Coaches Breakfast 10/03/26

[0:00] It's time for the 93.9 The Score High School Coach's Breakfast. The Coach's Breakfast on 93.9 The Score is brought to you by Lost Pizza, John C. Saylor Attorney at Law, The Courier Journal, Miller's Place, North Alabama Boney Joint Clinic, Southern Pride Pest Control and Bank Independent. Now live from the North Alabama Boney Joint Clinic, here's your host, Kevin Johnson. Welcome to October. Glad that you're here with us this morning on this rainy, maybe misty, I should say, Saturday morning in the Shulls area. Be careful traveling around. There's a lot of things going on, that's for sure, if you're in North Alabama, but hope you're with us today as you get your day off to a good start and a great tradition.

And it is the Coach's Breakfast here on 93.9 The Score from the beautiful North Alabama Bone and Joint Clinic, and we appreciate them being our host each and every Saturday morning. Glad that you're with us as well. It is going to be a car wash edition. That means we're going to run their coaches through and get them in and get them out because Alabama football is around the corner. The Crimson Tide and Mississippi State kickoff at 11 and we'll send you to the pregame around 9 a.m. this morning.

So we'll get these coaches in and out as soon as we can. So it'll be a fast edition. Hurry up offense, as we say in high school football. We're looking forward to that. But first, let's talk about what KJ saw last night and Thursday night in high school football and just give you a rundown as I think about some things I saw from high school football. First of all, Appalachians High School. Montana, Alabama, small school. The Eagles. They have a young man by the name of Sam Stidham, a junior, who put his name in the record books in the state of Alabama.

He had not one, not two, but three pick sixes. That's right. Three interceptions for touchdowns. And it was in the 37-14 win over Galesville. His three interceptions were the key. So congratulations to Sam Stidham. A literally record-setting night with three pick sixes. How about locally? You got to give him a lot of credit. Taurus Davis of Russellville. Five touchdowns. 259 yards in Russellville's 43-35 win over Muscle Shoals and a powerhouse that's going at it Thursday night. Taurus Davis drew the eyes of a lot of college coaches, I guarantee you, after that one.

He was outstanding the other night. Has been all season, but especially against one of the best defenses in North Alabama. So congratulations to him. He was spectacular in the fourth quarter, especially. Madison Academy, Thursday night, beat Randolph. Randolph actually kicked a field goal to tie it to go in overtime. Madison Academy scored, kicked the extra point. Randolph then scored and went for two. And Madison Academy knocked the pass down in the back of the end zone, right in front of the goal post. And that's how that worked for them to win that game of the night.

Friday night's games, there were a lot of close games. A great comeback by Carver County over Lexington late. That was huge. Red Bay and Hackleburg had an amazing game, and Hackleburg got the win last night. Just some tremendous high school games throughout North Alabama, Friday night as well. And some amazing things would come out from high school football of happenings from north to south. I guarantee you that. But I think it was a little bit of separation weekend. I think you saw that in the region play.

Some games were played, and you start to see a little more separation between the top and the bottom. And we're starting to see who's jockeying for those four positions in each region to get into playoff football. And it's right around the corner. So great night of high school football, but you can tell the big boys are jockeying to see who can get their name into the playoff books. That is for sure. And it's going to be fun going down the stretch here. Let's look at some scores from games played this weekend.

And the game heard right here on 93-9. The score, Florence knocked off Athens at Brawley Stadium last night, 40-21. Amazing game, four touchdowns from DeCarson Johnson. The Falcons go to 6-0. And next week we'll host East Limestone on Thursday night at Brawley Stadium. A game you'll hear right here on 93-9. The score, Decatur Heritage beat Shoals Christian 28-7. Jasper over Coleman 31-6. As I said, Madison Academy beat Randolph 31-30. Other scores of interest from around our area. West Point follows the Rooks 47-21. Russellville, as I said, knocked off Muscle Shoals 43-35.

Addison shuts out Belgrin 59-0. Lawrence County in a back-and-forth game with Ardmore wins it 32-26. Boaz big over Columbia 61-27. Cherokee big win over Phillips 62-15. Central goes on the road and gets the victory. Over Clements 49-15. Carbett County and Lexington had a Downeybrook last night. But Carbett County comes away with a win 32-29 with a late score there. Wilson over Carbett Heights 62-12. Had a great season out at Wilson. Hartzell shuts out Decatur 38-0. Hatton over East Lawrence by a score of 20-14. Lauderdale County shuts out Elkmont 56-0.

[5:01] Other scores, Hatton Falls to Fayette County 40-0. It was Gadsden City over Grissom 44-21. Hackleberg in that big game in Red Bay, they played a great one last night. Great crowd there, too. And Hackleberg wins it 31-22. Huntsville gets by the Hazel Green 56-28. Buckhorn falls to James Clemens 38-28. Douglas all over Lee of Huntsville 52-24. Westbrook Christian shuts out Lindsey Lane 55-0. Madison County over DAR 21-0. It was May Jemison knocking off Alperville last night 21-9. Other scores, Marcelle in overtime takes down Whitesburg Christian in a great game 21-14.

Waterloo falls to Meek 46-0. Hamilton all over Priceville last night by a score of 45-7. And just check to see a few more. Sheffield falls to Tanner 31-13. Spartan get the big win over Bob Jones 35-17 last night. Rodgers slips by West Limestone 20-17. Deschler went over to West Morgan and they rocked the South winning it 35-21. Winfield over Danville 48-6. And that's the scores from the Shoals area from last night. When we come back, it's time to start getting the coaches to come through the car wash.

First up, Coach Daryl Higgins of the Russellville Golden Tigers. You're listening to the Coach's Breakfast here on 93.9 The Score. We're back in one minute. Game day's coming and your tailgate crew is counting on you. That's why Lost Pizza Company Shoals put together the tailgate playbook, specialty pizzas, wing trays, and subplatters, all built to feed a crowd. It's why we're the go-to pizza place in Florence, Alabama, now bringing that same lineup straight to your tailgate. Order for pickup or delivery to UNA tailgate only. Call 256-415-8693 or order online at lostpizza.com front slash shoals.

From our playbook to your plate. Let's go. It's Friday Night Football. I'm John Saylor, your local lawyer. And I'm proud to sponsor this year's Scoreboard and Coach's Breakfast. Because there's nothing like high school football in North Alabama. It's our schools, our teams, our bands, our cheerleaders, and everybody in the stands. It's good times, and that's what Friday Night Football is all about. Remember, neighbors, when you need a lawyer, call me, John Saylor, your local lawyer at 256-740-3131. Welcome back to the Coach's Breakfast, 93-9 the score.

Get that cup of coffee going. Get that breakfast going. Get ready for Alabama football in about three hours against Mississippi State. That one's going to be interesting. I do believe Alabama wins it, but that will be a fun game to watch and should be a great one to get the day started in college football. Joined now by assistant coach of the Dashler Tigers, Coach Corey Flanagan, whose team last night goes on the road to West Morgan, a place that is as difficult to win. Matter of fact, West Morgan had the longest region streak of any team in the state of Alabama, but not anymore.

The Dashler Tigers knocked them off last night, 35-21. Coach, congratulations on a huge win. Thank you. Appreciate it. Really, really excited for our players. Our fans were unbelievable. Our band, cheerleaders, you look up there, the student sections, four rows deep. It was an unbelievable environment for Dashler. You know, I was going to ask, was it louder there or just about a mile away at Rock the South? Could you hear each other maybe? You know, we had no problems getting in there. Okay, we were worried about that, yeah.

No traffic. Everything was smooth. We certainly couldn't hear it. I mean, it was loud. It felt like a home game with our fans. Well, they were loud. The Tigers go to 5-1 on the season, 4-0 in region play, and you used a big second quarter there. You took control of it with a 14-point squirt there, and you just got things going, and that was big. Talk about that second quarter and what really happened. You know, it was our defense played so well all night. You know, West Morgan came into the game averaging over 300 on the ground.

I think we held them to less than 200, but that swing in the second quarter, we got things going offensively and really felt like our guys were locked in, and any time you can swing it in a big game like that. We had a pick six also by Tristan Welch. Yep. Unbelievable play that swung things as well. So, yeah, it was a big second quarter for us. Okay, so Tristan Welch had the pick six last night, so it might have been misreported by some news media there, but Tristan Welch, so I'm glad we got that for him.

And a pick six in a game like that is a huge swing. It makes such a difference, doesn't it? Unbelievable. Unbelievable, and it, you know, feeds into offense, feeds into everybody. It swings things. Now, what do you coach? Coach Flanagan, Corey Flanagan, the assistant coach at Deshler High School. What is your position to coach? I coach wide receivers. Wide receivers. Yes, sir. Any touchdown passes from your wide receivers last night? You know, last night was we went out in pregame. First group goes out at 550. We thought the rain was going to hold off, and it poured for about 15, 20 minutes.

So it was one of those games where, you know, we ran the ball a lot, and we want to do whatever it takes to win. You know, our guys, we've got a bunch of unselfish guys, so we did a great job. We're mostly running the ball, but, again, it doesn't matter how we do it. You know, we want to do whatever we can to be successful. What do you think the key was last night for your team going into the game? I think it's always about us.

[10:19] You know, the standard that's been set at Deshler. It's a proud program, a proud place. You know, you look back, coaches like Coach Gerald's, Coach Mothershed, and I know Coach Malone talks about that with our guys all the time and does a great job. I think it's just the expectation, the expectation to win, and that's what Deshler's about. Deshler wins it over West Morgan by two touchdowns last night. I'm sure your players, you didn't have to tell them how big this game was. They knew it's a region game, and it's one that West Morgan has had a few successful nights against y'all in the past.

I'm sure it was one of those things that you didn't have to really psych your team up last night, did you? No, no. They've had a number the last few years, but, you know, hopefully we're on the right side of things. And, you know, we had a bye week last week, so we're able to get healed up and be ready to go. But, no, motivation wasn't lacking for sure. Our guys are ready to go. A sedestral wins it, 35-21 at West Morgan last night. You talked about your defense, but offensively you had to have some big plays.

Was it the running game you said? Maybe where was that running, maybe scoring some touchdowns? Yeah, you know, our backs were really good. Armani Jones, C.J. Grant, our quarterback, Bryson Williams, was big on the ground, made some big plays on third down when we needed to ice the game. And our offensive line, you know, those guys do the dirty work. They don't get a lot of praise for it. They don't, I know. And then we've got, you know, two guys, our tight end and our wing back that, you know, those are guys that we can put them out in space if needed, but they just do a great job.

They're really, really solid at their job. That's Jay Marner and Karsten Lyles. One of the TV stations said that one of the guys that scored a touchdown run the ball might have been a tight end, number 19. I don't know if he really is or not. That's actually our goal line, heavy package, so that's George Youngblood. George Youngblood got a touchdown. He's a safety for us. Great kid, incredibly hard worker, and so, yes, sir, he got in one. Well, congratulations to him, and I will say that he had the best celebration dance in the end zone.

It was not orchestrated. It was just sort of, I mean, he was really excited to get in the end zone. I didn't even notice it. I was so excited by saying. Yeah, he got in there, and he said, I made it. So, you know, sometimes you don't touch that ball, and you get in the end zone. It's pretty special. That's right, that's right. Well, good for them. Destry goes to 5-1 on the season, 4-0, more importantly, in region play, and so it puts you in a position where you don't have to scoreboard watch.

All you have to watch is your scoreboard now. That's a big thing, isn't it? That's right. The challenge for us is, you know, after a huge emotional win, a huge region win, you know, we've got to finish this thing the right way. And, you know, we already talked about that last night as a coaching staff, getting these guys back locked in. There's still work to be done, and we've got, you know, some challenges down the road. So, we've still got three region games, need to take care of business next week.

Go to Ardmore. So, that's a long trip. It's a long trip, yeah. Yes, sir. Make sure you stay on the right side of the state line on that. That's right. Yes, sir. It's pretty close. I think sometimes we used to kid, we said, hey, they put the visitors over in Tennessee and the homes on the Alabama side. It's pretty close to it. As we speak with Corey Flanagan, Deschler High School. His team wins at 35-21 over West Morgan. Goes to Ardmore next week. Coach, where I'll let you go.

How long have you been at Deschler coaching there? So, I actually started at Deschler in 2013. Yeah. I was there for a stint. And so, I've been back. This is my third year back at Deschler High School. Yep. Coach football and baseball and teach U.S. history. That's pretty. Hey, I love that about the teaching part. That's the most important thing. Yes, sir. Absolutely. That's very good. So, we appreciate you as a teacher, coach. We forget that sometimes, and we do appreciate it. Congratulations on the big win.

And best of luck next week, okay? I appreciate it. Appreciate what y'all do. Corey Flanagan to the Deschler High School. The Tigers are on a roll in a big 4-0 start in region play. Back with more from the coaches breakfast after this timeout. The Courier Journal includes exclusive regular features, like Dave Ramsey's weekly column, Ask Dave. Plus, informative business editorials, opinions, coming events, all the local grocery ads, and the best retail values in the shoals. And don't forget the Courier Journal's game day scorecard contest during the football season.

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Whether it's dine-in or carry-out, come see us at Milla's Place, locally owned and operated in downtown Florence, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Welcome back to the Coach's Breakfast here this morning. Kevin Johnson with you on this quick, hurry-up offense edition with Alabama football looming in the wings. We're going to do it from 8 to 9 this morning, get all the coaches we can in, and find out about their games on Friday nights, and less of me and more of them. That's what we want to do today.

Let them be heard and talked to and find out what's going on. Last night, the Central Wildcats went on the road, put on the white jerseys, didn't bother them none. They go to Clements and win 49-15 over Clements last night, and the Wildcats go to 5-1 on the season in 3-8 Region 7, and more importantly, 4-0 in the region. And we're joined by Head Coach Heathwood. And Coach, 5-1, 4-0, victory. You've got to be pretty happy this morning. Yeah, definitely. Another big region win for us last night.

[15:38] You know, at the end of the day, that's what it's about is trying to win these region games and doing what we want to do to try to be where we want to be at the end of the season. I know it was hit and miss weather last night. Did y'all have some rain in the game last night? No, rain was on the way up there, but once we got going, it never did anything. Do you adjust going to games where it might be rain? Do you carry extra things just because it might be a rainy night?

Oh, yeah. I carry my rain suit, number one. And then we make sure we bring plenty of tiles and garbage bags and different things like that. You know, we've got a lot of guys that help out, keep those balls dry and stuff like that. So, Coach Loveless, he does a good job handling that. I've got to tell a quick story. Forgive me. I'm going to take a minute of your time. But Bill Hyde, the great defensive coordinator at UNA for years, coached at Florence for a couple of years.

There was about two clouds up in the sky about 5 o'clock in the afternoon. He said, you know what, I'm going to go get my rain jacket. And we laughed at him for that. We thought, you don't know what's going on. In the second quarter, the heavens opened up, it poured, and he was the only one who had a rain jacket. So, Coach, you were well, Heath Wood, to know to take the rain jacket with you and be ready for that. Let's talk about your game. How did it start out?

Did you get off to a good start? Yeah, yeah. I thought our players did a good job with the game plan last week and going into the game. Did a really good job of doing what we needed them to do. When you face a team, and Clements, you know, they give everything they've got, but they've had a tough season. When you have your team going one way and they're going the other way, is it tough to motivate your team to say, hey, we're playing to a different standard?

We're not just playing them. We're playing to who we are. You know, we always try to focus on ourselves every week. You know, it's kind of more about us than it is the opponent. Obviously, we've got a game plan for the opponent, but, you know, my opinion, it's more about us trying to grow as a team and get better at what we do. Well, last night, Lucas Price had a big night, 105 yards, a couple of touchdowns, and Jakari Brown added a three-yard touchdown, and then you had the – and threw a pass to Logan Pettis.

You've got a lot of guys in the offense touching the ball, and that's big for you because now you're spreading the ball out a little bit. Yeah, Coach Dean's been doing a great job of running that offense for us this year, and those players doing a good job of executing what we're trying to do. Again, you know, still trying to grow as a team and get better every week at what we do. So, let's talk about that for a moment. Self-evaluation as coaching staff. I know you have to talk to your team, but when do you all get together and reevaluate the film and talk about things?

Do you all have Sunday afternoon meetings or anything like that? Yeah, you know, the coaches, we'll start looking at that stuff today, but we'll bring the players in at two and kind of review the game from last week and for an hour or so and get those – and work out and get those guys out there, and then we'll start game planning for the next week. But that's one thing we tell the players all the time. You know, you've got to be real with yourself. Even if we win or whatever's going on, you know, we still made mistakes and we've got to fix that stuff.

I love that statement. You've got to be real with yourself. That's a great coaching statement there because sometimes it's about be the best that you can be, and that's what's happening right now. Your team is on a roll and doing a good job. You talked about Sunday afternoons. It's important for these kids to stretch and run a little bit on Sunday afternoon because the soreness can get you if they don't work it out, right? Yeah, yeah. We're going – you know, we made it too and get our workout in for that.

You know, we try to do that three days a week during the season and get that taken care of and we'll run a little bit. And, again, watch that film, try to get them out of there as quick as we can. Speaking with Heathwood, the head coach of the Central Wildcats, whose team is 5-1, 4-0 in region play in Class 3A, Region 7. Coach, who do you have next week and where? We've got the colored hats over there. So go on the road again, put the white uniforms on in the battle of the Wildcats and a take on them.

You're starting to see your team rising to the top of the region there. You've probably got the target on your back a little bit. Do you talk to your team about, hey, you've got a chance right here to do something special, but the target's on your back. Yeah, it's about this week that's coming up. You know, you've got to look too far out in front. You know, you've got the goal for the season, right, trying to get in the playoffs and that type of stuff. But we really have to take it one week at a time and not get too far out in front of ourselves.

We were talking the other day about head coaches. Sometimes it's not just coaching. Sometimes you have to be a psychologist. Sometimes you have to be a counselor. Well, I may need a psychologist and a counselor myself, you know, so I don't know, you know. But sometimes you have to wear a lot of hats because you have to realize you've got to know the DNA of your team and you've got to understand what your team is and you've got to feel for this. What do you like about your team right now?

Just the togetherness those guys play with and the unselfishness that they play with. They play for each other. It's a really – it's a good – we've got a lot of young guys and some older guys sprinkled in there, but it's a lot of fun. And the team's a lot of fun to go practice with every day and go play with for sure. Really good last night. Hey, you said you got to play some younger guys last night. Yes. Was that good to see that too? Oh, yes.

I always like to see those younger guys get out there and play. You know, we've got the B team schedule, but that thing's kind of been off and on this year. We haven't been able to play too many of those, so those guys being able to get in that game and get some experience is really big. Next week on the road at Calvert Heights. And, Coach, we wish you the best of luck and congratulations on the great start so far. This is a great start and right there at the top of the region and a chance to really have a special season and continue on, okay?

[20:44] Thank you again for having us on the cover of Central. Very much. Central Wildcats are doing really good right now, and Coach Heathwood has got them going the right direction. More from the Coach's Breakfast after this one-minute timeout. At North Alabama Bone and Joint Clinic, our Shoals roots run deep. We provide quick access and familiar, friendly faces so you never have to feel just like a number. From sports medicine to joint replacement, expert care happens right here at home. As UNA Athletics' choice for orthopedics and the trusted orthopedic team of the Shoals families for over 30 years, North Alabama Bone and Joint Clinic is here for you.

Learn more at nabjc.com. Well, you know what happens when the seasons change. The pests come looking for a place to stay. Don't give them an invitation. Southern Pride Pest Control has year-round prevention plans protecting your home from pests, termites, bedbugs, moisture, ants, rodents, and mosquitoes. Proudly serving the Shoals area since 2010, we're here when you need us most. Send those unwanted guests packing. Call 256-383-1890. Southern Pride Pest Control. Locally owned and operated, protecting what you're proud of. When you have pests, we have solutions. Back from the coaches' breakfast here on 93-9 of the score.

Kevin Johnson with you on this car wash edition. You know, got to have a car wash edition. Got to do it when you know you're going to have rain in the area. So, a lot of rain coming. So, run these coaches through, get them in quick, and make sure they get back to what they need to do on Saturday as well. We're getting ready for Alabama football just around the corner. You'll hear the pregame starting around 9 o'clock and kickoff around 11 here on 93-9. The score. Well, maybe the marquee game played in North Alabama, and maybe the state of Alabama was played on Thursday night in Russellville High School.

That's Muscle Shoals and Russellville Tangled, and, man, was it one of the best high school games I've seen in a long time. Back and forth, two heavyweights, a slugfest, and the Russellville Golden Tigers win it 43-35 over the Trojans. And Coach Daryl Higgins of the Russellville Golden Tigers with us. And, Coach, I'm glad you played that game on Thursday night. One, I got to watch it personally, for me, selfishly. Number two, I think it's going to take you about 24 extra hours to get over that one.

That was a pretty good game. That was a great game. I didn't sleep all night when I got home. I had so much adrenaline going, so I was up all night. I could understand. I mean, as a fan of high school football, two teams just going at it. But you got to start with your young man, Taurus Davis, that running back. 259 yards rushing, five touchdowns, had a career night. Unbelievable. He scored four touchdowns in the fourth quarter. He just kept getting stronger and better. He's so well-conditioned.

He's physical. He's got vision, speed. He's one of the best running backs in the state of Alabama. You were down with this, and he is, by the way. I agree with everything you said as we speak with Daryl Higgins. You were down early, 14-3 in the first half. Muscle Shoals was driving to score. You pick off a pass in the end zone with about a minute and a half, two minutes to go. Talk about that defensive play. Rich Stockton, our corner, he'd already gave up one early, and they was trying to get back at him again.

Deion Blue, the cornerback coach, John Passerell, they were over there coaching him up from the sideline. And he went back and made the play that really kept us in the game because we were about to probably get ran out of the building. It was 14-3. The Trojans are knocking on the door. You intercept a pass, but then I think, well, I know Coach Higgins, he's going to be conservative here. He's going to run this thing. And lo and behold, you wind up and throw a bomb, and it hits perfectly for 60 or 70 yards.

Man, what a throw and what a play. We needed that. We'd had a tough first half. We'd turned the ball over three times. We kind of just was shooting ourselves in the foot. And Tripp Cleveland, he's just a winner. I mean, he's an unbelievable player, our quarterback. And Darren Jones is one of the fastest guys in the state. He's a 10, 800-meter guy and just threw it out there to him, let him run in for a big play. Gave us a lot of momentum going in the half.

I'm sorry, did you say 10, 8, 100-meter? 10, 8, he can really fly. Wow. Folks, trust me, for high school, that is incredible. So, Coach Daryl Higgins and the Russell McGovern Tigers win it, 43-35. And, Coach, you finished with 477 yards of offense the other night. If you would have told me, as a fan, said, hey, against the Muscle Shoes defense, you could get 400 yards of offense, I wouldn't have believed it. It was quite the night for your team. It was unbelievable. When we kicked the first field goal, I was so excited because I didn't know if we'd score on them because I'd been watching their defense, and I think they gave up 40 points all year.

They were very, very tough. It was just one of them nights where we got into a rhythm, got into a flow. I think we scored in our last six touchdowns, our last six possessions. Our offensive line was just tremendous coming off the ball. They got a great nose guard, and we were really able to get at his knees and keep him out of the way and give our guys a chance. You took care of the fourth quarter. It was back and forth. The Trojans didn't quit, but every time they came back, you answered.

[25:51] You held serve once you took the lead, and that was so important. You feel like Thursday night was a confidence game for your team this year? Absolutely. I said, we need this to see where we are. When we played Florence, we hung in there a little bit, but then when Florence made some big plays, we just couldn't answer. We had a chance to lay down a couple times and not fight against Muscle Shoals. Every time they would do something, we just kept playing ball. One of the things that got my attention as well of your game Thursday night as we speak with Darrell Higgins is your crowd.

Your crowd was – you could hear it through the broadcast. You could sense it. The stadium was willing your team owned. That's a big part of it as well. I've never seen anything like it. The crowd, the energy, the excitement. When we scored that last touchdown to seal it, it was just like an explosion went off, like being in some kind of big college atmosphere. Darrell Higgins of the Russell Golden Tigers, again, one of the biggest games of the year and wins it 43-35. Coach, you said you couldn't hardly sleep Thursday night.

Now you've got to bring your team down too a little bit because you're getting ready. Who do you have this next week? It never ends in this region. We've got Athens, Cody Gross, one of the legends of North Alabama. He always does a great job. It's going to be rough. Where do you all play that one at? At Athens. On the road at Athens. So the battle of the black and gold will happen at Athens. They are an excellent team too. And so coming off a high like that, how do you coach this week maybe and prepare your team?

Harder, tougher than we have, which I don't know how you do it any harder and tougher. But we turn it up even another notch and get our guys ready to go. We need to win one more game to get into the playoffs. And that's our first goal. We're right there at it. So we've got to turn it on, really play our best ball when we go over to Athens. Play the best ball when you go to Athens. You talk about goals, by the way. That's so important, I think, in high school football.

I know it may be old school to some, but setting goals, you still have that with your team and talk about that often. Set goals, talk about them, look at them. This will be the first one to check out. We want to get into the playoffs. When you get into a region with Florence and Muscle Shoals and Harksell and Athens and Austin and the Gator and all these people, you just want to get into the playoffs. And that's definitely our first goal. Your friend, Coach Kenny Morrison at Florence, calls it the SEC North.

It's got to be one of the toughest regions from top to bottom. I mean, it seems like every week you're seeing some really great players. Absolutely. And there's one play I want to mention that happened in the game the other night because there were times where it was about to really be an uphill battle to get back in it. And Kiefer Hallmark, they went back to pass, and Kiefer Hallmark sacked the quarterback, knocked the ball loose. Well, the ball was on the ground, and there was two Muscle Shoals players about to get the ball.

And our guy, Patrick Johnson, was way behind those guys, and he ran. I've never seen Patrick run like this, and dove out in front of him and got on that football, got us the ball back, created a lot of momentum. And it's players making plays with a lot of want to. And it goes back to what we've done from the time we got there, how many up-downs we did, how many times we ran down the hills, what all we've done. And it makes you, when you see things like that, it really makes it special.

That makes my heart for a head coach to say that. That's one of those plays that maybe people have thought about that. They think about the touchdowns and this. But it's those type plays that change games right there and change seasons as well. So congratulations to both those young men for making great plays there and looking forward to that. Coach, we congratulate you on the great start and big win. And best of luck as you go face one of the best teams, too, in Athens in the region.

It's going to be another matchup. It's going to be fun to watch next Friday night. Absolutely. Thank you so much. Coach Darrell Higgins of the Russellville Golden Tigers, who are on a roll. We're back with more from the coaches' breakfast after this timeout. Game day's coming, and your tailgate crew is counting on you. That's why Lost Pizza Company Shoals put together the tailgate playbooks, specialty pizzas, wing trays, and subplatters, all built to feed a crowd. It's why we're the go-to pizza place in Florence, Alabama, now bringing that same lineup straight to your tailgate.

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Member FDIC. Well, it's Souls Fest that's going on in the area this weekend. Pretty nice music to lead us into our next coach that comes in for the Coach's Breakfast here on 93.9 The Score. He's the head coach of the Lexington Golden Bears, my good friend Brett Mask. And his team went over to Carver County and played the Indians last night in an absolutely thriller. But the Indians come away with a 32-29 game. And, Coach, sometimes you've been in those games. It's an incredible game, but somebody's going to have to end up losing.

[31:04] You just end up, you ran out of time a little bit. We did. And, you know, I mean, it was a classic game. I mean, it was a, I say, big boy football game. And, you know, proud of our kids. I mean, I thought we, you know, we fought our guts out, but just made too many mistakes. And in a big game like that, you just can't do that and win a game. Yeah, you know, and mistakes are a big part. Midway season, you start to see that.

Is that sometimes, I hate to say, fatigue, or it's just the length of the season, or it's just part of football where you go through it that you start to have some of these things happen? Well, you know, I think I told them at halftime, and, you know, I think we've probably made it bigger than it had to be. In a big-time game, that's when you have to go back to what your coach to do, and little things matter. And, you know, that's, you've got to fall back on your, trust your training and fall back on what you do.

And we just, like I said, did some uncharacteristic stuff last night, and you just can't do that against a good football team in that environment, on the road, and everybody knows, like, CT Manley's a hard place to win. I mean, I've been on that side of it, you know, and pulled out some games that we probably shouldn't have won, but the mystique of that place is special. So, in those type of games, you just have to kind of play within yourself and do what your coach should do.

And like I said, at times, we did that. At times, we didn't. And hats off to them. I mean, that was a great football game, and just, you know, just came up short. 26-14, you're down. You're trailing Carver County with 840 to go in the game. It looks like the Indians are about to walk away with it, but not so fast, my friend. Your team shows a lot of moxie, not coming back just once, but twice to score two touchdowns and take the lead, 29-26, with just about, I don't know, a minute or so left, a minute and a half left, something like that, a couple minutes.

A minute 18 or 20. A minute 18, yeah, yeah. So, you come back and take the lead, and it showed a lot about your team right there to come back. It did. You know, as bad as we played at times, you know, we stepped up and can't say enough about Zane Gilbert. I mean, that guy, I mean, he wasn't intimidated. He wasn't. I mean, he wanted the ball in his hands, and that's what you want. You know, and we made some plays right there and got ourselves back in the game and had a chance to win the game and just, you know, and like I said, hats off to them.

I mean, you know, we fought our guts out and just came up short, and that happens, you know, and the sun came up today. You know, and I told our team at the end of the day, I said, at the end of the day, we lost the game. I said, I don't know a coach or a player in here that's gone undefeated in their life. And it's not about, I mean, you know, lost the game, but it's more important how we respond to that and how we come back to that.

And, you know, we challenged them after the game. I didn't throw a fit. I mean, there was no need to throw a fit. It's just, hey, be the type of people we know you are, and let's let this define us. Sometimes games like that are maybe even good for your team going forward. I'd hate to say a lot, but more just going through a game like that, you find out a lot about yourself, do you? You do, and there's a lot of teachable moments in there.

And I think, you know, as coaches, at the end of the day, we're teachers, and everybody thinks, well, you know, coaches don't teach. I mean, if you're a good coach, you're a good teacher. And, you know, and I think there's a lot of teachable moments in there, and there's a lot of experience, and we were in there, I guess, the green room, whatever you want to call it, you know, talking. I mean, a lot of 10th graders, we play a lot of 10th graders, you know, and that's their first big-time experience in that type of environment, and, you know, some of them did, some of them didn't, you know, and that's, you're not going to simulate that other than doing it.

So, you know, a lot to learn from here, a lot to be proud of, but, you know, it just came up short. Yeah. You know, talking about your quarterback, Kilburn, who's had an incredible season, teams obviously know that now, defenses know that, and they game plan for him as much as possible. Does that mean, as offense for Lexington, that you have to adjust sometimes, too, and say, okay, if we see this, we do this, do you start to have to realize, you're saying, we're going to be who we are, but we also have to be aware of these things?

Yeah, and they, I mean, they had a good game plan. I mean, they were going to rush five and get one-on-one matchups up front, and that's what people don't understand. Man, when you rush five, that puts every lineman in a one-on-one situation every time, and, you know, and played man behind it, and, you know, if you can play man and rush five, you know, all it takes is one guy to maybe, you know, mess up on one snap, and you got pressure. So, you know, and we kind of knew they were going to do that, and at times we were able to pick it up and make plays, and at times we weren't.

So, it was kind of feast or famine there for a little bit, and, you know, like I said, hats off to them. I mean, they played great. I mean, played out of their minds, and we didn't play as great, and it just happens that way. So, you know, all you can do is learn from it and watch the film and get ticked off. You know, I mean, it makes you sick at times that, you know, the would have, should have, could have, but big-time games comes down to about eight plays, and, you know, those eight plays, a couple of them went our way, a couple more went their way, and there you go.

I mean, the old saying is, don't let one game beat you twice. Who do you have next week? We got Winston County on the road on Thursday. Oh, short week, turning everything around, short week on the road, Winston County, not an easy place to go. First time going there in a while, is that right? Maybe you've been a few times? I think the year before I got there, I think is the last time we've been there. Yep, so going to a little unusual place, maybe to play for the first time in a region game on a Thursday night, this is a big turnaround for you.

[36:21] You need to come out ready for this. This is a big game. Yeah, and I think our kids will respond. I mean, that's what we kind of said. Be the type of people you were raised to be. Be the type of people we know you are, and, you know, let's don't let this define us, and like I said, at the end of the day, we lost a game, you know, and let's don't make it any more than that. Let's learn from it and move on. I mean, this is not the end-all, be-all, and we still have a chance to be region champs, and, you know, our goal is every week to go 1-0, and let's go win out and have a chance to win a region championship, and everything's still in front of us.

So, like I said, the sun came up today, and I'm still proud of our kids, still proud of our program, and how they followed, it just came up short. Coach Brett Mask of the Lexington Golden Bears, before I let you go, you make a great point, coaches or teachers. What did all of you taught before, by the way? Ooh, I've taught history, 10th, 11th grade history, psychology, sociology, health, PE, a little bit of everything. And, you know, that just shows how coaches are more than coaches.

As a matter of fact, they're first teachers, and it goes to everything, so you're one of the best in that area and on the coaching field as well. Next week, Lexington on the road at Winston County. And, Coach, best of luck, and we'll see the Golden Bears next week. Appreciate you. Brett Mask, Golden Bears on a Thursday night, by the way, at Winston County next week. More from the coaches' breakfast after this 60-second timeout. Let's go. It's Friday Night Football. I'm John Saylor, your local lawyer, and I'm proud to sponsor this year's scoreboard and coaches' breakfast, because there's nothing like high school football in North Alabama.

It's our schools, our teams, our bands, our cheerleaders, and everybody in the stands. It's good times, and that's what Friday Night Football is all about. Remember, neighbors, when you need a lawyer, call me, John Saylor, your local lawyer, at 256-740-3131, or visit johnsaylorlaw.com. The Courier Journal includes exclusive regular features, like Dave Ramsey's weekly column, Ask Dave, plus informative business advertorials, opinions, coming events, all the local grocery ads, and the best retail values in the shows. And don't forget the Courier Journal's game day scorecard contest during the football season.

Up to $100 of lost pizza gift cards, and $50 from the Courier Journal are up for grabs each week. The Courier Journal, almost 50,000 mailed weekly. Look for the Courier Journal in your mailbox each week. Welcome back to the Coach's Breakfast here on 93.9 The Score. Kevin Johnson with you as we go through the car wash edition, getting all these coaches in and out fast, and turning them loose, and letting them talk. And it's been good to have them on here. And coming up next is the assistant coach of Carver County High School, Coach Lucas Craft, whose team last night in that game we just talked about with Lexington.

They come out on the other side of it, winning it, 32-29. Coach Craft, a big, big win for your program last night. Yeah, it was a great win. And it actually was win number 700 for Carver County all time. So, I mean, that was just special to be a part of as well, you know, playing there and being grown up there my whole life. It was really special to be a part of that. But, you know, hats off to Coach Mask over there at Lexington. Great team, great program, very physical game.

I mean, he does a great job over there with them. But, I mean, it was definitely a – it was one for the ages for sure. Just a great high school game last night. It was. A great high school game. 700 career win for Carver County High School. I think I saw the first 350 along with your dad and your uncle. And maybe you've seen the last 350, but really big right there for that as well. Let's talk about your team last night. You had a great job from your quarterback.

Talk about Mr. Blevins. He did a good job. Yeah, Sean Blevins, I mean, that's definitely the best game he's played since I've been there. He had – I think it was 215 yards through the air, and he added about another 90 on the ground. He accounted for all five touchdowns we scored. He definitely played very well. And me and him had a conversation last week during our bye week that, you know, getting closer to the end of the season, getting into the playoffs, that a lot more was going to be on his plate.

We were going to put a lot more on him. And he told me on Monday of the bye week, he said, whatever we got to do, I'll do it. So – Is he a senior, junior? He's a junior. Just a junior, okay. So you get your quarterback and said, hey, we're about to put more on you. And he took it to the next level. He did. Is that something that you thought he could do? Did you see that in him? The ceiling was still higher and he reached a little bit more last night?

Yeah, absolutely, especially as the season went on. You know, I thought early, me in particular, I tried to put a little too much on him and then kind of backed it off. And then as the season's been going on, just gradually adding more to his plate. And the bye week last week really helped us because we were able to get, you know, two full weeks of game plan in. And he was able to really just kind of perfect what we were trying to do all week.

That's really good. That's great insight here from Lucas Craft, the quarterback coach at Carver County High School, whose team knocked off Lexington last night to go to 4-2 and 3-1 in region play. Lucas, I'll say this about it too. When you think about this team, it came down to a last-minute drive. After Lexington battles back, take the lead 29-26, talk about that drive and how it played out. Yeah, so like I said earlier, you know, hats off to Lexington. We ended up, right before they go down to score, we had scored and made it 26-21.

[41:49] So we had all the momentum. You know, great job. Like I've said a lot, Coach Mass does a great job. Their offense coordinator, Drew Davis, he put together a really good drive. They go down and score, and, you know, it seemed like they had all the momentum. They scored with, I think, just over two minutes left. We get it back, and, I mean, our kids, they knew exactly what we had to do. We talked to them right before we went out on the field. Did you have timeouts left or anything?

We had one timeout. All right, so basically, did you go hurry up offense then, two-minute offense? Yeah, we went two-minute drill, and we told our receivers right before we went out there, hey, you know, this game is going to depend on y'all. Like, we got to be able to throw and catch and get down this field. And, I mean, they took it as a challenge. They were like, Coach, we're ready. So we went down the field and did it. Talk about the winning touchdown. What was the play, and how did it play out?

Yeah, we just kind of ran a little trips, stick concept. And the way that we did, our number two receiver, he ran a corner and held the defensive back for Lexington. And he got our quarterback, Sean, he got some pressure up the middle, so he kind of turned into a little bit of a scramble drill, and he just ended up finding the open guy and put it on him. And the win is a win for Calvert County. A magical night once again at CT Manley Stadium.

They win it 32-29. And, Coach Kraft, who do you have next week and where? We have J.B. Pennington next week at home. They're another tough team, wing T team, so it'll be another tough physical game. It is a tough region in 2A Region 7, but with that win last night, everything jumbles up. You got a lot of teams at the top, so you're really coming down the stretch and several teams battling for those top positions, and you're right in the mix. You got to feel good about that.

Yeah, absolutely. Us winning definitely caused some chaos in the region. It's now a three-way tie for first with us, Lexington, and Phil Campbell. Should be a great, as they come down the back stretch, we'll see what happens in Carver County at home next week against J.B. Pennington. That is Friday night, correct? Yes, sir. Friday night should be a great matchup. Look forward to that one. Coach Lucas Kraft, congratulations on the big win, and we'll see you next Friday. Yes, sir. Go Indians. The Indians win it last night, and a big win.

Get ready for J.B. Pennington this coming Friday night. More from the Coach's Breakfast after this 60-second timeout. Start your day at Milla's Place, where French toast, fluffy pancakes, and all your breakfast favorites are served fresh and hot, weekday mornings starting at 6 a.m. Come back for lunch or dinner, and enjoy our meat and three meals, cooked with southern flair. Or dig into a juicy burger, crispy chicken tenders, or our popular fried catfish, served every day. Whether it's dine-in or carry-out, come see us at Milla's Place, locally owned and operated in downtown Florence, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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Be careful out there. A lot of things going on. A little rain, mist out there. Some rain this weekend. But a lot of events going on, so just be heads up as you're traveling around, especially if you're going to ballgames in Starkville or in Knoxville or anywhere close by. Just be careful out there this week because a lot of traffic is going to be out there. And just keep those headlights on, as we say. Joined now by the head coach of the Rogers Pirates, Coach Daniel Garrett, whose team last night with a big 20-7 victory over West Limestone.

And, Coach, a tough, hard-fought game. And, boy, that's a great one for you to put in the win column. Absolutely. You know, you've got to win the ugly ones. And we were able to do that, thankfully. And, you know, kids kept battling the whole game. You know, sometimes we, you know, there's a lot of times to where, you know, things, you know, either didn't go our way or we didn't do right or whatever else. And, you know, any time you go to West Limestone, it's going to be a tough physical football game.

And that's exactly what it was. And, you know, we made one or two more plays in the end and came out with a win. Talk about it. You get the 2017 victory. And it's really impressive that you do it against a 3-3 Wildcats team. But they had back and forth with you a little bit of the lead. You had to come back a little bit. And it was back and forth there early on. How did it play out in the second half? Well, so, I mean, we struggled offensively.

[46:55] And it was good to, you know, we won the game on defense. You know, and he came out in the second half and just went three and out. You know, didn't do, you know, a great job there. And, you know, they took the lead 17-12. And, you know, we had a fourth and 10 on offense. Went for it about midfield. And threw a touchdown pass. Wow. And so it was a great throw, you know, by CJ to court crunk. And went for two, got it. And then we had, you know, just a couple great, you know, possessions on, you know, possessional, you know, plays on defense to where Jordan Toms got an interception.

And then I can't remember who caused the last fumble when they had the ball at the end there to get it back and was able to run out the clock. So I thought our defense came up really big. So the fourth and 10 play for the touchdown was probably late third quarter or early fourth quarter, something like that? Yes, it was early in the fourth quarter, I believe. So big play there to go for it fourth and 10. And you said, hey, I feel like we're doing it.

But what a momentum swing. And then you went for two. And sometimes people don't realize you get a two-point conversion. That just is like candy on top of the cupcake there. It's really nice because it really even gets your team amped up more. Well, we'd missed a couple extra points, you know, and I just, you know, I felt like we needed to. And, you know, we were up by one, I believe. So, you know, you'd like to get up by three. So, you know, a coach called a good play and kids executed it and we got it.

You know, that's a big win for Coach Daniel Garrett and the Rogers Pirates. And Coach, as you said, an ugly win made before you as a head coach. But also, you learned a little bit about your team because when they had to turn it on and make the plays in the fourth quarter, they did. You got to feel good about what you saw of the character of your team. Yeah, and I felt like, you know, the message all week was, you know, if you know what you're worth, you know, you got to go get what you're worth.

But you got to be willing to take the hits, you know, and keep moving forward. And, you know, it's kind of old Rocky Balboa quotes. It's not about how hard you can hit, it's how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. And we took all their shots and we kept moving forward. And, you know, I just, I think that shows the grit and the, you know, the character of our team. And hopefully we can build off this and just keep improving. Class 3A, Region 7, you are 4-0 in the Region, 5-1 on the season.

Who do you have next week and where? We have Lardot County at home. Wow, region game, county game, physical game. Boy, did I nail all three of those? Absolutely. That's what it's about. You know, just, you know, if you've been around here long enough, you know how that one, you know, how it's going to play out as far as, you know, what you just said, tough, physical, you know, big rivalry game. And, you know, it's easy to get, you know, pumped up for those type of games.

You'll be at home next week for this game? Be at home. Big game. You're sitting at the top with your region and you're sitting up there and now the target's on you a little bit. You talked to your team about that and said, hey, you got a chance to do something pretty special here. Well, you know, I think they know that. But, you know, we try not to talk a lot about, you know, the end of it. We try to talk about the process of it.

And, you know, because you can't, you know, win the, you know, go 10-0 or anything like that with one play, right? But you've got to focus on that one play and then spot the ball and play the next play and so on and so forth. And that starts during the week in your preparation. And if you fall in love with that process and, you know, you learn how to do your job in the day-ins and day-outs, then you'll be in those positions to have a success in a big magnitude at the end of the year.

So we're just excited for where we're at and excited to, you know, keep getting better. The opportunities lay ahead of Rodgers. They don't have to scoreboard watch. All they've got to do is watch their own scoreboard right now, as I say, because they're 4-0 in region play. They take on Lauderdale County Friday night game, is that correct? Yes, sir. Friday night game. I don't even have to tell you it's going to be packed out. What a gate that's going to be. I know those two communities.

It will be packed on both sides and around the fence. It's going to be an incredible atmosphere. What a fun game, what an exciting game, and what a great opportunity for your team next week. Congratulations to the Rodgers Pirates, and best of luck, okay? Thank you. Daniel Garrett of the Rodgers Pirates, whose team last night with a big win over West Limestone to go to 5-1 on the season, come to 4-0 in region play as they get the 2017 victory, and now they'll turn around, and they'll go next week getting ready to take our home against Lauderdale County.

We're joined now by the assistant coach of the Morris Hill Panthers, Coach Stephen Cohen, whose team last night in overtime got a big win as they knock off a good, good Whitesburg team, Christian team, in overtime, 21-14. Coach Cohen, what a big win for your team last night. Wow, wow. I mean, Coach Hill was just dancing on the 50-yard line last night after the game. It was kind of crazy. Everything we went through and all the situations, you know how football is. It's week seven, everything happened, and the game started out, they drove, they get there, let the ball, drive it down to the eight-yard line.

[51:58] Carter Ham gets a pick in the end zone, and we drive it back, and it's back and forth the whole game, and what an atmosphere. I mean, it's back and forth all night. Two really good teams. Really evenly matched game last night, wasn't it? Oh, yes. Yes, I mean, they're throwing the ball there in that Mike Leach system. They're throwing the ball everywhere, and they're just really just an incredible team, and we just buckled down. We hit first, and it was like seven-three at halftime, and then it just keeps on going.

It's like two halves, really, two games. Well, you end up going to overtime. Did either team have to tie it late? They drive it down. They run in the clock. They drive it all the way down, and it's under a minute left, and he just likes to kick the field goal, 26-yard field goal. He hooks it right. Wow. So they had a chance to win and miss the field goal. Gave you a second chance. And in overtime, who got the ball first? Overtime, they win the toss, and they go on defense.

We go offensively first. Okay. So, Titus Cosby runs quarterback power into the four-yard line, and Christian O'Rear runs the counter. Nick Christian O'Rear scores. So, they get the ball back, and then they throw to Chase Absinthe, makes a great play. And first play, Truett Thornton made a great strip. We thought we had the ball. He had a great snap, so they sent him back, Kevin, like 18-yard line. So, then they would throw out and up or out to Chase Absinthe's side, and Chase kicks out and makes a great play on it.

And then they try the other side, and they try Bryce Graham. So, he brought another break up. So, it was really three pass breakups in the final three plays. So, final three plays, your secondary comes up big, makes the plays. A very young secondary, which Coach Ryan Derrick's been preaching all year to get better. And it's just been a – what a game. Who do you have next week and where? We have Lindsey Lane at home, another region game. Another region game should be a good one.

And, man, congratulations to the Panthers. Big win last night. They go to 5-2 in the year, 3-1 in region play. Lindsey Lane next Friday night. More from the Coach's Breakfast after this 60-second timeout. Well, you know what happens when the seasons change. The pests come looking for a place to stay. Don't give them an invitation. Southern Pride Pest Control has year-round prevention plans. Protecting your home from pests, termites, bedbugs, moisture, ants, rodents, and mosquitoes. Proudly serving the Shoals area since 2010, we're here when you need us most.

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Member FDIC. Welcome back to the Coach's Breakfast here on 93.9 The Score. Kevin Johnson with you. It's been the Car Wash Edition. We'll end it up with the head coach of the Florence Falcons, Coach Kenny Morrison, whose team last night at home. A game you heard on 93.9 The Score. From Brawley Stadium, knockoff Athens by a score of 40-21. And Coach, a huge win for your team last night. It was. It was. Real good win. We were worried about it for two weeks, not one, with our open week.

And they were exactly what we thought. They were going to come in very well coached. Play hard. And it was very fortunate for us to come out on the good side. You have an ace in the hole, though. There's a young man that wears number zero that has really stepped up. We talked about this Florence running game having a three-headed monster. But a couple of injuries has forced number zero to Carson Johnson to step up. And, boy, has he stepped up big. He has. He's had a great night last night.

And, boy, broke some big runs for us. It was hard to bring down. A lot of yards after contact. We call them Yaks. And he was a really good force last night. Proud for him. He's worked extremely hard to be where he's at right now. And he's seeing the benefits of the weight room and all the work he's put in. Coach, last night your team with the big wing was 7-0 at the end of the first quarter. You come out and put 20 up in the second quarter.

Your team really took control there. And, you know, the defense had to do their part, too, and they did. Yeah, we played a really solid first half. Really excited how our guys played. We played a clean game in the first half and capitalized on some opportunities. And it was good to go in at halftime up that score. But we tried to preach to him at halftime. Hey, it played like a 0-0. And we had to fight it a little bit in the second half. Did have to fight it in the second half.

[57:17] But you go to 27-0. And, by the way, you also get a pick six from your defense again last night. Des Brown. That young man has really stepped up and played hard. And that was a big play for him. Yeah, he had a really good night last night. And it's good he did. Had a college coach there just to see him play last night. And he showed out in front of the guy to give him an opportunity to play at the next level. We hope it's going to work out for him.

But, again, another young man that's worked extremely hard, has not missed anything. Being in our program, worked extremely hard. And we're tickled to death for him and what he's done. Speaking with Coach Kenny Morrison and the Florence Falcons, Coach, I broadcast all your games and been the voice of the Falcons for many years. I want to ask you a question, a trivia question. You've got three leading scorers. Your number one leading scorer, Knight Hawking, Parker Greenhawk. Leading scorer, DeCarson Johnson, and Kayon Williams. You know who your third leading scorer of touchdowns is?

Jaden Irons. Jaden Irons. That's right. Four touchdowns on the season. And last night, a fake punt. Not bad for a linebacker there. The fake punt last night, Athens brings pressure constantly. It was more about trying to get a first down. You didn't want to, I don't think, get a punt blocked. You didn't want momentum swing, but it ended up being a touchdown run. Yeah, it turned out well. We saw it in the first half. And Coach Denton makes all the calls on the punt team. And I stand beside him.

And we kind of go through it and decide what we're going to call. And he had a call that he liked all week that we were going to run. And I said, I don't know about it. And I said, I think we just block them down and kick one guy out. We might score. So, the next time we punted, we checked it again and it was there. We knew we had it. We just had to execute it. He said, I just don't know if we can block them all down in there.

Jaden made a great run out there and cut back inside for a touchdown. It was a great run. Yeah, I don't think he was touched. And that takes it to the house and really seals the win. And Florence wins it last night. 40-21 over a really good Athens team. And Coach, you're 6-0 in the season. 4-0 region play. Next week, your Thursday night, short week, get East Limestone for the first time. Comes at a good time maybe too, though. It works out pretty good. I know you want to get your team back in grooves and things.

I know there's a lot of things you want to work on. Yeah, last night we gained a lot of teachable moments. We've got a lot on film to clean up. I'm real disappointed in our penalty situation. We've got to learn to win. And we didn't handle last night very well the success we had. So we've got some things to fix, some things to address sideline-wise and during the course of the game. And I don't mind saying it on the radio. And I want the community to know that these are some things that I don't put up with.

And we had a couple of unsportsmanlike penalties last night that were, you know, not major ones, but just you can't do in the game. And we hadn't had one in two and a half years. And last night was real disappointing that we had two in one game and another personal foul. So we've got some growing up to do. We've got to learn how to be 6-0 and how to be a championship football team. Love that comment. Love the comment from Coach Kenny Morrison. Got to learn how to win and learn how to be a championship football team.

But they're on the right road, 6-0. But still a lot to work on. Thursday night, you'll hear that game here on 93.9 The Score. Coach, congratulations on the big win, though. Thank you. Appreciate it. The head coach of the Florence Falcons, one of the great guys in coaching, Coach Kenny Morrison. That's going to do it for the Coach's Breakfast today. For Greg Thornton, our station manager, Blair Krieger, and the 93.9 The Score studios, I'm Kevin Johnson saying have a great day. I'll see you in church on Sunday.

And now it's time to go to Starkville, Mississippi, Alabama football. And roll tide to all you fans. You've been listening to the 93.9 The Score high school Coach's Breakfast. The Coach's Breakfast on 93.9 The Score has been brought to you by Lost Pizza, John C. Saylor, Attorney at Law, The Courier Journal, Miller's Place, the North Alabama Bone and Joint Clinic, Southern Pride Pest Control, and Bank Independent. Thanks for listening.