By By Adam Prestridge
As I write this column, I prepare to act as the interim sports editor on a busy Friday night of high school football.
No, Matt has not left. He's out on sick leave for the next couple of days and I'm filling in for him while he recovers.
When employees are out sick, it always heightens the workload, but when someone, in this case Matt, who is an editor in charge of getting his own section out, it's really hectic. Thankfully, he left the staff here at the Advance well aware of what needed to be done and for that, I'm grateful.
In fact, I'm not too upset that he's out and the extra work has been placed on my shoulders. I served as a sports editor, covering seven schools when I was sports editor just outside of Birmingham. Four schools became my responsibility when I was hired on as sports editor at the Advance's sister newspaper, the Greenville Advocate. You could say I have a lot of experience on the gridiron.
Of course, each week, I cover a game for Matt to not only help him out and give our readers a first-hand view of the games, but also to feed my desire to continue doing what I love. Sports has always been a passion of mine and will remain so for the remainder of my career.
As I gaze out my window, more storm clouds are beginning to roll in. It looks as if tonight's game could be a muddy one, which could be an advantage for the Escambia County Blue Devils as they attempt to snap a 15-game win streak by beating archrival T.R. Miller on the road.
The Blue Devils have a tenacious defense that hits their opponents hard and plays until the whistle blows. With a wet field, comes a wet football, which ECHS could capitalize on with some hard hits.
I will be making the half-hour drive to Brewton to cover the Blue Devils. Hopefully, I'll witness history as they take home the prize.
Escambia Academy and Northview should also be able to take advantage of the recent weather pattern brought on by Hurricane Humberto. Both teams have powerful running games. With the wet weather, each coaching staff will more than likely opt to keep the ball on the ground and run over their opponents, each scoring a victory.
Well, it's time to dig out the old poncho and prepare for a wet and wild night on the gridiron.
Adam Prestridge is publisher of the Atmore Advance. He can be reached at 368-2123.