By Marla Jones, Managing Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Two Rainsville brothers are bound for nationals after a successful state rodeo showing. 

Eli Samples, a 15-year-old freshman from Plainview High School won the Rookie of the Year, won the State Championship in the Calf Tie-Down Roping event, placed third in Team Roping & Chute Dogging and placed fourth in Ribbon Roping. He also won overall average in Chute Dogging, Calf Tie-Down and Ribbon Roping. 

Eli advances to the finals in Huron, S.D. on June 23, 2019.

His brother, Easton Samples, a recent Plainview High School graduate placed third overall in Team Roping at the Georgia State High School Rodeo Finals, where he was awarded $1,650 in scholarships. 

Southern Torch would like to wish both of these cowboys the best of luck in their efforts to bring home the buckle!