Here you go folks! Here is your 2010 Faulkner Eagle Football Team. It's going to be a great year! First game is Sep. 11th against Birmingham Southern. See you there.
Friday, August 20, 2010
2010 Faulkner Eagle Football Team
Here you go folks! Here is your 2010 Faulkner Eagle Football Team. It's going to be a great year! First game is Sep. 11th against Birmingham Southern. See you there.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
A New Edge.
Dr. Billy Hilyer, Brent Barker, Doug Amos, and many many more individuals have worked endless hours to make this dream a reality. This is truly and game changer for this program. The old field, while very useful, was not regulation length or width. So to start fall camp on this new surface will allow this program to excel during game this fall. While this facility will be used for just practice this year, those same people that made this possible are already hard at work getting the funds together to finish the project in hopes of having games on campus in 2011. You can often catch Coach Baker grinning from ear to ear from his office window. Fall camp will open on Monday August 9th with all incoming freshmen followed by the returning upperclassmen on the 21st. In fact, while typing this post stadium lights are being installed. This program and this University are truly blessed to have such a wonderful facility.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
What a Win!

This was a special group of guys. These guys had been with the program from the very start and had given a lot toward this program. Sean Thom, Frank Padula, Scotty Pennington, Lincoln Taylor, and Jerod Corder. It was very special moment for these young men.
University of Virginia Wise, a Mid South Conference powerhouse, rolled into Montgomery looking for an easy win to finish their season...well, they got more then they expected. The Eagle defense led the way as Faulkner took their final game of the 2009 season. The defense allowed 240 yards of offense including -30 yards rushing and 10 sacks. That's right, 10 sacks. Matt Fleck led the sack party with 3 sacks. Sean Thom finished his career with 14 tackles and two sacks.
Offense was not to be out done. Frank Padula went out with a bang in his last game. Frank had 9 receptions for 123 yards including several big grabs in the final drive that lead to the game winning touchdown. The offense and defense played as one unit. If you were at the game then you know that the final drive was worth the price of admission. With the final score of 24-21, the Eagles took big steps toward 2010.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Staying Focused.

Making the plays when we need them. With the exception of one big play given up, our defense played very well.
Offense still struggled at time to get their rhythm. No doubt we are going through growing pains with freshmen in key positions. However, these guys are getting valuable experience. I think we are just a few plays away from a break out game. With the emergence of a running game, our passing game is not far behind.
Now, I know what you are thinking. You think I'm trying to put a positive spin on things. Well, yes I am. There is a lot to be positive about in light of our record. In the games against Shorter and Belhaven we made vast improvements compared to last year. Shorter alone beat us 49-0 last season. These are the steps that the average fan may not notice. The key is to stay focused and to let these players know that we are going in the right direction. That's not an easy thing to do, but it must be done in order to get these kids to buy into this program. Stay strong.
GO EAGLES!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Big Steps

The defensive line was very active on Saturday, including scooping up a fumble and came close to "housing" it.
J.T Barker does what he does best in the secondary. Picking balls and crushing wide-outs.
One of the biggest improvements, was the Eagle ground game. The running back trio of Edwards, Taylor, and Cheatham ripped off chunks yards on their way to one of the best Faulkner ground attacks in school history.
This is something that Faulkner has to have if we expect the spread offense to work. When you can run at will, the pass will open up. There was no doubt that it did just that.
Special teams stepped up all day. From Corder punting the ball to, new comer Triston McCathern's 99 yard kick return for a touchdown. This also led to Triston grabbing the Mid South special teams player of the week.
There is no doubt that football is a team sport and in new programs this is the hardest thing to teach. Steps were taken Saturday that showed these guys have bought into Coach Bakers goals and ideas. From a coaching stand point, I was proud to see our guys fight for a chance to win. I won't take anything away from Shorter, they are a great team and won this game. However, we were in this game. If we had scored on that fumble recovery from Willie Mixon, it would have made that a 8 point ball game in the 4th quarter. It sounds like I'm grasping at straws, but these are the little victories that players, coaches, and fans need to grab and build on. Now, the key is, building off of this game. Can we carry it over into the next game. That's another step we need to teach these guys. I can't wait for Saturday and I hope you all feel the same way.
GO EAGLES!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Huntingdon Week.
I have been with this program since the very start, and I saw things in the Webber game that I have never seen before. I saw "maturity"! I believe this is something that this team has been lacking for the past two seasons. There were several times during the Webber game when the "old" Faulkner would have folded up, but not this team. They fought every down. This is something that we have lacked.
You better hold on to your hat. This is going to be a brawl. Turk ALWAYS has those boys ready and they play like it's their last. Well, so do we. I'm looking for an old fashion throw down. So if you want to see a great college football game, head on over to Huntingdon this Saturday and watch two class teams go at it.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
1-0
Let me start by saying that in the past two years Faulkner has some good defense, but nothing like we saw on Saturday. The Eagle defense was insane. Time and time again the defense stood strong. With three pass breakups, one interception, two forced fumbles, and two blocked kicks I believe they did their jobs. Oh, did I forget the four sacks? Yes, the Eagle defense played the best I have ever seen.
The offense is still a work in progress, however it showed just how fast it is capable of playing. True freshman, Joe Scott was called on to lead the team and he did a great job. Again, being since 2007, I can see a complete transformation. I'm expecting great things from the offense this year.
I think the biggest thing I was proud of was how mature our players were under pressure. Our guys battled all day against all kinds of obstacles. I believe that the Eagles may have turned the corner. Now it's back to work and prepare for the Hawks. Hope to see you there. If you were not able to be at the game, check out this link from Ryan Bartels. He did a GREAT job on filming. Enjoy.
http://faulknereagles.wordpress.com/
GO EAGLES!
Monday, August 10, 2009
First Scrimmage of 2009!
It's hard to believe that the first week of fall camp is under our belts, and we take another step closer to our first game on Aug. 29th. On Saturday we took our show on the road to Lee High School in front of a pretty good crowd for our first full scrimmage of this year. As a coach, I feel that we are moving fairly well in the right direction. Defense is always going to be ahead of the game this early...which is good. Most of our turnovers were due to tipped/dropped balls from our receivers. This is very fixable problem. Pass protection was solid, in fact, it was better then I have seen in some time, which our running backs enjoy very much. It was great to see some young players step up and make a name for themselves. A.J. Yelder ran from the opposite side of the field to lay a block that sprung Jurell Williams on his touchdown. That is just pure hustle. Leslie James, freshman from Andalusia, Alabama was very impressive. In this type of offense it's attention to detail that brings success, and players like James did just that. The little things in the game are just as important as the big things.
Defensively, I was impressed with the "hitters" that were on the field. It seems to me that our guys are flying all over the field and making big hits. Not to mention that they missed very few tackles. This is a huge improvement from last season. It always seemed that we had a hard time wrapping up last season. Well, it looks to me that problem has been addressed. Thom and Riggins were two linebackers that delivered some pain. There were many others.
Friday, August 7, 2009
2009 Fall Camp

The first-year head coach was about to conduct his first practice, and he was suffering from a strange combination of nerves and excitement.
"My stomach did a couple of flips," Baker said Monday afternoon, in between the Eagles' 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. two-a-day practices. "I never imagined this (when I accepted an assistant's position at Faulkner last year).
"Five years ago, I was the offensive line coach at Prattville High School, and I thought I'd hit the big time then. This here is just unbelievable to me. When I came through that gate this morning, I thought, 'I'm about to hold my first practice.' I can't describe that feeling."
After the initial weird feelings, though, the day went about like Baker expected.
The coaching staff wasted no time, as it went about installing new special teams formations and implementing new offensive and defensive schemes.
New defensive coordinator Duane McWhorter, the former Jeff Davis High School head coach, began teaching his philosophies to the players, and a five-way battle for the starting quarterback position got under way.
"Honestly, it was just a regular day," Baker said. "It wasn't much different from the practices last year. The coaches had everything very well organized and the players were ready to work. I couldn't have asked for more."
Monday's primary objective for the coaches was to evaluate the players and get some sense of where things stand at various positions. That theme will be carried out throughout the week, as the staff gets a handle on the talents of the new players.
"We've got a lot of good athletes that are new in the program and we're looking to see how all the pieces fit together," Baker said. "That will be the goal over the next couple of weeks (of camp). We've got our work cut out for us there -- there will be some good battles at some spots."
No spot will be more contested than quarterback.
As practice began Monday morning, five players -- two returning players, a junior college transfer and two incoming freshmen -- were vying for the starter's job.
And Baker said there was no favorite.
"It's a good, good battle for that spot that's probably going to go down to the week before that first game," he said. "I consider that a good problem to have -- having five guys qualified for the job. These are five pretty good QBs."
Faulkner will practice twice again today, Wednesday and Friday, once on Thursday and will hold its first scrimmage of the fall on Saturday at 9 a.m. at Robert E. Lee High School.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Coach Fipps Joins the Crew.

Coach Corey Fipps joined the Eagle staff this past spring where he has taken over the Offensive Coordinator duties. Corey is a high energy coach that the players have already grown to love. Corey is from Maxwell, California and were he was a four year Letterman in football and basketball. He played three seasons at offensive tackle for Harding University. Corey graduated from Harding University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology. He quickly followed that up with a Masters of Science in Kinesiology in 2008.
Corey has been in coaching since 2004. His most recent work was as the offensive line coach for Harding University for the 2007 and 2008 seasons.
He met his wonderful wife, Jennifer at Harding University. They just recently have become proud parents for the first time with the arrival of a beautiful baby girl named, Kensley Anleen.
I have had the pleasure of working with Corey for only 6 months and I have been impressed with his knowledge of the game and his genuine love for the young men he coaches. We are expecting great things from Corey and we are proud to have him as a part of the Faulkner family.
It's Time To Get Ready!
Things are a little different now as we bring in a few new coaches and a lot of great young athletes. In the coming days, weeks, and month we will be introducing you to the new Eagle family. Don't think I'm leaving out our returning players, but when you see how hard they have been working this summer, you'll think they are an all new team. I'm already working on a few stories that I will be posting on a regular basis not to mention some new changes to the program.
So stay tuned.
GO EAGLES
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Our Fallen Eagles


Remember Us
To the living, we are gone.
To the sorrowful, we will never return.
To the angry, we were cheated.
To the happy, we are at peace.
To the faithful, we never left.
We cannot be seen, but we can be heard.
So as you push through the tough times, remember us.
As you celebrate life's victories, remember us.
As you cheer our Eagles, remember us.
Remember us, in your heart, your thoughts, and your memories.
The times we've shared, the times we've cried, the times we've laughed.
For if you always think of us, we will have never gone.
Ryne and T, We will never forget you.
BY GREGG BAKER, FAULKNER HEAD FOOTBALL COACH
Though we will take the field on August 29th for our next game, we will not be alone. As the whistle blows we will always have the comfort knowing that our brothers are there. In our locker room, on the sideline, in the huddle, on the field, and in our hearts. T and Ryne will ALWAYS be our SOARING EAGLES.
Cherish the time you have with your friends, families, and teammates. Take every moment to let someone know that you care. As T and Ryne did, live your life giving joy to others.



Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Faulkner football players killed in Chilton County wreck

Wilhite was driving a 1996 Ford Explorer on U.S. 82 about nine miles east of Maplesville at 5:10 a.m. when the wreck occurred. The men were returning from visiting a friend in Tuscaloosa, according to a news release from Faulkner.
“I’ve never been through anything like this – it hurts so much,’’ Faulkner head coach Gregg Baker said. “T and Ryne were both great kids, two wonderful Christian young men. The only thing that is helping us right now is the fact that we all know exactly where they are, and that’s with our God in Heaven.’’
Alabama State Troopers are investigating the accident.
-- Scott Johnson
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
2009 Recruiting Class
Michael Uranga-OL/6'2/282/Prattville High School
Mitchell Thornton-OL/6'3/286/Prattville High School
Joe Scott-QB/6'0/180/Northside Warner Robbins, Ga.
Ryne Wilhite-OL/6'3/310/Northeast Mississippi Gulf Coast CC
Brandon McKenzie-DB/S/6'2/215/Mississippi Gulf Coast CC
Tyler Renfroe-OL/DL/5'11/275/Stanhope Elmore
Zach Lee-OL/6'4/280/Stanhope Elmore
A.J. Wilson-RB/5'10/180/Stanhope Elmore
Corey Renella-OL/6'2/260/Mosley High School, FL.
Vince Nix-P/K? 5'8/165/Stanhope Elmore
Grant Kimbrough-OL/6'2/250/Stanhope Elmore
Lucas Craig-OL/6'1/230/Stanhope Elmore
T.J. Wells-FS/5'10/170/Stanhope Elmore
Ike Salter-DB/5'9/168/Stanhope Elmore
Isalia Collins-DL/5'11/250/Stanhope Elmore
Tyler Broom-LB/5'11/195/Stanhope Elmore
Harrison Gore-LB/5'11/210/Tattnall Square Academy, Ga.
Gary Wade Jr-LB/6'0/205/Alexander High School, Ga.
Leslie James-WR/6'5/200/Andalusia High School
Lance Kenny-WR/5'11/180/Derby, Kansas
Jeremy Cox-RB/5'11/195/Bessemer Academy
Chris Nelson-OL/6'5/240/Citronelle
Keep checking back for more updates to our list. I'm looking forward to these guys taking the field for the Eagles in 2009.
GO EAGLES!!!!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Black and Blue Game.
This year Coach Baker implemented a scoring system that would allow the defense to score points. It was a tight game all the way until 3:12 left in the game when Jurrell Williams caught a pass and a key block from Bobby Britton and went 80 yards for the winning score. The score gave the offense a 37-34 victory over the defense. TJ Jacobs and Nick Garrett combined to go 27-36 for 405 yards and 3 touchdowns. Williams caught 4 passes for 111 yards. Luther Burton 4 catches for 91 yards. The ground game struggled at times, but still was able to gain 100 yards and 1 touchdown by Lincoln Taylor.
Defense was led by Roger Barker who recorded two sacks. Quintory Braswell, Anthony Haywood, and Emmanuel Godfrey each had 4 tackles. Leroy Whitner recorded some points with an interception in the 2nd quarter. Justin Gomez scooped a fumble and scampered 48 yards before get run down on the 1 yard line (by Joe Burton who fumbled).
All in all, it was a great day even with bad weather. A large number of fans came out to watch. We also had about 20 recruits out to watch. After the game, we had a great lunch prepared by the coaches wives and families. It was a great day.
Now it's back to the weight room/classroom to get prepared for the season. The Eagles open up with Webber College in Orlando on August 29th.
GO EAGLES!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Eagles Offense Soars During Spring Scrimmage.
All in all, the team is looking very good this spring. As we prepare for our third season of competition at Faulkner University, our older guys are now stepping up and taking a leadership role. There are several former red shirts making a name for themselves and are moving quickly into key roles. Things are setting up nicely for the annual Blue and White game scheduled for this Saturday at Cramton Bowl at 10 am. Come out and see how far your Faulkner Eagles have come. We'll see you out there.
GO EAGLES!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Last week of spring practice.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Blue and White Game.
Last week we had temps in the 70's, storms with tornados, then capped with a weekend of snow. To say the least, we have missed a few days of practice. Even with that being said, we came out Monday and had a great practice. After the offense dominated the defense last week, they came back on Monday and had some revenge. The attitude and fire of both sides of the ball is looking good. Defense, led by senior Sean Thom are flying around and making plays. While the offense are connecting on many of their pass plays. The improvement from last spring to this spring is evident. This is setting up for a great annual Blue and White showdown on March 14th. Last year, the offense was learning a new offense, and now it looks that the team has bought into the system and are hitting on all cylinders. If you are looking for a great show of our athletes, come out on March 14th at 10am in the Cramton Bowl. Not only will the Faulkner Family be out in force, but so will all of our 2009 recruits. Make your plans to come out for some Faulkner fun and football.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Spring is in the air.
"Things are going smooth and the tempo is great" stated Baker. Practice Thursday ended with some good ole smash mouth 11 on 11 with both sides of the ball looking good. Faulkner hit the practice field last week with 84 players, which included several new spring transfers. Several of the new players have already begun to stand out. Spring practice will conclude on March 14th with the annual Blue and White game at Cramton Bowl at 10:00am. The game is open to the public. Come out and see your 2009 Faulkner Eagles.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Faulkner Tabs Baker to Lead Football Program
Baker, who was the Eagles’ running game coordinator and offensive line coach last season, was introduced at a press conference at Tine Davis Gymnasium with Faulkner faculty staff and students joining local media outlets for the announcement. He replaces Jim Nichols, who resigned following the 2008 season – Faulkner’s second of intercollegiate competition.

Baker was an all-city, all-state and All-American selection at Carver High School in Montgomery in 1985. He received a football scholarship at Georgia Tech, where he played for Bill Curry. He spent time as an assistant coach at the high school level at both Jeff Davis and Prattville and was named the head coach at Alabama Christian Academy in 2006. He spend two years there before joining the Faulkner staff in February of 2008.
A committee put together by Hilyer and Faulkner athletic director Brent Barker conducted a national search for the new head coach, reviewing over 100 applications for the job. Nine finalists, which included current college coaches from all levels, were then invited to the campus to be interviewed. 

