MEET A SENIOR RED DEVIL INTERVIEWS ON ELKMONT FOOTBALL BLOG

A series of 12 interviews introducing the Elkmont Red Devil Football Team Seniors.  Be sure to visit the blog often during football season.  New posts each day.

DECATUR DAILY IRON MAN - ELKMONT'S CHOICE: DANIEL LOGAN

DANIEL LOGAN AT A GLANCE:
Class:  Senior
Position: Linebacker and offensive guard
Height, Weight: 6-0, 216
Most Memorable Game form 2010:
"I've got to go with the Ardmore game. (Elkmont won 42-21).  It's a rival, it's always a big game and everybody from both towns always shows up.  It's a little bit of a different atmosphere from most games.  Everybody is there, everybody plays hard, and luckily we came away with a win last year."

Elkmont High's Daniel Logan places a premium on loyalty.  A senior linebacker and offensive lineman, Logan notices when his teammates put others first.  One teammate passed up a beach trip this summer to attend workouts while another overcame cancer treatments to be with his friends.  But it's not just Logan's teammates who show loyalty.  When asked to name a few fellow iron men, Logan named what seemed like half of Elkmont's roster.  Plus, he's not afraid to cheer for his favorite football team - even though it's one that doesn't wear crimson and white or orange and blue.  Logan spoke with Decatur Daily Sports Writer Michael Cummings before a recent practice.  Here's what he said.

Question:
What was your best game last year?
Answer:
Ardmore (Elkmont won 42-21 in Week 1).  I really thought my team played well.  Obviously we didn't have a great season, but that game we came out hard and prepared well in practice.  I was really happy with how we played, and we finished the game as best we could.

Question:
What are your goals for this season?
Answer:
Every team's goal is to make it to the state championship, and if you're going to make a goal, you might as well believe in yourself to get to the top.

Question:
What about personal goals?
Answer:
Really my only personal goal goal is to lead my team and make sure we work well together, execute on offense and play well on defense.  And we'll see if we can make it to the playoffs.  We didn't make last year, and it was a real letdown.


Question:
What does it mean to you to be your team's ironman?
Answer:
It means a lot to me.  I've always tried to work hard.  There are some days that you don't feel strong but you always try to work hard.  Even when I was a ninth-grader, I tried hard against all the bigger people trying to kill us.

Question:

What goes into being an ironman?

Answer:

Continuous work and just always leaving everything out on the field, even if it's a practice field or a game field.  And we have a great group this year.  I couldn't do it without them.

Question:

What was the team's workout routine this summer?

Answer:

This summer was pretty hard.  We did an hour of weights and an hour of running, and in July we did an hour of practice too.  Summer is mainly to get in shape and come together as a team.  If you sweat together, you really come together as a team.  And your can't do it all yourself.  You have to be a team.

Question:

What did you do in addition to team workouts?

Answer:

I tried to work out some on the side at Riviera.  Some of our workouts were pretty hard, believe me, but you've got to do some on the side too.  I'm not the only one, either.  My workout partner and fellow linebacker Cody Martin worked out with me.

Question:

What's your favorite workout?

Answer:

I've got to go with bench.  Bench is everybody's favorite usually.

Question:

How much can you bench?

Answer:

Last time I maxed out at 300 (pounds).  On 225, I do three sets of 10 usually.

Question:

You play offense and defense.  Which one is your favorite?

Answer:

It's defense.  I like offense, but it's all about execution.  With defense, it's a little more.  You've got to listen to your coach, and with our defense, you've got to go out and play.  You've got to leave it all on the field.  Plus, defense wins games.  It's great catching passes and everything, but for me, it's way better to lay a lick on somebody.

Question:

What other sports do you play?

Answer:

I play basketball and baseball, but not doubt, I like football best.  Even more than baseball and basketball, it's a team sport.  You really get connected to your teammates.

Question:

What other position would you like to try?

Answer:

I'm not going to lie, I would like to play quarterback one game.  Quarterbacks get a ton of publicity, but they also take too much heat when their team loses.  But I would like to play quarterback one game.

Question:

Who are some other ironmen on your team?

Answer:

Skyler Gant for sure.  He works hard every day.  He could have gone to the beach with his family this summer, but he stayed here and practiced with us.  And that means a lot.  Also Cole Glass, Sloan Hawkins, Austin McNatt, Hayden Huseth, and I already said Cody Martin. And for sure Bronson Ellis.  He wasn't able to do spring practice because he had cancer, but he showed up to every practice.  And Rhett Bailey (another cancer patient), for sure.  That's what I call tough.  That's a true ironman, right there.  And I'll throw in Chris Gooch.  he's a young kid who was at every workout.  He's tough and he works hard in practice.  And I'm sure there are many more.

Question:

What is your favorite team?

Answer:

I'm a Kentucky Wildcat fan.  They're not exactly known for football, and most of the time they get killed by Alabama and all of the SEC teams except Vandy.  But I've got to support them, stay loyal to my team.  That's where I was born, so I've got to stay loyal.

Source:  Decatur Daily - Sports Writer Michael Cummings

ELKMONT FOOTBALL SHIRTS AND CAPS FOR SALE

ELKMONT FOOTBALL T-SHIRTS AND CAPS 

ORDER FORM

                                                   

As a special fundraiser Coach Holt and the Football Team are selling the Flex Fit ball caps  and T-Shirts to family, friends and fans.  The above is how the design will appear. Please return your orders ASAP. Coach Holt would like to have them back to you by the Ardmore Ballgame!!!!


Click on order form for full size printable version:

INTRODUCING THE DUST DEVIL

The "Dust Devil" has agreed to be the Elkmont Football Blog's game reporter. 


He will follow the Red Devils throughout the season and give you his take on the game.  Look for his posts on Saturdays.  

ELKMONT LOSES 19 - 16 TO EAST LAWRENCE IN JAMBOREE

On a very warm Thursday evening, Elkmont's football team got in some valuable work against East Lawrence at the Eagles' home field.  In the first quarter, there was very little offense by either team.  Late in the quarter, Elkmont sustained a drive inside the East Lawrence 15 yard line.  The drive was fueled by 2 completions from quarterback, Hayden Huseth, to wide receiver, Cole Glass.  East Lawrence picked off a Huseth pass to stop the drive but on their next play dropped the football and Elkmont recovered.  The first quarter ended with no score.


Early in the second quarter, Jose Hernandez kicked a 22 year field goal and Elkmont had a 3-0 lead.  On East Lawrence's next possession, Jared Bailey picked off a pass and Elkmont had the ball in East Lawrence territory again.  Quarterback Hayden Huseth scrambled and found an open Cole Glass at the three yard line.  Glass went up high to make a nice catch.  Skyler Gant then scored on a three yard run.  The PAT was good and Elkmont led 10-0.  Late in the second quarter, East Lawrence had a long drive that ended when they scored on a one yard run.  The half ended with Elkmont ahead 10-7.


In the third quarter, both teams had trouble moving the ball, but the Eagles scored late in the 3rd quarter. They missed the PAT, but led 13-10 at the end of the third.


The fourth quarter had both teams playing their JV squads.  Both teams' younger players scored touchdowns in the last quarter and the final score was East Lawrence 19, Elkmont 16.


Dust devil's thoughts on the game: 


The night was successful for Elkmont in that the team, including many younger players,  got some valuable game experience.  There were no major injuries.  The Red Devils played only their base defense and ran a very limited offensive package.  They still showed a strong kicking game that will win games for them this season.  The defense has some strong tacklers and there are several potential playmakers on the offensive.


On the negative side, Elkmont had trouble stopping the Eagles on third downs and was not able to pressure the quarterback.  A lack of size on both offensive and defensive lines may be a problem and the team appeared to wear down a bit in the heat.


Outlook:
The outlook is very positive for the Red Devils this season.  With Cole Glass, Hayden Huseth, and Skyler Gant, Elkmont has three experienced playmakers that are as good as anyone in the region.  Cody Martin and Daniel Logan are experienced linebackers who hit hard and know their positions.  If Elkmont can overcome their overall lack of size, they can have a very successful year.  I predict they will be prepared after another week of work for the Ardmore Tigers who come to town next Friday, August 26th.  Score: Elkmont  28 - 21 Ardmore. 

TAKE YOUR PICK - BAND AUCTION OR ELKMONT FOOTBALL GAME

Two great events are going on Thursday, Aug. 18.  The Elkmont Red Devils are traveling to East Lawrence High School to take on the Eagles in the fall Jamboree.  The game starts at 6:30.

EAST LAWRENCE SCOUTING REPORT

The Eagles enter the 2011 football season with a new head coach who brings new expectations for his team.Ernie Ferguson inherits a team that will return most of its skill players from the previous season, but must replace several key cogs along the offensive line. To combat the lack of experience along the line, Ferguson, who will assume play-calling duties, will try and level the playing field.

“We’re going to spread it out like when I was at Lawrence County,” Ferguson said. “We’re still going to run the ball a good bit. We don’t want to put everyone in the box and make it harder for us to run, so we’re going to spread people out as much as possible. Hopefully, we should be able to throw the ball well enough to keep people honest.”


EAST LAWRENCE HIGH HIGHLIGHTS:
Head Coach:  Ernie Ferguson, first year at East Lawrence (13-18 three season record at Lawrence County)
2010 record: 2-8, 1-6 in Class 4A, Region 8. No playoff berth
Overview: 
Coach Ferguson - assistant for Joe McDaniel's 2008-2009 Eagles.  
Last playoff appearance: 2008
Rookie Quarterback
Ferguson said his team will line up in a spread formation but will use a ground pounding approach.

Team Roster
Jersey Num Name Position Grade Height Weight 0 James Robinson OL/DL 9 6'0" 245 0 Ryan Morris 9 5'6" 130 1 Nolan Voss TE/DE 12 6'5" 195 2 Christopher Amerson WR/DB 12 5'7" 140 3 Dustin Hooie WR/DB 11 5'7" 130 4 Ben Copeland QB/DB 9 5'8" 145 5 Stephen Pilgrim QB/DB 10 5'10" 140 6 Quamell Fuqua TE/DE 11 6'1" 220 7 Brian Kemper WR/LB 11 6'0" 170 8 Jacob Williams WR/LB 12 6'0" 170 10 Jerrod Martin RB/LB 10 5'10" 165 12 Forrest Simpson WR/DB 12 6'0" 160 16 Austin Hooie WR/LB 11 5'9" 150 20 Brian Swain WR/DB 9 5'8" 142 21 Zachary Nitchens WR/DB 11 5'5" 130 22 Terrence Deloney QB/LB 11 5'9" 190 24 Jeffery Millwood RB/LB 10 5'9" 155 28 Steven Simpson RB/DB 12 5'8" 155 34 Caleb Treadway TE/DE 12 6'1" 210 45 Austin Reed OL/LB 9 6'2" 160 50 Ryan Carr OL/DE 10 5'11" 190 51 Billy Goodwin OL/LB 12 5'8" 194 54 Connor Hutto OL/LB 11 5'10" 225 55 Matthew Williams OL/DL 12 6'1" 250 56 Zeke Sherrell OL/DT 11 6'0" 275 57 Zachary Sherrell OL/DT 11 6'0" 305 66 Curtis Brown OL/DE 11 6'2" 200 70 Joseph Bailey OL/DL 11 5'7" 225 73 Hunter Reeves OL/DT 9 5'10" 225 75 Terrance Thomas OL/DL 10 5'10" 265 76 Joseph Burks OL/DT 9 5'11" 265 77 Randy Alexander OL/DL 10 6'0" 230 80 Colton Smith WR/DB 10 6'2" 160 85 Hunter Harris WR/DB 12 6'0" 160 88 Jonathan Borden WR/LB 11 5'10" 145
The Elkmont High School Band is having an event nearer to home at the Old Gym, their annual band auction.  You should be able to pick up some great deals as well as help the band.

WHAT'S GOING ON WITH ELKMONT FOOTBALL

Football season is on the starting pad and ready for lift off.  Follow the Elkmont Red Devils here on the blogs.  There will be some articles posted on the Elkmont Alabama Blog; mostly game write ups.   However, there is too much football news to post it all here so visit the Elkmont Football Blog often.

http://elkmontfootball.blogspot.com/



Article Schedule  through Aug 27
Coaches interviews - Monday thru Thursday
East Lawrence Pre Game Article - Thursday
Jamboree -  @ East Lawrence @ 6:30 pm - Thursday
Post Game Write up - Friday
Senior Player Interviews - Friday until ?
Cage the Tiger Week Articles - Aug. 22-26

DOOLEY MOVING TO SOUTHERN ALABAMA

Keith Dooley has served as the Encore athletic trainer at Elkmont High School for 2 years.  A valued member of football team, he is the "go to" guy whenever an injury occurs.  Taking the time to know the players has allowed him to be able to tell when an injury has occurred.  By observing how a player holds an arm slightly different, favoring a leg or just not playing like normal, Dooley often knows when an injury has occurred before anyone else knows.  The players trust him and Keith has become a respected friend of many.

He will be leaving the Elkmont High School community next week and Monday will be his last day with the team.  He will join the Faith Academy,  Mobile Alabama, athletic program as their Encore trainer.  Leaving Elkmont was not something Dooley had planned but this transfer was the best choice for him and his new bride, Jackie Swan.  Job opportunities for Jackie in the tri-county area were slim while she has a job in the Mobile area.  It was easier for Keith to transfer to an Encore school located close to Mobile rather than Jackie to move to an uncertain job market.  An added perk is that he is much closer to sand and surf.

Dooley had this to say about his experiences at Elkmont High School.

"I want to express my thanks to Elkmont High School, the football staff and especially the players for making me feel part of the team, not just a trainer sent by Encore.  I am close to the seniors.  I have worked with them a number of years and have come to call them friends.  I was apprehensive when I first came to Elkmont.  I had always worked at the college level and didn't know how I would be able to relate to a high school team.  My first day, Cole Glass walked up to me and talked to me like he had known me for years.  I felt right at ease with my new team and these seniors hold a special place in my heart.  They have always welcomed me and made me part of their lives.  I want them to know that once you are a Dooley kid, always a Dooley kid.  I will always do anything I can to help them as they go through life.  I leave knowing that I have friends here and I will continue to follow the team.  The Elkmont football blog will allow me to watch their games and know how their season is going.  I wish them the best of luck this season and in their future endeavors."