Combined Reports
(February 3, 2012)

Seniors Adam Okechukwu and Chris Palmore both hit big shots in a key stretch as Faulkner broke open a close game and raced away to a 66-56 victory over Auburn Montgomery here Thursday night in a crucial Southern States Athletic Conference showdown at the Physical Education Complex on the AUM campus.

With the Warhawks having sliced an eight-point Faulkner lead to a single point at 43-42 with 9:39 to play, Palmore hit a 15-footer and Okechukwu followed moments later with a long 3-pointer as the Eagles regained the momentum. AUM never got closer than five points the rest of the way as Faulkner made eight consecutive free throws down the stretch.

"This was a big win for our basketball team," Faulkner head coach Jim Sanderson said. "We’re battling back after those tough losses early in conference play. I challenged our guys about 10 days ago to not lower the standard, and both Adam and Chris have responded as leaders of this team.

"The atmosphere tonight was incredible, and I want to thank our students, faculty and administration for showing up in support of us tonight. I hope we can continue to play with this kind of effort and passion."

Okechukwu finished with 20 points and Palmore added 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Eagles (11-11 overall, 4-8 SSAC), who has won back-to-back SSAC games for the first time this season. Jake Mitchell added 11 as well for Faulkner, which also got 10 points from Decorey Jones.

With the loss Auburn Montgomery (5-17 overall, 2-10 SSAC) fell two games back of Faulkner for the all-important fifth spot in the SSAC West standings. The top five teams in each division make the SSAC Tournament in early March. The Warhawks were paced by Marquez Brooks’ 17 points. Michael Lee added 10 points and Alex Hergott had a double-double, scoring 10 points and pulling down 10 rebounds.

Faulkner built as much as a nine-point lead in the first half but the Senators closed the opening 20 minutes with the final four points to trim the margin to 30-27 at the break.

Faulkner travels to Hattiesburg, Miss., Thursday night to face William Carey in an SSAC West Divisional showdown. The game tips off at 5:30.

The Warhawks (5-17, 2-10) will return to action on Saturday, when they host Belhaven at 4 p.m.

Lady Eagles win over AUM

Faulkner smothered Auburn Montgomery defensively here Thursday night, holding the Warhawks without a basket for the final 10-plus minutes of the game en route to a 58-49 victory in a Southern States Athletic Conference battle at AUM’s Physical Education Complex.

A Caitlin Cunningham basket at the 10:11 mark handed the Warhawks (10-12 overall, 4-8 SSAC) a 41-40 lead, but the Lady Eagles clamped down and allowed only eight free throws the rest of the way. Faulkner’s Christina Hayes scored seven of her 14 points during the key stretch as the Lady Eagles won for the third straight time against their cross-town rivals.

"It was just an incredible defensive effort, especially when the game was on the line in the last 10 minutes," Faulkner head coach Reed Sutton said. "We hit some big shots, but the key is what we did on the defensive end. And that goes to effort. I’m really proud of this team and the way they responded tonight. It’s our second consecutive road win, and winning away from home is how you move up in the division standings."

Faulkner (16-7 overall, 7-5 SSAC) remained in third place in the SSAC West with the victory. Complimenting Hayes’ efforts for the Lady Eagles was All-American forward Brittney Carter, who finished with a game-high 18 points and 15 rebounds.

AUM was paced by Stephanie Torrence’s 13 points and Keisha Moore’s 11. After shooting 42 percent in the first half, the Warhawks shot only 32 percent in the final 20 minutes. AUM missed their final 11 shots of the game. Faulkner committed only 14 turnovers while forcing 18, and outrebounded the Warhawks 42-34.

"AUM plays so hard, and we had to match that intensity tonight, and our players did that," Sutton said. "We got off to a shaky start, which happens a lot in rivalry games, but I thought we played about as well as we could most of the second half."

Both teams got off to slow starts, with the biggest lead coming when Poole’s basket at the 7:42 mark gave the Lady Eagles a 20-14 lead. After the Warhawks fought back to go on top 23-22, Faulkner closed the half with three straight baskets to build a 28-23 advantage at the break.

The Lady Eagles travel to Hattiesburg, Miss., Thursday to battle William Carey in an SSAC West Division matchup. The game tips off at 5:30 p.m. AUM faces No. 16 Belhaven at the AUM Physical Education Complex. Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m.

Football players from Stanhope Elmore and coach Jeff Foshee (back) who signed letters of intent included: (from left) Keebo Lewis, Garrett Peak, Fred Harris, Damien Love, Alex Warren. (Photo by Art Parker)

By Art Parker
RRS Correspondent
(February 3, 2012)

Stanhope Elmore High School held its signing day ceremony earlier this week in the school cafeteria.

Five members of the football team signed letters of intent to play at the college level.

Signees included: Keebo Lewis (University of West Alabama); Garrett Peak (Troy University); Fred Harris (Miles College); Damien Love (Alabama State University); Alex Warren (Huntingdon College).

The Mustangs may have others to sign in the coming weeks.

Justin Shanks (right) was one of 30 players from Prattville High School to sign a national letter of intent on Wednesday. (Staff Photo)

Contributed
(February 2, 2012)

National Signing Day is always a celebration.

In 2012, it may have been greater than normal in the River Region, if only due to the number of high school athletes that signed football scholarships.

WSFA’s announcement took almost twice as long as usual as each player in attendance was announced by Jeff Shearer during a newscast.

There were so many, the newscast bled into NBC Nightly News by about a minute.

Prattville led the way with 30 signees including several headed to major FBS schools. G.W. Carver, Jeff Davis and Stanhope Elmore also had numerous players sign.

Here is a look at a few stories of National Signing Day, 2012.

Indian gets another chance

Michael Graham got that chance he wanted.

Of all the recruits who signed with a college on Wednesday, few could have been more relieved than the wideout from Wetumpka High School.

Graham was forced to sit out the end of the 2011 season after it was learned his family had not met the necessary rules of a transfer. The mistake cost Wetumpka victories as well as a playoff spot.

Three Wetumpka Indians signed with Tuskegee including (from left) Michael Graham, Kevin Lacey and Damon Hall.. (Staff Photo)

"It’s a relief to get another chance," Graham said. "I feel like it’s meant to happen. And I get to go with my teammates."

Graham will be joined by quarterback/defensive back Kevin Lacy and defensive end Damon Hall.

"It gives this a family-like atmosphere," Lacey said. "That makes the choice better."

Wetumpka coach Chad Anderson was quick to point out that Tuskegee is getting more than three players.

They are getting three great families.

"These players didn’t become great on the football field. They were nurtured by great families out of the womb," he said. "This is a fine group of young men who have been reared the right way. They will add more than their talents to Tuskegee."

Franklin gets to "the Hall"

Every college football prospect has his memories of the recruiting process.

Elmore County’s Truman Franklin has his own that might top any from the 2012 class.

Franklin signed with Malone College in Canton, Ohio. if the town sounds familiar, it’s the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Yes, the Pioneers play their home games in the same stadium that is adjacent to the Hall.

It was a nice selling point for Franklin.

"When they told me, that got me pretty excited," Franklin said. "They gave us the tour and told us that’s where they play."

Franklin got the attention of the school thanks to a combine he attended in Birmingham. His film was placed on a website where Malone coaches found him and invited him to a workout.

"They invited players from all over the country," stated Bill Franklin, Truman’s father. "Of the 10 there, they offered seven so he was pretty excited to have the chance."

Franklin said he had other offers but the draw of the "Hall" was too much to pass up.

"They run a similar offense to what we did (at Elmore County)," he said. "I’ll have to get used to the cold weather but I’m looking forward to the chance to play."

Vandy calls to Carver’s Harper

G.W. Carver’s Harding Harper grew up with a dream to play college football.

He didn’t realize until earlier this week it would be a a major scholastic institution.

Carver’s Harding Harper sports a Vanderbilt cap at the WSFA Fever Signing party. (Staff Photo)

And he gets to fulfill a dream to play in his coveted conference.

“Growing up in the South, all you see is SEC teams," he explained. "The big thing is you’ve got to play SEC. I know when this opportunity presented itself for me to play in the SEC, especially to play early, in my freshman year?

Harper will play for the Commodores next fall. The offer came late but Harper didn’t need long to make a decision.

“I picked Vandy because of early playing time. I love their coaching staff up there. I’ll take the redshirt year but the opportunity to play early and contribute? I couldn’t pass that up.”

He is catching the ‘Dores at the right time. Vandy enjoyed a bowl in 2011 and James Franklin has bolstered the future with a solid recruiting class.

“They had a great year this year," Harper said. "They lost the bowl game, but it was a hard-fought ballgame. I remember back in the years when they were struggling, barely could get a win. For them to be up and coming and have a top 25 recruiting class, that’s big.”

Here is a list of players from the River Region that signed a scholarship on Wednesday

Player (High School)                          College
Marquell Beckwith (Lee)                    Alabama St
Andreas Bradley (Prattville)             Miles
Marcus Bellinger (Jeff Davis)            Concordia
Douglas Brown (Jeff Davis)          Lane
Erick Butler (BTW-Tuskegee)             Jacksonville St
Cody Chalk (Jeff Davis)                     Clark-Atlanta
Terease Chappell (Carver)                Alabama St
Willie Coleman (Carver)                         Miles
Lawon DeBardelaben (Prattville)         South Alabama
Charles Dillard (Carver)                         Highland College
Tyreek Ethridge (Jeff Davis)            Lane
Rodney Flowers (Jeff Davis)          Lane
Truman Franklin (Elmore Co)          Malone (Ohio)
Jeremiah Gardner (Prattville)             West Alabama
Phillip Garner (Prattville)                      Huntingdon
Michael Graham (Wetumpka)          Tuskegee
Caleb Gulledge (Prattville)             Alabama
Dwayne Gunter (Evangel Chris) West Alabama
Harding Harper III (Carver)                Vanderbilt
Fred Harris (Stanhope Elmore)                Miles
Rocqueze Harris (Evangel Chris.)         Gattaca CC
Roderick Henderson (Carver)                Southern Miss
Darcel Howard (Carver)                         Huntingdon
KD Humphries (Jeff Davis)            Murray State
Jherron Jones (Prattville)                      West Alabama
LaDarius Knight (Jeff Davis)          Concordia
Kevin Lacey (Wetumpka)          Tuskegee
DeAnte Lawrence (Prattville)             Southern Miss
DeJohn Lee (Jeff Davis)                     Concordia
JaJuan Lee (Jeff Davis)                     Jacksonville St
KeWan Lee (Evangel Chris)          West Alabama
Keebo Lewis (West Alabama)              West Alabama
Michael Lindsey (Elba)                   Troy
Damien Love (Stanhope Elmore)         Alabama St
Michael Lynam (Prattville Chris)         Faulkner
Connor McKenzie (Prattville Chris)         Faulkner
Demichael McWilliams (Carver)         Highland CC
Derrick Moncrief (Prattville)             Miss Gulf Coast
DeMonte Murry (Jeff Davis)          Lane
Terrance North (Prattville)             St. Augustine
Andy Pappanastos (Trinity)                Ole Miss
Shawon Parks (Prattville Chris)          Faulkner
Garrett Peak (Stanhope Elmore)                Troy
Dallas Powell (Prattville)                      West Alabama
George Michael Rowe (Prattville)         West Alabama
Ray Rudolph (Prattville Chris)          Howard
Justin Shanks (Prattville)                      Florida State
AJ Simms (Prattville Chris)          Faulkner
Brandon Smith (Prattville)             Texas State
Mike Smith (Prattville)                      Miles
Anthony Smith (Jeff Davis)          Concordia
Curtis Stapleton (Carroll)                         Grambling
Bradley Steele (Prattville)             Miles
Justin Thomas (Prattville)             Georgia Tech
Josh Thompson (Jeff Davis)            Miles
Jamal Thorn (Carver)                         Alabama St
Rashawn Tyus (Jeff Davis)          Concordia
LaRonji Vason (Prattville)             Wake Forest
Walker Van Hooser (Trinity)                Tulane
Delarius Webb (Jeff Davis)          Miles
Alex Warren (Stanhope Elmore)         Huntingdon
Jalen Whitlow (Prattville)             Kentucky
Akua Young (Lanier)                         Lane

Elba’s Michael Lindsey was part of a solid class to sign with Troy on Wednesday. (Staff Photo)

Contributed
(February 2, 2012)

TROY – Troy head coach Larry Blakeney announced the signing of 23 student-athletes to a National Letter of Intent at a press conference Wednesday afternoon in Veterans Memorial Stadium.

The Trojans beefed up on the defensive side of the ball as they signed six defensive backs, three defensive ends, two linebackers and two defensive tackles. Offensively, Troy signed three wide receivers, three running backs, three offensive linemen and one quarterback.

The Troy coaching staff signed 10 players from the state of Alabama, seven from Florida, four from Georgia and one each from South Carolina and Texas.

2012 Troy Signing Class
Name          Pos.          Ht.          Wt.          Hometown          Previous School
Andre Allen          RB          5-9          180          Panama City, Fla.          Arnold HS
Shaq Beverly          DB          5-10          190          Jacksonville, Fla.          First Coast HS
Brandon Brooks          WR          6-0          185          Jacksonville, Fla.          First Coast HS
Brandon Burks          RB          5-10          190          Daleville, Ala.          Daleville HS
Antonio Garcia          OL          6-7          265          Riverdale, Ga.          Charles Drew HS
Rishad Goode          DB          6-0          190          Madison, Ala.          Bob Jones HS
Montres Kitchens          DB          5-11          185          Waynesboro, Ga.          Burke County HS
John Knight          RB          6-0          180          Thomasville, Ala.          Thomasville HS
Tyler Lassiter          OL          6-7          295          Hazel Green, Ala.          Hazel Green HS
Luke Lawrence          OL          6-3          295          Tuscaloosa, Ala.      Hillcrest HS
JaQuadrian Lewis          DB          5-11          170          Fitzgerald, Ga.          Fitzgerald HS
Terris Lewis          LB          6-3          195          Linden, Ala.          Linden HS
Michael Lindsey          WR          5-10          185          Elba, Ala.    Elba HS
Xavier Melton          DT          6-4          305          Lakeland, Fla.          Butler CC
Zach Miller          DB          6-1          180          Duncan, S.C.          Butler CC
Juan Neloms          DB          6-1          180          Tallahassee, Fla.          Leon HS
Garrett Peek          DE          6-3          240          Millbrook, Ala.          Stanhope Elmore
Mitchell Roland          LB          6-1          230          Auburn, Ala.          Auburn HS
Brandon Silvers          QB          6-3          200          Gulf Shores, Ala.          Gulf Shores HS
Jamal Stadom          DE          6-2          226          Melbourne, Fla.          Melbourne HS
Derrek Upshaw          DT          6-2          270          Darien, Ga.          Jones County CC
Bobby Walker          WR          6-1          170          Fruit Cove, Fla.          Bartram Trial HS
Braylon Williams          DE          6-6          230          New London, Texas          Kilgore CC

Former Daphne running back T.J. Yeldon is part of what most consider the top recruiting class in the country. He is one of 26 signees for Alabama and already has enrolled.  (Staff Photo)

Contributed
(February 1, 2012)

TUSCALOOSA – University of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban announced that 18 student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to play football with the Crimson Tide, joining eight players who enrolled at the Capstone in January and will compete in spring practice later this semester.

“We are very pleased with the group of players that we were able to attract this year in this signing class," Saban said. "I think there’s a tremendous amount of people that contribute to this process every year. First of all, our staff does a wonderful job of developing relationships with these young men. We get a tremendous amount of support in the University community all the way from Dr. Witt, who helps us recruit, to Mal Moore, who does a fabulous job. We have a lot of faculty and people around here who sacrifice Saturday after Saturday to have these guys see what their academic future holds for them here.

"We certainly appreciate those efforts. I think our fans that create a wonderful environment and atmosphere for our players to play in every time we play a game and we have recruits there. They (recruits) are excited about the opportunity to play at The University of Alabama. All those who have done so much to create the tradition here, the hard work they’ve put in, all those things contribute in a positive way to us being able to have a successful recruiting year."

The 26 total players, including eight mid-year enrollees, come from eight states – Alabama (8), Georgia (8), Florida (4), Louisiana (2), Maryland (1), Tennessee (1), Texas (1) and Virginia (1).

As of 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Alabama’s 2012 signing class is currently ranked first nationally by Rivals.com, ESPNU, MaxPreps and 247sports.com. The Crimson Tide is ranked second in the Scout.com team rankings.

As listed by position, the Crimson Tide add to their roster five defensive linemen, five linebackers, four defensive backs, three wide receivers, three offensive linemen, two running backs, one tight end, one athlete, one place-kicker and one quarterback.

Eight players – Ryan Anderson (LB), Deion Belue (DB), Chris Black (WR), Amari Cooper (WR), Travell Dixon (DB), Dillon Lee (LB), Alphonse Taylor (DL) and T.J. Yeldon (RB) – are already attending classes at the University. They all enrolled in January, began taking classes for the spring 2011 semester and will be able to participate in Alabama’s spring football practices. The other 18 players signed national letters of intent today. The Crimson Tide had nine players enroll in the spring of 2011, 11 in 2010 and four in 2009.

Among the 26 players are:

* 9 players participated in the Under Armour All-America Game – Dakota Ball; Chris Black; Landon Collins; Amari Cooper; Brandon Greene; Cyrus Jones; Korren Kirven; Reggie Ragland; Eddie Williams

* 3 players participated in the U.S. Army All-America Bowl game – Dillon Lee; Geno Smith; T.J. Yeldon

* 2 members of the Parade Magazine prep All-America team – Landon Collins; Cyrus Jones

* 3 members of the USA Today’s 2011 All-USA High School Football Team – Landon Collins; Caleb Gulledge; T.J. Yeldon

* 5 members of the SuperPrep Elite 50 – Landon Collins; Cyrus Jones; Reggie Ragland; Eddie Williams; T.J. Yeldon

* 15 SuperPrep All-Americans – Ryan Anderson; Chris Black; Landon Collins; Amari Cooper; Denzel Devall; Kenyan Drake; Tyler Hayes; Cyrus Jones; Korren Kirven; Dillon Lee; Reggie Ragland; Geno Smith; Dalvin Tomlinson; Eddie Williams; T.J. Yeldon

* 13 players in the ESPNU 150 – Ryan Anderson; Chris Black; Landon Collins; Amari Cooper; Brandon Greene; Tyler Hayes; Cyrus Jones; Korren Kirven; Dillon Lee; Reggie Ragland; Geno Smith; Eddie Williams; T.J. Yeldon

* 7 players on the PrepStar 150 Dream Team – Landon Collins; Denzel Devall; Reggie Ragland; Geno Smith; Dalvin Tomlinson; Eddie Williams; T.J. Yeldon

* 9 players named to the Rivals.com 100 – Ryan Anderson; Chris Black; Landon Collins; Amari Cooper; Cyrus Jones; Reggie Ragland; Geno Smith; Eddie Williams; T.J. Yeldon

* 15 players in the Rivals 250 – Ryan Anderson; Chris Black; Landon Collins; Amari Cooper; Denzel Devall; Kenyan Drake; Tyler Hayes; Cyrus Jones; Korren Kirven; Dillon Lee; Reggie Ragland; Geno Smith; Dalvin Tomlinson; Eddie Williams; T.J. Yeldon

* 15 players in the 247sports.com Top 247 – Ryan Anderson; Chris Black; Landon Collins; Amari Cooper; Denzel Devall; Kenyan Drake; Brandon Greene; Tyler Hayes; Cyrus Jones; Korren Kirven; Dillon Lee; Reggie Ragland; Geno Smith; Eddie Williams; T.J. Yeldon

* 15 players named to The Mobile Press-Register’s Super Southeast 120 – Ryan Anderson; Chris Black; Landon Collins; Amari Cooper; Denzel Devall; Kenyan Drake; Brandon Greene; Tyler Hayes; Dillon Lee; Reggie Ragland; Geno Smith; Alphonse Taylor; Dalvin Tomlinson; Eddie Williams; T.J. Yeldon

Contributed
(February 1, 2012)

When Brent Barker became the head football coach at Faulkner University last December, he vowed to change the dynamic in the Eagles’ program, which had produced just 10 victories in five seasons. If National Signing Day is any indication, Barker and his staff have done just that.

Headlined by Class 1A Back of the Year De’Marko Hall from Pickens County High School, the Eagles raked in its most impressive class ever Wednesday.  Hall became the first Faulkner signee to ever be named to the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s “Super 12” team.

The 5-11, 185-pound running back/wide receiver, who chose Faulkner after being recruited by Middle Tennessee State and Southern Miss, rushed for 1,378 yards and scored 13 touchdowns on the ground, and also caught passes for 1,132 yards with 13 receiving touchdowns. In addition, he added four kick returns for touchdowns and had eight interceptions, four of which he returned for scores.

“My family sat down and talked about it last night and they were proud of me for choosing Faulkner,” said Hall, who was recruited by new Faulkner assistant coach Jamie Carter, who played at Alabama and in the National Football League. “I’m excited about continuing my education. The campus tour really sold me, and I enjoyed meeting the other players. Watching the athletes interact and Faulkner’s academic environment meant a lot to me as well.”

Barker, after a long day of compiling his first signing class, was obviously pleased.

“It’s been an exciting day for our football program and for Faulkner University,” Barker said. “De’Marko heads our class and not only is he a great football player but he’s a great student as well and he comes from a wonderful family. It’s a tribute to our recruiting coordinator, Nick Coleman, and our coaching staff who worked so hard to raise the awareness of our football program all over the south.”

Also highlighting Faulkner’s class was Foley wide receiver Bob Pugh, who played in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Football Game, and 11 other signees who played in 2011 state championship games, including Prattville linebacker Justin Oates and a pair of Hoover Bucs - linebacker Raymond Morris and offensive lineman Jackson Armstrong. The Eagles signed five players from Vigor in Mobile – defensive backs Aaron Holder, Chris Taylor, Titus Whitsett, linebacker Derius Johnson and wide receiver DeVonte Nesby.

Four others played in state title games out of state, with linebacker Dedric Sundby of Walton High School in Georgia, and defensive tackle Nick Walker and linebacker Luke Taylor of Wakulla High School in Florida also signing with the Eagles.

“We have made a conscious effort to really make a push to recruit from winning programs with excellent coaches throughout the country, and that played out today,” Barker said. “ These guys we’ve brought in know how to win and have been coached up at the high school level, and they are now bringing that same mindset to Faulkner.“

The Eagles begin spring practice on March 26. The annual Black & Blue Game is scheduled for April 14 at John Mark Stallings Field on the Faulkner campus.

For a complete list of signees, visit www.faulkner.edu

The Hornets’ signees include Stanfotd transfer quarterback Darren Daniel, who hails from Phenix City.  (Photo courtesy Getty Images)

Staff Report
(February 1, 2012)

Alabama State head football coach Reggie Barlow announced his class of 2012 football recruits, which provided plenty of bulk on one end and speed on the other.

“In the past, we were real thin from a depth standpoint and there were guys we felt could come in and contribute as freshmen,” Barlow said. “This group, we’ve identified a handful of guys that we feel like have the body structure, play fast enough and will be able to handle the transition from high school to college that will be able to help us up front."

The Hornets announced 26 signees for the upcoming season. Three  of those are already enrolled.

Wednesday’s group  included seven offensive linemen, two more than Barlow had on his initial wish list, and three defensive linemen. If there was one weakness in the signing class, it would be at defensive tackle, where Barlow and his staff targeted a larger, stronger group of high school players who could walk in and immediately help the Hornets in rushing defense.

“We went into this process wanting to sign four D-tackles,” Barlow said. “We felt like we had four. Right at the end, we had a guy (Carver’s Roderick Henderson) who committed to Southern Miss, which is an outstanding school. The guys who came on with us are guys we’re extremely excited about.”

Here is a list of Alabama State’s 26 signees, including the six players who enrolled in school in January and will participate in spring football with the Hornets:

Early Signees
Giles Chapman, WR, 5-8, 170, Washington High, Fremont, Calif.
Marquis Lovett, LS-LB, 6-3, 202, Georgia Military, Norcross, Ga.
Brandon Roberts, LB, 6-4, 240, Alabama State, Winter Haven, Fla.
Artis Sullivan, OT, 6-3, 270, Alabama State, Memphis, Tenn.

Wednesday’s signees
Carnell Boyd, WR, 5-11, 185, Martin Luther King High, Atlanta, Ga.
Terease Chappell, OL, 6-4, 258, G.W. Carver
Julian Cole, OL, 6-4, 280, Florence High, Florence
Jahaad Coleman, RB, 5-10, 185, Salem High, Conyers, Ga.
Darren Daniel, QB, 6-4, 196, Stanford University, Phenix City
Darren Davis, OL, 6-2, 265, Chaminade Madonna High, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Melvin Davis, DB, 5-11, 185, Edna Karr High, New Orleans, La.
Torrey Davis, S, 5-10, 205, Fayette County High, Fayetteville, Ga.
Myles Everett, WR, 5-11, 175, Pope High, Marietta, Ga.
Jamaal Fears, DT, 6-2, 300, Duncanville High, Duncanville, Texas
Garrius Hudson, DT, 6-1, 325, Jonesboro High, Jonesboro, Ga.
Wallace Hunter, OL, 6-1, 280, Central High, Phenix City
Damian Love, OL, 6-3, 270, Stanhope Elmore High, Millbrook
Nick Martin, CB, 5-10, 160, Dothan High, Dothan
Jarrett Neely, WR, 5-10, 180, Georgia Military, Milledgeville, Ga.
Charles Purnell, RB, 5-9, 175, Westlake High, Atlanta, Ga.
Eric Sledge, LB, 6-1, 240, Bessemer Academy, Bessemer
Bradley Street, CB, 6-0, 183, Charles Drew High, Riverdale, Ga.
Jylan Ware, OT, 6-7, 270, Valley High, Valley
Richard Webb, OT, 6-6, 360, DeMatha Catholic High, Hyattsville, Md.
Emanuell Williams, QB, 5-11, 185, LaMarque High, LaMarque, Texas
Bobby Wintons, DT, 6-2, 320, Potter’s House Christian Academy, Jacksonville, Fla.

Andy Pappanastos and Walker Van Hooser signed football scholarships with Ole Miss and Tulene, respectively, at a special ceremony on Tuesday. The players were joined by their family as well as several faculty and students.  (Staff Photo)

Staff Report
(February 1, 2012)

Andy Pappanastos wanted a chance to kick in the Southeastern Conference.

Walker Van Hooser wanted a chance to play with his brother.

Both Trinity Presbyterian seniors will get their wish.

Pappanastos signed a letter of intent with Ole Miss while Van Hooser signed with Tulane during a special ceremony at Trinity on Tuesday.

Andy Pappanastos stated that he was impressed with new Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze.  (Staff Photo)

Pappanastos considered a chance to walk on at Alabama before he got a call from new Rebels’ coach Hugh Freeze

"I just wanted the opportunity and Ole Miss gave it to me," Pappanastos said. "I’m very happy. It’s an opportunity that sort of came out of the blue. It’s great that there are other Trinity students already in Oxford so that will make it better.

"I really like Coach Freeze. He was very nice and talked about the plans for a kicker in the future. I feel like I will be given a chance to show what I can do."

With Ole Miss having three senior kickers next fall, Pappanastos expects to red shirt and have a shot in 2013.

Van Hooser’s brother, Wilson, just completed his sophomore season at Tulane. Walker, the youngest of three who played a Trinity, is excited to get the chance to be on the same team.

Walker Van Hooser (center) said he is looking forward to rejoining his brother, Wilson, at Tulane.  (Staff Photo)

"It played a major role in my decision," Walker Van Hooser said. "(Wilson) has enjoyed it there and encouraged me. I’m grateful to get the chance to attend a great school and play Division I football."

Trinity athletic director Jim Tuley echoed the sentiments of the Wildcats’ coaching staff. He believes both will be successful at the next level.

"They are two classy people who have great families," Tuley said. "We are certainly proud of them and what they have accomplished. I know they are going to do well at their respective schools."

Contributed
(January 31, 2012)

Ivory White scored 21 points, Philip Crawford 17 and Ryan Watts 15 to lead Alabama State University (8-13/5-4 SWAC) to a 66-59 overtime win over Texas Southern University (7-14/6-3 SWAC) and in the process stop a three-game losing streak.

It was not easy as the Hornets trailed by 18 points (48-30) after a Fred Sturdivant basket with 9:10 left in the game.

From there the Hornets went on a 24-6 run over the final nine minutes to send the game into overtime where the Hornets outscored the visitors 14-seven to complete the comeback win.  During the run, ASU hit nine of their 15 field goal attempts (60%), including two three’s, and four free throws.

Even though the Hornets were making their run, they still trailed by five (52-47) with 26 seconds left in the game.  Watts was able to knock down a three to cut it to 52-50.  After Sturdivant hit two free throws for TSU with 12 seconds left, ASU trailed 54-50.  ASU got the ball down the court quickly where White was able to score from the paint with five seconds left to cut the lead to 54-52.

After an ASU time out, Watts was able to knock the ball free on the inbounds pass which White picked up to lay in with 2.7 seconds left to even the game at 54.  A long heave by TSU was off mark and on to over time the two teams went.

In overtime the Hornets kept their hot shooting streak hitting their first four shots of the overtime period.  Watts, Stephawn Brown, White and Crawford all scored as the Hornets led 62-55 with 1:09 left.

Dexter Ellington gave the Tigers some hope with a long three with 55 seconds left to cut the lead to 62-58, but two free throws from Jeff Middlebrooks and two from Watts iced the win for ASU.

White’s 21 points was a career-high for the senior and Watts’ 15 was also his career-high.  The Hornets out rebounded the taller Tigers 47-33 with White and Brown leading the way with nine rebounds each.  White also had a game-high four steals.  Middlebrooks had a game-high nine assists compared to only one turnover.

Sturdivant led TSU with 16 points and Patrick Onwenu came off the bench to score 11.  Ellington also hit double-digits with 10 points.

“It was just a great job by Ivory, fighting (through cramps) and working hard, but it was a great team victory,” head coach Lewis Jackson said.  “I’m extremely proud of these guys.  We talked about the things we can do with this team and how versatile we can be and the guys stepped up tonight.”

“Ivory is a senior and he stepped up and played the way a senior should play.  We didn’t have anything from Philip in the first half and I don’t know what his numbers were but in the second half he came out and he was aggressive on offense and also trying to block shots on the defensive end.”

ASU was able to jump out to a 5-0 lead in the first half behind Tramaine Butler’s steal and layup and a three from White, but ASU would not score again for the next 4:49 as TSU would score nine unanswered points, with seven consecutive from Onwenu off the bench.

ASU would get as close as 13-11 on the basket from Jonathan Jefferson with 9:38 left in the first half, but would again go on a drought as TSU scored 12 consecutive points to go up 25-11 with 6:11 left.

TSU led 28-16 at half shooting 48 percent from the field while holding ASU to 28 percent shooting.  The Hornets out rebounded TSU 20-17, but 11 turnovers hurt any chances of the Hornets getting any closer.

“We just have to take this momentum and build on it,” Jackson stated.  “We need to come out and work on our execution and doing the things that will allow us to be in position to win.  Tonight we finished the ball game where we had been turning the ball over and missing free throws, but tonight the guys finished.”

ASU will be on the road for its next three games beginning with a 5 p.m. tip off at league-leading Mississippi Valley State Saturday in Itta Bena, Miss.

Lady Hornets win easily

Danielle Gazaway scored a career-high 17 points to lead Alabama State to a 68-47 win over Texas Southern  Monday evening at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome.

The Lady Hornets (7-10 overall, 5-4 Southwestern Athletic Conference) won their second straight game and pulled away early in the first half.

With the game tied at 12-all, Alabama State went on a 25-6 run to break the game open. The Lady Hornets led by as much as 21 in the first half, 34-13, on a three-pointer by Gazaway with just under four minutes to play in the first half. As a team, ASU shot 70 percent in the half.

“We are playing a lot of freshman, and we knew coming into this year we were going to have to get a lot of minutes out of them, and they are responding well,” ASU head coach Freda Freeman-Jackson said. “I thought Ashley Jones did a great job for us tonight. She had a double-double and was a monster on the boards.”

Jones ended the game with a double-double, scoring 10 points and pulling down 13 rebounds. Kierra Paige recorded 13 points in the win.

“The thing that I like is that we’re playing great defense and that’s the key,” said Freeman-Jackson. “I think we’re doing a really good job running our offense, rotating the ball, being unselfish, and doing the things we are asking them to do at this point.”

The Lady Hornets were all over the court in the first half, grabbing 34 of their 55 rebounds. Alabama State shot over 53 percent from behind the arch in the game.

The Lady Tigers (3-16, 2-7) had two players in double figures. Gianna Fleming scored 12 and Janelle McQueen added 12 for TSU.

Alabama State next travels to Itta Bena, Miss. to face Mississippi Valley State Saturday. The game is slated for 3 p.m.

Tucker Willard led the Eagles in hitting a year ago and returns to lead the Eagles in 2012.  (Photo courtesy Ryan Bartels/Faulkner Unv. Athletics)

Contributed
(January 30, 2012)

It’s quite easy for Faulkner head coach Patrick McCarthy’s mind to wander back to mid-May of last year, when on a chilly Monday afternoon his team accomplished a program first – earning a berth in the NAIA World Series with a heart-stopping victory in the final game of the Kingsport Bracket in Tennessee.

With the 2012 season fast approaching, however, McCarthy’s thoughts don’t stay in the past very long. Entering his third season as the Eagles’ program leader, McCarthy is well aware of the challenges that come with trying to stay among the nation’s elite.

“It’s a lot harder to get back to the World Series than it is to get there the first time,” said McCarthy, who was the head coach at Freed-Hardeman for five seasons before coming to Faulkner. “We will now have a target on our back and we’ll get everybody’s best game. No more sneaking up on anybody. We’re ranked high, so the expectations are obviously equally as high.”

Faulkner, ranked eighth in the NAIA preseason coaches’ poll, opens its season with a pair of doubleheaders this weekend at Harrison Field. The Eagles host Southeastern on Friday, with the first game set for a 2 p.m. start, and welcome Webber International on Saturday, with the first pitch set for noon.

“We’re excited and ready to get this thing started,” McCarthy said. “We have a lot of new parts so to speak, so we’re ready to see how this team gels and responds to the challenges.”

Upon returning from Lewiston, Idaho, and 2011 World Series last June, McCarthy and his staff – assistants Shep Mularz, Travis Watson and Jacob Legg – began immediately trying to fill the holes left by the departure of perhaps the program’s most successful senior class. Among others, gone were two weekend starters off the pitching staff, All-American R. L. Eisenbach and Jacob Simmons, and, according to McCarthy, the best three position players on the team – shortstop Kenny Miramontes, second baseman Jonathan Gober and first baseman Michael Clayton.

Mularz, Watson and Legg went to work and, McCarthy believes, brought in the best recruiting class he’s ever seen. The newcomers will compliment a solid group of returners – infielders Daniel Cayton and John Gunnels, catcher Matt Darr, utility player Brennan Olive and outfielders Tucker Willard, Matt Parker and Antonio Kendrick. Outfielder Ronald Tarvin is also back after missing last season with a knee injury. Tucker and Cayton led Faulkner in batting average last season, hitting .384 and .357 respectively. Parker and Olive each hit over .300 as well for the potent 2011 Eagles

Among the pitchers returning are Damon Porter, who will battle for one of the three weekend starter slots, Cory Hamilton, Andrew Harrison, Preston Long, Nathan Prokuski, Casey Wilson and Kyle Wyatt. Porter started 10 games last season, finishing with a 4-3 record and a 3.56 earned-run average. Wilson, Prokuski, Harrison and Hamilton all had at least 10 appearances a year ago.

Among those who will be making their Faulkner debuts this weekend are a trio of transfer pitchers – righthander Corey Black from San Diego State, righthander Zach Sterling from Western Illinois and righthander Joe Grzywhcz from Southwestern Illinois Community College. All three could play a key role on the mound during Southern States Athletic Conference play. New position players who are expected to make an immediate contribution include outfielder David Bishop, a transfer from Mississippi State, outfielder David Bishop, outfielder Brook Boudreaux, infielder/utility player Matt Creel, infielder Craig Massey and  catcher Zach Colby.

“Our coaching staff just did an amazing job recruiting in the off season,” McCarthy said. “Those guys are incredible. It didn’t matter what time of day it was or of it even if it was a holiday, they stayed on the phones and made things happen. They are the best three coaches I’ve ever worked with, and words can’t describe how important they are to this program. They’re just invaluable.”

The Eagles will play nine pre-conference games before getting into SSAC action the weekend of Feb. 17-18 when it hosts cross-town rival Auburn Montgomery, which is ranked No. 13 in the preseason poll.