ALJ reaches highest ranking in school history

THOMASTON — The mood in Thomaston is more than just a little electric today as the football team from A.L. Johnson has ascended to its highest poll position in school history.

The Eagles made the most of an idle week last Friday night as they rested up on the heels of a 31-22 loss to Class 4A West Blocton. In the meantime, losses by R.A. Hubbard, Cedar Bluff, Loachapoka and Autaugaville – all of whom sat in front of ALJ in the most recent Alabama Sports Writers Association poll – paved the way for the Eagles to make the biggest jump of the week as they ascended from No. 10 all the way up to No. 6.

“It means a lot. The guys have worked very hard,” A.L. Johnson coach Johnney Ford said of the attention his team is receiving from voters. “This is just a showing that hard work does pay off. I’d like to thank (ALJ principal Lapoleon) Peterson and (Marengo County Schools Superintendent Luke) Hallmark for all the support they give me. I’d like to thank the parents for allowing me to have an impact in their child’s life. The ranking is not just good for the football program, it’s good fro the school as a whole. Most people don’t know that A.L. Johnson exists, but the ranking help give the whole school exposure.”

The Eagles will look to continue their climb in Class 1A this week as they take on region foe Akron.

“We are just trying to correct the little mistakes and focus more,” Ford said. “We have to stop turning the ball over. I think if we can do that, we can compete.”

The Eagles and Rams are slated for a 7 p.m. kickoff Friday night in Akron.