Florence Falcons Football Night @ Lost Pizza w/ Kevin Johnson 09/03/26

[0:00] Florence Falcons football night at Lost Pizza. For the next hour we'll discuss Florence Falcons football with coaches and players. Presented by 93.9 The Score, State Farm Agent J.D. Byers and River Bank and Trust. Now live from Lost Pizza in historic downtown Florence, here's the voice of the Florence Falcons, Kevin Johnson. And good evening here for Florence Falcons football night. Live from Lost Pizza, Kevin Johnson glad to be with you tonight. as we have a packed house here at Lost Pizza in historic downtown Florence. And it is a sea of Falcon blue from one end to the other and they are fired up about the big rivalry game coming up this Friday night.

Joined now by the head coach of the Florence Falcons, ladies and gentlemen here at Lost Pizza. Let's give a big round of applause to our head coach, Kenny Morrison. Coach, how you doing? Doing great. I mean, I'm not going to lie to you. When I saw this crowd, I thought they might have thought I was going to preach. I don't know. I mean, I haven't seen a crowd like this in a while. Let's don't get started. They may get up and leave. They will get up and leave. You're right about that. I like that. You know me too well. Coach, it is exciting though to see on a rivalry week, all these fans come together. They're excited about it. Everybody's excited about it. It's good for high school football.

It's great. I mean, it's a great rivalry. Great crowd here tonight. So proud of everybody coming out. Our guys are packed out at the table over there in full. Getting those O-line, D-line guys fed up over there. So yeah, this is a great week. Just excited about getting this thing going. If we can get this crowd to go over to across the river tomorrow night and then about maybe three or four thousand more, that'd be pretty nice, wouldn't it? I think they'll be there. I believe it's going to be standing room only. It's going to be an awesome atmosphere.

Speaking with Coach Kenny Morrison, the head coach of the Florence Falcons. Coach, if there's anyone who can't wait for Friday night, 7 p.m., I would think it's you after this week. I'm sure you've had a lot to manage, a lot to do. I'm sure you're ready for it to kick it off. Well, coaches hate this kind of week. I know in the rivalry stuff I've been in in the past, it's always more exciting when it's finally over with and move on with it, get it out of the way.

It's a good thing that it's early. Hope down the road we might end up in the playoffs with them again. But this is a great start to the season. Love where we're at. Let's be honest. The month of August was really nice to us, wasn't it? It really was. A great start by our guys. Got off to a fast start. What we needed is something we haven't done around here in a while. And just, you know, guys coming off of a long summer, hot summer, and worked extremely hard, and it's paid off for them.

That hot summer has stayed around. This week has been brutal. It's been relentless this week, but our guys have handled it. I told you earlier in our pregame talk that I think they probably handled it better than the coaches did. It was a struggle out there, but the guys, they seemed unfazed by it. Well, tomorrow night again, so we speak with Coach Kenny Marson of the Florence Falcons. It's a great rivalry. It's a great reaching game as you go on the road, take on the Trojans across the way.

It's really good for high school football, though, isn't it? It really is. I mean, this is great for both communities. What an exciting night it's going to be. I've told the guys all week, these are the games that you want to play in. These are the games I've told our young coaches, this is why we got in this business, to play in games like this. And, you know, packed house, standing room only. It's going to be a fun night. Just go out there and enjoy the moment.

And it's great for both communities, for sure. How important is it for you and your team and just everyone in general just to stay calm and play clean? Absolutely. I mean, don't make the moment bigger than it is. Go out there and have fun and enjoy it. And just not get caught up with it. We're going to get out there early. There will be a lot of folks there when we're in pregame warm-ups, and that will help get the nerves and jitters out. My dad's sitting at the table over there, and I remember every game that I played, he'd ask me if I was nervous, and I'd say yes.

And he said, that's a good thing. And he'd say, if you're not nervous, you're not ready. That's right. And it means something to you when you're nervous. I've told the guys the same thing. I've used it every year I've coached. It's okay to be nervous. It's going to be a nervous environment. Once that first play kicks off and gets rolling, all the jitters will go away. Speaking with Coach Kenny Morrison of Florence Falcons, and that's great advice from your dad there, and I love that. Just go back to your senior year, and let's talk about you as a coffee yellow jacket.

You were in a rivalry game. It's your senior year. Your team may not know this, but in the biggest rivalry game of your life, you had one of your best games. I did. If we could repeat that. You like it. It was 42-0 coffee over Bradshaw. That was a fun night. It was memorable. We still get together with our guys every year and talk about it like we played it yesterday. What are you looking for out of your team tomorrow night? Go out there and compete.

[5:08] The biggest thing is we've got to clean up penalties from the previous weeks. Biggest thing we've preached all week that I've preached since I got here, our biggest opponent is us. We've got to continue to worry about us. Can't worry about what they've got going on across the river over there. If we'll take care of ourselves, everything will take care of itself. Speaking with Coach Kenny Marson, the Florence Falcons. Coach, I can only imagine. Take away KJ in 93-9 to score. How many interviews have you possibly done this week?

I'm sure you've had a few phone calls. There's been a lot of phone calls for sure, but the message is the same. It's just another game. It's the next one up, which is the most important, always is. Coach Miles said that to us this morning. It's important because it's the next one up, and it is. And we've got to not get caught up with who it is, worry about us, and let's go play. Pretty good week of practice? It can always be better. Yeah. I can say this.

It was better than last week. Yes. Last week, I was really concerned rolling in. Probably the worst week of practice last week I've seen since I've been here in five years. And guys responded and got back at it this week. Wasn't great, but they pushed through it during a hot week. And I'm proud of what they did. And they're prepared. Our coaches got them prepared. What a great game plan we've got in place. We've just got to go out and execute. Your staff has been so special.

Having the continuity of this staff come together, staying with you another year, that plays a big dividends. I was very fortunate. I say it all the time. I was very fortunate at Decatur. We had a special staff that stayed together 15, 20 years. You couldn't blow us out of there. I mean, we really enjoyed each other. And yesterday, it hit me. I was in the coach's office. Everybody left. All the coaches are sitting in there. Every varsity coach is still there. Everyone. All around the room, sitting there, talking, cutting up.

And I finally said, guys, let's go home. Yeah. You had to just force the guys to leave. That's when you know you've got the room right. Yes. When the coaches are hanging around, cutting up, and just not even talking football. Talking to old days. Of course, they get tired of hearing my stories and all my glory days of coaching or bad times of coaching. But yesterday, it sunk in that we've got it right in our coach's office. And I said from day one when I got here, if we didn't get the coach's office right, we couldn't get the locker room right.

And if I've done anything, I've hired some great men and really proud of that staff we've got. Well, Coach, we're excited about the game tomorrow night. I think the folks in Florence are more than excited for it. We're looking forward to it. You can hear that game on 93-9. The score pregame, TNT fireworks pregame begins at 6 p.m., kickoff at 7. And if you have your phone, you can download the app, listen to it in the stadium as well, and hope that you will do that as well.

But we're honored to follow the Falcons. Looking forward to going 3-0 tomorrow night. And best of luck, okay? Let's hear it for head coach Kenny Marson of the Florence Falcons. You're listening to the Florence Falcons football night at Lost Pizza and Muscle Shows. Florence and Muscle Shows tomorrow night. We'll be back after this two-minute timeout. Hi, I'm Jeffrey Jones at Riverbank & Trust. Our team is proud to support the Florence High School Falcons and honored to serve our hometown community. To the players, coaches, families, and fans, best wishes for a safe and winning season.

Go Falcons. Come see us at Riverbank & Trust, 401 East Tennessee Street in Florence, or www.riverbankandtrust.com. Remember, FDIC. Switching is easy. We switch on the lights, we switch on the channels. Some folks switch universities a lot, and that's not a stretch. What's also not a stretch is how you can switch and save with State Farm. This is local State Farm agent J.D. Byers right here in Florence, and we can switch you over so you can start saving today. The J.D. Byers State Farm Agency and my team are ready to welcome you to the State Farm neighborhood.

With J.D. Byers State Farm on Cloverdale Road, it's easy to switch and save. Just call 263-4312. When you want the real deal, because like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. You got a craving, they won't quit? Lost Pizza Company Shoals just dropped something new, and it's only around for a limited time. Say hello to our jalapeno mac and cheese bites. Crispy, cheesy, packed with a little kick, and serve with our house-made ranch for dipping. Paired with the fillet, y'all, our loaded fillet cheesesteak pizza that's quickly becoming a fan favorite.

This is for a limited time only, so don't wait. Come dine in or call ahead for to-go. Lost Pizza Company Shoals, 201 North Seminary Street in Florence. Dine in or to-go. It's time for a Florence Falcons one-minute timeout with head coach Kenny Morrison following the Falcons' 50-21 win over Jasper in their home opener last Friday night. Friday night at Brawley tonight, wasn't it? Yes, it was. Wow, our guys played phenomenal. We had some ups and downs throughout that, but we capitalized on some turnovers by them, and that was a fun night.

[10:08] We were able to get some more guys in the game right there. I know they wanted more, but a great win. Great first win in our stadium. How special is it for the first win of the season, the Andersons in the house? You know, tell us a little bit about that, how great of a tribute that was. Awesome. You know, I kept talking to our guys about what the Anderson families meant to this whole community, meant to the school system, and, you know, dedicating it to Mr. Anderson was a phenomenal night there, and our guys took a lot of pride in getting that first one.

It was just a great night all the way around. Join us this Friday for Florence and Muscle Shoals, pregame six, kickoff seven, here on 93.9 The Score. Welcome back to Florence Falcons football night here at Lost Pizza. Kevin Johnson, voice of the Falcons, glad to be with you. When I say a packed house at Lost Pizza, I mean a packed house. It is a great crowd from Florence. A few other people here that are not Florence fans, but before they leave, they're going to be Florence fans.

I guarantee you about that. It's going to be a lot of fun, and we're joined now here at our desk by the new athletic director of Florence High School. Ladies and gentlemen, will you help me in welcoming Coach Myra Miles. Coach, how are you doing? I'm doing great. That's great. It's so great to have you with us, and I know that we are so thankful over the years. We've been blessed with so many great ADs, but to have a Hall of Famer, have you come back home, really special to all of us.

And on behalf of everyone in Florence, we thank you for being back, and we look forward to what's going on. And how much fun is it for you to be back in Florence? Well, it's exciting for me because I truly was going to retire. Yeah. And this job was the thing that brought me out because it's home, so it's very exciting. My mom is here, but just to get back home and hopefully help raise the bar. I've got so many talented people around me helping me get there, so we're excited.

I will say this. I will think that you're a left-lane person. You're not in the middle lane. You're definitely not in the right lane. You're in the left lane and say, let's go fast and quick. You're a hurry-up, offense-type person, and you've done it with a lot of sports. It's been fun to watch, and I want you to know that we have been watching that, and everybody's amazed. Before any games were played, though, you circled the wagons in this city. You began to circle and say, here's the vision.

Here's what I'm looking for. And you sold it to the city. How important was that to rekindle the city about Florence High School Falcons? Well, it was super important, but KJ, here's the bottom line. It's relationships. And when you know this community, and when you know, you know, I feel like I have my hand on the pulse of this community from knowing so many. It's just, we want to bring it back to life, and just the city welcoming, what we're trying to do, this vision that we have.

It's just been super fun to be a part of. Speaking with Coach Meyer Miles, the athletic director here at Florence High School, a Hall of Famer that she is, coached last Friday night at Brawley Stadium. First of all, congratulations to the Falcons football team for going 2-0 on the season. They did their part. But what a special night for Florence High School and for the city of Florence. Yeah, I mean, I can't tell you how proud I am of the football team. I mean, looking at these guys here, I told them their coaches had plenty of money for them to eat all the pizza they want tonight, so they can pay for that.

And the folks at Lost Pizza are back there saying, yes, sir, we like that. They like that a whole lot. That is great. It was a magical night. The stadium looks great. It's unbelievable the work that's been put into that. It's a phenomenal, and then to have a Charles C. Anderson field dedication, really special evening. It was, and that was something that, it was really a no-brainer. I've told so many people, it was kind of, I mean, what that family has done for this city, for the school system, for the community, it's just, there's just not enough words to describe it.

So it was a very special night. I really appreciated Terry and Keaton being there, and all the other brothers I talked with, and they couldn't be there. They were all over the country, so. Yeah, and some out of country. I know Carson was out of country, so congratulations to them on that. Tomorrow night, Coach Miles, a big football game. How important is it for the city of Florence to support this team all season long, especially tomorrow night? Yeah, you know, one of my biggest objectives when I came back was to try to pull our alumni back in, alumni base, to bring this community and this city back together.

But it is so important for our city to get involved and embrace this team, all these other teams that we have at the Falcons, and rally around them. Because I'm telling you, I feel like this is a very special team. I just think if they can continue to work hard and we can stay away from the injury bug, this can be a special season. And I have to throw in a plug. The Florence Falcons ladies flag football team's pretty special start, too. That was pretty special last night, a big win over Deshler.

It was. You know, they started out 4-0, and the thing, they are resilient. This is what I love the most about that group. Right when you think they have just fell off the track and lost it, they find a way to win. The last two games, they found a way to win and overcame the adversity, and it's just been fun to watch them. And I think that's going to go far for them throughout the season. So congratulations to the Lady Falcons. Speaking with Coach Myra Miles, the athletic director here at Florence High School.

[15:22] And Coach, I want to ask you to just sort of go off the rail a little bit. Who impacted your life that got you into this profession a little bit? You know, that's a hard question for me. You know, my parents had such an influence on my life. But I would say Nuna Kennard, Hall of Fame coach from Bradshaw High School. I was fortunate enough to play for her. My dad, you know, had such an influence on me. But then to be able to know Pat Summitt and to be able to be involved and know her, it's just, I've just been blessed.

I've had great people influencing my whole life and my career. Nuna Kennard, Pat Summitt. I don't know if I can top that. That's pretty special right there. That's two ladies that have set the bar so high in athletics. And what an impact it is on you as we speak with Coach Myra Miles. Coach, I want to ask you, fall sports, unbelievable. What a start all across the board. There's a lot, again, a lot of excitement. I'm saying that a lot. You've got to give our kids the kudos because our volleyball team just beat Muscle Shoes the other night.

And I think it's the first time in 10 years. They're doing really great. Our swim team have already had some people qualify for state. I mean, cross country is just killing it. Our boys' cross country team is ranked number one in the state right now. I think our girls are fourth or fifth. Flag football. I mean, what am I leaving out? Swim team out there right now. They're actually swimming right now. But, you know, the football team, I mean, everything's going well right now. And it's because everybody, I think everybody's buying into it.

We've got to get the culture shift. We've got to believe we can do anything. Coach, let me ask you a question. As much as you've been in athletics all your life, who was that athlete when you were growing up that you looked up to? Or maybe just, man, I was my favorite athlete. Or maybe even as a coach, I was one of my favorite athletes. Gosh, that's hard. You can't name Kenny Morrison. We can't name him on that. Kenny is one of my favorites. I've known Kenny a long time.

You know, people are going to think I'm crazy in this in some ways, is that I can't pick just one. I mean, you think about Michael Jordan. You think about Pat Summitt. You think about Candace Parker. You think about Pete Rose. You think about, I mean, Smokes. One of the greatest pitchers in the Major League Baseball game. He don't blow anybody off the plate, but he can put it on a penny. But you name people. All those people you name were leaders. Leadership's a big thing to you.

What do you want to really instill in your coaches and all that going down the line about leadership? Just, you know, push the kids to be the best they can be every day. Push them. But also, you know, stay on them. I've still got enough old school on me to hold them accountable, but also love them up real big when you have to get on them pretty hard. So I just want them to know eyes are on you. People are watching you. Always make sure you're making good decisions.

I think that's well said. And, Coach, we welcome you again to Florence, Alabama and to Florence High School. We are so excited to have you on board. And we just look forward to what's going to happen the rest of the season, okay? Thank you for having me. Let's hear it for Coach Myra Miles, the new athletic director here at Florence High School. When we come back, more from Florence Falcons football night live at Lost Pizza. We'll be back in one minute. Hi, I'm Jeffrey Jones at Riverbank & Trust.

Are you tired of being overlooked at your bank? Open a checking account where you're seen, heard, and supported by local bankers who care. At Riverbank, you're always more than just an account number. Visit us at 401 East Tennessee Street in Florence or on the web, www.riverbankandtrust.com. Member FDIC. Switching is easy. We switch on the lights. We switch on the channels. Some folks switch universities a lot. And that's not a stretch. What's also not a stretch is how you can switch and save with State Farm.

This is local State Farm agent, J.D. Byers, right here in Florence. And we can switch you over so you can start saving today. The J.D. Byers State Farm agency and my team are ready to welcome you to the State Farm neighborhood. With J.D. Byers State Farm on Cloverdale Road, it's easy to switch and save. Just call 263-4312 when you want the real deal, because like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. You got a craving they won't quit? Lost Pizza Company shows just drop something new, and it's only around for a limited time.

Say hello to our jalapeno mac and cheese bites. Crispy, cheesy, packed with a little kick, and serve with our house-made ranch for dipping. Paired with the fillet, y'all, our loaded fillet cheesesteak pizza that's quickly becoming a fan favorite. This is for a limited time only, so don't wait. Come dine in or call ahead for to-go. Lost Pizza Company shows, 201 North Seminary Street in Florence. Dine in or to-go. Brawley Stadium and Charles C. Anderson Field last Friday night were simply electric, and the Florence Falcons did their part as well.

Williams cuts back, spins to the 40, spins again, stays on his feet. That looks like a video game right there. Now the Falcons go across the river this Friday night to take on the Muscle Shoals Trojans in the region opener. Join me, Kevin Johnson, along with Mike Albertson, Jeffrey Jones, and John McDaniel as we bring you Florence at Muscle Shoals. The TNT fireworks pregame begins at 6, kickoff at 7 on your home for Florence Falcons football, 93-9, the score. Florence Falcons football is brought to you by Florence Utilities, Florence City Schools, the law firm of Johnson Pesher, Medley, and Birchall, the North Alabama Bony Joint Clinic, TNT Fireworks, Yogurt Mountain, Whataburger, Singing River Dentistry, Village Discount Drugs, Hugo's Mexican Restaurant, Iron's Electric, Cypress Creek Indoor Range, Lost Pizza, Hedeker Johnson & Layton Insurance, Carbine Construction, First Southern Bank, and Warehouse Tackle.

[21:07] I'm back live here at Lost Pizza, Florence Falcons football night. Kevin Johnson with you on this Thursday night, getting ready for kicking off college football this weekend. Georgia Tech and Colorado about to kick it off in a little bit. Don't forget, later this week, Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday morning, hosting East Carolina. You'll hear that game on 93-9, the score as well. But we got our attention first and foremost on high school football, a game that will be played tomorrow night in Muscle Shoals. It's Florence and Muscle Shoals.

It will be a doozy. We're looking forward to it. And you'll hear that game tomorrow evening right here on 93-9, the score. We're joined now by our good friend, the strength and conditioning coach. Let's welcome Coach Kevin Sledge to the microphone. Coach, how are you doing, my friend? Doing well, man. Thank you. Good to see you tonight. Good to see you tonight. I'm surprised the team applauded you so well because you've worked on pretty hard this offseason, haven't you? That was actually a discussion we had this morning.

I told them last year, as soon as the season ended, we, you know, throughout history, young men used to have to make like a rite of passage and go through something. And I told them, I said, this staff, myself, we drug you to the deep end and you came back. So, those guys, they love it. And I'm actually glad to hear that too. How many years have you been at Florence High School now? I'm actually 18. This is my 18th year at Florence High School. Coach, man, it just seems like yesterday that we were together out there on the field.

I mean, that was just, it goes by fast, doesn't it? It does. A lot of gray hair now. And you're talking about just me, I guarantee you. Coach Kevin Sledge, strength and conditioning coach at Florence High School. And, Coach, you have definitely found your niche in this new role over the past few years. It just seems to fit the program. It fits you. It's been one of those things that's fun to see happen. I know it's been good for you, though. Ah, man, it's a labor of love for me.

You know, I stepped away from coaching for several years and did my own business. And actually, Coach Morrison and I, he approached me about working out. And that, you know, that led to him offering a job. And I do what I love every day. It's a joy to get up. Like, I don't snooze. My feet hit the floor and I'm ready to go. People think conditioning is only in the off-season. But, honestly, here we are in the heat of the first three weeks and it has been hot.

But conditioning right now is as much a part in-season as out-season. Lifting weights, et cetera. Talk about how that works out for y'all. When we go into what I call the in-season phase, I tell the guys all the time, every day looks the same. It's a different style of lift. Obviously, we reduce the loads. But one thing I can tell you about Coach Morrison and his staff is that I rarely have to go do any conditioning. They practice at such a pace. These guys, we pretty much wrap up the sprinting portion of it at the end of summer.

And that keeps it. But right now with this heat, it's all about hydration. And, you know, they're practicing full speed. So I'm just behind the scenes constantly pumping, you know, Powerade and electrolytes. Anything I can get in the guys to keep them hydrated because that's the big challenge. And I'll say to the team, I hope they're listening right now, you can drink all the Powerade that you want, but don't drink anything red. Nothing red for the next 24 hours. It's all blue. That's right. That's right. We'll stay all blue right now.

It's all blue right now. So we speak with Coach Kevin Sledge, the strength and conditioning coach at Florence High School. Coach, did you develop your own program or have you sort of tweaked from others? I know we always steal a little bit from others as coaches, but where did you get your program from basically? My entire – everything in the – nothing's new under the sun. Everything I do has been stolen from somewhere else and pieced together the way that I believe it works. But one of the things I was afforded the opportunity to do this offseason, they let me go travel and see some programs.

And I chose the top. I went to Grayson, Georgia, Coach Morrison. I went to Thompson. I went and watched how these guys are doing. And on the way home, I told him, all it did was reaffirm we're doing the right thing because they're doing exactly what we're doing. So – but I said this last year, I got to give, you know, Steve Herring credit, Patrick Malone. Those are guys that I picked their brains over the years and pieced it all together. I like that. Numbers don't lie, though.

Let's be honest about it. The eye test doesn't lie on Friday nights as well. I can see from a novice like me, it's a bigger, stronger, faster team across the board. I'm not going to lie to you, some of the coaches even look like they're bigger and stronger and faster a little bit. I don't know what's going on here. Well, if you see how they plow through oatmeal cream pies, you know why each and every one of those days look like that. I have to give full credit to the administration, Coach Morrison, the buy-in, and it was his vision all along, the nutrition.

And a big shout-out to Core Med Science. That's the company that we're using to get our protein that we're – you know, each day starts with some – or workout. It starts with a pre-workout snack, a glass of Powerade, putting 400 or 500 calories in them before they lift. As they come out, we're giving them a protein shake with whole milk and a protein bar. That's another 600 or 700 calories. So we're trying to get an extra 1,000 in them a day. And, look, just hats off to the kids. They bought in.

[26:19] I tell them every day, it's fuel, not food. Choke it down. And you wouldn't believe some of these guys have to hold their nose to drink chocolate. I can't make – I understand, I understand. But hats off to them. They bought in. They love it. And, yes, you can definitely tell. I had to order a lot more extra large and double XL jerseys this year. That's a good sign. Still not food as we speak with Kevin Sledge, strength and conditioning coach for the Falcons. And, Coach, to young Falcon athletes and maybe parents who've got kids in elementary school, maybe early middle school, they're like, man, we want to be a part of this.

What advice do you give them coming up as future Falcons? I get asked this question a lot. Yeah. And the number one thing is – and I look around the room and I remember like a Kirkland Blank who was lifting with me when he was probably 10 years old. The whole don't start them too early lifting weights, that's outdated. Let them learn how to live. They're not saying go push a bunch of weight. But the most important thing, get off any food that comes in a box or a bag and start eating real food.

That's the biggest thing. Take care of your body internally and then the results will come. Well, a couple of these young coaches, they've already got babies over here trying to run over here and get food, so we appreciate them. They're doing it. Coach Harden over there, Coach McGuire, they've got their little ones getting ready for the future Falcons, so that's good to see as well. Coach, I'm going to ask you before I let you go, in high school, what number did you wear and were you a part of a big rivalry?

Listen, I wore number 55 in high school. Double nickel. Right, and it's made my heart happy. My son, Cooper, who's now 8th grade Florence Falcon, he's rocking the 55. I love it. Only because the 52 jersey wouldn't fit him anymore. But I played for Lexington High School, and Lauderdale County was always a big rival, and Rodgers, those two. I wish Coach Bowens would hear. I'd say Brooks, but we beat him so bad. You couldn't call it a rival. You still remember those rival games, so I like that. That's pretty good.

Hey, what is your role on Friday nights? I know you're a strength and conditioning coach, but on Friday nights, what's your role a little bit? Well, most of the time, my role is to keep Harold Wisdom from going out and getting involved with somebody. I thought there were two or three coaches that did that. I wasn't sure. It takes two or three to get involved in the field. No, I'm sideline maintenance. I am a get-back guy, and more than anything, I think I'm voice of reason for Kenny sometimes, trying to bring him down.

I want to go off the record. That's big. I am big about practical coaches. I've said this for years. It's so important. Matter of fact, when I was at Chapel Florence High School with Coach Alva Briggs, he said, you're my practical coach. I knew when the timeouts were. I was in the ear of the head coach saying, hey, coach, they got two timeouts. That's important, isn't it, because coaches are coaching. They're coaching, and you need somebody there that said, hey, heads up, coach, and that's important, isn't it?

Right. Absolutely. No, because it is in the moment, in the heat of it. Things are going everywhere, but we've got a great staff, and I feel like everybody is tuned in to situations, but sometimes there is that. Hey, man, you might want to think about one now. Coach, I'll say this. Let's go get that W tomorrow night, okay? Looking forward to it. Looking forward to it. Ladies and gentlemen, let's hear it for Coach Kevin Sledge, strength and condition coach for Lawrence High School. When we come back, more from Florence Falcons football night live at Lost Pizza.

We're back in just a moment. Hi, I'm Jeffrey Jones at Riverbank & Trust. Our team is proud to support the Florence High School Falcons and honored to serve our hometown community. To the players, coaches, families, and fans, best wishes for a safe and winning season. Go Falcons. Come see us at Riverbank & Trust, 401 East Tennessee Street in Florence, or www.riverbankandtrust.com. Remember, FDIC. Switching is easy. We switch on the lights, we switch on the channels. Some folks switch universities a lot, and that's not a stretch. What's also not a stretch is how you can switch and save with State Farm.

This is local State Farm agent, J.D. Byers, right here in Florence, and we can switch you over so you can start saving today. The J.D. Byers State Farm Agency and my team are ready to welcome you to the State Farm neighborhood. With J.D. Byers State Farm on Cloverdale Road, it's easy to switch and save. Just call 263-4312 when you want the real deal, because like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. You got a craving that won't quit? Lost Pizza Company Shoals just dropped something new, and it's only around for a limited time.

Say hello to our jalapeno mac and cheese bites. Crispy, cheesy, packed with a little kick, and serve with our house-made ranch for dipping. Paired with the fillet, y'all, our loaded fillet cheesesteak pizza that's quickly becoming a fan favorite. This is for a limited time only, so don't wait. Come dine in or call ahead for to-go. Lost Pizza Company Shoals, 201 North Seminary Street in Florence. Dine in or to-go. If you missed Florence Falcons football last Friday night, you missed this. Hines off the left side, cuts it back out, great comeback, 20, 10, 5, he will score.

And the Falcons strike again on their home opener, quickly. Great drop, want to throw, blitz, come and hit from behind, ball loose. Ball down at the 37, Florence can scoop it, and they do. Down the sideline is Martinez to the 50, to the 15, 10, 5, and he's brought down at the 2. Williams gets away at the 40, 45, 50, down the sideline, 45, cuts back, spins to the 40. Spins again, stays on his feet. He's in the spin cycle. He made two or three moves that was unbelievable. That looked like a video game right there.

[31:40] Florence goes to 2-0 of the season, and the Falcons are happy in their all-black uniforms. They knock off a good Jasper team, 50-21. The Falcons go on the road to take on the Muscle Shoals Trojans this Friday night. Pre-game six, kickoff seven, here on 93.9 The Score. Welcome back to Florence Falcon Football Night here live at Lost Pizza Up, packed house, blue all across the way. A lot of Falcon football players here, a lot of parents and fans here. I want to say to all the Falcon fans here, thank you for listening to 93.9 The Score.

We appreciate it. Appreciate your families listening across the nation. Thank you for downloading the app. We appreciate your support here as we support Florence Falcons football. We're joined now by Coach Nathan Sawyer. Let's hear it for Coach Sawyer tonight, being here with us. Coach, I'll be honest with you. When I wrote your name down, I didn't write down your title. Your title's changed three or four times. What would your official title be now, maybe? Well, my new title for this year is Director of Football Operations, and I kind of handle everything that the administrative side, everything that goes on behind the scenes and all that stuff.

So you and Coach Sledge have a little bit in common because on game day night, y'all are sort of behind the scenes doing things, and that's so important, as I said, those behind the scenes coaches that are just like, hey, this needs to be done, check this, so other coaches don't have to worry about things, right? That's right. That's kind of what we do, and, you know, it's kind of weird having a headset on because I had one on for 20 years, and this is the first time in 20 years I haven't worn a headset until tonight for this season.

It still fits, Coach. Don't worry. You still got it there. As we speak with Coach Nathan Sawyer, Coach, your responsibilities on game day, but people don't understand. When does it start? When does it end? That's the best way to start it, maybe. Well, it's always started, and it never ends. But typically, if it's an away game, we start two weeks in advance planning pregame meals. The quarterback club, they're great to deal with. They're absolutely phenomenal. We work pregame meals, what time we're going to eat. We've got a paper, I mean, it's a planning itinerary day-by-day, minute-by-minute.

And you sit down, me and Coach Morrison are going to talk about it. It's getting the whole day planned out, the week, two weeks in advance. I know for years, coaches would come in off a game, whether it was home or away. Kids would leave, and then you'd have two or three coaches stay until two or three in the morning getting clothes in the washer and dryer and getting the film. Of course, things have changed a little bit, but it is a labor of love, not only for you, but you've got to have some people around you to help.

Coaches, but also some students help you out. We do. We've got some great students, and our managers, our managers are absolutely phenomenal. Wes Richardson, our trainer, our managers, Gage Ware, Corey Mitchell, I think Zach Morris, and our film guys, they all do a phenomenal job, our support staff. They do Sam Irons, Jackson Sawyer, they're phenomenal. I mean, the technology they do now. And, you know, that's pretty amazing because you're part of all the technology, and it's changing always as well. So, the technology side of it, we have guys film from the sideline, fly a drone, and the drone's really funny because Coach Morrison tried to fly it this week.

Oh, wait a minute. So, let's stop right there. Your head coach tried to fly the drone this week. Yes, he did. Okay, I saw some film that was upside down and sideways. Would that have been possibly the time that he was flying the drone? That very well could have been. Okay, just making sure there, okay? But those guys do all that, and, you know, during the game, we're automatically shooting to the sideline for our coaching staff so they can review it live during the game. So, it's a lot.

Speaking with Coach Nathan Sawyer, the OBS guy at Florence High School behind the scenes does so much. And, Coach, to have your sons involved in it, that's got to be special for you too because your boys have been involved in different ways, and it's got to be pretty special for you to say, come along and be here and be a part of this team. Well, you know, at the end of the day, you know, one of them rides with me every morning. The other one's old enough to drive, so, you know.

Yeah, too late. Yeah, too late, but they're both there every day, and it's great. I mean, that's time I'll never get back, you know. So, I cherish every second of that. And they will as well. They don't know that right now, but they will as well. They'll look back on it pretty special there. So, we speak with Coach Nathan Sawyer. And, Coach, let's talk about a little bit in your days in high school. Where did you play high school? What number did you wear? What position did you play?

Well, I played at Loretta. I was number 52. I was center and nose guard, so I was in the trenches. And that's what I love. Tennessee football. Is it different than Alabama football? Absolutely. Really? Yeah. Okay. What would make – I mean, we've got fans in Tennessee listening. I know you've got a lot of fans. But what maybe is the biggest difference you see maybe in the Tennessee, the way they do football and the way Alabama does football? I just think it's more of a – down here, basketball is big up there.

Yes. Compared to down here. Yes. Whereas football is more of an emphasis down here. That's a good way to put it. That's nothing against – we have a phenomenal basketball program. Yes. But it's true. It's true. It's a big sport. So, that's a good point about that, talking about that. So, did you ever have a touchdown or did you ever have a fumble recovery, anything like that? No. All in the trenches and just get dirty. Is that right? Yes, sir. Hey, as we speak with Coach Nathan Sawyer of Florence High School.

[36:57] So, Coach, what time do most coaches get home on a Friday night? We talked about that. Saturday morning, what comes – I mean, do you circle around and do you have any time to take a break or is it just right back to the next game? Well, typically now, Friday night, you know, if it's an away game or home game, we all come together and we sit back in the field house and we talk. And it's typically anywhere from 11 p.m. to 2, 3 in the morning. But at the end of the night, there's always air and opportunity.

So, a lot of us old coaches call it air and opportunity when we hit the waffle house. Oh, that's the big thing. Late, late night. And then to get that – do you have a certain booth that you go to usually? Is there a certain place? We have one we always try to get. Yeah, that's a good thing. I like that. That's sort of a tradition. A lot of coaches – Coach Marson did that when he was at Decatur for many years and bringing that tradition over here as well.

Coach, I want to ask one more thing, and I would say this, is that on the coaches coming together, you've got your position coaches all, but they still want to hear your voice. Your voice matters and things. Are there things that you say now that y'all – It's just something practical that would help the program. Is that still part of it? It is. And, look, we've got a phenomenal group of coaches. I know all of them are wonderful, and we still talk and everything. We congratulate each other as if we all coached together for the last 50 years any time we win.

They're a great group. They're fun to be around. I enjoy it, and it's a different role for me, and they've let me do that. And sometimes I can be a little antsy about it, but – That's okay. I like that. I like that. As we speak with Coach Nathan Sawyer, and Coach, I'll say this as I'll let you go. I know all the coaches on the staff, and they're all great. I think you're one of the funniest coaches behind the scenes that people don't know about. Every time I ran, you really cracked me up.

You got a real quick wit. Love that. You probably keep everybody light on their feet, and that's good, too. So it's a good mix of the coaches there, and I love that. Are you fired up, though, about Friday night? How can you not be fired up? I mean, this is why we get in the business. Oh, man. I mean, even the broadcasters are fired up. Are you kidding me? This is – I mean, it's Muscle Shoes. It's Florence. I mean, it's what it's for right now. That's what high school football is all about, isn't it?

And, you know, two really good football teams, and I think, you know, if you pay a ticket, you'll get your money's worth. I think if you get there early, you'll definitely get your ticket, and you'll get there early, and you'll definitely get your money's worth. Hey, let's hear it one more time for Coach Nathan Sawyer of the Florence High School Falcons. You're listening to Florence Falcons Football Night live at Lost Pizza. We're back after this message. Hi, I'm Jeffrey Jones at Riverbank & Trust. Are you tired of being overlooked at your bank?

Open a checking account where you're seen, heard, and supported by local bankers who care. At Riverbank, you're always more than just an account number. Visit us at 401 East Tennessee Street in Florence or on the web, www.riverbankandtrust.com. Member FDIC. Switching is easy. We switch on the lights. We switch on the channels. Some folks switch universities a lot, and that's not a stretch. What's also not a stretch is how you can switch and save with State Farm. This is local State Farm agent, J.D. Byers, right here in Florence, and we can switch you over so you can start saving today.

The J.D. Byers State Farm agency and my team are ready to welcome you to the State Farm neighborhood. With J.D. Byers State Farm on Cloverdale Road, it's easy to switch and save. Just call 263-4312 when you want the real deal, because like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. You got a craving that won't quit? Lost Pizza Company shows just dropped something new, and it's only around for a limited time. Say hello to our jalapeno mac and cheese bites. Crispy, cheesy, packed with a little kick, and serve with our house-made ranch for dipping.

Paired with the fillet, y'all, our loaded fillet cheesesteak pizza that's quickly becoming a fan favorite. This is for a limited time only, so don't wait. Come dine in or call ahead for to-go. Lost Pizza Company shows, 201 North Seminary Street in Florence. Dine in or to-go. It's time for a Florence Falcons one-minute timeout with head coach Kenny Morrison following the Falcons' 50-21 win over Jasper in their home opener last Friday night. Fun night at Broly tonight, wasn't it? Yes, it was. Wow. Our guys played phenomenal. We had some ups and downs throughout that, but we capitalized on some turnovers by them, and that was a fun night.

We were able to get some more guys in the game right there. I know they wanted more, but a great win. Great first win in our stadium. How special is it for the first win of the season, the Andersons in the house? Tell us a little bit about that, how great of a tribute that was. Awesome. I kept talking to our guys about what the Anderson families meant to this whole community, meant to the school system, and dedicating it to Mr. Anderson was a phenomenal night there, and our guys took a lot of pride in getting that first one.

It was just a great night all the way around. Join us this Friday for Florence and Muscle Shoals, pregame six, kickoff seven, here on 93.9 The Score. Welcome back to Florence Falcon Football Night, live at Lost Pizza. Kevin Johnson, the voice of the Florence Falcons, glad to be with you tonight. Packed house. I tell you what, we've done interviews with coaches, with ADs. We've had them all here. But I invited two seniors to come be a part of this, and before, when we went to commercial, I've never seen so many people get quiet, stand up.

[42:29] They're excited. Let's welcome Kevontae Green and Bo Burski. Let's hear it for these young men. Guys, man, listen to that fan club. How are you guys doing? Y'all doing all right? Yes, sir. You're doing all right? What were you doing? I can't believe that I'm going to have to turn Kevontae's microphone up of all people, but I'm going to turn him up a little bit there, so we get to my live here. Let's talk about a couple things. First of all, Kevontae Green, what position do you wear, and what number do you wear?

I play receiver, and I wear number eight. All right, you wear receiver, and number eight. Have you worn number eight all your life? Yes, sir. Even when you were a kid, did you wear number eight? Yes, sir. Man, what made you want that number? Is there a special reason? No, sir. It's not? Okay, well, I guarantee there's probably some little kids now watching you wear number eight. They're going to want to be that one day. That's pretty good. How about you, Bo? What position do you play?

What number do you wear? I play linebacker, and I wear number 26. All right, did you wear that number all your career, too, or did you have some other numbers? No, sir. I've worn all kinds of numbers. 26 is just what Morrison gave me, my 10th grade year, and so I've kept it ever since. All right, so it's coach said, here, this is your number. That's the way it usually happens. People don't realize that as we speak with Kevontae Green and Bo Berski, both seniors here for Florence High School.

And I want to ask you a couple of questions. And first of all, Kevontae, you were coached by Coach Driggers over here. What makes him such a good coach for you in the wide receiver room? He pushes us every day to be better. He helps us. If we feel like we're not doing something right, he'll teach us how to do it better. He's a great coach. Let me ask you, does he throw hard passes? Yes, sir. I mean, is he one of the hardest passes? I mean, he throws fastballs, doesn't he?

Yes, sir. I mean, does that help you, though, catching the ball, learning how to catch the ball soon? Yes, sir. All right, now I've got to ask you a question. Nobody's listening. It's just me and you, Kevontae, okay? Don't worry about the millions of people listening on the radio right now. Just us here. If it was a 40-yard dash between you and Coach Driggers, who would win today? And let's tell the truth. Coach Driggers. All right, all right, I like that. You and Coach Driggers still got it there.

That's good. That's with a wry smile like that. He is still pretty fast, isn't he? It's pretty good, though, that he was such a great athlete. Does that help him that he's a young coach, but he still says, hey, this is how I used to do it just a couple years ago. Does that help you as a team? Yes, sir. I like that. That's good. Let's talk to Bo for a minute about a couple things. Bo, there's a little secret got out about you that the Times Daily did, one of the best articles I've read.

First of all, you're not injured or anything today, right? No, sir. Okay, don't lie to me. I'm just going to make sure because last year you played with an injured hand. You toughed it out. You did it yourself. Talk about that a little bit. Was that one of those things that now that you look back on it that you realize, hey, I can push myself a little further when I need to? Yes, sir. It definitely opened my eyes overall on being able to push yourself mentally and physically.

It was never really a question, though. I knew I was going to do it, and if I knew that I had done something like that, it may have been a different decision, but it wasn't ever a question then. Tell us what the – was it a handbrake? Tell us what it was, actually. Yes, sir. I broke my Metacarpal in my pinky. They call it a boxer's break. Boxer's break. Yes, sir. How many games did you play with that? Four. Four games of that. I want to tell you, both of you guys are pretty special to me.

I've been broadcasting for 23 years, and I think highly of both of y'all, but that's one of the most incredible stories in all my years of doing Florence Falcons football. And, you know, the motivation that you have – who is your coach in your position, Coach, what you do? Coach Ivan Ditton. That is a veteran coach there. Yes, sir. He has been around the game a lot. What does he bring to the linebacker room? Yes, sir. He brings a lot of experience to us. Everything anybody else knows, he knows it better almost.

Yeah. He pushes us on and off the field, and off the field he's an even better man. Off the field he's an even better man. That's a tremendous statement about Coach Ivan Ditton. I want to ask you, Kevante, what makes this team so close-knit? Look at these guys. They're all around you here. What makes y'all such a close-knit group? We be around each other every day, and we push each other to be better people in life. Yeah. Like Coach Slice, he put us in groups in the weight room with different people that we didn't really talk to to get us all close, and I feel like that made us a brotherhood.

I like that. Put you in a weight room, put you with people you didn't know, get to talk to one another, get closer to one another. I love that Kevante Green, a great answer there for that as well. Bo, what about you? What do you love about playing for this defense? This defense has been outstanding. What makes this defense so special for you? Overall, I think just growing up together. Like Kevante said, we've been together since even before seventh, eighth grade, but I think the biggest thing is we all know how to mess with each other.

We all laugh. We know how to not take it serious sometimes, and Coach Morrison might always like that, but we're very – there's no hard feelings anywhere. Yeah, I'm going to be honest with you. I saw a couple of the safeties out there trying to dance the other night. They need a little work. I'm not going to say no names, but we'll talk about that later as we speak with Bo Burski and Kevante Green. By the way, guys, I know you probably have some people listening tonight.

If there's somebody you want to say hi to that's listening tonight, Bo, I'll start with you. Yes, sir. My grandparents, my family are here. I like to say hi to them. All right. Kevante, what about you? My mom and my grandparents. Mom and grandparents. All right. Now, one more. Who is a teacher that means a lot to you that you would like to say hi to that might be listening tonight? A teacher from Florence High School. I'll start with Bo. For me, it's Ms. Jones. Now she knows Ms. Ransom.

[47:36] She's been a big impact in my life. Good. All right. Kevante? Ms. Mose grew up in Ms. Ransom. All right. That's good. I like saying that. All right. As we speak with two wonderful young men, these seniors, Kevante Green and Bo Berski, I want to ask y'all now some little rapid fire questions. So we're going to do this. First of all, you know your teammates, guys. We're at Lost Pizza. Which one of your teammates could eat the most pizza of anybody on the team? Who is the guy that could put away the most pizza of anybody on the team?

All right. I'm going to start with Kevante. Who are you going to point to, Kevante? Armani Hernandez. Armani Hernandez. And he's so proud of it. That is an offensive guard if I've ever seen one. All right. I like that. What about it, Bo? It's probably Armani, but Nate Pryde's a sleeper, too. All right. Nate Pryde. Oh, we got Nate in there. Okay. Could eat the most pizza of any of them. Okay. All right. Let me ask you another question, guys. We've got a big coaching staff.

Which coach do you think has the best dance moves that nobody knows about? Which coach has the best dance moves? I'm going to go with you, Bo. You've got to start on this one. Probably Coach Drake. Oh. He loves it. Oh. He's been dancing since he played at Florence High School. I like that. What about you, Kevante? Which coach has the best dance moves? Maybe nobody knows about. Coach Sawyer. Coach Sawyer. Oh, I love it. Coach Sawyer has the best dance moves. That's great. Well, let me ask you one more thing.

Coach, guys, who is your favorite college football team? You're going to have a favorite college football team growing up. Who is your favorite college football team? The Auburn Tigers, 100%. Yes, sir. That's my man right there. What about you, Kevante? Alabama. Alabama Crimson Tide. So, we've got one that like the Tigers, one like the Crimson Tide. However, I've had some information that, Kevante, you've had offers from so far, Troy and UNA. So, congratulations on that. Thank you. That's a big honor. Dartmouth, I believe, has come to you.

And a couple of others. What other schools was it? Any other schools? Alcorn State, so congratulations on that as well. So, two young men getting attention at the college level. Guys, I want you to know, one last thing. Are you all ready for Friday night football? Yes, sir. 100%. How about a Go Falcons, everybody? Go Falcons. Go Falcons. Let's hear it from Bo Burski, Kevante Green. Two fine young men. You're listening to Florence Talkin' Football Night. We're back in two minutes. Hi, I'm Jeffrey Jones at Riverbank & Trust.

Our team is proud to support the Florence High School Falcons and honored to serve our hometown community. To the players, coaches, families, and fans, best wishes for a safe and winning season. Go Falcons. Come see us at Riverbank & Trust, 401 East Tennessee Street in Florence, or www.riverbankandtrust.com. Remember, FDIC. Switching is easy. We switch on the lights, we switch on the channels. Some folks switch universities a lot, and that's not a stretch. What's also not a stretch is how you can switch and save with State Farm.

This is local State Farm agent, J.D. Byers, right here in Florence, and we can switch you over so you can start saving today. The J.D. Byers State Farm Agency and my team are ready to welcome you to the State Farm neighborhood. With J.D. Byers State Farm on Cloverdale Road, it's easy to switch and save. Just call 263-4312 when you want the real deal, because like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. You got a craving that won't quit, Lost Pizza Company shows just dropped something new, and it's only around for a limited time.

Say hello to our jalapeno mac and cheese bites. Crispy, cheesy, packed with a little kick, and serve with our house-made ranch for dipping. Paired with the fillet, y'all, our loaded fillet cheesesteak pizza that's quickly becoming a fan favorite. This is for a limited time only, so don't wait. Come dine in or call ahead for to-go. Lost Pizza Company shows, 201 North Seminary Street in Florence. Dine in or to-go. Brawley Stadium and Charles C. Anderson Field last Friday night were simply electric, and the Florence Falcons did their part as well.

Williams cuts back, spins to the 40, spins again, stays on his feet. That looks like a video game right there. Now the Falcons go across the river this Friday night to take on the Muscle Shoals Trojans in the region opener. Join me, Kevin Johnson, along with Mike Albertson, Jeffrey Jones, and John McDaniel as we bring you Florence at Muscle Shoals. The TNT Fireworks pregame begins at 6, kickoff at 7 on your home for Florence Falcons football, 93-9, the score. Florence Falcons football is brought to you by Florence Utilities, Florence City Schools, the law firm of Jonathan Pesher, Medley, and Birchel, the North Alabama Boney Joint Clinic, TNT Fireworks, Yogurt Mountain, Whataburger, Singing River Dentistry, Village Discount Drugs, Hugo's Mexican Restaurant, Irons Electric, Cypress Creek Indoor Range, Lost Pizza, Hennigar Johnson & Layton Insurance, Carbine Construction, First Southern Bank, and Warehouse Tackle.

Welcome back to Florence Falcons football night live at Lost Pizza. Hey, let's give a big shout out to the folks that work at Lost Pizza. Let's thank them for a great job tonight as well. We want to appreciate them and all they've done tonight. And they'll be taking care of you all weekend long. You can get ready for college football. Come by and see the folks at Lost Pizza. Let me recommend some of those pizzas they've got. They are tremendous. A couple of sandwiches as well.

[52:43] They'll take care of you getting ready for college football this weekend. I also want to give a big shout out. We always have the coach's breakfast on Saturday morning. The North Alabama Bone and Joint Clinic is where it's held at. Got a couple of people here. I know Dr. A. Joyner, I believe, is here. So thank you for being the sponsor and helping us out. We appreciate North Alabama Bone and Joint Clinic for all they do. And Coach Kenny Morrison, as we wrap up tonight, first of all, two pretty special young men that seniors come up here, and Bo Berski and Kevante Green, if they handle the stuff outside of things of life and on football field as well as they handle that interview, they're going to be pretty good.

Get you on the air here. Here we go. They did a phenomenal job, just proud of those young men. And, you know, you can tell one thing when I take the mic. They had to stay here right at the beginning when I started, but now that I've got the mic back, you can see our guys filing out. You can tell they're tired of hearing me talk. It's like when I start taking up the offering, sometimes they slip out, but I won't say that either, okay? Coach, when you talk about this senior team, this senior group, there's leadership, but it's not only just seniors.

There's leadership in every grade. That's what I've been impressed by this team. You see it close up and personal. How do you get that leadership to come forward like that? You know, these guys have just bought into everything we've been preaching. You know, we really bragged on last year's senior class and what turnaround they made in the middle of that Austin game. last year, but this group has taken it to an all-new level. They have really bought in. And I've said this to a lot of people.

They've only heard what we've been preaching. So the coaching turnover hadn't been there where somebody else is preaching to them all the time. It's been us consistently saying the same thing. The coaching staff preaching the same thing and being on the same page and these guys buying into what we're preaching. And it's, you know, even with the 10th graders, those guys have heard it since their 7th graders. They've heard nothing different, and they've bought in. But we've got, at the end of the day, we've got great young men in the room.

And that's what it's all about. We've had some guys that's kind of fell by the wayside through the years with these groups. But we've got the right guys in the room right now, and it's a special group across the board. When your football team has that type of chemistry and some early success, it impacts the high school, the entire school. Have you seen that as well through the hallways and with teachers and others? I have, and it goes back. Tandy Jarrell's, us old folks know Tandy at Destra.

He spoke to a class I was in at UNA, and he told all of us, especially the football coaches, he said, hey, the year goes as you go. And if the football team can come out there and set the tone for the year and do things the right way in the classroom and handle their business on the field the right way, then it carries over throughout, and it just sets the tone for the whole school year. I've already said it's the front porch to the high school.

That's it. And that says a lot about it as we speak with Coach Kenny Morrison. Coach, there's folks listening now in the city of Florence. They've been listening to the show tonight. They've been hearing about this team. And some of them are thinking, man, you know, I might want to go watch this game. I might want to go see them at Brody Stadium in a couple weeks. Why would this city want to get behind this team? What would you tell them? What would be the motivation?

The motivation is these young men, what they pour out on the field every day. And 103 heat index out there, the weight room. We're basically doing what the old Hoover teams used to do, the two-a-days. Our guys are there at 7, and actually they're there at 6.45 every morning. Every morning. We go in the weight room at 7 o'clock. They're on the line. We go through, after their weight workout, we go through a special teams run-through on the field. We do some individual stuff. And a lot of teaching and learning goes on in the morning.

We get them right back at 2.30 in the afternoon. They're in film by 2.45. And we're on the field by 3.15. And it's two-a-days. I said something to our coach the other day. Since we've started school, we've practiced 36 times with two-a-days. And so these guys have embraced it, too. And they, you know, I know these young kids don't always love getting up early in the morning. But the attendance has been phenomenal. That will tell you right there. When they're there, when you ask them to be at 6.45 in the morning.

Now, they're dragging in. We as coaches are probably dragging in a little bit, too. But they get in there and go to work. And it's a special thing to see. And I'm proud of them for buying in and coming in and doing what we ask them to do. Coach, I'll be honest with you, and I hope you don't get upset at me. But it's been over 4,000 days. It's time to end the streak. Let's do it tomorrow night. I don't know anything about a streak. I don't know anything about the past.

Good. All I know is we've got a ball game Friday night that we're going to go out there and play hard and try to represent this community the right way. And as Coach Slade said, we're going to burn the boats. We're going to cross that river and burn the boats. There's no turning back. We've got no option. We're going over there to compete. It will be an incredible high school game. It's what it should be. The two largest schools in the Shoals area in northwest Alabama playing at Muscle Shoals tomorrow night, James F. Moore Stadium.

[58:02] You'll hear the game right here on 93.9 to score. Florence and Muscle Shoals. It's what everybody's been looking forward to. It'll be a great atmosphere, a great high school football game. Two of the best teams in northwest Alabama. I think two of the best teams in north Alabama. Should be a lot of fun. Coach Kenny Morrison, best of luck. Let's go get them, okay? Thank you. Go Falcons. Go Falcons. Let's hear it. Go Falcons. We're here for Coach Kenny Morrison. We want to say thank you again to our sponsors, River Bank and Trust.

We want to say also a thank you to J.D. Byers and State Farm for being our sponsors for night show and our good friends at Lost Pizza. We want to say thank you to 93.9 of the score studios, to our engineer as well, Mr. Blair Krieger, and our studio manager as well, our studio owner, Mr. Greg Thorne. That's going to do it for us tonight. We look forward to seeing you coming up Friday night at James F. Moore Stadium. And let's be loud and let's be proud and let's go big blue.

It's going to be a lot of fun. Hey, enjoy it tonight, folks. Let's see you tomorrow night. Go Falcons, okay? Go Falcons! You've been listening to Florence Falcons football night at Lost Pizza. Presented by 93.9 The Score, State Farm Agent J.D. Byers, and River Bank and Trust. Join us tomorrow night for Florence Falcons football on 93.9 The Score. Pregame at 6 and kickoff at 7. Thanks for listening and go Falcons!