (8-4) 158 7. Montevallo (9-3, 4A) 81 8. Colbert Co. (10-4) 74 9. Daleville (10-2) 69 10. Oakman (8-4) 57
Others receiving votes: Lee-Montgomery (8-4) 21, Jeff Davis (6-4) 10, Baker (6-4) 7, Buckhorn (6-5) 6, Vestavia Hills (9-3) 5, Mary G. Montgomery (3-7) 3, Prattville (6-4) 2.
Others receiving votes: Lauderdale Co. (9-4) 29, American Chr. (10-2) 22, Clarke Co. (4-7, 4A) 17, Straughn (5-6, 4A) 17, Mobile Chr. (10-2, 2A) 15, Glencoe (9-2) 8, Pike Co. (9-2) 6, N. Sand Mountain (7-5) 4, Excel (2-8) 1, Randolph Co. (13-1, 2A) 1.
Class 6A 1. Spanish Fort (29) (15-0) 357 2. Clay-Chalkville (1) (14-1) 264 3. Blount (10-2) 217 4. Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa (8-4) 170 5. Opelika (12-1) 162 6. Oxford (3-7) 145 7. Park Crossing (8-3) 103 8. Saraland (8-3) 76 9. Bessemer City (8-5) 54 10. Benjamin Russell (12-2) 38 Others receiving votes: Hazel Green (5-6, 6A) 33, Parker (7-5, 5A) 26, Austin (10-4) 12, McAdory (10-2) 12, Carver-Montgomery (3-7) 8, Minor (8-5) 7, Florence (4-6) 6, Hartselle (7-4) 5, Muscle Shoals (11-1) 5, Southside-Gadsden (5-5) 5, Homewood (9-3) 3, Gardendale (10-3)2.
Class 5A 1. St. Paul’s (29) (13-2) 356 2. Mortimer Jordan (1) (13-2) 263 3. Jackson (13-1) 234 4. Alexandria (11-2) 196 5. Russellville (11-2) 183 6. Etowah (7-4) 82 7. Beauregard (11-1) 75 8. Eufaula (9-3) 70 9. Brooks (11-2, 4A) 52 10. Guntersville (12-1) 41 Others receiving votes: Vigor (7-4) 37, Cleburne Co. (9-3, 4A) 28, Demopolis (10-3) 24, Mae Jemison-Huntsville (1st year) 21, Greenville (111) 15, Scottsboro (5-6, 6A) 15, Briarwood Chr. (5-7, 6A) 9, Hayden (8-4) 5, Sylacauga (7-4) 4.
Class 4A 1. UMS-Wright (17) (12-1) 300 2. Madison Acad. (6) (11-2, 3A) 240 3. Cordova (2) (13-1) 218 4. Munford (1) (10-4) 217 5. Andalusia (11-2) 179 6. Fayette Co. (10-5) 158 7. Leeds (4) (13-2) 136 8. Cherokee Co. (7-5) 69 9. North Jackson (7-5) 54 10. Thomasville (6-5) 39 Others receiving votes: Haleyville (6-5) 23, West Limestone (8-4) 21, Madison Co. (6-5, 5A) 13, Handley (8-3) 12, Childersburg (2-8) 6, Randolph (7-4, 5A) 6, Montgomery Catholic (4-6) 5, Bibb Co. (7-4) 4, Hale Co. (5-5, 3A) 4, Saks (8-3) 2, Trinity (8-4) 2, Satsuma (4-6) 1, Tallassee (5-6, 5A) 1.
Class 2A 1. Elba (27) (14-1) 351 2. Washington Co. (10-3) 217 3. Fyffe (13-2) 213 4. G.W. Long (12-1) 196 5. Lanett (5-5) 178 6. Tanner (3) (11-1) 162 7. New Brockton (9-2) 91 8. LaFayette (6-5) 88 9. Cleveland (12-1) 80 10. Aliceville (6-5, 3A) 68 Others receiving votes: Gaston (7-4) 15, Ranburne (10-2) 15, Red Bay (11-1) 13, Abbeville (3-7, 3A) 10, Sheffield (4-6) 3A 5, Southern Choctaw (2-8) 4, Leroy (5-5) 2, Fayetteville (93) 1, J.U. Blacksher (7-4, 1A) 1
Class 1A 1. Maplesville (19) (13-1) 298 2. Cedar Bluff (3) (13-2) 256 3. Linden (3) (10-3) 246 4. Brantley (5) (10-3) 235 5. Pickens Co. (8-4, 2A) 166 6. Notasulga (9-3) 121 7. Spring Garden (8-4) 106 8. Sweet Water (5-6) 100 9. Berry (10-3) 68 10. Decatur Heritage (12-2) 34 Others receiving votes: Georgiana (11-2) 22, Addison (5-6, 2A) 18, Woodville (4-7) 11, Marengo (7-5) 9, Wadley (10-2) 8, Hackleburg (10-2) 5, Cherokee (4-5, 2A) 3, Loachapoka (4-7) 3, Millry (7-4) 1.
AISA 1. Bessemer Acad. (28) (13-0) 354 2. Escambia Acad. (7-5) 249 3. Autauga Acad. (7-5) 226 4. Abbeville Chr. (12-1) 211 5. Monroe Acad. (1) (13-1) 193 6t. Edgewood Acad. (1) (13-0) 73 6t. Lowndes Acad. (5-5) 73 8. Fort Dale Acad. (6-5) 65 9. Marengo Acad. (10-2) 62 10. Jackson Acad. (7-5) <ws>50 Others receiving votes: Clarke Prep (8-4) 42, Chambers Acad. (10-3) 27, Lee-Scott (9-2) 25, Northside Methodist (7-4) 22, Pike Liberal (4-6) 15, Sparta Acad. (8-4) 8, Springwood (5-6) 8, Tuscaloosa Acad. (7-4) 4, Macon-East (3-8) 1, Patrician (6-5) 1, S. Choctaw Acad. (7-5) 1.
2016 GRIDIRON GUIDE
AUGUST 2016
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2016 GRIDIRON GUIDE
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Edgewood Acad.
WILDCATS
AUGUST 2016
Team Specifics HEAD COACH AA state championship Eric Folmar (1st year) STADIUM 2015 RECORD Charles P. Storrs Field (13-0), won AISA Class
AISA CLASS AAA /// REGION 1 2016 Schedule
AUGUST 19 Morgan Academy** 26 Hope Christian SEPTEMBER 1 at Autauga Academy 9 at SPRINGWOOD* 16 LEE-SCOTT ACAD.* 23 Monroe Acad.
30 Abbeville Christian* OCTOBER 6 at GLENWOOD* 14 at TUSCALOOSA* 20 BESSEMER* *Region Game ** Game played at Faulkner University
2016 ROSTER 2. Alex Johnson 8th 3. Drez Crawford 8th 4. Dez Adam Fr. 6. Matt Wohlers Fr. 7. Cooper James Jr. 8. Blaine Guthrie 8th 10. Cole Freeman 8th 13. Rob Merritt 8th 20. Wilson Johnston 8th 21. Dawson Owens 8th 27. Tyler Abernathy So. 28. Matt Williams Jr. 30. Luke Sisson Fr. 32. Carson Peevy 8th 44. Jackson Welch 8th 50. Landon Maynard Fr. 51. Mitchell Boyd 8th 52. Brandon Boone Jr. 54. Joseph Benton 8th 55. Drew Hansen 8th 56. Jaxon Mulder 8th 57. Colby Futral Fr. 58. Caleb Justiss 8th 61. Clay Williams Fr. 65. Blake Walters Sr. 66. Michael Nemecheck Fr. 70. Seth Wilkins 8th 76. Korey Dawson Fr. 77. Cade Bazzell Fr.
Tyler Abernathy /// RB
Team BREAKDOWN OFFENSE QUARTERBACKS Everything has changed for Edgewood Academy. Over the last handful of years under former head coach Bobby Carr, the Wildcats lived through the air in most games during the current 71-game win streak, the nation’s active longest mark, than on the ground on offense.
That’ll change with new head coach Eric Folmar, ushering in a new starting quarterback in a new system. “They threw the ball around all over the place under coach Carr,” Folmar said. “We’re going to be a little more run-game oriented, and these (two potential starting quarterbacks) have enough athleticism about them that they can pull it down and run with it if they need to. They fit that mold.” Young, first-year varsity players Dez Adam (5-foot-5, 140) and Drez Crawford (5-foot-7, 160) have battled to
run the offense this preseason camp. A rising freshman and eighth-grader, respectively, Folmar said he won’t ask too much out of the pair. “Both are really good athletes. Drez is a really athletic kid, they’re both a little undersized as you expect guys that young to be,” the coach said. “We’re going to make it easy on them with the play calling and not ask too much. We’re really just trying to coach them and teach them at the moment. They haven’t been here before.
2016 GRIDIRON GUIDE
AUGUST 2016
OFFENSIVE LINE A lot will be asked of Blake Walters, Edgewood’s lone senior and only returning starter from a year ago. Walters (6-foot, 200) started at center on the 2015 undefeated, state championship squad and Folmar hopes Walters’ experience rubs off on the young linemen next to him. “He’s our anchor. Blake started at center last year, and we’d like to play him at left tackle if we can find someone else to snap it,” Folmar said. “But he may play center. He’s very experienced, he’s been around good football players, won a lot of games, he’ll be a good leader to our younger guys.” The rest of the ‘Cats will be first-time starters, with junior Brandon Boone being the only other upperclassman vying for a spot up front. Rising freshman Landon Maynard has nailed down one of the linemen positions, but Folmar said he’s still trying to place him. Eighth-grader Caleb Justiss has slid in at starting right tackle, leaving the interior line to fill.
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DEFENSE DEFENSIVE LINE The handful of players who’ve been around the football program the last couple of years will not only have to get used to starting, but also be conditioned to be two-way players. After two years of offensive line work, Walters will start on the defensive line. Boone will fill another spot on the d-line in EA’s base, odd-man defensive front. Dependent on the opponent’s personnel, the ‘Cats will also drop down to a four-man line and coaches are in the process of finding the other two linemen. “We want to have athletic guys that can move around and do different things. We don’t have a bunch of big guys,” Folmar said. “So we want to be able to move, slant, stunt, move our front and put pressure on the opposing offense. We want to be difficult to block, that’s what we want.”
LINEBACKERS Linebacker is one of only two units for Edgewood this season that will see an experienced player suit up. Abernathy played in nine games in 2015 at outside linebacker, recording 13 total tackles, including a tackle-for-loss. In the team’s situation, the sophomore’s experience could mean a move from outside to inside linebacker as Folmar will look for a smooth transition and understanding. “At linebacker, we’ll rotate a lot guys. We’ve got a young freshman that just came in, Colby Futral, he moved back here from Texas,” Folmar said. “He’s shown some good thing in the short time he’s been with us. He’s a young kid, but he’s very smart. He’s been very well-coached and he understands Wildcat athlete Dez Adam will wear many hats on offense and how to play the game.” James, who had two tackles defense this season. in one game on defense last season, will see time at linebacker, as well as rising freshman Matt Wohlers and eighth-grader Carson Peevy. SKILL POSITIONS Keeping up with the trend, EA’s skill positions will consist of first-year starters. But the backfield will feature a couple of guys that have been in the Edgewood program. Despite receiving playing time last season on defense, rising junior Cooper James and sophomore Tyler Abernathy will help the offense generate positive plays from the starting plug/tight end and running back spots, respectively. “It’s good to have guys that have been around for a little while and have experience. When I came in, at first it was difficult to implement a new system with new guys,” Folmar said. “We’ll do some of the same, but it’s been a learning curve for everybody. It’ll help to have the older guys who understand the game a little bit. They’ve done a good job of being leaders for the younger guys, of showing them the ropes and showing them what it takes to be successful.” When not playing quarterback, Adam and Crawford will line up at wide receiver, while eighth-grader Blaine Guthrie will provide depth at running back.
SECONDARY As a whole, the ‘Cats secondary arguably might be the most athletic group on the team. Folmar plans to make opponents passing the ball to beat the best of what EA’s got to offer athleticially as he’ll have Adam starting at one of the corner spots, while rising junior Matt Williams is set to lead the defensive backfield from one of the safety spots. Williams appeared in three games during his sophomore campaign in 2015, picking up a cou-
Edgewood Academy head coach Eric Folmar ple of tackles. With other young players, like freshman Luke Sisson filling out the other starting cornerback role and Crawford could be considered at the other safety position at times, Williams will be directing traffic in the secondary. “He’s a returning kid, he’s been around for a while. I think he’s a smart kind; he understands what we want from him,” Folmar said. “At the other safety spot, we could roll out Drez there, but if he’s the starting quarterback, we want to keep him off defense as much as possible.
SPECIAL TEAMS Folmar doesn’t know who will be handling the specialist duties just yet, but what he does know is special teams for the Wildcats this year will be all about advantage. “All of that is up in the air with a lot of guys at those spots. It’s the same names we’ve talked about,” the coach said. “We want to keep our opponents from beating us on special teams. “I think that’s something we have to do, do some things on special teams that give us an advantage and try to steal a few possessions in the game.”
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We Love You, Blake Walters
2016 GRIDIRON GUIDE
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Holtville
BULLDOGS
AUGUST 2016
Team Specifics HEAD COACH STADIUM Hunter Adams (5th year) Boykin Field 2015 RECORD (0-10)
AHSAA CLASS 4A /// REGION 3 2016 Schedule
AUGUST 19 Central-Hayneville 26 Marbury SEPTEMBER 2 CHILDERSBURG* 9 at MUNFORD* 16 DADEVILLE* 23 Horseshoe Bend (HC)
30 at LEEDS* OCTOBER 7 at TALLASSEE* 14 ELMORE COUNTY* 21 at HANDLEY* 28 at Beulah *Region Game
2016 ROSTER 2. Drew Nobles So. 3. Zach Weldon Sr. 4. Todd Buck Jr. 5. Cody Gibson Sr. 6. Brady Richardson Jr. 8. Dajon Reeves So. 12. Antonio Hall Sr. 13. Alex Boling Jr. 16. Blake Harris Sr. 20. Hunter Martin Fr. 21. Kolby Potts Fr. 22. Peyton Johnson Sr. 24. Preston Whetstone Fr. 25. Hunter Bowdoin Sr. 26. Tristan Watson So. 27. Sam Jackson So. 28. Tristan McQueen Fr. 32. Wesley Lide Fr. 33. Tristan Bullard Fr. 36. Tony Bullard So. 48. Evan Headley Jr. 50. Nathan Smith Sr. 52. Carson Haynes So. 60. Billy Hacker Sr. 62. Cody Clements Sr. 64. Justin Hauswirth So. 65. Justin Hogan Jr. 66. Jacob Nowak Sr. 68. Dalton Carpenter So. 72. Tyler Anderson Sr. 74. Preston Hall So. 75. Jadon Kytle Sr. 77. Blake Talley Jr.
Nathan Smith /// OL, NG
Team BREAKDOWN OFFENSE OFFENSIVE LINE Before adding senior transfer Tyler Anderson, a three-year starter at Edgewood Academy, to the unit, Holtville’s offensive line had started 120 in their high school career. Anderson (6-foot-1, 305) gives the Bulldogs four
seniors out of five starting on the line, with center Nathan Smith, left tackle Billy Hacker and left guard Cody Clements, while the junior Blake Talley returns for his fourth year starting. “It better be (our best offensive line),” HHS head football coach Hunter Adams said. “Most of these guys are three-year starters, and one of the struggles we had in the past, we’ve been so young up front. In the region we’re in, that’s tough to overcome.” Holtville lost All-Area First-Team offensive line
selection B.J. Burke during the offseason due to transferring out, but Adams said having a seasoned veteran like Anderson come in smoothed out the transition. In the second year of the offense running the flexbone triple option, the team will rely heavily on the big guys up front. “We’ve got a lot of experience up front -- not to mention they’re big and strong. We really need that group to be the heart and soul of the team.”
AUGUST 2016
QUARTERBACKS
2016 GRIDIRON GUIDE
point, he plays downhill, he’s very intelligent, he gives you another coach on the field,” Adams said of the 5-foot-11, 180-pounder. “He’s developing exceptionally well.” Playing alongside Headley are Harris, who’s only playing his second year of football, and Holtville newcomer Bowdoin. “Hunter Bowdoin is a go hard guys with an incredibly high football IQ. Blake Harris, is a senior, a physical kid, tough kid, smart kid,” the coach said. Rising senior Peyton Johnson will likely fill out the other outside linebacker position, and sophomore Tony Bullard could see playing time as well.
Rising sophomore Drew Nobles will assume the outright starting quarterback spot after starting five games last season as a freshman. At 6-foot-1, 175 pounds, the signal caller will keep the athleticism at the position, but more importantly, Adams said, will bring something to the offense it’s been missing the last two years of winless football. “He learned a lot last season and learned a lot this summer. He is a very selfless quarterback,” Adams said. “In this system, you’ve got to be that way. SECONDARY “He’s capable to do some things when he keeps the ball, Nearly all of the Bulldogs’ defensive backbut he is not hesitant and not field returns, providing the backside with reluctant to give the ball where stability and consistency. the option read requires him to Boling moves over to the free safety after give it. That in itself is going to Drew Nobles /// QB getting some snaps at linebacker in 2015, make a big difference.” while stalwarts Richardson (5-foot-9, 150) and Adams said rising senior Zach Weldon will also receive snaps at quarterback, Gibson (5-foot-9, 155) return to there hybrid outside adding another element to the scheme when he enters safety and cornerback spot, respectively. Adding more speed, Watson takes over the safery hybrid position the game. opposite Richardson and Buck will line up at the other corner for HHS. SKILL POSITIONS With multiple familiar faces, Adams said he hopes Much like last season, several guys will carry the the number of games the group collectively has under their belts will fix the miscues from a season ago. ball for the Dawgs in the rushing attack. “Again, they’re not elite athletes, but they are guys “We are by committee in the backfield. I tell them all the time, and I’m not trying to pick on them, but we hope we can count on that aren’t going to make they’re not elite athletes,” the coach said. “But they’re those same type of third-and-long yardage mistakes tough guys, hard-nosed guys. They run the ball down- that we made last year,” he said. hill, done a good job protecting the football.” Rising senior Blake Harris (5-foot-11, 180) steps into DEFENSIVE LINE the fullback position, along with junior Evan Headley, to lead the way for the stable of A-backs, featuring Experience paves the way for the Bulldogs’ oddsophomore Tristan Watson, Edgewood Academy transfer sophomore Hunter Bowdoin, junior Todd Buck and man front defensive line. Rising senior Jacob Nowak (6-foot-3, 245) remains senior Cody Gibson. Adams said the mentality of his skills players at his defensive end position, along with Weldon at the opposite end spot. matchup behind their big offensive line. On the inside, Adams said the coaching staff will “All those guys are grinders. They’re not guys that will break off a 60-yard run at any point in the game, rotate a few of its big offensive linemen at nose guard, but they are guys if there’s four yards there, they’re starting with Smith who received a lot of playing time going to get four.” When the pass is called, Weldon at tight end/H-back spot as well as returners Brady Richardson, Alex Boling, Dajon Reeves and newcomer Antonio Hall give the Dawgs options to air it out.
DEFENSE LINEBACKERS Anytime your leader tackler comes back, you feel good about the leadership on the defensive side of the ball. But Headley, as a junior at middle linebacker, surpasses the cliche quarterback of the defense mold. “Evan’s developed mentally at this point, he might be the best linebacker we’ve had on campus in a while. From a mental and physical stand-
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Junior middle linebacker Evan Headley carries the banner into 2016 for a veteran Holtville defense looking to improve.
Bulldogs head coach Hunter Adams at nose last year. Newcomer Anderson will fit into the rotation, along with Hacker and Talley. “Cody (Clements) can play strongside defensive end or nose. We’ve got two, what we feel like are really good defensive ends in Zach Weldon and Jacob Nowak. We’re limiting their time on offense, so that way, they wont’ have to take every rep on offense and defense,” Adams said. “We feel these guys are strong points of the team up front.”
Zach Weldon and Peyton Johnson SPECIAL TEAMS Place kicking has the potential to be one of the most improved phases of the game for Holtville in 2016. After an experimental try at the game of football, HHS soccer standout Colton Autrey comes back to handle field goals and PATs. “Colton’s a three sport guy in the fall; he runs cross county, plays football with us and he plays fall travel soccer. He’s just now coming into his own as a kicker,” Adams said of the rising junior. “It was very experimental with him last year. All we knew is he had a cannon for a leg, he just never learned how to control it. He’s come on this summer.” Running out of the flexbone option offense, the Dawgs utilize the rubgy style punt and Nobles, the quarterback, will be tasked with punts. For kickoff and punt returns, Adams said he’ll put the safest guy back there, but ideally his team will use special teams as a way to extend drives and create momentum. “We don’t do a lot of punt return, we attack, we’re aggressive. We’re trying to block the punt, force a bad punt, flip field position in that regard.”
2016 GRIDIRON GUIDE
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Elmore County
PANTHERS
AUGUST 2016
Team Specifics HEAD COACH STADIUM Norman Dean (12th year) Burt-Haynie Field 2015 RECORD (6-4)
AHSAA CLASS 4A /// REGION 3 2016 Schedule
AUGUST 19 Montgomery Acad. 26 at Alabama Chr. Acad. SEPTEMBER 2 at LEEDS* 9 at HANDLEY* 16 CHILDERSBURG*
23 MGY-Catholic (HC) 30 at MUNFORD* OCTOBER 7 DADEVILLE* 14 at HOLTVILLE* 21 TALLASSEE* *Region Game
2016 ROSTER 3. Ladarius Jenkins So. 4. D.J. Patrick So. 5. Deangelo Splunge So. 6. Taylor Henderson So. 7. Terrence Head Jr. 8. Jason Aguilar So. 9. Shakwan Bickley So. 10. Hayden Holton Fr. 11. Dalton Odom So. 12. Tyric Belyeu Sr. 13. Donovan Jones So. 14. Will Venable Sr. 15. Michael Johnson Sr. 16. Garrett Moseley So. 17. Dylan Weaver Fr. 18. Payne Watts So. 20. Sam Jones Fr. 21. Joshua Stockman Sr. 22. Joey Youngblood Sr. 24. Jay Kujaja Fr. 25. O’Neal Williams Fr. 27. Jakob Hodges Jr. 28. Lapatrick Brown Fr. 30. Sam Grigsby Sr. 31. Garrett Patillo Fr. 33. Winstron Scardina Jr. 34. Keshaan Bowman Sr. 39. Zefeniah Edwards Fr.
42. Trace Wall Sr. 44. Gage Oliver Fr. 45. Ean Carpenter Fr. 48. Ryan Orr Jr. 50. Bryson Caudle Fr. 51. Damian Scanlon Fr. 52. Devin Buckhannon So. 55. Jakobi Bickely Sr. 57. Gabe Brock Fr. 58. Hayden Bass So. 60. Easterling Carpenter Sr. 62. Tanner Bolt Fr. 63. Tanner Brooks Jr. 64. Victor Jones Sr. 65. Jacob Wallace Jr. 67. Parker Watts So. 68. Caleb McConaughy So. 70. Ryan Rush Sr. 71. Colby Jernigan So. 72. Sam Hamm So. 74. Collin Dean Fr. 75. Michael Guionnaud Sr. 77. Taylor Atkinson Fr. Keith Ballard N/A Chandler Falks Sr. Austin Fondren N/A Kaderus Henderson N/A Bryson Irvine N/A
Team BREAKDOWN OFFENSE QUARTERBACKS Eerily similar to the last time Elmore County made the playoffs, a quarterback will suit up for the Panthers this season coming off starting every game the year prior. Rising senior Will Venable returns to lead the offense that lost its top playmaker from 2015 in running back
Terrence Head /// WR, CB
Kell Floyd. Filling the void left by Floyd, along with missing six other offensive starters from last season, ECHS head football coach Norman Dean believes having Venable back will pay huge dividends. “That’s going to help a lot, having him back. A returning starter,” Dean said. “We haven’t had that at quarterback since 2011, the last time we made the playoffs. A returning quarterback that’s not hurt for the first game -- we’ve had that a couple of years.”
As a junior, Venable threw for 1,299 yards on 88-for180 passing (48.9 percent) with 18 touchdowns -- 12 of those to Floyd -- and 12 interceptions. With Floyd enrolled at Lenior Rhyne in Hickory, N.C., Venable is the Panthers’ leading returing rusher, picking up 233 yards on the ground with two scores. Junior Terrence Head takes snaps behind the senior quarterback, giving Elmore County a different dimension at the position with his 6-foot-3, 190-pound frame.
AUGUST 2016
SKILL POSITIONS When Head won’t be stepping in on relief at quarterback, he’ll definitely be catching a lot of passes from Venable. The towering junior ranked three on offense last year in receptions (11), receiving yards (226) and receiving touchdowns (3), but brings back the most experienced for a unit that nearly all untested. “He’s a go-to receiver returning from last year. Tyric D.J. Patrick /// RB, CB Belyeu, a senior playing football again this year, that’s going to help,” Dean said. “That’s two target you can throw to that I think will give us an opportunity to be successful.” In the Panther backfield, more inexperience as the older running backs listed on the depth chart are sophomores. But those young guys pack a heap of speed, in D.J. Patrick and Ladarius Jenkins, as well as some punch, in 6-foot-2, 200-pound fullback Donvan Jones. “We’ve got several guys, each one of them do something well. Instead of having that guy who we hand the ball to 20, 25 times, we’ve got three or four that maybe we’ll hand it to 10 or eight times apiece,” Dean said. “That gives us a little bit of a different dimension. Maybe as things get rolling, maybe make it’ll be a little bit harder on teams -- you can’t necessarily load up and stop this one guy.”
2016 GRIDIRON GUIDE
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the secondary, and Bickley recorded 23 in limited action. Head has solidified the other corner position opposite of Patrick, and Dean said his size and athleticism will be a big help versus the aerial spread attacks of Munford and Dadeville during a crucial two-game region stretch this season at the end of September and beginnnig of October. Rising senior Trace Wall and Venable will likely split time at free safety, the coach said.
DEFENSIVE LINE If the defensive line for ECHS will have anything, it’ll have size with Bickley rooted at one of the end spots and Rush lined up beside him at tackle. But bigger than them, rising sophomore Sam Hamm, at a robust 314 pounds while standing only 5-foot-8, will pose quite a challenge for interior offensive linemen at nose guard The unit’s second leading tackler from last year, defensive tackle Victor Jones, returns for his senior campaign. The 5-foot-10, 240-pounder finished 2015 with 32 stops, including a sack. Carpenter will see time in the middle of the defensive front at nose guard while Guionnaud has been battling for playing time at defensive tackle.
OFFENSIVE LINE Elmore County’s offensive line never found cohesiveness in 2015 due to a bad case of the injury bug. While a few will be first-year starters, they’ve been training for it for two years. Rising seniors guard Easterling Carpenter, coming off shoulder surgery, and tackle Michael Guionnaud, who had a hurt knee and sophomore Parker Watts, who broke his leg during Senior linemen pair Jakobi Bickley and Ryan Rush will last year’s season opener, are all fully captain both lines of scrimmage for Elmore County. healthy as they stare down their first starts Aug. 19. Offensive line senior anchors Jakobi Bickley (6-foot-6, 240) at tackle and Ryan Rush (6-foot-3, 270) will benefit LINEBACKERS as much as the players coming back, as they look to give Venable time to throw and the running backs space to run. “Making plays.” That’s how Dean described the preSophomore guard Devin Buckhannon picked up a few season camp the linebacking corps is having so far. starts and will provide the Panther offensive front with Leading the charge is rising senior middle linebacker much-needed depth. Keshaan Bowman (5-foot-8, 200), who’s played off-andon the last two years for Elmore County. A newcomer to the football program, Michael Johnson, a homeschooled senior, has impressed the defensive DEFENSE coaching staff over the summer and fall practice. “He’s done a great job for us. We’re looking at him SECONDARY to make some plays for us on defense,” Dean said of Half of ECHS’s starting secondary from a year ago Johnson, who is allowed to play for any AHSAA school remains as Patrick at cornerback and Kwan Bickley, who he’s zoned for coming from to a new rule the association will slide into the strong safety spot left vacant by Floyd. implemented for the 2016-17 school year. At outside linebacker, Donovan Jones will start for Patrick raked in 36 tackles, good enough for second in
Panthers head coach Norman Dean the second straight season and will look to build off his 36 stops and two picks in 2015. Dean also lauded rising senior Chandler Falks, who missed all of last year with a knee injury.
SPECIAL TEAMS The Panthers boast the most consistent returning place kickers and punters in the area heading into 2016 in rising senior Joshua Stockman and Venable, respectively. Stockman was nearly money in the kicking department last year, going 31-for-31 on PATs, and made two of his three field goals attempts with a long of 32 yards. Meanwhile, Venable punted for more than 1,000 yards last season, pinning five inside the 20-yard line. To add a little competition, Johnson has been practicing punts during preseason camp and have impressed coaches there as well.
ECHS linemen
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