DAILY MOUNTAIN EAGLE 2022 PREPZONE PLAYBOOK | 3 GENERAL MANAGER Michael Keeton The 2022 Walker County Playbook is a publication of the Daily Mountain Eagle P.O. Box 1469 Jasper, AL 35502 (205) 221-2840 www.MountainEagle.com EDITOR Jennifer Cohron CONTRIBUTORS Sports Editor Johnathan Bentley Ron Harris Jeff MattJasonJohnseyClarkNorris ADVERTISING Jake Aaron, Brenda Anthony, Ansley Goodson, Rich Mixon, Liz Steffan
The Daily Mountain Eagle is proud to release the 2022 DME PrepZone Playbook, a magazine devoted specifically for the upcoming Walker County high school football season. Inside the pages of this Playbook, each teams’ schedule will be listed along with preview stories. Along with the previews of each team, we also feature players to watch in 2022, historic facts on each team, photographs of the teams and each individual player expected to suit up this fall.
This edition marks our seventh year to release a Playbook. Our evolution in community sports journalism began with that first Playbook in 2016, and it has continued with the PrepZone branding of our high school football coverage.Weare proud to support the coaches and student athletes of Carbon Hill, Cordova, Curry, Dora, Jasper, Oakman and Sumiton Christian. The Daily Mountain Eagle wishes you much success throughout the season. We hope you enjoy this Playbook, and continue to rely on the DME for our sports coverage throughout the season.
PG. 6 PG. 8 PG. 18 PG. 24 PG. 30 PG. 36 PG. 42 PG. 48 TABLE OF CONTENTS PRESEASON EAGLE ELITE JASPER VIKINGS DORA SUMITONCURRYOAKMANCARBONCORDOVABULLDOGSBLUEDEVILSHILLBULLDOGSWILDCATSYELLOWJACKETSCHRISTIANEAGLES OnTheCover Michael Keeton, General Manager FromTheStaff...
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6 | 2022 PREPZONE PLAYBOOK DAILY MOUNTAIN EAGLE DEFE S E F RST TEA #10, CORDOVA, LB, Sr.#5, SUMITON CHR, DL, Jr. #12, DORA, lb, sr. #33, Jasper, Lb., sr. #42, CUrry, LB, sr.#54, JASPER, DL,#4,Jr. Jasper, db, Sr.#6, DORA, DB, Sr. JAKE KISER#15, SUMITON CHR., DB, SR. JAMASON NOLEN #33, OAKMAN, dB, Fr.#19, DORA, dl, Jr. COLE CHAPMAN COLE SARGENT KOLBE WALKER ASHTON HARPER TYLER THOMAS KORI PRYOR KAYIN NEELS #52 CARBON HILL, DL, Sr. Landon Castillo Ian TuggleBraxton HOUSTON Blake Ingle #11, Carbon Hill, lb, sOPH. 2022PRESEASON DEFENSIVE MVP KORI PRYOR Dora, Lineman, Jr. Photo by Jeff Johnsey Defensive leader 9 Games 86 Tackles 22 Tackles for Loss 6 1/2 Sacks 2 Forced Fumbles
DAILY MOUNTAIN EAGLE 2022 PREPZONE PLAYBOOK OFFE S E F RST TEA #71, Dora, OL, SOPH.#12, Oakman, WR, JR. #56, Jasper, OL, Sr. #57, CoRdova, OL, JR.#9, CUrry, ATH, sr.#13, Jasper, WR,#3Sr.Cordova, QB, SR.#10 Jasper, QB, Sr. Bryant Allen#2, carbon Hill, rb, sr. Luke Martin #1, Dora, RB, Sr. #1, Carbon Hill, wr. sr. Colin Langley Cody Headrick Spencer Rosenfeld Devon Daniel Jamarcus Goodmon Cam DeJesus Kannen DeFoor #10, Sumiton Christian, wr, sr. trace Allen ColLin PageCory Shephard Aaron Handley #75, Oakman, OL, SOPH. 2022EAGLE ELITE Photo by Jason Clark ar on i , nnin a , r. OFFENSIVE MVP DEVON DANIEL 1 Games 1 86 us ards 119 ece ards 19 To al T s 8 2 ards er arr
“It all goes through the quarterback. This will be his third year starting and he understands that. He understands the role and what he has to do to make this team successful,” Bailey said.
“We’ve got to do all the things that win football games. We’ve got to stay healthy. We’ve got to execute consistently. That’s kind of been my message to the team. We have some snaps that are really good other snaps that aren’t. Winning football is playing well snap after snap. That’s the key,” Bailey added.
By Johnathan Bentley
“The defensive line may be one of the strongest position groups on the team. They definitely have the potential to be,” Bailey said. “We have a good group of seniors. I’m excited about the year that our defense could have and the opportunity they have.”
While Rosenfeld is the top returning player on offense, it’s the defense that’s loaded with experience and proven talent.Top tacklers Cole Sargent and Landon Castillo return along with linemen Trey Reese and Braxton Houston.
8 | 2022 PREPZONE PLAYBOOK DAILY MOUNTAIN EAGLE J Enrollment: 576.85 Stadium: Ki-Ro Gambrell FieldClass 5A, Region 5
Jasper gets most of its road schedule out of the way early. Three of the first four games are on the road, including the first two region games against Ramsay and Fairfield. The Vikings close the region schedule against defending region champion Pleasant Grove, which is 19-2 in region play over the last three years. No matter the site or opponent, Bailey said Jasper’s success comes down to playing consistent football..
asper put together two memorable years the last time the Vikings were in Class 5A. The team won a pair of region titles and grabbed a No. 1 ranking while winning 22 Thegames.2020-21 seasons were more of a struggle, competing in the toughest 6A region in the state that boasted each of the last two state champions — Pinson Valley and Clay-Chalkville. Now Jasper is back in 5A and looking to duplicate the success from 2018-19. “We were one of the smallest schools in Class 6A. Now we are back in 5A. We’re excited about that,” Jasper coach Philip Bailey said. “We drop back down to 5A, but make no mistake about it, this is a strong region we’re in. Pleasant Grove won the north each of the last threeJoiningyears.”Pleasant Grove in 5A, Region 5 are Birmingham area schools Ramsay, Fairfield, Carver, Wenonah, John Carroll and Hayden. Non-region games are against Center Point, Cullman and Homewood, three playoff teams from last“It’syear.still a very strong schedule from top to bottom. What I tell the guys all the time is that it’s not about who we play, it’s about who we are. We can’t control who’s in the region, but we can control the things that we do every day. We can control the attitude and effort, how committed we are to one another and doing the right things every day,” Bailey said. No matter the schedule, Jasper has the returning talent to make a playoff run in 2022. Spencer Rosenfeld, a three-year starter at quarterback, is back for his senior year.
He threw for 1,536 yards last season with nine touchdowns and five interceptions. He added another 400 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.
schedule Date Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 HOMEHOMEHOMEHOMEHOMEAWAYAWAYAWAYAWAYAWAYCenter PleasantCarver-B’ham*Wenonah*Fairfield*Ramsay*CullmanPointOPENHayden*JohnCarroll*Grove*Homewood Opponent Location *denotes region game results WLWLLWLLWW vs. Mars Hill vs. Cullman Clay Chalkville* vs. at.vs.atvs.Gardendale*Demopolisvs.Minor*Jackson-Olin*Mort.Jordan*atPinsonValley*BessemerCity 44-5533-2820-1635-621-680-1#31-5254-3827-4941-14 2021: (5-5, 1-5) *denotes region game #denotes forfeit Philip Bailey 8-12 2020-21 Bryan Moore 22-3 2018-19 Heath Brunner 30-22 2013-17 John Holladay* 52-20 2007-13 Shane Smothers 10-11 2005-06 Bubba Davis 84-30 1995-04 Chris Yeager 5-16 1993-94 Danny Gambrell 25-25 1988-92 David Campbell 82-57 1975-87 Larry Blakeney 17-11-2 1972-74 LAST 10 COACHES *Coached one game in 2013 COACH RECORD YEARS JASPER HEADS BACK TO CLASS 5A SEEKING RETURN TO SUCCESS VIKINGS JASPER
schedule: Jasper drops to Class 5A for the 2022 season and that’s apparent in the schedule.
SPENCER ROSENFELD QB, Senior Photo by Jeff Johnsey
The Vikings have a strong core returning, including starting quarterback Spencer Rosenfeld as well as their top two tacklers, Cole Sargent and Landon Castillo and offensive lineman Colin Langley. The Vikings, who were shut out of the playoffs each of the last two seasons haven’t missed the postseason in three consecutive years since the early 1990s. As a 5A team, Jasper has made the playoffs nine of the last 10 years.
After having a state champion in their region each of the last two years (Pinson Valley in 2020 and Clay-Chalkville in 2021), Jasper will face a region slate that includes Pleasant Grove, the 5A state runner up each of the last three years, Fairfield, Ramsay, Wenonah, Hayden, Carver and John Carroll. The Vikings play three playoff teams in non-region games — Center Point, Cullman and Homewood.
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coach: Philip OverallBailey—8-12 (entering third year) At Jasper — 8-12 (entering third year) players to watch:
key number: 0 The number of region losses Jasper suffered during its last stint as a Class 5A team (2018-19).
2021: 5-5 overall; 1-5 in Class 6A, Region 6 (fifth)
DAILY MOUNTAIN EAGLE 2022 PREPZONE PLAYBOOK AT A GLANCE
QB Spencer Rosenfeld DB Cole Sargent OL Colin Langley key losses: OL Dalton Dockins ATH Preston Reed RB Treyvon Stewart WR/DB Kevon Samuels
overview: Jasper returns to Class 5A after two years in Class 6A. The Vikings had trouble competing in one of the toughest 6A regions in the state, going 2-10 in region play while allowing 50 or more points three times. Jasper’s last foray into Class 5A included a pair of region titles and a third-round playoff appearance in 2018.
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14 | 2022 PREPZONE PLAYBOOK DAILY MOUNTAIN EAGLE TREY REESE #2, DL, Senior Malakiah Gilmore #3, DL, Senior Cole Sargent #4, DB, Senior Bubba Odom #5, WR, Senior CJ#8,WillinghamRB,SeniorKobe Mason #7, db, senior Logan NarAmore #9, LB, Senior Spencer Rosenfeld #10, QB, senior TITUS WALDROP #11, WR, JUnior Mason Bates #12, LB, sophomore Cory Shephard #13, WR, senior Brodey Garrett #14, WR, Freshman Ethan Caldwell #16, DB, Senior Conner Elmore #15, DB, Sophomore Andrew Ross #17, DB, Senior Carter Reed #18, WR, Sophomore GARRETT BUSBY #19, WR, Junior Tanner Morrow #20, WR, sophomore Hayden Bates #21, H-back, SENIor Kelly Hudson #22, LB, Junior BASS ROYSTER #24, DB, SENIOR Micah Pledger #23, RB, Freshman HARRY HOLCOMB #25, WR, SENIOR BREYLON TERRELL #27, LB, JUNIOR JOHN STROUD #28, WR, sophomore Roman White #29, LB, Junior DaCorey Poe #30, LB, Sophomore Taylor Dreher #31, db, junior Landon Castillo #33, Lb, senior Terrance Nash Mathis #32, db, sophomore Jordan Boshell #34, lb, sophomore Hudson Hand #35, H-back, sophomore JAXCEN BIJOLLE #37, RB, Freshman Carter Newborn #39, LB< Sophomore Will Wideman #40, DL, junior Luke Horsley #42, DB, Sophomore Eli Kimbrell #44, LB, sophomroe Carter Livingston #43, H-back, Freshman Jesse Joseph #49, DB, Freshman Jasper#50,odom-hendrixOL,Junior Desiah Mitchell #52, DL, sophomore Makhi Blair #53, DL, Freshman Braxton Houston #54, DL, Junior Colin Langley #56, OL, Senior Mal Henderson #65, OL, freshmabn taylor eads #60, OL, senior destry shippman #67, OL, freshman Max Cain #69, OL, Sophomore 2022 Jasper Vikings
| 1 BRAXTON STANLEY #73, DL, Junior Cayden Bevan #75, OL/P, Senior Drake Britt #76, OL, Junior Grant Bailey #77, OL, Freshman Tamarcus Parham #84, WR, Freshman Ryker Hice #78, OL, Freshman JoJO odom Nathan Morrison #90, DL, Sophomore #95, K, Junior Tyson PhillipsBlaine Goodwin Javen Butler #99, DL, sophomore#91, K, Junior #98, DL, Freshman not pictured: #6 Elijah Casey, RB, Soph. #26 DOubton Mathis, LB, Junior #38 Elijah Coleman, DB, Junior #41 Isiah Norwood, DB, Soph. #45 Dylan Woods, H-back, Soph. #55 Levi Hardenbrook, OL, Soph. #92 Pedro Ponce, K, Senior HAVE A GREAT SEASON! 1640 HWY. 78 EAST | JASPER Monday–Friday 8:30am – 6:00pm Saturday 8:30am – 4:00pm www.EnglishPlaza-Pharmacy.com Shop the Tin Cup for Essentials!GameyourDay Good luck to Brady Jones & Wildcats!Oakmanthe Tuesday | Thursday | Friday Hours: 10AM-6PM Wednesday | Saturday Hours 10AM-4PM Phone: (205) 295 - 5355 1301 Hwy. 78 E Suite 211 Jasper, Al, 35501TinTHECupVintageMarket50Shops Under One Roof! 2022
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Williams turns to the same word when describing this year’s team — potential.“Weare really young up front, but we’ve got a lot of potential. We’ve got great skill players. I can’t say enough about the potential of this team. The wins are going to come,” Williams said.
18 | 2022 PREPZONE PLAYBOOK DAILY MOUNTAIN EAGLE T Enrollment: 341.95 Stadium: Horace Roberts FieldClass 4A, Region 5
Dora will find out where it stands early with non-region games against Winfield (12-1 in 2021) and Oneonta (132) to open the season.
“I’m a big believer in the old saying, ‘You got to check your oil.’ Those are two very prestigious programs. Winfield made the quarterfinals last year and Oneonta was the state runner up. We are going up there again. It will be a tough environment. It’s a good test for our kids to see where we are before we head into region play,” he said. In region play, Northside enters the season as one of the region favorites. Every other region team had a losing record in 2021. Two rival games will be on the road with Dora making short trips to Corner and Cordova.
“I look forward to being salty on defense because we’ve got a lot of experience coming back. We do have to replace three linebackers. Some guys have shown some promise so I look for progress there,” he said. It was the offense that gave Dora problems last year. In region play the team averaged 19.7 points per game, resulting in several narrow losses.
schedule Date Aug. 18 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 HOMEHOMEHOMEHOMEHOMEAWAYAWAYAWAYAWAYAWAYSt.OakNorthside*Haleyville*OneontaWinfieldCurry*Corner*OPENCordova*Hamilton*Grove*ClairCounty Opponent Location *denotes region game results WLLWWWLWWL < L 59-2413-2028-09-2442-1432-021-014-1514-1715-7 > 21-41 atvs.CordovaHolt at atatvs.atHanceville*Oneonta*vs.Corner*Fultondale*atAshville*GoodHope*atEtowah*WestBlocton < PLAYOFFS > at Brooks 2021: (6-5, 3-3) *denotes region game Chavis Williams 6-5 2021 Bart Lockhart 16-17 2017-20 Mike Cain 4-16 2015-16 Johnny Wright 22-14 2012-14 Dusty Goode 9-3 2011 Martin Glover 6-25 2008-10 Tony Johnson 1-9 2007 Johnny Wright 55-16 2001-06 Joe LaBue 1-19 1999-00 Royce Young 5-15 1997-98 LAST 10 COACHES COACH RECORD YEARS DORA’S WILLIAMS HAS HIGH HOPES ENTERING 2ND YEAR BULLDOGS DORA
By Johnathan Bentley he Dora Bulldogs were true road warriors in 2021. Due to forfeits the previous year, the Bulldogs were forced to play seven regular-season games on the road.That’s all in the past for coach Chavis Williams’ squad this year.
“It’s going to be nice to have five home games this season,” Williams said. “Last year was a year full of a lot of adversity due to COVID. We only had three home games. It put us on the road a lot. Region games on the road are always tough. We battled, but we didn’t finish a couple of games. We lost two games by a combined four points that separated us from first to fourth in the region.”
“We’ve got to improve on offense if we want to win big games,” Williams said. “The thing this year is to create more explosive plays. We’ve just got to get the ball in our play-makers’ hands and the guys have to capitalize on the opportunities. We are going to try put our best foot forward and get this thing rolling in the right direction.”
Dora played its last home game on Oct. 1 last year. The final four regularseason games and the Bulldogs’ playoff game were all on the road. Though the team lost a host of talented players, Dora returns Jamarcus Goodmon, one of the top running backs in the area, as well as linemen Cam Gosha and Kori Pryor just to name a few. Defense led the team last year, registering three shutouts and allowing just 9.3 points per region game.
RC S OOD ON RB, Senior Photo by tt o s#11
OL Boone Martin
RB Jamarcus Goodman LB Cole Chapman QB Kesean Pryor ATH Garrett Hogland key losses: LB Ronald Waldrop
2021: 6-5 overall; 3-3 in Class 4A, Region 6 (fourth)
coach: Chavis Williams Overall — 14-18 (entering fourth year) At Dora — 6-5 (entering second year) players to watch:
DAILY MOUNTAIN EAGLE 2022 PREPZONE PLAYBOOK | 1 AT A GLANCE
TE Jayden McDavid
overview: Dora made the playoffs in coach Chavis Williams’ first year at his alma mater, but the Bulldogs struggled in close games against region foes Good Hope (15-14) and Etowah (17-14) pushing the Dora from first or second in the region to fourth. The Bulldogs return a host of talented players, including 1,000-yard running back Jamarcus Goodmon and twins Kesean Pryor (quarterback) and Korion Pryor (defensive line). Dora is primed to make a run for its first region title since 2012. key number: 1,499 Yards of offense picked up by running back Jamarcus Goodmon. As a junior, Goodmon rushed for 1,293 yards and had 206 receiving yards with 20 total TDs.
sche ule: Dora makes a move from Region 6 to Region 5 for the 2022 season, welcoming back familiar foes Haleyville and Hamilton along with Curry, Oak Grove, Northside and Corner. Of all the region opponents, only Northside had a winning record. The Bulldogs won’t be able to play Cordova in the traditional opener for the next two seasons. Teams aren’t allowed to open the season with a region opponent. Dora starts with two tough non-region games against 4A state runner up Oneonta and a Winfield team that went 12-1.
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2022 PREPZONE PLAYBOOK DAILY MOUNTAIN EAGLE Dora Location: 2215 Hwy. 78 E • Dora, AL 35062 (205) 648-9838 • (205) 514-1255 We wish you DOGS!luckgoodthisseason!GO CATERING & LOCAL DELIVERY TO OFFICES ALSO AVAILABLE Visit us in the Dora Shopping Center 2022
DAILY MOUNTAIN EAGLE 2022 PREPZONE PLAYBOOK | 23 JAMARCUSKALEBBARTLEY#1GOODMONBLACK#10JAYDENROUSE#23JAMELLSAXTON#32CAMGOSHA#52PATTERSON#70 Josh NauseerJaydenWilliams#2Griffin#11ShaunGreen#24NigelBailey#33Jackson#53BryanTAllen#71 Garrett#3Hogland cole CameronTannerColbychapman#12Foster#25ChrisBlair#34Pruden#54RichardsoN#72 Ty BraxtonrileyJamesClayton#4Mata#13Willingham#26LukeManning#35CarsonDavis#55Jefferson#73 Kolbe JoeCamden#6WalkerHines#18Washington#28BrysonRouse#44GradyGoodwin#58Eric Rogers#5 David jacksonCyrusChris#16WaldropHagler#27Elliott#40EthanHart#57pratt#77 Kesean JulianTristanDillonKorian#7PryorPryor#19Watson#29Thomas#45Satterfield#61 Mekhi WilliamSatterfield#8Richardson#21FaronCamp#30CaylebWade-Little#50AshtinPhillips#62 DElvin#9Taylor Jon BraxtonRileyjaden#22Creelerbrick#31Frederick#51WrigHt#67 not pictured: #20 Aiden Harris #37 Elijah Meadows #45 Nathan Austin #59 Mason Harris #78 Austin Lockhart #84 Dawson Lay N/A John Cain 2022 Dora Bulldogs
ordova took its lumps over the last two years playing in Class Playing5A.state powers Pleasant Grove and Parker, along with a host of Birmingham city schools, resu ted in few wins and lopsided losses.
Smothers adds a new offensive coordinator (OC) for the 2022 season. Jake Howton, who served as the OC last year, took a job at Mortimer Jordan.
Cordova has endured five straight losing seasons — the longest streak in school history — and won just one region game over the last two seasons.
“We’re very excited just to get out from the Birmingham city league,” Smothers said. “People don’t realize that for us it was hard to compete in. We were not ready for that the last two years. Getting out of the region we were in; now our fast guys are going to look fast. Last year our fast guys didn’t look fast. We are bigger. We have pounded the weights. Our No. 1 goal in the offseason was to get bigger. We’re definitely bigger up front. We are stronger than we were. That’s what a good offseason will do for you.”
“These kids are not used to winning. You can’t count toybowl. You can’t count middle school. My senior group, as freshman they won five games, but made the playoffs and lost in the first round. They just haven’t tasted success by winning. That’s what we are really hoping, both for these kids and the community — that we can taste some success early to get some confidence. They have worked hard. They want to be the group that starts it back, as far as the Ws. The work ethic part is done. That’s established. They want to start something by winning. The staff and the players have earned it.”
Quarterback Cody Headrick is one of the senior leaders returning. He threw for more than 2,000 yards with 18 touchdowns as a junior. “We’re blessed to have a kid like Cody returning at quarterback. We’re very thankful that he’s back,” Smothers said. “I think he’s going to be one of the best in North Alabama. He’s got the potential. Having Cody back means we’ve got a leader back in the house.” Smothers said his group has put in the work. Now they hope to see the results on the scoreboard.
2022 PREPZONE PLAYBOOK DAILY MOUNTAIN EAGLE
Cordova got some good news in December when the school dropped a classification to 4A. Gone are the Birmingham schools. Enter Dora, Corner, Curry, Haleyville, Hamilton, Oak Grove and Northside. The Blue Devils and coach Shane Smothers are hoping that move will result in some much-needed success.
schedule Enrollment: 393.15 Stadium: Hudson-Kerby FieldClass 4A, Region 5 Date Aug. 18 Aug. 25 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 HOMEHOMEHOMEHOMEHOMEAWAYAWAYAWAYAWAYAWAYFayetteCarver-B’hamOakNorthside*Haleyville*OakmanCountyCorner*Hamilton*OPENDora*Grove*Curry* Opponent Location By Johnathan Bentley enotes e on e results LLLWLLLLWW vs. Dora vs. Carbon Hill vs. Pleasant Grove* at John Carroll* vs. Ramsay* at Wenonah* vs. atCarver-B’ham*atParker*Fairfield*atOakman 27-4020-3318-4620-1347-80-2822-2013-636-4612-26 2020 (5-6,3-3) enotes e on e Shane Smothers 3-7 2021 Justin Palmer 1-9 2020 Justin Jones 5-6 2019 Jimmy Gay 39-32 2013-18 Woody Smothers 9-12 2011-12 Pete Bush 34-8 2008-10 Scott Basden 37-12 2004-07 Heath Harmon 7-14 2002-03 Kevin Sparks 2-8 2001 Chris Hill 5-5 2000 LA T C AC E COACH RECORD YEARS CORDOVA RETURNS TO 4A SURROUNDED BY FAMILIAR FOES L E DE LS CORDOVA
Smothers turns to Conner Young, son of former Carbon Hill, Dora and Oakman coach Royce Young, as the new OC. Conner Young, who graduated from Carbon Hill in 2011, was part of the staff at Gardendale High School last year.
Smothers said this year’s group is looking to put Cordova back on track. The Blue Devils have a senior group of 10 players and a large group of 20 juniors on the “Theyteam.are hungry. We talk about restoring tradition. That’s why I’m here,” Smothers said. “I want to help restore the tradition and get it back to where we are known state-wide. (The team) has bought into that. It’s a blue-collar group that I’m excited to be with right now.”
C
OL Allen Guthrie
DAILY MOUNTAIN EAGLE 2022 PREPZONE PLAYBOOK
2021 3-7 overall; 1-6 in Class 5A, Region 5 (sixth) coach: Shane OverallSmothers—65-66 (entering 13th year) At Cordova — 3-7 (entering 2nd year) players to watch: QB Cody Headrick RB/LB Jake Kiser DB/WR Jalen Armistad key losses: WR Cade Naramore
AT A GLANCE
overview: Cordova heads back to Class 4A after two years of 5A football that included one region win. The Blue Devils should immediately be in the playoff hunt after trading in Birmingham-area teams for schools in similar size. The Blue Devils return quarterback Cody Headrick, who completed 62 percent of his passes while throwing for 2,005 yards and 18 touchdowns. Cordova’s three-year playoff drought is the longest since the Blue Devils missed the postseason for five straight years from 1998-2002. schedule: Gone are the likes of 5A region opponents Pleasant Grove and Ramsay as the Blue Devils head into the 2022 season. Those teams are replaced with Hamilton, Haleyville, Dora, Corner, Curry, Oak Grove and Northside as the Blue Devils drop back to Class 4A. Among region teams only Dora and Northside had winning records in 2021. Cordova faces three county teams this year, hosting both Dora and Curry while traveling to Oakman. key number: 5 Number of consecutive losing seasons for the Blue Devils. After going through four coaches in four years, Shane Smothers returns for his second season. COD E DR C QB, Senior Photo by on s
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2022 PREPZONE PLAYBOOK DAILY MOUNTAIN EAGLE Jayen Clingan #2, Junior Eli#9,ClinganJUNIOR Jalen Armistad #1, BraedonSeniorLugo#8,junior Cody Headrick #3, #10,JakeSeniorKiserSenior MalachiKaden#4,MontgomerySeniorWilliams#11,Junior David Odom #5, Junior Caleb Kilpatrick #12, Freshman Trent Keating #6, #13,KrisSophomoreMaversSOPHOMore Caden Owens #7, EthanJuniorLane#14,Junior Braxton Kitchens #15, junior Nick Cain #16 Freshman Xander Mooney #17, senior Brodie#18,BlankenshipJunior Hunter snow #19, junior Jeremy Fullman #22, sophomore Cainin Taft #20, senior 2022
DAILY MOUNTAIN EAGLE 2022 PREPZONE PLAYBOOK | 29 Daniel Jackson #24, JonathansophomoreMorehead#34,senior Jay Hayden#23,FergusonjuniorWoods#31,junior Jameson Robertson #26, junior Clayton Kilpatrick #35, JUNior Khaleb Smith #27, #45,CurtisFreshmanBellsophomore Aaron Shonkwiler #28, AndresophomoreGoddard#50,Freshman Jonah Bryant #29,LoganFreshmanPosten#51,junior Coltin Kilpatrick #30, DylansophomoreWilliams#52,Freshman CARL ILARRAZA #54, #72,AUSTINFRESHMANDILLFRESHMAN Cade Channell #55, HAYDENsOPHOMORECOLBURN#76,JUNIOR MATTHEW SIMMONS #56, senior TRACE ALLEN #57, Junior ETHAN PAIR #162, junior Sam#67,BryantJUNIORLOGAN BURTON #64, JUNIOR 2022 Cordova Blue Devils
schedule Date Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 HOMEHOMEHOMEHOMEAWAYAWAYAWAYAWAYAWAYAWAYDecaturOPENHeritageWinstonCountyFayetteCounty*Oakman*PhilCampbellGordo*Winfield*Midfield*Tarrant*OakGrove Opponent Location *denotes region game results WLLLW OT WLWLL Curry at Cordova at Susan Moore* vs. Vinemont* at Holly Pond* vs. JB Pennington.* vs. Oakman* at Tarrant* vs.vs.Winfield*Brilliant 30-2428-4418-4766-828-3042-430-5553-80-5142-0 2021: (4-6, 2-5) *denotes region game *Grant Nichols, Shay Oliver shared duties Mark Cochran 4-6 2021 Chavis Williams 8-13 2019-20 Scott Curd 9-21 2016-18 Woody Smothers 3-17 2014-15 Rodney Dollar 0-10 2013 Royce Young 4-26 2010-12 Grant Nichols 2-18 2008-09 Nichols/Oliver* 1-9 2007 Don Miles 5-5 2006 Wayne Wilkes 2-18 2004-05 LAST 10 COACHES COACH RECORD YEARS By Johnathan Bentley CARBON PLAYERSRETURNSHILLKEYIN‘22 BULLDOGS CARBON HILL
30 | 2022 PREPZONE PLAYBOOK DAILY MOUNTAIN EAGLE C Enrollment: 259.9 Stadium: G.W. Keith StadiumClass 3A, Region 5
arbon Hill has some advantages heading into the 2022 football season. After all, not every team has a proven running back and a two-way star on their roster. Carbon Hill has both in seniors Devon Daniel and Cam DeJesus. “Those two are a lot of the focal point,” Carbon Hill head coach Mark Cochran said. “We use these guys everywhere. Cam is like a multi-tool guy we use all over the place. Devon, which was a 1,900-yard running back last year, is back. We expect big things out of these guys. We know what they canDanieldo.” is the top returning running back in the area after gaining 1,982 yards of offense and 19 touchdowns last season while DeJesus led the team with 626 receiving yards with six touchdowns and also had 52 tackles and three interceptions with a pick six on defense.Nowit’s just a matter of filling in some holes. “I think we will be explosive this year, but we have to get other guys to feed off this. We’ve got some new faces. We’ve got to get better up front,” CochranCochransaid.will have to replace Clay Tittle, a three-year starter at quarterback.JuniorWalker Kimbrell will be under center this “Walker’sseason.hada really good spring and summer. He goes to camps and works really hard. He’s a leader. I think he will have a really good year,” Cochran said. On the offensive line, junior Charlie “Chug” Wagar is the lone returning player from last year’s team.
“He’s young, but he will be the bell cow in the middle for us this year,” CochranDefensivesaid.leaders returning are sophomore linebacker Blake Ingle (94 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, two sacks and three fumble recoveries) and senior lineman Kayin Neels (42 tackles, five tackles for loss and two sacks).
“The way it worked out, somebody was going to take a hit. I’m not worried about playing on the road. I look at the positive. Next year we have six home games,” Cochran added.
“We’ve got a good group. It’s a work in progress, but I like it. I think we could do as well as last year or better. We should all be better in year two. I’ve done this several times and year one is the toughest. The second year is much better. We are able to evolve and add things to what we do. Going into the spring this year we were already so far ahead of the game because the kids know what to do. They know how practice is going to be. They are like built-in coaches on the field as well. I’m looking forward to this upcoming year,” CochranCarbonsaid.Hill will have just four home games this season — Winston County, Oakman, Gordo and Midfield. The Bulldogs also have their open week in the first week of the season.
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Carbon Hill was a couple of breaks away from making the playoffs in 2021, losing close games to both Vinemont and JB Pennington. The Bulldogs return some of their top playmakers in 2022 — Devon Daniel, Cam DeJesus and Blake Ingle. Daniel led the area with 1,863 rushing yards along with 16 touchdowns in 2021. DeJesus had 626 receiving yards with six touchdowns while Ingle had 94 tackles. The Bulldogs have just four home games this season including key region matchups against a reloading Oakman team, Gordo and Midfield. key number: 3 Number of points that kept Carbon Hill out of the postseason in 2021. The Bulldogs lost to JB Pennington 43-42 and Vinemont 30-28.
C DE ES S DB/WR, Senior
RB Devon Daniel WR/DB Cam DeJesus LB/RB Blake Ingle key losses: QB Clay Tittle WR/DB Zack Lawhorn
coach: Mark OverallCochran—14-17 (entering fourth year) At Carbon Hill — 4-6 (entering second year) players to watch:
overview:
2021: 4-6 overall; 2-5 in Class 3A, Region 6 (sixth)
AT A GLANCE
sche ule: Carbon Hill moves to Class 3A, Region 5 with perennial playoff powers Fayette County, Gordo, Winfield and Oakman, along with Midfield and Tarrant. With Curry off the schedule for the first time in 42 years, the Bulldogs will open against Decatur Heritage on August 26 and host Winston County the following week before starting region play. Other non-region games are against Phil Campbell and Oak Grove. Photo by J
son#1
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DAILY MOUNTAIN EAGLE 2022 PREPZONE PLAYBOOK | 35 devon daniel #2, Senior Cam DeJesus #1, Senior Brady Ingle #3, Senior Michael Cagle #4, Senior Zay#5,peoplesSenior Westin lawson #6, Senior Mason South #66, sophomore Carson Parr #64, 8th grade John Ward #69, Freshman Hunter Taylor #70, 8th grade Kamrin Fuller #72, sophomore Charlie Wagar #73, junior Christian Heaven #75, junior Isaiah Johnson #99, Senior Cylas#10,CrumbleyJuniorJarius Jones #9, Sophomore Blake Ingle #11, sophomore Kaden Herron #12, sophomore Walker Kimbrell #13, Junior Marcus Pierce #16, Freshman Brooks#7,Cole#17,HigginbothamSeniorBrookssophomore John Paul Lelynn#21,SophomoreBurkettDuncan#8,Freshman Hunter Clark #22, Junior Hayden Ratliff #27, freshman Michael Delk #51, freshman Kayin Neels #52, senior Jacob Simpson #54, Senior Will#55,ManascoJunior Braden Madison #58, Junior Parker Wright #60, 8th grade not pictured: #18 Austin Hart, Sophomore #20 Brody teeter, sophomore #26 Dylan Smith, Freshman #33 Jeremiah Duncan, Junior #57 Brett Teeter, Freshman N/A Noa Robinson, Junior. 2022 Carbon Hill Bulldogs
By Johnathan Bentley akman was loaded with talent and experience in 2021. The Wildcats had 13 seniors that accounted for nearly every positive play on both sides of the ball. Things will be different for coach Ryan Hall as he enters his fourth year as the Oakman head coach, who lost three All-State players from last year’s team that won nine games and advanced to the second round of the playoffs. Kaedyn Marchbanks (2,361 allpurpose yards and 28 touchdowns) and lineman AJ Odom (111 tackles, nine sacks and a finalist for 3A lineman of the year) are among the players Hall will have to replace.“Last year was probably one of the more decorated seasons, in terms of awards and recognition and things like that, in the history of Oakman football,” Hall said. “We had a lot of good players. We lost 13 seniors that there is no way we can replace. We won’t even try to do that. But we have 40 guys who have great chemistry and we think we can collectively make up that difference.” Oakman has just a handful of players that contributed meaningful minutes on the field last year.
*denotes region game *denotes region game Ryan Hall 22-12 2019-21 Mark Hastings 71-45 2009-18 Mike Cain 10-11 2007-08 Fred Parnell 3-7 2006 Jeff Bonner 26-27 2001-05 Pat Prestridge 17-23 1997-00 Royce Young 21-13 1994-96 Sammy McGee 6-15 1992-93 Garry Holmes 8-12 1990-91 Hosea Collins 55-34 1982-89 LAST 10 COACHES COACH RECORD YEARS WILDCATS OAKMAN
36 | 2022 PREPZONE PLAYBOOK DAILY MOUNTAIN EAGLE O resultsschedule Enrollment: 235.9 Stadium: HD Collins FieldClass 3A, Region 5 Date Aug. 19 Aug. 25 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 WWWWWWLWWL < LW vs. Gordo at Curry at Holly Pond* vs. Winfield* vs. JB Pennington* at Susan Moore* at Carbon Hill* vs.vs.vs.Vinemont*Tarrant*Cordova < PLAYOFFS > vs. Colbert Heights at Saks HOMEHOMEHOMEHOMEHOMEAWAYAWAYAWAYAWAYAWAY7-2966-1845-014-5427-1332-1455-028=652-026-12 > 22-3636-7 FayetteCarbonMidfield*SulligentCordovaTarrant*Hill*WinterboroCounty*OPENGordo*Winfield*Meek 2021:Opponent(9-3,6-1) Location
OAKMAN
At the end of the day, that Friday night when we play Sulligent, there will be a bunch of guys trotting out there for their first opportunity in a Friday night atmosphere. You can prepare them for that so much, but there’s nothing like that. We will have some growing pains for sure, but hopefully we can overcome that with effort, being together and being tougher than the team we play,” HallOakmansaid.
shifts from Class 3A Region 6 to Region 5, which includes a Winfield team that went 12-1 and a Gordo team that won nine games and made the second round of the playoffs in Class 4A last
RELOADS AFTER LOSING STAR SENIORS
“Every team you have, no matter if you have returning starters or not, it’s like starting over when that season ends. It’s always a challenge going into that next year, but when you go into a year where you have maybe four guys coming back who have significant playing time, you’ve got to do a few things. The spring is more important. You’ve got to have more contact in the spring — see who will hit and who won’t — and see who can play in different sports. You’ve got to a do a little more in the summer.
“Theseason.region is tough. Nobody is going to feel sorry for us because we’ve got ninth and 10th graders (playing) and lost all those guys,” said Hall, who is focused on extending Oakman’s playoff run to 12 years.“Our big thing is you’ve got to get in the playoffs. That’s the threshold for us. If you get in, your season continues and you have a chance. That’s at the top of the list. That’s kind of what we focus on, preparing ourselves and getting to the point that we can win those games that give you the opportunity. Getting to the playoffs and getting to play as many weeks as we can will always be our goal.”
overview: Oakman graduated the bulk of its production on both sides of the ball, including All-State players AJ Odom, Kaedyn Marchbanks and Trey Thomas. The Wildcats will turn to a younger lineup this season as they look to make the playoffs for the 12th straight season. How those players adapt to new roles will determine Oakman’s success. Four region wins would clinch a playoff spot for the Wildcats, a playoff spot could come down to games against county rival Carbon Hill as well as Midfield. Oakman has won eight in a row over Carbon Hill. 39 key number: Number of years since Oakman played Fayette County, which is on the schedule for the first time since 1983.
2021: 9-3 overall, 6-1 in Class 3A, Region 6 (2nd)
LER O S RB/DB, Freshman Photo
coach: Ryan OverallHall— 22-12 (entering fourth year) At Oakman — 22-12 (entering fourth year) players to watch: WR Luke Martin DB Tyler Thomas OL Aaron Handley key losses: RB Kaedyn Marchbanks DL AJ Odom QB Bubba Odom OL Trey Thomas
DAILY MOUNTAIN EAGLE 2022 PREPZONE PLAYBOOK AT A GLANCE
sche ule: Oakman has one of the tougher schedules in the area with seven of the 10 opponents making the playoffs last year. The Wildcats play possibly the three toughest region opponents — Fayette County, Gordo and Winfield — in its final three region games. The non-region portion of the schedule includes three playoff teams — Sulligent (2A), Winterboro (1A) and Meek (1A). The other non-region game is rival Cordova. by J son
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DAILY MOUNTAIN EAGLE 2022 PREPZONE PLAYBOOK | 41 2022 Oakman Wildcats Rick Johnson #2, #10,AidanJuniorCarsonsophomore Tyler Thomas #1,TraceFReshmanCagle # 9, sophomore Kasen #12,Blaize#4,DickersonjuniorGantsophomore Logan Tarvin #5, #14,CadenSOPhomoreAaronfreshman Luke Martin #6, #15,WillJuniorKeySophomore Kris Eckroth #7, cameronJuniorHulsey#16,senior Pearson Gurganus #8, #19,XavierseniorFrazeeFreshman brady Jones #22, PeytonFreshmanMcLemore#56,JuniorCarsonGilliland#72,sophomore CJ Brayden#23,TortiricifreshmanMooregageblanton#60,freshman#74,junior Bridger Upton #26, BraydensophomoreMcLeney#62,freshmanAaronHandley#75,sophomore Dylan Shedd #81, #64,LoganseniorSmith#30,JuniorWillWoodsSophomore Aidan Martin #31, Senior Gavin Johnson #65, Seniior TJ Rogers #55 freshman Eli Brunson #70, freshman Jayden Moore #50, #66,LandonSophomoreLeeSophomore Not Pictured #20 Kristopher Shepherd, 8th #44 Matthew Bullwinkle, So.
Curry’s last win came in October of 2018 against Cordova. The Yellow Jackets face Cold Springs —another team that finished 0-10 — in the season opener.“It’ssomething we’ve been working to for a long time now,” senior Collin Page said of notching that first victory. “I believe (a win) is coming this season. When we get that first win it’s going to be great. It’s going to feel like our hard work has paid off. It’s going to be a weight off our chest.” “I don’t know what it will feel like,” Emerson said. “I’m mainly looking forward to it for the guys. They have bought in and put the hard work in. They deserve to have that opportunity. Our goal is to get one. Lets get one win and see what happens after that. I’m a firm believer that’s going to happen.”
*denotes
region game DJ Emerson 0-10 2021 Jeff Foshee 0-20 2019-20 Philip Smith 12-29 2015-18 Russell Funk 1-9 2014 Shay Oliver 16-45 2008-13 Tim Gillespie 4-16 2006-07 Eric Woodley 3-17 2004-05 J.D. Williams 8-33 2000-03 David Williams 26-30 1995-99 Chuck Ledbetter 5-15 1993-94 LAST 10 COACHES COACH RECORD YEARS results LLLLLLLLLL at Carbon OakmanHill at Hamilton* vs. Fayette Co.* at Winston County at Oak Grove* at Northside* atWestHaleyville*Gordo*Point 2021: (0-10, 0-6) *denotes region game #denotes forfeit 20-6916-5018-668-668-330-488-420-1#8-550-42 YELLOW JACKETS CURRY
42 | 2022 PREPZONE PLAYBOOK DAILY MOUNTAIN EAGLE CURRY’SC EMERSON SEES POSITIVES ENTERING SECOND SEASON Enrollment: 310.7 Stadium: Travis Hudson StadiumClass 4A, Region 5 schedule Date Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 HOMEHOMEHOMEHOMEAWAYAWAYAWAYAWAYAWAYAWAYColdOakNorthside*Dora*BerrySpringsGrove*VinaHamilton*Haleyville*Corner*Cordova*OPEN Opponent Location
By Johnathan Bentley urry opens the 2022 season with a simple goal — win a game. Turns out, it’s not that simple. Curry hasn’t won a game over the last threeplus years, but with a new season comes new hope for second-year coach DJ Emerson and his squad. “There’s no denying it. We were 0-10 last year and we are on about a fouryear losing streak,” Emerson said, “but like I said last year, I don’t want to be caught up on the wins and losses. I know that’s how we are judged, but it’s not the end all be all.”
“We made significant strides in the offseason and even during the season, though the scoreboard didn’t reflect that,” Emerson said. “My number one goal was to fix the culture and try to get things going in the direction I wanted it to go. There is no doubt about it, the culture is 100 percent better. The work ethic is 100 percent better. We were behind in the weight room. I think we’ve made significant strides in that. Are we where we need to be? No. Are the numbers for a 4A football team where they need to be? No “We’ve got to continue to move forward and move that mountain. We can’t take any steps backwards”
Though the team didn’t win a game last year, Emerson said he has seen improvement since taking over.
“One of my main goals was to join the middle school and high school programs and make them move as one. They lift with us. They go through the same routine. They run the same offense and the same defense. Having that continuity was important for usl,” he Duesaid.to playing in an eight-team region and reaching out to new opponents, Curry will not play rival Carbon Hill this season. “There were a lot of different factors. We went to an eight-team region and only got three non-region games. That had something to do with it, but I also wanted to shake the schedule up and play some different opponents. I wanted something fresh for our guys moving forward,” Emerson said.
Emerson started at the ground floor in order to change Curry’s recent success. That includes getting the younger players on the same page.
sche ule: Curry stays in Class 4A, Region 5 with Corner and two county opponents — Cordova and Dora — joining the group. The Yellow Jackets, looking for their first win in more than three years, open the season at Cold Springs, which finished 0-10 last year. The team hosts Berry (2-8 in 2021) in the second game. Curry also faces Vina (0-10) in another non-region contest. The Yellow Jackets have just four home games, but two of the road games are in the county with short trips to Dora and Cordova. Photo by on s
2021: 0-10 overall, 0-6 in Class 4A, Region 5 (seventh) coach: DJ OverallEmerson—0-10 (entering second year) At Curry — 0-10 (entering second year) players to watch: WR/DB Collin Page LB/TE Ian Tuggle key losses: WR/LB Blake Sargent WR/DB Wyatt Cooke overview: Curry struggled on both sides of the ball in coach DJ Emerson’s first year at the helm. With one season under his belt, the Yellow Jackets look for improvement in 2022. Play-maker Collin Page returns for his senior season and will be the Jackets’ go-to threat on offense. Curry will have several chances at snapping a long losing streak in the first half of the schedule. The Yellow Jackets play 10 consecutive weeks with the open week falling between the final regular season and the opening round of the playoffs. key number: 42 Number of consecutive years that Curry played Carbon Hill. The Yellow Jackets will not be playing the Bulldogs this season for the first time since 1979.
COLL N P E ATH, Senior
#9
DAILY MOUNTAIN EAGLE 2022 PREPZONE PLAYBOOK AT A GLANCE
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2022 PREPZONE PLAYBOOK DAILY MOUNTAIN EAGLE Lee Wilson Dillan SutherlandCarden Bruce #66, junior #77, Sophomore #78, Senior Kody Cooke Ben Pavlovec Ty Clark Ian Tuggle Isaac Vincente Sam Vincente Hayden Clark Landon Cummins #26, sophomore #32, Senior #35, Junior #42, senior #50, Senior #51, freshman #56, freshman #62, freshman CaleB Aaron Noah Fortner Dillon Gerard Josh Day Nicholas Williams J.D. Davidson #1, junior #2, senior #3, Senior #4, senior Brayden McCarley #7, senior#6, senior Collin Page #9, Senior #8, freshman Keegan Lathum Caden Bruce Noah Davidson Jase Calloway eVan o’rear Billy Mincey #10, sophomore #11, senior #12, Senior #13, senior #15, freshman#14, Senior Jaxon Tidwell Kameron Miles #23, freshman#18, Junior Not Pictured #58 Spencer Pledger, Sr. #64 Garrett Rice, Sr. 2022
DAILY MOUNTAIN EAGLE 2022 PREPZONE PLAYBOOK The Pregnancy Test and Resource Center is a nonprofit pregnancy center offering free and confidential services. We strive to serve with excellence and offer a nonjudgmental atmosphere. T IN MA E REGNANT AND D N T N AT T D ALL S 1707 2nd Ave., Jasper, AL 35501 • www.ptrcjasper.org • 205.221.5860 Open Monday–Tuesday 9am–4pm, Wednesday 8am–2pm, Thursday 9am–5pm The Pregnancy Test and Resource Center is a 501.c.3 ministry that operates primarily through donations of individuals, churches, and businesses. Donations of new or gently used baby items up to size 2T are accepted. Volunteer positions are available.
“It was a great year, It was a lot of fun,” coach David Powell said. “We were in the hunt for the region championship and ended up finishing third.” That’s the good news.
“Even though we lost to Winterboro in the first round, the game could’ve been closer. We missed a couple of tackles that kind of swung the game. Winterboro went on to the third round. We weren’t that far off last year,” Powell said. “We want to have a great year, but we know it’s going to be a greatSumitonchallenge.”Christian loses the bulk of its production on both sides of the ball with the Eagles having to replace their quarterback, running backs and top three linebackers. It’s the defensive players that will be the toughest to replace.
Pickens County has advanced to either the state semifinals or finals each of the last six years, playing for three state championships along the way.“That’s what we are trying to build at Sumiton Christian,” Powell said. The Eagles have made the playoffs for back-to-back years for the first time since 2006-07. Winterboro defeated Sumiton Christian 30-6 in the opening round last year.
2022 PREPZONE PLAYBOOK DAILY MOUNTAIN EAGLE
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“We lost three linebackers. Tyler Ingle, Eli Moon and Jack Gable all graduated. That’s about 375 total tackles. Linebacker is probably our biggest concern. We’ve got five or six guys we are really counting on to step up. Once we get our linebacking corps set the rest will fall into place. I’m excited about the season. I’m excited about these guys returning. We’ve got six seniors coming back this year,” said Powell, who is entering his 29th year as a head coach and 40th overall.
Enrollment: 132.3 Stadium: Campbell FieldClass 1A, Region 5 schedule Date Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 PickensHubbertville*OPENCounty*Lynn*Brilliant*TalladegaCCSouthLamar*MarionCounty*TarrantHolySpirit*Berry* Opponent HOMEHOMEHOMEHOMEHOMEHOMEAWAYAWAYAWAYAWAY Location P at Winterboro results LLWWWWWLWW < W 28-3826-326-4212-506-4228-612-420-267-4616-286-30at Victory Christian vs. Cherokee vs. Cedar Bluff* vs. Woodville* vs. Brindlee Mountain* at Gaylesville* at CoosaAppalachian*Christian*atValleyHead*atMeek 2021: (7-4, 4-2) enotes e on e enotes e on e David Powell 14-18 2019-21 Bart Black 1-9 2018 Mike McCarty 4-6 2017 Bart Lockhart 12-10 2015-16 Zach Holmes 6-13 2013-14 Greg Patterson 14-26 2009-12 David Ball 1-9 2008 Martin Glover 29-16 2004-07 David Campbell 50-27 1997-03 Billy Robison 1-18 1995-96 LA T C AC E COACH RECORD YEARS SUMITON CHRISTIAN LOOKS TO CONTINUE SUCCESS UNDER POWELL EAGLES S ITON RISTIAN
“It’s one of the toughest regions for sure in 1A. Us and Holy Spirit join those other guys who have traditionally been together. All seven of the other teams have been to at least the quarterfinals. I don’t know that’s there’s another seven teams that have that kind of success in any region. They’ve got great tradition and we know it’s going to be a tough challenge for us. We open with Hubbertville and go right into Pickens County,” Powell said.
By Johnathan Bentley umiton Christian challenged for the region championship, won seven games and made the Class 1A state playoffs in 2021.
“The bad news is that we lost 14 seniors. That’s a big hit even if you are a 4A or 5A school,” Powell said. That’s not all. There is also the move to a much tougher region with powerhouse Pickens County, along with Hubbertville and Meek, which both reached the second round of the playoffs last year.
“This is year number 40 for me. I can say I’ve loved every minute of it. I’m excited as I was in year one. I enjoy seeing the players happy and seeing them turn their work into success on the field,” Powell said.
2022 PREPZONE PLAYBOOK AT A GLANCE
schedule: Sumiton Christian shifts to Class 1A, Region 7 this season, meaning the schedule gets much tougher for coach David Powell’s squad. The first two region games are against state semifinalist Pickens County and Hubbertville, who finished 1-2 in Region 6 last year. Other region foes are Holy Spirit, which is restarting its program after a threeyear hiatus, Marion County, Berry, South Lamar and Brilliant. Due to playing in an eight-team region, the Eagles have just two non-region games — Talladega County Central and Tarrant. overview: Sumiton Christian made the playoffs for the second year in a row in 2021, just missing out on a region championship with a seven-point loss to Cedar Bluff. The Eagles will have to reload this season after losing a total of 14 talented seniors. Sumiton Christian will be put to the test right away, starting the season with four straight region games after not playing the opening week. The Eagles are attempting to make the playoffs for three straight seasons for the first time since 2005-07. key number: 14 Number of seniors lost from last year’s team that finished 7-4.
NNEN DEFOOR WR, Senior Photo by tt o s#10
2021: 7-4 overall; 4-2 in Class 1A, Region 7 (third)
coach: David OverallPowell—220-76 (entering 29th year) At Sumiton Chr. — 14-18 (entering 4th year) players to watch: DB/WR Kannen Defoor WR/LB Ashton Harper DE/TE Jameson Nolen key losses: QB Jordon Robertson OL/DL Jake McDonald LB Tyler Ingle ATH Eli Moon
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