ARDMORE VS ELKMONT - PREDICTIONS

Where: Cooper Field

What: Non-region game

Coaches: Duane Wales (second season, 1-10) for Elkmont; P.J. Wright (first season, 1-0) for Ardmore

This season: Class 4A Elkmont (0-1), Class 5A Ardmore (1-0)

Radio: 1110-AM, 105.1-FM

Last meeting: Ardmore defeated Elkmont last season, 15-7. Ardmore leads the all-time series, 45-27, and is on a two-game winning streak against Elkmont.

The skinny: Ardmore beat West Morgan last week to open the season. It was a high-scoring affair with the Tigers racking up 52 points. Running back Chase Lay ran for four touchdowns. The Tigers also scored on an 80-yard kickoff return. ... The win gave P.J. Wright his first win as head coach. He came to Ardmore from Spanish Fort, where he was an assistant. … Elkmont lost to Clements, 29-0, to open the season. The Red Devils are on a six-game losing streak dating to last season. … Elkmont is now in Class 4A, Region 8 after being in Class 3A last season.

The Decatur Daily picks: Ardmore

ATHENS NEWS COURIER ARTICLE 
*you can get a hard copy at the news paper office
* Article Link *

The towns of Ardmore and Elkmont are situated just a few miles from each other in northern Limestone County, and that close proximity makes for a fierce football rivalry. The two schools will meet on the gridiron Friday night for the 73^rd time, with Elkmont trying to break a three-game losing streak to the Tigers, including a 15-7 loss last season.

Duane Wales has experienced the rivalry from all sides, from an Elkmont player to an assistant coach, and now his second season as Red Devils' head coach.“No doubt, this rivalry is a lot of fun,” Wales said. “These communities are so close, and there are so many people that are friends and a lot of these kids hang out together. It's one of those games that if you win, you have bragging rights for 365 days.”

Ardmore is coming into the game on a high, having defeated West Morgan 52-39 last Friday. Elkmont was defeated by Clements 29-0 in its season opener on the same night. But Ardmore coach P.J. Wright knows that won't matter when the two rivals clash. “This is a rivalry game, so it does not matter what happened last week for us or for them,” Wright said. “They're going to come ready to play, because their community wants to beat Ardmore as much as Ardmore wants to beat Elkmont. You can literally throw any record out the window that you want to because they're going to play us harder than they played Clements.”

The key to Ardmore's success last Friday was the running of tailback Chase Lay, who rushed for 239 yards against the Rebels. “We played well and executed well, but it's important for us as a team, staff and community to know we can still improve,” Wright said. “We've got a long way to go, and we've preached that all week. You've never arrived as a team or as a person. You're trying to continuously get better.”
Wright also cautioned his players against looking past the Red Devils, pointing out Ardmore's record from last year.

“I don't think there's any room for a 3-7 team from last year to ever look past anybody,” Wright said. “We can't afford to do that. They are a good football team and have some good players. We're going to be ready to face a good Elkmont football team.”

Wright also cautioned against his players getting caught up in the emotion of the rivalry game.
“You don't play this game on emotion, you play it on energy,” he said. “A lot of times people don't know the difference. They think if you're emotional you're playing on energy. But that emotion lasts until the opening kickoff and then you're tired. You've got to play on energy the entire game.”

ROCKY START FOR THE RED DEVILS

Moving up to 4A will be difficult for our boys in red this year.  The Clements Colts left the hilltop with a 29-0 shutout on Friday night as Elkmont started its 2018 season. Elkmont travels to Ardmore next Friday to play a strong Tigers squad.

ELKMONT OFFENSE:
*133 total yards.
* 73 of them were on two trick plays. 
Leading Rusher: Peyton Lovell with 36 yards
Receptions: Clay Hunt had three for 62 yards

Elkmont had a chance to get back into the game after a trick play worked to perfection. Quarterback Davis Hobbs pitched the ball to his brother Ben, who then threw a pass to a wide open Clay Hunt. The play went for 44 yards and put the Red Devils on the 5-yard line. However, Elkmont had a touchdown pass nullified by a holding penalty a few plays later and were eventually stopped on fourth down.

Athens News Courier Article Link

 

DECATUR DAILY PRESEASON TAKE ON THE RED DEVILS

Biggest change for this season:  
The Red Devils move up from Class 3A to Class 4A. Elkmont is the sixth-smallest school in 4A, with an average daily attendance in grades 10-12 of 303.5. West Morgan is the smallest in 4A at 297.9. Elkmont will be playing in Class 4A, Region 8 with West Limestone, Rogers, Wilson, Deshler, Central-Florence and Brooks, which is moving down from Class 5A. Elkmont and Central are the only schools in the region that did not make the playoffs last season. The Red Devils’ non-region games are with Clements, Ardmore, Lexington and Falkville.

 

Head coach: Duane Wales starts his second season as head coach at his alma mater. The 49-year-old also has coached at Clements and Ardmore. “This is the job I’ve always dreamed about,” Wales said. “I take a lot of pride in the football program because my grandfather, father and I all played here. That means a lot.”

Last season: Elkmont went 1-9 last season while scoring an average of 13.6 points a game while giving up 33.7 points. The Red Devils lost three games by eight points or less.

Last three seasons: Last season’s record was an improvement over the 0-10 record in 2016. The 2015 Red Devils went 2-8. Elkmont went 8-3 in 2014. “Schools our size have an up-and-down cycle of athletes,” Wales said. “We’ve been in a down cycle since the year after we went to the playoffs, but I see us heading back up.

Words to grow on: “Playing in 4A will be a challenge that we have to face,” Wales said. “It’s up to us to take up that challenge every Friday night.”

Quarterback: Senior Davis Hobbs gives the Red Devils experience at this key position. He started all 10 games last season.“He got better every game last season,” Wales said. “He’s continued to improve this summer and has done really well in 7-on-7s.”

Offense: The Red Devils will be in the spread formation looking to run the football. Peyton Lovell and Luke Claunch should get most of the carries. Jesse Hicklen at center and Benji Hanback at tackle will lead the blocking.

Defense: Ben Hobbs is expected to be a leader in the secondary. Clay Hunt will start at linebacker or defensive end. Seth Coffman will be the strong safety. Lovell and Claunch lead the linebackers. Handback and Hicklin also will see time on defense. “We have several that will play on both sides of the ball,” Wales said. “We have enough that we can make it work, if we are careful with our substitutions. We want everybody ready for the fourth quarter.”

Must-see game: The season opener at home Friday vs. Clements is a big rivalry game. The teams closed out last season with Clements winning, 7-0, at Elkmont. The second game at Ardmore is a renewal of a neighborhood rivalry. They have played 72 times dating to 1935. Ardmore holds a 45-27 advantage and has won five of the last six meetings.

Final word: “We really need this team to believe in themselves,” Wales said. “We need to get off to a good start.”

— David Elwell

IMPORTANT DATES FOR ELKMONT FOOTBALL FANS

August 18 @ 6 pm
Meet the  Red Devils and Hamburger Supper. 
Admission Price: We ask that you bring cleaning supplies. (i.e laundry detergent, bleach, chlorox etc.) 
*Free Hot Dogs/ Hamburgers
*Drinks will be sold

August 24
*Pep Rally @ 2:15 pm
*Gates open at 6 pm
*Elkmont vs. Clements at Boss Hill Stadium @ 7pm

GET YOUR FOOTBALL PROGRAM AD

It is time again for the Elkmont Football Program to be put on the drawing board for the 2018 season. The program is always well done and a keepsake to remember the season. 
  
The Elkmont Quarterback Club is offering you the opportunity to congratulate an athlete, band member, cheerleader, cross country, volleyball player, senior, or group, etc., by placing an ad in their honor.  You may include a picture of the honoree with your ad. Extended Deadline is August 4.  Picture Day is August 2@ 6:30 pm.

*ATTENTION SENIORS*

If you sell a full page of business ads for the football program you will receive a

FULL PAGE B/W SENIOR PERSONAL AD FREE

FULL PAGE BUSINESS AD:  $150

HALF PAGE BUSINESS AD:  $100

QUARTER PAGE BUSINESS AD:  $50

If you have any questions regarding this opportunity please see or contact: 

Mary Jane Hobbs (at school)

Crystal Miller @ 256-206-2556 or cmiller@mypbi.com

CLEAN UP DAY AT BOSS HILL STADIUM

Saturday, August 4

Come out and lend a hand! All interested football fans and family will meet at the stadium beginning at 8 AM to clean. Need pressure washers, paint scrapers, weed eaters, and lots of man power!

TIME TO GET INVOLVED WITH ELKMONT QUARTERBACK CLUB

The Elkmont Quarterback Club group has been created for ALL football parents at Elkmont. The QB club is not just for varsity. We invite MS, JV and V parents to join the group!!! Come visit our site and ask to be added to our pigskin group.
Elkmont Quarterback Club Facebook Page



If you your player is involved in EHS football, you can send @qbclu to 81010 and receive any updates regarding meetings or upcoming events.

Officers for 2018
President:
Joey Scorggins

Vice-President:
Neil Miller
 
Secretary:
Crystal Miller
cmiller@mypbi.com

Treasurer:
Crystal Miller

Concessions: 

SPRING GAME IS MAY 18

The Red Devils have been having spring practice to prepare for the upcoming 2018 season. You can get an early preview of what fall has in store for Elkmont. They will be hosting Tanner for a Jamboree tonight. Game time: 7 pm

SPRING FOOTBALL PRACTICE STARTS SOON

The 2018 season has started.   Middle school is practicing and high school practice is knocking on the door.  

There is a a lot to do and a lot to know to get next season started for your Elkmont Red Devil.  Get in on the ground floor of this season and be part of the excitement.

*Middle School Spring Practice April 16th - 27th.

*Varsity Spring Practice April 30th - May 18th.

ELKMONT HAS BEEN BUMPED UP TO 4A

 

Elkmont's high school population has hovered at the borderline between being classified in 3A or 4A for a number of years.  Evidently we floated up this year with 292.20 students The Alabama High School Athletic Association has reclassified the Red Devils into 4A.  As the sixth smallest school in the list, it will be a continued challenge for our teams, especially football.  This is the one sport that flourishes on the number of players posted on the roster.

4A Region 8: 
Elkmont, West Limestone, Brooks, Central-Florence, Deshler, Rogers, Wilson

Elkmont's old region is now made up of the following teams:  Clements, East Lawrence, Colbert Heights, Lauderdale County, Lexington, Phil Campbell, Westminster Christian

DID YOU KNOW?
A new rule added to the books is competitive balance.  It will cause successful private-schools teams to play against bigger schools in a higher classification. The governing body evaluates how each private school team fared in the previous three years, and the most successful teams are required to play one class higher than it previously played. The move is aimed at offsetting advantages for small private schools located in large metro areas.

FOOTBALL BANQUET IS COMING

The season is over and it's time for the Elkmont Football Banquet.  It will be Sunday, December 3 at 1:30 pm, Athens Senior Center. Pre-event tickets are $15 for one and $25 for two. All tickets are $15 per person the day of the banquet. Players and cheerleaders do not pay. The event is catered by JW's Steakhouse If you would like to attend, tickets can be purchased from Crystal Miller, message her on Facebook, Page Link

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS - CLEMENTS COLTS

 

Elkmont football is having Senior night to recognize our seniors tonight.  This is their last game of the 2017 season. They are playing the Clements Colts.  Win or lose, senior night is always a very emotional night at Boss Hill Stadium.  Good luck Red Devils.   

 

2:15 - PEP RALLY

*If you are interested in coming out and showing support for our boys, join us at the new gym

 

6:30 -  SENIOR RECOGNITION

7:00 - KICKOFF WEATHER
*Be prepared for rain

*kickoff temps - lower 60s 

END OF GAME - SENIOR WALK

PREDICTION 

DECATUR DAILY

Where: Boss Hill Stadium

What: Class 3A, Region 8 game

Records: Clements (3-5, 1-5), Elkmont (1-8, 1-5)

Last meeting: Clements won 13-7 last season

The skinny: 
Both of these Limestone County rivals have been eliminated from the playoffs, but there’s always a lot at stake when they meet. Elkmont holds a 28-27 lead in the series. Clements’ win last season broke Elkmont’s six-game winning streak over the Colts. The Red Devils had won 17 of the last 19 meetings.

The Daily pick: Clements

ELKMONT SENIOR NIGHT IS FRIDAY

Elkmont football is having Senior night to recognize our seniors this Friday.  This is their last home game for the regular season for the 2017 season. They are playing the Clements Colts.  Win or lose, senior night is always a very emotional night at Boss Hill Stadium.  Good luck Red Devils.  

 

WEST MORGAN GAME SUMMARY:
Our Red Devils took it on the nose, October 19, losing to West Morgan 46-9 in a Class 3A, Region 8 game.  Elkmont's offense had a total of 148 yards. Davis Hobbs' 34-yard touchdown pass to Cameron Davis accounted for Elkmont's only points on offense. The Red Devils also scored when a high snap on a West Morgan punt attempt was kicked out of the back of the end zone for a safety.

Link to Decatur Daily game article: West Morgan

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS - WEST MORGAN

The Elkmont Red Devils will be traveling to West Morgan this evening. It is going to be beautiful football weather so take what you need to stay warm. Kickoff should be in the lower 60s and will fall to the upper 50s by the end of the game.

SCOUTING REPORT:

Who: Elkmont at West Morgan

Where: Rebels Stadium

What: Class 3A, Region 8 game

Records: Elkmont (1-7, 1-4); West Morgan (7-1, 4-1)

Last meeting: West Morgan won 22-15 last season

The skinny: West Morgan is enjoying its best season in a decade, and the Rebels are in contention for one of Region 8’s top playoff spots. … Elkmont has been eliminated from the playoff race. … Running back Isaac Huguley and quarterback Gabe Peluso have been explosive playmakers in West Morgan’s offense. The duo have combined for more than 2,000 rushing yards. … Elkmont is on a three-game losing skid. … Elkmont leads the series 18-11.

The Decatur Daily picks: West Morgan 40, Elkmont 14

ATHENS NEWS COURIER
Elkmont will need to put in its best performance of the year if it has any hopes of defeating a high-scoring West Morgan team. The Rebels have won five games in a row, averaging 43 points per game... One week after holding Colbert Heights to just 15 points, Elkmont's defense ran into a buzz saw in region leaders Lauderdale County, allowing 63 points in a 63-12 loss... West Morgan defeated Clements 37-10 last Friday.

Prediction: West Morgan 42, Elkmont 13
 

HOW THE REGION SHAPES UP: 

Region 8
Lauderdale Co.	5-2	5-0
West Morgan	7-1	4-1
Colbert Heights	7-1	4-1
Colbert County	4-3	3-2
Lexington	3-4	3-2
Elkmont	1-7	1-4
Clements	2-5	0-5
East Lawrence	0-7	0-5

FOOTBALL LEADERS:
Passing: 
 Davis Hobbs, 
*35 completions, 72 attempts, 10 interceptions
*4 touchdowns, 528 yards

Rushing:   Cameron Davis *76 carries, 524 yards      *1 touchdown  Passes Received:  Hunter Pitman *12 catches, 249 yards *2 touchdowns Tackles:   Christian Green, 63.5  Cameron Davis, 41.5 Luke Clanch, 37.5 Peyton Lovell, 27 Mark Pena, 25.5 Addison Cox, 22   Interceptions:  Ben Hobbs, 3 Peyton Lovell, 2

JV CAGE THE BULLDOGS

The JV Red Devils scored on the its first play from scrimmage last night.  Never looking back, they defeated the Priceville Bulldogs, 27-12.  Drake Black's long run opened the gate with Elkmont's first touchdown.  Quarterback Clay Hunt also found the end zone.  Luke Claunch completed the scoring with two touchdowns.  Santiago Altamirano was consistent on special teams, making three of his four extra point attempts.  Seth Coffman had two long receptions to move the ball for the Red Devils.   

Our JV will finish up their season at Ardmore next week on Monday.  Be sure to dress warm, football weather has arrived.

ELKMONT LOSES TO LAUDERDALE COUNTY

The top ranked team in the region, Lauderdale County, came to the hilltop last Friday.   They put together an impressive game illustrating why they are undefeated in the region, winning 63-12.  Elkmont's defense wasn't able to stop the Tiger train but did have some bright spots to build on for this Friday's game at West Morgan.

ELKMONT HIGHLIGHTS:
OFFENSE
*Davis Hobbs completed 4-of-6 passes for 62 yards; leading rusher with 82 yards, nine carries *Cameron Davis - 68 yard touchdown run
*Peyton Lovell - 37 yard touchdown run 
*Hunter Pitman had one reception for 45 yards

Total offense:  200 yards

 
DEFENSE
*Christian Green,10 tackles
*Ben Hobbs, interception

DOWN HOME PORTRAITS  provided our photos and as a large selection that you can order from.  Great pictures of the band as well as the game.

 

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS - LAUDERDALE COUNTY

The Elkmont Red Devils will be lining up across from one of the best teams they will play this season. The Lauderdale County Tigers will be traveling to the hilltop this evening.  Gates open at 6 pm; kickoff at 7 pm. Parking: $3

WEATHER:
It might not be quite cool enough for perfect football weather but it is going to be a beautiful night for the game.  Kickoff should be in the mid 70s and will fall to the upper 60s by the end of the game.

SCOUTING REPORT:

Lauderdale County at Elkmont

Where: Boss Hill Stadium

What: Class 3A, Region 8 game

Records: Lauderdale County (4-2, 4-0), Elkmont (1-6, 1-3)

Last meeting: Lauderdale County won last year’s game 59-16
Radio: FM-97.1 or 1240 AM

The skinny: 
Lauderdale County can’t afford to look past Elkmont. The Red Devils just missed an upset at Colbert Heights last Friday, falling 15-13. Lauderdale County’s two losses were to Class 4A undefeated Wilson and Rogers. … Elkmont’s Patrick Jobman rushed for 146 yards on 14 carries in the loss to Colbert Heights. … Lauderdale County leads the series 20-6.

The Decatur Daily pick: Lauderdale County

 
Times Daily
The skinny: 
Lauderdale County hung 55 on the scoreboard for the second time this season in knocking off Lexington a week ago. The Tigers scored three special teams touchdowns and two defensive touchdowns to pull away in the second half. Expect a similar outburst this week against an Elkmont team which has allowed four opponents to top 40 points this year. … The Red Devils are just 1-16 since 2015. … Lauderdale County holds a 20-6 advantage in the series first played in 1926. The Tigers have won five in a row, including a 59-16 win last year.

HOW THE REGION SHAPES UP: 

Region 8
Lauderdale Co.	4-2	4-0
West Morgan	6-1	3-1
Colbert Heights	6-1	3-1
Colbert County	4-2	3-1
Lexington	2-4	2-2
Elkmont	1-6	1-3
Clements	2-4	0-4
East Lawrence	0-6	0-4

FOOTBALL LEADERS:
Passing: Davis Hobbs, 
*31 completions, 66 attempts, 10 interceptions
*4 touchdowns, 461 yards
Rushing: Cameron Davis
*67 carries, 442 yards, 5 touchdowns

Passes Received: Hunter Pitman
*12 catches, 204 yards, 2 touchdowns

Tackles:  
Christian Green, 53.5 
Cameron Davis, 41.5
Luke Clanch, 31.5
Peyton Lovell, 25
Mark Pena, 21.5

Interceptions: 
Ben Hobbs, 2

ELKMONT SCARES COLBERT HEIGHTS IN FOURTH QUARTER

Elkmont rolled into Colbert Heights Friday night.  The Red Devils  just missed pulling off an upset over the Wildcats who fumbled three times.  Elkmont's defense gained two of those three turnovers. The Red Devils had 209 rushing yards.  Elkmont dropped to 1-5, 1-3 in Class 3A, Region 8. The Red Devils play at home Friday against Lauderdale County.  Kickoff at 7 pm; gates open at 6 pm

Game Highlights:

*First Quarter

Elkmont took the opening kickoff and went 70-yards in 11 plays. James Green caught a 4-yard pass from Patrick Jobman for the first touchdown of the game.

*Second Quarter
* Kevin Shaw took the ball up the middle on a 2-yard run. The Wildcats had a successful 2-point conversion, giving Colbert Heights an 8-7 lead.

*Colbert Heights' touchdown, Chandler Willis capped the drive with a 3-yard run around the right end.

*Halftime: Colbert Heights 15, Elkmont 7

*Fourth Quarter:
Davis Hobbs capped a Red Devil drive on a 5-yard run off the left guard making it 15-13. A failed attempt at a two-point conversion kept Elkmont from tying the game, and gave the Wildcats their homecoming win.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS - COLBERT HEIGHTS

The Red Devils will be traveling to Colbert Heights this evening.  It is a longer trip than most of our games.  Give yourself some extra time. A beautiful night to see out under a full moon to watch a game.  Kickoff @ 7 pm; temperature upper 70s.

WHERE: Amos Mitchell Stadium

WHAT: Class 3A, Region 8 game

RECORDS: Elkmont (1-5, 1-2); Colbert Heights (5-1, 2-1)

LAST MEETING: Colbert Heights won 32-15 last season

THE DECATUR DAILY SKINNY: 
Colbert Heights enters the second half of the season in contention for one of the league’s top playoff spots. … Elkmont is led by running back Chistian Green and quarterback Patrick Jobman. … Colbert Heights leads the series 12-5.

TIMES DAILY TAKE:
Colbert Heights continues to impress. The Wildcats scored a season-high 35 points while posting their second shutout of the season last week at Sheffield. Dylan Chandler ran for 3 touchdowns and the Wildcats’ defense held Sheffield to 190 total yards. … Colbert Heights features the No. 8 scoring defense in Class 3A, allowing 12 points per game. … Elkmont enters off a 42-14 drubbing at West Limestone. The Red Devils gave up 21 points in the first quarter in allowing their fourth opponent to score 40 or more points this season. … Elkmont is allowing 34.3 points per game in 2017, which ranks 50th among 59 Class 3A schools. Expect a big night for the Wildcats. … Colbert Heights holds a 12-5 all-time record over Elkmont, including a 32-15 win in 2016.

 

THE DAILY PICKS: Colbert Heights 34, Elkmont 14

Photo provided by Down Home Portraits

Prep Football Leaders 
Passing: Davis Hobbs, 
*31 completions, 66 attempts, 10 interceptions
*4 touchdowns, 432 yards

Rushing: Cameron Davis
*64 carries, 428 yards, 4 touchdowns

Passes Received: Hunter Pitman
*12 catches, 204 yards, 2 touchdowns

Tackles:  
Christian Green, 43
Cameron Davis, 36
Luke Clanch, 26
Mark Pena, 17.5

Interceptions: 
Ben Hobbs, 2

HOW THE REGION SHAPES UP:

1. Lauderdale County
2. West Morgan
3. Colbert Heights
4. Colbert County
5. Lexington
6. Elkmont
7. Clements
8. East Lawrence 

In Class 3A, Region 8, Elkmont and Clements both need to win and get lots of help. Elkmont sits 1-2 in region play while Clements is 0-3. Any further region losses by either team would basically eliminate them from playoff contention.
 

RED DEVILS TREE WILDCATS

Elkmont middle school traveled to West Limestone yesterday.  They have been steadily improved throughout the season and caught the Wildcats unprepared. The Red Devils won 20-14.  The last game of the season will be next Monday at East Lawrence at 5:30 pm.  There is a possible rain maker brewing in the gulf so it may be a wet night.