Screaming Devils Radio Enters 9th Season

Photos courtesy of Kathy Hinesley

Tony Hill (left) and Trevor Roberson (right) call the action in the Warren County press box.

The start of the 2014 football season also marks the beginning of the 9th consecutive season that the Screaming Devils have been broadcast on the radio and internet. Each Warren County game can be heard live at www.wtho.com and on delay immediately following the Briarwood Academy Buccaneers on WTWA 104.9.

I originally had the idea to broadcast just one game in 2006 when Thomson High School had an open date. I asked Thomson High broadcaster Dennis Sanders if he would be willing to help me with the first broadcast, and he graciously agreed. That first broadcast generated a lot of excitement and Warren County superintendent Carole Jean Carey charged me with finding a way to keep us on the air for the rest of the season.

After talking with Mike Wall, we devised a plan to broadcast Warren County football on delay immediately following the Thomson High School football games. The broadcast later evolved to include the live internet stream. Response from listeners was overwhelming. Fans who were unable to attend games due to work, health, or other reasons tuned in weekly to the radio and internet broadcasts. Alumni away at college as well as those who may have moved out of the area or are even deployed overseas have used to internet broadcast to stay connected to Warren County. The broadcast has even helped to create some new Warren County football fans as many in the area now tune in after leaving their own games and are travelling home.

Just hours before kickoff of this year's first broadcast, I was rushed to the hospital with abdominal and back pain. What I thought was another case of kidney stones turned out to be acute appendicitis. I awoke from surgery that evening just in time to tune into the night's broadcast. Warren County High School principal, Trevor Roberson and assistant superintendent, Dr. Tony Hill stepped up to take over the reins in the press box during my absence. Both have done an amazing job broadcasting the games each week and do a great job painting a picture of the action for the listeners. My surgery has reminded me of how important the broadcast can be for people who are unable to attend the games in person.

The Screaming Devil broadcasting program is in need of help, however. Due to declining sponsor support, the program is in danger of going off the air. The faculty and staff of Warren County schools answered the call to fund the first broadcast of the season. The Warren County Booster Club funded the second game of the year and this week's game against Tattnall Square is being sponsored by Don and Lynn Pesek. Funding for the remainding broadcasts is uncertain however, and anyone interested in becoming a sponsor is encouraged to contact Mr. Roberson by calling the school at 706-465-3742 or calling Dr. Hill at 706-465-3383.