A 30-year-old Smiths Station woman was arrested on Wednesday after she allegedly stole items from four vehicles at a school in Smiths Station in February and April
according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office
Madison Daye Phillips faces four counts of breaking and entering a motor vehicle
four counts of fourth-degree theft of property and one count of third-degree theft of property
She has since been released from the Lee County Jail after posting a $17,500 bond
the Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a report of vehicle break-ins at West Smiths Station Elementary on Lee Road 295
A Lee County sheriff’s deputy met with Principal Matthew Trawick
He said a woman later identified as Phillips broke into two vehicles on Feb
17 that were parked on campus —a white 2016 Toyota 4Runner and silver 2010 Honda Odyssey
according to the deposition from Lee County District Court
He also reported that on April 7 faculty members reported that their vehicles were also broken into while parked at the school
Trawick showed the deputy security camera footage
Authorities said the video showed a black Toyota Corolla enter the school’s parking lot and Phillips exit the vehicle before entering the building
the footage allegedly shows Phillips driving to the school’s west parking lot and entering multiple unsecured vehicles
Two specific vehicles were unlawfully entered in this incident — a black 2016 Chevrolet Equinox and a white 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
All four victims said their vehicles were left unlocked while parked on campus
gift cards and a Louis Vuitton woman’s purse
An investigator with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office obtained a statement from Phillips where she allegedly said she did break into the vehicles in February as well as the ones in April
Authorities said Phillips told them she still had all of the items stolen — except for the gift cards— and expressed remorse
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 334-749-5651 or Central Alabama Crimestoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867)
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.st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Mark Clark | Special to AL.comSmiths Station High School has tapped Blair Harrison
Brookstone (Ga.) High’s all-time winningest football coach
The Lee County Board of Education approved principal Adam Johnson’s recommendation Tuesday evening by a unanimous vote
“I am excited to see coach Harrison get started,” Johnson said
I think he will bring to our program what we need to be successful.”
who currently serves as Athletic Director at Shaw (Ga.) High
expressed his enthusiasm for returning to coaching
I’ve taken others that needed to improve and helped them.”
His last coaching stint was at Shaw in 2022
where he led the team to a 4-7 record being promoted to AD
Harrison acknowledged the challenge ahead at Smiths Station
which has seen significant coaching turnover
He is the school’s seventh head coach since 2013
“I think Smiths Station is a good fit for me,” he said
“The key is getting the right people around me
This is a tough time to be looking for assistants
Smiths Station’s football program has struggled in Class 7A
holding a 29-81 overall record and a 10-61 region record since 2013
Harrison brings 30 years of coaching and teaching experience
including a successful 14-season tenure at Brookstone where he compiled a 104-55 record
won three region titles and earned multiple Coach of the Year awards
Harrison’s career also includes time at Hardaway High
and one-year stints at Roane County (Tenn.) and Towns County (Ga.) High Schools
as well as an Athletic Director role at St
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A video depicting the planned covered multipurpose athletic complex that is going to be built at Smiths Station High School
Blair Harrison is no stranger to a rebuild
He even rebuilt one football program in Georgia twice
Dating back to his first stint at Brookstone in Columbus
Harrison took over a program in 2003 that went 1-9 the season prior to his arrival
the Brookstone football program won 73 games
three region titles and made it to the state playoffs eight out of nine times during Harrison’s first tenure before he left in 2012
It was a similar situation five years later when Brookstone was looking for its third head coach since Harrison’s departure
The school decided to circle back to Harrison and hire him for a second stint with the Cougars
That turned into five more postseason appearances before Harrison left to become the athletic director at Shaw — also in Columbus — as he left Brookstone as the all-time winningest coach in program history and the director of two separate rebuilds to the school’s football program
and I’m not afraid of working hard,” Harrison said
“I got a lot of people around me that work hard for me
New Smiths Station head football coach Blair Harrison poses for a headshot while at Shaw High School
Harrison is ready to do that at his next stop at Smiths Station
who announced the hiring of Harrison as the school’s new head football coach on April 15
Harrison was hired as the program’s head coach after Justin Albert resigned from the position after less than two months on the job to coach at his alma mater Prattville
Smiths Station has gone 1-19 over the past two seasons and competes in a brutal Region 2-7A that includes Auburn High
he acknowledges the rebuild that must take place to get the Panthers closer to becoming competitive against those programs but also feels equipped because of his past coaching experiences
but I want to try to close gaps — just to try to rule them in just a little bit,” Harrison said
we might end up beating somebody in the next couple years that nobody gave us a chance to.”
It’s been three years since Harrison last coached football
Harrison said he’s been itching to get back into coaching while waiting for the right opportunity
He’s enjoyed the experience of being an athletic director but knew deep down that coaching was something he wasn’t ready to give up just yet
“If you know the guys that really know me personally
they’ll tell you that I’m just a football coach
“…I just think I’ve got some years left in me on the field.”
Waiting for the right opportunity to coach again
Smiths Station entered Harrison’s radar last fall when the Panthers hosted Shaw in the 2024 season opener
Harrison attended the game as Shaw’s athletic director and was immediately amazed at the atmosphere of the Smiths Station crowd
and he said it reminded him of his home in east Tennessee
That game sparked Harrison’s interest in eventually getting to Smiths Station
and the next time Smiths Station takes the field next fall
Harrison will be the head coach of the Panthers’ program
I’m like ‘That’s exactly what I want to be a part of,’ because I’m as hungry as their fans
is leaving Smiths Station less than two months after being hired as the team's head coach.Contributed
.st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Ben Thomas | bthomas@al.comThe Smiths Station football program is in search of another new coach
School principal Adam Johnson released a statement Monday morning
confirming that Justin Albert will no longer serve as the team’s head coach
could be joining Bobby Carr’s Lions staff as wide receivers coach
“We understand that this news may raise questions or concerns within our community,” Johnson said in a statement
“Rest assured that we are working diligently to identify
recruit and employ a dedicated and successful individual who will be committed to lead Smiths Station’s football program as its head coach.”
Albert was hired in January to replace Bryant Garrison
who was 1-19 in two seasons leading the Panthers
Smiths Station’s last winning season was in 2018
and the Panthers haven’t made the playoffs since 2013
Albert was the third head coach in four seasons at the school
Albert did not confirm what was next for him but did confirm his resignation
“There are multiple opportunities out there,” he said
it was best for me to step down at this time
I think Smiths Station is a great community
I also know God puts us in certain places for a reason
and I’m looking forward to whatever may be next.”
Smiths Station competes in the brutal Class 7A
The Panthers were 0-10 in 2024 and were outscored 418-63
was an ASWA Super 12 pick at running back as a senior at Prattville and a first-team All-State pick as a junior and senior in 2006-2007
He ran for 3,467 yards in two years and also had 1,021 yards receiving and 1,004 yards in kick returns
He helped the Lions to back-to-back state championships in both of those years
After two years as a walk-on at Auburn University
Albert transferred to Troy University in 2011 where he played 12 games with five as a starter at wide receiver for Hall of Fame coach Larry Blakeney
He also led the team in punt returns (28) and punt return yards (230)
Albert finished third in receptions with 40 and fourth with 338 receiving yards
He caught at least one pass in every game for the Trojans
Albert has previously served as an assistant coach at Central-Phenix City
AL.com correspondent Mike Perrin contributed to this report
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A celebration of life will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 PM Saturday
2025 in the fellowship hall at Smiths Station Baptist Church
AL 36877 according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory
AL son of the late LA Renfroe and Ruby Idell Goodson Carter
Donnie is preceded in death by his siblings
John David Renfroe (Stephanie Lott) of Phenix City
Matthew Renfroe (Lisa Ray) of Smith Station
contributions may be sent to Smith Station Baptist Church
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How to watch Alabama high school softball: Smiths Station vs
Auburn High School plays on the road versus Smiths Station High School
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by The Observer Staff | Apr 14, 2025 | Education
LEE COUNTY — The Lee County Board of Education held a special called meeting on April 3 to review an instructional audit of South Smiths Station Elementary School
Principal Theresa Phillips was placed on paid administrative leave in January after the discovery of non-compliance with district policy
Superintendent Mike Howard met with teachers at the school
This was followed by a board meeting packed by teachers and concerned parents
some of whom expressed concerns about his tone while addressing them
Amy Long now serves as the school’s interim principal.
Howard cautioned the Board that failure to follow state- and board-approved curricula could jeopardize state funding for reading and math coaches
which he described as essential to closing achievement gaps by the end of third grade
He said students are expected to demonstrate proficiency in math at or above grade level by the end of fifth grade
“All of our math and reading coaches are provided by the state — we don’t pay for those locally at all,” Howard said
“[The state has] given us extra math coaches
We’re in jeopardy of losing our reading and math coaches
We have to really make sure that we’re doing what we’re supposed to be doing.”
Howard said issues were first identified during a June 2023 training session where SSSES data was reviewed
required coaching-led planning meetings were canceled
Howard received formal notice of the non-compliance in December
“It was made clear in January there were issues,” he said
but we found out again in September that weekly coaching meetings were being canceled
Coaches weren’t able to input their data.”
Instructional certificates must be renewed every five years
Howard encouraged staff to contact the human resources department to ensure their training hours are properly logged
warning that those without updated credentials could be removed from future rosters
A three-person team from Bailey Education Group LLC visited South Smiths Station Elementary in March to conduct the audit
The team observed classroom activity and held interviews
Project manager Elisabeth Davis led the visit
“I was made aware of compliance issues not only at South but at other schools as well
“We had the assistant superintendent visit those schools to clarify what they were out of compliance with and how to get back on track.”
Davis emphasized that the Alabama Literacy Act and the Alabama Numeracy Act require schools to follow specific standards for instruction and data tracking
A Literacy Task Force was created to recommend core reading programs
Using a series of graphics and sports metaphors
Davis explained how one individual can impact the success of a team
She emphasized the importance of data triangulation to assess individual contributions
one person can ruin the culture or intentionally create problems,” she said
You have to look at all of the pieces of data that are gathered with everyone that’s on that team.”
She emphasized reading and math coaches have the responsibility of ensuring consistency and accountability.
“[Former Alabama Coach] Nick Saban’s position coaches played an integral role
but if the person at the top doesn’t set the tone
teams go in different directions,” Davis said
“Clear expectations and team cohesion lead to stronger results
But that’s only one piece — the coach is in charge of that team
and if the coach allows one player to act up and not follow the rules or shows favoritism
She said that just as sports teams adjust their strategy depending on the opponent
teachers and coaches must tailor instruction to meet the evolving academic needs of students throughout the year
The crowd applauded as Davis praised overall grade improvements at South Smiths Station and the polite behavior of students
she raised concerns about inconsistent performance data and referred to a graph showing iReady proficiency trends
iReady is an approved tool for measuring literacy and numeracy which is used at the beginning
middle and end of the year to track student progress
three classrooms aren’t testing all students
Teacher C has 80 percent of students not proficient in math at midyear
Teacher II’s students are 94 percent proficient in reading and have shown the greatest math gains.”
The same graph showed that students of four other first grade teachers were 60% to 85% nonproficient in reading or math
Similar results were found in second and third grades
Davis said collaborative meetings with reading and math coaches are crucial for planning and finding instructional materials that ensure standards are met
with specific requirements for math and literacy training
Davis said paperwork documenting professional development training was missing
Sign-in sheets are required to verify teacher compliance with state standards
I can’t confirm the training took place,” Davis said
“I just need to see that it happened — what school
This information matters when teachers renew their certificates
It’s got to be monitored at the school level
Look in the Google Doc where that stuff is housed
But I want to see what’s been offered at a minimum.”
Davis said coaching support was “inconsistent” based on interviews and data
“This is not just a preference — it’s prescribed by law
If I don’t have the data or can’t talk with teachers about it
I don’t know what’s happening in those classrooms
It may be that all the kids were sick that day
And if I can’t sit in your room and talk to you and let’s look at the data
Board members asked if non-compliance can actually lead to state intervention and potential loss of legislative funding for math and reading coaches
“The state typically doesn’t intervene unless there’s clear negligence and a failure to make necessary adjustments,” Davis said
“But if you know there’s a problem and you do nothing
No attendees at the meeting agreed to speak on the record with The Observer
one woman was overheard saying as she exited
“All I wanted to know was whether my boss [Phillips] was fired or not
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Address:223A S. 8th St., Opelika, AL 36801
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South Smiths Station Elementary School in Smiths Station on Wednesday
The principal of South Smiths Station Elementary School remains on paid administrative leave amid an investigation concerning the school's compliance with state mandates on curriculum materials
Tensions flared as dozens of residents attended Tuesday's Lee County Schools' board meeting to show support for South Smiths Principal Teresa Phillips and the faculty
LCS Superintendent Mike Howard said Phillips has been placed on leave while a third party company is being brought in to investigate allegations that the school violated Alabama literacy law and numeracy law
Howard said the school system follows a state-approved curriculum along with state-approved and the state-approved course of study
and you bring in your own materials on the outside that has not been vetted
You're supplanting one curriculum for another
That's not supplementing at that point," Howard said
"I want people to do their job the way it's intended to be done
but the biggest thing is we have to follow state law
Howard said the Alabama literacy and numeracy acts are state law established by the state board of education
He said the Office of Math Instruction and Alabama Reading Initiative oversees the laws
Howard said he was made aware of teachers using materials around the middle of last semester
and LCS attempted to take what he called corrective actions
Then when the new Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education Kelley Smith was hired in January
Howard said she found some discrepancies and possible compliance and brought them to the ARI and OMI
"There was some closed-doors conversations that I can't discuss
but the verbiage was very clear that we better fix it and could possibly lose state funding," Howard said
"All I want is just everybody doing what they're supposed to do the right way
and let's do great and we're going to continue to make great grades
Howard said that Amy Long has been named the interim principal at South with Phillips on leave
five people were signed up to speak before the board
and all five discussed the issues facing South and Phillips being placed on leave
listed as a community member on the meeting agenda
and asked the board for a reason as to why Phillips was put on administrative leave
"As a parent, taxpayer and voter, we shouldn't be made aware by post on social media or an article from The Citizen of East Alabama," Flowers said
"The principal is an outstanding principal
students and parents with the utmost respect
I just wanted to know what the reason was for her being placed on administrative leave."
District 1 Board Member and President Mark Tomlin said they could not comment on personnel matters
a first grade teacher at Souths Smith Station
She and several others wore shirts with the phrase "South Believes Students Achieve." Johnson said that Howard's statement in an article from the Citizen was defamation of character of the teachers at the school
and left our parents wondering if we were still accredited
but after that day and what was said by our superintendent
I was left feeling degraded and fearful for what the future holds," she said
"The instructional restrictions placed on us as teachers since that day directly interfere with the student learning
the student engagement and student success
all of which I would hope would be more important to you as board members than whatever is going on around here."
Madison Franklin is a first grade teacher and South
She said was a student in LCS all her life and has been a teacher with LCS for the past 10 years
She said this is the only place she has ever wanted to work and that she follows the rules
"I do what I believe is best for the students in my classroom and what they need to succeed
The curriculum that is provided is not enough to meet the expectations placed on our students," Franklin said
we have been taught to supplement to make sure they're meeting those expectations."
Ashley Roberson is an art teacher at South
and she said there is still confusion regarding what teachers
She said the school is where many teachers
but with Phillips on leave and the investigation over the lack of compliance
we find listening ears and words of encouragement," Roberson said
"Now teachers walk into the door cowering and ducking in fear because we have been told that someone among us has broken laws and board policies
we have no idea who it is or what laws or policies they've actually broken."
9 staff meeting where Howard spoke to the faculty
Franklin said she thought the meeting was to celebrate South earning a 92 on its state report card
"I said that there's cliques that have started in that building
whether it be picking staff sides or whatever it may be
9 meeting left employees feeling heartbroken
Franklin and Singletary both referenced a video of that Jan
and Howard said after the meeting that he did record it
but could not release it publicly as it is part of the investigation
Howard did not respond to any of the comments made
who is the husband of Kristina and has kids at South
He voiced his frustration at the meeting and spoke with media following it
He said he was frustrated with the lack of answers that the teachers have received
and he feels the work environment has become hostile since the Jan
"I know the amount of preparation that's gone into this
I know the amount of fear that every single one of them have gone through to get up enough courage to even do this
But they're not just speaking for themselves
They're speaking for the entire staff at South Smiths Station," he said of the teachers that spoke on Tuesday
Howard said in his career as superintendent
9 was the first time he had ever had to call a faculty meeting
In response to criticism for the way he spoke to the teachers
he said the school and LCS must follow state law and board policy
he said not being in compliance puts the LCS at risk of losing federal or state funding
LCS could lose state funding math and reading coaches at different schools across the system
He said his biggest concern was that he did not "want to hurt our students across the county
because we have a compliance issue somewhere else."
"I just want people to do their job the way its intended to be done because that's my job
My job is to hold everybody accountable when we do step out of line
Franklin said that Howard said he was embarrassed to be the staff's superintendent
and Howard said he did use that phrase after an incident involving faculty and employee that is a supervisor
was giving directives to faculty at South about getting in compliance
He said that there were some who brought up things in that supervisor's personal life in response to the directives
"That's why I said I was embarrassed to be their superintendent
because we're using somebody's personal life to justify insubordination or failure to follow what you're supposed to do
because to use somebody's personal life against them
Howard said the supervisor employee came into his office one day and broke down in tears over what was happening and what was being shared about her personal life on Facebook
Howard said the investigation is going from the top down
even including the central office of the LCS
His hope is that the investigation reveals nothing else other than the school needing to get in compliance
and he hopes they will have a resolution soon
and it's unfortunate it came to this point
but it allowed them to publicly voice their concerns
but hopefully we'll have a resolution in the near future so that we can move forward
enjoy the rest of the school year and get ready for graduations in May."
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which means they were replacing materials that were approved with these materials that were not approved
"Serving Opelika City Schools for more than two decades has been an honor and privilege," OCS Superintendent Farrell Seymore said
has been hired as the new head football coach at Smiths Station (Ala.) High School
Albert's hiring was finalized on Monday
.st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Mike Perrin | preps@al.comSmiths Station High School announced the hiring on Monday of Pell City assistant head coach Justin Albert as its new head football coach
Smiths Station’s last winning season was in 2018 and the Panthers have not made the playoffs since 2013
Albert is the third head coach in the past four seasons at the east Alabama school
“I understand they’ve had some trouble,” Albert said
I know tons of people from that area and we thought it was a good opportunity for us to come back into a community that my family loves.”
Albert has extensive experience as an assistant
He was wide receivers coach at Central-Phenix City under Jamey Dubose from 2014-19
including the 2018 Class 7A state title run and the 2019 runner-up finish
he worked as the passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach for Pinson Valley when Sam Shade led the Indians to the 6A title in 2020
Albert was assistant head coach and co-offensive coordinator at Russell County in Seale from 2020-22 and worked at Pell City as assistant head coach
wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator for Rush Propst and Nick Gentry
The coach said he welcomes the challenge of being in Class 7A
where Central-Phenix City won a championship in 2023 and finished second last season
Central or Auburn have advanced from the region to the state finals for each of the past seven seasons
“That’s the beauty of coaching,” Albert said
“I would never sign up for coaching here if I didn’t understand that we’re the SEC of high school football
not just jump to a school where I know there’s a ton of athletes
A good coach has to find kids they can do something with
“I met with the kids (at Smiths Station) today and they were super excited about the energy and passion I’m bringing
We’ll definitely see a lot more kids come out and it was really good to see them
There’s some talent there on the team and even walking through the hallways I could see there is talent
My plan is to walk the halls and recruit them for the team
I think they’ll be on board when they see what the vision is
“I love the administration here,” Albert said
“They are first class and treat everybody like family
Adam Johnson is the principal and he’s a straight-up guy
Assistant principal Haleigh Jackson was phenomenal to me
The family vibe is something I love and what I wanted.”
The 35-year-old coach is a Prattville High School graduate where
according to the Alabama High School Football Historical Society research
he was an Alabama Sports Writers Association Super 12 pick at running back as a senior and a first-team All-State pick as a junior and senior in 2006-07
Albert also was a Prep Nation All-American and an Orlando Sentinel All-Southern pick
He ran for 3,467 yards – 170.8 yards per game – in his two years as a running back
He also had 1,021 yards receiving and 1,004 yards on kick returns
Albert and the Lions won back-to-back state championships under Bill Clark in his junior and senior seasons
have two children – 10-year-old Jayla and 4-year-old Jaxon
“She’s been with me since high school and she knows how I’ve been coaching and chasing to get this head job.”
Albert’s first official day on the job is Feb
“it will probably be tomorrow or Wednesday when I jump in and try to get ahead
so it’s feasible for me to observe the kids in the weight room
to see how they work and if they show up late and all that
“I can’t tell the boys to be disciplined if I’m not myself.”
The two teams are shaking hands at midfield
as the Red Devils walk of Smiths with a 69-15 win over the Panthers
Backup quarterback Bobby Coleman now has a pair of touchdown passes
His second one puts the Red Devils ahead 69-15
Jaylen Huff just reeled off a 40-yard touchdown run to give the Panthers their first score of the second half
It's 62-15 Central with just a few minutes remaining
Sophomore tailback Jayshaun Woodhouse is the latest Red Devil to find the end zone
His one-yard scoring run gives the Red Devils the 62-8 lead
Coleman is making the most of his action: the sophomore just hit Daylyn Upshaw on a jump ball in the corner of the end zone for the score
- It looks like Central has subbed in sophomore quarterback Bobby Coleman
but the Red Devils are still throwing the ball
We've reached the end of the third quarter
The Red Devils really started pouring it on with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Alford to Daylyn Upshaw
The Red Devils got a pick and a long return down to the Panthers' 10-yard line
- Smiths Station has had the ball pretty much the whole quarter follwing the quick touchdown
They just picked up a first down via a personal foul penalty
and they are down to the Central 43-yard line
A Cohen Thomas interception gave the Red Devils good field position
and the Red Devils put it away with another touchdown
and we should have a running clock the rest of the way
- Both teams are back out and stretching for the second half
Smiths Station will receive the second-half kickoff
- We've reached the end of the first half
Quarterback Cohen Thomas keeps it for a one-yard touchdown run
and the Panthers convert the 2-point play to make it 35-8
quarterback Andrew Alford kept it himself for a 10-yard touchdown run
it's 35-0 Central halfway through the second quarter
Smiths Station went for it on 4th-and-short at their own 27-yard line
Donovan Crow bounced off a couple of defenders and rumbled five yards for the touchdown
and it's all Red Devils in Smiths tonight
28-0 Central just two minutes into the second quarter
and Central's offense will take over at their own 40-yard line
- We've reached the end of the first quarter
A quick fumble from Smiths Station gave the Red Devils great field position
and it took just two plays for Tristan Williams to score on a 33-yard run
Andrew Alford found Devin Smith on the slant for a 30-yard touchdown pass
Central has opened up a 14-0 lead on Smiths Station here in the first quarter
- Central faces a 3rd-and-10 at the Panther 20-yard line
The Red Devils recovered the ensuing kickoff
and they are back in business near midfield
Tristan Williams caps an 86-yard touchdown drive with a one-yard run
It's 7-0 Central midway through the first quarter
- Central is across midfield and into Panthers territory
We're nearly halfway through the first quarter
- Smiths Station moved the ball past midfield
but their drive stalled at the Central 43-yard line
Central took over at their own 14-yard line
- The Smiths Station defense held on Central's opening possession
but the Red Devils punted it deep into Panther territory
- Kickoff is still a little more than 10 minutes away
We'll have updates as soon as we're underway
Updates for tonight's game will appear in this space
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Scenes from the Opelika Bulldogs football team's 50-0 homecoming win over the Smiths Station Panthers at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
The Opelika High School marching band lines up to enter the stadium before a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller has a moment with Opelika's Calvin Hughley Jr
(6) on the sideline before a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika’s Malik Autry (96) kneels for a prayer after warm-ups before a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika's Kevian King (8) returns an interception in the first half of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika's Reese Beasley (37) lines up to kick a point-after-touchdown in the first half of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika's Kevian King (8) tackles Smiths Station’s Jaylen Huff (4) in the first half of a high school football game at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Smiths Station’s Cohen Thomas (15) throws in the first half of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika's E'mauri Smiley (91) tackles Smiths Station’s Devan Parham (1) in the first half of a high school football game at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika’s Jamari Miller returns a punt in the first half against Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium on Friday
Opelika's Jordan Waits (24) carries in the first half of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika's Drue Gagliano (87) catches a pass for a touchdown in the first half of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika's Brodie Jones (17) carries for a two-point conversion in the first half of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika's Titus Hudson (44) tackles Smiths Station’s Cohen Thomas (15) in the first half of a high school football game at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika's E'mauri Smiley (91) tackles Smiths Station’s Nathan Malone (24) in the first half of a high school football game at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika's Brodie Jones (17) catches a pass in the first half of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika's Jamari Miller (3) carries in the first half of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
(6) carries for a touchdown in the first half of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika head coach Bryan Moore directs his team from the sideline during the first half of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika's Cordarrious Ingram (2) tackles Smiths Station’s Nathan Malone (24) in the first half of a high school football game at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika's Colby Key (5) throws in the first half of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
(27) carries for a touchdown in the first half of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
(27) celebrates after a touchdown in the first half of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika cheerleaders carry OHS flags through the end zone after an Opelika touchdown in the first half of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika's Jamari Miller (3) returns a punt in the first half of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika's Colby Key (5) carries in the first half of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika's Vin Schwenk (15) celebrates after recovering an onside kick in the first half of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
The Opelika High School marching band performs during the Homecoming Court procession at halftime of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
An Opelika majorette performs during the Homecoming Court procession at halftime of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika senior Kamyra Jackson was named OHS’s 2024 Homecoming Queen at halftime of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika's Jordan Waits (24) carries in the second half of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika's Colby Key (5) throws in the second half of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika’s Bennett Young catches a pass in the second half against Smiths Station on Friday
Opelika's Slade Clayton (86) catches a pass for a touchdown in the second half of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika's Slade Clayton (86) celebrates after a touchdown catch in the second half of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika students make some noise after a touchdown in the second half of a game against Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika head coach Bryan Moore looks on from the sideline during the second half of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika's Cornelius Pink (32) carries in the second half of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Smiths Station students dance as the marching band plays during the second half of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika's Bennett Young (11) carries after a catch in the second half of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika’s Cornelius Pink carries for a touchdown against Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika's Vin Schwenk (15) tackles Smiths Station’s Jaylen Huff (4) in the second half of a high school football game at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Smiths Station’s Jaylen Huff (4) carries in the second half of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika's Fuller Young (14) tackles Smiths Station’s Jaylen Huff (4) in the second half of a high school football game at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika's Lakeydrick Burts (46) makes a tackle in the second half of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika's Jalem Nelson (28) carries in the second half of a high school football game between Opelika and Smiths Station at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika's Jackson Lee (52) joins the student section for the alma mater after the Bulldogs’ win over Smiths Station in a high school football game at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
The Opelika football team joins the cheerleaders for the alma mater after the Bulldogs’ win over Smiths Station in a high school football game at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
Opelika head coach Bryan Moore speaks to his team after the Bulldogs’ win over Smiths Station in a high school football game at Bulldog Stadium in Opelika on Friday
1/44Central-Phenix City at Smiths Station Football.st1{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#2a2a2a}By Staff ReportsThe Backyard Brawl was an early knockout
1 Central-Phenix City rolled to its 16th straight victory Thursday night
downing rival Smiths Station 69-15 at Panther Stadium
It also was Central’s 16th consecutive victory in the rivalry between neighboring high schools located less than four miles apart in East Alabama
The 69 points was a new record for the Backyard Brawl
bettering the previous record set in 2017 when Central defeated Smiths Station 62-7
but we are not where we want to be,” Red Devils coach Patrick Nix said
we’re just looking forward to getting all of our guys back that have been injured
it has been good to see our younger guys step in and make plays for us.”
Central scored on 10 of 12 offensive possessions
failing to put points on the scoreboard on its first possession of the game and its last of the first half
The Red Devils scored on their first two plays of the second half on passes from Andrew Alford to Daylyn Upshaw of 21 and 10 yards
caught seven passes for 98 yards with three touchdowns
Alford finished the night completing 12-of-16 passes for 143 yards with four touchdowns
Central scored 21 points in the first quarter on runs of 1 and 22 yards by Tristan Williams and a 20-yard reception by Branden Brown from Alford
the Red Devils scored on a five-yard run by Donovan Crow and an 18-yard reception by Upshaw from Alford
Williams ran nine times for 94 yards with two TDs
Crow finished with four carries for 50 yards with a TD
The other points for the night came in the fourth quarter as Bobby Coleman Jr.
younger brother of Auburn receiver Cam Coleman
threw TD passes of five and 23 yards to Mychal Bass and TJay Ware respectively and a 22-yard run by Jayshaun Woodhouse
Woodhouse had four carries for 86 yards with a TD
Coleman completed 4-of-4 passes for 63 yards with two TDs
Cohen Thomas and Devan Parham scored for Smiths Station on runs of 1 and 41 yards respectively
plays at Dothan High next week while Smiths Station will play host to Carver High-Montgomery
The Tigers rolled past home-standing Woodlawn on Thursday with both teams piling up plenty of offensive statistics
Minor ran 34 times for 412 yards and four touchdowns on the night
Minor won its third straight to open the season and is 1-0 in Class 6A
Sophomore Kamari Bell ran for 137 yards on 11 attempts for Minor
He also caught a pair of passes for 21 yards
Quarterback Sherman Williams completed 5-for-8 throws for 61 yards and ran for 64 yards on six carries
Dominic White had six attempts for 32 yards and Adam Goldman caught a pair of passes for 31 yards
Woodlawn quarterback Andre Russell had 469 total yards
He completed 26-for-38 passes for 347 yards and three TDs – all to Kharon Lewis
Quarterback Sam Wallace was 8-of-17 for 158 yard and three touchdown passes in the win
He also rushed for 75 yards and three more scores on 14 carries
Running Back Thad McKinney had 22 rushes for 178 yards with two rushing TDS
Micah Andrews had four receptions for 56 yards with a 40-yard TD reception
Jackson Todd had 10run-yard for a TD and a 52-yard scoring reception
Macon East improves to 2-0 in AISA 1A and will travel to Meadowview next Friday
The Stanhope Elmore Mustangs forced five turnovers in a 20-0 victory over Smiths Station
It was the first shutout for the Mustangs in more than three years
since the opening game of the 2021 season against Selma.
After a Colby Beyer punt that was downed on the Smiths Station 1-yard line
the Panthers were able to move the ball a few plays before linebacker Jesse Chriestenson intercepted a pass
He returned it for a touchdown but it was called back due to a penalty
The Mustangs were still able to get points
Quarterback Zac Holcombe completed a 25-yard screen pass to running back Arthur McQueen
who scored a rushing touchdown on the next play from one yard out
The extra point put the Mustangs up 7-0 with eight seconds left in the opening quarter.
before Holcombe passed to Demarrian Barnes for a 23-yard touchdown pass
The Panthers attempted to score before the half
but the Mustangs forced their second turnover of the game.
The Panthers drove deep into SEHS territory with the opening drive of the 3rd quarter
but the Mustangs’ defense recovered a fumble
Stanhope Elmore used their strong rushing attack to steadily move the ball down the field
McQueen finished the drive with a 3-yard touchdown rush
Beyer’s extra point put the Mustangs ahead 20-0.
The Mustangs forced two more turnovers in the 4th quarter
sealing any Smiths Station chance to score.
McQueen rushed for 185 yards and scored two touchdowns
the senior running back has 1008 yards and 11 touchdowns
A potential 2,000-yard season is a very real possibility.
looked the most comfortable he has all season
He completed 6-8 passes for 73 yards and 1 touchdown and 1 interception.
the Mustangs improve to 3-2 at the midway point of the 2024 season
But the second half of the season will determine the success of the season
the Mustangs will host Russell County and then Pike Road
Both teams are 3-0 in region play.
The Mustangs still have a chance to win the region and host a playoff game if they win out.
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Friday night the Valley Rams took on the Smith Station Rams and topped the Panthers 36-9
Panthers 3 the Rams made big plays during the second half
After last week’s loss against Glenwood Coach Hunter stated “We have to be special on special teams and hopefully we come out tonight improved in that area
We talked about once you get up you can’t relax any more than what we did last week and loss
The Valley Rams lost to the Glenwood Gators
“We want to bounce back for our home opener tonight,” said Coach Hunter
“Smith Station runs a lot of stuff you don’t see anymore
so we got to play really well on defense and take care of our responsibilities
It’s just really hard to mimic them in practice because they bring something nobody else runs anymore
So we just got to get active with offense and we got to control the game a little bit
Win first down that’s going to be big for us.”
an interception by the Rams made the Panthers unable to score
Coach Hunter “Our kids came back ready to work after Glenwood
I didn’t have to say a lot it hurts them
But they came to work this week and it was really hot this week
Our kids bounce back well and we were really proud of that!”
The Rams are set to play Central of Clay County on Friday
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