By David Seale | Jemison Middle School

In coach language, “rebuilding year” is usually just a euphemism for “not going to win much because we’re young and inexperienced”.

And when one looks at the Jemison Middle School volleyball roster, he or she will see only three returning players from last year’s squad and a lot of 7th graders.

But “rebuilding” teams do not go into both Thorsby and Marbury and post impressive road victories as the Panther volleyball team did last week.

At the Thorsby/Sylacauga tri-match on Sept. 1, JMS took Sylacauga to a third game in a losing effort but bounced back with a win over host Thorsby.

According to coach Aubrey Sharit, every single player on the team not only played but contributed to the win.

“Every girl made a difference,” Sharit said. “It was great to see the captains step up and lead the younger players. This was a total team victory.”

The winning ways continued on Sept. 3 when JMS traveled to Marbury and won the match three games to one. Eighth graders and captains Denton Ellison and Morgan Lucas each had kills in the match. Again, the performance impressed Sharit.

“This team of mostly 7th graders works hard and they never quit,” she said. “They always are asking questions and listening for adjustments when things get tough in a game. I believe that by sticking with the basics and keeping these girls mentally prepared, we can have a winning season.”

The 2-2 Panther volleyball team will play Chelsea and Montevallo at Montevallo on Sept. 14.

The JMS football team dropped a heartbreaker on Sept. 1 in their first home game against Clanton Middle, 22-7. 

Leading the Panther charge was Austin Chapman, who turned a short pass into a 90-yard touchdown, outrunning everyone in a white jersey on his way to the end zone and, coupled with the extra point, gave JMS a temporary lead.

Leading the Panther defense was 7th grader Tyler Henderson, who recorded 10 tackles, and 8th grader Kortlin Zeigler, who had four.

The JMS football team will play Thursday, Sept. 10 at Holtville, where head coach James Morrison believes the Panthers can notch their first victory.

– David Seale is the assistant principal at Jemison Middle School.