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New Jersey prep football standout Kavon Chambers clinging to high hopes of acquiring a scholarship

HOLDIN’ IT DOWN

LEADER OF THE PACK — To his credit, Kavon Chambers has held his own as one of Saint John Vianney’s marquee players. A 5-foot-11, 205-pound speedy running back, Chambers has turned in valiant contributions for a Lancers, a Holmdel, New Jersey-based private institution that opens postseason play November 15 at Donovan Catholic, according to Maxpreps.com.

Kavon Chambers entered the 2019 campaign for Saint John Vianney High, assuming the businesslike approach.

That’s because Chambers is a senior, meaning as far as he’s concerned, he had to strategically devise ways to — you know — get the most out of his final year as a prep football player.
“(I’m) giving each and every play my all and trying to get to 1-0 every week with my team,” Chambers told Making Headline News during a recent interview.
To his credit, Chambers has held his own as one of Saint John Vianney’s marquee players. A 5-foot-11, 205-pound speedy running back, Chambers has turned in valiant contributions for a Lancers, a Holmdel, New Jersey-based private institution that opens postseason play November 15 at Donovan Catholic, according to Maxpreps.com.
COLLEGE PARTY — While Chambers’ quest to sign a National Letter of Intent in the coming months remains a mystery, the possibility exists that his dream of playing college football could become a reality. According to Chambers, he’s garnered letters of interest from Purdue, East Carolina, the University of Buffalo, the University of Richmond, Central Connecticut, Princeton, and Rutgers.

In a year he’s dubs a crucial one, considering he’s lobbying to play at the collegiate level, Chambers has gone to great lengths to turn the heads of scouts and recruiters.

Through eight games to date, he’s amassed 653 yards on 84 carries, according to stats obtained through Maxpreps.com.

His biggest game occurred in 33-0 win over visiting Freehold Boro on October 11 during which he manufactured 209 rushing yards on 12 carries and three scores for a Saint John Vianney squad that won two of its last four outings en route to advancing to the playoffs.

Through eight regular season games, Chambers averaged 93.3 yards per outing and 7.8 yards per carry.

In a year he’s dubs a crucial one, considering he’s lobbying to play at the collegiate level, Chambers has gone to great lengths to turn the heads of scouts and recruiters.

Interestingly, while he admittedly could have done more to boost his recruiting stock during the course of his prep tenure, Chambers doesn’t shy away from the notion that he undoubtedly has what it takes to play at the next level.

“I just need a chance to make it happen,” said Chambers, when asked what he’d like for college scouts to know about him. “Whatever college offers me a scholarship will be getting a motivated and determined student athlete that works each and every day to be great.”

Chambers’ father, Marcus Chamber, his mother, Jessica M. Zamot, are amongst those who have witnessed their son’s progress on the field in recent years.

Like so many others who say Kavon possesses the mechanics to play collegiate ball,  his parents are hopeful their son earns a fair chance.

“(Coaches and scouts) say that he’s a good, all-around person and athlete on and off the field and that he is a Division 1 player with a bright future ahead of him,” said Marcus Chambers, assessing his son’s overall body of work. “I was astounded, but knew since the day one he was born he had greatness in him. The sky is the limit for my son, because he can do all things thru Christ that strengthens him.”

While Kavon Chambers’ quest to sign a National Letter of Intent in the coming months remains a mystery, the possibility exists that his dream of playing college football could very well become a reality.

According to Kavon, he’s garnered letters of interest from Purdue, East Carolina, the University of Buffalo, the University of Richmond, Central Connecticut, Princeton, and Rutgers.

Not bad for a solid student athlete whom, as he prepares for postseason play in mid-November, realizes he’s still afforded the golden opportunity to make a favorable impression, particularly with regards to fulfilling his ultimate goal.

PRAYING WITHOUT CEASING

“(I’m) giving each and every play my all and trying to get to 1-0 every week with my team,” Chambers told Making Headline News during a recent interview.

As Kavon emphasized, though, he’s taking it one game at a time — postseason included.

“(I’m) giving (it my) all each and every day and not letting any days go by without working hard,” Kavon said. “I’ve got three younger brothers who look up to me, and everything I do is for them and my family.”

All of which practically sums up why this gifted student athlete is committed to assuming the businesslike approach.

Every single chance he gets.

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Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to makingheadlinenews@gmail.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

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Georgia single mother of three, Kenyatta Bell confident ‘justice will be served’ amid home-buying deal gone bad

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you; But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:12-13 NIV)

THIS, TOO, SHALL PASS

BUT GOD — For Kenyatta Bell and her family, it seemed that buying a home by Freddie Mac had been a mostly discomforting and disheartening experience, to say the least. In 2018, Bell was informed that her home was sold to her illegally through Freddie Mac.

Terry Jermaine Compton and Kenyatta Nichelle Bell enjoyed a mostly healthy marriage, a union that lasted nearly two decades — 19 years and two days to put it more precisely.

Even when the coupled deemed it essential to go their separate ways, amongst the things Terry and Kenyatta agreed is that they wanted what was best for their children, particularly a safe and comfortable place to call home.
“I was so excited for getting my dream home for Mother’s Day from Terry,” Bell, during a recent exclusive interview with Making Headline News, said, recalling the joy and splendor that essentially had overtaken her family when the Comptons moved into their 2,700-square-feet dream home years before the untimely passing of her former husband at the age of 44.
While savoring their home at 20 Fairway Oaks in suburban Waverly, Georgia undoubtedly was a dream come true Bell and her children, such an awe-inspiring fantasy was all but shattered amid an unlikely discovery, one that, by all accounts, essentially haunts Bell and Co. to this day.
While savoring their home at 20 Fairway Oaks in suburban Waverly, Georgia undoubtedly was a dream come true Bell and her children, such an awe-inspiring fantasy was all but shattered amid an unlikely discovery, one that, by all accounts, essentially haunts Bell and Co. to this day.

In 2018, Bell was informed that her home was sold to her illegally by Freddie Mac.

A government-owned corporation that buys mortgages and packages them into mortgage-backed securities, Freddie Mac’s official title is the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (or FHLMC). According to a report at https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-freddie-mac-3305985, banks typically use the funds received from Freddie Mac to make new loans to homebuyers.

As a result, that essentially boosts the housing market and allows more Americans to become homeowners.

WE ARE FAMILY — “I was so excited for getting my dream home for Mother’s Day from Terry,” Bell, during a recent exclusive interview with Making Headline News, said, recalling the joy and splendor that essentially had overtaken her family when they moved into their 2,700 square feet dream home years before the untimely passing of her former husband, Terry Jermaine Compton (far right in image) at the age of 44.

Generally, the report cites, FHLMC gives banks the ability to create 30-year mortgages, and without Freddie Mac, the banks would have to keep the loans on their books for 30 years, thus tying up too much money — something mortgage experts say is “too risky.”

Bell and her then-husband purchased their home in May 2011 and were represented by longtime licensed realtor Kimberly Watson of Magnolia Realty, which is owned by Cecily Hill.

“We purchased our home from Freddie Mac, which was represented by a local realtor…whom I cannot recall,” Bell said.

The closing attorney for the home was former attorney and current judge, Robert Sweat, and the home was financed by Silverton Mortgage, which sold to BB&T and is considered guaranteed by the VA, Bell said.

‘IT’S ABOVE ME NOW’

Asked what was her initial reaction upon learning that a certificate of occupancy never emerged, Bell said: “I didn’t understand how this could happen to us, because we hired professionals. Our real estate company was owned by a previous state representative.

“We had all of these licensed and/or licensed professionals representing our family in the purchased of our home which was not inspected, did not have a final inspection, did not and currently doesn’t have a certificate of occupancy, has always and remains to be unlivable, and has been and currently illegal to live in,” Bell acknowledged.

For Bell and her family, it seemed that buying a home through Freddie Mac had become a mostly discomforting and disheartening experience, to say the least.

“Freddie Mac sold us the home without a certificate of occupancy and didn’t tell us,” Bell told MHN. “To make it worse, they are trying to hide behind (this ordeal), but (they’ve) put my family’s lives in danger for seven years.”

According to Bell, Heritage Bank officials executed the construction loan and that the Bank of Georgia in Augusta was the first lending institution that was responsible for having originated the mortgage without a certificate of occupancy.

As Bell explained, the rash of issues surrounding her home purchase was initiated by Heritage Bank, located at 392 Charlie Smith Sr. Highway in nearby St Mary’s, Georgia.

According to Bell, Heritage Bank officials executed the construction loan and that the Bank of Georgia in Augusta was the first lending institution that was responsible for having originated the mortgage without a certificate of occupancy.

Bell recently met with John Myers, an attorney for Camden County, about the ongoing issues surrounding her home. To no avail, she senses that things are at a constant standstill.

Calls by Making Headline News to Myers on Monday and late last week weren’t immediately returned.

As if the ongoing and seemingly insurmountable problems surrounding the certificate of occupancy weren’t enough to frustrate Bell and her family, they began to discover a variety of damages inside of their residence.

As if the ongoing and seemingly insurmountable problems surrounding the certificate of occupancy weren’t enough to frustrate Bell and her family, they subsequently began to discover a variety of damages inside of their residence.

“Actually, we couldn’t see damages, but we started experiencing problems with the HVAC unit and other small things within a few months, but we thought it was because no one had ever lived there,” Bell said.

All things considered, the entire matter surrounding Bell’s home purchase was a bad deal that apparently had become worse.

Asked what was her initial reaction upon learning that a certificate of occupancy never emerged, Bell said: “I didn’t understand how this could happen to us, because we hired professionals. Our real estate company was owned by a previous state representative.

“Our closing attorney is now the probate judge,” Bell continued. “Our lender had the inspection completed and our loan is a VA loan. After all we’ve been through and now we can’t live in our home. I began begging for help, but I had to research and get knowledge and understanding myself.”

While Bell believes that something will ultimately be done about an ordeal that resulted in her and having her family having to live at a local hotel and then with her “spiritual sister,”  Gina Fernandez Beverly, this accomplished Georgia businesswoman is confident “justice will be served” and that she will eventually reap some much-anticipated beauty for all of her ashes.

While Bell believes that something will ultimately be done about an ordeal that resulted in her and having her family having to live at a local hotel and then with her “spiritual sister,”  Gina Fernandez Beverly, this accomplished Georgia businesswoman is confident “justice will be served” and that she will eventually reap beauty for all of her ashes.

“I want to bring awareness to what happened to our family, but I also want to encourage people to trust God, keep the faith, and be strong no matter what their situation looks like,” said Bell, whose has two sons, both of whom are college football players. “My daughter was writing her book while our family was going through this situation and my boys were fighting through producing on the field and all three in the (college) classroom. During this storm is when Epic Life was birthed.”

“I want to bring awareness to what happened to our family, but I also want to encourage people to trust God, keep the faith, and be strong no matter what their situation looks like,” said Bell, whose has two sons, both of whom are college football players. “My daughter was writing her book while our family was going through this situation and my boys were fighting through producing on the field and all three in the (college) classroom. During this storm is when Epic Life was birthed.”

A native of Gay, Georgia, Bell is the catalyst for the Epic Management Group, an Atlanta-area ministry that was spearheaded on an area radio station and is aired by way of a slew of airwaves.

Widely regarded as Epic Life Ministry, this company has also launched a social media teaching — a segment that’s collectively conducted by Epic Life staffers: Gina Beverly, Danielle Sunderhouse and Corey Watts — whereby it has garnered a global audience.

Interestingly, Epic Management Group has partnered with St. Marys radio station to host an array of what company officials describe as “epic life experiences,” most notably for middle and high school students.

A RELATED STORY:

Atlanta-area businesswoman Kenyatta Bell displaying agape love for millennials as catalyst for Epic Life Ministry

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Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to makingheadlinenews@gmail.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

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Winners BBQ has been nothing short of remarkable since its 2015 Dallas/Fort Worth inception

“The highest human act is to inspire.” — Late superstar rapper Nipsey Hussle

WINNER’S CIRCLE 

DOING IT BIG IN TEXAS — A former Iowa State football standout, DeAndre Jackson had ultimately delved off into the ever-so-competitive world of entrepreneurship as the proud founder of Winners BBQ, a family-owned restaurant that has established three franchises since its inception in 2015.

DUNCANVILLE, Texas — If there’s one thing that DeAndre Jackson has learned as a former athlete, it’s how to make good on a seemingly unfavorable situation.

Consider, for instance, how when Jackson’s bid to land on an NFL roster spot fell short amid a career-ending ACL injury, he diligently had become resourceful in that he miraculously found his niche, both as an athletic trainer and real estate agent.
Much to his delight, things for the Garland, Texas native would only get better.
A former Iowa State standout, Jackson had ultimately delved off into the ever-so-competitive world of entrepreneurship as the proud founder of Winners BBQ, a family-owned restaurant that has established three franchises since its inception in 2015.

MORE ON WINNERS BBQ: https://www.facebook.com/winnersbbq/

https://m.facebook.com/winnersbbqaustin/

THEY ARE LIT — Winners BBQ, in fact, has become a fixture throughout North Texas, in large part because consumers have come to enjoy — and embrace — its delectable meat plates, meat by the pound, its assortment of sandwiches, not to mention its smoked turkey legs, as well as its distinctly unique meat loaded potato that’s famously deemed “The G.O.AT.”

Winners BBQ’s original location is housed at 3200 14th Street in nearby Plano. A popular Dallas/Fort Worth restaurant that Jackson owns along with his cousin, Tevin Jackson, Tevin’s wife, former University of Texas and professional track and field star Nichole Denby-Jackson, Winners BBQ has since added two locations — one in Cedar Hill and in Austin.

Following what the Jacksons described as “massive success” of the Plano location, DeAndre opened Winners BBQ Cedar Hill in 2017, and in less than three months ago, Nichole, Tevin, and Nichole’s sister, Nichale,  opened the Austin location. 

For DeAndre Jackson and Co., it’s been all good ever since.

RED ZONE EFFICIENCY 

To their credit, the Jacksons have gone to great lengths to form what has become an All-Star lineup of Winners BBQ CEOs.

“We pride ourselves on bringing flavorful craft BBQ with having a one-of-a-kind menu and delivering exceptional customer service,” Nichole Denby-Jackson told Making Headline News this week.

Winners BBQ, in fact, has become a fixture throughout North Texas, in large part because consumers have come to enjoy — and embrace — its delectable meat plates, meats by the pound, its assortment of sandwiches, not to mention its smoked turkey legs, as well as its distinctly unique meat loaded potato that’s famously deemed “The G.O.AT.”

Following what the Jacksons described as “massive success” of the Plano location, DeAndre opened Winners BBQ Cedar Hill in 2017, and in less than three months ago, Nichole, Tevin, and Nichole’s sister, Nichale,  opened the Austin location. For DeAndre Jackson and Co., it’s been all good ever since.

And then there are Winners BBQ’s mouth-watering sides and its kids menu, not to mention its sweet and tangy BBQ sauce and its flavor-packed dry rub, which takes all of its smoked meats to “another level of flavor,” DeAndre Jackson acknowledged.

Interestingly, Winners BBQ has earned mentions in a slew of food publications, trends that have given way to this star-studded restaurant chain having garnered a host of food awards and magazine honors.

“As high profile collegiate and professional athletes, we are highly competitive by nature and this competitiveness and drive spill over into every faucet of our lives,” DeAndre Jackson explained. “Sports is what we all have in common, and the discipline, dedication, perseverance, mental toughness, sacrifice, motivation, and determination that athletics have instilled in us has taught us very valuable life lessons and how to never quit, no matter what curve balls life throw your way.”

To their credit, the Jacksons have gone to great lengths to form what has become an All-Star lineup of Winners BBQ CEOs.

Surely, their competitive drive as former athletes has contributed mightily to their sustained entrepreneurship success.

For starters, DeAndre and Tevin Jackson, both were legitimate hopeful to land NFL contracts before injuries reduced their effectiveness, thus bringing their careers to unceremoniously ends.

ON A MISSION — As for the Jacksons’ mission for having delved off into entrepreneurship, what it all boils down, they said, is devising ways to leave a legacy for their children — and their children’s children.

Both, in fact, had sustained torn ACL’s, and were forced to tackle — and sack — what they label as the “real world” for the first time in a long time.

And then there was Nichole, a Los Angeles native, who was the catalyst of Texas’ track and field program that captured a national championship before she enjoyed a professional stint with Nike and Adidas that spanned a decade.

Interestingly, Nichole maintained a top-10 world ranking and represented the U. S. on its World Championship Team, as well as served as an alternate on the U. S. Olympic team.

Winners BBQ’s original location is housed at 3200 14th Street in nearby Plano. A popular Dallas/Fort Worth restaurant that Jackson owns along with his cousin, Tevin Jackson, and Tevin’s wife, former University of Texas and professional track and field star Nichole Denby-Jackson, Winners BBQ has since added two locations — one in Cedar Hill and in Austin.

As for the Jacksons’ mission for having delved off into entrepreneurship, what it all boils down, they said, is devising ways to leave a legacy for their children — and their children’s children.

“My personal mission is to be able to pass down something for my children to own and start them off at an even better place in life than I was,” Nichole said. “I would also love to use my platform to motivate and inspire others, whether that be on speaking panels, through a published book, public appearances, and various events or seminars.

“Another mission is to have enough financial freedom for me to give back to many communities through charitable acts of kindness and build water wells in certain parts of Africa for those without clean water,” Nichole added. “We are all big on philanthropy and are big advocates for our community.”

DeAndre and Tevin Jackon both were legitimate hopeful to land NFL contracts before injuries reduced their effectiveness, thus bringing their careers to unceremoniously end. Both, in fact, sustained torn ACL’s, and were both forced to tackle — and sack — the real world for the first time in a long time.

In addition, the Jacksons announced strategic plans to create what they call the “WINspiration Foundation,” an organization that would allow them to display their notable philanthropy efforts.

“Something that I learned from the late great Nipsey Hussle is that the highest human act is to inspire,” Nichole said. “If I can use my platform to reach at least one person — I would love to inspire many — I would be happy.”

Said DeAndre Jackson: “It is important to pass down knowledge and wisdom to better those around you and make them want to become the best versions of themselves and to be able to pass down and instill these things in the next generation which will pick up the baton as it will be their turn to run the world.”

Just as the Jacksons are presently doing as successful entrepreneurs — this after having made good on seemingly unfavorable situations.

Talk about true Winners.

For more information about Texas entrepreneurs DeAndre Jackson, Nichole Denby-Jackson, Tevin Jackson and Nichale of Winners BBQ, call 972.424-2400 (Plano), 205.572-0256 (Cedar Hill), 512.861.5066 (Austin), or connect with Winners BBQ via Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/winnersbbq/. 

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EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to andre@makingheadlinenews.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

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Thanks to a former NFL player, Duncanville’s Barak Gurnell has found his niche and passion in football

TEXAS CLASS 6A FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW

DUNCANVILLE, Texas — Tamara Gurnell was going on and on Wednesday morning about how her son, Barak Gurnell, doesn’t routinely watch football.

“He doesn’t watch a whole lot of football,” Tamara Gurnell told Making Headline News. “I could turn it on a game and he’ll go in another room. He’s just not into watching football like that.”

EYE OF THE PANTHER 

HEART OF A CHAMPION — A little more than two years removed from having become thoroughly active in competitive football, Barak Gurnell has made some pretty immeasurable strides for a Duncanville High team (15-0) that has re-emerged as a national standout and will square off against Houston’s North Shore (15-0) for the Texas Class 6A championship Saturday at 7 p.m. CST at AT&T Stadium.

That certainly isn’t the case for her son on the field.

A little more than two years removed from having become thoroughly active in competitive football, Barak Gurnell has made some pretty immeasurable strides for a Duncanville High team (15-0, ranked No. 8 nationally by MaxPreps.com) that has re-emerged as a national standout and will square off against Houston’s North Shore (15-0, ranked No. 10 nationally by MaxPreps.com) for the Texas Class 6A championship Saturday at 7 p. m. CST at AT&T Stadium.

Led by former Dallas Skyline coach Reggie Sample, Duncanville is ranked No. 1 in Texas Class 6A, according to MaxPreps. North Shore is ranked No. 2.

A 6-foot-3, 285-pound senior defensive tackle, Gurnell has practically held his own and made a name for himself as a marquee player for a Panther defensive unit that denied perennial power Allen of a second consecutive state title with a 44-35 win in the state semifinals.

“Football has become a very important part of my life in a very short period of time and I honestly can’t see going to college without it. It pushes me to be a better version of myself every day.” — Duncanville senior defensive tackle Barak Gurnell 

STOCK IS RISING — What a difference two years have made for a young, gifted kid whom, to his credit, has managed to attract interests from a host of college, a trend he expects to increase much sooner than later.

Football alone isn’t the only factor that has greatly inspired Gurnell to maximize his potential as he continues to lobbies for a full ride scholarship as a member of a nationally-ranked Duncanville team that’s loaded with Division 1-caliber players and is back in the state championship for the first time in two decades.

Amongst those who essentially spearheaded Gurnell’s quest to consider football is former NFL player Roderick Lewis.

A former Dallas Bishop Dunne Catholic and University of Arizona star, Lewis, 47, played four professional seasons for the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans from 1994-1997.

PIVOTAL EXTRA POINT — Amongst those who essentially spearheaded Gurnell’s quest to consider football is former NFL player Roderick Lewis. A former Dallas Bishop Dunne Catholic and University of Arizona star, Lewis, 47, played four professional seasons for the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans from 1994-1997.

As Tamara Gurnell recalled, Lewis was rather direct when suggesting that her son — who already exhibits the size of an NFL defensive lineman — should serious consider giving football a try.

“My friend, Rod Lewis, hadn’t seen Barak for some time until his daughter’s 17th birthday party,” Tamara Gurnell explained. “Rod’s face lit up with excitement and he began to pat Barak on the back and chest, commenting on how big he had gotten.”

As it turns out, it seemed that divine intervention essentially couldn’t keep Barak Gurnell off of Lewis’ mind days after the two had crossed paths.

MOM KNOWS BEST –— Come Saturday night, amongst the things that will likely come to mind for Gurnell when he sets foot on Texas high school football’s biggest stage is how his willingness to embrace wise counsel has ultimately allowed his gift to make room for him.

“A few days later, Rod called me to discuss Barak’s future, highly encouraging (him) to consider football as a viable option to add to his high school portfolio,” Tamara Gurnell recalled.

And the rest, as they say, was history.

That’s because not only did Barak Gurnell heed the pertinent advice of Lewis but, much to his delight, it’s safe to assume that competitive football, by all accounts, has become an integral part of his life.

Come Saturday night, amongst the things that will likely come to mind for Gurnell when he sets foot on Texas high school football’s biggest stage is how his willingness to embrace some wise counsel has ultimately allowed his gift to make room for him.

Yep. What a difference two years have made for a young, gifted kid whom, to his credit, has managed to attract interests from a host of college, a trend he expects to increase much sooner than later.

“I have spoken to Lyon College over the phone and Texas State University (scouts) in person,” said Gurnell, adding that Oklahoma State and SMU have expressed interests in his services.

REMEMBER THE NAME — A 6-foot-3, 285-pound senior defensive tackle, Gurnell has practically held his own and made a name for himself as a marquee player for a Panther defensive unit that denied perennial power Allen of a second consecutive state title with a 44-35 win.

Surely, Gurnell’s short list of schools, in all likelihood, will expand, considering just this past summer, he attended camps at SMU, OSU, Baylor, TCU, the University of Houston, Rice University, and Texas A&M Commerce, among others.

“There will be no problems off the field,” said Gurnell, when asked what direct message he’d like to send to college scouts and recruiters. “I always make sure to conduct myself in a respectable fashion and that my grades are never a problem. Right now, I’m preparing for the state final game against North Shore, and I plan to continue to lift weights through the winter and do some conditioning once it gets warmer.”

If nothing else, for a youngster who’s a relatively newcomer to football, Gurnell certainly has become knowledgeable of the prerequisites essential for landing an athletic scholarship.

“The coaches give honest feedback,” Tamara Gurnell said of her son’s constant progression to the sport. “Essentially, Barak is a diamond in the rough. Because he is so new to the sport, the learning curve is massive.”

All things considered, one would be hard-pressed to discover just how “massive” of a curve it is, given the sustained success Gurnell has enjoyed in such a brief timeframe.

“He is a quick study, and in football, intellect is key,” said Tamara Gurnell, sounding very much like a prep football insider. “(The Duncanville coaching staff) believe he will be offered a (partial) scholarship, if not a full one, mainly because there is limited film due to his late start in the sport. They believe he will surely be an asset, because of his character and great grades.”

PUTTING IN WORK — If nothing else, for a youngster who’s a relatively newcomer to football, Gurnell certainly has become knowledgeable of the prerequisites essential to landing an athletic scholarship.

Something even a former NFL player had recognized at a birthday party.

Speaking of party, expect the Gurnells to host one if the Panthers upend North Shore Saturday night in Arlington, which is roughly two towns over from Duncanville.

Heck, expect them to throw an even bigger party if Barak Gurnell pulls off the unthinkable by signing a National Letter of Intent in the foreseeable future , which undoubtedly would be a massive, remarkable feat for a relatively newcomer to the sport.

“I will be proud (if he earns a football scholarship), because he is one step closer to his independence,” Tamara Gurnell said. “I am enjoying the man he is becoming.”

A youngster who already exhibits the frame of an NFL defensive lineman.

Talk about impressive.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to andre@makingheadlinenews.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

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Memphian Gregory Lofton pleading with Penny Hardaway to possess copyrights of his music

MAKING HEADLINE NEWS WELCOMES GREGORY LOFTON

As Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway prepares to begin a new era as the new University of Memphis men’s basketball coach this week when the Tigers host a sold out Memphis Madness in FedExForum, one longtime U of M faithful has something intriguing to pass along to the Bluff City hoops legend.

Longtime entertainer Gregory Lofton, a native Memphian, the CEO of Silky International Records and the mastermind behind the hit song, “Tiger Fever,” doesn’t shy away from the notion that he’s determined to garner the attention of Hardaway, a former U of M star and four-time NBA All-Star.

“I want it to be known that a song by an unsigned artist and publisher is worth $250,000 per year to sample and with all monies due according to the copyright act under a master licensing agreement that covers The Penny Hardaway Show, Stadium use, performance and broadcast royalties, CD and DVD production, TV, Movies, Film, etc.,” Lofton told Making Headline News during a recent interview.

PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS — Longtime entertainer Gregory Lofton, a native Memphian, the CEO of Silky International Records and the mastermind behind the hit song, “Tiger Fever,” doesn’t shy away from the notion that he’s determined to garner the attention of Hardaway, a former U of M star and four-time NBA All-Star.

“The University of Memphis, the Rebounders Club, and Highland Hundred Club know about this project, but I will not give my hard work away for exposure and season tickets,” Lofton continued. “Writing exposure instead of a dollar amount on a check will buy me nothing for my hard work.”

Lofton, meanwhile, was extremely complementary of one Mid-South radio personality, who deemed it essential to applaud his immeasurable body of work as an entertainer.

“My strongest supporter at the time I was trying to promote Tiger Fever was John ‘The Rainman’ Rainey,’ said Lofton, alluding to the sports media personality for WHBQ 56AM’s The Southern Sports Report.  If you want to know how powerful a theme song like ‘Jingle Tiger Fever’ is, talk to him.”

According to Lofton, Rainey had gone as far as to play Tiger Fever during Memphis’ NCAA Final Four run in 2008, a sequence that ended with the Tigers losing to Kansas in overtime, 75-68, in the championship game.

ANSWERING THE CALL? As Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway prepares to begin a new era as the new University of Memphis men’s basketball coach this week when the Tigers host a sold out Memphis Madness in FedExForum, one longtime U of M faithful has something intriguing to pass along to the Bluff City hoops legend. (AP Photo)

“(Rainey) used Tiger Fever to open his show and played several snit bits of it within the first hour of the show,” Lofton said.

Now with the Hardaway coaching era looming, coupled with all of the hoopla surrounding Tiger hoops, Lofton remains hopeful that the former Memphis Treadwell High star will follow Rainey’s lead and tune in to his compelling musical project.

Hardaway, 47, was hired as head coach by his alma mater on March 19, having replaced Tubby Smith, who was fired after two seasons at Memphis.

Lofton was rather forthright in his proposition to Hardaway. 

“I’m willing to transfer the rights over to you, Penny, to own it outright,” Lofton said. “You and I are North Memphis products and I support you. I only met you once when I was with Kevin Morrow.  I will do for you what I would do for the university administrators. You will own everything outright.  The whole collection promotes Memphis and the Tigers. I put my hard earned money and intellectual properties into this project and I deserve financial gratification.”

Besides Rainey, Lofton said that U of M Band Director Albert Nuguen is familiar with his popular hit that is “Tiger Fever.”

All of which is why he has extended a plea to Hardaway to strongly consider listening to what could very well become an enjoyable and fun trend for U of M sports fans.

“I was asking the one-year sampling rate of $250,000 as a buyout price that I knew they were going to try and juggle with price lowering strategies,” Lofton said. “The administration will not deal with me, because of my deep knowledge of the music industry game and knowing my worth when it comes to licensing. They will deal with (Hardaway) if (he) owns the rights in full for (his) program.”

Along with his direct proposition to Hardaway to assume copyrights of his work, Lofton is pleading with the local media to look into his music.

“The Memphis media — even though they never did a story on me — know about my work,” Lofton said.

For more information about Memphis Businessman Gregory Lofton of Silky International Records or to inquire about his music, call 901.474.9209. Also, send email to: gregorylofton@ymail.com. 

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EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to andre@makingheadlinenews.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

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Ex-spouse of NFL player, author Angela Marshall’s autobiography inspiring others to ‘get in the game of life’

MAKING HEADLINE NEWS WELCOMES ANGELA MARSHALL 

Every so often, Angela Marshall fields the question as if she expected it.

“After being asked numerous times about the supposed lifestyle of the rich and famous, I decided to pen my truth about reality, rags, and riches,” Marshall said.

During a recent interview with Making Headline News, Marshall, an Augusta, Georgia-based author and former wife of a professional athlete, spoke at length about her assortment of experiences as a devoted spouse to a wealthy NFL player in her latest book entitled, “The Story And Life Of An Ex-NFL Wife: Reality To Rags To Riches.” Reality To Rags To Riches: The Story And Life Of An Ex-NFL Wife.”

GAME CHANGER — During a recent interview with Making Headline News, Angela Marshall, an Augusta, Georgia-based author and former wife of a professional athlete, spoke at length about her assortment of experiences as a devoted spouse to a wealthy NFL player in her latest book entitled, “The Story And Life Of An Ex-NFL Wife: Reality To Rags To Riches.” Reality To Rags To Riches: The Story And Life Of An Ex-NFL Wife.”

A book that was officially released in November 2017, Marshall’s autobiography depicts what she appropriately describes as “this football life,” a life-changing trend that had afforded her extraordinary opportunities, exposure to life’s options, and blessings untold, according to a detail breakdown of her book at Amazon.com.

As Marshall vividly explained, such a unique life had filled what she has dubbed her “personal playbook,” one that was accompanied by the wisdom to call what she refers to as “an audible, pass, run,” even a proverbial “go for the two-point conversion as I lived each day,” she explained.

PURCHASE ANGELA MARSHALL’S BOOK HERE:  www.lulu.com/spotlight/ AuthorStone

FIRST QUARTER — A book that was officially released in November 2017, Marshall’s autobiography depicts what she appropriately describes as “this football life,” a life-changing trend that had afforded her extraordinary opportunities, exposure to life’s options, and blessings untold, according to a detail breakdown of her book at Amazon.com.

“Yes, I observed the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat from the stands and sidelines,” Marshall continued while sharing a synopsis of latest book. “Most importantly, I beheld strength, courage and purpose. And those qualities molded me into the person I am today. I got off the bench after merely existing and got into the game of living.”

A book Marshall began composing sometime in October 2016, this accomplished writer needed just shy of a year to complete an informative written document she says is a thorough perspective of how she felt while living what she describes as a “life of lack,” particularly through the public’s thought whereby she was, by all accounts, living a life of lavish.

MORE ON AUTHOR ANGELA MARSHALL:  www.inotherwordsbystone.com

PERSONAL SUPER BOWL — As Marshall vividly explained, such a unique life had filled what she has dubbed her “personal playbook,” one that was accompanied by the wisdom to call what she refers to as “an audible, pass, run,” even a proverbial “go for the two-point conversion as I lived each day,” she explained.

While some of the immediate feedback has been favorable, Marshall also acquired her share of backlash since the release of her second book.

“A handful of people have criticized me, saying I am exploiting my ex-husband’s former pro-career to make money,” said Marshall who, in November 2016, made her authorship debut with the release of Lust, Lessons, Love and Life. “A few had no idea that I was suffering in silence during that period in my life, and others have said they still want money, fame, and the experience.”

Despite the array of mixed reactions surrounding her latest book, Marshall doesn’t shy away from the notion that she’s undoubtedly fulfilling her divine purpose through a newly-erected project, one that is accompanied by God’s endorsement.

After all, if God said it, that settles it.

“The Biblical scripture says that tables are prepared for us,” Marshall said. “I’m exhorting folks to feast daily from the tables of promises, potential, power, and prosperity from God. Also, to get off the bench and get in the game of life.

“Without giving too many details from the book, I had quite a few lessons that I needed to learn as well as continue growing through my struggles to strength,” Marshall continued. “Being able to tell my truth has and is setting myself and others free.”

FIRST AND 10 — A book Marshall began composing sometime in October 2016, this accomplished writer needed just shy of a year to complete an informative written document she says is a thorough perspective of how she felt while living what she describes as a “life of lack,” particularly through the public’s thought whereby she was, by all accounts, living a life of lavish.

Having announced that other books are forthcoming, Marshall describes her itinerary as mostly steady, thanks in large part to what she labels her “transparent platform” about her life.

“I have speaking opportunities or have author appearances at least three times a month for various businesses and organizations,” Marshall said.

In all likelihood, the possibility exist that more opportunities to share of and promote her book could very well come to fruition, especially considering the 2018 NFL season officially begins in the coming days.

Said Marshall: “Life has taken me on a journey, which took three major turns, each leading to a road of exploration and discovery, each crafting me into the person who would become skillful at using life’s compass in navigating new directions and negotiating what’s best for me:

IN THE RED ZONE — Having announced that other books are forthcoming, Marshall describes her itinerary as mostly steady, thanks in large part to what she labels her “transparent platform” about her life.

Reality is a place that forced me to face life early on as is. The seeds planted during that period are directly responsible for my growth. All of my core values were established. No matter how far I strayed, the experiences throughout that time, prepared me for rags and riches.

Rags taught me humility, agility and possibility. I learned to be grateful when I am served, but more importantly, to be willing to serve others. The events during this period instilled fearless faith that grounded me and prepared me for true Riches.

AFTER FURTHER REVIEW — In all likelihood, the possibility exist that more opportunities to share of and promote her book could very well come to fruition, especially considering the 2018 NFL season officially begins in the coming days.

Riches are not about what, it’s about whom. For me, that means family, friends and moments. They are true riches, which are irreplaceable. If I can replace it, it is not a true treasure.”

Well said by this brilliantly gifted author, fielding the question as if she expected it.

Once again.

For more information about Augusta, Georgia-based Author Angela Marshall, or to schedule her for a public appearance, a book signing or speaking engagement, connect with her via social media under: Facebook: www.facebook.com/ wisewordswoman; Instagram: www.instagram.com/inotherwordsbystone; Twitter: www.twitter.com/wordsbystone.

CONNECT WITH THIS AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST FOR MEDIA EXPOSURE

EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to andre@makingheadlinenews.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.