Archives
 By  Staff Reports Published 
6:36 pm Saturday, July 12, 2003

Changes will dominate Clarkdale's 2003 season

By Staff
This is the second in a series of stories taking a look at the upcoming football seasons for area high schools.
By Marty Stamper / EMG sports assistant
July 11, 2003
Fresh off their best football season since 1982, the Clarkdale Bulldogs will find a fresh new way to start their 2003 football season as their first three games are all Thursday night affairs.
Clarkdale went 7-4 last fall and made the state playoffs for the first time in school history. The seven wins were the most since the Bulldogs finished 8-2 in 1980.
Since then, however, head coach Bubba Hathorn announced his resignation to take a similar position at Northeast Jones. A new head coach at Clarkdale has yet to be named.
Hathorn leaves with a two-year record of 10-11. The 10 wins tie Hathorn with Bob Ethridge (1962-64) and Joe Killens (1988-92) for second place for victories on Clarkdale's coaching ladder. George Belvin, who was 65-88-1 from 1972-86, is the leader.
Clarkdale brings a 110-291-5 all-time record into this fall.
The 2003 Clarkdale team finds several rivals returning to its schedule after multi-year absences.
West Lauderdale returns in the season opener at Collinsville. The two haven't squared off since 1996. West has won the last seven games in the series to take a 21-6 all-time advantage.
Enterprise also is back on the schedule after a four-year layoff. Enterprise has dominated the series, winning 26 of the 27 meetings. Clarkdale's only win came in 1982.
Clarkdale and Southeast Lauderdale continue their rivalry which dates back to 1962 on Sept. 11 at Vimville. The Bulldogs beat Southeast 34-13 last fall for their first win in the series since 1992. Southeast holds a 27-11-2 all-time advantage.
Mercy Cross heads to Clarkdale for homecoming on Sept. 19 for the first meeting between the two schools. Clarkdale hosts Heidelberg on Sept. 26. The Bulldogs and Oilers haven't met
since 1969. Heidelberg has won all four previous contests.
Former Cherokee Conference rival Lake travels to Clarkdale on Oct. 3 for their first meeting since 1990. Lake holds an 11-3-1 series advantage.
The Bulldogs go to Durant to take on Williams-Sullivan on Oct. 10. Clarkdale has won both previous meetings with the Yellow Jackets.
Clarkdale plays Philadelphia for the first time in school history on Oct. 17 at Philadelphia. The Bulldogs host Kemper County on Oct. 24. That series is even at one win apiece.
Clarkdale closes out its regular season at Newton on Oct. 31. Newton holds a 5-1 series lead. Clarkdale defeated the Tigers 17-7 last year.
Replacing South Leake and Scott Central in Division 5-2A this fall are Lake (up from 1A) and Philadelphia (down from 3A). Returning league members are Clarkdale, Newton, Kemper County, and Williams-Sullivan. Four of the six will make the playoffs.

Also on Franklin County Times
County school board adopts $52M budget
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE Franklin County Schools has adopted a $52 million budget for fiscal year 2026, reflecting a $2.5 million increase over last year. The bud...
Judge denies YO status for Phinizee
Main, News, Z - News Main
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
September 17, 2025
FLORENCE — Youthful offender status was denied Tuesday for a 17-year-old charged with the death of a 13-yearold during what authorities said was a rob...
RCS passes $43.3M budget
Main, News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- The city school board has approved a $43.3 million budget for the 2025-26 school year. Chief Financial Officer Lisa Witt said revenues...
Program tackles stress of caregiver burnout
News, Records, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- Many people deal with caregiver burnout. Kids and Kin childcare partner Marquita Wilson presented a program at the Russellville Public...
Flavil Wayne McCaig
Obituaries
September 17, 2025
Flavil Wayne McCaig Sept. 12, 2025   Flavil Wayne McCaig, 82, of Russellville, passed away Sept. 12 at his residence. He was born March 3, 1943, to Au...
Cultura Garden Club begins its year with roses and plans for fall
Columnists, News, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
September 17, 2025
The Cultura Garden Club held its first meeting of the year. President Cheri McCain presided. She provided information on projects and programs for the...
We can’t afford to lose electric vehicle industry
Columnists, Opinion
September 17, 2025
In Alabama, we understand what it means to build things that matter. We’ve long been home to builders and winners – our steel won wars and built the s...
Firefighters, cadets honor 9/11 with stair climbs
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
September 17, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE – Firefighters and RHS JROTC cadets participated in a stair climb in recognition of the 24th anniversary of 9-11. Sgt. Grant Tarascou and...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *