Lions champs in ’66
*This article was originally published as part of The Messenger Top-15 football teams of all-time from Etowah County, 1950-1986. By Joshua Price/Sports Editor The Sardis Lions finished with a 2-7-1 record in 1965. Ben Perkins found himself without a coaching position with the consolidation of his former school, Altoona, with Walnut Grove. Sardis officials quickly […]
Choctaws slay Goliath in ’64
By Joshua Price/Sports Editor There is little doubt everyone loves a good sports story – especially when it involves the success of the “underdog” or the “little-guy.” Keeping in the spirits of basketball, since of course ‘tis the season, I recently received a phone call that turned me on to a very interesting “underdog” hoop […]
Mintz’s career spanned five decades
By Joshua Price/Sports Editor
Since the late 1970’s, Brian Mintz has become a household name for any football fan in Etowah County.
The Southside native is considered one of the top players to ever don the crimson colors and is statistically one of the most successful coaches in the county over the past three decades.
Mintz stepped down from his position as head…
Hall, Kennedy anticipate close area race
By Joshua Price/Sports Editor Etowah County baseball teams will have some tough competition in 2011. Comprised of Westbrook Christian, West End, Sand Rock, Pleasant Valley and Ohatchee, Area 13 is arguably one of the toughest areas in Class 2A. Westbrook finished the 2011 season with an impressive 26-10 record, before losing in the quarterfinals of […]
Gaston skipper confident in inaugural season
By Joshua Price/Sports Editor
Gaston finished the 2011 baseball season with a 14-12 record before falling to the Ragland Purple Devils in the playoffs in a 3-game showdown.
Derrick Sewell took over Gaston’s baseball program after the resignation of veteran coach Mike Lamb last fall. Lamb accumulated a 66-47 record in five seasons as the Bulldog coach.
Gaston competes in Class 1A, Area…
‘Titanic’ author to visit Gadsden
By Danny Crownover/Special to The Messenger
As popular history goes, few stories are as dramatic and endlessly fascinating as the sinking of the Titanic. This year marks the 100th anniversary with Samford University journalism professor, Dr. Julie Williams giving a video presentation and book signing at Elliott Community Center Friday night, Feburary 10th, at 6 p.m.
The City of Gadsden and the…
Vindication! Choctaws crowned champs of ‘54
By Joshua Price/Sports Editor
The Altoona Choctaws had high expectations in 1954. The 1953 team posted an 8-2 record with four shutouts during head coach Fred “Dugan” Taylor’s first year at the helm.
The 1954 team returned a number of key starters, most notably in the offensive backfield. Quarterback DuWayne McCray, halfbacks Roy McNair and Bill Nichols, fullback Roy Hethcox and end…
Attalla’s ML Brackett crosses paths with many gridiron legends
By Chris McCarthy
Editor/Publisher
ML Brackett’s career has taken him far and wide from his roots in rural Attalla.
The former Etowah High School, Auburn University and National Football League standout probably could rival Abe Lincoln and Will Rogers as a storyteller with regard to his gridiron accomplishments.
Then again, someone who has played for five coaching legends and with several Hall of…
Long before Tebow, there was Herring
By Joshua Price
Sports Editor
Denver quarterback Tim Tebow continues to headline most every sports page in the nation.
Tebow first made headlines as a Heisman Trophy winner for the Florida Gators and most recently with a game-winning touchdown pass in overtime to defeat the highly favored Pittsburgh Steelers.
Tebow stands in a long line of Bronco quarterbacks to grace Mile High Stadium that…