Friday Night Lights Get Brighter for the Hornets

Cottondale, Fla. - Cottondale High School’s Hornets will soon enjoy Friday nights under a brand-new scoreboard, following action taken by the Jackson County School Board. Superintendent of Schools Hunter Nolen outlined the need during a recent meeting, explaining that the current scoreboard has been unreliable for weeks. At a middle school game the night before, it failed completely.

“Mr. Walden, along with Sean and Bobby, had been trying to keep it running, but it’s simply done,” Nolen told the Board. “We gathered bids today with Cottondale High School and Ms. Ellen Folsom, and we found a scoreboard. We’ll be using half-cent sales tax dollars to have one up and running this football season.”

Because of the urgency, the item was approved as a “just cause” matter. Board member Chephus Granberry made the motion to purchase the new scoreboard, seconded by Board member Tony Pumphrey.

Pumphrey emphasized the importance of letting the community know how the project is being funded. “I will talk to the announcer of the football game to make sure the public knows that their sales tax dollars, the referendum they just passed, are paying for these improvements,” he said.

Board member Rex Torbett inquired whether the vendor was the same company used for Malone’s basketball scoreboard. Superintendent Nolen was uncertain, but Granberry clarified that Malone’s purchase was for basketball, while Cottondale’s is for football.

The vendor selection was also discussed. Pumphrey explained that the company chosen is based in Georgia and offers on-site service, unlike another vendor that only mailed parts for schools to repair themselves.

“The reason we went with this vendor is because they will come out and service it if needed,” Pumphrey noted. “That was important to ensure long-term reliability.”

The Board agreed consistency and service support were key factors. With the approval finalized, Cottondale High School can look forward to showcasing a new, dependable scoreboard by this football season, making Friday Night Lights shine brighter for the Hornets and their fans.