Benjamin Russell parts ways with coach Smitty Grider

Benjamin Russell and football coach Smitty Grider mutually agreed to part ways, Alexander City Schools superintendent Dr. Jose Reyes announced Wednesday.

“We are going to be moving in a different direction with our head football coach,” Reyes said. “We've had a meeting (Tuesday) afternoon with our head football coach Smitty Grider, and Mr. Shannon Benefield, principal of Benjamin Russell, has indicated that it is his recommendation that we move in a different direction, and as the superintendent, I support that recommendation.”