GRIDIRON PREVIEW

The News Courier had a special preseason football section in the Sunday paper, August 19.  You can still get a copy at the newspaper office in Athens.  Here are some of the highlights; quotes are by Coach Holt.

What to watch for on offense:
Change. Elkmont will change up what is done in the past and trade the spread for a more traditional offense with a mixture of formations.

What to watch for on defense:
Athletes: Elkmont's 4-2-5 defense emphasizes getting outside linebackers/safety in multiple positions.  "You have to get your best athletes on the field. They are run-pass players that are just athletes."

The team will be better if... they can grow up in a hurry.  Elkmont only has two returning starters on offense and three on defense.

Strength on offense:
Offensive line. While young, lineman is the deepest position on the team.

Strength on defense:
Attitude.  Elkmont will put their best players on the defensive side of the ball. "We've got some really good kids that are working really hard.  They're easy to coach."

Key Players:
Jared Bailey and Hugo Hernandez.  The pair of linebackers must fill the shoes of departing all-county players, Dan Logan and Cody Martin who were responsible for more than 300 tackles last season.

Season will be a success if... Elkmont can make it five out of six playoff appearances.

DECATUR DAILY - PRESEASON ARTICLE

FOOTBALL ARTICLE IN THE DECATUR DAILY TODAY - BE SURE TO GET A COPY FOR YOUR SCRAPBOOKS

Keeping momentum

Elkmont aims to build on last year’s playoff experience

By Daniel Boyette

ELKMONT — There aren’t many familiar faces on either side of the ball at Elkmont High this season.  Just five starters return from the 2011 team that went 7-5 and reached the second round of the Class 3A playoffs a year after having its three-year postseason run snapped.

“It’s really important as far as we just needed to get ourselves back to a positive way of thinking,” second-year Elkmont coach Sean Holt said of last season. “We had a good strong senior class last year , and they had the mindset to get back to the playoffs. Now we are a really young team, and what they see now is that this is how you do things right; that’s what kind of work it takes to get there.”

On offense, Elkmonst must replace quarterback Hayden Huseth and receiver Cole Glass, who was named to The Decatur Daily’s Class 1A-3A all-area team last season. Holt said the Red Devils are working several kids at running back, and that the offensive line will be young.

“We are looking at a couple of kids for quarterback, senior Bryant Wales and sophomore Jared Bailey,” Holt said. “One of them has to take over the reins and run the show.”

Even though Elkmont will field a young team, Wales said he’s optimistic the Red Devils can build on last year’s success.

“We’re real aggressive and good up front,” Wales said. “Our backs and receivers are learning quick. We’ll be young, but fast.”

Defensively, nine starters will have to be replaced on a unit that held six opponents to 14 points or less in 2011.

The Red Devils’ 40-man roster features a mix of several seniors who are back after not playing last year or who are new to the program.  “We had more than that in the spring,” Holt said of the roster size. “During our workouts this summer we expected a lot, but a few of them didn’t make it, but that’s OK. The ones that are here, it goes back to attitude. They worked hard and they want to be here.”

Elkmont will face a pair of new challenges in Region 8. Fourth-ranked Madison Academy, which beat the Red Devils 42-0 in the second round of last year’s playoffs, and Deshler — ranked No. 2 on the Alabama Sports Writers Associations Class 3A poll — are to set to join the region.

Defending region champion Lauderdale County returns, while second-place Sheffield moved to Class 2A and Rogers moved to Class 4A.

BUY YOUR RESERVED SEATING

Reserved Seating.... if you have or would like to purchase reserved seating for this season, please see Heather Hobbs on or before August 24 to pay. If you would like to mail a check, please do so to 19972 Upper Fort Hampton Road, Elkmont, AL. Heather will have your reserved seat ticket at the Hamburger Supper Saturday the 18th or August 24 before the Jamboree.  Just a reminder that Quarterback Club membership is required to be eligible for reserved seating.

You can get your reserved seating at the hamburger supper.  

NEWS COURIER - PRESEASON ARTICLE

Nice article in the News Courier today about the Football Red Devils and their upcoming season.  If you want a copy of the paper to keep for your scrapbooks, drop by the newspaper office in Athens

Big shoes to fill for Red Devils

Elkmont’s football team has some big shoes to fill. The Red Devils lost 13 seniors from last year, but it’s not the just numbers that were lost. Nearly all of those seniors were major contributors the past few seasons, leaving a void for upcoming players to fill.

Second-year head coach Sean Holt believes the players he has are more than capable of filling that void.

“I think our strength right now more than anything else is our attitude,” Holt said. “We’ve got some really good kids that are working really hard. They’re easy to coach. They listen to what we are telling them to do. We’re going to be playing a lot of younger players, but we’re not going to use that as an excuse not to get better.”

Hayden Huseth, Cole Glass, Skyler Gant, Dan Logan and Cody Martin are just a few names that the Red Devils must replace this season. Those players alone were responsible for 35 touchdowns and more than 300 tackles last season.

With so much production gone from a team that made it to the second round of the playoffs, duplicating those numbers might be too much to ask. With many of those departing seniors playing both ways last year, Elkmont returns two starters on offense and three on defense.

“We’ve got to get better at everything. We’ve got to find the right players for the right positions,” Holt said. “We want to put the right people in the right place, so we get the best players on the field. We’re having to start over.”

On offense, the Red Devils will adjust their offensive philosophy to match the returning personnel. For the past several years, Elkmont has enjoyed success running a spread offense. Holt said the offense will go back to a more traditional identity.

“We’re going to be multiple,” Holt said. “We’re going to make the defense have to work. We’ll use multiple formations. The change is more to match our personnel. We have bigger linemen this year, but they are younger.”

Holt hopes he can depend on that young group of offensive linemen to pave the way for the running backs and protect the quarterback in what should be a more balanced attack than the one Elkmont had last season.

Linemen Jon Jon William, Kody Clark, Jake Marshall and Eli Vining will be the core group along the offensive line. Many of those players will play both ways, but Holt said he believes it is important to allow his offensive linemen to develop chemistry playing together.

“The most depth we have as far as having people is on the line,” Holt said. “We’ve got a set offensive line and they are going to play every snap unless they get hurt. We want to make sure that those guys stay together. They’ve got to have some cohesion. On the defensive line, we’ve got a rotation to stay fresh.”

That young offensive line will have to grow up quickly in what looks to be a much tougher region slate this season. Although Fort Payne, Rogers and Sheffield — three of Elkmont’s losses last season — are gone from the schedule, they’ve been replaced with two of the top five teams in Class 3A. Deshler, a perennial power in 4A moves down a classification for the first time in school history and will be the favorite to win the region. The other strong contender in the region will be Madison Academy, which beat Elkmont 42-0 in the second round of the playoffs on its way to the state championship game.

Luckily for Elkmont, the Red Devils won’t face the region favorites until the second half of the season. For such a young team, Elkmont will need all the time it can get to find its footing and fill the shoes of those who are gone.

Elkmont kicks off its season in Ardmore at 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 31.

By Jonathan Dealjonathan@athensnews-courier.co

MEET THE SENIORS

Picture day was Saturday, August 11.  Robby and Casey Newport have some great pictures of this year's senior football players and cheerleaders.  Be sure to visit their site "Down Home Portraits" on Facebook throughout the year as they preserve 2012 - 2013 in pictures.

ELKMONT FOOTBALL TERVIS TUMBLERS ARE HERE

Ok Football Fans,

 The Elkmont Football Tervis Tumblers are in. 

Message Pennie Davis on facebook and she will put you on the list. 

The cost is only $20 and it is a great way to support the program.

LAST DAY FOR PROGRAM ADS

Saturday is the final day to purchase ads for the program. If the program committee don't have it on Saturday, it will not appear in the program. If you would like to purchase one, we will be at the football field from 8-11a.m. Let Pam Eaves know if you have any questions. Go Red!

PRESEASON 3A RANKINGS

Class 3A

1. Leeds-& (11) (0-13) 297

2. Deshler-(asterisk) (13) (11-2) 293

3. Piedmont (1) (12-1) 242

4. Madison Acad. (6) (12-3) 233

5. Bayside Acad. (11-1) 129

6. Abbeville (9-2) 121

7. Midfield-(asterisk) (6-5) 112

8. Lauderdale Co. (11-2) 105

9. T.R. Miller (9-3) 78

10. Hamilton (8-3) 37

Others receiving votes: Fayette Co.-(asterisk) (9-4) 25, Gordo (9-3) 25, Hanceville (10-1) 23, American Chr.-(asterisk)(asterisk) (12-2) 16, Elkmont (7-5) 8, Straughn-(asterisk) (6-5) 7, Trinity (6-5) 5, Excel (3-7) 3, Greene Co.-(asterisk) (7-4) 3, Geraldine (5-6) 2, Montevallo (4-6) 2, Opp (6-5) 1.

PICTURE DAY IS COMING....

Sat, August 11

Details: Picture day for football players, cheerleaders, volleyball players, and cross country team! Pictures will be taken by Joe McEarchen Photography for the program and for purchase! Times for each sport to be photographed will be distributed later. Location: Boss Hill Stadium

MIDDLE SCHOOL FOOTBALL MEETING TONIGHT

Elkmont Middle School Football meeting for parents & players tonight in the gym at 6:00 PM.

TERVIS TUMBLER FUNDRAISER

Hey there Elkmont Football Fan, just wanted to let you know about the upcoming fundraiser. We have ordered clear Tervis Tumblers with the Elkmont Football logo. This will be a 24oz. tumbler with lid for only $20. If you would like to be one of the first to get yours send me a message to Penny Davis on her facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pennie.davis.3
and she will hold you one. If you will be at the football hamburger supper you can pick your tumbler up them or at the first game on the 24th. Remember, the more money we raise the more we can help the team.

FOOTBALL NEWS FOR THE RED DEVIL FAN

Here is some important information for the Elkmont Red Devil Fan:

Event: Elkmont Football Fans: Ad sales are winding down. If possible, please have ad turned in by the end of the week. All players, cheerleaders, band members should have a form. If you need one let me know. If you would like a picture to be in your ad that is taken on Media Day (Aug. 11), just let me know. Football season is nearly here!!!! Contact Pam Moss with questions, 256.777.9459.

Reserved Seats are available. If you would like to renew your seats or are need of purchasing new seats please contact Heather Heather Harrison Hobbs either via email: hhobbs@ardmore.net, cell 256-777-7127 or facebook message. Cost is same as last year; $30 each seat and $15 per family for dues. You must be member of quarterback club to purchase reserved seats.

Event: ELKMONT vs ARDMORE T-Shirts on Sale!!

Details: Get your ELKMONT vs ARDMORE 2012 T-Shirt!! ELKMONT's will be RED ARDMORE's will be black Let's show our support for the 2012 Football Season by wearing our t-shirts on Friday, August 31, when ELKMONT takes on ARDMORE at Ardmore's Cooper Field!  Contact Elkmont High School Band.  Order forms will be available on the school website the first week of August.

2012 VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

School Schedule
Date Participants Req Site Location Game Name Results 08/31/2012 @ 07:00 pm Ardmore High School (4A) Ardmore High School 09/07/2012 @ 07:00 pm Colbert County High School (3A R Elkmont High School 09/14/2012 @ 07:00 pm Westminster Christian Academy R Westminster Christian Academy 09/21/2012 @ 07:00 pm West Morgan High School (3A) R Elkmont High School 09/28/2012 @ 07:00 pm West Limestone High School (4A) Elkmont High School 10/05/2012 @ 07:00 pm Madison Academy (3A) R Elkmont High School 10/12/2012 @ 07:00 pm Clements High School (3A) R Clements High School 10/19/2012 @ 07:00 pm Deshler High School (3A) R Deshler High School 10/26/2012 @ 07:00 pm Lauderdale County High School (3A) R Elkmont High School 11/02/2012 @ 07:00 pm Wilson High School (4A) Wilson High School

2012 FOOTBALL SEASON PLANNING SUNDAY

Hello Everyone, just wanted to let you know that there will be a Quarterback Club Meeting this Sunday @ 7pm. We will be talking about several upcoming events, so please make plans to attend. The work we do will help our team and school have a great season. Remember everything we do is for the kids and we need your help.

PICTURE AND RESERVE SEATING NEWS

Picture day for Football Program will be Saturday, August 11th. Times to come later. This is for all football players, cheerleaders, volleyball players, and cross country team.

Elkmont Football Reserved Seating..... If you had reserved seating last season and would like to renew your seats please contact Heather Hobbs via private message. The Quarterback Club are in the process of changing the reserved seating areas and needs to get a feel of how many will be renewing. Many have already contacted Heather regarding new seats for this year and to give these individuals a good idea of where seats will be available she needs your feed back. 

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL STARTS JUNE 11

Players will start conditioning June 11.  Contact Coach Sean Holt for more details, 256 -777-8005. If you have recently moved in and are interested in joining the team, drop by the field house during the mornings starting next week and meet the coaches

SIGN UP FOR YOUTH FALL FOOTBALL

• Fall Youth Football and Cheerleader Sign-Ups: at the Boys & Girls Club, Athens - 8:30 am - 2:00 PM.  Cost: $75........Dates: June 2, 16, 30; July 14, 21, 28.  

 Age Groups:

 Micro Midget: 4-6 

 Mini   Midget: 7-8

          Midget: 9-10

    Pee  Wee:11-12

BUY YOUR 2012 FOOTBALL AD NOW

The Elkmont Quarterback Club is now selling ads for the upcoming football season. Please let Pam Eaves know if you would like her to email you a form!! 


Here is her contact info: phone number, 777-9459 and email pmoss3374@charter


Go Big Red!!

ELKMONT WINS OVER CLEMENTS

Football Taz hasn't reported in yet about the game but Hillspirit has heard the Red Devils won 24 - 7.




Check back for Taz's Thoughts on the Spring game.

FOOTBALL PLAYER BORN TO HOLT FAMILY

Coach Holt and his lovely wife, Tamra Holt missed the Elkmont vs Clements Spring football game last night to welcome Micah Holt to the family.  Micah was born at the Athens/Limestone hospital.

May 18th

12:26 a.m.

8 lbs 6 oz; 20.5 inches

Sisters are excited; Dad is awe struck and Mom is in love.  What a cutie!!!

QUARTERBACK CLUB MEETING TODAY

Quarterback Club Meeting to kick off the 2012 season is tonight.  Location: New Gym or Field House @ 6 pm

QUARTERBACK CLUB MEETING - FEBRUARY 12 @ 1:30, NEW GYM

The budget and bylaws for the reorganized Quarterback Club will be presented and fine tuned at this meeting.  If you are interested in being involved in the Elkmont football program, this is a good place to start.  If you have a player or coming up player, it is important you get involved.  We really don't have enough parents involved and not enough voices contribute.  Please find time in your schedule to come and be a part of the process.  It is like voting; if you don't come, you can't complain.

 

New officers:

President:  Michael Carter
Vice President:  Jay Hobbs
Secretary:  Pam Moss
Treasurer:  Allison Garris
Book Keeper:  Katherine Pankey
Concessions Director:  Pennie Davis

Programs:  Pam Moss/Katherine Pankey
Reserved Seats:  Heather Hobbs

2011 ALL COUNTY COACHES TEAM

The Limestone County Football Coaches' All County Football Team for 2011 has been released.  Elkmont had four players selected for the first team with three receiving special recognition from the coaches. 

Offensive MVP:  Hayden Huseth

Defensive MVP:  Daniel Logan

Defensive MVP:  Cody Martin

First Team Offense

Athlete:  Hayden Huseth                                                                        

WR:  Cole  Glass

First Team Defense:

LB:  Daniel Logan                                                               LB:  Cody Martin

Second Team Offense:

FL:  Skyler Gant

K:  Jose Hernadez

Second Team Defense:

DE:  Sloan Hawkins

   

P:  Logan Murphy

Honorable Mention:

Bronson Ellis

 

The complete article and teams can be found in the February 5 2012,  New Courier

ELKMONT'S MICHAEL BOLEY IN THE SUPER BOWL

The road to Super Bowl limelight was a long one for Boley.

He played running back, safety, wide receiver, punter, place kicker and kick returner at Elkmont High School. In his senior season, he was named all-state while compiling 1,015 yards rushing and 746 yards receiving.

Even back in Elkmont, Boley knew he could make it to the NFL.

“I’ve always thought I’ve had what it takes, even in high school,” Boley said. “It’s kind of one of those things where you have a dream and you keep pushing for it regardless of what anybody says.”

Despite his high school success, Boley was considered undersized and was ignored by larger college programs. He played at Southern Mississippi University, becoming a three-time All Conference USA linebacker.

He won the Conerly Award, given to the best college player in Mississippi and was a finalist for the Butkus Award (nation’s top linebacker), Bednarik Award (nation’s top defensive player) and the Lott Impact Trophy.

He was drafted in the fifth round by Atlanta.

“It has been a long and fun journey,” Boley said. “Going to high school in Alabama, to taking the trip over to Mississippi for college, it was a great experience.”

Every summer, Boley returns to Elkmont to conduct a football camp.

“It’s something I do to try and give back to my community,” he said. “I am one of the few guys to come out of my area to be successful like this, so I try to do what I can to give back.”

He also had a simple message for young kids in Elkmont.

“If you have a dream, shoot for it,” he said. “Don’t let anything tear you away from it.”

For the rest of the article, click: NEWS COURIER