Messenger file photo by Chris McCarthy
Several area student-athletes were recognized for the weekly Alabama High School Athletic Association Prep Spotlight.
In cross country, Ashville senior Joe Stevens (pictured above) was the top boys finisher in the St. Clair County Classic on August 27 in Odenville.
Stevens, the defending Class 4A state champion, posted a winning time of 17:06.41, almost a minute faster than runner-up William Nichols of Cullman (18:03.48).
In football, West End freshman Jaxon Hamby intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble in the Patriots’ 24-0 win over Susan Moore. Southside sophomore Koal Garrett intercepted two passes in the Panthers’ 42-7 victory over Hokes Bluff. Gadsden City junior Dre Kirkpatrick finished with 13 tackles in the Titans, 64-17 loss to Hewitt-Trussville.