MEET THE WESTMINISTER WILDCATS

For three seasons the Wildcats competed in Class 2A, but last year there was a major move, not only to 3A but into the fire of Region 8.

"This region is tougher," Coach Stephen Hooks said. "It is a physical, well-coached region with a challenge every single week. If you can emerge out of our region you have a great shot at making a run deep into the playoffs."

In 2012 Westminster finished 6-4 but did not reach the playoffs. Players who graduated from that team include standout running back Jordan Lake. (1,172 yards, 11 TDs), who was also a first-team All-State punter.

 "Jordan was the stalwart of our team last year," Hooks said. "He is the epitome of what we want to produce: Solid character, hard-working in the weight room, and just a great kid. You don't replace that type of young men, but instead you ask younger players to follow the legacy that he set."

Key to 2013 will be a senior class that consist of players who have been under assistant coach Garrett Keith's strength and conditioning program for four years. That group includes Jacob Parker at quarterback, Josh Riley at center, James Bray at tight end, and others that include Johnny Knox, Daniel McFadden, Khalil Norman, Scott Maguire, Ryan Kaigler, Peter Lott, Nathan Sell, Nick Hammond, and Vincent Hill.

One coaching adjustment this year has Keith taking over as Westminster's defensive coordinator.
Source: al.com

Player to watch:
Jacob Parker, Westminster Christian, quarterback

And he's not afraid to call his own number, rushing for 399 yards and nine scores. With 1,000-yard rusher Jordan Lake serving as a workhorse last season, Parker didn't have to throw often, completing 57 of 83 attempts for 814 yards and nine TDs. Lake graduated, so the Wildcats may look to Parker for more production. Don't expect him to shy away from the challenge. Parker has started since he was a freshman.

ROSTER:

No Name Gd 1 Smith, Jared 10 2 Knight, Daniel 11 3 Kaigler, Ryan 12 4 McFadden, Daniel 12 5 King, Brandon 10 6 Hightower, Chip 11 7 Parker, Jacob 12 8 McCoy, Ryan 10 9 Fikes, William 11 10 Garrett, Tavian-IE 9 11 Murphree, Caleb 10 12 Bray, James 12 13 Knox, Johnny 12 15 Farris, Jackson 9 16 Hamm, Luke 12 17 Byrd, Logan 9 19 Plott, Hunter 11 20 Hammond, Nick 12 21 Cawthorn, Mikal 11 22 Terry, Michael 9 23 Matthewson, Jonathon 12 24 Batchelder, Davis 10 25 Lorick, John Carl 9 27 Bartley, Jonathan-IE 11 28 Bartley, Matthew-IE 9 29 Gonder, Jordan 9 30 Kimrey, Andrew 11 33 Bumpas, Graham 10 34 Hill, Vincent 12 37 Parker, John 10 38 Lauderdale, Greyson 11 44 Simerly, Nick 12 48 Theis, Quintin 11 50 Gilbert, Micah 10 52 Farr, Kendall 9 55 Norman, Khalil 12 56 Edwards, Matt 10 60 Leutchefield, Adam 9 61 McDaris, Conner 11 63 Deerman, Micah 9 64 Troyankek, Luke 9 68 Maguire, Scott 12 70 Baker, Skyler 9 71 Milby, Cole 10 72 Riley, Josh 12 73 Lott, Peter 12 74 Thorne, Trey 9 75 Donegan, Austin 11 76 Willis, Zac 11 77 Eno, Neil 9 78 Sell, Nathan 12 79 Cartwright, Jeremiah 10 80 Lacy, Marcus 9 81 Singles, Reid 10 84 Poslajko, Conner 10 85 Funk, Jeffrey 10 86 Toon, Greyson 10 87 Breazele, Matt 9 88 Miles, Gannon 10 99 Teitge, David 11

Maxpreps site:

In Friday's league game, the Deshler Tigers football team smashed the host Westminster Christian Wildcats (Huntsville, AL), by a score of 35-0. The Wildcats now sport a 1-1 record. They take the field next when they travel to Elkmont (0-2) for a 3A Region 8 game on Friday, September 13. Westminster Christian will battle a Red Devils team coming off a 42-17 league loss to Colbert County (Leighton, AL).

Sep 06 @ 7:00 - Football Box Score

Box Score	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Final
Deshler	21	7	0	7	35
Westminster Christian	0	0	0	0	0

The Westminster Christian Wildcats football squad scored 24 points and restricted the host Pope John Paul II Falcons to 7 in the Wildcats non-league victory on Friday.

Aug 30 - Football Box Score

Westminster Christian					24
Pope John Paul II					7

FINAL STATS FROM COLBERT COUNTY GAME

Colbert County scored on its first three possessions of the game. Elkmont got on the scoreboard with 5:27 left in 2nd quarter when Alexis Hernandez hit a 42 yard field goal.  The Red Devils scored again when running back, Jared Bailey, ran it in from 33 yards out.  The PAT (point after touchdown) was good by Alexis s with 3:17 left in 2nd quarter. Colbert Co. would score again with 1:07 left in the quarter making the half time score,  35-10.  

During the 2nd half, each team only scored once. Elkmont scored with 3:12 left in 4th quarter when senior running back, Kris Gooch ran it in from one yard out.  The PAT was good, making the final score -  Colbert County  42,  Elkmont 17.

Leading Rusher:
Mike Tucker had 126 yards on 11 carries

Leading tackler:  Zeb Pankey with 5 tackles

Athens News Courier Article:

The Indian’s Ryan Carpenter took a run play 80 yards on the first play from scrimmage to put the hosts up 7-0 with only 15 seconds off the clock.  After Elkmont went three and out, Colbert County again scored on its first offensive play of the drive when Tyler Jeffreys connected with Anthony West for one of his two touchdown passes of the night.

The Red Devil’s next possession ended in a blocked punt that was recovered in the endzone by Colbert County and with 7:48 left in the first quarter the visitors found themselves in a 21-0 hole.  Jeffreys connected with Tobias Qualls on a 58-yard touchdown with 5:35 left in the opening quarter.

Elkmont junior Mike Tucker started picking up steam to close out the first quarter and ripped off nearly half of his 121 yards in the second quarter.  Late in the first half the Red Devils moved the ball successfully behind strong running by Tucker and Junior Jared Bailey.  Junior kicker Alexis Hernandez kicked a 41-yard field goal to get Elkmont on the board.  Two minutes later Bailey scored on a busted play when he swapped directions and scampered for 33 yards and the touchdown.

Just before half the Indians six plays for 54 yards and notched another touchdown to make the halftime score 35-10.

Each team scored a touchdown a piece in a second half of play which saw both teams run predominantly and succumb to the muggy night.  Colbert County struck first with 6:53 left in the third quarter when Carpenter slipped down the sideline for 34 yards and the score.

Elkmont returned fire with 3:12 left in the game when senior Kris Gooch found pay dirt after an eight-play, 76-yard drive.

ELKMONT MIDGET FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Elkmont Midget Schedule

All games played at Athens Middle School

9/14/2013            7:00 pm                Elkmont v. Athens 2

9/21/2013            5:00 pm                Elkmont v. West

9/28/2013            7:00 pm                Athens 1 v. Elkmont

10/5/2013            4:00 pm                East 1 v. Elkmont

10/12/2013         4:00 pm                Elkmont v. East 2

10/19/2013         4:00 pm                Tanner v. Elkmont

10/26/2013         5:00 pm                Elkmont v. Clements

11/2/2013            1:00 pm                Playoff, #2 v. #3

                            2:00 pm                Playoff, #1 v. #4

11/9/2013            noon                     Championship game

ELKMONT MIDGET RED DEVILS JAMBOREE

The Elkmont midget football team played in the 2013 Jamboree on Saturday, losing 7-0 to East Limestone 2 and playing Clements to a 0-0 tie.  

The Midget Red Devils gave up one long run to East 2, resulting in East 2's only score. The Midgets outgained Clements but never could find the end zone, despite coming close on two occasions. The regular season opens on September 14.  Good luck Midget Devils!!!

MICRO SCRIMMAGE VS WEST LIMESTONE

Final scrimmage score was tied at 30-30.

Noah Holt, running back, ran for 4 touchdowns. JD Lagano, quarterback, added another seven points to the score by scampering into the end zone. 

Elkmont youth football will be kicking off their season with the Jamboree games tomorrow starting at 9 am; Athens Middle school. 

ELKMONT MIDDLE SCHOOL VS SOUTH LINCOLN - GAME IN PICTURES

Elkmont still looking for their first win.  South Lincoln took this year's meeting,  34 - 14. 

A shout out to Down Home Portraits for the game photos. If you would like to order pictures from this game, visit their website.  Game Link: South Lincoln

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS - ELKMONT @ COLBERT COUNTY

Elkmont will be traveling to Colbert County tonight.  The Red Devils will have an uphill battle as they play a more experienced, fifteen returning starters, Indian team.  Kickoff: 7 pm. 



Athens New Courier - Fearless Prediction

Preview:  These teams have traded shutouts for the past three seasons with the visiting teams leaving with big wins in those games.  
If Elkmont is going to leave Leighton with a win, the Red Devils will need more of the big plays they used to score against Ardmore last week.

Series History: Colbert County 15 - 6
Last Year: Colbert County won 32 - 0
News Courier Prediction: Colbert County 27, Elkmont 6

Decatur Daily - Prediction
"Elkmont is coming off a loss to rival Ardmore in the season opener, Elkmont lost an important part of its offense when receiver Phett Bailey was lost to a possible season ending injury....Colbert County opened its season last week with a at 42- 0 win against Colbert Heights. Ryan Carpenter led the Indians with three rushing touchdowns.
The Daily pick:
Colbert County 35, Elkmont 13 

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE COLBERT COUNTY INDIANS?

Elkmont is looking for its first win of the season.  Kickoff is at 7 pm vs the Colbert County Indians, September 6.  The Indians are projected to finish in the top four teams in Region 8.

First game vs Colbert Heights: win 42 - 0
TIMES DAILY ARTICLE LINK: INDIANS POUND WILDCATS

COLBERT COUNTY ROSTER:  LINK

Depth is the name of the game for Colbert County.  Though the traditional power saw a spike in the number of players on its football roster last year, experience remained thin at many positions.
That meant seasoned starters had to fight through fatigue and remain on the field longer than coach Dale Jeffreys would have liked.  It showed, when the Indians, after winning their first five games, lost four of their final five to close the regular season, sneaking into the playoffs as Class 3A, Region 8’s No. 4 seed.  They went on to advance to a quarterfinals loss to eventual state champion Madison Academy. With 15 starters plus a host of supporting players back from that run, Jeffreys looks for improvement in his second year back at his alma mater.


“We’re a lot deeper than we were last year,” Jeffreys said. “We’ve got some more kids out. We’re close to 50 kids. We’re pretty much two-deep everywhere and a lot of those guys are going to roll in and out. We aren’t going to have many playing every snap all the time, although there will be a couple guys who may still do that. We’re feeling a lot better about our numbers and depth. “We’re a lot further ahead this year than we were last year. Just simply that we’re a year older. We’ve got 15 starters coming back, so everything is a little bit fresher than it was last year. That was one thing that we struggled with, that everything was so new. It was the third different offense in four years, so that made it difficult.” 

Seven starters return offensively, including senior running back Ryan Carpenter, who had a breakout year with 1,261 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns on 149 carries as a junior.  That was done with a brace on his knee as he continued to recover from an ACL tear that caused him to miss his sophomore season.  Added Jeffreys: “I think Ryan is going to have a really good year. Last year, he was coming back off an ACL injury his sophomore year, when he didn’t play. He wore a brace all last year. This year, he’s got it off. I can tell he’s a lot quicker and faster.”

The Indians will field a new starter at quarterback, technically speaking. Tyler Jeffreys, the coach’s son, takes over at that position after last year’s starter, Sam Howard, transferred to Deshler.
The younger Jeffreys, who saw some action last year, has plenty of experience, though, and is expected to provide a smooth transition at quarterback.
Like at most positions, coach Jeffreys likes the depth at receiver, where he says four or five players who could get the ball on any given play. That includes playmaking 6-foot-3 junior Tobias Qualls. The defense returns eight starters from last season, losing two tackles and a back. However, injuries at those positions throughout last season allowed younger players to step in and develop depth.
Coaches also have tried to simplify some of the defensive system they brought with them last year.
Particularly, coach Jeffreys is looking for an improvement in turnover margin, in which the Indians were minus-25 in their five losses in 2012.

“We feel good about that and we feel good about our linebackers,” Dale Jeffreys said. “We’ve got two decent linebackers. We can get some quality rest time with those guys, even if it’s just one series, to help us play hard for four quarters.”  A back-loaded schedule last year didn’t play to the Indians favor, though this year’s will be the same, with games against Lauderdale County, Deshler and Madison Academy all coming in the second half of the season. 
SOURCE ARTICLE: TIMES DAILY

FINAL STATS - ARDMORE GAME

Here are stats from the Ardmore game Friday:
1st Quarter:
Ardmore got on the scoreboard first when Quaterback Garrett Miller hit WR Dominique Clemons for 60 yd touchdown pass at 9:26 in the 1st quarter.. The PAT by Ryan Green was good.  Elkmont got on scoreboard when Jordan Nelson found Wide Receiver Eli Hobbs for 71 yd pass.  PAT by Alexis Hernandez was good with 4:19 left in 1st quarter. 

2nd Quarter:
Ardmore with 6:14 left  scored when QB Garrett Miller run it in from 6 yds out.   PAT was blocked by Eli Hobbs.   Ardmore had the lead at half 13-7.

3rd Quarter:
Elkmont got on scoreboard first when Mike Tucker ran it in from 7 yards.  The PAT was good with 6:45 left.  Ardmore found the endzone again with 3:21 left  when QB Miller found tight end Hayden Durrett on a 24 yd touchdown pass.  The two point conversion was unsuccessful at the end of the quarter, Ardmore 19 - Elkmont 14.
  
4th Quarter:
Ardmore scored one more time with 4:45 to put the game away when running back Rickey Lowery ran it in from 3 yards out.  The two point  conversion was no good .  The final score was Ardmore 25, Elkmont 14.

Team Stats:
Elkmont: 108 yds on 14 carries; 1 TD,  2 fumbles - lost both of them  
Passing:   QB Jordan Nelson finished with 137 yards,  8 completions on 14 attempts;  0 interceptions,  1 TD  
Receiving leader: Eli Hobbs 91 yards, 3 catches, 1 TD  
Rushing leader: Rhett Bailey with 59 yards  Defense: 
Elkmont's  leaders Jared Bailey with 11.5 tackles,  Eli Hobbs with 11 and a blocked PAT, Kris Gooch with 9.5 tackles

ELKMONT YOUTH FOOTBALL JAMBOREE SCHEDULE

2013 Jamboree Schedule - Games will consist of Two - 10 Minute Quarters.
Schedule Finalized: 8/29/13                   Each team has one timeout per game.
Gm #	Date	Time	Home Team	Away Team	Division	Work Schedule
1	9/7/13	8:00 AM	Athens	Elkmont	Mini-Midget	Board
2	9/7/13	8:30 AM	West	Clements	Mini-Midget
3	9/7/13	9:00 AM	East	Athens	Mini-Midget
4	9/7/13	9:30 AM	Elkmont	Ardmore	Mini-Midget	Micro Coach
5	9/7/13	10:00 AM	Clements	East	Mini-Midget
6	9/7/13	10:30 AM	Ardmore	West	Mini-Midget
7	9/7/13	11:00 AM	Athens 1	Tanner	Micro-Mini	Mini Coach
8	9/7/13	11:30 AM	Elkmont	Athens 2	Micro-Mini
9	9/7/13	12:00 PM	Tanner	East	Micro-Mini
10	9/7/13	12:30 PM	West	Athens 1	Micro-Mini
11	9/7/13	1:00 PM	Elkmont	Athens 3	Micro-Mini	Midget Coach
12	9/7/13	1:30 PM	Athens 2	West	Micro-Mini
13	9/7/13	2:00 PM	Athens 3	East	Micro-Mini
14	9/7/13	2:30 PM	East 2	Elkmont	Midget	Micro Coach
15	9/7/13	3:00 PM	West	Tanner	Midget
16	9/7/13	3:30 PM	Elkmont	Clements	Midget
17	9/7/13	4:00 PM	Tanner	Athens 1	Midget
18	9/7/13	4:30 PM	Athens 2	East 2	Midget	Pee Wee Coach
19	9/7/13	5:00 PM	Athens 1	East 1	Midget
20	9/7/13	5:30 PM	Athens 2	West	Midget
21	9/7/13	6:00 PM	East 1	Clements	Midget
22	9/7/13	6:30 PM	West	Athens	Pee Wee	Midget Coach
23	9/7/13	7:00 PM	Tanner	Clements	Pee Wee
24	9/7/13	7:30 PM	East	West	Pee Wee
25	9/7/13	8:00 PM	Athens	Tanner	Pee Wee	Board
26	9/7/13	8:30 PM	Clements	East	Pee Wee

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.