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CROSS COUNTRY FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

Baldwin County Tigers • Bayshore Christian Eagles • Bayside Academy Admirals • Central Christian Saints • Daphne Trojans • Fairhope Pirates • Foley Lions • Gulf Shores Dolphins • Robertsdale Golden Bears • Spanish Fort Toros • St. Michael Catholic Cardinals

Gulf Coast Media 2 Friday, August 12, 2016 • 2016 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • Gulf Coast Media

2016 FOLEY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 19 Robertsdale HOME Aug. 26 Fairhope* HOME Sept. 1 @ Davidson (Lipscomb)* AWAY Sept.9 Alma Bryant* HOME Sept. 16 McGill-Toolen HOME Sept. 23 Open Sept. 29 @ Murphy (Ladd-Peebles)* AWAY Oct. 7 @ Spanish Fort AWAY Oct. 14 Mary G. Montgomery* HOME Oct. 21 @ Baker* AWAY Oct. 28 @ Theodore AWAY

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Lions look to better playoff run in 2016 Tad Niblett returns for second season as Foley head coach

By PATRICK HERRING only as good as your twos.” than our opponents,” Clay said. Gulf Coast Media Correspondent The offensive line is one area of Foley is certainly going to have to concern as the line lost two seniors to work hard to win games with the region eplacing a successful head coach graduation. Current rising senior Clayton being as stacked with talent as it is at the is never an easy task. In most McConnell, who is on the AHSAA Leader- moment. In addition, they added a game cases, it takes a few years to right ship Council, will have a hand in shaping against the defending 6A State Cham- the ship. With that in mind, Tad the line this season. pion Toros of Spanish Fort to their non- Niblett enters his second season “I’ve just got to step up and be a leader regional slate. Ras the head coach of Foley High School. for the younger guys,” McConnell said. “You have to schedule as good of com- His first outing wasn’t a complete failure “I think being on the AHSAA Leadership petition as you can in non-region games, as the Lions posted a winning record ERIC CLAY Council and our leadership council at but you have to be smart about it,” Niblett and made the playoffs. However 6-5 isn’t Foley will help me in getting through to said. something Foley is used to as it was only the other guys.” The Lions open the 2016 season with the third time in a decade the team hadn’t McConnell holds six scholarship offers home tilts against longtime rivals Rob- won seven games. from nearby programs, including Georgia ertsdale and Fairhope in the first two “We’re about developing consistency State and Jacksonville State. weeks before traveling to Davidson. They year in and year out,” Niblett said. Last The Lions will likely be seeing a famil- will then host Alma Bryant and 2015 7A year he made it a point to emphasize that iar face at quarterback if rising junior State Champions McGill-Toolen before a he didn’t plan to take time to rebuild, but Chris Armstrong can do the things he Week Six bye. rather to build. needs to in order to win the job. In the second half of the season, Foley The challenge for Niblett and company “(Chris) gave our guys a shot in the will only play one home game, against will be finding a way to win games on the arm last season,” Niblett said regarding Mary G. Montgomery. The homecoming road. At home the Lions were a perfect Armstrong’s gutsy, scrambling style of game will come after trips to Murphy and 5-0 at Ivan-Jones Stadium, but only won a play. “He’s humble, coachable and he Spanish Fort. To close out the regular single road contest. wants to be great.” season, Niblett and his team will play at Another job at hand for the coach is to Niblett wouldn’t go as far as to name Baker and Theodore. fill a roster with capable players. CLAYTON MCCONNELL Armstrong the starter, but it would be a An improvement from last year is to be The team has about 20 seniors, and bit of a surprise if the junior isn’t under expected from everyone in and surround- they’ll need production from just about center on opening night. ing the program. While they likely won’t all of them to stay competitive in the re- On the defensive side of the ball, senior take a giant leap forward in Niblett’s gion. lineman Eric Clay will be the anchor for sophomore campaign, an improved re- “One of the things we lacked last year the Lions. cord to possibly 7-3 in the regular season was depth,” Niblett said. “At 7A, you’re “We pride ourselves on working harder is not far fetched.

“We’re about developing consistency year in and year out.” TAD NIBLET, Foley Head Coach 4 Friday, August 12, 2016 • 2016 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • Gulf Coast Media 2016 Daphne Trojans 2016 DAPHNE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 19 Davidson HOME Aug. 26 @ Spanish Fort* AWAY Sept. 2 Saraland* HOME Sept. 9 LeFlore* HOME Sept. 16 @ Fairhope AWAY Sept. 23 Open Sept. 30 B.C. Rain* HOME Oct. 7 @ Gulf Shores* AWAY Oct. 14 Blount* HOME Oct. 21 @ Robertsdale* AWAY Oct. 28 @ BCHS* AWAY

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DAPHNETROJANS

PHOTOS BY KENNY SMITH/GCM CORRESPONDENT Daphne’s defense was a big factor last season and brings back some key personnel with needed experience. King returns to Jubilee City, Daphne High football

By PATRICK HERRING Savarese) made an investment in me. Now it’s my GCM Contributor turn to return that investment to the program that helped me achieve so much. My goal, my purpose aphne High School hosted the annual is to invest in your children, our schools and our Baldwin County Football media day at community. My job as athletic director and head Trojan Hall to give coaches and players in football coach is to communicate and teach not the region a chance to speak with media only details of the game as well as life lessons, but members before summer practice begins. prepare these young athletes for their future.” DIn attendance were host Daphne, Robertsdale, Daphne principal Meredith Foster said King was Baldwin County, Foley, Spanish Fort, Fairhope, selected from a field of more than 100 applicants. Bayside Academy, Gulf Shores, Satsuma and new- “Coach King had all the attributes we were look- comer St. Michael’s Catholic. ing for,” she said. “Strong character, excellent Last year’s event saw an influx of new blood leadership skills, successful experience as both a CHANCE NEWMAN at the head coaching position as three programs player and a coach. He also happens to be a home- boasted new signal callers. This year two new town hero.” faces stepped up to the podium in St. Michael Since retiring from pro football King had been Catholic’s Scott Phelps and Daphne’s Kenny King. an assistant coach at nationally-ranked Hamilton With the two newcomers in place, Bayside’s Phil High School in Phoenix, Ariz., for more than three Lazenby (entering his tenth season) is the only years. head coach with more than three years at the He finished at Daphne under then head coach helm of a program. and AD Steve Savarese before becoming a four- Host Daphne is in a rare spot with the introduc- year starter with the Crimson Tide. He was twice tion of alumnus Kenny King taking the reins from named an All-SEC overall selection and was a Glenn Vickery who had been the Trojans’ coach three-time SEC All-Academic selection at UA. since 2004. King returned to the area after mak- He was also twice selected Alabama’s Iron Man. ing stops as a player at the University of Alabama The defensive end then played four seasons with and in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals. After the Arizona Cardinals and one season with the his professional career ended, he coached in the Baltimore Ravens before injuries forced his retire- JACK CUSHMAN Phoenix area, but his heart had always been back ment in 2008. home. He takes over from Glenn Vickery who retired “I always kept my eye on this job because in January after 15 years in the position at DHS. my goal was always to come home and coach at King, 34, is the fifth head football coach in Daphne,” King said. Daphne history. Current BCBE superintendent King was introduced as Daphne High’s new ath- Eddie Tyler was the first in 1989. Savarese (cur- Chance Newman rolls out on a pass letic director and head football coach earlier in the rent Alabama High School Athletic Association play for the Trojans last year. spring. The Daphne and University of Alabama executive director) was the third after David Sta- alumnus and former NFL player was named to pleton and prior to Vickery. the position unanimously by the Baldwin County The Trojans haven’t missed the playoffs since Board of Education. 1997 and won Class 6A state titles under Vickery King said it was good to be home and described in 2010 and Savarese in 2001. King and wife Strelit- himself as an investor. zia, of Huntsville, have three “It’s exciting to come back and be a part of the children: Kenneth (7), Ken- Trojan pride that is in my heart. In 1997, when I nedy (5) and Ransom (4). was a sophomore here at Daphne, my coach (Steve L.T. IKER

“I always kept my eye on this job because my goal was to come home and coach at Daphne.” — KENNY KING, Daphne head coach 6 Friday, August 12, 2016 • 2016 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • Gulf Coast Media 2016 FAIRHOPE PIRATES

20162016 FAFAIRHOPEIRHOPE HIGH SCHOOLS FOOTBALLFOOTBALL SSCHEDULECHEDULLE

Aug. 19 @ St. Pauls AWAY Aug. 26 @ Foley* AWAY Sept. 2 Mary G. Montgomery* HOME Sept. 9 Theodore* HOME Sept. 16 Daphne HOME Sept. 23 Open Sept. 30 Baker* HOME Oct. 6 @ Davidson (Ladd-Peebles)* AWAY Oct. 14 Murphy* HOME Oct. 21 @ Alma Bryant* AWAY Oct. 28 @ McGill-Toolen (Lipscomb) AWAY

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The Pirates offense suffered key injuries and returns with some experience, but they will be breaking in a new quarterback. Pirates ready for second season under coach Carter Fairhope hopes to better last year’s 6-4 run — especially in region play

By PATRICK HERRING very physical. He’s got a to lead this team,” Jones then visit the Pirates be- GCM Contributor Tim Tebow body at the said. “We got a lot of fore Carter and company high school level.” experience due to the in- close out the season with njuries decimated a Casstevens should be juries last year, so a lot of three of four games on promising Fairhope confident in his protec- guys know what they’re the road. High School football tion as all five of his line- doing.” Fairhope will travel to team in Tim Carter’s man have starts under Moving past the front Ladd-Peebles Stadium first season as head their belt according to four, there is work to be to play Davidson before Icoach a year ago. With the Carter. University of done on Fairhope’s de- finishing out the home new season just weeks South Alabama commit- fense. slate with Murphy. Their away, a healthy team ment Haden Merchant is “We certainly have a regular season will end looks to fulfill its poten- one of those lineman. youth movement on the with away games against tial and succeed where The coaches there have back end of the defense,” Alma Bryant and defend- last year’s team was un- told him he has the op- Carter said. ing 7A State Champions able to. STARR HUTCHERSON HADON MERCHANT portunity to work for a Senior defensive back McGill-Toolen Catholic. In Carter’s first season starting spot as a redshirt Starr Hutcherson will be “It’s a demanding at the helm, the Pirates freshman. looked to for guidance schedule, but hey, every went 6-4 but missed the On the defensive side of and leadership in a young week is a challenge,” playoffs because all four the ball, the Pirates are secondary. He currently Carter said. losses were in region play. returning three of four holds scholarship offers Playing two defending The last two losses could starters up front, includ- from Grambling State and state champions will be be attributed to a slew of ing defensive end Jaylon Stetson University. no easy task, but it could injuries on offense. Jones and lineman Mi- “My goal is to win prepare the Pirates for “Injuries kept us from chael Tomaso. every game and play to playoff football. The 2016 accomplishing what we Both young men have the best of my ability,” season is full of potential could’ve,” Carter said. received scholarship of- Hutcherson said. “I just roadblocks for Fairhope, “We lost almost all of our fers to play at the colle- don’t like to lose.” but a playoff trip could productive players at the giate level. The schedule starts very well be at the end of skill positions at the end “If we get settled in, out with road trips the journey. of last year.” MICHAEL TOMASO JAYLON JONES I think we can stop any to defending 5A State An improvement over The Pirates aren’t offense in the state,” To- Champions St. Paul and the 6-4 record from a year dwelling on the past, but ing talent as opposed to season, though they will maso said. region rival Foley before ago won’t be necessary rather looking toward the teaching and installing be breaking in a new Jones sees the defense a long home stretch. to ensure a playoff ticket, upcoming season. Carter new ideas. quarterback. as being an integral part Fairhope will host Mary but the Pirate fan base now has his playbook Offensively Fairhope “Dillon Casstevens is to the team’s success in Montgomery, Theodore would probably prefer and philosophy in place looks to be in a good posi- the new man under cen- 2016. and Daphne before their a little more breathing and can focus on develop- tion going into the 2016 ter,” Carter said. “He’s “It’s on the defense’s Week Six bye. Baker will room than last year.

“Injuries kept us from accomplishing what we could’ve. We lost almost all of our productive players at the skill positions at the end of last year.” — TIM CARTER, Fairhope Head Coach 8 Friday, August 12, 2016 • 2016 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • Gulf Coast Media

2016 GULF SHORES HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 19 Mountain Brook HOME Aug. 26 @ BCHS* AWAY Sept. 2 Spanish Fort HOME Sept. 9 B.C. Rain* HOME Sept. 16 @ LeFlore (Ladd-Peebles)* AWAY Sept. 23 Faith Academy HOME Sept. 30 @ Saraland* AWAY Oct. 7 Daphne* HOME Oct. 14 Open Oct. 21 @ Blount* AWAY Oct. 28 Robertsdale* HOME

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Home and away, the Dolphins hope to keep battering opposing de- fenses with their Wing-T offense. Dolphins relying on senior leadership to yield victories

By PATRICK HERRING room and around the program “If you make one wrong move In terms of the way the sched- GCM Contributor that an improvement is in the or miss one block, the hole isn’t ule shapes up, Williamson’s near future. going to be there and it can re- goal of 5 victories will be just aking over a high school “We brought in four or five sult in a negative play.” within grasping distance, but football program is new coaches,” Williams said. With a ground and pound the team will have to work for going to be a challenge “Our goal is to change the cul- offense like the one Williams it. for anyone, but for Gulf ture here, not just in the foot- uses, the run game is obviously Opening week the Dolphins Shores head coach ball program, but around the paramount. Running the ball ef- will welcome 7A Mountain TJamie Williams it was a special school.” fectively will keep your defense Brook to Gulf Shores before a challenge. The senior leadership on the fresh. road game at Baldwin County. Williams brought with him team will be key in that culture It can also take pressure off Two more home games against a completely different offense change. Senior wide receiver of the quarterback, which will defending 6A Champion Span- than the kids were used to and and safety Brodie Williamson be necessary for the Dolphins ish Fort and B.C. switched from a spread offense believes the change is working. as they’ll be breaking in a new Rain will be followed by a BRODIE WILLIAMSON to a Wing-T. “It’s all about buying in, and a signal caller in 2016. three-game stretch on the road Getting young men to under- lot of guys didn’t last year,” Wil- The current quarterback at LeFlore, Faith Academy and stand a new offense is tough. liamson said. “We want to win battle is between Luke Murdock Saraland. Getting them to adjust to one at least five games this year and and Caden Goodrich. Whom Daphne will then be the that isn’t as “fun” to them could build towards being a playoff ever comes out of that competi- homecoming opponent for the be harder. team in the future.” tion will need to be able to rely Dolphins before what will be “It was a struggle going from That’s tremendous to hear on his lineman and run game to a much-needed bye in Week the spread to a Wing T, which is from a player who is graduating, keep him upright. 9. They’ll then play at Blount more of a ground and pound of- knowing he won’t be around to Defensively, Williams knows before closing out the regular fense,” Williams said. “You have see the success, but still wanting there is work to be done after season at home against Roberts- to get the guys to buy in to what to lay the groundwork. giving up over 30 points per dale. you’re doing and believe that it Senior offensive lineman game last season. It will be interesting to see can be effective.” Grey Loper is the lone return- “We’ve made a commitment how Williams’ old-school, Wing Gulf Shores limped to a 1-9 ing starter for the o-line and he to get back into the weight T offense works in year two. If record and were outscored 135- believes the new system is help- room,” Williams said. “We’re a the players buy in, the offense 301 in Williams first season. ing him gel with his peers. little undersized at linebacker, clicks and the defense is able to GREY LOPER With a year in the books and a “The Wing T pushes the line- but our guys on defense are allow even just one fewer touch- year of bonding with his team, men to work together and work good at swarming to the foot- down per game this year, 5-5 is a there is optimism in the locker hard on every play,” Loper said. ball.” realistic expectation.

“Our goal is to change the culture here, not just in the football program, but around the school.” — JAMIE WILLIAMS, Gulf Shores Head Coach 10 Friday, August 12, 2016 • 2016 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • Gulf Coast Media

2016 ROBERTSDALE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 19 @ Foley AWAY Aug. 26 Blount* HOME Sept. 1 Alma Bryant HOME Sept.9 @ Spanish Fort* AWAY Sept. 16 Saraland* HOME Sept. 23 Open Sept. 29 @ BCHS AWAY Oct. 7 @ B.C. Rain (Trimmier Park) AWAY Oct. 14 LeFlore* HOME Oct. 21 Daphne* HOME Oct. 28 @ Gulf Shores AWAY

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By PATRICK HERRING out this summer,” Campbell said. GCM Contributor “Our numbers are good, we just have to develop depth at certain positions, ootball season is always an notably the offensive and defensive exciting time of year in this lines and the secondary.” area, but recently there hasn’t One thing that has been out of been much cause for celebra- Campbell’s hands is the surge of tal- tion for fans of Robertsdale ent and winning programs that have FHigh School. The Golden Bears went come to the forefront in the region 1-9 last season and haven’t posted a with teams like Foley, Daphne and winning record in 15 years. Spanish Fort constantly pumping Going into his fifth season at the out competitive teams. head of the program, Brian Camp- “Our kids are excited about play- bell is hoping to right the ship. Thus ing those teams,” Campbell said. far, Campbell has compiled a 9-31 “We may not have as many athletes, record at Robertsdale. Recently he’s but we have kids who believe in what seen depth as one of the biggest con- we’re doing and believe in them- cerns, which will be an issue again selves.” this year as the team boasts just 12 When it comes to this year’s team, seniors. quarterback is also a concern with “We have 97 kids the departure of last year’s starter Brandon Brown. According to Campbell, junior Joseph 2016 grad and former RHS Thompson and senior Nate quarterback Krebs are battling for the Brandon Brown job. will be missed. “We have to be able to RHS QB Brandon Brown breaks for a big gain at GSHS last year. throw the football,” Camp- bell said. “We’ve got three wide receivers at 6’3 or get them the ball.” Back-to-back road games against better. I’d be stupid to not On the defensive side, Campbell Baldwin County and B.C. Rain will believes the front line will be the come after a presumably much- team’s strong point. That being said, needed bye in Week Six. Home he will be looking to replace talented games against Leflore and Daphne players who graduated from the line- will round out the games at Roberts- backing corps and the secondary. dale before the Golden Bears close The schedule doesn’t stack up out the regular season with a tilt at easily for the Golden Bears in 2016 Gulf Shores. with the opener at Foley on Aug. 19, To be honest, unless Campbell has followed by a home game against a secret weapon that he’s keeping Blount. under wraps, there isn’t great case A home game in Week Three for optimism in 2016. The best-case against Alma Bryant, which didn’t scenario would probably be a 4-6 win a game in 2015, will be welcomed season, but another 1-9 year isn’t out before a road game at Spanish Fort of the question. Who doesn’t love an and a home game against Saraland. underdog, though?

“Develop depth at certain positions, notably the offensive, defensive lines and the secondary.” — BRIAN CAMPBELL, Robertsdale Head Coach 12 Friday, August 12, 2016 • 2016 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • Gulf Coast Media

2016 SPANISH FORT HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 19 @ McGill-Toolen (Lipscomb) AWAY Aug. 26 Daphne* HOME Sept. 2 @ Gulf Shores* AWAY Sept. 9 Robertsdale* HOME Sept. 16 BCHS* HOME Sept. 23 Open Sept. 30 @ Blount (Prichard)* AWAY Oct. 7 Foley HOME Oct. 14 Saraland* HOME Oct. 21 @ B.C. Rain (Trimmier)* AWAY Oct. 28 @ LeFlore (Ladd-Peebles)* AWAY

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The defending state champs lost some big guns last season, but appear to have a still potent arsenal of talent ready to compete in the Class 6A Region 1 firestorm. Toros hope to repeat title run By PATRICK HERRING back competition is down to se- and my first three steps off the players who’ve committed to play GCM Contributor niors Wyatt Wilkenson and Trey ball,” Thomas said. football at the next level. Berry. Johnston touted the defense, Spanish Fort must also play ne couldn’t ask for any- Wilkenson has game experi- but was quick to praise his team’s on the road against a Blount thing more in their first ence in mop-up duty from the offense too. team that took them down to the season as a new head past couple years behind John- “The offense is our weakest wire in a 41-38 nail biter last year. coach than what Ben ston. According to Blackmon, he link, but they’re not particularly Other away games for the Toros Blackmon got when needs to work on protecting the weak,” Johnston said. include Gulf Shores, B.C. Rain Ohe took over the Spanish Fort football. The defense will likely be giv- and Leflore. football program a year ago: a Berry is a 6’7, 200 lb. athlete ing the ball back to their offense The home opponents for the state championship. The peren- who placed second in the jav- time and time again, allowing defending champs consist of nial powerhouse Toros won their elin and high jump at the state them to improve. If the talent Daphne, Baldwin County, Rob- fourth state title in six seasons in track meet in the spring. While and execution of last year’s team ertsdale, Foley and a Saraland Blackmon’s first year, and look unproven on the field, coaches carries over, the defense will team eager to erase the memory THOMAS JOHNSTON to bring the trophy home again are salivating at the possibilities have no problem carrying the of a 41-18 stomping at the hands in 2016. Winning is the culture at inherent with his build. team until the offense gets roll- of the Toros. Spanish Fort these days, anything Regardless of who wins the ing. Teams barely averaged over As stated above, repeating is less is sub par. quarterback battle, this Toros two touchdowns per game on the never easy, but it’s difficult to Repeating is never easy, team will be known for its de- Toro defense a year ago. bet against this team. The Toros although the Toros have ex- fense. With senior linebacker As defending champions, just don’t make it a habit to lose. perienced that challenge and Thomas Johnston and senior Spanish Fort will be circled on Somewhere along the line, the surmounted it by winning back defensive lineman racking up every opponent’s calendar head- Toros are bound to drop a game to back titles in 2012 and 2013. Se- scholarship offers left and right, ing into 2016. It won’t take long to this season, with the likely sus- niors on the roster already have their play on the field will prob- find out what this team is made pect being the opener against two championship rings, but the ably warrant another look from of since they open the season McGill. thirst for a third is palpable. any school not already pursuing with a road game at fellow state That being said, don’t count “The kids love the challenge,” the pair of First Team All-State champions in 7A’s McGill-Toolen. them out of another title run. The Blackmon said. “The bigger the defenders. Both attended a camp “The atmosphere for that game 2014 edition of this team dropped opponent, the bigger the chal- held by the University of Ala- is going to be like a state champi- a regular season game at home lenge, these guys relish it.” bama this summer, but remain onship game,” Johnston said. against St. Paul’s and still won JUSTIN THOMAS The 2016 rendition of the tight-lipped about their college If Blackmon’s players truly it all. While 14-1 doesn’t have Toros will certainly have a differ- decisions. relish playing the best opponents quite the same ring to it as 15-0, it ent feel with 6A Mr. Football and Thomas does see room for available, they’ll love the Yellow would still mean another ring for Back of the Year Tyler Johnston improvement in his own game Jackets, who already tout six the Toros. gone to play quarterback for the though. Blazers of UAB. The quarter- “I need to improve my strength

“Develop depth at certain positions, notably the offensive, defensive lines and the secondary.” — BEN BLACKMON, Spanish Fort Head Coach 14 Friday, August 12, 2016 • 2016 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • Gulf Coast Media

2016 ST. MICHAEL CARDINALS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 29 Millry AWAY Sept. 12 Mobile Christian AWAY Sept. 26 Chickasaw HOME Oct. 3 Bayside HOME Oct. 10 Satsuma AWAY Oct. 17 Open TBA Oct. 24 Chickasaw AWAY

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GO Gulf Coast Media • 2016 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • Friday, August 12, 2016 15 ST. MICHAEL CATHOLIC CARDINALS Cardinal sophomores, freshmen ready to build foundation for future

GRIFFIN MAHONEY MICHAEL BROWN JACOB DOMNING GARET SEIBT Former RHS, Leroy head coach and Summerdale native Scott Phelps ready to direct inaugural St. Michael Catholic season

By PATRICK HERRING 25 kids right now, with several Toolen. The quartet of under- title and six region champion- Shaw High in Mobile, he then GCM Contributor ineligible for the upcoming classmen hopes to help coach ships. spent 12 successful seasons as season due to transfer rules.” Phelps build a legacy for St. “I’m tickled to have another Leroy’s head coach. From 1993 In August a new chapter Numerous students from Michael. chance to mold these young to 2005, he led the Bears to a will begin for Baldwin County schools in the surrounding “I wanted to play because I kids,” Phelps said. 103-46 record. His team won as St. Michael Catholic School area are enrolling at the new liked the idea of being the first St. Michael will play six ju- the Class 2A title in 2004 and is set to open its doors for school, and so are a handful team and setting the founda- nior varsity games on Monday finished as runner-up in 2001. the fall semester. The school from McGill-Toolen Catholic tion,” Domning said. nights at Fairhope’s football He led Leroy to the playoffs in is located on Main Street in in Mobile whose parents were Seibt took it a step further. stadium. Phelps hopes to 11 of his 12 seasons. Daphne and will be the first making the daily commute so “(Transferring here) is add three more JV games in Phelps joins a Cardinal Catholic high school in the their children could attend probably the best decision I’ve 2017. The head coach wants a coaching staff which already area. With the school’s open- Catholic high school. made in my life.” weight room on campus next includes athletic director ing, there are many firsts up “There’s a sense of energy Brown, who also plans to year also, and hopes for an on- and girls soccer coach Paul coming for the faculty, staff and excitement every day,” play basketball for the school, campus field in 2018. Knapstein, volleyball coach and future students. Phelps said regarding sum- also couldn’t pass up the op- After two years playing at Missy Williams, girls basket- If there’s one thing that mer practice. portunity. the junior varsity level, St. ball coach David Offerle and goes hand in hand with high The team, which is without “I just wanted to be part of Michael will qualify to play Reggie Copeland Jr. as boys schools in the south, it’s foot- its own weight room or practice the first graduating class, and varsity football. The school basketball coach. ball. So of course it didn’t take field as the school is only in the to help build a football and will likely fall into one of the The school will offer footlong for the school to install a early stages, currently holds basketball program.” Alabama High School Athletic ball and volleyball as fall football program. weight training at the YMCA. If Phelps’ name sounds Association (AHSAA) 3A or sports, boys and girls basket- Scott Phelps was hired as The unique situation hasn’t de- familiar, it’s because he spent 4A classification. ball in the winter and boys the school’s first head foot- terred any of the young men to six years (2006-2011) as the A graduate of Foley High and girls soccer in the spring. ball coach in March, and he this point, however. head coach for Robertsdale School and West Alabama, Knapstein said the plan is to is eager to get started at St. Sophomores Jacob Domn- High School, where he com- coach Phelps served a stint add baseball in the second Michael. ing, Griffin Mahoney, Garet piled a 13-47 record. Prior to as defensive coordinator at year. “We’re building a program,” Seibt and Michael Brown that, he found success at 2A Phelps said. “We’ve got about all transferred from McGill- Leroy where he won a state

“We’re building a program. We’ve got about 25 kids right now, with several ineligible for the upcoming season due to transfer rules.” — SCOTT PHELPS, St. Michael Catholic Head Coach 16 Friday, August 12, 2016 • 2016 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • Gulf Coast Media

2016 BALDWIN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 19 Northview-Dothan HOME Aug. 26 Gulf Shores * HOME Sept. 2 @ Blount (Prichard Stadium)* AWAY Sept. 9 Open Sept. 16 @ Spanish Fort* AWAY Sept. 23 @ Alma Bryant AWAY Sept. 30 Robertsdale* HOME Oct. 7 Saraland* HOME Oct. 14 B.C. Rain* HOME Oct. 21 @ LeFlore (Ladd-Peebles)* AWAY Oct. 28 Daphne* HOME

Keeping You in the Game! Serving South Baldwin County Since 1916 413 East Laurel Avenue 700 Whispering Pines Road Foley, Alabama 36535 Daphne, Alabama 36526 Call 251-937-6120 251-943-5001 251-626-5000 Outage Reporting System Outage Reporting System 251-943-4999 251-625-4999 www.baldwinboneandjoint.com

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Right on 1-10 But Far Off The Beaten Track! /RFDWHG,QVLGH7KH2DVLV7UDYHO&HQWHUQ,:HVW([LW :LOFR[([LW &RXQW\5RDG5REHUWVGDOH$/ Go Tigers! ZZZIDFHERRNFRP'HUDLOHG'LQHUZZZ'HUDLOHG'LQHUFRP GO TIGERS Gulf Coast Media • 2016 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • Friday, August 12, 2016 17 BALDWIN COUNTY TIGERS Tigers ready for third season with coach McDaniel Tigers hope to utilize 14 seniors on 110-player roster

By PATRICK HERRING ago. After averaging 37 points per GCM Contributor game over a 4-0 start, Baldwin County averaged just over 23 athan McDaniel inher- points per game in finishing out ited what some would the season 5-5. call a dumpster fire in Junior quarterback Eli Powell the form of the Baldwin has two years of experience in County High School Ti- the system after playing spar- Ngers when he took over the pro- ingly as a freshman and winning gram in 2014. He inherited a team the starting job prior to last sea- CHRIS HOOKS that had gone a combined 2-28 in son. the three years before his arrival. “Eli had uncommon maturity Since then, the head coach has for a sophomore last year,” Mc- changed the culture in the area Daniel said. “I trust this kid with and made football relevant again everything I’ve got. No one works at the school, winning 9 games or prepares harder.” in his first two seasons. In year Powell will have four of his three, the Tigers look to take the wide receivers from a year ago next step. returning, so the offense should “All the pieces are in place,” be in store for some big things. McDaniels said. “We just have to “We can be as good as we want go out and make it happen. We’re to be,” Powell said, “The key is excited about where we’re at.” execution.” His team returns eight On the defensive side of the starters on offense and five on ball, the secondary looks to be defense. The Tigers boasts 14 one of the stronger units for the DESHAUN LOVE seniors on a roster with 110 Tigers with four starting de- young men, an amazing num- fensive backs returning. Senior KENNY SMITH/GCM CORRESPONDENT ber considering his first team safety Deshaun Love is hungry The Tigers return a large senior contingent on both sides of the ball with past boasted around 50 total players. for the challenge of locking down experience that should pay dividends. It’s evident that kids want to play teams. football for McDaniel. “The defense is going to be from a year ago in reigning state A playoff berth is the ultimate Senior wide receiver Chris better than last year,” Love said. champions Spanish Fort, a 10- goal of every team at the begin- Hooks, who has scholarship “Big plays killed us last year, we win Blount team and Saraland. ning of the year, and BCHS is no offers from Tuskegee and Jack- can’t let that happen again.” Their other two road games exception. Winning six games sonville State, was there before McDaniel’s defense will need come in the form of Leflore and should do the trick to earn a McDaniel and has seen the to improve after giving up almost Alma Bryant late in the season. ticket to the post season in the change occur. 34 points per game a year ago. The home slate for Baldwin region, and that looks doable even “We look down on the attitude Playing in the increasingly County is much easier on paper with the tough road slate. Finish- of the team from four years ago,” challenging Region 1 of the 6A with Northview (Dothan), Gulf ing 6-4 would improve the team’s Hooks said. classification, the Tigers will face Shores, Robertsdale, new region record for a third straight season, McDaniel’s offense will look a tough schedule this season. member B.C. Rain and peren- likely result in a playoff birth and ELI POWELL to be more potent in 2016 after The Tigers play away games at nial power Daphne visiting Bay mark the first winning season for seeing a hot start trail off a year the top three teams in the region Minette. the program since 2004.

“All the pieces are in place. We just have to go out and make it happen. We’re excited about where we’re at.” — NATHAN MCDANIEL, Baldwin County Head Coach 18 Friday, August 12, 2016 • 2016 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • Gulf Coast Media

2016 BAYSIDE ACADEMY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 19 St. James HOME Aug. 26 @ Faith Academy AWAY Sept. 2 Clarke County* HOME Sept. 9 @ Mobile Christian* AWAY Sept. 16 Excel* HOME Sept. 23 Open Sept. 30 Hillcrest-Evergreen* HOME Oct. 7 Cottage Hill Christian Academy* HOME Oct. 14 T.R. Miller* HOME Oct. 21 @ Flomaton* AWAY Oct. 28 @Carroll-Ozark AWAY

Keeping You in the Game! Serving South Baldwin County Since 1916 413 East Laurel Avenue 700 Whispering Pines Road Foley, Alabama 36535 Daphne, Alabama 36526 Call 251-625-2663 251-943-5001 251-626-5000 Outage Reporting System Outage Reporting System 251-943-4999 251-625-4999 www.baldwinboneandjoint.com WE HAVE WHAT YOU NEED! Proud of • Hurricane Supplies Our Admirals! • Garden section with beautiful plants! • Helpful Hardware Folks • DeWalt • Black & Decker • Craftsman • Ask about the Ace Rewards Card Michelle Sulcer, store owner 1201 HWY 98 Daphne, AL 36532

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Go, Fight, Win Admirals! Gulf Coast Media • 2016 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • Friday, August 12, 2016 19 BAYSIDE ADMIRALS Admirals hungry for more post-season glory Bayside brings 12 seniors to 40-player roster

By PATRICK HERRING the playoffs last year. Lazenby GCM Contributor does not expect him to return this season. Instead, the quar- he 2015 football season terback competition is wide couldn’t have been open for the time being. scripted much better Freshman quarterback Matt for Bayside Academy. Kalifeh may be the man for the Coming off of a los- job, but he will have plenty of Ting season the year prior, the learning to do, as well as put- NOAH WATERS Admirals made the playoffs ting on weight. As of now, he and ran roughshod through stands at 5’9 and weighs about their competition all the way 148 lbs. to the 3A State Championship “Everyone likes the way he game. Their title hopes were throws the ball,” Lazenby said. thwarted by Piedmont, but With such a small roster, Bay- head coach Phil Lazenby and side traditionally has most of his team set a school record their young men playing both with 11 wins. ways, and 2016 will be no excep- Lazenby hopes the 2016 incar- tion. Lazenby did iterate his in- nation of the program can learn tention to pour all of the team’s from the successes and failures assets to the defense. of their predecessors to make it Senior leadership will also back to the title game and bring be key for the Admirals. Three Bayside their first state champi- of the team’s upperclassmen onship. The task won’t be easy, spoke to the media in June Bayside 2016 will rely on their stingy defense with many Admirals playing but if any squad is up to it, La- on the offensive side as well. REID NORTON about the upcoming season. A zenby believes it’s his. running theme was their desire “We’re such a small school,” to finish what last year’s team underdog,” offensive lineman came away with a 3-point vic- Lazenby said. “Most of our started. Noah Watters said. “It gives us tory over the Admirals last kids play because they love the “If we get to (the state cham- a chip on our shoulders.” season. game, not because they want a pionship game) again, we The chips on their shoulder After a Week Six bye, Bayside scholarship.” won’t be star struck,” middle this season are the narrow 7-0 gets Hillcrest Evergreen at Bayside boasts just 12 seniors linbacker and wide receiver loss at T.R. Miller (their only home before travelling to Cot- on a roster of only 40 players. Bo Ezell said. “We work hard, regional defeat) and the 44-7 tage Hill Christian. Their final The annual struggle to replace bond, work together as a group loss to Piedmont in Tuscalo- home game is against reigning talent is nothing new for any and we play our hearts out.” osa. Both of those chips could region champion T.R. Miller, high school coach, but it may “Last year gives us a lot of be knocked off this year if the and is followed by road contests be a tad more difficult when a confidence,” wide receiver and team performs as valiantly as at Flomaton and 5A program school graduates a quarter of defensive back Reid Norton the 2015 squad did. Carroll (Ozark). team. said. “Our goal is to get back Bayside opens 2016 with Depending on how this team “We lost all of our running to state. To do that, we have to a non-regional home game shapes up and what kind of fire BO EZELL backs (from last season), and we hold teams to fewer points.” against St. James (Montgom- Lazenby is able to light under lost our quarterback to a shoul- Another talking point with ery) before travelling to Faith his players, this could very well der injury,” Lazenby said. the team is their desire for oth- Academy. Home games against be a playoff team again. That He’s referring to Conner Ser- ers to continue to underesti- Clarke County and Excel sand- being said, 11 wins is a school mon who suffered a partially mate them. wich a revenge game on the record that probably isn’t going torn rotator cuff and labrum in “We love being considered the road at Mobile Christian who to fall this year.

““We’re such a small school. Most of our kids play because they love the game, not because they want a scholarship.”” — PHIL LAZENBY, Bayside Head Coach 20 Friday, August 12, 2016 • 2016 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • Gulf Coast Media Closer look at what Foley, Fairhope are up against in 2016

By PATRICK HERRING G. Montgomery), Danny Smith be looking to avenge their first- GCM Contributor (Baker), Tad Niblett (Foley) and round playoff exits this time Tim Carter (Fairhope). McGill's around. any sportswriters, fans Caleb Ross won the state title Fairhope, Foley and Baker all and coaches consider 7A in his second year. Could one of finished 6-4 in 2015, but due to a MRegion 1 to be one of the the aforementioned colleagues three-way tiebreaker, the Lions toughest regions in the state of be next? got the playoff nod. They went Alabama due to being heavily The road to the region title on to lose in the first round also, talent laden across the region will undoubtedly run through but playoff experience is always and the number of teams who McGill-Toolen in 2016 because, invaluable. This means 2015 saw have climbed to the top in recent aside from the fact they are two playoff-eligible teams left years. It really seems as if in reigning state champs, their ros- out because 7A Region 1 was so any given season, almost any ter is bursting at the seams with top heavy with talented teams. team in the region can come out collegiate talent. We're only in Teams will need to fight for as champions and propel them- August and already five Yellow every inch to see their playoff selves far into the playoffs. Jacket seniors have committed hopes come to fruition, because Take the reigning 7A State to play collegiate football: de- a winning record isn't an au- Champions, McGill-Toolen Cath- fensive backs Trey Young (Troy) tomatic ticket anymore in this olic Yellow Jackets for example. and Trey Bendolph (Jackson- region. Foley’s Chris Armstrong on his way to the endzone Friday night. They went 13-1 in 2015 following ville State), linebacker Carlton The 2016 season will be in- an abysmal 4-6 season the year Mitchell (Air Force) and wide teresting to watch on a weekly Pirate quarterback Tevin Brown (12) before. It really can turn around receivers Jalen Tolbert (Jack- basis in 7A Region 1 as every opted to focus that quickly with the right com- sonville State), Brandon Hinton single game could make or on basketball his bination of coaching and talent. (Alabama A&M) and Marlon break a season. McGill-Toolen senior year at In 2015 six of the nine teams Williams (Southern Califor- appears to be a juggernaut, but Fairhope. in the region posted a winning nia). That's not to mention new they can't forget where they record and qualified for the starting quarterback Bubba came from: a 4-6 record in 2014. playoffs. Thompson, who is a baseball Davidson and Mary Montgom- There's no reason to believe commitment to Auburn. ery went 3-7 in 2015, could one the region will be any easier Basically the rest of the re- of them be this year's Cinderella to navigate for all of the teams gion will be playing catch up program? Alma Bryant seems involved in 2016. Four head to the Yellow Jackets in 2016. to be the long shot of the region, coaches are entering their Murphy and Theodore aren't too coming off of an 0-10 campaign, second season at their helm in far back after posting identical but don't count anyone out in 2016 in Brian Seymore (Mary 7-4 records a year ago. Both will this region. Goo d Luck Fol ey Lion s!

“It’s A Southern Th ing” 2225 S. McKenzie St. Foley, AL 36535 251.943.8505 www.southern-chevrolet.com Gulf Coast Media • 2016 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • Friday, August 12, 2016 21 BALDWIN VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM SCHEDULES Baldwin County High Fairhope Robertsdale scomb) Robertsdale @ BCHS* (*6A Region 1) (*7A Region 1) (*6A Region 1) Hillcrest-Evergreen @ Bayside* Aug. 26 B.C. Rain @ Daphne* Aug. 19: Northview-Dothan Aug. 19: @ St. Pauls Aug. 19: @ Foley Gulf Shores @ BCHS* Baker @ Fairhope* Aug. 26: Gulf Shores * Aug. 26: @ Foley* Aug. 26: Blount* Bayside @ Faith Academy Gulf Shores @ Saraland* Sept. 2: at Blount (Prichard Stadium)* Sept. 2: Mary G. Montgomery* Sept. 2: Alma Bryant Daphne @ Spanish Fort* Spanish Fort @ Blount (Prichard)* Sept. 9: Open Sept. 9: Theodore* Sept. 9: @ Spanish Fort* Fairhope @ Foley* Sept. 16: @ Spanish Fort* Sept. 16: Daphne Sept. 16: Saraland* Blount @ Robertsdale* Oct. 6 Sept. 23: @ Alma Bryant Sept. 23: Open Sept. 23: Open Fairhope @ Davidson (Lipscomb)* Sept. 30: Robertsdale* Sept. 30: Baker* Sept. 30: @ BCHS* Sept. 1 Oct. 7: Saraland* Oct. 6: @ Davidson (Lipscomb Park)* Oct. 7: @ B.C. Rain (Tremiere Park) Foley @ Davidson (Lipscomb)* Oct. 7 Oct. 14: B.C. Rain* Oct. 14: Murphy* Oct. 14: LeFlore* Saraland @ BCHS* Oct. 21: @ LeFlore (Ladd-Peebles)* Oct. 21: @ Alma Bryant* Oct. 21: Daphne* Sept. 2 Bayside @ Cottage Hill Oct. 28: Daphne* Oct. 28: @ McGill-Toolen (Lipscomb) Oct. 28: @ Gulf Shores BCHS @ Blount (Prichard)* Daphne @ Gulf Shores* Clarke County @ Bayside* Foley @ Spanish Fort Bayside Academy Foley Spanish Fort Saraland @ Daphne* Robertsdale @ B.C. Rain (Tremiere) (*3A Region 1) (*7A Region 1) (*6A Region 1) Mary Montgomery @ Fairhope* Aug. 19: St. James Aug. 19: Robertsdale Aug. 19: @ McGill-Toolen (Lipscomb) Gulf Shores @ Spanish Fort* Oct. 14 Aug. 26: @ Faith Academy Aug. 26: Fairhope* Aug. 26: Daphne* Alma Bryant @ Robertsdale (HC?) B.C. Rain @ BCHS* Sept. 2: Clarke County* Sept. 1: @ Davidson (Lipscomb)* Sept. 2: @ Gulf Shores* Sept. 9 T.R. Miller @ Bayside* Sept. 9: @ Mobile Christian* Sept. 9: Alma Bryant* Sept. 9: Robertsdale* Bayside @ Mobile Christian* Blount @ Daphne* Sept. 16: Excel* Sept. 16: McGill-Toolen Sept. 16: BCHS* LeFlore @ Daphne* Murphy @ Fairhope* Sept. 23: Open Sept. 23: Open Sept. 23: Open Theodore @ Fairhope* Mary Montgomery @ Foley* Sept. 30: Hillcrest-Evergreen* Sept. 29: @ Murphy (Ladd-Peebles)* Sept. 30: @ Blount (Prichard)* Alma Bryant @ Foley* LeFlore @ Robertsdale (HC?)* Oct. 7: Cottage Hill Christian Academy* Oct. 7: @ Spanish Fort Oct. 7: Foley B.C. Rain @ Gulf Shores* Saraland @ Spanish Fort* Robertsdale @ Spanish Fort* Oct. 14: T.R. Miller* Oct. 14: Mary G. Montgomery* Oct. 14: Saraland* Oct. 21 Oct. 21: @ Flomaton* Oct. 21: @ Baker* Oct. 21: @ B.C. Rain (Tremiere)* Sept. 16 BCHS @ LeFlore (Ladd-Peebles)* Oct. 28: @Carroll-Ozark Oct. 28: @ Theodore Oct. 28: @ LeFlore (Ladd-Peebles)* BCHS @ Spanish Fort* Bayside @ Flomaton* Daphne Gulf Shores Excel @ Bayside* Daphne @ Robertsdale* (*6A Region 1) (*6A Region 1) WEEK-BY-WEEK Daphne @ Fairhope Fairhope @ Alma Bryant* McGill-Toolen @ Foley* Foley @ Baker* Aug. 19: Davidson Aug. 19: Mountain Brook SCHEDULE Gulf Shores @ LeFlore (Ladd-Peebles)* Gulf Shores @ Blount (Prichard)* Aug. 26: @ Spanish Fort* Aug. 26: @ BCHS* (All games begin at 7 p.m.) Saraland @ Robertsdale* Spanish Fort @ B.C. Rain (Tremiere) Sept. 2: Saraland* Sept. 2: Spanish Fort Sept. 9: LeFlore* Sept. 9: B.C. Rain* Aug. 19 Sept. 23 Oct. 28 Sept. 16: @ Fairhope Sept. 16: @ LeFlore (Ladd-Peebles)* Northview-Dothan @ BCHS BCHS @ Alma Bryant Daphne @ BCHS* Sept. 23: Open Sept. 23: Faith Academy St. James @ Bayside Academy Faith Academy @ Gulf Shores Bayside @ Carroll (Ozark) Sept. 30: B.C. Rain* Sept. 30: @ Saraland* Davidson @ Daphne Fairhope @ McGill-Toolen (Lipscomb)* Oct. 7: @ Gulf Shores* Oct. 7: Daphne* Fairhope @ St. Paul’s Sept. 29 Foley @ Theodore* Oct. 14: Blount* Oct. 14: Open Robertsdale @ Foley Foley @ Murphy (Ladd-Peebles)* Robertsdale @ Gulf Shores* Oct. 21: @ Robertsdale* Oct. 21: @ Blount* Mountain Brook @ Gulf Shores Sept. 30 Spanish Fort @ LeFlore (Ladd-Pee- Oct. 28: @ BCHS* Oct. 28: Robertsdale* Spanish Fort @ McGill-Toolen (Lip- bles)*

2016 LADD-PEEBLES STADIUM HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Baldwin County schools visiting Ladd this year include Foley (Thursday-Sept. 16 vs Davidson), Gulf Shores (Friday-Sept. 16 vs LeFlore), Foley (Thursday-Sept. 29 vs Murphy) and Fairhope (Thursday-Oct. 6 vsDavidson).

All games at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted Saturday, Aug. 27: Plant (Fla.) vs. Paul Bry- Friday, Sept. 1: Gulf Shores at LeFlore Friday, Oct. 7: Theodore at Murphy ant, 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22: Vigor at LeFlore Friday, Oct. 14: Jackson at Davidson Thursday, Aug. 18: Williamson at LeFlore Thursday, Sept. 1: Foley at Davidson Thursday, Aug. 25: Saraland at LeFlore Friday, Sept. 23: B.C. Rain at Williamson TBD Wilcox Central at Williamson Friday, Aug. 26: Chickasaw at Williamson Friday, Sept.: McGill-Toolen at Murphy Thursday, Sept. 29: Foley at Murphy Friday, Oct. 21: Davidson at Murphy Saturday, Aug. 27: Godby (Fla.) vs. Thomp- Friday, Sept.: Baker at Davidson Friday, Sept. 30: Vigor at Williamson Thursday, Oct. 27: Vigor at Murphy son, 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1: Jackson at Williamson Thursday, Oct. 6: Fairhope at Davidson Friday, Oct. 28: Alma Bryant at Davidson YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS SOURCE. We value your membership. We value you. GULF COAST MEDIA Your Community Winning THE COURIER • THE FOLEY ONLOOKER • THE ISLANDER • THE TIMES INDEPENDENT • THE BALDWIN TIMES News Source Subscribe 901 N. McKenzie Street • Foley, AL 36535 starts Today! 251-943-2151 GulfCoastNews www.GulfCoastNewsToday.comHOME DELIVERYToday.com here. FromDon’t Baldwin Miss AnCounty’s Issue! Football rivalries, baseball playoffs, a tennis match… whatever the activity, our members rely on dependable newsCall innovator Today energy from Baldwin EMC. (251)since 943-2151 1890 www.baldwinemc.com (251) 989-6247 GULF COAST MEDIA THE COURIER • THE FOLEY ONLOOKER • THE ISLANDER • THE TIMES INDEPENDENT • THE BALDWIN TIMES 901 N. McKenzie Street Foley, AL 36535 251-943-2151 www.GulfCoastNewsToday.com 22 Friday, August 12, 2016 • 2016 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • Gulf Coast Media SPANISH FORT BALDWIN COUNTY TOROS TIGERS Tigers set for 2016 with new skipper Melissa Sessions

The BCHS Tigers will be led this year middle school and high school. This by first-year head coach Melissa B. Ses- will be Sessions first season as a varsity sions. Sessions grew up in Daphne and coach. She will also be teaching math. played four years for the Trojans and The 2016 varsity roster for Baldwin graduated in 2006. County High School includes: Ja-Mocha The University of Alabama grad Adams, Kaya Clemmons, Amanda Frith, started coaching in the fall of 2009 with Skylar Hall, Shakethia James, Jakaycia the Daphne High Junior Varsity. She also Lamar, Nia McReynolds, Sarah Mims, participated in coaching for a local club, Kyra Peoples, Gail Pinkard, Elizabeth Eastern Shore Volleyball Club (ESVC). Quinnley, Sheridan Stevens, Dixie Wa- The same team she played for through ters and Mary Watson.

FAIRHOPE

2015 Class 6A MVP Carley Hamric at the net last year. Toros ready to defend PIRATES Shanaya Her- man makes a play for the ‘The Fort’ and state title Pirates. The defending Class are ready to defend the ing around them with 6A state champion Span- title, including incoming some very good players ish Fort Toros also took senior and 2015 Class 6A to compliment Carley up part in the Summer Blast MVP Carley Hamric and front and Savannah on scrimmage. all state defensive spe- defense. We are coming Head coach Gretchen cialist Savannah Lee. back with some young Boykin said graduation “We did lose some very kids in the mix, but claimed quite a few of talented girls to gradua- we’re not planning on her starters, but her tion,” Boykin said. “But missing a beat. Hope that corps of returning start- we are coming back with we will be in contention ers this year are seniors a core group of starters. for the area again and and underclassmen and And we are reconstruct- beyond.”

FOLEY LIONS Pirates working to be Former Foley ship-shape for postseason run

Lions player Lacey Stejskal Powell younger players ready usual, overall— the var- starts up her third year for varsity is due their sity team’s cohesiveness at the helm of her alma preparation and training was strong. returns to lead mater to lead the 2016 vol- by Fairhope junior varsity “This year, with these leyball Pirates this fall. coach Tray Collins. girls I have a wide range Fairhope lost five seniors “Tray is really a big of ages, three freshmen, alma mater from the 2015 team after asset to this program and five sophomores, six ju- Foley High also has a new head losing four the year be- has helped a ton because niors and two seniors. So I coach in former Lion standout player fore. The Pirates will have our philosophies and believe we will have a real Jillie Brokenshaw Prater. two seniors this year. coaching techniques and mix of all those levels on Prater returned to her alma mater “We have two seniors, terminology are very the floor at any given time. last season as the junior varsity Lions but altogether we have a similar. So the getting Of course we will rely on coach. large group this year with everybody into a groove our seniors and upper- real experienced players and on the same page, classmen a lot, but I like Schedule from our freshmen to that definitely makes the the support and energy Aug. 25 at Gulf Shores High at 5:30 p.m. our seniors,” Powell said. transition from JV to var- I’m seeing from the whole Aug. 30 hosting Baldwin County at 5:30 p.m. “That experience will be sity a lot smoother for ev- bunch. They are very Sept. 8 at Baldwin County at 5:30 p.m. big because we are in a erybody. And that’s good excited about the compe- Sept. 12 hosting Gulf Shores High at 5:30 p.m. tough area with Foley and for the kids. One thing tition this year. They’ve Sept. 13 hosting Robertsdale at 4:30 p.m. McGill and Murphy. So it about having a strong JV been working really hard Sept. 20 vs UMS-Wright at 5:30 p.m. should be a challenging program, you have more all summer long to get bet- Sept. 22 at Murphy High at 5:30 p.m. year again, but we accept competition for free spots ter both individually and Sept. 29 at McGill-Toolen High at 6:30 p.m. that and welcome the on varsity and it’s driving together as a team. So, Oct. 4 vs Fairhope High at 5:30 p.m. challenge and look for- everybody to work hard I’m very, very happy with Oct. 6 vs Daphne and Madison at 5:30 p.m. ward to it. We’re excited.” and to be at their best.” the progress we’ve made Oct. 10 at St. Paul’s Episcopal at 6:30 p.m. “Ball’s Up” Lions ready to put it in play. She added that one of Powell said in spite of already.” Oct. 12 at Robertsdale at 4:30 p.m. the reasons she has her a wider age range than Gulf Coast Media • 2016 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • Friday, August 12, 2016 23

Flannary Thomp- son puts the ball in play for the Dolphins.

GULF SHORES DOLPHINS New ‘Phins coach Amanda Talantis on board at Gulf Shores By TONY WHITEHEAD the post season. High and Mobile Christian at setter. [email protected] “Right now we are at Robertsdale as well. “At the setter position working on having more “We are definitely re- we’re looking at a fresh- At Gulf Shores High consistency through each building,” she said. “New man and a sophomore. head coach Amanda Ta- point, game and match coach, new kids. We are And my defensive special- lantis begins her first year and that takes experi- not entirely new to each ists are a junior and a Flannary Thompson connects for the ‘Phins in a preseason scrimmage at SHC. with the Dolphins as head ence working together,” other, but with having freshman,” she said. “So, coach. She was the JV Talantis said during a eight seniors graduate last not a lot of varsity expe- Gulf Shores starts the The GSHS varsity roster coach at GSHS last year preseason scrimmage year, including the start- rience across the board, season hosting neighbor- includes: Maggie Boles- and has coached in Bald- camp at Spring Hill Col- ing setter, we’re really but a lot of energy and ing rival Foley on Aug. DS, Reagan Davis- setter, win County since 2012. Be- lege in July. “We’re still working to be as ready as enthusiasm which is al- 25 (at 5:30 p.m.) and then Tristen Fitts- DS, Peyton fore that she was the head building for that working possible for the start of ways good. Practically, I’m travels to Montgomery Gober- OH, Haley Jones- coach at Northridge High experience together and the season. We’re trying to really hoping to see more Academy for a tourna- MH, Raylyn Paschen-RS/ School in Tuscaloosa. these scrimmages and work back up to the level consistency, especially on ment. The Dolphins’ first MH, Hanna Rigsby- DS, The GSHS Dolphins play dates have been a big that we want and need to our serving. We have some area match is back at The Avery Rodgers- RS, Mad- finished third in the Class help.” be to compete. And we are players who can hit a re- Tank on Sept. 1 with Area die Scarbrough- OH, 6A Area 2 league last sea- The Dolphins also went making progress. So far so ally challenging serve, but 2 rival Baldwin County Maria Strobel- OH/ RS, son with a large senior to Georgia for a camp in good, overall.” I would love to see the rate High at 5:30 p.m. The Flannary Thompson- MH/ lineup. But a fair number Athens and had a pre- Part of the challenge of first or second success- BCHS Tigers also have a OH and Brooke White- of experienced players are season scrimmage play is replacing starting 2015 ful serves be better by the new head coach this year Setter. returning with a quest for date with Baldwin County senior positions, including time we start our season.” in Melissa Sessions. Goo d Luck Gulf Shor es Dol phins!

“It’s A Southern Th ing” 2225 S. McKenzie St. Foley, AL 36535 251.943.8505 www.southern-chevrolet.com 24 Friday, August 12, 2016 • 2016 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • Gulf Coast Media

ST. MICHAEL CATHOLIC CARDINALS Caitlyn Bushaw at the service line for St. Michaels.

TONY WHITEHEAD/GCM PHOTOS Hayden Northcutt sets up a play for the Cardinals.

Cards building future success now

By TONY WHITEHEAD at Christ Methodist Church in the Blanchard, Caitlyn Bushaw, Marissa [email protected] Summer Blast hosted by St. Luke DeRoy, Tevara Duplessis, Maggie Episcopal. Lollis, Mary Grace McKeough, Co- The newest kids on the Baldwin “So glad we got to participate lette Murphy, Hayden North- high-school sports block have had in (that) event,” Williams said. “It cutt, Katie Ray and Ryan Russo. Maggie Lollis bumps a pass to be set. their preseason practices under really helps to play other teams Cardinal volleyball puts the ball way and are looking forward to and it gives some idea of where we up officially Aug. 27 at the Gulf School 4:30 PM their first contest of 2016. are competitively. So far I think we Shores Tournament (Times to be Schedule 8/27 @ Gulf Shores Tournament 9/15 vs. St. Paul’s Episcopal “We are all really excited to get are playing at a good level. But it’s announced). The first-ever home TBA School 4:30 PM started and establish this team,” still early and we are just getting use match is set for Sept. 6 hosting the 8/29 @ St. Paul’s Episcopal 9/21 vs. Bayside Academy 4:30 said St. Michael’s head volleyball to playing together as a team. That Baker Hornets at St. Michael Gym School 4:30 PM PM coach Missy Williams. “We are always takes time.” at 4:30 p.m. 8/29 vs. UMSWrightSchool 5:30 9/28 @ Bayside Academy 4:30 starting with ninth and 10th grad- The inaugural team’s players Now playing junior varsity PM (St. Paul’s) PM ers and hope to build on them into will come from four different public schedules with incoming sopho- 9/01 @ Foley High School 4:30 10/01 @ Baker Tournament TBA the future. They all vary in expe- schools and transfers from McGill- mores and freshmen, the St. Mi- PM 10/03 vs. St. Luke’s Episcopal rience, but we think we have the Toolen Catholic who already live in chael athletic program will support 9/03 @ McGillToolen Tourna- School 4:30 PM makings of a good JV team.” Baldwin County. varsity-level sports beginning in ment TBA 10/06 @ Baker High School The Cardinals took part in a The first Cardinals volleyball 2018 in the 3A to 4A classifications 9/06 vs. Baker High School 4:30 PM preseason scrimmage with 12 other team includes: Mary Kate An- in the Alabama High School Ath- 4:30 PM 10/13 @ Gulf Shores High junior varsity and freshmen teams thony, Sydney Barter, Cameron letic Association. 9/13 @ St. Luke’s Episcopal School 4:00 PM

ROBERTSDALE GOLDEN BEARS Golden Bears led by three senior leaders in 2016 In Robertsdale the Caitlyn and Breanna will handle. And, she will defi- than we did last year in the Golden Bears will see be a strong force for us nitely be helping keep the area,” Roberts said. “We another tough schedule as our big outside hitters. team spirit up. All three of are definitely going to work in the Class 6A, five-team, But, overall we’re all still my seniors Breanna, Tay- towards that. But really All-Baldwin, Area 2 for- learning as we go and will lor and Rosie will provide our main issue right now mat. The Golden Bears be until the end. We’re leadership and team spirit. is communication or lack will have three returning going to just have to work We certainly wanted Rosie there of, so right now we’re starters as seniors this hard and prepare our best to play a lot but if she is working on what we need year for Robertsdale High and hope we get better and not able to, then we have to to do and build better ways head coach Metta Roberts. better as we go. understand.” to help each other on the Golden Bears seniors Blount’s limited play Robertsdale opens Aug. court from start to finish.” Breanna Watkins, Taylor will certainly hurt the 25 with LeFlore at the Rounding out the Golden Miller and Rosie Blount Bears, but she is also a Rattlers’ gym in Mobile, Bears varsity roster this bring back a lot of experi- Golden Bears seniors Breanna Watkins, Taylor Miller and Rosie source of inspiration to the then on to the Mary G. fall will be juniors, setter ence to the RHS floor, un- Blount. team. Montgomery Vikings Lauren Terrell and out- fortunately Blount is not “Rosie is injured but tournament in Semmes on side hitter Megan Engler, 100 percent. will be. But we’re going to Roberts said her key out- she’s going to try and help Aug. 26. Their first Class sophomores, defensive “Well, I’ve got three be missing two big middles side hitters Watkins and us out as much as she 6A Area 2 match will be specialist Abby Patterson seniors coming back with from last year and right (junior) Caitlin Dade will can,” Roberts said. “She at Gulf Shores on Sept. 6 and middle blocker Roxy quite a lot of experience,” now we have a freshman help balance the Golden might be limited in what and the first home match Wallace and freshmen Roberts said. “They’ve and a sophomore stepping Bears’ front line. Miller is a she can do on the court, will be with Area 2 rival middle blocker Blakeley been working hard in in there. We are trying to defensive specialist as well but if she can help us in Spanish Fort Sept. 20. The Laird and outside hitter the gym all summer and get them all ready for what as an all-around athelete some key situations, she Area 2 tournament is set Jasmyne Morris. Roberts have experience from the lies ahead, but we are hop- on the court. plans to do it as much as for Oct. 18. will be assisted by former standpoint of playing and ing they can get it done for “With a sophomore and she can depending on what “Standing wise we cer- Golden Bear coach Whit- applying what their roles us inside there.” a freshman inside, I expect her body allows her to tainly want to finish better ney Stephens. Gulf Coast Media • 2016 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • Friday, August 12, 2016 25

DAPHNE BAYSIDEADMIRALS TROJANS New Daphne coach ready to serve

By TONY WHITEHEAD and I’m happy. I think we At LSU Adams led [email protected] have a great group. Some the Tigers to three SEC may need to be coaxed Championships and two At Daphne High head into shape a little but, Final Fours. She was the coach Monique Adams- there’s some solid talent, 1991 SEC Tournament Williams begins her first some decent experience MVP and was named to year with the Trojans. and some well coached the Final Four All-Tour- She is no stranger to kids here. I don’t think nament team. She was the Jubilee City, her SANDRA GRICE/GCM CORRESPONDENT I’m changing a lot of also selected to the USA hometown— or to any The Champs Charge 2014 state trophy. what they were used to National Team (1989- volleyball court in the as far as how to approach 1991) before embarking world. The former Christ the game. But there’s on her professional vol- The King- McGill-Toolen always some adjustment leyball career. Under leg- Catholic standout earned when a new coach comes endary head coach Becky Not ready to quit two NCAA All-American in. And sometimes it’s Dickenson at McGill- honors at LSU and good for everybody to Toolen, Adams helped played professionally in move things around lead the Dirty Dozen to Europe and Japan before and look from a differ- four 6A state champi- the state-title habit returning to Daphne. ent angle. Anyway, it’s onships. She was also She has been an assistant a learning process for an All-State basketball The Admirals have coach at Bayside Acad- now, but we’re also really player and led the Yellow earned a lot of attention emy in volleyball and looking forward to the Jackets to an undefeated over the years with their basketball. season getting started.” state championship sea- consecutive win streaks “I hated to leave Bay- The Trojans open 2016 son. Earlier this year, she of AHSAA state titles, side, I love it and always at home in a trimatch was also inducted into especially the current run will,” Adams-Williams with Murphy High and the Mobile Sports Hall of which stands at an Ala- said. “But this was an op- St. Paul’s Episcopal. Fame Class of 2016. Her bama High School Athletic portunity that only can Their first Class 6A Area daughter Gabby Deshotel Association all-time 14 come around once in a 2 contest is at home host- is a senior outside hitter straight. The Daphne inde- great while, so: here I am ing Gulf Shores Sept. 8. for the Blazers at UAB. pendent school has 24 state championship banners in the sport since joining the AHSAA in 1981. Bayside head coach Ann Schilling Into Savings KUBOTA SALES EVENT has guided the Admirals to SANDRA GRICE/GCM CORRESPONDENT Shift 21 of those championship Lauren Chastang hits for Bayside. banners as well as four state runner-up finishes “We have some very good nior class. Setter Ansleigh since she took over in 1987. defensive players this year Dailey begins her fourth Not surprisingly Bayside and so I’m thinking we year at the Admirals’ floor- is often the top-ranked might run without a libero quarterback position. AHSAA 3A preseason team some— may be all of, of the “We’re good up front in the state and almost as time. Of course, every team with Ariel, Lauren and often, in the state overall. is different somewhat, but Brantley (Rhodes) swing- Although responsible this is virtually the same ing for us and Ansleigh for 21 state championships, team that, except for Julia, running the plays. They Schilling gives her players is coming back together. know each other so well.” the credit. And they are a year older Schilling added. “We never “I’ve been blessed with and wiser. So, I do feel have the depth of the big- great kids. That’s it. You good about this group. But ger schools. But we’re kind can’t go very far without they are also experienced of used to it and how to having great kids. And enough to know you never handle dealing with that great kids come from great take anything for granted.” fact.” parents and also a great Seniors Lauren Chastang The Admirals step on school that supports the and Ariel Dulaney return court for their first match program. We only lost one with the most experi- at Class 7A Oak Mountain senior last year in Julia ence including significant Aug. 25 and then compete Martin to graduation and playoff, Elite Eight, 3A in the Jaunita Boddie Tour- she cannot be replaced, championship and all-state nament at Hoover High The deals are in overdrive on select new Kubota RTV X-Series utility vehicles! especially at libero. Her de- North-South All-Star court that weekend. Their annual fensive skills were always time. Teammates Betsy Battle by the Bay Tourna- $ % off the charts and we will Baldwin, Genevieve Corte ment is set for Sept. 9-10 at * Down, A.P.R.A.P.R.A.P.R.Financing for Months miss her serving. But we and Gillian Grice round out Loiuse Moorer Gym on the 0 0 60 will find a way to adjust. the Admirals’2016-17 se- Daphne campus. Offer ends 9/30/16. BALDWINBaldw iTn RACTORTractor & &Equ EiQUIPMENTpment 22463 State22463 Hwy. State 59 S.Hwy. • Robertsdale, 59 S AL Robertsdale, Alabama 36567 251-947-4171251-947-4171 *$0 down, 0% A.P.R. financing for up to 60 months on purchases of new Kubota RTVX900/X1100/X1120 Series equipment is available to qualified purchasers from participating dealers’ in-stock inventory through 9/30/2016. Example: A 60-month monthly installment repayment term at 0% A.P.R. requires 60 payments of $16.67 per $1,000 financed. 0% A.P.R. interest is available to customers if no dealer documentation preparation fee is charged. Dealer charge for document preparation fee shall be in accordance with state laws. Inclusion of ineligible equipment may result in a higher blended A.P.R. 0% A.P.R. and low-rate financing may not be available with customer instant rebate offers. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., 3401 Del Amo Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Offer expires 9/30/2016. See us for details on these and other TONY WHITEHEAD/GCM PHOTO SANDRA GRICE/GCM CORRESPONDENT low-rate options or go to www.kubota.com for more information. Optional equipment may be shown. © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2016. Ansleigh Dailey sets to Ariel Dulaney. Ariel Dulaney serves for Bayside Academy. 26 Friday, August 12, 2016 • 2016 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • Gulf Coast Media

BALDWIN COUNTY CROSS COUNTRY | EXCELLENCE FROM 1980’S TO 2016

2016 CROSS COUNTRY MEETS AUG. 26 - Early Bird Twilight Classic – Montevallo Step to the line SEPT. 2 - Mobile Challenge of Champions - Mobile Municipal, Cross Country began in Baldwin top six. Spanish Fort, however, may have Langan Park County in the mid-1980’s. As such, it is something to say about that as they had SEPT. 9 – Azalea City Invi- a youngster to its older siblings football, zero seniors leave their top six and only Pre-Season (AL.MileSplit.com) tational (Mobile County Fair- baseball, basketball and volleyball but one senior exit their top 10. CC Team Rankings grounds) Cross Country is older than fast-pitch The girls in Baldwin County are more with any Top-20 Division Rankings in Parentheses () SEPT. 10 - West Florida XC Clas- softball, swimming, and the brand new of a toss-up with five county teams sic - Pensacola, Fla. AHSAA sports of bowling and wrestling. ranked pre-season top 10 in their divi- BOYS GIRLS SEPT. 17 - Battle of the Bay – Foley High was a cross-country power sions. Daphne took second place at the Spanish Fort (3rd 6A) Fairhope (8th 7A) Loxley Park in the late 90’s with a girls team finishing County Championships last year and Baldwin County (6th 6A) Daphne (7th 6A) SEPT. 24 - Daphne Invitational 3rd at the state meet, Bayside Academy looks to move up to first. Fairhope (16th 7A) Spanish Fort (8th 6A) - Al Trione Park has dominated the Class 1A, 2A and now Spanish Fort will be tough as usual Bayside (5th 3A) Bayside (4th 3A) 3A scene for years with both boys and since their deep talent pool should absorb Foley Robertsdale (9th 6A) SEPT. 24 - Gulf Coast Stam- girls champions, and Spanish Fort’s boys the loss of their top two senior runners. Daphne Gulf Shores (19th 6A) pede (Escambia Equestrian won two Class 5A state championships Bayside Academy has talent to compete at Gulf Shores Foley Center - Pensacola, Fla.) in the 2000’s under head coach Chris all levels and Robertsdale hopes to build Robertsdale Baldwin County SEPT. 29 – Pirate Invitational Schmidt. on its top-10 Class 6A finish. Fairhope (Fairhope High) During the 2015 CC season in Bald- returns six of their top seven competi- NOTES: Data is from AL.MileSplit.com. Newcomer St. Michael OCT. 1 - Jesse Owens Classic - win County 91 girls and 124 boys ran for tors and will be hoping to take top honors Catholic High School in Fairhope will not have a cross country team Moulton the seven county teams. The ladies and again this year. until at least 2018. gentlemen of Baldwin County had a great Jack Morgan of Spanish Fort, return- OCT. 8 - Foley Invite - Foley amount of success: Regular season wins ing for his senior season, is the top- OCT. 15 - Baldwin County (4), All-Section athletes (30), Section wins ranked individual on the boys side in Championships - Loxley Park (Two– both Spanish Fort), All-State ath- the county and he also won the Baldwin OCT. 20 – Mobile County Cross letes (5), state champions (1 Individual 3A County Championships last year. Country Championships (Lan- state champion - Ash Midyett of Bayside), Other boys who will challenge him in gan Park) and 7 of the 14 (Boys and Girls) teams fin- 2016 are Tyler Priest (Senior, Baldwin ished in the top 10 at the state meets. County), Ernest Ladd (Freshman, Bayside OCT. 25 – Fairhope City Pier Let’s take a look at the state of cross Academy), and Saxon Kilpatrick (Sopho- Race (Fairhope, AL) country in Baldwin County now and see more, Fairhope) OCT. 29 - McGill Toolen Invite - if anyone is poised for a breakout season The girls side has returning Baldwin Mobile Municipal, Langan Park in 2016. County Champion Mandaline Thomas NOV. 3 - Class 3A Sectional This season, three of the boys teams (Sophomore, Daphne) along with DHS Championships - Loxley Park are ranked pre-season top 10 in their divi- Trojan teammate Sarah Santa Cruz NOV. 3-5 – Sectional Meets sions. Baldwin County High’s boys are (Sophomore, Daphne), Abby Warner (Ju- (6A, 7A) Langan Park poised to challenge for the county title as nior, Bayside Academy), Mary Catherine they build on their success from recent Branyon (Junior, Bayside Academy) and NOV. 12 - AHSAA State Cham- years, only losing one senior from their Lexie Williams (Junior, Fairhope). pionships - Moulton

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DAPHNE TROJANS BAYSIDEADMIRALS Admirals bring veteran fleet into battles of 2016

Daphne High 2016 Cross Country Trojans New coaching staff take reigns for Trojans XC

Shaun Carroll and Jeremy Schedule Kayden Bennaker Davis will lead the coaching Aug. 27 – Spanish Fort Benton Brown duties at Daphne High for Sept. 3 – Mobile Challenge Brendan Kennedy the Trojans Cross Country of Champions Carson Rowe teams this season. The girls’ Sept. 17 – Pensacola Wild, Chris Stuck Abby Warner returns for the Bayside Admirals this year. team returns with state meet Booker T Washington High Clay Davis experience and no loss to Sept. 24 – Daphne Invita- graduation. The boys’ side tional – Al Trione Park Girls Bayside lost only one senior, reigning is continuing to build on last Oct. 1 – TR Miller Chal- Aubrey Paige Carroll season’s experience. lenge- Brewton, Al. Erin Lassere 3A state champ Ash Midyett to graduation “Our team is led by our Oct. 15 – Baldwin County Gilliam Ayres seniors: Tristan Wilson, Championships – Loxley Hayley Thompson At the start of pre- however, had some great still early in the season Park. Rebekah Werling and Tori Kaitlynn Akin season 2016, Alabama individual performances, to name captains, but Oct.27or 28 - Sectionals at Blanshan,” said coach Shaun Laura Ann Ling Runners had the Bay- with now junior Abby team leaders: Mary Cath- Langan Park Carroll. “We have all of our Mandaline Thomas side Academy women’s Warner finishing No. 4, erine Branyon, Katie Nov. 12 – AHSAA XC State Nicole Luther team ranked 33rd in the now freshman Ernest Brown and Mary Grace girls team that went to state Championship last year returning along Raven Villa Alabama High School Ladd finishing No. 9 Hellmich as potential with our individual boys that Team members Rebekah Werling Athletic Association and (returning as the third girls varsity captains. went. Boys Sara Santa Cruz ranked third in AHSAA best freshman in the And Potential boys Mandaline Thomas who Andy Canegitta Sarah Glass Class 3A, based off last state based off last sea- varsity captains: Jacob won county last year is re- Ethan Rowe Savannah Johnson year’s results and com- son’s results), and 2016 Hartley, Luke Dobbins, turning to defend her title. Lance Paquette Tori Blanshan petitors. The Admirals graduating senior Ash Bradley Schmidt, Taylor Our Goal this year is to take Tristan Wilson Tyler Anne Aikin men’s team is ranked No. Midyett, who won the Hartley. both teams and go to state.” Miles Cooke 58 overall and fourth in 3A individual state-meet Bayside is hosting a Class 3A. championship. “Battle of the Bay” meet Head coach Joe “We hope to have on Saturday, Sept. 17, in Swagart begins his third many All- State perform- Loxley (Municipal Park). season at the Admirals ers with five girls sub 21 Check more information helm. (minutes) and five boys at: Al.Milesplit.com/ “I strongly believe sub 18. I believe we are meets. The Admirals are BALDWIN COUNTY we have added athletes ready to count the cost also hosting Sectionals that will help us improve and put in the work that this year on the same upon our results from is necessary to achieve course on Thursday, last season,” he said. these goals while doing Nov. 3. All Section TIGERS “Last season, we fell our best in all that we 1 - 1A/2A, 3A, and 5A short of qualifying our do.” schools will participate, Tigers on the trail for more glory teams for State. We did Swagart said it was around 35 schools.

Last year, The Baldwin team, it’s often a challenge County High boy’s team getting a large student Women’s roster Men’s roster performed very well, fin- body out there to run for Abby Warner 11 Ben Kendall 9 ishing second in the area/ the girl’s team. But having Anjali Vira 12 Benjamin Lane 9 section and a Top-10 sev- a few veteran girls who Anna Schmidt 9 Blake Giles 12 enth in the state meet in have ran in years past, Annie Kasuba 8 Bobby Hammele 11 Class 6A with an average and adding a few new girls Cate Kasuba 11 Bradely Schmidt 10 time of 17:43. who will be running this Darby Kemper 11 Brock Warden 8 “It was our fastest av- year, I’m excited to see Emily Miller 11 Christopher Drayton 9 erage time and our best what they will be able to Grace Hollingsworth 10 Cole Perry 12 placing at the state meet accomplish this year as Katie Brown 12 David Ham 11 in school history.” Said well.” Lauren West 9 Ernest Ladd 9 BCHS head coach Matt Beckett considers many Lilly Duffy 8 Jacob Hartley 12 Beckett. “So I couldn’t be of his veteran runners Martha Grace Mixon 8 Jacob Paul 12 more proud of their ac- leaders as they have all Mary Catherine Branyon 11 John McEniry 9 complishments. This year, been running with the Mary Grace Hellmich 12 Luke Dobbins 11 all but one of our top-ten team for several years Meagan Daves 12 Michael Dowd 11 runners will be returning now, including top run- Miriam McCoy 8 Myles Cook 9 this year, so I’m expect- ners this year: Tyler Zuzu Hakmiller 12 Sam Britain 10 ing continued success Priest, Thomas Steele, and Spencer Gaberino 9 and we’ll hopefully have Logan Steele for the boys, Taylor Hartley 10 even greater successes and Sara Beth Parker for this year. Unlike our boy’s the girls. Logan Steele 28 Friday, August 12, 2016 • 2016 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • Gulf Coast Media

FAIRHOPE PIRATES Pirates running forward to success

The 2016 Fairhope High Cross runner on the boys’ side.” Fairhope run- Country captains are Pirates The Pirates’ boys team had five ner Lexie Wil- seniors Laura Cohen and Blayze seniors graduate (Nos. 1, 5, 6 , 8 liams will lead Hale. and 11) and also had two juniors the Pirates “Both are doing great work choose not to return (No. 2, No. this year keeping the teams connected 4), but the remaining boys will be during the summer and leading ready to shoulder the challenges by their strong workouts,” said they’ll face in 2016. Fairhope cross-country coach The girls return No. 1 (Lexie Tim Yahr. Williams), No. 2 (Laura Cohen), “On the girls’ side we have No. 3 (Audrey Clark), No. 5 (Ella three co-captains from our tal- Haffner), No. 6 (Annie Line- ented juniors: Audrey Clark (Ju- berger), and No. 7 (Savannah nior), Savannah Ryan (Junior), Ryan). and Lexie Williams (Junior). “Lexie, Laura, Audrey, Annie, Our other seniors are Matthew and Ella were All County,” Yahr Kangsumrith (second year CC) said. “And Lexie, Audrey, and and Weslee Pintarelli (transfer Laura were All Section. Lexie from McGill-Toolen).” Williams was our fastest runner Yahr added that future suc- last year finishing as Runner-Up cess is not directly determined at County, Runner-Up at Sec- by the past, but here is what they tions, and 22nd at state.” have returning for boys and girls Yahr added a thank-you note based on 2015. to longtime Fairhope High feeder Girls Weslee Pintarelli 12 Reece Johnson 11 “For our boys team, the top schools Track, Field and Cross- Ellie Brown 9 Savannah Ryan 11 Matthew Kangsumrith 12 five we return are No. 3 (Saxon Country coach Emily Pharez. Erin Casolaro 10 Mason Smith 11 Saxon Kilpatrick 10 Kilpatrick), No. 7 (Blayze Hale), “The Fairhope High School Audrey Clark 11 Lexie Williams 11 Dawson Koehler 9 No. 9 (Reece Johnson), No. 10 Cross-Country team would like Laura Cohen 12 Cody Mooney 10 (Zack Hatfield), and No. 12 (John to thank our Middle School Ella Haffner 10 Boys John Pyle 10 Pyle) as ranked on our team leader, Coach Emily Pharez, for Riley Banser 11 Annie Lineberger 10 Joseph Smith 10 from last year. Saxon Kilpatrick all of her hard work and dedica- Hudson DeFee 10 Emily Lineberger 10 Aric Sypert 11 was All County and Section Run- tion that gets things started for Blayze Hale 12 Shelby Noble 10 Josh Watts 10 ner-Up last year as a freshman the high school team.” Zack Hatfield 11 Kate Nobles 11 Hunter Wilhelm 9 and he is our fastest returning

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BAYSHORE EAGLES Eagles return young, experienced players Bayshore Christian begins their third season in Panhandle Conference play

The Bayshore Christian Vol- is scheduled for Aug. 19-20 at leyball Eagles had preseason West Florida Baptist in Pen- tryouts and had a great turnout sacola, Fla. of athletes, said Bayshore head Bayshore starts off their coach Dave Omtvedt. Panhandle Christian Confer- Fielding a Varsity, a Junior ence schedule on the road Aug. Varsity and a Junior High pro- 26, at Aletheia followed by a gram this season, Omtevedt is visit to Lighthouse-Theodore Bayshore coach Dave Omtvedt works with players during a preseason drill. looking forward to this season. Aug. 30 and then at Trinitas “We are excited about our Sept. 2. Those matches start at Sept. 15 - @ Calvary Christian, 5 p.m./6 p.m. SCHEDULE upcoming season with many 4:30 p.m. A Junior Varsity only Sept. 19 - Santa Rosa Christian, 4:30 p.m./5:30 p.m. Aug. 19-20 - West Fl. Baptist Tourney, TBA returning athletes,” he said. match is set for Bayshore Sept. Sept. 20 - @ Central Christian, 4:30 p.m./5:30 p.m. Aug. 26 - @ Alethia, 4 p.m./5 p.m. “We will still be a young squad 1 at 4 p.m. Sept. 23 - Trinitas, 4:30 p.m./5:30 p.m. Aug. 30 - @ Lighthouse-Theodore, 4:30 p.m./5:30 p.m. but experienced. Many of our The first home varsity Sept. 27 - @ East Hill, 5 p.m./6 p.m. Sept 1 - Snook Christian School, 4:30 p.m. JV only players have played indoor club contest is set for Sept. 8 with Sept. 29 - @ Santa Rosa Christian, 4:30 p.m./5:30 p.m. Sept. 2 - @ Trintias, 4:30 p.m./5:30 p.m. volleyball and beach volleyball neighboring county and league Sept. 30 - Aletheia, 4:30 p.m./5:30 p.m. Sept. 8 - vs Central Christian, 4:30 p.m./5:30 p.m. in the offseason and have come rival Central Christian Sept. 8 Oct. 4 - Calvary Christian, 4:30 p.m./5:30 p.m. Sept. 9 - Lighthouse-Theodore, 4:30 p.m./5:30 p.m. prepared to compete.” at 4:30 p.m. JV/ 5:30 p.m Var- Oct. 7-8 - Region Tournament @ Central Christian Sept. 13 - vs East Hill, 4:30 p.m./5:30 p.m. The Eagles first tournament sity.

Miles Ahead In Orthopaedic Surgery

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Ranked top 34 in the nation for hip replacement. Back row: Dan Matthews, M.D.; Andy Harcourt, M.D.; John Todd, M.D.; Paul Canale, M.D.; T. Gregory Terral, M.D.; Albert J. Savage IV, M.D.; Bill Roberts, M.D. Front row: Matt Goldman, M.D.; Rhett Hubley, M.D.; Joey Carter, M.D.; Jason Determann, M.D.; John Rodriguez-Feo, M.D. Not pictured: George Corbett, M.D. 30 Friday, August 12, 2016 • 2016 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • Gulf Coast Media

Bayshore PANHANDLE CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE keeper Liam Searcy deflects a shot on goal. BAYSHORE EAGLES Soccer Eagles ready to take flight this season Bayshore brings five experienced seniors to the 2016 roster Bayshore Christian season: Chris Bishop, Bry- SCHEDULE School’s soccer program ant Brock, Charlie Brock, Aug. 19-20 East-West Challenge (FWB-Fla.) TBA enters its third season Liam Searcy and Jack Aug. 26 @ Aletheia 4:00 p.m. of varsity competition in Stevens. The rest of the Sept. 2 @ Trinitas 7:00 p.m. the Panhandle Christian Bayshore roster includes: Sept. 8 vs Central Christian 4:30 p.m. Conference this fall. The Ollen Brown, Sept. 13 vs East Hill 4:30 p.m. Fairhope area high school Evan Doremus, Emma Sept. 15 @Calvary Christian 5:00 p.m. program also featured Finnamore, Charlie Sept. 19 Santa Rosa Christian 4:30 p.m. their first graduating class Finnamore, Billy Gifford, Sept.20 @ Central Christian 4:30 p.m. last spring. Austin Gray, Elyse Hayes, Sept. 23 Trinitas 4:30 p.m. Head soccer coach Tom Ellis Hope, Max Jones, Sept. 27 @ East Hill 4:30 p.m. Stevens will be leading Jacob Moore, Ethan Davis, Sept. 29 @ Santa Rosa Christian 4:30 p.m. the team from the sideline Jeb Scarbrough, Bryant Sept. 30 Aletheia 4:30 p.m. with former Eagles player Stevens and Andrew Trot- Oct. 4 Calvary Christian Academy 4:30 p.m. and 2016 grad Logan Om- ter. Oct. 7-8 Regionals TBA tvedt assisting. Stevens The team will continue brings 35 years of soccer to compete in the West Di- will begin at Alethia on rematch with Bayshore experience to the Bay- vision side of the Panhan- Aug. 26 and then visit visiting the Saints in Rob- shore pitch from compet- dle Christian Conference. Trinitas Sept. 2. ertsdale Sept. 20 at 4:30 ing as a player, a coach, an The Bayshore Eagles The Eagles’ home p.m. assistant coach as well as open up 2016 with the an- opener is with neighbor- The regular season refereeing the sport. nual East-West Challenge ing county and league wraps up Oct. 4 with a The Eagles will field Tournament in Fort Wal- rival Central Christian on home match with Calvary five seniors between the ton Beach, Fla., Aug. 19-20. Sept. 8 at 4:30 p.m. Central Christian Academy. Re- BCS Jack Stevens on the corner for Bayshore. white-chalk lines this Their conference season Christian will host the gionals are set for Oct. 7-8.

CENTRAL CHRISTIAN SAINTS Saints rebuild with young crew

The Central Christian Saints ROSTER RENEE CROTTS volleyball crew had five-seniors The 2016 Central Christian Volleyball Saints , from left, Brynn Atwell, Bailey Kelly, Jordanne Clabo, McKen- 12 - Hannah Shelton zie McLeod, Hannah Shelton, Markayla Huffman, Sarah Bell, Savannah Callow, Cristi Nemer. graduate and returns two start- 11 - Cristi Nemer ers from last year’s team. 10 - McKenzie McLeod “We lost our big hitters, both and that will help give the 10 - Jordanne Clabo younger players more time to outsides and a middle,” said CCS 10 - Markala Huffman head coach Renee Crotts. fine-tune some mechanics. 9 - Brynn Atwell “Playing together as much as “They weren’t real tall, but 9 - Sarah Bell they were powerful and effective possible before conference play 9 - Savannah Callow starts will be good. And we need hitters. Plus I lost my two best 8 - Bailey Kelly servers. to make the most of that pre- “We have some inexperienced, season experience.” young, but talented players com- year’s group had after playing Crotts said that rebuilding al- ing up, though.” together for so long.” ways takes time and starting out Her two returning starters are She said that the on-court ex- with tournament play early is her only senior Hannah Shelton perience of Atwell and Shelton important for experience as well and veteran freshman setter will be key to the younger play- as player evaluations. Brynn Atwell starting her third ers learning the system. “No expectations, but it will season at the floor-commander “With Brynn and Hannah, we be an opportunity for me to see spot. have a decent core to build on. who plays well and also who “Overall, we are going to be Of course, Brynn will need to plays well next to another per- very young,” Crotts added. adjust to new hitters, but she son in the rotation. “I have one senior, Hannah can do that and I may be asking “From there I can make some and one junior. For now we will her to do more besides set for decisions about moving some be working on learning to play us. Especially while we are get- players around, try some differ- together and adjust to each ting the younger players up to ent options, evaluate where we other on the court. speed.” can make adjustments, try to “The challenge is rebuilding The Saints have a preseason take advantage of our strengths TONY WHITEHEAD/GCM PHOTO toward the consistency that last tournament before school starts when we can.” Brynn Atwell makes a play for Central last season. Gulf Coast Media • 2016 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • Friday, August 12, 2016 31 PANHANDLE CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE

CENTRAL CHRISTIAN SAINTS

From left to right: 2016 Central Christian Soccer Seniors Luke Reynolds, David Enfinger, Goose John- son, Connor Atwell. Saints kickoff 2016 with eight upperclassmen Central Christian’s Saints The Saints also have four ju- ROSTER soccer club won the West niors to add to the upperclass- 12 - David Enfinger Division last year, but came men-experience factor. 12 - Goose Johnson up short to finish third in the “We also have a home- 12 - Connor Atwell Panhandle Christian Final schooler who is a good athlete 12 - Luke Reynolds Four. But that was then and that will be a sophomore 11 - Daniel Crotts this is now and Central Chris- playing with us,” Crotts said. 11 - Henry Bell tian head coach Dan Crotts “Overall, we may not have the 11 - Luke Miller sees solid potential for success best talent at every position, 11 - Jonathan Doggett this year. but together if we play smart 10 - Nick Hehman “I think this year we will and hard, we should be in the 9 - Caleb Blanton be competitive,” said Crotts running this year.” 9 - Ethan Blanton of the 2016 Saints soccer club. He added that filling some 9 - Jacob Blanton “We lost some talented ath- key positions may involve 9 - Brian Kelly letes to graduation last year, some trial and error early on. 9 - Jacob Mitchum but we intend to compete “I might try and move some 8 - Weston Enfinger every minute that the clock guys around and even out of runs. I want us to be the hard- what (position) they are used est-working team on the field to before settling on more per- every minute, every play. And manent assignments. But the I think that’s all I can really goal, I think, is so we can be ask for.” pretty competitive by the sea- Central has three returning son opening of our preseason starters who will be seniors tournament, the East-West this year in David Enfinger, Challenge in Fort Walton.” Connor Atwell and Luke That two-day tournament Reynolds. A fourth senior, kicks off the West Conference Goose Johnson is also ready season on Aug. 19-20 in Fort Central Christian will rely on a strong corps of junior and senior leadership as well as hard work to contribute to the 2016 cause. Walton Beach, Fla. to go far this year.

SACS

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