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Anna Todd Cheney Foundation, Fairhope High School football team host Pirate Toss cornhole tournament

Halle Smith, junior editor

May 8, 2026

Community and cornhole Teams battle it out in the winners bracket to hopefully secure the prize. Todd Cheney, organizer of the event, watches to make sure gameplay is fair. “It was a beautiful day and lots of fun for everyone,” Maceina said. (Submitted photo by Joni Cheney)

FAIRHOPE, Ala. – Sunday May 4, the Anna Todd Cheney Foundation and FHS football team held the 15th annual Pirate Toss cornhole tournament at W.C. Major field.

“The Pirate cornhole toss was a huge success,” said Vaugh Maceina, assistant football coach.

The tournament was set up bracket style with 64 teams participating. Teams played until a double elimination. The winner and loser bracket played until a winner was determined.

The money raised at the event is going to contribute to the Anna Todd Cheney foundation and the FHS football team.

“We are here to support the

Winners
Lawson and Creel display their winning prizes proudly. The boys had to forfeit their first game because an opponent didn’t show but then won every game after. “Knox and I have been playing cornhole together since we were kids,” Creel said. (Submitted photo by Joni Cheney)

fairhope football team and the Anna Todd foundation through a round of cornhole,” said Lucy McDade, participant.

Teams could be composed of two members and paid a $250 entry fee.

“This is really helping us kickstart our spring and get ready for the fall,” Maceina said. “It was a beautiful day and lots of fun for everyone.”

The winners, Knox Lawson and Trotter Creel each won a brand new Turtlebox speaker.

“I had a lot of motivation because I really wanted the turtlebox,” Creel said.

Businesses sponsored a board to have their name displayed for a cost of $300.

“It means a lot, going out and supporting my football team,” Creel said.

The event also bid farewell to retiring football coach Tim Carter and welcomed new head football coach Caleb Ross.Carter retired from the football program after the 2025 fall football season.

“We are excited to welcome new head football coach Caleb Ross and honor our past football coach Tim Carter,” Maceina said.

Jeff Farrow entertained the crowd with live music.

The FHS football team plans to continue to show involvement in the Pirate Toss for years to come.

About the Contributor

Halle Smith, junior editor

Halle Smith is a junior at Fairhope High School. She serves as co-junior editor for The Pirateer where she reports on sports and events in her community. Smith writes articles of all types but she prefers to write opinion articles. Moving forward she hopes to cover more sports-related stories. Outside of journalism Smith enjoys cheering and practicing classical ballet. One fun fact is that her favorite food is sushi.