The Importance of HBCUs in the 21st Century
By Wane A. Hailes In Columbus the months of October and November have become synonymous with HBCU Classics. The Tuskegee
Hello sports fans, and welcome back to Time-Out, your ultimate guide to all the thrills, spills and triumphs of local sports in the Tri-City area! From youth football to the high school gridiron, and from volleyball courts to softball diamonds, our local teams have been putting on a show.
So, grab your popcorn, and let’s dive into all the excitement that unfolded over the weekend and beyond!
Columbus Youth Football Celebrates 66 Seasons of Community Pride!
It was a picture-perfect Saturday as Columbus youth football kicked off its 66th season at Memorial Stadium, Sept. 21. The morning was filled with energy and pride as young players, cheerleaders and coaches took the field for a parade, celebrating the start of another action-packed season.
Families lined the stands, proudly watching as the teams scrimmaged, showcasing their skills and setting the tone for what promises to be an exhilarating season.
The atmosphere was electric as fans, decked out in team colors, cheered on the future stars of the gridiron. Regular season play kicks off tonight, Sept. 23, across the city, with the 6U age group getting things started under the lights. So, don’t miss a single snap—follow Columbus Youth Football on Facebook to catch all the latest schedules, scores, and updates.
The next generation of football stars is here, and they’re ready to put on a show!
High School Football: Friday Night Lights Shine Bright!
Moving up to the high school ranks, the Friday night lights were shining bright as our local teams hit the field for another epic week of competition. The Central Red Devils reminded everyone why they’re one of the most feared teams in the region, bulldozing past Enterprise with a commanding 35-21 win.
The Red Devils were relentless on both sides of the ball, making big plays when it counted and sending a clear message to their rivals: Central is back and better than ever.
Not to be outdone, the Hardaway Hawks unleashed their full offensive arsenal, dismantling Kendrick 45-6 in a statement win. The Hawks’ high-flying offense soared over the defense, putting on a clinic in execution and hustle.
Meanwhile, the Carver Tigers showed no mercy as they steamrolled Columbus in a 49-0 blowout, leaving no doubt that they are a force to be reckoned with this season.
In other notable scores, Spencer ran wild over Jordan, racking up 56 points in an impressive win.
LaGrange’s balanced attack proved too much for Spalding, while Glenwood outlasted Beulah in a high-scoring shootout.
Calvary’s defense held strong to edge Skipstone in a gritty, low-scoring battle.
Whitfield Academy pulled away late to secure a win over Pacelli, while Jonesboro squeaked by Harris County in a defensive struggle.
Sumter County edged Shaw in a nail-biter that came down to the wire; and Brookstone rallied late to take down Stratford in a back-and-forth affair.
Russell County dominated Park Crossing from start to finish, and Opelika left no doubt in a lopsided shutout of Smiths Station.
Lady High School Sports: Dominating the Courts and Diamonds!
Our female athletes have been on fire this week, and their performances are nothing short of spectacular!
In volleyball action, the Kendrick Lady Cherokees took down Shaw with a thrilling 2-1 victory, dominating the court with aggressive serves and incredible teamwork.
Meanwhile, the Pacelli Lady Vikings volleyball team is on an absolute tear, maintaining their No. 1 ranking in the region with an outstanding 22-1 record. These ladies are setting the standard and proving that hard work and dedication pay off!
Over on the softball field, history was made by Northside Patriots’ star pitcher Abby Lovell, who reached an incredible milestone of 500 career strikeouts. Abby’s consistent excellence on the mound has been pivotal for her team’s success, and her teammates couldn’t be prouder. Congratulations, Abby! You’re not just a star player; you’re a leader who inspires everyone around you.
Upcoming High School Football Matchups You Won’t Want to Miss
The action doesn’t stop, and this week’s matchups are shaping up to be must-see games!
Sumter County travels to Jordan in what promises to be a tough road test. Spencer takes on Kendrick in a rivalry game filled with intensity and passion.
Auburn looks to extend their winning streak on the road against Moody, while Hardaway faces off against Carver in a showdown between two powerhouse teams that’s sure to light up the scoreboard.
Columbus looks to rebound against Shaw, while Calvary aims to keep rolling against a tough Brookstone team.
Northside heads to Harris County, where their defense will be tested against a solid offensive unit.
Stay Tuned and Keep the Spirit Alive!
That’s a wrap for this week’s Time-Out! Whether you’re in the stands, on the sidelines, or following along at home, your support fuels our local athletes. Keep cheering, stay loud, and let’s make this season one to remember.
Be sure to check back next week for all the latest scores, highlights, and stories from around the Tri-City sports scene. Until then, stay in the game, and we’ll see you out on the field!