September 2025

SPORTS LEDGER Established 2006 The PAGE 1B September 2025 Read More Online at www.thesportsledger.com

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has arrested four suspects connected to the shooting of Florida State University (FSU) football linebacker Ethan Pritchard on August 31. “This is the epitome of classic law enforcement collaboration, helping to heal a community harmed by gun violence. I commend our agents and fellow law enforcement members for making sure these criminals see the consequences of their actions," commented FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass following the arrests. The investigation began on August 31 when Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office contacted FDLE to investigate a shooting in Havana. FSU Linebacker Ethan Pritchard was driving in a neighborhood with two family members, one of which was a child, when the car was shot multiple times. At the time of the press release Pritchard remained in critical condition. On September 10, FDLE Tallahassee agents, FDLE Special Operations Team, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and the Havana Police Department conducted search warrants in Havana and Woodville, and three suspects were arrested in connection to the shooting. One juvenile suspect surrendered to the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office hours later. The suspects arrested include: Miller, Bodison, and Glenn were each charged with three counts of attempted murder, and one count of shooting into an occupied vehicle. Atkins was arrested on a violation of probation charge. Miller and Atkins were transported to Gadsden County Jail, and Bodison was transported to Leon County Jail, all without incident. The juvenile was booked into the Leon County Juvenile Detention Center. Upon first appearance on Sept. 11, Miller, Atkins, and Bodison were ordered held on no bond. Glenn was remanded to Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) custody on a no-release hold. • Caron Miller, age 18, of Havana, FL • Germany Atkins, age 23, of Havana, FL • Jayden Bodison, age 22, of Woodville, FL • Anthony Glenn, age 16, of Havana, FL Four Arrested After Shooting of FSU Player

Adam Strickland Named Cheer Coach at Snead State Snead State Community Sardis runner Levi Martin (#17) fumbles the football, as Guntersville defender Hudson Oliver (#10) attempts to defend on this play during AHSAA action on Friday, September 12, 2025. The Lions recovered the fumble and had a chance to keep the game close late in the second quarter. However, the Wildcat's defense held, forcing the Lions to attempt a field goal. Sardis missed the kick and did not score on the drive. Guntersville maintained a 21-6 lead at halftime. The Wildcats scored first in the second half and cruised to a 49-12 homecoming victory over Sardis. Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger

said. “His experience as a former national champion and his commitment to our student-athletes’ success in the classroom and community make him a strong addition to our coaching staff.” Snead State President Dr. Joe Whitmore said Strickland’s return highlights the connection alumni have with the College. “Adam’s journey from a Snead State cheerleader to a leader in his profession and now back as head coach reflects the lifelong impact this institution has on its students,” Whitmore said. “We are proud to welcome him home and look forward to seeing the cheer program continue to thrive under his leadership.” Strickland and his wife, Christy, have four children, William, Charlotte, Logan and Bennett, all of whom he said will be a familiar sight on the sidelines at Parsons games. “The time I spent at Snead was the best college experience of my life, and it shaped who I am today,” Strickland said. “God led me to Snead after high school, and now He has led me back as the cheerleading coach. I can’t wait to see what He has in store.”

College recently announced Adam Strickland as the new head cheerleading coach, bringing the former Parsons cheerleader and national champion back to his alma mater. Strickland steps into the role after the resignation of former Cheer Coach Adam Rhoden, who served at the College for 21 years. Rhoden is now at Jacksonville State University. Strickland, a nurse practitioner who has coached high school squads and taught tumbling for more than 25 years, said returning to Snead State is the fulfillment of a longtime dream. “I was part of the last national championship team here at Snead in 2001 and have always dreamed of coaching this team,” Strickland said. “Snead feels like home, and it has since my first day as a student. I’m excited to give back to a program that gave me so much.” Strickland takes over a program he hopes to grow into a competition-level squad while maintaining the Parsons’ tradition of supporting student- athletes during games. His immediate goal is to reintroduce a co-ed squad

Snead State Cheer Coach Adam Strickland Photo Courtesy of Snead State Athletics

touchdowns in a 19-12 win over the Cougars. She followed with 10-of-25 passing effort for 123 yards and three scores in a 19-0 win over Oak Mountain. A pair of Boaz players were also recognized my athletes to be model college cheerleaders,” he said. “Their work in the gym is secondary to their work in the classroom. They are student-athletes, and ‘student’ is first. Scholarship, work ethic and integrity are of the utmost importance. The student- athletes are part of a rich heritage of Snead State cheerleaders, and they will be expected to stand up and represent the program, the College, and the community to the best of their ability.” Strickland also said he looks forward to mentoring and add male cheerleaders to the team by the 2026- 2027 season. “As a coach, I expect

his athletes through the College’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes. “I am proud that while Snead State is now a public college, the school started as a seminary. I feel like that helps open the door to deeper conversations that are much more important than athletics or academics. I hope to be a spiritual resource for student athletes.” Athletic Director Casey Underwood said Strickland’s history with the program makes him a great choice to move it forward. “Coach Strickland understands what it means to be a Parson, both on the court and off,” Underwood

Boaz Freshman quarterback Beau Bennett. Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger

Albertville High School defensive standout Zoe Williams has developed into one of flag football’s top pass rushers this season. She proved that statement in the Aggies recent 23-0 win over Clay-Chalkville. pass rusher had 10 flag pulls, including seven sacks, in the Aggies’ 23-0 win over the Cougars. She also had five hurries and upped her season sack total to a state- leading eight on the year. Flag Football Standouts Recognized in AHSAA Spotlight Albertville teammate Haley Kilpatrick also earned weekly AHSAA recognition. She led The Aggies’ Albertville to wins over Oak Mountain and Clay- Chalkville. She was 15-of- 31 for 104 yards and two for their flag football performances. Sophomore QB Peyton Hall rushed for 105 yards on nine carries and passed for 110 yards and two touchdowns on a 14-of-23 effort to lead Boaz past Pell City. She was also 14-0f-26 passing for 112 yards in the Pirates' 31-0 loss to Moody. Boaz teammate Arleigh Kate Mitchell Ran for 68 yards and one score on six carries in the Pirates’ 20-7 victory over Pell City.

Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator