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Hester huge in Gaston win over Asbury

Messenger file photo by Chris McCarthy Josh Hester turned in a career performance on August 19 at Shinbone Ridge. The Gaston High junior running back/linebacker finished with 478 all-purpose yards and scored 36 points in Gaston’s 63-26 victory over Asbury. It was the program’s first non-forfeit victory since Week 1 of the 2020 season. Hester […]

Etowah blanks Springville in Glover’s debut

Photo: Etowah’s Briggs Freeman escapes from the grasp of Springville’s Andrew Carroll during the Blue Devils’ 35-0 win over Springville on August 18 in Attalla. (Chris McCarthy/Messenger)  The Matt Glover era at Etowah began on a positive note on August 18, as the Class 4A No. 8 Blue Devils pitched a 35-0 shutout over Springville […]

Patriots spread the wealth in win over Gaylesville

Messenger file photo by Chris McCarthy By Ron Balaskovitz/Sand Mountain Reporter Behind touchdowns from five different players, including two on defense, West End crushed host Gaylesville, 63-26, in the Patriots’ season opener on August 19. Rockman Sainsbury and Kane Lawson each rushed for three touchdowns, while Jaxson Hamby scored a pair of defensive touchdowns. “I […]

Ashville opens season with win over St. Clair County

Photo: Ashville’s Greyson Simpson kicks a 48-yard field goal as Jaden Harris holds during the Bulldogs’ 26-21 victory over St. Clair County in high school football on August 18. (Courtesy of Becky Staples Photography)  Ashville won its opening game of the season for the ninth straight year with a 26-21 victory over St. Clair County […]

Sardis ends losing skid in Stephenson’s debut

Messenger file photo by Chris McCarthy By Ron Balaskovitz/Sand Mountain Reporter First-year Sardis head coach Chris Stephenson said in all his years coaching, last Friday’s first half against DAR might have been the worst one he’s ever had a team play. But the Lions found a way to turn it around in the second half, […]

Titans fall to Georgia powerhouse

Photo: Gadsden City quarterback Matthew Sparks (left) is pressured by Carrollton’s Brodie Bradburn during the Titans’ 69-7 loss in high school football on August 19 at GCHS. (Chris McCarthy/Messenger)  Gadsden City fell to Carrollton, Ga., 69-7, in the Titans’ season opener on August 19 at GCHS. Gadsden City’s lone score came with 4:32 left in […]

Miscues doom Panthers in loss to Guntersville

Photo: Southside Jerrod Harden (right) battles against Springville’s Chandler Chancellor during the Panthers’ 21-7 loss in high school football on August 19. (Chris McCarthy/Messenger)  Guntersville turned three first-half turnovers into three touchdowns on the way to a 21-7 victory over Southside on August 18 at Barney Hood Stadium. The Panthers’ lone score came on Gauge […]