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PAGE 4B August 2023
Collinsville football
By Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger Last year the Collinsville football team finished the regular season with an 8-2 record and the Panthers fell to Falkville in the first round of the Class 2A State Playoffs. This year, Collinsville is hoping to be better, but with the loss of eight seniors from the 2022 team it could be a difficult, but manageable, task. "This is a now team, we can't settle for last year's results and new guys must step up into leadership roles," said Head Coach Ernie Willingham.
"We only lost two lineman, so depth on the offensive and defensive lines should be good," added Willingham. The Panthers will be competing in Class 2A Region 7 and the program plays what Willingham referred to as a "demanding" schedule. "Hopefully we will be able to compete well with all of them," added Willingham about the teams that the Panthers will face this season. Collinsville is set to get the season underway at Gaylesville on Friday, September 1.
Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
Geraldine locked in and focused on return trip to State Playoffs
rivalry match-up with the Red Devils. “We prepare for every moment,” added Davis about getting his team ready for competition this fall. The Bulldogs will be competing in Class 3A Region 6 against Plainview, Hokes Bluff, Sylvania, Ohatchee, Westbrook Christian, Piedmont and Glencoe. The Bulldog’s first region game is set for September 8 against Plainview. Geraldine beat the Bears 41-21 last year.
By Brandon K. Pierce The Sports Ledger The Geraldine Bulldogs are focused and locked in on becoming a better program this fall and improving upon a 9-4 overall record from a year ago. This past season, Geraldine earned third place in Class 3A Region 6 and reached the third round of the AHSAA state playoffs. The Bulldogs earned a 24-8 win over Winfield in the opening round and a 17-14 victory over Mars Hill in the second round of last year’s playoffs.
DeKalb County rival Sylvania was just a little bit better in the third round, as the Rams picked up a 55-22 victory over the Bulldogs. It was Geraldine’s second loss of the season to Sylvania, and it was the finale of what was an outstanding year for the Purple and White. Geraldine’s other two losses last fall were to Fyffe and Piedmont. Head Coach Michael Davis said his expectation for the program is “to be the best version of ourselves week in and week out.”
“We’ve got to protect our brand,” said Davis, noting that loyalty and pride are important components of his program. “The strength of our football team is our culture,” he added. Geraldine is set to open the 2023 season with a home game on Thursday, August 24 against Coosa Christian. The Bulldogs will be on the road for the first time the following week on Friday, September 1, as the program will make the short trip up to Fyffe for a
Photo by Brandon K. Pierce, The Sports Ledger
Collinsville's Trey Smith (#52) and Andres Garcia (#13) represented the Panthers at the 2023 DeKalb County Media Day.
Photo Courtesy of Ann Nelson
Cornerstone Christian opened the 2023 season on Friday, August 18. The Eagles Junior High team fell to Russell 42-6. Cornerstone's varsity team also fell to Russell 62-54. Cornerstone Football
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