Madison County Red Raiders

 BY BEN MUNRO

For the second year in a row — and only the second time in Randell Owens coaching career — all 2008 Madison County football players are academically eligible.

No player will have to attend summer school to regain eligibility, though Owens said some players might be encouraged to attend to stay on track with graduation requirements, but not for athletic eligibility purposes.
Seventeen Raiders earned a 3.6 or higher cumulative GPA this past school year while Owens noted that another four players who are taking AP and honors courses had a 3.5 GPA.

With 68 rising 10-12th graders, 25 percent of the team has a 3.6 GPA or better.

The players who had a 3.6 or higher GPA include: seniors Spencer Baird, quarterback; Bo Dalton, center; Dylan Herring, offensive tackle; Brett Maddox, linebacker; Ben Morris, wide receiver; juniors Tyler Adams, linebacker; Conner Boyett, offensive tackle; John Gunnells, offensive tackle; Jacob Owens, quarterback; sophomores Matthew Dove, defensive tackle; Tanner Johnson, linebacker; Haden Martin, linebacker; Demetrius Pattman, offensive guard; Chase Peck, offensive guard; Breon Rucker, fullback; Bradley Smith, quarterback; and Daniel Vaughn, offensive tackle.

Players with a high 3.5 in the AP and honors courses were junior Steven Goldman, offensive guard; junior Jacob Scarborough, defensive end; junior Bracken Turner, wide receiver/free safety; and sophomore Kellen Harris, offensive tackle.

Owens noted the efforts of all these players, their parents and teachers for the academic success.
“It sure does make a coach’s job a lot easier,” he said.