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Olivia Bailey signed to play basketball at Austin College, in Texas.
By John M Ayers
It was a celebration for three outstanding Trenton High School young men that just won their first Class 1A state baseball title. On Wednesday, May 22, they each signed letters to continue their education and play football at the next level. Cedric Stokes will attend Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan. Jonathan Smith will attend the United States Military Academy in New York. Hunter Parrish will attend Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee.
Cedric Stokes will become a Bulldog at Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan. Coach Thomas explained that Cedric is special. “This is a young man that two years ago decided that he wanted to be a player, to work hard, do the right things and be a building block in this program. He became the 2012 Florida Dairy Farmers Class 1A Player of the Year as he rushed for 2014 yards.
Coach Todd Bryant, the head baseball coach for the State Champion Tigers explained, you will forever be addressed as “state champ” in Trenton. I have known Cedric since he was 5 years old where I met him at a Suwannee Valley League T-Ball tryout. Cedric is a great young man, very respectful and loved by his teammates. He has handled adversity with flying colors. He has had some great mentors, his football coaches, Shannon and Christine Smith, his aunts Pat and Jeryl. Cedric has become a leader, in his own way, to some of the younger kids. I have seen his personal growth expand tremendously in the past 12 months. Like Jonathan and Hunter, Cedric has helped to put Trenton football and baseball back on the map. Cedric’s 2014 rushing yards is a tremendous accomplishment, one that takes serious commitment and hard work. We expect great things out of Cedric. Adrain College is getting a great athlete and an even better person. “Cedric, continue working on your academics and don’t give up, never give up, you will go far,” Coach Bryant explained. “We are all proud of our Ceddie, keep grinning, good luck State Champ and Go Tigers”.
Cedric being a young man of few words stood before his family, coaches, fellow student athletes and other friends and joking, asked if he could text everyone and tell each of them thank you for their support during his years of being a Trenton Tiger. Cedric explained “I plan to play at Adrain two years and maybe return to play at FSU. I may play baseball at Adrain, too. It has been great playing with my friends this year and going out on top with a state baseball title,” explained Cedric Stokes.
Jonathan Smith, will continue his family tradition and become a cadet at the United States Military Academy. Jonathan is “mean” explained Coach Thomas. As safety on the Tigers’ defense, he was named the “Hit Man” on the Tigers 2012 Champion runner up team. Jonathan is aggressive, he loves the game of football and will try to inflict pain on every hit he applies on this opponent,” Coach Thomas explained.
Jonathan will be attending West Point, an elite program that will provide him with great opportunities for his future. Jonathan and his older brother Caleb will be playing on the Army Sprint football team. This Sprint Team was the 175 pound National Champion in 2012, coach Thomas explained.
“My dad went to West point and so did his brother and served in the Army. I’ve always wanted to do the same and felt it was the right thing to do. “Not bad, going 40-2 (13-1 in football, 27-1 in baseball) and playing in two state championships. We have been really close all season and it is like one big family with us,” Jonathan Smith explained.
Coach Todd Bryant explained, Jonathan, you will also be forever addressed as “State Champ” in Trenton. We are very proud of your accomplishments. We are excited about your West point appointment and your decision to serve your country. You have certainly earned this honor, a prestigious honor. We look forward to your sprint football games and the chance for you and Caleb to be together again. You too, have helped put Trenton football and baseball back on the map. I am certainly glad that your family chose to call Trenton its home and have enjoyed coaching you these past six years. You have matured into a young man that we are all proud of. You are a positive example to your younger brothers as well as other students at THS. West point gets the best of the best. Thirty-seven stolen bases is phenomenal. I look forward to seeing what you become. Like Cedric and Hunter, we will always have a bond. Good luck State Champ and Go Tigers, added Coach Bryant.
Hunter Parrish is a great young man, a good football player and a young man that was a leader in the THS football and baseball programs, explained Coach Thomas. “We will miss his leadership in the future and we wish him all of the best on the Maryville College football team.
Coach Todd Bryant explained, “I have known Hunter since he was a baby. Your dad and I played throughout high school together and you and Clif have been able to do the same. You have matured into a fine young man. Our community is very proud of you. You have worked very hard for your grades and your athletic achievements. THS is lucky to call you her own. You too have helped Trenton High football and baseball become not just contenders but champions. Maryville College is getting a gem, I can’t wait to walk up to your future college baseball coach and thump him on the head and say, “I told you so, I told you he was all that”. Like Cedric and Jonathan, I expect great things from you. I believe you are going to find your stride at Maryville and do great things. Hitting 500 in baseball was no fluke. We will always have a bond, no matter where you go. Good luck State Champ and Go Tigers, added Coach Bryant.
Hunter explained, “Maryville had a better football team than LaGrange College. I also liked them because they are going to let me play outside linebacker, where I played last year. LaGrange wanted me to play inside linebacker, which I wasn’t comfortable with. It has been a fun ride this year, playing in two state finals and ending my high school career with a state championship. I still can’t believe high school is almost over. I wouldn’t change anything about it,” added Hunter Parrish. Hunter thanked his parents and family, the THS administration and coaches for helping him achieve what he accomplished at Trenton High School.
Trenton High School held this signing reception and invited the community to come share in the accomplishments of these young men as they now begin a new chapter as they strive to achieve their education goals and continue to reach new heights in their athletic competitions. Congratulations State Champs.
By Todd Bryant
It was set up to be a story book ending. Chiefland had beaten Panama City Bozeman, 4-1, in a semi final game played at 4 p.m. Wednesday. Chiefland had beaten Trenton, 15-2, in the last regular season game of the year, ruining Trenton’s perfect undefeated record and then going on to win their district and regional titles. The Chiefland Indians were very confident going into the Championship game; but the Indians war party was about to be interrupted by a lurking Tiger.
Because of pre-determined brackets, Chiefland was slated to be the home team, even though Trenton was the #1 ranked team going into the tournament. Chiefland would start Tim Reidy, their steady playing right hander who entered the game with a 4-2 record. Reidy faced 4 hitters in the first inning. Jonathan Smith was hit by a pitch and stole second, moved to 3rd on a hard ground ball by Clif Bryant, but was not able to score. The Tigers started Stephen Smith on the mound. Smith entered the game with a 1-1 record. He had been tagged with the prior loss to Chiefland, and wanted the opportunity to throw against the Indians again. Both Reidy and Smith are very good short stops, that pitch when their team needs them. Stephen faced four batters in the first inning and got out of the inning without giving up a run. In the top of the second, Reidy got a ground out and two strikeouts, keeping the Tigers scoreless. Chiefland’s crowd was loud and proud and the Indians seemed to have the momentum. In the bottom of the 2nd, Indian Clayton Smith led off the inning with a single. The next hitter flew out, to Michael Smith at shortstop. With one out, the next batter hit a ground ball that wasn’t handled, allowing the runners to advance. After a strikeout, the Indians’ 9 hole hitter, singled to center field, allowing a run to score. Stephen got the next hitter to ground out to short, but the Indians were up 1-0 and the tribe and fans were rocking. Stephen had already thrown 43 pitches after 2 innings and Reidy had the Tigers down to a crawl. In the top of the 3rd, Cedric Stokes got to first after being hit by Reidy. Michael Smith laid down a nice sacrifice bunt and then with 2 outs, Jonathan Smith laced a double down the 3rd base line to score Stokes. Clif Bryant then hit a hard shot off the right field corner wall, that bounced into right field. Smith scored and Bryant was able to extend his double into 3rd after an Indian fielding blunder. Hamp Cheevers entered to run for Bryant, as a courtesy runner for the catcher. Hunter Parrish then doubled to left center off the wall to score Cheevers, making the score 3-1, Trenton. The Tiger fans had erupted and the momentum had switched sides. Trenton’s “bleacher creatures” were getting pumped up behind the Tigers’ dugout. In the bottom of the 3rd, Reidy got a single of his own and moved to 2nd on an error. After a long fly ball by Payton Parnell, Reidy moved to 3rd. However, Smith got the next two batters to make outs and the scoring threat ended. Kyle Wiggins led off the inning and made it to 2nd on an error. After a failed sacrifice bunt attempt, Wiggins was thrown out trying to move to 3rd. Cedric Stokes got an infield single and Michael Smith singled to score Ozie Parrish. Reidy was removed as the pitcher and senior right hander Clayton Smith came in to pitch for the Indians. With 2 outs, Jonathan Smith reached on an error but two more runs scored, making the score 6-1. Jonathan Smith stole third, his 37th stolen base of the year, before the inning ended. In the bottom of the 4th inning Stephen got the Indian batters in order, 3 up, 3 down. With one out in the top of the 5th, Jon Ward hit a missile to center field for a triple but was unable to score on a botched suicide squeeze. The Indians threatened in the bottom of the 5th when Cole Parks bunted, and went to 2nd on an errant throw. Payton Parnell then reached 1st, when he was hit with a pitch. Both runners were stranded and the Tigers were coming back up. In the top of the 6th, with the score 6-1, the Tigers went back to work. Ozie Parrish led off with a single to center. Cedric Stokes was the next hitter and was unable to protect Parrish on a hit and run where Parrish was thrown out. So with one out, Stokes hits a single to left and then Michael Smith followed with a single to left. Stephen Smith came to the plate. The Chiefland catcher was not able to handle one of Clayton Smith’s pitches to Stephen and allowed Cedric and Michael to advance. Chiefland decided to intentionally walk Stephen, to load the bases and face Jonathan Smith hoping to get a double play ground ball. Smith hit a high chopper to 3rd and Stokes was thrown out at the plate but Jonathan was too fast for the Indians to turn a double play. So with two outs and bases loaded the Indians would have to face Clif Bryant. With a full count, 2 outs, and runners moving on the pitch, Bryant hit a frozen rope ground rule double into the bullpen in deep right center. The ball traveled close to 400 feet and was Bryant’s 15th double of the season. Two runners scored, making the score 10-1. Hunter Parrish came to the plate, and with the Tigers needing another run Parrish delivered a single to right to score Jonathan Smith. The Tigers weren’t able to score any more runs but they now had a commanding lead of 11-1. The Tigers could smell blood in the air. In the bottom of the 6th, Tiger pitcher Stephen Smith had to work his magic. He was able to get the first hitter out, but gave up a walk to the pinch hitter and a single to Kyle Weeks. The fourth batter of the inning stuck out, for out number 2. With two on, the number 9 hitter got a single to center but it wasn’t deep enough to score a run. Coach Bryant went out to talk to Smith with the intention to pull him and insert Jonathan Ward as a relief pitcher. However, after some coaxing by Smith and catcher Bryant to leave him in, Coach Bryant walked back to the dugout. Smith then got the Chiefland lead off batter to hit a 1-1 pitch into right field, a lazy pop fly that looked as if it was going to land short and score two runs. But out of the shadows Cedric Stokes came rolling through, just like he did in football season, caught the pop fly, and the Tigers made history. The Tigers beat the Indians, 11-1, in 6 innings, improving their record to 27-1, and earned the 2013 1A State Championship.
The story book fairy tale had the happy ending. The Tigers had finished their season on top. When the Tigers got back into Trenton the next day they were met with a hero’s welcome. Escorted through town by the sheriff and fire fighter units, the Tigers got to see their families and fans waiting on them. Then a celebration was held on Tiger Field where the fairy tale had started on January 14, the first day of practice this year. At the end of the celebration the Tigers ended their season with one last cheer – GO TIGERS!
As always, come out and support the Tigers.
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by Todd Bryant
The Trenton Tiger Baseball Team had a tremendous sendoff from all their loyal fans last Wednesday morning, May 15th. The Tigers were greeted by fans lining the streets and students from both Trenton Elementary and Trenton High School. The players and coaches rode through town on a large flat bed trailer before getting on their charter bus and embarking on the final leg of the greatest season in THS baseball history. The Tigers, 25-1, would face Holmes County, 22-7, at Jet Blue Park in Ft. Myers. Jet Blue is the spring training stadium of the Boston Red Sox and is a replica of Fenway Park. The Tigers arrived at their hotel at 2:30, and after showering and suiting up they were ready to go. Everything at Jet Blue was run on a strict itinerary - from the starting time on practice fields, the number of minutes for hitting, team pictures, and everything else. The 7:30 p.m. game time finally arrived and the teams were ready to go.
Holmes County had two great pitchers. Junior lefty Kolton Russ had 92 strikeouts in 52 innings and senior righty Jordan Worthing had 63 strikeouts in 49 innings. Holmes also had a very good catcher, senior Jacky Miles, Jr (.429 batting avg) as well as a strong defensive shortstop, Kodi Russ (.370 batting avg), who is Kolton's older brother. Both Russ brothers (Northwest College) and Miles (Chipola) are expected to play in junior college in 2014. Kolton Russ is expected to leave high school early to be with his brother. Going into the game the Tigers expected the Blue Devils to be one of the best teams that they had faced all year, but the Tigers game plan was to continue doing the same things that had helped them win their previous 25 games. The Tigers were the home team and started junior right-hander Jon Ward on the mound. Ward had his curve ball working and got through the first inning without any issues. Holmes started Kolton Russ. Russ was 7-2 with an ERA of .81. Stephen Smith led off the inning with a walk. With a 1-1 count Stephen broke on a hit and run, and Jonathan hit a high chopper that made its way into left field allowing Stephen to sneak into 3rd base before the throw and Jonathan was able to glide into 2nd safely on the back door throw. With one out and runners on 2nd and 3rd, Hunter Parrish executed a perfect suicide squeeze bunt, allowing Stephen to score, making the score 1-0. With Jon Ward at bat, Russ threw a pitch that was slightly wide of the plate that Miles was able to block. However, Jon Smith was able to read the bounce, and got a great jump on the leadoff, going home. Smith was able to cross home plate before the pitcher and catcher were able to make a play. With the score 2-0, Ward took the mound in the 2nd inning and walked the first batter, but got the next hitter to fly out to centerfield. The Tigers on a 1-0 count, the designated hitter slammed the next pitch on a line shot that was going into left field before Michael Smith made a diving catch and got up to throw out the retreating base runner at first base, turning the possible hit into a solid double play for the Tigers. The Tigers dodged a bullet and came back up to hit in the bottom of the 2nd. With one out, senior Cedric Stokes drew a walk and was moved to 2nd on a sacrifice bunt by Michael Smith. Stokes was able to steal third before being stranded. In the top of the 3rd, Ward got three straight ground balls, all hit to junior Stephen Smith at shortstop. Smith made all three plays: one was a back hand in the hole, to close the Holmes side of the inning. In the bottom of the 3rd Trenton sent five hitters to the plate. Jonathan Smith led off with an infield single. On the first pitch to Bryant, Smith broke on a hit and run and Bryant hit a hard ground ball that advanced Smith to 2nd. Hunter Parrish walked, but the starting pitcher Russ had to be replaced by Worthing due to an arm ailment. Worthing was able to pick Smith off 2nd, trying to get in position to steal 3rd. Smith had 35 stolen bases going into the semifinal game. With 2 outs Jon Ward singled moving Parrish to 3rd, but both runners were stranded. The score after 3 innings was 2-0 Trenton. In the top of the 4th inning, Kolton Russ led off with a double and moved to 3rd on a balk call on Ward. So with no outs, the Tigers decided to gamble on defense and bring their infielders up to force the Blue Devils to hit the ball deep. Ward got the first hitter to flyout to shallow left and the second hitter to ground out to shortstop. With 2 outs the infield moved back and the next hitter struck out. The momentum was definitely in Trenton's dugout. The bottom of the 4th went quick for the Tigers. Ozie Parrish led off with a single to left but was never able to leave 1st base. The Tigers missed two opportunities to bunt Ozie to second and give the top of the order a chance to drive him in but Worthing was able to keep the hitters off balance. Going into the 5th the score remained 2-0. In the top of the 5th Ward got the first hitter to ground out before giving up an infield single between the 5/6 hole. The runner was stranded after the next 2 hitters flew out and grounded out. Through 5 innings Ward had only thrown 61 pitches. In the bottom of the 5th, with 2 outs, Hunter Parrish walked and Jon Ward had an infield single. Kyle Wiggins came to the plate with just 3 doubles and no home runs in the 26 previous games. However, on a 2-1 count, Wiggins hit a high fastball way up the Green Monster, scoring Parrish and Ward, and making the score 4-0. Wiggins' hit would have been a very long home run if the game had been played at Trenton. Ward went back to work in the top of the 6th, but gave up a single followed by another single. After stealing 2nd the Blue Devils had runners on 2nd and 3rd with no outs. But Ward wasn't giving in. Ward got the next hitter to hit a fly ball to right to score the run, but Cedric Stokes was able to keep the runner at 2nd from advancing. The next two batters flew out to center field and the score was 4-1. The Tigers weren't able to score in the 6th and Ward trotted back to the mound in the 7th ready to battle. With only 7 pitches Ward got a ground out and two fly outs, one a great running catch by Cedric Stokes, and the Tigers had ended the game. Ward threw 86 pitches and won his 9th game of the season. The Tigers improved their record, to 26-1, and moved into the state 1A championship game.
By Todd Bryant
Last week was one of the biggest weeks in Trenton Tiger baseball history!
On Tuesday, May 7th, the Tigers hosted Hamilton County, the runner up in District 5. Hamilton had lost to Melody Christian in their district championship. Melody Christian was hosting Bronson. Hamilton started Kaleb Sadler on the mound. Sadler is a lefty sophomore that has tremendous potential. The Tigers got started in the first inning, when Stephen Smith led off with a walk, stole second, and Clif Bryant singled. Hunter Parrish then drove in Smith, for the first run of the night and the only run the Tiger defense would need. Jon Ward got the call to pitch for the Tigers. Ward came in throwing strikes and faced only nine batters through three innings. He struck out two, while keeping the hitters off balance, with a mixture of fastballs and curve balls. Ward only threw 23 pitches in his three innings of work and was relieved by Kyle Wiggins. Wiggins gave up only one hit and one walk, and the Tigers held the Trojans to no runs. Cedric Stokes made a great defensive play in the 2nd inning when the Hamilton batter hit a line drive to right field. The speedy Stokes, fielded the line drive on the first hop and threw a strike to first base to beat the runner, keeping the lead off hitter from reaching first base. The Tigers had their third consecutive game without an error. Offensively, the Tigers had nine hits and Jonathan Ward and Ozie Parrish had two hits each. Stephen Smith capped off the scoring, with a two run home run to right center field in the 4th inning, his fourth of the year. The Tigers won the game, 12-0, in five innings. Trenton hosted the Region 2 finals on Friday and faced the Bronson Eagles again. Bronson beat Melody Christian 3-1 and earned the right to advance in the state playoffs.
The Eagles came to Tiger Field excited to play the Tigers. Even though their ace, Tim Gibson, had pitched on Tuesday, they elected to start him again against the Tigers. The Tigers started senior right-hander Corbin Wiggins on the mound. Wiggins got the first out, with one pitch, but then struggled with his command and Jon Ward was called on again to help the Tigers. With the score 1-0, the Eagles, Ward got the next two batters to ground out and the Tigers came to bat. With two outs, Clif Bryant hit a double to the wall in right center. Hamp Cheevers came in to run for the catcher and then scored on a Hunter Parrish single to left field. Parrish scored on a Ward double to deep right center and Ward scored on a sharp single to left by Kyle Wiggins. The Tigers scored three runs on four hits, all with two outs.
With the score 3-1, Ward settled into his pitching rhythm. Ward faced four batters in the 2nd inning and three batters in the 3rd. In the bottom of the 3rd, the Tigers got going again with two outs. Kyle Wiggins started with a hard single to center field, Ozie Parrish walked, Cedric Stokes singled to center field and drove in a run, and Michael Smith walked on a 9-pitch at bat. With the bases loaded, Stephen Smith came to bat and hit a 1-0 fastball over the right field fence for a grand slam, his fifth home run of the year, making the score 8-1. Jonathan Smith later doubled, but was left stranded. Ward faced four batters in the 4th, giving up a hit, but getting three ground outs. In the bottom of the 4th, Ward got on base with a single, Ozie Parrish singled, and Stokes singled. With the help of two Bronson errors, two more runs scored making the score 10-1. Ward came out in the 5th inning and struck out the first two batters, gave up a single and then got the last batter of the inning to pop up to Stephen Smith at short stop. In the bottom of the 5th, the Tigers wanted to end the game. Stephen got on by an error at first, and then Jonathan Smith walked. Bryant came to the plate and the first pitch was a pass ball that allowed the two Smith brothers to advance a base. With a 1-2 count, and runners on second and third, Bryant hit his fifth home run of the year on an outside fastball to left field that easily cleared the fence and ended the game with the score 13-1. All nine hitters had at least one hit on the night and the Tiger defense had its fourth consecutive game without an error. Ward finished the night with 4 strikeouts and one hit batter.
The Tigers, now 25-1, won the Regional Finals and will advance to play in the State Tournament, in Fort Myers at Jet Blue Park.
At press time, the Tigers are set to play Holmes County in the first round, at 7 pm on Wednesday, May 15.
This is the first time in school history that the Tigers have made the Final Four.
Come down and support the Tigers.
By John M Ayers
The Bell Lady Bulldogs won their second straight 1A District 6 Softball title, as they defeated the Hilliard Flashes, 1-0. This was the first game of the season where the Lady Bulldogs had defeated the Flashes. Hilliard had defeated Bell in a double header in Hilliard earlier in the season. The Lady Bulldogs earned the District Title on Thursday, April 18.
The Lady Bulldogs with the win, hosted the runner-up of the District 5, which was Melody Christian of Live Oak. The Lady Bulldogs dominated the visiting team, defeating them 20-3. The win allowed the Lady Bulldogs to host Lafayette County in the Regional finals game on May 3. The Lady Hornets, from Lafayette County High School had defeated the Hilliard Flashes, 10-8 in Mayo.
On Friday night, the Lady Bulldogs had their goal set on a trip to Vero Beach to compete in the State semi finals of Class 1A.
Bell’s Shelbie Hutto did a great job keeping the Hornets off the bases through the first three innings.
In the fourth inning the Hornets scored 7 runs and continued to hit the ball well.
Lindsay Osteen and the Lady Hornets put forth a dominating effort, beginning in the fourth inning, to defeat the Bell Bulldogs 18-1.
At press time, Lafayette was scheduled to play Chipley, in the semi-final game of the State tournament, in Vero Beach, on Wednesday, May 8.
Trenton’s Drew Dees is the 2013 state champion for Boys Adaptive Shot Put. He is a three time winner!
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By Todd Bryant
Trenton hosted the District 6 1A baseball tournament this week at Tiger Field. On Tuesday afternoon the Bronson Eagles defeated the Cedar Key Sharks 13-3 and the night cap featured the Bell Bulldogs beating the Hawthorne Hornets 5-0. The Eagles, number 3 in the district standings, played the number 2, Hilliard Flashes on Thursday afternoon. Hilliard was unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities in the second and third innings before Bronson scored 2 runs in the fourth inning. Eagle pitcher Tim Gibson pitched all seven innings while only giving up 4 hits. Bronson pulled off the upset by beating Hilliard 5-0 and would wait to face the winner of the Trenton - Bell game.
Trenton had lost its last regular season game and was 21-1 going into the game with Bell. The Tigers had some good practices leading up to the Tuesday night game, but their only loss was still on their minds. This game would be the fourth match-up of the Tigers and Bulldogs this season. Bell began with their ace, Cody Germaine, and hoped that he would be the answer to beating the Tigers. The Tigers had planned to start senior Corbin Wiggins, but decided at game time to go with junior, right-hander, Jon Ward. Ward responded with a great performance, facing only twenty-four hitters in seven innings of work, walking 2 and striking out 4. Ward only gave up 2 hits, both of them singles, and no runs. Offensively the Tigers got 9 hits, 5 of them for extra bases. Catcher Clif Bryant went 3 for 4, with 2 doubles, a solo home run, (his fourth of the year), 2 RBIs and 3 runs scored. Hunter Parrish, after missing the past seven games with a hamstring injury, started back right where he left off. Parrish went 2 for 4 with a double and 2 RBIs. Jon Ward was 2 for 4, with 2 stolen bases and Stephen Smith added a double. The Tigers stole 7 bases on the night and won the game 7-0 earning the right to face Bronson in the district championship. Bell ended their season with an 8-17 record.
On Friday night, in front of a large crowd, the Tigers hosted the Eagles at Tiger Field. The Tigers had won the district championship last year for the first time in 29-years and they hoped to repeat this year. This would be the Tigers third meeting with Bronson this year. The Tigers had beat the Eagles, 16-6, and 7-0 in the regular season, but Bronson was ready for the challenge after beating Hilliard the night before. The Tigers would send Corbin Wiggins to the mound. Wiggins had gotten the prior two wins against the Eagles. Bronson would start Ty Barber, a right-handed sophomore. Wiggins went the first five innings, with 2 strike outs, walked 1, and gave up 3 singles. Wiggins was relieved by Stephen Smith. Smith faced 6 hitters over 2 innings, while striking out 3 and giving up no hits. In the second straight game the Tiger pitchers only faced 24 batters in 7 innings of work. In the batters box, the Tiger bats were heating up. The Tiger batters got 14 hits, including 6 extra base hits. Hunter Parrish, Stephen Smith, and Kyle Wiggins led the Tiger hitters. All three went 3 for 4 on the night. Parrish had a double, a 2 run homer, (his second of the year), scored a run and drove in 5 runs. Smith had 2 doubles, scored 3 runs, stole 2 bases and had an RBI. Kyle Wiggins scored twice, to go along with his 3 hits. Ozie Parrish added 2 hits, one a double down the left field line. Clif Bryant, nursing a sore leg, went 1 for 2, with 2 walks and threw a runner out attempting to steal second base. Jonathan Smith and Michael Smith both collected a hit. Michael hit a double and Jonathan got his thirty-fifth stolen base of the year. The Tigers pressed the Eagles on the bases and scored in every inning except the third. The Tigers won their second straight district championship and improved their overall record to 23-1. The Tigers have won 24 straight district games over the past two years.
On Tuesday, May 7th, the Tigers will face the Hamilton County Trojans at Tiger Field at 7 p.m.. Bronson will travel to Melody Christian for a 4 p.m. game. The winners will face each other on May 10th. If Trenton wins its game against Hamilton then the Tigers will host again on May 10th at 7 p.m. The Tigers appreciate all the fan support that they have received this year. Come out and support the Tigers.
By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers completed a fantastic 13-1 football season Friday night as they were defeated by Northview Chiefs (11-4) 42-21. This was the Chief’s first appearance in a 1A FHSAA Championship and it was played in the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando. The Trenton fans were in attendance to support their Tigers as a new Citrus Bowl record was set for the 1A-4A, playoff attendance. The official attendance reported over 3600 fans attended the 1A championship game.
The Tigers’ defense stopped Northview on a fumble recovery in the first period, but were unable to drive the field for a momentum building score. The Tigers stumbled in the second period as Northview capitalized on pass interceptions and a blocked punt to give the Chiefs a 21-0 edge at halftime.
In the third period Trenton stopped Northview on their first possession. The Tigers scored, on a Cedric Stokes 3 yard run, with 11 minutes remaining in the period. Michael Smith, the eighth grade place kicker added an extra point with ease as his brother Stephen held the ball on the block. The Tigers’ kickoff was taken by the Chiefs’ Nino Robinson and the junior defensive back ran 78 yards for the score. Kevin Vaughn added the PAT as Northview answered the Tigers score with a touchdown to take a 28-7 lead. With just over 5 minutes remaining in the third period, Brannon Freeman shook lose and dashed 35 yards for a Northview score. Vaughn added the extra point kick as Northview increased the edge to 35-7.
The Tigers posted an offensive drive in the final period when Breon Sims bulled through the Chiefs’ goal line defense for a Tiger touchdown. Smith’s extra point kick got the Tiger fans excited with a 35-14 score.
Northview was picking up first downs in the closing minutes of this game as Freeman went 6 yards for the touchdown and Vaughn added the extra point kick as Northview now held a 42-14 lead.
Cedric Stokes scored on a 4 yard run and Smith added the PAT for the Tigers 42-21 score.
The Tigers saw their perfect season come to an end as the Chiefs broke the 13 game winning streak with their first ever Class 1A football championship.
Cedric Stokes was again the Tigers leading scorer as the senior rushed for two touchdowns, with 192 yards on 35 rushes and 260 all-purpose yards.
Stokes is the Tigers leading rusher this season; he is the “go to” guy when the tough yardage is needed.
The senior has rushed for 2014 yards. Smith completed 2 of 10 passes with 3 interceptions in this game.
The Trenton Tigers, under Coach Andrew Thomas and his staff: Lyle Wilkerson, Mike Sauls, Terry Parrish, Toney Sullivan, Randy Fuller, Steven Welbers, Pat Green, Daniel Cherry, Tommy Malloy, Corbyn Pugh, James Johnson, Greg Turner and Mike Burnett have done great work with the Tigers this season.
Congratulations Tigers!
You are all winners and thanks for the enjoyable Friday night-lights.
By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers will now have their opportunity to cash in on a 13 game winning streak, as they defeated the Newberry Panthers in overtime 36-35, before a packed house of fans at Panther Stadium.
With the game tied at 28, at the end of regulation, overtime became the solution to determine the winner. The officials called the captains back out to mid-field. The Tigers won the coin toss and deferred to take the football second
The Panthers in overtime began on the 10-yard line near the south end zone, in front of many fans from both teams. Newberry scored on a third down from the 6 when Ra’kheem Hoyt dashed through the defense for the go ahead score. Files added the extra point kick for a 35-28 lead as the Newberry fans were going wild. Trenton took their turn as Tiger fans were all standing chanting for the Tigers to score. On third and 6, Stephen Smith bootlegged to the right to connect with Breon Sims in the end zone for the score to pull the Tigers to within 1 point. Trenton called for a timeout as the Tigers got their heads together. Coach Thomas asked the players coming to the sideline if they wanted to kick the extra point for the tie, or go for the win. “The guys elected to go for the win,” Thomas explained. Stephen Smith surprised the Panthers’ defense when he threw a short pass to Jonathan Smith who was standing all alone in the corner of the end zone for the 36-35 win. The Tigers and their fans erupted with a celebration. The team covered the senior running back in the end zone, to set off the celebration that grew when fans stormed the field.
Fans from all over the area began to arrive at Panther Stadium at 5 p.m. when the gates opened. Newberry High School began the sale of the semi-final game tickets on Thursday afternoon to keep the standing lines to a minimum. An estimated 4,000 people had filled the stands and encircled the field when the game began at 7:30 p.m.
Trenton captains: Cedric Stokes, Breon Sims, Jonathan Smith and Hunter Parrish stood for the Tigers at mid-field for the coin toss. Newberry had Trace Stankunas, Davonte Flagg and Les Jordan as their captains. The Tigers won the toss and deferred to the second half and put the Panthers defending the north goal post.
Trenton scored first when Cedric Stokes capped a Tiger drive on a 1-yard run. Michael Smith kicked the extra point as Trenton took a 7-0 lead. Newberry’s Trace Stankunas scored on a 36-yard run and Files added the extra point kick to tie the score at 7-7. Trenton fumbled and Newberry recovered as the Panthers’ Ra’kheem Hoyt scored an 83-yard run to take a 14-7 lead. Newberry recovered a Trenton fumble in Tiger territory with 9:50 left in the first half. The Panthers drove to the Tigers’ 20-yard line where a field goal kick flew wide to the right of the uprights.
Stephen Smith got the Tigers’ offense cranked up when he hit Hamp Cheevers for a 56-yard pass completion to set the Tigers up on the 8-yard line, first and goal. Stokes tied the game on a 4 yard scoring run and Smith added the kick to tie the game at 14-14 at halftime. This game was a thriller as both teams scored on big plays and fireworks were exploding in the background.
In the third period, the Tigers capitalized on a Panther fumble as Hamp Cheevers picked up the loose ball and dashed 49 yards for the score. Jonathan Smith kicked the extra point as Trenton took a 21-14 lead with 7:19 remaining in the third quarter. Hoyt got loose and ran 35 yards to tie the score at 21-21 when Files made the extra point kick. The Tigers took the kickoff and drove inside the Panthers’ territory. Smith connected with Hunter Parrish on a 15 -yard pass for a score. Smith stayed perfect as he kicked the extra point for a 28-21 lead. The Panthers began their drive late in the third period. Brandon Herbert connected with Monte Seabrook inside the Tigers’ 10-yard line. Hoyt slipped through the defense into the end zone for the score. Files’ kick at the end of the third period tied the score at 28-28.
This game remained deadlocked in the final period until the very end. Brandon Herbert was going to the air on every snap. On the last play of regulation, Herbert connected with Hoyt on what appeared to be the final play of the game as the running back escaped into the end zone for what appeared to be the score to give the Panthers the win. A Panther player was called for holding, which canceled the score and moved the host back to the Tigers’ 38-yard line. The final regulation play fell incomplete as both team prepared for over time.
Stephen Smith completed 7 of 9 passes for 131 yards and two scores. Cedric Stokes, the Tigers’ leading ground runner had 151 yards on 32 carries. Michael Smith kicked 4 of 4 extra points. The Tigers’ defense capitalized on Panther turnovers as Hamp Cheevers picked up a Panther loose ball. Jonathan Smith totaled 13 tackles and Jacquaez Powell, Hunter Parrish and Jacob Gamble had seven tackles each, respectfully. Torrez Brown, Kade Rogers, Hamp Cheevers, and Cedric Stokes each had six tackles in this game. Cedric Stokes had 4 kickoff returns for a total of 91 yards. The Trenton Tigers had a great game and will now face Northview from Bratt, Florida.
The Northview Chiefs come into this game with a 10-4 season record. They defeated Liberty County Friday night in Bristol 48-14. The Chiefs average 42.9 points a game and the defense allows an average 18.2 points a game.
This will be the Chiefs first ever trip to the FHSAA 1A football championship.
The Tigers will travel to Orlando on Thursday afternoon and prepare for the Friday evening game at 7 p.m. Come out and support our Trenton Tigers as they leave Trenton on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. Citizens are being asked to line Main Street to show support for the Tigers.
By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers came out of the locker room to open the second half with fire in their eyes, as they stopped the leading Lafayette Hornets on a 4th and 1 by recovering a fumble. The Tigers took the momentum and later the game (42-26) and the Regional 3-1A title before an estimated 3,000 fans in Trenton. The night was full of big plays by both of these top ranked teams. The Tigers’ defense was stingy allowing few points by the Hornets in the second half of this title game.
Trenton Coach Andrew Thomas told his Tigers, “We are very proud of you and the type of play you guys came out and showed in the third and fourth periods to defeat the Lafayette Hornets for the Regional victory. This comeback shows how strong the Trenton Tigers are as a team. We will prepare on Monday, to travel 13 miles to Newberry on Friday night to play Coach Baker and his Panthers.” Coach Thomas explained. Newberry upset Union County Friday night in Lake Butler 18-13. The Tigers are now No. 1 in Class 1A with 12 straight wins.
The Regional game in Trenton got off to a quick start as the Tigers were turned away by a decisive Hornet defense on their first offensive possession. Lafayette’s offense was reeling off big plays as J.R. Bass broke loose on runs of 62 and 74 yards to put Lafayette up 13-0. Trenton’s Hunter Parrish blocked the second extra point kick attempt as the Hornet’s took the early lead in the first quarter.
Trenton’s Stephen Smith sprinted through a gapeing hole behind his offensive line to out run the Hornet defense for a 60-yard touchdown. Michael Smith added the extra point kick with 11:49 remaining in the second period to cut the lead to 13-7. The Hornets’ passing attack struck the Tigers’ defense as Brycen Lee connected with Rodney Brown for a 15-yard touchdown pass. The Tigers’ defense stopped the 2-point conversion attempt as Lafayette increased their lead to 19-7 with 7:30 remaining in the first half. The Hornets pinned the Tigers’ offense deep in their territory with less than 3 minutes left in the half. Cedric Stokes busted through the Lafayette defense and ran 83 yards to set up a scoring opportunity. With time running out on the clock, Smith spiked the ball inside the Hornet’s 15-yard line. Smith setup the Tigers’ offense as the Hornets loaded the box to stop the inside run. Smith took the snap and stepped right before connecting with Breon Sims on a 12-yard pass for a score. Michael Smith kicked the extra point to bring the Tigers within 5 of the Hornets, 19-14 at intermission. This score gave the Tigers the momentum as they came out of a heated halftime locker room to begin playing their style of football.
Trenton kicked to Lafayette to open the third period. The Hornets on a 4-1 on their own 45 were stopped by a Tiger defense that picked the ball loose to setup the Tiger turnaround. Freshman Kade Rogers was credited with the recovery for Trenton. With 3:07 remaining in the third, Cedric Stokes took a 1-yard plunge into the end zone to take a 20-19 lead.
In the fourth period the Tigers continued their scoring momentum. Breon Sims scored on a 2 yard run and Michael Smith added the kick for a 27-19 lead. The Hornet’s facing a fourth and 8 from the 33 when Breon Sims blocked the punt and Jacquez Powell picked up the turnover and dashed 15 yards for a score. Smith stayed perfect as he added the extra point kick for a 35-19 Trenton lead.
The Trenton fans were beginning to smell the aroma of victory as the voice of the Tigers, Bryant Frye announced Newberry had upset Union County in another Regional playoff at Lake Butler.
Trenton’s Stephen Smith was leading the Tigers offense through the Hornets’ defense at will. The Hornets were caught again to stop the Tigers’ inside run attack when Smith slipped around the side to go 20 yards for another touchdown. Michael Smith added the PAT to give the Trenton fans a decisive 42-19 margin with 3:15 remaining in this game.
Lafayette’s Bryce Lee connected with Rodney Brown on an 8-yard pass for the Hornets’ final score. Negete added the PAT, for the 42-26 score.
The Tigers’ offense totaled 424 yards as Cedric Stokes had 207 yards on 25 carries and Stephen Smith rushed for 139 yards on 13 carries, completing 2 of 4 passes for 32 yards and one touchdown.
The Tigers’ defense limited Lafayette to 308 yards. Jacob Gamble recorded 9 tackles as team mates, Jacquez Powell, Torrez Brown and Kade Rogers had 8 tackles each. Breon Sims had 7 tackles while Cedric Stokes and Jonathan Smith had 6 tackles each, respectively. Jonathan Smith had one interception for the Tigers as Jacquez Powell, Kade Rogers and Hamp Cheevers each had one recovery in this Regional championship game.
The Tigers will travel to Newberry, (9-3) Friday night to face the Panthers which upset Union County 18-13. This semifinal game will kick off at 7:30 p.m.
Come out and support the Tigers as they strive to play in the 1A state championship December 7th in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.
By John M Ayers
The Trenton Tigers were on top of their game from the opening kickoff, as they earned revenge for their 2011 playoff loss, by defeating Jefferson County 31-21. Trenton took the opening kickoff driving the field and scoring on a 1-yard run by Cedric Stokes. Michael Smith added the PAT for the Tiger’s 7-0 lead. This was only the beginning, as the Tiger’s defense forced a pass interception by Stokes and he returned it 25 yards to setup a Stephen Smith touchdown run. Michael Smith’s kick gave the Tigers an early 14-0 lead.
It was in the second period when Jefferson County’s big play offense rolled off a score to cut the margin to 14-7. Stephen Smith led the Tigers inside the Jefferson County 30 yard line with less than a minute remaining in the first half. On third and 8, Smith kicked his longest field goal yet, but a timeout whistle went unnoticed until after the ball split the uprights. The Tigers lined up again and Jefferson’s defense flushed a rush which blocked the kick and the ball rolled out of bounds. Trenton retained possession and as the clock was ticking down, Stephen Smith, the holder, lined up the special team again and his youngest brother, Michael stood behind the 25-yard line awaiting the snap. The ball was tee-ed up and the eighth grader’s kick was right on line for the Tiger’s 17-7 lead at halftime.
Trenton would kickoff to Jefferson County to open the third quarter. Lenorris Footman gave Jefferson County the edge as he cut the margin to 17-14 on a short touchdown run. He also kicked the extra point as the visitors came to within 3 points of the Tigers. Trenton’s Melvin Adams broke loose on a 16 yard scoring run with 7:53 remaining in the third period. Smith added the extra point for the Tigers’ 24-14 lead.
Jefferson’s quarterback had his sights set on burning the Tiger defense as he attempted to connect on a big play every time he got the ball. In the opening minutes of the final period Footman connected with LaDarian Smyley on a 33-yard pass for a score. The Tiger defense was all around the receiver when he came up with the catch on the edge of the out of bounds line. Jefferson had now come to within 3-points of the Tigers, 24-21.
The Tigers’ offensive line impact was showing on the Jefferson County defense. The Tiger running backs continued to pound Jefferson for positive yards on the ground. Cedric Stokes capitalized on the Tigers’ final push as he scored on a 1 yard run with 3:15 left in the game. Michael Smith was on target as he gave the Tigers a 31-21 lead following an extra point kick.
Jefferson’s offense was shooting for the end zone on every play. The Tiger defense turned up the pressure and Footman had to scramble for his life. He threw a pass on target to Smyley but Cedric Stokes came up from his safety spot to pick off the pass to stall Jefferson’s hopes of another State championship.
Trenton’s Head Coach Andrew Thomas got the Tigers together at midfield for a game ending wrap-up. “I’m proud of you guys the way you worked this week preparing for this game. You played great and we can now get ready for Lafayette County in Trenton Friday night,” coach Thomas explained. Coach Parrish told the Tigers the Hornets wanted to play Jefferson County for the Regional final, but now they must return to Trenton to face the No. 1 ranked Trenton Tigers.
Cedric Stokes led the Tiger’s field of running back with 152 yards on 32 carries, Melvin Adams totaled 38 yards on 6 carries and Breon Sims added 32 yards on 6 rushes. Stephen Smith completed 3 of 5 passes for 21 yards. The Tigers totaled 281 yards of offense.
The Tigers defense kept Jefferson County from making too many big plays as Cedric Stokes picked off two passes while Hunter Parrish, Melvin Adams, Jacob Gamble, Breon Sims, Torrez Brown and Kade Rogers turned up the heat on the rush.
Trenton will host Lafayette County in the Region 3 final Friday night. Lafayette defeated Hilliard 56-14 Friday night to advance to this game. The kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
Union County defeated Crescent City 21-0 Friday night and will play Newberry which defeated Wildwood 16-10 Friday night. Union County will host Newberry in the Region 4 final set to kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers are 10-0 for the second straight regular season after a second half come from behind, 26-14, win over the (6-4) Chiefland Indians. The host Indians were set to knock off the 9-0, No 1 ranked, Tigers but Trenton played Tigerball in the third and fourth periods to come back from a 7-6 half-time deficient to take the win.
Coach Andrew Thomas commended the Tigers for their hard fought second half effort against the Indians. “Your effort in the second half, playing hard and fighting back earned the win and you achieved another goal of being 10-0.” “You guys played a tough, good football team here tonight. They were big and physical up front, with some speed, and you guys stepped up, put them away and did a great job,” Coach Thomas explained, “Enjoy this win this weekend and keep in mind, you get a rematch with the Jefferson County Tigers at home Friday night.”
In the opening possession of this game the Tigers’ defense stopped the Indians on 3 and out, forcing a punt.
Trenton’s offense drove the field behind a strong offensive line. Steven Smith set up a score when he ran through the Indians defense on a 40-yard run. Cedric Stokes scored first for the Tigers on a 5-yard run as the visitors held a 6-0 lead.
Chiefland’s Alfonso Timmons tied the game when he scored on a 5 yard run. The Indian’s kicker was given the good sign by officials when the kick cleared the goal post cross arm and the Indians took a 7-6 lead.
The Tigers’ offense was turned away on two scoring drives when Stephen Smith was picked off in the end zone. The Indians were successful on two occasions as they sacked Stephen Smith in the second period. The Indians held a 7-6 lead at half time.
The weather was cold and the Tigers were trailing at half time. The Tigers were off their mark as this was uncharted territory for this football team. Tiger fans had filled the visiting bleachers and even more were standing along the fence cheering on their Trenton Tigers. The fans were waiting for their Trenton Tigers to begin the third period and take the lead in this rivalry game.
The third period became a challenge for both teams to sustain an offensive drive. The Tigers and Indians were able to move the football. With :52 seconds remaining in the third period, Breon Sims put the Tigers on top for good on a 2-yard blast into the end zone to take a 12-7 lead. The temperatures continued to drop, as the Tigers were getting warmed up.
The Tigers’ offense rushed their way down the field as several Tiger running backs picked up yardage to set up a score. Stephen Smith dashed 10 yards through the Indians defense for a Tiger touchdown. Jonathan Smith added the extra point kick to give the Tigers a 19-7 lead.
The Tiger’s defense put the rush on the Indian’s quarterback. James Corbin threw deep and Hamp Cheevers picked off the pass as the Tiger’s stalled the Indians hopes of a score.
Trenton’s offense fired off for another scoring drive. The Tiger’s continued to blast the Indian’s defense for 5-7 yards each play. Cedrick Stokes got the ball and dashed 25 yards for a score. Jonathan Smith chipped in the PAT as Trenton increased their lead to 26-7.
James Corbin connected with Indians’ wide receiver Josh Smith over the middle on a 10-yard pass for a score. Jesus Hernandez added the kick as Chiefland closed the deficit to 26-14.
The Tigers struggled in the first half but played well in the third and fourth periods for the tenth straight victory in 2012.
The Tigers will now begin their state playoff run as they host Jefferson County Friday night at 7:30 p.m. The Trenton coaching staff reminded the returning Trenton players Friday night on just how they felt at the end of their 2011 season in Monticello when Jefferson County embarrassed the Trenton Tigers’ with a 56-19 loss to end Trenton’s season at 11-1. Jefferson County went on to defeat Union County in the 1A state semi-finals and won the Class 1A title by defeating Chipley 47-13.
Jefferson County finished their regular season Friday night by defeating North Florida Christian 26-21 in Monticello. Come out early and get a seat to see the Trenton Tigers toughest game of the season. This game will kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
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The Bell Bulldogs defeated the Branford Bucs Friday night 28-14 in Branford.
Bell’s Adam Ritchey rushed for 185 yards on 25 carries with two touchdowns. Senior running back Wade Barnes gaines 87 yards on 15 carries and 1 touchdown for the 5-4 Bulldogs. Bell jumped out to an early 14-8 lead in the first quarter and were in control the entire game. Bell held a 22-8 lead at half time. In the third period the Bulldogs scored to take a 28-8 lead. The Bucs scored a touchdown in the third period to finish the game 28-14.
The Bucs finish their 2012 season with a 3-7 record.
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The Lady Bulldog’s State run ended abruptly on Saturday at the Bulldog Gymnasium, but not before the Bulldogs established their presence. The Lady Bulldogs played before a large crowd on Saturday at 2 p.m. and played toe to toe with the defending state champions. Early in game one with the score knotted at 6, Bell’s Libero Cassidy Panchyshyn collided with Defensive Specialist Katarina Kresovic on a dig and broke her finger. Having Panchyshyn leave the game put the Bulldogs down a defensive player and Lafayette quickly took advantage. Bell dropped the first set 25- 16.
Bulldogs led game two 15-10 when Mayo’s hitter found a seam and brought them back into the game. “The young back row had difficulty with the coverage areas and adjustments to the line, and the block was not closing the outside as efficiently as it should,” said Coach Tiffany Liles, “things that are my responsibility to fix.” Lafayette would not be denied and won the second set 25-19.
Game three the Bulldogs block came alive and adjustments made on the back row forced the Hornets to stop attacking and start tipping it over. The Bulldogs attacked forcing errors and free balls.
At one point the Lady Bulldogs down, 24-17 worked their way back to 24-23 before missing the last block and Lafayette won their second trip to state.
“This is a very young team; we have two seniors, no juniors and eight sophomores, one freshman and one 8th grader on the team,” said Coach Liles. “All Lafayette did was make us better, stronger and smarter. There is no doubt in my mind that this team should go deep into the state playoffs next year. Lady Bulldogs have already proven that they will work hard over the summer and that they want to win. That is their goal. Replacing the two seniors will be hard; they are both dynamic and versatile but our program has developed some young athletes so we will see what happens next year at tryouts.”
The Bulldogs ended the season 22-7, with losses coming from Lafayette, Crescent City, Columbia County and Hilliard. Next years schedule will definitely be more difficult than this year. Bulldogs ended the season, County Champs, District Champs, and Regional Finalist
Stats: Raychel Thomas, 18 Assists, 2 kills, 5 digs, 1 block, 5 service points, 4 aces
Olivia Bailey, 1 assist, 5 kills, 15 digs, 1 block, 12 service points, 2 aces
Shelbie Hutto, 8 kills, 1 dig, 3 blocks, 10 service points, 1 ace
Brittany Mauldin, 1 assist, 2 kills, 3 digs, 2 service points
Katarina Kresovic. 9 digs
Baylee Rolling, 1 assist, 5 kills, 7 digs, 1 block, 3 service points, 1 ace
Ashton Mathews, 6 kills, 2 digs, 4 blocks
Cassidy Panchyshyn, 1 dig
Ashley Williams, 1 dig
Jaycee Thomas, 2 digs
The Bell Bulldogs soundly defeated the Bronson Eagles Friday night 51-18. The Bell offense made their way for the Bulldogs’ leading rusher Austin Richey who slashed the Eagles’ defense for 228 yards on 15 carries. The Bulldogs rushed for 356 yards on 28 attempts. The District win gives the Bulldogs a 4-4 record.
Bell will travel to Branford Friday night to finish their regular season against the (3-6) Bucs. Support the Bulldogs as they strive to finish their 2012 regular season at 5-4.
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By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers defeated Hawthorne, 54-20 to move to within one game of a perfect season. The Tigers’ offense posted big gains in this District 6 1A battle as Cedric Stokes followed a stout offensive line to earn 140 yards and 4 touchdowns. Melvin Adams rushed for 81 yards on 7 carries with two touchdowns. The General, Stephen Smith completed 2 of 5 passes for 47 yards and rushed for 79 yards on 3 carries for the 9-0, No. 1 ranked Trenton Tigers.
The Tigers defense had a big night as Jacquez Powell had 8 tackles. Hunter Parrish had 2 quarterback sacks, a blocked punt and 6 tackles in this game. Michael Smith, Torrez Brown, and Kade Rogers had 5 tackles each. Melvin Adams, the junior linebacker had 4 tackles and 2 fumble recoveries in this game.
The Chiefland Indians stand in the way of the Tigers having a 10-0 regular season mark for the second straight year. Trenton will be in Chiefland Friday night to play their last regular season game. Coach Thomas told the Tigers that winning this game will give Trenton a 10-0 perfect season, and it is a rivalry contest for the Tigers. This game will get underway at 7:30 p.m. Come out and support these athletes and cheer them on to victory.
By John M. Ayers
The undefeated Trenton Tigers clinched the District 6 1A title Friday night by completely dominating the visiting Hilliard Flashes 49-6. Coach Andrew Thomas took his hat off to the Tigers congratulating the DISTRICT CHAMPS when they came together following the game. “You guys are No. 1,” as the team stood together at midfield. “We have accomplished our first goal, but we have two games left and one of those is a rivalry game on November 9th,” Thomas explained. This night belonged to the Trenton Tiger football team which is now 8-0. The Tigers continued celebrating as the team moved to the home sideline to listen as the singing of the THS Alma Mater in front of a capacity crowd of fans.
Trenton’s Stephen Smith completed 6 of 10 passes for 114 yards and 2 touchdowns. The junior quarterback connected with a brother, senior Michael Smith on a 30-yard pass for a score. Smith also completed a 39-yard pass to freshman Hamp Cheevers as he went untouched in to the end zone. Stephen Smith got the Tigers’ scoring started as he dashed into the end zone behind a strong front line on the Tigers’ first offensive possession. The Tigers capitalized on a Flashes’ fumble as freshman Kade Rogers recovered the loose ball for the Tigers inside the Flashes’ 50-yard line. Smith marched the Tigers down to the 22-yard line where they faced a fourth down and 1 yard for the first. Trenton’s senior, leading running back, Cedric Stokes took the handoff and disappeared through a gaping hole and went untouched for a second Tiger score. The Tigers held a 13-0 lead with 4:56 remaining in the first period.
The Tigers’ defense faced the district leading rusher, Josh Conner, the Flashes’ senior running back came into this game having rushed for over 1300 yards this season. The Tigers’ defense bottled up Conner and his offense allowing 124 total yards by Hilliard. Armani Scott put the Flashes on the scoreboard with less than 2 minutes in the game on a 53-yard run. The Flashes 2-point conversion failed as the Tigers allowed a shutout to slip away from their grasp.
Melvin Adams capped the Tigers’ offense in the first period as he dashed in for the score on a 2 yard run. The Tigers held a 19-0 lead as the first period ended. Stephen Smith setup the Tigers’ next score as he busted through the Flashes’ defense for a 48-yard gain. Smith found his older brother Michael wide open in the Flashes’ backfield as they worked together for a 30 yard score. Stokes added a 2-point conversion on a short run as this game approached 27-0. Smith’s offensive line was allowing the junior quarterback loads of time to find the open receiver. The Tigers’ general was again able to pick out the open receiver as he connected with Hamp Cheevers on a 39-yard pass for a touchdown. Cedric Stokes put the finishing touches on the 8-point play as he eased into the end zone to take a 35-0 lead at intermission. The officials decided to let the clock continue to run in the second half to push this game along. The Tigers saw a new look in the second half as a younger group of future stars took the field. Torrez Brown scored on a 33 yard run in the opening minutes of the third period. Michael Smith booted the extra point kick to add to the Tigers’ 42-0 lead. Trenton’s Kenny Deen took the handoff on a 3rd down and goal as he busted through the defense for the Tigers’ final score of this district championship contest. Michael Smith split the uprights on an extra point kick for the Tigers’ 49-0 lead. The Tigers’ defensive starters had begun to take a break to allow the younger players to experience the thrills of this championship action. The Tigers’ defensive sack leaders were Hunter Parrish, Kade Rogers with two each and Breon Sims caught the Flashes’ quarterback in the backfield for the sack. Jacob Gamble had ten total tackles for the Tigers. Hunter Parrish added eight tackles to his team leading defensive resume. Breon Sims had seven tackles and outside linebacker Jonathan Smith had six tackles for the victors. Kade Rogers and Brandon Lovelace had one fumble recovery each in this game. The District 6 1A Champions will host the winner of the Jefferson County vs Hamilton County game in the first round of the State playoffs. Jefferson County defeated the Tigers in 2011 and went on to become the State 1A Champs. Hilliard will travel to Mayo to take on the District 5 1A winners Lafayette County on November 16. Trenton will travel to Hawthorne Friday night to take on the (1-7) Hornets. This game will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. The Tigers will need fan support in Hawthorne so come out and cheer the Tigers to a 9-0 perfect season.
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Submitted
For the first time since 2003 the Lady Bulldogs Volleyball team took home the District Championship title. Last Thursday the Lady Bulldogs put a flourish on a fantastic season by defeating the Hilliard Flashes in a five game nail-biter, pushing their record to 21-6. The game began with Hilliard hitting hard and defeating the Bulldogs 16-25, “We were definitely on edge, and big game nerves had us making some mental errors,” Coach Tiffany Liles, said about her girls, “But there is no quit in these ladies, they do not give in to anyone.”
The next game swung in the Bulldogs’ favor, Bell won 25-20 behind great performances by a great team. The Flashes tried the attack but the Lady Bulldogs’ coverage of the floor frustrated the Hilliard Hitters. Serving was great and the offense was really hitting the ball.
Game three went to the Hilliard Flashes again 12-25, as the Lady Bulldogs again battled with errors in serve receive.
Game four the Lady Bulldogs showed their dominance picking apart the Hilliard Flashes with their versatile offense, and a coverage that picked up the Flash attack and sent it back at them without mercy, score ended at 25-12.
It all came down to the fifth and final game to 15, everything was on the line. The Bulldogs jumped out ahead behind Olivia Bailey’s serving, but soon fell behind after a series of net calls and out of bounds hits. With a score of 5-9 the Bulldog attack would not be denied as Shelbie Hutto sent a screaming kill at the Lady Flashes’ best digger, Olivia Bailey hit a line shot and Brittany Mauldin pushed a kill off the block and out of bounds. Baylee Rolling had some nice cross court kills, Raychel Thomas hit a short front row kill, and Ashton Mathews hit a kill shot that injured the Flashes’ middle blocker’s finger, and with the score even at 9 the Flashes’ got the serve back. The Flashes and the Bulldogs battled to a 14-14 tie; finally the Bulldogs, with Shelbie Hutto serving, took the lead 15-14. The last play had Ashton Mathews tipping a nice set from Raychel Thomas onto the line. Just that fast Lady Bulldogs were District Champions. The celebration was long overdue.
The Lady Bulldogs will advance and play Branford Lady Bucs on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012 at Bell High School in the Regional Semi-Finals.
Stats of the Game: Raychel Thomas- 34 Assists, 3 Kills, 15 digs, 4 aces, 8 service points; Olivia Bailey- 1 Assist, 5 Kills, 30 digs, 4 Aces, 17 service points; Shelbie Hutto- 2 Assists, 24 Kills, 6 digs, 4 blocks, 2 Aces, 4 Service Points; Brittany Mauldin- 6 Kills, 13 digs, 2 Aces, 5 Service Points; Katarina Kresovic- 1 Kill, 5 digs; Baylee Rolling- 8 Assists, 10 Kills, 8 Digs, 1 ace, 12 Service Points; Ashton Mathews- 1 Assist, 8 Kills, 1 dig, 1 Block, 5Aces, 6 Service points; Cassidy Panchyshyn- 1 Kill, 15 digs; Ashley Williams- 1 Kill, 2 digs.
The Bell Bulldogs’ stingy defense shut out the visiting Hawthorne Hornets in the second half Friday night to take a 16-14, District 6 1A win. Justin Terry anchored this stout defense with 8 tackles. Austin Ritchey had 6 tackles as Hunter Langford and Bruce Thomas had 5 tackles each. Ritchey rushed for 138 yards on 20 carries scoring two touchdowns on runs of 6 and 4 yards.
The Bulldogs will travel to Bronson Friday night to meet the Eagles in another District 6 1A contest. The Bulldogs are 3-4 overall and 1-2 in District 1 6A. The Eagles are 1-6 overall and 0-2 in District 1 6A. This game will get underway at 7:30 p.m.
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By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers remain No. 1 in the Florida High School Class 1A football poll as Trenton defeated PK Yonge 54-28.
The Tigers jumped out to an early lead after senior running back Cedric Stokes rushed for the score. The Blue Wave tied the score at 6-6 on a touchdown pass. Tiger quarterback Stephen Smith gave the Tigers the lead for good after he dashed in for a score and followed with a 2-point conversion. The Tigers scored two touchdowns in the second period to take a 26-6 lead at halftime.
The Tigers’ rushing attack spurred by Breon Sims’ three scores allowed the visiting Tigers to push the Blue Wave defense around when the score was needed. Trenton put on 28 points in the second half to take the 54-28 win.
Cedric Stokes rushed for 155 yards on 20 touches for the Tigers. Kenny Deen had 89 yards on 10 carries and Melvin Adams picked up 87 yards on 15 rushes for the Tigers’ offense. Stephen Smith completed 4 of 7 passes for 56 yards and Stokes completed his lone aerial to Hamp Cheevers for a touchdown.
Hunter Parrish, Kade Rogers and Melvin Adams led the Tigers’ defense as each starter recorded two sacks in the game. Jaquez Powell had ten total tackles and Torrez Brown had seven tackles. Hunter Parrish and Hamp Cheevers had five tackles each in this victory.
The Tigers will have Senior Night on October 26 as the Hilliard Flashes will be in Trenton for the showdown of District 6 1A.
Hilliard defeated Bronson 54-8 Friday night to improve their District record to 2-0. The Tigers also have a 2-0 district mark and remain undefeated in this 2012 regular season. This showdown will get underway at 7:30 p.m. come out and support the Trenton Tigers.
By John M. Ayers
“This was a statement game you guys made here tonight in the 33-6 victory over Dixie County,” Coach Andrew Thomas told his Tigers as they kneeled at the center of the field following the victory. “The Tigers’ Defense gets this game ball tonight as they shut out the Bears’ offense in this game,” added Coach Thomas.
The Tigers’ victory over the Dixie Bears was signified that the No. 1 Tigers are for real and they are worthy of this top spot ranking in the Associated Press 1A division of the Florida High School Poll.
The Bears won the opening flip of the coin toss and decided to give the Tigers the football; that was their first mistake. Trenton’s Steven Smith led a hungry offense down the field and capitalized on a Cedric Stokes 5 yard burst into the end zone for the score. Stokes scored on the Tigers’ next possession on a short sprint from scrimmage. The Tigers went up 18-0 on a Steven Smith to Stokes pass for a score.
This game was packed with loads of hard hits that resulted in both teams fumbling the ball away in this classic game. Trenton’s Jacquez Powell and Tyler Sauls each recorded fumble recoveries. The Tigers’ defense forced six Dixie County fumbles. The Bears’ Duke Dawson picked up a Tiger fumble in the second period and out ran the Tigers’ 35 yards for Dixie County’s only score.
In the closing minutes of the second quarter the Tigers capitalized on Hamp Cheevers breaking the Bears’ pass defense as he pulled in a 45 yard aerial from Smith for the score. Smith located Stokes in the end zone for a 2-point conversion as the Tigers went up 26-6 at halftime. At this point the Tigers were beginning to etch this game into the history book as the Bears’ frustrations were beginning to appear.
In the third quarter the Bears were threatening as they were down inside the Tigers’ 20-yard line. The Tigers’ defense meant to keep the Bears out of the end zone as a loose ball squirted out into the pile. The Tigers’ offense again took over from that point to drive the field. With 9:06 remaining in the third period, Cedric Stokes bruised the Bears’ defense on a 15-yard run for his fourth score of the game. Michael Smith added the extra point kick for the Tigers 33-6 lead.
Hunter Parrish led a strong Tiger defense that kept the Bears’ offense intact in the second half. The Tigers forced the Bears into numerous third down and long plays and the Tigers’ defensive backs Cedric Stokes and Hamp Cheevers were on top of these plays to intercept the pass attempts. Parrish recorded three sacks of the Bears’ quarterbacks as they restricted their opponents’ offense to 131 yards. Dawson and Mitchell completed 5 of 10 passes for 39 yards. The Bears had six running backs that rushed 29 times for a total of 92 yards. The Bears had averaged 26.3 points on their opponents in each games this season.
The Tigers’ had an outstanding team effort in this game. Stokes had 5 solo tackles as he continued to fight cramps through the battle. Jacquez Powell had 7 total tackles and Hunter Parrish recorded 8 tackles. Breon Sims had 7 tackles and teammates Jacob Gamble and Kade Rogers each had 4 tackles for the Tigers.
The Tigers’ offense was led by Stephen Smith as the junior quarterback completed 3 of 6 passes for 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. Smith also rushed for 139 yards on 19 carries. Stokes had 101 yards on 12 carries. Melvin Adams rushed for 85 yards on 8 carries.
The Tigers, 6-0, will host PK Yonge Friday night. This game is set to kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers came out of the gates Friday night like it was just another day at the office as Cedric Stokes set the pace with a 61-yard kickoff return for a score and the rout was on.
The disadvantage for the visiting Eagles was that the weather was rainy and it was Homecoming 2012 and Bronson was the flavor of the celebration.
The Tigers executed their offense through numerous running backs for 476 rushing yards.
The Bronson Eagles’ 61-6 stumble in this District 6 1A clash was just another setback for this up and coming football team.
Cedric Stokes’ four runs for 121 yards and two touchdowns led the 5-0 Tigers that remain in the No. 2 spot in Class 1A.
Melvin Adams had five carries for 111 yards and two scores for the Tigers. Hunter Parrish had five carries for 85 yards with two touchdowns.
The No. 2 ranked Trenton Tigers will welcome the No. 3 ranked Dixie County Bears to Tiger Field Friday night in what is expected to be four quarters of high-flying, hard-hitting Class 1A football.
These two teams went to the final seconds of the fourth period in Cross City in the 2011 game. This is expected to be equal to that contest. Seating is expected to be limited as out of town fans will be in attendance. The kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Come out and support your high school football team. This will be a great atmosphere for the rural communities.
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The Hilliard Flashes, behind a strong running attack, defeated the Bell Bulldogs in inclement weather Friday night in Nassau County.
The win ties the Flashes with the Trenton Tigers with 2 wins each in District 6 1A.
Hilliard jumped out to a fast start in this game scoring 21 points in the first period.
The combination of Josh Conner, Anthony Anderson and Gunner Chaires scoring a touchdown each had the hometown fans up with excitement in the flooding rain.
In the second period Bell’s Austin Ritchey put the Bulldogs on the scoreboard with a touchdown run. Bell cut the Flashes’ lead to 21-6 by the end of the second period.
Ritchey cut the Flashes’ lead to 21-14 in the third period as he scored a touchdown and two point conversion for Bell.
Conner finished the scoring for Hilliard as he ran for a touchdown and a 2-point conversion in the fourth period for the Flashes 29-14 win.
The win gives the Red Flashes a 4-2 overall record, 2-0 in District 6 1A with wins over Hawthorne and Bell.
The Bulldogs drop to 2-4 and 0-2 in District 6 1A. Bell will host Hawthorne Friday night. The Hornets are also a member of District 6 1A with an overall record of 0-5. This game will kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
The Bell Bulldogs celebrated homecoming 2012 as they soundly Defeated Jacksonville Bishop Snyder 45-20 in front of a capacity homecoming crowd Friday night.
Bell’s Austin Ritchey rushed for 158 yards with three scores to lead the Bulldogs against their 2A opponent. Quarterback Bruce Thomas completed 4 for 6 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown to Ritchey. Justin Terry earned 94 yards and a touchdown on 8 carries for the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs defense was led by Juniors: Justin Terry with 14 tackles, Travis Bryant with 13 tackles and James Oslager with 11 tackles respectively.
Bell will travel to Hilliard Friday night to take on the Flashes, which are also members of District 6 1A. This game will kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers were in control of this game from the first kickoff as they rolled over the Bulldogs in Bell, 53-6 in their District 6 1A season opener. Trenton’s Cedric Stokes posted over 270 all purposes yards and five touchdowns for the 4-0 Tigers. Tigers’ junior quarterback Stephen Smith completed a 25-yard pass to Hamp Cheevers for a score in this game. Smith also ran for 63 yards and directed several running plays that caught the officials off guard.
The Tigers held a 40-0 lead at half-time as a standing room crowd filled the BHS stadium. The game changed in the second half as a running clock made the two final periods less intense. The Tigers made two additional scores in the final period. Bell’s Wade Barnes gave the Bulldogs their only points when he returned a kickoff 86 yards for a score in the closing minutes of this game.
The Tigers defense was dominating as they sacked Bell’s quarterback three times and totaled 16 tackles for losses in this game. The Tigers defense through four games has only allowed 52 points scored. Trenton’s defense leaders are: Sr. Hunter Parrish has 21 tackles and 3 sacks, Jonathan Smith has 19 tackles and Breon Sims has posted 18 tackles and 1 sack. Clint Lee has 17 tackles with 4 for a loss of yards. Cedric Stokes and Jacob Gamble have each recorded 16 tackles respectively for this strong defensive team.
Bell’s quarterback Bruce Thomas completed 3 of 13 passes for 12 yards. The Bulldogs offense rushed for 149 total yards on 38 attempts.
The win gives the Tigers a 4-0 record with a 1-0 mark in District 6 1A. The Bulldogs now are 1-3 and 0-1 in district play.
Bell will host Jacksonville Bishop Snyder Friday night. This kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
The Tigers are open Friday night. Trenton will host Bronson on Friday, Oct. 5 in a District 6 1A match that will include homecoming festivities.
The St. John Academy proved to have a strong rushing offense as they outscored the Bulldogs for a 48-27 victory in Bell Friday night.
The Bulldogs jumped out to an early 14-0 lead but their defense was unable to slow the strong rushing offense of St. John Academy Saints. St. John scored 21 unanswered points in the first half to take a 21-14 lead at intermission. In the second half the visiting Saints added 27 points to hold a 48-14 lead going into the final minutes of the game.
The Bulldogs scored two touchdowns and kicked an extra point to close the scoring in this game at 48-27.
Bell will host Trenton in the opening of the District 6 1A play for both teams. This game always brings out the best in both of these Gilchrist County teams.
The game will get underway at 7:30 p.m. Come out and support your favorite team.
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By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers erased any doubt on just how strong they are Friday night as they rocked visiting 3A Bishop Snyder 54-6. The Tigers were in control of this game from the start.
Tiger quarterback Stephen Smith shot holes in the Cardinals defense as he completed 6 of 8 passes for 135 yards and three touchdowns to earn the Tigers their third victory of this campaign.
Smith got things rolling in the first period as he connected with Hunter Parrish on a 19-yard pass for the score. Cedric Stokes kicked the extra point for the Tigers’ 7-0 lead. Kenny Dean, a junior running back followed the Tigers’ offensive line for a 4-yard dash into the end zone for a score. Cedric Stokes gave the Tigers a 14-0 lead when he kicked the extra point. Stephen Smith capitalized on the Tigers’ blocking as he ran 70 yards for the Tigers’ third score. Stokes added the PAT for the 21-0 margin.
In the second period Trenton’s Nick Higginbotham pulled in a pass from Smith and ran 35 yards for the touchdown. Stokes added the kick for the Tigers’ 28-0 edge. Hunter Parrish pulled in a Smith pass in the closing minutes of the first half for a 9-yard touchdown reception. Stokes gave the Tigers a 35-0 lead when he kicked the extra point.
Bishop Snyder scored on a 14 yard run in the third period.
Trenton’s Melvin Adams scored in the fourth period on a 33-yard run. Stephen Smith added two scores on runs of 64 and 34 yards for the Tigers. Stokes added an extra point kick to seal the Tigers’ 52-6 win.
The Tigers punished the Cardinals defense for 472 total yards on offense while picking up 11 first downs. Trenton’s defense led by senior defensive end Clint Lee recorded 11 tackles, 3 for losses and limited the Bishop Snyder offense to 44 yards on 28 rushes and 56 yards completing 2 of 10 passes.
The Tigers will begin the District 6 1A season Friday night in Bell. The Bulldogs come into this game seated fourth in the district with a 1-2 record.
The Tigers are in first place in the district with a 3-0 overall mark while Hilliard has a 2-1 record in second place.
The Trenton Tigers outlasted the Branford Bucs Friday to take a 60-14 victory in 1A high school football action.
The visiting Tigers executed a strong running attack as they recorded 580 yards with their ground game. Trenton’s Cedric Stokes led the Tigers’ running backs with 179 yards on 12 carries and 3 touchdowns; Melvin Adams had 104 yards on 8 carries and a score. Stephen Smith had 149 yards on 6 carries and scored 3 touchdowns for the 2-0 Tigers.
The Tigers had a superior defensive effort in the second half to take control of this game.
Cole Lamb led the Bucs with 72 yards and a touchdown. Nick Edington rushed for a score as Branford fell to 1-1. The Bucs will travel to Temple Christian Academy Friday night.
Trenton will host Jacksonville Bishop Snyder on Friday with the kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. Come out and watch the Tigers and cheer your team to victory.
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The Bell Bulldogs found themselves is a tough non-district battle Friday night in Mayo as the Hornets defeated their guest 42-7.
Lafayette jumped out to an early lead scoring 21 points in the first period. Bryce Lee led the Hornets completing 6 of 8 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns to Rodney Brown and Noah Leake. The Hornets also scored 21 points in the second period to a take a 42-0 lead at intermission.
The Bulldogs scored a touchdown and kicked an extra point in the fourth period of this game.
Bell, 1-1, will host Ocala St. John Lutheran Academy on Friday night beginning at 7:30 p.m.
By John M. Ayers
The Bell Bulldogs under new Head Coach Adam Gore jumped out to an early lead and continued to drive the visiting Aucilla Christian Warriors out of this 55-20 blow-out victory Friday night in Bell. The Bulldogs had few problems in this non-district game.
The Bulldogs will travel to Mayo Friday night to compete against the Lafayette Hornets. This game will kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
Despite repeated phone calls, Bulldogs Coach Adam Gore could not be reached for comment on Friday night’s ballgame.
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By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers worked through the heat, the darkness and the severe cramps in Friday’s home opening 42-26 victory over the Lafayette County Hornets. This game drew a capacity of fans supporting their schools to see some of the best 1A football in Districts 5 and 6 in North Central Florida.
The Hornets jumped out to an early lead when Lee Jones picked up a first down on a fake punt. Lafayette’s JR Bass connected with Jones for a touchdown on a 45-yard completion. Lafayette led 7-0 following the extra point kick by Josue Diaz.
The Tigers quickly tied the score when Stephen Smith rushed 1 yard on a quarterback keeper for the touchdown. Cedric Stokes added the extra point kick with 6:16 left in the opening period.
Lafayette took a 13-7 lead on the next possession as Bass connected with Lee for the score. The Tigers blocked the extra point kick with 3:39 remaining in the first period.
The Tigers’ Hamp Cheevers was all alone behind the Hornets’ defense when Stephen Smith connected on a 45-yard strike to the freshmen wide receiver as he coasted into the end zone for the score. Stokes gave the Tigers a 14-13 lead on the extra point kick and the Tigers never trailed again. The Tigers went right on into the second period running through the Hornets’ defense. Stephen Smith setup a Tiger touchdown on a 35-yard keeper to the Hornet’s 7-yard line. Cedric Stokes took the pounding and scored the touchdown to give the Tigers’ a 21-13 edge.
With 8:21 remaining in the first half, Lafayette’s Coach Pearson became concerned with the dimming and flickering lights so the game was stopped for 45 minutes to make repairs. Progress Energy of Florida was at the game to check on the problems and made the repairs to return the players to the field. The Tigers held a 21-19 lead at intermission.
The Tigers had their way in the second half to take the win.
Cedric Stokes led the Tigers with 118 yards on 21 carries and two touchdowns and extra point kicks. Kenny Deen had 85 yards and two scores for the Tigers.
On Friday the Tigers will travel to Branford to take on the Bucs. This game will kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
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By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Junior Varsity Tiger football team went on a mission Thursday night in their season opener in Branford defeating the JV Bucs, 55-0.
“I was very proud of the way our guys came out ready to compete,” explained Trenton Coach Patrick Green.
The Tigers had a great team performance. The offensive standouts were quarterback Michael Smith, fullbacks: Randy Fuller and Billy McKeefry and running backs: Tre McClease, and Brooks Martin all contributed in scoring 55 points in this game.
The young Tigers on defense had good efforts from Samuel Whitley who as outside linebacker made several solo tackles for loss, along with Brian Worley, who also had a huge tackle for loss on a fumbled snap by a Bucs’ punter.
Other standouts include Billy McKeefry as middle linebacker, Randy Filler as linebacker, Dakota Harding as defensive end, Michael Smith as free safety and Stephan Griggs as defensive end. All of these young athletes had multiple tackles to contribute in the shutout victory over Branford on Thursday night, reports Coach Green.
“We all have a tremendous amount of respect for the Bucs and their football program,” explained Coach Green.
The JV Tigers will host Lafayette County Junior Varsity Thursday, September 6 at 6:30 p.m. Come out and cheer on your team in this competitive game.
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The varsity Lady Bulldogs defeated the Trenton Tigers last week in a series of hard-fought volleyball matches. The Bulldogs came out on top after five matches: 11-25, 25-27, 25-22, 25-13, 15-3.
The Bulldogs were led by Raychel Thomas with 17 assists, 3 kills and 10 digs. Olivia Bailey had 4 kills, 10 digs, 1 block, 10 service points and 6 aces. Shelbie Hutto had 11 kills, 1 assist, 3 digs, and 7 blocks. Ashton Mathews had 4 kills, 2 digs, 2 blocks, 6 service points and 2 aces.
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By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers opened their 2012 campaign Friday night in Jasper to play the Hamilton County Trojans.
The Tigers, led by quarterback Stephen Smith, were eager to get things rolling in this 2012 season. Smith used an assortment of offensive weapons as the Tigers escaped with a 28-14 win. Cedric Stokes, senior running back and safety, set the level of play in this game as he ran behind a stronger and much improved offensive front for 142 yards on 14 carries for 3 touchdowns. Junior running back Kenny Deen rushed for 100 yards, with one score on 14 carries.
The Tigers’ defense which is expected to anchor the Tigers’ run to a district title, placed their stake in this opening season outing as they limited the Trojans to 11 yards of offense in the first 3 quarters. The fourth period featured the Junior Varsity players on both teams that closed out this game.
The Tigers will welcome the Lafayette County Hornets to Tigers stadium Friday night for what is expected to be the match up of the week.
The Hornets in 2011 were runners up to Jefferson County in District 5 1A. The Hornets returned a group of solid leaders that are expected to take the traditional small school team into the 2012 post season. This game will kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
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By John M. Ayers
It was a game that was tied at the end of regulation and Lexie Scott kicked the winning point that gave St. Francis’ a 42-41 kickoff classic win. The sophomore girl kicker for the Wolves kept the home team in celebration as she split the uprights for the victory.
Bell’s junior running back Austin Richey rushed for 296 yards and five touchdowns. St. Frances senior quarterback Tommy Ferry passed for 228 yards with 102 yards in the fourth quarter completing 9-of-10 passes for five touchdowns.
The play-by-play recount of this first game of the 2012 season was a good kickoff for both teams. The coaches were pleased with the effort their players showed.
“We want to win every time we step on the field,” Bell first-year coach Adam Gore said. “We played a physical football game. I was concerned about the secondary and they exploited it and threw the ball a lot on us tonight. That was great practice for us. Those guys played hard back there in the secondary. I’m proud of the whole team. We played hard and physical.”
“Everyone played very hard, we didn’t give up, they didn’t give up,” Wolves coach Matt Olesnevich said. “It came down to what everyone wants in a game. We didn’t have a good start, but we came back. Past teams we might not have, we might have folded. This team showed a lot of character.”
The Bulldogs, 3-7 last year, only threw the ball twice and ran it 55 times, mostly behind Richey, who ran for 1,036 yards last season. He would have topped the 300-yard mark easily but a 75-yard touchdown run early in the third period was called back due to a holding penalty.
“The kid has a lot of heart,” Gore said. “He’s tough, he’s gritty, and he wants to help his teammates. We are a young football team.”
Bell will host Aucilla Christian Academy Friday night with the kickoff set for 7:30 p.m.
By John M. Ayers
The Jefferson County fighting Tigers will advance to the State Semifinals from Region 3 after defeating the Trenton Tigers 56-19 Friday night before a tremendous crowd of Trenton Tiger fans. The fans really turned out for this game as they traveled to Monticello with high hopes of earning a berth in the State semi-final game against Union County Friday night, but it wasn’t meant to be.
The Trenton Tigers battled Jefferson County and were limited to 249 yards of offense as Stephen Smith completed 10 of 18 passes throwing for 2 touchdowns and one interception.
This game got off to a fast start as Jefferson’s Alphonso Footman ran 65 yards for the first score of this game on the host first offensive play. The Trenton Tigers came right back with a scoring drive covering 90 yards as Jonathan Smith connected with Stephen Smith for a 45 yard pass for a score. Cedric Stokes added the extra point kick as Trenton took a 7-6 lead. Jefferson County with 6:25 remaining in the first period began a 5-play drive that ended with a 33-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Lenorris Footman to Ladarian Smiley. Footman gave the host Tigers a 14-7 lead as he dashed into the end zone for the conversion. As the first quarter neared the end, Brandon Stone intercepted a Footman pass to stall a Jefferson drive. Trenton moved to the Jefferson County 33-yard line but was forced to give up the football when they fell short on fourth down. Jefferson County executed a series of runs and pass completions to add to their lead as Revonte Robinson scored on a 36 yard run. Footman added the extra point to the host Tigers’ 21-7 lead. Jefferson scored on a pass to Footman that turned into a 42-yard foot race to give the host a 28-7 lead with just over 6:00 left in the first half. Jefferson had the momentum as their cannon continued to fire each time the host scored. The public address announcer also put in his flavor of cheer as the Jefferson fans cheered for that “High Powered O” to move the chains for another first down. With 5:13 left in the first half the host Tigers scored on a 45-yard pass to Smiley for a 35-7 lead. With just minutes left in the first half the Trenton Tigers marched the length of the field as Brandon Stone, Cedric Stokes and Stephen Smith combined behind a Tiger offensive front line to get into Jefferson’s red zone with 16 seconds left in the half. On second and goal Smith connected with Damon Thompson in the end zone as the senior wide receiver went down on his knees to pull this pass in for an incredible catch for the touchdown.
The Trenton Tiger marching band made the trip to Monticello and provided halftime music for the Trenton Tiger fans. The Trenton Tiger marching bands’ music was much more entertaining than the loud rap music that was played over the public address system. The local fans that turned out to support their Fighting Tigers were enjoying the music of the evening in Jefferson High School’s Death Valley.
Trenton took the opening kickoff in the third period with an offense prepared to drive down the field. As the Tigers moved into Jefferson’s territory, a fumble occurred and Jefferson recovered the turnover. Jefferson on a 10-play drive scored as Footman slipped into the end zone on a 3-yard run. The extra point kick gave Jefferson a 42-13 edge with 6:21 remaining in the third period. Trenton setup to drive down the field on offense as they faced a second and 2 on Jefferson’s 45-yard line. A Trenton ball carrier had the football pulled away by a Jefferson player, and Kenny Madison picked up the ball and dashed 55 yards for the score, and the extra point kick gave the host a 49-13 lead.
Trenton Tiger fans were on the edge of their seats cheering for their offense when the public address announcer told the Jefferson County fans to get up on defense. The Trenton fans roared for their OFFENSE as they strived for yet another score. Trenton’s Stephen Smith had begun to open up the offense as he picked out receivers on short pass routes. The sophomore quarterback continued to pick away at the host Tigers defense until he found a receiver wide open behind the Jefferson defenders. Damon Thompson, the first year senior wide receiver, was waiting on the ball when he pulled it in and ran into the end zone on a 36-yard touchdown completion. Trenton closed the margin to 49-19 with 1:59 remaining in the third period. Jefferson returned on offense as Robinson connected with Young on a 40-yard completion for a score and the PAT gave Jefferson a 59-19 lead with 1:24 remaining in the third period.
In the fourth period both teams made several substitutions. The defensives took control, as both offensives were unable to establish a scoring drive.
Jefferson County’s 5-5 regular season, 3-0 in District 6 1A record, is somewhat misleading as the Tigers have faced several larger schools and have become a more challenging playoff team for their efforts. Jefferson County recorded 215 yards on the ground and 230 yards in pass receptions. The Jefferson County defense limited Trenton to 249 yards of total offense.
Jefferson County will host Union County Friday night in the State Class 1A semi-finals. The winner of that game will play the winner of Northview and Chipley for the State finals in Orlando at the Citrus Bowl on Friday December 9, 2011.
The Trenton Tigers under coach Andrew Thomas and staff have completed a tremendous 11-1 season.
The 2011 Trenton Tiger team has again set the bar on just how good the Trenton Tigers can be as a team. This entire team has put forth a tremendous effort and has left their mark in the athletic history at Trenton High School.
By John M Ayers
The Trenton Tigers were at work again Friday night as they put together an amazing offensive running attack to defeat the Lafayette County Hornets 49-13 before a full house in Trenton. The Tiger fans began as the Tigers came out of the smoke filled tunnel to a standing ovation as the undefeated host were again ready to notch another win on the road to the state championship.
Tiger quarterback Stephen Smith set the stage on the Tigers’ opening offensive drive as he capped a 75-yard drive with a 5-yard touchdown run. Cedric Stokes added the extra point kick for a 7-0 lead. The Hornets were reintroduced to the Tigers’ defense on their first drive as the visitors failed to pickup a first down and punted the ball back to the Tigers. Stephen Smith set up the Tigers’ offense on their 9-yard line with 5:28 remaining in the first quarter. Smith went off tackles for a 91-yard race to the end zone. Stokes again kicked the extra point for a 14-0 lead. In the second period Stokes busted through the Hornets’ defense on a 26-yard touchdown run. The Hornets scored as the clock ran out in the first half on a Garrett Debose pass to Rodney Brown deep in the corner of the end zone. Negrete added the extra point kick as the Tigers took a 20-7 lead at intermission.
The Tigers came out in the third period striving to avenge the Mayo score. Brandon Stone got things rolling on a 72-yard touchdown run. Smith added the 2-point conversion for a 28-7 lead. Cedric Stokes followed as he dashed 82 yards for a touchdown and the extra point kick to increase the Tigers’ lead to 35-7. As the third period was coming to a close, Stone charged 44 yards for a Tiger score. Michael Smith kicked the extra point to put this game further out of reach for the Hornets.
In the final period Trenton’s Kenny Deen ran 8 yards for a touchdown. Smith added the kick as the Tigers held a 49-7 lead. Lee Jones scored on a 6-yard run for Mayo to give the visitors a 49-13 mark.
The Tigers rushed for over 500 yards as Brandon Stone had 11 carries for 163 yards. Cedric Stokes rushed for 154 yards on 11 carries, and Stephen Smith added 117 yards on 10 carries for the 11-0 Tigers.
Trenton will now travel to Monticello Jefferson County Friday night to play the Tigers in the Region 3 finals. This game will kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
The Trenton Quarterback Club will charter a tour bus to Monticello for the Friday evening game. Seats are available for $20 each by contacting Bill Deen at 222-7444. The bus will leave THS gym at 3:30 p.m. with a stop in Perry for dinner. Go Tigers!
By John M Ayers
The Bell Bulldogs completed their 2011 regular football season with three straight victories as they defeated Branford 44-8 Thursday night.
The Bulldogs rolled behind Jeremy Zimmerman 173 yards on 20 carries and 3 touchdowns, Austin Richey 154 yards on 13 rushes and 1 touchdown. Quarterback Bruce Thomas completed 3 of 5 passes for 99 yards and 2 touchdowns to James Oslager who kicked two extra points for the Bulldogs in their non-district victory. Abdul Mkuu scored one touchdown and rushed for 47 yards in this game respectively.
The Bulldogs’ defense limited the Bucs to a single score and a 2-point conversion in the third quarter.
Bell in their 2011 regular season went 3-7 with three straight victories over Seven Rivers Christian, Bronson and Branford. The Bulldogs had two 1000-yard rushers in the 2011 season as Jeremy Zimmerman had 160 carries for 1054 yards and Austin Richey completed 136 yards on 129 rushes.
Bell’s defense was anchored by Justin Terry as the sophomore linebacker recorded a team high of 41 total tackles. Hunter Langford, a junior linebacker posted 39 tackles, and Austin Godwin, a senior defensive tackle, recorded 24 total tackles. James and John Oslager recorded 20 tackles each respectively for the Bulldogs.
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By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers celebrated following the 46-6 chopping of the Chiefland Indians to remain perfect in the 2011 regular season. It’s been 34 years since the Trenton Tigers have recorded a perfect 10-0 record.
The 1977 Tigers under Coaches Leonard Allen and Jim Surrency recorded a perfect season with a win over Bronson. The Tigers went on to play FAMU in a regional playoff in Tallahassee losing 27-0. The 1977 Tigers finished a great year with a 11-1 record. A few of the starters on that team were: guard Wesley Deen, tackle Valdeen Fletcher, linebacker Rex Shearin, linebacker Wayne Stalvey, running back Steve Henley, defensive end Todd Troyer, tight ends Roger Grover and Jerome Perry, defensive tackle Clayton Harris, running back Lester McGee, cornerback George Stapleton and quarterback John Rutledge. Underclassmen on this team were Mike Burnett, Herman Sanchez, Jr. and Mark Wilson just to name a few.
The Chiefland Indians had little resistance to the Tigers Friday night as a freezing evening put the Tigers’ offense in a running mood as the Indians stood in the path of a perfect season. Trenton notched over 500 yards of offense as sophomore quarterback Stephen Smith rushed for four scores and connected with Brandon Stone on a 15-yard pass to lead the Tigers in stride. In the opening minutes of the second period, Cedric Stokes continued to run for scores as he notched his 20th touchdown of the 2011 season. He came right back as he dashed through the Indians’ defense for a 2-point conversion and 21-0 lead. With seconds remaining in the first half, Smith threw a strike to Stone, and the senior running back took the Tigers down inside the Indians’ 25 for a first down. Stokes followed the Tigers’ lead on back to back plays to put the Tigers on a first and goal from the 1 yard line. The quarterback went in for the score, and Stokes added the kick as the Tigers held a 28-0 lead at intermission.
Trenton High School and hundreds of fans honored the Veterans attending the senior night game as they walked down onto the field during the ceremony. These Veterans were honored during a halftime ceremony by the playing of Amazing Grace on a Scottish bagpipe by J. D. Perryman and a message of thanks for their service was announced as the fifteen Veterans stood on the host side facing the Tiger fans. The Chiefland High School band under the direction of Sarah Heaton presented a halftime performance for the fans attending the game. The Trenton High School marching band also presented a halftime performance with the playing of their instruments and marching before a supporting crowds of fans.
In the third period the Tigers’ defense rose to the challenge as the Indians took the opening kickoff and tried to establish an offensive drive. The Indians got just inside the Tigers’ territory as they faced a fourth and 13 from their 48-yard line. The Indians appeared to punt on forth down, but a fake punt sent the punter up the Indians’ sideline striving for the first down marker. The Tigers’ defense were again on the mark as they stopped the poorly executed fake for a 1-yard gain.
The Tigers’ offense setup on the Indians’ 49 and was set to go the distance for another score. Brandon Stone and Cedric Stokes made quick work of this drive as they moved behind a front line that was knocking the Indians off the football. With 6:02 remaining in the third period, the tempers on the field were beginning to flare as Stone caught the pass and eased into the end zone as the Tigers expanded their lead to 34-0. As the third period was winding down, the Tigers tacked on another score when Smith dashed along the Tigers’ sideline for a 40-0 lead. The Tigers had begun to substitute on both sides of the football in the final period. Chiefland’s Melvin Adams put the Indians on the scoreboard on a 5-yard run. As the Tigers were moving ever so close to that perfect season, the offense continued to move the ball on the Indians. Trenton’s Kenny Deen got the handoff with 2:37 left in the game when he dashed into the end zone for the touchdown. The Tigers just had to hold onto their 46-6 lead for the perfect season.
The Tigers had completed just one of their goals for the 2011 season. Coach Andrew Thomas and staff took the time as the team celebrated the win and the perfect regular season in the center of the field. He challenged the Tigers to enjoy the moment and, said let’s move on to our next goal.
The Tigers will now begin the State Playoffs on Friday night as Lafayette County, the runner-up in District 5 1A, will travel to Trenton for the challenge. The Tigers and Hornets met in the first game of the regular season September 2 in Mayo. The Tigers escaped with the win within the last minute of the game. This will be a good game as Trenton strive to win a state football crown. The game will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. in Trenton.
By John M. Ayers
The Bell Bulldogs had one of their greatest efforts of the season Friday night as they defeated Bronson 51-20 in a District 6 1A battle.
The Bulldogs’ Jeremy Zimmerman rushed for 146 yards on 18 rushes, five scores and several tackles in the victory. Austin Richey rushed for 116 yards on 16 carries and 1 touchdown. Quarterback Bruce Thomas completed 2 of 4 passes for 82 yards and 1 touchdown and 1 interception in this victory.
The Bulldogs scored early and often as they registered seven points in the first period. Bell held a 7-0 lead in the first period. In the second quarter Bell posted 19 points to take a 26-6 lead at intermission.
Bell continued to hammer the Eagles in the second half as they scored 13 and 12 points respectively as the defense limited the (0-9) Eagles to 14 points.
The victory gives the Bulldogs their second straight win as they host Branford Thursday night. The Bulldogs and Bucs will get underway at 7 p.m.
This will be the Bulldogs’ final game of the season.
Come out and support these two rural schools and they close out their 2011 football seasons.
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By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers silenced the visiting Hawthorne Hornets Friday night as they took the District 6 1A football title in a commanding 42-16 victory. From the opening kickoff when Trenton senior Brandon Stone returned the kick 85 yards for the touchdown, this set the tone for the Tigers’ play in this game. This was a great Trenton Tiger team effort.
The Tigers’ defense went to work as they shut the Hornets down on 3 and out. In this task the Hornets lost 8 yards on 2 plays, as the hungry Tigers were on a mission to keep the momentum in this game. The Tigers cranked up that offense as Stone, Cedric Stokes, Hunter Parrish and Stephen Smith followed a Tiger front that continued to make things happen. With 6:20 left in the first period as the Tigers were on the 9-yard line, Stokes slipped into the end zone standing up for the score. He also completed the 8 point effort as he ran into the end zone for the 2-point conversion to give the Tigers a 14-0 lead. The Tigers’ defense continued to take their toll on the Hornets’ wide open spread offense through the first quarter.
Trenton had driven down inside the Hornets’ red zone and reached the 4-yard line and faced a fourth and goal. When the ball was snapped, the Hornets looked for Stokes or Stone up the middle for the score, but no, Smith quickly looked to the end zone and found Hunter Parrish crossing the front line of the end zone in the shadow of the front corner marker in front of a standing room only crowd. As the referee was standing right on top of the play, the junior receiver came down just inside of the end zone with the football. As the official signaled a touchdown, the fans on the fence and in the stands went wild. Stokes added the extra point as the Tigers widened their lead to 21-0 with 2:29 left in the first half.
Hawthorne was making a drive as the clock went down inside :50 seconds left in the first half. The Hornets were throwing every attempt they had, long and deep with hopes of a completion and a score. On third down Munnerlyn threw deep and the Tigers’ cornerback Hamp Cheevers picked off the pass to again stall another Hornets drive. The Tigers held on to a 21-0 edge at intermission.
In the third quarter the Tigers kicked off short to Hawthorne. The Hornets’ Munnerlyn picked up the loose ball and took it 48 yards for the score. Jackson added the extra point kick to give the Hornets a 21-7 mark. The third period turned into a fight of the fittest as the Tigers were able to move into the Hornets’ Red Zone before Stokes got the touchdown on a 1 yard run and he added the kick for the Tigers 28-7 lead. The Tigers’ defense had shut down the Hornets running game forcing the struggling offense to the air. Munnerlyn connected with Singleton on a 21-yard flea flicker type pass for a touchdown. Jackson added the PAT kick as the Hornets drew to within two scores of the Tigers 28-14.
The Tiger fans were on the edge of their seats as this game was on the verge of getting out of hand. The Hornets were struggling to cut the Tigers’ lead to a single score, but the Tigers’ defense had the Hornets’ offense intact.
With 6:11 remaining in the game, Stone slashed through the Hornets on a 40-yard touchdown run. Stokes added the kick as Trenton began to seal the fate of the Hornets. The Tigers went right back on offense as the kickoff special team recovered an onside kick. With 5:14 remaining in the fourth period, Stone dashed 26 yards for another touchdown to give the Tigers a 42-14 lead.
This game had turned to the survival of the strongest as the Tigers were not going to be denied this victory. Hawthorne on offense was working to establish a scoring drive. Coach Andrew Thomas and his staff had begun to give the younger Tigers a taste of this District title contest. The Tigers on defense were taking their hits as Hawthorne was still working to cut the host’s lead. The Hornets had moved into the Tigers’ Red Zone when a jarring Tiger hit forced a Hornet fumble. Kade Rogers, #21 for the Tigers defense, came out of the pile with the ball as Trenton took over on their 10-yard line. As the game elapsed to inside a minute, Smith stepped back into the end zone to give up a safety with :51 left in the game. The Tigers would take a 42-16 victory and a District 6-1A title.
The Tigers’ defense set the tone in this game as Sampson McNeela, Brandon Lovelace and Hunter Parrish each recorded a sack of the Hornets’ quarterback. Parrish recorded 13 total tackles, Breon Sims had 12 tackles, and Jonathan Smith recorded 7 solo tackles, respectively. The Tigers’ offense ran away with this contest as Stone rushed for 144 yards on 19 carries.
The Tigers (9-0) will close out their regular season Friday night as they host Chiefland. This game has become a rivalry for the two rural school communities. The game will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. The District Title winner, Trenton Tigers will host the first round of the state playoffs on Friday, November 18, as Lafayette County, the runner-up in District 5 1A, will meet the Tigers. These two teams played in a kickoff classic, earlier in the 2011 season and the Tigers escaped with a last minute victory. This game will be another rural school state playoff classic.
By John M. Ayers
The Bell Bulldogs earned a victory over non-district, Seven Rivers Christian 54-28 Friday night.
Jeremy Zimmerman led the Bulldogs with 216 yards and Austin Richey had 146 yards respectively.
The Bulldogs totaled over 400 yards of offense as James Oslager scored 6 touchdowns.
Jeremy Zimmerman and Austin Richey rushed for two touchdowns each in the win.
The Bulldogs outscored their host in each of the four periods. Bell held a 21-14 edge at the end of the first period.
The Bulldogs continued to pound the Cardinals in the second period as they increased their lead to 41-20 at intermission.
In the third period Bell totaled two scores along with an extra point kick to seal their victory.
Bell will host Bronson on Friday night in a District 6-1A battle. This game will kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
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By: John M Ayers
The Trenton Tigers got off to a rocky start Friday night on the road in Hilliard, but were able to get back on track as they defeated the Flashes 61-21.
The Tigers led by Brandon Stone, Cedric Stokes and Stephen Smith on offense and Breon Sims, Hunter Parrish and Leondre Mathis on defense controlled the momentum of the game for the victory.
Hilliard’s Marcus Allen, a Georgia Tech commit, led the Flashes with three scores.
The Trenton Tigers dealt with their longest road trip thus far of the 2011 season by playing good football on both offense and defense. Hilliard’s Marcus Allen shocked the Tigers on the Flashes’ opening possession when he dashed 43-yards for the go ahead touchdown. The extra point kick was good as Hilliard held a 7-0 lead.
The Tigers, after adjusting to the Flashes’ speedy Marcus Allen, quickly took advantage of the Flashes’ miscues. Cedric Stokes picked up a Flashes’ fumble and ran 21-yards for the Tigers’ first score. Hunter Parrish capped a Tiger offensive drive on the next possession as he scored on a 5-yard run as Trenton took a 12-7 lead. The Tigers on their next possession scored when Brandon Stone zipped through the Flashes’ defense on a 31-yard sprint in the beginning of the second period. Stokes continued the Tigers’ scoring on a 2-yard run and added the PAT to give the Tigers a 25-7 edge.
The Tigers’ Jonathan Smith picked off a Flashes’ pass and returned it 47-yards for a Tiger score. Stokes’ kick gave the Tigers a 32-7 lead in the closing minutes of the first half.
The Flashes put together a scoring drive that Allen cashed in for a score and a 2-point conversion as Hilliard cut the Tigers lead to 32-15. The Tigers answered Hilliard’s momentum threat as Stokes capped a drive on a 2-yard run for the score. The aggressive Tiger junior also kicked the extra point to add to the Tigers’ lead. In the third period Stephen Smith began the Tigers’ scoring on a 6-yard run and Stokes added the PAT kick. Smith connected with Hunter Parrish in the closing minutes of the third period, and the junior scored for the Tigers. Michael Smith added the PAT to give the Tigers a 54-15 edge. The Flashes threatened as Allen got away from the Tigers’ defense and dashed 43-yards for the score. Trenton’s Jacques Powell capped the Tigers’ final drive when he scored on a 1-yard run. Smith added the extra point kick to complete the Tigers 61-21 victory.
The Tigers totaled 415 yard of rushing as Stone rushed for 166 yards on 17 carries. Stokes added 108 yards on 13 carries, and Leondre Mathis added 53 and Stephen Smith added 54 yards respectively. Smith completed 2 of 4 passes for 21 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Trenton’s defense limited the Flashes to less than 200 yards of offense. Breon Sims had 10 solo tackles and 3 assists, Leondre Mathis had 6 solo tackles and 4 assists, and Hunter Parrish added 6 solo tackles and 3 assists respectively.
The Tigers will now play the game they have been waiting for as they face Hawthorne for the District 6-1A title. Both teams are undefeated in district play. The winner of this district match will host the first round of the state playoffs while the runner-up will travel to another host team. The game of the year thus far will get underway at 7:30 p.m. in Tiger Stadium. This should be a show down of the two best teams in District 6-1A.
By John M. Ayers
The Trenton High School campus was exploding with excitement Friday night as a standing room only crowd attended the pre-game festivities awaiting the (6-0) Tigers to enter the field through the smoke filled tunnel, as a special pre-game ceremony with over 30 Tiger football alumni standing in facing lines awaiting the Tigers’ entrance onto the field. There were Tigers from the 1950 football team, Roosevelt Stalvey; 1966 football team, Howell Lancaster, Jr. and Grady Jones; 1967, Louie Ridgeway; 1972, Gary Brown; 1973, Duke Lang; and many other former Tiger players. When the Tigers stormed out of the tunnel, they were excited to take on a (3-4) P.K. Yonge squad that was ill prepared for this four-quarter encounter.
The Tigers’ offense wasted little time as they pounded the Blue Wave defense for over 600 rushing yards as they flattened the Wave in the 47-7 victory. Trenton quarterback Jonathan Smith led the Tiger offense as Leondre Mathis and Cedric Stokes combined in the first offensive possession of the game. Mathis picked up 16 yards as he busted through the defense to put the Tigers at 1st and goal on the 6-yard line. Cedric Stokes scored for the Tigers as he blasted through the defense and into the end zone standing up with 7:44 remaining in the first period. Stokes added the extra point kick to get the scoring underway. With just over a minute left in the first period, Stokes dashed 32 yards to the PK 6 to set up another score. Leondre Mathis waltzed into the end zone behind the Tigers’ offensive line that proved to over power the Blue Wave’s defensive front. The Tigers quickly grasped a 13-0 lead into the second period.
In the second quarter the Tigers’ defense had begun to take its toll on the PK offense. The Tigers had continued to force a 3 and out and the PK offense had become ineffective. The Tigers’ offense had begun to run wild through the PK defense. Brandon Stone in the opening minutes of the second period ran through PK defenders to set up another score. With 9:56 remaining in the half, Stone slipped away from the defense on a 30-yard sprint for a Tiger score. Stokes added the extra point kick to give the Tigers a 21-0 edge. The Tigers had now begun to score in rhyme as Stokes picked up another score on an 8-yard run. Stokes’ kick gave the Tigers a 28-0 lead. With the first half winding down, the Tigers’ defense stayed on the edge. Trenton’s Jacob Turner, the Homecoming king, ran down a PK running back for a 5-yard sack. In the same sequence of downs, Colton Duqutte also recorded a sack for the Tigers. The hungry defense again forced a PK punt. The Tigers setup their offense on their 20-yard line. The Tigers #12 Michael Smith, the former JV starting quarterback, got the call to run the offense. With the Tigers’ front line continuing to knock the Blue Wave front off the ball, Smith called on Stokes, and the junior running back broke loose on an 80-yard sprint for a Tiger score. The Tigers held a 34-0 lead at intermission.
The second half continued as the Tigers’ defense stalled the Blue Wave first offensive possession. The Tigers took the punt and set up on their 18-yard line. Trentons’ offense continued to gain large tracts of real estate each time Stone and Stokes got the ball. Stone facing a 1st and goal from the 7-yard line, put the Tigers up by 40-0 with less than 7 minutes remaining in the third period. Stokes added the PAT kick to give the Tigers a 41-0 lead.
Trenton coach Andrew Thomas called the Tigers to the sideline following the score. He then put the Tiger starters on the sideline and the young stars of tomorrow took the field. The fans continued to supports their Tigers as the Blue Wave starters were still struggling to score.
In the final period, Trenton’s Kenny Deen scored on a 5-yard run to give the Tigers a 47-0 lead. With the game in the final minute PK’s quarterback dashed 82 yards for a score to keep the Gainesville school from being shutout. An extra point kick gave the Blue Wave a 47-7 score.
Stokes picked up 259 rushing yards on 22 carries and 4 tackles in this game. Brandon Stone added 81 yards and totaled 4 tackles. Hunter Parrish had 79 yards on 3 carries and added 6 total tackles in the homecoming victory.
The Tigers will begin their District 6-1A march Friday night on the road in Hilliard. The Flashes (2-1) in District play will be out to knock off the Tigers as they share the District lead with Hawthorne. This game will kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
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By John M. Ayers
The Bell Bulldogs were on the road in Hawthorne Friday night to take on the Hornets. The Hornets are 2-0 in District 6-1A which is tied with the Trenton Tigers for top spot in the rural football district.
The Hornets took advantage of the Bulldogs as they scored 42 points and defeated Bell 42-13.
Bell’s Jeremy Zimmerman and Austin Richey combined for a touchdown each, and James Oslager kicked an extra point for the Bulldogs in the final quarter of play. Zimmerman blocked a Hornet kick and returned it for a touchdown.
Austin Richey led the Bulldogs’ offense with 51 yards on 14 carries.
The Bulldogs will host Seven Rivers Christian Friday night. This game will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Seven Rivers Academy comes into this game with a 6-1 overall record. They defeated Master’s Academy 35-7 Friday night.
By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers first appeared to be at a disadvantage in the Friday night 1A classic between the Dixie County Bears and the visiting Trenton Tigers. The Bears jumped out to a 14-0 lead within the first 3 minutes of this game, but Trenton’s Brandon Stone enabled the Tigers to switch the momentum when he dashed 75 yards for the Tigers’ first score. This was a fantastic game and the crowds supporting both teams really received an evening of athletic entertainment. With just over a minute left in the fourth period, Stephen Smith connected with Cedric Stokes on a 17-yard pass to clinch the momentum and the (34-27) win for the Tigers.
The weather for this game brought a light, cool breeze as fans from these rural communities came out to see their teams. The Bears’ James Bowers put the host on top as he broke loose on a 53-yard sprint for the first score in the game. Zack Cassidy showed why he is one of the leading kickoff and field goal specialists in the area as he kicked the field goal out of the stadium and into the adjoining woods. Dixie’s Javonta Jones brought the Bears’ crowd to their feet when he scored on a 12-yard run in the first period. Cassidy kicked the extra point to give the Bears a 14-0 edge.
At this point the Trenton faithful were beginning to wonder if their Tigers were going to be blown out of this game early. Trenton’s quarterback Stephen Smith just kept the Tigers’ offense in their game plan and the offensive line began to make things happen when Stone showed that the Tigers could also break a big play as he scored on a 75-yard sprint. Cedric Stokes added the extra point kick to give the Tigers a stake in the game at 14-7. The Tigers’ offense took charge again as Stone capped an offensive drive on a 12-yard touchdown blast as Trenton came to within a point of the Bears 14-13. Dixie’s Bowers once again escaped the Tigers’ defense as he dashed 53 yards for another score. The Bears went up 21-13 after Cassidy’s PAT kick. The Tigers kept their fans on the edge of their seats as Stokes followed his team through the Bears’ defense enroute to another Tiger touchdown. With Trenton down 21-19, the coaching staff sent in the 2-point conversion play. Stone’s run into the end zone tied the score at 21-21 as the first period came to a close.
Trenton seemed to grab the momentum in the second period when Leondre Mathis gave the Tigers the lead following a 1-yard run. The Tigers held a slim 27-21 lead at intermission.
In the third period it was the Bears that set the stage for the second half when Bowers capped an offensive drive for a 16-yard run. Cassidy was setup to give the Bears a lead with an extra point kick, but the Tigers’ defense led by #7 Jonathan Smith blocked the Bears’ attempt to leave the score tied at 27-27. Later in the third period Cassidy was set to give the Bears the lead when he prepared to attempt a 35-yard field goal. The Tigers’ defense again rose to the occasion as #7 came in from the corner to block the kick and give the Tigers the football.
The two teams both turned the football over in the final period as they each tried to reach their respective end zones to win this hard fought contest.
As this game was nearing what appeared to be an overtime period, Smith threw a deep pass to the corner of the end zone and Stokes pulled in the reception for a Tiger touchdown. Stokes’ kick gave the Tigers the final edge to seal this 34-27 victory.
Trenton’s Brandon Stone rushed for 161 yards on 22 carries. Stokes completed the Tigers’ tandem offense as he earned 127 yards on 13 carries.
The Tigers, now 6-0, will prepare for homecoming 2011 Friday night as they face PK Yonge. The homecoming festivities will feature the crowning of the queen at halftime of the Friday night football classic. The Tiger Growl Thursday night on Tiger Field will begin the Tiger Pep rally, and the crowning of the Tigers’ king will take place during this entertaining event. The Tiger Growl will get underway at 7:30 p.m. The Tigers vs Blue Wave football game will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. This will be another exciting Trenton Tiger football game. Come out an enjoy the THS Homecoming and cheer the Tigers on to victory.
By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers scored early and often Friday night as they defeated District 6 1A foe, Bronson 48-0.
Cedric Stokes and Brandon Stone paced the Tigers’ offense as they each scored three touchdowns in this game. Quarterback Stephen Smith and running back Leondre Mathis each scored a Tiger touchdown. The Tigers jumped out to a 34 point lead in the opening period as 9 running backs totaled 341 yards on the ground on 36 carries.
Trenton’s offense was stingy to say the least as Hamp Cheevers picked off an Eagle pass and Brandon Stone recovered 2 fumbles in this game. Jonathan Smith had 4 tackles, Anthony Costello had 4 tackles and 3 assists and Breon Sims had 3 tackles and 2 assists respectively. The win keeps the Tigers’ undefeated record in tack as they are 6-0 and 2-0 in District 6 1A.
The Tigers now move into the meat of their schedule as they go on the road Friday night to Cross City to face the Dixie County Bears. The Bears are now having a typical Dixie County Bears season. They come into Friday’s game with a surprising 2-3 record with District losses to top ranked Union County and Baldwin. This should be the Tigers’ biggest test yet as they prepare for District play. This game will kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
By John M Ayers
The Bell Bulldogs traveled to Jacksonville Friday night to take on the (3-2) Bishop Snyder Cardinals. The Bulldogs led by Bruce Thomas completing 15 of 20 passes for 176 yards fell just shy of a win 21-20 in the non-district game.
Bell’s Austin Richey dashed 21 yards for the Bulldogs first score to tie the game at 7-7 following a James Oslager extra point kick. The host took the lead (14-7) with 3:22 remaining in the second period following a 1-yard run for a touchdown and extra point kick by Bishop Snyder.
In the third period Bell’s Bruce Thomas connected with Oslager on an 18-yard pass for a touchdown with 7:49 remaining in the period. Oslager tied the score at 14-14 when he kicked the extra point for the Bulldogs.
Bishop Snyder took the lead in the final period when McClain slipped into the end zone from 9 yards out for a touchdown. Gudzak gave the host a 21-14 edge when he completed an extra point kick. The Bulldogs quarterback went back to James Oslager completing an 18-yard pass, as the receiver worked his way into the end zone for a touchdown. The Bulldogs were faced with a tie or go for the 2-point conversion and the win. With the game on the line, Thomas attempted a 2-point pass that fell incomplete as the game ended 21-20.
The Bulldogs will host Hilliard Friday night in a “Wacked Out” Homecoming celebration. This game is a district 6-1A battle as Hilliard comes into this matchup with a 3-2 record. The pre-game Homecoming festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m. The football game will kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
by KayLee Crawford
Friday night, the Trenton Tigers took on the Bell Bulldogs at home. The Tigers started the game slow, and finished it strong. The stands were packed with Tiger fans ready to watch another win. The Tigers won 62-18. Quarterback Stephen Smith had 7 attempted passes and four completed. The longest yards rushing was held by Cedric Stokes for 43 yards. Cedric had 12 attempts for 178 yards. Brandon Stone was close behind with 32 yards for his longest run. Stone ran for 96 yards with 12 attempts. Stephen Smith had 8 attempts and ran for 101 yards, and his longest run was for 24 yards. Brandon Stone led the team with a long run for 23 yards. Breon Sims ran 17 yards for one pass. Leandre Mathis ran 14 yards for two passes, and his longest run was for 11 yards. On kickoff returns, Cedric Stokes took one back for 41 yards, and Brandon Stone took one back for 18 yards. Cedric Stokes led the Tigers in touchdowns with four for the night. Stephen Smith was right behind him with three touchdowns. He was followed by Brandon Stone and Hunter Parrish both with 1 touchdown. After a great victory over the Bell Bulldogs, the Tigers are now 4-0 overall and 1-0 in their district. The Tigers will have an off week this week but won’t be slowing down! “The Tigers are comin’!”
Friday night the Bell Bulldogs were in Ocala to take on the St. John Lutheran Saints in a non-district battle. The Bulldogs struggled in keeping the host out of the end zone as the Saints defeated the Bulldogs 77-14.
St. John opened the first quarter scoring 21 points. In the second period, Bell’s Travis Bryant scored a touchdown and Austin Richey scored a 2-point conversion. St. John also scored 35 points in the second period to hold a 56-8 lead at halftime.
St. John scored 14 points in the third period. The Bulldogs’ Abdul Mkuu scored a touchdown in the fourth period. St. John closed out the fourth period scoring 14 points to take the win.
James Oslager’s 8 tackles and 1 assist and Justin Terry’s 6 tackles and 9 assists led the Bulldogs defense.
Friday night the Bulldogs will travel to the south end of the county to take on the (3-0) Trenton Tigers. This game will be exciting, as Bell will have something to prove by upsetting the Tigers. Both of these teams are in the Rural District 6 1A. The kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
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by KayLee Crawford
On Friday, September 16, 2011, the Trenton Tiger Football team traveled to Jacksonville to play Bishop Snyder. For the second week in a row, the Tigers left their opponent scoreless! Finishing the game 52-0. The Tigers are undefeated, 3-0, and this week they will be kicking off games in our district, starting with the Bell Bulldogs. Rushing yards total for the team Friday was 458 yards. Cedrick Stokes had 10 attempts with 106 yards total and his longest run was for 40 yards. Kenny Deen had 4 attempts with 53 yards total and run for 50 yards. Leondre Mathis had 16 attempts with 157 yards total, and led the team with a run for 5 yards. The top two receivers for the team were Jonathan Smith and Hamp Cheevers. Jonathan received a pass and ran 9 yards for a touchdown. The team has been working on hits and tackles and it was evident in their game Friday. Jonathan Smith led the team with 7 tackles and I assist. He was followed by Breon Sims with 5 tackles and 2 assists, Hunter Parrish with 3 tackles and 7 assists, and Colton Duquette with 4 tackles and 5 assists. The Tigers had two interceptions one each by Cedric Stokes and Stephen Smith.
Touchdowns Friday were led by Cedric Stokes and Jonathan Smith with two touchdowns followed by Kenny Deen, Leandre Mathis, and Hamp Cheevers all with one touchdown.
The Tigers’ hard work from the coaching staff to the players has paid off.
The Tigers welcome the Bell Bulldogs to THS Friday night with the kickoff set for 7:30 p.m.
Get ready Tiger fans, because the Tigers are coming!
Submitted by KayLee Crawford
Friday night the Trenton Tigers played the Branford Buccaneers. THS started out the game with a bang. Jonathan Smith took a kick back for 75 yards to get the Tigers going and they didn’t slow up. The Tigers knew coming into the game they were going to be the better team. But they still took it as serious and played their hearts out like any other game. Coach Thomas’ goals for the team were for them to play out every play, to work on their offense, and for quarterback Stephen Smith to have more throwing and game-time practice. Their ultimate goal was to pitch a shutout and they achieved that goal with a 62-0 score.
Top tacklers for the game were Hunter Parrish with 5 tackles and 2 assisted tackles, Colton Duquette with 4 tackles and 2 assisted tackles, and Jonathan Smith with 4 tackles. In the receiving end of the game Cedric Stokes had 3 passes and ran for 92 yards. Stokes also kicked for the Tigers and made 6 out of 7.
After halftime the Tigers pulled their starters and still continued to run the score, and also kept the Bucs from scoring. The team’s hitman of the week is Leandre Mathis. The Trenton Tigers are 2-0 and they are coming!
Trenton will be in Jacksonville at Bishop Snyder on Friday, September 16, at 7 p.m. kickoff.
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By John M Ayers
The Bell Bulldogs played host to Lafayette County Friday night in a non-district 1A battle that the Hornets won 55-20. Both teams came into this game striving for their first win of the 2011 regular season.
The Hornets were first to score as Rodney Brown ran 14-yards for a touchdown and Arturo Negrete added the kick for a 7-0. The Bulldogs’ offensive line gave running back Jeremy Zimmerman enough space for him to slip into the end zone on a 1-yard run with 2:09 remaining in the first period. A 2-point conversion was stopped short as the score changed to 6-7. The Hornets closed the first period with a score as James Bass blasted into the end zone on a 1-yard run and Negrete added the kick for a 6-14 edge. In the second period Mayo’s Garrett Debose connected with Rodney Brown on a 7-yard pass for a touchdown. With 7:57 remaining in the first half Negrete added the extra point kick to give the Hornets a 6-21 lead. The Bulldogs put together their own offensive drive as quarterback Bruce Thomas led the drive and capped off the challenge on a 62-yard pass to James Oslager for the touchdown. Thomas went right back to Oslager on the 2-pt conversion to cut the edge to 14-21. The Hornets scored on a 10-yard run by Whiddon and on a 24-yard pass from Debose to Brown as Negrete added a PAT kick to close out the first half 14-34.
The second half was filled with excitement and scoring as the two teams were hard pressed for the win. Mayo’s Debose connected with Bass on a 10-yard scoring strike for a touchdown with 8:34 remaining in the period. Negrete split the posts for a 14-41 lead. The Bulldogs’ Austin Ritchey broke loose on a 54-yard run for a score. The PAT failed as Bell closed out their scoring. Mayo’s Rodney Brown added runs of 78 and 10 yards respectively for touchdowns.
The Bulldogs’ Austin Ritchey rushed for 161 yards on 16 carries. Jeremy Zimmerman had 99 yards on 13 carries. Justin Terry led Bell’s defense with 3 tackles and 6 assists. James Oslager had 4 tackles and 1 assist for the hosts.
Bell will travel to Ocala to take on St. John Lutheran Friday night with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. St. John Lutheran (2-0) defeated Taylor Pierson 40-7 Friday night.
The Bell Bulldogs traveled to Monticello Friday night to take on the Aucilla Christian Warriors. The Bulldogs struggled in this matchup as the host defeated Bell 21-0.
The host jumped out to an early score as Trent Roberts connected with Jared Jackson on a 42-yard touchdown strike. Roberts added the kick as the Warriors took a 7-0 lead with 7:32 left in the first period. Aucilla’s Phillip Watts put the finishing touches on an offensive drive as he rushed 2 yards for a score as Aucilla took a 13-0 lead into halftime.
In the fourth period as the Bulldogs were mounting an offensive drive, Cole Schwab picked off a Bulldog pass and returned it 55 yards for a score. Roberts connected with Jackson on a 2-point conversion for the 21-0 final.
The Bulldogs were led by Jeremy Zimmerman as he rushed for 132 yards, and Austin Richey rushed for 124 yards respectively. Bell’s Bruce Thomas completed 7 of 19 passes with 2 interceptions for 96 yards. The Bulldogs will host non-district opponent Lafayette County Friday night with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff. Lafayette County lost to Trenton Friday night by a 33-27 score.
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The Trenton Tigers were on the road in Mayo Friday night to take on non-district Lafayette County.
This game was another Friday night rural football classic in North Central Florida. The Tigers were behind 18-13 at halftime, but outscored the hosts in the third and fourth periods to seal the 33-27 victory.
Trenton’s Stephen Smith and Cedric Stokes followed a balanced Tiger offense as they scored five touchdowns in this game.
The Tigers rushed for 301 yards as Smith had 12 carries for 142 yards, and Stokes rushed for 106 yards on 13 carries. Jonathan Smith and Leondre Mathis also gained 53 yards respectively for Trenton. Stephen Smith completed 3 of 7 attempts for 30 yards with 1 interception.
The Tigers on defense limited the Hornets to 9 points in the second half. Jonathan Smith and Breon Smith stole interceptions from the Lafayette County offense as they combined for 1 each and 455 yards total in returns. Trenton’s Colton Duquette and Hunter Parrish recorded 10 tackles each. Cedric Stokes had 4 tackles and 5 assists, while teammates Stephen Smith and Jonathan Smith had 8 tackles each.
The Tigers will be at home Friday night as they host non-district Branford in another good contest.
The game will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Branford was defeated by Lecanto Seven Rivers 20-14 Friday night.
By John M. Ayers
The mighty Bell Bulldogs hosted St. Francis Wolves Friday night in a Preseason Classic game that was stopped due to lightning in the fourth quarter.
St. Francis scored in each of the four periods to defeat the Bulldogs 42-20.
The score was not a fair indication of the Bulldogs’ offense and just how well the host executed in this pre-season outing.
Bell had 17 first downs as they engineered 60 offensive plays in the ball game. Bell’s defense restricted the visitors to 15 first downs.
Bell’s Jeremy Zimmerman led all running backs in this game as he rushed for 125 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown on a 5-yard run in the final period. Austin Richey picked up 73 yards on 10 carries, and teammate James Oslager rushed for 63 yards on 6 carries.
St. Francis held a 29-14 edge at halftime. The Bulldogs scored in the closing minutes of the game before the action was stopped due to lightning.
Bell will open their regular season at Monticello Friday night against Aucilla Christian. The Warriors defeated Cedar Creek Christian Friday night 27-0.
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By Kaylee Crawford
Friday night the Trenton Tigers took on Hamilton County to start off the school year. The game started off looking rough with Brandon Stone, but the team quickly picked it up and got back in the game.
When asked about the team’s performance, Coach Thomas said he was very impressed with the way his team dealt with the adversity of the game and didn’t give up. The Tigers ended up dominating the game with a score 41-22.
The hitman of the week for the team was Jonathan Smith and he also had two tackles within the first two quarters. Cedric Stokes stood out on the team with 14 carries for 100 yards rushing in the first half of the game. Stone had six rushes with 52 yards gained before he was injured. Tyler Sauls was praised in his game for two tackles, one forced fumble, and one assist. Leondre Mathis had a good game with five runs and 24 yards gained. The team had a total of 216 yards gained within the first two quarters of the game.
After half time, the JV team took over the game and finished up where varsity left off. Coach Thomas and his staff are very proud of the way the team performed on Friday, as were the Tiger fans. Get ready because the Tigers are coming!
By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers traveled to Mayo to take on the 1A Hornets Thursday, March 24.
The Tigers were plagued by four errors not to mention several mental blunders. Mayo played error free baseball and scratched 10 hits against the Tigers.
The Tigers were led by Chance Brooks, Cedric Stokes and Hunter Williams as each hitter had two hits in this game.
Trenton started Williams on the mound. Williams pitched five innings and gave up 6 runs, 4 of them earned, on eight hits while walking one and striking out 2 batters. Corbin Wiggins pitched the sixth inning giving up two hits and one run with no walks or strikeouts. The Hornets outscored the Tigers 7-4 in a non-district contest. The Tigers’ overall record fell to 9-3.
The Tigers were at home against the visiting Branford Bucs on Friday, March 25, as they were eager to get back on the winning track after losing to Mayo.
Trenton’s bats were sluggish again and only able to pick up 5 hits against the talented Bucs.
Chance Brooks started on the mound for the Tigers and gave up two runs over five innings, only one of them earned, on four hits. He struck out five and walked two. Caleb Smith picked up Brooks and pitched the final two innings giving up two hits while walking two and striking out one. Smith also gave up one earned run. The Tigers committed three errors defensively but were able to steal five bases on the Bucs – three bags by Caleb Smith.
In the seventh inning the Bucs scored and were threatening with runners on first and third when Smith got the batter to hit a line drive to Hunter Williams who doubled the runnerup at first base to end the game. The Tigers won 5-3 and improved their overall record to 10-3 and their district record to 9-2.
This week the Tigers travel to Melody Christian on Tuesday and host the Bell Bulldogs on Thursday at 7:30 pm. Come out and support the Tigers.
By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers traveled to Gainesville to take on the P K Yonge Blue Wave, March 17. The host started their ace, Josh Stewart, a hard throwing right handed senior and Santa Fe College signee, that possessed an explosive fastball as well as a good curve ball. Under the dark lights of the P K field, the Tigers were overmatched by Stewart’s command of pitches.
Trenton started senior Chance Brooks on the mound. Brooks threw well while pitching three and one-third innings, giving up 5 earned runs on 9 hits with 2 walks and 2 strikeouts. Senior, Caleb Smith picked up Brooks in the fourth inning and completed the game giving up three hits and one earned run with two walks. The Tigers committed two errors and were only able to scratch out two hits. P K continued their dominance of the district 5-2A with a 9-0 win. The Tigers fell to 8-2.
The Tigers returned home on Friday, March 18 and were ready to get back on the winning track. Dixie County came to Trenton and the Tigers took out their hitting frustrations on the Bears’ pitchers.
Trenton pounded out eleven hits in five innings. Justin Crown led the Tigers with two doubles. Caleb Smith had two hits including a home run. Clif Bryant had two hits and Corbin Wiggins had two hits.
Hunter Williams pitched 3 innings giving up two earned runs on three hits, three walks and six strikeouts. Corbin Wiggins pitched the fourth and fifth innings and faced only 8 batters, giving up one hit with no walks and one strikeout. The Tigers committed two errors against the Bear hitters. Williams improved his record to 4-1 and the Tigers improved to 9-2.
Trenton will travel to Mayo on Thursday, March 24 and will host Branford at home in another district game on Friday, March 25. Come out and support the Tigers.
By John M. Ayers
The Bronson Eagles baseball team came to Trenton with the intent of knocking off the hometown Tigers. Bronson, led by first year coach Allen Strickland, had beaten Dixie County prior to meeting the Tigers.
Trenton’s Hunter Williams took the mound for the Tigers and pitched well. He struck out 8, walked one and gave up 3 hits and one earned run. He pitched all 5 innings for the undefeated Tigers while only facing 19 batters.
The Tigers at the plate pounded out 13 hits, 5 of them doubles. Clif Bryant went 4 for 4 with a double, Kane Crosby was 2 for 2 with a double, Chance Brooks was 2 for 3 with a double, and Caleb Smith and Hunter Williams both doubled. The Tigers won the game 12-2 in 5 innings and improved to 5-0 in District play.
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On Friday afternoon Trenton traveled to Bell to face the Bulldogs. Little did anyone know before the game began that this would be a pitchers duel.
Bell started former Trenton baseball player Darren Skawienski on the mound. Skawienski baffled the Tiger hitters all night. He struck out 13 and walked none while only giving up 5 hits and 2 runs, both of them earned. Bell played great defense and made no errors on the night. However, Bell’s bats were cold against Trenton’s senior pitcher Caleb Smith. Smith threw the first no hitter of the year for Trenton. He pitched all 7 innings and struck out 8 while walking one and hitting 3 batters.
Bell’s Matthew Harrell scored the only run for the Bulldogs and was driven in by Skawienski. Both Harrell and Skawienski each had a stolen base.
The Tigers’ Hunter Parrish had 2 hits, stole a base and scored a run. Clif Bryant had one hit, stole 3 bases and drove in both of the Trenton runs. The Tigers improved their record to 6-0 and Bell fell to 0-9.
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On Saturday, March 5, Trenton hosted the Oak Hall Eagles at Tiger Field. After playing Bell the night before in a very close game, the Tigers seemed tired. Kane Crosby started on the mound for the Tigers and was relieved by Corbin Wiggins after 1 1/3 innings. Wiggins only faced four batters before being relieved by Stephen Smith. Smith pitched 2 outs in the second, the third and fourth innings, and was relieved by Chance Brooks before getting an out in the fifth inning. Brooks entered the game with the score 7-8 and by the end of the fifth inning the Eagles were ahead 10-8. In the bottom of the fifth the Tigers rallied for 7 runs to go ahead 15-8. But in the sixth inning the Eagles scored 2 more runs on two Trenton errors and an Eagle home run. In the sixth inning, the Tigers added one more to make the score 16-12 but the Eagles weren’t done. In the top of the seventh, Oak Hall scored two more runs to make the score 16-14. With 2 outs and bases loaded, Brooks faced Eagles’ hitter McKinney, the Eagle batter that homered in the sixth inning. On a full count, with runners moving, Brooks got a swinging strike out to end the inning.
The Tigers beat out sixteen hits. Sophomore Hunter Parrish was 4 for 4 with a triple and 3 RBI’s. Chance Brooks was 3 for 5 with a home run and 2 RBI’s, Caleb Smith was 2 for 3 with a double and 2 stolen bases and Ozie Parrish was 2 for 4 with 2 RBI’s. Hunter Williams was hit 3 times by 3 different Oak Hall pitchers. The Tigers won 16-14 and improved their record to 7-0.
The Tigers faced Hawthorne at home on Tuesday and will travel to Chiefland on Friday. Come out and support the Tigers.
By John M. Ayers
St. Francis traveled to Trenton to play the Tigers in a district baseball game on February 22. Both teams were undefeated coming into the Tuesday night contest.
St. Francis started their ace, senior Matthew Hughes, on the pitching mound. Hughes did a great job keeping the Tigers off balance. He pitched a complete game giving up only 2 hits and no walks. However, the Wolves defense made several crucial errors that the Tigers were able to capitalize on to score their runs.
In the second inning Hunter Parrish singled to left; as he rounded first baser he was able to sneak into second on an errant throw by the left fielder. Parrish then jumped out to steal third on the fourth pitch to Trenton’s Cedric Stokes. Stokes hit a ground ball that was misplayed by the 3rd baseman allowing Parrish to score the first run. In the third inning, the Tigers with 2 outs, Stephen Smith singled to left. Caleb Smith then dropped a bunt down the third base side that Hughes mishandled. Hughes overthrew first base allowing the speedy Stephen to score from first and Caleb Smith to stop at third. Caleb scored from third on a wild pitch by Hughes giving the Tigers a 3-0 lead.
Sophomore pitcher Hunter Williams led the Tigers on defense. Williams started for the Tigers and pitched all 7 innings – a complete game shutout – striking out 10 and walking only 2. The Tigers won a hard fought game 3-0 and Williams improved his pitching record to 2-0.
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The Tigers went on the road to Branford to face the Bucs in a District 5 2A baseball battle on February 25. Branford had only one loss coming into the game. That loss was against Chiefland the week before. The Bucs and the Tigers both felt that this was a pivotal game in the District standings. Branford had held their ace, Josh Hansen, out of the first two games of the week to save him for the Tigers.
The Tigers were up 7-0 thru the top of the fourth inning. Senior Caleb Smith started on the mound for the Tigers and had faced only nine batters through the first three innings. In the fifth inning Caleb was replaced by his younger brother, freshman Stephen Smith. Stephen struck out the first two batters before giving up a solo home run to left center by Buc’s senior shortstop Johnston. Johnston was the only Branford batter to have multiple hits in this game. Smith settled back down and did not give up another hit in the game. Stephen walked one batter in the sixth inning and two in the seventh. In the seventh inning the Bucs had runners on first and second with two outs when Stephen threw a nasty curve ball to senior Josh Hansen with a 1-2 count that got the final call. Stephen ended the night facing 13 batters in three innings, giving up only one hit with four strike outs and three walks. Caleb earned the win and improved his record to 2-0 and the Tigers won 7-3 and improved their record to 4-0, extending their 2011 win streak.
Tigers win in 2011 Pre-Season Baseball Classic
By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers welcomed Newberry to Tiger Field Friday night after a rain soaking Thursday cancelled play that evening. Hunter Williams started on the mound for the Tigers pitching 4 innings, striking out 7 and walking one. Stephen Smith pitched the fifth and sixth innings and Chance Brooks pitched the seventh. The Tiger pitchers only gave up one run. Chance Brooks cranked up the offense for the Tigers as he had two hits, one a double to deep center. Justin Crown had a double in the first inning to get the Tigers going on the scoreboard. Hunter Parrish had two perfect base hit bunts. Freshman, Ozie Parrish had a hit and turned a double play to end a Panther scoring opportunity. The Tigers won 3-1 against a very good 3A opponent.
The Pre-Season Classic opened as Dixie County stumbled allowing Oak Hall a 10-8 win.
On Saturday afternoon the Tigers welcomed Gainesville-Oak Hall to Trenton. Justin Crown started on the mound for the Tigers and pitched well after missing last season. Crown pitched four innings and gave up one run. Kane Crosby followed Crown and pitched two innings, giving up two runs. Corbin Wiggins pitched the final inning to close out the game. Trenton’s Stephen Smith led the Tigers at the plate with three hits, one being a double. Clif Bryant had two RBI’s on sacrifice fly balls. Trenton defeated Oak Hall 6–3. On Saturday afternoon Newberry defeated Dixie County 11-1. Trenton begins its regular season on the road against the Hawthorne Hornets on Tuesday night. On Friday night the Tigers travel to Cross City to take on the Dixie Bears. First pitch in these games will get underway at 7 pm. Come out and support the Tigers.
By John M. Ayers
The Bell Bulldogs traveled to Hawthorne Friday night to take on the Hornets that are enroute to the Class 1B state playoffs. The Bulldogs challenged Hawthorne, scoring two times, but dropped to a 3-8 season mark as the Hornets took a 40-12 win.
Hawthorne jumped out to an early 14-0 lead in the first half. With 39 seconds remaining in the second period, Bell’s Bruce Thomas connected with Greyson Stewart for a touchdown. The Hornets held a 14-6 lead at intermission.
The Bulldogs were fired up in the third period as Bradley Denham rushed 5 yards for a touchdown. The Hornets scored three more times to take the win.
The Bulldogs on offense were limited to 145 yards as Thomas completed 7 of 14 passes with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Jeremy Zimmerman rushed for 73 yards on 22 carries. Bradley Denham led the defense with 6 total tackles, and Bradley Teckenbrock had 5 tackles in this game. The Bulldogs finished the regular season with a 3-8 record.
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By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers finished their regular season with a tremendous win over PK Yonge of Gainesville Friday night by a 24-21 margin. “What a huge win for our program,” expressed Coach Chris Baker. “I am so happy for our seniors; we were able to send them out winners on our home field Friday night,” Baker explained. “This was a great season for the Tigers. These seniors never quit even when faced with adversity of back to back 2-8 seasons. With this outstanding group, finishing 7-3 while playing in a very tough District 5 1A is awesome,” Baker added.
The Tigers were fired up from the opening kickoff as Brandon Stone took a 37-yard run for a touchdown in the opening period. Caleb Smith added the extra point kick. Smith also was on the receiving end of a 25-yard pass from freshman quarterback Stephen Smith that the senior receiver took to the end zone for a second Tiger score. Caleb again added the extra point kick as the host took a 14-0 lead into the second period. Breon Sims capped off a Tiger drive when he scored on a 1-yard run in the second period. Caleb Smith chipped in the extra point kick as the Tigers held a 21-0 lead into the locker room at intermission.
The second half turned into a different football game as PK Yonge scored two touchdowns. The first was on a pass from Fields to Hagin as Eskew added the extra point kick. Fields also connected with Devin Wilson on a 34-yard pass for a score, and the extra point kick cut the Tigers lead to 21-14 going in the final period. The Tigers drove deep into the Blue Wave territory and Caleb Smith kicked a 30-yard field goal to give Trenton a 24-14 lead. PK Yonge drove down and Billy Hardaway scored on a 1-yard run, and Eskew added the extra point kick to close the margin to 24-21. The Blue Wave recovered an on-side kick and moved within striking distance of a field goal attempt. With 4:00 minutes left in the game the Blue Wave missed a 40-yard field goal attempt. The Tigers went back on offense and picked up a couple of first downs and sealed the victory.
The Tigers on offense rushed for 196 yards as Tyler Brown had 60 yards on 10 carries and Brandon Stone picked up 53 yards on 9 runs. Stephen Smith completed 4 of 5 passes and a touchdown in this victory.
Corbyn Pugh again anchored Trenton’s defense as the senior linebacker had 10 total tackles. Breon Sims had 7 tackles and 2 assists and Chance Brooks had 8 total tackles in this game.
The Tigers finished their outstanding 7-3 season third in District 5 1A behind Hamilton County and The Villages.
By John M. Ayers
The Bell Bulldogs traveled to Branford Friday night to challenge the Bucs (6-3) coached by Bill Wiles and his staff. The Bucs proved to be more than the Bulldogs bargained for as Bell slipped to 3-7 with a 0-28 loss.
The Bucs’ K.C. Prevatt was the offense leader for the host as he rushed for 3 touchdowns in this game. Branford’s rushing leader credited his offensive line for making his offensive night so outstanding.
Bell’s Greyson Stewart was the Bulldogs’ bright spot in this game as he received 7 passes for 64 yards.
The Bulldogs will travel to Hawthorne Friday night to finish their regular season. This game is scheduled to kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
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By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers were stunned Friday night as the Hamilton County Trojans dealt the Tigers a loss that ended their state playoff hopes. The host defeated the Tigers 42-0 to remain in the top slot of District 5 in Class 1A.
“Hamilton County really came to play Friday night; they are a great team and no doubt the best team in District 5-1A. My hat is off to Coach Mike Pittman and his staff. They have done a great job with this team and they may make some noise in the Class 1A state playoffs,” explained Trenton head coach Chris Baker.
Trenton was never able to get on track Friday night. “I was very disappointed in the team effort Friday night. We played very poorly and I feel like we just were not ready for the challenge,” Coach Baker explained. “I felt this was the first game this year that our team did not show the heart and determination that we have all season; hopefully we can learn from this loss, have a great week of practice and get ready for P. K. Yonge Friday night.
The Tigers allowed the Trojans to score in the first period and with a 2 point conversion took an 8-0 lead by the beginning of the second period. Hamilton County turned it on in the second quarter scoring 20 points to take a 28-0 lead at intermission. The host scored 8 points in the third period and a touchdown in the final period to take the 42-0 victory and the District crown.
The Tigers’ Stephen Smith completed 3 of 9 passes for 40 yards and 1 interception. Senior running back Tyler Brown rushed for 87 yards on 15 carries, and teammate Brandon Stone had 15 carries for 82 yards respectively. Senior linebacker Corbyn Pugh with 8 total tackles led the Tigers’ defense. Teammates Caleb Smith, T.J. Calkins, and Chance Brooks contributed with 5 tackles each for the Tigers.
Trenton will host P.K. Yonge Friday night in what will be the final football game of the season for the Tigers. “This Friday will be a very big night in Trenton. It will be Senior Night, where we will honor a tremendous group of guys that have really lifted Trenton football up this season. On top of that, we will be honoring two other groups that evening. Trenton Elementary School students will be honored at the game by forming at the pregame tunnel for our players to run through. Along with that we will be having the Gilchrist County Suwannee Valley League teams leading our Tigers onto the field one last time this year. I am making a call to all Tiger fans to fill the stadium Friday night and let’s send the Tiger football team out in style,” explained Coach Baker.
By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers took a giant leap toward the state playoffs Friday as they defeated Wildwood 55-48 to move into a tight race for the District 5 1A playoff spots. “This was one of the wildest games that I have ever been a part of as a coach,” explained Trenton head coach Chris Baker. “What a great game; we did not play our best at all times, but we did play with super effort,” he explained. “I am so proud of our guys,” he added.
This exciting District 5 1A battle had a total of 8 lead changes as Wildwood held a 2-point edge at half time before the Tigers out scored the host in the fourth quarter to take the 7-point victory. Brandon Stone eclipsed 1000 yards rushing as he had 16 carries for 213 yards with 5 touchdowns. Stephen Smith completed 10 of 16 passes for 2 touchdowns to Caleb Smith. Smith also ran a third score for the Tigers in this district victory. Senior running back Corbyn Pugh pulled in a Smith pass for a 2-point conversion in this challenging win.
Corbyn Pugh led the Tigers’ defense as the senior linebacker recorded 17 total tackles, and sophomore teammates Breon Sims knocked down 14 total tackles and Hunter Parrish had 10 total tackles with 2 sacks and caused 1 fumble respectively.
The Tigers will now take on Hamilton County in Jasper Friday night. The Tigers must have a victory Friday night to keep their playoffs alive. “We need all our Tiger fans to come out and support these Tigers Friday night on the road,” explained Coach Baker. The Tigers’ challenge against the top ranked Trojans will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Come out and support your Trenton Tigers.
By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers were faced with the biggest game of their season Friday night as they welcomed The Villages to Homecoming 2010. The Tigers played hard but fell just short as the Buffaloes won the District 5 1-A battle 45-21 to remain at the top of the district.
“The Villages are a great football team; they really got the job done in the fourth quarter Friday night,” explained Trenton Head Coach Chris Baker. “The Tigers and the Buffaloes were tied 21-21 with 4 minutes left in the third quarter, and I felt we were in a great position to win this game,” Baker explained. “We just made too many turnovers and penalties late, and you can’t win against a good team when you do that,” he added.
Trenton’s Caleb Smith led the Tigers with two touchdowns and one extra point conversion as he received 4 passes for 104 yards. Cedric Stokes rushed for 87 yards on 6 carries and a touchdown and a 2-point conversion. Quarterback Stephen Smith completed 7 of 12 passes for 131 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Brandon Stone rushed for 60 yards on 12 carries in this game.
Breon Sims led the Tigers’ defense with 11 total tackles and T.J. Calkins with 6 solo tackles and 3 assists.
“Now we must work hard this week to prepare for a strong Wildwood team that is striving to make the state playoffs. For this Friday’s game, Trenton travels to Wildwood to compete in a playoff elimination game. “Our staff is working hard this week to make sure we are not hurt by the same mistakes we were last week. Thanks to all of the Tiger fans that came out to support the Tigers Friday night at Homecoming. We hope to see you in Wildwood Friday night,” Baker added.
By John M. Ayers
The Bell Bulldogs appeared to have the win within their grasp Friday night on the road in St. Petersburg, but Northside Christian scored with :44 seconds remaining in the game to steal the victory.
Northside Christian took the lead in the first period when Jimmy Vandeilen scored on a 14-yard run. Jeremy Smith added an extra point kick for a 7-0 edge. The Bulldogs closed the margin to within 1 point in the second period when Jered Boyette caught a 22-yard pass from Garth Frier before he dashed into the end zone with :43 seconds remaining in the first half. Bells’ 2-point conversion attempt was stopped short of the end zone. Northside Christian held a 7-6 lead at half time.
In the fourth period Bell took the lead 12-7 when Garth Frier slipped into the end zone on a 6-yard run. As the game was winding down, Northside’s Jimmy Vandeilen scored on a 5-yard run to steal the victory.
Bell’s Garth Frier set the pace for the Bulldogs as he ran for 107 yards on 25 carries and completed 4 of 7 passes for 46 yards and 1 touchdown.
The Bulldogs’ defense was also led by Frier as he had 16 total tackles in this game, and teammate Jeremy Zimmerman had 8 total tackles from his defensive back position.
The Bulldogs will have the week off Friday night as they prepare for the Bucs on Friday, November 5, in Branford.
By John M. Ayers
A once again healthy Trenton Tigers football team stepped closer to postseason play Friday night as they defeated Hilliard 48-0 in District 5-1A. “I am really proud of our team this week. After an off week, the Tigers came to play this week as they played one of their best games of the season,” explained Trenton head coach Chris Baker.” “Our guys practiced hard last week and their effort showed tonight,” Baker added.
The Tigers completely dominated the Flashes in this game as they rolled to 404 total yards. Tyler Brown rushed for 3 scores as he recorded 53 yards on 7 carries. Brandon Stone scored 2 touchdowns on 115 yards on 13 carries.
The Tigers’ offense got things going early as Tyler Brown scored on runs of 2 and 21 yards in the first period. Caleb Smith made the extra point kicks as Trenton took a 14-0 lead into the second period. Brown opened the second period with a 4-yard touchdown run, and Smith added the extra point kick as the Tigers held a 21-0 lead midway through the first half. Brandon Stone dashed 24 yards for a Tiger touchdown, and Smith’s extra point kick gave the Tigers a 28-0 edge at intermission.
In the third quarter Brandon Stone picked right up where he left off in the first half as he ran 15 yards for a Trenton touchdown. Caleb Smith remained perfect on his extra point kicks as the Tigers increased their lead to 35-0. Senior running back Corbyn Pugh helped the Tigers put the game out of reach when he dashed 41 yards for a touchdown. In the closing minutes of the third period Jonathan Smith ran 3 yards for the Tigers and Smith added the extra point kick for the 48-0 victory.
The Tigers’ defense limited the Flashes to 60 total yards of offense. Corbyn Pugh from his linebacker spot posted a combined 3 solo and 9 assist for 12 total tackles. Hunter Parrish, Colton Duquette, and Chance Brooks each combined for 9 total tackles in this game. Parrish also recorded 2 fumble recoveries and a sack for a 7-yard loss in this game. Senior cornerback Caleb Smith intercepted a Flashes pass and returned it 37 yards for the Tigers.
Trenton will now take their respectable 5-1 record into district play as they host The Villages Friday in Homecoming 2010. The Tigers have returned some injured starters as they are healthy again as they head into the toughest segment of their 2010 regular season. Coach Baker urges all Tiger fans to come out to Homecoming Friday night to cheer on the Tigers against the Villages. The Buffaloes are 6-0 regular season and presently atop of District 5-1A. “This is the biggest game we have played this year and we need a packed house to cheer on our Tigers,” Coach Baker stated. The Tigers want their fans to help rock the Jungle Friday night in their effort to knockoff the Buffalos from atop the District pole. This game is scheduled to kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
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The Bell Bulldogs were unable to score the go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth period to defeat visiting Bishop Snyder 10-14.
The Bulldogs will travel to St Petersburg on October 22 to take on the Mustangs. This game is scheduled to kickoff at 7 p.m.
By John M. Ayers
The Bell Bulldogs outplayed St. Joseph Academy of St Augustine in overtime to take a 29-21 victory in homecoming 2010. The Flashes held an 8-7 edge at halftime, but the Bulldogs outscored the St Augustine private school in the second half and in the single overtime to seal the win.
Bell’s Bradley Denham connected with James Oslager on a 10-yard pass for the first score in this game. Garth Frier added the extra point kick for the hosts’ 7-0 lead. With 4:02 remaining in the first half, St. Joe’s Jonathan Jenkins scored on a 4-yard touchdown run. Shane Derrico went through the Bulldogs’ defense on a short run for the Flashes’ two-point conversion and an 8-7 lead.
The Bell Bulldog fans were filled with the excitement of homecoming 2010. In the third period the two teams struggled before scoring in the closing minutes of the period. Bell’s Jeremy Zimmerman scored on a 5 yard run with 3:31 remaining as the host took a 13-8 lead. The Flashes were not to be denied as they capitalized on their offensive opportunity with a 75-yard kick return for a touchdown and Derrico added the PAT kick as they went back in front 15-13.The Bulldogs were eager in the fourth period as Bradley Denham connected with Greyson Stewart on a 3-yard pass for a touchdown. Denham connected with James Oslager on the 2-point conversion for the Bulldog 21-15 lead. With 45 seconds remaining in the fourth period, the Flashes’ Blake Benedict tied the game on a 5-yard touchdown run. This game went into overtime when the Bulldogs blocked the extra point attempt.
Bell was not to be denied as Denham connected with Oslager on a 4-yard touchdown pass to ice this game. Jeremy Zimmerman capped off a 102 rushing performance on the 2-point conversion run as Bell took the 29-21 victory.
The Bulldogs 3-4 will host Bishop Snyder Friday at 7p.m. Come out and support Bell High School in this game.
The Bell Bulldogs traveled to Jacksonville Friday night and suffered a 42-7 loss at the hands of state ranked Providence High School. The Bulldogs played well but were unable to slow this high-spirited Providence team.
The Bulldogs will host St. Joe Academy of Jacksonville Friday night in homecoming with the kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. Come out and support the Bulldogs and enjoy the Homecoming festivities.
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By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers and Chiefland Indians played a tough District 5-1A game Friday night in CHS’ Pridgeon Stadium. The two teams battled through three quarters before the Tigers took control in the final period to defeat the Indians 41-20.
“This was a great win for our team,” explained Trenton head coach Chris Baker. “Our Tigers really bounced back from a tough week to get a big victory over an improved Chiefland squad,” Baker added. “We are now back in the hunt for the District 5-1A championship. It was great for our program to get its first district win in two years,” he added.
The Indians led by Jamantye Thompson, who rushed for 230 yards on 24 carries scoring 3 touchdowns. The senior running back kept the Indians in this ballgame as he ran for 127 yards in the first half. Thompson drew first blood as he ran 44 yards for the touchdown. Pope added the extra point kick. On the following Tiger possession Brandon Stone returned a kickoff 88 yards to answer the Indians’ first threat. Caleb Smith kicked the extra point to tie this game at 7-7 by the end of the first period.
Thompson energized the Indians’ offense in the second period when he orchestrated another big 53 yard run for an Indian touchdown. Pope added the extra point kick as the host took a 14-7 edge. Trenton’s senior fullback Tyler Brown capped a Tiger offensive drive on a 3-yard touchdown run, and Smith kicked the extra point as the Tigers tied the score at 14 just before intermission.
Trenton’s Brandon Stone got the Tigers into the end zone in the third period on a 48-yard big play, which gave them their first lead in this game. Caleb Smith remained solid as a rock as the senior kicker added the extra point for a 21-14 lead. Thompson again brought the Indians to within a point 21-20 of the Tigers when he slipped through the Tigers’ defense on a 22-yard run for a touchdown.
When the fourth period began, Tyler Brown worked his way behind the Tigers’ offensive line through the Indians, 53 yards for a touchdown. Smith’s extra point kick gave the Tigers the momentum to begin putting this game on ice. Trenton’s Corbyn Pugh pulled in an Indian pass to set another touchdown by Brown. Smith added the extra point kick as Trenton squeezed a 34-20 lead. The Tigers’ defense had turned the Indians away and Trenton got the ball back again in the closing minutes of the final period. Stephen Smith connected with his target receiver, Brock Stone, on a 9-yard pass as the senior receiver dashed his way into the end zone for a score. Smith kicked his sixth straight extra point to seal the Tigers’ 42-20 win over the Indians.
The Tigers will have a week off Friday night as they rest three injured offensive linemen. Trenton will be back in action October 15 in a District game against Hilliard in Trenton.
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Submitted
The Lady Bulldogs middle school and junior varsity teams held an invitational volleyball tournament on October 1 and 2. The middle school teams ended up winning 3rd place overall in the tournament. Junior varsity got 2nd place. Thanks for all of our bulldog fans that came out and supported our girls and a special thanks to our awesome coaches. Go Dawgs!
By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers struggled in the first period Friday night as Dixie County scored early and often as they outlasted the Tigers 34-28. The Tigers outscored the visiting Bears 21-7 in the second half but time ran out as the Tigers suffered their first district loss to one of the top teams in the tough District 5-1A.
“Dixie County played a really good game against us, and jumped out on us early,” explained Trenton head coach Chris Baker. I felt like our team was a little out of sorts early on. We made some mistakes that added to our problems and the Bears took advantage of this, Baker added. “I was so proud of our guys for fighting back in the second half. We never quit, and I think we learned a lot about ourselves this week as a team,” Baker added. Hats off to Dixie County; they have a great team and this was a fantastic football game.
For the Dixie County Bears it was a Michael West’s show as the Bears’ leading running back scored four of the visitors’ five touchdowns enroute to their first district win. The senior running back began the scoring on a 77-yard break away run in the opening of the first period. The Bears offense was centered around West’s 242 yards on 28 carries. Dixie County’s Duke Dawson returned a punt 54 yards for a touchdown to increase the Bears’ lead to 13-0 at the end of the first period.
Trenton’s Stephen Smith got the Tigers on track in the second period when he scored on a 78 yard run. Caleb Smith added the PAT to close the Bears lead to 13-7. Dixie County would score two more times before halftime to take a 27-7 lead at intermission.
Trenton’s Caleb Smith capped a Tiger drive in the third period on a 5-yard touchdown run. The Tigers’ defense forced a Bears’ punt return out of the back of the end zone as Trenton picked up a safety in the closing minutes of the third period. The Tigers held the momentum entering the fourth period as they had closed on the Bears’ lead to 27-15. Caleb Smith scored for the Tigers in the opening minutes of the fourth period to close the Dixie lead to 27-21. Dixie’s Michael West came right back as he scored on a 7-yard run, and a Cassidy kick gave the visitors a 34-21 edge. As the fans were finally drying out due to the wet rainy conditions, Stephen Smith slipped into the end zone on a 4-yard run and Caleb Smith added the PAT to make this game even more interesting. With the score 34-28 the Tigers were once again trying to get the ball back when the time ran out.
Trenton quarterback Stephen Smith led the Tigers’ rushing attack with 120 yards on 5 carries and completed 5 of 8 passes for 69 yards. The Tigers’ defensive leaders are Corbyn Pugh with 15 total tackles and Breon Sims with 13 total tackles.
“The Tigers must really work hard this week as Chiefland is going to be another tough test for our guys Friday night. They are much better than their record indicates. The schedule that the Indians have played has been super tough. They will be fired up and ready to get a win. We must keep on improving, but I feel like our boys are up to the challenge. Thanks to all the Tigers’ fans that have been cheering us on all season and be sure to join us in Chiefland Friday night,” Coach Baker explained. The Indians and the Tigers are set to kickoff this District 5-1A battle at 7:30 p.m. Come out and support your team.
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The Bell Bulldogs got back on the winning track Friday night as they defeated Bronson on the road 18-8.
The two teams struggled with each other in the first period before the Eagles scored in middle of the second quarter. Matt Olivienio capped an Eagles’ drive with an 11-yard touchdown run. Quenton Bell tossed a pass to Ben Laden in the end zone for a 2-point conversion for the Eagles 8-0 lead.
In the third period Bell’s Abdul Mkuu ran 24 yards for the Bulldogs’ first score. The third period ended as Bronson held on to a slim 8-6 lead. The Bulldogs waited until the final period to take charge of this game as Bradley Denham connected with Greyson Stewart on a 13-yard touchdown pass as Bell took the lead 12-8 for good. With 1:09 remaining in this game, Garth Frier dashed 21-yards for the Bulldogs’ final score and the Bell victory 18-8.
The Bulldogs’ Abdul Mkuu led the Bulldogs with 75 yards rushing on 10 carries. Bradley Denham completed 3 of 11 passes for 60 yards and 1 touchdown and 1 interception.
Garth Frier led the Bulldogs’ defense with 25 tackles, Bradley Teckenbrock had 22 tackles, and James Oslager had 17 tackles respectively in the victory for the Bulldogs.
Bell will travel to Jacksonville October 1 to take on Providence. This game is set to kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
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The Bell Lady Bulldogs traveled to Chiefland September 20 to take on the varsity and junior varsity Lady Indians.
Bell JV played tough as the Lady Indians took the first game 17-25. The Lady Bulldogs came back to take charge and win the second game 25-18 forcing the third and final game. The Lady Indians pulled out a 6-15 victory to win the JV match.
The Lady Bulldogs had outstanding play from their entire team and individual honors with Best Set/Assists and Most Blocks was Quitney Kincaid. Shelbie Hutto was credited with Most Kills and Most Digs and Kelsey Cox had the most serving aces in this match.
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In the varsity match the Lady Indians outlasted the Lady Bulldogs to win 3 games. In the first game the Lady Indians took control and won 25-15. The second game turned into a tight, action packed match as the Lady Indians outlasted Bell to take a 25-23 victory. Chiefland also held the upper hand in the third and final game as they took a 25-14 victory to win the match. The Lady Bulldogs had outstanding play from Jennie Smith as she had Most Aces and attempts. Presley Sanders had the most Sets/Assists, and Jessie Sanders had the most digs in this match. Erin Tipton and Felicia Thomas had outstanding efforts as they led the team with most blocks in this match.
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The Bell JV and Varsity Volleyball teams traveled to Trenton September 21 to play one of the most exciting rivalries on their regular schedule as they take on the Lady Tiger teams.
The JV match was exciting as Trenton defeated the Lady Bulldogs 25-11 in the first game. The second game went into extended play as the two teams battled repeatedly until the Lady Tigers earned a 28-26 victory. The Lady Bulldogs had outstanding efforts from Rachel Thomas with most Sets/Assists. Laura Hankins and Kelsey Cox led the young Bulldogs with the most digs in this match and Hankins was the team leader with the most aces for the Lady Bulldogs.
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The varsity volleyball games are always exciting for the fans as these two Gilchrist County schools are very competitive on the court. This first game is just one example as the Lady Bulldogs exchanged serves continually with their opponents this entire game. The Lady Tigers earned a 26-24 win in the first game. Trenton also defeated Bell 25-17 and 25-13 in games two and three.
The Lady Bulldogs played well as Jessie Sanders led the team in digs, and Jennie Smith had the most aces and Reilee Moore had the most kills in this match for the Lady Bulldogs.
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The Bell Lady Bulldogs volleyball teams played host to the Chiefland Lady Indians September 23.
The junior varsity match was hard fought in both games but the Lady Indians escaped with wins of 17-25 in both contests. The Lady Bulldogs were led by Quitney Kincaid with most Sets/Assists and most blocks. Shelbie Hutto led the Lady Bulldogs with most kills and digs and Kelsey Cox led the team with the most aces from serves in this match.
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The varsity match was very exciting as the Lady Bulldogs went into bonus points before Chiefland won a 26-28 hard fought game. The Lady Bulldogs played hard in the second game and they defeated Chiefland 25-23. Chiefland held on in the two final games to take wins of 8-25 and 23-25.
The Lady Bulldogs were led by outstanding play from Jessie Sanders with most digs and aces in the four game match. Preslee Sanders had the most sets for Bell, and Reilee Moore had the most kills in the four games. Erin Tipton and Felicia Thomas led the Lady Bulldogs with the most blocks in the match.
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The Bulldogs came up short in the match, which went to four sets.
In set one, the Bulldogs lost 14 to 25, followed by a 14 to 25 loss in the second set. The Bulldogs came back in set three and pulled off a 25 to 20 win. However, the Lady Hornets proved too strong in the fourth match, defeating the Bulldogs 22 to 25. The Lady Bulldogs faced a second tough loss last week when they took on P.K. Yonge at home Thursday, Sept. 16. The Bulldogs were defeated 1 to 25 in the first set, 11 to 25 in the second set and 12 to 25 in the third set. The Lady Bulldogs will take on Chiefland at home on Thursday, Sept. 23 at 6:30 p.m.
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The JV Bulldogs defeated the visiting Sharks by winning the second and third matches of a hard fought set.
The scores were 17 to 25 in the first match, 25 to 22 in the second match and 15 to 10 in the third match.
Earlier in the week, the JV team was defeated by Mayo. The scores from that game were 12 to 25 in the first match, 25 to 23 in the second match and 10 to 15 in the third match.
The JV Bulldogs next home game will be against Chiefland on Thursday, Sept. 23 beginning at 5 p.m.
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By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers and the Bell Bulldogs played a hard fought, tough football game Friday night as Trenton outlasted the Bulldogs 47-6.
“We got off to a slow start in this game, but credit Bell for that; they had a great game plan against us early in this game,” reported Trenton head coach Chris Baker.
“Coach Harden is a good coach and he always has his guys ready for this Bell vs Trenton rivalry,” explained Baker.
The two teams battled in the first period as neither offense was able to post a score.
The second period got off to some offensive excitement as the Tigers’ Corbyn Pugh ran 14 yards for the first touchdown of the game. Bells’ Bradley Durham connected with Bruce Thomas on an 11-yard pass to tie the game at 6-6 with 3:34 remaining in the first half. Trenton’s Brandon Stone put the Tigers ahead for good when he rushed into the end zone from 6 yards out. Caleb Smith kicked a PAT to allow the Tigers to hold a 13-6 edge at intermission.
The Trenton coaching staff made some adjustments to the Tigers’ game plan during halftime and the team executed the new plan well in the second half.
Trenton’s No. 20, Brandon Stone took a handoff from Smith and quickly ran 36 yards for a touchdown. Smith kicked the extra point as 10:02 remained in the third period. Trenton senior running back Caleb Smith got a pitch from quarterback Jonathan Smith as he rushed 20 yards for another Tiger touchdown and he also added the extra point kick as the Tigers took a 27-6 lead. Smith completed the third quarter when he ran 14 yards for another touchdown. The senior kicker added the extra point as Trenton closed out the third period with a 33-6 lead.
As the fourth period got underway, Jonathan Smith connected to Caleb Smith on a 25-yard pass for a touchdown. Senior running back Corbyn Pugh closed out the Tigers’ scoring as he opened the Bulldogs’ defense going 13 yards for the touchdown.
“I am really happy to come into Bell and come away with a victory. This is such a great rivalry, every time we line up against the Bulldogs,” Baker explained.
The Tigers’ defense limited the Bulldogs to 209 total yards.
Trenton’s defense had a stingy group of defenders which featured Caleb Smith who had 12 solo tackles and 1 assist; Corbyn Pugh had 6 solo tackles and 4 assists; Colton Duquette had 6 solo tackles and 5 assists and Hunter Parrish recorded 11 total tackles, 1 sack for an 8-yard loss from his linebacker position. Breon Sims had 1 fumble recovery and 1 pass interception that he returned for 11 yards. Jonathan Smith also had 1 interception that he returned for 22 yards.
The Tigers forced 3 Bulldog fumbles and two of those became turnovers.
Trenton’s offense also put up impressive numbers in this game as Brandon Stone rushed for 175 yards on 16 carries and teammate Tyler Brown rushed for 109 yards on 15 carries. Stephen Smith completed 2 of 5 passes with 1 touchdown and 1 interception.
The Tigers are expected to put in a tough week of work as they prepare for the District matchup with Dixie County Friday night in Trenton.
“We expect Dixie County to come into this game fired up, and we will have to be able to match their intensity,” explained Coach Baker.
“The Bears are the favorites to win our district, and I know Coach Wilkerson will bring a tough squad into Trenton Friday night,” Baker said.
By John M. Ayers
The Bell Bulldogs had little problem defeating Jacksonville Cedar Creek Christian Friday night 48-7.
Bell’s Jeremy Zimmerman capped the opening drive of the first period on a 2-yard run for a touchdown. The junior running back opened the second period with a 21-yard run for a second touchdown. The Bulldogs held a 12-0 lead when Jackson returned a Bell kickoff 80 yard for a touchdown. The Crusaders’ Armstrong kicked a PAT to cut the Bulldogs’ lead 12-7. Bells’ Greyson Stewart was on the receiving end of a 5 yard pass from Bradley Denham for a touchdown. Garth Frier added the PAT kick as the Bulldogs added to their lead 19-7. Zimmerman and the Bulldogs would go to the end zone one last time in the first half as the junior running back lashed through the Crusaders’ defense 21 yards for the score. The touchdown was exciting for the Bulldogs and their fans as they held a 31-7 lead at intermission.
In the second half the Bulldogs defense kept the visitors from getting near the end zone as they scored 17 points to cruise to the victory. Zimmerman dashed 42 yards for a Bulldog touchdown before Frier added the PAT. Frier came right back and kicked a 20 yard field goal to give the host a 41-7 lead going into the final period. Bell’s Abdul Mkuu made quick work of the Crusaders’ defense as he picked up good blocking on his way to a 59 yard touchdown run. James Oslager added the PAT as the Bulldogs took the 48-7 victory.
Bells’ Jeremy Zimmerman set the pace for the Bulldogs as he rushed for 141 yards on 9 carries. The Bulldogs’ defense was led by a three man tandem of Oslager, Mkuu and Stewart as they recorded 3 solo tackles each. Mkuu, Jones, and Downs each recorded sacks in this game.
The Bulldogs will host the Tigers Friday night. Trenton comes into this game undefeated with a 3-0 record. The Bell vs Trenton football game is always a tough, hard fought game to the bitter end. Come out and support your team.
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By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers improved their winning record to 3-0 Friday night as they defeated Branford 49-7 in the Buccaneers’ stadium. “We played a very good Branford team tonight,” explained Trenton Head Coach Chris Baker. “I am really happy to come out of this game with a win. Coach Bill Wiles and Branford have been one of the better small school football programs over the last few seasons, so any time you come out of there with a win is good,’ Baker added. Coach Baker thanks the Tiger fans for making the trip to Branford Friday night to support their Tigers.
The Tigers wasted no time as they jumped out to an early lead when Brandon Stone dashed 45 yards for a score and Caleb Smith added the extra point kick for the 7-0 lead. Trenton’s Tyler Brown quickly added to the Tigers’ lead when he ran 12 yards for a touchdown.
Branford’s Stebbins busted open and dashed 60 yards for a Buccaneer score in the closing minutes of the first period, and Certain added the kick as the host cut the Tigers’ lead to 13-7.
Trenton’s Brandon Stone came right back in the second period as he ran 60 yards for a touchdown. The Tigers’ Corbyn Pugh gave the exciting visitors a 21-7 lead when he scored on a 2-point conversion.
In the third period Senior Caleb Smith received a pass from brother Stephen Smith and ran 21 yards for a touchdown. Smith also kicked the extra point to give the Tigers a 28-7 edge. Senior running back Corbyn Pugh ran 11 yards for a Tiger touchdown. The Tigers held a 34-7 lead going into the final period.
The fourth period opened as Stephen Smith connected with Brock Stone on a 15-yard pass for a touchdown. Caleb Smith kicked an extra point as the Tigers took a 42-7 lead. Senior running back Corbyn Pugh put the Bulldogs away when he ran 14 yards for the Tigers’ final touchdown. The Smith combination of Stephen to Caleb pass was complete for a 2-point conversion for the 49-7 victory.
The Tigers’ defense continued to keep their opponent in single digits as the Bucanneers had little success on offense. Trenton line backing group of Junior Breon Sims and Sophomore Breon Sims each recorded 10 solo tackles, and senior linebacker Corbyn Pugh had 15 total tackles in this game. Hunter Parrish, sophomore linebacker for the Tigers, had 14 total tackles in this game.
The Trenton coaches were pleased with the Tigers’ effort but Coach Baker stressed, “We must cut down on turnovers if we hope to have a chance against Bell this Friday night. The Bulldogs are a very physical team, and I think Coach Hardin does a great job of preparing his team,” Baker explained. “This Friday’s game will be a tough challenge for us. Bell looks good on film, and I expect them to be fired up Friday night. We will have to play hard and hope for the best,” Coach Baker added.
The Bulldogs defeated a 2-0 Jacksonville Cedar Creek Christian Crusaders team Friday night 49-0. The annual county rivalry between the Bulldogs and the Tigers will be a shootout Friday night. A big crowd is expected to be on hand for the 7:30 p.m. kickoff. Come out and support your team.
By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers’ defense displayed a winning mentality Friday night as they stopped the visiting Newberry Panthers 9-7 in the 2010 Kickoff Classic. “We played very well,” explained Trenton Head Coach Chris Baker. I’m very happy for our kids; it was an exciting win for the Tigers, and the fans really helped pull us through,” he added. Coach Baker issues a big thank you to the Tiger Fans for coming out to see their Tigers Friday night in the Kickoff Classic.
The Tigers’ defense scored first as defense end, Tallon Reed caught a Panther running back in the end zone for a safety in the first quarter. The Tigers’ defense limited the Panthers’ Chris Gillyard to 82 yards on 12 carries. Trenton’s sophomore defensive back Cedric Stokes rushed to the football when a Panther ball carrier fumbled in the second half. Trenton’s Caleb Smith kicked the extra point as the home team took a 9-0 lead.
In the second half the Panthers’ sophomore running back, Trace Stankunas, slipped into the end zone on a 2-yard touchdown run. Troy Fowler cut the Tigers’ lead to 2-points before the third quarter ended. The Panthers picked up 100 yards on 18 carries as the football slipped out and onto the grass in the rainy conditions on three separate occasions. Newberry was 0-4 in completing passes in their first outing of the season.
Trenton gave the fans a sneak peak of what to expect to see from the Tigers in the 2010 season. Senior running back Tyler Brown rushed for 61 yards on 15 carries. Junior running back Brandon Stone picked up an average of 4.3 yards per carry on 9 runs. Cedric Stokes also took his turn rushing for the Tigers as he dashed for 44 yards on 9 carries. The Tigers went 0-3 in completing passes.
The Trenton Junior Varsity played the J.V. Panthers in the fourth quarter of this game. The Panthers outlasted the young Tigers in taking a 6-0 victory.
The Tigers invite everyone to their 2010 regular season opener Friday night as they host the Bronson Eagles. Trenton High School is requesting Trenton fans to wear black to this game and support your proud Trenton Tigers.
This game will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. The Bronson Eagles began their 2010 football campaign as they played Oak Hall of Gainesville. The Eagles were on the short end of a 48-12 Oak Hall victory.
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By John M. Ayers
The Hawthorne Hornets, under a new head coach showed how they are still on top of the area small school football powers as they defeated Bell 24-0 Friday night in the Bell Kickoff Classic.
The Hornets began the scoring in the first period on a 60-yard breakaway run by quarterback Pittman. In the second period Pittman completed a pass to Gardner for a touchdown. The Hornets held a 12-0 lead at intermission.
In the fourth period Pittman completed a 19-yard pass to Singleton for a score and a 25-yard pass to Mann for the final touchdown of the game.
The Bell Bulldogs will open their 2010 regular season Friday night as they welcome the Oak Hall Eagles. The Eagles defeated Bronson Friday night in a Fall Jamboree. The Bulldogs’ season opener will kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
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By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers had it their way Thursday night, as they were guest of the St. Frances Catholic High School in Gainesville. “We kind of pushed them around the way we wanted to,” explained Chris Baker, third year head coach for the Trenton Tigers. The Tigers kept the Wolves scoreless 45-0 as they displayed a host of talent enroute to 437 yards of offense.
Trenton took control early as they scored twice in the first quarter as Jonathan Smith pulled in a pass from quarterback Stephen Smith on a 60-yard touchdown. Kolten Mims dashed 8 yards for a touchdown to give the visitors a 14-0 lead going into the second period. The Tigers’ defense stayed busy as they limited the Wolves to 21 yards rushing and 115 yards passing in this game.
Trenton in the second half turned up the power scoring 25 unanswered points in the third quarter. Senior Corbyn Pugh got things rolling for Trenton as he scored on an 11-yard run. Junior Brandon Stone put the Tigers in the end zone again on a 6-yard run. Jonathan Smith kept the Tigers momentum rolling as he scored on a 12 yard run increasing the lead to 33-0 in the closing minutes of the third quarter. Freshman Breon Sims picked off a Wolves’ pass and returned it 39-yards for a touchdown. Sims in the fourth quarter picked off another Wolves pass and returned this one 3 yards for a touchdown to give the Tigers a 45-0 victory.
The Tigers were strong as five players scored on offense as young starters made their mark for the 2010 season.
Trenton will conclude their spring drills on Thursday in an orange and black game beginning at 7 p.m.
By Carrie A. Mizell
Samantha Williams’ senior year at Bell High School has been with a number of milestones. Not only did the shortstop for the Lady Bulldogs finally break a .500 batting average, but just last week she signed a softball scholarship to play at Hillsborough Community College.
The Tampa native said that playing softball for the Lady Hawks will be like going home.
“I have lots of family that live in Tampa,” Samantha said.
The daughter of Jeff and Lisa Williams, Samantha moved with her family to Bell when she was just 8 years old. Though Samantha refers to moving to Gilchrist County as a huge culture shock, her mother, Lisa, thought it would be best for the Williams children to grow up in a small, rural community.
Samantha brought her talent for playing softball, which was first discovered while she was playing little league in Tampa, with her to Bell. It wasn’t long before the seventh grader at Bell Middle School was moving up to play on the varsity softball team. Samantha’s skill at playing different positions effectively made her a standout utility player.
Samantha can truly say that she plays softball for the sheer love of the game.
“It’s a very happy place,” Samantha said. “It’s a stress free zone for me…that is until I mess up!”
Her best season for the Lady Bulldogs came during her sophomore year. Overall, Samantha said she has hit eight home runs while in high school and maintained solid stats in fielding, stolen bases and batting.
In the future, Samantha said she would like to attend the University of South Florida after completing two years at Hillsborough Community College. She hopes to major in Criminal Justice.
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Shelby Leigh Grafton has signed a soccer and academic scholarship to Southeastern University in Lakeland. She will be entering school in the fall of 2010.
Shelby is the granddaughter of Bill and Anne Philman Lawson and great granddaughter of the late Johnnie and Synthie Philman.
Coach Chuck Mehl was recently named by The Gainesville Sun as the “All Area Small School Coach of the Year.” He led the team to an 18-6 record, the most wins in a season in the school’s history.
Two of his players, John Bailey (16.7 points per game average) and James Thomas (18.4 points per game average) were both named to The Gainesville Sun’s “All Area Small School Second Team.”
Congrats to the three of you from your fans.
By Carrie A. Mizell
One can jump high and the other can throw a discus weighing just over four pounds. The exemplary track and field skills of both Brandon Stone and Bradley Teckenbrock were put to the test on Friday as the teenagers represented Gilchrist County at the State 1A Track Finals held in Winter Park.
An 11th grader at Bell High School, Bradley Teckenbrock, finished 11th in the discus competition. At the state finals, Bradley performed well on his three throws. Each throw was better than the one before it, with a personal high of 132’2”.
Brandon Stone was a little nervous about competing at his first state track meet, but that didn’t stop the Trenton High School 10th grader from finishing 11th in the high jump competition. To add to his anxiety, Brandon was the youngest athlete to qualify for the state high jump finals.
Bradley and Brandon hope to compete in the state track finals again in 2011.
Last week the Tigers were on the road for their last two regular season baseball games at Oak Hall and Perry. On Thursday the Tigers traveled to Gainesville to play the Eagles, an old rival from days past. Hunter Williams started on the mound for the Tigers and pitched the first two innings. Williams got the win and improved his record to 3-1. He walked three, struck out three and gave up no hits or runs. Kolton Mims followed and pitched the third and fourth innings. Mims struck out two, walked none, and gave up no hits or runs. Darren Skawienski followed Mims and pitched the fifth and sixth innings. Skawienski walked two and gave up a 3-run home run, but bounced back and struck out 5 to finish his outing. Offensively the Tigers pounded out 19 hits, 7 for extra bases. Clif Bryant was 5 for 5 on the day with three doubles, and Chance Brooks had a three-run home run to deep center field. Trey Smith had three hits including a double, Stephen Smith had two hits, Caleb Smith had two hits, Karson Gilbert had a double, Kolton Mims had a double, and Hunter Williams had two hits. The Tigers improved to 17-6 and traveled to Perry on Friday to play the Bulldogs. Perry competes in Class 3A District 2 against Madison County, Tallahassee Rickards, Florida High and East Gadsden High School. They are currently seeded third in their district. The Tigers got off to a slow start offensively and were not able to score any runs until the fifth inning when Hunter Parrish walked, Stephen Smith singled, Clif Bryant walked, Karson Gilbert singled, and Chance Brooks singled. The Tigers put four runs on the board that kept the score tied until the bottom of the 6th inning. Gilbert started on the mound for the Tigers and pitched the first and second inning, giving up one run off of two hits. Brooks followed and pitched the third inning, giving up three hits and one run. Trey Smith pitched the fourth and fifth innings giving up two hits and one run. At the end of six innings the score was tied 4-4. Caleb Smith pitched the sixth and seventh innings giving up no hits but one unearned run in the 6th to tie the game. With the score tied 4-4 in the top of the seventh Perry brought in their closer, Taylor Ratliff. Ratliff has signed with Jacksonville University to play short stop and outfield. He is hitting over .500 for the season and is rated as a top 100 prospect by some scouting agencies. The senior is projected to go in the top 10 rounds of the major league draft. Ratliff had been 3-3 against the Tigers with a double, triple and a home run before being intentionally walked in the sixth inning. Ratliff threw 88 mph off the mound and set down the first three batters he faced in the seventh inning. In the eighth inning Brooks led off with a walk. Kolton Mims laid down a sacrifice bunt with two strikes to move Brooks to second. With two outs Hunter Williams made contact and sent a grounder to the Perry second baseman. The ball was mishandled as Brooks rounded third and headed home. Brooks was safe on a bang-bang play at the plate and the Tigers went up 5-4. Caleb Smith returned to the mound in the bottom of the eighth to finish the Bulldogs off. The Tigers improved their record to 18-6. This week the district tournament will be played at Trenton. It starts on Monday and continues thru Friday. The Tigers have to win Tuesday night against Dixie County to play the winner of Chiefland/Bronson on Thursday night at 7:30. The District 5 2A Championship will be played Friday night at 7:30 at Tiger Field. Please come out and support your Tigers as they prepare themselves for post-season play.
By Todd Bryant
Last Thursday and Friday the Trenton Varsity baseball team played its last two regular season district games. On Thursday Trenton faced Bronson at Tiger Field and won 8-0. Senior pitcher Trey Smith started on the mound for the Tigers and pitched all seven innings, striking out 6, walking none, and giving up no runs. Offensively, Caleb Smith, Clif Bryant, Chance Brooks and Kolton Mims all had two hits each. Caleb, Kolton, Hunter Williams, and Jonathan Smith each had doubles to help the Tiger win. The Tigers improved their record to 16-5 overall, 12-3 in the district.
The next day, on Friday, the Chiefland Indians came to Tigertown to play for 2nd place in the district. The Indians had a 11-4 record and needed the win to force a coin flip for the 2nd place position in the district tournament. The Tigers started Kolton Mims on the mound and he was able to keep the Indians from scoring in the first two innings. Chance Brooks replaced Mims and pitched the third and fourth innings before Mims was brought back in to finish the fifth inning. Caleb Smith pitched the final two innings. The Indians were able to scratch out 8 hits but were walked 4 times and 2 batters were hit. The Tiger hitters were only able to get 4 hits off of Senior Indian pitcher Adam Burton. Burton issued 3 walks, all to Tiger catcher/pitcher Caleb Smith. The lone Tiger run came in the second inning when Mims singled with one out, stole 2nd, and scored on an infield hit by Hunter Parrish. The Tigers lost 3-1 and later finished in 3rd place in the district when Chiefland won the coin toss.
Trenton’s record is 16-6 overall, 12-4 in District 5 2A play. Trenton will travel to Oak Hall on Thursday and Perry-Taylor County on Friday to finish the regular season. The following week, April 26 - 30 Trenton will host the District 5 2A Tournament at Tiger Field.
The district teams finished the regular season as: 1st PK Yonge, 2nd Chiefland, 3rd Trenton, 4th Branford, 5th St. Francis Catholic, 6th Dixie County, 7th Bronson, 8th Hawthorne, and 9th Bell. District tournament play at Tiger Field will begin on Monday, April 26th with Chiefland vs Bronson at 4:30 and PK Yonge vs the winner of Hawthorne/Bell at 7:30. Bell will play at Hawthorne at 7 pm on Saturday, April 24th to determine which team gets to play PK Yonge in the tournament. On Tuesday, April 27th, St. Francis will play Branford at 4:30 pm and Trenton will play Dixie County at 7:30 pm. Winners in each of the contests will play at 4:30 and 7 pm on Thursday and the final game will be played on Friday at 7:30. Come out and enjoy some baseball and support the Tigers.
By Todd Bryant
Last Monday the Newberry Panthers came to Trenton to play the Tigers. The Panthers were seeking revenge for a loss earlier in the season. Trenton started Hunter Williams on the mound. Williams pitched five innings, striking out 4 and walking 6, giving up 8 runs on 5 hits, with only 2 of them earned. Darren Skawienski followed Williams and pitched the fifth and sixth innings, striking out 3 with 1 walk and 1 hit. Newberry’s freshman pitcher Dobbins shut down the Tigers offensively. Dobbins gave up only 3 hits and pitched the complete game. The final score was 8-1, Newberry. The Tigers record dropped to 12-5.
On Thursday the Tigers rebounded against Dixie County with an 11-1 district victory over the Bears. Kolton Mims started for the Tigers and pitched 3 innings. Mims struck out 4, walked 1, gave up 1 hit and 1 earned run. Chance Brooks pitched the fourth inning, striking out 2 and giving up 0 runs. Caleb Smith followed Brooks and pitched the fifth and final inning, striking out 1 and giving up 0 runs. Offensively the Tigers got back on track against the Bears, getting 11 hits in 5 innings. Caleb Smith, Karson Gilbert, Chance Brooks and Hunter Parrish each had two hits. Clif Bryant and Gilbert each had doubles and Brooks capped off a 4 RBI night with a long home run to center field. The Tigers improved to 13-5, 9-3 in district play.
Saturday night at Bell the Tigers and Bulldogs faced off for their final regular season game this year. The crowd was not as big as some past seasons but it was still a great night for baseball. Senior Trey Smith started on the mound for the Tigers. Smith pitched four innings for the Tigers, striking out 10 and giving up no runs. Senior pitcher Karson Gilbert followed Smith and pitched the fifth inning, striking out 2 and giving up no runs. The Tiger bats continued to stay hot as the Tigers pounded out 14 hits in 5 innings. Stephen Smith led all hitters with 3 hits. Clif Bryant and Gilbert each had two hits. Chance Brooks and Jonathan Rowe each had doubles. Hunter Parrish led all hitters with 4 RBI’s and Hunter Williams scored 3 times. The Tigers won the contest 17-0 and improved their record to 14-5, 10-3 in district play.
This week the Tigers will play their final three regular season district games, all at Trenton. Monday will be St. Francis, Thursday will be Bronson and Friday will be Chiefland. The Friday game against Chiefland could decide the 2nd and 3rd place finishes in the district. Also, Friday night will be Senior night at Trenton. The Tigers have two seniors this year that will be honored – Karson Gilbert and Trey Smith. Come out and see a ballgame.
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The THS cheerleading coaches recently received their Spirit Safety Certification from the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators. This course is a risk management course for all spirit coaches from youth to college and meets the requirement for NCAA cheer coaches who must be certified. FHSAA high school coaches are required to take this course in order for their teams to participate in state level competitions.
The high school cheer coaches in Gilchrist County are committed to the athletic development, leadership development, and safety of our cheerleaders. We are looking forward to another great year in 2010! Remember, try-outs at THS begin on April 28 with mandatory paperwork turn-in, and try-out clinics begin April 29 (for those whose paperwork is complete). There are information packets available for both Varsity and JV cheer candidates at the front office if you missed the meeting.
Trenton High School cheerleaders lead with pride.
Christine Smith
by Todd Bryant
The Trenton Tigers were on the road last Tuesday to play the number one team in the district, PK Yonge Blue Wave. The Tigers came into this game second in District 5-2A needing a win in order to have a chance at a first place seeding in the upcoming District Tournament.
PK Yonge proved to be just too much for the Tigers to handle. The Blue Wave hitters knocked out 9 hits and scored 9 runs. Trenton was able to get 8 hits but only able to score twice.
Defensively, Senior Trey Smith pitched 5 innings for the Tigers, striking out 9 and walking five, with 9 hits and 9 runs, 5 of them earned. Chance Brooks replaced Smith in the sixth inning and faced four hitters, striking out 2 and giving up no hits or runs.
Offensively Clif Bryant and Karson Gilbert had two hits each, with Bryant and Stephen Smith scoring the two runs. The final was 9-2 with Trenton falling to a 10-4 overall and 6-3 record in district play.
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The Hawthorne Hornets came to Trenton Friday night to play the Tigers under the lights. Trenton started freshman Kolton Mims on the mound. Mims pitched 4 innings, striking out 6 with one walk and two hits. Mims did not give up a run. In the fifth, freshman Hunter Williams relieved Mims. Williams was equally as impressive as Mims. Williams struck out 5, with two walks and only one hit. Williams did not give up a run either.
Offensively the Tigers were led by their eighth grade short stop, Steven Smith. Smith had four singles, stole two bases, scored a run and had an rbi. The Tigers beat the Hornets 4-0 with great defense, pitching, bunting, stealing and a few timely hits to improve their record to 11-4 overall and 7-3 in district play.
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The Tigers hosted the Branford Bucs Saturday night at Tiger Field. The Bucs had beaten the Tigers earlier in the year and the Tigers were out to defend their turf.
This game didn’t go so well for the Tigers in the first inning. Carson Gilbert started on the mound for Trenton and after a couple errors, a couple of walks and a hit the Tigers were in a 0-3 hole by the end of the top of the first inning.
The Tigers did bounce back with three singles and two walks of their own and scored 4 in the bottom half of the first. Chance Brooks relieved Gilbert and pitched the 2nd, 3rd and 4th innings, giving up 3 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 4 and giving up only one run. In the fifth inning Caleb Smith replaced Brooks and pitched the final three innings giving up no hits, 2 walks and no runs.
Offensively the Tigers had 11 hits on the night. Steven Smith had two hits and two rbi, Clif Bryant had two hits and scored three times, Karson Gilbert had 2 hits, 2 rbi, and scored 2 times, and Jonathan Smith had two hits and scored two runs.
The final score was 12-4 and the Tigers improved their record to 12-4 and 8-3 in District play. The Tigers remain in 2nd place in District 5-2A and will have the week of March 31st off. They will resume play on April 5th when they host Newberry at 7 pm at Tiger Field.
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The Trenton Tigers varsity baseball team hosted St. Pete Shorecrest Thursday night in their annual single game. This was a non-district game with St. Pete traveling on their spring break week to play a few games in North Florida.
Shorecrest started Mark Brakeman on the mound. Brakeman had a commanding fastball and threw all seven innings for Shorecrest. The Tigers were able to score one run in the third and had another chance in the sixth inning but were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. Brakeman scattered 4 hits, walked two and struck out 14. Trenton’s Karson Gilbert was on the mound for the Tigers and pitched 6 2/3 innings. He gave up six hits and walked three, but three errors cost the Tigers too many runs. The game was close through six innings with the Tigers trailing 3-1. St. Pete scored 4 in the seventh to win the game 7-1.
The Tigers overall record drops to 8-3.
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Trenton High School baseball teams welcomed the students and parents of the Suwannee Valley Leagues during the SVL night celebration at the Tiger baseball park. The players, dressed in their respective team uniforms, took the field as their favorite players from Bell and Trenton were introduced in pre game ceremonies. Lots of young ball players ran out onto the field to stand alongside their favorite Bulldog or Tiger player. Julie Thomas, President of SVL, took the mound in the opening ceremonies to throw out the first pitch.
The Trenton Tigers’ pitching staff was too much for the Bell hitters on Friday night. Senior Karson Gilbert started the game for Trenton, going 5 innings, striking out 7 and walking 2 while giving up no hits or runs. Chance Brooks pitched the 6th and 7th innings, walking one, striking out 5 and also giving up no hits or runs. Gilbert and Brooks teamed up for the no hitter. Offensively, Gilbert had two hits and two rbi’s and Caleb Smith stole 2 bases and scored 2 runs. The Tigers won 5-0 and improved to 8-1 overall this season and 5-1 in the District 5 2A.
The Tigers traveled to Branford on Saturday to play the Bucs. Trenton jumped out to an early lead in the first inning when Clif Bryant singled in Stephen and Caleb Smith, and Chance Brooks later scored Bryant. At the end of the top half of the first inning the score was 3-0, Tigers. However, in the bottom of the first the Bucs scored 4 runs, then one more in the second, and three more in the third inning. Trey Smith pitched the first three innings for the Tigers, giving up 8 hits and one walk. The Tigers made 5 errors behind Smith. In the fourth inning Caleb Smith went on the mound for the Tigers and pitched the final four innings of the game. Caleb scattered four hits and struck out 2 but gave up no walks or hits. The Tigers scored two more in the fourth inning to make the score 8-5 but could not put any runs together in the fifth, sixth or seventh innings. The Tigers only scratched out 6 hits on the day. The Tigers’ record falls to 8-2 on the season, 5-2 in the district. The Tigers currently stand third in the district, behind PK Yonge and Chiefland, respectively.
This week the varsity Tigers play St. Petersburg Shorecrest at home on Thursday at 7pm. Trenton will travel to Chiefland on Friday with the first pitch set for 7 pm. The Tigers will host Melody Christian at home on Saturday at 7pm with the JV game set to begin at 4:30 p.m. The Junior Varsity Tigers will play on Friday at Chiefland at 4:30. Come out this week and see this beautifully renovated Trenton ballpark and support the Tigers’ baseball teams.
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The Trenton High School junior varsity baseball team played the Buchholz freshman team on Saturday, February 27, on Tiger Field. This was the second meeting of the two teams this year. Trenton had won the first meeting in a tight 9-8 contest. In this second matchup, the young Tigers were able to let some of its varsity freshmen and 8th graders play to help the cause.
Kolton Mims started on the hill for the young Tigers, pitching 4 innings, striking out 5 with no runs allowed. Hunter Williams pitched 2 innings, striking out 2 and allowing one walk, and gaving up one earned run. Corbin Wiggins pitched the seventh inning, striking out 2 and giving up one earned run. Offensively, Clif Bryant and Kolton Mims had two hits each, and Hunter Williams added a double. The Tigers won easily 7-2.
The JV Tigers defeated Bell on Friday afternoon in a come-from-behind 5-3 victory. The young Tigers also blasted the young Bucs of Branford 17-3 Saturday afternoon in Branford.
By Coach Todd Bryant
Trenton and PK Yonge faced off Thursday night, both undefeated in District 5-2A on Tiger field. Trenton started senior pitcher Karson Gilbert on the mound. Gilbert’s record was 2-0. Gilbert pitched the first 3 innings, giving up 5 runs on 2 hits, but only 2 of the runs were earned. Chance Brooks followed Gilbert on the mound and pitched the fourth and fifth innings giving up two runs on 1 hit with only one of the runs being earned. Darren Skawienski pitched the final two innings, giving up four hits and 6 runs, with four of those runs being earned. The Tigers played their worst defensive game thus far this season year making 12 errors.
Offensively, the Tigers were led by Stephen Smith and Chance Brooks with 2 hits each. The Tigers had opportunities to tie the game in the fourth and fifth innings but could not capitalize at the plate. The final score was 13-4, the P K Yonge Blue Wave. The Tigers’ record dropped to 6-1.
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On Friday night Trenton traveled to Bronson to take on the Eagles. Bronson seems to always play their best against Trenton and this contest was no different. Trenton started senior pitcher Trey Smith on the mound. Smith pitched 4 innings, striking out 1 and walking two while only giving up 2 runs. Caleb Smith followed and finished the game, pitching 3 innings, giving up 5 hits and 3 runs, striking out 2 and walking none.
The Tigers at the plate, Stephen Smith and Caleb Smith each had 3 hits. Clif Bryant and and Kolton Mims each had 2 hits and 2 rbi’s. The Tigers stole 8 bases in the game and laid down numerous bunts for base hits. The Tigers won the game 8-5 and improved their record to 7-1 and 4-1 in district play. The Tigers will play Mayo on the road on Thursday, Bell at home on Friday and Branford on the road on Saturday. Come out and support the Tigers when they compete.
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The Trenton Tigers will host the Bell Bulldogs for SVL (Suwannee Valley Leagues) Night, Friday, March 12. This rivalry game is anticipated to bring out the fans from both schools to support their teams. The SVL night will allow any SVL player in free with one paying adult if the player wears the SVL hat and shirt to the game. The SVL players will be allowed to come onto the field during the player announcement and stand with their favorite Trenton or Bell player.
Regular admission will be charged to non-SVL children and all adults. The THS Diamond Club will be providing pork dinners at this game for a $6 donation. Please come out and see the Junior Varsity and Varsity games, support the SVL kids, eat dinner with the family and have a great night at the ball park. The first pitch of the Junior Varsity game will get underway at 4 p.m. The Varsity game will follow at 7 p.m.
The Diamond Club will also have grilled pork dinners available on Friday at noon next door to the Phoenix Auction House near the Train Depot. The dinners will also be available at the Old Train Depot on Saturday around noon. A $6.00 donation per dinner is appreciated.
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By Coach Todd Bryant
THS Varsity baseball team faced three opponents last week and two were district matches. Trenton was able to win all three to improve their record to 6-0 overall.
The Tigers traveled to Dixie County to face the Bears on Thursday. Hunter Williams started on the mound for Trenton and pitched two scoreless innings. Kolton Mims took over from Williams and pitched the 3rd, 4th and 5th innings, giving up 5 runs, but 4 of them were unearned due to errors. In the sixth and seventh innings Chance Brooks shut the Bears down. The Tigers on offense had 14 hits and 9 stolen bases. Chance Brooks had three hits and Caleb Smith, Clif Bryant, Kolton Mims, Trey Smith, and Hunter Williams all had 2 hits each. Karson Gilbert had a perfect night at the plate, hitting a sacrifice fly in the second inning and getting walked 4 times, scoring three of those times. Williams got his second win for Trenton and the Tigers won the contest 12-5 and improved to 2-0 in the district.
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On Friday night the Tigers traveled to Hawthorne to face an undefeated Hornet team. The Hornets had won their first four contests and were ready to spoil the Tigers’ district hopes. However, Karson Gilbert started for the Tigers on the mound and shut down the Hornets’ hitters. Gilbert went all seven innings, striking out 8, walking 2 and allowing no runs to improve his record to 2-0. Gilbert was also 2 for 2 at the plate and had 2 sacrifice bunts to move runners into scoring position. Caleb Smith had 3 rbi's, Trey Smith had two hits including a double, and Hunter Williams had 2 hits and scored twice. The Tigers won 9-0, improving their district record to 3-0 and their overall record to 5-0.
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The rain came on Saturday and threatened to cancel the game at Trenton with Mayo that evening. However, when the sky cleared, the grounds crew went to work and got the field looking great for the twilight meeting. Mayo, an old Trenton rival, came into the contest with a record of 2-3, but they have been playing some very good teams from the Tallahassee area and are carrying 8 seniors on their squad.
Trenton started Caleb Smith on the mound, his first start of the season. Smith pitched 4 innings giving up three runs, two of them earned, on three hits, striking out one and walking none. Darren Skawienski pitched the fifth, and sixth innings, facing seven hitters, walking one and giving up no hits or runs. After Mayo had hit in the top of the fifth the score was 3-1 with the Hornets leading. Skawienski led the inning off with a double; Jonathan Smith attempted a bunt and was hit by the pitch. With runners at first and second, no outs, Stephen Smith laid down a bunt to move the runners and was able to beat it out loading the bases. Caleb Smith followed and Mayo allowed a pass ball to the backstop and Skawienski scored from third, making the score 3-2 with runners now at second and third. Smith hit a grounder to second, scoring his brother Jonathan, and the throw was away from the first baseman allowing Caleb to reach first. With runners at first and third, no outs and the score 3-3, Clif Bryant came to the plate. Smith steals on the first pitch and reached second. Bryant then singled to left, scoring Smith and Smith and the Tigers took the lead 5-3. Neither team scored in the sixth innings. Chance Brooks came in to pitch the seventh inning and closed the door on the Hornets. Brooks got a save, his second of the year; and the Tigers improved their record to 6-0.
The Tigers will face PK Yonge, the lead candidate in the district race, this Thursday on Tiger Field at 7 pm. Please come out and support the Tigers.
The Trenton Lady Tiger basketball team finished the 2009/10 season with a record of 17 wins and 4 losses. Big wins this year included victories over Chiefland, Hawthorne, Newberry, Bell, and St. Francis. In the district tournament, the Lady Tigers defeated Chiefland, 61 – 31, and St. Francis, 54 – 38, but lost to P.K. Yonge in the district championship game. The Tigers advanced to the state playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.
The Tigers were led by seniors Kayla Gent, Kanece Richardson, Jo Hutchinson, and Sarah Bessent. Junior Ashley Small, sophomores Maegan Gillyard, Hannah Buckler, Brianna Stalvey, Shandrika Stokes, Allie Lang, and Alexis Hickox, freshman, Kendra Stephenson and eighth grader, Khalil Kearson comprised the rest of the team.
Leading scorers for the Lady Tigers were Kayla Gent with 17 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals per game and Kanece Richardson with an average of 12 points and 5 rebounds per game. Sophomore guard Hannah Buckler averaged 8 points per game and sophomore forward Maegan Gillyard averaged 7 rebounds per game.
Player highlights include Kayla Gent’s 30 points at St. Francis, Kanece Richardson’s 22 points at University Christian, and Hannah Buckler’s 18 points against Chiefland in the district tournament. Other achievements include Sarah Bessent with 10 points against Dixie on senior night, Jo Hutchinson with 10 points at St. Francis and Maegan Gillyard with 16 points against Bell.
This year’s seniors have a combined three-year record of 49 wins and 18 losses. Congratulations Lady Tigers on another great year.
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By Todd Bryant
Trenton’s senior pitcher Trey Smith pitched 5 innings, striking out 8 and walking one while scattering 4 hits in a 14-2, Tiger win over the Oak Hall Eagles Saturday.
Smith led the Tigers on the mound but the highlight of the afternoon was the Tiger hitting. Chance Brooks, junior right fielder, hit for the “cycle” going 4 for 4 with 5 rbi’s. He doubled in the first inning, tripled in the second, singled in the fourth and hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the fifth inning with runners on second and third to end the game. “The cycle is a very rare feat in baseball - probably more unlikely than a no-hitter,” reported Trenton Coach Todd Bryant.
For the week, in three games, Brooks was 10 for 12. Eighth grader Stephen Smith went 3 for 4 with 2 stolen bases, Clif Bryant had a double, Karson Gilbert was 2 for 2, with two doubles, and Hunter Williams had a double. Eight of the 13 Tiger hits went for extra bases.
The Tigers improved their record to 3-0 and move on to play district rivals Dixie County and Hawthorne away on Feb 25th and 26th before coming back to Trenton to play Mayo on Saturday, February 27th. The Trenton vs Mayo J.V. game will begin at 4:30 p.m. The varsity teams will play beginning at 7 p.m.
The Trenton Tigers hosted Bell Saturday night, February 13, in the final game of the THS Pre-Season Classic Baseball Tournament to renew their long time rivalry.
Trenton’s pitchers were too much for the Bulldogs, reported Trenton coach Todd Bryant. Trey Smith, Karson Gilbert, Chance Brooks, Hunter Williams, Darren Skawienski and Kane Crosby threw seven innings of hitless and scoreless baseball, striking out 14 Bulldog hitters.
Trenton begins its regular season this week traveling to St. Francis of Gainesville on Tuesday and Newberry High School on Thursday before returning to Tiger Field hosting Oak Hall on Saturday at 4 p.m.
Come out to Tiger Field and support the Tigers in their home opener.
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Trenton Lady Tigers Middle School basketball team recently completed their 2009-2010 season. Their record for the year was eight wins and two losses with each player getting into the various games. The team was led by eighth grader, Khalil Kearson, who played middle guard and snagged an average of six steals per game and eighteen points per game. Eighth grader, T’keyha Powell, had her most productive game in the final game against Oak Hall scoring thirteen points for the Tigers. Other returning eighth graders were Janie Beckelheimer who became more aggressive as the season progressed; Quitney Kincaid, starting forward; Nicole Langford, who worked the mid-court trap well; Ashleigh Keef who played forward; and Jazmin Sanders, a first year player.
First year player Adrienne Mathis controlled the boards with her rebounding and was the second leading scorer. Other seventh grade players include Dana Beam, Kylie Johnson, and Taylor Rogers who all played as guards.
Three of four sixth graders played the forward positions. Shelby Sauls, Dawn Cameron, and Kylee Swilley contributed some rebounding and points. Faith Heath, the other sixth grader, played a couple of guard positions.
This team averaged scoring twenty-nine points per game playing six minute quarters while their competition Lake City, Chiefland, Ruth Raines, Bell, and Oak Hall averaged twenty-one points per game. Coach Cora Lord also appreciated those other girls who were dedicated to coming to practices and helping at games: Sheila McNally, alternate; Karina Turner, manager; Susan Howerton, and Jordan Elmore statisticians. Keeping the scorebook at each game was Beverly Landingham, and Gregg Landingham kept the clock for the team which was also greatly appreciated.
By Crystal Sanders
The Bell Bulldogs hosted the P.K. Yonge Blue Wave in another district game January 12. The Bulldogs played hard, but fell short as P.K. Yonge came out on top 60-49, giving Bell their third loss of the season.
This game was much closer than what the score indicates according to Coach Mehl. With 2:26 left in the game and momentum in favor of Bell, the Bulldogs trailed by 5 points. With the opportunity to close the gap to 3 points at the foul line, Bell was hit with a technical foul. Bell missed their foul shots while P.K. Yonge made both of their technical free throws and was then awarded possession of the ball. P.K., who was now up by 7, began to hold the ball. Bell had to foul the team from Gainesville several times in order to regain possession. P.K. Yonge scored on the remaining foul shots defeating the Bulldogs in Bell.
On January 15, Bell hosted the Chiefland Indians. This was an exciting game. Coach Mehl was a little apprehensive going into this district contest due to player problems—James Thomas was unable to play, two Sophomores (Tyler Mehl and Austin Bell) had just finished participating in the JV game and three Seniors (Jordan Mehl, Matt Stevenson and Chris Wilkerson) were still recovering from recent illnesses.
To start the game off, Bo Beauchamp controlled the tip. Jacoryon Minniefield shot from the 3-point line giving Chiefland the first three points of the game. Then Eugene Carter, a.k.a. Pewee, put in a shot from inside the lane. At 6:15 of the first, John Bailey drained a long three-pointer from the right side giving Bell their first three points of the game. Thirty seconds later, Bailey put in another three-point basket from the left side. With 3:23 left in the first, Bailey put in a shot from the right side while being elbowed in the face making the score 8-7. Fifteen seconds later, Jamantye Thompson went 1 of 2 from the free throw line. At 2:53, Chris Wilkerson drove the ball in and made a lay-up from the left side. A minute later, Matt Stevenson also put in a shot from under the basket. With 20 seconds remaining, Thompson made a hook shot going in from the right side ending the first quarter tied 12-12.
At the start of the second quarter, Jordan Mehl put up a shot in the middle of the lane. At 6:47, Pewee went up for a three point shot missing it as Minniefield rebounded the ball putting it up for two more points. Thirty four seconds later, Greyson Stewart put in a three-point basket from the left side making the score 17-16. Bailey then, at 3:16, drove up the middle through three of Chiefland’s defenders putting up a shot making the score 21-16. At 2:09, Stevenson put in a lay-up with an assist from Bailey down low. With 19 seconds remaining in the second quarter, Jady Gray drained a three-pointer from the right side. Going into half time Bell held a 28-16 lead.
With 5:47 remaining in the third quarter, Thompson made a wide open jump shot in the lane and then Pewee just seconds later made a three-point basket from the left side. At 3:38 in the third quarter, Steven Woodby drove in and put up a shot under the basket making the score 30-26. Thompson was then fouled again going 1 of 2. At 2:53 of the third, Bailey drove in making another lay-up for the Bulldogs. With 51 seconds remaining, Thompson put in a lay-up and the third quarter ended 32-29 as the Indians were catching up to the Bulldogs.
At 5:58 in the fourth quarter, Gray made a one handed shot from the middle of the lane. Then as Bailey went up for a shot, he was fouled and he completed the bonus. At 4:23, Beauchamp was fouled and went 1 of 2 from the free throw line. With 3:49 remaining in the fourth period, Pewee put in a shot from the lane making the score 37-30. Then at 3:27 left in regulation, Wilkerson went up for a shot missing it and Bailey came from behind tipping it in. Seconds later, Pewee was fouled and went 2 for 2 at the line. Bailey then made a fast break lay-up making the score 43-34. At 2:36, Thompson put in a three-pointer from the right side. With 2 minutes left, Pewee was fouled again and went 1 of 2 from the line. As 35 seconds remained, Pewee made a three-pointer from the top tying the score 43-43 going into overtime.
At 3:41 of overtime, Pewee went up for a wide open lay-up and missed it giving Bell possession. Bailey moved the ball down the court passing it to Wilkerson down low putting it up to make the score 45-43. At 2:53, Thompson put in a jump shot from the right and then seconds later Pewee put up a shot from the left making the score 45-47. Gray was then fouled at 1:44 and went 2 for 2, saving the Bulldogs from being behind. Thirty seconds later, Pewee put in another shot from just inside the 3-point arch as the score became 47-49. With 43 seconds remaining, Gray was fouled yet again going 1 of 2. The score was then 48-49, Chiefland ahead. With 6 seconds remaining, Bailey put in a jump shot from the right side winning the game for the Bulldogs 50-49 as Bell improves their record to 13-3.
The next two games for the Bulldogs will both be home games against the St. Francis Eagles on Tuesday, January 19 and Friday night, January 22 against the Trenton Tigers. Come on out and support your Bell Bulldog basketball teams!
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By Crystal Sanders
Tuesday, January 5, the Bronson Eagles hosted the Bell Bulldogs in a district game match-up. To start the game off, Bronson’s Dustin Crutchfield controlled the tip and moved the ball down the court for the early lead. The Eagles’ lead didn’t last long though as Jordan Mehl drove the ball in through the middle to score Bell’s first two points of the game. As Bronson regained possession, Thomas stole the ball passing it onto John Bailey making a wide open lay-up as 1:30 elasped in the first quarter. With 4:34 remaining in the first quarter, Mehl passed the ball into the middle to Thomas who then went up for a lay-up making the score 10-2. With 3:45 remaining, Bailey drove through three of Bronson’s defenders scoring under the basket with a hook shot from the right. Bronson’s Mike Sinclair went up for a shot that Chris Wilkerson blocked. Bronson’s Thomas Mitchem recovered the ball and put it in for a lay-up giving the Eagles two more points. With only 55 seconds remaining in the first, Bailey stole the ball and made a fast break to the other end of the court scoring the last two points of the quarter giving Bell the lead 16-4.
To start the second quarter off Steven Woodby drained a 3-pointer from the top right of the key making the score 19-4. After four minutes of play and no scoring, Bailey made a long pass from the inside lane out to Mehl who then put in a jump shot just below the 3-point line. At 5:32 of the game, Mehl made a foul on Bronson’s Enrique Wiseman . Wiseman went 1 of 2 upping the Eagles’ score to 5. Then Bronson’s Zach Hamilton and Willie Ellison made two lay-ups for the Eagles making the score 21-9. With 2:07 left in the second quarter, Thomas made a full court pass to Wilkerson scoring a wide open lay-up for the Bulldogs. As :50 seconds remained in the first half, Bronson’s Matt Olivaria put in a three-pointer from the right side making the score Bell 28-13 going into halftime.
Starting off the third quarter, Thomas drove in through the middle with two defenders holding him back, but still managed to score two points for the Bulldogs. At 3:46 of the quarter, Greyson Stewart went up for a jump shot just inside the 3-point line making the score 36-15. The Eagles’ Hamilton put up his only three point basket of the night from the left side with 2:18 left in the quarter. At 2:05, Austin Bell had recovered the ball on the ground then threw it up to Tyler Mehl who then went up and made the shot in the open lane. In the last minute of the third quarter, Bronson’s Raymie Powers went 4 for 4 on his free throws and Wiseman shot 2 for 2. At the end of the third quarter the Bulldogs held a 38-24 edge.
In the fourth quarter, the Bronson Eagles began to catch up to the Bell Bulldogs. At 6:48, Wiseman was fouled and went 1 of 2 from the free throw line. Just a few seconds later, Bailey went up for a shot as he collided with J. Mehl both falling to the ground, but the shot was still good making the score 40-25. Hamilton then put up a shot just inside the 3-point line at the top of the key for the Eagles. With 5:21 left in the game, Wiseman put in a lay-up from the left side leaving Bronson only 11 points behind. At 3:33, Jady Gray was fouled by Bronson’s Powers. Gray went 2 for 2 from the free throw line to make the score 43-30. With 2:20 remaining, Thomas put in a shot under the basket with an assist from Matt Stevenson. At 1:53, Hamilton went 1 of 2 at the free throw line. And for the last shot of the game, with only 15 seconds left, Wilkerson bounced pass the ball through the lane to Bailey who then put it in for a lay-up. The game ended with a final score of 47-31, Bell’s 11th win of the season.
“We started off good and then started to lose our focus and began to make a lot of mistakes,” Coach Mehl added. “The team’s hustle made up for the mistakes though. Hustle and defense is what won us the game. The team didn’t have a good shooting night. Bronson played tough and it wasn’t an easy game.”
John Bailey was the leading scorer of the night with 13 points and had 7 assists, 3 steals, 3 rebounds, and 2 blocks. James Thomas scored 10 points that night and had 13 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks, and 1 assist.
On Friday, January 8, the Branford Buccaneers hosted the Bell Bulldogs for another district game. To start the game, Branford’s Kyle Certain gained control of the tip passing it onto Ryan Horn. Horn put in a jump shot from the right side in the first 7 seconds of the game. Bailey then quickly got down the court to put in a lay-up to give the Bulldogs their first two points. During the sixth minute of the game, Thomas was fouled twice, each time going 1 of 2 at the free throw line making the score 6-4, Bell. At 4:34 in the first, Wilkerson drained his first three of the night from the left side. Then at 3:38 of the game, Thomas went up for a shot that bounced out, but Bailey jumped up and tipped it in making the score 11-4. At 3:23, Branford’s Horn made his first 3-pointer of the game from the right side giving the Bucs 11 points. With 1:33 left in the first, Wilkerson put in another 3-pointer from the left side making the last shot of the quarter. The score was then 16-7, Bell.
To start the second quarter off, Gray made a jump shot from the lane with an assist from Stewart. During the seventh minute of the game, Horn put in two 3-pointers both from the left side making the score 18-15. At 5:34 of the quarter, Stewart also put in a 3-pointer from the left side and the score became 23-15. Twenty seconds later, Horn had yet another 3-pointer from the left side helping the Bucs catch up to the Bulldogs. With 3:13 left in the half, J. Mehl made a full court pass to Bailey who drained a three-pointer from the right side. As Stewart went up for a lay-up with 2:54 remaining he was fouled and made the shot giving him an and-1. Stewart made the extra point and the score became 31-19. With 2:03 remaining in the first half, Bailey made a hook shot from under the basket going in from the right side. At 1:09, Horn made his fifth 3-pointer of the game. After that, J. Mehl put in a 3-pointer from the left side. Going into halftime the score was 40-26, Bell with the lead.
Starting off the third, Bailey drove the ball up the middle and in for a lay-up. At 6:06, Steven Woodby stole the ball and passed it onto J. Mehl making a lay-up from the right side. At 5:09 of the third, Wilkerson was fouled as he went up for a shot. Wilkerson went 1 of 2 from the free throw line. At 4:05, Thomas went up for a shot and went 1 of 2 from the free throw line making the score 48-30. Thomas rebounded his missed free throw putting it back up for two more points for the Bulldogs. In the last two minutes of the third, Perry made two lay-ups for the Bucs ending the third quarter at 50-38, Bell ahead.
In the first minute of the fourth quarter, Gray fouled Perry and Perry went 1 of 2. At 6:31, Woodby stole the ball and drove down the court to make a wide open lay-up. At 4:41, Branford’s David Bass was fouled and made 1 of 2 of his free throws making the score 54-40. With 4:03 left in the game, a technical was called on Thomas, giving Bronson’s Perry two free throws. Perry went 1 of 2 and the score became 56-41. At 1:48 left in the game, Gray made a shot from the lane. With only 5 seconds remaining in the game, Bailey was fouled as he went to shoot the ball. Bailey made the extra shot and the game ended 63-44, Bell’s 12th win of the season.
John Bailey scored 23 points that night and had 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Greyson Stewart scored 10 points and had 1 rebound and 1 assist. Bell’s record is now 12-2.
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By Crystal Sanders
This past week the Bell Bulldogs played two games, one against the Bronson Eagles and the other against their hometown rivals, the Trenton Tigers.
Tuesday, December 15, was the Bulldogs game vs. the Eagles.In the first quarter, Bell’s John Bailey (33) and James Thomas (42) started out strong together scoring ten of the thirteen points. Also, recently injured, Jady Gray (2) made three points from a lay-up and one foul shot. Bronson’s Marvin Walker (15) made four points in the first quarter and Enrique Wiseman (20) shot a high three-pointer draining it at the last second to make the score 13-7.
In the opening of the second quarter James Thomas made a cross-court pass to Steven Woodby (15) who then bounce passed the ball to Jordan Mehl (3) making an easy lay-up around Bronson’s defenders. The Eagles’ Zach Hamilton (11) put in two three-pointers helping out Bronson, but not enough to catch up with the Bulldogs. Bell held a 33-23 lead at halftime.
In the third quarter, the Bulldogs increased their lead to 50-28. The game ended with Bell winning by an accomplished 22 points, 64-42.
It was a well played game,” Coach Mehl added. “Defensively we looked good. Our offense was more balanced with four of our players scoring double digit figures. Also, everyone played a lot which is always good from a coach’s perspective.
Friday night, December 18, was the traditional county rivalry game between the Bell Bulldogs and Trenton Tigers. James Thomas went up for the jump-ball and successfully tipped it off to his teammate, Steven Woodby giving Bell possession of the ball to start out the game. After the first 2 minutes and 36 seconds of the game, Trenton’s own Corbin Pugh (10) put in a lay-up to score the first two points of the game. At 5:25 in the first, John Bailey went up for a lay-up and made it while being fouled getting an and-1 called for him. Bailey made the extra shot giving the Bulldogs the lead with three points. The Bulldogs’ defense made a big difference in the game. It provided them with a lot of transition baskets acquiring several defensive rebounds off of Trenton’s missed shots. With 3:56 left in the first, Bailey faked a pass to Mehl while leaping through the air, going up for a lay-up himself around two of Trenton’s defenders making the score 7-2. As Bell regained the ball back, Bailey went in for a drive, but was fouled at 3:32 of the game giving him two shots. Bailey made the first and missed the second giving the Bulldogs another point. As the game narrowed down to 3:17, Bailey set up the offense handing the ball off to Mehl who then passed it to Thomas. As Thomas gained control of the ball, four of Trenton’s defenders surrounded him in an effort to trap Thomas. Trenton was clearly trying to stop the Bulldogs’ big man of the court, but Thomas still managed to get around the Tigers and score two points under the basket for the Bulldogs. By 2:37 of the first quarter, Trenton was still at two points. Then Jady Gray (2) fouled Trenton’s Seth Moses (21) as he went up for a shot. Moses missed his first free-throw, but successfully made his second basket giving Trenton three points. As the clock simmered down to just 0.9 seconds, Bailey had stole the ball, jumped through the air with three defenders on him, threw the ball up for a lay-up without looking, slammed into the ground, and still made the two points as the buzzer went off. The crowd went wild as Bailey made one of the luckiest shots of the whole night and the first quarter ending with a score of 13-3, Bell ahead by ten.
Going into the second quarter, Trenton had possession of the ball. Thomas rebounded one of Trenton’s shots giving Bailey control. Bailey set up the offense and passed it on to Woodby who then made a down-low bounce-pass to Mehl as he ran in and made a wide-open lay-up making the score 15-3. Just as Trenton recovered the ball and began to run a play, Woodby stole the ball back and quickly got down the court to make another wide-open lay-up for the Bulldogs. With 4:14 left in the second quarter, Trenton’s Rich Royster (32) put in a lay-up making the score 19-5. At 2:44, Mehl drained a three-pointer from the left side. When the clock was at 1:18, Trenton’s A. Rhodes (5), made the last two points of the quarter with a lay-up on the right side. The score going into halftime was 26-10, Bell ahead by 16 points.
As the third quarter began, Mehl scored the first two points making a lay-up from the left side at 7:17 of the game. Then, Pugh drove down the right side and put in a lay-up making the score 48-12. Bailey then handed it off to Thomas who then went up for a shot, successfully making it with an and-1 called for him. Thomas made the extra basket giving the Bulldogs 31 points. As Trenton had just regained the ball back, Bailey stole the ball with a fast break down the court almost dunking it with no one around him. At 5:41, Trenton’s Cedric Stokes (4) made a three-pointer from the top of the key giving the Tigers 15 points. A minute later in the game, Bailey passed the ball off to Mehl as Bailey drove around the side going low. Mehl gave the ball back to Bailey and went up for a lay-up making the score 35-15. When one of Trenton’s players went up for a shot, Thomas came out of nowhere pinning the ball against the backboard. Pugh grabbed Thomas’ rebound and put it up for two more points for the Tigers. Bell then had the ball back and Bailey handed it off to Thomas who put up an easy shot under the basket. With 18 seconds left, Royster was fouled while driving in the ball. He made his first free-throw and missed the second. The third quarter ended at 39-18, Bell ahead by 21 points.
In the first seven seconds of the fourth quarter, Bailey stole the ball and went up for a jump-shot. Thomas rebounded his missed shot and made the two points.
Bailey again stole the ball from Trenton and made a fast break towards the basket putting in another lay-up making the score 43-18. When Bell had the ball back, Bailey then threw in a cross-court pass to Woodby who put in an easy lay-up making the score now 45-18. With 5:39 left in the game, Thomas swatted Pugh’s shot as he went up for a lay-up. Bailey then was fouled at 5:27. Bailey made his first free-throw and the score became 48-18. The clock was at the 3 minute mark when Bailey got past two Trenton defenders and put in a lay-up on the left side giving the Bulldogs 53 points. Trenton’s Brock Stone (1) made the Tigers final points of the game putting in a lay-up with 1:22 left in the game. For the last minute of the game Coach Mehl put another set of players in, one being Austin Bell (23) who made the last shot of the game. With an assist from Daniel Heck (23), Bell went up for a jump-shot on the outside lane with just 30 seconds remaining. The final score was 57-20, a substantial victory for the Bell Bulldogs.
Coach Mehl’s comments on the game were, “With this being a rivalry game of course both teams played hard throughout the entire game. Trenton never gave up. I was impressed with the Trenton kids that continued to hustle and dive for loose balls.”
Mehl also said, “James Thomas played a tough post play and John Bailey did a great job at guard. Steven Woodby looked good tonight along with Jordan Mehl in their effort to push Trenton’s guards out to keep them from scoring.”
“Our fans provided a great deal of support and it was a great game,” Mehl said.
James Thomas and John Bailey tied for leading scorer with 19 points each.
Thomas had 11 rebounds, 4 block shots, and 1 steal. Bailey had 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 8 steals.
Bell’s record is now 9-1.
By Crystal Sanders
On Monday, December 7, the Bell Bulldogs played the Chiefland Indians for the first time in four years due to a fight that occurred in the 2005 basketball season. I am almost certain that this was the most exhilarating game the Bulldogs will have this season, even more so than this upcoming Friday’s Trenton game. It had everyone on their feet cheering their hearts out from both sides of the court. In this game you were able to see Chiefland’s Eugene Carter, a.k.a. Pewee (23) and Bell’s James Thomas (42), go head to head, the two best players in our conference.
The game began physically powerful. In the first half, both teams came out strong and relentless. The Indians pulled away with a lead of 27-34, James Thomas scoring 11 points of Bell’s 27 and Chris Wilkerson with a three-pointer. Bo Beauchamp had two three-pointers and Eugene Carter scored 13 of Chiefland’s 34 points.
As the second half started, Chiefland began double teaming James Thomas in an effort to stop him, but he proved to be unstoppable scoring 20 points just in the third quarter alone. Chiefland held the lead ¾ of the way through the game until 5 minutes left in the third quarter when Thomas put in an easy lay-up making the score 42-41. At the end of the third quarter, Bell lost their lead and the score became 54-57, Chiefland ahead. As the fourth quarter set off, Thomas was playing with 4 fouls and still having to work around two men guarding him. The Bulldogs hustled to keep up with the Indians and were determined to win the game. Carter gave the Indians 4 points with 2 lay-ups, but the Bulldogs came out with 16 points, lay-ups all from Steven Woodby, Matt Stevenson, Jordan Mehl, and James Thomas. Greyson Stewart and John Bailey also contributed making two three-pointers finishing the fourth tied 70-70.
As the thrilling 4-minute overtime began, everyone in the stands stayed on their feet. Eugene Carter threw in two lay-ups making the score 74 for the Indians. Then, James Thomas and Steven Woodby managed to get around Chiefland’s defense and put in three lay-ups to make the score 76-74. As the clock was simmering down to the last few seconds of the game, Coach Mehl called a time out. He had the perfect play in mind to secure the Bulldog’s win. With just five seconds remaining, John Bailey threw in the most flawless pass from Chiefland’s goal to Greyson Stewart at the top of the key on Bell’s side. Greyson Stewart retrieved the ball, dribbled towards the goal getting past Chiefland’s only defender guarding him, and laid in an effortless lay-up making the final score of the game 78-74.
“We had a great team game,” Coach Mehl added. “Neither team was willing to give up and both teams played hard.”
James Thomas had his best night so far with 41 points, just 2 points shy of Bell’s existing record, 43 points. Thomas also had an outstanding 26 rebounds, 13 defensively and 13 offensively, 4 block shots, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Our three-point shooters for the night were Greyson Stewart, Jordan Mehl, Chris Wilkerson, and John Bailey.
The Dawgs traveled to Oak Hall to play them for the second time this season. In the last game the boys beat the Eagles by eight points, 53-45. In the first half, John Bailey led the Bulldog’s offense with 11 points and Greyson Stewart with one three-pointer. The score was 30-25 going into the half. In the third quarter, James Thomas began to score his points making seven and Bailey with four. In the fourth quarter, Greyson Stewart stood out as he scored one three pointer, one lay-up, and made four free-throws. The defense though is what pulled the Bulldogs through this game. John Bailey, Steven Woodby, and Jordan Mehl put in a great effort defensively to stop Oak Hall’s two most high scoring guards. The game ended with Bell winning by seventeen points, 64-47.
Coach Mehl’s comments on the game were as stated, “Our team played a “good” game. Not a great game, but a good game. They did play good though for having such a tough game the night before against Chiefland. ”
The Bulldog’s leading scorer for the night was John Bailey who had 15 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. Greyson Stewart ended with 12 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 steals, and 1 assist. James Thomas also had a double-digit scoring night of 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 steals.
Friday, December 11, the Bulldogs took on the Dixie County Bears. This was another night of traveling and facing an opponent for the second time this season. Being in Dixie’s home gym was quite different from ours. The crowd was unruly and the officials were deceitful. There were a few controversial calls, but I must also add that this was our worst game of the season. The last time we played the Bears, the Bulldogs came out on top by 38 points, 74-36. Perhaps the boys thought they could take it easier on Dixie because of the previous win, or maybe they just weren‘t focused. Either way, the Bulldogs came out with a close win of 52-51.
In the first half, the game went on somewhat slow. James Thomas scored 7 points, John Bailey scored 6 points, Chris Wilkerson had a three-pointer as well as Greyson Stewart all contributing to Bell’s score of 28 going into the half. Dixie County’s players shared the points amongst each other making lay-ups and free-throws giving the Bear’s 21 points.
After the half, things didn’t get much better as Bell continued to miss simple shots throughout the game. James Thomas helped the team though scoring eleven points in the second half and Jordan Mehl banking two three-pointers. In the fourth quarter Bell began to have trouble as Dixie started to come on strong catching up. It started to get even worse when one of our players acquired a technical against Dixie’s Steve Godbolt (22) who made all four free-throws and a three-pointer. In the last few seconds of the game it became quite intense as Bell strived to hold onto the ball to win the game. Nonetheless, John Bailey did so and Bell won 52-51.
“The team was unfocused,” Coach Mehl says about the game. “They took them lightly, yet still had enough character to play hard and pull out in the end. Over all this has been a good week with three straight wins.”
That night, James Thomas was the leading scorer with 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 block shot. John Bailey also had a good night with 10 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block.
By: Crystal Sanders
This past week the Bulldogs have had three remarkably challenging teams that consisted of Dixie County, Mayo and Hawthorne.
To start off, the boys hosted Dixie County, their only home game of the week. In the first half Bell came in strong with a solid, tight defense. Dixie County made numerous wide open passes making it easy for them to steal the ball. John Bailey and Steven Woodby stepped up to the plate and shared 7 steals each. The Bulldogs held the Bears at a low scoring game for them and gained a quick lead of 34-15 heading into halftime. After the half, Coach Mehl consecutively switched his players in and out of the game giving everyone a chance to play. The game ended 74-36 giving Bell their 3rd win of the season. Coach Mehl’s comments on the game were, “We came in strong and gained a big lead. Our hard defense transitioned into easy baskets early on. After that, we sort of just coasted or sailed. Every player played about half a game and we had a good team defense. Johnny Bailey and James Thomas led the team points wise, but every player contributed.”
James Thomas was the leader in points with a total of 21. He also had 9 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. Johnny Bailey finished the game just shy of Thomas with 18 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 7 steals. Steven Woodby also had 7 steals and Chris Wilkerson was the only one who had three pointers that night with two in the 1st and 4th quarter.
On Thursday night, the Bulldogs traveled to their first away game in Lafayette County where they played the Mayo Hornets. Mayo started out fast and with an exceptionally good defense, but not good enough to stop the Bulldogs. The Hornets were unable to get past the Bulldogs’ defense. Jordan Mehl had two three pointers in the first half, not to mention Johnny Bailey with one. The half ended with a score of 34-13, Bell up ahead. Going into the 3rd quarter, Coach Mehl began to play everyone on the team. The Bulldogs had a substantial lead over the Hornets and kept it throughout the game until we got towards the end when they began to shorten the boys lead. Even so, the Bulldogs still won 54-32.
James Thomas had a total of 15 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block. Johnny Bailey had 11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Jordan Mehl finished his game with 10 points, 1 assist, and 2 steals.
On Saturday the Bell Bulldogs hit the road again all the way to Hawthorne. In the 1st half, the Hornets gained a small, but quick lead against the Bulldogs of 30-26. Hawthorne has quite a few swift players. Johnny Bailey and James Thomas had to unfortunately be taken out of the game the 1st half because of foul trouble. Hawthorne was a tough team, but the boys were never intimidated. After the half, Hawthorne began to grow more aggressive towards James Thomas by plainly holding onto him and having two, sometimes three men on him the entire time. There was a countless number of times that there were Hawthorne players pushing, slapping, and holding Thomas. Of course there was rarely ever a call for Bell’s benefit and Thomas only was given 5 foul shots. Bell shot 10 foul shots throughout the entire game compared to Hawthorne who shot 25 causing a big difference in the game. All in all Bell lost by 3 points, 56-59.
Coach Mehl stated, “There was one controversial basket that proved to be the winner. Hawthorne shot the ball, hit the rim, bounced and hit the top of the backboard, touched the pole, and came back in. Even though it was out of bounds, the officials still awarded the Hornets the points. I am proud of my team though in the way they played, coming so close in such different circumstances.”
Once again, James Thomas led in points that night with 15, 25 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. Johnny Bailey had 13 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals.
By Joel Elliott
The Bell Bulldogs took one under the chin in the eighth game of their rebuilding year, losing to the visiting Branford Buccaneers 49-6 in front of the home fans. The Bulldogs couldn’t handle the talented visitors, with Branford’s three pronged rushing and passing attack of Kyle Certain, John Perry, and Trent Thompson accounting for much of the Buccaneers’ offensive output. To be fair, the Bulldogs lost handily to a very talented football team, as Branford improved their record to 8-1. On the other hand, Bell’s record dropped to 2-6.
The Bulldogs got their lone touchdown of the night on a great play from Garth Frier. The senior linebacker stripped the ball from John Perry and raced untouched for a seventy-yard fumble return. The futility continued on offense, and the Bulldogs only saw glimmers of consistency in that department. The squad made mistakes, but they would have had to have played perfect to defeat this clearly more talented team.
The one thing you can expect from Coach Harden’s team is that they will always be working hard to improve their mistakes. They match up against Hawthorne this week at home, and the game will start at 7:30 p.m. The Bulldogs lost a close match up earlier in the preseason to the Hornets, coming up short, 14-6. Hawthorne comes into the game sporting a 9-0 record. Come out and see this exciting contest.
The Trenton Tigers were looking to get on the winning track Friday night as they faced District 5-1A foe Wildwood in Homecoming 2009.
The Tigers got off to a big start as sophomore running back Brandon Stone scored on a 42-yard scamper to give Trenton the 7-0 lead. Wildwood quickly answered as they picked up a Tiger fumble and turned it into points as they tied the score at 7-7. The Wildcats capitalized on another Tiger miscue as Wildwood returned the fumble to the Tigers’ 7-yard line. They went on to score and take a 14-7 lead. Wildwood closed out the first half on a touchdown to take a 21-7 lead into intermission.
The Tigers came out hot in the third period as Brandon Stone returned the opening kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown. He also took a pitch from quarterback Caleb Smith and dashed around the end 24 yards for the Tigers’ final score. Wildwood defeated the Tigers 55-20 in this game.
In the third quarter, officials on the field stopped the play when fumes from an adjacent Smoker’s Express convenience store blew west into the Trenton stands and onto the football field of play. Trenton Police Chief Billy Smith reported the game was stopped for 20 minutes to allow the gasoline fumes from the off loading truck to dissipate. Chief Smith explained that there were no injuries reported from the fans’ or football players’ inhaling of the gas fumes.
Wildwood with the win clinched a second place in District 5-1A behind the Dixie County Bears. The Tigers will host Hamilton County Friday night with the kickoff set for 7:30 p.m.
The Trenton Tigers played outstanding football against a tough District 5-1A The Villages but suffered a 43-22 loss Friday night at The Villages.
The Tigers played outstanding in the first half, but were outscored by the Buffalos in the second half 28-7.
The Tigers went into this game facing the charter, Buffaloes which pose a 2-2 district record. Trenton jumped out to an early lead as Brandon Stone spurred the offense on several runs along with Caleb Smith connecting to Jonathan Smith to move the Tigers into the red zone. On first down, Brandon Stone took the handoff dashing 20-yards into the end zone for the Tigers. A fake extra point attempt, turned into a 2-point conversion as Smith connected with his young brother for the Tiger’s 8-0 lead. The host quickly answered with a touchdown and extra point to cut the Tiger’s lead to 8-7. The Buffalos displayed an aggressive option attack to score and take a 15-8 lead. In the closing minutes of the first half, Jonathan Smith scored on an end around from 5-yards out and the Tiger’s added an extra point kick to tie the score 15-15 at halftime.
The Villages opened the third period with two quick touchdowns as they advanced to a 29-15 lead. The Tigers on the second kickoff put together a fantastic blocking performance allowing Brandon Stone to return 95 yards for a touchdown. The visitors added the extra point kick as Trenton cut the Buffalos’ lead to 29-22. The Tiger’s defense in the final period was unable to slow the host as they scored to seal a 43-22 win.
The Tigers will host Wildwood Friday night in Homecoming 2009. The homecoming festivities will take place at halftime of the game. The pre-game festivities will get underway at 7:00 p.m.
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By Joel Elliott
Last Friday, the Bell Bulldogs hosted Paxon for their homecoming game. With all the liveliness and events going on before and after the game, Coach Harden’s Bulldogs hoped to stay focused and win one for the home crowd.
Sadly, it wasn’t the case. As what is becoming a trend, the visiting Eagles had a huge roster advantage, and it showed throughout the game. The Eagles were able to overcome two interceptions by Bell’s James Oslager to put up 46 points against the outmatched home squad. The Bulldogs had trouble holding on to the ball, as they turned over the ball four times on seven fumbles. They also had two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. Six turnovers is a lot to overcome, and these boys aren’t the Gators.
The final score was 46-2, which proves what can happen when a team doesn’t take care of the football. Bell scored late in the fourth quarter with a safety on a fumbled snap by the Eagles’ quarterback.
Senior quarterback Daniel Heck had a respectable night, totaling 139 yards running and throwing the ball. Greyson Stewart pulled down three of Heck’s four completions for sixty yards. Bradley Teckenbrock totaled five tackles, and Trey Roux would tally an interception.
Bell’s record drops to 2-5, and have totaled eight points in the last four contests they have played in. Meanwhile, Paxon recorded their first win of the season, putting their record at 1-6.
The Bulldogs couldn’t quite get it done this week, but they host Branford next Friday at 7:30, so plan on attending this sure to be exciting contest.
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By John M. Ayers
The Bell Bulldogs found themselves on the road in St. Augustine Friday night facing a tough (4-1) St. Joseph Academy team. St. Joseph took a 13-0 advantage in the second period and went on to defeat the Bulldogs 31-6.
In the second quarter the Flashes scored on a 56-yard pass from Engmann to D’errico with 10:48 left in the first half. Santos kicked the extra point for the 7-0 lead. In the closing seconds of the first half St. Joseph’s Jones slipped through the Bulldogs’ defense on an 11-yard touchdown run. The host held a 13-0 lead at halftime.
In the third quarter St. Joseph’s Engmann connected with D’errico on a 9-yard touchdown pass. The Flashes’ quarterback again found his favorite receiver on a 2-point conversion as St. Joseph took a 21-0 lead into the fourth quarter.
The Bulldogs’ Grayson Stewart pulled in a 26-yard pass from quarterback Daniel Heck that turned into a Bell touchdown. St. Joseph returned a Bell kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown. Santos added an extra point kick to give the host a 27-6 lead. With 2:20 left in the game Santos kicked a 34-yard field goal for a 31-6 win.
Bell’s Daniel Heck completed 5 of 14 passes for 87 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Jeremy Zimmerman caught 2 passes for 52 yards with the longest one being 47 yards. Stewart Grayson pulled in 2 passes for 29 yards with the longest one a 26-yard touchdown catch. Garth Frier led the Bulldogs on defense with 4 solo tackles and 3 assists. Daniel Heck had 2 solo tackles and 3 assists in this game. Jeremy Zimmerman and Bradley Teckenbrock combined for 4 tackles each in this game.
The Bulldogs (2-3) will travel to Jacksonville to face Bishop Snyder Friday night October 16. The kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
By Joel Elliott
Bell squared off against the visiting Providence Stallions last Friday night, looking to add to their victory last week against Bronson.
The game didn’t go as planned, to say the least, and the Bulldogs would limp away with a 45-0 loss.
The Bulldogs couldn’t establish any offensive rhythm through four quarters and had trouble stopping the well-balanced Stallions, who dressed forty-three players, compared to the Bulldogs’ nineteen.
No one could say that the effort wasn’t there, as the players made the visitors fight for every yard, and punished the Stallions for every yard they gained. They simply couldn’t overcome the huge advantage Providence had in terms of depth. Considering that many of the Bulldogs’ players were playing with injuries, this loss shows that the Bulldogs will still play hard, despite facing much adversity.
Bell’s record dropped to 2-3, while the Stallions remained unbeaten at 4-0. This loss stopped the home winning streak that, before the game, stood at eighteen games. The Bulldogs will look to get back on track against St. Joseph’s Academy when they travel to St. Augustine this Friday. If you can make the trip, come out and support your Bell Bulldogs.
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By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers hosted one of their long-time rivals Friday night that have now become a member of District 5-1A. The Chiefland Indians let their presence be known as they defeated the Tigers 33-0.
This game was a battle for improved District standing as both teams are just getting into the meat of the tough 5-1A schedule. The Trenton Tigers were competitive in this game but the lack of experience and injuries have cast a great shadow on what the Trenton High School Tigers were expecting for themselves in 2009. The Tigers in the first half scored a touchdown but a penalty deleted the points from the scoreboard. The young Tigers were unable to again cross the goal line in the second half as they accepted defeat at the hands of the Indians.
The Tigers are open on Friday, October 9. The idle week will give the Tigers a chance to heal their bumps and bruises as they prepare to travel to Hilliard October 16. Hilliard is another tough District 5-1A opponent that is currently 2-0 in district play.
By Joel Elliott
Last Friday, Bell looked to bounce back after a heart-breaking loss to Trenton by taking on the Bronson Eagles for their home opener. The players were fired up and it turned out to be a great game.
The Eagles would receive the kick-off, but they wouldn’t get very far when Grey Stewart intercepted a Kelby Barber pass on the second play of the ballgame. Bell’s offense wouldn’t fare much better as Daniel Heck threw an interception on the following possession. This time, Bronson started with great field position and Barber would hook up with one of his receivers for a twelve-yard touchdown. The kick was good, and the score was 7-0 with 6:53 left in the first quarter.
Starting what would be a trend, the Bulldogs had a great play when Bradley Denham took a kickoff forty-five yards to Bronson’s 35-yard line. It would be called back due to a penalty. Denham, showing no signs of being winded after the return, took the next play sixty-five yards for a touchdown. Garth Frier’s extra point kick was good, and the first quarter would end with the score knotted at 7-7.
The second quarter scoring would start with senior Daniel Heck throwing a touchdown pass to James Oslager from twelve yards out. The extra point was good, and the lead would go to seven points. Bronson would fire back and drive the length of the field, but a fumble recovery in the end zone by Bell would stop the drive. Bronson would get the ball back after a Bell punt and again were stopped, this time by a Bradley Teckenbrock interception. This play would almost conclude the first half.
The second half would start interestingly because the Bulldogs had to play without the benefit of their first two quarterbacks, Daniel Heck and Bradley Denham, who were injured in the first half. Greyson Stewart would fill in from his receiver’s position. Running back Jeremy Zimmerman would run the ball very well with the help of his line, and the Bulldogs would drive down to the goal line where Stewart was intercepted by a member of the Bronson secondary. Bronson would take the ball down the field and Barber would connect with Randy Powell on a pretty, thirty-five yard strike for a touchdown. That would tie the score at fourteen.
After a great return and two personal foul penalties by Bronson, the Bulldogs looked poised to take the lead. But Stewart would fumble on an end zone dive, and Bronson would take over as the third quarter ended.
The fourth quarter would start with Bronson backed up deep in their own territory. After heavy pressure, Barber was flagged for intentionally grounding the ball in the end zone, which gave Bell a safety and two points. The only scoring that happened in the fourth quarter was a seventy yard TD pass from Stewart to Oslager that extended the lead to 22-14, which would be the final score.
This team, riddled with injuries, really showed that they could win through adversity. Greyson Stewart put in a gritty performance whenever he was needed. This Friday, Bell hosts Providence at 7:30 in the Boneyard. Let’s all go out and support our team.
By Joel Elliott
With only two football teams in the county, and bragging rights for the entire upcoming year on the line, the game between the Bell Bulldogs and the Trenton Tigers is a game that many in this county mark on their calendars.
Last Friday, the game between these two schools was another game worthy to be called one of the most exciting ever.
Trenton would receive the kickoff in the first quarter, and looked to score quickly until Bell senior Seth Lee grabbed a Caleb Smith pass and raced untouched for what looked to be a Bell touchdown. The play was called back due to an illegal blocking penalty.
But quarterback Bradley Denham would quickly put points back on the board when he raced through Trenton defenders for a 71-yard touchdown run. The extra point was missed, and the score stood at 6-0.
The two teams would trade possessions until Bell running back/defensive back Jeremy Zimmerman took a Trenton fumble and returned it a jaw dropping 83 yards for the score. The two-point conversion was no good, and the score moved to 12-0.
The second quarter belonged to Trenton, with sophomore running back Brandon Stone galloping for a 15-yard touchdown run. So, the home team went into the locker room trailing by six.
One of the touchdowns in the third quarter was a pounding touchdown run by Garth Frier from a yard out, which capped off a drive where Bell ran the ball very efficiently.
The other was a speedy, elusive run by Tiger running back Cedric Stokes. The extra point, (also made by Stokes) was good, and the Tigers would stay down at the end of the third quarter, 18-13.
The fourth quarter was a very exciting thing to see, with both teams playing gritty defense and grinding out yards where they could.
When a Bell punt gave Trenton the ball with excellent field position, the Tigers drove down the length of the field and looked to run out of time before scoring.
But a smart spike of the football by the Tigers’ quarterback Caleb Smith would stop the clock on fourth down with 1.5 seconds left on the clock. The last play of the game would feature junior wide receiver, Seth Moses, who would find a soft spot in the corner of the end zone and catch a lofty pass from Smith. The referee raised his hands as the traditional signal for a touchdown, as the Trenton stands exploded with excitement. The final score, which shocked the Bell fans, ended at 19-18.
Ironically, Trenton’s junior wide receiver who caught the winning pass for the Tigers, Seth Moses went to school at Bell up until this school year.
On Thursday, Sept. 24 the Trenton Tiger junior varsity football team will travel to the Dawg Pound in Bell to take on the Bell junior varsity football team with the kickoff set for 7 p.m. This contest will feature the younger athletes, but the excitement will be as intense at the varsity game was this past Friday night.
The Trenton varsity Tigers travel to Dixie County to meet the Bears in a district match up Friday night.
The Bulldogs will host Bronson in their first home game of the season. These games will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Attend the games and support your local teams.
By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers hosted the Branford Bucs in a non-district matchup that was a classic Friday night high school football game in the Suwannee Valley. The Bucs under Coach Bill Wiles pulled their speed card and out scored the Tigers in the second half to steal a 27-13 victory.
The Bucs drew first points as Senior John Perry scored his first of four touchdowns in the game on a 50-yard run and kicked an extra point for a 7-0 lead. The Tigers’ Brandon Stone put Trenton into the end zone as he busted loose for a 58-yard run. Cedric Stokes tied the score on an extra point kick.
Branford’s Perry broke the tie in the opening minutes of the third quarter when he ran for a 36-yard touchdown. Trenton’s Caleb Smith tied the game at 13-13 when he completed a Tiger offensive drive on a 5-yard touchdown run. Perry slipped away from the Tigers’ defense in the closing minutes of the third period when he scored on a 74-yard run.
The Bucs picked up 2 points on a Tiger safety. Branford took a 27-13 win when Perry dashed 34-yards for a touchdown. Coach Wiles reported Perry totaled 333 yards and had 9 tackles from his safety position.
The Tigers’ Brandon Stone led the offense on 6 carries for 89 yards. Caleb Smith also gained 47 yards on 11 carries.
The Tigers on defense were led by Corbyn Pugh with 16 total tackles and 1 blocked extra point kick. Colton Duquette had 8 solo and 6 assisted tackles. Caleb Smith recorded 11 total tackles and 1 interception as teammates T.J. Kircher had 9 tackles and Hunter Parrish, Trevor Pelfrey, and T.J. Calkins each had 6 tackles for the Tigers.
Trenton will host the Bell Bulldogs Friday night in the County Championship. This game always brings out the fans as the two teams love the competition. This year it should be a competitive game. The kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
By John M. Ayers
The Bell Bulldogs opened their 2009 regular season with a 35-0 grounding of host Gainesville Oak Hall Friday night.
The Dogs had their way in the Eagles nest as they rushed for over 300 yards scoring at will in the second, third and fourth periods.
In the second period Bell’s Bradley Denham led the offense from his running back position on a 44-yard run for a touchdown with 10:31 remaining in the half. Garth Frier kept the momentum rolling as he added the extra point kick for a 7-0 lead. Denton Rowicki broke the Eagles defense as he rushed 33 yards for a second Bulldogs’ touchdown with 5:31 remaining in the second period. Frier again added the extra point kick to give the visitors a 14-0 edge. With just minutes remaining in the first half, sophomore Jeremy Zimmerman got into the excitement of scoring as he completed a Bell offensive drive with a 5-yard run into the end zone for the score. Denham, the junior running back, gave Bell a 21-0 edge when he slipped into the end zone for a 2-point conversion.
In the third period the Bulldogs picked up where they had left off as Denham broke through the Eagles’ defense on a 55-yard touchdown run with 9:28 remaining in the period. Frier added the extra point kick as Bell took a 28-0 lead. Zimmerman completed the Bulldogs’ scoring as he ran 5 yards for a touchdown with 9:31 remaining in the fourth period.
Bell’s quarterback Daniel Heck rushed for 43 yards on 7 carriers. He completed 2 of 6 passes for 32 yards.
The Bulldogs’ defense set the stage as they picked off the Eagles quarterback 2 times in this game and sacked him on 3 other occasions as they kept Oak Hall scoreless in their season opener. Trey Roux and Chris Wilkerson had 5 total tackles each, and Garth Frier had 4 total tackles in this game.
Bell will take a week off on September 11 as they prepare to travel to Trenton for their rivalry game on September 18.
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By John M. Ayers
The Trenton Tigers proved their edge over the Bronson Eagles as they scored 14 points in the final period to take a 27-13 win on the road.
“I was very proud of our young guys; our defense played well and our offense came through in the end to put this game away,” explained Trenton Coach Chris Baker.
Trenton’s Brandon Stone got the Tigers on track when he completed an offensive drive with a 7-yard touchdown run.
Bronson’s Eric Oliver picked up a Tiger fumble and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown in the closing minutes of the first period.
Trenton’s Caleb Smith connected with Corbyn Pugh on a 28-yard pass that the junior running back took into the end zone for a touchdown. Cedric Stokes kicked the extra point for a 13-6 Trenton lead.
In the third period Bronson erased the Tigers lead when Powers connected with Barber on a 10-yard touchdown pass to tie the score at 13 all.
The fourth quarter was all Trenton as T.J. Kircher gave the visitors their final lead when he dashed into the end zone on a 2-yard touchdown run. Stokes picked up a 2-point conversion for a 20-13 lead. Stone capped off the Tigers’ scoring when he broke loose for a 20-yard touchdown run in the closing minutes of the game.
Trenton’s Caleb Smith completed 2 or 3 passes for 30 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Brandon Stone led the Tiger rushing attack with 18 carries for 148 yards. Cedric Stokes also picked up 763 yards for the Tigers on 15 carries. The Tigers’ Jonathan Smith led the defense with 8 tackles, and teammate TJ Kircher had 1 sack from his linebacker post.
The Tigers will open a 2-game home stand Friday night as they host Branford. The Bucs come into this game as an independent with a 42-7 victory over St. Francis Friday night in Gainesville.
“We expect Friday night to be a tough game, Coach Baker explained. Branford operates from a single wing offense that will be different and of course Coach Bill Wiles’ teams are always tough,” Baker added.
This game will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. in Tiger stadium.
by Brandon McElroy
The district tournament kicked off last Monday with Oak Hall defeating Bell in the first round. Oak Hall totally demolished Bell sending them home with the final score of 12-2. This win advanced Oak Hall to the second round where they sat and waited for the winner of Tuesday night’s game between the Branford Bucs and your Trenton Tigers.
By game time on Tuesday night, the Tigers were fired up and ready to play. Coming off that disappointing loss to Chiefland, the nasty taste of defeat lingered in their mouth and the Tigers were bound and determined to overtake the Branford Bucs. As always in district tournaments, the game started out close, but the team that wanted to win more would rise to the occasion and take over the ball game.
The game was scoreless until the 3rd inning when Caleb Smith started the inning with a leadoff double. This got every ounce of emotion and adrenaline the Tigers had flowing, and with the crowd’s support they began to pull away. The next batter up was senior leader Ryan Schmitz; Schmitz crushed the first pitch thrown to him over the right-center field fence. Right then and there Branford knew they had been beat and just laid down to take their beating. A couple of innings later, the 8th grader Clif Bryant would bring some of his own magic up to the plate. Bryant hammered the pitch in the gap between the 1st and 2nd baseman, bringing in 2 more runs cushioning the Tigers’ lead to 5-0. In the last inning 2 more Tigers would come around to score due to pass balls. Bryant went 2 for 3 on the night with 2 RBIs only to be out done by the wiles of the 7th grader, Steven Smith, who went perfect at the plate. Defensively, Caleb Smith started on the mound and pitched a fantastic game. Smith allowed only 4 hits, 2 walks, and struck out 5 players. Only 1 run was given up and that run came in the 7th inning. Branford committed 6 errors whereas the Tigers only had 1. All signs of victory pointed to the Tigers as they advanced to face the Oak Hall Eagles by the final score of your Trenton Tigers 7 and the Branford Bucs 1.
Since Oak Hall held the higher seed over the Tigers, the Tigers were listed as the visitors on the scoreboard. Oak Hall saved their ace pitcher for the Tigers, which was no surprise since the Tigers face him every time they play. Judging from the last two times these powerhouses played, it would be a fair guess to say the Tigers had no chance against the excellent pitching of Oak Hall; however, this was not the case. For the past 3 years the Tigers have settled for 2nd place district runner up, and for the past 2 years, Oak Hall has been the force keeping them from that number 1 seed. Having said that, the Tigers came into this game with an itch to end the losing streak against Oak Hall and finally be rewarded with that championship plaque.
As the game got under way, the Tigers knew and understood it was do or die, win or go home. Leading off for the Tigers was senior Justin Alvarez who got the spirits of the Tigers high with his leadoff single. Alvarez made his way around the bases and ended up scoring the first run of the game. Ryan Schmitz joined Alvarez on the bases but was left stranded on third, 1 of 6 runners the Tigers left stranded on the base path. Oak Hall kept up with the Tigers, and it was tit-for-tat all game long.
Going into the 5th inning Oak Hall was leading the Tigers 2 runs to 1 and it was time for the Tigers to put up or shut up. The Tigers responded to Oak Hall’s lead with a leadoff double, and then loading the bases. With the bases loaded and two outs, Karson Gilbert approached the plate. Gilbert worked the count and was walked…well at least he, the crowd and even Oak Hall thought so; the pitch the umpire called a strike was a high, outside fastball. The runner at third was thrown out coming home because the umpire did not indicate the pitch was a strike. This ended the rally for the Tigers and drained the life out of them. The real winner of this game was the officiating crew; they deserve championship officiating trophies; bad calls were made all night long and all calls against the Tigers. Hopefully FHSAA takes pride in their umpires for the great calls they make and their outstanding officiating abilities.
Later in the 6th inning, the Tigers tied the game at 3 runs apiece and made things a little interesting. The Tigers, full of life once again, went out and held the Eagles, essentially frustrating the Eagles and prolonging the game. The Tigers were unable to get anything started offensively and were stuck at 3 runs. Their only hope was to go on defense and force extra innings. In the bottom of the 7th, the Eagles were able to load the bases and with only 1 out, come up with a walk-off single which drove in the winning run. The final score to this nail-biting game was your Trenton Tigers 3 and the Oak Hall Eagles 4.
This concludes the 2009 chapter of Trenton Tiger baseball and for the 1st time in 3 years the Tigers do not advance to the playoffs. Oak Hall went on to win the tournament by beating Lafayette by a score of 2-1.
Thank you to all the fans that supported the Tigers this season through the thick and the thin. Also to Coach Scott Guthrie, Todd Bryant, and Keith Gilbert for the countless hours you put into making this program succeed. A special note of thanks to Maxie Clark for play-by-play announcing every game, the Tigers wouldn’t be the same without you.
After two amazing seasons spent traveling, writing for, and spending time with the Tiger baseball team, sorrowfully, my time as the voice of the Tigers comes to an end. During my time as that voice I came to learn and understand what being a Trenton Tiger is all about. Dedication, love for the game, and Tiger pride flows through me as well as any Tiger that has been through Trenton’s program. Memories and lifelong lessons taught from the Coaches will be carried on with me along with the rest of the seniors for the rest of our lives. This is the best time of my life and I appreciate everyone who helped make this season special. I would like to send out a personal thank you to Coach Tommy Malloy for keeping things interesting and teaching me everything I know about baseball. I would not trade anything for the brother-like bonds formed through sports or through my high school career.
This is the voice of the Tigers signing out for the last and final time. Best wishes to the Tigers in upcoming seasons; your hard work and dedication will pay off if you continue striving for excellence.
by Brandon McElroy
To bring the 2009 regular season to a close, the Tigers faced only 3 more opponents; 3 of which the Tigers had already played and already defeated. Melody Christian, Newberry, and the all-time great rival Chiefland Indians all awaited their second chance at playing the Trenton Tigers.
To open the final week of the regular season, Melody Christian came to Trenton on Tuesday all tuned up. Although the Wolves put on a cool front, seemingly ready to play ball, the Tigers would very quickly and very efficiently shut them down! The Tigers’ will to win surpassed that of the Wolves by a great margin, and it was evident in efforts on the field. Starting on the mound for the Tigers was sophomore Caleb Smith, who brought some of his absolute best pitching into this matchup. Smith allowed only 2 hits the entire game and gave up no runs! Offensively, runs were scored in every inning the Tigers came up to the plate! In addition to his great pitching, Smith also went perfect at the plate hitting 2 for 2 and driving in 5 runs! One of his hits was a double and the other a triple. Justin Alvarez, Corbyn Pugh, and Steven Smith also went perfect at the plate. Kolton Mims and Cody Hardy contributed to the run away as well.
The Tigers played very fundamentally sound baseball and ended this matchup in just 5 innings of play! The final score to this blow out was your Trenton Tigers 11 and the Melody Christian Wolves 0!
Every season there is a group of seniors that get to experience playing on their home turf for one last time. Thursday night, Justin Alvarez, C.J. Bowers, Michael Elliott, and Ryan Schmitz were honored before the game and thanked for the wonderful sportsmanship, leadership, and athleticism they brought to the Trenton Tigers dugout.
Even though the Tigers were enjoying the atmosphere and their seniors for one last time at home, the Newberry Panthers came to the Jungle ready to spoil senior night. In the first couple innings, errors (both mental and fielding) ate the Tigers up. However, determined not to be embarrassed on senior night, the Tigers pulled it together just long enough to score the runs needed to win. The Tigers did not take advantage of their base runners or their base hits as they left 6 runners in scoring position and an overall total of 8 stranded on base!
The Tigers had 9 hits on the night and allowed 5 walks and only 3 runs to score. The seniors helped their team yet again to come out victorious and win by the final score of your Trenton Tigers 4 and the Newberry Panthers 3. Ryan Schmitz played fantastic baseball going 2 for 4 and driving in 2 runs!
As the tradition is every year, the final game of the season the Tigers travel to Chiefland to face the wiles of the Indians. After upsetting the Indians the first match, the Indians came out seeking revenge on the Tigers.
Much like the 1st matchup, pitching was exceptional and innings flew by; for the most part all 7 innings were 3 batters up, 3 batters down. In the 3rd inning, the Tigers would take the lead 2-0 thanks to Karson Gilberts clutch hitting! The lead would last until the 5th inning when mental errors overtook the Tigers and complacent play came back to haunt them once more. The Indians stole the lead back by scoring 3 runs in the 5th and by scoring an insurance run in the 6th inning. The Tigers just were not up to the challenge of hitting Chiefland’s pitcher, who threw extremely well. The final score to this great matchup was your Trenton Tigers 3 and the Chiefland Indians 4. This wraps up the 2009 regular season of Trenton High School baseball with a record of 14-6!
Another tight game was lost due to the simple fact of errors and not finishing the ball game. The Tigers will have to take this lesson to heart and apply it quickly as the district tournament is here! It is now win or go home!
by Scott Guthrie
The Trenton Tiger baseball team will be hosting the 2009 District 5-2A baseball tournament beginning Monday, April 27, and finishing up on Friday, May 1st with the championship game. Seven teams in the district will be competing including host Trenton, Bell, Lafayette County, Branford, Bronson, Oak Hall, and Hawthorne. This year’s top seed are the Lafayette Hornets with a district record of 11-1. Oak Hall and Trenton make up the second and third seed respectively.
The tournament will get underway on Monday with one game at 7:30 p.m., matching the Oak Hall Eagles against the yet to be determined seventh seed, either Branford or Bell. On Tuesday, the number four and five seeds will take the field at 4:30 p.m., matching Hawthorne versus Bronson with the winner advancing to play Lafayette in the semifinals. Later Tuesday, at 7:30 p.m., the host Trenton Tigers will take the field in a matchup against the number six seed, either Branford or Bell. The semifinal games will be held on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. If the host Tigers advance to the semifinals, they will play the 7:30 p.m. game on Thursday. The championship game will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday night.
“We are extremely excited about being able to host the tournament this year,” stated Coach Scott Guthrie. “The amount of effort that our coaches, players, and parents have put into this field and its facilities has been tremendous. We constantly receive compliments from opposing teams about the quality of our facilities here at Trenton High School.”
Guthrie also reports he is optimistic about his team’s chances in this year’s tournament. “These guys have the ability to win this thing if they put their mind to it,” stated Guthrie. “We have pitching depth like I haven’t seen here in quite awhile and the great thing is, they are all sophomores and juniors. I like our chances if the guys will go out and play to their ability.”
by Brandon McElroy
With the District tournament approaching fast, the Tigers began to prepare themselves mentally as well as physically with only 1 more week remaining in the regular season. Last week started out with a tough game first, a dirty game second, and to cap the week off, a rivalry game.
First on the Tigers list was the Taylor County Bulldogs. The Bulldogs traveled all the way from Perry with last year’s 6-4 loss to the Tigers fresh on their minds. Caleb Smith started on the mound and threw a fairly decent game for the Tigers. Smith threw for 6 innings then Chance Brooks relief efforts were called on. Between the two pitchers, an improved 4 walks were handed out and 5 strikeouts were dished to the Bulldogs. Offensively Justin Alvarez was on fire batting a perfect 3 for 3 at the plate and scoring every time he reached base! Also Chance Brooks ripped the Bulldogs pitcher hitting a sky-high 3 run homer over the left field fence. Despite the outstanding efforts from the Tigers, it just wasn’t enough to top the Bulldogs, whose school is much bigger than Trenton’s. The Tigers put up an incredible fight and were handed their 6th loss of the season with a final score of your Trenton Tigers 6 and the Taylor County Bulldogs 9.
Next up for the Tigers was one of their last district games, the always dirty Hawthorne Hornets. Starting on the mound for this matchup was Karson Gilbert, who was dishing out some of his nastiest pitches of the season. Gilbert went all 7 innings, mostly achieving 3 up 3 down throughout the entire game. Gilbert sat down 10 of Hawthorne’s players with strikeouts and allowed an incredible 0 walks! This is the first time this season no walks have been allowed in a game.
Good, fun, and clean baseball was being played until a player from Hawthorne decided to throw an elbow at senior first baseman Ryan Schmitz. Schmitz was in the process of catching a fly ball this player had just hit when the elbow struck him right in the ribs. After a heated debate, the player was soon tossed from the game but the damage had already been done. Schmitz suffered 2 bruised ribs and a bruised liver and had to sit out the rest of the game.
After the intentional thrown elbow, all joking was put aside and the Tigers achieved their revenge on the baseball field by beating the Hornets with a final score of your Trenton Tigers 6 and the Hawthorne Hornets 3. Justin Alvarez continued his hot streak at the plate by going 2 for 3. Trey Smith also went an excellent 2 for 3 from the plate and drove in 2 runs.
Finally, to top the week off the Tigers faced their cross county rivals, the Bell Bulldogs. The fragrance of hamburgers on the grill filled the Jungle with that great high school baseball atmosphere. Nerves were short as well as adrenaline high since this was the last time the Tigers would face the Bulldogs in the regular season.
The hard throwing junior Trey Smith started on the mound for the Tigers and threw an amazing game, shutting down the Bulldogs offense! Smith allowed only 3 hits in 7 innings played and only 2 runs were scored. Smith also struck out 13 of the Bulldogs players and permitted only 3 walks. Everything was rolling for the Tigers offensively as well. Collectively, the Tigers had 10 hits on the night and scored an uncontested 11 runs. In addition to great pitching, Trey Smith also went a perfect 2 for 2 at the plate. Justin Alvarez and Caleb Smith also contributed to the offensive slaughter by going 2 for 4 at the plate. The Tigers were all over the Bulldogs in this matchup routing the Bulldogs with a final score of your Trenton Tigers 11 and the Bell Bulldogs 2!
Thursday, 4/23, will be the Tigers’ senior night, the last regular season game the seniors will play at home. Come out and support the efforts of these seniors! They have done a great job leading this team to the 12-6 record the Tigers hold! Also, to end the regular season, the Tigers face the Chiefland Indians on the Indians’ home turf. This promises to be a great matchup judging by the first time these two powerhouses met!
Also another important note is the District Tournament will be held here, in Trenton, starting 4/27. Coach Scott would like to invite everyone out to support the efforts of the Tigers and to help the Tigers bring home the District championship trophy!
by Brandon McElroy
Last week brought a close to the 2009 junior varsity season. Every member of the team played and contributed to the success of the season. The Tiger pups finished with an incredible record of 13 wins and only 3 losses! This same group of young men last year went an almost perfect 14-1! This is a very talented group of players and if they continue to stick together, work hard, and improve, they will be a force to reckon with in the near future.
On Tuesday, Taylor County traveled all the way from Perry to face the young and talented Tiger pups. The majority of players on Taylor County’s team turned out to be sophomores with a great deal of game experience. The Tiger pups mainly consist of 8 graders with a few 9th graders thrown in the mix and a couple 7th graders. Although the Taylor County Bulldogs had more experience, age, and a little bit of size on the Tiger pups, the Tiger pups did not back down. Once again, walks just ate the Tiger pups alive. The first 3 batters drew a walk and ended up scoring and this put the Tiger pups behind early, something they don’t enjoy dealing with. Taylor County’s pitcher was very gifted and hit spots over the plate that made it very difficult for the Tiger pups to hit the ball like they normally do. The Tiger pups were held to only 6 hits compared to their usual 9 or 10. Taylor County was also held to only 6 hits but took advantage of the 12 walks the Tiger pups granted them and ran away with the score. The Tiger pups tried to make a run in the 4th inning, but it was entirely too late loosing by the final score of your Tiger pups 7 and the Taylor County Bulldogs 14.
Next on the Tiger pups list was the Hawthorne Hornets. This was a fun game for the Tiger pups and a nice game to have before they had to play the cross county rival, Bell. The Tiger pups jumped out to a fast lead and never let the Hornets catch up. Runs were scored in every inning save one by the Tiger pups! The Tiger pups were hitting the ball hard, drawing walks and playing fundamentally sound baseball and came up with a big marginal victory of the Hornets with a final score of your Tiger pups 13 and the Hawthorne Hornets 2! Even O. Parrish (a 7th grader who moved up to JV) got involved in the action and contributed at the plate with a base hit and scoring on a pass ball! Darren Skawienski did a great job this game for the Tiger pups by going 2 for 3 at the plate.
There is no better way to finish out the regular season than by playing an old cross county rival. Better yet, there is no better feeling than leaving the season with a victory over your cross county rival. To cap a very successful 2009 season, the Tiger pups bowed up Saturday afternoon and took on the Bell Bulldogs. This would be their last game of the season and everyone wanted to end it right; and that’s just what they did!
If the Tiger pups jump out on their opponent early, they might as well call it a day; once the Tiger pups taste victory and smell fear, it all snowballs for the Tiger pups. With expectations high and adrenaline flowing, the Tiger pups jumped out to a 4-0 early lead on the Bulldogs. When the Tiger pups achieved this early lead, it seemed as though it was a one sided ball game. With the marvelous pitching from Darren Skawienski and the close out abilities of Jonathan Smith, the Tiger pups shut down the offense of the Bulldogs and only allowed 3 runs. Between the 2 pitchers, 13 strikeouts were handed out to Bulldog players. Great offensive plays were made as well. Every ball that was hit seemed to have smoke tailing behind it! Steven Smith had a great season ending game going 2 for 3 at the plate. The Tiger pups win their final game of the season by the final score of your Tiger pups 9 and the Bell Bulldogs 3.
Thank you to all the fans that came out and gave their time and support to these young players. It was very encouraging for them to see a crowd watching them. Congratulations to Coach Todd Bryant for another successful season and to the team for continuous hard work and dedication. As parents and citizens of Gilchrist County we should all be proud of the undertakings of our youth!
by Brandon McElroy
On Tuesday both the Junior varsity and the Varsity Tigers faced the Branford Bucs at home in the Jungle. The Junior varsity displayed their abilities first as they demolished the Bucs with the largest marginal victory so far this season!
The young Tiger pups started Hunter Williams on the mound and the opening pitch was thrown just at 4 o’clock. Williams threw a fantastic 3 innings of baseball with 6 strikeouts and only 1 walk. Each inning Williams pitched was 3 up 3 down! In the second inning the Tigers had been through the lineup a total of 3 times whereas the Bucs had not even made it through once! Defensively they made the routing plays, offensively they hit the ball, and in return they came up with a BIG win. John Rowe had an exceptional game as he went 4 for 4 and all 4 of his hits were doubles! If you think that stat is crazy, Rowe also had 7 RBI’s on the game! Corbin Wiggins also went perfect at the plate batting a cool 2 for 2. Another player that came up big for the Tiger pups was Jonathan Smith. Smith batted 3 for 3 and drove in 4 runs.
The Tiger pups had a total of 13 hits and held their opponent to an overall 7 hits. The Tiger pups also improved in the area of walks as they only walked 1 batter this game compared to the usual 6 or more. Everything really clicked for the Tiger pups on this afternoon as they trampled the Bucs with a final score of your Trenton Tiger pups 20 and the Branford Bucs 4!
Next up was the Varsity Tiger who were seemingly determined to get out of the mid-season slump. Pitching for the Tigers would be a combination of Caleb Smith, Trey Smith, and Karson Gilbert. Coach Scott Guthrie decided to split the time up between the pitchers to 2 innings apiece, but only 5 innings were needed to topple the Bucs; Caleb Smith threw 2, Trey Smith threw 2, and Gilbert threw 1 inning.
The top of the 1st inning started out a little slow for the Tigers but they managed to enter the bottom of the 1st with the score still 0-0. The Tigers came to the plate ready to swing and started off right with 5 hits and scoring 7 runs. The Tigers must have gotten complacent after their 7 runs were scored because the rest of the game was sloppily played due to errors, walks, and pitchers not hitting their spots over the plate. Even though the Tigers played a little sloppy, the Bucs were determined to play sloppier and the Tigers took advantage of their mistakes. Out of C. Smith, T. Smith and Gilbert, a total of 9 walks were issued, but the Bucs failed to capitalize on those walks since only 3 of the 9 batters that walked scored. Branford returned the favor to the Tigers distributing 9 walks of their own…the only difference was the Tigers scored 6 of the 9 batters that walked compared to Branford’s 3.
The Tigers only had 1 more hit after the 1st inning was played which gave them a total of 6 hits while the Branford Bucs had a mere 4. Despite the careless play of the Tigers, they were able to find a way to come up victorious of the Bucs. The final score to this matchup was your Trenton Tigers 14 and the Branford Bucs 4. This added another district win to the Tigers’ belt and the Tigers still hold the 3rd position in the district with a league record of 6-4.
The regular season is almost to a close and the district tournament is slowly approaching! The Tigers’ overall record now stands at 10-5, which is nothing to scoff at. If you take the Tigers lightly, they will make you pay!
There are only 2 weeks left of the regular season then it’s time to win or go home. The district tournament will be held here, in Trenton, and hopefully the home field advantage will assist the Tigers to rise to the top of the district and be crowned district champs!