Masons of Boston, later Brilliant, are shown in this photo of about 1905 and submitted by Beth Gibbs. The first Masonic Lodge in Brilliant was in the Brilliant School, which had two classrooms on the first floor and one classroom and the lodge on the second floor.
Shown is the eastern side of the Boston Theatre.
By Luke Brantley
Staff writer
BOSTON — Don’t get Boston and Brilliant confused! There’s a difference—at least…there used to be.
Before the mines shut down and the two communities were incorporated into Brilliant, there used to be the Town of Boston, Alabama, located where downtown Brilliant is today. Brilliant, back then, was the area closer to where the high school stands today.
From left, Brilliant High School Coach Ryan Sanderson; SNAP-Ed Educator Ginger Eatman; RC&D members Drayton Crosby, Lauranne James and Vanessa King; State Representative Tracy Estes (R-Winfield); Senator Garlan Gudger; Jamie Colburn; Ryan Mays and Susan O’Mary stand in the newly renovated Brilliant High School Gym.
By Louis Mellini
Staff writer
BRILLIANT — The Northwest Alabama Resource Conservation and Development council announced that over $76,000 in grant funding helped complete 13 projects in this year with help from Alabama legislators.
Brilliant’s Quarterback Wes Woodard throws a pass.
By P.J. Gossett
General Manager
BRILLIANT — Brilliant’s football streak continues with their eighth loss this season. On Friday, Oct. 14, the Brilliant Tigers lost against the Tuscaloosa based Holy Spirit Catholic High School 56-0.
Brilliant received the kickoff and managed to take it 65 yards, before punting. On first down, Terry Collins was able to take it in for a touchdown. Holy Spirit’s PAT was good, lighting the scoreboard 7-0, HS.
IBrilliant’s Wes Woodard (#10) keeps the ball and runs as Phillips’ Will Guthrie (#50) and the Bears’ defense tries to make the stop.
By Luke Brantley
Staff writer
BRILLIANT — The Phillips Bears defeated the Brilliant High Tigers 53-0 on Friday night, Sept. 23.
The Tigers kicked off to start their homecoming game, and the Bears quickly gained the yards they needed to score their first touchdown on the night, scored by Phillips’ Joshua Mann.
The Tigers were able to gain some yards during their first possession, but it ended in a fourth-down punt.
The Bears returned the punt to the 50-yard line, but a series of penalties forced them back deep into their own territory.
By Luke Brantley
Staff writer
BRILLIANT — Alabama district 17 representative Tracy Estes announced in a Facebook post on September 3 that the Alabama Department of Environmental Management approved a $1.94 million water system improvement project for the town.
Mayor Perry Franks said the project will allow the town to drill a new well for a better water source.
From left are Roger Satcher, his son Asa Satcher and his wife Lea Able Satcher. Roger is a native of Stonewall, Miss., and has 37 years of coaching, teaching and administration experience.
By Luke Brantley
Staff writer
BRILLIANT — Brilliant School has hired Roger Satcher as the new head football coach after the resignation of former coach Brian Gunnels.
Satcher brings decades of coaching and school administration experience. From 1995 to 2005, Satcher worked as head baseball coach, defensive coordinator, assistant principal and athletic director for Jasper City Schools.
Leif Dickinson carries the American flag through Brilliant.
By Louis Mellini
Staff writer
BRILLIANT — Brilliant Veteran Leif Dickinson had the honor of participating in carrying the American flag during a major relay called the Old Glory Relay on Tuesday, July 5, in downtown Brilliant.
Dickinson, along with the Salute for Veterans program, ran 2.6 miles straight through the heart of his hometown, with the last half-mile stretching up a steep incline.
