Kickoff 2021

KICKOFF TAKING CHARGE HARRISON SET TO LEAD MAPLESVILLE OFFENSE

WHO TO WATCH TAKE A LOOK AT THIS SEASON’S TOP PLAYERS

TAKING THE FIELD SCHEDULES, ROSTERS AND PREVIEWS FOR LOCAL TEAMS

MUST-SEE GAMES A LOOK AT THE TOP 5 COUNTY MATCHUPS KICKOFF2021 2021 1 FALL

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KICKOFF TABLE OF CONTENTS PUBLISHER Tim Prince EDITORIAL Joyanna Love, managing editor Zachary Seifter, writer Brandon Sumrall, photographer MARKETING Zack Bates, marketing consultant PRESSROOM & MAILROOM Chris Love, production manager Michael Turner, assistant production manager Malinda Nance, mailroom manager

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MAPLESVILLE

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ISABELLA

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VERBENA

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CHILTON COUNTY

DESIGN Ambrosia Neldon

ON THE COVER Maplesville senior Brady Harrison is preparing to lead the Devils’ offense this fall.

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JEMISON

1109 7th St N, Clanton, AL 35045 P.O. Box 1379 (205) 755-5747

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THORSBY

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PLAYERS TO WATCH

MUST-SEE GAMES

BILLINGSLEY

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Brady Harrison is going into his final season at Maplesville High School. The senior running back will look to carry an offense that lost quite a few players, including starting quarterback Jackson Abbott.

MAPLESVILLE

HARRISON TAKES CHARGE OF NEW-LOOK MAPLESVILLE OFFENSE Written by ZACHARY SEIFTER Photos by BRANDON SUMRALL

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n high school and college sports, players come and go.

It is the nature of the game.

Sometimes, really great players come along, and lift a team to great heights. They become the face of the team, and the school for a few years, then they move on.

It is never easy to replace those kinds of players. Maplesville High School has done it consistently for years though. They have built a powerhouse program off their ability to put great players on the field every year no

matter who leaves. In 2021, they plan to do it again.

Coming off a 7-3 season in 2020 in which the team made the third round of the playoffs, Maplesville lost some seniors, including their starting quarterback of the last few years, Jackson Abbott.

However, there are few doubts that they will be successful once again in 2021, because others are ready to step up and keep the tradition of winning alive at MHS. Senior running back Brady Harrison is one of those players.

Harrison is coming off an outstanding 2020 campaign. After starting the season as the backup running back, he

was thrown into the starting lineup in week two following an injury.

He thrived once he got significant playing time, rushing for over 1,000 yards and scoring 15 times on the ground. He averaged over six yards per rush while helping lead Maplesville on another deep playoff run. His performance was enough to earn him Second-Team All-State honors.

Now, he will start this season at the top of the depth chart, and will look to build on those numbers with a newlook Maplesville offense. His main focus is not his stats though, his focus is on doing whatever he can to help the team win.

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MAPLESVILLE

SCHEDULE Aug. 20: @ Highland Home Aug. 27: vs. Isabella Sept. 3: vs. Barbour County (Homecoming) Sept. 10: vs. Billingsley Sept. 17: @ Loachapoka Sept. 23 vs. Jemison (Thursday night) Oct. 1: Bye Oct. 8: vs. Notasulga (Senior night) Oct. 15: @ Verbena Oct. 22: @ Autaugaville Oct. 28: @ Montevallo (Thursday night)

CONTRIBUTED

Front row: Erin Anderson, Anna Grace Small, Emilee Smith, Avery Reed Middle row: Alexis Atchison, Macey Cleckler, Caroline Moyes, Hayden Yeargan, Heather Carroll Back row: Allie Hand, Hayden Carter, Karlee Cummings, Kenley Beasley

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“I don’t have too many expectations for myself,” Harrison said. “(I’m) just going to do what I have to do to win, do what’s best for the team really.”

In doing whatever it takes to win, Harrison prides himself on being one of the hardest working players. He constantly pushes himself to be great at whatever is asked of him.

He is one of several players with that team-first mentality.

It is the mentality of a champion, and it is something that he is trying to enforce in the locker room.

“Me and a couple others, we’ve been playing since 10th grade, getting a lot of reps in, so we’ve played for a long

time,” Harrison said. “So, we know what the stakes are …

You’ve got to outwork your opponent. If you don’t put the work in, why do you deserve to win? I really pride myself on outworking people, we all really do.”

The team’s work ethic may be a difference-maker this season. With all the talent that was lost, the Red Devils will have the hope that the hard work they put in during the offseason translates to the field during the regular season.

Should that happen, Harrison and the rest of the MHS squad will be celebrating yet another winning season.

MAPLESVILLE

CONTRIBUTED

THE LINEUP 3 Jonathon Wilson 5 Payton Cook 7 Bradlee Padgett 8 Britten Worrall 9 Coleman Gill 10 Brady Harrison 11 Troy McMillan 13 Lane Epperson 15 Cody Jones 16 Hunter Lenoir 17 Hayden Dyer

19 Dalton Carter 20 Jakavion Jackson 22 Evan Harrison 24 Jay Lagrone 25 John Andrew McClure 27 Bryson Pickle 30 Mason Alexander 32 Dee Elliot 33 Rashun McCary 44 Jonathan McKinnon 50 Mykey Sanchez

51 Truett Smith 53 Cole Dunkin 54 Jackson Harrison 55 Adolphus Harris 57 Pearson Payne 58 Cole Gray 60 Chris Lambert 61 Joe Ryan 65 Kris Groom 66 Gavin Pennington 68 Alex Thomas

70 Landon Sanchez 71 Lucky Brown 72 Ross Jones 73 Hayden Lawley 74 Richard Buckner 75 Mason Poe 76 Andrew Maynardie 77 Tre’von Blackmon 78 Austin Johnson 80 Will Harrison 82 Caleb Duncan

ATM • PAy SiTe KioSK CoinS To CASh MAChine

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Get off the bench and back in the game.

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He completed medical school at Meharry Medical College and finished his pediatric and chief residency at University of New Mexico Children’s Hospital. He had his primary care sports medicine fellowship at Campbell Clinic Orthopedics.

To make an appointment, call 855-219-6200 or visit PrecisionSportsOrtho.com

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Isabella’s Skylar Langford will lead the offensive line for the Mustangs in 2021 following the departure of Brett Johnson.

12 KICKOFF Langford 2021 will be a senior this season.

ISABELLA

LANGFORD TO BE ISABELLA’S NEW LEADER IN THE TRENCHES Written by ZACHARY SEIFTER Photos by BRANDON SUMRALL

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he saying in football is that games are often won and lost in the trenches.

A great offensive or defensive line has the ability to take over a game, making life very uncomfortable for an opponent.

This is especially true on the offensive side of the ball. If a team has a great offensive line, running backs can have wide open lanes to run through and quarterbacks can have plenty of time to throw.

This has been a big part of Isabella High School’s game in recent years. A season ago, stud offensive tackle Brett Johnson led a ferocious group that helped Isabella go 9-1 in the regular season before the team went on a deep playoff run.

With Johnson now graduated and headed to South Alabama to play college football, a new lineman has taken the reigns. His name is Skylar Langford.

Langford, a senior, is the Mustangs’ starting left guard. He has been starting for Isabella for the last couple of years, and will try to help the team pick up where it left off last season.

It will not be easy. Replicating the success of a 9-1 season is hard enough, but going on another deep playoff run like Isabella did, winning two playoff games, will

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ISABELLA

THE LINEUP 1 DreVon Lee 2 Eli Kendrick 3 Braxden Giles 9 Garrett Price 11 Connor Patterson 12 Ray Boston 14 Zac Chapman 15 Landon Horton 19 Tyler Mims 20 Braxden Mims 21 Brayan Dominguez 23 Austin Porter 33 Garrett Traywick 35 Dawson Edwards 40 Noah McMinn 45 Phillip Williams 50 Lane Mims 51 Lucca Biancalana 53 Caleb Washington 54 Brodie Leonard 55 Luke Simmons 57 Connor Bright 58 Darius Mollett

59 Aidan Gray 60 Tristan Mitchell 62 Skylar Langford

64 Bucky Smith 70 Bryce Massonne 75 Colton Conway

be even more difficult. Langford, however, feels that he and the team are up for the challenge. “(We’re trying to) go all the way, trying to get a ring,” Langford said.

Of course, most players on most teams will tell you their ultimate goal is to win a state championship. For some, that goal is more realistic than it is for others. For Isabella, it’s a goal that is definitely within reach.

However, the Mustangs will have to get through a tough 2021 schedule to get back to the playoffs. They kick off the season with a rematch against Fyffe High School, a team that

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77 Logan Littleton 78 Owen Littleton 80 Ethan Taylor

not only slaughtered Isabella in 2020 by a score of 48-0, but has the longest winning streak in the state of Alabama, having won 45 straight games.

They have won three straight state championships as well.

“Last year, everybody knows that Fyffe, they put a whooping on us,” Langford said. “But I think this year it will be different. We know what we’re looking at, and we’ll go at it harder.”

Following the opener, Isabella will be faced with another tough task when they play Maplesville. That rivalry game has been very competitive the last few years, and 2021 should be no different.

CONTRIBUTED

Despite the difficult schedule, there is plenty of optimism among the Isabella roster, especially Langford. He knows that no matter who the Mustangs face, so long as his unit does its job, the offense will be able to keep Isabella in any game.

“Summer’s been good, we’ve been getting a lot of conditioning done, working out,” Langford said. “I think we’re all going to be pretty good.

We’ve got some players that are stepping up and just really getting after it.”

Once again, Isabella will rely on its guys in the trenches to get things done. It has been a great recipe for success in the past, and should be in the future.

For Langford, he has inherited the leadership role of a talented group, and he will try to get the team back to where it was last year and beyond.

ISABELLA CONTRIBUTED

SCHEDULE

Aug. 20: vs. Fyffe Aug. 27: @ Maplesville Sept. 3: vs. Francis Marion Sept. 10: @ Thorsby Sept. 17: Bye Sept. 24: vs. Billingsley Oct. 1: @ Highland Home Oct. 8: vs. Calhoun (Homecoming) Oct. 15: @ Central Coosa Oct. 22: vs. Luverne (Senior Night) Oct. 29: @Keith

CONTRIBUTED

Sophia Adams, Bella Biancalana, Allie Bohannon, Adamaris Doroteo, Danielle Gilliland, Cadence Headley, Charlee Kirkland, Morgan Short, Addyson Williams, Kenzie Williams, DeDe Wilson

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Kevin Staffney Jr. goes into his senior year as the starting running back for CCHS. He will try to build upon a solid 2020 season.

CHILTON COUNTY

STAFFNEY LOOKS TO HAVE BIG YEAR IN CCHS BACKFIELD Written by ZACHARY SEIFTER Photos by BRANDON SUMRALL

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e always saw himself as a linebacker.

A leader of the defense and a ferocious tackler, that is how Chilton County High School’s Kevin Staffney Jr. saw himself.

That has changed recently, however.

Staffney, entering his senior year at CCHS, is now the starting running back for the Tigers for a second consecutive year.

In his freshman and sophomore years, he was a starting linebacker, but had to make the switch to offense when one of the team’s running backs left.

It was not an easy transition, according to Staffney. He went to several camps trying to get a feel for the position, and had to spend a lot of time and reps in practice getting comfortable with the new position.

The work he put in paid dividends. He finished the 2020 season with 528 yards off 124 rushes, good for an average of 4.26 yards per rush. He put up those numbers despite missing time with an injury.

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CHILTON COUNTY

In 2021, he is hoping to accomplish even more. “(I want to) break more tackles and get more yards a game,” Staffney said. “Be a more complete back other than just a power back …

Be able to catch the ball out of the backfield and break for more runs.”

Staffney will play a large role in trying to improve a Tigers offense that was lackluster in 2020. CCHS scored an average of just over 14 points per game.

It is a large reason why the team stumbled its way to a 1-9 record.

Staffney will not have to

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pick up the offense alone.

He, and the rest of the offense, will have the benefit of learning from new offensive coordinator Rishard Davis. The former Maplesville star was a state title winning head coach in Arizona. Now, he takes the reigns of the CCHS offense, and will turn to his senior running back to help carry the load.

“The plays he’s brought in … we’ve been learning it slowly,” Staffney said. “But (we’re) progressing fast. I like him, he’s a cool guy.”

With a new coach comes a new scheme, and having

to learn a new scheme has resulted in some expected hiccups and growing pains for the CCHS offense. However, Staffney has grown more comfortable in the offense, as have the rest of his teammates.

“During the spring, we didn’t really get it,” Staffney said. “Now, we’re getting it better and better … We’re going to have it down pat by time the season starts.”

The new coaches and new schemes have created optimism in the CCHS locker room. That optimism is also fueled by seniors like Staffney, who have shown

an extra sense of urgency and want to go out with a bang in their final year.

They may have had a rough 2020 season, but try convincing Staffney that the 2021 CCHS team does not have what it takes to win.

“Last year we didn’t have the leadership,” Staffney said. “This year, we have probably 12, 13 or 14 seniors, and half of us have been starting since freshman [year]. So, we have a lot of varsity experience …

We have that leadership, and we’re going to bring that leadership with us and we’re going to be good.”

CHILTON COUNTY

CONTRIBUTED

Pictured left to right, top to bottom: Jessica Thames (guard), Malachi Tyus (tuba), Matthew Simpson (tuba), Mary Jane Cole (guard), Malley Cox (guard), Josh Atkins (trombone), Adrienne Patterson (trombone), Steven McDonald (trombone), Stephen Reynolds (trombone), Dezeraye Loper (trombone), Brady Popwell (baritone), Julieta Arellano-Cruz (baritone), Christopher Reynolds (tenor sax), Ayla Powell (guard), Nyia Jordan (guard), Lynn Stamps (mellophone), Amanda Richeson (mellophone), Anna Marie Cleckler (mellophone), Joseph Brasher (trumpet), Dennis Mitchell (trumpet), Alena Connell (guard), Peyton Pike (guard), Andrew Robinson (tenors), Joshua Minor (snare), Alex Robinson (snare), Draven Patterson (cymbals), Anna Mahan (cymbals), Juliana Tenchipe (bass), Steven Mahan (bass), Nicholas Townsell (bass), Landon Bishop (bass), Kati Higdon (guard), Hayden Melton (guard), Selene Sublett (flute), Chyenne Robinson (flute), Rhiannon Langston (flute), Hannah Lynch (flute), Lindsey Popwell (clarinet), Claire Williams (clarinet), Andrew Simpson (clarinet), Lee Leach (alto), Bella Lindquist (alto), Mya Smitherman (alto), Caleigh Sanders (guard),Anna Seale (majorette),Anna Cleckler (majorette), Mallorie Adams (majorette), Kayla Marsh (drum major), Davis Whitfield (band director), Grace Bingham (dance), Nhein Nguyen (dance), Katelyn Kilburn (dance), Chloe Street (dance), Brooklyn Clark (dance), Elizabeth Cleckler (dance), Lilly Griffin (dance), Morgan Wright (dance), Chloe Haggard (dance).

NOT PICTURED: Brooke Freeman (Flute), Claire Nance (Mellophone), Matthew Williams (trumpet), Zoe Cleckler (clarinet).

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CHILTON COUNTY

SCHEDULE

Aug. 20: @ Central Clay County Aug. 26: @ Jemison (Thursday night) Sept. 3: Bye Sept. 10: @ Calera Sept. 17: vs. Stanhope Elmore Sept. 24: vs. Shelby County High School (Homecoming) Oct. 1: @ Helena Oct. 8: @ Wetumpka Oct. 15: @ Ben Russell Oct. 22: vs. Pelham Oct. 29: vs. Marbury (Senior night) CONTRIBUTED

Front row left to right: Seniors Alyssa Zeigler, Captain Halle Sullivan, Captain Emma Kate Locke, Co-Captain Lily Newton, Armoni McClammy; Second Row: Juniors Lydia Newton, Hannah Benson, Anna Kathryn Baker, Sophie Porter, Claire Parker, Belle Richardson; Third Row: JV Coach Kimiera Locke, Sophomores Sarah Beth Argent, Ella Price, Madison Thornton, Campbell Easterling, Alli Kate Calhoun,Varsity Coach Jennifer Supri; Fourth Row: JV/Freshmen Ella Young, Addison Melton, Captain Lilly Gregory, Captain Jenna Baker, Alyssa Minor, Ryleigh Pierce.

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CHILTON COUNTY

CONTRIBUTED

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CHILTON COUNTY

THE LINEUP 1 Dermarion Caffey 2 Crawford Easterling 3 Leo Corardi 4 Austin Cooey 5/43 Cedric Spencer 6 Kevin Staffney Jr. 7 Sam Smith 8 Cannon Miller 9 Taveous Good 10 BJ Davis 11 Derrion Caffey 13 Ni Shun Laister 14 Parker Willis 15 Coy Crumpton 16 Rashard Childers 18 Zakhori Jackson

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19 Paul Romero 20 Demarcus Riddick 21 Jamon Dejarnett 22 Robert Buchanan 23 Jakeveon Bolding 24 Jakobe Worthy 25 MJ Spigner 27 Kevyon Johnson 29 Dakyan Wright 30 Tristin Yarenko 31 Cadyn Tinsley 32 Carter Emmerich 34 Tramon Wright 35 Daniel Corona 36 Spencer Gregory 37 JJ Barbour

38 Dakota Price 39 Kelijah Lucas 40 Hunter Ousley 41 JJ Rodriguez 42 Sawyer Collum 44 Andre Underwood 45 D’Kota Oden 47 Alex Morales 48 Joseph Varner 49 Andrew Mallison 50 Michael Hann 55 Herman Hinojosa 57 Brody Baker 58 Austin Evans 62 Isaiah Davidson 66 Dontae Franklin

67 Devin Ford 69 Rickey Edwards 71 Cayden Young 73 Trey Maywell 74 Ethan Segars 75 Zachary Geiger 77 Sawyer Barrington 79 Khyrin Milliner 81 Miguel Cooper 82 Dreshaun Binion 83 Colten Fortenberry 84 Jorge Castillo 89 Tyler Driver

CHILTON COUNTY

CONTRIBUTED

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www.peachoutdoor.com | Sales, Service, Parts.

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PLAYERS TO WATCH OFFENSE

DEFENSE

QUARTERBACK Levi Arington, Billingsley Jared Quinn, Verbena Hayden Robinson, Jemison Luke Davis, Thorsby

DEFENSIVE LINE Jared Quinn, Verbena Caleb Washington, Isabella Noah Littlejohn, Thorsby Michael Nance, Jemison

RUNNING BACK Brady Harrison, Maplesville Kevin Staffney Jr., CCHS AJ Smith, Thorsby Zac Chapman, Isabella

LINEBACKER AJ Smith, Thorsby Ethan Dopson, Verbena Lucca Biancalana, Isabella Demarcus Riddick, CCHS

WIDE RECEIVER Braxden Giles, Isabella Jakeveon Bolding, CCHS Payton Cook, Maplesville Tucker Bradford, Jemison

DEFENSIVE BACK DJ Jackson, Verbena Braxton Giles, Isabella Remington Taylor, Thorsby Coden Cummings, Jemison

OFFENSIVE LINE Jason Barber, Verbena Skylar Langford, Isabella Logan Littleton, Isabella Trevon Blackmon, Maplesville

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BRANDON SUMRALL/ SPECIAL

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MUST-SEE GAMES

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very year, some matchups on the football schedule are just more important than others. Fans always circle a certain few games, knowing that there is no way they can miss it.

2021 will be no different. Coming off a 2020 season in which COVID-19 was a disruptive force, fans are eager to get back into the stands to watch their favorite teams play, especially when rivals come to town.

Below are five games that will certainly pique the interest of football fans in Chilton County:

1.

ISABELLA VS. MAPLESVILLE (AUG. 27) This game is always one to mark on the calendar. In the recent past, the tide has turned on this rivalry game, as Isabella has taken the last two matchups from the fourtime state champion Red Devils.

Last year’s game was particularly entertaining, as the Mustangs squeaked out a 21-20 win in overtime.

This season, both teams will have some new faces on the roster. Maplesville lost

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star QB Jackson Abbott while Isabella saw stud offensive lineman Brett Johnson graduate.

Despite the losses, these are still two teams with a ton of talent and promise going into 2021, making this rivalry game a must-watch.

Jemison may see, as Daryl Davis and company will try to beat Jemison for the first time since 2018. Even after losing seniors like Brody Barnett and Sawyer Sellers, Thorsby will look to keep this one close, and possibly pull out an upset win to start the 2021 campaign.

2.

3.

THORSBY VS. JEMISON (AUG. 19) For the fourth straight year, football fans will get the treat of witnessing the North Chilton Clash. Jemison will host the game on Aug. 19, a Thursday night opener to kick off the season.

This game was not particularly competitive in 2020, as Jemison ran away with a 35-8 win over the Rebels.

However, this year’s Jemison team may still be trying to figure things out when the season kicks off, as new head coach John Therrell will be coaching his first game with the Panthers. This game will also be Hayden Robinson’s first as the starting QB. Meanwhile, Thorsby will look to take advantage of the possible growing pains that

CHILTON COUNTY VS. JEMISON (AUG. 27) An always fun matchup between the two biggest schools in the county, this year’s contest will be a second straight Thursday night game for Jemison to open the season.

This game will also be a second straight rivalry game for Jemison in the first two weeks of the season.

Jemison will look to avenge a 34-16 loss to the Tigers in 2020, while CCHS will look to take the rivalry game for a fourth straight year.

A win over Jemison was the only one CCHS got in 2020. Head coach Tal Morrison will look to right the ship in 2021, and winning this rivalry game may go a long

way towards achieving that goal.

Meanwhile, Jemison is beginning a new era with head coach John Therrell at the helm. He will look to establish himself early as he tries to win his first ever CCHS-Jemison matchup.

4.

JEMISON VS. MAPLESVILLE (SEPT. 23) This old-time rivalry game will take place right in the middle of the season.

A week six clash of 5A Jemison and 1A Maplesville is one that will certainly draw plenty of fans out.

Last season’s matchup between the two in-county teams was their first since the 2013 season. Maplesville won the contest by a score of 24-17.

This season, both teams will be rolling out new starting QB’s, and new Jemison head coach John Therrell will look to get a big statement win in his first year with the Panthers. Maplesville coach Brad Abbott may have something to say about that though, as he will look to keep Maplesville rolling in 2021, and possibly compete for another

FILE

state championship.

5.

BILLINGSLEY VS. MAPLESVILLE (SEPT. 10) Another old-time rivalry, these regional foes will face off for a third straight season.

Maplesville has dominated the last two contests, winning last season’s game by a score of 51-14, but this season’s Billingsley team looks to be im-

proved with senior QB Levi Arington looking to take a step forward.

Meanwhile, Maplesville will look to remain a title contender despite losing their starting QB of the last few seasons, Jackson Abbott.

Maplesville will host the game, meaning that plenty of rowdy fans will be expected to fill the stands. This September clash promises to be an exciting one for both squads.

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Hayden Robinson is Jemison’s starting quarterback for the 2021 season. The senior will look to carry the offense to new heights after primarily playing receiver his first few years with the team.

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JEMISON

ROBINSON READY TO LEAD JEMISON OFFENSE Written by ZACHARY SEIFTER Photos by BRANDON SUMRALL

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here is a belief among many that new things are always better.

If that is the case, then fans of Jemison High School should be extremely excited.

They have a brand-new head coach in former college football coach John Therrell. But, what may make or break the Panthers season is the play of new starting quarterback Hayden Robinson.

Robinson, a senior, is the oldest player on Jemison’s roster. He has been a quarterback on the depth chart for some time, but has mainly played a role on the JHS offense in the past as a wide receiver.

With former Jemison QB James Wright moving on from the Panthers, Robinson came into summer practices ready for more, and Therrell is giving him his chance in 2021.

“Coming into this year, I’m really hoping to shock the world,” Robinson said. “I’m ready for it.”

Robinson offers a different style of play at the position than Wright.

Robinson would describe himself more as a pocket passer that can move and make plays outside the pocket when needed. But, the bigarmed QB is more comfortable when all he needs to do is stand still and sling it.

There will be a learning curve for both Robinson and the rest of the Panthers offense though. Therrell

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JEMISON

CONTRIBUTED

Jemison Blue Regiment Band: Ashley Adams, Melanie Alvarado, Fatima Amoroso, Constance Anderson, Joseph Anderson, Phoenix Anderson, Ryleigh Anderson, Estefany Arguello, Grace Ann Biel, Seth Bittle, Emily Brant, Levi Burchfield, Elizabeth Carden, Sydney Carmona-Cruz, Alexis Carr, Destiny Casale, Alexis Cleckler, Janet Contreras, Makaila Crumpton, Bailey Elliott, Montserrat Garcia, Ruben Gonzalez, Marissa Graggs, Abigail Howard, Lauren Jones, Emily Leachman, Gracie Ledbetter, Emily Loggins, McKenzi Luster, Frida Maldonado, Diana Mancilla, Grace Means, Anthony Medina, Juliet Mendoza, Madeline Mims, Alexis Nieves, Jerri Perez-Lopez, Jacob Porter, Makiley Porter, Brandy Putnam, Josh Quesenberry, Nathan Quesenberry, Hannah Ray, Allison Reed,Terrie Roberts, Samantha Scott,Trey Sewell, Brisco Smith, Nick Sullivan, Karley Tillery, Ashley Walker,Yara Zavala-Cortes. has brought in optimism and a demand of discipline to his team, but he also brings in a new offensive scheme. It is one that will take time to master. However, Robinson feels that he, along with the rest of the offense, will adjust just fine and be ready to dominate when the Friday night lights come on.

“Everybody is going to start out like that,” Robinson said of a possible slow start to the season for the offense. “As for us, I think we can adjust really easily right now because, it is a new offense, I mean we’re learning it, … but for us the new stuff is really what helps

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us because we’ve had three coaching changes in the last three years, we’ve gotten used to it by now. I don’t think it’s going to be that big of a deal.

I think we’re still going to be able to get it done.”

The belief in the locker room is that this team can compete with anyone, and once they fully grasp the new schemes installed by Therrell, they believe they will be extremely dangerous.

This is especially true on the defensive side of the ball.

Robinson may play quarterback, but he believes the defense may be the unit to carry the team to its high goals this

season.

“Our strength this year is probably going to be our defense,” Robinson said. “We do not want to let anybody score on us.”

The goal for Jemison’s defensive unit this season is to force five turnovers per game.

It’s an extremely lofty goal, but one that Robinson believes is achievable for the talented squad.

Despite the talent on the defensive side of the ball, Robinson still knows that his unit will have to step up. If the offense leaves the defense out to dry each week, Jemison will surely fall short of its goals.

“We are not far behind at all,” Robinson said. “We’re putting this new offense in, and our guys [have] got to learn it … We’re ready for it.

Right now, we’re still getting the hang of it, but we’re still really good at it.”

It will be up to Robinson and the rest of the offense to make sure that any growing pains are short-lived. There is a large sense of optimism and hope for this JHS team and the future of the program, thanks to Therrell.

If all goes according to Robinson’s plan, that hope of winning will soon become the expectation.

JEMISON

SCHEDULE

Aug. 19: vs. Thorsby (Thursday night) Aug. 26: vs. CCHS (Thursday night) Sept. 3: Bye Sept. 10: vs. Marbury Sept. 17: vs. Sipsey Valley Sept. 23: @ Maplesville Oct. 1: @ Selma Oct. 8: vs. Demopolis Oct. 15: @ Central Tuscaloosa Oct. 22: @ Shelby County High School Oct. 29: vs. Elmore County (Senior night)

CONTRIBUTED

Mary Gillespie (Captain), Tori Adams (CoCaptain), Kelsey Scott, Bella Ruth Gilliland, Olivia Childress, Morgan Lowery, Janie Popwell, Brooke Tuma, Ashley Young, Kylie Smart, Ava Claire Millard, Jadyn Smith, Ashlynn Newsom, Bella Knowles, Zoie Young.

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JEMISON

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JEMISON

THE LINEUP

1 Tyriq Archie 2 Tucker Bradford 3 Matt Brasher 4 Luke Gann 5 Skylar Reeves 6 Coden Cummings 7 Hayden Robinson 8 Juan Carlos Sanchez 9 Camden Cummings 11 Mason Roy 12 Hayden Oliver 13 Ares Santago 14 Josh Glass 15 AJ Ford 16 Anthony Simmons 18 Josh Reeves 19 Cooper Branch 20 Tyler Stallings 21 Chaz Melton 22 Evan Shurum 23 Davion Slaughter 24 Jesse Prado 25 Kintre Jackson 26 Efrain Villeda 27 Dalten Moore 30 Elijah Allen 31 Andrea Martinez-Villegas 32 Lane Pate 36 Nick Wright 37 Michael Nance 43 Chavez Melton 50 Michael Lindsey 51 Caydence Compton 52 Sammy Delgado 55 Kaiden Flowers 63 Clayton Lucas 64 Heith Bice 67 Kenneth Sammons 69 Tyler Singleterry 70 Brody Mozingo 71 Elijah Goodwin 73 Amari Austin 75 Colton Drinkard 76 Thaddeus Martin Jr. 77 Garrett Wyatt CONTRIBUTED

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VERBENA

DOPSON TAKES ON LEADERSHIP ROLE FOR YOUNG VERBENA TEAM Written by ZACHARY SEIFTER Photos by BRANDON SUMRALL

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n the last few years, Verbena High School’s football team has seen its fair share of struggles. Outside of wins that came from forfeits in 2020 due to opponents being unable to play because of COVID-19, Verbena has won just two games in the last four seasons.

In 2021, the school has made efforts to turn the page and begin a new era of success at VHS. The Red Devils have a new head coach in Allen Brothers. They have more players on the team than in years past. They also have some new leaders.

One of those leaders is middle linebacker and fullback Ethan Dopson.

Dopson, a junior, has started on the varsity team since he was in the seventh grade.

He has been with the Red Devils through their lowest points, and is now excited to be a part of the possible rebirth of Verbena football.

“I’ve been playing for Verbena since I could start playing football,” Dopson said.

“I’ve always seen them winning … I want to bring that back to Verbena for once before I graduate.”

Bringing that winning culture back to Verbena will not be achieved overnight.

There is talent on the roster, but also a lot of youth.

A large number of the players on the VHS roster are in the seventh, eighth and ninth grade. These players will be playing a lot of snaps, as they will play on the junior varsity team in the middle of the week before playing for the varsity team on Friday nights.

With as many young players on the roster as there are, there may be some growing pains for the team, a feeling that Dopson knows all too well.

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Having played for Verbena since the seventh grade, Dopson will be a good person for the younger players to turn to, as he has gone through much of what they will go through in the next few years. He has embraced the leader/mentor role in the locker room, and is happy to lend a helping hand to his teammates and help them grow as players.

“I’m definitely putting everybody through it, helping everybody out,” Dopson said. “(I’ve been) pushing them.”

Dopson’s ability to embrace such a role may be what has impressed his coaches the most. Not only does Dopson lead Verbena on the field, but he is eager to lead them off it, and the new head coach has taken notice.

“He (Brothers) told me that he’s seen me stepping up,” Dopson said. “Because if

someone isn’t running something right, I go tell them and help them do it right, give them a chance before they get blown out by somebody else.”

Dopson is hopeful that his tutelage to the younger guys will pay dividends this season. While some may look at this team and think they have no chance at winning many games this season because the program is in the middle of a rebuild, Dopson believes there is a chance for immediate success.

“I think we’ll win a decent amount of games this year,” Dopson said. “I mean, we may not go all the way, but it’s a start.”

A start for this Verbena program may be all it needs in the early stages of the rebuild.

Before long, there may be glory days returning to the program, and Dopson would be a big reason why.

VERBENA

Verbena’s Ethan Dopson, a junior, is one of the leaders of the football team going into the 2021 season. The team has a lot of very young players in the seventh, eighth and ninth grade that Dopson will try to lead.

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VERBENA

ZACHARY SEIFTER/ THE CLANTON ADVERTISER

THE LINEUP 1 Triston Wilhite 2 Nathaniel Ellison 3 Drew Waters 4 Lance Edwards 5 Jarod Quinn 6 Jacob Morris 7 Ethan Dopson 8 Aiden Johnson

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9 Isaac Stoudemire 10 Caleb Short 11 Cole Blanchard 14 Hayden Wilson 16 Johnathan Marino 20 Chris Guzman 22 DJ Jackson 24 Ethan Hand

33 Terry’un Dennis 50 Dustin Davis 51 Jason Barber 52 Owen Dennis 54 Tomas Cabrera 55 Grantley Childress 58 Michael Conatser 60 Trae Roberts

62 Phillip Mance 65 Ryan Gray 68 Dawson Hayes 70 Blake Hicks 75 Jeremy Hughes 76 Dallas Mims 77 Zachary Barber 85 Tyler Kozak

VERBENA

SCHEDULE

Aug. 20: vs. Central Coosa Aug. 27: @ Thorsby Sept. 3: vs. A. L. Johnson Sept. 10: vs. Autaugaville Sept. 17: @ Barbour County Sept. 24: vs. Calhoun (Homecoming) Oct. 1: vs. Billingsley Oct. 8: @ Loachapoka Oct. 15: vs. Maplesville (Senior Night) Oct. 22: @ Notasulga Oct. 29: Bye

ZACHARY SEIFTER / THE CLANTON ADVERTISER

Laliah B.- Captain, Lacey D.- Co-captain, Nyla B.- Co-captain, Paris B., Jatahja W., Emily W., Mariah B., Keringon D.

ZACHARY SEIFTER | THE CLANTON ADVERTISER

Juan Flores, Jerica Wells, Caileen Grandy, Ethan Miller, Zeke Sewell, Joe Joe Wells, John Cubbison, Micah Walker,Versain Guzman, Hazel Montoya, Natalia Cortes, Gabe Montoya, Hayden Price, Alexiah Benjamin, Braden Driver, Dakota Lindsey,Tiffany Schoener, Kayden Smith, Luis Luna, Alyssa Smith, Olivia Smith

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BILLINGSLEY

ARINGTON POISED TO HELP BILLINGSLEY TAKE NEXT STEP Written by ZACHARY SEIFTER Photo by BRANDON SUMRALL

A

nyone who has watched Billingsley High School’s football team the last few years has seen a lot of the same thing. They have watched the team finish with an even record and lose in the first round of the playoffs.

The Bears have a combined 17-18 record in the last three years, including playoff games. They have been what many would call an average team.

This year, however, they are ready to put a stop to that.

At the front of the charge to end the team’s pattern of average seasons and early playoff exits is Billingsley quarterback Levi Arington.

Arington, who is going into his senior year, has been the starting quarterback at Billingsley for the last three years.

He has seen and experienced much of the same thing in his time behind center. However, this year he believes the Bears are ready to take a step forward.

“Last year, we had a lot of young guys,” Arington said. “We only had three or four seniors. This year, we have like seven seniors, and a bunch of 11th and 10th graders. We’re a lot stronger, so I think we’ll be a lot better.”

As the starting quarterback, Arington knows that much of the team’s success will depend on his individual performance in 2021. With that being

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the case, he will be stepping up his game this season.

“Last year, I think I had 2,500 yards (passing), so maybe 3,000 this season,” Arington said.

Arington also reducing turnovers is something that he hopes to achieve in 2021.

“I had like three interceptions last year … and had one fumble,” Arington said. “(I need to) cut down on those.”

Should Arington be able to reach those individual goals this season, he expects the team to reach its goal too.

“I want to get at least six wins this season,” Arington said. “We’ve been at five for the last three years in a row.

So, I want to get at least six or seven wins because I know we can. Some of those losses that we normally get are ones we shouldn’t lose. We should win, but dumb stuff happens, turnovers or

whatever. But we should be able to overcome that I think.”

Not only does Arington believe that the team will win more games in the regular season, but he also believes a deep playoff run is possible.

Much will depend on the first round.

If the Bears are able to get over the hump and advance past the first round this year, Arington believes more could be in store for this team.

“I feel like if we win that first game we’ll be able to go at least two more rounds,” Arington said.

If there is any year for Billingsley to take that next step, it is this year. They have the players and the experience to make it happen.

It is something Arington is very aware of, and it is all that is on his mind as this is his last chance to leave his mark at Billingsley.

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

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

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

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

ZACHARY SEIFTER / THE CLANTON ADVERTISER

SCHEDULE

Aug. 20: @ Prattville Christian Aug. 27: vs. Vincent Sept. 3: vs. Loachapoka Sept. 10: @ Maplesville Sept. 17: vs. Notasulga Sept. 24: @ Isabella Oct. 1: @ Verbena Oct. 8: vs. Autaugaville Oct. 15: vs. Barbour County (Homecoming/Senior Night) Oct. 22: Bye Oct. 29: @ Thorsby

ZACHARY SEIFTER/ THE CLANTON ADVERTISER

Hannah Emfinger, Haley Selfridge, Amber Johnson, Ada Willis, Kylie Coggins, Caydin Green

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Thorsby running back and outside linebacker AJ Smith will be a senior this upcoming season.

He has been a starter with Thorsby since the ninth grade and is hoping to lead Thorsby on a deepKICKOFF 42 playoff run in2021 2021.

THORSBY

SMITH HOPES TO LEAVE THORSBY ON HIGH NOTE Written by ZACHARY SEIFTER Photos by BRANDON SUMRALL

O

ne last chance.

That is what senior year represents for many high school football players.

One last chance to make the playoffs, win a championship, get recruited to play college football or leave a lasting impact on their school.

It is no different for AJ Smith.

Smith, going into his senior year at Thorsby High School, is the starting running back and outside linebacker for the Rebels. He has started for the team since he was in the ninth grade.

Now going into his final year with the team, he wants to be part of a special team before he goes, and he believes this team could be one so long as they play with more determination than they did in the 2020 season. “(We have to) be a lot more aggressive,” Smith said. “We weren’t aggressive last year. We have a lot more heart this year, so we just have to be aggressive.”

In offseason practices, it has been common for Smith, as well as some of the other seniors on the team, to lead by example and play with a sense of urgency and determination.

“It all starts in practice,” Smith said. “Just trying to lead everybody and do our job.”

Part of that determination for Smith and the rest of the Thorsby squad comes from the team’s underwhelming season in 2020 that ended with a blowout loss to Abbeville High School. They finished in fourth place in their region.

They know that kind of performance is

not good enough, and Smith is ready to do his part to make sure the team has far more success in 2021.

“I’ve got to get the ball more,” Smith said. “I’ve got to the put the team on my back and keep carrying the ball and do what I’ve got to do.

In order to do that, Smith has some goals in mind for what he wants to accomplish this upcoming season.

“Probably about 1,000 rushing yards,” Smith said. “That’s what I’m hoping for.”

Reaching those individual goals should go a long way towards helping Thorsby improve its total in the win column this season, which in the end is Smith’s biggest goal.

He is a team-first player, and believes that the guys in the Thorsby locker room have the same mentality. He believes that

with everyone working to do what is best for the team, they can make this a season that has never been seen before in the history of Thorsby football.

“I really hope we can win every single game we have, but I’m really just looking to go first in regions,” Smith said.

“Our goal this season is making the third round (of the playoffs). It’s never been done before, so that’s our goal this year.”

Should this Thorsby team be able to accomplish that goal, this 2021 team will go down as one of the greatest Thorsby teams ever. It will imprint Smith in the THS history books, allowing him to leave his mark on the school in his last season.

Now it’s up to him to take advantage of his last chance, and make those goals a reality.

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THORSBY THE LINEUP 1 Remington Taylor 2 Carson Church 3 AJ Smith 4 Nate Thomas 5 Luke Davis 7 Aiden Turner 8 Joshua Daniel 10 Grayson McManous 11 Logan Ellison 13 Aaron Arrondando 14 Luke Turner 16 Braxton Price 18 Malichi Allgood 20 Jack Ellison 33 Christain Davenport 34 Jamario Montgomery 50 Noah Littlejohn 51 Zander Vernon 52 Tyler Lockhart

55 Ryan Jones 56 Braxton Jones 57 N’ky Nunn 58 Brooks Barnett 59 Kohen Davis 61 Joseph Price 64 Slate Phillips 70 James Cost 72 Alberto Delvalle

BRANDON SUMRALL/ SPECIAL

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THORSBY

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Alejandra Alcala, Jackson Baker, Brennan Beam, Jasmine Bearor, Mackenzie Bearor, Josh Bolt, Hannah Chavers, Elizabeth Cochran, Haven Davenport, Maddie Day, Isaac Easterling, Savannah Edge, Abdul Elkhatib, Luke Ellison, Noelia Flores, Jenna Gillen, Lauren Howell, Maria Morales, Mason O’Brien, Kathleen O’Reilly, Jaaziel Rosas, Nathan Rosas, Zoe Springer, Aiden Ward, Alex Well, Abbie Wells, Audrey West

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Coryn Kendrick (captain), Addison Hayes, Mattie Woodall, Cassie Knox, Mesha Mims, Molly Clements, Brianna Tyson

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