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SATURDAY-SUNDAY • NOVEMBER 5-6, 2016

THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM

VOL. 11, NO. 42

Forester steps from retirement into fire

By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer

Last month, Gary Cole stepped from retirement into the fire. Two years removed from a 38-year career with the Alabama Forestry Commission, Cole accepted the position as interim state forester, replacing Gary Pate, who was removed from the position in June for undisclosed reasons. Some might wonder at Cole’s timing. He took the interim position at a time when Alabama is, quite literally, ablaze with wildfires due to drought conditions that persist in the state.

And, what’s more, he came back in October, historically one of the driest months of the year. “The two driest months of the year are June and October,” Cole said. “In October, you usually have dead leaves and dry vegetation because of the end of the growing season. That helps to increase the potential for fires.” Cole said that this October there were 1,272 wildfires in Alabama that burned 14,038 acres. Last October, he said, 229 wildfires burned 1,809 acres. That’s more than a 700 percent increase in the number of fires and more than a 775 percent increase in acreage burned. Last week, Cole said, there were 246 wildfires in the

state that burned 1,678 acres – totals almost equal to the entire month of October 2015. Cole said humans are the number one cause of fires, but their different actions capitalize on fire opportunities. “There are always going to be fires,” Cole said. “Humans drive fires. But the opportunity for fires in Alabama is increased now because of the drought and the extremely low humidities we’ve seen. Things that don’t normally catch fire will.” The top human action that will ignite a fire opportunity, Cole said, is open burning of debris, trash or even camp fires. See FIRE • Page 2

Elmore County men arrested in child porn sting

Five men, juvenile disconnected in ‘telephoning’ arrest

By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer

Five Elmore County men and a juvenile were arrested Saturday, Oct. 29, in a sophisticated illegal fishing operation. Conservation enforcement officers in the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources made the arrests for illegal fishing by “telephoning,” using electricity to shock fish, stunning them so they float to the water’s surface and can be collected in nets, according to Kevin Dodd, chief of the law enforcement section of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Joseph Miller, 46, Christopher Sayers, 38, Chadwick Shaw, 38, and Steven Suggs, 40, all of Tallassee, Daymon Davis, 42, of Eclectic and the juvenile were arrested for the poaching practice on the Tallapoosa River in Elmore County near Tallassee. Dodd said each of the individuals arrested could be fined up to $2,000 and sentenced to up to six months in jail. Dodd said the arrests followed several months of surveillance and investigation after the department received a tip from the public. “We frequently receive information from the public,” Dodd said. “At least one of the men arrested had been pointed

William Carroll / The Herald

Above, students and parents get a few tricks of the trade on how to perform a variety of magic tricks Thursday at Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson. Below, students learn the fine art of firing a cannon during the 20th annual Alabama Frontier Days Thursday morning. The event will continue today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Park in Wetumpka.

LESSON IN TIME Frontier Days attracts students from all over region By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor

Thousands of students from all over Alabama and surrounding states packed into Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson Thursday morning and were greeted by over a hundred participants decked out in period garb from the 18th and early 19th centuries as part of the 20th annual Alabama Frontier Days. Students who came were treated to a variety of different activities from learning how cannons and 18th century muskets operate to learning about blacksmithing and See FRONTIER • Page 3

See ARREST • Page 3

Today’s

Weather

Depot Players haul in awards at ACTfest 17 Chamber to host

77 48 High

Two Elmore County men were among 31 people arrested in a coordinated operation between Georgia and Alabama law enforcement agencies. Operation Blocker Southern Impact targeted persons who sexually exploit children by using the Internet. The two Elmore County men – Andrew Scott Blocker, 33, of Deatsville, Ganjei and Joseph Ganjei, 22, of Wetumpka, were both arrested for possession of child pornography. They were among 11 in Alabama arrested for crimes related to the sexual exploitation of children. See STING • Page 3

fall luncheon Nov. 15

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Low

SUNDAY: HIGH 76 LOW 48

Chris Mims and Eve Harmon are among the cast members of the Wetumpka Depot Players’ production of Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie,” which was chosen as best in show at ACTFest17.

The Wetumpka Depot Players are dusting off their trophy case to make room for awards won at ACTFest17, hosted by the River Region’s oldest community theatre last weekend. Six additional community theatres from across the state traveled to Wetumpka to showcase comedies, dramas and musicals at the adjudicated festival. ACTFest17, sponsored by the Alabama Conference on Theatre, is an annual event designed to promote networking and professional development for community theatres across the state. “We were so pleased that our production of Tennessee Williams’ ‘The Glass Menagerie’ was selected as Best See DEPOT • Page 2

By WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor

The Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting its final quarterly luncheon of the year on Nov. 15 and several area businesses are on the agenda. According to Chamber Director Gerry Purcell, this quarter’s meeting will focus on unique Wetumpka businesses. “This time we wanted to feature Wetumpka based businesses that draw customers from the entire See LUNCHEON • Page 2

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Page 2 • NOVEMBER 5-6, 2016

Fire

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

continued from page 1

The second most common opportunity is arson, Cole said. “We had an arsonist arrested in Dekalb County (Wednesday) and we’ve got an investigation going on in Coosa County,” Cole said. In Elmore County, the fire situation hasn’t been as bad as in other counties throughout the state. The county has had no wildfires in the past week and only seven over the past 30 days, which burned a total of 175.5 acres. In Dekalb and Calhoun counties, single wildfires, both now classified as “contained,” both consumed more than 800 acres each. The Calhoun County fire burned for a month before it was contained and the Dekalb County fire for three weeks. With fires that take extended periods of time to contain, Cole said his employees are feeling the stress – and his agency is feeling the strain on its pocketbook. “In 2007, we had 333 employees and that probably wasn’t enough,” Cole said. “Now, we’ve got 234. We’re having to move employees from where they’re based to the areas where the worst fires are to help out. Travel eats up budget, there’s overtime and my people are exhausted. We’re having problems finding times when they can go home and spend time with their families. “The recent pipeline explosion (in Shelby County on Monday) burned acreage around the explosion site. We were there fighting the fire.” Cole is keenly aware that the foreseeable weather forecast doesn’t promise relief for the fires or his employees. “I don’t see much more than a 10 percent chance of rain as far out as the forecast stretches,” Cole said. “What’s really made it bad this year is, normally in October, you might have low humidity, but you don’t really have high temperatures. This year, we’re seeing the low humidity and the record highs.” There is one small ray of hope. As of Friday morning, firefighters had contained all of the wildfires in the state but one in Talladega County. Wildfires in Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence and Mobile counties were moved from “active” to “contained” yesterday.

ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

Luncheon

continued from page 1

region,” Purcell said. The businesses that are currently confirmed for the event include: 832 K-9’s Deputy Dogs, Gulf States Mobility, B&B Health Boutique and Tru-Turn Incorporated. Deputy Dogs is a bloodhound breeding facility for the Kody Snodgrass Memorial Foundation. Originally based in Inverness, Florida, the facility has been relocated to Wetumpka under the auspices of area resident Donna Wilson. Wilson has worked with the organization for many years. The bloodhounds of the Deputy Dogs program are specifically bred and trained to be working dogs, working with law enforcement officers nationwide to help solve a variety of crimes. Gulf States Mobility is, according to its website, a company focused on the needs of the physically challenged. The company specializes in wheelchair accessible vehicles, vehicle lifts, hand controls, and other automobile modification services. B&B Health Boutique is a recent addition to downtown Wetumpka. The boutique is geared towards women who are cancer survivors according to co-owner Natacha Graham. The shop offers such items as prosthesis, wigs and an assortment of ladies swimwear, nightgowns, undergarments and other similar apparel. The shop also serves a charitable purpose, working

with all cancer survivors including men and children. Tru-Turn Incorporated creates something every Alabama fisherman needs – hooks. The company was started by John W. Campbell who incorporated TruTurn Hooks in 1960 according to the company’s website. The company, known as TTI-Blakemore Fishing Group is a family business that ships fishing products all over the world. “These companies are special because they offer unique products and they offer those products not just locally, but all around the southeast, in some cases the world,” Purcell said. He said that each of the companies will be given a chance to make a brief presentation to the chamber members in attendance at the luncheon and then will answer a short series of questions. “We will ask them a few questions like why they chose Wetumpka and how can we improve the business climate in the city to attract more businesses,” he said. Purcell said that time permitting, those in attendance may also be able to ask a couple of questions of the businesses. The event will be catered by White Wings and will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Depot in Show,” said Tom Salter, director and Depot volunteer. “We are delighted to be advancing on to the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) this March in Lexington, Kentucky.” Not only did “Menagerie” win best in show to advance, but Depot Players honored individually included Salter, who was named best director, Stephen Dubberley as best actor, Kristy Meanor as best

continued from page 1

actress, Chris Sims as best supporting actor and Hannah Meherg and Elizabeth Bowles, who took awards for best lighting and best musical design, respectively. Rounding out the award-winning cast and crew are Eve Harmon, Shelly Davis and Gayle Sandlin. The competition, Salter said, will be intense at SETC because this year is a national year with two of the 12 SETC com-

panies advancing to the national festival this year in Rochester, Minnesota. “We are so proud of this group,” said Jeff Langham, Depot board president. “To be passed on from the state level is quite an honor and the entire Depot family will be supporting our group as they advance to the next level. We are no strangers to the festival scene. ‘The Glass Menagerie’ will be the fifth show produced by the Depot to advance to regionals. Others include ‘All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten,’ ‘The Fantasticks’ and ‘‘Night Mother.’ In 2010 our beloved production

of ‘Second Samuel’ advanced on to the national festival. The festival provides a wonderful opportunity to be good ambassadors of the Depot family and the entire River Region.” Encore performances of “The Glass Menagerie” will take place in late February for patrons who missed it the first time around. For more information about the Depot Players visit wetumpkadepot.com or call the box office at 334.868.1440. The theatre is located at 300 S. Main St. in the historic downtown district of Wetumpka.

Obituaries Thomas Rudolph Gray

JOBS available Advertising Sales Representative Alexander City & Wetumpka Offices As an Advertising sales representative you will be expected to develop new business and maintain an existing account base of clients for The Alexander City Outlook, The Wetumpka Herald, The Dadeville Record, The Tallassee Tribune, The Eclectic Observer, Lake Magazine, Lake Martin Living Magazine, Elmore County Living Magazine, Digital Sales and other special publications.

Salary+Commission, Excellent Benefit Package TPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualifications Must be able to work in a fast paced and deadline oriented environment. Candidates must have excellent oral, written, and communication skills including basic computer skills with Mircosoft, Google Documents and email. Great organization skills and self-motivated. Reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.

Please email resume to marketing@alexcityoutlook.com

GRAY, Mr. Thomas Rudolph, age 79, a resident of Slapout, AL passed away on November 3, 2016 after a short illness. He is survived by the special lady in his life, Peggy Teal Wilson; children, Wendy Gray (Donny) Wilkins, Vicki Gray (Mike) Geddie, and Thomas R. (Tracey) Gray, Jr.; his grandchildren, Kalena Wilkins (Colby) Weaver, Amanda Gray (Cliff) Roy, Wesley Levon (Kaysie) Wilkins, Thomas Albert Gray, Jackson Daniel Geddie, and Thomas Gray Geddie; his great grandchildren, Kayden Wilkins, and Pomer Wilkins; his sister, Billie Jean Gray Cardwell. Pastor Susan Beeson will officiate the funeral service on Sunday, November 6, 2016 at 2:30 pm at Cain’s Chapel United Methodist Church with interment to follow in church cemetery. The visitation will begin at 1:00 pm at the church on Sunday. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Cain’s Chapel United Methodist Church building fund, 96 Lightwood Rd., Deatsville, AL 36022. Wetumpka Memorial Funeral Home directing.

ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

NOVEMBER 5-6, 2016 • Page 3

Sting

continued from page 1

The Wetumpka and Millbrook police departments joined a host of agencies in the two-state effort. Additional charges may be forthcoming and other arrests may occur after analysis of seized digital devices. The joint, proactive investigation was coordinated by the Alabama Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and focused on those who possess and distribute child pornography and those who are sexually exploiting children in other ways using the Internet. The planning for Operation Southern Impact began approximately three months ago and culminated in two days of search warrant

executions and arrests in Alabama and Georgia. The Alabama Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Georgia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force wanted to reinforce to those who exploit children that the ICAC Task Forces will work together to make an impact in their respective states and the region as a whole. The cooperation among agencies and among states illustrates their level of commitment to detect, arrest, and prosecute child predators. A total of 54 search warrants were executed in Alabama and Georgia. Law enforcement officers conducting the searches were looking for evidence of possession and distribution of child pornography

using the Internet as well as evidence of other child exploitation related crimes. Over the course of the operation, 162 digital devices were examined and 731 digital devices were seized as evidence. In Alabama, the operation was a coordinated effort between federal, state, and local criminal justice agencies including the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Joint Electronic Crimes Task Force, United States Secret Service and 29 local law enforcement agencies, including the Wetumpka and Millbrook police.

Arrest

continued from page 1

Submitted / The Herald

Some of the equipment and fish confiscated by law enforcement officers with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries from six individuals arrested on the Tallapoosa River near Tallassee Oct. 29 in a sophisticated illegal fishing operation targeting yellow catfish.

to by name.” He said use of fish-shocking equipment is relatively uncommon in the central portion of Alabama. “It’s not that common in this part of the state,” Dodd said. “It is pretty common in the southwest parts of the

state on the Alabama and Tombigbee rivers. And it was common here up until about 30 years ago. “It involves hunting and searching up and down the river banks. (The illegal fishermen) like the deep holes in the river that usually

Frontier wood carving techniques. Students were also treated to a ceremonial Native American dance and a magic show as well as a host of other activities. The majority of students present were from various locations in Alabama, but there were also students from Florida, Mississippi and one group from as far away as Minnesota. Through the frequent boom of cannons and the sounds of music wafting through the air several hundred students, parents and teachers walked through the bevy of cultural exhibits and shopping opportunities. Several area youngsters spoke about what they enjoyed most about the event. Lacey Ellis, A.J. Harrell and Madison Dill, all students at Forest Avenue Elementary in Montgomery said they were really enjoying the experience of participating in Frontier Days. “It is pretty cool,” Ellis said of the event. “I think the shopping is my favorite part.” Ellis, who was sporting a small rabbit skin pouch she purchased at one of the vendors on-site said she also really enjoyed the magic show as well as the various re-enactors. “I think the thing I like most is the re-enactors,” Harrell said. Harrell was sporting a wooden knife she bought and said that several of the re-enactors explained the types of tools they used as well as the types of toys kids played with during that period. All three girls spoke about getting the opportunity to meet the indi-

hold a lot of big catfish. Those are their favorite holes.” Officer Hasty Hudson, one of the arresting officers along with Sgt. Keith Mann and Officer Vance Wood, said the men were arrested in two separate locations on the Tallapoosa, one adjacent to the E.V. Smith Research Center located south of Tallassee on Alabama Highway 229, and were booked through the Tallassee Police Department. “They had two boats and there were three people in each boat,” Hudson said. Hudson added that the perpetrators used sophisticated equipment. “They were able to program different frequencies, which allowed them to target certain types of fish without affecting others,” Hudson said. “In this case, they were targeting yellow catfish.

That was the really nasty part of this. There are not a lot of yellow cat in the river system to begin with. If you take that many yellow cat out of that small body of water where they were, it really affects the population. “(Yellow cat) don’t feed or act like regular catfish. As far as table fare, they are very sought after because they’re the best tasting fish in the water.” According to Dodd, the practice the men were using is called “telephoning” because when it was a more common practice decades ago some perpetrators actually used a hand-cranked generator, much like an old-time hand-cranked phone, to shock the fish. According to some accounts, those who engaged in the early days of telephoning would even remove their phone from the wall, go telephoning, return home with the

catch and place the phone back on the wall. The name telephoning has stuck, Dodd said, even though the practice was outlawed in some places more

than a half-century ago and perpetrators, like those arrested in Elmore County this week, now use far more sophisticated equipment.

continued from page 1

vidual playing the role of Gen. Andrew Jackson and how that played into their own studies about the future president. Frontier Days will continue today, the event’s final day, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. According to Park Director Ove Jensen, today will be the best day for the gener-

al public to attend the event. For more information on Alabama Frontier Days you can contact the park at 334-5673002 or Ove Jensen at ove.jensenahc@gmail. com. Also check out the park’s website at fttoulousejackson.org.

PROVEN LEADERSHIP = POSITIVE RESULTS

As your new Superintendent of Education in Elmore County, Richard Dennis will work to: • Include teachers and school administrators in the decision-making and problem-solving process. • Improve the academic performance of students in Elmore County to help ALL children reach their potential. • Ef¿ciently manage the system’s budget and personnel with an emphasis on putting resources in the schools. • Meet the individual needs of each community and coordinate K-12 extracurricular programs.

Steve Baker, Publisher William Carroll, Managing Editor Opinions expressed in guest columns and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the management of The Wetumpka Herald

Page 4 • NOVEMBER 5-6, 2016

OPINION

“Our liberty cannot be guarded but by the freedom of the press, nor that be limited without danger of losing it.” --Thomas Jefferson

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

The Herald 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.

YOUR VIEW Want to share your opinion on a situation, topic, etc.? X WRITE:

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Are you ready for the circus to be over?

ext Wednesday will be a glorious day. It will be glorious because hopefully, if nothing crazy happens like a contested election or recount, the 2016 election season will be over and the end can’t come soon enough. Normally I love politics and elections. Many of us who do this job got into it because we love working on and writing about the inner workings of government, whether that is local, state or national issues. This year however is a different story. For those of you who follow this column, you are already aware that I am not a Donald Trump or Hillary

WILLIAM CARROLL Managing Editor

Clinton supporter. With both third party candidates being equally poor choices I am left with the only sane option, “none of the above.” My honest opinion is that as far as national politics goes, the next four to eight years is honestly going to stink. For those of you who have convinced yourselves that Trump is significantly better than Clinton or vice versa, I have some

lovely ocean front property in Arizona I would love to sell you. The reality is that all of these candidates have significantly more baggage than they have positives that would support their election to the most important office in the world. If this were a beauty pageant we effectively have the unenviable choice of selecting between a troll and an ogre (and no I am not sure which one is which). Even local elections have become a bit tiring. For those who have checked the sample ballots recently, there are 14 Alabama constitutional amendments,

all of which have been written in stereotypical confusing fashion with the intent that no matter which side of an issue you come down on it will be wrong. Now that isn’t to say that you shouldn’t get out there and vote next Tuesday, you should, but come Wednesday you should celebrate because at least for a while the election season is over. I for one will be happy to see Thanksgiving and Christmas on the horizon. William Carroll is the managing editor of the Elmore County newspapers of Tallapoosa Publishers.

Include your name, address and phone number. Only your name and city will be printed. We reserve the right to edit or to refuse to publish any submission. You may submit one letter per month, limited to 300 words or less.

334-567-7811 • Fax 334-567-3284 email: news@thewetumpkaherald.com THE WETUMPKA HERALD (681-260) is published twice weekly on Wednesday and Saturday by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Periodical postage paid at Wetumpka, Alabama. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Wetumpka Herald, P.O. Box 99, Wetumpka, AL 360920099. ISSN # 1536-688X. We reserve the right to refuse to print any advertisement, news story, photograph or any other material submitted to us for any reason or no reason at all. •Obituaries - $.25 per word per paper. Additional $15 charge for a photo per paper. (Herald, Weekend, Observer, Tribune). •Weddings/Engagements - $.25 per word per paper. $15 charge for a 2-column photo. •Birth Announcements - $.25 per word per paper. $15 charge for a photo. SUBSCRIPTION RATES (includes Wednesday & Saturday) One Year in Elmore, Tallapoosa or Coosa County: $50 One Year Elsewhere: $75 The publisher reserves the right to change subscription rates during the term of subscription at any time. To subscribe or if you miss your paper, call 256-234-4281. © 2016 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved and any reproduction of this issue is prohibited without the consent of the editor or publisher. ADMINISTRATION Steve Baker, publisher steve.baker@thewetumpkaherald.com William Carroll, managing editor william.carroll@thewetumpkaherald.com NEWS Corey Arwood, staff writer corey.arwood@thewetumpkaherald.com Carmen Rodgers, staff writer carmen.rodgers@thewetumpkaherald.com Cory Diaz, sports editor Cory.Diaz@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . . . . . Ext. 306 SALES Molly Brethauer, marketing consultant molly.brethaur@TheWetumpkaHerald.com. . . . . Ext. 313 Stacy Adams, marketing consultant stady.adams@thewetumpkaherald.com . . . . . . . Ext. 305

Hunting is in my blood

y job description includes the words comic, speaker, writer, and soldier, but I’m looking to add hunter to the list. It’s been on my mind for a number of years. I’m not afraid to try new things, such as growing a garden this year. It was my first one and by all accounts was a tremendous success. My dad was a champion coon hunter. Mawmaw apparently cooked a mean coon, but her possum was better. I remember seeing a plate ‘o possum on the dinner table one night, but I can’t remember if I ate it or not. Let’s hope not. I want to kill deer, doves and ducks; things I enjoy eating. That’s good stuff. My dad grew up on the land where he hunted, so he knew those deepest, darkest parts of Tallapoosa County like the back of his hand. He took people coon hunting all the time and some of them still share those memories with great fondness whenever the

JODY FULLER Guest Columnist

subject is brought up. When he lost his eyesight, people were less inclined to go with him. I can’t blame them. A blind man with a gun can’t be a good thing. Sometimes simply wearing orange is not enough. I was only two when his vision went the way of the dodo bird, so I never got to with him. Then, he passed away a few years later. Usually, when I talk about “hunting the good stuff,” it’s in relation to my role as a Master Resilience Trainer for the Army. It’s about being more attentive and appreciative to the positive things in our lives. In this case, however, it’s about hunting some good stuff to go in my freezer. Hunting is in my blood. I’ve felt it for a long time. I killed some

squirrels when I was a kid. Grandmamma cooked them up real good with some biscuits and gravy. My mom’s husband cooked me a mean mess of fried rabbit one night. My friend Dale gave me some elk last year, which was the leanest meat I’d ever eaten. It was incredible. Besides adding food to the freezer, it can help me in a lot of ways. I’m always thinking of future personal projects. One of them is to write a book called I Hunted in All 50 States: Words of Wisdom from the Woods. There’s a lesson to be learned in everything we do, and hunting is no different. Alertness, preparation and patience are just three things that immediately come to mind. Even when there is no kill, there’s something special about being in the woods. It’s so peaceful. Last year, I received an inquiry from a large deer hunting organization in Pike County, Illinois. Pike County is world-renowned for its whitetail

deer population. They wanted me to speak at an event to kick off the season but decided to take a different route when I told them I didn’t know anything about hunting. I was bummed, but it did open my mind to a world of new possibilities. Being a newbie to the hunting game at the age of 44 will likely lead to a lot of humorous stories and will no doubt bring about future opportunities in writing, speaking and comedy. So, if anyone is up for a day in the woods with me, just let me know. I already have one guy who has volunteered to take me snipe hunting next weekend. I can’t wait for that. I hear it’s better than possum. Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. He can be reached at jody@ jodyfuller.com. For more information, please visit www.jodyfuller.com.

Letters to the Editor

Elmore County Good Samaritans lend a hand

Dear Editor, On October 20th my father, who has the beginning stages of dementia, came up missing. My family who live in Conyers, Georgia - about 30 miles east of Atlanta were frantic. Almost 200 miles away from home, an awesome person by the name of Jimmy Lazenby who works for Jones Wrecker Service came upon a pickup truck in the dark with the flashers on. My father was in that pickup truck. Mr. Lazenby got out of his truck to see if anyone needed assistance. After speaking with my dad, Mr. Lazenby realized that my dad needed more help than he could give and he called the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Foster arrived and with the help of his dispatcher, Donna, they realized that the confused man they were speaking to was a missing person out of Georgia. After the EMT’s arrived on the scene and pronounced Daddy’s vital sign as stable, the decision was made to take him back to the Sheriff’s Department while they waited for us

to come and retrieve him. Deputy Foster was asking me what we would like for them to do with Daddy’s pickup truck. Mr. Lazenby volunteered to tow the truck to the Sheriff’s Department so that when we came to pick up Daddy we could also pick up the truck without incurring the expensive impound fees. Not only did he tow the truck, but he checked it out and determined it was out of gas. He left his business card in the seat of the truck and had Donna call us back to tell us the truck was out of gas but if we would call him he would bring gas out to us and get the truck started. Not only did he bring us the gas and get the truck started, but he said that Daddy had complained about the brakes on the truck so Mr. Lazenby asked for my permission to drive around the parking lot to check the brakes out. He also asked to see my father again and spoke to him so gently. We were all fortunate indeed that Mr. Lazenby was put in our path that day. The outcome could have been so

much worse without him and we will be eternally grateful. We are also grateful to Deputy Foster who did his best to calm my fears and assure me that Daddy would be taken care of until we could get there. I only regret that I was not able to meet him and personally thank him. We are thankful to Donna from dispatch who conversed with my sister who was also working dispatch where we live. I think she also helped to keep my sister as calm as possible. I hope that everyone in Elmore County is proud of their sheriff’s department. And I am sure that Mr. Lazenby’s employer is very proud of him. If I am ever in that area again, I would love to take all of you to dinner. And if you are ever in our area please get in touch with us. Sincerely, Jane Landress Mitchell June Knapp Conyers, GA

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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

PAGE 8 • NOVEMBER 5-6, 2016

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ELMORE COUNTY WEEKEND

CROSS COUNTRY Tribe teams collect first titles at second nationals By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Wetumpka surpassed its limitations, securing a historic performance Thursday at the Class 6A, Section 2 cross country meet. Eighth-grader Hanna Bunn ran a personal record (22:34.81) en route to claiming the program’s first sectional individual championship in the girls race. Entering the meet in a dead heat with Opelika, four Indian boys runners medaled to edge the Bulldogs, 34 Submitted / The Herald to 35, for the first team section title. Behind Bunn, the girls team placed second behind Wetumpka cross country girls and boys teams pose with their hardware Thursday from the Class 6A, Section 2 meet at Keisel Park in Dothan, 39 to 42, as both the Wetumpka girls and boys Auburn. teams clinched a berth in the state meet for the third Rounding out the scoring for the Indian girls squad, they knew coming in the edge between us and Opelika year. seventh-grader Josie Thayer placed 12th and coming in kept getting closer and closer. I challenged them, and I “Hanna Bunn, I felt like she could’ve ran that well all season,” WHS cross country coach Jessica Holbert told them, ‘I believe you can win this,’” Holbert said. 15th was eighth-grader Kayley Key, who hadn’t scored said. “You can tell her, ‘you know you can medal.’ And “The moment they called out second and said Opelika, for WHS all year. “(Key) really stepped up. She’s felt like she didn’t she goes out and runs as hard as she can. She knew, the boys went crazy. I got choked up and almost started perform where she wanted to perform,” Holbert said. crying. To see them work as hard as they do, it means a based on her PR, that she could place second. I guess “She worked hard and ended up scoring.” lot whenever it finally happens.” second wasn’t good enough for her.” With the state meet coming up next Saturday, Sophomore Cory Anthony clocked in second overall Bunn beat the field by 27 seconds to earn first. Eighth-graders Lindsey Rogers and Hailey Holbert (17.08), behind Opelika’s Ben Garner, who’s ranked in Holbert said the goal for each of her runners is to run came in sixth and 10th, respectively, to receive medals. the state. Sophomores Cayden Opperman and Aaron their fastest race. “There’s been a lot of motivating between themEven though all five scoring runners finished in Foster along with freshman William Ray all placed selves. One of those is ‘no limitations,’” Holbert said. consecutively at sixth, seventh and eighth. the top 11, the Tribe boys team still had wait until the Wetumpka boys will compete in the 6A state meet Freshman Brennan Worrell sealed the section title award ceremony to find out they slipped by Opelika for for Wetumpka, crossing the line 11th overall (19:18), at 10:50 a.m. Saturday at the Oakville Indian Mounds the sectional championship. Park. The girls will run at 11:50 a.m. “They knew where they were projected to finish -- beating Opelika’s fifth runner by 37 seconds.

Cornelius inks with Lindsey Wilson By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Kelsie Cornelius has never been more ready in her life. Suffering a freak incident on the field at the tail-end of last season, the Wetumpka senior catcher bounced back, signing Friday afternoon to play college softball at Lindsey Wilson College. During the area tournament versus rival Stanhope Elmore, Cornelius took a foul ball to the neck with the impact pinching an artery, momentarily stopping blood-flow and knocking her unconscious. “It took a lot to recuperate,” she said. “It was a lot to take in all at once, but gradually, step by step, I started practicing more, getting back into more games. I’m all OK now. “I’m back ready. I’m ready to go play, and honestly, I’m ready for Wetumpka’s season right now. After Wetumpka’s season, I’m ready to go straight into Lindsey Wilson’s softball season.” Cornelius verbally committed to the Blue Raiders, out of Columbia, Kentucky, back in the summer over interest from AUM and Rollins University in Winter Park, Florida.

“Ever since we went to the college, and they told us, ‘we want you, we want you now.’ This is somewhere I want to go,” Cornelius said. “It changed the way I looked at the game. It’s not just a game, it’s my future, I’m taking it to college with me. It’s worth it all, and I couldn’t be happier. “They just have such a wonderful atmosphere. It’s not too big, it’s not too small. Everybody there is so helpful. The classroom sizes are normal, so if makes me feel better, it’s more one-onone. Mainly, yes, I’m going for softball, but to me, education is what I’m really going for. I’m pretty sure I’ll do great in either one.” Last season, Cornelius led the Indians offensively, batting .438 with 64 hits, 41 RBIs and cranking 10 home runs. Coming back after the setback and reaching a dream of hers, Cornelius feels she can face anything. “I was OK until I walked in and saw everything. And then, it hit me,” Cornelius said. “I was like, ‘this is it.’ Cory Diaz / The Herald I don’t have to worry about where I’m going anymore, I know where I’m going and I know I’m going to do well where Wetumpka senior catcher Kelsie Cornelius, alongside her parents and David Dews, signs a national letter-of-intent Friday afternoon to play collegiate softball at Lindsey Wilson College. I’m going. Now, I just feel relieved.”

New faces lead Wildcats in 2016-17 season By CORY DIAZ Sports Editor

Cory Diaz / The Herald

Edgewood Academy sophomore two-guard Brady Davidson (34) shoots a jumpshot over junior forward Reese George (2) during Thursday’s team practice at EA.

The old adage “new year, new team” never applied to any team more than this season’s Edgewood Academy boys basketball team. Nine months removed from winning their first state championship in 15 years, only two players will take the court that played in the state title game when the Wildcats open the season Nov. 15, hosting Sparta Academy. “We have two boys from last year’s 24-1 team coming back,” EA boys basketball coach Chris George said. “Reese (George) is a junior and we’ve got senior Clayton Brown, and they’re going to be integral part of what we’re doing.” Edgewood will largely count on former junior varsity players to replace its first Division I signee, state tourney MVP and Player of the Year Finalists

in Reggie Gee, as well as Nathan Rourke and Michael Taylor, who graduated, and David Poole, who transferred out. Despite the mass turnover, George said he doesn’t think his team that’ll rely on three underclassmen in its starting five will have to adjust its approach in a tougher, Class AAA, Region 1 slate containing reigning AAA champs Lee-Scott, Bessemer, Glenwood and Tuscaloosa Academy. “I don’t think we’ll have to do anything different. Our speed is good,” George said. “On defense and offense, our speeds are good. It’s going to be about getting people to buy into the process, and also getting people to understand their role. Being on a new team from last year, this year those kids will be counted on to play major minutes.” Alongside Brown and Reese George at the center

and forward spot, respectively, sophomore wings J.C. Bush and Brady Davidson and freshman guard Austin Patrick are set to fill out the rotation. Sophomore Byron Simmons (6-foot-6) will bring another element to the team, coming off the bench in the sixth man role. But for the ‘Cats to survive a stacked region deck, George said things must start with the older guys. “I think Reese is a player to watch, and I also think Clayton will have a big year for us. Brady Davidson, too, those are going to be our top three players,” the coach said. “I think they understand that for us to be good, to be great, they need to step up at practice. And they’ve done that. For us to get to where we want to go, they need to be those leaders.” Edgewood starts the season Nov. 15 versus Sparta at 4 p.m.

FRIDAY NIGHT SCOREBOARD WITH GAME COVERAGE INSIDE 2016 SPORTS EXTRA

NOVEMBER 5-6, 2016

McAdory 24 ........................ Wetumpka 7 Tallassee 29.......................... Hale Co. 26

Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa 40 .....Ben Russell 16 Sand Rock 20..............................Reeltown 18

Fyffe 56 ...................... Horseshoe Bend 7

SPORTS EXTRA November 5-6, 2016

High school football from The Alexander City Outlook, The Wetumpka Herald & The Tallassee Tribune

Wetumpka senior defensive tackle Jay McDonald (83) celebrates recovering a fumble at McAdory Friday night.

ALABAMA’S BIGGEST WEEKLY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL EDITION

2016 SPORTS EXTRA

NOVEMBER 5-6, 2016

McAdory 24, Wetumpka 7

McAdory turns over Tribe in playoff clash By Cory Diaz The Wetumpka Herald

Uncharacteristic turnovers cropped up for Wetumpka at the most inopportune time, as McAdory sunk the Indians, 24-7, in the opening round of the Class 6A playoffs Friday at McAdory Stadium. Averaging right at one per game coming into the first-round rematch from a year ago, Wetumpka coughed the ball up four times, including three inside the Yellow Jackets’ 25-yard line, allowing McAdory to pull away and eliminate the Tribe for the second straight season. “That’s uncharacteristic of us, we hadn’t turned the ball over that much,” Indians head football coach Tim Perry said after the game. “We average maybe one a game. Several games in a row where we didn’t have any turnovers. “I think a lot of that had to do with how fast their defense is. We were getting hit a lot from a lot of different angles, and I think the speed of their defense -- and our guys are just trying to make yards. Our guys are just trying to make plays. We can’t fault them for that.” A fumble from junior running back Kavosiey Smoke cut WHS’s gameopening drive short at the Jackets 25. In turn, McAdory marched 68 yards, its longest drive on the night, with place kicker Marvin Martin sailing through a 24-yard field goal to put the home team up, 3-0, at the 4:10 first quarter mark. Both squads traded punts, spilling over into the second, where senior Maurice Young ripped off the biggest play of the game for Wetumpka, catching a bouncing kick and returning it 60 yards down to the Yellow Jacket 19. Five plays later, the Tribe led after senior running

Cory Diaz/ The Wetumpka Herald

Wetumpka senior Maurice Young (11) returns a punt for a big gain against McAdory during Friday nights’ Class 6A first round playoff at McAdory Stadium.

back DeAndre Williams cashed in the good field position on a 4-yard touchdown run. With the PAT from senior Tyler Loza, WHS went up, 7-3. Sophomore quarterback Jadarious Martin paced the Tribe offense, amassing 160 total yards. Young had six receptions for 51 yards. Trailing for the first time, Malcolm

Askew and Willie Langham took over, connecting for touchdown passes on consecutive offensive plays from scrimmage for the Jackets, one from 12 yards and one for 49 yards on a one-play scoring drive, as McAdory regained and stretched its lead to 17-7 with 3:28 remaining in the half. “That shows up on the defen-

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sive side but the deal is the offense had too many three-and-outs. We kept putting our defense back on the field, and against a team that’s got the weapons they’ve got, a quarterback that’s as explosive as Askew, the running back and their receiving corps, you just can’t keep putting the defense out there,” Perry See CLASH, Page 3

2016 SPORTS EXTRA

NOVEMBER 5-6, 2016

Cory Diaz/ The Wetumpka Herald

Above left: Tribe sophomore signal caller Jadarious Martin tries to shake off a tackle from Yellow Jacket linebacker Khalid Leonard (5). Above right: Indian senior running back DeAndre Williams (5) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter of the playoff game versus McAdory.

Clash

continued from page 2

said. “Expecting our defense to go out there and shut them out, you can’t give an explosive offense too many chances they’re going to hit one occasionally. But I thought our defense played real well.” With the offense’s self-inflicted miscues, Wetumpka’s defense created their own turnovers, led by senior

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defensive tackle Jay McDonald. The 6-foot-6 260-pound senior recovered two fumbles, the first of which caused by junior linebacker Kelton Elmore with 1:17 left before halftime. But three plays later, Langham picked off junior signal caller DeAndre Ezell in the end zone.

Smoke fumbled for a second time as the Indians, still trailing 17-7, crossed midfield with 5:34 to go in the third. The next play, Langham hauled in a one-handed catch for a 49-yard touchdown from Askew, as the Yellow Jackets went up, 24-7. “I love this group of guys. They’ve been great how they’ve represented

our community and our school. All the things we accomplished this year, I’ve very proud of them.” Perry said. “I need to do a better job. I felt like we were kind of playing behind the chains a little bit too much. That’s on me. They had a lot of weapons, it’s just turnovers and poor coaching on my part.”

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2016 SPORTS EXTRA

NOVEMBER 5-6, 2016

Hillcrest 50, BRHS 16

Wildcats lose early lead, fall to Patriots in playoffs

By JOEY CHANDLER Tuscaloosa News

The chant reverberated throughout Hillcrest High School’s student section, Adams’ Army, while the final seconds ticked off of the clock in a 40-16 victory over Benjamin Russell. “Round two. Round two. Round two. ...” The Wildcats jumped out to an early lead over the top-ranked Patriots in the first round of the Class 6A state playoffs, but it wasn’t enough to keep them in the game. Benjamin Russell recovered a Hillcrest fumble to set up its first scoring drive to take a 6-0 lead in the first quarter. Hillcrest tied things up, 6-6, but the Wildcats answered with another score to take back the lead, 13-6. The game was tied, 13-13, at the end of the first quarter, and from there, Hillcrest’s offense dominated and the defense held Benjamin Russell scoreless in the second half. “They came out playing in kind of a Wish Bone 2-type kind of offense, and really tried to control the clock and keep it away from us, and they were able to do that for a large part of the first half of the game,” Hillcrest coach Sam Adams said. “I am kind of disappointed with the amount of runs we allowed them to get, and they moved the chains on us pretty much the whole first half, but with that being said, I was proud of the way we kind of got into that mode, and that we didn’t allow any touchdowns in the second half. We kind of answered the bell on that, and offensively, we started off the game with a turnover and that was not very encouraging in the beginning, but then we followed up with a lot of touchdowns in a row.” Hillcrest senior quarterback Cole Frederick completed 19 of 25 passes for 286 yards and four touchdowns. Both Tab Beverly and DaQuayvion Alford finished with two touchdown receptions. Torin Mayhew

Lara Chramer / Tuscaloosa News

Above, Benjamin Russell’s Percy Thompson watches the ball carrier during the first-round playoff game between Benjamin Russell and Hillcrest at Hillcrest High School on Friday in Tuscaloosa. Below, Benjamin Russell’s Colby Riddle (36) watches as Hillcrest’s Aundra Gee (83) slips by during the first-round playoff game between Benjamin Russell and Hillcrest at Hillcrest High School on Friday in Tuscaloosa.

finished with 95 yards receiving, including one touchdown, and also threw a touchdown pass to Beverly. Brian Robinson rushed for 66 yards on nine carries and one touchdown. “I thought offensively we did pretty good and carried out our game plan, and defensively we just gave up too many big plays, especially in the pass game,” Benjamin Russell coach Danny Horn said. “Against a team like that, they are going to score some points, but you’ve got to try to limit the big plays as much as you can and we didn’t do a good job of that.” NeColby Maxwell led Benjamin Russell’s offense

with 162 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 17 carries. Wildcats kicker Dylan Moncus made a 35-yard field goal in the second quarter. “We got off to a good start and got the fumble and scored, and (Hillcrest’s) touchdown right before half really hurt,” Horn said. “At halftime we were still in the game, and then we drove it down the first time we had it and missed a field goal.” Hillcrest (11-0) hosts Spanish Fort next week. The Toros advanced with a 23-22 victory over Carver Montgomery. Benjamin Russell’s season ended with an overall record of 3-8.

NOVEMBER 5-6, 2016

2016 SPORTS EXTRA

Fyffe 56, Horseshoe Bend 7

Generals end season in first-round playoff loss to Fyffe By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor

For Horseshoe Bend, Friday night’s 56-7 loss to No. 1 seeded Fyffe in the first round of Class 2A playoffs was like watching lambs being led to the slaughter at Red Devil Stadium. For the Red Devils, the win translates to one more rung up the ladder in the hopeful climb to the state championship. The tone of the game was pretty much set in the first quarter when the Red Devils racked up three touchdowns while Horseshoe Bend remained scoreless. But the nail was in the coffin for the Generals after they ended the half with still no points on the board and Fyffe had scored not one, not two, but three more TDs. The writing was on the wall when the second half opened with the referees setting only 8 minutes on the clock for the last two quarters so as not to prolong the inevitable as the half opened with a 49-0 score. Fyffe senior running back Dilan Kilpatrick led the night for the Red Devils by rushing for 120 yards on 11 carries, three of which resulted in touchdowns. But he had plenty of help. Sophomore running back Payton Anderson rushed for 62 yards on five carries, with two ending in touchdowns for Fyffe. Horseshoe Bend senior running back Drew Hill scored the Generals’ only touchdown with 2:28 left in the in the fourth quarter from 19 yards rushing. He also led the night for Horseshoe Bend with 135 yards on 26 carries. But even with a kick for the PAT by Horseshoe Bend sophomore Jose Torres Cruz, the Generals just had no chance against Fyffe’s staggering eight touchdowns of the night. The Red Devils’ first score came in after Fyffe drove the ball to the 1-yard line in the first quarter, setting Kilpatrick up for the TD at 8:14 left on the clock. It was a theme that ran constant through the night with Horseshoe Bend turning the ball over and Fyffe always driving the ball down to the endzone. Like when drives set

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Above, Horseshoe Bend’s Drew Hill runs against Fyffe in the first quarter Friday night. Below, Horseshoe Bend’s Cade Worthy attempts a pass as Fyffe’s Daniel Martin defends in the first quarter.

Anderson up for Fyffe rushing scores from the 27 yardline with 5:26 left in the first quarter and then from a 44-yard rush with 1:32 left in the first. Kilpatrick scored twice in the second quarter, first from a 5-yard rush with 10:37 on the clock then rushing 25 yards with 2:42 left in the first half. The Red Devils scored once more in the second quarter and then a final time in the third. Fyffe junior Andrew Dunston made each PAT kick count to ever widen the gap for each score the Red Devils made throughout the night. Friday’s loss brings Horseshoe Bend’s season to 6-5 overall and 4-3 in the region. “All good things must come

to an end,” said Horseshoe Bend head coach Jason Franklin. “We played a heck of a football team tonight. They’re well coached and they’ve got some tremendous athletes. They expect to win those kind of games and for us, it’s been awhile since we’ve been here. “We really didn’t know what to expect,” Franklin added. “We were wide-eyed early on. But I’m proud of our guys in the season. Hats off to them. I love them. They mean the world to me.” Meanwhile, at 11-0 overall, Fyffe now moves on to the second round of playoffs next week when the Red Devils face either Cleveland or Red Bay.

NOVEMBER 5-6, 2016

2016 SPORTS EXTRA

Sand Rock 20, Reeltown 18

Reeltown stumbles in playoff game against Sand Rock

By SHANNON FAGAN Cherokee Herald

SAND ROCK – Sand Rock senior tailback Bradon Carver’s 7-yard touchdown run with 8:40 remaining in the game proved to be the difference in a see-saw battle with Reeltown in the first round of the Class 2A state football playoffs on Friday. The Wildcats escaped with a 20-18 victory. Carver finished with 96 yards on 22 carries and the score for the Wildcats (9-2). Reeltown’s season ends at 6-5. Sand Rock took a 7-0 lead on the opening kickoff as Carson Carver dashed 80 yards for the score. Josh Sarratt’s extra point put Sand Rock in front 7-0 just 12 seconds into the game. Reeltown answered with a touchdown with 8:07 remaining in the opening quarter on Randy Woodyard’s 1-yard score. Trenton Thrash’s extra point was no good, keeping Sand Rock in front 7-6. Reeltown took the lead with 10:43 in the second on Jamon Matthews’s

27-yard touchdown pass to Eric Shaw. Makevon Hughley’s 2-point conversion run was no good, but Reeltown had its first lead of the game at 12-7. Sand Rock answered with Bradon Carver’s 8-yard touchdown toss to Carson Carver with 7:38 left in the first half. Sarratt’s extra point pushed the Wildcats back out in front 14-12. Reeltown answered again on another Matthews touchdown pass. This one went to Latrevien O’Neal for 3-yards. The 2-point try failed, but Rebels had the lead back at 18-14 with 20 seconds to go in the third quarter. Bradon Carver’s 7-yard touchdown run with 8:40 in the fourth was the only score in the final quarter, and the Wildcats held on for the win. Matthews was 12-of-16 for 148 yards and two touchdowns to lead Reeltown. The loss ends Reeltown’s season with an overall record of 6-5 and 5-2 in the region.

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Reeltown’s Jamon Matthews looks for a block against Sand Rock’s Charles Cleaver.

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2016 SPORTS EXTRA

Rebels

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Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Left, Reeltown’s Kyle Nelson tries to bring down Sand Rock’s William Carver Friday night. Reeltown lost 20-18. Below, Reeltown’s Mitchell Flurry looks to get around Sand Rock’s Brendan Daniell.

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2016 SPORTS EXTRA

NOVEMBER 5-6, 2016

Tallassee 29, Hale County 26

Tigers survive tight battle with Wildcats By William Carroll The Wetumpka Herald

It definitely wasn’t pretty at times, and at others it was downright ugly, but the Tallassee Tigers lived to fight another day in the AHSAA 4A playoffs Friday night as they edged out Hale County 29-26. The Tigers opened solidly with a six play 58 yard drive, which featured a 36 yard run by sophomore Eryn Cochran-Gill and a five yard touchdown plunge by Junior quarterback Casey Baynes putting the Tigers up 7-0 early. Hale County then produced a drive of their own, taking the ball from their own 40 and driving into Tallassee territory before stalling inside the Tallassee 20 yard line. After a turnover on downs by Hale County, both teams went three and out forcing punts. On their next drive, the Tigers took over at their own 32 yard line, three plays later Baynes hit Senior Logan Goodman for a 33 yard pass play, but while heading to the end zone, Goodman fumbled the ball across the goal line and Hale County recovered for a touchback. After stopping the Wildcats on three and out again, the Tigers went 54 yards in five plays to take a 14-0 lead. Hale County again drove into Tiger territory, but an interception by Cochran-Gill on an attempted screen pass gave Tallassee the ball at their own 32. Later the Wildcats would get the ball back after a Tallassee punt and proceed to drive the ball 79 yards in 12 plays. During the drive, a theme that would present itself again and again throughout the night, Wildcat junior running back Malik Ward would pick up some tough yards, including the nine yard touchdown run, which brought the score to 14-6 Tallassee. After the Wildcats scored, it took only one play for the Tigers to extend their lead when CochranGill sprinted through the defense for a 56 yard touchdown run and a 21-6 Tallassee lead that held until the halftime break. In the second half, Hale County asserted its muscle. On the opening drive of the half, the Wildcats went 67 yards in 10 plays, including five runs by Ward for a total of 37 yards, including an 11 yard touchdown run that brought the score to within 9 at 21-12. The Tigers then drove deep into Wildcats territory, but a 4th and 4

play from the Hale County 13 failed, giving the Wildcats the ball back deep in their own territory. Hale County then went on a bruising 17 play 87 yard drive, capped again by a Ward 20 yard touchdown run, which brought the game to within one point at 21-20 in favor of the Tigers. On the next drive the Tigers would fumble the ball in their own territory and the Wildcats would recover, driving the ball 45 yards in 6 plays for the go ahead touchdown and a 26-21 lead. Carmen Rodgers/ The Tallassee Tribune Things were Tallassee High School junior quarterback Casey Baynes weaves through the Wildcats defense Friday night as starting to look the Tigers held on to win 29-26. grim for the Tigers as they failed to convert on fourth down as time was running down in the fourth quarter. After Hale County took over at their own 46 yard line, they looked to get a first down to run out the clock but were forced to punt. At that point, the biggest play of the night was made by the Tigers when senior Jamarcus Miller picked up a bouncing ball and raced 65 yards for a punt return touchdown and the go ahead score at 29-26. Hale County attempted a drive late, but a Wildcat pass was intercepted by Cochran-Gill effectively sealing the game for the Tigers. Afterwards Tallassee Head Coach Mike Battles Jr. had praise for both teams. “Hats off to Hale County,” Battles said. “They go in down two touchdowns at half and they came back out and took it to us.” Battles said his team showed a lot of determination to come back and get the victory. “That is how this team has been all season,” he said. “They just find a way to win. At some point, all of the guys out on that field had to make a play for us to win.” The Tigers will next face off against St. James out of Montgomery, who crushed Satsuma 49-21 in their first round game Friday night. The teams will play in Montgomery next Friday at 7 p.m.