Featured image: Caleb Roebuck shows off the skills.
By Marla Jones
SYLVANIA, Ala.— Football is a way of life for people in Sylvania. We begin talking about next year's season as soon as one season is over. You can be a Monday morning quarterback at the gas station almost anytime. In Sylvania, we love our team. It is quite evident, when you drive by the practice field and see the fans lined up watching the boys practice. We are waiting for that year….the year when our team gets to shine. The Sylvania Rams have the talent, speed and skills to be a big contender in Class 3A football this season.
This week, I went back to my old stomping grounds, my Alma Mater, to watch the Sylvania Rams in action. I graduated from Sylvania, my kids played ball there and hopefully one day, I will see my grandsons play on the field where their dads played. I was pleasantly surprised at the improvements made to the football program since Coach Matt Putnam has taken over the reigns as Varsity Head Football Coach. The completion of the new bleachers are set to be finished before the first home game on August 26, 2016. New additions to the field house now house a 2600 square foot state-of-the-art indoor practice center, complete with turf, to aid in speed and agility.
Coach Putnam has done a great job in bringing enthusiasm to the program. Fans and players alike have bought into the program and spirits are high at Sylvania. Putnam has stated that he really wants community involvement. The team will host the Second Annual Wingfest on August 6, 2016 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. which is an excellent way to get the community involved. Community members can meet and greet the Sylvania Rams Football Team and staff, all while enjoying some of the best wings around, cooked by members of the community. One of the first things Coach Putnam did after receiving the nod as head coach, was to unlock the Sylvania Football Field. The gates are now open and the community members are encouraged to use the walking track.
The Sylvania Rams are looking for redemption this season. This will be the season for them to be able to use their talents, and the new program that Putnam has brought to them, to excel. This group of athletes have been apart of two, maybe three coaches. Coach Putnam brings security and confidence in them. Watching the Rams go thru series of drills, I can see the anticipation. I can feel the energy. This is their year...the year of Ram Redemption.
2015 RECORD:
Sylvania Varsity Football finished the 2015 season with a 3-7 record. The team faced several tough opponents and their record did not reflect their strengths and talents.
PREPARATION:
The Sylvania Rams practice Monday thru Thursday beginning at 9 a.m. Grades 7-12 practice together. The practice is comprised of field exercises and inside workouts. Official practice with helmets and shoulder pads will begin the first week of August.
PLAYERS:
Sylvania has six returning seniors. The team boasts eight returning defensive starters and eight returning offensive starters for the 2016 season.
COACHES:
Coach Matt Putnam will return for his second season as Head Coach for the Sylvania Rams. Nick Ledbetter will be returning as Defensive Coordinator. Josh Clements will handle Offensive/Defensive Line, Alan Smart will continue as 7th and 8th grade coach with help from Zach Hart. Sylvania has several volunteers that help the team; Ryan Haney, Ryan Clark, Ashley Wilks and Eric Albright.
SCHEDULE:
The Sylvania Rams will travel to face Priceville, August 19, 2016 for a Jamboree game. The Rams will start the regular season at home against Sardis on August 26, 2016. The Rams will be on the road on September 2, 2016 as they face Cedar Bluff. Sylvania will host New Hope on September 9, 2016. The Rams will be traveling for two weeks as they face North Sand Mountain on September 16, 2016 and Crossville on September 23, 2016. The Rams will host Pisgah for their Homecoming Game on September 30, 2016. On October 7, the Rams will travel to face Geraldine. The Rams return home for what some call the Sand Mountain Superbowl, to host Plainview on October 14, 2016. Senior Night will be October 21, 2016 as the Rams host Brindlee Mountain. The Rams will finish the last game of the regular season on the road as they face Ider on October 28, 2016.
The Sylvania Rams have the determination and talent to succeed this year and should be able to go deep into the playoffs. Sylvania will definitely be a team to watch.
