On Friday night, the 2023 football season came to an end. The quarterfinal game versus Eufaula was an instant classic, going down to the wire. While I am sorry to see the season end, I am also grateful to everyone who had a part in making this a successful season. Only some realize what it takes to orchestrate a football season. So many behind the scenes never seek the spotlight; I am so thankful for them.
Jamie and Brandi Guy have served as the Demopolis Quarterback Club president for the last two years. Their role in the annual drawdown and ensuring the coaches and players have what they need to succeed has played a vital role in the team's success.
Carl Williams has served two years as the River City Blue Marching Band Booster Club President. He coordinates many things, from concessions to buses to ensuring the band members have water. It is a thankless job, yet he has tirelessly worked for the betterment of our band members.
JannaLee Duke and Nicole Larkin coordinated the concession stands this year. Can you imagine coming to a game without concessions? I'm thankful for these two ladies for their hard work this year.
The entire Quarterback Club-these men and women are behind the scenes EVERY week. They make sandwiches, help with buses, put up signs, post reminders on social media, to name a few things. They are the heartbeat behind the team.
The entire River City Blue Band Boosters-they are the heartbeat behind the band. They feed the band, chaperone, fundraise, cheer, and support. They are integral to the success of the River City Blue.
Erin Billings-Erin is the athletic trainer for Demopolis High School. She is AMAZING! She works longer hours than ANYONE. She makes sure all of the DHS athletes are healthy.
Kenny Freeman and Alex Braswell-These men work every Friday Night as well as JV games and even Middle school games as the PA announcers. This is not an easy job, but they embrace it with passion and love each week!
Alfred Padilla, Steven King, and Josh Fields-Some know them as 'The Chain Gang'. They are there every Friday Night. They do a fantastic job, and they get it right! We are blessed.
Derek Morrison-Equipment manager extraordinaire! You see him on the sidelines on Fridays, but I see him before the games, at practice, and on the day of the game, helping to get all the necessities ready so that our team can be the best it can be.
Sean Parker- Sly104.9 radio station and app allows our Tigers to be supported far and wide. I am so thankful that those who can not attend can support our team.
Rob Pearson, Mike Randall, and David Grizzard-The voices you hear on Sly104.9 and app belong to these men. They bring the games to life weekly for anyone who can't attend in person. Their love for the Tigers comes through with every word they speak.
Jason Windham-It would be hard to list all that Jason does for DHS and DHS football, from providing meals to hosting the weekly coaches show; he is always there to offer a helping hand.
Tony Luker-Tony provided food for the officials and pressbox every Friday Night for the entire season.
Brian and Sheri Malone, Skip Fields, and Jay Reynolds-purchased the Football helmet run-through for the team. It was great to see our Tigers come onto the field each Friday in style.
Mark, Jennifer, John David Andrew Bedsole, and Dave Compton-these individuals cleaned the stadium before the Third Round contest. This was such a blessing, and the stadium looked great.
Demopolis Police Department-The DPD handles the security for every home game for DHS. DHS SRO Officer Walter Morgan coordinates this effort. They also escort the team and sometimes band to away games. They handle every situation with class. They are top-notch!
AmStar EMS-provides our ambulance service for every game. I hope we never have to use them, but it is a comfort that they are always there, just in case.
Columbus Wilkins-Mr. Wilkins is a custodian at DHS. You may not know that he works every home football and basketball game to ensure the upkeep of the facility. He is there long after the last person leaves, cleaning and locking up. It is more than a job for Mr. Wilkins. He takes pride in our facilities, and it is evident.
Virginia Goodlett and Tony Pittman-Ms. Goodlett coordinates gate workers for every home game; they are the administrators at each ticket gate and help handle unforeseen circumstances. They are at the games early each week to ensure all goes according to plan.
The faculty and staff of Demopolis High School-Each week, at least eight faculty members VOLUNTEER to work the gates for each home game, including playoff games. They are not compensated; they are there because they love DHS and its students.
Ali Hathcock and Kathleen Randall-When it comes to cheer sponsors, DHS hit the jackpot! They do a fantastic job, from pep rallies to fundraisers to summer camp and everything in between!
Zack Bigham, Dale Foster, and Jessica Dial-the sponsors of the River City Blue, set the stage for our band to excel. These individuals are great leaders and examples for our band.
Caitlyn White-Coach White was a big part of the eligibility process this year. Very few know or understand that for a student-athlete to be eligible, they must have six different forms on file digitally with the AHSAA. She checked and double-checked every student-athlete to ensure their paperwork was correct.
Anne Marie Lawler-makes sure we have cash boxes, all PO's are completed, that all of the invoices are paid, and that it is all done correctly.
The DHS coaching staff-the long hours, late nights, and early mornings often go unnoticed. Most people only see the four hours of work on Friday Nights. Words are insufficient to express how thankful I am for each of them.
The wives and families of the coaching staff-it is indeed a sacrifice to be a coach's wife. I am thankful they are willing to endure the time apart and the scrutiny from fans in the stands, all while being the team's biggest supporters.
The problem with a list like this is that I have probably left someone off. It is certainly not intentional. There are so many contributors that I'm not sure I could name them all, but I truly appreciate every single contribution.
I would be remiss, however, if I didn't mention the fans. On Friday Night, we had a crowd of over 2500 people at Tiger Stadium. This is by far the biggest crowd we have had in the four years of my principalship. Not only were you there, you were loud! It was a magnificent atmosphere for high school football.
It was indeed an incredible season. I encourage each of you to keep that Tiger Spirit alive. Come out to support our basketball teams this winter and our baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, and golf teams in the spring. While you are at it, the Tiger Arts Guild will perform the musical Cinderella, and our concert band will have a Christmas concert soon. I promise, you will not be sorry you attended any of these events.
It truly is "A GREAT DAY TO BE A DEMOPOLIS TIGER!"
