Kickoff 2020

2020

GUIDE TO FOOTBALL IN

CHILTON COUNTY

Schedules, rosters, photos, analysis, bands and cheerleaders

Advertiser The Clanton

The lineup

ON THE COVER: Maplesville’s Jackson Abbott and Isabella’s Brett Johnson

TEAM ANALYSES

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Maplesville Isabella Chilton County Jemison

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Verbena Billingsley Thorsby

WHAT TO WATCH

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Players to watch Games to watch

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KICKOFF 2020

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KICKOFF 2020

Maplesville

RED DEVILS

ABBOTT’S COMMAND IN THE POCKET LEADS MHS FOR MORE Written by ANTHONY RICHARDS Photograph by BRANDON SUMRALL

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uch of Maplesville’s success on offense this season will start and end with the play of senior quarterback Jackson Abbott.

Abbott is an excellent pocket passer and has the ability to escape pressure and throw accurately on the run.

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Oct. 2: Open Oct. 9: at Notasulga* Oct. 16: Verbena* Oct. 23: Autaugaville* Oct. 30: at Montevallo

2020 SCHEDULE Aug. 21: Highland Home Aug. 28: at Isabella Sept. 4: Open Sept. 11: at Billingsley* Sept. 18: Loachapoka* Sept. 24: at Jemison

SEASON OUTLOOK Maplesville enters the 2020 season as the No. 4-ranked team in Class 1A according to the Alabama Spots Writers’ Association in its preseason poll.

The Red Devils lost three games last year, which does not sound like

Not only does he have a strong arm, but he also does a nice job of surveying the field and finding the right receiver.

That combination of skill and smarts is why he enters the 2020 season as arguably the county’s best quarterback.

Abbott is the son of second-year head coach Brad Abbott and has grown up around the game.

“I like having him as my coach,” Abbott said.

He has definitely noticed a difference in expectations just by having the senior title next to his name.

“I’m the quarterback, so I’m supposed to be a leader, but really seniors are the main guys that have the whole school’s attention,” Abbott said. “Everybody knows who the senior football players are.”

Maplesville’s team goal year in and year out is to win the state championship.

However, Abbott has certain individual goals that he wants to meet while helping his team on that journey.

“Since 10th grade, I’ve always tried to improve how I can impact the game,” Abbott said.

“Usually I don’t really think about doing that stuff (evading pressure), my instincts just kick in,” Abbott said. “You learn what you can do and what’s the safest option.”

His instincts have been finely tuned after years of playing football.

He started playing competitively when he was 6 years old, and has been a quarterback since the beginning.

“My uncle was my coach my very first year,

2-minute drill CLASS 1A, REGION 4

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a lot for most teams, but was a strange occurrence for the Maplesville players and its fans.

However, Maplesville has all of the ingredients in place to bounce back in a major way.

The most important piece of the puzzle is making sure to utilize their All-Advertiser quarterback Jackson Abbott.

The Red Devils have an interesting schedule that includes rival Isabella on the road in

and he put me at quarterback after my dad showed me how to play,” Abbott said. “It just kind of came naturally.”

Over the years, Abbott has found that the quarterback position is unlike any other on the field.

“With quarterback, you have to know the offense plus what the defense is doing,” Abbott said.

“Your decision impacts the game more than anybody else’s. You can make the game happen as fast or as slow as you want it.”

The uniqueness of the role is very similar to be a pitcher in baseball, which is a reason why Abbott

week two and another road contest a couple of weeks later against 5A Jemison, who they have not in years despite being in the same county.

Maplesville is known for having a rock-solid defense that is hard to move the ball against and if that is the case yet again in 2020, that could be a potent combination when mixed with the offensive capabilities Abbott presents on the other side of the ball.

loves and plays both.

Abbott has a calming attitude, which suites him as a quarterback. However, despite his reserved tone, he is a fierce competitor once the whistle blows.

His competitiveness is part of the reason why he plays baseball, basketball and golf as well as football.

“I like playing different stuff just to keep my mind

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MAPLESVILLE 2020 CHEERLEADERS Hannah Chambers, Emilee Smith, Emma Anderson, Jaycie Armstrong, Allison Giles, Haven Smith, Abby Wright, Avery Reed, Anna Grace Small, Erin Anderson, Alexis Atchison, Kenley Beasley, Hayden Carter, Macey Cleckler, Hayden Yeargan

sharp,” Abbott said.

“Even in the offseason if I don’t have a sport to play, I will find something to do to challenge myself and keep that competitive edge inside me.”

Maplesville’s receiving corps will look a little different after losing key contributors to graduation.

“It’s all about taking what the defense gives me,” Abbott said. “I don’t have to throw a home run ball every play. Whatever it takes to move the ball down the field.”

However, Abbott has done his best to work on creating a reliable chemistry between him and the guys out wide.

One of the things he did was organizing

former Maplesville receivers, such as Damian Mitchell to come out and help teach the younger wideouts techniques of how to create space and get open against defenders.

“I’m just trying to get them to understand what we need to do this year compared to last year,” Abbott said.

When comes to feeling comfortable in the pocket, Abbott feels that he should have plenty of that despite losing three starters from last year to graduation.

“We’ve just tried to find the best guys that will fit in those spots,” Abbott said. “It won’t be traumatic to our game.” n KICKOFF 2020

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MAPLESVILLE 2020 ROSTER 2 3 4 5 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 10 11

Aidan Abbott Johnathon Wilson Rashun McCary Pearce Yeargan Payton Cook Jake Carlee Latrell Wilson Bradlee Padgett Jackson Abbott Coleman Gill Braydn Stokes Brady Harrison Luke Gray

11 Troy McMillan 12 Cren Thorton 12 Cole Gray 13 Lane Epperson 14 Timber Lenoir 14 Cade Smith 16 Jacob Davis 17 Hayden Dyer 19 Dalton Carter 20 Jakavion Jackson 21 Luke Dutton 22 Evan Harrison 24 Hudson Pouncey

25 27 28 32 32 35 36 36 44 50 51 52 52

Ryan King Bryson Pickle Myles Pouncey Colby Mitchell Caleb Hobbs Taylor Sheffield Ethan Kitchens Kincaid Robinson Johnathan McKinnon Brandon Pickle Truett Smith Trace Payne Jacob Johnson

53 54 55 55 57 58 60 60 61 65 66 68 70

Cole Duncan Jackson Harrison Jacob Coats Adolphus Harris Osvaldo Tapia Luke Thomas Chris Lambert Joe Ryan Cordell Crosby Kristopher Grooms Gavin Pennington Alex Thomas Landon Sanchez

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Dawson Harrison Ross Jones Richard Buckner Owen Lenoir Mason Poe Miguel Sanchez Tre’von Blackmon Will Harrison Matthew Oglesby

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2020 Maplesville Football Team

2020 Maplesville Cheerleaders

great 2020 football season!

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Isabella

MUSTANGS JOHNSON IS AN IMMOVABLE OBJECT UP FRONT FOR MUSTANGS Written by ANTHONY RICHARDS Photograph by BRANDON SUMRALL

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sabella’s offensive line will be a force to be reckoned with during the 2020 football season.

Leading the way for the veteran group is senior Brett Johnson, who is a South Alabama commit.

Since the age of 5, Johnson has had a love for the game of football.

He has been on the varsity squad since seventh grade and has been a starter since ninth grade.

Johnson has always had been pretty tall for his age, but he continued to grow consistently over the years.

“It’s always been a steady growth,” Johnson said.

Overtime he has learned to use his size to his advantage, especially when

it comes to playing in the trenches.

His size and strength is one of the reasons he was able to garner so much attention from Division I universities.

He stands 6-foot and 4-inches and weighs 280 pounds.

Although he plays both ways, he feels most at home along the offensive line, where he primarily plays tackle.

“There’s a lot of techniques that you’ve got to learn and get down pat before you can start going out there and succeeding,” Johnson said.

One of the techniques deals with his footwork, which he has continued to hone during the offseason.

Johnson’s footwork al-

lows him to have a dynamic combination of both size and quickness.

That combination is what makes him an excellent blocker in both the running and passing games.

“I work hard for sure, and I’ve seen the progress,” Johnson said.

Johnson credits head

coach Tate Leonard for helping build up his career and the program as a whole.

“Ever since he got here, it’s been up from there,” Johnson said. “It’s amazing to see where we came from and where we’re at now.”

The ride over the past couple of years in someKICKOFF 2020

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Sept. 18: Open Sept. 25: at Billingsley Oct. 2: Highland Home* Oct. 9: at Calhoun* Oct. 16: Central Coosa* Oct. 23: at Luverne* Oct. 29: Keith

2-minute drill 2020 SCHEDULE CLASS 2A, REGION 3 Aug. 21: at Fyffe Aug. 28: Maplesville Sept. 4: Open Sept. 11: Thorsby* thing Johnson is glad he was able to be a part of.

“Back in the day it would have been nice to win four games and now if we lose four games it’s seen as bad,” Johnson said.

“We’ve definitely raised our expectations.”

Leonard having been an offensive lineman during his playing days, offers a unique perspective and pool of knowledge that Johnson can tap into.

“Him having played on the o-line himself makes us even better,” Johnson said.

Johnson appreciates Leonard’s focus and belief that the weight room is one of the best ways to improvement on the field.

“We’ve got the new weight room, and everybody around the program is just up,” Johnson said.

“You can feel everyone’s confidence level has gone way up.”

SEASON OUTLOOK Isabella’s expectations continue to climb under head coach Tate Leonard, even with the team taking a step up in competition to Class 2A. Despite losing Although fans in the stands has been one of the several questions circulating discussion of the upcoming football season due to the current pandemic, Johnson understands the home field advantage the Isabella faithful create on Friday nights in the fall.

“It makes a difference for sure when everybody is getting excited,” Johnson said. “We appreciate anybody who comes out to show us support.”

Isabella will have a new quarterback in 2020, with senior Jake Logan expected to start the season.

The offensive line is a quarterback’s first line of defense against the oncoming pass rush.

With a new quarterback, Johnson understands that the entire offensive line can play a huge role in helping Logan find his groove in the pocket and

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KICKOFF 2020

some key players, the Mustangs still have many athletic players returning in almost every position group.

Arguably the strongest unit coming back is the offensive line, which spent much of its time mauling opponents a year ago and that seems to be the forecast again in 2020.

The group only loses one starter from 2019, which should allow the offense and senior Jake allow the offense to continue its high production for a year ago.

“We’ve let him know that we’ve got his back,” Johnson said. “We just have to do our job so that he can do his.”

Logan, who takes over as quarterback, to have its way at times.

The Mustangs look to continue its prowess of having an extremely stingy defense that has a knack for creating turnovers.

Expect sophomore Zack Chapman to see the field more, especially on offense as IHS continues to find ways to get as many playmakers as it can on the field at the same time.

Not having to worry about getting hit every time he drops back will allow Logan to properly adjust into his new role.

“We’ve got confidence in him and he’s got confidence in us,” Johnson said. n

ISABELLA 2020 CHEERLEADERS Sophia Adams, Allie Bohannon, Anna Doroteo, Adamaris Doroteo, Danielle Gilliland, Cadence Headley, Charlee Kirkland, Lexi Jones, Morgan Short, Mikenzie Williams, DeAsia Wilson

ISABELLA 2020 ROSTER #2 #3 #4 #5 #7 #10 #11 #12 #14 #16

Austin Jones Braxden Giles Jason Wilson Landon Horton Dre’von Lee Kaleb Brasher Jake Logan Raymond Boston Zac Chapman Eric McNatt

08/21/20 08/28/20 09/04/20 09/11/20 09/18/20 09/25/20 10/02/20 10/09/20 10/16/20 10/23/20 10/29/20

7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM

#19 #21 #23 #25 #30 #33 #35 #40 #45 #48

Tyler Mims Brayan Dominguez Isaiah Tillis Justin Littlefield Judah Day Garrett Traywick Dawson Edwards Reid Mitchell Phillip Williams Anthony Fjeldstad

Fyffe Maplesville OPEN Thorsby BYE Billngsley Highland Home Calhoun Central Coosa Luverne Keith

#50 #51 #53 #54 #55 #57 #60 #62 #63 #65

Brett Johnson Lucca Biancalana Caleb Washington Brodie Leonard Falcon Fowler Conner Bright Tristan Mitchell Skyler Langford Issac Day Kaden Lawley

#68 #70 #72 #77 #78 #79 #80 #81 #88

Richard Henderson Chase Hilton Reilly Mitchell Logan Littleton Yair Lopez Kyler Morris Ethan Taylor Iverson England Tyler Payton

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Chilton County

TIGERS BOSTIC LOOKS TO ANCHOR CCHS DEFENSE Written by ANTHONY RICHARDS Photograph by BRANDON SUMRALL

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ravon Bostic will be the quarterback of the Chilton County High School defense this year, as he prepares to play middle linebacker for the Tigers this fall.

It is a new position for the senior, after playing primarily along the defensive line in recent years.

He has the confidence that it will be a seamless transition, especially since he was considered more toward the undersized end of the spectrum.

At 5-feet-11 inches and 230 pounds, he has the build to be a productive middle linebacker.

One of the major differences between the positions is that now he will spend all of his time standing up, whereas there were moments during games in the past where he would put his hand on the ground and rush from a three-point stance as a defensive end.

According to Bostic, reading and reacting to plays will also be different as a member of the linebacking corps as opposed KICKOFF 2020

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to being the first to penetrate the backfield along the defensive front.

Making a position change heading into his senior season was not something he was initially thrilled about, but all changed very quickly once he got the chance to play in the middle firsthand.

“At first I didn’t like it, because I had been on the defensive line for several years but then after practicing it, now I love it,” Bostic said.

His offseason has included a lot of drills focusing on improving his agility and the quickness of his feet.

Bostic has been playing football since he was 9 years old, and it took a push to get him to try it.

“I really didn’t want to play football, because I really liked baseball,” Bostic said. “One of my aunties convinced me to play.”

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He is thankful for his family’s resilient support, because years later he is still playing football along with competing in track and field at CCHS. “I love the team aspect,” Bostic said. “You’ve got to count on one another and you know that if you’re on the team with them, they are probably going to be your brothers forever.”

Accomplishing goals as a team is something the Tigers have been able to do of late, as they made the playoffs the last two seasons.

Continuing that success and making the playoffs a third year in a row is at the top of Bostic’s lists of goals in 2020.

However, the team graduated a large crop of seniors from last year’s squad and appear to be talented but very young.

Bostic knows that it will be up to him and the rest of the seniors to help the youthful players in any ways they can.

These workouts often included ladder and cone drills, as well as jumping rope.

One of the biggest storylines heading into the season pertains to Chilton County’s move up in class from 5A to 6A. The move is nothing new to Bostic, who remembers playing against 6A competition as a freshman and going 1-9.

However, he believes the team and the program is in far better shape than to handle the 6A gauntlet than it was three years ago.

“We’re trying to change the culture, and this year is all about keeping it going,” Bostic said.

2-minute drill 2020 SCHEDULE CLASS 6A, REGION 3 Aug. 21: Central Clay County Aug. 27: Jemison Sept. 4: Open Robert Buchanan, David Threatt and Taveous Good will join Bostic as part of the linebacker corps rotation.

It is a veteran group that are familiar with the defensive schemes CCHS runs.

Sept. 11: Calera* Sept. 18: at Stanhope Elmore* Sept. 25: at Shelby County Oct. 2: at Helena* Oct. 9: Wetumpka* Oct. 16: Benjamin Russell* Oct. 23: at Pelham* Oct. 30: at Marbury SEASON OUTLOOK The biggest storyline surround the Chilton County football program is their move from 5A back to 6A.

The Tigers were able to make the playoffs each of the past two years at the 5A level.

Although CCHS has a track record of not faring well in its past experiences in 6A, head coach Tal Morrison and the rest of the Tigers’ coaching staff are doing their best to have their players ready for what lies ahead.

However, the move to 6A comes at a tough time for the team, as they are looking to find

replacements for several productive players who graduated.

One of those positions includes quarterback, where they hope to find the heir apparent for ShiKeem Laister who shined as the Tigers’ signal caller the past two seasons.

Who will claim the starting job? That is an interesting question that will be answered when CCHS takes the field on the road against Clay Central in the season opener on Aug. 21.

Growing up, Bostic spent time at several positions, but it was the defensive side of the ball where he always felt most at home.

One of the reasons why Bostic was so comfortable on

defense was his nature of not shying away from contact.

“I love being physical and hitting people,” Bostic said.

There is not one game in particular that Bostic is

looking forward to more than the others. He is just ready to run out on the field enjoy his senior season.

“I’m just ready for any games,” Bostic said. n

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CCHS 2020 BAND Kayla Marsh Josh Evans Rhiannon Langston Hannah Lynch Chyenne Robinson Selene Sublett Lucy Leyva Gala Romero Logan Clecker Ayla Powell Claire Williams Zoe Cleckler Lindsey Popwell Andrew Simpson Lyric Vironet

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Isabella Lindquist Ezekiel Sewell Alyssa Leach Zachary Atkins Christopher Reynolds Kristen Stamps Randy Gassaway Claire Nance Anna Marie Clecker Amanda Richeson Lynn Stamps Kenneth Hayes Joseph Brasher Matthew Williams Emma Brown

Raidon Lindquist Joey Milks Steven McDonald Joshua Atkins Stephen Reynolds Dezeraye Loper Matthew Simpson Alex Leach Malachi Tyus John Green Andrew Robinson Brendan McAlpin Joshua Minor Jayden Barbour Rakiya Childers

Landon Bishop Stephen Mahan Alex Robinson Nicholas Townsell Chloe Street Chloe Haggard AbbI Calhoun Meaghan Jeremiah Maddie Wilson Brooklynn Clark Malley Cox Niya Jordan Peyton Pike Aleana Connell Kati Higndon

Caleigh Sanders Jessica Thames Hayden Melton Issabella Jones Jaliyah Parker Anna Seale Mallorie Adams Anna Clecker Kaylan McKee Anna Grace Baker Raven Baker Raelyn Parker

CCHS 2020 CHEERLEADERS Anna Kathryn Baker, Claire Parker, Tressa Miller, Marissa Pierce, Lydia Newton, Sophie Porter, Kalyn Smith, Belle Richardson, Alyssa Zeigler Lily Newton, Emma Kate Locke, Halle Sullivan, Armoni McClammy, Cameron McGhar, Annabel Mullinax, Hallie Ousley, Maddie Giles, Clarissa Mullins

John Hollis Jackson • Hollis Jackson • Joshua Inman

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CCHS 2020 ROSTER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

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Blake Cleckler Crawford Easterling Leo Coradi Austin Cooedy Cedric Spencer Kevin Staffney, Jr. Sam Smith Cannon Miller Taveous Good Eli Kendrick Derrion Caffey Cayden Anderson Parker Willis

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Cordell Baker Coy Crumpton Rashard Childers Logan Bice Jaylen Knox Tre Fulmer Jaberrius Peake Angel Lopez Robert Buchanan Jakeveon Bolding Jakobe Worthy MJ Spigner James Grandison

27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39

David Threatt BJ Davis JaTavious Smith Travon Bostic Jamerean Coleman Carter Emmerich Austin Knight Latavion Floyd Daniel Corona Demarcus Riddick Zakhori Jackson Dakota Price Tramon Wright

40 41 42 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 55

Hunter Ousley Ben Shirah Sawyer Collum DKota Oden Tristin Yarenko Alex Morales TyMarion Barbour Michael Little Jackson Tuell Albert Serna Lawson Powell Sawyer Barrington German Hinojosa

Raven Baker

56 57 58 60 61 62 63 64 67 68 69 70 71

Cole Bates Devyn Knight Austin Evans Lashawn Jones Daelin Martin Isaiah Davidson Grant Scarbrough Tanner St. John Devin Ford Joshua Varden Rickey Edwards Braden Cleckler JP Phillips

72 73 74 75 76 79 80 81 83 84 85 87

Anna Grace Baker

DJ Argo Trey Maywell Ethan Segars Zachary Geiger Jon Hunter Huett Dylan Cullum Caleb Milam Paul Romero Colby Franks Jorge Castillo Landon Driver Colton Brock

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CHILTON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 2020 VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM

Best Wishes on a Great 2020 Football Season From the City of Clanton, the Mayor and its council members

CHILTON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 2020 VARSITY CHEERLEADERS

CHILTON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 2020 MARCHING BAND

PLAYERS TO WATCH Offense

Defense

QUARTERBACK:

DEFENSIVE LINE:

Jackson Abbott, Maplesville

Timber Lenoir, Maplesville

Brody Barnett, Thorsby

Chris Arledge, Thorsby

Levi Arington, Billingsley

Anthony Fjeldstad, Isabella

Jared Quinn, Verbena

Jontavies Todd, Billingsley

RUNNING BACK:

LINEBACKER:

Joshua Gilliland, Jemison

Travon Bostic, CCHS

Latrell Wilson, Maplesville

Reid Mitchell, Isabella

Nathaniel Morris, Verbena

A.J. Smith, Thorsby

A.J. Smith, Thorsby

Brandon Pickle, Maplesville

WIDE RECEIVER:

DEFENSIVE BACK:

Sawyer Sellers, Thorsby

Joshua Gilliland, Jemison

Braxton Giles, Isabella

Braxton Giles, Isabella

James Wright, Jemison

Tyriq Archie, Jemison

JaKobi Albert, CCHS

Latrell Wilson, Maplesville

OFFENSIVE LINE: Brett Johnson, Isabella Kaleb Brasher, Isabella Luke Peek, Thorsby Logan Littleton, Isabella

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MUST SEE FOOTBALL MATCHUPS IN 2020 Written by ANTHONY RICHARDS Photograph by BRANDON SUMRALL

When the football schedule is released for the year there are always games that are circled immediately by fans, players and coaches.

This year is no different even with the questions people have surrounding the 2020 season and how the pandemic may affect things.

Below are five games that are most watch affairs heading into the 2020 campaign: 1. ISABELLA VS. MAPLESVILLE (AUG. 28)

This has been among the hottest rivalries in Chilton County in recent years, and that heat cranked up even higher following Isabella’s victory last season.

Thorsby will host Jemison as the North Chilton Clash will play for a third-straight season.

Now that Isabella has gotten over that hump and proven that they can not only hang with Maplesville toe-to-toe, but can also beat them.

It was an emotional win for the Mustangs and has added another level of intensity to an already highly-anticipated matchup.

How both teams respond this season, Maplesville to the adversity and Isabella to the success, will be major storylines heading into the season and the game.

Both teams will meet earlier in the season after reclassification moved IHS up to Class 2A and out of the same region as the Red Devils.

The game had been held in early October each of the past team seasons.

2. THORSBY VS. JEMISON (AUG. 20)

The North Chilton Clash will take place for a third straight year and will once again be the season opener for Jemison and Thorsby.

The teams have split the series the past two years with the Rebels winning in 2018 and the Panthers triumphant in 2019.

In many ways, this game will serve as the rubber match in the latest installment of the rivalry.

Jemison is still trying to sort out several questions

The rivalry between Jemison and Chilton County is a highly-anticipated game every year.

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about their team, including the quarterback situation.

Thorsby on the other hand will be led by senior Brody Barnett, which gives the Rebels hope that they can repeat the success they had against Jemison two years ago.

However, if JHS is able to figure things out quickly, the game has the makings of a barn burner.

3. CHILTON COUNTY VS. JEMISON (AUG. 27)

This rivalry pits the county’s two largest schools against each other and is one of the most passionate around.

This year’s contest is expected to be very equal as both teams will be trying to still figure out themselves when they meet in week two.

It is one of those games where you can throw out the records and prepare for a tightly-contested matchup on a yearly basis.

The teams are in separate regions after spending the last two years in the same region, which means this year’s contest will be solely for bragging rights.

The Panthers had their sights set on a victory in last year’s game, but the Tigers took control late and stamped another win over their rival.

4. BILLINGSLEY VS. ISABELLA (SEPT. 25)

This will serve as the non-region game in the middle of the season and should be an interesting contest between teams with serious playoff hopes.

By Sept. 25, both teams will have a much better understanding of who they are as a team and how the season is shaping up.

How either one fares in this game could dictate how they perform in the second half of the season.

The winner of this game will have momentum that they will look to carry down the stretch and could possibly use it as a springboard to get on a roll and cement their spot in the postseason.

5. JEMISON VS. MAPLESVILLE (SEPT. 24)

The teams meet in an intriguing in-county matchup that is definitely a game people who are not fans of either team will want to catch a glimpse of.

Because the game is scheduled to be played on a Thursday, the potential exists for a large crowd and a raucous environment.

Unlike other rivalries in the county, this one is not a common one anymore in large part due to the fact that Jemison is in Class 5A and Maplesville is in Class 1A. However, regardless of how the matchup came to fruition for this year, football fans in the county are happy that it is on the schedule.

It provides another opportunity to see county teams square off against each other, which is never a bad thing. n

Wishing all teams a safe and successful season!

best best of the

One thing for sure is that the atmosphere will be top notch.

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Jemison

PANTHERS GILLILAND’S SPEED PROVES HARD TO KEEP UP WITH Written by ANTHONY RICHARDS Photograph by BRANDON SUMRALL

J

oshua Gilliland did not start playing football until his freshman year of high school, but he has quickly developed into one of the county’s most dynamic players.

Most people would consider that a late start to play competitive football, but Gilliland has made the most of his time on the field since putting on the pads for the first time.

“I’m definitely a late bloomer,” Gilliland said.

Although the senior was always fascinated with the game of football, his mother and grandmother made the decision to not let him play until high school.

The physical side of things was one of the immediate things Gilliland embraced after making the football squad at Calera High School, where he began his career before transferring to Jemison last year.

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“When I first started playing, I just played defense, and it was all about the tackling,” Gilliland said.

Although Gilliland has made a name for himself as a cover man in the secondary, the Panthers also plan to use his explosive ability as a running back when the offense has the ball.

He can play both cornerback and safety depending

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on the opponent, and the scheme that the Jemison decides to implement.

“Usually when I play corner, the other team has a taller wide receiver, and if not, I’ve just played safety,” Gilliland said.

Gilliland enjoys the opportunity to go head-tohead against the opponent’s best receiver.

He is one of the best definitions of a lockdown corner in Chilton County this season.

“I love to lock them up and stay on them the whole game,” Gilliland said. “Being on that island.”

Playing in the secondary requires a certain short-term memory with the best having the ability to quickly forget after giving up a big play.

“You’ve got to be determined, resilient and versatile at all times,” Gilliland said.

“You can’t get beat up over one play because you still have the entire game to play.”

He is part of a veteran group of defenders that will look to put an end to some of the large point totals

that opponents have put up against Jemison the past couple of years.

“Our secondary is going to be tough to pass against,” Gilliland said.

Gilliland has a reserved attitude typically and has been one to let his play do the talking instead of his words.

However, he has worked on being a more vocal leader and is looking forward to the challenge of his senior season.

“I’ve had to step up a lot,” Gilliland said. “It’s actually helping me become a better person and a better man.”

He has always enjoyed watching games at both the professional and college levels and studying the various techniques secondary members use.

Xavier Rhodes, Marshon Lattimore and Joshua Jackson are just some of the pros that he has paid attention to.

“If I can learn it [techniques], I can use it,” Gilliland said.

After a fast start to the 2019 season, Jemison was hit

by the injury bug and their record showed it. Gilliland was included in the rash of injuries that took place.

According to Gilliland, the potential was there for at least six wins if the injuries had not hit so hard.

When on offense, Gilliland will spend most of his time lined up in the backfield where he is expected to be a key contributor in the Panthers’ rushing attack.

“It will be like a dream, because everybody wants the chance to run with the ball,” Gilliland said.

The speed that allows him to keep pace when covering receivers on defense will also be utilized when carrying the ball.

However, in that situation he will be the one making defenders miss in the open field.

Helping lead Jemison back to the playoffs is at the top of the Gilliland’s goals for the upcoming season.

“We’ve got to be mentally strong and just find ways to persevere,” Gilliland said.

“I’m really looking forward to this season.” n

2020 SCHEDULE CLASS 5A, REGION 3 Aug. 20: at Thorsby Aug. 27: at Chilton County Sept. 4: Open Sept. 11: at Marbury* Sept. 18: at Sipsey Valley* Sept. 24: Maplesville Oct. 2: Selma* Oct. 9: at Demopolis*

2-minute drill

Oct. 16: Central Tuscaloosa* Oct. 23: Shelby County* Oct. 30: at Elmore County

SEASON OUTLOOK The Jemison Panthers are a tough team to read heading into the 2020 season.

Several questions surround the team heading into the season, including who the starting quarterback will be in the season opener.

The injury bug hit the Panthers hard in the second half of last season.

If JHS can stay healthier this season, does that account for more wins?

It will be fun to see which direction the season goes because there are definitely some athletic players on the team that can make a difference.

One thing that will help Jemison on the scoreboard is if they are able to slow down opposing offenses, which has been a struggle in recent years.

Will JHS begin to turn the page and rediscover its past success in Blake Bradley’s second season as head coach? Only time will tell.

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JEMISON 2020 ROSTER 1 Tyriq Archer 2 Josh Gilliland 3 Jayden Frazier 4 Code Cummings 7 Nick Wright 8 James Wright 9 Alex Bice 10 Hunter Baker 12 Hayden Robinson 13 Austin Wyatt 14 Josh Glass 15 Tarun Varner

16 Jaxon Padlo 17 Fernando Prado 19 Guyton Pace 21 Austin Jones 22 Jonathan Camacho 23 Clayton Hickox 24 Jesse Prado 25 Kintre Jackson 26 Efrain Villeda 27 Luke Mitchell 28 Tristan Clark 30 Elijah Allen

31 Andres Martinez 32 Lane Pate 33 Alex Dewitt 34 Ryan Harris 36 Carson Brown 37 Michael Nance 40 Arturo Malpica 53 Sammy Delgado 54 Skylar Reeves 55 Jonathan Wolfe 58 Kenny Sammons 59 Carlos Villeda

61 Brent Averette 62 Landon Headley 63 Clayton Lucas 64 Heith Bice 69 Eli Brasher 71 Riley Semmes 72 Gavin Smitherman 74 Michael Perez 75 Colton Drinkard 77 Austin Jackson 79 Brian Gutierrez

JEMISON 2020 CHEELEADERS Courtney Moore, Brianna Poe, Maddy Festavan, Kelsey Scott, Mary Gilliespie, Morgan Lowery, Janie Popwell, Brooke Tuma, Tori Adams, Olivia Childress, Jadyn Smith, Kylie Smart, Ava Claire Millard

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JEMISON 2020 BAND Gracie Ledbetter, Zyon Hardnett, Jamie Cruz, Constance Anderson, Luz Malpica, Abigail Vansant, Abigail Wright, Ashton Kennedy, Alana Abernathy, Brisa Godinez, Brandy Putnam, Karla Mancilla, Lauren Jones, Emily Brant, Bailey Elliott, Ashley Adams, Addyson Plier, Karley Tillery, Terrie Roberts, Emily Loggins, Audrey Carlee, Alexis Carr, Emily Leachman, Juliet Mendoza, Nathan Quesenberry, Alexis Cleckler, Marissa Graggs, Frida Maldonado, Jacob Porter, Estefany Arguello, Jacob Monks, Ashley Walker, Elizabeth Carden, Destiny Casale, Alex Castelazo, Brisco Smith, Austin Black, Patrick Garrett, Seth Bittle, Samatha Scott, Jatorria Martin, Ruben Gonzales, Janna Compton, Josh Quesenberry, Trey Sewell, Jack Hayes, Ryleigh Anderson, Levi Burchfield, Taylor Carden, Joseph Anderson, Breyanna Mosley, McKenzi Luster, Ossiel Galindo, Luis Hernandez, Sydney Carmona-Cruz, Jace Gardner, Breiana Curtis, Nathan Bailey, Nick Sullivan, JT Roberts, Hannah Ellison, Zully Del Valle, Caitlyn Harris, Wendy Martinez, Grace Ann Biel, Grace Means, Bracee Morris, Aaliyah Penn, Makiley Porter, Samantha Turner KICKOFF 2020

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Verbena

RED DEVILS QUINN, VERBENA CONTINUE TO GROW TOGETHER Written by ANTHONY RICHARDS Photograph by BRANDON SUMRALL

J

ared Quinn and the Verbena Red Devils football program have been through a lot of adversity in recent years, but this year they look to change that.

Quinn expects the rough times to be the catalyst for the team’s foundation moving forward.

“We were just a really young team last year, and since we didn’t have a little league for a while, a lot of the players didn’t have any experience,” Quinn said.

The Red Devils will lean on Quinn to help lead them to more success, as he will open the season as the team’s starting quarterback.

It is a position he continues to get used to after taking snaps in every game last season.

However, the difference this year will be that he enters as the full-time starter after splitting time taking snaps with fellow backfield mate Nathaniel Morris.

According to Quinn, having the opportunity to focus on one position is something he is looking forward to.

He has been playing foot-

ball since he was 4 years old and got his start under the guidance of his uncle.

Now, he is a sophomore and has a season of starting at the varsity level under his belt.

Although Quinn loves football, his true passion is baseball, where he primarily plays shortstop and pitches.

Toting the rock is one of his favorite aspects of playing football.

Quinn’s runs with a physical style and is not afraid to embrace contact to get extra yards and a much-needed first down.

“I’m not real shifty, but I like to hit people,” Quinn said.

The progression for Quinn as a quarterback has been gradual in recent years. He played it two games as an eighth grader and split time in every game last season.

One of the areas where he looks to make the most improvement in 2020 is his accuracy throwing the ball.

“My arm has definitely improved this year,” Quinn said.

The passing game was very limited last season, but Quinn hopes that his improvement as a passer will change that

script and open up the offensive playbook as a result.

“Last year, it just wasn’t working out,” Quinn said. “I was under-throwing people.

I’m still getting used to my new arm strength, but I’m looking forward to throwing deeper passes.”

Verbena has doubled their senior football players with four compared to two a year ago.

According to Quinn, the team’s numbers are visibly up from 2019.

“I think we’ll have a much better team this year with all the people we have,” Quinn said.

Verbena’s offensive line is one position group that Quinn feels very good about.

“They are the most important,” Quinn said.

Quinn has become accustomed to taking snaps from the center, but when he was playing little league, he spent time as a center himself.

As time passed, he transitioned to quarterback, and now he is the one on the receiving end of the snaps.

“That’s what I like about quarterback,” Quinn said.

“You always get the ball and decide where it goes.”

As well as being the team’s signal-caller, Quinn will also play defensive end.

He played much of the 2019 season as outside linebacker before moving to defensive end the last couple of games.

With the move to the defensive line, Quinn saw a jump in his production during the final stretch.

“I liked the ability to just go for the ball,” Quinn said.

Due to the Red Devils’ struggles of late, the team’s goals are very simple and includes making gains on their record and production from a last season.

“We want to win more than one game,” Quinn said.

“We’re hoping to win a couple, and as we get older we’ll only get better. We’re definitely in a lot better shape.”

This will be Josh Robinson’s second year as Verbena’s head coach.

“He’s a really good coach, and he treats us right,” Quinn said. n

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VERBENA 2020 ROSTER 1 3 5 6 7 8 10

Triston Wilhite Drew Waters Jared Quinn Jacob Morris Ethan Dopson Hunter Armstrong Caleb Short

12 14 15 20 22 24 25

Nathaniel Morris Cody Barber Eric Martinez Christopher Guzman D.J. Jackson Ethan Hand Zion Smith

33 34 52 54 55 58 60

Terry’un Dennis Christian Stone Carlos Flores Tomas Cabrera Grantley Childress Michael Conatser Trae Roberts

68 70 76 77

Jeremy Hughes Corey Edwards Dallas Mims Marvin Rico

VERBENA 2020 BAND ROSTER Jerica Wells, Caileen Grandy, Ethan Miller, Versain Guzman, Joseph Wells, Emilee Culver, John Cubbison, Laliah Benjamin, Alexiah Benjamin, Tyler Kozak

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VERBENA 2020 CHEERLEADERS Haylie Patterson, Macey Kelley, Lydia Edwards, Isabella McDaniel, Lacey Drake, Paris Battle, Nyla Barnett, Starr Woods, Laliah Benjamin, Samantha Ramirez

V

2-minute drill 2020 SCHEDULE CLASS 1A, REGION 4 Aug. 21: Bullock County Aug. 28: Thorsby Sept. 4: at A.L. Johnson

Sept. 11: at Autaugaville* Sept. 18: Open Sept. 24: at Calhoun Oct. 2: at Billingsley* Oct. 9: Loachapoka* Oct. 16: at Maplesville* Oct. 23: Notasulga* Oct. 30: at Orange Beach SEASON OUTLOOK What a difference a year makes for the Verbena Red Devils football team.

Although they are still a primarily young group with need for experience, they are in much better shape than they were a year ago.

The program’s numbers have been said to be up with more players making up the roster in 2020.

The Red Devils have four seniors on the squad, which is double the amount they had a season ago.

Despite the increased roster size, winning games consistently still may be a difficult task, there definitely seems to be a renewed confidence in year two under head coach Josh Robinson.

Jared Quinn and Nathaniel Morris give the Verbena offense an explosiveness that should result in more points throughout the season.

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Billingsley

BEARS ARINGTON READY TO STACK UP YARDS, WINS Written by ANTHONY RICHARDS Photograph by BRANDON SUMRALL

L

evi Arington was proving to be quite the playmaker at quarterback in the first half of last season before an injury forced him to the sideline.

In 2020, Arington is back and ready to showcase even more of his explosive ability.

As Billingsley’s starting quarterback he presents a headache for opposing to defensive coordinators to scheme for with his dual-threat tendencies.

Heading into his junior season, Arington is ready to embrace even more of a leadership role.

“I definitely feel like more of a leader, and it’s an area where I feel that I can do better than I have,” Arington said.

During the offseason, he has focused on working 40

KICKOFF 2020

out a lot more and throwing after practice as much as he can.

“I can run or I can throw it,” Arington said.

“Last year, I had one game where I had like 500 yards.”

In that game, he tallied 300-plus yards on the ground and 200-plus through the air.

Arington is ready to put the injury behind him and focus on what the future holds. However, he does believe that going through the rehab has made him mentally stronger.

“I hurt my shoulder when we were playing PCA (Prattville Christian Academy in week 6),” Arington said. “It’s gotten pretty strong with all the rehab and everything.”

It was the first major injury of his young career.

Phillip Coggins enters

his second season as head coach, where Arington anticipates an even stronger relationship between players and coach in their second year together.

“I like him as a coach and how he really runs the show,” Arington said.

“Coach is really passionate about it.”

One of the Bears’ goals this season is to continue the trend forward and build off of last season’s success of making it back to the playoffs.

Arington’s mindset centers around getting the ball in the end zone and adding points to the scoreboard at the end of every offensive possession.

Those points can come in a variety of ways and can be the end result of a 13-play drive just as much as they can a two-play drive, in which a big play

made the difference.

“You don’t always have to go for the home run,” Arington said. “The main thing is to keep the ball moving.”

He feels very comfortable with the group of receivers and backs that will also be tasked with moving the ball down the field.

The BHS offensive line will be looking to replace a couple of starters from last season, which could present some breakdowns in protection early on.

That is where Arington’s ability to break containment and keep plays alive outside of the pocket will come in handy.

BILLINGSLEY 2020 ROSTER 1 Jackson Manning 2 Andre Lee 4 Devin Blackmon 6 Javaris Livingston 7 Derrit Moore 8 Lejoun Lasiter 9 Nelson Rebolledo

Despite playing basketball and baseball as well, football is Arington’s favorite sport.

“I like that it’s a contact sport,” Arington said.

Arington’s favorite professional player is Julio Jones, which is why he wears No. 11.

He has followed Jones since his time at the University of Alabama.

Arington admires

10 Christopher Atwell 11 Levi Arington 13 Nathan Gilmore 21 Kylan Thomas 22 Caiden Wilkins 24 Shamarion Massey 24 Colby Green

Jones’s big-play ability, but also his attitude and the way he carries himself on and off the field.

“He’s a beast, but he’s not too cocky,” Arington said.

En route to helping lead Billingsley to a championship, Arington hopes to leave his mark on the program by possibly setting one of the school yardage records for a quarterback. n

28 Randriquis McCary 28 Turner Motley 30 Dwy’veon Deramus 33 Jeremy Carroll 45 Cameron Cook 51 Demetrious Sneed 53 Jontavies Todd

2-minute drill 2020 SCHEDULE CLASS 1A, REGION 4 Aug. 21: Prattville Christian Academy Aug. 28: at Vincent Sept. 4: at Loachapoka* Sept. 11: Maplesville* Sept. 18: at Notasulga* Sept. 25: Isabella Oct. 2: Verbena* Oct. 9: Autaugaville* Oct. 16: Open Oct. 23: Open Oct. 30: at Thorsby

BILLINGSLEY 2020 CHEERLEADERS Haley Selfridge, Molly McNeal, Gregory Poole, Kayla Alexander, Ashley Alexander, Hannah Emfinger, Audrey Wright, Kylie Coggins, Madison Chandler, Ashlon Harrison,Laney Acreman

SEASON OUTLOOK The Billingsley Bears look to build on the postseason trip from a year ago in year two under head coach Phillip Coggins.

55 Christian Green 60 Ashtyn Stange 62 Matthew Shanholtzer 70 Josh Stromberg 82 Zlondre Tyus 88 Yohance Whitlow

Coggins made an immediate impact in his first season with the team and the biggest question surrounding the team is whether or not they can do it again.

The Bears lose a couple of offensive playmakers in Brisen Tatum and Taylor Arington.

However, junior Levi Arington is returning from injury and will be looking to put up the monster numbers he was compiling prior to getting injured prior to the stretch run a year ago.

Billingsley will be replacing a couple of linemen.

How fast that process takes will go a long way in determining the overall success of the season.

If they can figure things out in the trenches by midseason, the Bears could have what it takes to make another playoff charge in the waning weeks of the season.

KICKOFF 2020

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KICKOFF 2020

Thorsby

REBELS PASSING OR RUSHING, BARNETT CAN DO IT ALL Written by ANTHONY RICHARDS Photograph by BRANDON SUMRALL

B

rody Barnett’s dual threat capability as quarterback is the key to Thorsby’s offense taking another step forward and becoming one that no opposing defense wants to face.

Barnett was a top three quarterback statistically in the county last season and has the potential to be the county’s best by the end of his senior season.

However, individual statistics are the last thing on Barnett’s mind because he understands that quarterbacks, especially senior ones, are remembered most for their record and how far they are able to lead their team.

“It’s different being the top dog and the leader out there,” Barnett said. “It hasn’t even really clicked all the way yet.”

Although, he expects that all to change as the first game approaches and the reality of his senior campaign becomes evident.

Last year was Barnett’s first as the team’s starting quarterback at the varsity level.

“I think it went really well, and I think the experience is really going to help a lot going into this year,” Barnett said.

Prior to his time on the varsity, Barnett only lost one game as the Thorsby junior varsity quarterback.

“I’ve played quarterback my whole life,” Barnett said.

Barnett is not the only player on the team that experienced that success at the junior varsity and carried it on.

The fact that the group has been playing together offers up a sense of cohesion both in their performance and in terms of the confidence the coaching staff has in them when calling plays.

That tight-knit relationship really comes in handy in the passing game where a quarterback and his receivers have to be on the same page for big plays to happen on a consistent basis.

KICKOFF 2020

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THORSBY 2020 ROSTER 1 2 3 4 5 7

Sawyer Sellers Brody Barnett A.J. Smith Chance Elrod Luke Davis Aiden Turner

8 Josh Daniel 9 Felipe Garcia 10 Remington Taylor 11 Brody Mims 12 Christopher Bridwell 13 Aaron Arredondo

“We’ve got a bunch of good receivers and some athletic kids out there,” Barnett said. “We’ll be just fine with a lot of speed and size.”

Sawyer Sellers returns as a fellow senior who presents a large target for Barnett to throw the ball to, and once the ball is in the air, he uses his basketball skills to come down with it.

“He’s a big guy,” Barnett said.

During the offseason, Barnett has spent a lot of time improving his footwork in the pocket, which is no surprise because even the greatest players like Tom Brady are diligently making 44

KICKOFF 2020

14 16 20 21 34 50

Luke Turner Braxton Price Carson Church Nate Thomas Jamario Montgomery Noah Littleton

sure their footwork is in sync with their upper body.

“You’ve always got to be working on the footwork because it’s a big thing,” Barnett said.

Barnett understands the pressure that comes with being a Thorsby quarterback of late with maintaining recent success and trips playoffs having become an expected outcome by fans.

However, Barnett is relishing in those expectations and cannot wait to leave his mark on the Thorsby program.

“It’s gotten to where it’s just what we do,” Barnett said. “We feel confident

51 52 54 55 56 59

Zander Vernon Jamie Robinson Micheal Bolt Ryan Jones Braxton Jones Kohen Davis

every Friday night, and that’s what drives us.”

He started playing football when he was about 5 years old “I’ve always loved being out there with all your friends,” Barnett said. “It’s like a brotherhood, and I would my body on the line for all of them.”

One thing that has not changed even after years of playing is the butterflies that Barnett gets in his stomach before every game.

“There’s just something about seeing those lights come on and the feeling all day leading up to a game,” Barnett said.

61 64 75 77 79

Joseph Price Slate Phillips Owen Littleton Chris Arledge Luke Peek

2-minute drill 2020 SCHEDULE CLASS 2A, REGION 3 Aug. 20: Jemison Aug. 28: at Verbena

Sept. 4: Open Sept. 11: at Isabella* Sept. 18: Calhoun* Sept. 24: at Prattville Christian Academy Oct. 2: Open Oct. 9: at Central Coosa* Oct. 16: Luverne* Oct. 23: at Highland Home* Oct. 30: Billingsley SEASON OUTLOOK The Rebels have their sights set on another

postseason appearance and have the arsenal of talent in place to help them reach that goal.

Expect the offense to take a step forward in production with Brody Barnett having played an entire year as quarterback at the varsity level.

Junior Chris Arledge provides Thorsby with size along the defensive front and will make the

Rebels hard to run on.

Thorsby opens the season at home against rival Jemison on Aug. 20. and follows it up with a pair of road games against more county foes in the likes of Verbena and Isabella.

The Rebels will not leave the county to play a game until week six against Prattville Christian Academy.

THORSBY 2020 CHEERLEADERS Lindsey Wood, Anna Kate Church, Calissa Pledger, Alivia Brown, Kassidy Payne, Coryn Kendrick, Emily Jones, Gracey Chapman, Cassie Knox, Amberly Davenport, Keelin West, Hanna Giles, Mattie Woodall, Addison Hayes

THORSBY 2020 BAND Alejandra Alcala, Jackson Baker, Jasmine Bearor, MacKenzie Bearor, Josh Bolt, Hannah Chavers, Elizabeth Cochran, Maddie Day, Isaac Easterling, Brooke Edge, Savannah Edge, Abdul Elkhatib, Noelia Flores, Jacob Harper, Laura Ann Hayes, Maria Morales, Jaaziel Rosas, Nathan Rosas, Kaylee Veazey, Eli Wade, Abbie Wells, Alex Wells

Daryl Davis is the current head coach of the varsity team but he was also Barnett’s junior varsity coach, which creates quite the unique relationship between the quarterback and his coach.

“He really connects with his players and cares about every one of us,” Barnett said. “He is a great coach and a great guy.”

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Despite suffering a loss to Reeltown late last season, that was the game that Barnett believes the Rebels discovered what sort of potential they have moving forward.

The full scope of that potential could be on display this season.

“I’m prepared to put it all on the line this year,” Barnett said. n

Aug. 20 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

Jemison..................................................................................Home Verbena..................................................................................Away OPEN Isabella...................................................................................Away Calhoun.................................................................................Home Prattville Christian..............................................................Away OPEN Central Coosa......................................................................Away Luverne..................................................................................Home Highland Home..................................................................Away Billingsley..............................................................................Home

Thorsby JV Football Team

Thorsby JV Cheerleaders