ROBERTSDALE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Aug

2017 FALL Gulf Coast Media

SportsP R E V I E W

BALDWIN COUNTY TIGERS ~ BAYSHORE CHRISTIAN EAGLES BAYSIDE ACADEMY ADMIRALS ~ CENTRAL CHRISTIAN SAINTS DAPHNE TROJANS ~ ELBERTA WARRIORS ~ FAIRHOPE PIRATES FOLEY LIONS ~ GULF SHORES DOLPHINS ROBERTSDALE GOLDEN BEARS ~ SNOOK CHRISTIAN ACADEMY SPANISH FORT TOROS ~ ST. MICHAEL CATHOLIC CARDINALS 2 • 2017 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • August 11, 2017 • Gulf Coast Media

2017 FOLEY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 25 @Robertsdale AWAY Sept. 1 @Fairhope AWAY Sept. 8 Davidson HOME Sept. 15 @Alma Bryant AWAY Sept. 22 @McGill-Toolen AWAY Sept. 29 Open Oct. 6 Murphy HOME Oct. 13 Spanish Fort HOME Oct. 20 @MGM AWAY Keeping You in the Game! Oct. 27 Baker HOME Call 251-625-2663 Nov. 3 Theodore HOME www.baldwinboneandjoint.com

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Chris Armstrong Garrett Mayo Jack Detombe Lions expecting resurgence after injury-hampered finish last year

By PATRICK HERRING Chris Armstrong will be integral GCM Sports Correspondent The secondary is really going to be the in helping the offense succeed in strength of our defense. Last year we his senior season. Tad Niblett enters his third “ “You’ve gotta be a student of season as the head coach at Foley played too much defense; this year I see the game if you want to be suc- High School this fall, and the ex- us being able to get off the field more cessful,” Armstrong said. pectations are high. After a medio- often on third down. And successful he has been, as cre first year, the Lions regressed evidenced by the influx of schol- in his second outing, falling to 3-7 ” arship offers he’s received from due in part to some unlucky inju- D1 programs such as South Ala- ries. There will be no excuses in bama, Troy, Jacksonville State 2017. tad niblett and Louisiana-Lafayette. Under the prior regime, the FOLEY HEAD COACH “Chris is a really physical run- Lions made the playoffs in 10 con- ning back, and he gave us a shot secutive seasons. A playoff win will time, collectively as a team and tions,” Niblett said. in the arm when we ran him at quiet the doubters, but another as a program, that the kids have The Lion offense averaged fewer quarterback last year, so we feel one and done trip to the postseason understood the mindset we want as than 17 points per game in 2016, like he’ll be able to help us in the could signal the beginning of the far as the approach in practice, the that won’t cut it if the team hopes backfield this season,” Niblett said. end for Niblett. energy that it takes on a consistent to turn things around this year. “This past spring was the first basis and execution in game situa- All-around offensive playmaker SEE LIONS, PAGE 24 Goo d Luck Fol ey Lion s! 4 • 2017 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • August 11, 2017 • Gulf Coast Media 2017 FAIRHOPE PIRATES

20172017 FAFAIRHOPEIRHOPE HIGH SCHOOLS FOOTBALLFOOTBALL SSCHEDULECHEDULLE

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fairhope PIRATES

Noah May, Brett Howell and Hunter Griffin Fairhope Pirates ready to bounce back from injury-bug last year

By PATRICK HERRING GCM Sports

FAIRHOPE — Year three appears to be the magic number for Fairhope head coach Tim Carter. After going 8-12 in his first two seasons as the man in charge, 2017 is shaping up to be a banner year for the program. No head coach likes to make excuses, but if one ever had the allowance to do so, it would be Tim Carter. Last season the Pirates lost eight starters over the course of just the first half of the season. The injury bug bit them down the stretch in 2015 as well. However, the team appears to be fully healthy right now, which is bad news for the rest of the region. The roster boasts 23 seniors, with five starters returning on defense. Three of those returning starters are in the secondary, which excites Carter. “The secondary is really going to be the strength of our defense,” Carter said. “Last year we played too much defense; this year I see us being able to get off the field more often on third down.” Senior safety Brett Howell is one of those returning starters, and he sees big things coming for the defense. “Last year we were a little flat- footed,” Howell said. “This year I The Pirates and Lions renew their long Blue and Gold rivalry Sept. 1 at Fairhope. see a lot more speed getting to the ball. We’re not going to let the big on the road. The slate includes play beat us.” The secondary is really going to be the trips to Mary Montgomery, The- odore, Daphne and Baker. Speed wasn’t the only thing strength of our defense. Last year we “ “You just have to be ready to lacking on the team last season played too much defense; this year I see according to fellow senior play when you get there,” Carter defensive back Noah May. us being able to get off the field more said. “It takes senior leadership. “We didn’t have great senior often on third down. You can’t let a bus ride distract leadership last year,” May said. you.” “So as a senior class, we want to ” After the road stand, the make sure that the conflict from a Pirates finish out the schedule year ago isn’t there.” with home games in three of Sounds like Carter has more of tim carter the last four matches. They’ll the team buying into his process FAIRHOPE HEAD COACH host Davidson before taking to in his third year. the road one final time to play On the offensive side of the and he’s just as excited as Coach he’s been heavily recruited by D-1 at Murphy. The regular season ball is where the excitement Carter. programs. will end with home games against is brewing. At quarterback, “I’m expecting big things from If the team even stays half as Alma Bryant and Class 7A state the team returns junior the offense this year,” Griffin said. healthy as they were in 2016, a champion runner-up McGill- Devin Mitchell who took over “I feel like the defense won’t have significant improvement is on Toolen. midway through the season a to carry us as much as they did the horizon. The schedule opens Objectively the Pirates should year ago. The 5’10 gunslinger a year ago. We’ll be able to score with an immediate measuring be looking at tripling their win has tremendous playmaking when they get us the ball.” stick game when the Pirates host total from a year ago and improv- ability, and Carter says he’s also Special teams boast a bright 5A power St. Paul’s in the opener. ing to 6-4 at the very least. A win improved as a passer. spot for the Pirates as well in all- A week later they welcome rival over Davidson, Foley for McGill “The play is never dead with purpose kicker Cole Deeds. He Foley before starting a daunting seems almost essential if they Devin back there,” Carter said. takes care of both the kicking and road trip. have any hopes of a playoff berth. Senior center Hunter Griffin punting duties for the team. In Fairhope will go 35 days be- Don’t be surprised if this team is one of the men responsible for 2016 he hit five field goals of 40- tween home games, spending performs better than many expect keeping Mitchell’s jersey clean, plus yards. According to Carter almost all of September playing them to. 6 • 2017 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • August 11, 2017 • Gulf Coast Media 2017 Daphne Trojans 2017 DAPHNE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 24 @Davidson AWAY Sept. 1 Spanish Fort HOME Sept. 8 @Saraland AWAY Sept. 15 @LeFlore AWAY Oct. 6 @B.C. Rain AWAY Oct. 20 @Mattie T. Blount AWAY Oct. 27 Robertsdale HOME Nov. 3 Baldwin County HOME

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daphne TROJANS

Chance Newman Jack Cushman Trojans planning to build on big strides last year

By PATRICK HERRING GCM Sports

The Daphne Trojans, one of the most storied Baldwin County football programs of the last couple decades, looks to return to its former glory under second-year head coach Kenny King. The former Alabama defensive lineman came home to Daphne and led the team to a 9-3 record, the most wins for the program since 2011. In 2017, the team will look to win the region for the first time since 2013, and make it past the second round of the playoffs for the first time since the team won the state championship in 2010. Improving the team’s win total by three games in his first season wasn’t enough for King. “I always say, ‘Once you complete a task, you have three more tasks to get done,’” King said. This season, the team’s sights are set even higher now that they know how good they can be. Coming into 2016, the team was a complete unknown. They The Trojans’ return teams look to play a big role again this season. opened the season 0-2 before rat- tling off nine consecutive wins, in three of the last four weeks including a first-round playoff The chemistry with this team may against Gulf Shores, Roberts- victory. The team lost convinc- dale and Baldwin County, re- be the best we’ve had since I’ve been ingly to championship runners- “ spectively. up Opelika in the second round. here. The game to watch for will King and company must put that be that last road game, which loss behind them if they hope to ” comes against Blount. A year get further this year. ago, the Leopards only dropped The defense appears to be a sig- two regular season games: one nificant strength for the Trojans to eventual 7A champions Mc- with eight starters returning. Gill-Toolen, and one to Daphne. King noted the front seven, where kenny king Surely, they have Oct. 20 circled five starters return, is going to DAPHNE HEAD COACH on their calendars. be the bread and butter of his Expectations are higher scheme. game (last year), you could see said. “I feel like we have what it going into year two after King One of those players, senior the jitters, but by the last game takes to get (to the state champi- was able to take the team to nine defensive lineman/middle line- you could tell that he was ready to onship), it’s just up to us now.” wins and a playoff berth. In order backer Jack Cushman expressed lead the team.” The schedule is a challenge for to replicate that outcome, the his excitement for the upcoming Newman threw for 20 touch- the Trojans right out of the gate Trojans will have to play with as season. downs and 2,208 yards a season with a road trip to Davidson, who much intensity and heart as they “This year, everyone knows ago, completing 60 percent of his finished 9-2 a season ago. They did in 2016. their job,” Cushman said. “Every- passes along the way. In addition, then welcome Spanish Fort, who On paper, Daphne should win at one knows what to do, and we just King says the signal caller has also won nine games in 2016. least seven games. In order to call wanna go have fun.” been working on increasing his Those tough matchups are fol- the season a success and make it Offensively the Trojans are speed and mobility- not some- lowed by trips to Saraland and back to the playoffs, they’ll likely going to be in the capable hands thing opposing defensive coordi- Leflore before Fairhope comes to need to make it past the first two of senior quarterback and second nators want to hear. town. weeks at 1-1 or beat Blount for a year starter Chance Newman. “I’m definitely more comfort- Following a week five bye, the second year in a row. From there, “I’m excited to see what Chance able with everything going into Trojans travel to B.C. Rain before it’ll be interesting to see how King can do,” King said. “In that first fall camp this year,” Newman finishing out with road games and his team respond to another trip to the playoffs. 8 • 2017 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • August 11, 2017 • Gulf Coast Media

2017 GULF SHORES HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 25 @ Mountain Brook (Birmingham) AWAY Sept. 1 Baldwin County HOME Sept. 8 @Spanish Fort AWAY Sept. 15 @B.C. Rain (Trimmier Park) AWAY Sept. 22 LeFlore HOME Sept. 29 Faith Academy HOME Oct. 6 Saraland HOME Oct. 13 @ Daphne AWAY Oct. 20 Open Oct. 27 Blount HOME Nov. 3 @Robertsdale AWAY

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By PATRICK HERRING GCM Sports Correspondent Inside Gulf Shores hires Matt Blake to lead GULF SHORES — After a ‘Phins football, PAGE 24. preseason of tumult and uncertainty, it appears Gulf Shores High School has found the man seniors and it wouldn’t be fair to to be the leader of their football the school, the faculty and these program. His name is Matt Blake. two communities.” Those familiar with the team will Blake is keeping the coaching remember him as offensive coor- staff from last season in place. He dinator under former head coach feels it will be easier for a coach Ben Blackmon. with 17 years of experience to Blake followed Blackmon to adapt to new terminology in the Spanish Fort where he held the playbook than to have these kids Jyon-Jyon Corbett Rett Files same position for the last two all have to learn something new years. But when the Gulf Shores with so little time to prepare for position opened up again after an I’m not here for a quick fix and a quick the upcoming season. 0-10 season in 2016, Blake decided stay and I’m not here to just kick back On offense senior quarterback to throw his name in for consid- “ Rett Files will lead the Dolphins. eration. and put my feet in the sand and enjoy He’s one of many players who He was interviewed on a Tues- the beach life. I’m here to turn a program are happy to see Blake return. day July 18, met with the Baldwin around. “I was hoping coach Blake County Board of Education that would get the job, and I was Thursday for approval, met with ” happy when he got it,” Files said. his new coaching staff that Sun- “I think it helps that I already day and was introduced to the know him, I know his offense team on the next day. Needless to matt blake and I know what he expects from say, it’s been a whirlwind ride for GULF SHORES HEAD COACH me.” Blake, but he’s just ready to get to The feeling is mutual, with work. so recently and having already weeks before fall camp, but Blake Blake happy to have Files at the “I’m here for the long haul,” built relationships with many of hasn’t given up on the season. helm of the offense. Blake said. “I’m not here for a the players who are upperclass- “There’s no part of me, there’s “Rett understands what I want quick fix and a quick stay and I’m men is an advantage Blake has no part of my makeup that says to do offensively; and he has a not here to just kick back and put over others who may have walked I’m just gonna throw my hands up strong, accurate arm,” Blake said. my feet in the sand and enjoy the into this situation. in the air and concede this year One of the young men charged beach life. I’m here to turn a pro- The Dolphins are a step behind and start working toward the fu- with keeping Files upright is gram around.” everyone else in the region having ture,” Blake said. “That’s not who Having been with the program just named a new head coach two I am. It wouldn’t be fair to these SEE DOLPHINS, PAGE 25 Goo d Luck Gulf Shor es Dol phins! 10 • 2017 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • August 11, 2017 • Gulf Coast Media

2017 ROBERTSDALE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Aug. 25 Foley HOME Sept. 1 @Blount AWAY Sept.8 @ Bryant AWAY Sept. 15 Spanish Fort HOME Sept. 22 @Sarland AWAY Oct. 6 Baldwin County HOME Oct. 13 Rain HOME Oct. 20 @LeFlore AWAY Oct. 27 @Daphne AWAY Nov. 3 Gulf Shores HOME

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robertsdale GOLDEN BEARS

Robertsdale High hopes to hit winning strides for 2017. Golden Bears look to improve on last year’s campaign

By PATRICK HERRING proved leaps and bounds over GCM Sports The chemistry with this team may the 2016 team, if the defense be the best we’ve had since I’ve been keeps allowing five touchdowns Although no one wants to say it “ per game, it won’t matter. before fall camp even starts, the here. The schedule looks like it fire under Robertsdale head coach ” may work in favor of the Golden Brian Campbell’s seat may be Bears this season, with only getting hotter. The Golden Bears three teams on the calendar have compiled just a 9-29 record who won more than six games in his five seasons at the helm. He in 2016. To start the season, Rob- does have five more wins in that ertsdale welcomes rival Foley in time than his predecessor did, brian campbell a non-regional matchup before which has apparently earned him ROBERTSDALE HEAD COACH traveling to Blount and Alma this sixth season, but anything Bryant the following weeks. short of five wins may cause some son with a 300-yard rushing effort Games versus Spanish Fort and rumblings to begin. against Gulf Shores. He’ll be look- at Saraland then wrap up the ma- Robertsdale does have reason ing to pick up right where he left jority of the meat of their sched- for hope with the current crop of off when this season begins. ule before we even get to October. players Campbell appears to be “The defensive staffs always After the bye, the Golden Bears readying to play in the fall. scheme to stop me, but I always host a pair of 5-5 teams in Bald- “The chemistry with this team find a way to get into the end win County and B.C. Rain. A may be the best we’ve had since zone,” Prim said. week later they travel to play at I’ve been here,” Campbell said. “Deandre brings great speed to Leflore before a tough road game On offense, the Golden Bears the table,” Campbell said. “He has at Daphne. The season wraps up will be breaking in a new starting good hands and he hits the hole with a home matchup against quarterback in 6’1 sophomore well.” Gulf Shores. Tristian Stevens. Campbell brought in two new Three games on the schedule “Tristian had a great spring,” defensive coordinators to shore appear to be very winnable for Campbell said. “He’s able to up a unit that allowed a team Campbell and his team. If they distribute the ball around so we record 361 points a year ago. The hope to get to 5-5 or even think can be more of a 50-50 team as DeAndre Prim program should benefit from a about a winning record, they’ll opposed to the run-oriented team new scheme, seeing as the old one need to win the close games they running back Deandre Prim. we have been in years past.” wasn’t working well at all. tended to lose a year ago, and The shifty, speedy running back Along with Stevens in the Even if the offense has im- limit the big plays on defense. backfield will be talented senior capped off an impressive 2016 sea- 12 • 2017 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • August 11, 2017 • Gulf Coast Media

2017 SPANISH FORT HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 25 McGill-Toolen HOME Sept. 1 @Daphne AWAY Sept. 8 Gulf Shores HOME Sept. 15 @Robertsdale AWAY Sept. 22 @Baldwin County AWAY Oct. 6 Mattie T. Blount HOME Oct. 13 @Foley AWAY Oct. 20 @Saraland AWAY Oct. 27 B.C. Rain HOME Nov. 2 LeFlore HOME

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spanish

TOROS fort

Destin Myers Grant Betts Jack Samsel SF Toros not satisfied with 10-3, expect a deeper finish in 2017

By PATRICK HERRING GCM Sports Correspondent

SPANISH FORT — Spanish Fort looks to return to the pinnacle of the sport once again in 2017 after having a down year, by their stan- dards, last year. While most programs would kill for a 10-3 season, anything but a state title is seen as a lost season for the Toro faithful. Head coach Ben Blackmon enters his third season with the team having won 25 games, including a state championship. The third- round playoff loss was, amaz- ingly, the team’s earliest playoff exit since 2011. All eyes will be on Blackmon and how he and his staff respond this year after the premature playoff departure and the loss of a large senior class. Spanish Fort returns just three starters on both sides of the ball, but don’t expect Blackmon to use that fact as a crutch. “The expectations are always the same,” Blackmon said. “They don’t go down because of a graduating class.” KENNY SMITH/GCM CORRESPONDENT PHOTO The team lost Alabama’s all- SFHS defensive back Tony Mitchell (20) tries to tackle Tigers running back Rj Stevens last year. time leading tackler in Thomas belt, so he’s ready to be a play- Blackmon also expressed confi- will respond to the adversity. Johnston, who committed to UAB. maker for us.” dence in the execution on special Right out of the gate the tone His presence as a leader of the The quarterback echoed his teams where Matt Quinn is the will be set for the season when defense will be missed, but Black- coach’s sentiment and expressed go-to guy. Spanish Fort opens the season mon has another star standout his desire to win in 2017. “Matt has been our kicker since against 7A championship finalist with inside linebacker in Destin “I’m way more comfortable with he was in eighth grade and now McGill-Toolen at home. The Yel- Myers. the offense now than I was last sea- he’s a junior,” Blackmon said. lowjackets also lost a bevy of tal- “I’m not phased at all by the lack son,” Samsel said. “Our mindset “He’s one of the best in the coun- ent, so the early-season showcase of returning starters,” Myers said. here is to win a championship, so it try at what he does.” will be a good measure of where “And there’s no challenge taking forces us to work hard, and that’s As Blackmon iterated, the ex- both teams stand. over for Thomas. I’m just gonna go what I’ve been doing.” pectations at Spanish Fort are Spanish Fort will then take to out and play my position.” In front of Samsel will be an of- nearly set in stone. They preceded the road for a game at Daphne, fol- That’s the mindset a coach fensive line anchored by senior of- his tenure and will likely be in lowed by a home contest against wants from a key player on his fensive lineman Grant Betts, who’s place for years to come. From the the Dolphins of Gulf Shores. Road defense. already committed to Troy. He’s community to the school staff to games versus Robertsdale and On the other side of the ball, got 28 starts under his belt, and the students, everyone in Spanish Baldwin County will wrap up the Blackmon has an experienced he’s ready to make some noise in Fort has gotten used to winning, first half of the schedule before quarterback at his disposal in se- his final year. and they don’t want to lose the the team’s bye week. nior Jack Samsel. The signal caller “We’ve got a lot of beef up front taste for it. The rest will be needed prior enters his first season as the undis- on the offensive line,” Betts said. “I The Toros have quite a bit to to the home matchup against puted starter after the team played feel like we can take on anyone in replace, and it remains to be seen Blount. The Toros will then travel five quarterbacks last year due to a the state.” how well Blackmon and company to Foley and Saraland in consecu- plethora of injuries, as well as just tive weeks before finishing out the trying to replace an All-State quar- regular season with home games terback in Tyler Johnston. The expectations are always the same. against B.C. Rain and Leflore. Samsel is a coach’s son who has They don’t go down because of a gradu- Playoffs would appear to be bounced around often. Last sea- “ ating class. a given in 2017, even for the son he transferred from Baker to depleted Toro roster. A regular Spanish Fort after having played ” season record around 8-2, maybe previously in Tennessee. Going even 9-1 seems plausible. The into 2017, he’s more acquainted real test will come when playoff with Blackmon and the offense, time rolls around again. Will which is a recipe for success. the curtain close on Spanish “Jack is a 30 ACT guy, so you Fort early once again, or will the know he’s got the brains for it,” ben blackmon Toros bring home more hard- Blackmon said. “And he has a full SPANISH FORT HEAD COACH ware? offseason in the offense under his 14 • 2017 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • August 11, 2017 • Gulf Coast Media

2017 BALDWIN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 25 @Northview-Dothan AWAY Sept. 1 @Gulf Shores AWAY Sept. 8 Mattie T. Blount HOME Sept. 22 Spanish Fort HOME Sept. 29 Alma Bryant HOME Oct. 6 @Robertsdale AWAY Oct. 13 Saraland HOME Oct. 20 @B.C. Rain AWAY Oct. 27 LeFlore HOME Nov. 3 @Daphne AWAY

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baldwin county TIGERS

BCHS quarterback Eli Powell BCHS receiver Javis Atchison Offensive lineman Tyler Jernigan Playoff hungry Tigers poised to post winning season

By PATRICK HERRING GCM Sports

BAY MINETE -- In head coach Nathan McDaniel’s fourth season at Baldwin County High School, the Tigers will be looking to post the programs first winning record since way back in 2004. The team has been on the cusp in each of his three prior years at the helm, just missing out at 5-5, 4-6 and 5-5. Going into the 2017 season, McDaniel is confident in his squad and their ability to be special in 2017. “This is the best spring we’ve ever had since I’ve been here,” McDaniel said. “Mentally, this is the best team we’ve had since I’ve been here, and physically we can match up with anybody.” A huge component to the winning formula comes in the form of the return of quarterback Eli Powell who missed almost the entire 2016 season recovering from surgery to repair tears in his labrum and bicep tendon in his throwing arm. With him back in the fold, the offense could be dangerous. “Eli brings leadership and an unbelievable desire to win,” McDaniel said. “He demands excellence from his teammates.” According to Powell, sitting on the sidelines wasn’t a total loss for him last year. “I was able to be with my KENNY SMITH/GCM CORRESPONDENT PHOTO offensive coordinator every Eli Powell throws a screen pass to Dwyane Koen. second of the games last year,” After their early bye week, Powell said. “I feel like that will Baldwin County will then host help me this year, knowing what We may not have the numbers other Spanish Fort and Alma Bryant he’s calling and why.” teams do. But the quality is there. before hitting the road to take Powell should be kept upright “ They work hard, and I’ve really been on Robertsdale. The Tigers for the majority of his time on will then alternate home and the field since the Tigers return impressed with the work ethic of these away games against Saraland, four of five offensive linemen, sophomores and juniors. B.C. Rain, Leflore and Daphne, including four-year starter Tyler respectively. Jernigan. ” In total, the 2016 win-loss “The offensive line will be the record of the Tigers’ 2017 strength of the team,” Jernigan opponents is a paltry 45-63. said. “We’ve been playing nathan mcdaniel They play five teams who together for a long time, so the BCHS HEAD COACH won three or fewer games a chemistry is great.” year ago. It’s safe to say that if The guys catching passes from is going to be 100 percent now.” take notice. The schedule stacks the Tigers don’t post a winning Powell are also a step ahead McDaniel also boasted about the up heavily in favor of the Tigers. record, McDaniel’s seat may start of those a year ago. McDaniel strength of his defensive line and Only four of their opponents to get hot in the offseason. believes his receivers are faster as their improvement. Defensive end posted winning records a year Realistically the Tigers should a group than those they’ve had in Will Dobbins spoke about the unit. ago, and of those four, three will win six games, with a seventh prior years. Junior wide receiver “I have a lot of confidence in play at Baldwin County. To open more than possible. If the offense Javis Atchison agrees. our defense,” Dobbins said. “The the season, the Tigers play on the clicks on all cylinders with Powell “This is the best wide receiver mental approach has changed, as road against a pair of 0-10 teams back in the fold, a playoff berth group to come through Baldwin has the accountability.” from 2016 in Northview and Gulf and an 8-2 record in the regular County (High School) in a long If the Tigers’ mental capacity Shores. The real test comes in season wouldn’t be the least bit time,” Atchison said. “It feels can match up to their physicality, Week 3 against last year’s region surprising. good to have Eli back. The offense other teams in the region better champion Blount. 16 • 2017 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • August 11, 2017 • Gulf Coast Media

2017 BAYSIDE ACADEMY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 25 @St. James AWAY Sept. 1 Faith Academy HOME Sept. 8 @Clarke County AWAY Sept. 15 Mobile Christian HOME Sept. 22 @Excel AWAY Oct. 6 @Hillcrest-Evergreen AWAY Oct. 13 Cottage Hill Christian Academy HOME Oct. 20 @T.R. Miller AWAY Oct. 27 Flomaton HOME Nov. 3 Carroll HOME

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bayside ADMIRALS

Players pictured are Hunter Langham (70), Seth Shirley (7) and Brock Murphy (1). Young Admirals led by three seniors

By PATRICK HERRING GCM Sports

Bayside Academy head football coach Phil Lazenby enters his eleventh season as the program’s leader this fall, making him far and away the longest tenured football coach in Baldwin County. As long as he’s been at Bayside, however, he’s never had anything like what he’ll have in 2017: a senior class consisting of just three young men. “We usually have small senior classes compared to our peers, but this is an anomaly,” Lazenby said. “The entire Bayside senior class only has 26 guys this year.” The class consists of running back/defensive back Seth Shirley, offensive/defensive lineman Hunter Langham and defensive back/wide receiver Brock Murphy. Notice they all play both sides of the ball, which is less a testament to the small class of seniors and moreso that of the small size of the team. This year’s squad consists of a whopping 32 players. Despite those numbers, the team is still returning four starters on offense and six on Seth Shirley points to the end zone on his way to a Bayside score last year. defense. from last year, at home. “We may not have the numbers Road games at Excel and other teams do,” Lazenby said. We may not have the numbers other Hillcrest Evergreen are the “But the quality is there. They teams do. But the quality is there. bookends on either side of the work hard, and I’ve really been “ They work hard, and I’ve really been team’s bye week. The Admirals impressed with the work ethic of impressed with the work ethic of these close out with three of four these sophomores and juniors.” games at home against Cottage Under the leadership of those sophomores and juniors. Hill, Flomaton and Carroll, who three seniors, the goal is to return ” lost their only game from a year to the state championship game ago in the third round of the the 2015 team made it to. Offensive playoffs. Their final road game and defensive lineman Hunter is against T.R. Miller in week Langham is one of those seniors, phil lazenby BAYSIDE HEAD COACH nine. and he spoke about that goal. Even knowing what the “We want to get back to the sophomore quarterback Matt they’ll need every ounce of Admirals lost from last year, mentality of the state team from Kalifeah. The first-year starter leadership the senior class can it’s getting harder and harder 2015,” Langham said. “Their did see game action a year ago muster, as well as a bounce or two to count out a Lazenby-coached hunger was stronger than the and showed promise. Lazenby going their way. team. Bayside has made the guys from last year. It was one of sounds encouraged by the young The schedule is no cakewalk as playoffs in all but two seasons the best senior classes I’ve ever man’s progress and confident he they face four teams who made under Lazneby, and won 13 been around.” can get the job done. the playoffs in 2016. Bayside playoff games in ten seasons. The goal for the class of three Defensively with six starters begins the season with a road A 7-3 record in the regular seniors is to emulate their returning, the Admirals are in game to St. James, who went season and yet another playoff predecessors, but they know it pretty good hands. 10-2 a year ago. They then play berth seems to be a reasonable will be a tall task for three young A year ago, the Admirals their home opener against Faith expectation, but don’t be men to handle. Even so, they’re made it to the third round of Academy before a road contest at surprised if the Admirals find a not shying away from it. the playoffs before losing to Clarke County. In the fourth game way to knock off one of the 10-win On the offensive side of the Gordo. In order to make it to of the season, they take on Mobile teams on their schedule. ball, the team will be leaning on the championship game in 2017, Christian, the state runners up 18 • 2017 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • August 11, 2017 • Gulf Coast Media

2017 ST. MICHAEL CARDINALS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 28 Gulf Shores HOME Sept. 5 Mobile Christian HOME Sept. 11 @Chickasaw AWAY Sept. 18 @Bayside AWAY Sept. 29 Florala HOME Oct. 10 Catholic HOME Oct. 16 @Cottage Hill AWAY Oct. 23 ChChickasawickasaw HOME Oct. 30 @@FaithFaith AWAY GO

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st. michael catholic CARDINALS

Luke Farrell (28), Michael Brown (43) and Garet Seibt (66) Cardinals begin sophomore year of new football program

By PATRICK HERRING GCM Sports

FAIRHOPE — With the inaugural season in the books, head coach Scott Phelps and the St. Michael football team have something to grow on in the 2017 season. While they’re a couple of years removed from starting varsity play, the Cardinals can still work on achieving new milestones every day. “We’re still in the process of building the program,” Phelps said. “We still only have a partial junior class, and won’t have a full senior class for a couple of years.” The Cardinals do have something they didn’t have in 2016: their own weight room. After spending a year working out at the local YMCA, the players now have a place to call their own. While it’s not state of the art by any means, it’s a start. A year ago, the team went 1-7 playing a junior-varsity schedule. This year, the team will play another eight-game junior-varsity slate, but they will also play in the team’s first ever varsity contest. Florala will visit in Week Five during Fairhope High’s bye week so the Cardinals can play at the Pirates’ W.C. Majors Field facility. “I just can’t wait to have these guys be able to go out there on a Friday night and play under the same lights as everyone else plays under on Friday nights,” Phelps PHOTO BY TONY WHITEHEAD/GCM STAFF said. “It’ll be great for these young Grant Murray holds as Anthony Lazzari kicks an extra point for St. Michael’s Catholic. men to get a taste of that in their second year.” With a meatier roster, more eligible players and new equip- This year the team consists of We’re still in the process of building 27 eligible players, a good step up ment, things are looking up for the program. We still only have a partial from the 19 on the squad in 2016. “ Phelps and company. There are “There was a big challenge of junior class, and won’t have a full senior still plenty of things the team not even being able to do 11-on-11 class for a couple of years. could use going into this season, drills in practice to simulate real but they’re not making excuses. games because we didn’t have ” They’re building a program and enough guys, but this year we do,” having fun along the way. Phelps said. Phelps does have a goal in Junior linebacker Michael mind heading into the future Brown was truthful when he spoke scott phelps with the team. about the team’s first season. CARDINALS HEAD COACH “We want to go into 2018 with “Finishing was tough for us be- no deficit,” Phelps said. “We want these young men to have cause pretty much the entire team Luke Farrell becomes eligible activity with the team. Having everything they need to compete was playing on both sides of the after transferring in a year ago. him active will be a much-needed alongside their peers, from equip- ball,” Brown said. “It’s been special building this boon for the offense. ment to a field and everything in Many players will still be asked team, giving these guys something Junior offensive tackle Garet between.” to play offense and defense, but to look for in practice,” Farrell Seibt is confident in his unit for Funding for an on-campus sta- with a little bit more depth on the said. “I just can’t wait to get out the upcoming season. dium is still in the works, but for roster, perhaps the team won’t be there.” “The o-line has a really tight now the Cardinals will continue stretched quite as thin. Since he was a transfer student, core with only one new guy com- to play their junior varsity sched- Offensively the Cardinals will Farrell was unable to play in any ing in,” Seibt said. “I feel like we ule at the Fairhope Municipal be gaining a new player in week games a season ago, but partici- will show a big improvement from facilities. two when junior running back pated in every other practice and last year.” 20 • 2017 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • August 11, 2017 • Gulf Coast Media Elberta community to launch

elbertaWARRIORS new high school program

By PATRICK HERRING GCM Sports Correspondent It’s important to change our“ vision. (The players) The town of Elberta is have to understand that experiencing exponential they’re no longer a seventh growth, and has been for some time now. While and eighth grade team, many outsiders consider but a varsity team moving it the farm town east of forward. Foley, the townfolk don’t take kindly to that and are ” hoping to continue their greg seibert growth and become widely ELBERTA HEAD COACH known for more than just the Sausage Festival. 11 of 12 seasons under his approach the game with a One surefire way to tutelage. new mentality. grow is to install a high Seibert grew up in El- “It’s important to school into your town, an berta, where his family change our vision,” Seib- idea that is already mov- has called home since the ert said. “(The players) ing forward for Elberta. early 1900s. His mother have to understand that With a high school in still calls the small town they’re no longer a sev- Alabama, a football pro- home. There’s even a enth and eighth grade Carter Stewart gram is almost a given. Seibert Road bearing the team, but a varsity team Elberta is no exception, so family’s namesake. Who moving forward.” the school wasted no time wouldn’t want to come According to Seibert, hiring a head coach and home to build a football the football team will com- beginning the program. program? pete at the junior varsity Greg Seibert was named “It’s the same building level for the first three Elberta High School’s first I went to school in, the years in order to ensure head football coach. Seib- same building my dad the safety of the players. ert comes to Elberta from went to school in,” Seibert Obviously 13- and 14-year- Pensacola Catholic where said, getting momentarily olds shouldn’t be playing he served as the program’s choked up. “We have to do on the same field as 16- head coach for the last 12 it right, and we have to do and 17-year-olds. seasons and compiled an it with class.” At this point in the pro- 81-55 record for the Cru- The biggest challenge cess, Seibert says the team saders. The team made the the new head coach sees has 35 to 40 junior varsity playoffs in an astounding is getting his players to players, including some eighth graders. Wide receivers Carter BX Series B Series Stewart and Drew Ray are part of what will be the first class of seniors the school will graduate. “It’s going to be tough moving up to a high school Drew Ray level, but we’re excited Ray and Stewart are vying school will grow, and the about it,” Stewart said. to become Elberta’s first program’s following will “There’s definitely going quarterback come this fall. grow. Elberta is a tightly to be a change going from “There is a definite knit place, so don’t be sur- 1A, playing against Sum- quarterback competi- prised if the small town merdale and Perdido, to tion between those two,” shuts down on Friday M Series L Series having games against Seibert said. “Carter has nights in the future to teams like Spanish Fort,” a tremendous football IQ, watch its sons represent Ray added. and he’s a winner at heart. the area on the gridiron. With building a new Drew is a dynamic player, Come 2020, the Elberta team, there’s going to be a very explosive kid.” High School Warriors competition for every spot Having a high school, will be the new kid on the on the roster, including the and with it a football pro- block in the varsity high most important position gram, will be great for the school arena. But for Seib- on the field: quarterback. entire Elberta community. ert and the township, it’s As the town grows, the been a long time coming.

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2017 VARSITY FOOTBALL Best Wishes on your first season! GO EAGLES ! SNOOK FARMS Summerdale, AL 22 • 2017 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • August 11, 2017 • Gulf Coast Media EAGLES

2017 SNOOK CHRISTIAN ACADEMY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 18 St. Patrick HOME (played at J.D. Sellers Stadium in Robertsdale) Aug. 25 @Robert F. Munroe AWAY Sept. 1 @Rocky Bayou AWAY Sept. 8 @Baker AWAY Sept. 15 @North Florida AWAY Sept. 22 South Walton HOME (played at Summerdale Middle School) Sept. 29 Open Oct. 6 @Maclay AWAY Oct. 13 Freeport HOME (played at Summerdale Middle School) Oct. 20 Open Oct. 27 @Aucilla AWAY Nov. 3 @Northview AWAY

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snook Turning a legacy christian academy into a tradition EAGLES Keith Smith to lead Snook Christian in first varsity football season

By JOHN UNDERWOOD at this point is that we don’t have [email protected] a lot of depth, but hopefully that will remedy itself over time.” FOLEY — Most children grow Offensively, the Eagles will up hearing bedtime stories, but feature a run-first offense, led by Keith Smith’s bedtime stories junior quarterback Andre Ste- were probably a little different. phenson and senior running back “My bedtime stories were filled Trell Prim in the backfield, along with tales of people like Bobby with sophomore Keldrick Koen at Lauder, Billy Walker, Danny Mas- the fullback position. tream, Anthony DeMarlo, Don Receivers will include sopho- Foster, Ronnie Helton, Kenny Sta- mores Ladarious Roper and bler and Coach Ivan Jones,” said Camaje Casey, son of former Smith, all legends of Foley High Foley standout Essex Casey and School football. nephew of former Foley and Growing up, Smith was proba- Auburn standout Herbert Casey; bly also regaled with stories about junior Damarius Pickens, nephew his father, Lester Smith, who led of former Lion Emanuel Pickens; the Lions to two state champion- and freshman Raven Faiupu. ships as a quarterback in the Senior tight end Will Crosby 1960s, then went on to coach more will also serve as a leader on the games (214 over 21 seasons) and offense, along with seniors Mitch- record more wins (127) than any ell Chambers at guard and Allen other coach in Foley’s history. Brown at tackle, sophomore Lin- “I will always be a Foley Lion,” coln Butts at center. said the younger Smith. “I love Other standouts offensively Foley. I guess you could say it’s in include freshmen Logan Trawick my blood.” and Seth Reynolds and seventh Smith himself is part of the graders Gabe Motichek and tradition of Foley football, play- Hayden Joiner. ing for his father in the 1980s, Just like the offense begins with graduating in 1986, returning the run, the defense will begin shortly thereafter as a volunteer with stopping the run, Smith said, assistant. running a base 5-3 and 4-4 defense He spent 10 years total as an with a 4-3 at times. assistant for the Foley High pro- Seniors Crosby and Brown will gram. In between, he coached 17 lead the defense at the end posi- years in the Foley Middle School tions with Brown also moving program, one year as an assis- into a linebacker position, along tant and 16 years as head coach, with freshman Riley McGregor. leading the FMS Lions to seven Up front, the Eagles will look county championships. to senior Chambers, along with “When I left Foley in 2014 I sophomore Butts and freshmen thought I was done with coach- Reynolds. ing,” Keith Smith said. He took Linebackers will include junior a job as a history teacher at the Pickens, sophomores Casey and Alabama Gulf Coast Christian Koen, freshmen Trawick and Fai- Academy, a school that the Smith upu along with Casey’s younger PHOTO BY JOHN UNDERWOOD/GCM PHOTO family helped found. brother, eighth grader Essex Junior quarterback Andre Stephenson warms up during a recent practice. Last year, the school changed Casey IV . its name to the Snook Christian In the secondary, the Eagles the teams we’re playing and we recalls another bedtime story. The Academy. At the same time, Keith will look to senior Prim at safety, don’t know a lot about how we are story of Coach Harry West and Smith said, he was approached by junior Stephenson and sopho- going to be as a team until we get the first Foley High football team Principal Thad Butts about start- more Roper at the corners. Sev- out there and play,” Smith said. back in 1924. ing a varsity football program. enth grader Arrington Faiupu “We’re just going to go out and do “They had 14 kids on that first “We made the tough decision to will also be a standout on the our best and hope for the best.” team,” Smith said. “They played go ahead and jump in with a varsity Eagle defense, Smith said. The Eagles will also play a five- one game in 1924 in street clothes program this year,” Smith said, The team will face a tough game schedule against mainly against a Bay Minette team that holding spring practices with about schedule right out the gate, Smith freshmen teams, led by Butts. had uniforms and full equipment. 30 players, ranging in age from fifth said, hosting St. Patrick’s Catholic By 2018, Smith said, he hoped They lost the game (47-6) but for graders up through seniors. High of Biloxi, Mississippi, on the Eagles would be part of either the rest of their lives, those play- Of course, Lester Smith agreed Aug. 18 at J.D. Sellars Stadium in the AHSAA or AISA. ers had a story to tell their chil- to help out, coaching the quarter- Robertsdale. “I spoke with (AHSAA director) dren. That they were a part of the backs, along with Ben Kissinger, The team will also host two Steve Savarese and it will prob- first game in Foley history. who will coach the offensive line; other opponents, Sept. 22 ver- ably be at least two more years “And that’s what I tell these Eric Whittle, receivers; former sus South Walton of Santa Rosa before we could be eligible for kids. No matter what happens on Foley Lion Willie Watts, running Beach, Florida, and Oct. 13 postseason play in the AHSAA,” the field, they can tell their chil- backs; Smith’s college teammate against Freeport (Florida) at Sum- Smith said. “I like the AISA too dren that they were a part of the Jerome Roper, who will serve as merdale Middle School stadium. and we would be postseason eligi- first game, the first team at Snook defensive coordinator; Ben Cox- The remainder of Snook’s 10- ble right away if we join them, but Christian Academy.” well, defensive backs; and Nia game schedule will be played in our only nearby opponent right It’s about building a legacy to Faiupu, who has two sons on the Florida, Aug. 25 at Robert F. Mun- now would be Escambia Academy start a tradition. team, coaching linebackers. roe in Quincey (6 p.m. kickoff); in Atmore.” “Someone once told me that a The team will be led by 10 upper Sept. 1 at Rocky Bayou Christian All of Snook’s other sports tradition is something that you classmen, including four seniors, in Niceville; Sept. 8 at Baker, teams will play in the Panhandle are a part of that someone else two juniors and four sophomores, Florida; Sept. 15 at North Florida Christian Conference, Smith said, built,” Smith said. “A legacy is along with five freshmen. Six Christian in Tallahassee (6:30 p.m. which includes Central Christian something at you start to pass eighth graders and eight seventh kickoff); Oct. 6 at Maclay in Tal- in Robertsdale and Bayshore along to someone else.” graders round out the team, along lahassee (6 p.m. kickoff); Oct. 27 at Christian in Fairhope, but only It’s a legacy that, Smith says, with one sixth grader and one Aucilla Christian in Monticello (6 one team in the Panhandle Chris- will go well beyond him and his fifth grader. p.m. kickoff); and Nov. 3 at North- tian Conference currently fields a family. “I think we have a pretty good view in Bratt. Kickoffs unless oth- football program. “These kids have worked hard,” group of starters,” Smith said. erwise indicated are 7 p.m. In reflecting on starting a he said, “and they deserve all the “Obviously my biggest concern “We just don’t know a lot about legacy at Snook Christian, Smith recognition they can get.” 24 • 2017 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • August 11, 2017 • Gulf Coast Media Gulf Shores hires Matt Blake to lead ‘Phins football

By MICHAEL HANICH volleyball team that last year had game, she spoke of her aunt, Ala- For GCM SPORTS five sweep wins but also experi- bama Hall of Fame and former enced 12 swept losses. As the head St. Paul’s and Murphy coach GULF SHORES — At Gulf coach, she feels she has more Nancy Shoquist who prepped at Shores High head coach Macy opportunity to not only help the Fairhope High. Roe begins her first year with team win, but also to properly “My aunt has always been the Dolphins as head coach. Roe teach the girls the fundamentals some one I’ve looked up to. She is joining the Dolphins after of volleyball as well as the more has been very successful in her being an assistant for Baker High advanced lessons of the sport. coaching career; she is also in the School for two years. Her first “I have a deep love for the hall of fame. She has helped with year there, she coached the fresh- game, and always have growing everything from being a coach, man team then the following year up,” she said. “I have been very player, to the person I am today.” with the JV team. lucky to have been trained as a The first game (as well as first On top of coaching the Hor- player and a coach under so many county-rival contest) for the 2017 nets for two years, she has been great coaches. Because of all my Gulf Shores Dolphins’ junior coaching club volleyball for three different experiences, I can pull varsity and varsity teams is on years with the Mobile Storm. She different drills and different ways the road at Baldwin County High graduated from Baker in 2012 and to explain how the form should School in Bay Minette on August then ventured to play collegiate work (and) look.” 31. The first home game for the volleyball for Faulkner State and When talking about which varsity team will be on Sept. 7 Troy. coach or player she admires and against Area 2 rival Daphne Tro- PHOTO BY MICHAEL HANICH/GCM CORRESPONDENT Roe will be leading the girls’ draws inspiration from for her jans. Matt Blake arrives at GSHS.

LIONS A look at FSU, CONTINUED FROM 3

Sharing the backfield Southern Miss with Armstrong will be senior quarterback Garrett Mayo, who took over the position after Armstrong and Troy football was injured early last year. He expressed confidence AS THE 2017-18 COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON and excitement when asked about Armstrong. GETS CLOSER TO STARTING, there are many “Chris is an explosive teams that are on track to surpassing their re- player,” Mayo said. “Peo- spective previous seasons. Some of the regional ple in the state know he’s a teams in the Gulf Coast have high potential for threat.” Before switching to in recent years with only Starting fast hasn’t been week. a big season and their fan bases are eager to see quarterback, Mayo took two coming back who have a problem for Niblett’s The Lions will then host the continuing progress of their teams as they snaps at wide receiver, any game experience. past teams as the Lions Murphy, Spanish Fort, get ready for kickoff in late August. which may help him in his Niblett is no less confident, started 3-1 in both of the Baker and Theodore, with final season. however, calling the re- past two seasons, but fin- a road trip to Mary G. “Playing wide receiver ceiving corps young, but ished a collective 3-10 after Montgomery wedged in TROY This season should last year helped me un- capable. that. The team is currently the middle. be no different The Troy Tro- derstand better where the Defensively the Lions on a six-game losing skid, If all of the tinkering especially with the jans accounted for breaks happen and where are deeper up front than the longest in twelve sea- that Niblett has done on reigning national their first 10-win the routes are going,” they have been under sons. offense and the depth on champions in the season last year Mayo said. Niblett. That all starts The schedule provides defense work out the way Clemson Tigers at 10-3 including a Niblett believes moving with senior defensive the Lions with a good mix the team hopes they will, MICHAEL expected to be in a victory against the Armstrong to running end Jack Detombe. of winnable games, evenly Foley will be a feared team HANICH rebuilding season. Ohio Bobcats in back and having Mayo at Oddly enough, Detombe matched contests and once again. Yet even with Sports Last season, the the Dollar General the helm is what’s best for started at guard in 2016, tougher competition. another tough start, the Analysis Seminoles were Bowl in Mobile. the team, and he has confi- but dropped 40 pounds Foley opens with four Lions should still be able experiencing a Now in his third season dence in his quarterback. over the offseason for the of five games on the road to finish the 2017 season quarterback change, which with the Trojans, head “Garrett understands wrestling season, so he and ends with four of five a little stronger than last was not as bad as people coach Neal Brown is look- the offense, he under- switched to end. at home, an interesting year. thought and a new defen- ing to outperform their first stands what we’re try- “You definitely have to dynamic that may work in The team will likely sive outlook, in which they 10-win season since tran- ing to do. not only in the change your mindset when the team’s favor. need to win three of their underperformed in mul- sitioning to Division I with passing game, but in the you go from one side of the The Lions open with last four games to make tiple areas. In their 10-3 re- their first Sun Belt Confer- run game, the reads, ball to the other,” Detombe road games at Robertsdale the playoffs, but it isn’t out cord, the Seminoles lost to ence title since 2010. the checks and all that,” said. “I was used to pro- and Fairhope, host David- of the question. Expect a highly efficient and explo- Last season, the Trojans Niblett said. tecting my quarterback, son and go on the road to 7-3 season and a return to sive offenses like Louisville were 37th in the nation At wide receiver, the and now I’m trying to sack Alma Bryant and McGill- glory for the Foley Lions Cardinals, North Carolina in points per game (33.7) Lions will be thinner than him in practice.” Toolen before their bye in 2017. with a power run game by Tarheels and Clemson Jordan Chunn and a more Tigers. The defense was explosive passing game ranked 44th in points al- led by former Gulf Shores lowed per game (25) and quarterback Brandon Sil- 57th in passing yards al- Jags look to build on last year’s success vers. Silvers and Chunn lowed per game (221.1). are a part of an offense this Former freshman standout THE SOUTH ALABAMA JAGUARS experienced units in the Sun Belt. the SMU Mustangs. Even and 2014 All-American season that returns nine many firsts in their young football program last Defensively, the Jaguars though the Jags have starters from last season. Derwin James had a sea- return six starters from played very well against The defense will have son ending knee injury in season. They beat a Power-5 conference team in last season including nonconference opponents to replace star players like September last season. He Mississippi State (SEC), they beat a ranked team Reaves, Songy and Tre Al- the past two seasons, the Sun Belt defensive player of will be back with a highly in the No. 19 San Diego State Aztecs and they had ford. Songy is the return- Jags have only won five talented defensive backfield the year in Rashad Dillard. their first Jaguar selected in the NFL Draft in Ger- ing leader in tackles with games (out of 16 match- They do have four return- unit including Tarvarus 100 and Jalen Thompson ups) against Sun Belt con- ing defensive backs on a McFadden, who had eight ald Everett (second round – Los Angeles Rams). is the returning intercep- ferences opponents. defense that was ranked interceptions. The defense tions leader with four and South Alabama will 17th in points allowed per is expected to be one of the Now the Jag- Johnson, middle former transfer Finesse need to win conference game (22.1). The last game best in the nation with the uars are even linebacker Dar- Middleton (a Louisville games especially with the on Troy’s schedule against offense looking to sopho- keener for this rell Songy and Cardinals transfer) ac- non-conference schedule Arkansas State could settle more Deondre Francois for upcoming season safety Jeremy counted for 4.5 sacks beginning at Ole Miss, the Sun Belt Conference leadership. with their main Reaves. However, last season while being a home against Oklahoma title. goal being to win throughout the reserve. Defensive coor- State and at Louisiana SOUTHERN MISS the Sun Belt Con- MICHAEL 2016 season, the dinator Kane Wommack Tech, who accounted for a FSU After winning the C-USA ference title. HANICH Jaguars had diffi- should be pleased with the 9-5 record last year. South Since Jimbo Fisher took conference championship Head coach Sports culty keeping the potential of this defense. Alabama will need to Analysis over the position of head in 2011, the Southern Miss Joey Jones and offensive line com- Athlon Sports predicts battle through the O-Line coach of the Florida State Golden Eagles took a big the Jaguars re- pletely healthy. that the South Alabama injuries and startling lack Seminoles, they have been hit when head coach Larry turn a lot of talent from If the offense can remain Jaguars will post a 6-6 re- of experienced wide re- in the conversation for ACC Fedora left to take the same last year’s squad including healthy in 2017, they can cord (5-3 in Sun Belt play) ceivers but has the poten- conference titles as well as quarterback Dallas Davis, be one of the most ef- and secure a bowl berth tial to win their first ever National Championships. SEE LOOK, PAGE 26 running back Xavier ficient and high-power in the Cure Bowl against Sun Belt title in 2017. Gulf Coast Media • August 11, 2017 • 2017 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • 25 DOLPHINS CONTINUED FROM 9

A look at SEC football 2017 Jyon-Jyon Corbett, senior center. THE SEC HAS BEEN ONE OF THE BEST CONFERENCES in ing quarterback despite freshman quarterback and new starting run- “Jyon has played all Jacob Eason playing well. Last ning back. In order to ensure that five positions on the line College Football for the past decade. This upcoming 2017 col- year, the Bulldogs were ranked No. the offense will grow throughout since the spring,” Blake legiate football season has potential for a lot of teams look- 102 in the nation in points per game the season, the defense will need to said. “He’s a very cerebral ing to break out and make a playoff run. The Southeastern (24.5) and 97th in passing yards per perform better than last year when kid, he knows the game Conference has been one of the most dominating in the na- game (193.5). The majority of the they were 104th in rushing yards of football, and he’s very offseason is being spent to make allowed per game (218.5). versatile.” tion even before the playoffs. Since 2006, a team from the SEC the offense more steady. They do The Volunteers do have a lot of Corbett expressed has been in the National Championship 10 out of the past 11 return the heavy running attack of talent but tougher coaching must excitement about the up- times. On top of this, the SEC has won eight of those national Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. be done to make them a legitimate coming season and having crowns. The defense shouldn’t have inter- playoff threat. Blake back. nal problems by returning 11 dif- “I have a great relation- KENTUCKY The SEC is currently one LSU Tigers and their fans ferent starters including two star ship with coach Blake This past season was a surprise of the best football confer- as they should be. After the pass rushers in outside linebackers since he was my position for the Kentucky Wildcats as they ences in the nation. Ole loss to Auburn last season, Lorenzo Carter and Davin Bellamy, coach,” Corbett said. “I accounted for a 7-6 record and went Miss, Tennessee, Kentucky, the LSU Tigers (2-2 at the who will get some attention for the just want to play 100 per- to a bowl game for the first time and Missouri may not look time) decided it was time to 2018 NFL Draft. With the rest of cent every snap to help since the 2010 season. 2016 was a like much now, but each move on from head coach the East Division still trying to find this offense any way I can. season that was highlighted by a of these can be a big time MICHAEL Les Miles. Interim coach balance on their teams, the Georgia Having Rett back there is grueling schedule but Head Coach threat in the SEC race. HANICH Ed Orgeron stepped in and Bulldogs have a chance to make great for our team. It adds Mark Stoops brought a great win- a great element to our of- The Alabama Crimson Sports helped the Tigers account themselves kings of the East. ning season to Lexington. Expec- Tide, Auburn Tigers, and Analysis for an 8-4 record and also fense, being able to air it MISSISSIPPI STATE tations are higher now than the LSU Tigers are the most beat Heisman trophy win- out.” Life after Dak Prescott was dif- past couple of seasons with eight recent teams to have some suc- ning quarterback Lamar Jackson Defensively Blake and ficult to adjust to for the Missis- returning offensive and defensive cess in the postseason for the SEC. and the Louisville Cardinals 29-9 in his coaching staff will sippi State Bulldogs. Last season starters on each unit. But each of these have had some the Citrus Bowl. be looking to shore up a the Bulldogs accounted for a 6-7 The Wildcats were 20th in the serious questions to be addressed This season, the same hype is defense that was more record but made it to a bowl game. nation in rushing yards per game throughout the most recent season there in Baton Rouge for now per- than generous to opposing The Bulldogs did struggle on both (234.2) with Benny Snell (1,091 in order to make a playoff run. manent head coach Orgeron. The teams, allowing 39.7 points sides of the ball and now do not yards and 13 touchdowns) as the offense should be consistent with per game in 2016. have a lot of experienced start- 2nd leading rusher. Now Snell will ALABAMA the aggressive running attack of Basically, just the ers returning. Quarterback Nick be the main rusher with quarter- The Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrius Guice and stability and familiarity Fitzgerald is among those return- back Stephen Johnson looking to were one play away from winning the passing of quarterback Danny alone should be enough to ing with experience. He accounted lead a more explosive offense for their 17th National Championship Etling. help Blake and company for 37 total touchdowns (21 passing, the Wildcats in 2017. The Lineback- in their 35-31 loss to the Clemson But the fifth best scoring defense improve on the winless 16 rushing) last season with head ers should help Kentucky’s defense Tigers. Now the Tide is not looking (15.8 points allowed per game) will record from a year ago. coach Dan Mullen and offensive co- take a big step up as they all return for revenge but more clarity as they need to replace seven starters. The It won’t take much to im- ordinator Billy Gonzalez’s multiple especially linebacker Jordan Jones look to redeem themselves from the Tigers’ defense does have the star- prove on an 0-10 record, spread offense. (15.5 tackles for loss) and Denzil championship loss. The offense, no playing ability of defensive end/ but it’s doubtful a win or The Bulldogs were 23rd in the Ware (12 tackles for loss). matter how spectacular it looked, outside linebacker Arden Key who two would suffice to make nation in rushing yards per game had a significant amount of inter- is on the top five draft board by Blake happy. The Dol- (230.5) but were 89th in passing MISSOURI nal problems. many analysts. Last season, Arden phins will be looking to yards per game (209.7). Mississippi Years two and three (after join- Head Coach Nick Saban (in his accounted for 56 tackles and 12 compete right away. State must be able to enact an of- ing the SEC in 2012 from the Big 11th season with the Tide) believes sacks. The Dolphins weren’t he found the answers in new offense that is pass orientated that 12) was turning out to be a very given any favors in the fensive coordinator Brian Daboll, FLORIDA blends with their run style. Former successful move for the Missouri form of their 2017 slate of Tigers. In the 2013-14 season, the who brings in an NFL spread of- The Gators have been to the Georgia and Louisville defensive games. Only three teams Tigers went to the SEC conference fense that thrives off matchups and SEC Championship in the past two coordinator Todd Grantham will be they’ll face posted a losing championship game as winners of defensive weaknesses. Last year’s seasons by winning the Eastern brought in to fix the glaring prob- record in 2016. the Eastern Division. Since then 16th scoring offense (38.8 points Division title. Both times, they lems of the Bulldogs 93rd scoring A road trip to Moun- the Tigers have accounted for a per game) will be looking to get have been unsuccessful against the defense (31.8) which will be tough tain Brook will serve as 9-15 record in the past two seasons. even better with quarterback Jalen Alabama Crimson Tide. Now in his with only four starters returning. Blake’s first game on the The success of the program died Hurts having more experience. The third season as Head Coach, Jim sidelines. The Gulf Shores OLE MISS down after racial protests in 2015 first-ranked scoring defense (13 McElwain is hoping to make the community will get to see The Ole Miss Rebels come into circled the campus that caused the points allowed per game) has an Gators more of a consistent team their new head coach in the 2017-18 college football season resignation of the university presi- experienced defensive-back unit led and a threat in the SEC. In order action for the first time a with little hopes and no dreams for dent. The football team was highly by safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and to do this, the Gators must fix their week later when Baldwin a bowl game appearance. This is involved but it happened during the cornerback Anthony Averett that systematic problems on offense County comes to town. after the Rebels placed themselves 2015 season. The Tigers are in their will be the heart and soul of the they have been experiencing since The Dolphins then play on bowl ban during the NCAA second year of a completely differ- Tide secondary. after their most recent national at Spanish Fort and B.C. investigation of illegal recruiting. ent look with different personnel championship. Last season, the Rain before a three-game The Rebels are not expected to be including Barry Odom as head AUBURN Gators were ranked 107th in points homestand against Le- the big-time threats in the SEC as coach. The coaching personnel will One thing that has derailed the per game (23.9) and 79th in passing flore, Faith Academy and they have been (34-18 from 2012 have to keep up with some of the Auburn Tigers for the past couple yards per game (215.8). The addi- Saraland. to 2015). Last year, however, the biggest talent on the team includ- of seasons is the lack of a steady tion of former Notre Dame Quar- A trip to Daphne is the Rebels went 5-7 from multiple let- ing J’Mon Moore, who caught 62 defense. Throughout the past seven terback Malik Zaire could help the last contest before their downs. The defense was the main receptions for 1,012 yards and eight seasons, the Tigers have gone Gators offense. Randy Shannon very late bye week. The reason for their season coming touchdowns. Marcell Frazier will through five different permanent will finally get his shot as the main season then ends with a apart as they were ranked 100th in be a full-time starter after account- defensive coordinators. This year defensive coordinator with the home game against Blount points allowed per game (34) and ing for 7.5 sacks last season. If the will be Kevin Steele’s second year Gators this season. Shannon was and the regular-season 120th in rushing yards allowed per talent there give their dedication to with the Tigers as the DC and formerly the head coach of the finale at Robertsdale. game (246.3). the team and recruiting is high for despite being ranked seventh in Miami Hurricanes (2007-2010) and Expectations must be The Rebels have too much talent the Tigers, Missouri will soon be the nation in points allowed per defensive coordinator (2001-2006). tempered in Blake’s first for them to crash like this on de- past their rebuilding process. game (17.1), the Tigers defense was His Hurricanes defense was ranked season. The Dolphins will fense. Another reason why Wesley South Carolina, Arkansas, ranked 67th in passing yards al- first in the nation in points allowed certainly compete, but a McGriff was hired as co-defensive Vanderbilt, and Texas A&M may lowed per game (229.2). per game (9.8) in 2001 when they winning record would be coordinator with Jason Jones. Look not appear poised to win it all, but This season, head coach Gus won the national title. a pipe dream. Expect Gulf for quarterback Shea Patterson to each of these can be a threat in the Malzahn (in his fifth season with While the Florida Gators were Shores to win about three be more of a consistent passer with SEC race. Auburn) is hoping that experience national champs in 2006-07 and games and gain some mo- a full offseason under his belt. mentum going into their and a long offseason will benefit 2008-09, the Georgia Bulldogs, and SOUTH CAROLINA everyone including new quarter- the Mississippi State Bulldogs have first full offseason under TENNESSEE Year one of life without Steve back Jarrett Stidham. The former also had recent success during the their new head coach. At the start of last season, Spurrier is still going surprisingly Baylor Bear has already gotten their playoff runs, but have ulti- many analysts and sports writers well for the South Carolina Game- preseason consideration for the mately derailed late in the season. Heisman Trophy. Expectations believed that the Tennessee Volun- cocks. The first year of Will Mus- have been high for quarterbacks GEORGIA teers would be the winners of the champ as the head coach went well SEC East and would beat Alabama as the Gamecocks accounted for at Auburn since Cam Newton and When Georgia hired former in the regular season. Even though a 6-7 record. Although the Game- that has ultimately caused their Alabama defensive coordinator the Volunteers accounted for a 9-4 cocks were 3-5 in the SEC, they still downfall. Stidham, though, has Kirby Smart as head coach, he was record, Tennessee underperformed competitive especially after fresh- a high-power arm that can make trusted to make the Bulldogs more in multiple areas and was flat in man quarterback Jake Bentley defense collapse. The Tigers also efficient but also to make a more wins. Head Coach Butch Jones has took over as the starter for the re- return their top two rushers from consistent offense. Rebuilding is a critical season ahead of him try- maining seven games of 2016. Now last year in Kamryn Pettway and always rough at first for a new head ing to prove that the Volunteers can with a full offseason to prepare for Kerryon Johnson. coach but the Bulldogs’ season win big. This season, Tennessee year two of coach Muschamp’s was more rough than their record faces a completely different look LSU indicated (8-5; 4-4). Georgia had on offense with a new coordinator, Expectations are high for the trouble finding a permanent start- SEE SEC, PAGE 26 26 • 2017 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • August 11, 2017 • Gulf Coast Media SEC had an efficient offensive starters returning from last years Sumlin has brought VOLLEYBALL team that could pass deep year’s team, Ralph Webb a high amount of success CONTINUED FROM 25 down the field and strive will be looking to make a big to the program including for long runs but couldn’t difference on the field once an 11-2 winning record in Gamecocks, they should execute some smaller objec- again. Webb rushed for 1,283 2012. Sumlin is on the hot baldwin county be well in contention for a tives like red zones, pass yards and 13 touchdowns seat because of his record TIGERS completely open SEC East. protection, or short-yard and was the bright spot of against SEC conference The offense returns 10 runs. The offense is looking the offense. There needs to foes of .500 percent or less starters from last season for poise all throughout the be more production on of- starting in 2013 (lowest was Tigers will be led by including Bentley, who field. Quarterback Austin fense, including quarterback in 2014 with .375). This year, passed for 1,420 yards and Allen is back in his senior Kyle Shurmur who only the Aggies will have to re- nine touchdowns in those season as last year he threw nine touchdowns last place multiple star players second-year head seven starts. The defense passed for 3,430 yards and season. that have made an impact is in serious need of talent 25 touchdowns. Pre-season Vanderbilt does have a including the first pick in coach Melissa Sessions and leadership. That lead- All-American Center Frank promising defense for 2017 the 2017 NFL Draft in DE ership and high-playing Ragnow will be influential but they will need to re- Myles Garrett. The offense “We are still very young, Roster ability comes in Skai Moore, once again in the running place their best playmaking will need to replace a quar- but super excited to see VARSITY: Sarah Mims, Kyra who was the team’s leading and passing game. The and an All-American last terback, both starting tack- them compete,” Sessions Peoples, Keri Cooper, Desiree tackler in 2013, 2014, and defense last season for season in Zac Cunnning- les, multiple receivers and a said. “This just being my Sprinkle, Isabella Eleogo, Tayler 2015 season. He missed the Arkansas was ranked 85th ham (125 total tackles and tight end. The offense does second year my hope is Drinkard, Jay Lamar, Amanda 2016 season due to a season in points allowed per game 16.5 tackles for loss). Oren return a 1,000-yard rusher to continue to build and Frith, Madegan Watkins, Skylar ending neck injury. The (31.1). They have to replace Burks can potentially be in Trayveon Williams and improve. The girls have Hyatt Gamecocks will need to all but one player (line- the leader of a defense that receiver Christian Kirk, been working extremely JUNIOR VARSITY: Anna Wiggins, Niya Boykin, Bailey Cox, Saman- improve their 116th scoring backer) in their front seven was ranked 35th in points who had 928 receiving yards hard in the off-season and tha Rogers, Taylor Davis, Kloie offense from last season but I think this will show on in a defense that is return- allowed per game (23). The and nine touchdowns. Forbes, Abby Gantt, Katie Dean, with multiple starters re- ing four defensive backs. Commodores will need While the defense has po- the court.” Kayleigh Tolbert, Kris Hollie, turning, South Carolina has more outside pass rushers tential in their players, they Treyanna Lamar a chance to win the East. VANDERBILT from the defensive line to will need better productiv- Success has been rare for help the defense be more ity from their new starters ARKANSAS a football program that has efficient when they play a at the defensive ends and Schedule This Arkansas Razor- only been to a bowl game tougher schedule. a defensive backfield that Aug. 31: JV/Varsity vs Gulf Shores (Home) 4:30/5:30 backs team is a team that eight times. Within the past was ranked 91st in passing Sept. 1-2: Varsity MGM Tourney TBA has an interesting view- six years, the Vanderbilt TEXAS A&M yards allowed per game Sept. 5: JV/Varsity vs Satsuma (Home) 4:30/5:30 point as their offense is Commodores have been to This season will be (250). This is also a critical Sept. 7: JV/Varsity vs Spanish Fort(Home) 4:30/5:30 looking to be one of the best four bowl games and hope highly uncertain for the season for defensive coor- Sept. 8-9: Varsity Fairhope Tourney TBA in the SEC but their defense for another trip in the 2017- Texas A&M Aggies and dinator John Chavis, who Sept. 12: JV/Varsity vs Daphne (Home) 4:30/5:30 is just hoping not to falter. 2018 College Football season. the future of Head Coach is in his third season with Sept. 14: JV/Varsity vs Robertsdale (Home) 4:30/5:30 Last year, the Razorbacks Among the eight offensive Kevin Sumlin. In five Texas A&M. Sept. 19: JV/Varsity vs Foley (Away) 4:30/5:30 Sept. 21: JV/Varsity vs Fairhope (Away) 4:30/5:30 Sept. 26: JV/Varsity vs Spanish Fort(Away) 4:30/5:30 coaches during that time. positions including three have to switch to a run first Sept. 28: Freshman/JV vs St. Michael’s (Home) 4:30/5:30 LOOK Now back on the winning offensive linemen and offensive philosophy to not Oct. 2: JV/Varsity vs Faith Academy (Away) 4:30/5:30 CONTINUED FROM 24 side, the Golden Eagles are quarterback. lean on the new quarter- Oct. 3: JV/Varsity vs Daphne (Away) 4:30/5:30 position at North Carolina. ready to get back into the Despite Southern Miss back so much. The defense Oct. 5: JV/Varsity vs Gulf Shores (Away) 4:30/5:30 The following three sea- divisional title race. The being ranked 62nd in rush- has to replace seven start- Oct. 10: JV/Varsity vs Robertsdale (Away) 4:30/5:30 sons, the Golden Eagles season will be difficult at ing yards per game (174.5), ers on a defense that was Oct. 12: JV/Varsity vs Foley (Home) 4:30/5:30 accounted for a disastrous first for Southern Miss Ito Smith rushed for 1,459 ranked 10th in passing Oct. 17: JV/Varsity vs Theodore (Senior Night) 4:30/5:30 4-32 record that resulted in as they have to replace yards and 17 touchdowns. yards per game (174.9) last Oct. 19: Varsity vs Satsuma (Away) 5:30 the departure of two head five key offensive starting The Golden Eagles might season. Oct. 23-24: Varsity Area Tournament TBA

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VOLLEYBALL

ADMIRALS bayside Sun Chiefs make Bayside readies to defend state-title All-Region teams

DAPHNE — The Admi- the program.” The ACCC announced the 2016 All-Region 22 Volley- rals have earned a lot of Bayside lost five seniors ball Team, Coach and Player of the Year earlier. Several attention over the years last spring including long- Sun Chief players were awarded First and Second all- with their consecutive win time state all-star-starters region team honors. streaks of AHSAA state Lauren Chastang and titles, especially the cur- Ariel Dulaney as well as rent run which stands at teammates Betsy Baldwin, an Alabama High School Genevieve Corte and Gil- Athletic Association all- lian Grice to graduation. time high of 15-straight But the Admirals return a championships. competitive corps of ath- Coach Ann Schilling and team during a time-out in state The Daphne indepen- letes up front and in the tournament play. dent school has 25 state back row including all- championship banners in state setter Ansleigh Dai- Schedule the sport since joining the ley and all-state hitter/ Aug. 31: 6 p.m. at Oak Mountain High School Oak Mountain High AHSAA in 1981. Bayside blocker Brantley Rhodes School head coach Ann Schilling on the front row. Sept. 1: 8 a.m. at Juanita Boddie Hoover High School Competition has guided the Admirals The Admirals step on Sept. 7: 5:30 p.m. Cottage Hill Christian Academy (WC) Bayside to 22 of those champion- court for their first match Academy Moorer Gym ship banners as well as at Class 7A Oak Moun- Sept. 12: 5:30 p.m. Mobile Christian School Bayside Academy FIRST TEAM: Kelsea Bivins, Wallace State Community Col- four state runner-up fin- tain Aug. 31 and then Moorer Gym lege; Tatiana Dale, Coastal Bay Minette (Faulkner) Community ishes since she took over compete in the Jaunita Sept. 13: 4:30 p.m. Spanish Fort High School Bayside Academy College; Jordan Briskey, Southern Union State Community in 1987. Boddie Tournament at Moorer Gym College; Cierra Davis, Wallace State Community College; Not surprisingly Hoover High beginning Sept. 13: 5:30 p.m. Hoover High School Bayside Academy Moorer MaKenzie Bearden, Wallace State Community College; Mattie Bayside is often the top- Sept. 1. Their first home Gym Putman, Snead State Community College; Morgan Newton, Gadsden State Community College; Breanna Nolan, Southern ranked AHSAA 3A pre- match is with Cottage Sept. 15: TBA Battle by the Bay Bayside Academy Moorer Gym Union State Community College season team in the state Hill Christian Academy Sept. 19: 5:30 p.m. McGill-Toolen High School Bayside Academy and almost as often, in the on Sept 7. The Admirals’ Moorer Gym state overall. annual Battle by the Bay Sept. 26: 5:30 p.m. at Cottage Hill Christian Academy (WC) Cot- Although responsible Tournament is set to start tage Hill Christian Academy for 22 state champion- Sept. 15 with the finals Oct. 3: 4:30 p.m. St. Paul's Episcopal School Bayside Academy Moorer Gym ships, Schilling gives her at Louise Moorer Gym Oct. 5: 4:30 p.m. Clarke County High School Bayside Academy players the credit. on the Bayside Daphne Moorer Gym “I’ve been blessed with campus. Schilling was Oct. 5: 5:30 p.m. Clarke County High School Bayside Academy great kids. That’s it. You the 2009 Prep Volleyball Moorer Gym can’t go very far without Co-National Coach of Oct. 7: 8 a.m. at Battle of Old Shell Road St. Paul's Front Gym - having great kids. And the Year and the 2011 Na- Oct. 10: 5:30 p.m. at Mobile Christian School Marceil Harrison Gym great kids come from tional Federation of High Oct. 17: 5:30 p.m. at McGill-Toolen High School McGill-Toolen great parents. And also a School’s National Coach Portier Center great school that supports of the Year. Oct. 19: TBA at Spanish Fort High School SFHS Gymnasium SECOND TEAM: Abby Borden, Wallace State Community Col- lege; Hannah Fernandez, Coastal Bay Minette (Faulkner) Com- daphne munity College; Courtney Rowe, Gadsden State Community TROJANS College; Emily Wilson, Wallace State Community College; Katie Whitaker, Jefferson Davis Community College; Tamaria Schedule Mays, Gadsden State Community College; Kayli Kirklin, Jef- ferson Davis Community College; Mikayla Richard, Coastal Bay AUG. 31: St.Paul’s/Saraland** St. Paul’s JV/V 5:00/6:00 Minette (Faulkner) State Community College; Lillie Whitaker, SEPT. 1-2: Juanita Boddie Tournament Birmingham Varsity TBA Lawson State Community College SEPT. 1-2: Oak Mountain JV Tournament Oak Mountain JV TBA SEPT. 7: Gulf Shores* Gulf Shores JV/V 4:30/5:30 SEPT. 8-9: Fairhope Tournament Fairhope Varsity TBA Schedule SEPT. 9: McGill JV Tournament McGill JV TBA SEPT. 12: Baldwin County* Baldwin County JV/V 4:30/5:30 DATE OPPONENT TIME LOCATION Aug. 22 William Carey (Scrimmage) 6 p.m. Hattiesburg, MS SEPT. 14: Fairhope/St. Luke’s** Fairhope JV/V 5:30/6:30 Aug. 26 Wallace-Selma Tournament TBA Selma, AL SEPT. 15-16: Battle by the Bay Tournament Bayside V TBA Aug. 28 Southern Union SEPT. 20: Spanish Fort* Daphne JV/V 4:30/5:30 Community College 5 p.m. Bay Minette, AL SEPT. 21: Robertsdale* Home JV/V 4:30/5:30 Aug. 29 Jeff Davis Community College 6 p.m. Brewton, AL SEPT. 26: Murphy Murphy JV/V 4:00/5:00 Sept. 4 University of Mobile (JV) 7:30 p.m. Mobile, AL Roster SEPT. 28: Satsuma Home JV/V 4:30/5:30 Sept. 6 Lawson State FRESHMEN: Rebecca DuRant, SEPT. 29-30: Over the Mountain Tournament Hoover Varsity TBA Community College 5 p.m. Birmingham, AL SashaGibbs, Jada Lim, Avery Nicho- OCT. 3: Baldwin County* Home JV/V 4:30/5:30 Sept. 8 Bevill Community College 3 p.m. Fayette, AL las, Autumn Porter, Camille Prince, Lia OCT. 5: Robertsdale* Robertsdale JV/V 4:30/5:30 Sept. 11 Wallace State- Selma Ramos, Ava Smith, Chloe Smith OCT. 6-7: Baker JV Tournament Baker JV TBA Community College 5:30 p.m. Selma, AL SOPHOMORES: Madison Calkins, Sept. 15 Wallace State – Hanceville OCT. 10: Spanish Fort* Spanish Fort JV/V 4:30/5:30 Chloe Chaffin, Jordan Sampson, Community College 3 p.m. Bay Minette, AL Shelby Sliman OCT. 12: Gulf Shores*** Home JV/V 4:30/5:30 Sept. 18 Huntingdon College (JV) 6 p.m. Montgomery, AL JUNIORS: Alyssa DuCote, Maliyah OCT. 13-14: Blalock Tournament Birmingham Varsity TBA Sept. 19 Gulf Coast Community College 6 p.m. Bay Minette, AL Henderson, Anna Menefee, Maura OCT. 19: McGill McGill JV/V 5:30/6:30 Sept. 25 University of Mobile (JV) 6 p.m. Bay Minette, Al Miles, Makenzie Toxey, Bradlie Walters OCT. 23-24: Area Tournament TBA Varsity TBA Sept. 26 Wallace State- Hanceville SENIORS: Keila Adams, Sydney Omt- OCT. 26-28: Regionals Montgomery Varsity TBA Community College 3 p.m. Hanceville, AL vedt, Jole Steward, Bri Turner NOV. 1-2: State Tournament Birmingham Varsity TBA Sept. 29 Gadsden State Community College 3 p.m. Gadsden, AL Sept. 29 Snead State Community College 7 p.m. Boaz, AL fairhope Sept. 30 Cumberland University (JV) 1 p.m. Lebanon, TN PIRATES Sept. 30 Walters State Community College 5 p.m. Lebanon, TN Aug. 31: 5:30 p.m. at Cottage Hill Christian Academy (WC) Cottage Hill Christian Academy Oct. 2 Wallace State – Selma Sept. 1: 8 a.m. at Juanita Boddie Hoover High School Competition Community College 7 p.m. Bay Minette, AL Sept. 5: 4:30 p.m. Robertsdale High School Fairhope High School Gym Oct. 4 Southern Union Community College 4 p.m. Wadley, AL Sept. 5: 5:30 p.m. Robertsdale High School Fairhope High School Gym Oct. 6 Lawson State Sept. 8: 12:30 p.m. Back To School Bash Fairhope High School Gym Community College 5 p.m. Bay Minette, AL Sept. 12: 6:00 p.m. at Satsuma High School SHS Main Gym (South) Oct. 10 Gulf Coast Sept. 14: 4:30 p.m. St. Luke's Episcopal School Fairhope High School Gym Community College 6 p.m. Panama City, FL Sept. 14: 5:30 p.m. Daphne High School Fairhope High School Gym Oct. 13 & 14 Wallace State Tournament TBA Hanceville, AL Sept. 19: 4:30 p.m. Faith Academy School Fairhope High School Gym Oct. 17 Huntingdon College (JV) 6 p.m. Bay Minette, AL Sept. 19: 5:30 p.m. Gulf Shores High School Fairhope High School Gym Oct. 18 Jeff Davis Community College 6 p.m. Bay Minette, AL Sept. 21: 5:30 p.m. Baldwin County High School Fairhope High School Gym Oct. 20 Snead State Sept. 26: 5:30 p.m. McGill-Toolen High School Fairhope High School Gym Community College 1 p.m. Bay Minette, AL Oct. 4: 4:30 p.m. at Robertsdale High School Robertsdale High School Oct. 20 Bevill State Community College 6 p.m. Bay Minette, AL Oct. 4: 4:30 p.m. at Buckhorn High School Robertsdale High School Oct. 25 Gadsden State Oct. 5: 5:30 p.m. at Murphy High School Murphy High School Gymnasium Community College 5 p.m. Bay Minette, AL Oct. 10: 5:30 p.m. Foley High School Fairhope High School Gym Nov. 3 - 5 ACCC State Tournament TBA Boaz, AL Oct. 19: 4:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal School St. Paul's Front Gym 28 • 2017 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • August 11, 2017 • Gulf Coast Media

VOLLEYBALL

LIONS foley DOLPHINS gulf shores Schedule Sept. 5: 5:30 p.m. Gulf Shores High School Foley High School Gym- nasium Gulf Shores 2017 Dolphins Sept. 7: 4:30 p.m. Robertsdale High School Foley High School Gym- nasium Sept. 8: 12:30 p.m. at Back To School Bash Fairhope High School Gym - set to go with new coach Sept. 12: 5:00 p.m. Murphy High School Foley High School Gymna- sium By MICHAEL HANICH Sept. 19: 5:30 p.m. Baldwin County High School Foley High School teach the girls the funda- Schedule Gymnasium For GCM Sports mentals of volleyball as Aug. 31: Bchs* Bchs Jv/V 4:30/ 5:30 Sept. 21: 5:30 p.m. McGill-Toolen High School Foley High School well as the more advanced Sept. 1: The Gulf Clash Gshs Jv Tba Gymnasium GULF SHORES — At lessons of the sport. Sept. 1-2: Mayor's Cup Montgomery V Tba Oct. 2: 4:30 p.m. at Quad Match Robertsdale High School - Gulf Shores High head “I have a deep love for Sept. 5: Foley Foley Jv/V 4:30/ 5:30 Oct. 10: 5:30 p.m. at Fairhope High School Fairhope High School coach Macy Roe begins the game, and always have Sept. 7: Daphne* Gshs Jv/V 4:30/ 5:30 Gym her first year with the growing up,” she said. “I Sept. 9: Mcgill Tourney Mcgill Jv Tba Oct. 11: 5:00 p.m. Escambia High School Foley High School Gymna- Dolphins as head coach. have been very lucky to Sept. 8-9: Fairhope Tourney Fairhope V Tba sium Roe is joining the Dolphins have been trained as a Sept. 12: Robertsdale* Gshs JV/V 4:30/ 5:30 Oct. 17: 4:30 p.m. at Robertsdale High School Robertsdale High after being an assistant for player and a coach under Sept. 14: Spanish Fort* Gshs Jv/V 4:30/ 5:30 School Baker High School for two so many great coaches. Sept. 15-16: Battle Of The Bay Bayside V Tba years. Her first year there, Because of all my different Sept. 19: Fairhope/ Faith Fairhope Jv/V 5:30/6:30 she coached the freshman experiences, I can pull dif- Sept. 21: Baker Baker Jv/V 4:30/ 5:30 spanish fort team then the following ferent drills and different Sept. 26: Robertsdale* Robertsdale Jv/V 4:30/ 5:30 TOROS year with the JV team. ways to explain how the Sept. 28: Spanish Fort* Spanish Fort Jv/V 4:30/ 5:30 On top of coaching Baker form should work (and) Oct. 3: Buckhorn/ St. Michael's Gshs Jv 4:30/6:30 High School for two years, look.” Oct. 3: Buckhorn Gshs V 5:30 she has been coaching When talking about Oct. 5: Bchs* Gshs Jv/V 4:30/ 5:30 club volleyball for three which coach or player she Oct. 6-7: Baker Tourney Baker Jv Tba years with the Mobile admires and draws inspi- Oct. 7: Battle Of Old Shell St.paul's V Tba Storm. Roe attended Baker ration from for her game, Oct. 10: St.paul's St.paul's Jv/V 4:30/ 5:30 High school and graduated she spoke of her aunt, Oct. 12: Daphne* Daphne Jv/V 4:30/ 5:30 in 2012 and then ventured Hall of Fame and former Oct. 13-14: Shrimp Fest Tourney Gshs V Tba to play collegiate volley- St. Paul’s and Murphy Oct. 19: Foley Gshs Jv/V 4:30/ 5:30 ball for Faulkner State and coach Nancy Shoquist who Oct. 20: Battle At The Fort Spanish Fort V Tba Troy. prepped at Fairhope High. Oct. 24: Area Tournament Tba V Tba Roe will be leading the “My aunt has always Oct. 26-28: Super Regionals Tba V Tba girls’ volleyball team that been some one I’ve looked Nov. 1-2: State Tournament Tba V Tba last year had five sweep up to. She has been very wins but also experienced successful in her coach- The first game (as County High School in 12 swept losses. As the ing career; she is also in well as first county-rival Bay Minette on August 31. Head Coach, she feels she the hall of fame. She has contest) for the 2017 Gulf The first home game for has more opportunity to helped with everything Shores Dolphins’ junior the varsity team will be on not only help the team from being a coach, player, varsity and varsity teams Sept. 7 against Area 2 rival win, but also to properly to the person I am today.” is on the road at Baldwin Daphne Trojans. Aug. 31: 4:30 p.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal School St. Luke's Gymnasium robertsdale Aug. 31: 5:30 p.m. at Baker High School St. Luke's Gymnasium GOLDEN BEARS Aug. 31: 6:30 p.m. EDT Baker High School TBA Sept. 1: 8:00 a.m. at Juanita Boddie Hoover High School Competition... - Schedule Sept. 6: 5:30 p.m. McGill-Toolen High School SFHS Gymnasium Roster Aug 30 – Disney Tournament Disney TBA Sept. 7: 5:30 p.m. at Baldwin County High School BCHS Gym VARSITY JUNIOR VARSITY: Sept. 3 Sept. 8: 12:30 p.m. at Back To School Bash Fairhope High School Gym - Haley Adams Lauren Dollarhide Sept. 5 Fairhope Fairhope 4:30 5:30 Sept. 13: TBA Hoover High School at Bayside TBA Kelly Adams MacKennah Havel Sept. 7 Foley Foley 3:30 2:30 Sept. 12 Gulf Shores GSHS 4:30 5:30 Sept. 13: 4:30 p.m. at Bayside Academy Bayside Academy Moorer Gym Alyssa Byrd Reagan MacShane Sept. 14 BCHS BCHS 4:30 5:30 Sept. 13: 5:30 p.m. Hoover High School Bayside Academy Moorer Gym Caitlin Dade Jasmyne Morris Sept. 15-16 Saraland Tournament Saraland TBA Sept. 14: 5:30 p.m. at Gulf Shores High School Gulf Shores High School AnaBeth Duke Devon Richmond Sept. 19 Spanish Fort SFHS 4:30 5:30 Sept. 19: 5:30 p.m. Robertsdale High School SFHS Gymnasium Megan Engler Rachel Salac Sept. 21 Daphne Daphne 4:30 5:30 Sept. 20: 5:30 p.m. at Daphne High School Daphne Gymansium Felicity Evans Jadrienne Saucier Sept. 26 Gulf Shores RHS 4:30 5:30 Sept. 26: 5:30 p.m. Baldwin County High School SFHS Gymnasium Blakeley Laird Saxon Sommer Sept. 28 Leflore Leflore 4:30 5:30 Sept. 28: 5:30 p.m. Gulf Shores High School SFHS Gymnasium Abby Patterson Emari Valrie Oct. 2 Murphy/Foley/Madison Academy RHS 4:30 Oct. 3: 5:30 p.m. at Robertsdale High School Robertsdale High School Lauren Terrell Oct. 3 Spanish Fort RHS 4:30 5:30 Oct. 5: 6 p.m. at Pensacola Catholic High School Pensacola Catholic Ayanna Valrie Oct. 4 Buckhorn/Fairhope RHS 4:30 5:30 High School Roxy Wallace Oct. 5 Daphne RHS 4:30 5:30 Oct. 7 Battle of Old Shell Road St. Paul’s TBA Oct. 10: 5:30 p.m. Daphne High School SFHS Gymnasium Hallie Webster Oct. 10 BCHS RHS 4:30 4:30 Oct. 12: 5:30 p.m. Albertville High School SFHS Gymnasium Oct. 17 Foley RHS 4:30 5:30 Oct. 17: 5:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal School St. Paul's Front Gym Oct. 19 Leflore RHS 4:30 5:30 Oct. 19: TBA Bayside Academy SFHS Gymnasium Oct. 20-21 Spanish Fort Tournament SFHS TBA Oct. 24 Area Tournament TBA TBA Oct. 26-28 Super Regionals TBA TBA Nov. 1-2 State Tournament TBA TBA CARDINALS st. michael catholic

FAIRHOPE — The Cardinals Schedule began their second season as a ju- Date Opponent Location Freshman JV nior varsity program this year. They Sept. 2 Gulf Shores Tournament Gulf Shores TBA also are fielding a freshman team for Sept. 5 Baker Baker 4:30 2017. The young program will move Sept. 7 Elberta St. Michael 5:30 up to varsity in 2018 under head Sept. 9 McGill Tournament McGill TBA coach Missy Williams and assistant Sept. 9 UMS-Wright Tournament UMS-Wright TBA coach Katherine Barr. Sept. 12 St. Paul’s St. Paul’s 4:30 Sept. 13 Bayside St. Michael 4:30 2017 Cardinals Volleyball Team Sept. 15-16 MGM Tournament MGM TBA Rosters Sept. 20 St. Luke’s St. Michael 4:30 5:30 St. Michael JV, Maggie Lollis, Colette Mur- Sept. 21 Baker McGill 5:00 phy, Kathleen Baumhauer, Marissa DeRoy, McGill McGill 6:00 Caitlyn Bushaw, Mary Grace McKeough, Te- Sept. 26 Baker St. Michael 4:30 vara Duplessis, Katie Ray, Hayden Northcutt, Sept. 28 Elberta Baldwin County 5:30 Mary Kate Anthony, Sarah Bell, Lane Raley, Baldwin County Baldwin County 6:30 Bailey Kelly Oct. 3 Buckhorn Gulf Shores 5:30 St. Michael Freshman Gulf Shores Gulf Shores 6:30 Oct. 4 Bayside Bayside 4:30 Hannah Bowie, Margaux Duchesne, Juliana Oct. 6-7 Baker Tournament Baker TBA Fredriksen, Brooke Kinard, Grace Miller, Re- bekah Schott, Tayler Swanson, Jacy Werner, Oct. 9 Mobile Christian St. Michael 4:30 5:30 Recely Jones, Kate Murray, Lauren White- TONY WHITEHEAD/GCM PHOTO Oct. 12 St. Paul’s St. Michael 4:30 head, Anne Marie Morgan Cards celebrate a point in their first home match last season. Oct. 12 Elberta Elberta 5:30 Gulf Coast Media • August 11, 2017 • 2017 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • 29 ‘Step to the line’ Daphne to host county championship meet this season GCM SPORTS Bayside Academy) will be trying Ernesto Simon, Michael Kaiser, CROSS to repeat as Baldwin County Katelin Ryan, Trinity Morgan, The 2017 Cross Country COUNTRY Cross Country Champion. He Claritza Martinez, Jazmin season in Baldwin County will be challenged by Jared Quintero that seven of eight schools is a bit of a mystery a Touart (Sr. Fairhope), Saxon GULF SHORES: Joe Woodley, were well represented in month or so before the Kilpatrick (Jr. Fairhope), Ethan Ben Malone, Alicia Coeur the top-20 runners to cross start of competition. New Rowe (Soph. Daphne), Connor SPANISH FORT: Connor the finish line in both coaches and a brand-new Moore (Sr. Spanish Fort). Moore, Allen Loefstedt, Judson the boys and girls county program are in the county For the girls Mandaline Thomas Taylor, Brian Pempel, Sydney races last year. mix this year. from Daphne – the two-time Tucker, Georgia Shirk Then consider the suc- The first unknown will reigning girls County Champion cess teams had at the state be St. Michael Catholic’s – injured her knee in soccer AHSAA CROSS COUNTRY level in 2016 including entry into the sport as the season and may or may not be COACHES 2017 Top-5 and Top-10 perfor- Cardinals will be fielding back to defend her crown. BALDWIN COUNTY: Matthew mances: boys and girls teams this Those also looking to win this Beckett In Class 3A, Bayside year for the first time. The GCM FILE PHOTO year are Lexie Williams (Senior, BAYSIDE: Joe Swagart boys placed third and the Cardinals’ inaugural CC Defending Baldwin County champions Ernest Ladd of Bayside Fairhope), Abby Warner (Senior, DAPHNE: Josh Duplantis Bayside girls took fourth. Academy and Mandaline Thomas of Daphne High return this team is led by Coach Jon Fairhope), Audrey Clark (Senior, FAIRHOPE: Tim Yahr In Class 6A, Spanish Fort season. Hall. Fairhope), Mary Catherine FOLEY: Rusty Gold girls were fifth, Daphne The other new CC coach (Mobile) AND THE 2016 BEST TIMES YIELDS Branyon (Senior, Bayside), GULF SHORES: Tim Akins girls finished sixth, Span- in Baldwin County is Dr. SEPT. 16: Battle of the Bay THE FOLLOWING: (2016 County Brook Duplantier (Soph., ROBERTSDALE: Rebecca Bell ish Fort boys were sev- Championship results in parentheses) Josh DuPlantis who will (Loxley) Spanish Fort), Clara Sabo SPANISH FORT: Joe German, enth, Baldwin County boys BOYS be taking over the teams at SEPT. 21: Pirate Invitational (Soph., Spanish Fort), Belle Rea Jane Allen Hotard were eighth. And in Class 1st Fairhope (2nd) Daphne High School. (Fairhope) / Warrior Challenge (Soph., Foley) and Sarah Santa- ST. MICHAEL’S: Jon Hall 7A, Fairhope girls finished 2nd Bayside (4th) Another uncertainty (Mobile) Cruz (Junior, Daphne). eighth. 3rd Spanish Fort (1st) that is part of this 2017 SEPT. 23: Gulf Coast Stampede Competitive high-school cross That’s seven teams from 4th Daphne (5th) CC mystery is the growth (Pensacola) / Central AL A LARGE NUMBER OF country began in Baldwin Baldwin County ranked in 5th Foley (6th) in Baldwin County. It is Invitational (Montgomery) EXPERIENCED ATHLETES County in the mid-1980’s. As the top eight in the state 6th Baldwin County (3rd) fairly likely that many SEPT. 30: Daphne Invitational RUNNING CROSS COUNTRY such, it is a youngster to its for their classifications. 7th Gulf Shores (8th) new CC runners have (Spanish Fort) THIS SEASON INCLUDE: older siblings football, baseball, As for individual run- 8th Robertsdale (7th) moved into the area and OCT. 7: Foley Invitational (Foley) BALDWIN COUNTY: Matthew basketball and volleyball but ners in 2016, Baldwin St. Michael’s (N/A) will shake things up a bit / T R Miller (Brewton) / Jesse Covington, Ryan Sanderson, Cross Country is older than fast- County tallied 25 All- this season. Owens (Moulton) Josh Booker, Cameron Ludin, pitch softball, swimming, and Section runners and four GIRLS “It will be fun to see how OCT. 14: Open at this time Tylor Davis, Dagan New, Austin the brand new AHSAA sports of All-State. 1st Spanish Fort (2nd) the cross-country season OCT. 21: Baldwin County Steward, Chris Stewart, Jessica bowling and wrestling. 2nd Daphne (3rd) unfolds,” said longtime Championships (Daphne) Hililker, Tiffany Johnson, Emilee Foley High was a cross-country 2017 CROSS COUNTRY 3rd Fairhope (1st) Fairhope head coach Tim OCT. 26: Fairhope Pier Race Smith power in the late 90’s with a GENERAL SCHEDULE FOR 4th Bayside (6th) Yahr. “One thing that is (Fairhope) BAYSIDE ACADEMY: Luke girls team finishing third at the BALDWIN-AREA TEAMS 5th Robertsdale (4th) certain will be good com- OCT. 28: McT Relays (Mobile) Dobbins, David Ham, Bobby state meet, Bayside Academy (Some school schedules were not 6th Baldwin County (5th) petition. Baldwin County NOV. 2: Sectional Meets Hammele, Mary Catherine has dominated the Class 1A, 2A finalized in time for this print edition) 7th Foley (7th) has numerous established Visit BCBE.org or AHSAA.com for NOV. 11: AHSAA State Branyon, Cate Kasuba and now 3A scene for years with Schedule 8th Gulf Shores (8th) coaches and the quality of updated information) Championship (Moulton) FAIRHOPE: Zack Hatfield, both boys and girls champions, Aug 30 – Disney Tournament Disney TBA St. Michael’s (N/A) area runners continues to SEPT. 2: Mobile Challenge of Reese Morris, Jared Touart, and Spanish Fort’s boys won two Sept. 3 Champions (Mobile) /Bolting VIRTUAL MEET, BALDWIN Sept. 5 Fairhope Fairhope 4:30 5:30 climb.” INDIVIDUAL RUNNERS’ Audrey Clark, Savannah Ryan, Class 5A state championships One sign of this im- for the Beach (Foley) TEAMS Sept. 7 Foley Foley 3:30 2:30 A VIRTUAL MEET USING MILESPLIT OUTLOOK Maddi Teufel, Lexie Williams in the 2000’s under head coach Sept. 12 Gulf Shores GSHS 4:30 5:30 provement county-wide is SEPT. 8: Azalea City CC Classic Ernest Ladd (sophomore from FOLEY: William Nevin, Juan- Chris Schmidt. Sept. 14 BCHS BCHS 4:30 5:30 Sept. 15-16 Saraland Tournament Saraland TBA Sept. 19 Spanish Fort SFHS 4:30 5:30 Sept. 21 Daphne Daphne 4:30 5:30 baldwin county daphne Sept. 26 Gulf Shores RHS 4:30 5:30 TIGERS TROJANS Sept. 28 Leflore Leflore 4:30 5:30 Oct. 2 Murphy/Foley/Madison Academy RHS 4:30 Boys regrouping after graduation of six Oct. 3 Spanish Fort RHS 4:30 5:30 Duplantis takes over Trojans CC program Oct. 4 Buckhorn/Fairhope RHS 4:30 5:30 By TONY WHITEHEAD Schedule DAPHNE — Daphne High’s new Oct. 5 Daphne RHS 4:30 5:30 [email protected] SEPT. 2: Mobile XC Challenge of Champions at coach is Dr. Josh Duplantis, a veteran Oct. 7 Battle of Old Shell Road St. Paul’s TBA Municipal Park/Langan Park Oct. 10 BCHS RHS 4:30 4:30 faculty member, active grant writer BAY MINETTE — The BCHS Tigers SEPT. 8 : Azalea City XC Classic at Mobile County Oct. 17 Foley RHS 4:30 5:30 and designer of customized profes- Oct. 19 Leflore RHS 4:30 5:30 will be led again this year by head coach Fairgrounds sional training programs. His work has Oct. 20-21 Spanish Fort Tournament SFHS TBA Matthew Beckett heading into his 12th SEPT. 16: Battle of the Bay at Loxley Municipal been focused in the areas of business, Park Oct. 24 Area Tournament TBA TBA season with the program. The Tigers’ coaching, service-learning, promoting SEPT. 23: Gulf Coast Stampede at Escambia Oct. 26-28 Super Regionals TBA TBA boys’ team graduated several experi- engagement, leadership curriculum, Nov. 1-2 State Tournament TBA TBA Equestrian Center enced and successful runners in the professional development, and man- SEPT. 30: Daphne Invitational at Trione Park spring and will look to some younger aged school/community partnerships. OCT. 7: Foley Invitational at Graham Creek Na- athletes to pick up the pace. In 2014, he was presented a name- “With regards to our team, on the ture Preserve OCT. 21: Baldwin Co. Championship Meet sake award, the Josh Duplantis Ser- boys side, we lost a lot of seniors from vice Award, for facilitating positive last year,“ Beckett said. “Six of our ten NOV. 2: Sectional Qualifying Meet at Municipal Park/Langan Park educational experiences for military varsity boys runners last year were veterans. He holds a B.S. in Human seniors. Although our varsity boys will NOV. 11: AHSAA State Meet at Oakville Indian Mounds Park Resource Education and Workforce Schedule look very different from last year, I still Development from LSU, an M.Ed. in SEPT. 2: Mobile Challenge of Champions (Mobile)/ have high expectations of them as we Administration of Higher Education Bolting for the Beach (Foley) have placed high in 6A at state for the from Auburn University, and a Ph.D. in here at BCHS,” Beckett added. “For the SEPT. 8: Azalea City CC Classic (Mobile) past several years, and I would love to Human Capital Development from the past several years, it’s been the boys SEPT. 16: Battle of the Bay (Loxley) continue that trend.” University of Southern Mississippi. He On the girls’ side, the 2017 Tigers team who have been getting the major- SEPT. 21: Pirate Invitational (Fairhope)/Warrior ity of the spotlight on the cross-country is a certified personal coach and avid Challenge (Mobile) remain relatively youthful, but are ex- runner. pecting stronger team and individual team. But this year, they will definitely SEPT. 23: Gulf Coast Stampede (Pensacola) / Cen- times from a talented core of returning have to share it with the girls.” Roster tral AL Invitational (Montgomery) SEPT. 30: Daphne Invitational (Spanish Fort) runners. Boys: Andy Conegitta Jr., Coleton DeGroff, Roster OCT. 7: Foley Invitational (Foley) / T R Miller (Brew- “We lost very few girls from last year. Gavin Jordan, Brendan Kennedy (Capt), Chase Boys: Matthew Covington (Capt.) 12, Ryan Sand- ton) / Jesse Owens (Moulton) They will be young, but full of poten- Moseley, Cooper Nix, Lance Paquette, Ethan erson (Capt.) 12, Josh Booker 12, Tylor Davis 12, OCT. 14: Open at this time tial,” he said. “With a combination of Rowe (Capt), Carson Stuck, Chris Stuck, Hunter Nichols 11, Mason Brock 10, Ben White 10, OCT. 21: Baldwin County Championships (Daphne) who we have returning, and then add Landen Stinnett Joe Whtie 10, Tyler Siggers 9, Andrew Donald 8, OCT. 26: Fairhope Pier Race (Fairhope) the eighth and ninth graders who will be Carter Hall 8 Girls: Tyler Ann Aikin, Aubrey Carroll, Carolyne OCT. 28: McT Relays (Mobile) new to the team, they have the potential Girls: Jessica Hilliker (Capt.) 12, Emilee Smith 12, Hunter, Abby Jordan, Laura Anne Ling, Nicole NOV. 2: Sectional Meets to be quite competitive. Courtney Lewis (Capt.) 11, Ava Worthy 11, Diana Luther (Capt), Shelby McCollum, Mandaline NOV. 11: AHSAA State Championship (Moulton) “They are shaping up to be possibly Plascencia 11, Alondra Rangel 10, Abigail Steele 10, Thomas (Capt), Hayley Thompson, Keltsie West, Savannah Johnson, Sydney Wilhelm, Presley the best girls team I’ve ever had in the 11 Amelia Dute 9, Peyton Franklin 9, Maddie Beaver 8, Williams, Erin Lassere years I’ve been coaching this program Anna Grace McKinnis 8 30 • 2017 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • August 11, 2017 • Gulf Coast Media

CROSS COUNTRY bayshore PIRATES fairhope christian

EAGLES Pirates packed with experience GCM SPORTS SOCCER FAIRHOPE — Fairhope High School will be led by SCHEDULE its senior varsity runners Aug. 26 at Aletheia 4 p.m. – Jared Touart, Zack Hat- Sept. 2 at Trinitas 7 p.m. field, and Reese Morris for Sept. 6 vs East Hill Christian 4:30 p.m. the boys and Lexie Wil- Sept. 8 vs Central Christian 4:30 p.m. liams, Audrey Clark, Sa- Sept. 15 at Calvary Christian 5 p.m. Sept. 19 vs Santa Rosa Christian 4:30 p.m. vannah Ryan, and Maddi Sept. 20 at Central Christian 4:30 p.m. Teufel for the girls. Sept. 23 vs Trinitas 4:30 p.m. “The seniors are work- Sept. 27 at East Hill 4:30 p.m. ing hard and are bring- Sept. 29 at Santa Rosa Christian 4:30 p.m. ing the team together Sept. 30 vs Aletheia HOMECOMING 4:30 p.m. for what is certain to be Oct. 4 vs Calvary Christian 4:30 p.m. another difficult and fun Oct. 7-8 Regional Tournament year of competition,” said at Central Christian Times TBA Pirates head coach Tim Oct. 14 – 15 Final Four Tournament Yahr. at Bayshore Times TBA Both boys and girls teams will be starting VOLLEYBALL off the season competing in the Invitational Divi- JV AND VARSITY sion of the Challenge of SCHEDULE Champions on Sept. 2 in Mobile. The varsity teams Aug. 19-20 West Florida Baptist Tournament Times TBA will also be traveling to Aug. 26 at Aletheia JV 4:00 p.m. V 5:00 p.m. Sept. 2 at Trinitas JV 4:30 p.m. V 5:00 p.m. Montgomery to take on Sept. 6 vs East Hill Christian School JV 4:30 p.m. V 5:30 p.m. some of the central Ala- Sept. 8 vs Central Christian JV 4:30 p.m. V 5:30 p.m. bama competition on Sept. Sept. 9 vs Lighthouse Theodore JV 4:30 p.m. V 5:30 p.m. 23. Sept. 13 vs Lighthouse Pensacola JV 4:30 p.m. V 5:30 p.m. “County Champion- Sept. 15 at Christian Collegiate JV 4:30 p.m. V 5:30 p.m. ships will be the next Sept. 19 vs Santa Rosa Christian JV 4:30 p.m. V 5:30 p.m. focus for the team,” Yahr Sept. 20 at Central Christian JV 4:30 Ppm. V 5:30 p.m. said, as the girls try to Sept. 23 vs Trinitas JV 4:30 P.m. V 5:30 p.m. take on a very talented Sept. 27 at East Hill JV 5:00 P.m. V 6:00 p.m. group of runners to de- Sept. 29 at Santa Rosa Christian JV 4:30 p.m. V 5:30 p.m. Sept. 30 vs Aletheia HOMECOMING JV 4:30 p.m. V 5:30 p.m. fend their title and extend Oct. 7-8 Regional Tournament at Central Christian their reign to make it four Oct. 14 - 15 Final Four Tournament at Bayshore TBA years in a row. “The boys got knocked year’s event.” bile for the Section meets off by Spanish Fort last The Pirates’ varsity Nov. 2 trying to finish in teams will finish off the the top 3 to earn a spot in Kubota Kommander Series year and will be trying to do well or even win it this season as they head to Mo- the state meet Nov. 11. $ UP TO 40O OFF PROMO PRICE* TOROS spanish fort Schedule SEPT. 1: 4 p.m. at Mobile Challenge of Champions Langan (Municipal) Park TBA Z125S Features: • Powerful Kohler ZT Engine SEPT. 8: TBA at Azaela City Classic Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds TBA • K-Lift Easy-To-Use Deck Lift SEPT. 16: TBA at Battle of the Bay TBA TBA • High-Comfort Suspension Seat • Patented Steering System SEPT. 21: TBA at Warrior Challenge Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds TBA • LED Lights SEPT. 23: TBA at Gulf Coast Stampede Equestrian Trail/Cross Country TBA SEPT. 30: TBA at Daphne Invite Trojan Baseball Field TBA OCT. 5: TBA at Pirate Invite Fairhope High School Gym TBA OCT. 14: TBA at Faith Academy Boardwalk Challenge Faith Academy Sports Complex TBA OCT. 21: TBA at Baldwin County Championship TBA TBA

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FAIRHOPE — Jon Hall ticipate. No one “rides the will begin the St. Michael bench.” Everyone who BALDWIN TRACTOR Catholic High School practices gets to race. And cross-country program effort counts as much or to begin this fall. Hall is even more than talent, so the chair of the school’s kids learn a great lesson & EQUIPMENT Science department, and about the importance of has been a runner all of hard work. “ Cardinals coach Jon Hall in his life. He’s coached dis- Coach Pete Leonard will class at St. Michael Catholic. 22463 State Hwy 59 S tance running at several assist coach Hall. These Catholic schools over the two coaches have a wealth Robertsdale, Alabama 36567 course of his career, in- of knowledge in the sport. (251) 947-4171 cluding Pope John Paul II The cross-country pro- in Nashville and Marist in gram is open to both male Atlanta. and female students. Po- www.baldwintractor.com Hall points out one of tential runners can begin the unique benefits of the training with coach Hall *Up to $400 off promotional price for purchase of new Kubota Kommander Series (Z125E and Z125S only). **$0 down, 0% A.P.R. financing for up to 48 months from participating dealers’ in-stock inventory is available to qualified purchasers KubotaUSA.com sport: “One of the great and coach Leonard this through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A.; subject to credit approval. Example: 48 monthly payments of $20.83 per $1,000 financed. ***Free ECHO Trimmer (Model SRM-225) or Customer Instant Rebate of $150 is available in lieu of 0% financing things about cross country summer. They may contact offer mentioned above. Offers expire 9/30/17. Some exceptions apply. See us or go to www.KubotaUSA.com for more © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2017 information. Optional equipment may be shown. is that anyone who chooses Coach Hall at JHall@stmi- to participate, gets to par- chaelchs.org. Gulf Coast Media • August 11, 2017 • 2017 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • 31 Young Saints ready to take the court central By TONY WHITEHEAD VOLLEYBALL [email protected] christian lack of experience, we’re Central Christian School having to spend a lot more lost seven starters from last time in early training camp school year’s team and has just SAINTS on the basics and getting to two returning players with know other systems before some varsity experience. we really get to the point of “The old cliché” is, “It’s a Victor Hurtado on a ball-control drill with as- Daniel Crotts takes a shot on goal in preseason running an offense on the rebuilding year,” said CCS sistant coach Jesse McCarty. practice. floor.” head coach Renee Crotts. She added that most of “But sometimes it really is. her players are so young The majority of our team is that they have not picked Central Christian still JV eligible I and have up many improper tech- several eighth-graders niques on the court. who will be needed to play “At this stage, we can varsity. My only senior has soccer ready to kickoff reach in and work to avoid never played before but I a lot of those. So that’s an- think her maturity will be By TONY WHITEHEAD even with the younger play- other plus side of having a SOCCER good for the whole group.” [email protected]’ ers that are just starting to young group to work with.” Although the Saints will and simply with basic drills learn,” he said. “It’s gonna Saints coach Justine be very young overall this The Central Christian is the best approach. take a little bit to get all the Crotts is back to run the year, the good news is that School Saints open up their “It still requires a commit- pieces in the right place. floor making game deci- getting the entire nucleus 2017 season this fall. ted effort to work hard to get And I know my dad will sions during matches this back with more experience Head coach Dan Crotts better, then build from that,” figure out what’s best for the year. She played for her bodes well going forward. has nine starters to replace he said. “We will rotate team. He will find a way to mom at Central before “For now, it will be a this year after three seniors people some early on to see get us up to speed as a unit.” playing at the University of challenge to get everyone graduated and six other how they do at different po- The younger Crotts added Mobile as a setter. up to speed and really players moved out since last sitions. Jacob Mitchum will that he’s thinking of going The Saints open the 2017 ready for this upcoming season be in goal for us with some into education and coaching season on Aug. 10 in a tour- season,” she said when “Every year is a blank experience there. Our three like his parents. (His mother nament at Faulkner Uni- preseason practice for 2017 slate,” Crotts said on the seniors (Henry Bell, Daniel Renee is the CCS volleyball versity in Montgomery. started. “Because of the first day of practice. “I Crotts and Victor Hurtado) coach with his sister Justine usually have a plan at the will help us out quite a bit as assisting. beginning of the season, but we work on more and more “I like teaching and work- typically after the third or game situations.” ing with the younger kids, fourth game, that plan goes Senior Daniel Crotts said too,” he said. out the window and we have he enjoys helping some of The Saints are opening to rethink and retool. But the younger players learn with the East-West Chal- this is probably the biggest the sport and believes work- lenge at Calvary Christian RENEE CROTTS/CCS PHOTO rebuilding year since I have ing together, they can field a in Fort Walton Beach. The 2017 Central Christian Saints, from left: Sarah Mooney, been here.” competitive club. final 2017 schedule was not Jadewyn Knapp, Brie Lentz, Kendall Frost, Abbie Hedden, Crotts said with less expe- “I think we’ll actually complete in time for this Lydia Lewis, Savannah Callow, Jada Laws, Amberly Linton. rience, starting more slowly have a pretty decent season edition.

SACS

ACCREDITED 32 • 2017 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • August 11, 2017 • Gulf Coast Media ALABAMA’S LOWEST TUITION

FORMERLY FAULKNER STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE, ALABAMA SOUTHERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND JEFFERSON DAVIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

IT IS THE OFFICIAL POLICY OF THE ALABAMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM AND COASTAL ALABAMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE THAT NO PERSON SHALL, ON THE GROUNDS OF RACE, COLOR, DISABILITY, GENDER, RELIGION, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, OR AGE, BE EXCLUDED FROM PARTICIPATION IN, BE DENIED THE BENEFITS OF, OR BE SUBJECTED TO DISCRIMINATION OR HARASSMENT UNDER ANY PROGRAM, ACTIVITY, OR EMPLOYMENT.