Alabama
Saturday night NFL: Rookie from Alabama scores in debut with Bengals
Rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton opened his pro career with three receptions for 82 yards and one touchdown in the Cincinnati Bengals’ 17-14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an NFL preseason game on Saturday night.
Burton joined Cincinnati from Alabama in the third round of the NFL Draft on April 26.
Burton caught a 37-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Logan Woodside as the Bengals took a 14-10 lead with 3:33 to play.
Burton had a 38-yard reception on the Cincinnati offense’s next snap after Tampa Bay scored a touchdown with 57 seconds remaining. The reception put the Bengals at the Bucs 24-yard line with 41 seconds left, but Cincinnati was stopped on downs.
In the NFL’s other preseason games on Saturday night:
· Tennessee linebacker Chance Campbell intercepted San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joshua Dobbs at the Titans 1-yard line on the final snap of the game to preserve a 17-13 victory.
· Los Angeles gained only 198 yards, with the Chargers quarterbacks completing 14-of-32 passes for 133 yards with no touchdowns and one interception, in a 16-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
· No. 1 quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes of Kansas City and Trevor Lawrence of Jacksonville started the preseason opener, with Mahomes producing a field goal and Lawrence a touchdown to begin the Jaguars’ 26-13 victory over the Chiefs. Jacksonville produced 166 yards on four kickoff returns by four players.
· Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler answered Arizona’s touchdown with 1:55 to play by directing a drive that ended on Charlie Smyth’s 37-yard field goal with five seconds to play as the New Orleans Saints beat the Cardinals 16-14.
During the NFL’s five Sunday night preseason games, 56 players from Alabama high schools and colleges got on the field:
Cincinnati Bengals safety Jordan Battle and Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Chris Braswell talk after an NFL preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.(AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17, Cincinnati Bengals 14
· Buccaneers defensive lineman Marcus Banks (Alabama) made four tackles.
· Bengals safety Jordan Battle (Alabama) made five tackles on defense and one tackle on special teams.
· Bengals defensive tackle Travis Bell (Jeff Davis) did not record any stats.
· Chris Braswell (Alabama) started at outside linebacker for the Buccaneers. Braswell made one tackle on special teams in his pro debut. He joined Tampa Bay in the second round of the NFL Draft on April 26.
· K.J. Britt (Oxford, Auburn) started at linebacker for the Buccaneers. Britt made one tackle.
· Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton (Alabama) had three receptions for 82 yards and one touchdown in his pro debut. Burton caught a 37-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Logan Woodside as the Bengals took a 14-10 lead with 3:33 to play.
· Buccaneers tight end Sal Cannella (Auburn) did not record any stats.
· Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean (Auburn) did not play.
· Bengals cornerback Allan George (Andalusia) did not record any stats.
· Buccaneers cornerback Keenan Isaac (Midfield, Alabama State) intercepted a deep pass by Cincinnati quarterback Jake Browning at the Tampa Bay 15-yard line in the second quarter.
· Bengals wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (Hoover, Auburn) had a 3-yard reception.
· Bengals defensive tackle Cedric Johnson (Davidson) made four tackles, recorded one sack and registered two quarterback hits in his pro debut. Johnson joined Cincinnati in the sixth round of the NFL Draft on April 27. He also played against his brother on Saturday night. Cephus Johnson III is a wide receiver for Tampa Bay.
· Buccaneers wide receiver Cephus Johnson III (Davidson, South Alabama) did not record any stats.
· Buccaneers guard Avery Jones (Auburn) did not record any stats.
· Bengals kicker Evan McPherson (Fort Payne) kicked two extra points, but his 58-yard field-goal attempt on the last snap of the first half went wide right.
· Cam Taylor-Britt (Park Crossing) started at cornerback for the Bengals. Taylor-Britt did not record any stats.
· Buccaneers running back D.J. Williams (Auburn) gained 29 yards on 10 rushing attempts and had a 6-yard reception in his pro debut. Williams signed with Tampa Bay as an undrafted rookie.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones passes during an NFL preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Fla.(AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Jacksonville Jaguars 26, Kansas City Chiefs 13
· Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (Auburn) ran for 28 yards on three carries, caught a pass that lost 1 yard and returned a kickoff 45 yards.
· Jaguars defensive end DJ Coleman (Jacksonville State) made two tackles and recorded two quarterback hits.
· Chiefs defensive end Neil Farrell Jr. (Murphy) made one tackle.
· Josh Hines-Allen (Abbeville) started at defensive end for the Jaguars. Hines-Allen did not record any stats.
· Jaguars cornerback Mac Jones (Alabama) completed 9-of-11 passes for 98 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. Jones played the second half, when the Jacksonville offense produced two field goals on three full possessions.
· Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun (Samford) completed 7-of-10 passes for 85 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions and ran twice for 10 yards. Oladokun played two possessions, with one ending with a touchdown.
· Cam Robinson (Alabama) started at left offensive tackle for the Jaguars.
· Jaguars running back Keilan Robinson (Alabama) did not play.
· Chiefs wide receiver Justyn Ross (Central-Phenix City) had a 23-yard reception.
· Chiefs tight end Irv Smith Jr. (Alabama) had an 8-yard reception.
· Jaguars safety Daniel Thomas (Lee-Montgomery, Auburn) made three tackles and recorded one tackle for loss.
· Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney (Blount) did not play.
· Chiefs wide receiver Montrell Washington (Samford) caught two passes for 14 yards and returned a kickoff 32 yards.
· Jaguars offensive lineman Darryl Williams (Bessemer City) did not record any stats.
· Jaguars wide receiver Seth Williams (Paul Bryant, Auburn) had two receptions for 15 yards.
Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis passes during an NFL preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn.(AP Photo/John Amis)
Tennessee Titans 17, San Francisco 49ers 13
· Forty-Niners defensive tackle Shakel Brown (Troy) made one tackle and broke up one pass.
· Titans defensive back Shyheim Carter (Alabama) made two tackles.
· Marlon Davidson (Greenville, Auburn) started at defensive tackle for the Titans. Davidson made three tackles.
· Titans defensive back Eric Garror (McGill-Toolen) made two tackles.
· Chris Hubbard (UAB) started at left offensive tackle for the 49ers.
· J.C. Latham (Alabama) started at left offensive tackle for the Titans in his pro debut. Latham joined Tennessee as the seventh selection in the NFL Draft on April 25.
· Forty-Niners tight end Cameron Latu (Alabama) had two receptions for 12 yards. Latu is coming back from missing his rookie season after he sustained a knee injury in San Francisco’s preseason finale in 2023.
· Forty-Niners cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. (South Alabama) did not play.
· Roger McCreary (Williamson, Auburn) started at cornerback for the Titans. McCreary made one tackle.
· Calvin Ridley (Alabama) started at wide receiver for the Titans. Ridley had a 22-yard reception.
· Titans offensive lineman Lachavious Simmons (Selma) did not record any stats.
· Titans quarterback Malik Willis (Auburn) completed 5-of-7 passes for 38 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions and ran for 42 yards on four carries. Willis had a 28-yard run to set up a field goal.
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Jamie Sheriff helps bring down Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Max Duggan during an NFL preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.(AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
Seattle Seahawks 16, Los Angeles Chargers 3
· Chargers center Bradley Bozeman (Handley, Alabama) did not play.
· Chargers defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe (Alabama) made one tackle in his pro debut. Eboigbe joined Los Angeles in the fourth round of the NFL Draft on April 27.
· A.J. Finley (St. Paul’s Episcopal) started at safety for the Chargers. Finley made six tackles and broke up one pass.
· Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (Auburn) tied for the team lead with five tackles and recorded one sack.
· Chargers long snapper Josh Harris (Auburn) handled the snaps on eight punts and one field goal.
· Seahawks cornerback Mike Jackson (Spain Park) did not play.
· Seahawks cornerback DJ James (Spanish Fort, Auburn) broke up a pass in his pro debut. James joined Seattle in the sixth round of the NFL Draft on April 27.
· Seahawks nose tackle Buddha Jones (Troy) is on injured reserve and not eligible to play.
· Chargers offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood (Alabama) did not record any stats.
· Chargers linebacker Shane Lee (Alabama) made five tackles on defense, registered one tackle for loss and recorded one tackle on special teams in his pro debut. Lee signed with Los Angeles as an undrafted rookie.
· Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett (Jackson, Auburn) made two tackles in his pro debut. Pritchett joined Seattle in the fifth round of the NFL Draft on April 27.
· Jarran Reed (Alabama) started at nose tackle on the Seahawks. Reed made one tackle.
· Chargers punter JK Scott (Alabama) averaged 44.5 yards on eight punts, with a 43.1-yard net.
· Seahawks linebacker Jamie Sheriff (South Alabama) made one tackle and registered one quarterback hit in his pro debut. Sheriff signed with Seattle as an undrafted rookie.
· Chargers linebacker Kimani Vidal (Troy) did not play.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Starling Thomas V covers New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave during an NFL preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
New Orleans Saints 16, Arizona Cardinals 14
· Saints offensive tackle Chandler Brewer (Florence) is on injured reserve and not eligible to play.
· Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry (Pinson Valley, Alabama) started at cornerback for the Saints. McKinstry made three tackles and broke up one pass in his pro debut. McKinstry joined New Orleans in the second round of the NFL Draft on April 26.
· Cardinals wide receiver Tejhaun Palmer (UAB) had a 13-yard reception in his pro debut. Palmer joined Arizona in the sixth round of the NFL Draft on April 27.
· Owen Pappoe (Auburn) started at inside linebacker for the Cardinals. Pappoe made three tackles on defense and one tackle on special teams.
· Saints linebacker Monty Rice (James Clemens) led New Orleans with seven tackles.
· Starling Thomas V (Ramsay, UAB) started at cornerback for the Cardinals. Thomas broke up one pass.
· Cardinals offensive tackle Jonah Williams (Alabama) did not play.
· Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson (Carver-Montgomery, Alabama) did not play.
FOR MORE OF AL.COM’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE
Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.
Hegseth on Iran: ‘This is not Iraq. This is not endless.’
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said operations on Iran won’t be “endless” like Iraq.
The United States and Israel-led attacks on Iran are having an impact in Central Alabama.
The military actions that began Saturday targets the military forces of Iran and the nation’s ability to build nuclear weapons.
In Montgomery, Maxwell Air Force Base and Gunter Annex have stepped up security so that all entry points will have a 100 percent ID check, the bases said on social media. The Trusted Traveler Program is suspended, which allowed Department of Defense identification holders to vouch for passengers.
Visitors without base access will have to go through the visitor center to get a pass.
Central Alabama residents react to the Iran attacks
For Travis Jackson of Montgomery, the attacks bring back memories, bad memories. He served one tour in Iraq from 2007-2008 with the U.S. Army. He attained the rank of sergeant before leaving the service and has worked the last 10 years as a community activist and diversity, equality and inclusion coordinator.
“I had a flashback of being overseas again,” he said when he first heard news of the attack. “The first thing I thought of was corporate greed. Of yet again seeing what has transpired throughout the years of any war overseas.”
He feels the attacks are a mistake.
“It’s going to be detrimental to the economy, notably with the increase in oil prices,” he said.
Removing the current regime in Iran and establishing a more western friendly country could improve hopes for a more stable Middle East, said Amy Stephens of Elmore County.
“I don’t know if there will ever be peace there,” Stephens said. “But Iran has been the causing trouble over there for almost 50 years.”
Ray Roberts of Prattville served in Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1990 and 1991 after Iraq invaded Kuwait. He served in an ordinance company with the Alabama Army National Guard. He was a sergeant when he left the service and now works as a draftsman at a Montgomery manufacturing plant.
“It wasn’t a surprise,” Roberts said of the attacks. “President Trump had said they were coming. When he says something like that, he means it. I am glad we are working with Israel so it’s not just the United States. I wonder if Europe and some of the other Gulf nations will join the attacks.”
Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@gannett.com. To support his work, please subscribe to the Montgomery Advertiser.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey was honored for her lifelong dedication to youth and community service during the 12th annual Black Warrior Council Boy Scouts of America Circle of Honor awards luncheon.
The ceremony, which was held Feb. 27 at the Embassy Suites hotel in downtown Tuscaloosa, serves as a fundraiser for the council’s scouting program.
The Circle of Honor award is presented to people in west central Alabama whose livelihood and actions reflect the same values of the Black Warrior Boy Scouts. Recipients have also shown advocacy for youth and leadership in the community.
Past recipients of the award include Terry Saban, Nick Saban, former U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, scientist and philanthropist Thomas Joiner, pharmacist and retailer James I. Harrison Jr., civic leader Mary Ann Phelps and more.
Cathy Randall, a Tuscaloosa businesswoman, educator and philanthropist, presented Ivey with the award. Randall was inducted into the Circle of Honor in 2025 along with her late husband, Pettus.
Ivey said she was grateful to receive the honor by the Black Warrior Council and highlighted the importance of public service.
“I’m proud to have dedicated my life to public service, there’s no more noble calling than to uplift and empower lives,” said Ivey during the Feb. 27 ceremony.
Ivey thanked the scouting organizations, including the Black Warrior Council for its contributions to educational opportunities, economic development, and public safety.
“In particular, I’m proud of the work done by our Scouting organizations like the Black Warrior Council, who lay a foundation for successful future in both our young people and our state, thank you for all you do to build a stronger Alabama by changing lives and preparing our future leaders,” said Ivey, a native of Camden in Wilcox County.
Ivey is wrapping up her second term as governor after a long career spent primarily in government.
After graduating from Auburn University in 1967, Ivey worked as a high school teacher and a bank officer. She served as reading clerk for the Alabama House of Representatives under then-Speaker Joseph C. McCorquodale and she served as assistant director at the Alabama Development Office.
In 2002, Ivey was elected to the first of two terms as Alabama’s treasurer and in 2010, she was elected to the first of two terms as lieutenant governor. On April 10, 2017, Ivey was sworn in as Alabama’s 54th governor after the resignation of Robert Bentley. She filled out the rest of Bentley’s term before winning the gubernatorial election in 2018 and she was re-elected in 2022.
She will leave office at the end of this year.
She is the first Republican woman to serve as Alabama’s governor but she’s the second woman to hold the state’s top executive office. Tuscaloosa County native Lurleen B. Wallace, a Democrat, became Alabama’s first female governor in 1966.
Circle of Honor luncheon raises nearly $200,000
Also during the ceremony, retired DCH Health System administrator Sammy Watson, who served as the event’s emcee, announced that the council had raised $197,000 through the luncheon that day.
Proceeds from the lunch will be used to expand Boy Scouts programs, making them available to over 3,000 young people in west central Alabama.
The Boy Scouts of America is the nation’s leading outdoor education and character development program. The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
Reach Jasmine Hollie at JHollie@usatodayco.com. To support her work, please subscribe to The Tuscaloosa News.
SELMA, Ala. (WSFA) – After more than a decade serving Alabama’s fourth judicial circuit, Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. is stepping away from full-time service, closing a chapter that spans nearly four decades in the legal profession.
Pettaway was elected to the bench in 2012 and served in several counties including Dallas, Wilcox, Perry, Hale and Bibb counties, the largest geographical circuit in the state.
Now, he says, it was simply time.
“I never wanted to serve in that capacity forever,” Pettaway said “And plus, I wanted to also make room for some younger, brighter minds to come forward.”
Before becoming a judge, Pettaway practiced law in Selma for nearly 30 years after being licensed in 1985. During that time, he handled cases that helped shape Alabama law; something he says he didn’t fully appreciate until colleagues reflected on his impact.
“I handled several cases which actually affected and changed the direction of the state of the law in our state,” he added. “And I didn’t realize I did all that.”
Friends and fellow legal professionals once presented him with research showing his involvement in Alabama Supreme Court cases that made significant changes in state law; a moment he describes as both surprising and humbling.
During his time on the bench, Pettaway says one of his priorities was maintaining professionalism and respect within the legal system.
He often referenced the Alabama State Bar’s Lawyer’s Creed — a pledge attorneys take promising to treat even their opponents with civility and understanding.
“In that creed, you are promising that you’re gonna treat even your opponents with civility and with kindness and understanding.”
Pettaway says he believes the legal profession — and society at large — must continue working toward a culture rooted in respect and service.
Although stepping away from full-time duties, Pettaway says he is not completely leaving the legal field. He has transitioned to retired active status and plans to assist with cases when needed, while also returning to private practice.
He says this new chapter is about balance.
After decades shaping courtrooms across five counties, Pettaway says he is focused on health, perspective and trusting the next generation to carry the bench forward.
Governor Kay Ivey has appointed former Assistant District Attorney Bryan Jones to serve the remainder of Pettaway’s six-year term.
Jones previously served as senior chief trial attorney under District Attorney Robert Turner Jr. and has also led the Fourth Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force.
The transition marks a new era for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, while closing a significant chapter in its recent history.
Not reading this story on the WSFA News App? Get news alerts FASTER and FREE in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store!
Copyright 2026 WSFA. All rights reserved.
Man convicted of 1991 fatal shooting of police officer is set to be executed in Florida
Middle Georgia DSA condemns U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran, calls escalation ‘illegal’
Blood moon to dazzle Hawaii skies tonight
University of Idaho professor awarded $10M after TikTok tarot influencer claimed she ‘ordered’ quadruple murders
Illinois lawmakers consider tightening DUI law to 0.05 BAC
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
Trump sends official notification to Congress on strikes against Iran
Unexpected birth brings hope to near-extinct Amazon tribe
Supreme Court blocks redrawing of New York congressional map, dealing a win for GOP
Map: Earthquake Shakes Central California
Gas prices could jump as Middle East tensions threaten global oil supply
-
World5 days agoExclusive: DeepSeek withholds latest AI model from US chipmakers including Nvidia, sources say
-
Massachusetts6 days agoMother and daughter injured in Taunton house explosion
-
Denver, CO5 days ago10 acres charred, 5 injured in Thornton grass fire, evacuation orders lifted
-
Louisiana1 week agoWildfire near Gum Swamp Road in Livingston Parish now under control; more than 200 acres burned
-
Technology1 week agoYouTube TV billing scam emails are hitting inboxes
-
Politics1 week agoOpenAI didn’t contact police despite employees flagging mass shooter’s concerning chatbot interactions: REPORT
-
Technology1 week agoStellantis is in a crisis of its own making
-
Oregon4 days ago2026 OSAA Oregon Wrestling State Championship Results And Brackets – FloWrestling