Morgan County Football 2021

MORGAN COUNTY

FOOTBALL 2021 Friday night

LIGHTS

Morgan teams ready for football season

SEASON

outlook

Schedules, rosters, previews and more

Hartselle High School • Brewer High School • Danville High School • Falkville High School • Priceville High School Austin High School • Decatur High School • West Morgan High School • Decatur Heritage Christian Academy MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020 1 MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

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Good Luck Hartselle Tigers!

Wishing you a safe and successful season!

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11 Hartselle Tigers 18 Brewer Patriots 24 Danville Hawks 30 Falkville Blue Devils 36 Priceville Bulldogs 41 Austin Black Bears 45 Decatur Red Raiders 50 Decatur Heritage Eagles

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54 West Morgan Rebels STAFF Managing Editor | Rebekah Yancey Contributors | Russell Frye David Elwell • Jeronimo Nisa Sirvell Carter • Mariann Parker Jim Meadows Marketing | Baretta Taylor Anna Baker • Becky Spivey Terri Haston • Eddie Johns Shelia Smith Copy Editor | Alison James CONTACT US Hartselle Newspapers, LLC 206 Cedar St. NW P.O.Box 929 Hartselle, AL 35640 Phone: 256-773-6566 Copyright 2021 by Hartselle Newspapers, LLC

On the cover: Hartselle junior Izayah Fletcher is a wide receiver for the Tigers.

Photo by Jeronimo Nisa

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

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Good luck to all Morgan County athletes!

Good Luck AREA TEAMS As we kick off another exciting football season, we’d like to wish the Area High School Football Teams good luck and much success. You’re the best on the field, and we’ll be cheering for you all the way to championships!

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

MUST-SEE GAMES

A LOOK AT THE 10 BEST GAMES IN 1A-4A Decatur Heritage @ Falkville AUG. 20

East Lawrence @ West Morgan AUG. 27

Danville @ Priceville SEPT. 24

The Blue Devils lead the series 5-2. Heritage has won two of the past three games played on the field.

The Eagles enter the game with an experienced group of skill players led

by QB Brayden Kyle and WR Tyler Founds, a Troy commit. The Blue Devils lack starting experience but return a group of players that saw playing time in a lot of games this past season.

The Rebels will be looking for revenge following their 21-18 loss this past season. West Morgan leads the series 20-16 and has been the winner three of the past five times the two teams have met. Both teams enter the contest with first-year head coaches.

The Bulldogs and Hawks enter the game in the midst of a seven-game stretch of region games. This game is for bragging rights for these two county rivals. Priceville leads the series 10-7 after winning seven of the past nine games.

West Morgan @ Priceville SEPT. 3

RA Hubbard @ Decatur Heritage OCT. 8

Priceville has this game circled following a 7-3 loss this past season on the road. Although the game was Falkville @ Danville early in the season, it played a big role AUG. 27 The Blue Devils travel to their in the Bulldogs missing the playoffs. longtime county rival, the Danville Priceville leads the series 7-4.

Hawks. Both teams enter the match-up with new head coaches: Falkville is led Danville @ East Lawrence

by Seth Ward, while Andro Williams SEPT. 17 will lead Danville. The Hawks lead the The Hawks will be looking for their series 27-19, but the Blue Devils have first win in the series since 1992. The won the past three games, outscoring series is tied 4-4, with each team winning the Hawks 138-28. three games by shutout. A Hawks win would be a big boost to their playoff hopes.

Heritage and Hubbard face off in a game that could determine playoff seeding for the 1A Region 8 foes. The Eagles lead the series 5-4 and have won five of the past six between the two teams.

Priceville @ Deshler OCT. 15 This game is another one circled on the Bulldogs’ schedule. Deshler defeated Priceville 23-21 this past season as Bulldogs’ miscues cost them the game. The Tigers lead the series

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

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5-0 and have outscored Priceville 262-44.

West Limestone @ Priceville OCT. 22 The Bulldogs won the first two games in the series but are winless in the past seven games againt the Wildcats.

West Limestone ended Priceville’s playoff hopes this past season with a 41-14 win.

North Sand Mountain @ Falkville OCT. 22 Falkville and North Sand Mountain are quickly becoming rivals in 2A Region 7. The Blue Devils and Bison meet in a game that could determine the region winner for the second year in a row.

North Sand Mountain won 12-7 in a game between the two ranked squads.

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2021-2022 Athletic Training Team

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

MUST-SEE GAMES

A LOOK AT THE 11 BEST GAMES IN 5A-7A HARTSELLE @ AUSTIN AUG. 20

BREWER @ PRICEVILLE AUG. 27

AUSTIN @ JAMES CLEMENS SEPT. 10

The Tigers enter the game as the more experienced team for the first time in several years. The Black Bears have won six of seven, including this past season’s 31-7 win. Hartselle leads the series 30-23-1.

Morgan County rivals match up in week one, with the Patriots looking for a win in the series. The Bulldogs have won two in a row. Brewer leads the series 7-4.

The Black Bears will be playing on the road for the third consecutive week as they travel to Madison for a matchup againt the Jets. The game will have an impact on 7A Region 4 between the winners of the past two region championships. Austin won 42-28 this past season and leads the series 4-3.

AUSTIN @ DECATUR AUG. 27 The River City Rivalry has been dominated by the Black Bears recently. Austin has won six in a row, including this past season’s 67-3 win.

Decatur leads the series 36-22. The 64-point margin this past season is the largest in this rivalry.

HARTSELLE @ CULLMAN SEPT. 3 Bitter rivals meet for the 100th time to open 6A Region play. Cullman jumped out to a big lead and held off a late Tigers rally for a 30-20 win this past season. The Bearcats have won two in a row in the series that Hartselle leads 48-47-4. This game will set the tone for region play.

DECATUR @ HARTSELLE SEPT. 10 The Morgan County rivals meet for the 88th time in a series that started in 1917. The Tigers have won three in a row, including this past season’s 3810 win. Decatur leads the series 59-28.

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SPARKMAN @ AUSTIN SEPT. 17 7A Region 4 foes meet for the 20th time when the Senators visit. Sparkman has won two in a row, including this past season’s 21-14 victory. Austin leads the series 11-8. This is another big game for both teams as they look for the Region championship.

RUSSELLVILLE @ HARTSELLE SEPT. 24 Hartselle hosts the Golden Tigers, who are looking for a bit of revenge following the Tigers’ 38-14 win last season. Hartselle has won four in a row and seven of the previous eight meetings. Russellville leads the overall series 24-10-1, which includes six matchups in the playoffs.

ATHENS @ HARTSELLE OCT. 1 This is another rivalry game that impacts the 6A Region 8 standings.

Athens has won two in a row, including this past season’s 19-7 win. The Tigers lead the series 39-32-2. The series started in 1921.

HARTSELLE @ MUSCLE SHOALS OCT. 8

AUSTIN @ MOUNTAIN BROOK OCT. 29

Hartselle hits the road for this 6A Region 8 matchup that could determine the region champion. The Tigers have won three of the past five games, including this past season’s 35-9 at JP Cain Stadium. Hartselle leads the series 15-11-1.

The Black Bears close out the season on the road as they travel to 6A Mountain Brook. The Spartans have won three in a row, including this past season’s 31-22 come-frombehind victory. They lead the series 4-2.

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

BY RUSSELL FRYE

artselle comes into the second season under Coach Bryan Moore with experience up and down the roster. The Tigers, who finished 7-4 last season, are looking to improve in the win column and have the playoffs run through JP Cain Stadium this year.

“Our experience has increased from last year,” said Moore. “We have been able to gain experience on and off the field, which is valuable.”

HEAD COACH Moore begins his second season leading the Hartselle Tigers. He has a 5516 career record in six seasons as a head coach. He had previous stops at Jasper and Eufaula before coming to Hartselle.

OFFENSE The Tigers return starters at quarterback, running back, wide receiver and on the line of scrimmage.

That experience could lead to a big

season for an offense that averaged 31.7 points per game this past season.

QUARTERBACKS

RUNNING BACKS Sophomore Ri Fletcher moves into the starting role after splitting time in 2020 with Mookie Moore. Fletcher is a dual threat for the Tigers out of the backfield. He finished the 2020 season with 401 yards rushing with four touchdowns plus 21 receptions for 223 yards and two touchdowns.

He was second on the team with more than 700 all-purpose yards.

“Ri gives us a different dimension out of the backfield,” said Moore. “He can score from distance due to his speed.”

Junior Sage Smothers will be the primary backup for the Tigers. He saw action in seven games this past season, finishing with 102 yards rushing and a touchdown along with 110 yards receiving and a touchdown.

Senior JT Blackwood returns for his second season leading the offense.

In 2020 he split time with Parker Sawyer. He led the offense with 1,004 yards passing and 11 touchdowns with a 55 percent completion and a QB rating of 103.6.

“JT has taken command of this team this summer,” said Moore. “His experience this past season has made him more comfortable heading into the starting role this season.”

Junior Jack Smith will be the primary backup for the Tigers. He saw action in six games this past season and finished with 81 yards passing and 97 yards rushing as a third-string QB. Sophomore Landon Blackwood and freshman Noah Lee round out the The Tigers’ passing game starts quarterbacks for the Tigers. with junior Izayah Fletcher. He led

RECEIVERS

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

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the team with 865 yards receiving on 51 receptions with seven touchdowns.

He had two catches of 55 yards or longer, finishing with a 17 yards-percatch average.

“Izayah has spent the offseason attending college camps all across the Southeast and competed against some of the best defensive backs,” said Moore. “He has learned the little things that will give him a great chance to have a special season.”

Joining Fletcher will be junior Eli Tidwell and seniors Armadheo Dunigan and RJ Gray. Tidwell had 17 catches for 170 yards in seven games this past season. Dunnigan and Gray saw limited action but now step into a more prominent role with the Tigers.

“Although we are not very deep at receiver, our top guys are very skilled,” said Moore.

Scout Arp will provide depth for the line.

“We have 18 guys at the offensive line The Tigers have five guys who all saw action this past season. Moore position heading into the season,” said said the line will be led by senior left Moore. “The added depth will be crucial tackle Braxton Quattlebaum, who as we move through the season.” has put on weight and strength in the offseason.

Sophomore Colton Stinson will Entering this past season, the Tigers start at left guard, and junior Tyde were returning two starters. That Witt returns for his second season as has changed this season, as Hartselle a starter at center. The right guard returns seven players who started at will either be senior Evan Pagani, least one game this past season, along who has stood out to coach Moore with a transfer who started for his this offseason, or junior Andrew team in 2020.

Crittenden. If Pagani starts at guard, Crittenden will slide over to right tackle.

The defensive line will be a work in Senior Floyd McNutt, juniors Ryan progress heading into the season after the Aymett and Reid Ellis and sophomore Tigers lost all three starters from 2020.

OFFENSIVE LINE

DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE LINE

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

Senior Dominic Simmons and junior Dalton Green each started a couple of games this past season and will be called upon to lead the defensive line. Joining them will be junior Brody Morrow, who will play multiple positions on the line.

Juniors Dylan Green and Maurice Johnson and freshman Porter Simmons will provide depth.

“We plan on rotating six guys this season,” said Moore. “We feel like the addition of Morrow and Simmons will give us the needed depth that we missed last season.”

LINEBACKERS The strength of the defense will be the linebacking unit. Seniors Kaleb Moore and Issac Osteen, who

had more than 100 tackles this past season, and junior Treyce Oden and sophomore Jake Haynes will man the linebacking positions.

“I believe that we have three guys who will have huge seasons this fall,” said Moore.

DEFENSIVE BACKS The Tigers will have a couple of starters returning in the defensive backfield. Junior Coleman Mizell is moving to safety after seeing time at linebacker. “Coleman has had an outstanding offseason,” said Moore.

“He has improved his strength and agility, which will allow him to have an excellent season.”

Sophomore Peyton Steele, who started games early before an injury shortened his season, will play another safety position. Senior DJ Bishop, who transferred from Eufaula, will play free safety.

Sophomores Jake England and Payton Roberts will provide depth at safety and corner.

Sophomore Jakaleb Goodwin and junior Walker Hoyle will play cornerback.

SPECIAL TEAMS The special teams will be led by junior kicker Crawford Lang, an honorable mention all-state pick last season. He will handle all of the kicking duties this season. He had a long of 51 yards this past season, and more than 85 percent of his kickoffs resulted in touchbacks.

Izayah and Ri Fletcher will return as kickoff returners and threaten

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every time they touch the ball. Tidwell will return as a punt returner.

“All of our special team members are back this season after starting last season with no experience,” said Moore. “I feel like we have a chance to have an outstanding season on special teams.”

COACHING STAFF The core of the staff returns from this past season, with five new coaches joining the staff during the offseason.

The offensive staff includes offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Matt Praytor, entering his second season with the Tigers. Gary Orr will coach the running backs.

Zach Fletcher and Jessie Perrin will coach the wide receivers. Will Lang is the quarterback coach and passing game coordinator. Schuyler Foreman will coach fullbacks. Cyrus Swearingen, who comes from James Clemens, will be the head strength coach and coach the offensive line.

The defensive staff will be led by defensive coordinator Buddy Pell, who replaces Bert Newton. Pell comes to Hartselle after a couple of seasons at Arab. Matthew Cole will be the co-defensive coordinator and coach the defensive backs. Wade Miller, a former Tigers player, will coach the linebackers. Jerry Fulks, who was the head coach at Rogers last season, will coach the defensive line. Caleb Graham will coach the outside linebackers. Joe Hill, the Tigers wrestling coach, assists with the defensive line.

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

A LOOK AT THE SCHEDULE

record, including Russellville at 10-3 and Austin at 8-3.

Hartselle opens the season on the road at Austin. The Tigers enter the The Tigers will face a schedule that includes seven playoff teams from the game as the more experienced team past season. The teams combined for for the first time in several years. a 50.4 winning percentage, with six of The Black Bears have won six of the teams finishing with a winning seven, including the past season’s

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ROSTER No.

Name

GRADE

POSITION

2 3

53

Will Styles

11

DE

Izayah Fletcher

11

WR

53

Ri Fletcher

10

RB

54

Chandler Keel

9

DE

Austin Spivey

10

LB

4

RJ Gray

12

WR

55

Zeke McHan

11

OL

5

Jakaleb Goodwin

10

DB

56

7

Deaigo Valentin

12

WR

57

Noah Gibson

9

LB

Coen Dutton

10

LB

8

DJ Bishop

12

DB

10

Landon Blackwood

10

QB

58

Tyde Witt

11

OL

59

Maurice Johnson

11

DL

11

Armadheo Dunigan

12

WR

60

Braxton Quattlebaum

12

OL

12

JT Blackwood

13

Jack Smith

12

QB

61

Colton Stinson

10

OL

11

QB

62

Jaxson Austin

11

OL

14

Peyton Steele

10

QB/DB

62

Austin Henley

9

OL

15

Coleman Mizell

11

DB

63

Harrison Tapscott

9

OL

16

Ethan England

11

DB

64

Sam Ashley

9

DB

17

Eli Tidwell

11

WR

65

Will Booth

9

OL

18

Drake Borden

10

DB

66

Briar Holt

10

OL

18

Samuel Jacobs

9

QB

67

Reid Ellis

11

OL

19

Noah Lee

9

QB

68

Trey Letson

9

OL

21

Jace Preuitt

9

RB

69

Floyd McNutt

12

OL

22

Sage Smothers

11

FB

70

Noah Penn

9

DL

23

Trammell Hurley

9

WR

71

Will Waters

9

OL

25

Saban Witt

9

DB

72

Isaiah Folds

9

OL

26

Walker Hoyle

11

DB

73

Ryan Aymett

11

OL

27

Lincoln Bryant

10

DB

74

Andrew Crittenden

11

OL

28

Brady Holt

9

WR

75

Nate Chrisler

9

OL

29

Hudson Buckalew

9

DB

76

Elliot Hawes

10

OL

30

Jake England

10

DB

77

Tyler Palmer

12

OL

31

Marcus Tapscott

9

WR

78

Scout Arp

10

OL

32

Dominic Simmons

12

DL

79

Evan Pagani

12

OL

33

Jake Haynes

10

LB

83

Gabe Norton

9

WR

34

Kaleb Moore

12

LB/RB

85

Grayson Jones

12

WR

35

Treyce Oden

11

LB

86

David Crumpton

9

QB

36

Caiden Sutton

9

DL

87

Sawyer Tapscott

9

FB

38

JD Fleuger

9

RB

88

Paxton Ferguson

9

DL

39

Stinnett Haggeman

10

DL

89

Garrett Willingham

9

DB

40

Jameson Falciani

9

LB

90

Caleb Hailey

9

DB

41

Brodie Kauffman

11

RB

91

Jordan Sellers

10

DB

42

Payton Roberts

10

DB

92

Lucas Smith

12

FB

42

Gage Roberts

9

RB

93

John Burgess

9

LB

43

Brett Smith

10

FB

94

Nick Hughes

10

WR

44

Issac Osteen

12

LB

95

Jayden Sheckell

9

DL

45

Cooper Lang

9

DB

95

Crawford Lang

11

K

46

Zeke Priola

10

DL

96

Brodie Morrow

12

DL

48

Logan Seagraves

9

LB

97

Fisher Lott

11

P

50

Dylan Green

11

DL

97

Jackson Schutte

9

DB

51

Caleb Dozier

9

OL

98

Porter Simmons

9

DE

52

Dalton Green

11

DL

99

Carson Wilson

9

DL

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

31-7 win. Hartselle leads the series 30-23-1.

In week two, Hartselle heads to Huntsville for a matchup with Mae Jemison at Louis Crews Stadium. The matchup will be the eighth meeting in the series, with Hartselle leading 4-3.

The Tigers have won three straight in the series, including a 34-14 win in 2020.

In week three, the Tigers open region play against Cullman. The bitter rivals meet for the 100th time to open 6A Region play. Cullman jumped out to a big lead and held off a late Tiger rally for a 30-20 win this past season. The Bearcats have won two in a row in the series that Hartselle leads 48-47-4. This game will set the tone for region play.

In week four, the Tigers come home and host Decatur. The Morgan County rivals meet for the 88th time in a series that started in 1917. The Tigers have won three in a row, including this past season’s 38-10 win. Decatur leads the series 59-28.

In week five, Columbia comes to JP Cain Stadium. The Tigers have dominated this series since it started in 2016. Hartselle leads the series 5-0 and has outscored Columbia 272-8, including a 56-0 win this past season.

In week six, Russellville comes to visit. The Golden Tigers are looking for revenge following the Tigers’ 3814 win this past season. Hartselle has won four in a row and seven of the previous eight meetings.

Russellville leads the overall series 24-10-1, which includes six matchups in the playoffs.

In week seven, regional play will continue as Athens comes to town.

This is another rivalry game that impacts the 6A Region 8 standings.

Athens has won two in a row, including this past season’s 19-7 win.

The Tigers lead the series 39-32-2. The series started in 1921.

In week eight, the Tigers head to Muscle Shoals for the final road game of the season. This 6A Region 8 matchup could determine the region champion. The Tigers have won three of the past five games, including this past season’s 35-9 at JP Cain Stadium.

Hartselle leads the series 15-11-1.

In week nine, the Hazel Green Trojans visit JP Can Stadium. The game will be the 12th meeting in the series that dates back to 1974.

The Tigers lead the series 11-0 after winning 45-6 this past season.

In week ten, the Buckhorn Bucks come to town for the final region game of the season. The two teams are meeting for the fourth time in the series that the Tigers lead 3-0.

Hartselle has outscored the Bucks

135-7, including a 52-7 win this past season.

FINAL WORD “Wins and losses are important, but seeing each player work to get better and continue to grow is even more important,” said Moore.

“There are some things I want to clean up from last season, and if that happens, I believe we can have a special season.”

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

17

BY RUSSELL FRYE here is a fresh breath of air in the Patriots’ locker room this year. Matt Plunkett has taken the reins of the Brewer program and infused new energy that has been missing the past couple of years. He said he wants Brewer to be “The Pride of the Valley,” and he has spent every day since he was hired to make that happen. The Patriots have gone 3-17 since advancing to the playoffs in 2018; Puckett said he wants to see that trend come to an end, but he knows it can’t be done overnight.

HEAD COACH Plunkett takes over for Geoff Walters, who left to go to Fultondale as an offensive coordinator. Plunkett comes to Brewer from Locust Fork, where he was 11-10 with one trip to the playoffs. Before coming to Locust Fork, he spent one year at Cullman (3-7) and five seasons at Gardendale (37-22 with four trips to the playoffs).

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

PAST SEASON

QUARTERBACK

The Patriots finished this past season 0-10 and in last place in 5A Region 8. Brewer averaged 10.3 points per game while giving up 43.6 points per game. The past season was the eighth time since the school opened in 1972 that the Patriots finished 0-10.

Junior Caden Childers will be the starting quarterback for the Patriots.

Joining him in the QB room will be freshman Cason Oden, brother of Hartselle linebacker Treyce Oden.

PAST THREE SEASONS Brewer has an 11-20 record since 2018. The Patriots were 8-3 and played in the first round of the playoffs in 2018. An injury-plagued 2019 season ended with a 3-7 record.

WORDS TO GROW ON “I think we have a good nucleus of kids returning,” said Plunkett. “We have a formula that will help these kids reach their goals. Putting the last two years behind us and getting better every day will be important toward reaching our goals.”

OFFENSE Senior Gonzalo Ramirez and junior Lucas Simpson will get a majority of the carries for the Patriots.

Freshman Walker Latham and sophomore DJ Burney will lead the receiving corps. Senior Micah Steffen, returning from a seasonending injury this past year, will get the start at tight end. Senior Lee Murray will see time in the slot position.

The Brewer offensive line is currently a work in progress. Junior Kaleb Hall has the most experience of any of the linemen. Plunkett said junior Carson Humphrey could develop into a good lineman.

DEFENSE Simpson and sophomores Konner Veal and Tim Hunter will get a look at the defensive line in the Patriots’ newlook defense. In addition, sophomore Connor Kirby has a chance to get playing time as the season progresses.

Steffen and junior Cutter Eidson will start at inside linebacker, while Ramirez and Murray will start outside. Latham, Burney and senior Eli Matkin will get time in the defensive backfield.

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

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Wishing our area teams a safe and fun football season! Game On!

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

21

ROSTER

22

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

No.

Name

GRADE

POSITION

1

DJ Burney

10

X/$

2

Andres Avila

10

C/Z

3

Cutter Eidson

11

LB/Y

4

Cason Oden

9

QB

5

Gonzalo Ramirez

12

Gorilla/RB

6

Walker Latham

9

Z/C

7

Brett Parker

10

Z/$

8

Will Clemons

10

C/X

9

Chevy Cantrell

11

TNT

10

Caden Childers

11

QB/$

11

Coltan Hardy

11

LB

13

Micah Steffen

12

LB/Y

14

Andrew Gilbert

9

Gorilla

16

Brandon Cole

9

RB/C

17

Garrett Clemons

11

Z/C

18

Aaron Sharp

10

C

19

Eli Matkin

12

Gorilla/C

20

Lee Murray

12

$/H

21

Jeb Bramblett

11

H/C

23

Noe Perez

9

OL/K

24

Micah Edwards

9

$/RB

25

Konner Veal

10

TNT

27

Chandler Brown

10

Gorilla

29

Tyde Fairbanks

11

DB

30

Cooper Smith

11

X

33

Maddox Ausley

9

Gorilla

34

Ethan Green

10

Gorilla

38

Cody Walker

11

LB

42

Lukas Simpson

11

RB/Gorilla

44

Jesus Zavala

9

TNT/A

48

Caleb Barbee

10

$

50

Kaleb Hall

11

OL

51

Conner Kirby

10

OL/TNT

52

Zach Paker

11

TNT/OL

54

Nic Ledbetter

9

OL

55

Nat Ledbetter

9

OL

57

Joshua Wilson

10

OL

60

Carson Humphrey

11

OL

62

Tim Hunter

10

TNT

63

Jonathan Crossland

10

TNT

66

Mason Humphrey

12

OL

67

Colton Mooney

10

TNT

68

Cody Miller

12

OL

70

Caleb Hodges

12

OL

71

Brett Thompson

10

OL/TNT

72

Hagen Sharp

12

OL/TNT

77

Noah Evans

9

OL

99

David Ratje

11

TNT

SCHEDULE *Region game

Aug. 20

Danville

Aug. 27

@ Priceville

Sept. 3

Ardmore*

Sept. 10

Russellville*

Sept. 17

@ East Limestone*

Sept. 24

@ Arab

Oct. 1

@ Lee*

Oct. 8

Mae Jemison*

Oct. 15

@ Fairview

Oct. 22

Lawrence County

MUST-SEE GAMES

County game in week 10 are essential for the playoff hopes of the Patriots.

Brewer’s first two games of the season will set the tone for 2021. The Patriots open with Danville at home before traveling to Priceville in week two. A win in either of these games will give the team some “I want Brewer to be known as the energy heading into region play.

‘Pride of the Valley,’” said Plunkett. “I In region play, the Ardmore game want these kids to take pride in their in week three and the Lawrence school.”

FINAL WORD

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BY RUSSELL FRYE anville heads into the 2021 season under new leadership as Andro Williams takes the reins of the Hawks. The Hawks are looking to put the past season behind them and start fresh this season. They finished 2-8 with wins over Brewer and Elkmont.

Excitement has been building in Danville since the arrival of Williams. When he arrived in midJune, 13 players were working out; since then, they have seen their numbers increase to 46 heading into the season.

HEAD COACH Williams will be the new leader of the Hawks football program, taking over for Shannon McGregory, who retired following the school year.

Williams has been a head coach for 14 seasons, including 10 seasons at Linden and four at W.S. Neal.

He has an overall record of 124-

24

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

49. At Linden, he won six region championships and advanced to the playoffs every season, including four trips to the semifinals and one to the state championship game. His last team at Linden scored a schoolrecord 764 points.

In 2019 the Hawks advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 2009 and finished with a 5-6 record. After moving down to 3A in 2020, Danville finished 2-8.

WORDS TO GROW ON

“These players are hungry to learn,” said Williams. “They are taking The Hawks opened the 2020 season possession of the team and selling the with a 33-19 win over Brewer but product. This is their experience, and were held to 14 total points in the they need to put a stamp on what we next five weeks, falling to 1-5. Then are doing.” they got a win over Elkmont before dropping the season’s final three games to finish 2-8. They averaged Junior Gage Taylor will line up 15.8 points per game while allowing under center for the second consecutive 37.2. season. The experience gained this past year will be valuable for the relatively inexperienced Hawks offense. Freshman Ben Ellenburg will be the backup Danville finished with a 7-24 record heading into the season. Senior Kohl in the past three seasons. The Hawks Randolph will see some snaps during the were 0-10 in 2018 with a defense that season, but his primary position will be gave up a school-record 432 points. at receiver.

PAST SEASON

QUARTERBACK

PAST THREE SEASONS

Good Luck From the Morgan County Superintendent and School Board!

Seated L-R: Adam Glenn (Danville) - Robert Elliott Jr. (Superintendent) - Chairman Jimmy Dobbs (Priceville/Sparkman) Standing L-R: Mike Tarpley (Falkville) - Paul Holmes (Eva) - John Holley (Union Hill/Lacey’s Spring) Vice-Chair Billy Rhodes (West Morgan) - Chris Humphries (Cotaco/Brewer)

Follow us on Social Media: Morgan County Schools

@MorganCoSchools

Morgan County Schools MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

25

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ROSTER

OFFENSE Seniors Bo Huff and Carson Crowe and junior Tanner Colburn will get snaps at the running back position.

Randolph will be called on to lead the receivers. Joining him will be seniors Dylan McCleskey and Grayson Glenn.

Senior Jaiquan Loyd will be the primary tight end.

The offensive line will be the least experienced group on the offensive side of the ball. Seniors Kameron Hogan and Camden Whittle and freshmen Caden and Cole Flowers are called on to lead the line.

DEFENSE Hogan and Loyd, along with senior Austin Ryan, will be expected to lead the defensive line. The Flowers twins, Cole and Caden, will see time as the season progresses.

Glenn, along with seniors Joseph Whisenant and Landon Freeman and sophomore Percy Smith, will see time at the outside linebacker position. Huff and Crowe will lead the linebackers group, manning the inside positions.

26

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

No.

Name

GRADE

POSITION

2

Gage Taylor

11

QB/DB

4

Grayson Glenn

12

HB/OLB

5

Bo Huff

12

RB/LB

7

Ben Ellenburg

9

QB/OLB

8

Jacobie Batts

9

SE/DB

9

Carson Cox

12

SE/DB

10

Percy Smith

10

TE/OLB

11

Jaiquan Loyd

12

TE/DL

12

Avery Muhammad

9

SE/DB

13

Cody Barber

9

SE/DB

14

Moises Parra

11

K/DB

15

Carson Crowe

12

RB/LB

12

SE/DB

8

QB/OLB

16

Dylan McCleskey

18

Jace Glenn

20

Tanner Colburn

11

RB/DB

21

Joseph Whisenant

12

HB/OLB

23

Austin Ryan

12

TE/DL

24

Houston McCleskey

8

SE/DB

25

Landon Freeman

12

SE/OLB

26

Brandon Tucker

11

TE/BD

27

Christian Rodriguez

9

RB/LB

28

Talan Cross

9

F/DB

29

Evan Smith

8

SE/DB

30

Wyatt Summerford

8

HB/OLB

31

Kade Taylor

8

RB/OLB

33

Gage Horton

10

HB/DB

36

Bryant Birdsell

11

RB/LB

37

Clayton Long

12

SE/DB

50

Caden Flowers

9

OL/DL

51

Zack Bryant

12

OL/DL

52

Blake Huckaba

8

OL/DL

53

Matthew Tidwell

8

OL/LB

54

Drake Cook

10

OL/DL

55

Ryder Reeves

9

OL/DL

57

Jayden Summerford

8

OL/DL

62

Kameron Hogan

12

OL/DL

64

Cory Thibodeaux

8

OL/DL

65

Wyatt Lindsey

11

OL/LB

66

Cole Flowers

9

OL/DL

68

Evan Brown

9

OL/DL

70

Camden Whittle

12

OL/DL

71

Mitchell Owens

8

OL/DL

73

Landon Hanserd

9

OL/DL

78

Percy Siverling

8

OL/LB

87

Ty Bailey

8

TE/OLB

88

Kohl Randolph

12

SE/QB/DB

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

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past three games in the series, but the Hawks lead the series 27-19.

The most crucial three-game stretch of the season follows a bye week Oct. 1: the Hawks go on the road to Elkmont, host Clements and travel to Phil Campbell in a stretch that could determine the fourth seed in 3A Region Danville opens on the road at Brewer 8. Danville went 1-2 this past year in in a game showcasing two of Morgan this stretch.

County’s new coaches. The teams have split the previous two games, with the all-time series at 4-4.

“We have a purpose to what we are The Hawks host Falkville in week doing every day,” said Williams. “We two for another matchup of new expect to win every day, and if we do coaches. The Blue Devils have won the that, we will be successful.”

Randolph and Taylor will see time in the defensive backfield at the safety positions. McCleskey and senior Carson Cox will play cornerback.

Colburn and sophomore Gage Horton will provide some depth at corner.

MUST-SEE GAMES

FINAL WORD

SCHEDULE *Region Game

Aug. 20

@ Brewer

Aug. 27

Falkville

Sept. 3

Colbert Heights*

Sept. 10

Lauderdale County*

Sept. 17

@ East Lawrence*

Sept. 24

@ Priceville

Oct. 1

BYE

Oct. 8

@ Elkmont*

Oct. 15

Clements*

Oct. 22

@ Phil Campbell*

Oct. 29

Lawrence County

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

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BY RUSSELL FRYE the playoffs in two of the previous three to the second round. The 2018 squad seasons. He will be the third coach in the scored a school-record 573 points en past four seasons for Blue Devil football. route to an 11-1 record under Coach Joel Schrenk. They were 7-5 and 8-3 in Mitchell’s two seasons. The 11-win Falkville moved up to 2A this past season in 2018 was a school record for season and placed second in Region 7. wins. Eleven players have been named The Blue Devils finished with an 8-3 to All-State teams over the past three record, opening the season with eight seasons. straight wins before dropping a 12-7 decision at North Sand Mountain. They averaged 33.7 points per game while “The players on this team are hungry giving up 8.5 points per game. They spent and want to learn how to become better four weeks in the ASWA 2A rankings. players,” said Ward. “Our job is to get these players ready for the season.”

Ward takes over for Tyler Mitchell, who resigned in early June to take a job at Decatur Middle School. Ward has been The Blue Devils have had a pretty on the Blue Devils staff since 2018. He is successful run in the past three The Blue Devils will be replacing a also the school’s baseball coach, where seasons. They are 26-9 with three trips two-year starter in Peyton Sallee, who he led Falkville to the second round of to the playoffs, including two trips helped lead them to two trips to the

he Blue Devils go into the 2021 season with a new leader in Seth Ward, who has infused a new sense of excitement at Falkville. Although this will be the least experienced team, in terms of starters, the Blue Devils have a lot of guys who have seen playing time the past couple of seasons. Finding a way to replace Christian Angulo, a four-year starter and all-state honoree, will be essential to the team’s growth.

PAST SEASON

WORDS TO GROW ON

HEAD COACH

PAST THREE SEASONS

30

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

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playoffs. Caden Burnett is a talented player who will get the first shot at starting. He played in several games this past season but will get his first start against Decatur Heritage.

OFFENSE Falkville returns two starters on offense. Senior Jordan Greenfield will be replacing four-time all-state player Christian Angulo in the backfield.

Isaiah Warnick, Lawson Tew and Dave Lockhart will see significant time at the wide receiver position.

“Our wide receivers are inexperienced but a very talented group,” said Ward.

“We have to put them in the right position to help them develop.”

The offensive line has the only returning starters on the offense, with two players who started this past season who will be called on to lead. Two others will step into roles where they saw playing time this past season.

“We have a good group of guys on our offensive line,” said Ward. “Getting them ready for Decatur Heritage in week one is a priority.”

Good Luck Blue Devils, Have a Great Season!

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2019

2018

2016

2015

2014

Falkv kville v High School

Town of Falkville

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32

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

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2020

ROSTER No.

Name

GRADE

1

Landon Power

9

2

Johnathon Edmonds

11

3

David Lockhart

11

4

Lawson Tew

11

5

Matt Fettner

12

6

Jackson Edmonson

10

7

Caden Burnett

11

9

Dawson Fowler

10

10

Austin Vest

12

11

Hunter Franklin

11

12

Andrew Jones

12

14

Jordan Greenfield

12

15

Drew Wilson

11

18

Elijah Halbrooks

10

21

Joey Shedd

11

22

Kole Fitzgerald

10

24

Thomas Williams

10

25

Avery Bramlett

10

28

Denver Comstock

9

32

Gavin Lee

12

33

Isaiah Warnick

11

34

Mason Moore

9

42

Malachi Collett

10

44

Kaden Worley

11

50

Niko Boris

10

52

Brock Puckett

11

53

Trey Hemming

9

54

Cole Jones

12

55

Lorenzo Ochoa

11

56

Blake Hill

11

60

Austin Melson

11

61

Gavin Massey

9

64

Cody White

11

66

Bryant Owen

9

67

Kenyon Nappier

11

70

Austin Drinkard

10

72

Cole Jones

12

74

Jacob Jackson

9

77

Zeke Smithson

12

80

Cedric Beavers

9

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

33

DEFENSE

SCHEDULE

Junior Lorenzo Ochoa is the leader of the defensive line. He is heading into his third season as a starter. Greenfield will see some time at the defensive end position, along with Austin Melson and Brock Puckett.

The linebacker position has the chance to be the strongest position on the defense. The Blue Devils have five or six athletes who can play the linebacker position. Junior Kaden Worley and sophomore Jackson Edmonson will lead the linebackers. Lockhart will also see time at linebacker.

Burnett and Warnick will lead the defensive backs at the safety positions.

Tew, Hunter Franklin, and Dawson Fowler will see time at the corner positions.

*Region Game

against the Hawks. The game will showcase first-year coaches in the Falkville has three games that are Falkville’s Ward and Danville’s Andro Williams. Danville leads the must-see this season.

In week one, the Blue Devils host series, which dates back to 1976, 27Decatur Heritage. This game will give 19. Falkville has won the past three Falkville a good indication of where in a row in the series, outscoring the they are going into the season. The Blue Hawks 138-28.

In week nine, the Blue Devils host Devils lead the series 5-2.

In week two, Falkville travels North Sand Mountain in a game that to Danville for a rivalry game could decide 2A Region 7. The Bison

MUST-SEE GAMES

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

Aug. 27

@ Danville

Sept. 3

@ Whitesburg Christian*

Sept. 10

Pisgah*

Sept. 17

BYE

Sept. 24

Cold Springs

Oct. 1

Section*

Oct. 8

@ Tanner*

Oct. 15

@ Ider*

Oct. 22

North Sand Mountain*

Oct. 29

Winston County

defeated Falkville 12-7 this past season in a game of ranked opponents. The series is tied at 1-1.

FINAL WORD “We are going to take things one day at a time,” Ward said. “Improving each day is important to the success of our team. Doing the little things well every day will help us get to where we want to be this season.”

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PAST SEASON

4,000 yards, which set a school record.

They followed with a 6-4 mark in 2020.

The Bulldogs finished 6-4 this The Bulldogs have placed five players past season, which was their second on All-State teams in the past two consecutive winning season. The seasons.

Bulldogs haven’t had back-to-back winning seasons since 2006-07. They lost three games by a combined 12 “Last season, we missed out on the points that cost them a return trip to playoffs by a total of 12 points in losses the playoffs. to West Morgan, Deshler and Central,” said Foster. “We need to find a way not to beat ourselves, and if that happens, Three years ago, the Bulldogs we will have a good chance to get back finished 2-8 in Jason Simmons’ only to the playoffs.” season at Priceville. Foster took over Chris Foster begins his third season in 2019 and has led the Bulldogs to a as the head coach of the Bulldogs. He 14-8 record in two seasons. His first Junior Jackson Prickett will get the has compiled a 14-8 record in his first team in 2019 finished 8-4 and won the start at quarterback. He has been the two seasons, including an 8-4 mark in first play-off game in school history. primary backup the past two seasons The Bulldogs rushed for more than and will now get a chance to lead the his first season. riceville heads into the 2021 season looking to extend a streak of winning seasons to three under Coach Chris Foster. In addition, the Bulldogs will be trying to return to the playoffs after missing out by 12 points, which was the difference between a nine-win season and the six wins they finished with this past year. Finding a replacement for two-time all-state running back Jerry Burton will be vital to the Bulldogs’ hopes.

HEAD COACH

36

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

WORDS TO GROW ON

PAST THREE SEASONS

QUARTERBACK

SCHEDULE *Region game

Aug. 27

Brewer

Sept. 3

West Morgan*

Sept. 10

@ Brooks*

Sept. 17

@ Wilson*

Sept. 24

Danville

Oct. 1

Rogers*

Oct. 8

@ Central*

Oct. 15

@ Deshler*

Oct. 22

West Limestone*

Oct. 29

@ St. John Paul II

Bulldogs. Freshman Sammy Holmes will back up Prickett.

OFFENSE Junior Mason Cartee will get the first shot in replacing Jerry Burton.

Junior Xander Gains will look to build off a strong sophomore campaign in the wingback position. In addition, senior Kekey Fletcher and sophomore Jaxon

Thomas will see time in the backfield.

Seniors Joey Lubisco and William Baker will be the starting wide receivers. Although receiver is not a high-stat position, they will be called on to block for the Bulldogs’ power running game.

The Bulldogs will be replacing three starters for the second consecutive season. A two-time all-state pick will lead the line in senior Tyler Cappi.

Foster said they have some capable guys to step into the offensive line unit, but they will need to develop quickly.

DEFENSE The defensive line has a chance to be in a deeper position than this past season. Seniors Garrison Woodall and Tyler Staats will join Cappi as starters on the defensive line.

Senior Tristan Holmes and junior Jake Langlois return to lead the linebackers. In addition, senior Cody Kennedy will step into a more prominent role this season. The fourth linebacker position is one of the most important position battles for the Bulldogs.

Town of Priceville

Back Row: Councilman Patrick Dean, Councilman Melvin Duran III, Councilman Ashley England, Councilman Charles Black, Front Row: Councilman Tommy Perry, Mayor Sam Heflin

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

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ROSTER No.

Name

1

Landon Shockley

GRADE

2

Jaxon Thomas

10

3

Tristan Holmes

12

4

Samuel Holmes

9

5

Nash Thomas

8

7

Luke Bragwell

11

10

Mason Cartee

11

11

Brody Collins

12

Jackson Prickett

11

13

Xander Gaines

11

14

Cody Kennedy

12

15

Larson Speegle

11

16

Reece Young

10

18

Asher Beidleman

10

20

Brodie Mattox

11

21

Marcus Turney

9

22

Joey Lubisco

12

23

William Baker

12

25

Bailey Rea

11

28

Deacon Hall

10

29

Kekey Fletcher

12

30

Ty Thornsberry

9

32

Riley Wagg

12

34

Blitz Clemons

12

42

Jacob Sloan

11

44

Jake Langlois

11

45

Chance Davis

10

48

Justin Metz

9

50

Tyler Staats

12

51

Jonathan Barrientos

10

52

Blaxton Royster

11

54

Brody Oliver

10

55

Isaiah Mendoza

10

56

Tristan Akridge

10

57

Jackson Angiulli

10

63

John Miller

9

66

Nash Terry

12

68

Tyler Cappi

12

70

Garrison Woodall

12

71

Pierce Bueto

9

74

Ethan Johnson

9

76

Solan Marks

9

81

Camden Berger

9

82

Hunter Petty

10

85

Bryce Carroll

9

86

Bryant Stephens

11

88

Cole McWhorter

10

12

9

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

39

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Baker will lead the defensive backfield from the safety position. Gaines will likely play alongside Baker at the other safety position. Senior Landon Shockley and Cartee will get the first snaps at the cornerback positions.

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The Bulldogs will face two county rivals to open the season with home games against Brewer and West Morgan. The game with the Rebels will be a revenge game for Priceville after the 7-3 loss this past season.

Although all games are important, the most crucial stretch of the season will be games against Rogers, Deshler and Central to start October. The Bulldogs were 1-2 in that stretch this past season, which ultimately cost Priceville a trip to the playoffs. The game with Rogers will be at home, and then the Bulldogs will hit the road for the Deshler and Central games.

FINAL WORD “Have we matured to the point after two winning seasons to not fall back in the bad habits that plagued us in the past?” said Foster. “Developing that week-to-week and dayto-day consistency will be a sign of growth for this team.”

COLORS

Good Luck Priceville Bulldogs!

Have a Great Season

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

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COLLISSIONN SPECIALISSTSS

BY DAVID ELWELL fter winning their first Class 7A region championship this past year, the Austin Black Bears are entering this season with a young and inexperienced team, including two returning starters on offense and four on defense.

Austin (8-3, 6-1) lost a ton of talent on both sides of the ball. The list of the players who graduated includes first-team All-State wide receiver Tre Shackelford, second-team AllState running back Jevon Jackson and honorable mention selections defensive back Jaden Baker, quarterback Quincy Crittendon and linebacker Ronald Fletcher.

There’s no lack of candidates for playing time. The senior class has 18 players. The junior class has 32, and

there are 38 sophomores. The freshmen class also numbers in the 30s.

HEAD COACH Jeremy Perkins is beginning his 12th season at Austin. The former Thompson and Hoover assistant coach is the winningest football coach ever at Austin with a 79-47 record. The Black Bears have made six consecutive trips to the playoffs.

PAST SEASON After winning their first four games, the Black Bears lost at Sparkman, 21-14.

Following an open week, they won four more before losing the season finale to Mountain Brook, 31-22. The season ended with a 41-28 loss to Oak Mountain in the first round of the state playoffs.

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

41

ROSTER No.

Name

GRADE

POSITION

No.

Name

1

Tyler Cooper

12

RB

46

2

Gage Palmer

12

QB

3

Keilan Williams

12

4

Maurice Jones

5

Tra Stover

6

GRADE

POSITION

Devin King

10

DB

47

Colby Ward

11

OLB

WR

48

Maddox Mitchell

10

TE/FB

10

WR

49

Tyree McDaniel

11

DB

12

DB

50

Mantez Thompson

12

DL

Caleb Beard

12

DB

51

Corey House

10

OLB

7

James Mitchell

12

DB

52

Braylon Payton

10

LB

8

Braylin Boulden

11

RB

53

Kenley Coffey

10

LB

9

LeNarion Wynn

11

TE

54

Aiden Crisler

11

OLB

10

Druce Clarke

11

LB

55

Nathan Taylor

10

DL

11

Jadyn Maclin

11

WR

56

Wyatt Albrecht

11

OL

12

Judd Bailey

10

QB

57

Kam'Ron Powell

10

LB

13

Bryson Claiborne

11

DB

58

Obie Smith

10

DL

14

Christian Gonzalez

12

DB

60

Koby Cohn

11

OL

15

Julien Stewart

11

WR

61

Carlos Becerra

10

OL

16

Jordan Ross

12

DB

64

Quade McAfee

11

OL

17

DeAir Young

11

QB

65

Amari Pointer

12

OL

19

Easton Palmer

10

DB

66

Jacob Wiley

12

DL

20

Martel Munday

11

DB

69

Jaylan Austin

10

OL

21

Kylan Young

11

DB

70

Jaycob Hardnett

10

DL

22

Braeden Young

11

RB

71

Teon Dayes

10

OL

23

Fred Porter

11

RB

72

Giovanni Johnson

12

OL

24

Brandon Baker

10

WR

73

RJ Austin

12

OL

25

Garrett Hale

11

LB

74

Payson Hubbard

11

OL

26

Ethan Lowrey

12

K

75

Jalen Verser

11

OL

27

Ruben Guevara

10

K

76

Julian Gali

10

OL

28

Ethan Wynn

10

DB

77

Jamari Moody

10

OL

29

Charles Perry

11

DB

78

Nigel Carter

10

OL

30

Achilles Woods

10

DE

79

Dahntay Birt

12

OL

31

Solomon Lyle

10

OLB

80

Jalen Mitchell

11

WR

32

Jayden Burton

11

FB

81

Lyle Deloney

10

WR

33

Jeremiah Burgess

12

DL/FB

83

AJ Bell

10

WR

34

Christopher Gonzalez

10

OLB

84

Tyler White

12

WR

35

Mykael Burton

11

OLB

86

Brooks Ward

10

TE

36

Camryn Clark

10

DB

87

Austin Caver

11

TE

38

Malachi Cousin

10

DB

88

Nicholas Crayton

10

TE

39

Brooks Olinger

10

DB

89

Evan Lowrey

10

WR

40

Collier French

12

FB

91

Camron Riley

10

DL

41

Tyler Eady

11

LB

92

Jeremiah Ayers

11

DL

42

LaJaylan Fletcher

11

OLB

96

Kamarion Swinney

11

DE

43

Kaleb Taylor

10

DB

97

Adrian Haavik

10

TE

44

Zmari Bell

12

LB

98

Ryan Keenum

11

LB

45

Ashton Thompson

10

LB

99

Jaidon Jamison

11

DL

42

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

SCHEDULE *Region game

Aug. 20

Hartselle

Aug. 27

@ Decatur

Sept. 3

@ Florence*

Sept. 10

@ James Clemens*

Sept. 17

Sparkman*

Sept. 24

Bye

Oct. 1

Grissom*

Oct. 8

Huntsville*

Oct. 15

@ Albertville*

Oct. 22

Bob Jones*

Oct. 29

@ Mountain Brook

The Black Bears averaged scoring is a little smaller, and his arm strength 37.5 points a game while allowing needs to improve, but he does have a 19.7 points. Austin scored less than knack for making good decisions.”

22 points in just one game, the loss to Sparkman. The Black Bears set a school record with a 64-point winning The Black Bears have two starters margin in a 67-3 victory over Decatur. returning. One is senior Amari Pointer in the offensive line. The other is junior Braylin Boulden at H-back.

An injury has sidelined Boulden Austin has gone 22-11 with a 16-5 region record in three seasons in Class 7A. The for at least the start of the season.

Jeremiah Burgess, who is a returning Black Bears are 0-3 in playoff games. starter on defense, is moving over to H-back while Boulden is out.

Other than Pointer, the offensive line “There are a lot of unknowns going into Game 1,” Perkins said. “We have lacks experience, but it won’t lack for spent more time than usual on the size. This past year’s line was one of the fundamentals and basics of the game. smallest at Austin in recent years. This season’s line goes in the other direction.

It’s a big learning experience.”

Senior RJ Austin – 5-11, 278 – is one of the strongest players on the Senior Gage Palmer – 5-foot-10, 170 team. Perkins said juniors Jalen pounds – and junior DeAir Young Verser (6-1, 296), Payson Hubbard – 5-foot-6 inches, 150 pounds – are (6-0, 285), Wyatt Albrecht (5-11, 215) competing for the starting position. and Quade McAfee (6-3, 320) all have Regardless of who starts the game, a lot of potential. Sophomore Julian both should see plenty of playing time. Gali (5-7, 250) is expected to press for “Both are athletic and run really well,” playing time.

“We have 10 or 11 kids in competition Perkins said. “Gage has the stronger arm and can make every throw. DeAir for playing time in the line,” Perkins

OFFENSE

PAST THREE SEASONS

WORDS TO GROW ON

QUARTERBACK

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

43

Bell calls the signals for the group from his inside linebacker position.

Joining him at inside linebacker is junior Druce Clarke. The group at outside linebacker is led by juniors Mykael Burton, LaJaylan Fletcher and sophomore Solomon Lyle.

Stover (6-2, 190) has offers from several DI schools, including Marshall, North Alabama, Austin Peay, Troy, South Alabama and Gardner Webb. Joining Stover in the defensive backfield are seniors Caleb Beard and James Mitchell.

MUST-SEE GAMES said. “Our two-deep in the line will only have two seniors.”

Senior Tyler Cooper leads the list of players expected to contribute at running back and receiver. Cooper has the most experience. Junior Martel Munday is an up-and-coming talent along with junior Braeden Young. The receiving group is headed by senior Keilan Williams, sophomore Maurice Jones and junior Jadyn Maclin.

The Black Bears open the season at home vs. Hartselle and then on the road at Ogle Stadium vs. Decatur. Hartselle The move of Burgess to offense leaves leads the series 30-23-1, but Austin the Black Bears with three returning has won five of the past six meetings. senior starters on this side: lineman Decatur leads the series 36-22-0, but Jacob Wiley, linebacker Zmari Bell Austin has won the past six meetings. and cornerback Tra Stover.

Expected to be joining Wiley in the defensive line are juniors Jaidon “We are going to have some growing Jamison (6-2, 247) and Jeremiah Ayers pains, but as we gain experience, I expect (6-1, 225). Senior Mantez Thompson this team to really improve,” Perkins and sophomore Achilles Woods add said. “We are excited to see how much depth. this team improves from start to finish.”

DEFENSE

FINAL WORD

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44

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

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1103 16th Ave. SE Decatur, AL 35601 256-350-0362

BY DAVID ELWELL he Decatur Red Raiders are in need of a turnaround season. After two years with identical 2-8 records and no trips to the playoffs, Decatur is looking to return to the days of being a region championship contender on a path to the playoffs.

The past two-year stretch of Decatur football action with fewer wins came in 1965 (3-6-1) and 1966 (0-10). The last time the Red Raiders missed the playoffs two years in a row was in 1990 (5-5) and 1991 (6-4).

Making the playoffs out of Class 6A, Region 8 means finishing in the top four ahead of either Hartselle, Athens, Muscle Shoals or Cullman, who all made the playoffs this past season. Three other teams also looking to get out of the bottom of the region standings are Hazel Green, Buckhorn and Columbia.

HEAD COACH This is Jere Adcock’s 26th season as head coach at Decatur. His record is 174-110. The 66-year-old is the fifth head coach at Decatur since 1933 when H.L. “Shorty” Ogle came to the River City. Ogle won 209 games in 31 years at Decatur.

PAST SEASON Opponents averaged scoring 25.9 points against the Red Raiders, while the Decatur offense averaged 14.5 points a game. The Red Raiders scored more than 17 points in two games. The defense had two shutouts and held two more opponents to 21 and 28 points each.

PAST THREE SEASONS The Red Raiders are 11-21, and that includes the 7-5 play-off season in 2018.

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

45

ROSTER No.

Name

GRADE

POSITION

No.

Name

1

Joshua Turner

12

FS

43

3

Ryan Kirk

11

RB

4

Ellis Dickman

11

6

Keandre Williams

8

GRADE

POSITION

Austin Cammon

11

OLB

45

Tenarius Fennell

11

DE

QB

46

Damon Lamb

10

CB

12

RB

48

Dylon Martin

9

LB

Owen Poovey

12

K/P

49

Max Parker

11

OLB

8

Put Webster

10

WR

50

Adolfo Soto

11

DL

9

Jayden Brown

11

WR

56

Jacob McRae

12

DL

9

Bradin Dupper

10

QB

57

Wilian Lopez

11

DL

10

Jack Sturges

12

WR

58

Crawford Fite

10

OL

11

Jackson Thatch

11

CB

59

Martin Johnson

9

OL

12

Mac Hillis

11

QB

60

Fernando Ixchajchal

10

OL

13

Banks Dement

12

H

61

Nate Steeples

10

OL

14

Z.J. Matthews Jr.

11

FS

63

Brayden Smith

9

OL

15

Trey Ayers

11

LB

64

Crawford Fite

10

OL

16

Teandre Williams

12

CB

65

Ian Bouchillon

10

OL

17

Trey Greenwell

9

QB

66

Ward Bouchillon

12

OL

17

Charlie Zalusky

12

OLB

67

Cody Dobbins

10

DL

18

Jamarrie Washington

12

WR

70

Foster Nelson

12

DL

19

Paxtin Dupper

11

FS

71

John Claborn

9

OL

20

Jack Waller

11

WR

72

Hunter Claborn

12

OL

22

Jyron McDaniel

11

CB

73

Luke Bouchillon

10

OL

23

Dayton Swoopes

10

RB

74

Kody Asher

11

OL

24

Cage Davidson

11

WR

75

Ashton Lowery

12

OL

25

Devin Walker

11

FS

76

Compton Mullican

11

OL

26

Timothy Terry

11

CB

77

Jaiden Freeman

12

OL

27

Dailon Clay

9

RB

79

Jake Burnes

10

OL

28

Buel Lambert

11

CB

80

Damaury Thomas

11

WR

29

Kolby Brown

10 LB

DB

81

Louis Truffa

9

WR

30

Jajuan Grier

9

CB

82

Brian Cole

11

K/P

31

Holden Gray

10

CD

83

Zorey Barr

11

WR

32

Cameron Clopton

11

WR

84

James Foote

9

WR

33

Tate Pichelmayer

9

LB

85

Jakobe Foster

10

WR

34

Mylon Miller

11

OLB

86

Bryce Parker

9

WR

35

Kadem Martin

11

H

87

Kevin Duke

9

WR

36

Donte Ross

9

LB

88

Rodie Mathews

9

WR

37

Kendall Scott

12

WR

89

C.J. Brown

10

WR

38

Hunter Lamb

9

CB

90

Braxton Thomas

12

DL

40

Wyatt Smith

10

FS

91

Ty Asher

9

DL

41

Isaiah Saint

9

DL

94

Kyle Cary

9

DL

42

Reeves Hardin

10

LB

96

Gavin Barbee

12

DL

46

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

47

WORDS TO GROW ON “Our goal this spring was getting back to running the football like a good Decatur team is supposed to do,” Adcock said. “We’ve gotten away from that the past couple of years because we haven’t been productive in the offensive line due to injuries and other situations. Now the focus is getting back to running the ball.”

QUARTERBACK The Red Raiders go into the season with a new starting quarterback. The question is, which junior will it be? There’s Ellis Dickman (5-foot-11, 150 pounds) and Mac Hillis (6-5, 215). Dickman is more of a runner. Hillis is more of a passer.

“We’ll line up with three wide receivers a lot of the time, but we need to be as well balanced as we’ve ever been,” Adcock said. “We have to be able to run the football.”

OFFENSE The Red Raiders are counting on the offensive line to lead the way. Leading that group is senior left tackle Hunter Claborn (6-4, 285). He’s a four-year starter.

Jay T. Pohl, M.D. Alan B. Walker, M.D.

Scheduled to join Claborn up front are sophomore Luke Bouchillion (6-1, 210) at left guard, junior Asher Kody (6-1, 185) at center, senior Ward Bouchillion (6-2, 230) at right guard and senior Ashton Lowery (6-0, 265) at right tackle.

The offense should get a big boost from the return of running back Keandre Williams (5-9, 160). The senior missed this past season after breaking his ankle the week before the first game. Juniors Joshua Turner and Ryan Kirk provide depth at running back.

Other players looking to have an impact on offense are senior tight end Jamarrie Washington (6-4, 230), senior H-back Banks Dement (6-1, 225), senior flanker Jack Sturges (6-0, 155) and junior receivers Jayden Brown (6-2, 175) and ZJ Matthews (6-0, 190).

DEFENSE The Decatur defense was young and inexperienced this past season. It will be young this year, too, with three senior starters on the depth chart when fall camp opened: lineman Jacob

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

SCHEDULE *Region game

Aug. 19

@ Russellville

Aug. 27

Austin

Sept. 3

Muscle Shoals*

Sept. 10

@ Hartselle*

Sept. 17

Buckhorn*

Sept. 24

BYE

Oct. 1

@ Cullman*

Oct. 8

@ Hazel Green*

Oct. 15

Columbia*

Oct. 22

@ Athens *

Oct. 29

Huntsville

McRae, cornerback Teandre Williams and linebacker Charlie Zalusky.

There’s a strong junior presence on defense with linebacker/safety Paxtin Dupper, linebacker Trey Ayers, defensive end Adolfo Soto, safety ZJ Matthews, linebacker Mylon Miller, safety Joshua Turner, lineman Wilian Lopez and cornerback Jyron McDaniel.

“I think we have a pretty solid group on defense,” Adcock said. “They’ve all had a ton of reps, and a lot of them have experience as starters. We have more team speed this year.”

SPECIAL TEAMS Senior Owan Poovey gives Decatur another weapon with his strong leg as a punter, on kickoffs and for field goals.

Opponents averaged three yards on 42 punt returns.

MUST-SEE GAMES The schedule is tough, with the first four games being at Russellville, vs. Austin, vs. Muscle Shoals and at Hartselle. The priority will be to come out of the first two games with momentum, staying healthy.

The season opens at Russellville; the Golden Tigers won this past year’s meeting 28-0 and lead the series 7-5.

According to ahsfhs.org, this is a battle of two of the winningest programs in the state. Decatur is No. 12 with 644; Russellville is No. 13 with 641.

FINAL WORD “I’m excited with what I see out of this bunch,” Adcock said. “There’s a hunger and strong desire to get Decatur football back to where it’s supposed to be.”

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

49

BY DAVID ELWELL

ecatur Heritage (9-3, 7-0) dominated Class 1A Region 8 this past season and should be the favorite for the region championship again this season.

The Eagles return Class 1A firstteam All-State quarterback Brayden Kyle, who had a junior season to remember with 34 touchdown passes and 19 rushing touchdowns. Also back

is a cast of big-time playmakers that includes Tyler Founds, Cole O’Brien, Alex Malone and Tyler Olive.

Region opponents R.A. Hubbard, Cherokee, Hackleburg, Phillips, Shoals Christian, Vina and Waterloo were all inexperienced this past season with young teams. The returning experience means those teams could offer more of a challenge

to Decatur Heritage’s plans to repeat as region champs.

HEAD COACH Steve Meek is beginning his 11th season leading the Eagles. His record at Decatur Heritage is 76-39 with three region championships and seven consecutive play-off appearances. Meek’s overall record as a head coach is 93-72 in 15 seasons.

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

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PAST SEASON The Eagles (9-3) took a forfeit loss in the opener vs. Falkville and lost the next week to Class 3A Colbert Heights, 3527. They went on to win their next nine before losing in the second round of the playoffs to Pickens County, 48-28. Pickens County went on to lose in the 1A state championship game to Linden, 32-8.

It was the second year in a row Decatur Heritage’s season ended with a loss to a team that played in the state championship game. Mars Hill beat Decatur Heritage 42-21 in the second round in 2019 before losing in the championship game to Lanett, 41-30.

PAST THREE SEASONS The success continues for Decatur Heritage with a 28-8 record, including a 13-0 record in region play the past two seasons.

WORDS TO GROW ON “We have a chance to be pretty good this season,” Meek said. “If we can stay healthy and peak at the right time, it could be a lot of fun.”

20

Yea rs in Busi

SCHEDULE *Region game

Aug. 20

@ Falkville

Aug. 27

Colbert Heights

Sept. 3

Phillips*

Sept. 10

Vina*

Sept. 17

Shoals Christian*

Sept. 24

@ Woodville

Oct. 1

@ Waterloo*

Oct. 8

R.A. Hubbard*

Oct. 15

@ Cherokee*

Oct. 22

@ Hackleburg*

QUARTERBACK Expectations were high for Kyle this past season, and he might have exceeded them. He completed 133 of 195 throws for 2,671 yards with eight interceptions. He rushed for 1,004 yards on 85 carries. “He’s a special young man with a drive and desire to be the best he can be,” Meek said. “We expect big things out of him again.”

Junior Bo Solley will be backing up Kyle.

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51

ROSTER No.

Name

2

Brayden Kyle

4

Tyler Founds

5

Cole O’Brien

6

Charlie Moores

7

Bryant Pitts

9

Willis Orr

10

Bo Solley

11

Alex Malone

12

Nash Rippen

14

Paxton Tarver

15

William Barnett

18

Brady Wilson

21

Tyler Olive

22

Shine Barran

28

Jasper Mullican

34

Ian Wickwire

42

Harrison Hardy

52

Zavier Johnson

54

Andrew Rodriguez

55

Jackson Rollins

56

Jacob Belcher

62

Ben Abercrombie

65

Brian Brown

70

Connor Sivley

72

Luke McGee

75

Saxon Sample

78

Charlie Hellard Mason Baxley Shone Tapscott John Owen Vincent Cooper Williams Ford Sparkman Travis Kurecki Levi McGee Adam Wilder Cole Stuart Gann Faulkner Mac Hurst Ian Eze Jasper Miller

52

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

OFFENSE The big numbers posted by Kyle and his friends this past season translated to the scoreboard. The Eagles averaged 44 points in 11 games. They scored 61 in one game, 53 in another and more than 40 in seven more.

The total of 485 points in 2020 was the second most in school history.

The 2015 team scored more at 535, but that came in 14 games and averages out to 38.2 points, which is almost six points less than what the 2020 team achieved.

A lot of the weapons are gone from this past year, but a lot return, too.

Senior Alex Malone had 24 catches in 11 games for 576 yards. Eleven of his catches went for touchdowns. Seniors Tyler Founds, Cole O’Brien, Charlie Moores and junior Willis Orr fill out the receiving group. The running backs are seniors Tyler Olive, Nash Rippen and junior Bryant Pitts. Solley could also be in the mix at receiver or running back.

The offensive line returns seniors Brian Brown and Saxon Sample.

Behind them is a group of eight that includes six freshmen. Junior Charlie Hellard moves from backup The linebackers include Olive, to a more prominent role this Rippen and Pitts. Olive had 86 tackles season. in 10 games last season. Rippen recorded 80, including 12 for losses, in eight games.

Founds, Moores and O’Brien The Eagles are strong up front with Sample, Hellard and Brown returning. return in the secondary. Founds Freshman Luke McGee gives Decatur had 51 tackles and two interceptions Heritage a 300-pounder who can clog in seven games before suffering a season-ending injury. He was an up the middle.

DEFENSE

All-State selection in 2019 with six and Vina Sept. 9. The Eagles will interceptions and 57 tackles in nine again play their home games at West Morgan. games.

MUST-SEE GAMES

FINAL WORD

The Eagles open against rival Falkville. This past season’s game was a victim of COVID; this year’s game is at Falkville. After that game, Decatur Heritage has four home games, including Thursday games vs. Colbert Heights Aug. 26

“One of the things I love about this team is how the players like to compete,” Meek said. “A lot of that competitive spirit comes from the culture of our football program.

Our kids come ready to play every game.”

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

53

BY SIRVELL CARTER

54

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

PAST SEASON

est Morgan will take the field in 2021 under new head coach Drew Phillips. The Rebels will compete in Class 4A, Region 8, and attempt to end a three-year streak of missing the playoffs after back-to-back appearances in 2016 and 2017.

The Rebels finished the 2020 season at 3-7 overall and 3-4 in the region. West Morgan beat Priceville in its third game of the season during a 1-7 start before closing out the campaign with wins against Wilson and Rogers. The victory over Rogers resulted from a forfeit.

HEAD COACH

PAST THREE SEASONS

Phillips takes over the Rebels football program after Mikel Riggs served in the role for three years.

Phillips spent the past eight seasons as an Athens assistant following three years on Randolph’s coaching staff.

“I was the offensive coordinator at Randolph,” Phillips said, “and I also coached the secondary. At Athens I started out as the secondary coach and then moved to coaching wide receivers and then became the offensive coordinator.”

West Morgan went 7-23 in the program’s first three years in Class 4A. The Rebels went 10-2 in their last season in 3A in 2017.

WORDS TO GROW ON The new head coach’s primary focus is establishing a new foundation for the program.

“Really just being fundamentally sound is the goal,” Phillips said. “That means defensively getting everybody to the football and offensively … the

ROSTER No.

Name

No.

Name

1

Kaden Cook

33

Jose Bibiano

2

Sebastian Pendegraph

34

Ashton Garland

3

Lou Segars

40

Ti’arrius Mosley

4

Ja’Maury Burgess

42

Landon McClemore

5

Jaxon Stutts

43

Karson Gilliand

6

Connor Dillard

44

Gage Waits

7

Kaylin Daniels

47

Ty Jones

8

Toni Townsend

50

Jackson Alexander

9

Harrison Johnson

51

Melvin Carrillo

10

Jeremy Strong

52

Nick Jones

11

Cade Alexander

53

Cameron Ennis

12

Cameron Schreiber

54/84

Tyus Smith

13

Gunner Karr

55

Ricky Kerby

14

Braxton Peters

56

Daniel Johnson

15

Dylan Draper

58

Brady Daniel

16

Gavin Walden

59

Owen Coffey

17

Levi Borden

60

Dakota Cockrell

18

Tanner Terry

61

Jacobi Fletcher

19

Nathaniel Smith

62

Trevor Morgan

20

Matthew Jones

64

Daniel Davis

21

Jalen Fletcher

65

Camden Seal

22

Kodee Teague

67

Carlos Hernandez

23

Daniel Laporte

68

Colton Reagin

24

Wes Bradford

70

Marcus Jones

26

Sharmarvion Garth

72

Connor Rickard

27

Nathaniel Gray Jr.

73

Ashton Coviak

28

Tyshon Tucker

74

Eli Bice

32

Paxton Cottingham

75

Wiley Garrison

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

55

with senior Cade Alexander and junior Connor Dillard. Sophomores Jalen Fletcher and Ja’Maury Burgess will also be in the mix at running back and Sophomore Braxton Peters and junior receiver, respectively.

The line is loaded with senior Cameron Schreiber are the candidates to start following the departure of three- experience in Marcus Jones, Cam Seal, Trevor Morgan and Brady Daniel. year starter Glavine Segars.

“Both bring a lot of leadership skills, Junior Eli Bice is another option. and mentally both of them are very strong,” Phillips said.

Alexander will anchor the defense at linebacker. He will be joined by seniors In the backfield, West Morgan will Jones, Daniel Laporte, Daniel Johnson, count on experience at running back Owen Coffey and Sebastian Pendegraph, little things like ball security and blocking.”

QUARTERBACK

DEFENSE

OFFENSE

juniors Antonio Townsend, Matthew Jones and Dylan Draper and sophomore Ashton Garland.

MUST-SEE GAMES West Morgan will open the season at Good Hope. The following week will be a home contest against rival East Lawrence Aug. 27. A road game at cross-county rival Priceville Sept. 3 opens the region schedule.

FINAL WORD “I think it’s going to be a big season this year,” Seal said. “I think we’ll really surprise a lot of people.”

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

SCHEDULE *Region game

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Central*

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Wilson*

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@ Rogers*

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2021

57

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