Editor’s Note: Through Jan. 1, the Times-Journal will look back on the top sports stories of 2016. Here’s the year in review for July-September:
Selma All-Star baseball team goes to World Series

The city of Selma’s Dixie Boys All-Star Baseball team finished as state runners-up after losing to Enterprise 12-3 and 18-8 in the state tournament in Dothan. Selma won the tournament’s sportsmanship award, which goes to the team that shows outstanding class, character and discipline. A few days later, the Selma All-Star team learned that it would get to participate in the Dixie Boys World Series anyways, after Enterprise dropped out of the tournament due to concern over the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s 50 percent rule.

The World Series was held in Pineville, Louisiana. The Selma Dixie Boys team was eliminated from the World Series team, but won two games in the tournament, and returned home to a hero’s welcome.
Pike leaves Ellwood for St. Clair

Ellwood Christian football coach Trey Pike left to take a job at St. Clair County High School. Pike led Ellwood to a 3-7 record in his one season at the school. Former Ellwood coach Mike Stokes was named the school’s interim coach. Eventually the interim tag was removed.
Garner wins Selma Country Club Championship again

Paul Garner won the Selma Country Club Championship again this year, edging Don Blanton in a playoff by one shot. Garner estimated it’s the ninth time in 11 years he’s won the title.
Morgan ends nation’s longest high school football win streak

Morgan Academy ended the nation’s longest high school football winning streak by defeating Edgewood Academy in Montgomery. Edgewood had won 71 consecutive games coming in.

“I’m just really excited for our guys and our community. Football is just football at the end of the day and there’s always going to be a winner and a loser,” said Morgan Academy coach Josh Thacker. “Obviously Edgewood came out on the good side of that 71 times and tonight it was us.”
Southside defeats rival Selma in football for first time in 11 years

For the first time in 11 years, Southside defeated rival Selma in football. The Panthers rallied late to tie the game and won on DeQuan Johnson’s touchdown reception in overtime. As Johnson dove into the end zone, Southside players ran onto the field in celebration.

“This is a program changer,” said Southside coach Daniel Flowers.

“This win can change lives 20 years from now. When you’re sitting on the porch when you’re older, you can say you were on the team that ended the streak.”
Dallas County tops Selma for first time in eight decades

Dallas County defeated Selma in football for the first time in 87 years, winning 34-18 at Memorial Stadium.
Former SEC coach Nutt speaks at QB Club

Former Ole Miss and Arkansas coach Houston Nutt spoke at the Selma Quarterback Club meeting on Sept. 19. Nutt currently works as an analyst for CBS Sports.