Editor’s note: A second in a series of the Demopolis 2004 championship team and where they are today.

By JAMES GILMORE/THE DEMOPOLIS TIMES

DEMOPOLIS &045; In the Demopolis Tigers’ 2004 undefeated championship season they were ranked number four in the state the entire season. There were four unbeaten 4A teams at the end of the 2004 football season. Trinity, Deshler, and UMS-Wright were all ranked ahead of the Tigers.

In the playoff run, Demopolis had a tough haul. The easiest game was in the first round. The second round Demopolis faced number five ranked, Thomasville. It continued to be an up hill climb in the quarterfinals, because their next victim became Trinity, who was ranked number one. A win over third ranked UMS-Wright followed in the semi-finals, before defeating Deshler in the championship game.

Chad Schroeder was a senior on the team that year. He played as a cornerback on defense and as a receiver on offense. &8220;We were one big family that year,&8221; said Schroeder. &8220;That year seem to go by fast.&8221;

He sees himself as on the shy side, not talking a lot. Schroeder leads by example, by hard work.

On the way to the championship game, Schroeder reflects on the feeling of just getting there. &8220;It must have been the best feeling I’d ever had on that bus trip,&8221; Schroeder said.

A 70-yard run by Schroeder on an end around was one of the key plays that got Demopolis in the second quarter of the championship game. The Tigers would score three plays later.

Schroeder is going to school at Delta State University on a football scholarship. He was close to signing with another school to play baseball, when he got a call fro head coach Rick Rhodes. He is in his second year and started 12 of the 15 games played at safety on defense for the Statesmen. He was fourth in tackles, recorded one sack, and had three unassisted tackles for losses. He is looking forward to returning to play for Coach Rick Rhodes next season.

Schroeder credits Demopolis head football Doug Goodwin for preparing him for the college ranks. &8220;We do some of the same things we were doing in high school,&8221; said Schroeder. &8220;Coach Goodwin prepared us like a college team prepares.&8221;

Schroeder holds a three-point academic average at Delta State.