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♦ FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2007
EAGLES
From page iB
(Butler Community
College).
Head coach Conrad Nix
said these are players who
excelled in both the class
room and the athletic field.
He also congratulated the
parents for their role in
helping these student-ath
letes join the select group
of seniors to get these
offers.
“It doesn’t just happen,”
he said.
Bell played both linebacker
and safety on the Northside
defense. He missed some
action due to injury in his
senior season, but still man
aged 60 tackles and still
attracted the attention of
Western Carolina, a member
of the Southern Conference
with Georgia Southern and
defending national cham
pion (1-AA) Appalachian
State.
“I like the school ... the
atmosphere,” said Bell.
“Everybody treated me real
nice there. And it’s beau
tiful, in the mountains. I
think I’m going to fit in.
“It’s good competition, no
doubt about that. We have
Georgia on the schedule
this year. We play some big
time people, so it’s a chance
for me to get my name out
there, show people what I
can do and what Northside
DEMONS
From page iB
He was referring to J.
E Gallagher and Josh
Hastings.
“I’ve been playing soc
cer for about 13 years, and
that’s my favorite sport,” he
said.
Steplight wants to major in
sports medicine and attend a
four-year college on a soccer
scholarship. His goal is to
become a physicians assis
tant in sports medicine.
Steplight’s coach Andy
Bailey said he was proud of
his star defender.
“He deserves to play some
where,” Bailey said. “I know
he’s to do great things. They
were impressed with his
speed.”
According to his
father Harold Steplight,
Christopher got his chance
after a Middle Georgia coach
saw him in a tournament in
BEARS
From page iB
tackle Princeton Dean and
end Roddy Nixon are joining
Ft. Valley State. Offensive
lineman Dylan Thompson
is headed to Southern
Conference territory to play
for Western Carolina.
Doug Johnson has been
the school’s only head coach
in football and has overseen
numerous Signing Day cer
emonies.
The players he hosted
this year were major parts
of a Houston County team
that may have just finished
fourth in Region 1-AAAAA,
but knocked off two higher
seeded teams in the playoffs
on the road before falling
to eventual co-state cham
pion Roswell in the quarter
finals.
“We still have a couple of
kids who are visiting and
looking, and we hope some
thing will work out for
them,” said Johnson. “We
are real proud of this group.
We knew it was a good senior
class and we could have a
good football team. We wish
PANTHERS
From page iB
leader” with 110 tack
les sort of speaks for itself.
“He’s just an incredible
kid,” said Perry head foot
ball coach Andy Scott. “He’s
called all our signals, all our
plays on defense, makes all
our checks.
“He’s just the kind of kid
you can put in charge and he
will take over.”
Scott added that not only
applied for when he was
on the field, but also in the
classroom and in life.
High School football is all
about.”
What Northside football is
about now is an undefeated
state championship.
“Every day, I think about
that,” said Bell. “I just thank
God that we won.”
So keeping the winning
tradition going is a goal
Bell has going to Western
Carolina. He said he plans to
work hard as a football play
er and make All-Academic
teams.
“I want to make my
parents proud,” said Bell.
“That’s what they want me
to go to school for, to get an
education.”
Armstrong is headed to
Mid-American Conference
country to play for the
Western Michigan Broncos,
which played in the inau
gural International Bowl
held in Toronto. His first
impression of this school:
the weather.
Armstrong said WMU rep
resentatives actually came
to Warner Robins first dur
ing the spring 2006 to get a
look at him, and they kept
tabs with him ever since.
“He called me during the
season and talked about how
he was looking at me and
how I was probably going to
get an offer from them,” said
Armstrong. “I took a recruit
ing trip, and after that they
offered me.
“When I got there it wasn’t
really snowing, but at night
Rome.
“The coach gave us a card
and invited (Christopher)
for a tryout,” his father said.
“He tried out on a Saturday,
and they called the next
day.”
Although Steplight plays
sweeper on his high school
team, he says he’ll probably
play right wing or forward at
the college.
“He’s the foundation of
our defense,” Bailey said.
“He played other positions
for me. He scored several
goals for us last year.”
Mark Wright Jr., signed
with Clark Atlanta as a
quarterback.
“When I visited, I met
with all of the coaches, and
I was impressed,” he said. “I
met the players, and they all
have great attitudes.”
Wright plans to major in
sports medicine, too.
“I’m going to try to go into
sports training or physical
therapy,” he said.
we could have gone further
(in the playoffs), but it’s a
real good group of young
men, a lot of character in
these guys and they are real
ly good students.
“Signing nowadays, the
colleges really look at the
transcripts and double-check
things. We talk to our young
er guys that if you want to
be one who ends up signing,
not only do you have to do it
on the field, you have to do it
in the classroom.”
Johnson said collectively
all six Bears should have
fine college playing careers
and looks forward to seeing
them play.
When looking at the suc
cess of the Houston County
running game, it starts with
the offensive line. Thompson,
the left tackle, was credited
with 10 knockdown blocks
(called pancakes) in 2006.
“I went up (to Western
Carolina) on a visit just
recently and the scenery and
everything was beautiful,”
he said. “That and bond
ing with the players, that’s
what really convinced me to
go there. They play in the
Southern Conference, argu-
“He’s just a great role
model,” Scott said.
The Wolves - his team
mates - will be happy to
know he said he’s been told
he’ll also be starting right off
the bat.
As far as West Georgia,
located in Carrollton, it was
one of 10 schools he talked to
and one of only two he visited
- the other being Shorter
College in Rome.
UWG got the nod because:
“It had great atmosphere,”
he said. “I really like the
people.”
Ditto for mom and dad,
Karen and Len, although
Call 987-1823 to subscribe
it started snowing real hard.
Down here we wouldn’t be
able to be in school, but
they’re used to it. I’ve got to
have some cold gear.”
Armstrong stayed in the
secondary for his senior high
school season and had 54
tackles. He did play some
offense when Northside
played for the state title
in 2005. He said Western
Michigan is looking to keep
him at safety and nickel
back.
“I feel it’s going to fit me
well,” said Armstrong. “It’s
just like down here. They’re
pushing their players, and
it’s all a family.”
He is also looking forward
to showing off a state cham
pionship ring and represent
ing his high school.
Jordan is the 2006 Class
AAAA Defensive Player of
the Year. He is taking the
same junior college route as
a former teammate and fel
low Golden Helmet Award
winner, Sam Robinson, who
signed with Butler last year.
Jordan said his big goals
are to get his grades up
and catch the attention of
Division I programs.
He has done that already
with looks from Marshall,
South Carolina and Florida
State.
Nix said as many as five
other Northside football
seniors could sign college
scholarships in the upcom
ing days.
Laron Scott switched his
commitment for Fort Scott
Community College to
Butler Community College,
Kansas.
“I got and offer and
Maurice Gray is going
there,” Scott said of his deci
sion. “I’m not really sure of
my major, but I intend to do
my best.”
Scott was recruited to play
cornerback for Butler and
plans to parlay community
college success into scholar
ship to a four-year college.
Brian Buford will play
linebacker for Valdosta State
next season and major in
business.
“I want to own my own
business,” he said.
Buford was unaffected by
the departure of Valdosta’s
head coach.
“As soon as he left, anoth
er assistant coach called,”
Buford said. “He told me I
was still on the top of their
list.”
ably the best in 1-AA, and
on top of that we get to play
Alabama and Georgia. So I’ll
get to test myself against the
best in the nation.
“I personally believe if I
work really hard ... I’m not
sure if I’ll take a red-shirt
year or not, but I would like
to play early.”
For those in Houston
County who don’t want to
stray too far from home and
still play top-notch college
football. Ft. Valley State in
Peach County is the ideal
situation.
The tradition rich program
boosts its future defenses
with Dean, who had six
quarterback sacks last sea
son, and Nixon, who blocked
four passes, 10 kicks on spe
cial teams and sacked the
opposing quarterback four
times.
“It’s good that my family
will be able to come and see
me play,” said Dean, speak
ing for the future Wildcats.
“A lot of my family went
there, so it keeps on the leg
acy. My uncles played there,
and they went farther after
playing there, so maybe I’ll
get that chance, too.”
in the case of the latter, he
said he always hoped his son
would choose the path of
baseball (he was a member of
the Panthers baseball team).
“Longevity,” he explained,
as to why, “breaks, sprains,
that sort of thing.”
Somewhere along the
line of growing up for the
Perry native, however, those
“growth spurts” took over.
“He came in one day and
said, ‘I want to play football
(he was taught in the local
rec leagues),”’ Len said.
And he’s the one who’s
been doing the throwing
since.
SPORTS
Hera are the results of
the GaSports.com girls
basketball coaches poll
for the week:
Class A
1 Landmark Christian
2 Bowdon
3 Calvary Day
4 Hancock Central
5 Calhoun County
6 Treutlen
7 Greenville
8 SW Atlanta Chrstn
9 Savannah Cntry Dy
10 Hawkinsville
Here are the results of
the GaSports.com boys
basketball coaches poll
for the week:
Class A
1 Wilkinson County
2 Whitefield Acdmy
3 Turner County
4 Taylor County
5 SW Atlanta Chrstn
6 Calvary Day
7 Wilcox County
8 Jefferson
9 Providence
Christian
Here are the results of
the GaSports.com wres
tling coaches poll for
the week:
Class A
1 Jefferson
2 Trion
3 Bowdon
4 Gordon Lee
5 Bremen
Class AA
1 Wesleyan
Warner Robins Bowling results
Through week ending Sunday
Gold Cup Bowling Center,
Russell Parkway
• Starlighters
High Scores: Robert Smith
245; John Wade 223-569;
Michael White 605; Bonnie
Barnett 216; Dawn Shullaw
213-533; Margie Tuck 540
• Kibbles & Bits
High Scores: Robert Meadows
248-671; Jimmy McCarley
241-615; Leah Tinsley 200-
511; Si Dyer 195-522; Sandria
Field 195; Mark Petit 260-
720; Matthew Adams 232-
633; Courtney Mane 191-515;
Shana McCarley 154; Laura
Hough 388
• Fellowship
High Scores: Don Michels
217; Paul Hering 208-579;
Ricky Schnable 531; Melissa
Wiggins 203; Sandra Beaver
171-481; Christy Williams 426
• Rock and Rollers
High Scores: Craig Duke 300-
794; Joe Messick 276; Tony
Baker 757; Tracy Gassett 278-
641; Si Dyer 247-689
• Grandma's Tea Party &
Company
High Scores: Leona Fountain
170; Nina Smith 162-461;
Linda Smith 432
• Ladies Church
High Scores: Becky Killgo
193-510; Debbi Boggero 179;
Cindy Crowley 456
• Kings and Queens
High Scores: Bobby Mines Sr.
231; Duane Beaudin 200; ET
Stanley 636; Bobby Morgan
563; Lory Amaral 193; Leah
Tinsley 189; Arlene Todd 552;
Lori Sato 502
• Tuesday Men's Handicap
CLEATS
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Class AA
1 Grtr Atlanta Chrstn
2 Randolph-Clay
3 Avondale
4 Laney
5 Mclntosh Co Acdmy
6 Wesleyan
7 Screven County
8 Paideia
9 Armuchee
10 Model
Class AAA
1 Carrollton
2 Southwest, Macon
3 East Hall
10 St Francis
Class AA
1 Thomasville
2 Buford
3 Manchester
4 Darlington
5 Dodge County
6 Coosa
6 Decatur
8 Union County
9 Swainsboro
10 Tattnall County
Class AAA
1 Dunwoody
2 East Hall
2 LaFayette
3 Lovett
4 Toombs County
Class AAA
1 Gilmer
2 Cass
3 West Laurens
4 Columbus
5 Henry County
6 Hardaway
7 South Effingham
8 West Hall
High Scores: Kenneth Lea II
278-705; Lamar Pipkin 257;
Rusty Keadle Jr. 678
• Moose-ette
High Scores: Trish Ellis 194-
503; Viola Gootee 174-406
• Parkway Senior Wonders
High Scores: Joe Gootee
237; Ronald Garris 229; Walt
McCarty 614; Larry May 592;
Jan Collier 188-489; Marge
Riley 179: Maria Branch 497
• Town and Country
High Scores: Andy Lethco
249 709; Jerry Dudley 246;
Leroy Phillips 685; Angie Stella
236-649; Lori Phillips 234-651
• Coca Cola Sport Classic
High Scores: David Rutherford
256-690; Bill Amaral 254-622;
Stephanie Laney 206-576;
Renee Lethco 191-564
• Wednesday Night Scratch
Doubles
High Scores: pick Rutherford
246-596; Tracy Hildenbrand
215-630
• Mixed Misfits
High Scores: Craig Duke 266-
629; Jim Wood 244-643: Sarah
Wooley 199; Lee Ann Steinmetz
187-510; Merri King 479
• Harris-N-Lynn Trophy
High Scores: Bill Haberin
231-629; Harry Wampler 226-
623; Jan Carter 211-602; Jan
Daniell 199-557
Thursday Men's Commercial
High Scores: Jerry Dudley 279;
B.J. Wynn 278; Kirk Thompson
715; Chris Petrie 700
Gold Cup Bowling North Houston
• Sunday Delights
High Scores: Jimmy Mauro
242-691; Daryl Leslie 234-
598; Joann Harrison 181-531;
Louise Bowles 170; Vernice
Hobbs 451
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(c) 2007 Bill Hinds. Dist by Universal Press Syndicate
THE HOUSTON DAILY JOURNAL
4 Kendrick
5 Hephzibah
6 Hardaway
7 Franklin County
8 Worth County
9 Pickens
10 Sandy Creek
Clan AAAA
1 St Pius X
2 Northside
3 Greenbrier
4 Clarke Central
5 Mays
6 Marist
7 Salem
3 Southside
4 Glenn Hills
5 Hart County
6 Carver, Columbus
7 South Atlanta
8 Jordan
9 Blessed Trinity
10 NS,Columbus
Class AAAA
1 Columbia
2 Tucker
3 Cedar Shoals
4 Lithia Springs
5 Cherokee
6 Stone Mountain
9 Westminster
10 Blessed Trinity
Class AAAA
1 Stockbridge
2 Eastside
3 Whitewater
4 Cherokee
5 Northwest Whitfield
6 Alexander
7 Lkvw-Ft Oglethorpe
8 Starr's Mill
9 Woodland
• Senior Mixed Fall
High Scores: Charles Tucker
219- Lloyd Britt 212-607;
Marge Riley 180; Arlene Todd
176-489; Jan Wenner 471
• Happy Hour
High Scores: Joe Paliini 144-
243; Ronnie Brantley 127-234;
Gina Davis 138; Ruth Ann Neil
134-247; Susan Shultz 240
• Gold Cup's Finest
High Scores: Jan Daniell 219-
600; Renee Lethco 194; Lisa
Maloney 556
• Wednesday Wonders
High Scores: Rodney Mines
235-616; Tony Carter 210; Dale
Deppen 573; Deanna Mines
220- Carolyn Hildenbrand
199-579
Robins Air Force Base
• Charity
High Scores: MacMcKenna
237-601; David McClellan
204-593; Maria Branch 178-
484: Peggy Colbert 155; Juli
Sumner 155-414
• Women's Lib
High Scores: Elaine Knott
207; Pat Akin 189-500; Laurie
McAlister 544
• OSC
High Scores: Nan Luna 186-
482; Suzanne Cahill 171;
Evelyn Bucholz 482
• Tuesday Peterson Point
High Scores: Bob Chamblin
257; Andy Sipp 254; Bob
Walker 694; Terry Frederick
684
• Early Friday Mixed
High Scorres: Bob Chamblin
239; Steven Hurt 239; Lou
Puryear 236; Randy Helmick
617; Marc Floyd 602; Carolyn
Helmick 225-580; Laurie
McAlister 205; Stephanie
Laney 590
1 www gocomics com e-mail Cleatsmad@aol com I
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8 Southwest DeKalb
9 Dalton
10 Jonesboro
Class AAAAA
1 Collins Hill
2 Stephenson
3 South Gwinnett
4 Mill Creek
5 Marietta
6 Campbell
7 Etowah
8 Morrow
9 Berkmar
10 McEachern
7 Stockbridge
8 Riverdale
9 North Clayton
10 Dalton
Class AAAAA
1 Norcross
2 Meadowcreek
3 McEachern
4 Peachtree Ridge
5 Beach
6 Centennial
7 Wheeler
8 Tri-Cities
9 Marietta
10 Newton
10 Tucker
Class AAAAA
1 McEachern
2 Collins Hill
3 Parkview
4 Walton
5 Harrison
6 Union Grove
7 Camden County
8 Grayson
9 Brookwood
10 Centennial