ARDMORE/ELKMONT GAME REPORTS

Tigers Take Game

On the road to open the season, Ardmore's quarterback, Garrett Miller, completed 7 of 9 pass attempts for 139 yards and a pair of scores as the Tigers opened 2013 with a 25-14 win over Elkmont.  

For good measure, the quarterback added another score with his legs.  Miller got the Tigers on the board early, connecting with Dominic Clemmons on a 55-yard scoring pass less than three minutes into the game.


Elkmont tied the game later in the quarter when Jordan Nelson found Eli Hobbs for a 71-yard touchdown pass.  Miller scored from six yards out on a quarterback keeper in the second, but Elkmont blocked the extra point try. The Red Devils took the lead early in the third quarter on a 7-yard run by Mike Tucker.  Miller connected with Hayden Durrett on a 22-yard touchdown pass to give the Tigers the lead for good late in the third period.  A 3-yard touchdown run by Ricky Lowerey sealed the victory in the fourth quarter. Lowerey finished the game with 86 yards rushing.

ELKMONT — Control the clock. Control the score.

That was the method Ardmore head coach Clint Legg used to get his first victory over rival Elkmont Friday. The Tigers played ball control on the way to a 25-14 victory.

Ardmore had 10 players carry the football, led by junior Ricky Lowery. The bruising back finished with 19 carries for 86 yards and a touchdown.

While the running game carried Ardmore, it took a pass to jump-start the Tigers. Quarterback Garrett Miller connected with Dominic Clemmons for a 55-yard touchdown for the game’s opening score.

Elkmont answered on the next possession with a bomb of its own when quarterback Jordan Nelson got the ball to speedster Eli Hobbs behind the Tigers’ defense for a 71-yard scoring play.

Ardmore grabbed the lead entering the break when Miller scored on a keeper to make it 13-7 at halftime.

Despite being doubled up in time of possession and plays, Elkmont took the lead to open the second half on a 7-yard run by Mike Tucker. Minutes later, Hayden Durrett regained the lead once and for all on a 22-yard pass from Miller. A 3-yard rush from Lowery in the fourth quarter sealed the game for Ardmore.

Cody Fox added 66 yards on 25 carries for the Tigers. Ardmore ran for 239 yards and held Elkmont to 99.

Rhett Bailey led Elkmont with 56 yards on the ground.
- See more at: http://enewscourier.com/archivesearch/x789518244/Ardmore-controls-the-clock-beats-Elkmont#sthash.TWUY3fhU.dpuf

Full Article: Decatur Daily 

Ardmore Controls Clock:
Control the clock; control the score.   Ardmore head coach Clint Legg used this method to get his first win over rival Elkmont.  The Tigers doubled Elkmont's time of possession and plays.  The Tigers played ball control on the way to a 25-14 victory.

Ardmore had 10 players carry the football, led by Ricky Lowery with 19 carries for 86 years and a touchdown.  Rhett Bailey led the Red Devils with 56 yards on the ground.

Full Article: Athens News Courier

Injury report:
Several Elkmont players took injuries last night, most due to muscle cramps, heat related.  Rhett Bailey was sent to the (ER), Huntsville Hospital last night.  Results: After all night in ER, they think it might be scar tissue from his previous surgeries that might be stretched or pulled. He is still in a lot of pain but they let us come home. Thanks for the prayers and best wishes. We appreciate it all! Hopefully rest for a couple days will help.    

Missy Bailey

Great photos by Downtown Home Portraits - there are 170 photos to see and order from.

ELKMONT — Control the clock. Control the score.

That was the method Ardmore head coach Clint Legg used to get his first victory over rival Elkmont Friday. The Tigers played ball control on the way to a 25-14 victory.

Ardmore had 10 players carry the football, led by junior Ricky Lowery. The bruising back finished with 19 carries for 86 yards and a touchdown.

While the running game carried Ardmore, it took a pass to jump-start the Tigers. Quarterback Garrett Miller connected with Dominic Clemmons for a 55-yard touchdown for the game’s opening score.

Elkmont answered on the next possession with a bomb of its own when quarterback Jordan Nelson got the ball to speedster Eli Hobbs behind the Tigers’ defense for a 71-yard scoring play.

Ardmore grabbed the lead entering the break when Miller scored on a keeper to make it 13-7 at halftime.

Despite being doubled up in time of possession and plays, Elkmont took the lead to open the second half on a 7-yard run by Mike Tucker. Minutes later, Hayden Durrett regained the lead once and for all on a 22-yard pass from Miller. A 3-yard rush from Lowery in the fourth quarter sealed the game for Ardmore.

Cody Fox added 66 yards on 25 carries for the Tigers. Ardmore ran for 239 yards and held Elkmont to 99.

Rhett Bailey led Elkmont with 56 yards on the ground.
- See more at: http://enewscourier.com/archivesearch/x789518244/Ardmore-controls-the-clock-beats-Elkmont#sthash.YTtGF3cI.dpuf

RIVIALRY - OH, YES

Another good article on Elkmont football - the Decatur Daily does the best job of covering Elkmont sports among the local newspapers.

ARDMORE — Ten miles.
That is about how much distance separates the campuses at Ardmore High and Elkmont.

Being that close means there are few strangers in the two communities. A few of the football players are related. Lots of them are friends.

And when the two schools tee the football up tonight for one of Limestone County’s oldest rivalries, as usual, emotions will run high.
Ardmore travels to Elkmont today, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. The rivals have been playing football since 1936, with Ardmore owning a 39-24 series lead, according to the Alabama High School Football Historical Society’s website.

“This is always one of our biggest games,” said first- year Ardmore coach Clint Legg, who spent the past four seasons with the Tigers as an assistant coach. “The stands will be packed. Almost everyone from both communities will be there. The atmosphere will be electric — what high school football is all about.”

In recent years, Elkmont has controlled the series, winning four of the past five contests. But Ardmore snapped a four-game losing skid in 2012 with a 22-16 win, and with growing roster numbers, a talented group of underclassmen and an enthusiastic new coach, the Tigers appear to be a program on the rise.

According to John Mansell, program director at AM-1110, which broadcasts Ardmore football games, the Elkmont rivalry draws the largest crowd either team will see during the season.
Elkmont principal Garth Garris said the school brought in additional bleachers at Boss Hill Stadium to handle the anticipated overflow crowd.

So, what type of game should fans expect? Ardmore has more players on its roster, but personnel wise, the athletes are similar.
Elkmont does not have much depth, with rosters numbers in the mid-20s. But coach Sean Holt expects good things from sophomore quarterback Jordan Nelson, and the Red Devils have a couple of big-play threats in running back Jared Bailey and receiver Rhett Bailey — who is playing his first Ardmore game since overcoming a bout with cancer in 2012.
 
Ardmore junior Garrett Miller is heading into his third season as a starter. For anyone wondering, Ardmore tight end Hayden Durrett was more than willing to give a prognosis.
 
“Expect a smash-mouth, emotional game,” he said. “Obviously, this is our biggest game of the year, and in my opinion, one of the best rivalries in north Alabama. I know every single player on their team, and they know all of us. That just adds to the hype.”

Since the week started, Legg said the Elkmont game constantly has been on his mind.
“I’ve been waking up every night at 2 or 3 in the morning,” Legg said. “I’m not nervous about our guys. They’ve done everything we have asked. What I’m nervous about is whether I did good enough of a job preparing them. In both of our communities, this is a very important football game. Emotions will be running high. They always do, but that’s one of the things that make this rivalry special.”

Article: Decatur Daily

SEASON PASSES $30

  
If you don't want to deal with the hassle of standing in line and buying a ticket for this season's home games, buy a season pass for $30 from Miss Gina.  You can find her in the Elkmont High School Office.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE ARDMORE TIGERS?

School Schedule

Date Participants Req Site Location Game Name Results 08/30/2013 @ 07:00 pm Elkmont High School (3A) Elkmont High School 09/06/2013 @ 07:00 pm Butler, S. R. High School (4A) R Butler, S. R. High School 09/13/2013 @ 07:00 pm North Jackson High School (4A) R Ardmore High School 09/20/2013 @ 07:00 pm Randolph School (4A) R Randolph School 09/27/2013 @ 07:00 pm Clements High School (3A) D Ardmore High School 10/04/2013 @ 07:00 pm Johnson, J.O. High School (4A) R Ardmore High School 10/11/2013 @ 07:00 pm Pope John Paul II Catholic (4A R Discovery Middle School 10/18/2013 @ 07:00 pm Madison County High School (4A R Ardmore High School 10/25/2013 @ 07:00 pm Smith DAR, Kate D. High School R Smith DAR, Kate D. High School 11/01/2013 @ 07:00 pm West Limestone High School (4A Ardmore High School

Smash mouth football fits Tigers’ plans

ARDMORE — Clint Legg says when you come to see the Ardmore Tigers this football season you better be prepared for some old fashioned smash mouth football.

Don't expect to see any spread formations with receivers all over the field. Don't come looking for an offense that snaps the ball so quickly after the last play that the officials have to race to get the ball set for the next play.

"We're going to line up with a quarterback, fullback and tailback," said Legg, who takes over as head coach this season.

When Legg wants to open his offense up a bit, he will put his quarterback in the shotgun formation.

"There aren't many teams that line up in the I-formation anymore," said Legg. "For us to win, we are going to have to run over people."

Legg said that style of play fits his team best. A lot of high schools like to spread it out and throw the ball. Some teams go with the Wing-T formation that uses the art of misdirection to develop lanes for running backs.

"We have to adapt to what we can do," said Legg. "We couldn't run the spread if we wanted to. We just don't have the depth at receiver you need to be successful doing that.

"We think we can dictate the pace of the game. We can control the game clock. Teams that spread it out won't like that. A slower pace will probably be frustrating for them."

Offense

Garrett Miller is back at quarterback. The junior has started since he was a freshman.

"We have had a great offseason working to get stronger for this season," said Miller.

Legg said the Tigers will strive for a balance between running and passing.

"To be successful running, we have to keep the defense honest with the pass," said Legg.

Literally leading the way for the rushing attack will be Joe Eubanks. The freshman will be like having a guard in the backfield. He's 5-foot-10, 230 pounds.

The tailback duties will be shared by Braden Edwards, Josh Maloon, Rickey Lowery, Cody Fox and Dominique Clemmons. Junior Chris Welling will also see time at fullback.

The offensive line is anchored by junior Tristan McCulley at center. The guards are senior Josh Brewer and junior Adam Davis. A pair of sophomores man the tackle spots. They are Kodee Kuncho and Garrett Hogan.

Senior Hayden Durrett will start at tight end. Also at tight end will be freshman Derek Lewis. The receivers are Clemmons and Austin Parks.

Defense

"We have to put the emphasis on tackling and hustling to the football," said Legg. "We've got to hit, hit, hit. Playing as many people as we will should help keep us fresh on defense."

While the defensive line is a work in progress, the linebackers are set with Lowery, Fox and sophomore Zac Free. Welling and Ben Magnusson are the defensive ends.

"We've got to attack and be physical," said Legg. "We have to be strong."

Clemmons mans the safety position. The rest of the defensive backfield will see combinations of Keegan Potter, Will Turner, Edwards, Maloon and Zac Clemmons.

Last season's 5-5 record was Ardmore's best since an 8-3 season in 2006. A late season loss to DAR kept the Tigers from having a winning record and spot in the playoffs.

Change is the name of the game for Ardmore Tiger football.It starts with new head coach Clint Legg. The team’s offensive coordinator for the past three seasons was promoted after former head coach Shannon Brown left. The team’s spacious field house got some updating thanks to some booster club money. It sports one of the best locker rooms in the area. There are some small colleges that would be envious. A third change is the helmets. The black and gold Tigers are going back to the traditional gold helmets after several seasons in black. It’s three changes that spotlight the future, community commitment and the tradition of Ardmore football.

For senior tight end Hayden Durrett, linebacker Ricky Lowery and quarterback Garrett Miller the changes create an extra excitement for this football season.  “Football is important in Ardmore,” said Durrett, the lone senior of the three. “When you grow up here, you can’t wait to be an Ardmore Tiger.  This community really wants a winner,” said Durrett. “A 5-5 record is not what Ardmore football is supposed to be about.”“We want to show everybody how much Coach Legg means to us,” said Miller. “He’s worked us hard and we know that’s going to make a big difference this season. He’s worked hard to get us ready for this season and we’ve worked hard to be ready.”

Ardmore Tigers

Coach: Clint Legg is entering his first season
Class: 4A, Region 7
2012 results: 5-5, 3-4 in region play
Number of starters returning: Five on offense and four on defense
Season opener: Aug. 30 at Elkmont
Source article: Decatur Daily

ELKMONT WINS JAMBOREE

The Elkmont Red Devils traveled to East Lawrence High School last night.  In a shut-out, our team beat the Eagles 14 - 0.  The Hill Spirit hasn't found a game reporter for the varsity team yet so I'll share some facebook quotes.

Elkmont wins 14-0!!!!
Go Red.....
  It was a great game!!!!! Yay Red Devils!!!!!
Great start to the year!! Defensive shut out and offense did good! Let's carry that into next week
  Way to go Mr pickup truck. How about that 70 yard run for a touchdown. Yoweeee
Great job carry that into the game against Ardmore now.
 
Ardmore comes to town next Friday.  Kickoff is at 7 pm but be there by 6:30 if you want a chance at a seat.  If you would like to write about the varsity games (don't worry about being a good writer, just need the info) and share with the rest of us, please contact the Hill Spirit - elkmont1@charter.net.

MEET YOUR ELKMONT RED DEVILS

Nice article about your Elkmont Red Devils today in the Decatur Daily High School Football Preview. Get your copy today for those scrapbooks

Elkmont prepares for rugged Region 8

There's an old saying about "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."
Elkmont football coach Sean Holt would like to see his team follow that advice with a little twist:
Holt wants his football team to just get tough enough to compete in Class 3A, Region 8.
Holt has never accused his Red Devils of not being tough. It's just that in their region you have to really play tough to survive. It's one of the more physical regions in the area.

Reclassification that took effect in 2012 moved powerhouse Madison Academy into Region 8. Deshler, a power in 4A, dropped to 3A and moved into the region. Colbert County, one of the state's most successful programs, bounced back from some lean times last season to make the playoffs. Lauderdale County, another region foe, has had double-digit wins the last three seasons.

"All four of those schools made it to the quarterfinals of the playoffs before they started knocking each other off," said Holt, who is entering his third year as Elkmont head coach. "Madison Academy went on to win the state championship. It's power football with a lot of speed mixed in. There are players in this region who will be playing college football someday. It's a challenge. We don't match them in speed. We have to get stronger and play stronger." Elkmont's offense averaged 13.6 points a game. The defense allowed 39.5 points a contest.

Offense

Holt is counting on his offensive line to win the line-of-scrimmage. Hunter Brazeal is the center. The guards are Kody Clark and Brent Stovall. Eli Vining and Jon Jon Williams are the tackles.

"I've told them they are the key to our success," said Holt. "Linemen never get any of the glory, but they have to compete for us to have a chance to win."

Sophomore Jordan Nelson takes over at quarterback. Holt says what he lacks in experience will be outweighed by his leadership abilities.
"My job is to get the ball to the guys that can make the plays," said Nelson. 

The list of Red Devils who can make plays starts with the Bailey brothers. Rhett, the senior, plays wide receiver. Jared, the junior, is a running back. "We have to get the ball to Rhett," said Holt. "We will use Jared in the Wildcat (formation)."

Mike Tucker, a junior, and Zeb Pankey, a freshman, will be counted on at running back. Sophomore Eli Hobbs will be another weapon at wide receiver. "They can all make plays and we have to take advantage of their talent," said Holt.

Defense

The Red Devils will defend out of the 4-2-5 alignment. Holt feels the struggles from last season will pay off this season with an experienced group "We will be better," said Holt. "We are stronger. We have to be stronger to play the kind of defense we need to play."  
The nose guard is junior Drew Thompson. Last season was his first to play football. 

Sophomore Adrian Walker will be at tackle.  The defensive ends are Clark and Joshua Carter, both juniors. Jared Bailey and senior Kris Gooch are the linebackers.
 
Tucker, Hobbs, Pankey and Rhett Bailey will roam the secondary.

Article: Decatur Daily  (has a video)

School Schedule 
08/30/2013 @ 07:00 pm Ardmore High School (4A) @Elkmont High School 

09/06/2013 @ 07:00 pm Colbert County High School (3A) @ Colbert County High School 

09/13/2013 @ 07:00 pm Westminster Christian Academy @ Elkmont High School 

09/20/2013 @ 07:00 am West Morgan High School (3A) @ West Morgan High School

09/27/2013 @ 07:00 pm West Limestone High School (4A)@ West Limestone High School 

10/04/2013 @ 07:00 pm Madison Academy (3A) @ Madison Academy

10/11/2013 @ 07:00 pm Clements High School  @ Elkmont High School - HOMECOMING

10/18/2013 @ 07:00 pm Deshler High School (3A) @ Elkmont High School 

10/25/2013 @ 07:00 pm Lauderdale County High School @Lauderdale County High School 

11/01/2013 @ 07:00 pm Wilson High School @ Elkmont High School - SENIOR NIGHT

ROSTER REPORT

VARSITY BOYS FOOTBALL: FALL 2013

NO	NAME	POS1	HT	WT	GRD
	Anderson, Jacob (Jacob)				11th
	Bailey, Jared (Jared)				11th
	Bailey, Rhett (Rhett)				12th
	Brazeal, Hunter (Hunter)				11th
	Carter, Joshua (Joshua)				11th
	Clark, Kody (Kody)				11th
	Gooch, Tommy (Tommy)				12th
	Hernandez, Alexis (Alexis)				11th
	Hobbs, Eli (Eli)				10th
	Little, Christopher (Christopher)				9th
	Lovell, Preston (Preston)				12th
	Moore, Austin (Austin)				11th
	Moore, Nicholas (Nicholas)				12th
	Nelson, Jordan (Jordan)				10th
	Pankey, Zeb (Zeb)				9th
	Rector, Charles (Charles)				9th
	Riggs, Travis (Travis)				10th
	Rouse, Michael (Michael)				11th
	Stovall, Brent (Brent)				11th
	Thomas, Cody (Cody)				12th
	Thompson, Leslie (Leslie)				11th
	Tucker, Michael (Michael)				11th
	Valencia, Carlos (Carlos)				9th
	Vining, Eli (Eli)				11th
	Walker, Adrian (Adrian)				10th
	Wallace, Christopher				11th
	Wiedenbeck, Noah (Noah)				11th
	Wilson, Ethan (Ethan)