Rattlers In the House
In a nod to his roots, new Florida A&M University Head Coach Willie Simmons, brought his Rattler team to Quincy on Saturday for a scrimmage on the same field Simmons excelled at in the mid-90’s. He brought with him fellow Shanks Tiger teammate Alex Jackson, now a member of Simmons coaching staff.
Simmons said he felt the trip was a way to give back to the community and to show local athletes how two other local athletes rose to the college level as players and now, coaches. Over 1,000 fans showed up under a hot sun to watch the scrimmage that ended with a heartfelt talk from Simmons football coach, Andy Gay.
Gay spoke about loving football, listening to their coaches, unity and believing in one another.
Setting Up a “Kill”er Season
While the volleyball team at both Tallavana Christian will be led by the same coach from last season, both Munroe and Gadsden County High School will have new coaches this year.
Lavurne Jeffreys was hired over the summer to lead the Bobcats. Coach Jeffreys has been teaching and coaching for over 10 years in Nevada as a long-time varsity and club volleyball and soccer coach, and will be the head coach of both the girls volleyball and soccer teams at Munroe. T
The Jaguars’ new volleyball leader is Akacia McBride. TCS will again be led by Angela Washington.
Munroe will open action this Saturday in a preseason tournament at John Paul II. The Bobcats will face Florida A&M University and Wewahitchka.
Friday Night Lights, Finally
With only two football teams in town now, it’s not hard to keep up with their preseason plans. The Gadsden County High School Jaguars are anxious to take the field and will host Jefferson County on Friday night in Havana. The Munroe Bobcats will be hosting Sneads on Friday night at Corry Field.
New head coach Joseph Gaddy said he is enthusiastic and pumped but aware his small roster will require “iron man” football to be played by his Bobcats.
Quote of the Week
“Good job today, guys. I saw a lot of you guys who really love football getting after it. I know it’s hot, but just listen to your coaches, listen to the instruction that they are giving you, and believe in each other, in your coaches, and it’s amazing when you come together, what you can do.”
-Former Shanks High School football coach Andy Gay, addressing the Florida A&M Rattlers Saturday afternoon at the Corry Field scrimmage
By Susie Morris
sports@prioritynews.net