The Nashville Horizon Laced with Purple and Gold

By Daniel L. Bamberg

In Nashville, Tennessee a city thrives on dreams.  Some of these are lost on Broadway while others are found on Music Row.  On Saturday, October 17th, Country Music’s capital city hosted the dreams and the pride of a small Alabama town. 

The Vanderbilt Commodores were hosting the Georgia Bulldogs in college football action.  Sports writers would write about the action.  Television commentators would deliver the play by play.  Meanwhile, nearly 4 hours south, citizens of Bibb County, Alabama were watching this game in anticipation.  Under the surface of an SEC game was a story of inspiration similar to those dreams Nashville accommodates.  At running back for Vanderbilt was true freshman Zac Stacy from Centreville, Alabama.  At center for the Georgia Bulldogs was sophomore Ben Jones, also from Centreville.

For Bibb County Choctaws’ fans, this wasn’t just an SEC match-up, it was a reunion.  Two former teammates, two close friends, two high school football standouts were about to reunite on the gridiron for the first time in nearly two years. 

Jones came onto the scene last year when he was literally thrown to the wolves as a freshman, earning a starting spot on the Georgia Bulldogs offensive line.  At the end of last season SEC coaches selected Ben for the Freshman-All SEC team.  Phil Steele of the Sporting News selected Ben to his own NCAA All-Freshman team, and College Football New dot com chose Ben for their NCAA All-Freshman team as well.  He’s been a dominant player and leader on the highly regarded Bulldogs’ offensive line.  This season he’s done nothing but improve on what is already a great college career.  Some say he could be on his way to the All-SEC team.  Even others believe Ben could be playing on Sundays eventually.

Stacy entered into Vanderbilt training camp earlier this year.  His coaches expected him to get a lot of touches immediately.  Stacy had broken rushing records at Bibb County High School and is in the Alabama sports history books near many state records.  Running Backs coach Des Kitchings has commented proudly on Stacy’s ability and his character.  Several coaches have made comments on their belief in Centreville’s Z-Man.  Thus far this season he has rushed for 329 yards on 74 carries with a touchdown. Those statistics include the game against Georgia.  His yards per run average have been 4.5.  Considering an ankle injury occurring earlier this year, and the below average play of the offensive line, Stacy has been pretty phenomenal in a tandem role with roommate, Warren Norman. 

When the whistle blew and the ball kicked off, two of Bibb County’s own were standing across the field wishing the other luck, but obviously hoping for the victory of their own team.  “We pull for each other.  We want to win, but I don’t have to worry about tackling Zac and he doesn’t have to worry about trying to tackle my teammates.  I’m so proud of Zac.  He’s doing his thing and I’m doing mine.  It’s exciting,” said Jones.  “We weren’t just teammates in high school we are friends.  We stay in touch with each other.  I keep up with what he does and he keeps up with what I do,” said Stacy.  When Zac was asked if he’d like Ben to be blocking for him Zac shook his head approvingly and smiled. 

Under overcast skies and cold weather, both of Bibb County’s men did their jobs.  Ben dominated and controlled the Vanderbilt defensive line.  Zac made the most from what his own offensive line allowed him, gaining 39 yards on 9 carries.  Zac had a 15-yard burst in the 3^rd quarter.  In the same drive, he made some fantastic moves in the backfield to get freed up but unfortunately was tripped just before he was clearly about to break a 30-plus touchdown run.  Instead, this run only resulted in a 7-yard carry.  Stacy pounded the field in frustration. 

In the end Georgia defeated Vanderbilt 34-10 but the score did not reflect the game. The Commodores played tough and challenged the Bulldogs. Penalties and lack of offensive execution plagued Vandy all day. “Its frustrating when you don’t put points on the board.  The offense that we are running is very good and effective.  We just have to stop making mental mistakes,” said Stacy after the game.

When the game ended Zac and Ben met each other around the 40-yard line nearest to the locker room.  They shook hands, embraced and carried on like it had only been yesterday since they had seen one another.  “We talk on the phone all of the time.  Zac’s been to my house (in Bibb County) many times.  We haven’t lost touch,” said Jones. 

Both young men feel settled into the roles on their respective teams.  “I’ve overcome the butterflies for the most part.  The main thing that’s different is the speed of the game from high school to college.  The game does slow down with each game once you get a little experience,” Stacy commented.

When asked about the play of Bibb County High School football this year Jones and Stacy both smiled.  The expressions suggested portions of their heart were still in Centreville no matter how far away they were physically. “I try to listen to them on the radio on Fridays.  It is good to hear they are doing really well down there.  I just want to wish them luck and tell them to keep up the good work,” Stacy stated.  Jones also admitted to keeping up with his alma mater.  “They are doing a great job.  I believe they’ll keep it up,” said Jones.  Stacy was asked about the job of Quail Rutledge this year.  Rutledge had some big shoes to fill replacing Z-man.  “I knew Quail was going do what he is.  I tell him all the time he’s got the same line I did with more experience.  So he should get more touchdowns than me, more yards than me.  He knows what to do.  We talk about it all the time.  He’s going to get the job done and he’s going to continue to get the numbers.  I’m proud of him.”  Some weren’t sure if the spot vacated by Stacy would be filled efficiently, but the numbers Rutledge has put up have been eerily similar.

As the dreams of a state championship tempt the imaginations of Bibb County Choctaws players and fans, two of the football program’s finest lead on at the next level.  Ben Jones and Zac Stacy are humble people.  Perhaps in heart they are average guys living a dream.  Here in Bibb County, Alabama they are reminders that hard work and solid effort can lead to places many only dream of.