Stanhope coach Jeff Foshee believes his Mustangs will put away the big win over Prattville and be ready for Carver on Thursday. (Staff Photo. For more photos, visit our photo gallery)
Staff Report
(Sept. 9, 2010)
The Stanhope Elmore Mustangs (2-0, 1-0) are avoiding any talk of destiny after their win over Prattville last week.
Besides, it’s just Week 3 of the regular season.
But coach Jeff Foshee hasn’t hidden from the idea that the win over the Lions was as big as any the Mustangs have enjoyed in a long time.
Ja’Michael Willis put his name in the AHSAA record book Friday night with six touchdown receptions as Gardendale downed Bessemer City 51-26. The junior finished with eight receptions for 190 yards to grab the AHSAA Spotlight for Week 2 of the 2010 prep football season.
Stanhope Elmore's Dalton VanCor, who nailed the winning field goal in overtime to help the Mustangs beat Thompson 10-7 in the season opener, was the epitome of consistency versus Prattville in the Class 6A, Region 4 contest played at Millbrook.
Stanhope Elmore celebrates its first win over Prattville in more than a decade on Friday. (Photo by Brian Finley. For more photos, visit our photo gallery)
By Brian Finley
RRS Correspondent
(Sept. 4, 2010)
MILLBROOK - Somehow, some way, the Stanhope Elmore Mustangs have found a way in their first two games of the 2010 season.
Last week, it was an overtime win over the Thompson Warriors.
Friday, the Mustangs ended 12 years of frustration with a come-from-behind win over Prattville, 35-34, at Foshee-Henderson Stadium.
The first week of the high school football season provided a few surprises, a few upsets and a few games that went down to the wire. It sets up the first week of regional play for all teams in the AHSAA. Teams in the AISA already have (in some cases) two games under their belt.
This week, rivalries are renewed when Stanhope Elmore plays host to Prattville and Montgomery Academy faces Montgomery Catholic as the two teams are back in the same class and region for the first time since 2007.
Lanier quarterback KeDarius Humphries hopes to lead the Poets to their first win of the season on Thursday. (Staff Photo. For more photos, visit our photo gallery)
Staff Report
(Sept. 2, 2010)
The Sidney Lanier Poets open the home schedule on Thursday, facing one of two teams they defeated in 2009, Benjamin Russell. Both teams are coming off tough losses.
Angelo Wheeler will attempt to get his first win as the new Lanier coach.
Lee's Mantez Holmes battles Pleasant Grove's Chris Caldwell for a high pass during the Spartans' 10-0 win over the Generals on Friday.
(Photo by Chris Dunn. For more photos of this and other games, click here).
Combined Reports
(August 28, 2010)
After building confidence in last week’s preseason jamboree, the Robert E. Lee Generals took a step backwards in Friday’s season opener.
The Generals struggled offensively in a 10-0 loss to Class 5A Pleasant Grove at Cramton Bowl.
Running back Jarmarcus Barker (1) and the Jeff Davis Vols opened the season in new uniforms Thursday. But the style change wasn't enough to aid in a win over Dothan. (Photo by Chris Dunn. For more photos of this and other games, click here)
Staff Report
(August 27, 2010)
Jeff Davis High School may have taken the field at Cramton Bowl with a different look on Thursday.
But the Volunteers mimicked the same team that lost 19 of 20 games in the past two seasons, only in a different uniform.
Dothan was convincing in its 27-6 victory over JD, which wore a brand new style of uniforms (much like the look of the Oregon Ducks) for the first time since the school fielded a football team in 1968.
Week 1 of the high school football season has arrived (with due respect to the handful of games played in the AISA last week.) In comes new regions, new classifications for some, and some interesting openers, particularly a few that feature teams playing for the first time.
The week ushers in new coaches at six different schools in the River Region.
Each week, River Region Sports will break down the top matchups of the week and pick a winner in all games involving teams from the area.
River Region Sports, the latest news media outlet in Montgomery and the tri-county area, is excited to announce the release of the 2010 River Region Football Guide.
The guide covers high school football in the tri-county area with each school represented. It includes team stories, schedules and a look at the new regions in both the AHSAA and AISA.
PCA's Michael Gregory (4) looks for a hole in the Autauga Academy line in the first quarter of Friday's game. (Photo by Art Parker)
By Art Parker
RRS Correspondent
(August 21, 2010)
PRATTVILLE - Prattville Christian Academy (PCA) head football coach Grey Powell said his Panthers didn’t get the win they dreamed about, but they did get the win they wanted to start the season.
The 27-6 victory over nearby rival Autauga Academy on Friday night did come with muscle cramps, twisted ankles and a variety of other injuries.
VIDEO: Brian and Ben Blackmon meet in the 2010 Champions Challenge at Cramton Bowl. The brothers played at Lee High School and talk about the influence of legendary coach Spence McCracken on their decision to become coaches
Edgewood Academy's Rod Boykin (4) cuts to the sideline to pick up yardage on a screen pass. EMCA's Drew Sheridan (22) is in pursuit. Boykin sscored two touchdowns in the Wildcats 43-7 win over EMCA. (Photo by Art Parker)
By Art Parker
RRS Correspondent
(August 20, 2010)
PRATTVILLE - Edgewood Academy ‘s 43-7 thumping of East Memorial Christian Academy (EMCA) Thursday night is the perfect tune up for the Wildcats before they begin region play next week.
The outcome was never in doubt as Edgewood rolled up 36 points before the first quarter was in the books at Prattville’s Stanley Jensen Stadium.
Lee coach Larry Ware will welcome back former Lee greats Jimmy Perry and Spence McCracken on Thursday at Cramton Bowl. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(August 19, 2010)
Jim Perry last coached a high school football team in Montgomery 11 years ago. That’s when he left Robert E. Lee for a position on the staff of then-Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville.
Spence McCracken has been back since he last left Lee in 1994 but as the head coach of Opelika High School.
Both will be in Cramton Bowl on Thursday. One will be coaching his new team, while the other will get a chance to coach his old one.
Volleyball schedules for high schools in the River Region have been posted for 2010. Schedules for a few select schools were not posted due to unavailability. Some schedules are incomplete. To have a schedule added, send it to gmd@riverregionsports.com.
The Blackmon brothers, Brian (left) and Ben will bring their teams, Opelika and Greenville respectively, to Cramton Bowl on Friday for the Champions Challenge. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(August 16, 2010)
Dare it be said…. It’s game week in high school football.
Several schools open play this weekend, some in exhibition fashion, across the River Region. There are a handful of games in AISA that do count in the standings, including Edgewood Academy’s trip to East Memorial Christian Academy and the annual battle between Hooper Academy and Lowndes Academy.
Trinity players Josh Watkins, Weston Epperson and Clay Finkelstein look on as Randy Ragsdale addresses the media during Wednesday's Champions Challenge press conference. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(August 12, 2010)
It is somewhat different but Weston Epperson isn’t complaining.
The Trinity senior receiver has been a part of plenty of the Wildcats’ jamborees over the last few years, most of them on their home field. But this year, he and the seniors get a special treat.
VIDEO: New head football coach Angelo Wheeler discusses the prospects of the 2010 season for Sidney Lanier High School. He was named the Poets' new coach earlier this summer. Read More >>Comments (0)
Lee coach Larry Ware welcomes several ninth graders to the Generals' first practice on Monday. Freshmen become part of city high school football programs this season. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(August 2, 2010)
The 2010 high school football season will be ushered in with pre-season drills this week. With it comes the usual heat, humidity and two-a-days.
For three Class 6A teams in Montgomery, it brings something new…. freshmen football players.
For the first time since the inception of the city junior high football program in the 1940s, three city high schools - Robert E. Lee, Jeff Davis and Sidney Lanier – will dress out a full complement of ninth graders for football practice (G.W. Carver already had access to junior high players through the link with its junior high school).
Participants at the Huntingdon lineman camp went through several conditioning drills despite the heat on Monday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(July 27, 2010)
Local high school teams got one more chance to participate in camps before the month ends this week at Huntingdon College.
More than a dozen teams from both the AISA and AHSAA are participating in the annual Hawks 7-on-7 Camp while hundreds of linemen from several schools are participating in a camp.
HUNTSVILLE – Quarterback Justin Evans of Midfield rushed for 64 yards on 12 carries and passed for 58 yards and a touchdown on a 4-of-7 performance to lead the North All-Stars to a 14-7 win over the South in the 2010 Alabama All-Star Week Football All-Star Classic.
John Gluschick and Brewbaker Tech will be short a couple of bats after Tuesday's ruling by the NFHS. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(July 14, 2010)
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) announced on Tuesday a ban on composite-barreled bats. The ban follows suit after the NCAA announced a similar ban last year.
The ruling could cost high schools hundreds of dollars in replacements since the bats will not be allowed during the 2011 season.
(July 13, 2010)
HUNTSVILLE -- Hoover High School rising senior Alex Morton scored two first-half goals as the North downed the South 7-1 in the Alabama All-Star Week boys soccer contest at John Hunt Complex.
The South girls opened 2010 All-Star Week earlier in the day with a 3-2 win over the North – just the South’s second win in the series and first since 2007. The North girls now own a 7-2-1 series advantage and the North Boys are 6-3-1 versus the South.
Trinity quarterback Josh Watkins looks for an open receiver during Thursday's 7-on-7 Camp at Prattville High School. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
(July 9, 2010)
PRATTVILLE – It wasn’t exactly football weather but for eight squads, the opportunity to strap on a helmet could not be passed up.
Several teams from the River Region took part in a 7-on-7 camp at Prattville High School on Thursday, looking for a little more fine tuning as pre-season practice dates creep closer.
After four years, Glasscock is leaving EMCA for a coaching position at Meadowview Christian in Selma. (Photo contributed)
By Art Parker
RRS Correspondent
(July 5, 2010)
PRATTVILLE - When John Glasscock went to East Memorial Christian Academy (EMCA) several years ago, he thought it would be the final stop in his career path.
“Of course, life takes us to places we don’t think about. Another opportunity came my way at a very good time and I decided to move on,” he said.
Glasscock is now the head coach at Meadowview Christian Academy in Selma.
With parents David (left) and Denise by his side, Trent Phillips recently signed a scholarship to play baseball at Faulkner University. (Photo contributed)
Staff Report (May 26, 2010)
Prattville Christian second baseman Trent Phillips recently signed a baseball scholarship with Faulkner University, becoming the first baseball player to sign a college scholarship from the school.
The brother combination of C.K. and Glenn Irby combined to limit Leroy to five hits in a 5-4 victory in the first game of the AHSAA Class 2A state championship at Paterson Field on Tuesday.
The two teams meet again on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Riverwalk Stadium...
UMS-Wright eliminated the River Region's last team from the AHSAA playoffs in Alabama Christian last Friday. The Bulldogs play Alexandria on Thursday in the Class 4A championship series. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report (May 10, 2010)
It doesn’t happen often but the River Region got shut out in this year’s Alabama High School Athletic Association Baseball Championships.
Alabama Christian Academy’s loss to UMS-Wright last Friday assured the Montgomery area of no team in the finals, the first time that has happened since 2007.
Results of Alabama High School Athletic Association state baseball championships held at Riverwalk Stadium and Paterson Field. Read More >>Comments (0)
Courtney Baker earned a win in Game 1 and a save in Game 2 for Hooper Academy on Friday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report<
(May 8, 2010)
The Hooper Lady Colts are in unfamiliar territory…. Good territory but unknown.
The Colts got a 3-1 victory over Kingwood Christian in the second game of the day in the AISA Class AAA state softball tourney. It allowed them to move into the winner’s bracket game on Saturday, something the program has never enjoyed.
A schedule mix-up with the Huntsville hosts has necessitated a change in the scheduled times for Saturday’s AHSAA State Soccer Tournament finals at the John Hunt Soccer Complex. Friday’s semifinals are unaffected.
Results of the semifinal round of Alabama High School Athletic Association state baseball playoffs. Winners advance to the state finals to be held in Montgomery May 11-15 Read More >>Comments (1)
The "Wildcat" pile forms after Edgewood Academy beats Marengo Academy for the AISA Class AA state title on Tuesday at Paterson Field. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor (May 5, 2010)
The Edgewood Academy Wildcats were celebrating another state championship on Tuesday at Paterson Field.
Yet, the most important player wasn’t around to see it.
The Wildcats swept the Alabama Independent School Association Class AA state championship, defeating Marengo Academy, 4-0 and 14-1. It was the second consecutive title and the sixth overall for the school.
Chase Thornton and the Edgewood seniors enjoyed their final practice on Monday before the AISA state championship series against Marengo Academy, which is set for Tuesday at Paterson Field. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor (May 4, 2010)
ELMORE –Chase Thornton may not have a rags-to-riches story. He is one player who got a second chance but not where he expected.
Because of his endurance, he has a shot at a second state championship ring.
Thornton will be in the lineup as the designated hitter on Tuesday when the Edgewood Academy Wildcats take on Marengo Academy for the AISA Class AA state championship at Paterson Field (4 p.m.).
Edgewood coach Bobby Carr has his team back in the finals and will face Marengo Academy on Tuesday at Paterson Field. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor (May 3, 2010)
ELMORE – The Edgewood Academy Wildcats are back in the finals despite a lull at the beginning of the season, a team full of young players and a scare in the second round of the AISA state playoffs last week.
GROVE HILL – Dalton Raybon’s single scored Cody Bell with two outs to lift Alabama Christian Academy to a 7-6 win over Clarke County and a sweep of the Class 4A quarterfinal series on Friday at the Stephens Complex. ACA won the first game 13-0... LUVERNE – Corey Hale pitched a no hitter in a 3-0 win and the Luverne Tigers held off Trinity, 6-4, in the second game to advance to the semifinals of the Class 3A playoffs on Friday. (MORE)
Schedule of the second round of Alabama Independent School Association state baseball playoffs. All series are Best-of-3 and will feature a doubleheader on Wednesday. A third game, if necessary, will be played on Thursday. The AISA did not provide starting times.
Nigel Card (far left) was named as the new basketball coach at St. James by athletic director Jerry Browning (center) and school principal John Tatum. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor (April 28, 2010)
It took 23 years but Nigel Card is finally getting a chance to be a head coach.
But it’s not where most thought he would start.
A longtime assistant to Auburn University Montgomery coach Larry Chapman, Card was officially named head basketball coach for the St. James boys program on Tuesday.
Montgomery Academy and LAMP finished first and second, respectively, in the Class 3A, Section 1 Golf Tournament at Lagoon Park on Monday, earning a berth in the AHSAA Sub-State tourney next week... The Montgomery Academy boys and girls tennis teams hold slim leads after the first day of the AHSAA Class 3A State Tennis tournament at Lagoon Park on Monday.
Trinity celebrates the three-run homer in the sixth inning hit by Jack Poundstone (5) during the Wildcats' sweep of Gordo on Friday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report (April 24, 2010)
Jack Poundstone was not having the best of days.
The senior second baseman for the Trinity Wildcats had been to the plate three times, struck out twice and was set up for the hat trick on his fourth at-bat.
Instead, he became the hero of Game 1 of the Best-of-3 series against Gordo on Friday.
Poundstone hammered a 1-ball-2-strike pitch over the right-center field fence to give the Wildcats the late lead in the first game of the Class 3A second-round doubleheader at Jason Armstrong Field. The home run was part of a four-run inning that overcame a 5-3 deficit in the sixth and helped Trinity win Game 1, 7-5.
Edgewood first baseman Dylan Ingram fields a throw at first in the opening game of the Wildcats' sweep of Escambia Academy. (Photo by Art Parker)
Staff Report
(April 24, 2010)
It has become as predictable as the weather turning warm.
The Edgewood Wildcats baseball team hits the field and they win. Things were no different Friday afternoon as the Wildcats hosted Escambia Academy in the first round of the AISA Class AA state playoffs.
Macon-East coach and president of the AISA Coach's Association Glynn Lott said the new all-star games have been in discussion for some time. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report (April 22, 2010)
A new all-star baseball game is in the works for member schools of the Alabama Independent School Association, so say the members of the AISA.
The game would pit the top senior baseball players from the AISA against the top players from the Georgia Independent School Association, which is the Peach State’s equivalent to the AISA.
Montgomery Academy took first place in the girls Class 1A-3A Section 2 tournament at O'Conner Tennis Center on Monday, earning 40 points and ahead of second-place Trinity, which finished with 23 points... Kenny Reaves homered and Stewart Dawson had two hits to lift Autauga Academy to a 7-1 win over Crenshaw Christian in a one-game playoff for the AISA Class AA Region 1 standings... John Russell had four goals in LAMP’s 7-1 win over Montgomery Catholic on Monday. (MORE) Read More >>Comments (0)
Sophomore Danny Madison went 3-for-6 in the two games, driving in four runs to help the Alabama Christian Academy Eagles eliminate Handley 4-2 and 6-2, in the first round of the Class 4A AHSAA playoffs on Friday... Coston Allen pitched a two-hit shutout and struck out nine in Game 2 of Robert E. Lee’s doubleheader split with Enterprise in the Class 6A playoffs on Friday... GORDO – The LAMP Golden Tigers were unable to overcome a five-run deficit in the seventh inning despite loading the bases with no outs in a 12-11 loss in the second game of a doubleheader against Gordo. (MORE)
Coach Tommy Goodson and the Prattville Lions open the Class 6A playoffs Friday against Northview. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report (April 16, 2010)
The Prattville Lions (19-11) are one of several teams from the River Region that will open play in the Alabama High School Athletic Association state playoffs Friday. The first round will feature Best-of-3 series.
Four teams from the area earned first-round home games, including Prattville, which won the Class 6A, Area 5 title. The Lions will play Northview in a doubleheader on Friday.
Colin Siler’s goal proved to be the difference in LAMP’s 2-1 win over Montgomery Academy on Tuesday, keeping the Golden Tigers’ soccer team perfect for the season... Tallassee (25-8) won for the 11th time in 12 games on Tuesday, defeating Prattville, 7-4, in the final game before playoff action begins on Friday. (MORE)
Teams and coaches selected for the North-South boys and girls soccer competition during the 14th annual Alabama All-Star Sports Week July 12-16 in Huntsville have been announced by Steve Bailey, director of the Alabama High School Athletic Directors and Coaches Association. Read More >>Comments (0)
Bernard Davis clubbed two home runs and had five hits, six RBIs and two runs in Robert E. Lee’s sweep of Jeff Davis at Pete Lee Field on Friday. Lee won Game 1, 10-4 and followed with a 13-3 win in the second game... Jamal Golden had four hits and two runs scored while Bradley Roney and Will Smith each picked up victories in Wetumpka’s sweep of Auburn... The LAMP Tigers spotted Montevallo a six-run lead before coming back to earn a 14-8 victory on Friday.
HOLTVILLE - Alex Guilford scattered four hits and Cody Bell’s fielder’s choice scored Jordan Creel in Alabama Christian Academy’s 3-1 victory over Holtville in a key Class 4A, Area 5 game on Thursday... Edgewood Academy won its 13th-straight game with a sweep of East Memorial, 11-1 and 7-2, on Thursday. (MORE)
TALLASSEE -- Trey Cochran-Gill knocked in five runs with four hits and earned the win on the mound in Tallassee’s 21-0 win over BTW-Tuskegee on Tuesday. The win clinched the Class 5A, Area 6 championship... AUBURN – The Auburn Tigers clinched the Class 6A, Area 8 title with an 8-7 win over Wetumpka on Tuesday. (MORE)
LAMP's Chris Thomas slides into second safely in LAMP's first win over Holtville on Monday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(April 6, 2010)
Ben Taylor pitched a complete game, scattering five hits and striking out four to lead Brewbaker Tech to a 3-2 victory over Opp in a key Class 4A, Area 2 matchup at Thompson Park on Monday... Bryan Young limited the Holtville Bulldogs to just six hits in LAMP’s 7-4 win over Holtville on Monday at Paterson Field. The Golden Tigers completed the sweep in the nightcap with a 9-5 victory. (MORE)
Josh Watkins pitched a complete game and scored three times in Trinity’s 9-4 victory over LAMP in the first of a three-game series at Paterson Field on Thursday... Brewbaker Tech recorded two shutouts of Bullock County to clinch a playoff on Thursday. The Rams won 12-0 and 22-0. (MORE)
Trinity coach Randy Ragsdale leads the contingency of representatives from the River Region in this summer’s All-Star football game as part of the All-Star Sports Week... Six home games and nine Southwestern Athletic Conference games highlight the 2010 edition of the Alabama State University football schedule... Auburn will travel across the state to rival Alabama for a three-game series against the No. 23 Crimson Tide beginning Friday.
Prattville shortstop Sam Chambliss tags out Steven Potter on a steal attempt in the Lions' win on Tuesday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(March 31, 2010)
Prattville baseball coach Tommy Goodson was happy and disgruntled at the same time.
His joy came from the Lions’ 3-1 victory over Robert E. Lee in a key Class 6A, Area 6 game at Pete Lee Field. The disappointment was from the lack of offense in the win.
The Brew Tech Rams (14-7) completed a three game area sweep of Ashford High School Tuesday at Ray Thorington Field with a 13-5 victory. The Rams improved to 3-1 in 4A Area 2 with two area series left to play... Michael Tinney’s double gave Tallassee a key 8-7 victory over Beauregard on Tuesday... Bryan Headley pitched a complete-game three-hitter to defeat Stanhope Elmore, 3-1, Tuesday at Stokely Bazemore Field. (MORE)
The Tallassee Tigers tuned up for a key area game with a convincing 9-0 win over LAMP at Paterson Field on Monday.... Dalton Raybon scattered five hits in Alabama Christian Academy’s 6-0 win over Trinity on Monday. (MORE) Read More >>Comments (1)
LAMP's Bryan Young had seven hits including two homers over the weekend at Marbury. (Photo by Mike Peacock)
Staff Report
(March 29, 2010)
The Trinity Wildcats (15-5, 6-0 Class 3A, Area 5) pounded out 45 runs in their doubleheader sweep of Montgomery Academy over the weekend. The Wildcats hit six home runs in the doubleheader.... The LAMP Golden Tigers escaped with a 7-3 victory over Marbury in Game 1 of a doubleheader on Saturday to take the weekend series. (MORE)
ECLECTIC -- Casey Antley carried a no-hitter through six innings in Holtville’s 6-4 win over Elmore County on Friday.
Blake Barrow struck out five and scattered seven hits in Trinity’s 18-6 come-from-behind win over Montgomery Academy... Bryan Young pitched six solid innings in LAMP’s 4-0 win over Marbury on Friday at Paterson Field. (MORE)
Dalton Raybon pitched a complete game in ACA's victory over LAMP on Tuesday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Reports
(March 24, 2010)
ACA won its 10th game of the season with a hard fought 1-0 victory over St. James Tuesday.... ACA defeated LAMP in baseball... J.R. Harmon homered in Lee's win over Lanier... Holtville pitchers combined for a no hitter in a win over Brewbaker Tech.
ALEXANDER CITY - Tallassee split a doubleheader with Centra-Coosa and Briarwood in the Lake Martin Classic on Tuesday. Trey Cochran-Gill, Michael Tinney and Caleb Parker each had RBIs in a 10-5 loss to Briarwood... Catholic defeated Sidney Lanier behind Tripp Watley... Chris Dunn got the win in LAMP's win over Southmoore, Okla.
ORANGE BEACH - LAMP split two games in the first day of the Nike Gulf Shores Classic... Brewbaker Tech could not muster up much run support in a 3-2 loss to Class 6A Pinson Valley... The Trinity Wildcats (8-4) dropped two games in the opening day of the Baldwin County Home Run Club Spring Classic.
St. James' Will Olsey, seen here in last week's FCA Tourney, had two hits in a losing effort on Thursday. (Staff Photo)
Combined Reports
(March 12, 2010)
OPP – Starting pitcher Gavin Free went the distance allowing just two hits in Opp’s 5-0 win over St. James in Class 4A, Area 2 play on Thursday... Josie Russell struck out 11 in the Lady Golden Tigers’ 7-5 victory over Trinity in Class 3A, Area 5 action on Thursday... G.W. Carver’s Shatavia Ferris and Roquez Johnson along with Jeff Davis guard Jatoria Carter will represent the River Region next summer in the annual North-South basketball games in the 14th annual Alabama All-Star Sports Week competition in Huntsville.
Coach Keith Lucky and St. James will open area play on Thursday against Opp. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(March 11, 2010)
Shortly after a loss in the recent FCA Jason Armstrong Baseball Classic, St. James head baseball coach Keith Lucky chose to look ahead to games that would count more than an 11-4 loss to Trinity Presbyterian.
“Everybody is building towards the area games,” Lucky said. “We take what we can out of games like this and move on.”
The time has now come for the Trojans and many of the baseball teams in the River Region, which open area play this weekend. St. James is one of several teams that begin “the ones that count” on Thursday.
Trinity Presbyterian warmed up for the opening of area play with an easy 16-2 win over Brewbaker Tech on Tuesday at Thompson Park... The Alabama Christian Academy and St. James soccer match was delayed by officials due to lightning with 14:57 minutes left in the game on Tuesday night... Greenville and Opelika will kick off the 2010 Champions Challenge Prep Football Classic at Cramton Bowl next August. Trinity is also scheduled to play Jackson High School on Saturday.
After falling behind in the seventh inning, Chris Thomas hit a bases-loaded double in the bottom of the inning to cap a four-run rally as LAMP defeated Robert E. Lee, 7-6, at Paterson Field... Alabama Christian Academy soccer won its eighth game of the season with a 8-0 shutout of Holtville High School Monday night...Mallory Garmon and Krystin had two hits and two RBIs each in Edgewood Academy’s 9-3 victory over Fort Dale Academy on Monday. Read More >>Comments (0)
Brew Tech starter Ben Taylor pitched six strong innings in a win over LAMP on Saturday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(March 7, 2010)
Brewbaker Tech finished the FCA Jason Armstrong Memorial Baseball Classic with a perfect record, completing the tournament with a sweep of LAMP and Marbury on Saturday at Paterson Field.
LAMP's Hayden White had four hits to lead the Golden Tigers over Elmore County Thursday in the FCA Jason Armstrong Tourney at Riverwalk Stadium. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(March 5, 2010)
The LAMP Golden Tigers put together a solid hitting performance in an 11-5 victory over Elmore County in the FCA Jason Armstrong Memorial Baseball Classic on Thursday at Riverwalk Stadium.
Alabama Christian Academy Soccer notched its seventh victory of the season with a win over Elmore County, 8-0, on Thursday... Zach Pinter scored four goals and Sam Vargas had four assists to lead LAMP to a 7-0 win over Montgomery Catholic on Thursday.
Brewbaker Tech’s K.T. Harrell was named as a member of the Alabama All-Star team that will face Mississippi in the 20th annual Alabama-Mississippi Class on March 20 in Pelham.
St. James catcher Taylor Poe tags out a Marbury base runner in the Trojans' win on Wednesday at Riverwalk Stadium. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(March 4, 2010)
Despite six errors, the St. James Trojans celebrated a victory over Marbury on the opening day of the Jason Armstrong Memorial Baseball Classic at Riverwalk Stadium on Wednesday.
The Trojans earned a 7-5 win in 11 innings, coming from behind early but then giving up the lead in the bottom of the seventh on an unearned run.
Edgewood's Mitch Greer has hit two home runs and has a victory on the mound in the early stages of the 2010 season. (Photo by Art Parker)
Staff Report
(March 3, 2010)
ELMORE - Edgewood began the 2010 baseball season exactly the way it wanted with victories in its first two outings. But things changed last week when Coach Bobby Carr’s Wildcats dropped 4 of 5 games.
J.J. Sewell and the Montgomery Academy Eagles will play Wednesday in what is now the first day of the FCA Jason Armstrong Baseball Classic at Riverwalk Stadium. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(March 2, 2010)
The first day of the FCA Jason Armstrong Baseball Classic has been rained out.
BIRMINGHAM - It was not a good Championship Saturday for River Region teams.
Three teams took their respective shots at a state title on Saturday at the BJCC Arena. All three were unable to complete the task of earning the blue trophy with Brewbaker Tech and both the G.W. Carver boys and girls losing in the finals.
K.T. Harrell will try to lead Brewbaker Tech to its first-ever state title Saturday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Feb. 27, 2010)
The Brewbaker Tech Rams go for a history-making win on Saturday, looking to grab the school’s first-ever state title in any sport when they face Ramsay in the Class 4A state championship game at 11 a.m.
Alondra Gray had 15 points and three steals for Carver's girls on Thursday. (Staff Photo)
BIRMINGHAM - The G.W. Carver Wolverines swept two games in Birmingham on Thursday in the Class 5A semifinals with the girls defeating Erwin, 54-51. The boys followed with a win over Wenonah with the same identical score, 54-51.
Christopher Bendolph and the Brew Tech Rams earned a spot in the Class 4A championship game with a win over Columbia on Wednesday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Feb. 25, 2010)
BIRMINGHAM - Brewbaker Tech is one win away from the school’s first-ever state championship.
The Rams (24-5) needed a big day from Univeristy of Virginia signee K.T. Harrell and they got it in a 65-54 victory over Columbia (Huntsville) in the boys Class 4A semifinals at the BJCC Arena on Wednesday.
The Eastwood Christian Warriors recently reached the semifinals of the ACEAA state basketball tournament held at Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa. (Photo contributed)
Staff Report
(Feb. 24, 2010)
The Eastwood Christian Warriors boys and girls teams recently played in the ACEAA state basketball tournament held at Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa.
K.T. Harrell led the Brew Tech Rams to their first berth in the AHSAA Final 48 on Saturday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Feb. 21, 2010)
K.T. Harrell scored 24 points and Giovanni Smith scored 20 points to lead Brewbaker Tech to a 52-44 victory over Andalusia in the Class 4A South Regional championship at the Mitchell Center on the University of South Alabama campus on Saturday.
Carver's Tiffany Jones drives for a shot during the Lady Wolverines' win over Selma on Friday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Feb. 20, 2010)
G.W. Carver is finishing its brief two-year period in Class 5A in style.
Both the girls and boys will head to Birmingham next week for a shot at the Clas 5A state championship. Both earned trips with victories over Selma in Friday’s Central Regional final at Alabama State.
LAMP infielder Martin Bryant had two hits in the Tigers' opening-season win at Catholic on Friday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Feb. 20, 2010)
Montgomery Catholic baseball coach Jeff Clark admitted that he likes to start the season against LAMP due to the fact that the Golden Tigers will test his team in different ways.
Such was the case Friday when the two teams opened the 2010 baseball season at Catholic. The Tigers scored four unearned runs in the first inning on the way to a 9-1 victory.
Jeff Davis guard Jatoria Carter reaches over Central's Monique Jackson for a shot in the Lady Vols' win on Friday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Feb. 19, 2010)
Before the postseason began, Jeff Davis Lady Volunteers head coach LaKenya Knight gave her team the annual speech – everyone is 0-0. Play hard and good things will happen.
Good things indeed.
The Lady Vols are headed to Birmingham after disposing of the Central-Phenix City Lady Red Devils, 48-39, in the finals of the Class 6A Central Regional at Alabama State’s Acadome on Friday.
MA's J.J. Sewell finds a double team in Greene County's win on Thursday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Feb. 19, 2010)
Greene County coach Rodney Wesley got what he wanted.
"We've got a rematch with Sumter County," Greene County coach Rodney Wesley said. "We've played them three times this season, and they've won each game by five points or less."
The Tigers advanced to the Class 3A Central Regional championship for the first time since 2006 with a 72-66 victory over Montgomery Academy.
Miah Brooks and Layne Doctson set up for a rebound in the Lady Eagles' win over Greene County. (Staff Photo).
Staff Report
(Feb. 19, 2010)
Montgomery Academy coach Glenn Sylvest wanted to see just how far his Lady Eagles had come in a year.
He got the answer he was looking for.
The Lady Eagles used relentless pressure to beat Greene County, 71-59, in a rematch of last year’s Class 3A Central Regional semifinal at Alabama State.
Brew Tech's Ben Taylor struck out nine in five innings in the Rams' season-opening win over St. James. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Feb. 19, 2010)
Ben Taylor pitched five strong innings giving up four hits and striking out nine in Brewbaker Tech’s 5-2 victory over St. James on Wednesday.
Dillon Patterson had three hits with two RBIs, and Chase Davis was 1-for-3 with an RBI in Alabama Christian Academy’s 11-2 win over Chilton County. Read More >>Comments (0)
After a year-long probationary period, it was back to "just" basketball for Craig Sword and the Carver Wolverines and Valley High School. (Photo by Dennis Victory). To order more photos of this or other games, visit www.kdpsportsphotos.com
Staff Report
(Feb. 18, 2010)
The G.W. Carver Wolverines played nearly flawless basketball in their 70-47 victory over Valley in Wednesday’s Class 5A Central Regional semifinal game at Alabama State’s Acadome.
The story was not about what happened during the game but before and after.
Catholic's Graham Evans slams home two of his 16 points but it wasn't enough in Midfield's win Wednesday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Feb. 18, 2010)
Too much pressure. Too many mistakes.
It was the story for Montgomery Catholic in its 62-47 loss to Midfield in Wednesday’s Class 4A Central Regional semifinal game at Alabama State’s Acadome.
Lakeside celebrates the last-second win over Autauga Academy at Huntingdon College on Wednesday. (Staff Photo)
Merritt Waddell sank two 3-pointers – both from the same spot on the court – to lift the Warriors to a 56-53 win over Autauga Academy in the AISA Class AA semifinals at Huntingdon College.... Tremayne Hardin scored six of his 12 points late in the fourth quarter to lift Evangel Christian over Edgewood Academy, 59-53... Pickens Academy earned a 46-39 win over EMCA.
Carver's Alondra Gray fights through a BTW-Tuskegee defender for a shot in the Lady Wolverines' win on Wednesday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Feb. 17, 2010)
There are different ways Booker T. Washington coach Charles Biggers might explain how his Golden Eagles suffered a second-consecutive blowout in the Class 5A Central Regional tournament.
“I guess call it the Carver mystique,” he explained.
The Lady Wolverines led 38-7 at the half and never looked back in a 60-35 rout of BTW-Tuskegee. It was the second-straight year Carver had won in large fashion over the Eagles.
Ashley Henley and the Lanier Lady Poets found rough going against the Lady Red Devils of Central-Phenix City on Tuesday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Feb. 17, 2010)
It was a day to forget for River Region teams.
Four Class 6A teams played on Tuesday in the Central Regional at the Alabama State Acadome. Three were out before the sun went down – both teams from Sidney Lanier and Prattville were upended.
JD coach LaKenya Knight was all smiles Tuesday during the Lady Vols' win over Dothan. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Feb. 17, 2010)
Jeff Davis Samantha Thomas found the ball in her hands time after time either through rebounds or the dribble drive and dish by her teammates. She was usually the receiver of the passes from Jatoria Carter in the Lady Volunteers’ 64-43 win over Dothan in the Class 6A Central Regional semifinal at Alabama State’s Acadome on Tuesday.
Central-Phenix City advanced to the Class 6A Central Regional final with a 62-47 victory over Lanier on Tuesday at the Alabama State Dunn-Oliver Acadome.
Lanier's Keith Braswell can't find a handle on the ball in the Poets' loss to Opelika on Tuesday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Feb. 17, 2010)
Central-Phenix City took an easy 72-48 victory over the Prattville Lions at the Alabama State Acadome, setting up a date with Opelika, which defeated Sidney Lanier.
Autaugaville's Kelton Tyus attempts to block a shot in the fourth quarter of the Eagles' loss on Monday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Feb. 16, 2010)
Darren Golson shook his head wondering just how his Autaugaville Eagles had blown a 23-point lead in the second half.
Edward Bell coach Mitch Joiner was wondering the same thing.
It turned out to be pressure defense and poor shooting that allowed the Bears to advance to the finals of the Class 1A Central Regional at the Alabama State Acadome with a 73-63 win over the Eagles on Monday.
Catholic guard Leonard Walker finds himself surrounded by Munford defenders in the Knights' win on Saturday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Feb. 14, 2010)
The Knights were able to survive a second-half comeback by the Lions to earn that coveted trip to the Alabama State Acadome with a 69-57 victory on Saturday.
Brew Tech center Marques Webb led the Lady Rams with 24 points and 18 rebounds in the win over Dallas County. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Feb. 12, 2010)
Marques Webb scored 24 points and Tabitha Bradshaw added 21 as Brewbaker Tech advanced to the Class 4A South Regional with a 69-51 win over Dallas County at the Robert E. Lee gymnasium on Thursday.
Tallassee's Chris Adams (top) won the 145-pound weight class in last week's sectionals. (Photo contributed)
By Michael Butler
RRS Correspondent
(Feb. 11, 2010)
The Tallassee Tigers easily won their third straight Class 5A Section 1 title, qualifying 12 wrestlers for the state championships last weekend. Five Tallassee wrestlers won their weight classes. Nine reached the finals of their divisions.
Results from the AHSAA Sub-Regional, including the Central and South brackets. Schedule was revised due to snow in the central and south portion of the state.
Prattville's Justin Thomas drives to the basket during the Lions' win over Lanier at Robert E. Lee on Monday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Feb. 9, 2010)
Lucky, good… Justin Thomas was both Monday.
The sophomore enjoyed the good fortune of a couple of non-routine shots that went in as part of a big night for the Prattville Lions, who won their first area tournament title in 12 years with a comfortable 76-63 win over Sidney Lanier in the Class 6A, Area 6 tourney at Robert E. Lee.
Gibson (2) will sign with LSU on Wednesday. (Photo by Chris Dunn)
Staff Report
(Feb. 3, 2010)
For college football fans, National Signing Day is like Christmas. The presents happen to be 18-year-old high school seniors gift-wrapped with salutations and stars from national scouts and pundits.
For the players, coaches and family members, it’s a day of excitement, relief, even some regret.
Tallassee's Chris Adams (purple) will be one of the favorites in this weekend's Class 1A-4A Sectional at Tallassee.. (Photo by Bart Lassiter.)
By Michael Butler
RRS Correspondent
(Feb. 1, 2010)
The Tallassee wrestling team finished its regular season with a 26-4 record in dual matches after dominating wins over Stanhope Elmore (68-12) and Russell County (66-5) on Senior Night last Thursday.
This weekend, Tallassee will be among 11 teams at Stumberg Gym for sectionals. This will be the first year Tallassee has hosted a postseason event. Read More >>Comments (0)
The bracket of the Central Regional basketball tournament scheduled Feb.16-20 at Alabama State University has been adjusted to coincide with the host university’s home basketball schedule.
K.T. Harrell tries to drive past a Lee defender in the MLK Classic Monday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Jan. 19, 2010)
After a sound thrashing at the hands of Robert E. Lee on Monday, Brewbaker Tech head basketball coach Chauncey Shines didn’t bat an eye when asked if he was disappointed.
“We got just what we needed,” he said, almost with a smile.
The Rams struggled on both ends of the floor in an 84-67 loss to the Generals in the MLK Roundball Classic at the Alabama State Acadome. It was just the fourth loss of the season for Brew Tech, but maybe one of the most important games heading into the last stretch of the regular season.
K.T. Herrell and the Brew Tech Rams will be one of eight teams to participate in the MLK Classic Monday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Jan. 18, 2010)
Brewbaker Tech coach Chauncey Shines made one observation when looking forward to Monday’s MLK Classic at Alabama State.
“I guess we’ll see how we do against the big boys,” Shines said.
Brew Tech will face Robert E. Lee in one of four games slated in the annual event.
Carver coach James "J.J." Jackson (left) and his assistants were relieved to hear the news on Thursday that the Wolverines would be eligible again for the playoffs effective Jan. 20. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
(Jan. 14, 2010)
G.W. Carver athletic director Michelle Simmons confirmed on Thursday that the school’s boys’ basketball team would be eligible for post-season play effective Jan. 20.
Simmons received notice in a letter from the Alabama High School Athletic Association that the program had earned back its status as a playoff-eligible team and that the probation placed on the team last February would be lifted.
As players for G.W. Carver watched, Sidney Lanier and Anniston battled for the title of the Dwight Madison Roundball Classic on Wednesday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Dec. 31, 2009)
It’s not every day the host team is prohibited from playing in its own holiday basketball tournament.
But such was the case this week when G.W. Carver watched as seven other teams battled in the Dwight Madison Roundball Classic at Faulkner University’s Tine Davis Gym.
Anniston, the defending Class 4A state champions, defeated Sidney Lanier, 66-55, on Wednesday, capping the tournament that featured seven teams in boys’ play and three in girls’ play.
Tournament MVP Lauren Olszewski led St. James to the CCC Christmas Tourney title on Wednesday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Dec. 31, 2009)
Ask Katie Barton to name a favorite player and the St. James head coach will promptly answer, “who ever is playing the best basketball for us.”
That was the case in point in the Lady Trojans’ hard-fought 35-30 victory over St. Jude in the finals of the Capital City Conference Christmas Tournament at Trinity on Wednesday.
ACA's Reed Teel is cornered by Tallassee's Ronderious Hooks (25) and Vandale Daniel in the Eagles' win over the Tigers in the consolation championship game at Trinity on Wednesday. (Staff Photo)
Trinity's Caroline Wilder drives past St. Jude's Raven Moore in Tuesday's CCC Christmas tourney at Trinity. St Jude advanced to the girls' final with a win over the Lady Wildcats. (Staff Photo)
Anthony White goes up for two in Lee's win over Woodlawn on Monday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Dec. 29, 2009)
On Monday, the Generals opened the Dwight Madison Roundball Classic with an impressive 66-47 win over Woodlawn at Faulkner University’s Tine Davis Gym. After a slow start, the Generals outscored the Colonels 24-6 in the final quarter to pull away for their eighth win of the season (8-2).
Holiday basketball tournaments go into high gear beginning today across the River Region.
Two of the larger traditional tournaments open with the annual Capital City Conference tournament at Trinity and the Dwight Madison Classic at Faulkner University. Read More >>Comments (0)
Dollar has been courted by his alma mater, Central-Phenix City but he states that he will stay in Tallassee. (Photo contributed)
By Michael Butler
RRS Correspondent
(Dec. 19, 2009)
With rumors floating about, Tallassee Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Rodney Dollar said he looks forward to the future with the Tigers.
Dollar hails from Central Phenix City High School. Red Devils head football Coach Ron Nelson is retiring this season. Dollar's alma mater has taken notice of one of its own.
MOBILE – Alabama’s All-Stars posted two fourth-quarter touchdowns in a matter of 13 seconds to take a 21-13 come-from-behind victory over Mississippi on Saturday at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in the 2009 Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Football Classic.
Stanhope Elmore's Chase Montgomery (black) maintains his advantage over an Auburn High School wrestler in a recent match in the 160-pound category. (Photo by Art Parker)
By Art Parker
RRS Correspondent
(Dec. 6, 2009)
MILLBROOK - It has been an interesting three years for the Stanhope Elmore wrestling program and Mustangs coach Jason Brown.
When Brown and Stanhope Elmore started its wrestling program the school didn’t have a wrestling mat, which meant practice was difficult and that the Mustangs could not hold matches at home. The wrestling team had to go to another school to practice. In that first year, 14 athletes showed up to try out.
Coach Jamey DuBose and the Prattville Lions wait dejectedly for the presentation of the runner-up trophy after the loss to Hoover on Friday. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
(Dec. 5, 2009)
TUSCALOOSA – Prattville had been in this conundrum before.
In a deep hole after one half of play, the Lions had to fight back from a big deficit to earn their fourth-straight Class 6A state title.
Like the previous holes (as in the games against North Gwinnett, Ga. and Don Bosco of New Jersey), this one was too much to make up.
Prattville fell to the Hoover Bucs, 28-23, at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Friday, ending its reign in Class 6A football. The quest to match Hoover for the consecutive championships record (four in Class 6A) ended at three.
River Region Sports breaks down the second day of the games of the Super 6 with predictions. All games will be played at Bryant-Denny Stadium on the campus of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
TUSCALOOSA – Ki-Shawn Powell’s 5-yard run with 1:29 remaining gave Reeltown a 16-8 victory over Clay County in the Super 6 Class 2A state championship game at Bryant-Denny Stadium Friday afternoon.
TUSCALOOSA – Brantley rolled up 361 yards total offense Thursday afternoon and captured the Bulldogs’ first Class 1A state football championship since 1998 at the University of Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Bulldogs defeated Hackleburg, 28-13.
River Region Sports breaks down the first day of the games of the Super 6 with predictions. All games will be played at Bryant-Denny Stadium on the campus of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
Coaches from Class 4A, Region 2 selected ACA's Jordan Creel as the top player in the region for 2009. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Dec. 2, 2009)
Alabama Christian Academy coach Kenny Simpson and defensive back/receiver Jordan Creel were named the top coach and player in Class 4A, Region 2 in 2009 in a vote by each of the coaches in the region.
Prattville and Hoover have met three times for the Class 6A state title and will make it four on Friday at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. (Photo contributed)
Staff Report
(Dec. 1, 2009)
The location for the Class 6A and other state championships have changed to the campus of the University of Alabama but the teams in the highest classification are still the same. Prattville will make its fifth trip to the championship game and the fourth time it will face Hoover.
Twelve teams have emerged from the original playoff field of 192 to advance to the Alabama High School Athletic Association Super 6 state football championships to be played at Tuscaloosa’s Bryant-Denny Stadium for the first time on Thursday and Friday.
The two-day championship event kicks off on Thursday with three finals scheduled, followed by three more on Friday.
Results for the semifinal round of the AHSAA state football playoffs on Friday. Winners advance to the Super Six championships at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on Thursday and Friday.
TALLASSEE - What started as a strictly Elmore County tournament in 2007 has quickly grown into a regional competition that has gained a reputation among high school wrestling coaches and their teams as one of the best tournaments
The Lions plan to race past the Auburn Tigers in the Class 6A semis on Friday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Nov. 27, 2009)
With high school football fans anticipating Friday’s tilt between the Prattville Lions and the Auburn Tigers, one coach isn’t paying too much attention to all the hype.
Jamey DuBose believes in the old adage – act like you’ve been there.
Only two defending champions survived an intense third round of state football playoff action Friday night to advance to this week’s Alabama High School Athletic Association semifinals.
Edgewood's Dillon NesSmith battles for a catch in Friday's Class AA state championship game in Troy. (Photo by Art Parker)
By Art Parker
RRS Correspondent
(Nov. 21, 2009)
TROY - One point.
Three seconds.
That’s what separated Edgewood from its second consecutive AISA Class AA state championship.
The Monroe Academy Volunteers defeated the Wildcats 30-29 with a 39-yard field goal by freshman place kicker Craig Bryant with three seconds remaining in the game.
Three champions will be crowned on Friday in the Alabama Independent School Association Tripleheader to be played at Troy University’s Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium.
Here is a brief look at the three championship games.
The Trinity defense has kept opposing offenses bottled up this season. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
(Nov. 19, 2009)
It was a new and different sight for the Trinity Wildcats when the Gordo Green Wave marched down the field on its first possession of last week’s second-round game at Boykin Field.
“It got our attention,” defensive end Mitchell Reilly said.
The Wave reached inside the Trinity 1-yard line before being turned away on fourth down.
It would be their only offensive threat of the evening. But that’s nothing new to the Trinity defense.
River Region Sports breaks down the remaining games of the playoffs as well as the AISA state championship games on Friday with predictions of all games involving RRS teams plus a few bonus picks.
The Montgomery Academy girls cross country team captured the state championship recently while the boys' team finished second in the state. (Photo contributed)
Contributed
(Nov. 17, 2009)
The Montgomery Academy girls’ cross country team recently won the Class 3A state championship at the Oakville Indian Mounds Park in Oakville.
The MA boys finished second in the state, just edging Altamont by three points.
Results from the third round of the AHSAA state football playoffs and the AISA state championships to be held at Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium at Troy University.
All eight Class 1A region champions have advanced though the second round into the quarterfinals of the Alabama High School Athletic Association state football playoffs.
Edgewood quarterback Matt Moore hands off to Hunter Kilcrease during Friday's game against Southern Academy. The Wildcats earned a berth in the Class AA championship game with a 28-13 victory. (Photo by Art Parker)
By Art Parker
RRS Correspondent
(Nov. 14, 2009)
Southern Academy scored a touchdown on the last play of the first half and the last play of the game, but neither played a role in the Cougars loss to Edgewood Academy 28-13 Friday Night at Stoors Field.
BIRMINGHAM – G.W. Carver had just watched its chances for advancing in the Class 5A football playoffs all but go up in smoke before almost enjoying its own version of a Hail Mary pass to save it from elimination.
Only the Wolverines would not come up with the final catch for victory.
Briarwood Christian advanced to the quarterfinal round with a 31-28 victory over Carver. The win came on a Paul Barber desperation pass to Cooper Harrington in the final minute of the game.
River Region Sports breaks down the "Super Six" games of the second round of the playoffs on Friday night with predictions of all games involving RRS teams plus a few bonus picks.
Both Teel (pictured) and Thompson were joined by family and friends when they signed their letter of intent on Thursday. (Photo by Irmy Fonville)
Staff Report
(Nov. 13, 2009)
Reed Teel will be a part of the Harding University Bison basketball program next year. The senior guard at Alabama Christian Academy signed a letter of intent with the school at a special ceremony on Thursday.
Another ACA athlete, Will Thompson, also signed a scholarship with the Troy University golf team on Thursday.
Jamal Golden and the Wetumpka Indians advance to the second round to face top-ranked Auburn on Friday. (Photo by Chris Dunn)
Contributed
(Nov. 9, 2009)
All six defending state champions advanced out of the first round into this week’s second round of the Alabama High School Athletic Association state football playoff Friday (Nov. 13).
Carver's Stanley Robinson breaks away from an attempted tackle of the John Carroll defenders on Friday. (Photo by Chris Dunn)
Staff Report
(Nov. 7, 2009)
G.W. Carver proved on Friday that a team doesn’t have to dominate time of possession in order to win.
The Wolverines also proved that you could score almost every way imaginable in their 34-7 victory over John Carroll of Birmingham in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs at Cramton Bowl.
Edgewood's Camron Elliott makes a tackle on a Pickens reciever in the Wildcats' win on Friday. (Photo by Art Parker)
By Art Parker
RRS Correspondent
(Nov. 7, 2009)
If good health is an indicator of outstanding performance then Edgewood coach Bobby Carr knew his Wildcats were in for a big night, hosting Pickens Academy in the first round of the AISA, Class AA playoffs.
Edgewood trounced Pickens, 49-8. Almost all of the action took place in the first half, which ended with the Wildcats leading 42-0.
TALLASSEE – Gulf Shores entered Friday’s contest with Tallassee known for its offensive ability.
But the defense would prove to be the catapult into the second round.
Gulf Shores held running back Mike Smith and the Tigers offense in-check for most of the night, eliminating Tallassee, 17-13, in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs at J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium. It was the school’s first-ever playoff victory.
Jordan Creel has played through an emotional two years at Alabama Christian. Friday's game against Thomasville could be his last in an Eagles' uniform. (Photo by Brian Mitchell)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
(Nov. 6, 2009)
It would be easy to feel sorry for Jordan Creel. And it’s OK if you do.
Just don’t tell him.
Like so many teenagers who lose their parents, Creel has spent the better part of two years dealing with a monumental change in his life. Read More >>Comments (2)
River Region Sports breaks down the "Super Six" games of the first round of the playoffs on Friday night with predictions of all games involving RRS teams plus a few bonus picks.
The Prattville defense will attempt to lead the Lions back to the Class 6A state title beginning Friday. (Photo by Mark Dunn)
Compiled by RRS Staff
(Nov. 5, 2009)
Here is a brief look at each team from the River Region that will open football playoff action on Friday. Teams are listed in alphabetical order beginning with teams in the AHSAA and followed by teams in AISA.
Thirteen high school football teams take unbeaten records into the 2009 AHSAA state football playoffs, which begin this week with 96 first-round games on tap.
Lanier's LaDarron Williams attempts to corral a pass with Carver defender Devon Hardy on his hip in Friday's game at Cramton Bowl. (Photo by Chris Dunn)
Staff Report
(Oct. 31, 2009)
The G.W. Carver Wolverines started slow but finished strong in a 37-12 victory over arch-rival Sidney Lanier on Friday at Cramton Bowl.
The Wolverines led by just two points, 8-6 and later led just 16-12 in the first half.
PCA's J.J. Hudson (6) attempts to cut back on a Monroe defender in the Panthers' win on Friday. (Photo contributed)
Contributed
(Oct. 31, 2009)
PRATTVILLE - The Prattville Christian Academy Panthers overcame adversities in the first few minutes of Friday night’s game against Monroe Academy to record a 38-20 win.
Simpson has the ACA Eagles in the playoffs for the first time since 2005. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Oct. 30, 2009)
Alabama Christian Academy may have set what some might call a few modest goals for the 2009 football season.
According to head coach Kenny Simpson, most have been met. But with the success that includes a second-place finish in Class 4A, Region 2 and earning a home date in the first round of the playoffs, the Eagles suddenly want more.
TALLASSEE – They may have come out a little flat but the Tallassee Tigers took care of business on Thursday, defeating Holtville, 41-13, at Hot O’Brien Stadium.
Running back Mike Smith scored three touchdowns and rushed for 230 yards to lead the Tigers in a warm up before next week’s Class 5A playoffs begin.
Schedule and results of Week 10 (final regular season) of high school football in the River Region. If two teams from different classifications are playing, the game is listed in the highest classification. Visiting team is listed first.
Lee running back Tavaris Whitlow takes off behind Lee blocking in the Generals' win over Lanier on Friday. (Photo by Chris Dunn)
Staff Report
(Oct. 24, 2009)
The Robert E. Lee Generals are headed back to the playoffs.
The Generals (4-5, 3-3) started slow but finished with a flurry in a 21-0 win over Sidney Lanier at Cramton Bowl on Friday. The win clinched the fourth seed in Class 6A, Region 4 and sets up a first-round date at top-ranked Auburn in two weeks.
Wetumpka (white) will use Thursday's game against Jeff Davis and the season finale against Central-Phenix City as tune-ups for the playoffs. (Photo by John Phillips. For more photos, visit www.gridironphoto.com)
Schedule and results of Week 9 of high school football in the River Region. If two teams from different classifications are playing, the game is listed in the highest classification. Visiting team is listed first.
Standings for high school football teams in the River Region through Week 8 of the season. This is the final week of region play for most teams in AHSAA.
With a giant grin, PCA coach Grey Powell tells the Panthers of their official entry into post season for the first time in school history. (Photo by Art Parker)
By Art Parker
RRS Correspondent
(Oct. 17, 2009)
PRATTVILLE - Prattville Christian Academy (PCA) will see post season action for the first time in school history after defeating Kingwood Academy, 43-7, at PCA’s homecoming Friday night.
Reetown's Willie McKenzie races past (8) St. Jude's Willie Vinson in the first quarter of Reeltown's 22-0 win on Friday. (Photo by Mark Dunn)
Staff Report
(Oct. 17, 2009)
The Reeltown Rebels have been making life tough on opposing offenses.
Add St. Jude to the number.
The Rebels sewed up the Class 2A, Region 3 title with a convincing 22-0 win over St. Jude on Friday. It was the fifth shutout in a row for Reeltown, who improved to 7-1 (6-0 in Region 3) on the season.
London Pitts (5) takes an interception to the end zone with the escort of Jamian Barlow in Carver's win on Thursday. The touchdown was called back due to a penalty. (Photo by Chris Dunn)
Staff Report
(Oct. 16, 2009)
Rain nor storms nor the Selma Saints could stop the G.W. Carver Wolverines on Thursday.
The Wolverines made quick work of the visiting Saints, winning easily, 51-0, at Cramton Bowl.
Morgan Academy quarterback Austin Smitherman passes down field during the Senators' win over EMCA Thursday. (Photo by Art Parker)
Staff Report
(Oct. 16, 2009)
PRATTVILLE – The Morgan Academy Senators handed East Memorial Christian Academy its fourth loss in the last five games with a 41-16 win at Stanley-Jensen Stadium on Thursday.
Jim Tocco of 5-I Brand Management and Huntingdon Hawks football made the biggest move this week in the River Region Sports Press Picks. Tocco moved up to second after an 11-4 week, passing two others in the process. He stands just one game behind the leader, Doug Amos of SportsRadio 740 and Faulkner University. Amos maintained his lead for a second week.
If last year's win is any indication, Carver quarterback Reginald Aaron should get opportunities to throw against the Selma defense on Thursday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Oct. 15, 2009)
Capules from Thursday's games in the River Region.
Schedule for Week 8 of high school football in the River Region. If two teams from different classifications are playing, the game is listed in the highest classification.
The Edgewood defense was led by Ethan Teel (65) in Friday's win. (Photo by Art Parker)
By Art Parker
RRS Correspondent
(Oct. 11, 2009)
ELMORE - The Edgewood Academy Wildcats were eager to avenge their only loss of the season Friday night. After being stunned by Ft. Dale Academy the week before, the Wildcats came out swinging against Springwood in their final regular-season home game of the year.
Jeff Davis receiver Marcus Brown fights for the ball with Lee's Christopher Cook during Lee's 14-8 win on Friday. (Photo by Mark Dunn)
Staff Report
(Oct. 10, 2009)
The Robert E. Lee Generals proved it could enjoy the lead and hold onto it in a 14-8 win over Jeff Davis. The win moved them closer to a playoff bid, which becomes official with a victory over either Sidney Lanier or Stanhope Elmore in the next two weeks.
The Poets' De'Ante Lawrence broke this run for a touchdown but the play was called back because of a Lanier holding penalty. (Photo by Chris Dunn)
Staff Report
(Oct. 9, 2009)
Red Zone offense was a problem all last year for the Sidney Lanier Poets.
In 2009, it hasn’t gotten much better.
The Poets had an opportunity to pull within a field goal midway through the third quarter only to be denied in what eventually became a 24-8 loss to visiting McGill-Toolen on Thursday at Cramton Bowl.
Nick Perry from Prattville High School is the Public School Player of the Week and Crawford Steinberg from Saint James School is the Private School Player of the Week announced by the Montgomery Quarterback Club for Oct. 1-3... Former NFL Coaching Great Dan Reeves will be speaking, Oct. 15, 11:45-1:00 at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Game Day Luncheon at the RSA Activity Center, 201 Dexter Avenue... The LAMP Athletic Department is planning its second-annual golf tournament to benefit its 17 athletic teams. This year’s tournament, the LAMP All Sports Charity Golf Classic, will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at the Lagoon Park Golf course.
Doug Amos of SportsRadio 740 and Faulkner University athletics now owns the lead after a solid week of picks plus the unfortunate drop of Dee Jackson of WAKA Channel 8 last week.
Quarterback KeDarius Humphries (7) and De'Ante Lawrence hope to find the passing lanes open in Lanier's game against McGill-Toolen on Thursday. (Photo by Chris Dunn)
Staff Report
(Oct. 8, 2009)
It doesn't count in the regional standings, but Sidney Lanier will play one of its most important games of the season on Thursday.
That's according to head coach Steve Holloway, who continues to search for the right combination on both the offensive and defensive lines. Read More >>Comments (0)
Results of Week 7 of high school football in the River Region. If two teams from different classifications are playing, the game is listed in the highest classification.
Lee coach Larry Ware said the Generals needed to eliminate mistakes in Friday's loss to Wetumpka. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Oct. 3, 2009)
Jamal Golden may not have had the gaudy numbers on Friday against the Robert E. Lee Generals, but he had enough on one drive in the early portion of the second half to make the difference.
Golden, a junior, led the Wetumpka Indians on the only scoring drive of the game with Marquiz Buycks scoring the only points in the Indians’ 7-0 win over Lee at Cramton Bowl.
Lanier quarterback KeDarius Humphries gets pressure from Stanhope defenders Charlie Long (43) and Ryan Marusich in the Mustangs' win on Thursday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Oct. 2, 2009)
Jeff Foshee and the Stanhope Elmore Mustangs accomplished a couple of goals in Friday’s 44-20 win over Sidney Lanier on Thursday.
The first and most obvious goal was getting the win. The second – staying healthy.
Lanier's Desmond Howard (25) has been a part of the struggling offense for the Poets this season. (Photo by Chris Dunn)
Staff Report
(Oct. 1, 2009)
Stanhope Elmore might feel somewhat snake bit considering the first five games of the season.
The Mustangs’ inauspicious season continued last week against Central-Phenix City when their chance of tying and sending game into overtime was squashed with the block of a field goal that would have tied the game at 32-32.
Schedule and results of Week 6 of high school football in the River Region. If two teams from different classifications are playing, the game is listed in the highest classification.
Don Bosco running back Tony Jones had 203 yards rushing against Prattville on Friday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Sept. 26, 2009)
PRATTVILLE – Quarterback Sam Gibson said it. The score proved it.
Don Bosco came south from New Jersey and handed the Prattville Lions their first home loss in five years on Friday. But the Ironmen had to do it in come-from-behind fashion with a 35-24 win at Stanley-Jensen Stadium.
Carver quarterback Reginald Aaron tries to escape the tackle of Lee's Andrew Belser during the Wolverines' win over the Generals on Friday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Sept. 26, 2009)
G.W. Carver defensive back London Pitts was playing hurt but his interception in the end zone may have saved the Wolverines on Friday.
The Wolverines held off pesky Robert E. Lee, 15-8, at Cramton Bowl. Pitts’ interception of a Cody Ellis pass with 38 seconds left preserved the win.
Marengo's Rabe Hale breaks through EMCA tacklers Timmy Moore (30) and Kurt Kamena in the Longhorns' win on Thursday. (Photo by Art Parker)
By Art Parker
RRS Correspondent
(Sept. 25, 2009)
PRATTVILLE - East Memorial Christian Academy head coach John Glasscock analyzed his team’s loss to Marengo Academy perfectly.
“We got beat at the line of scrimmage. They whipped us real bad physically,” Glasscock said after the visiting Longhorns defeated the Wildcats, 31-14, at Stanley-Jensen Stadium on Thursday.
Baker (45) makes a one-handed grab that turned into a 51-yard play that set up the winning touchdown in the Trojans' win over Opp last Friday. (Photo extracted from video courtesy of St. James)
The St. James Trojans have been celebrating their second come-from-behind in as many weeks thanks to a miraculous catch and run by Brandyn Baker in the closing seconds of the Trojans’ 20-17 win over Opp last week.
WAKA sports director Dee Jackson maintained his lead in the RRS Press Picks contest, which heads into Week 4. Jackson leads second-place holders Doug Amos of SportsRadio 740 and Faulkner University and Graham Dunn of River Region Sports by three games.
This week's slate features a high school game of national interest when Prattville plays host to Don Bosco Prep School of New Jersey. Also, Alabama entertains Arkansas and Florida plays at Kentucky in the key SEC games this weekend.
OSHKOSH, Wisc. - Five costly turnovers, including two in the red zone, led to 17 points and proved to be the difference as Huntingdon fell to University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, 31-13, on Saturday afternoon at Titan Stadium.
JD's Ladarius Gunter looks for running room in the Vols' win over Sidney Lanier on Friday. (Photo Chris Dunn)
Staff Report
(Sept. 19, 2009)
The Volunteers ended a frustration that had lasted a school-record 13 games with a convincing 21-8 win over Sidney Lanier in a damp Cramton Bowl on Friday. The school’s last win came against Robert E. Lee in the final game of the 2007 season.
Wetumpka quarterback Jamal Golden eludes Prattville defenders on Friday. (Photo by John Phillips. To purchase game photos, visit www.gridironphoto.com)
Staff Report
(Sept. 19, 2009)
WETUMPKA – The top-ranked Prattville Lions scored 31 unanswered points en route to a 38-14 win over Wetumpka in Class 6A, Area 4 action at Hohenburg Stadium on Friday.
Golden has intentions to lead the Wetumpka Indians to a win over Prattville on Friday. (Photo by John Phillips. To purchase game photos, visit www.gridironphoto.com)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
(Sept. 18, 2009)
WETUMPKA – Coach Chad Anderson does not hide the fact. As Jamal Golden goes, so do the Wetumpka Indians.
That’s not a bad thing.
Golden has been... well... golden in the first three games for the Indians. The defensive back-turned-quarterback leads his team against top-ranked Prattville in the 50th meeting between the two schools on Friday.
After a near-perfect weekend, Dee Jackson of WAKA Channel 8 moved further out front after last week's Press Picks. Jackson hit on all but one of his 15 picks. Doug Amos of SportsRadio 740 and Faulkner University moved into second place with a solid 12-3 week.
Schedule and results of Week 4 of high school football in the River Region. If two teams from different classifications are playing, the game is listed in the highest classification. Visiting team listed on top.
PRATTVILLE - East Memorial Christian Academy pulled off a 44-39 upset win Friday night over visiting Tuscaloosa Academy. The victory improved the Wildcats record to 2-2 for the season... Prattville Christian loses to Bessemer Academy... Hooper Academy defeats Glenwood.... SMCA ends losing streak.
Stanhope Elmore defenders close the hole on Jeff Davis wideout Kordell Arrington in Friday's game at Foshee-Henderson Stadium. (Photo by Art Parker)
By Art Parker
RRS Correspondent
(Sept. 12, 2009)
MILLBROOK - After having a dismal start in the 2009 season, the Stanhope Elmore Mustangs notched their first win with an impressive 42-6 rout of the Jeff Davis Volunteers on Friday at Foshee-Henderson Stadium.
WETUMPKA – Indians quarterback Jamal Golden continued his impressive season with a solid performance in Wetumpka’s 36-6 win over Sidney Lanier in Class 6A Region 4 action at Hohenberg Stadium on Friday.
Lee defenders pursue Baldwin County's Christopher Bush in the Tigers' 7-0 win on Thursday. (Photo by Mark Dunn)
Staff Report
(Sept. 11, 2009)
Nowhere.
It was the description of Robert E. Lee’s offense on Thursday by head coach Larry Ware. The Generals struggled with turnovers and was unable to capitalize on good field position in a 7-0 loss to visiting Baldwin County at Cramton Bowl.
SYLACAUGA – Azarie Lewis rushed for 111 yards and scored twice to lead Montgomery Academy (3-0, 2-0) to a 34-21 victory over B.B. Comer on Thursday... Craig Granger and Jamal Golden named Quarterback Club's top players for last week... AUM's Amber Elam earns award.
Dee Jackson of WAKA Channel 8 was the top finisher in last week's Press Picks contest. Along with Graham Dunn of River Region Sports, the two finished 9-for-12 in picks.
Week 2 features several key games in both high school and college including the SEC opener for Auburn and national marquee matchups Notre Dame-Michigan and USC-Ohio State. Read More >>Comments (1)
Schedule and results of Week 3 of high school football in the River Region. If two teams from different classifications are playing, the game is listed in the highest classification.
Prattville's Cornelius Fenderson gets behind the Lee defenders to haul in a touchdown pass in the Lions' win on Friday. (Photo by Chris Dunn)
Staff Report
(Sept. 5, 2009)
Prattville head coach Jamey DuBose wasn’t looking for redemption for the Lions’ opening-season loss to North Gwinnett last Saturday.
He just wanted to see his team play a little bit better.
The Lions used their stifling defense to score twice and easily defeated Robert E. Lee, 38-6, in Friday’s regional opener for both teams at Cramton Bowl.
Prattville Christian quarterback Nick Hoots looks to the flats for a pass in PCA's win over EMCA on Friday. (Photo by Art Parker)
By Art Parker
RRS Correspondent
Prattville Christian Academy is the king of football among private schools in Autauga County.
After a victory over Autauga Academy in the opening game of the season, the Panthers improved to 2-1 with a 43-16 victory over East Memorial Christian Academy (EMCA) Friday night.
OPP - Daniel Arant’s 23-yard touchdown pass to LaMelton Bennett in the fourth quarter lifted the Holtville Bulldogs to a 20-14 win over Opp in Class 4A, Region 2 action on Friday... The Pirates (1-1, 1-0) scored early and often in a 50-18 win over R.C. Hatch... Hunter Kilcrease scored twice and rushed for 121 yards to lead Edgewood Academy to a 35-16 win over Lowndes Academy in a rematch of last years’ AISA Class AA state championship game.
London Pitts returned a punt for 42 yards to set up Carver's final touchdown of the night. (Photo by Chris Dunn)
Staff Report
(Sept. 4, 2009)
The Greenville Tigers jumped out to a 28-8 lead and then held on for a Class 5A, Region 3 victory over G.W. Carver at Cramton Bowl on Thursday in the first regional contest for both teams.
The 2009 football season kicks off in college football this weekend and arrives at Week 2 at the high school level (Week 3 for some AISA teams). Local media will be asked each week to give their picks of select games of interest in the River Region.
Results of Week 2 of high school football in the River Region. If two teams from different classifications are playing, the game is listed in the highest classification.
Stanley Robinson (34) looks for running room behind Eli Deramus (52) in Carver's win over Jeff Davis on Friday at Cramton Bowl. (Photo by Chris Dunn)
Staff Report
(Aug. 29, 2009)
G.W. Carver’s 39-6 victory over Jeff Davis on Friday was more to the liking of coach Al Pogue.
The Wolverines rebounded from their disappointment of a week ago in their loss to Prattville in the Champions Challenge, even if the game didn’t count on the won-loss records.
Schedule and results of Week 1 of high school football in the River Region. If two teams from different classifications are playing, the game is listed in the highest classification.
Contributed
(Sept. 1, 2009)
Despite having more than half the team missing during the week of practice and several players sick during the game, Alabama Christian Academy managed to hold off St. Jude, 35-20, in the season opener for both teams on Friday.
Lee's Cody Ellis looks to pass in the Generals' 10-7 victory over Northview on Thursday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Aug. 28, 2009)
Cody Ellis wasn’t exactly pressed into the spotlight.
He at least had two days to prepare for his first start in two years at quarterback for the Robert E. Lee Generals.
“I found out on Tuesday,” Ellis said after leading Lee to a season-opening 10-7 victory over Northview on Thursday.
Edgewood's Hunter Kilcrease grabs a pass in the Wildcats' season-opening win over Crenshaw on Thursday. (Photo by Brian Hodge)
By Art Parker
RRS Correspondent
ELMORE - The Edgewood Academy Wildcats overcame a trio of first-quarter turnovers to defeat Crenshaw Christian Academy, 35-8, in the Wildcats season opener on Thursday.
The Trinity Wildcats trailed early but scored 23 unanswered points en route to a 30-12 victory over rival St. James at Carlisle Field in the season opener for both teams on Thursday.
Schedule and results of Week 1 of high school football in the River Region. If two teams from different classifications are playing, the game is listed in the highest classification.
River Region Sports, the latest news media outlet in Montgomery and the tri-county area, is excited to announce a brand new way in which high school football fans can keep up with local games on Friday nights.
Beginning this weekend, River Region Sports will provide live updated scores of games involving teams in the River Region. Scores will be updated beginning with halftime and continuing through the final score.
New coach Chris Hall (center) understands te rivalry between Catholic and other Capital City Conference schools. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
(Aug.26, 2009)
Chris Hall is into rivalries.
He grew up a fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide and knew all about the passion that goes with the Iron Bowl and the Third Saturday in October.
Last week, the new coach at Montgomery Catholic High School got a taste of rivalries in Capital City Conference style. The Knights played Trinity in a scrimmage in his first good look at his new team.
Dean (center) will rely on DeJarnett (left) for leadership and yardage this season. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
(Aug.25, 2009)
Elmore County coach Norman Dean has enjoyed his first four seasons at the helm. He has coached some of the top athletes in the county. Last year’s squad may have been the best since the school won the Class 4A title in 1987.
But 2009 brings new challenges. Dean has just three returning starters on defense and two on offense and that number has dwindled to just one after an injury.
Pearson is hoping to work the Volunteers into shape before Friday's opener against G.W. Carver. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
(Aug.24, 2009)
To say that the Jeff Davis Volunteers are starting over is an understatement.
New coach Travis Pearson is back in the River Region after spending a couple of years at Iowa State. His most recent stop was Elmore County five years ago.
Now, he is trying to resurrect a once-proud program that played for a state championship in this decade (2002).
Craig Granger is back at Macon-East after spending two years as the starting quarterback at Talladega High School. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
(Aug.23, 2009)
CECIL - Head coach Glynn Lott admitted that he made a mistake.
With the spread offense all the rage, he gave it a shot last season.
“It was a disaster,” Lott said. “Truth is, I probably would have been OK with it but I wasn’t comfortable with it. In the first two games, we did fine but I didn’t understand the adjustments.”
Rashad Matthews had two touchdowns in PCA's 41-6 victory over Autauga Academy on Friday. (Photo by Art Parker)
Staff Report
(Aug. 23, 2009)
PRATTVILLE – Prattville Christian Academy opened the 2009 season with a 41-6 victory over Autauga Academy, giving new head coach Gray Powell his first victory.
Results and Schedule and of the preseason week of high school football in the River Region. If two teams from different classifications are playing, the game is listed in the highest classification. Read More >>Comments (0)
PCA linebacker Andrew Brackins will lead a much-improved defense this season. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
(Aug. 22, 2009)
PRATTVILLE – Just prior to Friday’s season opener against Autauga Academy, Grey Powell was providing a pep talk to his squad regarding how to respond and be the type of football players that is expected at Prattville Christian Academy.
Winning is important, he said. But representing their Savior is more so.
Lee quarterback Rodriques Williams looks for running room in the Generals' scrmmage game against Troup County at Cramton Bowl on Thursday. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
(Aug. 21, 2009)
Larry Ware and the Lee Generals entered Thursday’s scrimmage game with Troup County (Ga.) High School without too many expectations for the offense.
After a 9-6 loss, there were few pleasant surprises and still work to do.
Carver quarterback Reginald Aaron plans to lead the Wolverines back to the playoffs this season. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor (Aug.21, 2009)
Never has a practice game meant so much to the G.W. Carver Wolverines.
At least, that’s the way it seems.
Fresh off the school’s best season in history, Carver has momentum on its side. Recording 13 wins in 2008, reaching the semifinals and coming close to its first berth in the state championship game since joining the Alabama High School Athletic Association have increased the enthusiasm in the program.
But it doesn’t compare to having a shot at beating the best program in the state in Prattville.
Sam Gibson and the Prattville Lions square off against G.W. Carver at Cramton Bowl on Friday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
(Aug. 21, 2009)
Three-time defending Class 6A state champion Prattville will face Carver-Montgomery at Cramton Bowl on Friday night, Aug. 21, to kick off an expanded 2009 al.com Champions Challenge Prep Football Classic series hosted by the Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Association (AHSADCA).
Results and Schedule and of the preseason week of high school football in the River Region. If two teams from different classifications are playing, the game is listed in the highest classification. Read More >>Comments (0)
Gibson has kept preseason practices brisk in preparation for his second year at the helm at Holtville. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
(Aug. 19, 2009)
When Barry Gibson arrived a year ago, the Holtville Bulldogs were in search of an identity. Make that a better identity.
The Bulldogs had averaged about a win a season for the first half of the decade and was looking for a berth in the playoffs for the first time in Class 4A.
Josh Watkins (5) will lead the Trinity defensive backfield in 2009. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor (Aug.17, 2009)
Jack Poundstone threw for nearly 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns last season and enjoyed his best game statistically with 492 yards in the final game against Cordova.
It may have been a sign of things to come.
The Wildcats return a large portion of their offense from last season with the idea of dethroning last year’s region champ, Dadeville.
Trinity Presbyterian held a scrimmage on Friday, Aug. 14. Hear what quarterback Jack Poundstone and coach Randy Ragsdale have to say about the upcoming season.
A transfer from Jeff Davis, Favor has looked strong in the early portion of preseason workouts. (Staff Photo)
Until opening night of the regular season, RRS will preview high school teams from the tri-county area.
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor (Aug.16, 2009)
MILLBROOK - Arsenio Favor spent most of the 2008 season figuring out the ins and outs of the Stanhope Elmore offense.
This season, he looks right a home.
The transfer from Jeff Davis High School is making giant strides in all facets of the Mustangs’ offense and is quickly making a name for himself heading into 2009.
Lee quarterback Breyuane Sanders will look for running room when given the chance. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor (Aug.15, 2009)
Drop by practices at Robert E. Lee and you might find coach Larry Ware gazing to the skies and wishing for a few more offensive linemen.
The school that produced the likes of college and pro standouts Lee Gross, Fred Weary and Antoine Caldwell is suddenly void of the players Keith Jackson used to affectionately call “big uglies.”
Tight end Brandyn Baker is one of three seniors on the Trojans' roster this season. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor (Aug.14, 2009)
Like most schools, St. James will hold a “senior night” before the end of the regular season to honor those who will depart the football team.
This year’s event at Carlisle Field might be the shortest presentation in high school football history.
The Trojans have just three seniors on the roster heading into 2009. Only two, tight end Brandyn Baker and center Jacob McCurdy, will be on the field when they open the season against Trinity. The third, Carter McWhorter, is out for at least half the season with an injured leg.
MA quarterback Dustin Weil hopes to lead the Eagles to the playoffs under first-year head coach Chris Cournoyer. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor (Aug. 13, 2009)
It might sound like something a dance teacher would say instead of a football coach, but Montgomery Academy coach Chris Cournoyer is looking for tempo.
The new Eagles coach is not interested in the two-step or an appearance on any of TV’s popular dance contests. But he would like to see his offense more in-sync heading into the season opener on Aug. 28.
Jordan Creel can play several positions and will take a few snaps for the Eagles this season. (Staff Photo)
Until opening night of the regular season, RRS will preview high school teams from the tri-county area.
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor (Aug.11, 2009)
Alabama Christian Academy coach Kenny Simpson is no different than anyone else in his profession. He hates turnovers, especially those on first-and-goal.
The eight-member football coaching staff that will lead the Alabama team in the 23rd annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic Dec. 12 in Mobile’s Ladd-Peebles Stadium has been announced by the Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Association (AHSADCA).
Linemen for the G.W. Carver Wolverines work the sled during the first official day of practice on Monday. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
Unless you knew where to look, finding the G.W. Carver Wolverines for their first practice may have been somewhat difficult.
With construction continuing on the new school building, Al Pogue and his staff took their first practice of the season to a nearby park – James Shannon Park to be exact – to begin preparations for the 2009 season.
Alabama High School Athletic Association Executive Director Steve Savarese announced Wednesday that T-Mobile has awarded the AHSAA and the state of Alabama the 2009 T-Mobile Invitational basketball tournament.
AHSADCA director Steve Bailey announces the return of Alabama All-Star Sports Week to Montgomery in 2011 at a press conference on Wednesday at the AHSAA offices. Seated to his right are AHSAA executive director Steve Savarese and associate executive director Joe Evans. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
Steve Bailey admitted the difficulty to make the decision regarding the future location of Alabama All-Star Sports Week.
The current city, Huntsville, has done a marvelous job as host, he stated.
But it wasn’t home.
The event will return to its original site beginning in 2011 after spending six years in Huntsville. The announcement came on Wednesday at a press conference at the Alabama High School Athletic Association offices. Read More >>Comments (0)
Alabama All-Star Sports Week is officially returning to the Capital City, River Region Sports has learned.
The Alabama High School Athletic Director and Coaches Association, Alabama High School Athletic Association and the City of Montgomery are expected to make it official during a press conference at the AHSAA offices on Wednesday.
Linemen from several high schools participated in the final camp at Huntingdon College on Tuesday before the start of preseason practice. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
Even though high school preseason practice is about to begin, it never hurts to get in one more camp.
With the shadow of Lanier in his past, Payne will take his "magic" to Huntsville for Friday's North-South All-Star game. (Staff Photo) By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
Charles Payne has been preparing all summer for his next stop in the world of football.
But for a week, Alabama State will have to wait.
Payne, a Sidney Lanier graduate, is one of a handful of players from the River Region who will play in Friday’s Alabama All-Star Football game at Louis Crews Stadium on the campus of Alabama A&M. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and is the culmination of All-Star Sports Week.
HUNTSVILLE – North All-Star MVP William Johnson turned in the kind of point guard performance coaches dream about. The Decatur star, who scored 13 points in the North’s 75-72 win over the South Thursday night in the 65th playing of the North-South All-Star game, also sank 5-of-6 free throws to seal the win.
The North All-Stars outscored the South 14-6 in the third quarter Thursday night and went on to post a 50-45 win in the 13th annual All-Star girls basketball contest.
The North girls edged the South in four games Thursday afternoon in volleyball.
HUNTSVILLE – Three North pitchers combined to fire a one-hitter in Game 1 Wednesday night as the North All-Stars beat the South 3-1. In the second game the South bats came to life, but the so did the North hitters in the 9-7 come-from-behind win that completed the sweep.
HUNTSVILLE – The North girls beat the South 3-0 and the North boys won over the South 2-0 in the 13th annual All-Star Sports Week’s prep soccer competition Tuesday night at John Hunt Park. The North improved its overall series record to 7-1-1 in girls play and 5-3-1 in boys.
HUNTSVILLE – The North All-Stars downed the South 4-3 in game one and then fell 7-5 in game two as the 13th annual Alabama All-Star Sports Week officially got underway Monday night with the baseball competition at Joe Davis Stadium. The week-long all-star competition continues Tuesday with the North-South girls soccer match at 5 p.m. and the boys game following at 7 at John Hunt Park.
LAMP's Miller Norman will play in Monday's Alabama All-Star Sports Week baseball game. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
Miller Norman has come full circle in his pursuit of excellence when it comes to the game of baseball.
When the 2009-10 school year begins next month, no longer will he be in the shadows of his former teammates Austin White, Richard Deloney or even those who moved on from the squad that played for the Class 3A state championship two years ago.
On Monday, Norman begins his role as part of the South squad in the Alabama All-Star Sports Week baseball game in Huntsville. He is one of six players from the River Region participating in the game, which is set for a 4 p.m. start at Joe Davis Stadium. Read More >>Comments (0)
High school coaches and athletes from across the state will venture to Huntsville beginning Sunday for the annual Alabama All-Star Sports Week, which runs July 13-17.
But could All-Star Week return to its roots in the near future?
Action from Tuesday's 7-on-7 camp at Prattville High School. Several teams from the River Region participated including St. Jude (maroon) and host team Prattville. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
PRATTVILLE - No one expected Tuesday’s 7-on-7 camp at Prattville High School to be a high-stakes affair.
Most of the coaches wanted the same thing – get the timing down offensively and let the defense get a head start on the upcoming pre-season workouts.
Five cheerleaders from Montgomery Catholic were selected as NCA All-American Team Members (from left): Ann Marie Dean (Middle School), Kennedy Thomas (Junior Varsity), Jessica Mount, Sarah Armstrong, and Jessica Barranco (Varsity. (Photo contributed)
Staff Report
Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School recently attended a National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) Summer Home Camp held on Catholic's Vaughn Road Campus with over 34 cheerleaders in attendance.
Hall was officially announced as the new head football coach at Montgomery Catholic High School on Wednesday. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
Chris Hall was officially announced as the new head football coach at Montgomery Catholic High School on Wednesday, succeeding Tim Trokey who left in late May for a coaching position in his home state of California.
Stanhope's Milliner might have been a track star but has become one of the top recruits in the upcoming high school football season. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
DeMarcus Milliner is a popular guy these days, particularly for Alabama Crimson Tide fans. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound senior announced recently that he would sign with Alabama next February.
Most consider the Stanhope Elmore standout as the top prospect in the state and one of the best nationally. Rivals.com rates him the top cornerback prospect in the country and among the top 10 overall. Scout.com has similar ratings.
But it might never had happened had he stayed with track and field.
Robert E. Lee head football coach Larry Ware will host a football camp on June 27 for youth ages 6-14... Andy Whatley takes over football duties at SMCA... Troy announces volleyball schedule for 2009.
Three-time defending Class 6A state champion Prattville will face G.W. Carver at Cramton Bowl on Friday night, Aug. 21, to kick off an expanded 2009 al.com Champions Challenge Prep Football Classic series hosted by the Alabama High School Athletic Directors and Coaches Association (AHSADCA).
The Alabama Sports Writers Association recently announced its all-state softball teams as well as its Super All-State team.
Prattville's McKenzie Kilpatrick was selected as the Class 6A Hitter of the Year while Lauren Webster of Alabama Christian Academy and Caroline Alter of St. James were named first team in Class 4A. Courtney Baker of Hooper Academy and Haley Johnson of Edgewood Academy were named to the AISA team.
Trinity's Whittle was named Class 3A Coach of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. (Staff Photo)
Combined Reports
Trinity head baseball coach Ken Whittle and Edgewood Academy's Bobby Carr were named Coach of the Year for their resepective All-state baseball teams by the Alabama Sports Writers Association on Saturday.
Carr led Edgewood to the Alabama Independent School Association Class AA state title while Whittle led Trinity to the Class 3A finals before losing to Madison Academy.
New Montgomery Academy coach Chris Cournoyer has worked with state championship football coaches at several stops. Now, he will try to win his own title with the Eagles. (Photo courtesy of Montgomery Academy)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
Chris Cournoyer has moved from one coaching job to another with one idea in mind… learn.
The new Montgomery Academy head football coach has been a part of championship programs and championship coaching staffs and, in his four stops, he has become a sponge, gaining information that would prepare him for being in charge.
Alec Pitts prepares to sign his letter of intent with Oglethorpe College as his mother, Kim, awaits. (Staff Photos) Staff Report
Austin White and Alec Pitts may not profess to be pioneers. When the two LAMP seniors chose to play their sport at the next level, it was about doing what they love the most.
Yet, White and Pitts are paving the way for future athletes at LAMP High School, even if they do not acknowledge the fact that they are the first.
On Monday, the two all-state athletes announced their intentions to play in college next year. White will stay in town and play baseball for Huntingdon College while Pitts will head to Atlanta to play basketball at Oglethorpe. Read More >>Comments (0)
Madison Academy runs to accept its championship trophy from AHSAA executive director Steve Savarese after winning the Class 3A state championship over Trinity on Friday at Riverwalk Stadium. (Photo by Kristi Ingram) To order more photos of this or other games, visit www.kdpsportsphotos.com
Combined Reports
The Trinity Wildcats found themselves in a role reversal in Game 2 of the Class 3A state championship.
Only this time, the comeback fell short.
Madison Academy won its first state championship in baseball, beating Trinity, 9-8, in the second game of the Class 3A finals at Riverwalk Stadium on Friday. The Mustangs needed another seventh-inning rally to do it.
For the Alabama Christian Academy Eagles, revenge was sweet.
The Eagles avenged their 2008 loss in the Class 4A state tournament with a resounding 7-2 win over top-seeded Corner at Lagoon Park on Friday, earning the school’s ninth state championship.
Trinity's Clay Finkelstein singles through the left side to plate two runs in the fifth inning of Thursday's Game 1 in the Class 3A finals at Paterson Field. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
Andrew Parrish’s grand slam highlighted an eight-run seventh inning that lifted Madison Academy to a 9-6 victory over Trinity in the series opener at Paterson Field. The two teams will play again on Friday at Riverwalk Stadium beginning at 10 a.m.
It was not his nature, but soon after a key hit during last weekend’s series against Luverne, Trinity Presbyterian senior catcher Stephen Vosel gave a rare fist pump in the air.
Senior Andrew Bergoon shot a second-round 4-under 68 Tuesday at Prattville’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Course to help Cottage Hill Christian snap Montgomery Academy’s stranglehold on the AHSAA Class 3A state golf championship.
Brantley's Anthony Gulley attempts to lay down a bunt in the Bulldogs' 3-1 win over Athens Bible on Tuesday. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
The Bulldogs (25-10) are one win away from their first state championship in baseball after a 3-1 victory over Athens Bible School in the Class 1A state championship at Paterson Field.
By the numbers for the AHSAA State Baseball finals, which begin Tuesday at Paterson Field and continues through Friday at both Paterson and Riverwalk Stadium.
Ransburgh is greeted after finishing off the Luverne Tigers in the bottom of the sixth inning in Trinity's 11-6 win on Saturday. The Wildcats will play in the Class 3A state championship beginning Thursday. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
Nearly all season long, when the Trinity Wildcats have needed a key play, somebody has come up big.
Saturday was no different. The Wildcats (26-9) got a strong performance from starter Cam Ransburgh and the offense unloaded once again for double digits in an 11-6 victory over Luverne at Jason Armstrong Field on the campus of Trinity Presbyterian School.
ACA dropped two games at Thomasville in the Class 4A semifinals on Saturday.
Roscoe Anderson and Laura Johnson were announced as the winners of the 2009 Jimmy Hitchcock Award on Thursday. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
You might say that the Jimmy Hitchcock Award is in the blood of Roscoe Anderson.
The son and nephew of former winners, Anderson can now hold up his own plaque after the news that he had won the 2009 award announced Thursday during the 50th annual banquet at Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church.
All-American swimmer and LAMP senior Laura Johnson won the girls’ edition of the award. She became the first representative from the magnet school to be a recipient. Read More >>Comments (2)
Severe rains and flooding have caused postponement of many athletic events on Thursday, including the Alabama Independent School Association state finals at Paterson Field... Game between Trinity and Dadeville to be moved.
Montgomery Academy's Will Sellers shot a 2-under 70 to lead the Eagles to a berth in the Class 3A state tournament. His score led all golfers at Ballantrae on Tuesday. (Staff Photo)
Combined Reports
PELHAM - Montgomery Academy and Trinity advanced to the Class 3A state golf tournament with a first- and third-place finish respectively in Tuesday's South Substate tournament at Ballantrae Golf Club.
Trinity starter Jeremy Morgan scattered six hits in the Wildcats' 4-1 win over Dadeville in Game 1 on Tuesday. The two teams will play again on Wednesday to decide the series. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
Jeremy Morgan has made a full recovery from an injury that sidelined him for most of the 2009 season.
If there were any doubts, look up his statistics from Tuesday’s Class 3A quarterfinal win over Dadeville.
Morgan led the Trinity Wildcats to a 4-1 victory over Dadeville in Game 1 of the Best-of-3 series Tuesday. The Tigers rebounded with an 11-6 win in the second game to force Game 3 on Wednesday.
He can tell you about turning down the Bear to play football at Missouri. Or he can tell you about his four tours of duty in Vietnam. He has pictures from all of his life’s events.
But ask him about the plaque that sits in the middle of the photos from previous experiences and he’ll tell his most favorite tale of all.
Trinity's series win over LAMP started with Cam Ransburgh's leadoff single in Game 1. The Wildcats will look to advance to the Class 3A semifinals against Dadeville. (Photo by Mike Peacock. Order at www.fotosbymichael.smugmug.com)
Staff Report
When Alabama Christian Academy coach Don Gilliam learned that the Eagles’ quarterfinal-round Class 4A series against Bibb County would be pushed back a few days, he did what most coaches would do in the situation.
Schedule a practice game.
Baseball teams will be back in action on Tuesday for the Alabama High School Athletic Association playoffs, which were interrupted by a scare from the Swine Flu epidemic that has threatened the state.
Note: On Thursday, the Montgomery YMCA will celebrate the 50th renewal of the Jimmy Hitchcock Memorial Award. River Region Sports will pay special tribute each day leading up to the event, which will be held at Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church. Former winners will be highlighted each day along with little-known facts regarding the award. Today, a general look at the award and how it has changed the lives of many winners and nominees.
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
In 50 years, much has changed in the city of Montgomery. With it the area landscape of high school athletics has blossomed from four major high schools to nearly 20.
But one constant in the city has been its dedication to the youth of the community. The annual Jimmy Hitchcock Award has played a major role in that dedication.
Alabama High School Athletic Association activities will resume Tuesday following the tentative schedule outlined last week when the postponement of all events was made, Executive Director Steve Savarese announced Monday.
With the three Huntsville area school systems re-opening Monday, members of AHSAA Medical Advisory Board and Central Board of Control all agreed it would be safe to resume activities.
LAMP (white) advanced to the Class 3A state tournament with a 3-2 overtime victory over UMS-Wright at Carlisle Field (St. James) on Tuesday. It will be the Golden Tigers' first trip to the state finals. (Staff Photo)
Compiled by RRS Staff
Results from the second round of the Alabama High School Athletic Association state soccer playoffs. (River Region teams in bold.)
The Alabama High School Athletic Association is postponed all athletic events immediately due to probable cases of swine flu that shut down three Huntsville-area school systems. The announcement came late Wednesday from the AHSAA office.
Events include quarterfinal-round series in baseball, second-round action in soccer, the state outdoor track championships in Gulf Shores and softball area tournaments.
(From left) Sutton, Clark and Esmont all signed letters of intent with UAB and Faulkner on Wednesday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
Three Montgomery Catholic student-athletes signed a letter of intent to continue athletics in college next year. Josh Clark and Steven Esmont signed to play baseball with Faulkner University while golfer Thomas Sutton commemorated signing with Alabama-Birmingham at a special news conference on Wednesday.
Overcoming a respiratory infection and other health issues, Thomas Sutton led the Montgomery Catholic golf team to a berth in the Class 4A substate with a second-place finish in Tuesday’s sectional tournament at Azalea City Golf Course in Mobile.
Catholic finished with a team score of 323 and won a tiebreaker against Andalusia. St. James also qualified for the substate by finishing fourth.
Results from the first round in the Alabama High School Athletic Association state soccer playoffs. All games scheduled for Tuesday. (River Region teams in bold.)
PRATTVILLE – Before the season began, Prattville head baseball coach Tommy Goodson was all but certain the Lions would meet the Auburn Tigers in the playoffs.
When he created the regular-season schedule, he made it a point to put Auburn on the list of teams to play.
The Tigers played Prattville three times, winning all three, including a 3-0 shutout of the Lions in the final week of the season.
Montgomery Academy's Major Lee shot a 2-under 70 to lead his team to the Class 3A Section 1 tournament win on Monday at Lagoon Park. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
Major Lee was calm and collected on Monday and that contributed to his low round in the Class 3A Section 1 tournament at Lagoon Park. He shot a 2-under 70 to lead Montgomery Academy to the tournament title and a berth in next week’s sub-state at Ballantre Golf Club in Pelham.
Schedule for the first round in the Alabama High School Athletic Association state soccer playoffs. All games scheduled for Tuesday. (River Region teams in bold.)
Schedule for Friday's rounds of the Alabama Independent School Association state softball tournament. All games played at Lagoon Park. (River Region teams in bold)
Trinity's Andrew McCoy and the Wildcats will compete against defending champion Montgomery Academy in the Class 3A sectional at Lagoon Park on Monday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
Montgomery Academy will have plenty of competition for its attempt at a seventh-consecutive state golf title next week. More than likely, their biggest tests will come from today’s sectionals.
The Eagles along with Trinity and Cottage Hill are expected to be among the top teams in next week’s Class 3A tournamen in Prattville. The three squads will have a tuneup today at Lagoon Park in the Section 1 tournament.
Trinity's Jack Fain takes a high inside pitch in the first of two wins against LAMP on Friday. The Wildcats advanced to the Class 3A quarterfinals with the sweep. (Photo by Mike Peacock)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
The Wildcats battered the LAMP pitching staff in a sweep of the Class 3A second-round doubleheader at Paterson Field. Trinity won the first game in a slugfest, 16-11, and came from behind to take Game 2 and the series, 9-6, to advance to the quarterfinal round.
ACA's Chase Davis combined with Chase Forest to upend Holtville in Friday's Class 4A second-round series. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
Chase Forest earned a win in Game 1 and came up with a clutch hit in Game 2 as part of ACA’s sweep of Holtville at the AUM Dixie Majors’ complex. The wins allow ACA to advance to the quarterfinals of the Class 4A state playoffs next week.
The Eagles (26-6) won Game 1, 12-2, and followed with an 8-2 win in the second game.
Tallassee split a doubleheader with Beauregard... Prattville sweeps Enterprise to advance... Macon-East Montgomery advances with sweep of Tuscaloosa Academy
Trinity's Ransburgh (left) and LAMP's Deloney are scheduled to start Game 1 of Friday's series at Paterson Field. (Staff Photos)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
On Friday, LAMP (25-6) and Trinity (20-8) will face off in a second-round Best-of-3 series at Paterson Field with the winner likely taking the inside track to representing the south portion of the Class 3A bracket. First pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for 4 p.m. A third game, if necessary, would be played Saturday at 1 p.m.
ACA catcher Courtney Moss homered in last weekend's series against Handley. The senior hopes to lead the Eagles past Holtville this weekend in the second round of the Class 4A playoffs (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
Just a few days ago, both Alabama Christian Academy and Holtville were recuperating from a grueling three-game series that decided the Class 4A, Area 5 title and the right to be the host of this weekend’s second-round series.
ACA won the battle. Holtville would like to win the war.
Montgomery Academy golfer Will Sellers recently competed in the prestigious Hardaway Invitational in Columbus, Ga. He finished among the top golfers while his team finished seventh overall. (Staff Photo)
Combined Reports
Golfers from Montgomery Academy and St. James recently competed in the Hardaway Invitational in Columbus, Ga. Montgomery Academy finished seventh in a field of 40 teams. St. James did not compete as a team but had several golfers in the field.
Jackson Aggies pither Logan Breedlove (6) celebrates with his teammates after their victory over Brew Tech on Saturday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
Brewbaker Tech’s Alphonso Lewis had it all figured out. It sounded so simple.
“We make the plays and we are playing next week,” he said. “But we didn’t and they did.”
Six unearned runs proved to be too much to recover from in Brew Tech’s 10-7 loss to defending champ Jackson in the first round of the Class 4A state playoffs at Ed Thompson Park on Saturday.
Dixon dances home after a two-run homer in Brew Tech's 4-0 win in Game 1 of a three-game series against Jackson. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
Brewbaker Tech coach John Gluschick conceded that starting pitcher Ben Taylor did not have his best stuff.
But it was good enough.
The sophomore pitched into the seventh inning and was one-out away from a complete game shutout before Chris Dixon came in and put out a late fire in Brew Tech’s first-ever playoff win in baseball.
The Rams beat defending Class 4A champ Jackson, 4-0, in Game 1 of the Best of 3 series in the Class 4A first round at Ed Thompson Park on Friday.
Davis had a big night at the plate in ACA's sweep of Handley on Friday. He finished with six hits including four extra-base hits in the two games. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
Chase Davis did a little bit of everything in Alabama Christian Academy’s Class 4A first-round sweep of Handley on Friday.
He hit, hit with power, stole a couple of bases and earned a win on the mound in the second game.
The sophomore was key in ACA’s dominance in a 13-3 win in the first game and a 15-4 win in Game 2.
The Jeff Davis golf team consists of (bottom) Stephen McKitt, Willie Grace, (top) Darrow Thomas, Tyler Brown and Justin Gilbert. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
Willie Grace had never considered it. Darrow Thomas wasn’t interested. Tyler Brown, Justin Gilbert and Stephen McKitt didn’t know much about it.
The game of golf wasn’t in the awareness of the five Jeff Davis High School seniors, that is until their History and Government teacher, who happens to be the school’s golf coach, approached them and asked if they might want to give the game a try.
Robert E. Lee's Cody Sealy pitched a one-hit shutout in the Generals' 10-0 win over Sidney Lanier on Friday. (File Photo)
Combined Reports
Several teams from the River Region clinched Area titles on Friday, including Robert E. Lee, which defeated Sidney Lanier at Paterson Field.
Scott NeSmith had two hits and three RBIs in LAMP's win over Montgomery Academy on Tuesday. The win clinched the area title for the Golden Tigers. (Staff Photo)
Combined Reports
LAMP clinched the area title... ACA and Holtville won to set up the weekend series to decide area champion
LAMP catcher Parker Ivey applies the tag at home to Trinity's Blake Barrow in the Tigers win over the Wildcats on Saturday at Paterson Field. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
Austin White stood confidently answering questions following the LAMP Golden Tigers sweep of Trinity on Saturday, holding a brand new bat in his hand. The handle end of the bat was literally hanging by a thread.
Prattville's Chad Oates (12) slides in safely to score a run as Lee catcher Jesse Skaggs awaits the throw in the Lions' sweep of the Generals on Friday. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
Prattville starting pitcher Tyler Norwood likes what he has seen lately.
The senior led the Lions a step closer to clinching Class 6A, Area 6 with a sweep of Robert E. Lee at Pete Lee Field on Friday. The 10-3 and 8-6 (12 innings) victories pushed Prattville to 15-9, 6-0 in area play.
Deloney gave up just three hits in a shutout win over Trinity on Friday. The Tigers meet the Wildcats again on Saturday at Paterson Field. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
Richard Deloney lives for Friday... especially when he is pitching.
The LAMP senior was well aware of the implications of the Golden Tigers Class 3A, Area 5 meeting with Trinity Presbyterian. A win would move his team one step closer to the regular-season area title.
LAMP's Scott NeSmith slides safely into second after one of his three hits in the first game of the Tigers' doubleheader sweep of Montevallo on Monday. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
The LAMP Golden Tigers were slow getting out of the gate in both games of the doubleheader against area foe Montevallo on Monday.
But once out, the Tigers were in control, sweeping the two games, 8-4 and 9-1, at Paterson Field.
With a "helmet salute" LAMP's Jay Taylor (right) is greeted by Taylor Watson (34) and Jalen Spraggins (2) after Taylor's solo home run in the second inning. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
For five innings, Alabama Christian Academy and LAMP were locked in a rare pitcher’s duel.
Only LAMP’s side of the duel would hold.
Three pitchers combined to limit ACA to just four hits in a LAMP 8-1 victory at Paterson Field on Tuesday in a warm-up game for area play later in the week.
Two longtime football coaches, a track coach, baseball coach, two basketball coaches, a tennis and volleyball coach, a veteran game official and a legendary public address announcer were inducted as the 19th class of the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame Monday night, at the Renaissance Hotel at the Convention Center in Montgomery.
Sutton says he is working on his short game, which he believes has suffered recently. His coach, Mike Barranco, says otherwise and has seen improvement in all phases of the senior's game. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
Thomas Sutton did not have to set the standard for golfers in his family.
That was done for him by the likes of his father and his uncle, who happens to be John Sadie, former coach at Huntingdon College as well as the current director of golf at Lagoon Park.
It’s no understatement that he was dragged to the golf course nearly every day as a kid.
FOLEY – Brewbaker Tech enjoyed a banner day on Wednesday, earning two wins in the Gulf Coast Classic.
For openers, the Rams beat second-ranked Childersburg, 7-3, and followed with a come-from-behind victory over Buckhorn, 11-8. Both games were played at Foley High School.
GULF SHORES - Over the course of the next few days, River Region Sports will be on the road with two teams playing in the prestigious Gulf Coast Classic baseball tournament in Gulf Shores.
Both LAMP and Brewbaker Tech are scheduled to play four games during the four days. RRS will cover the different aspects of the tournament including what the players and coaches do on a four-day trip.
GULF SHORES - Over the course of the next few days, River Region Sports will be on the road with two teams playing in the prestigious Gulf Coast Classic baseball tournament in Gulf Shores.
Both LAMP and Brewbaker Tech are scheduled to play four games during the four days. RRS will cover the different aspects of the tournament including what the players and coaches do on a four-day trip.
Richard Deloney pitched a complete game, giving up just two runs and two hits to lift LAMP (9-3, 1-0) to a 7-2 victory in a key Class 3A, Area 5 game against rival Montgomery Academy (3-7, 0-1) on Friday at MA.
Montgomery Academy head baseball coach Russ Brooks has taken into consideration all of the issues that his team faces this weekend when it takes on top-ranked LAMP in the first Class 3A, Area 5 series of the season.
But, he believes his team is prepared. It is, after all, the first time it has faced a team in Class 3A.
Lanier's Marquise Glaze was one of four players from the River Region to be selected as a finalist for the ASWA Player of the Year award. (Photo by Dennis Victory)
Staff Report
Four players from the River Region have been tabbed as finalists for the Alabama Sports Writers Association Player of the Year Awards
LAMP's Anthony Todd played a key role in Saturday's win over Brew Tech. He had two hits and two stolen bases in a 6-4 Tiger victory. (Photo by Mike Peacock) To order more photos of this or other games, visit www.kdpsportsphotos.com By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
LAMP head baseball coach Rocky Smith got just what he wanted this week during the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Jason Armstrong Memorial Tournament… playing time for his returning players, innings for his pitching staff. And four victories.
All that was missing was the overall title.
The Golden Tigers earned the Blue Division championship with a 6-4 victory over Brewbaker Tech at Riverwalk Stadium Saturday to finish 4-0 in the tournament. Wetumpka also earned a win on Saturday to finish undefeated and won the tiebreaker of least runs allowed between the two teams.
Wetumpka's Reggie Golden scores the first run for the Indians in the first inning of a come-from-behind victory. Golden later put the Indians ahead for good with a solo home run in the fifth. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
Don Gilliam didn’t hesitate when asked about pitching to Wetumpka slugger Reggie Golden in the late innings of a tie game.
“No question, we pitch to him,” said Gilliam, head baseball coach at Alabama Christian Academy.
Xavier Cunningham of Jeff Davis pitched in Tuesday's loss to Montgomery Catholic. The Vols are still looking for their first win of the season. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
For Jeff Davis head baseball coach Greg Parker, being a psychologist is part of the job. It is a necessity considering the tough times the Volunteers have suffered recently on the diamond.
The Vols are still looking for their first win of the season after three weeks of play.
Reggie Golden has put up impressive numbers for Wetumpka. He is garnering attention from college and pro scouts. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
WETUMPKA - It would be too easy to make comparisons when watching Wetumpka outfielder Reggie Golden swing the bat. Then watch him run as the ball sails over the fence at Bazemore Field.
Can it be… Vincent “Bo” Jackson?
Some might say too worthy of a comparison, at least right now. Besides, he is just a junior.
Trinity head baseball coach Ken Whittle has watched baseball players come and go in his three decades of coaching. He can remember the names and their successes.
One of his players, Jason Armstrong, will have a special place in his heart, but not just because he tragically lost his life at a young age.
Carver's Meghan Perkins attempts to drive through a handful of Patriots in Friday's Class 5A semifinal game in Birmingham. (Photo by Dennis Victory) To order more photos of this or other games, visit www.kdpsportsphotos.com
By Paul Beaudry
RRS Correspondent
BIRMINGHAM – When Carver took the first lead of the game, it came on a basket by Alondra Gray.
When it tied the game with less than a minute left, it was Gray again.
But the Wolverines spent too much energy between the two that they wound up on the tail end of a 58-56 loss to Brewer in the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s Class 5A girls basketball semifinal on Thursday at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center Arena.
Carver's Shatavia Farris will be a key to the Lady Wolverines' success in Friday's Class 5A semifinal game against Brewer. (Photo by Dennis Victory) To order more photos of this or other games, visit www.kdpsportsphotos.com
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
With more bad news, the G.W. Carver Lady Wolverines become more determined to right the ship.
The Wolverines head to Birmingham today with the idea of reversing the bad karma that has been a part of the program since Feb. 16 when a melee broke out during the boys’ game against Valley. The school learned on Thursday that the boys' team would be banned from playing any tournaments next season.
The Alabama High School Athletic Association ruled that G.W. Carver would continue on restricted probation and would not be allowed to participate in tournaments next season. The ruling is a result of a fight that broke out during the Class 5A semifinal game between Carver and Valley on Feb. 16. (Photo by Dennis Victory)
Staff Report
The Alabama High School Athletic Association has penalized G.W. Carver High School with a $2,600 fine and banned the school from playing in any tournaments in 2009 according to a release by the AHSAA. Read More >>Comments (0)
The Sidney Lanier Poets got off to a slow start and never recovered in a 64-51 loss to Bob Jones in the Class 6A boys semifinal game at the BJCC Arena on Thursday morning.
LAMP's Jay Taylor attempts a shot while avoiding the block by Madison Academy's Steven Flatt in Wednesday's Class 3A semifinal. The Tigers were eliminated after an 86-68 loss. (Photo by Dennis Victory) To order more photos of this or other games, visit www.kdpsportsphotos.com
By Paul Beaudry
RRS Correspondent
BIRMINGHAM – For a half, LAMP’s defense had Madison Academy’s Kerron Johnson tied up on offense.
Then came the second half and the Golden Tigers simply had no answer for a 28-point performance from the three-time defending Class 4A champion. Johnson finished with 32 points and helped the Mustangs finish ninth-ranked LAMP’s season with a 86-68 win at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex Arena on Wednesday. Read More >>Comments (0)
Lanier's Marquise Glaze will need help if the Poets are to advance to the Class 6A championship this week in Birmingham. (Photo by Dennis Victory) To order more photos of this or other games, visit www.kdpsportsphotos.com
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
All during the post-game celebration following Sidney Lanier’s win over Robert E. Lee last Saturday, the word “redemption” continuously came out of the mouths of several Poets.
Seniors such as Marquise Glaze and Michael Harvey were referring to last year’s disappointment after earning a regional title and making it to the state finals.
The Poets are back and are looking to make a better name for themselves, almost to the point that it’s personal this time.
St. Jude's Shundray Davis found the lane difficult to navigate on Tuesday. But she still managed to score 21 points in the Lady Pirates' loss to Cold Springs. (Photo by Dennis Victory) To order more photos of this or other games, visit www.kdpsportsphotos.com By Paul Beaudry
RRS Correspondent
BIRMINGHAM - Shundray Davis scored 21 points and Teralesha Baity added 14 points but it wasn't enough as St. Jude's season came to an end on Tuesday in the Class 2A state semifinals.
Recap of all games from the first day of the AHSAA State tournament in Birmingham.
LAMP's Alec Pitts will meet his match on Wednesday when the Tigers face defending champ Madison Academy. Like the Tigers, Madison Academy features one of the top point guards in the state in Kerron Johnson. (Photo by Dennis Victory) To order more photos of this or other games, visit www.kdpsportsphotos.com By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
It may not have the feel or Ali-Frazier or the hype of a Red Sox-Yankees rivalry, but fans of this week’s Alabama High School Athletic Association Final 48 might see the best head-to-head competition the tournament has to offer when LAMP meets Madison Academy in the Class 3A boys semifinal.
No, it’s not the two teams that are the subject but the point guards.
Shundray Davis could be the difference when the Lady Pirates open state semifinal action today in Birmingham. (Photo by Dennis Victory)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
The look on the face of Teralesha Baity was priceless. When asked what it would be like to return to Birmingham and the Class 2A state semifinals, one might think the senior would be excited and busting at the seams to return for some fun and excitement in the Magic City.
"It's about winning it all," she said with a straight face.
"This time, we go to win."
The St. Jude Lady Pirates are determined not to have a repeat performance of last year's loss in the semis.
Lanier's Marquise Glaze goes for a layup but is fouled hard by Lee's Adrian Nelson, which led to the two players exchanging words in the fourth quarter of Lanier's 67-60 win.(Photo by Dennis Victory)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
Sidney Lanier High School is going back to Birmingham.
The path taken looks a lot like last year.
The Poets (22-8) got 26 points from Marquise Glaze and a solid defensive effort in the second half provided all that was needed in a hard-fought 67-60 victory over Robert E. Lee in the Class 6A Central Regional final at the Alabama State Acadome on Saturday.
The Lady Wolverines felt excitement and some remorse in their victory over Talladega on Friday. Carver's girls will play in Birmingham next week while the boys' team will not be allowed to participate. (Photo by Dennis Victory)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
Although her words didn't say it, the eyes of G.W. Carver athletic director and girls head coach Michelle Simmons were easy to read.
After a tumultuous week, she was relieved to have something positive to talk about, namely, the Lady Wolverines 75-68 win over Talladega in the Class 5A Central Regional championship game on Friday. Read More >>Comments (0)
Here are the schedule and results for the Alabama High School Athletic Association state finals held at the BJCC Arena in Birmingham, Feb. 24-28. Read More >>Comments (0)
Jay Taylor leans in for a shot against Greene County in Thursday's Class 3A Central boys semifinal at Alabama State's Acadome. The Golden Tigers advanced to the finals with a two-point win. (Photo by Dennis Victory)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
Get used to it.
LAMP High School needed a few minutes to catch up with it surroundings during Thursday's late tilt in the Class 3A semifinal round against Greene County.
Once the Golden Tigers got their bearings, they found a way to contain the inside game of the Tigers and earn a hard-fought 75-73 win. Read More >>Comments (0)
Montgomery Academy's Lacretia Young races for the basket against Greene County in Thursday's Class 3A Central semifinal matchup. The Lady Eagles were eliminated from the playoffs. (Photo by Dennis Victory)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
The Montgomery Academy Lady Eagles were expecting plenty of backcourt pressure from Greene County in the Class 3A Central Regional semifinal.
But not as much as the Lady Tigers provided.
Greene County forced 28 turnovers, including 12 in backcourt, as part of its 65-35 victory over MA on Thursday. The Tigers converted the turnovers into 27 points. Read More >>Comments (0)
Lanier's Jamie Washington looks for landing room during the Poets' two-point win over Murphy. They will play Robert E. Lee Saturday in the regional final. (Photo by Dennis Victory)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
Sidney Lanier was set up again to deal with another disappointing loss that included losing a big lead late.
Only this time, Marquise Glaze had other ideas.
The Poets survived a comeback by the Murphy Panthers to earn a 74-72 victory and advanced to the Class 6A Central Regional final on Saturday. Lanier will face Robert E. Lee for the second straight year in the regional final. Read More >>Comments (0)
Looking for a lane, Lanier's Ashley Henley drives against Murphy defenders on Wednesday. The Lady Poets were denied a trip to the regional final. (Photo by Dennis Victory)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
Murphy girls coach Fannie King-Brown may have had one advantage well before the Lady Panthers' advanced to the Class 6A Central Regional final with a 45-30 victory over Sidney Lanier on Wednesday.
She got to see her opponent in person the week before the two teams met. Read More >>Comments (0)
Fans were a large part of the brawl that took place on Tuesday at the Alabama State Acadome. Carver received word on Wednesday that it would not be allowed to participate in the regional final. (Photo by Dennis Victory) Staff Report
The Alabama High School Athletic Association has ruled that the G.W. Carver boys team has been placed on restrictive probation and will not be allowed to particpate in the Class 5A regional final on Friday. Talladega has been declared the winner of the Class 5A Boys Central Regional. Read More >>Comments (0)
Carver's Roquez Johnson (left) and Enrique Florence of Valley wrestled each other to the ground during Tuesday's Class 5A semifinal game at the ASU Acadome. The altercation spread to the baseline where more players and fans became involved. The game was called with Carver declared the winner. (Photo by Dennis Victory)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
G.W. Carver is headed to the Class 5A Central Regional final on Friday, but not the way the Wolverines planned.
The Wolverines defeated Valley, 52-37, in a game that ended prematurely with a bench-clearing brawl that involved players and fans who spilled onto the court during what turned out to be the final seconds of the game. The game was officially called at the 6:32 mark of the fourth quarter. Read More >>Comments (0)
Carver's Shatavia Ferris goes for two in the Lady Wolverines' win over B.T. Washington on Tuesday at the ASU Acadome. (Photo by Dennis Victory)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
It didn't seem like the G.W. Carver Lady Wolverines were in any trouble. Their lead was 10 points at halftime and all looked good for a trip to the Class 5A Central Regional final.
When you have a solid athletic program, it usually produces solid teachers, not only those who are successful on the court or field of play, but also successful in teaching their players how to become teachers and coaches once their playing days are over. No where is that a better example than at Auburn University at Montgomery. Read More >>Comments (0)
Austin White pitched a two-hit shutout in LAMP's season-opening win over Jemison on Monday. White also added four hits in two games offensively. (Staff Photo)
Staff Report
JEMISON - Austin White pitched a two-hit shutout and added four hits offensively in two games to lead LAMP to season-opening victories on Monday in high school baseball action.
The Golden Tigers (2-0) opened the 2009 season with a 12-0 shutout of Jemison and followed with a 16-6 victory over Shelby County at Jemison Field.
Both G.W. Carver and Sidney Lanier open regional play this week at Alabama State's Acadome. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
It's time to get our your brackets.
No, not the brackets for March Madness.
The Alabama High School Athletic Association Regional tournaments open on Tuesday with 128 teams looking to reach what is now called the Final 48 (formerly known as the Road to Birmingham). No matter what moniker is used, it's about making the state finals next week. Read More >>Comments (0)
Exclusive to River Region Sports: Below is video of Bryan Young's miracle three-pointer and ensuing free throw on Feb. 13, 2008, as LAMP defeated Dadeville High School.
With the Alabama High School Athletic Association declaring this past Monday as open season for soccer, local high schools needed a tournament, for starters.
Presenting the LAMP/Generals Soccer Tournament, co-hosted by LAMP and Robert E. Lee High School, which begins today at the YMCA soccer fields near AUM. The tournament will conclude Saturday with semis and finals. The tournament includes 24 high school teams across Alabama, with eight girls teams and 16 boys teams. Read More >>Comments (0)
ACA's Christina Hayes dives for a loose ball in the Lady Eagles' loss to St. James on Thursday. The Lady Trojans advanced to the South Regional with the victory. (Photo by Mike Peacock. To purchase game photos, visit www.kdpsportsphotos.com)
Staff Report
Chris Goodman admitted it. Just prior to Alabama Christian Academy's 49-40 loss to St. James on Thursday, he had a notion his team was in trouble. The reasons were emblematic of two teams that had faced each other six times in the last two years and were in the same position a year ago.
Same situation, same result.
"I knew it when we walked out on the court we were in trouble," Goodman said. "I predicted it. We got outrebounded by a bunch, I don't know how much but it had to be double digits. That was the story of the game, right there." Read More >>Comments (0)
Arrington hopes to lead the Knights to a sub-region victory against Ashford on Friday. (Staff Photo)
by Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
Montgomery Catholic's Teddrick Arrington is now on his third tour of duty with his coach, Ken Klinger.
The two were together way back in 2005 when Arrington was in the eighth grade and Klinger was the coach of the junior varsity B-team. Klinger was a major influence on the young guard, encouraging Arrington to look for the best shot . . . and take it. Read More >>Comments (0)
Goodman hopes to lead the Lady Eagles to the South Sub-Regional with a victory over St. James on Thursday. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
The Alabama High School Athletic Association sub-regional round has arrived and the Alabama Christian Academy Lady Eagles look to be in great shape to advance to the South Regional next week in Troy.
Based on the record, 24-3, one would think so. But coach Chris Goodman isn't so sure. Read More >>Comments (0)
Local officials listened intently to instruction on Saturday during a special "Umpire Day" at Paterson Field. More than 25 high school umpires participated. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
Kevin Bradley has been a part of baseball for more than 31 years. Most of that time has been spent as an umpire. He's lasted that long for a reason.
"I love the game of baseball," he said. "This is my way of staying a part. I just have a passion for it."
Bradley along with several other baseball officials spent much of last Saturday tuning up for the upcoming college and high school baseball season. The groups were split by longevity with the less experienced umpires working at Pete Lee Field and others spending the day at Paterson Field. Several local high school teams participated in the event, which lasted all day. Read More >>Comments (0)
Sidney Lanier's Marquise Glaze drives past two Lee defenders in the Poets' area win on Monday. Lanier earned home-court advantage in Friday's sub-regional round with the victory. (Staff Photo)
By Graham Dunn
RRS Editor
It's a good bet that Sidney Lanier senior forward Jeremy Hall slept well last night. He spent most of Monday evening chasing, leaning on and pressing on Robert E. Lee big man Adrian Nelson.
When the final seconds ticked off the clock, Hall and the Poets enjoyed a repeat performance from 2008, a Class 6A, Area 6 tournament championship on the floor of the Generals in front of a raucous crowd on Monday. Read More >>Comments (0)
John Hayden Countryman completed his high school career and earned his fifth straight title in the 152-pound class on Saturday. He defeated Davis Bagwell of Oak Mountain with a 5-0 decision in the final. Vestavia Hills earned the overall title in Class 6A while Prattville and Robert E. Lee finished fourth and fifth, respectively, in the team standings.
Countryman's teammate, Jordan Killough, earned a state title in the 160-pound class while Lee's Cody Seale won a state title in the 189-pound class. Stanhope Elmore's Tyler Renfroe won the 215-pound weight class. Read More >>Comments (0)
The Sidney Lanier Lady Poets earned a typical win over arch-rival Jeff Davis Saturday in the Class 6A, Area 6 on Saturday. That's typical as in a rough-and-tough affair in which 16 turnovers were forced by the Lanier defense in the second half.
The 60-44 victory at the JD gym sends Lanier home for the sub-regional on Thursday against Auburn. JD will go on the road to face Stanhope Elmore. Read More >>Comments (0)
Stanhope coach Jeff Foshee believes his Mustangs will put away the big win over Prattville and be ready for Carver on Thursday. (Staff Photo. For more photos, visit our photo gallery)
