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2026 PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW

BRIARWOOD • CHELSEA • CLAY-CHALKVILLE • HEWITT-TRUSSVILLE • HOMEWOOD • HOOVER JOHN CARROLL • MOUNTAIN BROOK • OAK MOUNTAIN • SPAIN PARK • VESTAVIA HILLS

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UNDER THE LIGHTS

AUGUST 2026

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STARNES MEDIA

UNDER THE LIGHTS

CONTENTS

STARNESMEDIA.COM / 205-313-1780 PO BOX 530341, BIRMINGHAM, AL 35253 PUBLISHER Dan Starnes

UNDER THE LIGHTS SCHEDULE: Catch the full slate of games this season

BRIARWOOD: Lions lean on loaded senior class in new classification

CHELSEA: Niblett builds new identity from the ground up

CLAY-CHALKVILLE: Defending state champion Cougars return experienced roster

HEWITT-TRUSSVILLE: Huskies leaning on young talent

HOMEWOOD: Patriots lean on program culture as new faces fill key roles

HOOVER: Bucs pushing for consistent excellence in new season

JOHN CARROLL: Cavaliers step into new facilities and new classification

MOUNTAIN BROOK: Spartans lean on experienced defense while offense reloads

OAK MOUNTAIN: Kervin builds culture as Eagles chase elusive playoff berth

SPAIN PARK: Jaguars lean on culture and new pieces as they return to largest classification

VESTAVIA HILLS: Rebels return experience on both sides

UNDER THE LIGHTS

MANAGING EDITOR Kyle Parmley NEWS EDITOR Jon Anderson PHOTOGRAPHERS Shawn Bowles Richard Force Lindsay Handey Michael Jackson David Leong Todd Lester Alex Millender James Nicholas Barry Stephenson PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Jenn Moon OPERATIONS SPECIALIST Sarah Villar CLIENT SUCCESS SPECIALIST Warren Caldwell BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXEC Don Harris LEGALS: Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in this annual publication without prior permission is prohibited. Information in this publication is gathered from sources considered reliable, but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All articles/photos submitted become the property of Starnes Media. We reserve the right to edit articles/photos as deemed necessary and are under no obligation to publish or return photos submitted. Inaccuracies or errors should be brought to the attention of the publisher at 205-313-1780 or kparmley@starnesmedia.com.

ON THE COVER: Noah Boylan (Vestavia Hills), John Colvin (Mountain Brook), Kaleb Freeman (Hoover), Connor Greb (Spain Park), Major Moorer (Homewood), Nasir Ray (Clay-Chalkville), Truman Vines (John Carroll), Sam Canale (Briarwood), D’ante Seals (Hewitt-Trussville), Charlie Vacarella (Oak Mountain), Wyatt Wright (Chelsea)

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UNDER THE LIGHTS

UNDER THE LIGHTS SCHEDULE AUG. 21

AUG. 28

SEPT. 4

SEPT. 11

SEPT. 18

SEPT. 25

OCT. 2

Briarwood

@ Moody

Homewood

Westminster Christian

@ Lee-Scott

Madison Academy*

Montgomery Catholic

@ St. John Paul II*

Chelsea

@ Southside-Gadsden

Gardendale

@ Calera

Ramsay

Pelham

Clay-Chalkville

@ Creekside (GA)

@ Thompson

@ Springville

@ Southside-Gadsden

Oxford

OPEN Helena

OPEN Pell City

OPEN Hewitt-Trussville

@ Auburn

Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa

Hoover

@ Tuscaloosa County

Prattville

Homewood

@ John Carroll

@ Briarwood

Mountain Brook

@ Pelham

@ Helena

Hoover

Muscle Shoals

@ Opelika*

@ Hewitt-Trussville

Prattville

@ Oak Mountain

OPEN Calera

Knoxville Catholic (TN)

Thompson

OPEN John Carroll

Homewood

@ Talladega

American Christian

@ St. John Paul II

Lee-Scott

Mountain Brook

@ Hueytown

@ UMS-Wright

@ Homewood

Helena*

@ Chilton County

@ Westminster Christian

Oxford

Ramsay

OPEN Oak Mountain

Pelham

Buckhorn

@ Spain Park

@ Vestavia Hills

Hoover

Spain Park

@ Sparkman

Bessemer City

Oak Mountain

Thompson

@ Vestavia Hills

Hewitt-Trussville

OPEN @ Prattville

OPEN Vestavia Hills

Parker*

@ Benjamin Russell

UNDER THE LIGHTS

@ Thompson

Oak Mountain

Spain Park

@ Tuscaloosa County

AUGUST 2026

LEGEND: THURSDAY GAME*

OCT. 9

OCT. 16

OCT. 23

OCT. 30

OPEN John Carroll

Randolph

@ American Christian

@ Homewood*

@ Mountain Brook

Pinson Valley

@ St. Clair County

Chilton County

@ Bessemer City

Thompson

@ Vestavia Hills

Spain Park

@ Pike Road*

Chelsea*

@ Chilton County

Ramsay

Oak Mountain

OPEN Central-Phenix City

OPEN @ Vestavia Hills

Spain Park

@ Tuscaloosa County

@ Briarwood

Madison Academy

@ Randolph

@ Calera

Chelsea

Pelham*

@ Prattville

@ Tuscaloosa County

Thompson

@ Homewood

Tuscaloosa County*

@ Hoover

@ Hewitt-Trussville

James Clemens*

Leeds

OPEN

OPEN Hoover

Hewitt-Trussville

STARNES MEDIA

EDITOR’S NOTE Mountain Brook High School head coach Chris Yeager was asked before the season which position matters most on a football field. He wouldn’t pick one. “[Former Alabama coach] Bill Curry said it best. He said, ‘Football is the ultimate team sport because every player must depend on every teammate, on every play just to survive,’” Yeager said. Kyle Parmley That’s as good a description as any of what these Friday nights are about. A left tackle nobody notices springs the run that wins the region. A backup linebacker fills a gap and saves the season. Every player on every roster in this magazine is depending on the player next to him, and vice versa. That’s the part of high school football that never gets old for me, no matter how many years I’ve done this. This is my 11th season covering high school football at Starnes Media and with Under the Lights, and I still feel it walking up to a stadium on a Friday night. There’s nothing else quite like it — the way a town shows up under those lights for a group of guys who are about to find out what they’re made of. If you’re holding this magazine, you’re likely familiar with one or more of our publications: 280 Living, Hoover Sun, Homewood Star, Village Living, Vestavia Voice and Cahaba Sun. Together, they bring you coverage of Briarwood, Chelsea, Clay-Chalkville, Hewitt-Trussville, Homewood, Hoover, John Carroll, Mountain Brook, Oak Mountain, Spain Park and Vestavia Hills — 11 programs and hundreds of players who all deserve a place in a magazine like this one. We’ll be at the games all fall, bringing you the previews in these pages plus recaps, features and Game of the Week coverage online and on social media all season long. Give us a follow so you don’t miss any of it, and let us know who you think deserves Player of the Week honors along the way. Records will pile up over the next few months. Some teams will exceed expectations, others will fall short of them, and a handful of players who aren’t mentioned in these pages yet will end up being the ones we’re writing about come November. That unpredictability is half the fun of putting this magazine together every summer. Thanks for reading and for caring as much about these people as we do. Here’s to another season under the lights.

@ Prattville

UNDER THE LIGHTS

BRIARWOOD

Lions lean on loaded senior class in new classification By Kyle Parmley Familiarity has never been much of a problem for the Briarwood Christian School football program. This fall, that changes. The Lions have landed in a reshaped region that stretches across the state, part of the tradeoff for being moved into a new classification under the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s decision to split public and private schools. Head coach Matthew Forester’s team will spend the next two years facing programs it has rarely, if ever, seen, as part of the Private-AA division.

“We’re used to being the smallest school in our classification,” Forester said. “Now we’re the second largest school in our classification, and we’ve got 140 kids in our grade, and we’re playing against schools that have 70 in their grade. It’s a big difference.” The unfamiliar slate arrives as Briarwood breaks in one of its largest senior classes in recent memory, 29 strong, a jump from last year’s group of just 15. Those underclassmen soaked up heavy varsity reps a year ago, helping push the Lions to the state quarterfinals before injuries thinned the roster down the stretch. “We’ve had a great time playing Flor-

ence and Saraland and Spanish Fort and everybody in between over the years,” Forester said. “We’ve never played this kind of schedule before, but we’re just focused on these seniors being the best they can be.” Briarwood has also opened the last two seasons slowly, a trend Forester wants to reverse. The Lions begin this fall against Moody, now coached by former Briarwood assistant Kyle Tatum, before hosting Homewood in Week 2. “We’re always going to start the season off with a bang,” Forester said. “You’ve got to figure out who you are and what you need to work on.”

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UNDER THE LIGHTS

AUGUST 2026

BRIARWOOD

GAGE NASWORTHY (16)

JAMISON BARNES (3)

After those first two contests, the Lions start region play Sept. 4 against Westminster Christian. The Lions travel to Lee-Scott and St. John Paul II and host Madison Academy, John Carroll and Randolph within the region, with a road trip to ACA closing out region play. Briarwood also hosts Montgomery Catholic in a non-region matchup Sept. 25 and has a bye Oct. 30.

OFFENSE Briarwood’s offense will take shape around a new starting quarterback, with junior Jamison Barnes and senior Max Beaumont competing for the job throughout the summer. Forester wants whoever wins the role to protect the football, get the ball to the Lions’ playmakers and be a threat with his legs when the offense needs it. “When the quarterback can run, we can limit turnovers,” Forester said. “That’s been the key to our success.” Senior Jackson Reyer takes over at running back after waiting his turn the last two seasons. Forester praised his ability to read blocks and understand the offense, with juniors Ben Reynolds and Sebastian Locy pushing for carries behind him. The receiving corps might be the deepest, most senior-laden group on the roster. Sam Canale, an Air Force Academy commit, and John Campbell, who Forester called perhaps the fastest player in program history before a hamstring injury

STARNES MEDIA

JACKSON REYER (8) slowed him last fall, headline the group on the outside. Will Butler, Copeland Holley and Zac King add experience as well, while sophomore JH Caldwell brings speed with room to grow. At tight end, the Lions have size to work with in Charlie Allen and Rowdy Leonard, who will also play defense, along with Ethan Van Asselt and Luke Irons. Up front, Briarwood returns three starters in Austin Johnson, Adrian Derico and Hudson Parker, with Wynn Falkner

and Morgan Luster stepping into open roles. John Burke Henderson, Payne Harrison and Will Berryman provide depth behind them. “I’ve got some good backups that would start on a lot of teams,” Forester said.

DEFENSE Briarwood’s defensive line, long a program strength, took a significant hit last season when all-state lineman Garrett Witherington tore his ACL in Week 5, an

UNDER THE LIGHTS

BRIARWOOD

COACHES HEAD COACH Matthew Forester Overall record: 51-31 At Briarwood: 51-31 Tenure: 8th season

ASSISTANT COACHES

» Offensive coordinator: » Defensive coordinator: » Wide receivers: » Linebackers: » Defensive line: » Offensive line: » Quarterbacks: » Tight ends: » Defensive backs: » Video coordinator: » Statistician:

Bobby

Kerley

JOHN CAMPBELL (13)

Lance

Coggins

Mike Bautista

2026 SCHEDULE

2025 RESULTS

Aug. 21: @ Moody

7-6 overall, reached Class 5A quar-

Aug. 28: vs. Homewood

terfinals

Sept. 4: vs. Westminster Christian*

Oak Mountain: L 14-3

Sept. 11: @ Lee-Scott*

Homewood: L 27-0

Sept. 17: vs. Madison Academy*

Ramsay: W 14-13

Sept. 25: vs. Montgomery Catholic

Carver-Birmingham: W 36-22

Oct. 1: @ St. John Paul II*

Wenonah: W 40-22

Oct. 9: vs. John Carroll*

Leeds: L 29-28

Oct. 16: vs. Randolph*

Corner: L 42-27

Oct. 23: @ American Christian*

John Carroll: W 23-7

Oct. 30: OPEN

Hayden: W 49-7

*Region game

McAdory: L 56-13 PLAYOFFS

injury that forced Forester to scrap the defensive scheme midseason. The Lions adjusted on the fly amid adversity and still made the playoffs. The line returns five seniors this fall in Grant Skinner, Brooks Robertson, Tucker McGough, Ken Azar and Nathan Fox, with juniors Noah Cox and Rowdy Leonard and sophomore Callum Williamson adding depth. Gage Nasworthy returns at middle linebacker off an all-state season, and Forester expects the natural senior-year

UNDER THE LIGHTS

Leeds: W 28-3 Russellville: W 42-7 Moody: L 51-27

Daniel Forester Shane Harmon

Tony Johnson

Jay Mathews

Jay Wise

Derek Irons Bob Blake

Greg Corbin

for the first time in years, with seniors Brandt Aho and Cooper Johnson back at cornerback and Camden Schroeter at safety. Coleson Gooch and Alex Marshall are candidates for the other safety spot, with junior Tucker Miller and sophomore Will Morris waiting behind them. “This is the way it should be,” Forester said of his group’s returning experience.

SPECIAL TEAMS jump that position tends to produce. Mark Mataya moves down from safety to Sam linebacker, continuing a pattern Forester said has repeated for years, while Radford Andrews shifts over from the line to Will linebacker. Jacob Turner and sophomore Isaac Kerley round out the group. The secondary returns three starters

Kicker Harrison Hebert and holder Max Beaumont both return, giving Briarwood some stability at specialist. Austin Johnson, Max Watson and McGough, who handled long snapping duties a year ago, are all competing for the job this year, and junior Evan Ballenger will push for time as well.

AUGUST 2026

BRIARWOOD TEAM ROSTER NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

0 Isaac Kerley

40 Zac King

72 John Burke Henderson

Alex Marshall

41 Brooks Robertson

75 Will Berryman

Reeves Rohloff

44 Brady Donovan

76 Adrian Derico

Coleson Gooch

45 Corbitt Palmer

79 Frank Falkner

Sebastian Locy

47 Hudson Smith

81 JH Caldwell

Tucker McGough

49 Harrison Hebert

85 Noah Cox

John Campbell

50 Hudson Parker

87 Ethan Van Asselt

Grant Skinner

52 William Dedmon

91 Evan Ballenger

Luke Irons

55 Wynn Falkner

92 Nathan Fox

Charlie Allen

56 Morgan Luster

95 Ticer Young

Mark Mataya

57 Payne Harrison

97 Callum Williamson

Parker Coker

61 Knox Allred

99 Brayden Walta

Camden Schroeter

67 Austin Johnson

MGR

Brandt Aho

71 Paul Kearse

8 Jackson Reyer

8 Cooper Johnson

Peyton Justice

Will Butler

10 Radford Andrews

Copeland Holley

12 Jamison Barnes

13 Cole Gresham

14 Nash Starbuck

15 Rowdy Leonard

16 Gage Nasworthy

17 Griff Schmidt

18 Max Beaumont

18 Davis Heilbron

20 Jack Eubanks

21 Ben Reynolds

22 Anderson Mathews

23 Ken Azar

23 Blake Whitson

25 Preston Howard

26 Sam Canale

27 Jacob Turner

28 Tucker Miller

32 Grayson Ralston

33 Angelos Petelos

33 Whit Walker

34 Max Watson

35 Will Morris

36 Collin Boatwright

STARNES MEDIA

Turner Henderson

SAM CANALE (26)

UNDER THE LIGHTS

CHELSEA

Niblett builds new identity from the ground up By Kyle Parmley Chelsea High School spent the offseason answering a question every new coaching staff has to answer first: who are we? First-year head coach Tad Niblett has spent his first months on the job trying to establish the identity of his new program. Niblett is entering his 34th year of coaching. He played quarterback at Harding University before getting his coaching start at Shelby Academy, teaching math and coaching multiple sports and both sides of the ball at

the small-school level. Niblett said that grinding, do-everything start is where he really learned football. “You don’t realize how much you don’t know until you start coaching,” Niblett said. “You come out after playing college thinking you know everything, and you find out real quick you don’t know anything.” Niblett arrived with a staff mix of four holdover assistants and five new hires, including defensive coordinator Jacob Guillory, who came over from Hueytown. Roughly 65% of the roster is made up of freshmen and sophomores, and Chelsea’s senior class is thin. Niblett has spent the

summer sorting out not just scheme, but who on the roster is ready to play meaningful snaps this fall. “There’s a difference between 11 best and your best 11,” Niblett said. “That’s what we’re working on right now.” The youth on the roster means Chelsea will lean on a small group of experienced upperclassmen to set the tone while a larger group of underclassmen develops behind them. Niblett has used fall camp to sort the roster into tiers, players ready now, players who need a year, and everyone in between. “Not everybody’s capable of being a starter right now, but everybody has a

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UNDER THE LIGHTS

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CHELSEA 2026 SCHEDULE Aug. 21: @ Southside-Gadsden Aug. 28: vs. Gardendale Sept. 4: @ Calera* Sept. 11: vs. Ramsay* Sept. 18: vs. Pelham* Sept. 25: OPEN Oct. 2: vs. Helena* Oct. 8: @ Homewood* Oct. 16: @ Mountain Brook* Oct. 23: vs. Chilton County* Oct. 30: @ Bessemer City *Region game

WYATT WRIGHT (29) role,” Niblett said. Niblett has been coaching for more than three decades and said he’s learned that sustained success starts with dependable first steps rather than promises of overnight results. He also wants his team focused on its own preparation rather than getting caught up in each week’s opponent, a lesson he said he learned the hard way earlier in his career. “I think you’ve got to start somewhere,” Niblett said. “We want to compete for championships, we want this program to be relevant, and you can’t reach what you can’t see.” Chelsea opens the season on the road against Southside-Gadsden on Aug. 21, then hosts Gardendale the following week before region play begins Sept. 4 at Calera. The Hornets host Ramsay, Pelham, Helena and Chilton County within the region and travel to Homewood and Mountain Brook. Chelsea has an open date Sept. 25 and closes the regular season on the road at Bessemer City.

OFFENSE Chelsea’s offense runs through senior quarterback Logan Strunk, who Niblett said picked up the new terminology quickly and had a strong spring. Niblett wants a quarterback who protects the football and plays within the system, and he called Strunk an intelligent player who picks things up easily. “He wants to be coached,” Niblett said.

STARNES MEDIA

Senior Wyatt Wright takes over at running back after a strong spring of his own. At tight end, Chelsea returns two experienced players in Cohen Jones and Hudson Picklesimer, both of whom Niblett said can line up in the box or split out into space. The receiving corps is Chelsea’s youngest group by experience, but Niblett said he has seen real improvement from that unit through the offseason and expects it to keep growing. Sophomore Cole Carroll and junior Brock Russell are still developing, while senior Luke Hairston brings the most experience after playing extensively a year ago.

COACHES HEAD COACH Tad Niblett Overall record: 53-75 At Chelsea: 0-0 Tenure: 1st season

ASSISTANT COACHES

2025 RESULTS 5-5 overall, missed playoffs Charles Henderson: W 51-27 Wetumpka: W 40-30 Pelham: L 19-7 Calera: W 42-25 Paul Bryant: W 37-7 Chilton County: W 30-0 Spain Park: L 44-7 Helena: L 21-9

» Defensive coordinator: » Tight ends/fullbacks: » Offensive line: » Wide receiver: » Defensive backs: » Defensive line: » Linebackers: » Wefense coordinator/strength Jacob

Guillory

Jamie

Scruggs

Stuart Morrison

Shaw Niblett

Colby Harris

Douglas Laister

Cole Corkren

and conditioning coordinator: Alex Valdez

Benjamin Russell: L 42-21 Oak Mountain: L 26-0

UNDER THE LIGHTS

CHELSEA

KEVIN MADRID (54) Up front, Kevin Madrid is the unit’s most experienced returner despite being undersized, and Niblett praised his technique and understanding of the scheme. Cash Piotrowski, Luke Roper at center, Chance Dunnavant at tackle and Chase Morrow round out a line Niblett said is still developing but working hard. Niblett wants seven or eight linemen ready to play by the fall, whether that depth is needed because of injury or simply to keep the offense from losing anything when reserves are in the game. “It has to start up front,” Niblett said. “The better offensive line you’ve got, the better opportunity you have to throw it and run it when you want to.” Niblett said an offensive line room tends to be the most cohesive group on any team he’s coached, made up of players who have to communicate and work together more than any other position.

UNDER THE LIGHTS

DEFENSE Niblett said he was initially concerned about depth on the defensive line, but that group has come along as camp has progressed. Cristian Madrid, Kevin’s brother, brings experience up front alongside Lane Cox. Linebacker is Chelsea’s deepest position defensively. Seniors River Hill, Austin Kirkland and Brandon Bousman provide leadership, with junior Noah Miller also in the mix. The secondary returns two senior starters in Carter Johnson and Andrew Long, with underclassmen Ben Christian and Jackson Allison developing behind them at cornerback.

SPECIAL TEAMS Brycen Miller will handle Chelsea’s kicking duties this fall. He and Strunk are competing for the punting job as well.

LOGAN STRUNK (8)

AUGUST 2026

CHELSEA TEAM ROSTER NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

0 Cohen Jones

45 Coleman Rupertus

70 Max Watkins

Ben Christian

47 Austin Kirkland

71 Jackson Parr

Wyatt Wright

48 Thomas Haywood

72 Nolan Hall

Grayson Lyons

49 Brycen Miller

73 Clayton Schwoebel

Dallas Morgan

50 Chance Dunnavant

74 Noah Jung

Brandon Bousman

52 Cristian Madrid

78 Luke Allison

Brock Russell

53 Brady Hartley

79 Lane Picklesimer

Noah Miller

54 Kevin Madrid

80 Ryan Kirkland

John Lewis

55 Chase Morrow

81 Trent Spearman

8 Logan Strunk

56 Dawson Hayes

82 Harrison Rayburn

8 River Hill

57 Lane Cox

83 Darren Browne

Nolan Lambert

58 Wyatt Stacy

84 Rhys Morgan

10 Kaylor Crumpton

59 Knox King

85 Wyatt McCray

Luke Hairston

60 Mason Carson

86 Earl Pate

12 Carter Johnson

61 Aidon Esco

87 Brock Epperson

12 Garrett Harvey

62 Luke Roper

89 Antwan Miller

13 Cole Carroll

63 Cash Piotrowski

90 Mwalimu Clark

14 Hudson Picklesimer

64 Ridge Sisk

91 Jayden Sheffield

15 Jackson Allison

66 Will Clark

92 Lee Adams

16 Tripp Guarinieri

67 Waylon Piotrowski

93 Ethan Swain

17 Hampton Sign

68 Gray Creekbaum

94 Kelsey Lacey

18 Brayden Wilson

69 Jackson Watkins

95 Shane Fenton

19 Daniel Fortenberry

20 Andrew Long

21 Connor Cochran

22 Connor Grandberry

24 Maddox Moore

26 King Banks

27 Rylee Burnham

29 Josh Turner

31 Reid Horton

32 Kensley Toney

33 Eli Youngblood

36 Mason Cauley

37 Massimo Santillo

38 Brody Woods

39 Mason Rudd

40 Elion Reed

41 Makari Walker

43 Ashton Smith

44 Corbin Burton

UNDER THE LIGHTS

STARNES MEDIA

LUKE HAIRSTON (11)

CLAY-CHALKVILLE

Defending state champion Cougars return experienced roster By Kyle Parmley Clay-Chalkville High School enters the season coming off a 15-0 run to the program’s fifth state championship, a Class 6A title win over Saraland, and head coach Stuart Floyd said the roster returning eight or nine starters on both sides of the ball gives the Cougars a chance to make another run. “You get your O-line, D-line back, your linebackers in the box, usually you’re pretty good,” Floyd said. Floyd said the offense has significant production to replace at quarterback, running back and receiver, but he’s confident in the players stepping into those roles. He pointed to a summer trip to Atlanta, complete with mini golf and a team hotel stay, as the moment last year’s group started to come together, and said building that same chemistry is now the focus for this team. Looking back on last season, Floyd pointed to the state championship game and a wild comeback against Thompson as signature moments, along with a road

CJ ELDRIDGE (14)

UNDER THE LIGHTS

COLTON MCINTYRE (5) win over Muscle Shoals in the semifinals that avenged a playoff loss to the same team the year before. “It was just kind of a magical season,” Floyd said. The coaching staff featured a little churn this offseason. Zach Wilson was elevated to coach tight ends and Justin Whisenhunt took over outside linebackers. Eddie Wall was hired as defensive coordinator after Clay-Chalkville’s previous coordinator, Jake Helveston, was hired as the Oneonta head coach, and Mac Jones joined the staff to coach receivers. Clay-Chalkville also shifts into a new region this fall, with Mountain Brook moving out and several former Class 5A programs, including St. Clair County, Springville and Southside-Gadsden, moving up. Clay-Chalkville opens the season on

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UNDER THE LIGHTS

CLAY-CHALKVILLE the road against Creekside out of Georgia on Aug. 21, then travels to Thompson the following week before region play begins Sept. 4 at Springville. The Cougars host Southside-Gadsden, Oxford, Pell City and Pinson Valley within the region and travel to St. Clair County to close out region play. Clay-Chalkville has open dates Sept. 25 and Oct. 23, and closes the regular season at home against Central Phenix City.

OFFENSE Clay-Chalkville returns four of five starters on the offensive line, headlined by tackles Christian Bennett and Tavaris Powell, both of whom Floyd called Division I-caliber players. Guards Shamar Smith and James Felder return as well, with Peyton Kimbrough stepping into the fifth spot at center. At quarterback, junior CJ Eldridge takes over after two years of practicing behind standout Aaron Frye. Floyd said Eldridge has already shown growth and may be slightly ahead of where his pre-

CHRISTIAN BENNETT (77) decessor was at the same stage. “He’s got big shoes to fill, but he’s also practiced for two years against one of

the better defenses,” Floyd said. The running back room has grown from almost no depth to a crowded group, led

AARON ROBINSON (21)

UNDER THE LIGHTS

AUGUST 2026

CLAY-CHALKVILLE 2026 SCHEDULE

2025 RESULTS

Aug. 21: @ Creekside (GA)

15-0 overall, won Class 6A state

Aug. 28: @ Thompson

championship

Sept. 4: @ Springville*

Hueytown: W 42-15

Sept. 11: @ Southside-Gadsden*

Ramsay: W 64-0

Sept. 18: vs. Oxford*

Pell City: W 52-9

Sept. 25: OPEN

Shades Valley: W 50-0

Oct. 2: vs. Pell City*

Brandon (MS): W 47-15

Oct. 9: vs. Pinson Valley*

Thompson: W 28-24

Oct. 16: @ St. Clair County*

Mountain Brook: W 49-0

Oct. 23: OPEN

Huffman: W 56-6

Oct. 30: vs. Central-Phenix City

Oxford: W 40-16

*Region game

Pinson Valley: W 52-14 PLAYOFFS Jackson-Olin: W 49-26

by seniors Cayden McGhee and Aaron Robinson. At receiver and tight end, seniors Nasir Ray and Caden Farris both played significant snaps a year ago, while senior Cartier Barnes and junior Kaleb Amerson round out the perimeter. Senior Carlos Pope, primarily a defensive lineman, will also see time at tight end given his versatility. “He would probably start on 99 percent of the high school teams out there,” Floyd said of Pope. “We’re going to try to use him as many ways as possible.” Floyd said the tight end position remains one of his favorite pieces to build an offense around because of the flexibility it creates. “Formationally, you can be whatever personnel you need to be,” Floyd said. “It makes people line up in ways they don’t really want to line up in.”

Gadsden City: W 44-7 Homewood: W 35-17 Muscle Shoals: W 30-13 Saraland: W 38-21

STARNES MEDIA

HEAD COACH Stuart Floyd Overall record: 26-11 At Clay-Chalkville: 24-3 Tenure: 3rd season

ASSISTANT COACHES

» Offensive coordinator/offensive line: » Running backs/pass game coordinator: » Wide receivers: » Inside linebackers: » Defensive coordinator/strength and conditioning: » Defensive line: » Safeties: » Quarterbacks: » Tight ends: » Cornerbacks/special teams: » Outside linebackers: Preston Hatcher

Kyle Dickerson

Mac Jones

Gene Rich-

ardson

Eddie Wall

Darius McCall,

Josh Cheek

Jake Hibbs

Brooks Garrett

Zach Wilson

Gavin Wilson

Justin

Whisenhunt

DEFENSE Clay-Chalkville’s defense returns nine players with significant experience, anchored up front by senior Colton McIntyre, senior Keith Richmond and Pope. DJ Williams, an offseason addition, joins Richmond at the edge spots. At linebacker, senior Isaiah Brown and senior Quinton Lowe return in the box, while Leland Johnson shifts from the Jack position to Star this year. Jamario Yadao moves from Star to strong safety, replacing graduated starter Xavier Starks. The secondary also returns senior Ja-

COACHES

len Melton and senior Josh Ivy at safety, while cornerback will feature Anton Whitt, Keith Scott and Braxton Burt. “It’s getting better, and that’s the one area where we lost a couple of big pieces,” Floyd said of the defensive back group. “But there’s a lot of experience coming back.”

SPECIAL TEAMS

NASIR RAY (17)

Mario Cabachuela takes over kicking duties for Clay-Chalkville this season, one of the new faces the Cougars will lean on as they replace key special teams pieces from last year’s championship run.

UNDER THE LIGHTS

CLAY-CHALKVILLE TEAM ROSTER NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

0 Jamario Yadao

OLB

43 Kameron Taylor

73 Davie Fisher

CJ Eldridge

44 Keyon Mattis

OLB

74 Tavaris Powell

Cartier Barnes

45 G'Kobi Robertson

75 Victor Rodgers

Caden Farris

46 Daileon Williams

76 Sterling Scott

Josh Ivy

47 Jeremiah Calhoun

77 Christian Bennett

Colton McIntyre

48 Kyler Ingram

78 Isaiah Moss

Aaron Robinson

50 Zion Averitte

OLB

79 Jayden Rutledge

Nasir Ray

51 Jayden Meadows

OLB

80 Christian Cooper

8 Braxton Burt

52 Willie Williams

ILB

81 Kemareo Heath

DJ Williams

OLB

53 Armond Harris

ILB

82 Eric Craig

10 Quinton Lowe

ILB

54 Clyde Richardson

OLB

83 Macareous Kindell

55 Elijah Allen

84 Markise Taylor

12 Leland Johnson

OLB

56 Jimmarus Cooks

ILB

85 Patrick King

13 Keith Richmond

57 Christan Ryan

OLB

86 Carmello Sturdivant

14 Anton Whitt

58 Marvin Smoot

ILB

87 Corderra Campbell

15 Isaiah Brown

ILB

59 Amari Walls

88 Derious Staples

16 General Wilcher

60 Jayden Jones

89 Caden Thomas

17 Keston Beck

61 Reco Brown

90 Evan Flores

18 Kaleb Amerson

62 Caleb Adams

91 Selin Ventura

19 Harrison Richburg

63 James Felder

92 Dorien Shipman

20 EJ Penn

64 Makhi Carter

93 Kameron Porter

21 Torrance McCormick

65 Peyton Kimbrough

94 Adden Bragg

22 Jalen Melton

66 Cristobal Nunez

95 Jacorey Williams

23 Keith Scott

67 Kaleb Howard

96 Josiah Green

24 Frankie Jefferson

68 Xavier Jones

97 Keyjuan Kelley

25 Aaron Washington

69 Shamar Smith

98 Omari Polnett

26 Carlos Pope

71 Eugene Henry

99 Mario Cabachuela

27 Noah Hampton

72 Landyn Johnson

28 Navy Allen

29 Cayden McGhee

30 Zion Johnson

31 Jakorey Barber

32 Jalon Frazier

33 Trey Kennedy

ILB

34 Jaharvis Austin

35 Kam Kelley

ILB

36 Javarius Silmon

37 Juandre Elliot

38 Dekaleb Scott

39 Kameron Nail

40 J'Sean Epting-Dew

41 Eli Allen

42 OJ Hill

Fred Flowers Jr.

UNDER THE LIGHTS

HEAD COACH STUART FLOYD

AUGUST 2026

HEWITT-TRUSSVILLE

Huskies leaning on young talent By Kyle Parmley Hewitt-Trussville High School enters the season younger than it has in years, but head coach Josh Floyd said the program is excited about the talent stepping into bigger roles. “We’ve got some seniors that are really good players, they just haven’t had to be the guy yet,” Floyd said. “Now’s their chance.” Last season ended 8-3 with a heartbreaking playoff loss after Hewitt-Trussville climbed to No. 1 in the Alabama Sports Writers Association poll for the

first time since 1991. The Huskies did it despite a rash of injuries. Freshman quarterback Jack Floyd stepped in and led the team through a three-game gauntlet against Vestavia Hills, Hoover and Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, all ranked top-10 teams, winning all three before an injury of his own. “I don’t think it was our most talented team we’ve ever had, but I think they showed a ton of grit and fight,” Josh Floyd said. Floyd pointed to a road win at Hoover as last year’s signature moment, a game the Huskies won despite what he called

far from their cleanest performance. Hewitt-Trussville trailed most of the night before taking the lead late in the fourth quarter and getting defensive stops to close it out. “It’s hard to go over there and win,” Floyd said. “Our guys just found a way.” The coaching staff returns unchanged for another season. The region looks similar to a year ago, with Hillcrest departing and Spain Park entering, though Floyd said this year’s full schedule, including a non-region slate with Auburn, Hillcrest and Pike Road, is among the toughest he’s faced. Hewitt-Trussville opens the season

A concussion is nothing to play with. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury and should be taken seriously. Although fewer than 10% of concussions involve a loss of consciousness, it is important to understand the dangers and not take them lightly. Even a minor fall or collision may be of concern, so be alert to symptoms such as headaches, unsteadiness, confusion or other types of abnormal behavior. Any athlete with a suspected concussion should immediately be removed from play and activity, evaluated right away by a doctor or healthcare professional, monitored and not left alone and not drive a motor vehicle. To make an appointment, please call 205-638-6921.

ChildrensAL.org/Concussion COA_Concussion_Football-Under_The_Lights-7.25x4.5.indd 1

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7/21/26 9:56 AM

UNDER THE LIGHTS

HEWITT-TRUSSVILLE

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AUGUST 2026

HEWITT-TRUSSVILLE

JACK FLOYD (7)

NATHAN FRITZ (2)

on the road against Auburn on Aug. 21, then hosts Hillcrest the following week before region play begins Sept. 4 against Hoover. The Huskies travel to Tuscaloosa County, Oak Mountain and Vestavia Hills and host Prattville, Thompson and Spain Park within the region. Hewitt-Trussville has an open date Sept. 25 and closes the regular season on the road at Pike Road.

OFFENSE Jack Floyd enters the year as the fulltime starting quarterback after going 4-1 as a freshman starter, and his coach and dad said he’s added significant size and strength since last season. Junior Harris Tuggle has also improved and pushes for reps, while sophomore Judah Weber can play quarterback in a pinch but will primarily help the team on defense. “I think what helped win the team over was just his competitiveness, to be able to go in there in that kind of environment and compete,” Josh Floyd said of Jack. At running back, sophomore Daniel Williams brings explosiveness and vision, while senior Harrison Malone, primarily a linebacker, will also see carries after two strong seasons on defense. Nathan Mohr is also in the mix there. The offensive line returns seniors Micah Fantroy and Calvyn Speigner as starters, with sophomore Searcy Ellis and junior Odin Woodley, both thrown into starting roles last year, also back.

STARNES MEDIA

JACKSON MARTIN (20) Sophomores Anders Hardy, Hunter Jordan and John Carson Koehler add size and depth to a group Floyd said is bigger than in years past. At tight end, senior Jackson Martin returns as a three-year starter with multiple FBS offers, and Floyd said he’s noticeably more explosive after playing through injury a year ago. Junior Will Baker and senior Will Miller, who is still working back

into football shape after a spring on the baseball diamond, round out the group. Hewitt-Trussville’s receiving corps replaces several key contributors, led by junior Dylan Price, senior Riley O’Neill, senior Lucian Nelson, senior DJ Hall, junior Tyron Allen and junior Henry Farrell, who also handles some kicking duties. Sophomore Reid Langley adds size to the group as well.

UNDER THE LIGHTS

HEWITT-TRUSSVILLE

COACHES HEAD COACH Josh Floyd Overall record: 197-70-1 At Hewitt-Trussville: 98-41 Tenure: 13th season

ASSISTANT COACHES D’ANTE SEALS (6)

2026 SCHEDULE Aug. 21: @ Auburn Aug. 28: vs. Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa Sept. 4: vs. Hoover* Sept. 11: @ Tuscaloosa County* Sept. 18: vs. Prattville* Sept. 25: OPEN Oct. 2: @ Oak Mountain* Oct. 9: vs. Thompson* Oct. 16: @ Vestavia Hills* Oct. 23: vs. Spain Park* Oct. 29: @ Pike Road *Region game

DEFENSE Only three players return who saw significant snaps a year ago, led by senior D’ante Seals, a three-year starter and Troy commit who can line up on the interior or the edge. “He’s a guy that’s been in the battles,” Floyd said of Seals. Malone returns at outside linebacker after an all-region season, and senior Simeon Watson anchors the secondary at cornerback after starting there since his sophomore year.

UNDER THE LIGHTS

» Offensive coordinator/running backs: » Offensive line: » Pass game coordinator/wide receivers: » Defensive coordinator/safeties: » Linebackers/special teams: » Cornerbacks: » Defensive line: » Other assistants: Ethan Carroll

2025 RESULTS 8-3 overall, reached 1st round of Class 7A playoffs JAG: W 54-0 Gadsden City: W 56-7 Vestavia Hills: W 28-14 Hoover: W 17-14 Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa: W 24-0 Pinson Valley: W 42-6 Thompson: L 34-12 Prattville: L 24-21

Brad Boyette

Jean Cherizol

Sean Talsma

Dylan Haraway

Ben Ramer

Danny Ward,

Shaq Jones

Alex Deal,

Bryan Hinds, Trae Stowe, Tyrece Mickens, Dedrick Carr

Oak Mountain: W 36-21 Tuscaloosa County: W 49-7 PLAYOFFS Opelika: L 27-21

Up front alongside Seals, senior Eli Abney provides edge presence, with junior Michael Ross, junior Sam Starkey and junior Luke Vandenberghe, a converted offensive lineman, adding depth. At linebacker, senior Jayden Berry and junior Ryker Dummitt anchor the middle, with sophomores Hunter Futrell and Joseph Deibert, and transfer Cody Parker also in the mix. The secondary features junior Zion Westry and junior Kahlil Braswell at cornerback alongside Watson, while junior

Parker Neigoot returns after missing last season, joined by junior Caleb Scott and junior Sam Dick at safety.

SPECIAL TEAMS Seniors Nathan Fritz, Banks Loyd and Tony Hrbacek all return to handle placekicking, kickoffs and punting, respectively. Henry Farrell adds a second kicking option after hitting a 45-yard field goal against Thompson last season, and sophomore Rivers Harbison is expected to compete for a role in the return game.

AUGUST 2026

HEWITT-TRUSSVILLE TEAM ROSTER NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

0 Jayden Berry

35 Ryker Dummitt

79 Isaac Solomon

Saxton Jones

36 Brandon Robinson

80 Rivers Harbison

Daniel Williams

37 Geordin Hatcher

81 Henry Farrell

Nathan Fritz

37 Ethan Dabney

84 Cedric Coleman

Dylan Price

38 Jake Gonzales

86 Liam Armstrong

Tyron Allen

38 Warrick Pettus

88 Will Baker

Jace Stripling

39 Banks Vessels

90 Jacob Malone

Hunter Futrell

39 Banks Lowery

91 Waylon Johnson

D'ante Seals

40 Carter Jones

92 Landon Donner

Nathan Mohr

41 Onree Pruitt

93 Zac Parks

Jack Floyd

42 Taariq Adams

94 Tate Jones

Eli Abney

44 Will Miller

96 Sham Chamblee

8 Lucian Nelson

45 Ethan Gee

97 Cooper Sudec

Simeon Watson

46 Wyatt Fleming

OLB

Bowman Dahlke

47 Tony Hrbacek

10 Harris Tuggle

48 Zeke Hess

10 Zion Westry

49 Camden Culver

UNDER THE LIGHTS

50 Izaah Gray

12 DJ Hall

Cody Parker

51 Gavin Page

13 Kahlil Braswell

52 Ben Sharit

14 Moses Morrison

53 Reese Davis

15 Banks Loyd

54 Levi McGlaghn

16 Harrison Malone

OLB

55 Drew Brisco

OLB

17 Jamari Green

56 Stuart Hrbacek

ILB

18 Riley O'Neill

57 Sam Reeser

19 Jaylen Wright

58 Owen Leggett

20 Jackson Martin

59 Odin Woodley

21 Caleb Jarvis

60 Luke Vandenberghe

22 Reid Langley

61 Luke Perez

23 Braylon Townes

OLB

62 Marcus Hill

24 Judah Weber

63 Anders Hardy

25 Joseph Deibert

OLB

64 Sam Starkey

26 Bryant Wisdom

65 Calvyn Speigner

27 Parker Neigoot

67 Hunter Jordan

28 Caleb Scott

68 John Carson Koehler

29 Christian Carrington

70 Micah Fantroy

30 Lucas Brown

72 Michael Ross

31 Chase Davis

73 Reid Tidmore

32 Mathis Leslie

75 Searcy Ellis

32 Liam Chesser

76 Henry Hrbacek

33 Sam Dick

77 Braylon Andrews

34 Preston Armstrong

OLB

78 Jack Andrews

STARNES MEDIA

HOMEWOOD

Patriots lean on program culture as new faces fill key roles By Kyle Parmley Homewood High School returns just four starters on offense and three on defense this season, but head coach Ben Berguson said the program’s culture and the repetitions many players picked up during last year’s deep playoff run give the Patriots a jolt heading into the fall. “Our football culture is so good here that it creates a lot of confidence,” Berguson said. “Even though we’re replacing a lot, our kids will be very confident going into the season.” Berguson called last season a great one, one he believes could have extend-

RODREGUS LAMBERT (21)

UNDER THE LIGHTS

ed further had the Patriots not run into eventual state champion Clay-Chalkville. He pointed to a wild loss at rival Mountain Brook, a game that landed Homewood on SportsCenter, as the most memorable moment in a memorable season. “It was just one of those special games between two great communities,” Berguson said. The staff added several new pieces this offseason. Shawn Bostick joins to coach tight ends. Boo Smith, previously an offensive coordinator at Hueytown, takes over the receivers. Jaiquan Crook comes on to coach outside linebackers, and Jake Collins, a Homewood alum who spent time on staff at Mountain Brook,

returns to coach cornerbacks. Sam Warren will coach running backs. Homewood opens the season on the road against John Carroll on Aug. 21, then travels to Briarwood the following week, a pair of non-region rivalries Berguson said he intentionally kept on the schedule through the classification shakeup. Region play begins Sept. 4 at home against Mountain Brook and continues on the road at Pelham and Helena. Homewood has an open date Sept. 25, then hosts Calera and Chelsea and travels to Chilton County within the region before closing the regular season at home against Ramsay and a non-region matchup with Oak Mountain.

MICHAEL LUCKIANOW (23)

AUGUST 2026

HOMEWOOD OFFENSE A quarterback battle between senior Jack Myers and junior Timothy Roshell will carry into the season. Berguson said Myers, who has an extra year in the system, throws an accurate ball, while Roshell brings more of a dual-threat skill set. “It’s a good problem to have,” Berguson said. At running back, senior Chappy Chapleau returns after leading the position group in touchdowns a year ago, with junior Tyler Betts and freshman Cyn’Mauree Debruce, pulled up to varsity this spring, also in the rotation. Junior Reid Goldstein, listed simply as an athlete, will get touches at both running back and receiver after running track this spring. The offensive line returns three of Homewood’s four starters, led by senior Gray Keown at left tackle and senior Asher Ketcham, who moves inside after starting at right tackle a year ago. Senior Edwin McBride and junior Walker Bostick round out the returning group, while the

MAJOR MOORER (95)

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UNDER THE LIGHTS

HOMEWOOD 2026 SCHEDULE Aug. 21: @ John Carroll Aug. 28: @ Briarwood Sept. 4: vs. Mountain Brook* Sept. 11: @ Pelham* Sept. 18: @ Helena*

COACHES

Sept. 25: OPEN Oct. 2: vs. Calera* Oct. 8: vs. Chelsea* Oct. 16: @ Chilton County* Oct. 23: vs. Ramsay* Oct. 30: vs. Oak Mountain *Region game

UNDER THE LIGHTS

Tenure: 13th season

» Assistant head coach/defensive 2025 RESULTS 11-2 overall, reached Class 6A quarterfinals John Carroll: W 51-7 Briarwood: W 27-0 Mortimer Jordan: W 49-7 Woodlawn: W 52-8 Jackson-Olin: W 49-0 Mountain Brook: L 25-24 (OT) Gardendale: W 42-9 Parker: W 35-28 Minor: W 31-14 James Clemens: W 38-28

coordinator/inside linebackers: Freddy Lawrence

» Offensive coordinator: » Wide receivers: » Running backs: » Tight ends: » Offensive line: » Safeties: » Cornerbacks: » Outside linebackers: » Defensive line: » Athletic trainers:

Heath

Brunner

Boo Smith

Sam Warren

Shawn Bostick Jackson Hall

Jason Haithcock Jake Collins Jaiquan

Crook

Myron Powe Ed Harris,

Logan Marquis

PLAYOFFS Pell City: W 28-14 Hartselle: W 31-24 Clay-Chalkville: L 35-17

DEFENSE Senior Major Moorer anchors the defensive front and has already drawn college interest, alongside sophomore Jakari Haynes and senior Dennis White at the other end spots. Junior Canon Tutor, senior Colton Gibbs and sophomore Ian Anderson provide depth up front. At outside linebacker, senior Rodregus Lambert moves over from the defensive line to cover the field side, bringing rare athleticism for the position. Senior Luke Serotsky mans the boundary side, with

Ben Berguson Overall record: 102-54 At Homewood: 96-48

ASSISTANT COACHES

CHAPPY CHAPLEAU (0) left guard spot remains open, with junior Yael Hernandez, senior Antonio Williams, juniors Christian Rivas, Mario Hernandez, Edwin Petrey and Drew Berguson, and freshman J.W. Giardina all positioning for playing time along the line. At receiver, junior Kamryn Foster returns from a hip injury, and junior Beckham Newell has emerged as a vertical threat after adding size in the offseason. Junior Preston Hill, senior Davis Litton and sophomore Mason Wearren round out the group. At tight end, junior Marcus McGee returns to football after two years focused solely on basketball, and junior Bennett Smith, who also handles long snapping duties, gives Homewood another flexible target. Senior Landon Pettus, working back from shoulder surgery, will also see snaps at tight end.

HEAD COACH

juniors Cameron Clifton and Tyrek Mosley in the rotation behind them. Inside, seniors Ty Ford and Pate Lee and junior Liam Stack will rotate at the position. The secondary returns junior Quincy McGhee and junior Michael Luckianow at cornerback, with junior Ben Baguley, senior Bryon Long, who moved down from safety, and junior Christian Dorsey adding depth. At safety, junior Tate Bur-

deshaw returns after a breakout sophomore season, joined by senior Ollie Whitten, who is back after a concussion cut short his year, and junior Judah Pettus, who moves over from receiver.

SPECIAL TEAMS Junior Gabriel Carlson returns as Homewood’s punter and is expected to handle placekicking duties as well, with sophomore Jozy Hicks also competing for kicks. Bennett Smith takes over at long snapper.

AUGUST 2026

HOMEWOOD TEAM ROSTER NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

0 Chappy Chapleau

23 Jaydon Gilliam

53 J.W. Giardina

0 Tyrek Mosley

OLB

24 Marcus McGee

54 Edwin Petrey

Timothy Roshell

24 Bryon Long

55 Gray Keown

Quincy McGhee

25 Jozy Hicks

56 Asher Ketcham

Kamryn Foster

26 Sam Gardner

57 Ian Anderson

Judah Pettus

27 Jaden Andrews

58 Christian Rivas

Davis Litton

28 Cameron Clifton

OLB

59 Mario Hernandez

Michael Luckianow

29 Miles McElheny

60 Elias Bleecker

Reid Goldstein

30 Leandro Martinez

64 Yael Hernandez

Ty Ford

ILB

31 Jeremiah Williams

67 Antonio Williams

Preston Hill

32 Ty Thomas

68 Sam Holley

Pate Lee

ILB

33 Liam Stack

ILB

70 Connor Brown

Landon Pettus

34 Mac Abernathy

ILB

72 Edwin McBride

Christian Dorsey

38 Jackson McGarrah

76 Jacoby Johnson

Jack Myers

39 Hilton Patterson

80 Noah Gary

Travis Tebeau

41 Jakari Haynes

82 Conner Stephenson

8 Micah Jones

42 Mason Morton

OLB

87 Dayvion Carson

8 Ollie Whitten

44 Luke Serotsky

OLB

88 Jayden Powell

Andrew Knight

45 Colton Gibbs

89 Canon Tutor

Ben Baguley

47 Gabriel Carlson

90 Landan Wilkins

10 Cyn'Mauree Debruce

50 Drew Berguson

91 Dennis White

10 Sean Stanton

51 Walker Bostick

95 Major Moorer

Mason Wearren

52 Zach Johnson

Graham Jackson

OLB

12 Tyler Betts

12 Lyle Edmiston

13 Beckham Newell

13 Jamie Potts

14 DeMartez Jones

14 Sam Herr

15 Caaleb Thomas

15 Beni Walden

16 Charlie Smithey

16 Thomas Wagner

ILB

17 Jack Williams

17 Tate Burdeshaw

18 Ben Goldstein

18 Manning Yost

19 Bennett Smith

19 Oliver Barrow

ILB

20 Parker Schaeperklaus

21 Rodregus Lambert

OLB

UNDER THE LIGHTS

STARNES MEDIA

QUINCY MCGHEE (5)

HOOVER

Bucs pushing for consistent excellence in new season By Kyle Parmley Hoover High School enters Chip English’s third season as head coach replacing a talented senior class with a group he said is stocked with players who simply haven’t had their turn yet. “We’re going to have some talent, we’re going to have some guys that can play,” English said. “It’s just going to take a little bit of time to figure that out.” English called last season a season of inconsistency, one where the Buccaneers played well one week and poorly the next before an early playoff exit. He said the coaching staff self-scouted extensively over the offseason to find ways to turn close losses into wins. “Guys are tough, guys are gritty,” English said. “Somebody told me it looks like the old Hoover, and what they meant is these are guys that work really, really hard.” English pointed to a stretch last season when Hoover started 1-3 before winning five straight games as a turning point for the program, along with a strong first half against Parker and a gutsy win over Thompson decided by a late field goal. “Seeing that turnaround, seeing the confidence, seeing the playmaking progress was really exciting,” English said. The staff added experience this offseason. A couple of new hires were made, and William Eads was elevated to offensive coordinator to give the Bucs a familiar face leading the offensive room. Hoover’s region looks similar to a year ago, with Spain Park entering and Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa exiting. English said the change in classification title from Class 7A to 6A doesn’t affect how difficult the region will be. “It’s going to be a gauntlet again,” English said. “Week in and week out, we’re going to have to play our best.” Hoover opens the season at home against Muscle Shoals on Aug. 21, then

UNDER THE LIGHTS

KALEB FREEMAN (7)

JOVON PULLIAM (7)

AUGUST 2026

HOOVER travels to Opelika the following week before region play begins Sept. 4 at Hewitt-Trussville. The Buccaneers host Prattville, Thompson and Spain Park and travel to Oak Mountain, Vestavia Hills and Tuscaloosa County within the region. Hoover also hosts Knoxville Catholic of Tennessee in a non-region matchup Sept. 25 and has an open date Oct. 30.

OFFENSE Senior Kaleb Freeman returns at quarterback after a full season of starting experience and a recent commitment to Charleston Southern. English said Freeman will need to take on a bigger role as a playmaker after receivers carried more of that load a year ago, including using his legs more in the run game. “He’s going to have to take that on a little bit more this year, and we have no doubt that he can,” English said. Junior Oliver Crowell, who spent time in Indiana before returning to Hoover, will back up Freeman. At running back, junior Malik Boggan and junior Paxton Weatherly give Hoover two contrasting styles, one a speed threat and the other more of a shifty runner, and both are expected to split time carrying the pigskin. Hoover’s receiving corps is almost entirely new to starting roles. Senior Anderson Clark returns at tight end after a strong offseason, while junior Jordon Ward, senior Jamyreion Dickerson and senior Blake Clark are among the receivers expected to step into larger roles. Up front, Hoover returns both starting tackles in senior Rocco Rossi at right tackle and junior Zachari Moore at left tackle. Sophomore Braylen Cariveau is working back from a knee injury and gives the Bucs flexibility at guard or center. “I feel like we probably have eight guys that can step out there on a Friday night and do some really good things,” English said of the offensive line.

DEFENSE Hoover’s secondary returns significant experience, anchored by seniors D.J. Waluyn, Jordan Williams and Anquan Allen. Junior Aidan Callins adds depth to the group. At linebacker, senior Nathan Johnson steps into a starting role for the first time despite his experience in the program, alongside junior Uriah Crawford and ju-

STARNES MEDIA

2026 SCHEDULE Aug. 21: vs. Muscle Shoals Aug. 27: @ Opelika Sept. 4: @ Hewitt-Trussville* Sept. 11: vs. Prattville* Sept. 18: @ Oak Mountain* Sept. 25: vs. Knoxville Catholic (TN) Oct. 2: vs. Thompson* Oct. 9: @ Vestavia Hills* Oct. 16: vs. Spain Park* Oct. 23: @ Tuscaloosa County* Oct. 30: OPEN *Region game

COACHES HEAD COACH Chip English Overall record: 55-67 At Hoover: 16-8 Tenure: 3rd season

ASSISTANT COACHES

» Defensive coordinator/defensive 2025 RESULTS 6-5 overall, reached 1st round of Class 7A playoffs IMG Academy (FL): L 34-13 Spain Park: W 21-10 Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa: L 34-26 Hewitt-Trussville: L 17-14 Prattville: W 48-23 Parker: W 45-42 Oak Mountain: W 48-21 Tuscaloosa County: W 51-7 Thompson: W 33-30 Vestavia Hills: L 39-30 PLAYOFFS Central-Phenix City: L 34-10

line/associate head coach: Josh Reeves

» Offensive coordinator/wide receivers: » Special teams coordinator: » Safeties/co-special teams coordinator: » Cornerbacks: » Defensive ends/edge rushers: » Star linebackers: » Defensive line: » Wide receivers: » Running backs: » Tight ends: » Offensive line/assistant head coach: » Director of Sports Performance: » Director of Football Operations: William Eads

Aus-

tin Harrell

Zach Franks

Devin Patterson

Levi Estes

Dustin Edgar

Jerry Fuqua

Russ Pilkington

Richard Floyd

Jacob Phillips

Brad Pounds

nior Khonor Latham. Up front, senior Jovon Pulliam returns off an all-state season at defensive end and is expected to anchor the line. Senior Jordan Williams and sophomore Jaymon Knight, who played significant snaps as a freshman, add experience and depth, while senior Christian Harris steps into a starting role for the first time as well. “Jovon Pulliam was able to really change the game on what he was able to do,” English said. “When you have guys up front that can do that, it allows those secondary guys to play a little more risky.”

Gavin Hallford

David Crabtree

SPECIAL TEAMS Senior Grant Morrison returns at punter after averaging close to 40 yards per kick a year ago, and senior Steele Witschy takes over placekicking duties. Hoover will also need to replace graduated long snapper Lincoln Anderson, who held the job for three seasons.

UNDER THE LIGHTS

HOOVER TEAM ROSTER NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

0 Paxton Weatherly

23 Christian August

71 Braylen Cariveau

Malik Boggan

24 Jamal Jones

72 Zachari Moore

DJ Waluyn

25 Khonor Latham

73 Donovan Miller

Jordan Williams

26 Kali Boatman

74 Houston Fulton

Blake Clark

28 Joey O'Donnell

75 Rocco Rossi

Anquan Allen

30 Connor Seymour

77 Micheal McCain

4 Andrew Renfroe

31 Trent Felder

78 Caleb Richard

4 Aidan Callins

31 Christian Harris

79 Kemori White

Jordon Ward

32 Mikhail Pitts

80 Nathan Joiner

Uriah Crawford

33 King Sims

81 Xavier Lawson

Jamyreion Dickerson

36 Javon Wairimu

82 Hanley Barron

Kaleb Freeman

37 Grant Morrison

84 Christian Watters

Jovon Pulliam

39 Steele Witschy

86 Xavier Dowdell

Jordan Williams

40 Harrison Descher

87 Isaiah Smith

10 Anderson Clark

42 Max Vessey

88 Kaleb Greene

Oliver Crowell

44 Xavier Spearman

89 Jamari Hairston

Nathan Johnson

45 Mason Cobia

90 Isiah Martin

12 Kenneth Walker

52 Jayden Evans

91 Kevin Flores

13 Micah Square

58 Dominic Anderson

93 Zach Morrell

14 Noah Crawford

60 Walker Weed

94 Mario Gibbs

15 KJ Wright

61 Caiden Cowan

95 Kebba Drammeh

16 Ashtyn King

62 Chase Hollingshead

96 Tucker Crabtree

17 Faris Salameh

63 Abel Turner

97 Fabian Manzo

20 Lake Hendricks

64 Shiv Patel

98 Matthew Threatt

21 Myles Bunkley

66 Henry Wright

99 Jaymon Knight

22 Hunter Wetherholt

70 Hayden Sain

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AUGUST 2026

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JOHN CARROLL

Cavaliers step into new facilities and new classification By Kyle Parmley John Carroll Catholic High School enters Will Mara’s seventh season as head coach with a new home to go with a new region. The Cavaliers move from Class 5A into Private-AA, Region 2 this fall, after the AHSAA split public and private schools. The Cavs will do all this in new facilities the current senior class watched rise from construction over the past two years. “This senior group, it’s a great group of leaders, and they’ve kind of taken the reins on it within the transition,” Mara said. “They’ve embraced all that and decided that they were going to work through all of it.” The Cavaliers graduated 20 seniors off last year’s roster and return 18 this fall. Mara said the group has taken ownership of the new building, down to drafting responsibility for different rooms inside it, from the hallways to the new weight room, which opened for the team for the first time this summer. “Seeing them take responsibility and pride in it has been a fun part,” Mara said. The renovation project has proceeded from turf and a new video scoreboard at the football stadium last fall, to the completion of an overhauled facility. The locker rooms, coaches’ offices and weight rooms are new, and the building has plenty of features that can be used beyond simply the football program as well. “That facility, everything was done with all students in mind,” Mara said. Mara pointed to the regular season finale as last year’s signature moment, a comeback from a 17-0 halftime deficit against West Blocton that included an onside kick, a safety, a tying score and a walk-off touchdown in overtime. “It was a great way to end the season, a great way to build momentum into the offseason,” Mara said. Mara said the move to a new classification and region has added some logistical wrinkles, including chartering buses for

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TRUMAN VINES (6) road trips the Cavaliers haven’t taken before. But the games are the same. “The preparation hasn’t changed,” Mara said. “We understood there’s a little bit more of a learning curve.” John Carroll opens the season at home against Homewood on Aug. 21 in the Battle of Lakeshore, then travels to Talladega the following week before region play begins Sept. 4 against American Christian. The Cavaliers travel to St. John Paul II, Westminster Christian, Briarwood and Randolph and host Lee-Scott Academy and Madison Academy within the region. John Carroll has an open date Sept. 25 and closes the regular season at home against Leeds.

OFFENSE A quarterback battle is underway between junior Harry White, who started last season, and senior Carson Lewis, a transfer from Oak Mountain. “Both of them are working hard, and I’m excited about both of them and their development,” Mara said.

At running back, junior Aubrey Coker returns as a two-year starter, with sophomore Jeremiah Hubbard, a transfer from Hoover, also in the mix. At receiver, senior Kannon Hammock returns as a three-year starter and has added speed in the offseason, while senior Tucker Rice also returns. Senior Cam Graham is back after tearing his rotator cuff two seasons ago and will play a hybrid role, capable of lining up at receiver or in the backfield. Senior Truman Vines returns at tight end and has emerged as one of the team’s clear leaders, alongside senior Hugh Tighe, who anchors the offensive line at left tackle. TJ Richardson will also help out at tight end and receiver this season. Senior Kyle Heberlein, senior Colton Redmond and sophomore Luke Pilato and senior Kaden Bellew round out a line Mara said may see some flipping of positions as fall camp continues. “That whole unit has to be together,” Mara said of the offensive line. “If one of those guys doesn’t do their job correctly, it messes up the whole play.”

AUGUST 2026

JOHN CARROLL

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COACHES HEAD COACH Will Mara Overall record: 28-34 At John Carroll: 28-34 Tenure: 7th season

ASSISTANT COACHES

» Defensive coordinator/linebackers: » Quarterbacks: » Running backs: » Offensive line: » Wide receivers: » Defensive backs: » Defensive line: Dennis Therell

Stan White

Trent Richardson

Rob Crawford

Jharod Johnson Tony Honeycutt

Scott Spencer

DEFENSE John Carroll loses significant senior leadership on defense and will lean on a group that spent last season absorbing the system on JV. Up front, Connor Mitchell, sophomore Connie Tripp, juniors Alex Maenza and Nick Garrido anchor the line. At linebacker, sophomore Aven McCall, sophomore Broden Elkins and sophomore Ethan Duffy will rotate, with Liam Gill and Judah Metcalf, who both saw spot duty a year ago, at the star position. Jacob Varner is also in the mix at linebacker. The secondary features junior Skyler Carmichael, senior Kieran Ford and senior Lucas Rankin at corner, with junior Manley Fleming, senior Aiden Van Matre and Chris Collins at safety.

SPECIAL TEAMS Senior Ryan Swetz returns at punter, and senior Max Sullivan returns at kicker. Hubbard and Graham are expected to handle kick return duties, with Collins also in the mix on both kicks and punts.

UNDER THE LIGHTS

HUGH TIGHE (77)

2026 SCHEDULE

2025 RESULTS

Aug. 21: vs. Homewood

3-7 overall, missed playoffs

Aug. 28: @ Talladega

Homewood: L 51-7

Sept. 4: vs. American Christian*

St. Michael: L 49-28

Sept. 11: @ St. John Paul II*

Carver-Birmingham: L 32-16

Sept. 18: vs. Lee-Scott*

Hayden: W 36-26

Sept. 25: OPEN

Ramsay: L 40-7

Oct. 2: @ Westminster Christian*

Montevallo: W 47-7

Oct. 9: @ Briarwood*

Wenonah: L 33-14

Oct. 16: vs. Madison Academy*

Briarwood: L 23-7

Oct. 23: @ Randolph*

Corner: L 42-7

Oct. 30: vs. Leeds

West Blocton: W 24-23 (OT)

*Region game

AUGUST 2026

JOHN CARROLL TEAM ROSTER NO. NAME

POS.

GRADE 12

NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

0 Judah Metcalf

48 Tommy Theilen

74 Luke Pilato

Truman Vines

TE/DB 12

51 Connie Tripp

77 Hugh Tighe

Cameron Graham

WR/LB 12

53 John Stiles

80 Joshua Davis

Aiden Van Matre

DB/WR 12

54 Kaden Bellew

OL/DL 12

84 Levi Elliott

4 Aubrey Coker

55 Colton Redmond

87 Miller Shafer

Tucker Rice

WR/DB 12

56 Nick Garrido

DL/OL 11

89 James Chandler

Lucas Rankin

66 Kyle Heberlein

95 Connor Mitchell

Kieran Ford

WR/DB 12

67 Elam Gibson

OL/DL 10

UNDER THE LIGHTS

11 12

8 Kannon Hammock

WR/DB 12

Skyler Carmichael

DB/WR 11

Harry White

12 TJ Richardson

WR/LB 8

13 Trevin McCall

DB/WR 12

13 Jeremiah Hubbard

14 Joseph Hounkpe

15 Carson Lewis

16 Noah Phillips

WR/DB 12

17 DJ Fortune

18 Max Sullivan

19 Liam Gill

20 Brayden Meacham

21 Chris Collins

DB/WR 10

22 Purpose Henderson

23 Manley Fleming

DB/WR 11

24 CJ Mitchell

LB/TE 11

25 Grayson Snider

26 Diesel Ephraim

27 Liam Veasey

28 William Vines

29 Liam Rice

31 Paxton Spadoni

32 Jacob Varner

33 Aven McCall

34 David Faulkner

LB/RB 9

35 Marques McConico

WR/DB 9

36 Asher Pinette

WR/DB 9

37 Ryan Swetz

38 James Speers

WR/DB 9

40 Luke Wilson

42 Broden Elkins

44 Ethan Duffy

45 Alex Maenza

46 Ronan Nelan

WR/DB 9

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KANNON HAMMOCK (8)

MOUNTAIN BROOK

Spartans lean on experienced defense while offense reloads By Kyle Parmley Mountain Brook High School enters Chris Yeager’s 21st season as head coach with a roster that’s short on returning starters but long on players who’ve grown up in the program together. “There’s not a day that’s gone by that I haven’t walked away thinking we got some things done today,” Yeager said of coaching a young team. “You can see improvement from day to day to day.” The Spartans also shift into a new region as part of the state’s latest classi-

fication cycle, one that puts Mountain Brook with a mix of familiar and new opponents. “You get to see new teams, new coaches, different coaching philosophies, different schemes,” Yeager said. “We’ll be traveling to some places we haven’t traveled to before.” Mountain Brook opens the season on the road against Hueytown on Aug. 21, then travels to Mobile to face UMSWright the following week. Region play begins Sept. 4 at Homewood, a familiar opponent from the previous area. The

Spartans host Helena and Ramsay and travel to Chilton County and Calera within the region, with Chelsea and Pelham both visiting later in the year. Mountain Brook also hosts Oxford in a non-region game Sept. 25 and closes the regular season with an open date Oct. 30.

OFFENSE Offensive coordinator Brad Easley, entering his fifth year at Mountain Brook, said this year’s offense is inexperienced across the board but eager to learn. A quarterback battle between senior Pruet

JOHN COLVIN (20)

UNDER THE LIGHTS

AUGUST 2026

MOUNTAIN BROOK James and junior Caden Bryant will continue into fall camp. “They both have physical ability, they can throw the ball, they can both run,” Yeager said. “But that position is supposed to elevate the people around them.” The offensive line returns the fewest experienced pieces of any group, but Easley praised its effort and selflessness. Senior John Bradford returns at center, with seniors Henry Slaughter, Bradley Bales and Robert Moore, junior Bain Thorstad, junior D.Y. Menendez and sophomore Mac Russell rounding out a line still finding its identity. At tight end, seniors Bennett Jordan and Wallace Hunter give the Spartans size and experience, both capable of blocking and catching while helping mentor the newer faces around them. Mountain Brook’s receiving corps is led by seniors John Colvin and Archie Andrews, both entering their third year as starters, a rarity at the position in this program. Colvin will also see snaps at running back. Junior Brock Wilkinson and junior Robinson Peer provide depth behind them. At running back, sophomore Beau Payne has emerged as the primary ball

BENNETT JORDAN (81) carrier, with Easley praising his effort on every snap over any single skill. “He knows no other gear but full speed,” Easley said.

DEFENSE

GRAHAM SMITH (43)

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Mountain Brook’s defense returns just one full-season starter from a year ago in senior Will Ellis, but defensive coordinator Shane Stearns, entering his fifth year running the defense, said the group has already built the kind of depth on the defensive line that was missing a few seasons ago. “It’s not what we do, it’s how we do it,” Stearns said of the program’s defensive identity. “The amount of precision and depth we can get into our fronts is what makes us different.” Up front, senior Henry Walton has played all three line spots and takes pride in his versatility. He’s joined by Ellis, senior Mason Baynes and senior Payne Pennebaker, who moved down from linebacker to add speed to the front. Senior Skip Stuermann and junior Alex Long, a converted safety, man the Rover po-

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MOUNTAIN BROOK

Proud supporter of Mountain Brook Spartans Athletics! 205.415.7536 • gunndermatology.com

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32 Church Street, Mountain Brook, AL 35213

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AUGUST 2026

391 Rele Street, Mountain Brook, AL 35223

MOUNTAIN BROOK

COACHES HEAD COACH Chris Yeager Overall record: 195-93 At Mountain Brook: 170-73 Tenure: 21st season

ASSISTANT COACHES

PEARSON TRAMMELL (36)

» Defensive coordinator: » Offensive coordinator: » Safeties: » Linebackers: » Defensive line: » Cornerbacks/special teams coordinator: » Tight ends/receivers: » Offensive line: » Running backs: » Wide receivers: » Strength and conditioning: Shane

2026 SCHEDULE

2025 RESULTS

Stearns

Brad

Easley

Aug. 21: @ Hueytown

9-4 overall, reached Class 6A quar-

Aug. 28: @ UMS-Wright

terfinals

Sept. 4: @ Homewood*

Demopolis: W 44-7

Sept. 10: vs. Helena*

Parker: L 27-11

Sept. 18: @ Chilton County*

Hueytown: W 30-27 (OT)

Sept. 25: vs. Oxford

Pell CIty: L 10-3

Oct. 2: vs. Ramsay*

Oxford: W 42-14

Oct. 9: @ Calera*

Homewood: W 25-24 (OT)

Oct. 16: vs. Chelsea*

Clay-Chalkville: L 49-0

Oct. 22: vs. Pelham

Pinson Valley: W 39-35

Oct. 30: OPEN

Huffman: W 43-0

*Region game

Shades Valley: W 34-7 PLAYOFFS Mortimer Jordan: W 38-0

sition, a hybrid end spot in Mountain Brook’s scheme. At linebacker, senior Graham Smith returns as a full-time starter, with junior Josh Holloway, who started the final four or five games of last season due to injury, also back. Junior Gray Anderson and junior Miller Teague both saw varsity reps a year ago and are pushing for time, with senior Rowland Nichols also in the mix. Stearns said the staff is still looking for another linebacker to step forward. The secondary is anchored by senior Pearson Trammell at safety, alongside junior Wyatt Sleeper, a converted receiver. Junior Luke Carroll returns at

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Fort Payne: W 35-14

Richard Kelly

Buddy Pell

Chris Metcalf,

Charlie Vines

Gabe Rodriguez

Geoff

Walters

Ricky Palao,

Keith Maple

David Powell,

Jalen Henderson

Cortez Hall

Kyle

Speer

Muscle Shoals: L 24-7

cornerback, and sophomore Sam Young has emerged as the other starting corner after a strong summer, with senior Jack Bright providing depth on the back end. Stearns said the staff has shifted its evaluation of the defense away from raw yardage totals and toward what he calls havoc points, a metric that tracks tackles for loss, forced fumbles, recoveries and interceptions. He said the correlation has been clear on tape.

“Every drive where we got some kind of havoc point, we got off the field. Every drive when we didn’t, we did not get off the field,” Stearns said.

SPECIAL TEAMS Senior Patrick Crye returns as long snapper, a role he said he fell into by accident before falling in love with it. Senior William Russ handles placekicking duties. “I love it. I don’t want to be noticed, I want to be perfect every time,” Crye said.

UNDER THE LIGHTS

MOUNTAIN BROOK TEAM ROSTER NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

10 Pruet James

40 Yates Yarbrough

68 JB Hall

10 Graham Smith

40 Miller Teague

69 Henry Slaughter

Robinson Peer

43 Davis Hunt

70 Luke Stracener

Will Trotter

44 Rowland Nichols

71 Patrick Crye

12 JD Morris

45 Hayes Miller

72 Jude Moore

12 Caden Bryant

46 Henry Meadows

75 Charlie Shea

13 Patton Thornton

48 Payne Pennebaker

76 John Beck

14 Brock Wilkinson

50 William Walter

77 Bain Thorstad

15 Alex Long

52 Potter Mouron

78 Morgan Nelson

15 Collin Baugh

TE/WR 10

52 Hans Montgomery

79 Hunt Hill

16 Paul Juliano

QB/WR 10

54 John Bradford

81 Bennett Jordan

16 Jackson Schneider

55 Mason Davis

87 Spencer Weathers

17 Luke Carroll

56 Mac Russell

88 Wallace Hunter

17 Jack Newell

56 William Gerth

90 Wake Rushin

18 Pearson Trammell

58 Henry Dukes

91 Bo Giordano

19 Maxwell Brown

59 D.Y. Menendez

92 Braylon Cooley

19 Archie Andrews

60 Coleman Wallace

94 Jackson McMakin

20 Trent Griffin

61 Bradley Bales

95 John Michael Straughn

20 John Colvin

WR/RB 12

63 Robert Moore

96 Slade Wood

21 Sam Young

65 Charlie Silsbee

97 Henry Walton

21 Beau Payne

66 Mac White

98 Aston Falasca

22 Whit Anderson

67 James Reed Lawrence

99 Mason Baynes

22 Perry James

23 Wyatt Sleeper

24 Pryor Roberts

25 Glenn Drennan

25 William Russ

DB/K

26 Butler Teague

26 Thomas Menendez

27 James Balanis

28 Graham Welden

29 Skip Stuermann

30 Charlie Ashford

31 Cole Miles

32 Jack Bright

33 Brody Speer

34 Josh Holloway

35 Lassiter Silsbee

35 Bo Finch

37 Jack DeMedicis

38 Carter McNeil

39 Will Ellis

UNDER THE LIGHTS

HENRY SLAUGHTER (69)

AUGUST 2026

OAK MOUNTAIN

Kervin builds culture as Eagles chase elusive playoff berth By Kyle Parmley Oak Mountain High School enters a new era this fall under first-year head coach Jason Kervin, and the rebuild has started with the small tasks. The attention to detail has been present from day one. “We don’t have custodians vacuum our locker rooms anymore. We’ve got our own vacuums, we vacuum our own locker rooms,” Kervin said. “It takes time for kids to embrace those things and understand that it’s not punishment.” Kervin said the offseason program ran well from January through spring, though his full defensive staff, including

coordinator Michael Brown, wasn’t yet in place. Since that group arrived, Kervin said the coaches have worked daily to reinforce the same language and expectations across the board. “Everybody seemed to be locked in, they’re eager to learn,” Kervin said. “It’s not just offenses and defenses we’re teaching, it’s culture, how we act, how we behave, how we celebrate, how early we get here, when we leave.” The program’s goal is straightforward: reach the playoffs for the first time since 2021, something that has been just out of reach for Oak Mountain in recent years. “First of all, our goal is to get to the playoffs,” Kervin said. “I think the biggest

thing is to play in a way that is clean and physical.” Oak Mountain opens the season at home against Pelham on Aug. 21, then hosts Buckhorn the following week before region play begins Sept. 4 at Spain Park. The Eagles travel to Vestavia Hills, Prattville and Tuscaloosa County and host Hoover, Hewitt-Trussville and Thompson within the region. Oak Mountain has an open date Sept. 25 and closes the regular season on the road at Homewood.

OFFENSE Kervin’s offense runs through junior quarterback Charlie Vacarella, who started as a sophomore a year ago. Kervin

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OAK MOUNTAIN coached Vacarella’s cousin, Christopher, at Hoover and said Charlie’s experience last season gave him confidence in what he was getting. “Anytime you’ve got a quarterback that has experience as a sophomore, that level is going to pay dividends as a junior,” Kervin said. The offensive line was an early point of emphasis, and Kervin said the addition of line coach Austin Stidham has made a difference after a spring and offseason together. Senior Luke Kelly returns at center as the group’s vocal leader, flanked by seniors John Bay Whatley at right guard and Jackson Ingle at left guard. Junior Sam Oswalt has emerged at right tackle, and junior Eli Ervin, Kervin’s most highly regarded lineman behind Kelly, returns at left tackle. Charles Larkin is also in the mix up front. At running back, Oak Mountain returns senior Judson Sachs and senior Kentrell Tolbert, a pairing Kervin called a legitimate one-two punch. “Kentrell is as talented a running back as I’ve ever coached,” Kervin said. Kervin wants to build around two tight

JUDSON SACHS (26)

WILLIAM YODER (10)

UNDER THE LIGHTS

AUGUST 2026

OAK MOUNTAIN 2026 SCHEDULE Aug. 21: vs. Pelham Aug. 28: vs. Buckhorn Sept. 4: @ Spain Park* Sept. 11: @ Vestavia Hills* Sept. 18: vs. Hoover* Sept. 25: OPEN Oct. 2: vs. Hewitt-Trussville* Oct. 9: @ Prattville* Oct. 16: @ Tuscaloosa County* Oct. 23: vs. Thompson* Oct. 30: @ Homewood *Region game

DEFENSE Oak Mountain’s defensive line will be undersized for the region, but Kervin said the group plays with more toughness than its size suggests. Senior Peyton Gamble is the unit’s leader, a hybrid edge player who Kervin said had three sacks in the spring game. Junior Zander Pender and senior James McCallister, a wrestler, round out a line Kervin wants to keep moving and disguising. At linebacker, senior William Yoder led the region in tackles a year ago and anchors the middle of the defense. “He’s a tackling machine,” Kervin said. “He’s going to be able to master Coach Brown’s defense and get everybody lined up.” Senior Nolan Lawson and sophomore Aiden Molette are competing at Will linebacker, with junior Keenan Wolf playing a hybrid role at Spur.

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HEAD COACH Jason Kervin Overall record: 21-33 At Oak Mountain: 0-0 Tenure: 1st season

ASSISTANT COACHES

CHARLIE VACARELLA (11) ends and a fullback, a group he said didn’t previously exist in the program. Junior Tucker Kelly, a converted lineman and Luke Kelly’s cousin, headlines that group along with junior Brody Hughes, junior Labree Ham and sophomore Silas Allday. At receiver, senior Okoye Walker brings track speed and physicality on the outside, while senior Jacob Gibbs, a transfer from Pelham, adds another proven target. Senior Blaise Hayes works out of the slot, and junior Isaac Booth, who caught a long touchdown against Hoover as a sophomore, rounds out the group.

COACHES

2025 RESULTS 4-6 overall, missed playoffs Briarwood: W 14-3 Pelham: W 30-29 Prattville: L 27-6 Thompson: L 41-0 Tuscaloosa County: W 43-7 Hoover: L 48-21 Vestavia Hills: L 41-0 Hewitt-Trussville: L 36-21 Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa: L 25-23 Chelsea: W 26-0

» Assistant head coach/wide receivers: » Associate head coach/defensive Ryan Brewer

coordinator/special teams coordi-

nator/linebackers: Michael Brown

» Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks: » Run game coordinator/offensive line: » Assistant strength and conditioning/safeties: » Strength and conditioning/cornerbacks: » Defensive line: » Outside linebackers/defensive line: » Tight ends/fullbacks: » Offensive line: » Defensive analyst: Jerad Holder

Austin Stidham

Jacori Goodwin

Marquis Dobbs

Hunter Reese

Spencer White

Dylan

The secondary returns only one starter from a year ago in senior Clay Mills, who Kervin called the leader of the back end. Junior Deacon Brewer and junior Cooper Campbell round out the safety group. Junior Josiah Sachs, younger brother of running back Judson Sachs, starts at one cornerback spot, with senior Matthew Beard, a converted receiver, and senior Paxton Haley providing depth on the other side.

Maxwell

Harley Madison

Joshua Taylor

SPECIAL TEAMS Senior Josh Renfro returns as both placekicker and punter. Sophomore Joe Junkin will push for kickoff and field goal duties and also serves as holder, while sophomore George Ball returns at long snapper.

PEYTON GAMBLE (15)

UNDER THE LIGHTS

OAK MOUNTAIN TEAM ROSTER NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

0 Okoye Walker

19 Matthew Mumper Jr.

53 Hunter Misso

Kentrell Tolbert

20 Sawyer Pruitt

54 Carter Steen

Amari Pritchett

20 Tyler Mosely

54 Joseph Burton

Josiah Sachs

21 Darion Parker

55 Parker Countryman

Charlie Vacarella

21 Cadyn Lindsey

55 Hamp Fields

Blaise Hayes

22 Labree Ham

56 Zane White

Deacon Brewer

22 Mason Alexander

57 RJ Elwell

Cordiea Williams

22 Cole Praytor

58 Titus Taylor

Peyton Gamble

23 Rhys Watkin

60 Will Dunham

Hudson Brewer

ATH

23 Tate Strickland

61 Walt Simpson

Clay Mills

24 Brody Hughes

62 Robert Boyd

Isaac Booth

25 Joshua Renfro

63 Barrett Feldman

Marcus Tartt

26 Eli Byars

64 John Bay Whatley

Jacob Gibbs

27 Judson Hopkins

69 Luke Kelly

Keenan Wolf

27 Brody Hall

71 Caden Sewell

Judson Sachs

28 Nixan Eady

72 Hudson Lee

Zander Pender

29 Cooper Campbell

74 Charles Larkin

Tripp Smith

30 Carter Hopkins

74 Everett Meadows

8 Nolan Lawson

30 Robert McKinnon

75 Sam Oswalt

8 Parker Kervin

31 Joseph Junkin

76 Noah Horn

Collin Graham

32 Luke Cannon

78 Eli Ervin

Max Coby

33 Tucker Kelly

80 Wyatt Turner

Hayes Wylie

34 Kaiden Johnson

81 Luke Marriner

10 William Yoder

35 Joshua Smith

82 Luker Cannon

10 Brooks Denard

36 Elijah Armstrong

82 Tyler Clark

Aiden Molette

36 William Milton

83 AJ Yonfa

Grayson Haley

37 James Zellander

84 Henry Harrison

12 Eli Eason

40 Bennett Williamon

85 Turner Uhrig

12 Bryson Ball

41 Zivai Mtyora

89 Yates Crawford

12 Chase Romanowski

42 Max Byrd

92 Levi Ross

12 Scott Warren

43 Silas Allday

93 Aaden Stallworth

13 Warren Blackburn

44 Carter Clayton

93 Carter Miller

13 William Hodgson

45 Clayton Wolf

94 Jacob Stone

14 Paxton Haley

46 Shepherd Devane

97 Carson Brown

15 Colt Sewell

47 Murphy Logan

98 Kyle Williams

15 Jacob Ingle

48 James McCallister

99 Matthew Millar

16 Brooks Branch

49 John Baker

16 Caleb McCandless

50 Jackson Ingle

17 Matthew Beard

51 Matthew Townley

17 Cason Sciascia

52 Mason Jacobik

18 James Isbell

52 Rhett Hartsfield

18 John David Nichols

53 George Ball

UNDER THE LIGHTS

AUGUST 2026

SPAIN PARK

Jaguars lean on culture and new pieces as they return to largest classification By Kyle Parmley Spain Park High School enters 2026 with a small senior class, just 23 players, but what head coach Tim Vakakes describes as a program culture that’s been fully embraced by a group that has watched it be built by the classes before them. “I think our kids understand our culture going into year five,” Vakakes said. “This group loves each other. It’s a close group.” The Jaguars move back up into the state’s largest classification and region this fall, a jump Vakakes said his players are ready for given the atmosphere those bigger Friday nights bring. Class 6A, Region 3 will have many familiar foes

that will test the Jags on a weekly basis. “I think that’s going to be the difference from last year to this year, just the atmospheres,” Vakakes said. “I think our coaches will have our kids prepared, and they’re excited about every Friday night.” Vakakes called last season rewarding despite a disappointing finish, a 35-31 defeat at eventual state runner-up Saraland in the second round of the playoffs. He said that senior class set a standard he expects to carry into this season without the current team feeling like it has to live up to specific individual comparisons. “Those kids have won 21 games the last two years,” Vakakes said. “I think that shows this group they can do it, too.” Spain Park opens the season on the road against Sparkman on Aug. 21, then hosts Bessemer City the following week

before region play begins Sept. 4 against Oak Mountain. The Jaguars host Thompson and Tuscaloosa County and travel to Vestavia Hills, Prattville, Hoover and Hewitt-Trussville within the region. Spain Park has an open date Sept. 25 and closes the regular season at home against James Clemens.

OFFENSE Junior Nash Davis takes over at quarterback after serving as the backup a season ago. Vakakes said Davis has the talent to be a major college recruit but is coming off arm surgery and should be cleared to practice a few weeks before the season opens. At running back, CJ Davis transfers in from Hewitt-Trussville, and senior Hudson Hibbard, last year’s backup quarter-

NASH DAVIS (13)

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UNDER THE LIGHTS

SPAIN PARK

BARRETT PRICE (7)

JAYLEN MOSLEY (1)

back, moves into the backfield as well. The receiving corps is led by junior Barrett Price, who Vakakes said has already earned multiple offers this offseason through his work ethic at camps. Senior tight ends Connor Greb and Landrick Hallman and junior Sawyer Scott give Spain Park size in an offense that uses multiple tight ends, while senior Brody Smith, the son of an assistant coach, is expected to step into a leadership role at receiver. Up front, senior Sammy Camargo returns at center, and junior Sawyer Pearson, who arrived last year from Florida, has grown into a 285-pound lineman. Junior Isaac Harris returns as a starter, and Eli Berry, a transfer from Helena, and Deonta Pickett, a transfer from Hewitt-Trussville, add depth to the group.

DEFENSE Spain Park’s secondary returns significant experience in seniors Tristan Hill and Jaylen Mosley, with junior Dwight Beckford also back after playing extensively as a sophomore. At linebacker, Tyler Wilson and Jonathan Roberto anchor the group, with Roberto in his third season as a produc-

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TRISTAN HILL (12)

AUGUST 2026

SPAIN PARK

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UNDER THE LIGHTS

SPAIN PARK

COACHES HEAD COACH Tim Vakakes Overall record: 80-59 At Spain Park: 31-14 Tenure: 5th season

ASSISTANT COACHES

» Special teams coordinator: » Defensive coordinator: » Wide receivers: » Fullbacks/tight ends: » Quarterbacks: » Offensive line: » Defensive backs: » Defensive line: » Outside linebackers: » Kickers: » Operations:

Matt

Thompson

David

Bush

TJ Simmons Daron

NIC HENDRIX (64)

Arrington

Jordan Pannell

2026 SCHEDULE Aug. 21: @ Sparkman

2025 RESULTS 9-3 overall, reached 2nd round of

Aug. 28: vs. Bessemer City

Class 6A playoffs

Sept. 4: vs. Oak Mountain*

Sparkman: W 48-21

Carey Moorer,

Lincoln Clark

Danny Kimble,

Barry Ward

Adrian Abrams,

Daris Robinson

Sept. 11: vs. Thompson*

Hoover: L 21-10

Sept. 18: @ Vestavia Hills*

Helena: W 38-14

Sept. 25: OPEN

Benjamin Russell: L 35-34

Oct. 2: @ Prattville*

James Clemens: W 28-7

Oct. 8: vs. Tuscaloosa County*

Pelham: W 42-7

Oct. 16: @ Hoover*

Chelsea: W 44-7

Oct. 23: @ Hewitt-Trussville*

Calera: W 42-13

Oct. 29: vs. James Clemens

Chilton County: W 49-0

a strength,” Vakakes said. “It’s got some

*Region game

Gardendale: W 45-17

speed, it’s got some length, and they’re

PLAYOFFS

tough.”

tive player at the position. Junior Israel Anders, junior Hudson Dees, senior Kam Lewis and Malakai Pitts round out the group. Vakakes said the defensive line has a chance to be the team’s strength, led by MJ Evans, a heavily recruited lineman who recently committed to Auburn. Senior Jaylen Bates and his younger broth-

UNDER THE LIGHTS

Taylor

Diamond

Matt Hall

Bryan Tull

“That D-line group has a chance to be

McAdory: W 24-13 Saraland: L 35-31

SPECIAL TEAMS Senior Garrett Hoffman and sopho-

er, sophomore Jakobie Bates, add size, and junior Wyatt Baty and junior James Jones round out the front. Senior Nic Hendrix moved over from the offensive line this spring to add strength inside.

more Aiden Holliman will compete at kicker, while Zach Jones-Van Pelt returns as punter. Senior Elijah Blair and junior Asher McBride are among the candidates competing for the long snapper job.

AUGUST 2026

SPAIN PARK TEAM ROSTER NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

0 Tristan Hill

24 Jack Henson

80 Asher Grizzle

Landrick Hallman

25 Nolan Walker

81 Lawton Clark

Jaylen Bates

26 Jakobie Bates

82 Weston Dye

Dekati El

27 Joshua Tenney

83 Tristen Goodyear

Jaylen Mosley

28 Kason Goodman

84 Marquarius King

Connor Greb

29 Madden Tubb

85 Zion Agee

Kristian Carter

30 Kamren Dozier

86 Ford Tate

4 Tyler Wilson

31 Mac Beverly

87 Kaleb Martin

Brody Smith

32 Israel Anders

88 Ayden Henderson

Wyatt Baty

33 Lyndon Tatum

90 Abdul Awwad

Sawyer Scott

34 Cole Bailey

92 Aiden Whitley

Jonathan Roberto

35 Brooks Brand

95 Crawford Portera

Barrett Price

36 Elijah Blair

97 Nate Hendrix

Malakai Pitts

37 Matthew Iwanski

99 Bryan Truong

8 Hudson Hibbard

38 Garrett Kline

8 Dwight Beckford

39 Caleb Matherson

Taylor Jones

41 Isaac Southerland

James Jones

UNDER THE LIGHTS

42 Zach Jones-Van Pelt

10 Nash Davis

43 Peter Abawi

44 Beau Broderick

12 Kaiden Stevenson

45 Christian Forman

13 Benton Tate

46 Thomas Burnett

13 Ryan Harvey

47 Aiden Holliman

14 Tye Price

48 Joshua Knutsen

14 Micah Hale

49 Hudson Mavity

15 Luke Kramer

50 Garrett Hoffman

15 Donald Lukima

50 Jackson Wollitz

16 Jordan Feagins

51 Connor Lutenbacher

16 Brennan Charles

51 Sawyer Pearson

17 Everett Thorson

52 Deonta Pickett

17 Marquis Evans

53 Wade Russell

18 Dexter Brunson

55 Colton Spencer

19 Arnav Kumar

56 Aden Newell

19 Anderson Walker

58 Isaac Harris

20 John Malouf

59 Keidryn Smith

20 Jakobe Gibbs

63 Sammy Camargo

21 Asher McBride

64 Nic Hendrix

21 Caiden Terrell

66 Eli Berry

22 Kam Lewis

69 Mason Palmer

23 Jameer Hudson

72 Cash Nicholson

23 Hudson Dees

75 Eli Motes

24 Malakhi Davison

79 Jay West

CJ Davis

STARNES MEDIA

VESTAVIA HILLS

Rebels return experience on both sides By Kyle Parmley Vestavia Hills High School enters Robert Evans’ fifth season as head coach coming off a program-record run, including a top-100 national ranking and a No. 2 finish in the Class 7A state rankings. “We have a lot of program highlights now,” Evans said. “We’ve made the playoffs for the fourth year in a row after not making it for six years in a row.” The Rebels are now in Class 6A, Region 3, after the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s split of public and private schools, and the state’s largest classification now has a realigned play-

off format, with the top six teams in each of the four regions qualifying for the playoffs. Evans said that should make for a more competitive bracket across the classification. Vestavia Hills hasn’t hosted a home playoff game in 13 years, and Evans said finishing in the top four of the region to secure one is a stated goal for this season. “Our margins are razor thin, we have to stay healthy, have good fortune and play well,” Evans said. Evans said the coaching staff has stayed largely intact on both sides of the ball, a rarity he doesn’t take for granted, though the defense has made some

schematic changes over the offseason after studying programs with different approaches. “You get tape and you really dive into it,” Evans said. “The stuff you’re not good at, you probably need to adjust.” Evans pointed to a plus-eight turnover margin last season, after three straight years in the negative, as a key factor behind the team’s success. He said the staff has also built its offense around a specific scoring target each week. “We’re always going to try to be the aggressor and play a different style of football,” Evans said. Evans called a trick play late in last

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VESTAVIA HILLS

CHARLIE TAAFFE (11)

NICK WILLIAMS (5)

year’s win over Hoover his favorite moment of the season, a reverse-field pass off a punt return that Vestavia Hills had practiced all week and executed for a touchdown in a game that carried direct playoff implications. “It rarely works out the way you draw it up in critical, leverage moments,” Evans said. “That’ll probably be a top 10 or 15 play in the history of our school.” Vestavia Hills opens the season at home against Parker on Aug. 20, then travels to Benjamin Russell the following week before region play begins Sept. 4 at Thompson. The Rebels host Oak Mountain, Spain Park, Hoover and Hewitt-Trussville and travel to Tuscaloosa County and Prattville within the region. Vestavia Hills has open dates Sept. 25 and Oct. 30.

OFFENSE Senior Charlie Taaffe returns at quarterback after four years in the program, and Evans didn’t hold back on his admiration for the position group’s leader. “I wouldn’t trade him for any other quarterback in our region, and that includes kids signed in the SEC,” Evans said. “He’s a leader, he’s a winner, and our offense will run through him.” Senior Price LaMaster, who would slide back to quarterback in an emergency, is moving to safety this year, while junior Hudson Mote and sophomore Noland

STARNES MEDIA

NOAH BOYLAN (2) Williamson will compete for the backup quarterback job. At receiver, senior Luke Stubbs and junior Davis Kopwe are among several contributors, with senior Grayson Harper

working the H spot after a big year cut short by injury and junior Braxton Hunt at the Y. Junior Powell Curry adds versatility after seeing time at both receiver and tight end.

UNDER THE LIGHTS

VESTAVIA HILLS

COACHES HEAD COACH Robert Evans Overall record: 30-17 At Vestavia Hills: 30-17 Tenure: 5th season

ASSISTANT COACHES PAXTON USSERY (50)

2026 SCHEDULE

» Defensive coordinator/linebackers: » Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks: » Strength and conditioning/defensive line: » Recruiting coordinator/tight ends: » Special teams coordinator/defensive ends: » Wide receivers: » Director of operations/safeties: » Running backs: » Offensive line: » Cornerbacks: Chad Merrill

2025 RESULTS

Josh Franklin

Chris Cournoyer

Aug. 20: vs. Parker

8-3 overall, reached 1st round of

Aug. 28: @ Benjamin Russell

Class 7A playoffs

Sept. 4: @ Thompson*

Westside (SC): W 49-7

Sept. 11: vs. Oak Mountain*

Auburn: W 42-14

Sept. 18: vs. Spain Park*

Hewitt-Trussville: L 28-14

Sept. 25: OPEN

Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa: W 42-24

Oct. 2: @ Tuscaloosa County*

Thompson: L 35-3

Oct. 9: vs. Hoover*

Prattville: W 54-28

Oct. 16: vs. Hewitt-Trussville*

Oak Mountain: W 41-0

Oct. 23: @ Prattville*

Tuscaloosa County: W 56-10

Oct. 30: OPEN

Hoover: W 39-30

*Region game

Montgomery Catholic: W 40-13 PLAYOFFS

Senior Noah Boylan returns at running back after starting a year ago, though Evans said the Rebels need to find more depth behind him at the position. Up front, senior Copeland Styles, who has committed to East Mississippi Community College, and Cord Pigg, a transfer from Mars Hill who has committed to Troy, headline a line that also returns Jackson Deal and Will Gwathney as starters. Senior William Hurt will also start on the line this season. “If we play well and get good breaks, we’re going to be hard to defend,” Evans said of the offense.

UNDER THE LIGHTS

Auburn: L 52-41

DEFENSE Senior Nick Williams returns at middle linebacker after starting the last two seasons, giving Vestavia Hills experience at the position. Senior Daniel Richardson returns as the Rebels’ leading tackler at the Spur position, and LaMaster’s move to safety adds size and athleticism to the secondary. Senior Haines Bridges returns on the defensive line alongside senior Morgan Butler, while senior Paxton Ussery, who

Jake James

Brent Welborn

Sammy Queen

Jared Walker

Greg Smith

David Lundberg

Ryan Dobbs

committed to Jacksonville State, is working back from a significant injury suffered against Hoover. “We need to find six to eight defensive linemen that can deal with the offensive lines we’re going to be playing against,” Evans said.

SPECIAL TEAMS Senior Gray Prier returns as a traditional punter, while junior Sloan Morgan, who handled all three kicking jobs a year ago, is expected to focus on kickoffs, placekicking and as a rugby-style punter. Evans said the Rebels are still working to identify return specialists.

AUGUST 2026

VESTAVIA HILLS TEAM ROSTER NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

NO. NAME

POS. GRADE

0 Lawson Manown

23 Caleb Brunson

57 Jackson Deal

0 Carter Stagner

24 Harris Jeffers

Safety 12

58 Ben Collins

Preston Deal

24 Carter Williams

59 Olen Gann

Riley Dodd

25 Baylor Hudlow

60 William Hurt

Noah Boylan

25 Carson Creel

Safety 12

61 Copeland Styles

Griffin Stewart

26 Parker Martinez

62 Lawson Cearlock

Powell Curry

26 Reese Walker

63 Dylan Danneman

Graham Liles

27 Robert Lawton

64 Bryce Romeo

4 Crawford Mann

28 Liam Lochamy

66 Finley Williams

Davis Kopwe

28 Hudson Cearlock

67 John Cannon

Nick Williams

29 Maddox Vickers

68 Forrest Kreps

Nolan Blackenburg

29 Lucas Fikes

70 Michael Battle

Micah Joel Washington

30 Jaden Kopwe

71 Burk Smith

Rob Friloux

31 Wales Jenkins

72 Luke Merrill

Baker Huntley

32 Alex Vakakes

Safety 10

73 Mason Stephens

8 Karter Floyd

32 Lenny Lopez

74 Luke Larisey

8 Grayson Harper

H/Y

33 Caleb Hahn

75 Will Gwathney

Will Bochnak

33 Goodloe Lees

76 Brooks Mason

Noland Williamson

34 Reed Harper

79 George Gwathney

10 Price LaMaster

Safety 12

35 JB Smith

80 Ward Rooks

Charlie Taaffe

35 Drew Terakedis

82 Rogers Howell

Clayton Floyd

Safety 10

36 Archer Carmichael

83 Scott Cain

12 Cohen Walker

Safety 12

36 Matthew Campbell

Safety 10

84 Porter Duncan

12 Isaiah Pittman

37 Evans Skaggs

86 Wyatt Lee

13 Warren Martin

38 Gray Prier

90 Cooper Falls

13 Foxx Neely

38 Jay Emory

91 Eli Garlington

14 Luke Stubbs

39 Tyler Johnson

93 Jay Connelly

14 Luke Harper

Safety 12

40 Parker Williams

94 Daniel Holmes

15 Ben Ponder

Safety 12

41 Ryder Faust

95 Sean Esguerra

15 Landon Burgess

42 Sam Webb

97 Morgan Butler

16 Cooper Moore

Safety 12

43 Isaac Plant

99 Yonata Fekadu

16 Nick Wood

44 Watson Kennedy

Safety 10

Will Vakakes

MGR

17 Hudson Mote

45 Owen Cournoyer

Jake Hunter

MGR

17 Wyatt Senn

Safety 10

46 Blake Harper

18 Daniel Richardson

47 Kevin Meza

19 Wheeler Moss

48 Hoke Lindsey

19 Jud Turner

49 Beau Dillon

20 Sloan Morgan

50 Paxton Ussery

20 Nick Smith

51 Evans Riley

21 Clayton Cox

52 Calvin Staten

22 Major Goforth

53 Hardy Livingston

22 Braxton Hunt

55 Cord Pigg

23 Jack Cowan

56 Haines Bridges

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