Lanier High School - Largus Yearbook (Bessemer, AL)

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The Lanier Purple Tigers lost their first game of the 1970 season to the powerful Ensley Yellow Jackets, 14-6. The Lanier defense headed by Terrell Patterson, could not hold the explosive Ensley offense and the Tigers offense, minus star running back Steve Blackerby, could not seem to make up the 7-6 half-time deficit. Lanier routed McAdory 28-0, recovering well from the Ensley defeat. The Lanier-McAdory game brought out the unused talents of Ronnie Nelson, who played a spectacular ballgame and gave the Tiger fans a look at things to come. Lanier played one of its finest games against Berry, one which no Tiger fan will ever forget. The Bucs were undefeated coming to Bessemer and had high hopes of going to the state play-offs, but the Tigers had different ideas which led them to a 21-15 victory over Berry. There were many happy Tiger fans with tears in their eyes as they watched the Tigers pull off one of the biggest upsets in the state. The Tigers faced a tough Oxford squad, but were well prepared and proved themselves to be the only team on the field as they mutilated the Oxford Yellow Jackets 20-0. The Tigers suffered a big let-down against Tuscaloosa City before hundreds of eager Tiger fans. Oespite the vicious attack of the Tiger defense and the dangerous offense led by OB Ricky Davis and Back Mike Moore, the Tigers could not break the 14-14 tie. The Tigers left disappointed, but not defeated and were soon to take vengeance on a luckless Huey town Gopher brigade. Lanier upset the Gophers homecoming with a 12-7 victory over a powerful Hueytown team. The Tiger defense excelled and there was no stopping their offense. The Tigers welcomed the return of Steve Blackerby. who can open up any ballgame and did against the Hapless Hueytown Gophers. The Lanier Tigers excited everyone with a spectacular performance against Fairfield. It was the Tigers' homecoming and there was no stopping them. The Fairfield offense gave one last spurt of energy during the fourth quarter, but it did little to effect the outcome of a homecoming that everyone will remember for a long time to come. The final score was Lanier 34, Fairfield 21. All the Tigers played well against John Carroll at Bessemer. The Tigers' scoring was well distributed, as five different men scored to give Lanier a 35-0 victory over Carroll. Carroll' mistakes set up two Tiger scores; a fumble and the other an interception by Johnny Nunnally, who returned the poorly aimed pass for a touchdown. Ronnie DiChiara hit 100% of his conversion attempts and once more the Tigers were victorious. The Tigers' hopes were building and deep down inside they all wanted one thing, to beat Tuscaloosa County and perhaps get a shot at the play offs. But this was not to be, as the Tigers were to suffer one of their worst defeats of the season. The Purple Tigers, riddled by injuries, lost its second game of the season to a ready and tough Tuscaloosa County team. For the first time in an almost perfect season, the Tigers returned home scoreless and with more injuries than anyone dreamed possible. The Tigers played as well as anyone could against the monstrous Tuscaloosa County team and though defeated and discouraged they began to prepare for the final game of the season - Mountain Brook. Many believed the Tigers were to be defeated again, but the Tigers and the anxious students had not a doubt in their minds, the Tigers were to win their final game of the season, defeating Mountain Brook 29-25. The Tigers ended a beautiful season and left many Seniors a memory which will never be forgotten. This was the first season of the Lanier Purple Tigers, but many will remember them next year. They made a name for themselves and their school, one which will be feared and respected for years to come. TIGERS OPPONENTS 6 14 Ensley 28 0 McAdory 21 15 Berry 20 0 Oxford 14 14 Tuscaloosa 12 7 Hueytown 34 21 Fairfield 35 0 Carroll 0 21 Tuscaloosa County 29 25 Mt. Brook

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