Aug 19, 2016 Alex City Outlook

AND THEY’RE OFF

OPINION: COOPER REC MEETING COULD PROVE FRUITFUL, PAGE 4.

Tigers v. Lafayette in first away game tonight

FRIDAY

THE

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 August 19, 2016 Vol. 124, No. 167 www.alexcityoutlook.com

Sports, page 8.

Former MLB pitcher named CACC head baseball coach By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor

Former Major League Baseball pitcher Larry Thomas has been selected as the new head baseball coach at Central Alabama Community College. Arriving in Alexander City on Thursday, Thomas fills the position vacated by Doug Kovash on Aug. 9. Thomas played with the

Larry Johnson

White Sox from 1995-97 and the Texas Rangers in 1998 as a left-handed pitcher and righthanded batter. Born in Miami, Thomas considers himself from New England. “I’m from Boston,” he said. But Thomas didn’t travel south to get to Alex City. Instead he is moving here from Mobile. “I had my own baseball acad-

emy in Mobile for 10 years,” he said. In addition to working with youth athletes along the Gulf Coast area, Thomas has plenty of coaching experience, including at the University of Louisiana at Monroe and as both assistant and head coach at Bishop State. So taking on the head coach position at CACC is something he’s very comfortable with.

Camp Hill enters deal with ADEM By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

See CAMP HILL • Page 3

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Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Outgoing Stephens Elementary School Principal Kim Smith talks to students as they load buses Thursday afternoon. Smith was greeted by hugs from students and parents as news spread of her leaving for Dothan.

FINAL FAREWELL Smith leaving Stephens to return ‘home’ to Dothan school By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer

Kim Smith, principal at Alexander City’s Stephens Elementary School for the last seven years, is resigning her position to accept a job as assistant principal in Dothan, her hometown. Smith’s resignation is effective Sept. 6, but the 20-year veteran educator will take leave time which will allow her to begin her duties at Dothan City Schools’ Girard See STEPHENS • Page 3

8

Central Alabama Community College welding students Allen Hamlin and Wyatt Martin were selected by the American Welding Society to receive district scholarships for their achievements during this past academic year. Hamlin, a sophomore from Lineville, and Martin, a freshman from Dadeville, both discovered welding in high school and grew to love everything about it. “I like working with my hands and doing things that are application-based,” Hamlin said. “After talking with my parents and discussing my options, we all decided that this would be the direction for me. I knew CACC had an outstanding welding program and, after being here for almost two years, I can honestly say it is awesome.” Both students were given a list of scholarships by their instructor, D.J. James, who was selected as the AWS Section Educator of the Year and the AWS Section Certified Welding Inspector of the Year. “Both of these kids are extremely hard workers,” James said of Hamlin and Martin. “I usually have to run them out of the shop at the end of the day because they want to stay as long as See CACC • Page 2

Dadeville’s candidates participate in forum as election approaches By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

89 73

See COACH • Page 3

Two CACC welding students awarded scholarships

Camp Hill

Camp Hill Town Council learned at Monday’s meeting that the most important thing they can get done at the moment is financial audits. The audits are part of a consent decree that the town will soon enter into as a result of the lawsuit filed by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) over the town’s sewage treatment facility. Town attorney Charles Gillenwaters explained that a recent conference call was made with ADEM, the attorney general, Gillenwaters, Mayor

“I’ve coached in a conference before,” he said. The quality of the school’s baseball program is what attracted Thomas to the job. “It’s always been a good program,” he said. “When the job became available, I jumped on it.” CACC Athletic Director Kathleen Thompson is glad he

One constant theme came from the four candidates running for mayor in Dadeville – working together. Tuesday night, the Dadeville Chamber of Commerce hosted a forum to allow the community to meet and hear from over 20 residents running for council and mayor.

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Larry Whitfield, who moderated the forum, commented about the quality of the candidates. “I am glad I am not able to vote in the election,” Whitfield said. “There are some good candidates here. I don’t know that I could make up my mind.” Frank Goodman, Mike Ingram, See FORUM • Page 3

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Around 100 people attended the first-ever candidates forum in Dadeville Tuesday night hosted by the Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Directory Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Donna Jones Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 donna.jones@alexcityoutlook.com Jaylan Reynolds Advertising Sales Intern, Ext. 232 jaylan.reynolds@alexcityoutlook.com

Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Steve Baker Publisher, Ext. 218 steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com Accounting Angela Mullins Bookkeeping, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Mary Lyman Boone Bookkeeping marylyman.boone@alexcityoutlook.com

Composing Audra Spears Composing Department, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Alethia Russell Graphic Artist, Ext. 231 alethia.russell@alexcityoutlook.com

Newsroom Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Cathy Higgins Sports Editor, Ext. 228 cathy.higgins@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@alexcityoutlook.com

Circulation Linda Ewing Asst. Circulation Manager, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Kenneth Boone The Outlook is published five times Photography and a week, Tuesday through Saturday a commercial web mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.

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DEAR ABBY: I am 32 years old and divorced my wife two years ago. Although I tried dating for a bit, it was a brave new world of online apps and profiles. It wasn’t for me, and I became discouraged. A year has gone by and female friends are telling me I need to get back out and date. I find the whole endeavor depressing and prefer to spend my time elsewhere and single. They say my decision to stay single is emotionally driven and I “deserve love.” My argument against dating is that I wasn’t a good husband and I have no interest in devoting the time or energy to date in the scary and confusing world of the web. Can you settle this dispute so that we can stop the back-and-forth arguments? -DIVORCED AND DATELESS DEAR DIVORCED AND DATELESS: I agree that opening yourself up to strangers can be scary. If you are not

Obituaries CHRISTIAN Irene Uptain Christian 1928-2016 Irene Uptain Christian, surrounded by family, peacefully went to be with her Lord on Sunday, August 14, 2016 in Houston, Texas. She was born in Cordova, Alabama on March 22, 1928. Family and friends will gather for visitation at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at Radney Funeral Home, where funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel. Burial will follow at Fellowship Cemetery. The complete obituary is available at www.radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home in Alexander City is in charge of the arrangements.

Ms. Mary E. Russell Funeral service for Ms. Mary E. Russell 68 of Newsite, AL; Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 12 noon; Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Newsite, AL; burial in Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery, Newsite, AL. Arrangements by Armour’s Memorial Services.

DEAR ABBY Advice

interested in meeting women on the internet, I won’t force you, even though that’s how many -although not all -- relationships start these days. Because that’s not your cup of tea, there are other ways to meet nice women, among them getting out and participating in activities you enjoy or volunteering for a cause you believe in. Of course, that necessitates being open to having a relationship with someone and believing you deserve one. From the tone of your letter, I’m not sure you’re there yet. Not having been a good husband the first time is no excuse if you have learned from your mistakes.

DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend and I have been dating for two years. He is in grad school. I failed out of community college. My lack of education stresses me out emotionally. I love him very much, and I see a future with him. But the idea of an architect and a community college dropout makes my heart ache. He deserves someone more on his intellectual level. He is originally from another state and this is one of the reasons why I haven’t met his family. I have thought about trying to get a degree to become a certified nursing assistant, but again there would be a gap in our professional levels. I’m afraid that when he does introduce me to his family they will convince him he’s better off without me. Part of me believes it’s true. Please give me advice about what to do. I don’t want to lose him, but at the same

Mrs. Kimberly Nicole Eason 1973 - 2016 Funeral Service for Mrs. Kimberly Nicole Eason, 42, of Goodwater, Alabama, will be Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Wayne Cowhick will officiate. Burial will follow in the New Providence Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, August 19, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mrs. Eason passed away on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at her residence. She was born on December 25, 1973 in Guntersville, Alabama to Rickey Hard and Delilah Cloud Ryan. She loved her family,

time, I want him to be happy. -UNEQUAL IN WISCONSIN DEAR UNEQUAL: I can’t help but wonder if you have ever spoken with someone who does career counseling. Some universities and community colleges have extension divisions that offer it. Part of the counseling involves aptitude testing, which could help you determine what you would be good at. Being a nursing assistant is a respectable career that involves responsibility and people skills. If you feel drawn to it, then that’s what you should pursue, and you should not feel embarrassed or have a need to apologize for it. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

helping people, and volunteering for Meals on Wheels. Mrs. Eason enjoyed gardening and baking. She is survived by her husband, Donald W. "Tad" Eason of Goodwater; daughters, Olivia Eason and Jessie Eason; sons, Alex Eason and Drew Eason; sister, Kayra Harris (Lee); mother, Delilah Cloud Ryan; father, Rickey Hard; and grandmother, Neil Hard. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Meals On Wheels, P.O. Box 1344, Alexander City, AL 35011. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

CACC

continued from page 1

they can trying to learn more about what they can do to improve their skills. They are very dedicated to this field and very appreciative for receiving the scholarships.” After CACC, Martin plans to go wherever welding takes him. “I felt like God led me to welding and this profession,” Martin said. “It’s an interesting field and I love working on things I can apply to the real world. I was a dual enrollment student at my high school and that is where I was first introduced to welding. It was an easy choice for me to go to CACC after starting in high school.”

Submitted / The Outlook

Central Alabama Community College welding students Wayne Martin, left, a freshman from Dadeville, and Allen Hamlin, a sophomore from Lineville recently received scholarships from the American Welding Society.

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The Outlook

Stephens Middle School on Aug. 26. Smith said she has been looking to get back to the Dothan area for three to six months. She said her son has expressed an interest in attending the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science in Mobile and that prompted her to look harder so that she would be close to family while he was away. “I have been trying to move back to Dothan for some time, but with my son wanting to go to the Alabama School of Math and Science, that made me more eager to be closer to family. This position allows me to get my foot in the door,” said Smith, a 1982 graduate of Dothan High School. “The assistant principal’s job is a 210-day position, which will afford me some time in the summer to spend quality time with my son and other family members in Dothan.” Smith said her family had been big supporters of the Dothan City Schools as she was growing up. “My parents are deceased, but my

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dad was in the car business next door to Dothan High School,” Smith said. “When someone from the school came by selling ads for the football program or whatever, it wasn’t ‘Will you buy an ad?’ it was ‘How big of an ad do you want to buy?’ “Incidentally, I will have the same address working for Dothan City Schools as I did as a first-grader at Southside Elementary School.” Alexander City Schools Superintendent Darrell Cooper said Smith will be missed and while now might not be the most opportune time to lose a principal, such a loss never comes at a good time. “She’s expressed an interest in seeking a position down there for a while, so it’s not a complete surprise, not something out of the blue,” Cooper said. “The timing’s not great, but it never is. She can’t help the timing. We can’t help it, so we’ll make it work. “We just thank Kim for all her service. She’s been a leader for us. She’s done

some great things at Stephens and we appreciate her work there.” Cooper said the Alexander City Board of Education will meet in a specially called meeting this morning to name an interim principal at Stephens who will serve while the board seeks to fill the position permanently. Cooper’s desire is to have Smith’s permanent replacement in place by the beginning of the new calendar year. Cooper said he will follow the same process he’s followed in the past to find Smith’s successor. “That selection process has worked well before and so we’ll use it again,” Cooper said. “The timing is not ideal, but, like I said, to lose a principal, it never is. “We posted the position Thursday and I’ll meet with the staff at Stephens Thursday and have them choose three representatives to serve on the committee to find Kim’s replacement. We have the board meeting this morning and I’ll put

forward someone to the board to serve in the interim. The ad will run for a month and closes Sept. 16.” Cooper said he will serve on the search committee in addition to the three Stephens staff representatives and three administrators – central office staff or principals. The committee will meet toward the end of September to review the applicants and choose at least six to interview. Alternates may be selected, as well, in case one or more of the six choose not to interview. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for Oct. 3-5. After the interviews, the committee will meet again to review them and choose an applicant to submit to the board for approval by Oct. 25. “Of course, the person we select will have to go through a transition from their current job to this one and when they will start will be, to a degree, dependent on that transition,” Cooper said. “We want to have someone at least by the first of the year, but it could be earlier.”

Forum

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Wayne Smith and Mickey Tarpley all agree that Dadeville is great place but they all have slightly different ideas on how to move forward. Goodman wants to bring God and respect for all to the office. “The main thing I would bring is God,” Goodman said. “Just like I have done for the last two terms on the council. With God, you can’t go wrong.” Goodman also wants to open up communication if elected. “I will have an open-door policy for anyone to bring their comments, ideas or disagreements,” Goodman said. “We will do the right thing regardless of what color you are or what religion you are. Do things so it will benefit Dadeville, where Dadeville will grow and prosper.” Ingram, who has been mayor of Dadeville before, wants to work with businesses to make Dadeville better. “For a better Dadeville, I think you have got to continue to work together as a mayor and council,” Ingram told the crowd. “You got to get out and talk with the business people

– your small business, your big businesses and your foreign business people. The small ones need help just as much as the big ones. The small ones bring as much money into town as the big ones.” Smith, a Dadeville native, wants to bring back confidence in the town and look at growing. “The first thing is we have got to change the attitude a little bit,” Smith said. “I have been out talking to a lot of people and they don’t seem to have confidence in our city. I grew up here. I raised my children here and I am going to stay here. I will install that confidence. I want to reestablish our involvement with the economic development authority. It is a resource. It’s available and we need to use it. We also need to take a hard look at annexation. I have talked to a lot of people that say I work in town, I shop in town but I cannot vote. We need to look at the backbone of our community – education. Our schools are very important. If I get elected, we will get back in the schools.” Tarpley, a Dadeville accountant and current council member, wants to continue the current momentum

established by the town and dispel some rumors. “I think that we have the monies here in Dadeville,” Tarpley said. “There have been rumors that the city of Dadeville is broke. The city is not broke. I am looking to carry on some of the things that we have started like revitalization and cleaning up. We have got to dress up our town so that when people come and see Dadeville, they say hey, I want to put my business here…this looks like a place I want to be… We have got to put some polish on this diamond in the rough.” All candidates for mayor agree that they can’t do it alone. “Your mayor and council have to have input from the community,” Smith said. “We can’t do it by ourselves.” Also at the forum Tuesday night were candidates running for council. They will also be on the ballot Aug. 23 as Dadeville residents go to the Dadeville Recreation Center to vote. Sunday alcohol sales will also be on the ballot.

Coach did. “We’re excited to have him here,” she said. Now that he’s here, Thomas will get to work preparing for the fall season, which starts next month. “I’ll evaluate my players,” he said. “You’ve got to see what you have, obviously.” Thomas said he and his family are excited about making Alex City their home. “We’re going to get deep in the commu-

Camp Hill Danny Evans, Robert Shelly and Sheppard Dearing of Goodwyn Mills and Caywood. “A consent decree is we agree to do certain things by certain dates,” Gillenwaters said. “The proposal from Sheppard Dearing lays out what we will do through 2025. If we get the audit done, we can shorten that by a year or two. “But even with that we still have to come within the neighborhood of $1,500,000 to complete that ADEM requirement. The thing about a consent decree is if we don’t do what we say we are going to do by the date, then we get fined.” Dearing explained that there are several issues that the council has to work through. “You have compliance issues with ADEM,” Dearing said. “ADEM says your plant shall operate this way. You have so many problems at the plant that you can’t meet that. They have asked for a schedule and plan on how you are going to bring that into compliance.” Dearing explained to the council audits for the last three years must be done to get grants. “We have given them a timeline that they (ADEM) don’t like,” Dearing said. “The reason that timeline is so long is so much time has to be spent getting the audits and financial statements complete so that we can go out and get funding.” Dearing explained that there are also short-term problems. “You guys are having to pull together funds for an audit at the same time you may not be aware of some things that could save you money right now.“ Dearing advised the council to be careful of the money promised to them from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). The problem is the match portion to the $35,000 that was promised to Camp Hill. The match would be 50 percent and come with more strings that would

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nity,” he said. It’s something Thomas is looking forward to as he is already familiar with the Lake Martin area after playing with the Birmingham Barons in the early 1990s and traveling to youth tournament events at Charles E. Bailey Sportplex with his family. “You know the quality of baseball and the quality of the community is great,” he said. Thomas’ family includes his wife ,who is finishing up teaching in Mobile, and his three children, which include 11-year-old

son Liam and 6-year-old daughter Olivia. “They’ll be coming up,” Thomas said. His oldest child won’t be part of the Alex City household. Instead, he’s following in his father’s footsteps. “My son, Toby, is 22 and he plays professional baseball with the White Sox,”

Thomas said. As for his time at CACC, Thomas will also teach orientation and a class geared toward helping students succeed. “I’m also able to teach physical education,” he said.

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cost even more money. Dearing advised the council to respectively decline the grant, but that it still needed emergency funding and better use those match funds without the strings. The council agreed to decline the grant. The move allows for better funding once audits are done because this grant closed out which the council hopes to have done shortly. As part of the consent decree, the council also voted for Goodwyn, Mills and Caywood to be the engineer on the sewage project and to work with grant writer Terry Acuff. The council is also allowing town hall to remain closed to the public on Wednesday afternoons so town staff can continue to enter information into Quickbooks to allow for the audits. Robert Shelly informed the council of recent training for the utility department. “Everyone is hands-on basic-gas certified,” Shelly told the council. “They all can weld gas pipe.” Council member Ezell Smith invited everyone to the community and children’s day Saturday at the Camp Hill Park. Councilmember Anthony Pogue was absent from the meeting. The Camp Hill Council also: • declared Dean Bonner and Sylvia Spratling as winners of council seats places 4 and 2 since they had no opposition. • approved minutes from the Aug. 2 meeting. • approved payment of bills according to priority established by the mayor and city clerk. • voted to allow the mayor to send a letter to the state that if the state approved an on-premise alcohol licensefor a business in the town’s jurisdiction then the town would approve the business’ lounge license. • voted to allow a cancer walk on Oct. 8 at 8 a.m. The next meeting of the Camp Hill Town Council will be Sept. 6 at 6 p.m.

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Page 4

Opinion

Our View Cooper Rec meeting could prove fruitful

T

here were points at Wednesday night’s public gathering at Cooper Recreation Center about comments made last week by Benjamin Russell High School principal Anthony Wilkinson when the meeting appeared on the verge of getting out of hand. Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed for the most part and, just maybe, the groundwork was laid for a more fruitful relationship between the Alexander City Schools administration and some of the concerned parents and other caring individuals who were in attendance. At the outset of the meeting, Wilkinson and Alexander City Schools Superintendent Darrell Cooper offered their apologies for the comments. The apologies drew applause from some, but, to others, weren’t satisfactory. We believe Wilkinson meant no offense for the decidedly insensitive use of the word “nappy” and that Cooper, realizing the insensitivity, wanted to acknowledge it while at the same time standing behind a talented principal who has accomplished much in his brief time at Benjamin Russell. Both Wilkinson and Cooper have shown themselves to be good men – not immune to mistakes, as both admitted last night, but truly wanting the best for all in their charge. More importantly, it is our sincerest hope that, despite the dissatisfaction of some attendees Wednesday night, a dialogue will grow from seeds that were planted at the meeting. It is evident that some discussions are needed between administrators and parents about dress code and disciplinary matters and cultural differences that might affect them. It’s further evident that the need for more black teachers is clear and, as was urged by Beverly Price, director of secondary schools for Alex City Schools, last night, the black community in the city can be among the system’s best recruiters with its ready access to homegrown potential. To be sure, Wednesday night’s meeting left the rails at times. But sometimes worthwhile journeys begin with a few bumps. If those who truly care about the quality of education of our children and their experience while attending our local schools follow through on the potential for continuing dialogue, it could be remembered as the beginning of something remarkable.

Friday, August 19, 2016

God bless our children and educators

W

hen I was a child my parents used to tell me that the older I got the faster time would pass. Now I had trouble believing that because it always seemed like an eternity from Christmas to Christmas. Plus, I never thought I would get old enough to get a driver’s license and graduate from high school. Time was something that was just there getting in the way of me getting older and getting on with my life. However, now that I’m in the seventh decade of my life I understand fully what my folks were talking about. Time does march on and it steps all over your toes as it goes by. I’m bringing this up because I’ve observed that the summer is already over. Yep, it’s gone and it is only August. What ever happened to getting out of school at Memorial Day and not going back until after Labor Day? In the old days we never started school before Labor Day. The only thing August was for was 2-a-day football practices, and then the first game wasn’t to the second or third week of September. Now those poor kids are in football pads in 100-degree temperatures, the band has been marching since July and the cheerleaders practice year round. To a high school student there is no such thing as a summer vacation.

DR. GERALD HALLMARK Guest Columnist

The elementary school kids are a bit better off, but not much. By the time they get through with Vacation Bible School, go to a summer camp and visit their grandparents for the obligatory week their summer is shot. Those little cookie crunchers are hard at it by the middle of August. To them there is no such thing as the “lazy, hazy crazy days of summer”, because it doesn’t last long enough. However, I bet my mother would have loved this schedule. She was so glad to see my brothers and me go back to school that it was almost embarrassing. The woman would get us up on the first day of school smiling like a Cheshire cat. She would have us dressed, lunches in hand and standing on the road waiting for the bus before the sun came up. To her the summer seemed eight months long. I guess Einstein was right and time is relative in this universe. It just depends on whether you’re a parent or a kid. So our schools have started back and the summer is officially over. The ball fields have weeds, the lake is empty and bikes are

gathering cobwebs. The kids, large and small, young and old look longingly out classroom windows at a freedom too soon gone. I bet time moves mighty slowly in those classes on a beautiful August day when study has taken the place of summer freedom. I want to encourage everyone to use their time wisely now that school has started. I want to remind you to pray for the teachers, administrators, coaches, assistants, drivers and support personnel that make our public schools operate. Then please pray for the home school students and their parents, the private schools and colleges. Education is a God given blessing that we should never take for granted and we need to thank Him for this privilege of learning. So let’s covenant together to remember all of these that lead our children in becoming all that they can be. Oh yeah, now that all the summer traveling is over it is time to get back in church because our earthly time schedules should always reflect our eternal commitments. Let’s give the Lord all the time He deserves. See you in church. Dr. Gerald Hallmark is a retired minister who lives in Alexander City. His column appears each Friday in The Outlook.

John McKelvey represents District 3, which includes Jackson’s Gap, Hackneyville, New Site and Daviston. His phone number is 256-794-4405. His address is 1285 Freeman Road, Dadeville.

Emma Jean Thweatt represents District 4, which includes Dadeville, Pace’s Point, northern Camp Hill, Buttston, Dudleyville and part of Eagle Creek. Her daytime phone number is 825-6914 and her evening phone number is 825-4207. Her address Emma Jean Thweatt is 585 Brookwood Circle, Dadeville. George Carleton Jr. represents District 5, which includes southern Camp Hill, Red Ridge, Walnut Hill, Union and Pleasant Ridge. His address is 630 Turner Road Road, Dadeville.

George Carleton Jr.

Scripture

“I entrust my spirit into your hand. Rescue me Lord, for your are a faithful God.” – Psalm 31:5

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Daily Poll Thursday Question: Who do you favor for City Council District 4?

Eric Brown – 134 Frank Tapley – 153 Billy Ray Wall – 10

Friday Question: Who do you favor for City council District 6 – Jason Cromer, Tim Funderburk or Tony Harris? To participate in this daily poll, log on each day to www.alexcityoutlook.com and vote. Find out the vote totals in the next edition of The Outlook and see if your vote swayed the results.

The Outlook 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.

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The subscription rate is $136.00 per year in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL. Newspapers are available at 100 news racks in our area at 50 cents for The Outlook and 50 cents for The Record. We would love to deliver a paper to your door. Call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281, Ext. 204 or e-mail david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook. com.

Letters to the Editor

Reader endorses mayoral candidate based on qualifications Dear Editor, I am asking for your vote for Jim Nabors for mayor. Although we have some good people running for the office there are several reasons why Jim is the best choice. We all know Alex City has serious financial problems. Jim is certainly the one most qualified in this area because of his experience at Russell Corporation, Alex City Board of Education

and Russell Medical Center. He has not only dealt with and solved financial problems, but has also dealt with employees and the public in ethical and moral ways. If you have read Jim’s resume you also realize he has business contacts throughout the state because of his being on various boards and committees across the state. His good reputation, his business acumen and his sense of fairness to all is well-

known. This would be valuable in helping our city grow and improve its reputation across the area. Jim is most certainly a proven leader. He wants to be our mayor simply because he loves Alex City. A vote for Jim Nabors is a vote for a brighter future for citizens of Alexander City. Susan Hagan Holdridge Alexander City

Here we go again Alexander City John McKelvey

Today’s

Mission

Officials

Steve Robinson represents District 2, which includes the southern part of Alexander City, the Cedar Creek area, Ourtown and Willow Point. His phone number is 256-654-0047. His Steve Robinson address is 1225 Warren Circle, Alexander City.

Quote

“We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.” – Dalai Lama

Our

Know Your

T.C. Coley represents District 1, including half of Coley Creek, the Andrew Jackson subdivision, the southern part of Indian Hill, North Central Avenue, part of Pearson’s Chapel Road, the Northside community and portion T.C. Coley of Spring Hill community. His phone number is 212-9316. His address is 2316 North Central Avenue, Kellyton.

Today’s

Dear Editor, When I was in the Army in training and our group would be marched from training session to training session we would call cadence. The cadence that comes to mind in relation to what has happening to our city yet again goes something like this. “Here we go again same old --- again.” And such is our mayor. How much incompetence must the citizens of Alex City endure? Shaw is going to develop a budget. That is a good one. Unless he has some first class help that won’t ever happen. On top of this we have hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines from the IRS and King Charles fiddles while Alex City burns. What does it take to impeach a mayor? I think the time has come for the citizens to find out. I tried to tell you people what kind of person you were getting

when Charles ran the first time and nobody listened. Everybody said he was a good Godly man. I beg to differ. I will relate a story to you told to me by the last police chief concerning our good Godly mayor. The reason the chief left was concern over possible unethical direction from the mayor. The mayor directed the police chief to go to the probate judge and obtain a civilian auto tag for his municipal automobile. The chief made three trips to acquire the tag. The first trip the probate judge refused to issue a civilian tag for a municipal vehicle. The mayor got mad and sent the chief back, directed him to tell the probate judgetThe mayor said to issue the tag. Again the probate judge refused. The mayor directed the chief to go back to the probate judge and tell him the municipal mayor car would be used for undercover work with the police

department. This time the probate judge issued the tag. The probate judge confirmed this story to me. So why would the mayor do such a thing? Maybe so he could ride around on the citizen’s dime while he served. That is my opinion. I think this would constitute lying and theft. Good and Godly? You decide. Oh by the way I keep hearing Jim Nabors advertising a plan for jobs and the old Russell buildings. I am yet to hear an actual plan and besides what buildings are left that are inhabitable? It is easy to say you have a plan. Woody Baird De Opresso Liber Business owner and tax revenue provider in Alex City without a vote.

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We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the greater Lake Martin community. It’s free and it only takes a few moments of your time. We have two ways to get your opinion in print: letters to the editor and guest columns. The main difference is length. Letters to the editor are up to 250 words, while guest columns can be up to 500 words. Letters and columns may be sent to P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011, faxed to (256) 2346550 or e-mailed to editor@alexcityoutlook.com. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send us your thoughts today!

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Friday, August 19, 2016

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Today’s Birthdays

Today is

August 19, 2016

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Ruth Melton, Ruth Johnson, Shelton “Little Man” Melton, Angelia Wright, Betty Jo Russell, Brad Nolen, AmyVickers,

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Gladys Hope Baker, Chris Goss, Donquavious Marshall, Larry Hill, Elaysha Easterwood and Billy Johnson are celebrating their birthday

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Submitted / The Outlook

The partners in Missions WMU group at First Baptist Church of Alexander City honored local police by inviting the entire department Aug. 17 to our Wednesday night supper and worship time. The goal was to make sure sofficers realize that they are not only appreciated but supported by the people who recognize their selfless commitment of serving and protecting the citizens of Alexander City.

August 15-21

CHRISTIAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY: New Covenant Ministries of the World is hosting an annual Christian General Assembly August 15-21 at the Liberty Life Christian Center at 243 S Street. A prayer and breakfast will be held at 9 a.m., explanation of Bible scriptures at 11:30 a.m. and worship and praise services each night at 7 p.m. with speakers. Climax Day speaker will be Chief Apostle W.T. Traylor

August 18-21

AUDITIONS: Alexander City Theatre II will hold auditions for their fall production at the Bama Theatre, 264 Tallapoosa St., Alexander City from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Copies of the script for “What is Susan’s Secret?” are available for review at The Coffee Corner, Adelia M. Russell Library in Alex City, Dadeville Public Library and the Media Center at Central Alabama Community College. For questions, contact Mac Tyson at 334-401-8259.

August 20

CHURCH YARD SALE: Mission Minded Kidds (m&m’s) of Duncan United Methodist and Sunnylevel United Methodist Churches will sponsor a free yard sale Saturday, Aug. 20 at Duncan United Methodist Church from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The church is located on Highway 22 East just passed Abernathy Feed and Seed. YARD SALE: Bethel Baptist Church in Jackson’s Gap is hosting a yard sale August 20 from 6 a.m. to noon. There will be sausage and biscuits for a $1. All items must go with nothing priced over $2. The money raised is going for a new piano. COMMUNITY AND CHILDREN’S DAY: There will be a community and children’s day Saturday, Aug. 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Camp Hill Park on Newell Street. Everyone is invited for fun food and fellowship. All candidates running for town, county and state office are invited to attend. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. ALLEN FAMILY REUNION: Descendants of Churchwell and Mary Bishop Allen are having a family reunion Saturday, Aug. 20 at Plesant Ridge Baptist Church, 463, Highway 49 South, Dadeville. There will be a cover dish lunch at noon. Contact Kay Ingle at 256-825-9003 for more information.

August 21

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HOMECOMING: Darian Missionary Baptist Church at 1825 Pearson Chapel Road in Alexander City will have a Homecoming Celebration beginning at 2:30 p.m. The guest church is Harper Springs Baptist Church of Sylacauga with Pastor Ocie Blackmon speaking. Rev. Larry Shealey is the minister at Darian Missionary Baptist Church.

August 22

SPEECH AND HEARING SCREENING: Auburn Universtiy’s NSSLHA and SAA are having a free speech and hearing screening Monday, August 22 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Auburn University Speech and Hearing Clinic in Room 1199 of the Haley Center. No Appointment is necessary. MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION: The next meeting of the Alexander City Area Ministerial Association will be Monday, August 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Big B Restaurant. All Christian ministers are invited. Come for information, sharing, mutal support, planning, challenge and intercessory prayer. For more information, contact Bill Middlebrooks, secretary at 256-234-3371.

August 22-24

REVIVAL: New Adka Missionary Baptist Church is hosting revival services August 22-24 at 7 p.m. nightly. The guest minister is Rev. MacArthur Moss of Reeltown Missionary Baptist Church. Edward Milner is pastor.

Aug. 22-Aug. 26

REVIVAL: Darian Missionary Baptist Church at 1825 Pearson Chapel Road in Alexander City will hold a revival Monday, Aug. 22-Friday, Aug. 26 with nightly services set for 7 p.m. Guest speaker will be Rev. Theoangelo Perkins of Liberty Christian Church in Harpersville.

August 27

MEET AND GREET: With all that’s going on in the country dealing with our Law Enforcement Official and the community. We the Brothers of Gibraltar Lodge #173 decided instead of marching or protesting, why not have a Meet and Greet / Family Fun Day August 27 starting at 10 a.m. at the Cooper Recreation Center. This would allow for the City Officials and the Community an opportunity to come together and have dialogue on concerns within the community as well as get to know each other. We are a small city and there isn’t any reason why we can’t get to know each other. So come on out bring the family and be a part of the solution. It will be a great time of Fellowship.

August 28

CHURCH HOMECOMING: River Road Baptist Church is hosting homecoming services Sunday, August 28 at 10 a.m. with Rebecca Futral and Just One in concert. A love offering will be taken and a covered dish lunch will be served at noon. Margaret Thornton is music director and Dr. Albert Pike is pastor. Everyone is invited.

August 30

COUNCIL MEETING: The Dadeville City Council will meet August 30 at noon for its second meeting of August to canvas the results of the municipal election and its regular meeting. UNITED WAY KICKOFF: The Lake Martin Area United

Way’s Campaign Kick Off is Tuesday, Aug. 30 at 5:30 p.m. at the Betty Carol Graham Technology Center.

September 2

HOMECOMING: There will be a homecoming reception for the Dadeville High School Classes of 1957, 1977 and 1997 at the Dadeville high School Library at 5 p.m. The classes will be honored at the reception before the game and by recognizing them at the football field before the game begins.

September 4

GOSPEL SINGING: World of Truth Ministries is hosting an Awakening Crusade with Paster James H. Bolton and Minister Eddie J. Howard Jr. Sunday, Sept. 4 at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

September 6

BUDGET HEARING: The Tallapoosa County Board of Education is holding two public hearings for the 2017 Budget on Sept. 6 and Sept. 12 at 4 p.m. at the Board office at 679 East Columbus Street in Dadeville.

September 10

LAUREL HIGH CLASS OF 1969: The Laurel High School Class of 1969 will have a meeting on Sat. September 10 at 10 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Cooper Recreation Center.

September 12

BUDGET HEARING: The Alexander City Board of Education will have a public budget hearing Sept. 12 at 7 a.m. in the board office at 375 Lee Street. BUDGET HEARING: The Tallapoosa County Board of Education is holding two public hearings for the 2017 Budget on Sept. 6 and Sept. 12 at 4 p.m. at the Board office at 679 East Columbus Street in Dadeville.

September 17

RIVER KIDS: The Tallapoosa County Extension Service and River Kids are hosting a float trip on the Tallapoosa River from Horseshoe Bend to Jay Bird Creek September 17 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Only twenty spots are available. Children must be at least 12 years of age and participated in Kayak Kamp. For more information or to register contact the Tallapoosa County Extension Office at 256-8261050. Registration deadline is Sept. 9.

September 20

MEETING: The Artist Association of Central Alabama will meet Sept. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church.

September 22

STORY TELLER: Delores Hydock, actress and storyteller, will present ‘Soldiers in Greasepaint: USO Camp Show Entertainers from World War II’ at Red Ridge Methodist Church (corner of Hwy 49 and 34) Sept. 22 at 11:30 a.m. Friends of the Dadeville Public Library will host this fun presentation by

Delores, and she will tell us that it was bigger than Bob Hope! From Utah to the Philippines, from wrestlers and tap dancers to the biggest names in show business, from 16,000 servicemen in a southern France amphitheater to 20 GI’s in jeeps, USO camps were part of an inspiring story of volunteerism, patriotism and service. She shares with us her stories, pictures and video excerpts of some of the 7000 camp performers who brought music and laughs to US servicemen far from home during WW II. Call 256-825-7820 for more information.

September 24

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP: The Artist Association of Central Alabama is hosting a watercolor workshop Sept. 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wine Emporium. The cost is $40 for members and $50 for non-members. The class is limited to 12 prepaid students. The workshop will cover birch trees in a snow scene. You can register at Wine Emporium or by calling Dottie Holdren at 256-3774918.

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September 29 - October 15

WETUMPKA DEPOT PLAYERS: Young Frankenstein will be presented by the Wetumpka Depot Players Sept. 29 - Oct. 15. For ticket information call 334-868-1140 or go to wetumpkadepot.com.

October 11

AUTHOR DISCUSSION: Peggy Wall, author of ‘Alabama Gold, a History of the South’s Last Mother Lode’, will visit the Dadeville Public Library Tuesday, October 11 at 2 p.m., to discuss her book and sign copies that will be available for sale. The book covers gold mining in Tallapoosa County during an entire century, beginning in the 1830’s and ending in the late 1930’s. She has included research about Gold Mountain, the Devil’s Backbone, Eagle Creek, Goldville and Hog Mountain. Ms. Wall interviewed miners from the 1930’s and they also told her stories of the experiences of their parents who had been miners in the early 1900’s. The Friends of the Library will sponsor this event in the basement of the library at 205 North West St. Call 256825-7820.

October 18

MEETING: The Artist Association of Central Alabama will meet Oct. 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church.

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October 22

CHRISTMAS CARD WORKSHOP: The Artist Association of Central Alabama is hosting a Christmas Card Workshop October 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wine Emporium. The cost is $40 for members and $50 for non-members. The class is limited to 12 prepaid students. The workshop will cover dogwoods, pink and white.

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CATHY HIGGINS SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228

sports@alexcityoutlook.com

Page 8

Friday, August 19, 2016

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Sports

Briefs Riggins hands over sideline mic to former RB Ronnie Brown After 25 years roaming the sidelines for the Auburn Sports Network, former Tiger linebacker great Quentin Riggins is passing the mic to former Auburn and NFL standout running back Ronnie Brown. Riggins, a four-year letter winner at linebacker for Auburn from 1986-89, earned second-team AllAmerican and first-team All-SEC honors in both 1988 and 1989, while helping the Tigers to SEC titles in 1987, ‘88 and ‘89. After graduation and a stint in the CFL, Riggins parlayed his love for and knowledge of football into a broadcast career which transformed the role of sideline reporter for the Auburn Network. Broadcasting has been a side job for Riggins who also has made a name for himself in Alabama government. Riggins worked for both former House Speaker Seth Hammett and former Gov. Bob Riley, whom Riggins served as director of legislative affairs. He also was a vice president at the Business Council of Alabama before starting his own company. In 2014, he moved into governmental relations at Alabama Power, and in March of this year was promoted to senior vice president in charge of governmental and corporate affairs. Part of the most illustrious backfield in Auburn football history, Brown rushed for 2,707 yards and 29 touchdowns during his fouryear career from 2000-04. He was selected second overall in the 2005 NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins. Brown now looks to put his Auburn communications degree to use with his new role on the Auburn Sports Network. In 2015, he took part in the NFL Broadcasters Boot Camp.

Alabama alums return for NPF Championship

Four former Alabama softball All-Americans will make their return to Rhoads Stadium as National Pro Fastpitch hosts the 2016 NPF Championship this weekend in Tuscaloosa. Haylie McCleney (2013-16) and Kelly Kretschman (1998-2002) play with the league’s top-seeded USSSA Pride, who open the weekend facing Kelley Montalvo (200609) and the fourth-seeded Akron Racers in a best-of-three series to earn a spot in the championship series. On the other half of the bracket, Jaclyn Traina (2011-14) and the Scrap Yard Dawgs square off against the defending league champion Chicago Bandits. Action begins today at 5 p.m. with the Scrap Yard Dawgs vs. the Bandits and continues at 8 p.m. with the Racers vs. the Pride. Game two and, if necessary, game three of each series will be played on Saturday with the best-of-three championship series beginning on Sunday at 4 p.m. Game two of the championship series is set for a 7 p.m. start on Monday and, if necessary, a deciding game three will be played on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Single-game tickets or specially priced ticket packages can be purchased online at championship. profastpitch.com/tickets. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate at Rhoads Stadium.

Troy Fan Day, Football Kickoff Party Saturday

With the 2016-17 athletic season right around the corner, Troy fans will have an opportunity to spend a day with the Trojans as Fan Day and the Football Kickoff Party will take place in Trojan Arena on Saturday. The day will begin at 11 a.m. when the Troy football team will conduct its second scrimmage of fall camp in Veterans Memorial Stadium. Fan Day follows from 2-4 p.m. in Trojan Arena as members of the football, volleyball, soccer and cross country teams will be on hand, along with the Troy cheerleaders and T-Roy, to pose for pictures and sign autographs. Team posters will be provided for fans and there will be inflatable games for kids to play on.

AND THEY’RE OFF

File / The Outlook

Wearing jersey No. 4, Dadeville starting quarterback Margarius Buchanan in 2015 action.

Tigers prepare for 1st away game against LaFayette By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor

Dadeville High opens the 2016 football season this week by heading to LaFayette for a nonconference game against the Bulldogs at 7 p.m. Friday. Although LaFayette is just 25 miles east of Dadeville on Highway 50, the two haven’t faced off on the gridiron during the regular season in several years. Although Dadeville is 4A and LaFayette is 2A, the matchup is an even one. But Tigers head coach Richard White has no illusions about the quality of the Bulldogs. “They have a very good quarterback, a good offensive line and a good defensive line,” White said. But the Tigers have a lot going for them. The roster is packed with star

seniors starting quarterback Margarius Buchanan, middle linebacker Carson McClendon, whom White dubs “a head hunter,” defensive end Tre Johnson and defensive lineman Branterro Banks, all of whom got MaxPreps recognition last year. White’s plan is for the Tigers to follow the formula that earned Dadeville a record of 7-6 overall and 3-3 for the region last year. White is counting on these star athletes to lead their teammates to victory Friday night and set the tone for another successful season. “Hopefully they understand what they need to do,” he said. What the Tigers need to do, White said, is to bring their A-game and move the ball down the field.

“We’re going to play hard,” the coach said. “We’re going to try to make the least amount of turnovers.” As the Tigers prepare for the season opener, work continues to ensure this first game ends in a win. “When you get ready to play your first game of the season, you’re never where you want to be,” White said. The coach is still working to make sure Dadeville’s offense is tight to keep those turnovers at a minimum. “We’re still working with our kids, trying to get our offense where it needs to be,” the coach said. Defensively, the Tigers are working just as hard to prepare for what the Bulldogs bring to the game. “We want to minimize what they do,” White said.

Cougars head to Montgomery for season opener By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor

Central Coosa High opens the 2016 football season tonight by traveling down to Montgomery Catholic to face the Knights. Last year new coach Barry Simmons set the Cougars on the road to redemption when Central Coosa showed significant improvement over past years by finishing 5-6 on the season and went 3-3 for the region. This, his second year, he’s got to prove he can maintain that momentum. It all starts tonight when Central Coosa faces off against a team that only won four out of 10 games in 2015. While this is the first time the two teams meet during regular season, Simmons is already familiar with how the Knights play. “We have exchanged spring games,” he said. Despite that familiarity, the Central Coosa coach does find the size of Montgomery Catholic’s team a little daunting. “They’re a big team,” Simmons said. “They dress about 85 players.” But Central Coosa is looking to set a strong tone with tonight’s season opener. That starts with making sure the offense goes the distance. “We need to make the least amount of turnovers,” Simmons said. Helping to drive the direction of Central Coosa’s offense will be starting quarterback Raymond Graham. Last year he made an average of one touchdown a game. If Simmons’ plan to improve on 2015 works out, that average could begin improving tonight. Succeeding against Montgomery Catholic also means keeping opportunity away from the Knights from the start.

File / The Outlook

Dontae Daniel (6) in 2015 action for the Central Coosa High Cougars.

“We’ve got to take control early in the as place kicker. “He has a decent leg,” Simmons said. game,” Simmons said. The coach hopes his successful kicks A recent addition to the Cougars’ lineup could make a difference in making in tryouts continue tonight. “We’ll find out,” Simmons said. those scores add up. Lewis Deal, a forTonight’s non-region game kicks off eign exchange student from Germany, was added to the team earlier this month at 7 p.m.

AUGUST 2016

2016 GRIDIRON GUIDE

AREA’S TOP FOOTBALL TALENT FEATURED

SUPER 12: MEET THE PLAYERS WHO WILL BE SPLASHED IN THE HEADLINES THIS SEASON TALLAPOOSA PUBLISHERS

GRIDIRON GUIDE WHO WILL BE THE AREA’S BEST?

THE REAL STORY

n COMPLETE SCHEDULES n TEAM ROSTERS

n TEAM PHOTOS n KEY GAMES TO WATCH

MORE EXPLOSIVE FOOTBALL FACTS EXPOSED INSIDE

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2

2016 GRIDIRON GUIDE

AUGUST 2016

AUGUST 2016

3

2016 GRIDIRON GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

On the cover This year’s football preview pays homage to the greatest tabloid of all time, as the cover takes on an Enquirer look. Pictured are Dadeville’s Margarious Buchannan, Horseshoe Bend’s Drew Hill, BRHS standout Necolby Maxwell, Coosa’s Raymond Graham and Reeltown’s Blake Baker.

4 8

BENJAMIN RUSSELL WILDCATS

DADEVILLE TIGERS

CHAIRMAN

Kenneth S. Boone

GENERALS

CENTRAL COOSA COUGARS

REELTOWN REBELS

Gridiron Guide is an annual publication of The Alexander City Outlook and the Dadeville Record. It is designed to highlight the local prep football teams in the Lake Martin Region. We hope you enjoy this year’s edition

STAFF

HORSESHOE BEND

16 18

20

ALSO INSIDE

PUBLISHER Steve Baker

SUPER 12

EDITORIAL

Mitch Sneed, Editor Cathy Higgins, Sports Editor David Granger Cliff Williams Betsy Iler

CIRCULATION

David Kendrick Linda Ewing

ACCOUNTING

Mary Lyman Boone Angela Mullins

COMPOSING

Audra Spears Darlene Johnson Hallie Holloway Alethia Russell

KEYS IN 2016

ADVERTISING

Tippy Hunter Doug Patterson Emily Gregg Donna Jones Jaylan Reynolds

LEAD PRESSMAN Lee Champion

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010 (256) 234-4281 www.alexcityoutlook.com

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2016 GRIDIRON GUIDE

AUGUST 2016

BENJAMIN RUSSELL WILDCATS

Wildcats to take on challenges in 2016 By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor

After placing No. 10 for 6A on the Alabama Sports Writers Association Preseason Poll, it would seem Benjamin Russell High School is coming into the 2016 season ahead of the game. But Wildcats head football coach Danny Horn takes such recognition with a grain of salt. “I’ve been ranked before and that didn’t determine if we made playoffs or not,” Horn said. “I hadn’t been ranked before and gone on to win a state championship.” BRHS finished the 2015 season with a 12-2 record and made it to the state semifinal round, where the Wildcats lost to Spanish Fort in the semifinals by a score of 31-27 and was undefeated for the season. According to the Wildcats coach, all that is in the past and it’s time to focus on this fall. Benjamin Russell heads into the upcoming season by sharpening their mettle, so to speak. One way of doing that is by adding running back coach and BRHS alumni Martae Wyckoff to the coaching staff. As he considers the running back program, Wyckoff is glad to have senior Necolby Maxwell, who was the MaxPreps 2015 Player of the Year, back in the position. “Of course we’ve got Maxwell back,” Wyckoff

said. “He’s really going to make my job a little easier because he’s somebody of a high caliber. A lot of people at Benjamin Russell know toughness and running backs. I think Maxwell is carrying that torch and I’m happy to coach him.” Wyckoff is also glad to be able to be part of shaping the running back program for the Wildcats. “That’s one position I take pride in,” Wyckoff said. “I look forward to developing them from here on out so they can keep carrying the torch for running backs.” Another returning senior is Timmy Maxwell, who will be starting quarterback for the Wildcats. “Timmy is an athlete,” Horn said. The key to Lawson’s athleticism is his agility. “Great stop and go speed,” Horn said. The Wildcats come into the season with 15 additional seniors, 27 juniors and 18 sophomores. That’s actually 15 fewer players than this time a year ago. However, Horn is not letting that faze him. “We’ve still got 73 players,” he said. “I learned a long time ago you can’t worry about the ones that are not there. You’ve got to worry about the ones that are there.” At least one injury led the Wildcats to make adjustments. “Da’vede Herron, he was going to be receiver

and defensive back,” Horn said of the junior. “He’s got problems with his back.” Thanks to those 15 fewer team members, Benjamin Russell had to fill depth in several key positions this season with less-experienced athletes. “We lost our whole defensive front,” Horn said. “We’ve got a lot of people starting for the first time.” This puts a sobering perspective on the upcoming season. “I’ve had some better years,” Horn said. “But we had some that did really well during conditioning this summer.” The head coach is looking for seniors such as Lawson and defensive back Darius Jackson to take on leadership roles among the team. “We’ve got to develop a lot more character,” Horn said. “The seniors have got to step up.” Character development is the Wildcats’ key to enduring a challenging season. “The schedule is pretty tough,” Horn said. “We play our first four games on the road, and everybody on our schedule is pretty good.” At the end of the season, Horn expects the entire team to be working together and meeting Benjamin Russell’s high standard of excellence. “The goal is to try to be the best this season we can possibly be,” he said. “We’re just going to try to get better as we go along and learn from our mistakes.”

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2016 GRIDIRON GUIDE

2016 BENJAMIN RUSSELL WILDCATS Name FENN, TYLER LUTZ, DAVIS JACKSON, DARIUS STONE, RAEQUAN JONES, QUINTERRIAN LAWSON, JACOBY GRAY, LATRAYVIOUS THOMPSON, PERCY CALDWELL, CAM COTNEY, LANDON VARDAMAN, DAWSON OHNSON, NYE’QWEZ HUNTER, JAQUERRIUS HERRON, DA’VEDE BROWN, QUON McNEAL, MARKEON SPIVEY, JADEN HUNTER, D.J. HARRISON, JIMMIAL McMICHEN, TYLER HARVEY, TIKEATHON COKER, HAL HOLLOWAY, ISAHA GRANT, WILLIAM WARE, LAMATTHEW BILLUPS, DEVIN EDWARDS, ETHAN MAXWELL, NACOBY TURNER, LANDON GONZALEZ, DESHAUN STONE, TYWANSKI MISSILDINE, EVAN GRAHAM, JAKOBE HENDRIX, BENJAMIN SLAUGHTER, JORDAN TUCK, JADEN AMBERCROMBIE, GREG MCELRATH, ZABRINSKY JACKSON, MARQUEL GREENE, JARED BUCKNER, CAM BURK, CONNER FLEETING, JAMAL ROSS, KASHARI KNIGHT, JACKSON TURNER, JACKSON JONES, CARTER ROSS, DARIUS ALEXANDER, JORDAN WATTS, TYLER LAWSON, TIMMY LASHLEY, DILLON WALDROP, TIMOTHY GREEN, RYAN FULLER, BRADLEY JOHNSON, TAE

Grade 12 12 12 11 12 12 11 11 12 10 11 12 12 11 11 11 12 11 11 11 11 12 11 12 11 10 11 12 10 10 10 10 12 11 12 11 11 12 10 11 11 11 12 10 11 11 12 10 12 11 12 11 10 10 10 12

No. 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 29 30 32 33 34 37 38 39 40 42 43 45 46 47 48 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 62 64 65 66 68 69 70

Height 5’9 5’9 5’11 5’11 5’10 5’11 5’10 6’3 5’10 5’10 5’11 5’11 5’9 5’9 6’1 5’9 5’7 5’9 5’8 5’8 5’7 5’11 5’10 6’1 6’0 5’8 5’9 5’10 5’9 5’10 5’7 5’9 5’10 5’10 6’5 5’11 5’9 6’1 5’11 6’3 5’10 5’9 5’9 5’10 5’10 5’10 5’10 5’10 6’4 5’9 5’10 5’10 5’7 5’10 6’2 6’2

Weight 145 195 180 180 215 180 190 185 150 165 195 180 150 185 170 155 150 150 145 155 220 160 165 170 165 140 165 185 160 180 145 145 175 180 245 160 180 215 210 220 290 175 215 205 260 180 240 175 250 190 225 190 190 210 270 290

Position K RB DB DB ILB QB ILB OLB QB QB WR WR WR WR WR DB DB DB DB DB ILB SN ILB WR WR DB OLB RB OLB OLB DB WR OLB OLB DL WR RB DL ILB OL DL ILB DL DL OL OL DL OLB OL ILB OL OL OL OL OL OL

Name LATHAM, GABE TUCK, JARZAYUS FULLER, SHANE ROBINSON, EZRA CHANNELL, CHASEN YOUNG, JAI LEONARD, DESMOND LUMPKIN, HUELL CRABB, KOBI McGHEE, NICK HEARD, RICHARD WILSON,JARVIS MONCUS, DILLON GAMBLE, JAIKOBEE SMITH, ZYKE’CE THOMPSON, ALJERIOUS

Grade 11 10 11 11 11 11 10 10 10 10 11 10 11 10 10 11

No. 71 73 75 76 78 79 81 82 84 85 86 87 88 91 92 94

Height 5’11 5’10 5’10 5’11 6’4 6’3 5’9 5’10 5’11 5’10 5’10 5’8 5’9 5’11 6’0 6’1

Weight 220 260 225 280 280 415 160 155 155 160 165 145 145 185 225 250

Position OL OL OL OL OL DL WR WR WR WR DB DB K DL DL DL

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Benjamin Russell High head football coach Danny Horn talks with the Wildcats during summer conditioning.

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AUGUST 2016

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

The Benjamin Russell seniors include Tyler Fenn, Hal Coker, Davis Lutz, Jaquerrius Hunter, Quinterrian Jones, Jamal Fleeting, Nye’Qwez Ohnson, Carter Jones, Cam Caldwell, Jordan Alexander, Timmy Lawson, Darius Jackson, Tae Johnson, Jakobe Graham, Jordan Slaughter, Zabrinsky McElrath, Nacoby Maxwell and Jaden Spivey.

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SERIOUS SHOWDOWNS

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Necolby Maxwell, with ball above, ran for more than 1,800 yards last season and should help the Wildcats in several key matchups this fall.

Kenneth Boone / The Record

Ten games that fans should circle on the prep football schedule home, fans can start making plans for a deep run in the playoffs. 3. Sept. 9, Leeds at Dadeville: The Tigers will get As soon as high school football schedules are an early season chance to gauge their squad against released, fans seemingly always take a long look and the defending state champion. After taking some analyze their team’s chances. lumps last year, the Tigers hope for a little revenge as On those schedules, there are always some games they have Leeds on the Tigers turf this year. that fans put a star beside, or circle in red, as a 4. Aug. 25, Horseshoe Bend at Donoho: The first reminder of a game not to miss. game of the year is always a tough one to predict, but For area prep football teams, this year’s schedules the Aug. 25 road game is an important one for the feature plenty of intriguing matchups that should Generals. prove to be measuring sticks for the teams’ strength. The Generals are coming off a losing season, one With that in mind, here are the games The Record where they finished winless. Donoho was 3-6. The sees as the area’s top matchups of the season as we Generals should find a team that they can match up head into the regular season: with well when they arrive in Anniston. The result in 1. Aug. 25, Reeltown at Dadeville: It doesn’t mat- this game should give players, coaches and fans an ter who the coaches or the players are, the Battle of idea of what this season will be like. Highway 49 is one of the area’s top games each sea5. Aug. 26, Benjamin Russell at Clay Central: son. This year promises to be the same. This early-season road trip is one that is intriguing, Jackie O’Neal will be missing from the sidelines largely due to the connection that Wildcats coach for Reeltown, but they have a man who is no stranger Danny Horn has to the community there. to this rivalry. Matt Johnson played for the Rebels It should be another physical test for Benjamin and said there won’t be a lot of big changes for the Russell. Rebels. This year Dadeville will have some holes to 6. Sept. 30, Reeltown at Ranburne: Ranburne fill, but they will benefit from the experienced gained has developed into a wide-open powerhouse football by Margarius Buchanan at quarterback last season. team. The contrast in styles between the Bulldogs and He finished with 1,399 yards passing, 1,538 yards the Rebels should make for a game where the Rebels rushing and 23 touchdowns in the Tigers’ up-tempo look to play keep-away from Ranburne. offense. If the Rebels are successful, it could be a sign that Spread and wide open vs. Smash Mouth. … Should this team is ready for a playoff run. be another classic. 7. Aug. 19, Coosa at Montgomery Catholic: 2. Sept. 16, Benjamin Russell at Opelika: Central and Catholic have never played each other, Opelika is always the team that Benjamin Russell but the season opener for the Cougars is one that has to measure itself by. Despite having a talentshould be interesting. laden team, the Bulldogs have gotten the best of the The team is coming off its first playoff appearance Wildcats in recent years. The Wildcats have some in a generation and a spring where despite heavy deep holes to fill. losses to graduation, they looked strong. The Wildcats will have to replace 27 seniors from The next step up to being a competitive team is last season’s 12-2 squad that finished in the Class 6A to show it has the ability to dominate a team that semifinals. If the Wildcats can stun the Bulldogs at it should beat. Montgomery Catholic went 4-6 last By MITCH SNEED and DAVID GRANGER Staff Writers

season and the first-ever meeting between Coosa and Catholic is a chance for the Cougars to show that their rise up the football food chain will continue. 8. Sept. 9, Horseshoe Bend at Reeltown: This is not only a Tallapoosa County rivalry game for both schools. It’s also a Class 2A, Region 5 contest. Horseshoe Bend showed some improvement in the spring and while Reeltown can be counted on to have talent, the new coaching staff in south Tallapoosa County will still be settling in. In all likelihood, the winner will remain in the thick of the race for the region title while the loser will face an uphill battle to the playoffs. 9. Oct. 21, Benjamin Russell at Wetumpka: The Wildcats and Indians haven’t met since 2011, but as Class 6A, Region 3 opponents now, the two teams will mark the 40th renewal of a rivalry that dates back to 1925. Benjamin Russell’s program is the stronger of the two, but the Indians showed improvement in the spring and, since the game is the regular-season finale for Wetumpka, should improve still more. Still, even with the Indians at home, Ben Russell will likely be a favorite. More than anything, the game marks the beginning of what should grow into an important and competitive series. 10. Sept. 30, Dadeville at Tallassee: These two are old rivals with football programs that are somewhat intertwined. Dadeville has played no one more times (63) than it has played Tallassee. Tallassee has played only Wetumpka more times. Tallassee’s legendary coach J.E. “Hot” O’Brien, who led to Tallassee to what was once the nation’s longest high school football undefeated streak (58 games), was a product of Dadeville. The coach of the undefeated Dadeville team of 1965, Jack Williams, was a product of Tallassee where he played under O’Brien. Is it any wonder that both teams are nicknamed Tigers? This one is always a good one.

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DADEVILLE TIGERS

Tigers to lean on ‘winning’ experience By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor

If history is doomed to repeat itself, that’s nothing but a good thing for Dadeville High this season. Last year the Tigers made it all the way to the state playoff semifinals. “We like to win,” said Dadeville head football coach Richard White. This year the Tigers have packed their arsenal to secure a winning season in 2016. That includes bringing Dadeville grad Kyle Caldwell to serve as offensive coordinator. He brings with him an enthusiasm and understanding of the area and the game that players seem to be warming up to. The Tigers have also added defensive coordinator Gerald Richardson to the staff. Richardson returns to coach in Dadeville after three times taking Noxubee County High in Macon, Mississippi to the state championship. Richardson brings that same winning attitude to the Tigers’ program. “I’m keeping my same defensive style,” Richardson said.

That style includes forcing a lot of turnovers and putting pressure on the quarterback. “If you cut off the head, the body falls away,” Richardson said. That means attacking the other guy’s O-line with aggression. “Myself and coach White, we’re right at the same path,” Richardson said. “We know we need to be a tough team.” That tough team is an experience one that includes 15 seniors, 11 juniors, four sophomores and three freshmen filling up the roster. “We have a whole lot of O-line back,” White said. “We’ll have our tight end back.” That doesn’t mean the Tigers won’t have to make adjustments this season. “We don’t have a lot of depth in some positions,” White said. “A couple of defensive ends we’re going to have to revamp.” But that won’t include straying from playing it heavy on defense with star seniors middle linebacker Carson McClendon, whom White dubs “a head hunter,” defensive end Tre Johnson and defensive lineman Branterro Banks, all of whom got MaxPreps recognition last year.

While these seasoned Tigers are thwarting the other team’s efforts to score, starting quarterback Margarius Buchanan aims to put points on the board for Dadeville. And the senior can do it too. Last year Buchanan made 26 touchdowns for the Tigers, 23 of which were rushing. Buchanan also completed 78 passes in 2015 with 1,399 total passing yards. Buchanan’s efforts got multiple nods from MaxPreps, which named him Overall Player of the Game a staggering six times, and three times each dubbed him Special Teams Player of the Game and Offensive Player of the Game. This year Buchanan is expected to once again get hold of the ball and move it down the field. “He’s going to tuck it and run,” White said. “That’s any quarterback’s dream,” Buchanan said. While strategy and strength will be vital to Dadeville’s plan for success, so will team unity. “We’re brothers too,” Buchanan said. “We’re all really the same and want to win ball games. The ultimate goal is to win.”

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2016 GRIDIRON GUIDE

2016 DADEVILLE TIGERS No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 38 40 50 51 52 55 56 57 58 59 60 62 63 64 68 70 71 73 74 78 82 84 86 88

Name Margarious Buchanan Tykeem Holley Kadore Glenn Cooper Childers Carson McClendon Jalen Sullivan Tyler Muniz Qua Tucker Devin Johnson Zander McClendon Morgan Davis Tre Johnson Jerry Pulliam Alex Walker Slade McCullers Corbin Holston Joshua Taylor JaMichael Moss R. J. Ford Jamauri Chislom Jamarion Wilkerson John Stroud Dreson Russell Caleb Jones Josh Talton LaDerain Crayton Antwoine Gunn Phillip Russell Timothy Russell A.J. Williams Carl Thorne Dominique Holley Alex Sims Branterro Banks Ab Abernathy Tyreake Carr Max McClendon Laquarius Lockhart Braylon Turner D.J. Foster Seth Meadors A.J. Nava Andrevious Giles Felix Fiallo Delontre Stone Andrew Spraggins Brennon Wright Alex Ray Kendrick Coleman Jacob Griffin Matthew Arrington Jacob Shurum Landon Tidwell Omar Taylor Kyle Vanvalkenburg

Grade 12 11 11 9 12 11 12 11 12 10 11 12 11 9 10 11 9 12 10 9 9 10 12 12 9 10 12 12 9 10 12 10 9 12 11 12 9 9 12 10 11 12 9 11 12 10 11 10 10 12 12 9 12 11 9

Position QB/DB RB/DB RB/LB WR/DB FB/LB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB TE/DE TE/DE QB/DB QB/DE WR/DB RB/DB RB/DB WR/DB RB/DE WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/LB WR/DB TE/DL WR/DB TE/DE RB/DL WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DE OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB TE/DE TE/DE WR/DB

Height 5’10 5’10 5’10 5’07 5’09 5’09 5’07 6’00 6’01 5’10 6’01 6’02 6’01 5’10 6’00 5’11 5’06 5’09 5’06 6’00 6’00 5’08 5’08 5’09 5’07 5’10 6’00 5’10 5’07 5’05 5’08 5’10 5’08 5’10 5’10 5’10 5’10 5’09 6’00 6’00 6’00 6’00 5’08 5’07 5’09 5’07 5’09 5’08 5’07 6’01 5’10 5’06 6’04 6’00 5’05

Weight 170 180 185 135 210 160 175 180 185 150 175 245 180 160 215 165 140 160 145 185 150 160 145 165 140 215 180 200 150 130 150 215 145 250 235 225 215 220 235 200 250 240 250 240 245 180 240 225 185 265 285 135 235 210 130

Coaches: Richard White-Head, Kyle Caldwell-OC, George Richardson-DC, Rodney Taylor, Jessie Foster, Roy Ryan, Brad Ford Water Girls: Cali Jones, Marley Davis, Marlo White

Dadeville Police Department Chief David E. Barbour

192 South Broadnax Dadeville, AL

Cathy Higgins / The Outlook

Meet the Tigers coaching staff Dadeville High Tigers football coaching staff includes Kyle Caldwell-OC, Richard White-Head, Rodney Taylor, Jessie Foster, Roy Ryan, George Richardson-DC and (not pictured) Brad Ford.

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2016 GRIDIRON GUIDE

AUGUST 2016

Cathy Higgins / The Outlook

Meet the 2016 Dadeville Tigers seniors Dadeville High seniors include Carl Thorne, Delontre Stone, Carson McClendon, Tyler Muniz, Caleb Jones, Matthew Arrington, Antwoine Gunn, Margarius Buchanan, Branterro Banks, Phillip Russell,Dreson Russell, Landon Tidwell, Tyreake Carr, A.J. Nava, Tre Johnson, Jacob Griffin, Branterro Banks and Devlin Johnson.

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Above, senior Michael Moss looks for running room in a game last season with arch-rival Reeltown. Right, Dadeville senior receiver Tyler Muniz hauls in a pass in 2015 action.

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FOOTBALL 2016 DADEVILLE TIGERS

HORSESHOE BEND

REELTOWN REBELS

8/19 @ LaFayette 8/25 vs. Reeltown 9/02 vs. Munford 9/09 vs. Leeds 9/16 @ Holtville 9/23 @ Valley 9/30 vs. Tallassee 10/07 @ Elmore County 10/14 vs. Handley 10/21 @ Childersburg

8/26 vs. Donoho 9/02 @ Lanett 9/09 @ Reeltown 9/16 vs. Ranburne 9/23 @ Holtville 9/30 vs. LaFayette 10/07 @ Vincent 10/14 vs. Fayetteville 10/21 @ Woodland 10/27 vs. Wadley

8/18 vs. Notasulga 8/25 @ Dadeville 9/02 @ Woodland 9/09 vs. Horseshoe Bend 9/16 @ Lanett 9/30 @ Ranburne 10/07 vs. LaFayette 10/14 vs. Vincent 10/21 @ Fayetteville 10/27 vs. Loachapoka

2016 GRIDIRON GUIDE

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AUGUST 2016

2016 OUTLOOK SUPER-12 TEAM Necolby Maxwell, Benjamin Russell High School

When opponents go head to head with Benjamin Russell High School this fall, preventing the Wildcats from reaching the goal line could be a problem when Necolby Maxwell is on the field. “He’s a GREAT running back,” said head football coach Danny Horn. “He is a very POWERFUL runner.” The running back who wears No. 3 combines that power with focus. “He has great vision and good speed,” Horn said. That combination makes Maxwell quite a problem for the other team’s defense. “He does not let the first tackler bring him down,” Horn said. As the 2016 season closes in, Maxwell plans to continue doing what he does best. “I’m just going to go out there and work hard,” he said.

Margarius Buchanan, Dadeville

TALE OF THE TAPE

Height: 5’8” Weight: 193 lbs Year: Senior Position: Running back Player synopsis: Fast evasive runner with enough power to run over people as well.

TALE OF THE TAPE

Height: 5’9” Weight: 82 lbs Year: Senior Position: Quarterback Player synopsis: Incredible athlete who coaches believe will give the Wildcats a threat at QB.

Carter Jones, Benjamin Russell

When Benjamin Russell High School opponents take to the scrimmage line this season, they’ll face the intimidating figure of Carter Jones. Jones started out last season as offensive fullback. He made 111 knockdowns, 15 pancake blocks and 53 violent shoves. But as the season progressed he transitioned to the playmaking role of center. It’s a situation that works just fine for Jones. “I like center,” he said. “You can get to control the play.” Jones also knows when to take advantage of his size and delve full force into mowing down the defense. “He is strong and has shown the capability of being a versatile player,” BRHS coach Danny Horn said. With that versatility comes a surprise as Jones has no problem helps power the running game, “He is mobile for such a big guy,”

TALE OF THE TAPE

Height: 5’10” Weight: 180 lbs Year: Senior Position: Cornerback/ Quarterback Player synopsis: Quick, elusive runner 40 time: 4.4 seconds

Carson McClendon, Dadeville

Timmy Lawson, Benjamin Russell No matter who will have possession of the pigskin this fall when Benjamin Russell High School takes to the field, senior Timmy Lawson is set to be a force to be reckoned with. “Timmy is an athlete,” said Wildcats head coach Danny Horn. The key to Lawson’s athleticism is his agility. “Great stop and go speed,” Horn said. That translates to his ability to easily change direction on the field. But Lawson’s power doesn’t end there. The 5-foot, 11-inch, 165-pound athlete can do some damage on the defense too. That’s evidenced in his making 24 solo tackles over 11 games in 2015, as well as 14 assists. Plus, Lawson made four interceptions and deflected five passes throughout the season.

Dadeville High School senior Margarius Buchanan is set to be an integral ingredient in the Tigers’ recipe for success on the gridiron this fall. After all, his exploits over the last two seasons earned him the Player of the Game Award 13 times, with all except two presented in 2015. “He’s a versatile athlete,” said DHS head football coach Richard White. Thanks to that versatility, Buchanan, who wears the No. 1 jersey, knows just how to rack up points for the Tigers. In his varsity career he has scored a total of 213 points over 30 games, 177 of which were last year. The key to Buchanan’s success doesn’t lie in knocking heads. Instead, it’s in his ability to gain ground on the field. “He’s more of a runner,” White said.

Since taking his place on the Dadeville High football team his freshman year, Carson McClendon has proven he knows how to hold the opponent’s offense at bay. As middle linebacker, the senior who sports the No. 5 jersey has made 216 defensive tackles for the Tigers. Ninetyfive of those McClendon made on his own. Plus, the sack he made last year did 7 yards’ worth of damage. That’s not the only problem McClendon causes for the opposition. As a sophomore he caused a fumble, made one interception and gained 32 fumble recovery yards for the Tigers. According to Dadeville head football coach Richard White, McClendon knows how to shape the Tigers defense by calling the defensive signals. “He’s what you call a headhunter,” White said.

TALE OF THE TAPE

Height: 5’10” Weight: 210 lbs Year: Senior Position: Linebacker/ Tight end Player synopsis: Tough, physical linebacker who loves to hit.

Tre Johnson, Dadeville

TALE OF THE TAPE

Height: 6’2” Weight: 284 lbs Year: Senior Position: Guard, center Player synopsis: Versatile, strong and physical offensive lineman. Bench: 350, Squat: 455

Dadeville senior Tre Johnson should do some damage to the other team’s offense. In the 26 varsity games Johnson has played, he made 149 tackles — 74 of which were achieved solo. Plus, as a junior six of his tackles lost yardage for the other side. Johnson also made five sacks each in the previous two seasons, causing 36 yards of losses in 2015 and 16 in 2014. While Johnson has proven his ability to block the offensive line, his versatility on defense is also obvious. “He can handle it one on one or run those plays inside,” said Dadeville High head football coach Richard White. The senior knows how to seek out opportunities to get hold of the pigskin, as evidenced in his interception as a sophomore. He also recovered a fumble during each of the last two seasons.

TALE OF THE TAPE

Height: 6’3” Weight: 245 lbs Year: Senior Position: Defensive end / tight end Player synopsis: Player synopsis: Strong, effective blocking, seeks contact opportunities. opportunities.

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2016 GRIDIRON GUIDE

Brandon Heard, Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend opponents hoping to make headway on the scoreboard this season may find themselves up against a wall — in the form of Generals defensive end Brandon Heard. Wearing the No. 32 jersey for the Generals, the senior comes in at 5 feet, 7 inches tall and 205 pounds. In his three years on varsity, Heard has done some damage to the other side’s offense. For starters, his tackles just keep getting better and better. He went from just making nine as a freshman to 39 as a sophomore and then topping out last year with 56. So far that’s a career total of 104 tackles, 72 of which were solo, at an average of four tackles a game. And eight of them lost yards for the other side.

J. T. Hill, Coosa Central

TALE OF THE TAPE

Height: 5’7” Weight: 205 lbs Year: Senior Position: Guard / Defensive end Player synopsis: Immovable block, constantly refining his skills

Branterro Banks, Dadeville

Put simply, Dadeville senior Branterro Banks is a powerhouse with a build he uses to his advantage on the defensive line. “It’s much harder to block him,” said Dadeville head football coach Richard White. Instead, Banks lets his own blocking do the talking. To find evidence of his O-line/D-line mastery, just check out his stats. In Banks’ varsity career, the defensive end made 88 tackles for the Tigers. Exactly half of those he achieved on his own. It’s a skill he’s also ramped up each season as 35 of those solo tackles he made just last year, averaging 4.4 tackles per game. Banks also has both a fumble recovery and pass deflected under his belt. With all that in mind, it’s obvious that he can be a definite problem for the other team. But blocking isn’t Banks’ only talent. With eight kickoffs he took the ball a total of 227 yards for the Tigers during his junior year, allowing his versatility to play out on the field.

When the Central Coosa Cougars take to the gridiron this fall, senior J.T. Hill plans to be a nightmare for the other guy’s offense. Hill gives it all he’s got for Central Coosa’s defense. As history shows, that’s enough to do some serious damage to the other team’s O-line. In his varsity career Hill has made a total of 136 tackles, 62 of which were done all on his own. With an average of 6.5 tackles a game, Hill doesn’t make it any fun for the opposition. While on varsity Hill has defended against a pass, caused three fumbles and recovered three fumbles. As running back, Hill also knows how to look for opportunity on offense. Last year his receptions moved the ball an average of 28.5 yards per game.

TALE OF THE TAPE

Height: 6’1” Weight: 170 lbs Year: Senior Position: Linebacker / Running back Player synopsis: Racks up the tackles, causes fumbles, moves ball ball..

Raymond Graham, Central Coosa

TALE OF THE TAPE

Height: 5’9” Weight: 250 lbs Year: Senior Position: Guard / Defensive End Player synopsis: Incredible strength, immoveable block, great run stopper.

Drew Hill, Horseshoe Bend

In his varsity career, Horseshoe Bend running back Drew Hill has scored a total of 210 points at an average of 8.1 points per game, 35 of which were from touchdowns. Speaking of touchdowns, last year Hill made 15 of those rushing — that’s half of his varsity rushing TDs. He also received two touchdowns and returned two kickoffs for touchdowns. On average, he made 1.9 touchdowns per game his junior year. Hill also knows how to keep the pigskin moving. In his varsity career, he has returned 15 kickoff returns for 559 yards. That’s over 26 total games. With that in mind, it’s no wonder Hill was a prime choice for receiving the ball. In 2015 he made 11 receptions, gaining 115 yards for the effort. Last year Hill proved that he could hold onto the ball when he got it. While he fumbled twice as a sophomore, in 2015 he was fumble-free.

15

It’s safe to describe Central Coosa County High School senior Raymond Graham as wiry. But that’s just the right build to help the quarterback take the Cougars to a successful season. Graham has been playing football since he was in the seventh grade. That experience shows brilliantly on his varsity statistics. For starters, the Cougars’ main man made 11 rushing touchdowns in 2015, racking up 66 points for Central Coosa. On average, that’s about a touchdown per game. If that’s not impressive enough, how about the fact that six times last year he rushed for more than 100 yards? Graham gauged when to pass the ball too. With a varsity career quarterback rating of 73.9, he made 1,098 passing yards last year alone. As the heart of the Cougars, Graham has proven he knows just how to finish what he started by making 6.4 completions per game in 2015.

TALE OF THE TAPE

Height: 5’7” Weight: 150 lbs Year: Senior Position: Quarterback Player synopsis: Speedy, playmaker, mobile, scores the points as he has a knack for finding the goalline.

Blake Baker, Reeltown

TALE OF THE TAPE

Height: 5’8” Weight: 190 lbs Year: Senior Position: Running Back/ Long Snapper Player synopsis: A strong, durable and dependable TD scoring machine.

As an offensive/defensive lineman, Reeltown High senior Blake Baker doesn’t see himself in the spotlight. “I’m the guy who doesn’t really get his name put in the paper that much,” he said. Instead, Baker’s the guy whose mission is to block both coming and going. “He’s big in the trenches,” Reeltown head football coach Matt Johnson said. That’s no exaggeration as Baker comes in at 6 foot, 4 inches tall and 245 pounds. You can bet he makes the most of that power every time he steps out on the field. “My goal is to just put full effort into everything I do,” Baker said.

TALE OF THE TAPE

Height: 6’4” Weight: 245 lbs Year: Senior Position: Offensive tackle / Defensive end Player synopsis: Baker is big and strong and is a tireless blocker.

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AUGUST 2016

HORSESHOE BEND GENERALS

Generals open 2016 with hungry ambition By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor

With only one win on the books for the entire 2015 season, Horseshoe Bend High has nowhere to go but up. The bad news is that the Generals have a lot of work to do to turn things around this year. The Generals could have a hard road to run this fall, especially as the number of the most seasoned players is sparse with only five seniors. But these guys will have experienced support as 24 juniors join them on the field. The Generals’ lineup is completed by a dozen sophomores and sole freshman Nywanski Russell, whose position has yet to determined. Generals head football coach Jason Franklin has plans to make this team’s time on the field count. “We really need to build some depth on the offensive line and defensive line,” he said. Franklin’s plans include making sure the Generals don’t let go of opportunities. “We really don’t need to flip flop,” the coach said. One key to Horseshoe Bend’s offense is running back Drew Hill. The senior has quite a bit of experi-

ence making headway with the pigskin. In his varsity career, Hill has scored a total of 210 points at an average of 8.1 points per game, 35 of which were from touchdowns. Speaking of touchdowns, last year Hill made 15 of those rushing — that’s half of his varsity rushing TDs. He also received two touchdowns and returned two kickoffs for touchdowns. On average, he made 1.9 touchdowns per game his junior year. Hill also knows how to keep the pigskin moving. In his varsity career, he has returned 15 kickoff returns for 559 yards. That’s over 26 total games. While the Generals’ record doesn’t reflect the team’s offensive potential, Hill believes this summer’s conditioning and fine-tuning will change all that. “We’re busting our butt to show folks what we can do,” he said. While Horseshoe Bend’s offensive plans seem to be in shape, Franklin has given just as much attention to the defense, especially the interior. “We’re going to put the best defensive players together and get them on the field,” the coach said. Defensive end Brandon Heard fits that description just fine. The senior comes in at 5 feet, 7 inches tall

and 205 pounds. In his three years on varsity, Heard has done some damage to the other side’s offense. For starters, his tackles just keep getting better and better. He went from just making nine as a freshman to 39 as a sophomore and then topping out last year with 56. So far that’s a career total of 104 tackles, 72 of which were solo, at an average of four tackles a game. And eight of them lost yards for the other side. But that’s still not good enough for Heard, who only looks to keep racking up those tackles this fall. “I want to make an average of about 10-12 tackles per game,” he said. Tackles aren’t Heard’s only talent for thwarting the quarterback. The four sacks in his career got the job done by losing 43 yards for the opposition. Franklin is counting on Hill and Heard to lead the Generals to an ambitious season one game at a time. “Our overall goal is to win the region,” he said. “That means we’re wanting to win them all.” That’s an order the seniors are looking to fill in their last season as Generals. “Everybody’s on the same page,” Hill said. “To go out and prove to everybody what we can really do.”

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2016 HORSESHOE BEND GENERALS Number 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 19 20 22 23 25 27 28 31 32 50 51 52 54 55 56 58 69

Name Lee Norrell Trey Jones Jace Rodriguez Jarod Rodriquez Nywanski Russell Jarrett Jones Devon Bowen Corbin Shivers Josh Walls Luke Yarbrough Chad Stinson Dakota Hill Lavontae Robinson Braxton Walls Cade Worthy Griffin Jackson Shaun Wyatt Brady Griffith Jeffery Wyatt Dallas Smith Drew Hill Trace Meadows Quay Burton Parker Branch Joe Railey Grant Taylor Brandon Heard Logan Branch Aidan Wingo Drake Conway Jose Cruz Matthew Wilson Jase Jacques Dakota Blythe Sawyer Jones

Position. Grade 10. 11 11 WR 11 9 TE 12 10 WR 11 10 WR, SS 11 11 10 11 WR 12 QB, FS 11 C, OLB 12 11 10 10 10 RB, LS 12 11 10 TE, OLB 11 11 10 G, DE 12 10 12 C, DE 11 11 DE, T 11 11 G 11 11

Height

Weight

5’6”

140

5’6”

115

5’8”

190

5’11”

160

5’7”

205

5’8”

190

5’10”

190

Number 71 73 75 77 79 81 82 86

Name Jaden Mckelvy Jayden Beck Evan Bentley Mikah Tapley AJ Thompson Collin Earle Jared Stabler Colton Powell

Position. Grade 11 10 DE, T 11 G, OLB 11 11 11 11 10

Height

Weight

5’10”

195

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Horseshoe Bend Coach Jason Franklin and the Generals’ coaching staff

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2016 GRIDIRON GUIDE

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AUGUST 2016

COOSA CENTRAL COUGARS

Cougars intend to continue upward trend By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor

Central Coosa High’s journey to turn itself around is reminiscent of the fabled tortoise in the race against the hare — slow and steady. After winning only eight games over five years, the Cougars started afresh in 2015 with new head football coach Barry Simmons. It was a welcomed change, bringing the team’s season record to 5-6 overall and 3-3 for the region. “It was a turnaround,” said starting quarterback Raymond Graham. That turnaround, which included a regimen of dedication and plain old work, showed the Central Coosa athletes just what could be possible for this season. “It gave us a lot to look forward to,” Graham said. “With the new coaching staff and new work ethic, it really shows us what hard work is. Giving your all to something, it shows you what the rewards are.” With a renewed perspective, Graham and his fellow returning seniors expect those rewards to be noteworthy.

“We expect more out of ourselves,” Graham said. “So we’re turning it up a notch and trying to go farther with our season.” But Central Coosa still has some work to do. That starts by filling in depth in key positions. “The biggest gap is our offensive line,” Simmons said. “But we’ve got bodies to do it. Most of our defense is back.” Simmons is still trying to fill those gaps even with game day fast approaching. Just last week the coach was still holding tryouts and looking to add to the 35-player roster. That makes for a fluid lineup with very little time to come together as a tightened up team by next week’s season opener. “We’re in a tough breach,” Simmons said. “We’re going to have to work for everything we get.” However, the returning Cougars are coming back ready to play. “We haven’t had any injuries,” Simmons said. “So far so good.” Another bonus is that Simmons does have returning seniors he’ll depend on this fall. One star athlete is Graham, who is expected to continue leading Central

Coosa on its upward trend. His experience shows as the Cougars’ main man made 11 rushing touchdowns in 2015, racking up 66 points for Central Coosa. On average, that’s about a touchdown per game. While Graham will be counted on to put points on the board for Central Coosa, fellow senior J.T. Hill is the key to the Cougars’ defense. The linebacker comes in at 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighs 170 pounds. While that’s an average build, Hill gives it all he’s got for Central Coosa’s defense. As history shows, that’s enough to do some serious damage to the other team’s O-line. In his varsity career Hill has made a total of 136 tackles, 62 of which were done all on his own. With an average of 6.5 tackles a game, Hill doesn’t make it any fun for the opposition. Hill looks for that focus to carry the Cougars through a successful season. “Going undefeated and going back to the playoffs,” he said. That’s an ambition Simmons echoes. “Our goal is to win every game we play,” the coach said.

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2016 CENTRAL COOSA COUGARS Name Tyius Evans Jevon McKinney Raymond Graham Tadarius Parker Levi Krause Jamichael Chambliss Donta Daniel Keonta Hines Dalancey Segars Justin Mitchell Josh Mitchell Toney Davis J.T. Hill Omar Gaddis Tre Peoples Drew Dunham Dylan Hay Mike Jones Dillion Nail Kemoney Odem Tahj Robbins Brandon Von Wormer Malik Whetstone Noel Jones Cason Robbins Jaylon Fuller Dylan Buchannon Jeremiah Harmon Jaylon Street Louis Dill Miles McCain S. Odem Xavier Moon Malik Holtzclaw Taylor Robinson

No.

27 12 7 57 71 24 21 55 20 88 3 74 22 26 1 17 35 8 4 50 66 9 25 16 53 10 64 13 11 72 14 23 6 51

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Meet the Cougars’ leaders

Cathy Higgins / The Outlook

Above, Central Coosa seniors include Brandon Von Warmer, Drew Dunham, Malik Holtzclaw, Raymond Graham, Jaylon Street, Kemoney Odem, Dillion Nail, Miles McCain, Tyius Evans, J.T. Hill, Jeremiah Harmon, Dalancey Segars, Josh Mitchell, Jevon McKinney, Tre Peoples and Justin Mitchell. Below is head coach Barry Simmons and his coaching staff.

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AUGUST 2016

REELTOWN REBELS

Rebels usher in a new era in 2016

By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor

The Reeltown Rebels are kicking off the 2016 season under a new coach. RHS alum Matt Johnson returns to his alma mater to takes over the helm after legendary head coach Jackie O’Neal retired last year. As new man in charge Johnson has plenty to prove. But he’s got a lot of work to do to make sure the Rebels do better than last year’s season of 6-5 overall and 3-3 in the region. “We had kind of a rocky road,” said offensive/defensive lineman Blake Baker. “There’s no better way to explain it.” Baker said his goal is for the Rebels to win the playoffs. But they’ve got to get through the regular season first. They’ll try to do so with a mixed roster that includes 14 seniors, six juniors, 13 sophomores and seven freshmen in the lineup. “We are young in some places but we have

a good bit of experience up front on both sides of the ball,” Johnson said. Standing at an even 6 feet tall and weighing 162 pounds, J.J. Matthews is this season’s starting quarterback. However, Johnson’s key to victory stands with controlling the line of scrimmage. “We are looking to lean on those guys as we know in this game it starts up front with o-line and d-line,” the coach said. In some cases, that means building depth in critical areas from the ground up. “We did lose some key players from last year and we are continuing the process of developing guys to step up in some of those roles especially at the quarterback position,” Johnson said. Joining Matthews in the QB position will be sophomore Khoner Davis. Whether he can fit the bill remains to be seen. “We are young and not bringing a load of experience at that position so as of now that is the biggest question mark,” Johnson said.

But the Rebels will still move the ball down the field at every opportunity this fall. “We will continue to be a run-heavy team as that is in their blood here,” Johnson said. “We will run the ball, look to control the clock, play good defense and we always put a lot of stock in special teams.” By running the ball, the Rebels plan to eat up a lot of ground this fall. “This is a game of real estate and special teams is where the most real estate is lost and gained,” Johnson said. “We must continue to improve in that area and take pride in it.” It seems the Rebels have quickly become comfortable with Johnson’s game plan and are ready to play some ball. “The players have bought in to what we are doing and have really worked hard this summer,” Johnson said. “Very few words explain this man,” Baker said. “He’s one of those coaches that pushes you to your limit every day. He expects the best out of us every day.”

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2016 REELTOWN REBELS NAME KOLBY COAN CAMERON FAISON RJ WOODARD MAKEVEON HUGHLEY JAKE HIGMAN ERIC SHAW JJ MATTHEWS DANNY MCKINSTRY THOMAS MOATES DERRICK HAMMONDS JOBY NEWMAN TREY O’NEAL MONTEZ BROOKS KHONER DAVIS DERRICK MCGHEE COLE FLURRY RHASHEED WILSON CHASEN FOMBY CADE GIDDENS TRE HUGHLEY REED BAKER KADE BURKHALTER NELSON WHALEY GREG DAVIS RAY MCKINSTRY MICHAEL LOWE CHANDLER GRAY TROY FUTRAL TRENT THRASH LIOTEZ LEWIS DYLAN FUTRAL KYLE NELSON JACOB ROGERS BRENT COWART JORDAN WHITLOW ROBERT CRITTENDEN JT BILLINGSLEY KEMONTE HARRIS JUSTIN HOUSE BLAKE BAKER TORRAN SMITH

GRADE 10 9 12 10 12 9 12 12 11 10 12 10 12 10 10 12 9 12 12 9 11 10 9 11 12 10 10 12 12 10 10 11 11 12 10 9 9 10 11 12 12

HEIGHT WEIGHT No. 5’9 153 1 5’9 145 2 5’10 160 3 5’6 140 4 5’10 176 5 6’3 172 6 6’0 162 7 5’7 131 8 5’7 140 9 5’5 138 10 5’9 160 11 6’1 190 12 5’11 225 14 5’9 134 15 5’9 180 17 6’0 176 18 5’10 121 19 5’8 144 20 5’7 162 22 5’7 172 24 5’10 160 26 5’6 122 32 6’0 205 33 5’9 178 40 5’6 125 44 6’3 157 50 5’7 143 51 6’1 200 52 6’2 215 53 5’10 229 54 5’11 185 55 6’1 195 56 5’10 204 57 5’8 180 58 5’7 191 59 5’7 152 62 5’8 187 63 5’5 205 72 5’11 220 74 6’5 247 75 6’0 329 77

POSITION LB/QB CB/WR CB/WR CB/RB WR/S S/WR QB/S WR/CB RB RB/CB WR/LB TE/LB LB/RB QB TE/LB FB/LB CB/WR WR LB/TE RB/LB WR/S WR OL/DL FB/DL CB/WR LB/OL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL

Cathy Higgins / The Outlook

Meet the 2016 Reeltown seniors Reeltown seniors include Jake Higman, Chase Fomby, Danny McKinstry, J.J. Matthews, Ray McKinstry, Joby Newman, Cade Giddens, Montez Brooks, R.J. Woodard, Trent Thrash, Troy Futrual, Blake Baker, Torran Smith, Cole Flurry and Brent Cowart.

“We are young in some places but we have a good bit of experience up front on both sides of the ball. ... The players have bought in to what we are doing and have really worked hard this summer” — Matt Johnson

Reeltown Head Football Coach

Cathy Higgins / The Outlook

Meet the 2016 Reeltown coaching staff Reeltown High School head football coach Matt Johnson, front center, along with the Rebels coaching staff is looking to lead the Rebels to a winning 2016 season. Johnson returns to his alma mater to head a program that was piloted for decades by the man he played for – the legendary Jackie O’Neal.

2016 GRIDIRON GUIDE

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NeColby Maxwell, BRHS

AUGUST 2016

Margarius Buchanan, DHS

Raymond Graham, Coosa

Drew Hill, HBS

NEW YEAR, NEW STORYLINES Five stories to watch in the 2016 high school football season STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

yard receiver Tyreke Stone, shutdown corner Isaiah Hicks, and the list goes on. Jennings went down early in 2015, which enabled Margarius Buchanan to step in at the quarterback position as he finished with 1,399 yards passing, 1,538 yards rushing and 23 touchdowns in the Tigers’ up-tempo offense. With Buchanan returning, the Tigers hope to pick up where they left off. The athletes, as always, will be there for the Tigers, but will have to step up quickly in a region that includes the return of longtime rival Tallassee.

The 2016 high school football season is upon us, but teams around the Tallapoosa County area are prepared for the changes coming this year. With new region alignments, new coaches and, of course, new players, teams around the Lake Martin area will have to adjust quickly to ensure success on the gridiron. Here are five of the top storylines to watch in Reeltown under new management 2016. With the retirement of legendary coach Jackie O’Neal, Reeltown will move forward under a new Will Dadeville rebuild or reload? coach in Matt Johnson. Like all high school teams, Dadeville lost key Familiarity with existing staff members should players from last season, but few lost as many for- make for an easier transition, as well as scheme mer All-State athletes as the Tigers. changes that Johnson dubbed “minor.” The Rebels are hoping to maintain that same kind Alabama signee Shawndarius Jennings, 1,000-

of smashmouth style that worked so well under O’Neal for decades. If Johnson can establish his style early on, things could go smoothly for the Rebels.

Wildcats replacing large senior class The Wildcats will have to replace 27 seniors from last season’s 12-2 squad that finished in the Class 6A semifinals. Among those seniors were key players like Murray State signee Tyre Gray, who led Benjamin Russell with 1,848 yards and 31 touchdowns from the quarterback position. Not only will the Wildcats have to find a new signal-caller, they will have to replace some key pieces on the offensive line and defense. Fortunately for Benjamin Russell, it returns an 1,800-yard rusher in running back NeColby See STORYLINES • Page 23

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AUGUST 2016

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ASWA PRE-SEASON FOOTBALL POLL Class 7A

Class 5A

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. 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

Class 6A

Class 4A

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

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

Storylines

continued from page 1

Maxwell and experience in the secondary with Timmy Lawson. With a couple of 2015 playoff teams in Helena and Wetumpka joining the region along with the return of familiar foes Opelika and Chelsea, the Wildcats will be tested often in 2016.

Can Horseshoe Bend bounce back?

There were a few close calls, but ultimately, 2015 ended winless for Horseshoe Bend. But if this spring’s performance that saw the Generals put up for than 40 points on the road against 2015 playoff participant Fayetteville is any indication, Horseshoe Bend seems headed in the right direction. With Cade Worthy leading the offense, Horseshoe Bend is hoping that firepower is carried over to the fall. With the return of 1,000-yard rusher Drew Hill, the Generals will have weapons at their disposal in 2016.

Can Coosa repeat playoff appearances?

In Barry Simmons’ first season at the helm of Central-Coosa, the Cougars broke a 15-year playoff drought. With a full spring under his belt for the first time as the Cougars’ head coach, Central went to Jacksonville State in the Gridiron Challenge and walked away with two victories. Raymond Graham returns at quarterback after a 1,000-yard rushing and passing season. With more familiarity heading into the summer between players and coach, the playoffs might become a regular occurrence in Rockford.

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256.277.4219 The Outlook ClassiÀeds

Class 3A 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

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

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

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) 50

24

2016 GRIDIRON GUIDE

AUGUST 2016