Featured image: Warmups before hitting the weight room
By Marla Jones
Sports Editor
IDER, Ala.—The Ider Hornets have what it takes to be a powerhouse in Class 2A this season. The team has several talented players that will help the Hornets succeed this year. Ider finished seventh last year in Class 2A Region 7, with a 1-5 region record. Due to realignment, Ider will change to Region 6 this year. The Ider Hornets are putting last years season behind them and are looking forward to the opportunities that this season will bring the team.
Early in the morning on what has been one of the hottest days of the year, I travelled north to watch the Ider Hornets in action. When I arrived at practice, the team were beginning their strength and agility workout. The players did not seem to notice that it was already 90 degrees at 7 a.m. but this Sports Editor sure did. I watched them as they lifted weights, jumped boxes and did “dead lifts”. I was very impressed at the amount of encouragement and support that each player gave to one another. There was excitement and anticipation in the air as the players were talking about the approaching season.
STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS:
The strength of the Hornet team is the will to succeed. They certainly have the determination and the talent. The weakness would have to be only having two returning seniors. They will have to step up and help shoulder the load of the young team.
2015 RECORD:
Ider Varsity Football finished the 2015 season with a 4-6 record. The team faced several tough opponents and their record did not reflect their strengths and talents.
PREPARATION:
The Ider Hornets practice Monday, Wednesday and Friday beginning at 7 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:
The Ider Varsity Football team have two returning seniors. The team boasts five returning defensive starters and six returning offensive starters for the 2016 season.
COACHES:
Coach Brent Tinker will return for his fourteenth season as Head Coach for the Ider Hornets. His coaching staff consist of: Coach Russell Higdon as Defensive Coordinator, Coach Rod Hannah as Offensive Coordinator, Coach Chris Boggs-Special Teams, Coach Adam Watkins-Tight Ends and Defensive Tackles, Coach Billy Black and Coach Casey Gaddis as Offensive Line Coaches.
SCHEDULE:
The Ider Hornets will play a Jamboree Game against Dade County, Georgia on August 19, 2016. They will kick off their regular season play on the road facing the Valley Head Tigers for the 55th time on August 26, 2016. They will travel again to face Collinsville Panthers on September 2, 2016. They will have their first home game as they face Sand Rock on September 9, 2016. The Hornets will travel to face the Fyffe Red Devils on September 16, 2016. The North Sand Mountain Bisons will come to Ider on September 23, 2016. The Hornets will play at home for the second week in a row when Section Lions come to town on September 30, 2016. Ider will travel to face Gaston on October 7, 2016. Ider will have homefield advantage as they host Asbury on October 14, 2016. On October 21, 2016 they will travel to face Westbrook Christian. Ider will finish out regular season play as they take on the Sylvania Rams on October 28, 2016. The Ider Hornets have the determination and talent to succeed this year and will definitely be a team to watch.
