9/25/08
By: Clint Cox
The Marianna Bullpups traveled to Cottondale and escaped with a 10-0 win over the Baby Hornets. After a scoreless first quarter both team’s defenses continued to keep the other team in check. But late in the first half Marianna Shaundre McAroy bolted 22 yards for a score. Micha Reed added the two point run and Marianna led 8-0 with just over two minutes to play in the half. As the game moved into the third quarter both teams squandered chances to score. Cottondale came up with a big 35 yard pass play from C.J. Smith to Lonnie Johnson. The Hornets then picked up a first down at the Marianna five yard line with 3 minutes to play in the third quarter. But the Bullpup defense held the Hornets out of the endzone and Marianna took over on downs. McAroy then bolted 50 yards and appeared to give Marianna the momentum again. The Bullpups however coughed up the ball on the next play and Cottondale recovered. But the Hornets had to punt as the game moved into the fourth quarter. The Hornets picked off a pass late in the game to keep their hopes alive. Again the Bullpup defense held and a bad snap over the Hornet’s punter resulted in a safety to make it 10-0 in Marianna’s favor.
The Bullpups improved to 4-0 on the season and will host Riverside on Tuesday. Both teams enter that contest unbeaten. Bullpup Head Coach Hunter Nolan tipped his hat to his counterpart. "Coach O’Bert and Cottondale did a great job tonight. They were hungrier than we were and it showed on the field," said Nolan. O’Bert was pleased with the team’s effort, "I thought our kids played hard tonight and I’m proud of them," O’Bert commented. The Hornets fell to 1-2 on the season.
Grand Ridge hit the road to Vernon and lost a heartbreaker by the score of 22-14. The Indians fell behind early 14-0 as the Baby Yellow Jackets jumped out to a quick lead. Late in the first half Wayne Driggers hit Rontravious Brown on a 23 yard pass play and Kyle Commodore converted the two point run to make it 14-8 at the half. Delontre Keys lite up the Indians crowd with a 70 yard kickoff return to open up the second half and tie the game at 14-14. The game remained tied until late in the second half. With less than two minutes to play Grand Ridge had driven deep into Vernon territory. After a run to the Vernon 1 yard line the Indians were flagged with assisting the runner and penalized 15 yards. That drive then stalled and Vernon took over with less than a minute to play on the Yellow Jacket’s 4 yard line. They then drove 96 yards on two plays to score the game winning touchdown with less than 30 seconds to play. With the loss the Indians fell to 1-3 and will host Graceville on Tuesday night.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Marianna JV Defeats Walton 10-0 for First Win
9/25/08
By: Sid Riley
Team spirit soared this week for the Marianna JV squad as coach Adam Gray’s squad posted their first victory over Walton in a game played in DeFuniak Springs on Thursday evening. The defense again played a strong game, holding Walton to only 91 yards of total offense, with 71 of those from the line of scrimmage. The defense scored the first two points of the game when they backed the Walton team up to the goal line and then a fumble recovery in the end zone by Walton resulted in a safety.
The offense struggled through the first half, never putting together a meaningful drive, even though the team was augmented by some freshmen players added from the varsity which was idle this week. This included the added threat of running back Chris Bowers. In total, the offensive effort produced 215 yards, with 169 of those from the line of scrimmage.
The offense was much improved in their execution, as was demonstrated by only four penalties being incurred for a loss of only 20 yards. Play selection was still limited, and no passes were thrown during the game by the Bulldog yearlings. Walton had six penalties for 40 yards.
Marianna broke the game open early in the fourth quarter when quarterback Ryan Riley scampered 50 yards on a quarterback bootleg, down to the Walton 15. Two plays later Chris Bowers scored on a 11 yard run. Riley ran the extra point making the score 10-0.
Walton desperately attempted to muster a final drive, but fell short around mid field as the game ended. Marianna JV’s had their first victory of the season.
By: Sid Riley
Team spirit soared this week for the Marianna JV squad as coach Adam Gray’s squad posted their first victory over Walton in a game played in DeFuniak Springs on Thursday evening. The defense again played a strong game, holding Walton to only 91 yards of total offense, with 71 of those from the line of scrimmage. The defense scored the first two points of the game when they backed the Walton team up to the goal line and then a fumble recovery in the end zone by Walton resulted in a safety.
The offense struggled through the first half, never putting together a meaningful drive, even though the team was augmented by some freshmen players added from the varsity which was idle this week. This included the added threat of running back Chris Bowers. In total, the offensive effort produced 215 yards, with 169 of those from the line of scrimmage.
The offense was much improved in their execution, as was demonstrated by only four penalties being incurred for a loss of only 20 yards. Play selection was still limited, and no passes were thrown during the game by the Bulldog yearlings. Walton had six penalties for 40 yards.
Marianna broke the game open early in the fourth quarter when quarterback Ryan Riley scampered 50 yards on a quarterback bootleg, down to the Walton 15. Two plays later Chris Bowers scored on a 11 yard run. Riley ran the extra point making the score 10-0.
Walton desperately attempted to muster a final drive, but fell short around mid field as the game ended. Marianna JV’s had their first victory of the season.
Gators Get Hornets
9/25/08
By: Clint Cox
The Cottondale Hornets traveled to Wewahitchka last Friday night and came away with a 26 – 14 loss. After a scoreless first quarter the Hornets took a 6-0 lead in the second quarter. Jacob Herring hit Terry Benbow on a 65 yard scoring strike. That 6-0 lead held until halftime. But the Gators came out and put up 12 points in the third quarter and 14 more in the final quarter. Cottondale managed a late touchdown in the fourth quarter on a 50 yard pass from Jesse Freeman to Nick Jackson.
The Hornets struggled with penalties (14) and turnovers (5) in the loss to the Gators. Cottondale fell to 1-2 on the season and things will not get any easier as they will travel to Tallahassee on Friday to take on district foe FAMU. Game time is scheduled for 6:30 pm and the Rattlers enter the contest with a 2-1 record.
By: Clint Cox
The Cottondale Hornets traveled to Wewahitchka last Friday night and came away with a 26 – 14 loss. After a scoreless first quarter the Hornets took a 6-0 lead in the second quarter. Jacob Herring hit Terry Benbow on a 65 yard scoring strike. That 6-0 lead held until halftime. But the Gators came out and put up 12 points in the third quarter and 14 more in the final quarter. Cottondale managed a late touchdown in the fourth quarter on a 50 yard pass from Jesse Freeman to Nick Jackson.
The Hornets struggled with penalties (14) and turnovers (5) in the loss to the Gators. Cottondale fell to 1-2 on the season and things will not get any easier as they will travel to Tallahassee on Friday to take on district foe FAMU. Game time is scheduled for 6:30 pm and the Rattlers enter the contest with a 2-1 record.
Tigers Roll Over Blue Devils
9/25/08
By: Clint Cox
The Graceville offensive machine continued to roll last Friday night as the Tigers amassed over 501 yards of rushing in a 54-18 win over Holmes County. Justin Miles was the man of the night as the senior quarterback rushed for 187 yards and 4 touchdowns. Antrell Wright followed with 131 yards and a score. Leron Hoover, the Tigers bruising fullback, was held to 67 yards but did managed to put two scores on the board.
Graceville jumped out to a quick 20-0 lead in the first quarter as Miles scored twice on a 34 yard run and 27 yard run. Hoover also scored during the opening quarter on a 1 yard plunge. Holmes County countered with a score early in the second quarter but the Tigers punched right back. Miles scored on a 7 yard run that was followed by a 2 point conversion run by Treyshaun White. With less than 30 seconds to play in the half White scored from 4 yards out to make it a 34-6 game. Holmes County did not quit and posted a 27 yard scoring strike to close the half and narrow the Tiger lead to 34-12 at the break.
The third quarter belonged to Graceville as Wright bolted 25 yards just two minutes into the second half to score. Less than 3 minutes later Miles was back at it, this time with a 67 yard scoring run. That made it 46-12 in the Tigers favor. Hoover got his second score of the night in the closing moments of the third quarter with a 27 yard run. White added the two point run to boost the Tigers lead up to 54-12. Holmes County got a late 12 yard scoring run to make the final 54-18.
Graceville will be on the road this Thursday when they travel to Tallahassee to take on Pope John Paul II Catholic. Game time at the Florida High football field is 6:30 pm.
By: Clint Cox
The Graceville offensive machine continued to roll last Friday night as the Tigers amassed over 501 yards of rushing in a 54-18 win over Holmes County. Justin Miles was the man of the night as the senior quarterback rushed for 187 yards and 4 touchdowns. Antrell Wright followed with 131 yards and a score. Leron Hoover, the Tigers bruising fullback, was held to 67 yards but did managed to put two scores on the board.
Graceville jumped out to a quick 20-0 lead in the first quarter as Miles scored twice on a 34 yard run and 27 yard run. Hoover also scored during the opening quarter on a 1 yard plunge. Holmes County countered with a score early in the second quarter but the Tigers punched right back. Miles scored on a 7 yard run that was followed by a 2 point conversion run by Treyshaun White. With less than 30 seconds to play in the half White scored from 4 yards out to make it a 34-6 game. Holmes County did not quit and posted a 27 yard scoring strike to close the half and narrow the Tiger lead to 34-12 at the break.
The third quarter belonged to Graceville as Wright bolted 25 yards just two minutes into the second half to score. Less than 3 minutes later Miles was back at it, this time with a 67 yard scoring run. That made it 46-12 in the Tigers favor. Hoover got his second score of the night in the closing moments of the third quarter with a 27 yard run. White added the two point run to boost the Tigers lead up to 54-12. Holmes County got a late 12 yard scoring run to make the final 54-18.
Graceville will be on the road this Thursday when they travel to Tallahassee to take on Pope John Paul II Catholic. Game time at the Florida High football field is 6:30 pm.
Lady Pirates Fall to Lady Panthers
9/25/08
By: Clint Cox
The Lady Pirates volleyball team fell to the Lady Panthers of Pope John Paul II Catholic School this past Monday night. The Lady Panthers took game one of the match by a score of 25-20. In game two the Lady Panthers jumped out to a 6-3 lead before Sneads began to battle back. With Ashley Smith serving the Lady Pirates pulled to within one point, 11-10, midway through the game. Sneads finally tied the game at 13-13. The game then went back and forth, with Sneads not able to take the lead but never trailing by more than one point. The Lady Pirates finally took the lead at 19-18 with a tap over by Mattie Collins. Meagan Smith then smashed a shot back at the Lady Panthers to make it a 20-18 game. With Sneads leading 22-19 the game saw it’s best point as both squads made tremendous saves to keep a long rally going. Sneads finally won the point to take a 23-19 lead and went on to win the game 25-19.
Game three saw the Lady Panthers jump out to another quick lead but this time Sneads could not rally. John Paul went on to win the game 25-11. Game four once again saw the Lady Panthers jump out to a quick lead of 4-0. This time though the Lady Pirates battled back. With Ashley Smith serving Sneads managed to narrow the margin and then tie the game at 12-12. The Lady Panthers pulled ahead to lead 16-13 and then later led 20-15. Sneads made a run at the Lady Panthers, outscoring them 8-3 over the next 11 points. With the game tied at 23-23 Meagan Smith tapped a shot over the net to give the Lady Pirates a 24-23 lead. But John Paul then strung together 3 straight points to capture a 26-24 win.
By: Clint Cox
The Lady Pirates volleyball team fell to the Lady Panthers of Pope John Paul II Catholic School this past Monday night. The Lady Panthers took game one of the match by a score of 25-20. In game two the Lady Panthers jumped out to a 6-3 lead before Sneads began to battle back. With Ashley Smith serving the Lady Pirates pulled to within one point, 11-10, midway through the game. Sneads finally tied the game at 13-13. The game then went back and forth, with Sneads not able to take the lead but never trailing by more than one point. The Lady Pirates finally took the lead at 19-18 with a tap over by Mattie Collins. Meagan Smith then smashed a shot back at the Lady Panthers to make it a 20-18 game. With Sneads leading 22-19 the game saw it’s best point as both squads made tremendous saves to keep a long rally going. Sneads finally won the point to take a 23-19 lead and went on to win the game 25-19.
Game three saw the Lady Panthers jump out to another quick lead but this time Sneads could not rally. John Paul went on to win the game 25-11. Game four once again saw the Lady Panthers jump out to a quick lead of 4-0. This time though the Lady Pirates battled back. With Ashley Smith serving Sneads managed to narrow the margin and then tie the game at 12-12. The Lady Panthers pulled ahead to lead 16-13 and then later led 20-15. Sneads made a run at the Lady Panthers, outscoring them 8-3 over the next 11 points. With the game tied at 23-23 Meagan Smith tapped a shot over the net to give the Lady Pirates a 24-23 lead. But John Paul then strung together 3 straight points to capture a 26-24 win.
Pirates Sail Over Seahawks
9/25/08
By: Clint Cox
The Sneads Pirates jumped out to an early lead, then battled a pesky band of Seahawks from Franklin County in the third quarter before sailing on to a 40-19 win. In doing so they granted Head Coach Don Dowling his first win at the helm of the Pirate ship. "They say the first one is always the hardest to get and I believe them" said Dowling after the victory. Mark Lawson and Jeff Davis had big nights for the Pirates as Lawson racked up 100 yards of rushing and 3 touchdowns. Davis had 250 yards of total offense (125 yards of rushing, 33 yards of receiving and 92 yards on kickoff / punt returns) and 2 touchdowns. Davis also picked off three Seahawk passes on the evening.
The Pirates set sail quickly as they jumped out to a 20-0 as Lawson scored twice and Davis scored once. Lawson had a 2 yard run and 26 yard run to score and Davis scored on a 1 yard run. Franklin County scored late in the first half to make it a 20-7 game but Davis came right back on the ensuing kickoff and returned it 80 yards for a score. Taylor Edge added the point after kick and Sneads led 27-7 at the half.
Franklin County came out and scored early in the 3rd quarter to make it a 27-13 game. The Pirates then hit a stretch where they just could not seem to get going and the Seahawks appeared to be gaining momentum. Late in the third quarter though the Pirate defense came up with back to back sacks to drop Franklin County back to their own 5 yard line. As the game moved into the fourth quarter Sneads mounted a drive that included a 30 yard pass from Edge to Davis to the Seahawk one yard line. Lawson then scored his third TD of the night to make it 33-13. On the next Seahawk possession Josh Rogers picked off a pass and returned it for a Pirate score. Edge added the point after kick to increase the Pirate lead to 40-13. Late in the game the Seahawks scored on a touchdown pass to make the final 40-19.
Dowling had both praise for his squad but acknowledged they still have work to do. "Our defense got us started and then the offense made some big plays. I saw a lot of good things tonight but we also made some mistakes. We’ve got to work on those things to get ready for a very good West Gadsden team," said Dowling
By: Clint Cox
The Sneads Pirates jumped out to an early lead, then battled a pesky band of Seahawks from Franklin County in the third quarter before sailing on to a 40-19 win. In doing so they granted Head Coach Don Dowling his first win at the helm of the Pirate ship. "They say the first one is always the hardest to get and I believe them" said Dowling after the victory. Mark Lawson and Jeff Davis had big nights for the Pirates as Lawson racked up 100 yards of rushing and 3 touchdowns. Davis had 250 yards of total offense (125 yards of rushing, 33 yards of receiving and 92 yards on kickoff / punt returns) and 2 touchdowns. Davis also picked off three Seahawk passes on the evening.
The Pirates set sail quickly as they jumped out to a 20-0 as Lawson scored twice and Davis scored once. Lawson had a 2 yard run and 26 yard run to score and Davis scored on a 1 yard run. Franklin County scored late in the first half to make it a 20-7 game but Davis came right back on the ensuing kickoff and returned it 80 yards for a score. Taylor Edge added the point after kick and Sneads led 27-7 at the half.
Franklin County came out and scored early in the 3rd quarter to make it a 27-13 game. The Pirates then hit a stretch where they just could not seem to get going and the Seahawks appeared to be gaining momentum. Late in the third quarter though the Pirate defense came up with back to back sacks to drop Franklin County back to their own 5 yard line. As the game moved into the fourth quarter Sneads mounted a drive that included a 30 yard pass from Edge to Davis to the Seahawk one yard line. Lawson then scored his third TD of the night to make it 33-13. On the next Seahawk possession Josh Rogers picked off a pass and returned it for a Pirate score. Edge added the point after kick to increase the Pirate lead to 40-13. Late in the game the Seahawks scored on a touchdown pass to make the final 40-19.
Dowling had both praise for his squad but acknowledged they still have work to do. "Our defense got us started and then the offense made some big plays. I saw a lot of good things tonight but we also made some mistakes. We’ve got to work on those things to get ready for a very good West Gadsden team," said Dowling
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Indians Down Tigers
9/18/08
By Clint Cox
SNEADS – The Grand Ridge Indians middle school football team cashed in on four Rouhlac (Chipley) turnovers and picked up their first win of the season with a 34-0 win. Delontre Keys had a big night for the Indians as he rushed for 151 yards and two scores. Joseph Boyd added 89 yards of rushing and two touchdowns. Rontavious Brown rounded out the dynamic trio by rushing for 96 yards and a score. The Indians racked up 310 yards on the ground.
Boyd got the Indians off to a good start as the bolted 36 yards for a score with just under three minutes to play in the first quarter. The two point conversion attempt failed to give Grand Ridge a 6-0 lead heading into the second quarter. Early in that quarter Delontre Keys took a handoff and went 56 yards for a score. Rontravious Brown added the two point conversion run to give the Indians a 14-0 lead.
Late in the first half the Indians came up with another turnover after a muffed punt return by Chipley resulted in a fumble and recovery by Grand Ridge. With under three minutes to play in the half Boyd came up with his second TD of the night with a 53 yard run. The two point conversion attempt failed but the Indians lead swelled to 20-0.
The Indians picked right up where they left off in the first half as Keys raced 49 yards on the first play of the second half for a touchdown. The two point run failed but the Indians lead increased to 26-0. The final score of the night came on a 10 yard run by Brown in the third quarter. After a two point conversion run the Indians took a 34-0 lead.
The win improved the Indians to a record of 1-2 on the season and 1-1 in conference play. They will next be in action on Tuesday night when they travel to Vernon to take on the Baby Yellow Jackets in another conference matchup. Game time is scheduled for 6 pm.
By Clint Cox
SNEADS – The Grand Ridge Indians middle school football team cashed in on four Rouhlac (Chipley) turnovers and picked up their first win of the season with a 34-0 win. Delontre Keys had a big night for the Indians as he rushed for 151 yards and two scores. Joseph Boyd added 89 yards of rushing and two touchdowns. Rontavious Brown rounded out the dynamic trio by rushing for 96 yards and a score. The Indians racked up 310 yards on the ground.
Boyd got the Indians off to a good start as the bolted 36 yards for a score with just under three minutes to play in the first quarter. The two point conversion attempt failed to give Grand Ridge a 6-0 lead heading into the second quarter. Early in that quarter Delontre Keys took a handoff and went 56 yards for a score. Rontravious Brown added the two point conversion run to give the Indians a 14-0 lead.
Late in the first half the Indians came up with another turnover after a muffed punt return by Chipley resulted in a fumble and recovery by Grand Ridge. With under three minutes to play in the half Boyd came up with his second TD of the night with a 53 yard run. The two point conversion attempt failed but the Indians lead swelled to 20-0.
The Indians picked right up where they left off in the first half as Keys raced 49 yards on the first play of the second half for a touchdown. The two point run failed but the Indians lead increased to 26-0. The final score of the night came on a 10 yard run by Brown in the third quarter. After a two point conversion run the Indians took a 34-0 lead.
The win improved the Indians to a record of 1-2 on the season and 1-1 in conference play. They will next be in action on Tuesday night when they travel to Vernon to take on the Baby Yellow Jackets in another conference matchup. Game time is scheduled for 6 pm.
Bullpups Keep On Winning
9/18/08
By Clint Cox
MARIANNA – The Marianna Middle School Bullpups remained unbeaten for the 2008 season with a 16-0 win over the visiting Tigers from Jefferson County on Tuesday night. Shaundre McAroy got the ‘Pups on the scoreboard in the first quarter with a 55 yard scoring run. A two point conversion made it an 8-0 game. As the game moved into the second quarter Micha Reed fielded a punt for the Bullpups and returned it 75 yards for a touchdown. Reed added the two point conversion run to make it a 16-0 game. The Bullpup defense, led by Dontavious Pittman, held the Tigers in check for the remainder of the half to allow Marianna to keep a 16-0 lead at the half.
After a scoreless third quarter the Bullpups got a big 39 yard run from Quayshaan Johnson to advance to the Tiger’s 11 yard line. But the drive stalled and the Bullpups were unable to add any more points to the scoreboard.
Bullpup Head Coach Hunter Nolan said he was glad to get the win but his squad wasn’t as sharp as they needed to be. "I thought Jefferson County came out ready to play more than us. We’ve got to do a better job of getting our guys ready to play. But we got the win so I won’t complain about that. I wish we could have punched that last drive in for a score so that I could get some of the backups into the game," said Nolan. After going 7-0 in 2006 and 6-0 in 2007, Nolan knew it would be tough to repeat given the youth and inexperience of 2008 Bullpups. He only had four players return from last year’s team but had a tremendous turnover for fall practice. " I think our success this season is due to our program going in the right direction. We had 90 kids come out and I had to cut 30. We have about 50 kids out right now and everyone has bought into what we are trying to accomplish," Nolan commented.
The Bullpups are now 3-0 and will travel to Cottondale on Tuesday for a contest against the Hornets.
By Clint Cox
MARIANNA – The Marianna Middle School Bullpups remained unbeaten for the 2008 season with a 16-0 win over the visiting Tigers from Jefferson County on Tuesday night. Shaundre McAroy got the ‘Pups on the scoreboard in the first quarter with a 55 yard scoring run. A two point conversion made it an 8-0 game. As the game moved into the second quarter Micha Reed fielded a punt for the Bullpups and returned it 75 yards for a touchdown. Reed added the two point conversion run to make it a 16-0 game. The Bullpup defense, led by Dontavious Pittman, held the Tigers in check for the remainder of the half to allow Marianna to keep a 16-0 lead at the half.
After a scoreless third quarter the Bullpups got a big 39 yard run from Quayshaan Johnson to advance to the Tiger’s 11 yard line. But the drive stalled and the Bullpups were unable to add any more points to the scoreboard.
Bullpup Head Coach Hunter Nolan said he was glad to get the win but his squad wasn’t as sharp as they needed to be. "I thought Jefferson County came out ready to play more than us. We’ve got to do a better job of getting our guys ready to play. But we got the win so I won’t complain about that. I wish we could have punched that last drive in for a score so that I could get some of the backups into the game," said Nolan. After going 7-0 in 2006 and 6-0 in 2007, Nolan knew it would be tough to repeat given the youth and inexperience of 2008 Bullpups. He only had four players return from last year’s team but had a tremendous turnover for fall practice. " I think our success this season is due to our program going in the right direction. We had 90 kids come out and I had to cut 30. We have about 50 kids out right now and everyone has bought into what we are trying to accomplish," Nolan commented.
The Bullpups are now 3-0 and will travel to Cottondale on Tuesday for a contest against the Hornets.
Marianna Junior Varsity Loses Again
9/18/08
By Sid Riley
Florida High defeats struggling Marianna Junior Varsity Team 28-18
On Thursday the Marianna Junior Varsity squad traveled to Florida High in Tallahassee hoping to atone for their first loss to Chipley the preceding week. It was not to happen.
The team, which is coached by Adam Gray, showed some improvement over the preceding contest, but lack of basic execution development for the offensive unit made the difference in the game. There were moments where the raw athletic abilities of running backs Elliot Batson and Emanuel Batson enabled them to break loose for long runs to score Marianna’s three TD’s, but the team was never able to put together a sustained offensive drive to the goal line. As in the previous game, every possession was halted by a penalty, fumble, or other execution failure.
Once again, the defensive unit performed well. During the third quarter it appeared that Marianna was establishing some momentum as they scored their third touch down and moved to within four points of Florida High. However, they again repeated the basic error that caused the loss to Chipley, by allowing the ensuing kick off to be returned 65 yards for a hope killing touchdown by Florida High.
The truth of the tale is in the statistics. The offensive squad accumulated 442 yards, with 401 of those being from the line of scrimmage. That should be enough to win most games. However, at the same time they endured an astounding 18 penalties with 125 penalty yards. They also had five turnovers. Off Sides, procedure penalties, motion penalties, and delay of the game penalties stopped almost every drive.
Again, the number of plays in the team playbook seemed to be very limited, as the same plays were run repeatedly. The offense still looked unpracticed. However, Emanuel Batson had a great game with two touchdowns, and Elliot Batson had one touchdown. Edward Perry also made several powerful runs. All three extra point attempts failed.
Florida High had only 175 offensive yards from scrimmage, and 260 total yards. They had 6 penalties for 45 yards, and three turnovers.
The final score was …Florida High 28, Marianna 18
By Sid Riley
Florida High defeats struggling Marianna Junior Varsity Team 28-18
On Thursday the Marianna Junior Varsity squad traveled to Florida High in Tallahassee hoping to atone for their first loss to Chipley the preceding week. It was not to happen.
The team, which is coached by Adam Gray, showed some improvement over the preceding contest, but lack of basic execution development for the offensive unit made the difference in the game. There were moments where the raw athletic abilities of running backs Elliot Batson and Emanuel Batson enabled them to break loose for long runs to score Marianna’s three TD’s, but the team was never able to put together a sustained offensive drive to the goal line. As in the previous game, every possession was halted by a penalty, fumble, or other execution failure.
Once again, the defensive unit performed well. During the third quarter it appeared that Marianna was establishing some momentum as they scored their third touch down and moved to within four points of Florida High. However, they again repeated the basic error that caused the loss to Chipley, by allowing the ensuing kick off to be returned 65 yards for a hope killing touchdown by Florida High.
The truth of the tale is in the statistics. The offensive squad accumulated 442 yards, with 401 of those being from the line of scrimmage. That should be enough to win most games. However, at the same time they endured an astounding 18 penalties with 125 penalty yards. They also had five turnovers. Off Sides, procedure penalties, motion penalties, and delay of the game penalties stopped almost every drive.
Again, the number of plays in the team playbook seemed to be very limited, as the same plays were run repeatedly. The offense still looked unpracticed. However, Emanuel Batson had a great game with two touchdowns, and Elliot Batson had one touchdown. Edward Perry also made several powerful runs. All three extra point attempts failed.
Florida High had only 175 offensive yards from scrimmage, and 260 total yards. They had 6 penalties for 45 yards, and three turnovers.
The final score was …Florida High 28, Marianna 18
The Graceville – Marianna Connection
9/18/08
By: Clint Cox
As Graceville and Marianna squared off on the football field last Friday night, Yesteryear takes a look back at some of the Graceville – Marianna connections that have occurred over the years. The most recent and obvious connection would be that of current Marianna Head Coach Rob Armstrong. Coach Armstrong played his high school football at Graceville, graduating in 1988. He then returned to Graceville in 1992 as an assistant coach and remained an assistant coach until 1996. He was an assistant coach on the 1993 Tigers team that captured a State Championship. In 1997 Armstrong stepped up to assume the Head Coaching job for the Tigers. After leaving Graceville and coaching in other locations for several years Armstrong returned to Jackson County in 2007 to take the Head Coaching job at Marianna. His 2007 Bulldogs finished 7-4 and made the FHSAA playoffs.
There are several other current coaches and administrators at both schools that have the Graceville – Marianna connections. Current Bulldog assistant coach Steve DeWitt played football at Marianna and later served as an assistant coach at Graceville. Current Bulldog assistant coach Bryan Collins played football with Armstrong at Graceville and was also an assistant coach on the 1993 State Championship team. Current Bulldog assistant coaches Alex Broxton and Cornelius Wesley played on that 1993 State Championship team for Armstrong and Collins. Current Bulldog assistant coach Randy McKinnie played football at Graceville for Armstrong during the 1997 season.
Other connections include current Marianna High School Principal Randy Ward, who previously taught and coached at Graceville. Clarence Bellamy, current assistant principal at Marianna, served as Principal at Graceville in the late 1990’s. One of the assistant coaches on the Tiger’s 1993 team was Al Hayes, a 1977 graduate of Marianna. Hayes is now teaching and coaching in Dothan. Current Graceville Tiger Head Coach Todd Wertenberger coached at Marianna for two seasons prior to accepting the job at Graceville. Current Graceville High alumni and Principal Chris Franklin taught at Marianna prior to going to Graceville High.
And any mention of the Graceville – Marianna connection would not be complete without the mention of Harry Howell. He played football at Graceville and graduated in the mid 1940’s. After playing football and graduating from Troy Teacher’s College (Troy University) he returned to Jackson County in 1950 to serve as an assistant coach at Marianna under Grey Wilson. In 1951 he assumed the Head Coaching duties and remained Head Coach for the next 8 seasons. During his tenure he amassed a record of 54-19-4, which included a record of 34-5-1 during a four year span (1954-57). The Graceville native later served as Principal at Marianna High from 1960 – 1965.
By: Clint Cox
As Graceville and Marianna squared off on the football field last Friday night, Yesteryear takes a look back at some of the Graceville – Marianna connections that have occurred over the years. The most recent and obvious connection would be that of current Marianna Head Coach Rob Armstrong. Coach Armstrong played his high school football at Graceville, graduating in 1988. He then returned to Graceville in 1992 as an assistant coach and remained an assistant coach until 1996. He was an assistant coach on the 1993 Tigers team that captured a State Championship. In 1997 Armstrong stepped up to assume the Head Coaching job for the Tigers. After leaving Graceville and coaching in other locations for several years Armstrong returned to Jackson County in 2007 to take the Head Coaching job at Marianna. His 2007 Bulldogs finished 7-4 and made the FHSAA playoffs.
There are several other current coaches and administrators at both schools that have the Graceville – Marianna connections. Current Bulldog assistant coach Steve DeWitt played football at Marianna and later served as an assistant coach at Graceville. Current Bulldog assistant coach Bryan Collins played football with Armstrong at Graceville and was also an assistant coach on the 1993 State Championship team. Current Bulldog assistant coaches Alex Broxton and Cornelius Wesley played on that 1993 State Championship team for Armstrong and Collins. Current Bulldog assistant coach Randy McKinnie played football at Graceville for Armstrong during the 1997 season.
Other connections include current Marianna High School Principal Randy Ward, who previously taught and coached at Graceville. Clarence Bellamy, current assistant principal at Marianna, served as Principal at Graceville in the late 1990’s. One of the assistant coaches on the Tiger’s 1993 team was Al Hayes, a 1977 graduate of Marianna. Hayes is now teaching and coaching in Dothan. Current Graceville Tiger Head Coach Todd Wertenberger coached at Marianna for two seasons prior to accepting the job at Graceville. Current Graceville High alumni and Principal Chris Franklin taught at Marianna prior to going to Graceville High.
And any mention of the Graceville – Marianna connection would not be complete without the mention of Harry Howell. He played football at Graceville and graduated in the mid 1940’s. After playing football and graduating from Troy Teacher’s College (Troy University) he returned to Jackson County in 1950 to serve as an assistant coach at Marianna under Grey Wilson. In 1951 he assumed the Head Coaching duties and remained Head Coach for the next 8 seasons. During his tenure he amassed a record of 54-19-4, which included a record of 34-5-1 during a four year span (1954-57). The Graceville native later served as Principal at Marianna High from 1960 – 1965.
‘Dogs Nip Tigers
9/18/08
By: Clint Cox
On a night of many strange twist and turns, the Marianna Bulldogs jumped out to a big lead early and then held on for a 36-28 over county rival Graceville. Marianna cashed in on several early turnovers by Graceville and jumped out to a 21-0 lead. It all started as Tre Long bolted 48 yards for a quick score on Marianna’s first possession. Graceville was moving the ball downfield on the ensuing possession but coughed up the ball and Laramie Dryden recovered for the Bulldogs. Battles took the first handoff and raced 68 yards for another Bulldog score. Again Graceville moved the ball and again they fumbled, this time it was recovered by Fidel Montgomery. Both teams traded punts and with less than two minutes to play in the first quarter Dustin Larkin hit Long on a 53 yard scoring pass.
Up 21-0 going into the second quarter Marianna realized that the Tigers were not going to quit. Graceville went on a 10 play drive behind the running of Leron Hoover and passing of Justin Miles. Early in the second quarter Graceville scored on a 4 yard run by Antrell Wright to cap a 10 play drive that covered 71 yards. The two point conversion run by Miles was good to make it a 21-8 lead for Marianna. In the waning moments of the first half Marianna defensive end Tommy Stephens picked off a Tiger pass and rambled 63 yards for another Bulldog score. Marianna led 29-8 at the half.
Once again the Tigers proved they would not roll over as they took the opening possession of the second half and drove 53 yards and scored on a one yard plunge by Hoover. The two point conversion failed and Graceville trailed 29-14. Marianna responded by putting together a scoring drive of their own when Battles scored his second TD of the night on a 1 yard run. Troy Clemmons point after kick made it 36-14 in the Bulldogs favor. Graceville fired right back after a big kick off return by Hoover to the Bulldog 32 yard line. Miles scored 5 plays later on a 14 yard run and Treyshaun White added a two point conversion run to narrow the gap to 36-22 with just under three minutes to play in the third quarter.
As the game moved into the fourth quarter Marianna appeared to be salting the game away with a long drive that ate up almost five minutes off the clock. But Battles had the ball stripped away from him by Chris Works of Graceville. Works then raced 80 yards down the field untouched for a Tiger score. After a failed two point play the Tigers trailed 36-28 with six minutes to play. The Bulldogs once again put together a long drive and with less than two minutes to play appeared to have a long touchdown run from R.J. Bowers to all but secure the win. But Bowers quickly set the ball down when he thought he had crossed the goal line. But he actually put the ball down before he entered the end zone and Graceville fell on the ball. The Tigers had no timeouts and 99 yards to go to try to tie the game up. But the Bulldog defense held and Marianna hung on for the 36-28 victory.
Battles led the Bulldogs with 126 yards and 2 scores. Tre Long followed with 101 yards of total offense and 2 TDs. Graceville was led by Hoover with 151 yards on 30 carries. White followed with 116 yards of rushing as well. Marianna improved to 2-0 on the season and will be off this week. They will next be in action on September 26th when they travel to Jacksonville to take on Episcopal. Graceville fell to 1-1 on the year and will play host to Holmes County on Friday at 7 pm.
By: Clint Cox
On a night of many strange twist and turns, the Marianna Bulldogs jumped out to a big lead early and then held on for a 36-28 over county rival Graceville. Marianna cashed in on several early turnovers by Graceville and jumped out to a 21-0 lead. It all started as Tre Long bolted 48 yards for a quick score on Marianna’s first possession. Graceville was moving the ball downfield on the ensuing possession but coughed up the ball and Laramie Dryden recovered for the Bulldogs. Battles took the first handoff and raced 68 yards for another Bulldog score. Again Graceville moved the ball and again they fumbled, this time it was recovered by Fidel Montgomery. Both teams traded punts and with less than two minutes to play in the first quarter Dustin Larkin hit Long on a 53 yard scoring pass.
Up 21-0 going into the second quarter Marianna realized that the Tigers were not going to quit. Graceville went on a 10 play drive behind the running of Leron Hoover and passing of Justin Miles. Early in the second quarter Graceville scored on a 4 yard run by Antrell Wright to cap a 10 play drive that covered 71 yards. The two point conversion run by Miles was good to make it a 21-8 lead for Marianna. In the waning moments of the first half Marianna defensive end Tommy Stephens picked off a Tiger pass and rambled 63 yards for another Bulldog score. Marianna led 29-8 at the half.
Once again the Tigers proved they would not roll over as they took the opening possession of the second half and drove 53 yards and scored on a one yard plunge by Hoover. The two point conversion failed and Graceville trailed 29-14. Marianna responded by putting together a scoring drive of their own when Battles scored his second TD of the night on a 1 yard run. Troy Clemmons point after kick made it 36-14 in the Bulldogs favor. Graceville fired right back after a big kick off return by Hoover to the Bulldog 32 yard line. Miles scored 5 plays later on a 14 yard run and Treyshaun White added a two point conversion run to narrow the gap to 36-22 with just under three minutes to play in the third quarter.
As the game moved into the fourth quarter Marianna appeared to be salting the game away with a long drive that ate up almost five minutes off the clock. But Battles had the ball stripped away from him by Chris Works of Graceville. Works then raced 80 yards down the field untouched for a Tiger score. After a failed two point play the Tigers trailed 36-28 with six minutes to play. The Bulldogs once again put together a long drive and with less than two minutes to play appeared to have a long touchdown run from R.J. Bowers to all but secure the win. But Bowers quickly set the ball down when he thought he had crossed the goal line. But he actually put the ball down before he entered the end zone and Graceville fell on the ball. The Tigers had no timeouts and 99 yards to go to try to tie the game up. But the Bulldog defense held and Marianna hung on for the 36-28 victory.
Battles led the Bulldogs with 126 yards and 2 scores. Tre Long followed with 101 yards of total offense and 2 TDs. Graceville was led by Hoover with 151 yards on 30 carries. White followed with 116 yards of rushing as well. Marianna improved to 2-0 on the season and will be off this week. They will next be in action on September 26th when they travel to Jacksonville to take on Episcopal. Graceville fell to 1-1 on the year and will play host to Holmes County on Friday at 7 pm.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Tigers Rush Past Liberty County
9/11/08
By Clint Cox
After a preseason kickoff classic in which they racked up 42 points, the Graceville Tigers opened up the 2008 regular season with a 36-16 win over the visiting Liberty County Bulldogs. The Tigers once again used a brutal rushing attack to churn out 360 yards on the ground.
The Tigers got off to a good start as they capitalized on a Bulldog turnover early in the first quarter. Treyshaun White then put the Tigers on the scoreboard with a 22 yard run. But Liberty County countered with a touchdown and 2 point conversion on the ensuing drive to take a 8-6 lead into the second quarter. Graceville then mounted a textbook drive, ripping off an 11 play effort. Leron Hoover bulled his way into the end zone and then Justin Miles converted the two point play to make it a 14-8 Graceville lead at the half.
In the third quarter the Tigers began to break open the game as Hoover once again scored, this time on a 3 yard run. Hoover added to the two point conversion run to make it a 22-8 lead. The Tiger defense got into the action when White picked off a Bulldog pass. Miles then rambled 53 yards for a score, which was followed by a two point pass play from Miles to White. The Tigers took a commanding 30-8 lead into the final quarter. After Liberty County posted a score White scored the final touchdown of the night on a 35 yard run.
The Tigers were led on offense by the rushing of Hoover with 124 yards and White with 123 yards. That same pair led the defense as Hoover recorded 14 tackles and White had 11 tackles along with his interception. Chris Works followed on defense with 8 tackles.
Graceville plays at Marianna on Friday (See Friday Night Preview).
By Clint Cox
After a preseason kickoff classic in which they racked up 42 points, the Graceville Tigers opened up the 2008 regular season with a 36-16 win over the visiting Liberty County Bulldogs. The Tigers once again used a brutal rushing attack to churn out 360 yards on the ground.
The Tigers got off to a good start as they capitalized on a Bulldog turnover early in the first quarter. Treyshaun White then put the Tigers on the scoreboard with a 22 yard run. But Liberty County countered with a touchdown and 2 point conversion on the ensuing drive to take a 8-6 lead into the second quarter. Graceville then mounted a textbook drive, ripping off an 11 play effort. Leron Hoover bulled his way into the end zone and then Justin Miles converted the two point play to make it a 14-8 Graceville lead at the half.
In the third quarter the Tigers began to break open the game as Hoover once again scored, this time on a 3 yard run. Hoover added to the two point conversion run to make it a 22-8 lead. The Tiger defense got into the action when White picked off a Bulldog pass. Miles then rambled 53 yards for a score, which was followed by a two point pass play from Miles to White. The Tigers took a commanding 30-8 lead into the final quarter. After Liberty County posted a score White scored the final touchdown of the night on a 35 yard run.
The Tigers were led on offense by the rushing of Hoover with 124 yards and White with 123 yards. That same pair led the defense as Hoover recorded 14 tackles and White had 11 tackles along with his interception. Chris Works followed on defense with 8 tackles.
Graceville plays at Marianna on Friday (See Friday Night Preview).
‘Dogs Pound The Tigers
9/11/08
By Clint Cox
MARIANNA – The Bulldogs racked up over 350 yards of rushing en route to a 34-7 win over Blountstown last Friday night. Bradley Battles led the way with 179 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns. Head Coach Rob Armstrong was pleased to get the season opener win. "Playing these early season games with as many young players that we have is always a challenge. We had a lot of kids seeing varsity action for the first time. I thought they played real well tonight," said Armstrong.
Marianna jumped out to lead late in the first quarter when Battles scored on a 5 yard run. Troy Clemmons added the point after kick to make it 7-0. Midway through the second quarter Tre’ Long rambled 31 yards for a score and the Clemmons point after kick made it 14-0 at the half. Blountstown narrowed the margin with four minutes to play in the third quarter when Malcolm Ivory scored from 3 yards out. On the ensuing kickoff the Tigers pinned the Bulldogs down on the four yard line. The Tigers appeared to have seized the momentum of the game and were poised to get great field position if they could force a punt. But Marianna put together a 10 play drive that covered 96 yards. It culminated with an 11 yard run for a score by Fidel Montgomery early in the fourth quarter. The kick after by Clemmons made it a 21-7 game and gave the momentum back to the Bulldogs. "When it got to 14-7 I was a little be scared but I’m proud of how we came right back and reclaimed that momentum," Armstrong commented.
Marianna added two more score in the final quarter as Battles raced 38 yards for a score and Quan Boykin scrambled 21 yards to find the end zone. With a 34-7 win and 356 yards of rushing offense Armstrong was proud of his team, especially his young offensive line. "We’ve got to be able to move the ball to be successful. Those guys on the line did a great job tonight," said Armstrong. Long finished with 91 yards rushing while Boykin added 71 yards. Clemmons led the defense with 9 tackles and a sack while Laramie Dryden recorded 7 tackles for the game. Battles recorded an interception as well.
Marianna prepares for the upcoming match with Graceville this Friday at Bulldog Stadium at 7 pm. (See Friday Night Preview)
By Clint Cox
MARIANNA – The Bulldogs racked up over 350 yards of rushing en route to a 34-7 win over Blountstown last Friday night. Bradley Battles led the way with 179 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns. Head Coach Rob Armstrong was pleased to get the season opener win. "Playing these early season games with as many young players that we have is always a challenge. We had a lot of kids seeing varsity action for the first time. I thought they played real well tonight," said Armstrong.
Marianna jumped out to lead late in the first quarter when Battles scored on a 5 yard run. Troy Clemmons added the point after kick to make it 7-0. Midway through the second quarter Tre’ Long rambled 31 yards for a score and the Clemmons point after kick made it 14-0 at the half. Blountstown narrowed the margin with four minutes to play in the third quarter when Malcolm Ivory scored from 3 yards out. On the ensuing kickoff the Tigers pinned the Bulldogs down on the four yard line. The Tigers appeared to have seized the momentum of the game and were poised to get great field position if they could force a punt. But Marianna put together a 10 play drive that covered 96 yards. It culminated with an 11 yard run for a score by Fidel Montgomery early in the fourth quarter. The kick after by Clemmons made it a 21-7 game and gave the momentum back to the Bulldogs. "When it got to 14-7 I was a little be scared but I’m proud of how we came right back and reclaimed that momentum," Armstrong commented.
Marianna added two more score in the final quarter as Battles raced 38 yards for a score and Quan Boykin scrambled 21 yards to find the end zone. With a 34-7 win and 356 yards of rushing offense Armstrong was proud of his team, especially his young offensive line. "We’ve got to be able to move the ball to be successful. Those guys on the line did a great job tonight," said Armstrong. Long finished with 91 yards rushing while Boykin added 71 yards. Clemmons led the defense with 9 tackles and a sack while Laramie Dryden recorded 7 tackles for the game. Battles recorded an interception as well.
Marianna prepares for the upcoming match with Graceville this Friday at Bulldog Stadium at 7 pm. (See Friday Night Preview)
Chipley JV 7 - Marianna JV 0
9/11/08
The two junior varsity teams warmed up, the national anthem was played, the coin flip ceremony was performed at center field, Marianna lined up and kicked off to Chipley, the ball flew to the 25 yard line where it was fielded by a Chipley back, he broke through the center of the oncoming pack, moved left to avoid a tackle, and raced 75 yards for a touchdown. That was followed by a perfect extra point kick. From that point the crowd might as well have packed up and gone home…the game was over.
For the ensuing four quarters of play it was a defensive battle, with neither team able to muster a meaningful offensive attack. The entire game was played between the thirty yard lines as both defensive units effectively shut down the opposing offense.
The Marianna squad under the coaching expertise of Adam Gray was sorely missing the presence of star running back Chris Bowers, who was pulled up to the varsity squad a few days before this JV contest.
The offensive half of the team appeared to be unprepared to play a game, as was demonstrated by numerous off side incursions, alignment problems, and backfield motion penalties which effectively shut down the effort when any offensive momentum was begun. There were several fumbles which appeared to be caused by lack of the practiced timing required for effective play execution. Additionally, it appeared that the offensive unit had a very limited play library, as the same plays were run over and over with little result.
This was a bitter loss for this group of upcoming Marianna players, since this same group of youngsters had experienced two years of undefeated middle school play, under the coaching of Hunter Nolen. They are not familiar with the emotion of losing.
The two junior varsity teams warmed up, the national anthem was played, the coin flip ceremony was performed at center field, Marianna lined up and kicked off to Chipley, the ball flew to the 25 yard line where it was fielded by a Chipley back, he broke through the center of the oncoming pack, moved left to avoid a tackle, and raced 75 yards for a touchdown. That was followed by a perfect extra point kick. From that point the crowd might as well have packed up and gone home…the game was over.
For the ensuing four quarters of play it was a defensive battle, with neither team able to muster a meaningful offensive attack. The entire game was played between the thirty yard lines as both defensive units effectively shut down the opposing offense.
The Marianna squad under the coaching expertise of Adam Gray was sorely missing the presence of star running back Chris Bowers, who was pulled up to the varsity squad a few days before this JV contest.
The offensive half of the team appeared to be unprepared to play a game, as was demonstrated by numerous off side incursions, alignment problems, and backfield motion penalties which effectively shut down the effort when any offensive momentum was begun. There were several fumbles which appeared to be caused by lack of the practiced timing required for effective play execution. Additionally, it appeared that the offensive unit had a very limited play library, as the same plays were run over and over with little result.
This was a bitter loss for this group of upcoming Marianna players, since this same group of youngsters had experienced two years of undefeated middle school play, under the coaching of Hunter Nolen. They are not familiar with the emotion of losing.
Lady Tigers and Lady Bulldogs Split in JV Volleyball
9/11/08
By Clint Cox
The Graceville Lady Tigers JV volleyball squads came to Marianna on Monday night and left with a split. The Lady Tigers 9th grade squad posted a 25-10 win in game one while posting a 25-18 win in game two. In other JV action the Lady Tigers forced Marianna to three games but the Lady Bulldogs hung on to claim a victory for the match.
In game one Marianna won by a score of 25-17. The second game saw the two squads battle back and forth. Graceville began to pull away when they went up 13-10. The Lady Tigers maintained a led throughout the remainder of the game and finished with a 6 point victory, 25-19. In the tie breaker it was Marianna jumping out to an early lead and then going on to win 15-9.
The wins for Graceville were their first wins since 1982, which was the last year in which the school fielded a volleyball team.
By Clint Cox
The Graceville Lady Tigers JV volleyball squads came to Marianna on Monday night and left with a split. The Lady Tigers 9th grade squad posted a 25-10 win in game one while posting a 25-18 win in game two. In other JV action the Lady Tigers forced Marianna to three games but the Lady Bulldogs hung on to claim a victory for the match.
In game one Marianna won by a score of 25-17. The second game saw the two squads battle back and forth. Graceville began to pull away when they went up 13-10. The Lady Tigers maintained a led throughout the remainder of the game and finished with a 6 point victory, 25-19. In the tie breaker it was Marianna jumping out to an early lead and then going on to win 15-9.
The wins for Graceville were their first wins since 1982, which was the last year in which the school fielded a volleyball team.
Hornets Win Wild One
9/11/08
By: Clint Cox
Rivalries are suppose to be crazy affairs and this past Friday night’s version of the annual kickoff rivalry between Cottondale and Sneads was all that and more. The Hornets pulled out a thrilling 32-24 victory over the visiting Pirates.
The game started out with the Pirate’s Michael Kinard recording an early safety on the Hornets. Taylor Edge then ran for a touchdown and the Pirates took an 8-0 lead. Late in the first half the Hornets countered as Nick Jackson hauled in a 26 yard pass reception from Jesse Freeman for a score. Dominique Webb ran in the two point conversion play and the Hornets had tied the game at 8-8. But the Pirates quickly reclaimed the momentum in the final minute of the half as Mark Lawson bolted 58 yards on the ensuing kickoff for a score. Sneads held a 14-8 lead at the half.
Cottondale came out and took the opening possession of the second half right down the field. Noreese Williams scored on a 1 yard run and then Freeman hit Jacob Herring on a two point pass play to give the Hornets a 16-14 lead. The Pirates reclaimed the lead in a most unusual way. They got back to back safeties as the Pirate’s Billy Knight tackled Herring in the endzone to tie the game up. On the Hornet’s next possession a snap on a punt attempt went over the head of Herring and through the end zone. That gave Sneads a 18-16 lead as the game had now moved into the fourth quarter. The Pirates Jeff Davis
The Pirates drove down the field and appeared poised to expand their lead but coughed up the ball at the Hornet’s five yard line. Cottondale recovered and Jackson ripped off a 69 yard run for a score. Williams added the two point run to tie the game at 24-18. Sneads fired right back as Jeff Davis scored on a 42 yard run to tie the game at 24-24 with less than two minutes to play. But the Hornets would not die and they marched down the field and with less than 10 seconds remaining in the game, Freeman hit Jackson on a 21 yard scoring strike. Webb added the two point run to make the final score 32-24 in the Hornets favor.
Freeman was 14-30 for 181 yards and two TDs on the night while Jackson caught two TD passes and ran for another. Sneads was led by Davis with 170 yards rushing and Lawson with 152 yards rushing. Edge also had a fine night punting as had 5 punts for 164 yards and continually kept the Hornets backed up deep in their own territory.
Cottondale will host Liberty County on Friday night while Sneads will have this week off and play host to Franklin County next Friday night in their district opener.
By: Clint Cox
Rivalries are suppose to be crazy affairs and this past Friday night’s version of the annual kickoff rivalry between Cottondale and Sneads was all that and more. The Hornets pulled out a thrilling 32-24 victory over the visiting Pirates.
The game started out with the Pirate’s Michael Kinard recording an early safety on the Hornets. Taylor Edge then ran for a touchdown and the Pirates took an 8-0 lead. Late in the first half the Hornets countered as Nick Jackson hauled in a 26 yard pass reception from Jesse Freeman for a score. Dominique Webb ran in the two point conversion play and the Hornets had tied the game at 8-8. But the Pirates quickly reclaimed the momentum in the final minute of the half as Mark Lawson bolted 58 yards on the ensuing kickoff for a score. Sneads held a 14-8 lead at the half.
Cottondale came out and took the opening possession of the second half right down the field. Noreese Williams scored on a 1 yard run and then Freeman hit Jacob Herring on a two point pass play to give the Hornets a 16-14 lead. The Pirates reclaimed the lead in a most unusual way. They got back to back safeties as the Pirate’s Billy Knight tackled Herring in the endzone to tie the game up. On the Hornet’s next possession a snap on a punt attempt went over the head of Herring and through the end zone. That gave Sneads a 18-16 lead as the game had now moved into the fourth quarter. The Pirates Jeff Davis
The Pirates drove down the field and appeared poised to expand their lead but coughed up the ball at the Hornet’s five yard line. Cottondale recovered and Jackson ripped off a 69 yard run for a score. Williams added the two point run to tie the game at 24-18. Sneads fired right back as Jeff Davis scored on a 42 yard run to tie the game at 24-24 with less than two minutes to play. But the Hornets would not die and they marched down the field and with less than 10 seconds remaining in the game, Freeman hit Jackson on a 21 yard scoring strike. Webb added the two point run to make the final score 32-24 in the Hornets favor.
Freeman was 14-30 for 181 yards and two TDs on the night while Jackson caught two TD passes and ran for another. Sneads was led by Davis with 170 yards rushing and Lawson with 152 yards rushing. Edge also had a fine night punting as had 5 punts for 164 yards and continually kept the Hornets backed up deep in their own territory.
Cottondale will host Liberty County on Friday night while Sneads will have this week off and play host to Franklin County next Friday night in their district opener.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Jaguars Down ‘Dogs
9/4/08
By: Clint Cox
The Marianna Bulldogs traveled to Quincy to take on East Gadsden in a Kickoff Classic and fell 24-13 to the Jaguars. The night started on a good note for the ‘Dogs as Tre’ Long took the opening kickoff and raced 90 yards for a touchdown. Troy Clemmons added the point after kick and Marianna led 7-0 before the fans were barely in their seats. But from that point on the speed and athletism of the Jaguars took over as East Gadsden reeled off 24 unanswered points during the first two quarters and led 24-7 at the half. The second half saw little scoring until late in the game when Marianna QB Fidel Montgomery rambled 20 yards down the sidelines for a score. A two point pass failed and the Bulldogs left Quincy with the 11 point defeat.
Marianna certainly didn’t overload their workhorse, senior running back Bradley Battles, in this preseason game. Battles had 43 yards on 6 carries. Instead Head Coach Rob Armstrong made sure that the other less experienced backs got plenty of carries. Jacorian Borders had 47 yards on 11 carries, R.J. Bowers had 12 carries for 40 yards, Kevin Lockhart had 30 yards on 9 carries and Montgomery had 5 carries for 41 yards. "I feel good about the number of guys that we were able to get some carries," said Armstrong. The Bulldogs will also count on running back Quan Boykin who sat out this game due to injury.
Armstrong was not concerned with the final tally on the scoreboard. "We got to play a lot of folks and now we can take the film from this game and start preparing for our opening game," said Armstrong. He also talked about the opening kickoff return by Long. "Boy it was good to see Tre do that, I was proud for him. He’s been working real hard," said Armstrong.
The Bulldogs open the 2008 campaign at home on Friday when they play host to Blountstown at 7 pm.
By: Clint Cox
The Marianna Bulldogs traveled to Quincy to take on East Gadsden in a Kickoff Classic and fell 24-13 to the Jaguars. The night started on a good note for the ‘Dogs as Tre’ Long took the opening kickoff and raced 90 yards for a touchdown. Troy Clemmons added the point after kick and Marianna led 7-0 before the fans were barely in their seats. But from that point on the speed and athletism of the Jaguars took over as East Gadsden reeled off 24 unanswered points during the first two quarters and led 24-7 at the half. The second half saw little scoring until late in the game when Marianna QB Fidel Montgomery rambled 20 yards down the sidelines for a score. A two point pass failed and the Bulldogs left Quincy with the 11 point defeat.
Marianna certainly didn’t overload their workhorse, senior running back Bradley Battles, in this preseason game. Battles had 43 yards on 6 carries. Instead Head Coach Rob Armstrong made sure that the other less experienced backs got plenty of carries. Jacorian Borders had 47 yards on 11 carries, R.J. Bowers had 12 carries for 40 yards, Kevin Lockhart had 30 yards on 9 carries and Montgomery had 5 carries for 41 yards. "I feel good about the number of guys that we were able to get some carries," said Armstrong. The Bulldogs will also count on running back Quan Boykin who sat out this game due to injury.
Armstrong was not concerned with the final tally on the scoreboard. "We got to play a lot of folks and now we can take the film from this game and start preparing for our opening game," said Armstrong. He also talked about the opening kickoff return by Long. "Boy it was good to see Tre do that, I was proud for him. He’s been working real hard," said Armstrong.
The Bulldogs open the 2008 campaign at home on Friday when they play host to Blountstown at 7 pm.
Tigers Upend Pirates
9/4/08
By: Clint Cox
The Graceville Tigers play host to the Sneads Pirates in a preseason kickoff classic and posted a 42-14 win over the visitors. Both squads came out battling and played to a scoreless first quarter. But beginning early in the second quarter the Tigers got cranked up while the Pirates got tired, a point noted by new Sneads Head Coach Don Dowling. "I thought we ran out of gas toward the end of the first quarter and give credit to Graceville they took advantage of that," said Dowling. The heat and humidity had taken a toll on the Pirates. "We’ve got to get into better shape. "It was breathing through a mop out there," Dowling added when asked about the humid August night.
Graceville’s Antrell Wright scored early in the second quarter on a 12 yard run. Treyshaun White ran the two point conversion in to make it a 8-0 game. After a Sneads fumble on the next possession, the Tigers got a 2 yard scoring run from White. Justin Miles hit Darrell Olds for the two point conversion pass to make it 16-0. The Pirates showed some fight on the ensuing kickoff as Mark Lawson return the kick 78 yards for a score. Taylor Edge booted the extra point to pull the Pirates to 16-7. But Graceville seized the momentum right back as Wright bolted 43 yards for a scoring run. Jamie Simmons added the two point play to give Graceville a 24-7 lead. The Pirates looked to be moving the ball and made it into Tiger territory. But Florian Litim picked off a Pirate pass inside the Tiger’s 20 yard line to kill the Pirate’s drive. With less than a minute to play in the half Wright scampered 18 yards for another score to make it 30-7 at the half.
In the second half the Tigers took the opening possession drive right down the field with a textbook drive. After a long drive Miles scored on a 4 yard run to make it a 36-7 game. Miles added the final score for Graceville and gave the Tigers a 42-7 lead. The Pirates managed a late score on a run by Lawson.
Graceville was led by Wright with 156 yards on 10 carries with 3 touchdowns. Miles and Leron Hoover each added 89 yards. Lawson was the lone offense spark for the Pirates as he rushed for 99 yards and scored two touchdowns.
By: Clint Cox
The Graceville Tigers play host to the Sneads Pirates in a preseason kickoff classic and posted a 42-14 win over the visitors. Both squads came out battling and played to a scoreless first quarter. But beginning early in the second quarter the Tigers got cranked up while the Pirates got tired, a point noted by new Sneads Head Coach Don Dowling. "I thought we ran out of gas toward the end of the first quarter and give credit to Graceville they took advantage of that," said Dowling. The heat and humidity had taken a toll on the Pirates. "We’ve got to get into better shape. "It was breathing through a mop out there," Dowling added when asked about the humid August night.
Graceville’s Antrell Wright scored early in the second quarter on a 12 yard run. Treyshaun White ran the two point conversion in to make it a 8-0 game. After a Sneads fumble on the next possession, the Tigers got a 2 yard scoring run from White. Justin Miles hit Darrell Olds for the two point conversion pass to make it 16-0. The Pirates showed some fight on the ensuing kickoff as Mark Lawson return the kick 78 yards for a score. Taylor Edge booted the extra point to pull the Pirates to 16-7. But Graceville seized the momentum right back as Wright bolted 43 yards for a scoring run. Jamie Simmons added the two point play to give Graceville a 24-7 lead. The Pirates looked to be moving the ball and made it into Tiger territory. But Florian Litim picked off a Pirate pass inside the Tiger’s 20 yard line to kill the Pirate’s drive. With less than a minute to play in the half Wright scampered 18 yards for another score to make it 30-7 at the half.
In the second half the Tigers took the opening possession drive right down the field with a textbook drive. After a long drive Miles scored on a 4 yard run to make it a 36-7 game. Miles added the final score for Graceville and gave the Tigers a 42-7 lead. The Pirates managed a late score on a run by Lawson.
Graceville was led by Wright with 156 yards on 10 carries with 3 touchdowns. Miles and Leron Hoover each added 89 yards. Lawson was the lone offense spark for the Pirates as he rushed for 99 yards and scored two touchdowns.
Friday Night Preview
9/4/08
Sneads (0-0) at Cottondale (0-0) 7 pm
There is no better way to open up the season than with a big rivalry like this annual matchup. Last year saw Sneads hang on for a 37-30 thriller in Sneads. Both squads have great skilled position players. Sneads has a veteran QB and line, while Cottondale is very young in the trenches. Both squads fell in their preseason kickoff classics so they hope to bounce back with a win in the regular season opener. In a rivalry like this, anything can happen, so it’s too close to call.
Blountstown (0-0) at Marianna (0-0) 7 pm
Rob Armstrong’s first victory as the Bulldog’s Head Coach came in Blountstown last year. The Tigers lost several players to Division I colleges but downed Liberty Co. 20-0 in their preseason kickoff classic. Marianna fell to East Gadsden last week in their preseason game but Bradley Battles only carried the ball six times. He’ll get plenty of carries and the Bulldogs should get a win.
Liberty Co. (0-0) at Graceville (0-0) 7 pm
Graceville looked impressive in their kickoff classic against Sneads. Liberty Co. fell to Blountstown 20-0 but expect the Bulldogs to have more bite this week. The Tigers hope their veteran offensive line can open up some holes for Antrell White (156 yards rushing / 3 TDs against Sneads), Trey White and Leron Hoover. With the game being played in G’ville, the Tigers will keep it close and then pull off the upset over the Bulldogs.
Sneads (0-0) at Cottondale (0-0) 7 pm
There is no better way to open up the season than with a big rivalry like this annual matchup. Last year saw Sneads hang on for a 37-30 thriller in Sneads. Both squads have great skilled position players. Sneads has a veteran QB and line, while Cottondale is very young in the trenches. Both squads fell in their preseason kickoff classics so they hope to bounce back with a win in the regular season opener. In a rivalry like this, anything can happen, so it’s too close to call.
Blountstown (0-0) at Marianna (0-0) 7 pm
Rob Armstrong’s first victory as the Bulldog’s Head Coach came in Blountstown last year. The Tigers lost several players to Division I colleges but downed Liberty Co. 20-0 in their preseason kickoff classic. Marianna fell to East Gadsden last week in their preseason game but Bradley Battles only carried the ball six times. He’ll get plenty of carries and the Bulldogs should get a win.
Liberty Co. (0-0) at Graceville (0-0) 7 pm
Graceville looked impressive in their kickoff classic against Sneads. Liberty Co. fell to Blountstown 20-0 but expect the Bulldogs to have more bite this week. The Tigers hope their veteran offensive line can open up some holes for Antrell White (156 yards rushing / 3 TDs against Sneads), Trey White and Leron Hoover. With the game being played in G’ville, the Tigers will keep it close and then pull off the upset over the Bulldogs.
Freeport Edges Hornets
9/4/08
By: Clint Cox
There was plenty of orange and blue on the field as Freeport came to Cottondale last Thursday night and went home with a 37-32 win over the Hornets in a pre-season kickoff classic. Both squads sport orange and blue on the school colors and the orange and blue clad Bulldogs struck first in this contest. They returned the opening kickoff to the Hornet’s 15 yard line. The Hornet defense held for 3 downs but on a 4th and short play, Freeport struck with a 17 yard scoring strike.
Cottondale gave up an interception during their first possession on a 4th down play. The Bulldogs took that interception and returned it to the Hornet 23 yard line. Again the Hornet defense held for 3 downs and again the Bulldogs came up with a big play on 4th down to score. They then converted on a 2 point play to make it 15-0 midway through the first quarter. On the Hornet’s next possession halfback Jacob Herring connected with wide receiver Terry Benbow on a halfback pass. Benbow then raced 74 yards for the Hornets first score. Dominique Webb added the two point conversion run to make it 15-8 at the close of the quarter. The Hornets then held Freeport on their next possession and forced a punt. The Hornets drove down the field and scored on a 29 yard pass from Jesse Freeman to Benbow. Noreese Williams gave the Hornets a 16-15 lead with a two point conversion run.
Freeport countered with a long return on the ensuing kickoff and then struck paydirt on their first play with a touchdown pass. They converted the two point play to take a 23-16 lead. Cottondale had one more shot in the half after Ronnie Dixon recovered a Bulldog fumble. But the Hornets could not cash in and trailed by 7 at the half.
After a scoreless third quarter Freeport expanded their lead early in the final quarter with a 40 yard screen pass. After kicking the extra point they led 30-16. Cottondale kept battling and took their next possession down to the Bulldog’s 30 yard line. On a 4th and 1 play Webb bolted through the line and raced to the end zone. Williams added the two point run to make it a 30-24 ball game with 8 minutes to play. The Hornets could not cash in on two more possessions and then the Bulldogs put up one final score with less than two minutes to play. The Hornets again proved they would not roll over and moved the ball downfield on a 35 yard pass play from Freeman to James Johns. Freeman then hooked up with Drew Bellamy for a 15 yard score with 6 seconds to play. Freeman added a two point conversion run to make the final 37-32.
Cottondale opens up the 2008 regular season when they host Sneads on Friday night at 7 pm.
By: Clint Cox
There was plenty of orange and blue on the field as Freeport came to Cottondale last Thursday night and went home with a 37-32 win over the Hornets in a pre-season kickoff classic. Both squads sport orange and blue on the school colors and the orange and blue clad Bulldogs struck first in this contest. They returned the opening kickoff to the Hornet’s 15 yard line. The Hornet defense held for 3 downs but on a 4th and short play, Freeport struck with a 17 yard scoring strike.
Cottondale gave up an interception during their first possession on a 4th down play. The Bulldogs took that interception and returned it to the Hornet 23 yard line. Again the Hornet defense held for 3 downs and again the Bulldogs came up with a big play on 4th down to score. They then converted on a 2 point play to make it 15-0 midway through the first quarter. On the Hornet’s next possession halfback Jacob Herring connected with wide receiver Terry Benbow on a halfback pass. Benbow then raced 74 yards for the Hornets first score. Dominique Webb added the two point conversion run to make it 15-8 at the close of the quarter. The Hornets then held Freeport on their next possession and forced a punt. The Hornets drove down the field and scored on a 29 yard pass from Jesse Freeman to Benbow. Noreese Williams gave the Hornets a 16-15 lead with a two point conversion run.
Freeport countered with a long return on the ensuing kickoff and then struck paydirt on their first play with a touchdown pass. They converted the two point play to take a 23-16 lead. Cottondale had one more shot in the half after Ronnie Dixon recovered a Bulldog fumble. But the Hornets could not cash in and trailed by 7 at the half.
After a scoreless third quarter Freeport expanded their lead early in the final quarter with a 40 yard screen pass. After kicking the extra point they led 30-16. Cottondale kept battling and took their next possession down to the Bulldog’s 30 yard line. On a 4th and 1 play Webb bolted through the line and raced to the end zone. Williams added the two point run to make it a 30-24 ball game with 8 minutes to play. The Hornets could not cash in on two more possessions and then the Bulldogs put up one final score with less than two minutes to play. The Hornets again proved they would not roll over and moved the ball downfield on a 35 yard pass play from Freeman to James Johns. Freeman then hooked up with Drew Bellamy for a 15 yard score with 6 seconds to play. Freeman added a two point conversion run to make the final 37-32.
Cottondale opens up the 2008 regular season when they host Sneads on Friday night at 7 pm.
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