Two onside kick recoveries by South Pittsburg to begin the second half, and costly Tiger penalties throughout, proved to be too much for the Tigers to overcome, as the potent Pirate offense seemingly wore down Gordonsville’s defense.

Payton Watson had a season low 46 passing yards as he and favorite target, Vincent Escobedo, could never seem to get in rhythm throughout the night.  Watson did have an excellent game on the ground, rushing the ball 16 times for 128 yards.

The Tigers took the early lead when Tyler Coleman crossed the endzone with just over four minutes remaining in the first quarter.  This was after a masterful eleven play, 59 yard drive that saw Coleman cash in from two yards out.

South Pittsburg would counter quickly though as Demetric Johnson would take the ball in from 14 yards out for a touchdown, just before the quarter expired.  Pirate quarterback, Jake Stone would find Johnson in the endzone for the two point conversion and the South Pittsburg would take the lead, 8-7.

South Pittsburg would strike again with 4:05 left in the half after Stone found John Wells from fifteen yards out for a touchdown.  The PAT would fall short and the Pirates had a 14-7 lead.

The Tigers would answer quickly though as Payton Watson would break free on first down, rumbling 69 yards downfield for a Tiger touchdown.  The point after attempt was good and Gordonsville took a tie score, and seemingly all the momentum, into half time. 

That momentum would quickly evaporate.

South Pittsburg would recover two onside kicks to begin the second half, add three touchdowns throughout the half, and hold Gordonsville scoreless for the remainder of the game, to seal the victory for the Pirates 32-14.

With the loss, the Tigers end the season with a 10-3 record and begin the process of preparing for the upcoming season.

The Pirates lost the championship game to Wayne County this afternoon, 27-14.

Photo by Suzette Barnes

What was once a dream is almost a reality! The DeKalb Middle School Fast pitch Softball team began its program during the 2000-2001 school year. Since that time the team has never had a field to call their own. Parents and coaches would transport players across town for practices and games at the Bill Page Field and as of last year the Coach Pitch fields. Coaches have always had to transport their equipment with them because they did not have a storage area.

In May of 2010 talk began about constructing a field on the campus of DeKalb Middle School.  Mr. Randy Jennings asked the Director of Schools and the school board for permission to build a field on the school property. The board approved the site and the preparations began. A committee of parent volunteers was formed to oversee the project. Professional Engineering Services in Sparta agreed to come and look at the site. Mr. Kyle Hazel, an architect with the company surveyed the site and drew up blueprints that would best suit the area where the field was to be constructed. After several meetings and discussions the plans were finalized.

Photo by Suzette Barnes

August 3, 2011 was the “big day.” Mr. Kenny Edge of the DeKalb County Highway Department provided two men who began the process. After approximately 4 ½, weeks the initial dirt work was complete.  The next step was to plant grass seed for the outfield. Coach Karen Pelham, players and parents met one Saturday to sow and straw the area. It wasn’t long until the grass seed was coming up and the field began to take its shape.

We are currently in the process of fencing the field. Jason Walker (Walker Fencing) is doing the fencing for us and should be complete within the next week. Once we have the field fenced we will be placing rock in the outside ditches and sowing the banks around the field. Sometime in early spring we will make the finishing touches by adding some infield dirt and bases. The field should be completely ready for practices and games for the 2012 season.

It is our hopes that in the future we can add lights, a field house/ press box with

Photo by Suzette Barnes

concessions and restrooms. The score board will be donated by Dr. Pepper Bottling Company.  We are trying to build this in stages as we raise money. This field is being constructed with fundraising by the players and parents, business donations and volunteer labor. 

A special thank you goes out to the following individuals and businesses: Kyle Hazel and Professional Engineering Services in Sparta, TN for their donation of surveying, design, and the time that you have given to this project, along with Kenny Edge and the DeKalb County Highway Department, City of Smithville, Middle TN Natural Gas, Tenneco, DeKalb Community Bank, Liberty State Bank,  DTC, Southern Landscape Supply, Kwik N Ezy, HBC General Contractor, Graham Services, Hurricane Marina, Ace Hardware, Caney Fork Electric, Avant Funeral Home, Johnnie Cripps, Lyndon Ashburn, Jeremy Trapp, Love Cantrell Funeral Home, Dr. Denise Dingle and the many individuals who have participated in our fundraising efforts.

If you would like to make a donation or volunteer your services please call the school at 597-7987. All donations and support will be greatly appreciated.

Payton Watson had three touchdowns and threw for two more in Gprdonsville's win over Nashville Christian.

Some wondered if the bye week Gordonsville earned in the first round of the TSSAA playoffs this year would actually come back to hurt the team.  The Tigers addressed those concerns early and often last Friday night in the team’s impressive win over the Nashville Christian Eagles, 55-13.

The Tigers dominated in every phase of the game, defensively allowing only 152 total yards, causing a fumble and three interceptions.  Offensively, the Tigers had 417 total yards in the game and had touchdowns from six different players. 

In reality, outside of two fumbles late in scrub time, the only people on the field that seemed to slow Gordonsville down much were the men in pinstripes, by delivering some questionable calls throughout the contest.

Gordonsville had a huge night on the ground, gaining 321 yards in the contest.  Besides Watson, three other Tigers had rushing

Kaleb Bush catches a touchdown against Nashville Christian.

touchdowns in the contest.  Tyler Coleman was the leading rusher in the game, running for 84 yards and a score.  Sophomore, Kaelin Cason had 67 yards and a score and freshman, Billy Newton, added 47 yards a touchdown. 

Gordonsville took control of the game early, going on a five-play, 66 yard scoring drive, culminating in 6 yard Tyler Coleman scamper for a touchdown to give the Tigers an early 7-0 lead.

It didn’t take long for the Tigers to strike again as Jacob Looper intercepted NC quarterback, Ryan Young’s pass deep at the Gordonsville 11 yard line.  After a big 54 yard run by Tyler Coleman put the Tigers at the NC 26 yard line, Watson found Kaleb Bush for a 26 yard touchdown strike to put the Tigers up by thirteen.  The PAT failed and with just 2:56 gone in the game, Gordonsville led 13-0.

Both teams would swap possessions but then the Tigers’ defense decided to contribute to the scoreboard as Payton Watson intercepted Ryan Young’s pass, and raced 26 yards to the end zone for a defensive touchdown.  Gordonsville went for two and succeeded, and with 2:14 left in the first quarter the Tigers led 21-0.

Gordonsville would again force an Eagle punt and Watson would find Vincent Escobedo for a 51 yard touchdown strike as time expired in the first quarter to expand Gordonsville’s lead to 28-0.

Kaelin Cason had 67 yards and a touchdown against Nashville Christian.

Two plays into Nashville Christian’s next possession, Payton Watson would get his second interception of the game.  Fifty seconds later, Watson would get his second touchdown on a 29 yard scamper to give Gordonsville a 35-0 lead at the 10:50 mark of the second quarter.

The Blue and White would force another NC punt but their ensuing drive would stall after the officials failed to hear Coach Ron Marshall’s plea for a timeout.  Marshall would be flagged on the following play in perhaps the most controversial turn of events in the game.

Gordonsville didn’t stay down for long though, as Watson would score again on a 24 yard keeper to send the Tigers into half-time with a gigantic, 42-0 lead.

With the mercy rule in effect, the clock ran continuously when the second half began, however, the Tiger themselves weren’t feeling very merciful.

After forcing an NC punt, the Tigers only needed three plays and a 60 yard touchdown sprint by Kaelin Cason to increase their lead to 49-0 with 6:49 left in the third.

Vincent Escobedo catches a touchdown against Nashville Christian.

Coach Marshall would begin filtering in underclassmen throughout the rest of the contest, allowing NC to string together their most impressive drive of the game.  The Eagles would eat up the rest of the third period but the Tigers would make an stout goal line stand to keep the Eagles from scoring, but after a Tiger offensive miscue on the Gordonsville two-yard line, NC was able to breach the scoreboard first the first time on a Phillip Booker two yard touchdown dive to narrow Gordonsville’s lead to 49-7.

Nashville Christian would score again after another Tiger fumble on a 42 yard run by Booker but the PAT would fail and with 5:25 left,the Tigers led 49-13.

The younger Tigers would get their own score on the ensuing drive when freshman Billy Newton rumbled 45 yards for the final score of the game.  The PAT failed and Gordonsville got their first playoff win of 2011, 55-13.

With the win, the Tigers will travel to Rutherford County this Friday to take on number one seeded Eagleville, after the Eagleville Eagles defeated Columbia Academy 21-7.

The Eagles enter the game fresh off a 28-24 victory over number three seeded Moore County last Friday night.  The team finished a disappointing 5-6 in the regular season, but lost close games to district rivals, Houston County, Jo Byrns and McEwen.

The Tigers enter the playoffs fresh off a bye week.  Gordonsville’s last game was fourteen days ago when the Tigers defeated lowly Pickett County, 62-14.

Game time for tomorrow night’s game is 7pm.

Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian sports league for children.  Last year, more than 550,000 K through sixth-grade kids played basketball, soccer, flag football or cheerleading through one of the 2,400 leagues.  Upward Sports provides a fun kids sports experience based on healthy competition.

Upward is a positive sports experience that offers both parents and kids exactly what they want in a sports league. Parents love the family-friendly schedule, welcoming environment and coaches who teach the sport without yelling. Kids love the fact that they get to play or cheer every game, make new friends and have fun learning new skills.

Churches around the world partner with Upward Sports to provide a positive and family-friendly sports experience that welcomes the entire community.  Men and women are teaching kids skills for the sports arena and values for life through Upward Sports. There are many different ways to help or volunteer, such as:  Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Cheerleading Coach, Referee, Half-time devotion, Scorekeeper, Concessions worker, clean-up or set-up crews as well as others.

Registration for this year’s league will be as follows:

Billy Newton

Tyler Coleman

Here are a few assorted pictures from Gordonsville’s win over Pickett County, 62-14 last Friday night. 

 

 

Keaton Cason

Gordonsville, which finished the season with an 8-2 record, is the number 2 seed in quadrant 2 of the Class A playoffs.  If the Tigers win in next week’s game, the team would most likely face number one seeded Eagleville, who enters the playoffs with a perfect 10-0 record and are many people’s pick to challenge for the state title.

Nic Payne after scoring a touchdown in last Friday night's game vs. Pickett County.Vincent Escobedo

The snake has two separate heads with two functioning brains, yet they share the same, eight-inch body.

CLARKSVILLE, TN  -”It’s got the distinct yellow bands going down the body,” said Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) officer Dale Grandstaff.

At first glance, it looks like your typical baby king snake.

“On the bottom it just has this checkerboard pattern of black and yellow,” said Grandstaff.

But when Paul Carver found it slithering around his Montgomery County backyard, he realized the royal serpent would need two crowns.

“I was like, ‘What do I do with this thing?’” said Carver.

You see, the snake has not one head, but two.

“I was worried about which head was going to bite me,” said Carver.

So Carver took it to Grandstaff who was just as bewildered.

“I’ve been doing this for 13 years and been in the woods my whole life, you know nearly 40 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Grandstaff.

It has two separate heads with two functioning brains, yet they share the same eight inch body.

“Both tongues work. It has a set of eyes on each head and a mouth on each head,” said Grandstaff.

When it comes to snakes, two heads aren’t better than one. In fact, Grandstaff said its chances of survival in the wild are actually slim to none.

“With two heads everything’s getting caught. See he’s trying to push but he can’t,” said Grandstaff.

Grandstaff plans to take the snake to Tennessee Tech in Cookeville on Thursday, where the first order of business will be to feed the hungry hydra.

“There may be something there where if this head wants to eat and this head wants to eat the same thing, they may have trouble swallowing,” said Grandstaff.

The hope is that this unusual snake will survive and that its two heads will make smarter scholars.

“It will be interesting to see it grow into an adult and see what happens,” said Grandstaff.

“Hopefully, somebody will get something out of it. It would be a good learning experience, help science, or something,” said Carver.

Even if scientists can’t get the snake to eat and it ends up dying, they plan to preserve the body to use in the classroom.

Quarterback Gage Scurlock looks to lead his team throughout the postseason.

Someone once said “It’s hard to stop a freight train.”  For 2011 at least, it’s been hard to stop Smith County football.  This was a fact that York Institute was forced to realize last Friday night when the Owl’s paid a visit to Jamestown.  York Institute proved to be no match for the Owls, as Smith County dominated, 49-0, ending the regular season with a perfect, 10-0 record.

Smith County got on the board early and often, scoring 21 points in both the first and second quarter, highlighted by a 60 yard pass and a 61 yard pass, both for touchdowns from quarterback Gage Scurlock.  The Owls would add another touchdown to the tally in the fourth quarter on another long touchdown pass from Scurlock, this time to Brandon Powell.

The Owls defense totally dominated York Institute, as the Dragons could only manage two first downs and a total of 24 yards in the contest.

With the win, Smith County will enter the Class AAA state playoffs this weekend as the number one seed in quadrant three and is likely to have home field advantage throughout the postseason.

Coach Jimmy Maynord and the Owls will have a tough test in the opening week

Jameson Stevenson heads the high powered Smith County rushing attack.

as the team will face a deceptively good Pearl Cohn team.  The Firebirds enter the postseason with a relatively unimpressive record of 5-5, but have a nice win over Maplewood and close losses to powerhouses BGA and CPA to their credit.

Smith County is still stinging from the Owls’ last encounter with Pearl Cohn, as the Firebirds ousted the Owls in last year’s playoffs in round two, beating Smith County soundly, 40-0.  To compound matters, Smith County’s foes won’t get any easier should they advance in playoff play as their quadrant features perennial powerhouses, Goodpasture and CPA along with a very underrated Harpeth team this year.

Game time for the contest Friday night in Carthage is 7pm.

This will be only the second all-time meeting between the two schools.  They first met back in 1996 (former coach Chris Vance’s first season as head coach at DCHS) in the first round of the State Playoffs.  Giles County hosted the game and had no problems moving on as they went on to win by a final score of 27-0.

The Bobcats have been a different team on the road versus at home this season where they went just 3-3.  Their three losses came at Lincoln County, Marshall County and Lewis County, two of those three teams made the playoffs.  In fact, five of the Bobcats 2011 opponents made it to the playoffs, while just two of the teams DeKalb County faced are in-Smith County and Livingston Academy.

For Giles County, junior quarterback, Al Cobb (6-2, 175) poses as a duel threat offensively.  Cobb has thrown for nearly 2,000 yards this season with 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions.  He has also rushed for 748 yards, along with six more scores.  The Tigers will have to spy the talented QB if they want to slow down Cobb and the Bobcat offense who averages 26 points per game.  Delvin Polk (5-4, 164) has been another weapon on the ground for Giles County this season.  Polk has ran for over 600 yards, including 10 touchdowns.  Cobb has a pair of talented receivers as his favorite targets, Kenton Baker (5-7,150) and Ben Bates (5-10, 175).  Baker has caught nine TD passes and has totaled nearly 1,000 yards in 2011.  Bates on the other hand has 536 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

On the other hand, the Tigers have been more of a balanced attack in 2011.  Lucas Phillips threw for more than 1,500 yards, however, also rushed for more than 500.  Phillips had 17 TD tosses and five rushing scores, while throwing nine interceptions.  As a team, DeKalb County rushed for 25 touchdowns on over 1,700 yards.  Phillips main target in the air attack has been Will Molander who caught five TD passes to go along with his 728 yards.  Zach Taylor had one more touchdown reception with six as Phillips and Taylor had good chemistry when the Tigers were in the red zone.  Defensively, DC will look for Sebastian Phillips and Eli Gill to lead the team and stuff the ground attack from the Bobcats.

Look for the Tigers to have an advantage on special teams as they have shown the ability to score plenty in this phase of the game also.  Taylor’s ability to kickoff into the end zone will aid the Tigers defense and his ability to kick field goals from 40 plus yards gives DC an edge on special teams.

The winner of this game will face the winner of the East Hamilton(6-4, #1 seed) and Brainerd (5-5, #8 seed).  The lower seeded team will get the home field advantage.  With the addition of the new bleachers, there will be extra seating and the weather is predicted to be a little warmer than last week.  So come out in full force to support the Tigers in their first ever home playoff game.  Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.

Hannah Panter looks to make a move in her teams 33-28 victory over the Lady Bulldogs. (Tisha Self Photo)

The girls opened the game slow out of the gate, however, still managed to outscore Rickman 10-4 in the first quarter.  The Lady Saints extended their lead to 10 points by halftime as Jailyn Bolding nailed a three-point bucket at the buzzer, which gave DMS a 23-13 advantage.  In the third period, the Lady Saint offense was slowed a bit as they were outscored 6-4, but still maintained a 27-19 lead.  Coach Josh Agee slowed the tempo in the final frame and fought off a small rally by the Lady Bulldogs to claim the 33-28 win.  With the victory, the team improves to 4-0 on the young season and will face Van Buren County on Monday for the first home game of the season.

Morgan Pedigo was the game’s leading scorer as she poured in 14 points for the Lady Saints.  Ashley Chew followed with 10 points, while Bolding had three.  Tyra graham, Caitlin Turner and Hannah

Joey Moon (15) goes up for two of his points in Tuesday night's 36-23 loss at Rickman. (Phillip Self Photo)

Panter  each chipped in two points to round out the offense.

The nightcap saw the Saints struggle to put points on the board as they fell behind 9-5, after the first quarter of play.  Each team put up only six points in the second period, which gave the Bulldogs a15-11 halftime lead.  The game got turned sour in the third as DMS was outscored 12-4, which put the Saints in a 27-15 hole.  Rickman, once again, outscored the Saints 9-8 in the final quarter for the 36-23 win.  The loss evened the team’s record at 2-2 on the season.

Noah Parsley led the Saints with seven points, followed by Jacob Self with five points.  Joey Moon was next with four points, while Steven Jennings added three points.  A.J. Mooneyham and Chandler Vincent chipped in two points each.

DMS’s next game will be Monday November the 7th when Van Buren County pays a visit to Smithville.  Game time is set for 6:00 p.m.