All in for Wellborn Football
THE TOP SIX OF DISTRICT 6
The Top Players in East Alabama
TASTE OF VICTORY
Friday Night
Concession Stands
TEAM SCHEDULES +
WEEK BY WEEK SCHEDULES NEW REGION ALIGNMENTS
DOZENS OF TEAM PREVIEWS JON HOLDER'S TOP 10 AND SUPER 7 PICKS + +
Brantley
Pickens
By Jon Holder
It is one of those extremely rare days for July in Alabama where it is humid, but overcast, cool for the time of year, and there is a threat of rain. Football season is imminent, but the weather makes it seem even closer. Walter Wellborn High School Head Football Coach Jeff Smith is about to embark on his 16th season at the helm of his alma mater. As we stand literally at the top of “The Hill”, also known as Wellborn Stadium, I asked Coach what it was about this place-the stadium, the school, the community- that makes it so special to him. The emotion in his face, his body language, and his voice tell a deeper story than any mere typed words can express. His words were simple, but powerful, “The whole thing (Wellborn) made me.” He explained in more detail, “The thing about Wellborn is togetherness. Growing up it was us against everybody else. We were and are always united. I was so proud to play here. I remember sitting in the locker room holding my helmet and I prayed about how thankful I was to get to play here.”
As we move inside, out of the mist and sprinkles, Smith’s family awaited in the office at the Coach Ed Deupree Field House. The office area is an impressive museum of Wellborn football history. Smith continued to tell the story of his journey back to the community that means so much to him, and the job he never thought he would have. Coach Smith’s life after graduating from WWHS in 1987 took him on to an outstanding career as a player at Jacksonville State, an assistant for his mentor and high school coach Mike Battles at Hueytown, his first head coaching job at Ohatchee, and then back to Class 6A Hueytown as the Head Coach. He turned the Golden Gophers program around, going from 0-10 in 2003 to 10 wins in 2007. Just after that 10-2 season which ended in a tough 44-42 loss to powerhouse Hoover in the playoffs, Smith and
“
“ Wellborn people are tough, they pull together and support each other. The people are very defensive and protective of Wellborn, and very loyal to Wellborn.
– Lisa Smith Head Coach Jeff Smith's Wife
family returned one Sunday to Wellborn. “We came back to the church I grew up in-West Anniston Baptist Church-and I told Lisa (Smith’s wife) that if the Wellborn job ever came open, I wanted to try to get it,” said Smith.
Just two years later, in the spring of 2009, the Wellborn job indeed did come open and the principal called Smith to gauge his interest. “I had spent 9 years total at Hueytown, I had Jameis Winston (eventual Heisman Trophy winner), and all my kids really knew was Hueytown. Moving from a 6A to a 3A was also a big pay cut. But Lisa was on board because she is that supportive of a wife. Judd (oldest son) was excited, but was thrown into the fire as the varsity quarterback at Wellborn as a freshman. I never thought I would ever be the Head Coach at Wellborn. I still don’t see myself as being like a Battles, Deupree, or Ingram. I just wanted to make Wellborn better,” explained Smith.
When the Smith family returned to Wellborn, Judd was in the 9th grade, daughter Leah was in 3rd grade, and youngest child Jett was only a first grader. The Smith family quickly caught the love for all things Black and White. A little
background. Jeff and Lisa are both Wellborn graduates. Both sides of the family have always been, and continue to be, fixtures in the Wellborn community. Jeff and Lisa graduated together in 1987, and though they were not high school sweethearts, they were great friends throughout their high school days. Both have a deep love for the school, community, and Panther football. The coach’s wife’s passion for Wellborn is as strong as her husband’s. Her words about Wellborn display that love. “We made the decision to come back here because it was important to be here and have our family all here together. We spent 18 years at other places, but this is home. This is so much more than a job,” Lisa said. Her description of the Wellborn people and community is powerful, “Wellborn people are tough, they pull together and support each other. The people are very defensive and protective of Wellborn, and very loyal to Wellborn.”
The entire Smith family are 100% Wellborn Panthers. All five family members are Wellborn graduates. All are connected to the school and football program. Lisa is a secretary at Wellborn, Judd is an assistant coach and teaches History,
Leah teaches English, and Jett is a student at JSU and helps coach as well. The entire family has great memories of Wellborn football. Lisa remembers, “The Oxford game my junior year was just so big, the stadium was packed and there was just so much excitement. The game at home in Jett’s junior year versus Piedmont and after the win the fans coming on the field. Jeff’s first game here as head coach was memorable too. There was just a lot of emotion-grown men crying.”
Judd has certain things that are special to him also, “My favorite memories are the 2011 playoff win at Opp. That was Wellborn’s first playoff win since 1995, and also the 2012 playoff win over Fultondale at home.” Leah has very special memories too, “My dad escorted me at Homecoming each year, and our first game back here against Saks we came on the field to the Miley Cyrus song “The Climb”. That was special.” Jett also has fond memories of that junior year win at home against Piedmont, “I just remember all the players going up in the stands and celebrating with our fans.”
The entire family is committed to Wellborn football, and it is a year-round commitment. Leah does weight charts and other charts during the school year. Judd is there at 6:30 on game days and says, “It is the most exciting time of the school year during football season because so many in the school are involved in football, band, and cheerleading. I don’t handle the off-season well. Our break as a family is at Christmas, not in the summer.” Jett adds,
“There is no break for our family in the summer, and during the season it is Sunday through Saturday every week. Our one common goal as a family is to make Wellborn the best it can be.” Lisa remarks, “In 32 years as a coaches’ wife I have only missed one game and that was to go watch Jett play in college in Oklahoma. During the season I will come to the fieldhouse and bring supper and Jeff and I will walk around the stadium. On Friday nights after home games I will bring food for the coaches. Sometimes I think the average spectator doesn’t see Jeff as a father and husband. I would just say we want the best for all Wellborn students, not just the football team.” Jeff’s mother Judy is also all in for Wellborn football. She too is a Wellborn graduate and lives in the community. She brings peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to the team, has been very involved in the booster club, and is there every Football Friday at 5:00 a.m. to help with the prayer breakfast.
we are all proud of being from Wellborn.” Jett added, “Wellborn people are different. We are not the same as others. It is hard to describe.”
Judd explains, “I tell all of my students I am proud to be a Wellborn Panther. Our family fights for our players and students.”
Amazingly, growing up in Wellborn Jeff Smith did not want to be a coach. “As a kid I wanted to be a policeman. It was not until about 7th grade and through high school that I wanted to be a coach. I thought every coach was like Coach Battles and Coach (Bill) Burgess. Part of me being a coach was my mother. She is a hard worker and a perfectionist. She drilled those two things into me. I came back to Wellborn because I felt I had been called to give back to this school and community, and the Wellborn community is Wellborn football.”
Each of the Smiths summed up what they loved the most about and their feelings for Wellborn. Jeff said, “It is all about tradition and family.” Leah stated, “Everyone comes to the games and
There is no question that the entire Smith family has sacrificed and given their lives and careers to the betterment of not only the Walter Wellborn High School football program, but the school and community. Sitting in that office on that cloudy, dreary Sunday afternoon left this writer with a loss for words to accurately describe the deep feelings and emotion that this family has for all things Wellborn. None of the Smith family could fathom what life would be like when I asked them to imagine a time without Wellborn football. I think Lisa Smith summed it up best with simply this quote- “This is our family and this is our life.” A family’s lives dedicated to serving the people in this small, Alabama community. Indeed, the Smiths are truly All in for Wellborn football. ►
• Donoho
• Fayetteville
• Victory Christian
• Wadley
• Winterboro
• Woodland
• Appalachian
• Gaylesville
• Ider
• Ragland
• Spring Garden
• Valley Head
• Woodville
• Cleveland
• Cold Springs
• Coosa Christian
• Falkville
• Susan Moore
• Southeastern
• West End
• Cedar Bluff
• Gaston
• North Sand Mountain
• Pisgah
• Pleasant Valley
• Sand Rock
• Section
• Beulah
• Childersburg
• B.B. Comer
• Dadeville
• Glenwood
• Lee-Scott Academy
• Randolph County
• Beauregard
• Central-Clay County
• Elmore County
• Holtville
• Marbury
• Sylacauga
• Valley
• Glencoe
• Locust Fork
• Ohatchee
• J.B. Pennington
• Piedmont
• Saks
• Weaver
• Walter Wellborn
• Westbrook Christian
• Center Point
• Jacksonville
• Leeds
• Lincoln
• Moody
• St. Clair County
• Springville
• Bullock County
• Cleburne County
• Handley
• Munford
• St. James
• Talladega
• Tallassee
• B.T. Washington
• Clay-Chalkville
• Huffman
• Mountain Brook
• Oxford
• Pell City
• Pinson Valley
• Shades Valley
• Alexandria
• Anniston
• Ashville
• Cherokee County
• Etowah
• Hokes Bluff
• Oneonta
• White Plains
• Buckhorn
• Fort Payne
• Gadsden City
• Hazel Green
• Mae Jemison
• R.E. Lee-Huntsville
• Southside
College football has undergone numerous changes over the past several years. The transfer portal and NIL are two of the most controversial factors that have changed the landscape of college athletics. Many college programs rely heavily on the transfer portal while others have been reluctant to accept this new concept. Regardless of those changes, the high school football player still holds the dream of signing a letter of intent on National Signing Day. High school football recruiting across the country has become an exciting and competitive journey for so many student-athletes. AHSAA District Six, which is comprised of Cherokee, Etowah, St. Clair, Calhoun, Cleburne, Randolph, Clay, and Talladega counties, is known for its strong football programs and passionate fans. This district has produced numerous talented players over the years who achieved their dream of playing at the college level. This fall is no exception as we look at some highly recruited players from District Six. Let’s take a look at “The Top 6 of District 6.”
School: Oxford High School
Class: 2026
Position: Edge Defender
The brother of Tampa Bay Buccaneer linebacker K.J. Britt, Keenan is making a name for himself at Oxford and around the country. Ranked as a 4-Star defensive end by Rivals, Britt is a highly-coveted player by most college football programs. Oxford Coach Sam Adams has seen the development of Britt over the past couple of summers. “Keenan will be a little bigger and stronger this fall. He’s also more “twitchy” and can make those blockers miss. The biggest thing about him is his motor. He’s going full speed every snap and he’s projected by most scouts as an inside linebacker,” said Adams. Last season, Britt finished the season with 107 tackles, 8 sacks, and 20 tackles for loss in just nine games.
School: SouthsideGadsden High School
Class: 2025
Position: Offensive Tackle
The recruiting of Jamin Brown of Southside really took off last fall as the 6’4”, 285 pound lineman dominated his opponents every Friday night. He has proven to be excellent in pass-blocking and simply walls off the defender. Brown uses his hands very well and is able to “stonewall” even the biggest defensive linemen. After receiving numerous offers from around the southeast, Brown got the dream offer in June. He is committed to Duke University and has spent the summer recruiting more prospects to join him in Durham.
School: Alexandria High School
Class: 2025
Position: Kicker/Punter
Since his 7th grade season, Cleat Forrest has been turning heads with his powerful left leg. Pulling double-duty as the kicker and punter, Forrest now holds a 4.5-Star ranking from Kohl’s Kicking Camps. Opponents know that allowing the Valley Cubs across midfield could lead to points. Forrest is a 5-time All-State kicker after connecting on 23 of 32 field goals and has made 195 0f 205 extra points. Over the summer, Forrest has attended several college prospect camps and has posted several perfect charts. He holds offers from UAB and Murray State, but also has interest from the likes of Clemson, Mississippi State, and Kentucky.
School: Gadsden City High School
Class: 2026
Position: Defensive Back
Gibson is a 4-Star defensive back who is a gamechanger for Gadsden City. He has dazzled college recruiters with his speed and athleticism. Gibson consistently runs a 4.45 in the 40 and is a 3-sport athlete for the Titans. He is a 6’1” shutdown corner that opponents typically avoid. Gibson is also very dangerous in the return game mainly because of his elusiveness and vision. He is expected to be one of the top cornerbacks in the nation in the Class of 2026. Gibson also gets it done in the classroom with a 3.4 GPA. He currently holds offers from the top programs in America including Oregon, Florida, Georgia, Auburn and Alabama.
School: Oxford High School
Class: 2025
Position: Quarterback
After two seasons as the quarterback at Oxford, Mason Mims will take the Yellow Jackets for another exciting ride this season. He will also enter the year committed to Louisville to be a future QB for the Cardinals. “Louisville just felt like home. Coach (Jeff) Brohm played quarterback at a high level and it’s like we just talk the same language,” said Mims. Ranked as a 4-Star prospect, Mims has passed for 4,765 yards and 51 touchdowns as the Oxford starter. Mims shows no signs of slowing down, “He has always been so accurate, but now he has even more velocity on his passes. He has worked hard to get stronger and faster and has knocked down every obstacle in being a top-level quarterback,” said Head Coach Sam Adams.
School: Wadley High School
Class: 2026
Position: Defensive End
In Class 1A football, athletes typically play more than one position. Jaquez Wilkes has so much versatility, recruiters can project him playing several spots in college as well. Some see the 6’4” Wilkes as a rushing defensive end that destroys opponents in the backfield. Others see him as a 220-pound running back that moves like he’s 40-pounds lighter. Wilkes is a 4-star athlete that ranks as one of the nation’s top prospects in the class of 2026. Most of the SEC schools have offered for his services as well as Penn State and Florida State.
Name School
KeShawn Allen Weaver 2025 6’2” 165 Wide Receiver
Sherontae Bailey Anniston 2027 6’3” 290 Offensive Tackle
Cavin Bates Cleburne County 2028 6’2” 228 Defensive End
LaDamion Boyd Clay Central 2025 5’11” 180 Running Back
Brayden Byers Ohatchee 2026 5’8” 160 Slot Receiver
Amare “Tank” Edmondson Munford 2025 5’7” 160 Running Back
Zay English Jacksonville 2025 5’10” 175 Running Back
Deshaun Gibbons Clay Central 2025 5’11” 160 Defensive Back
Kaiden Gooden Weaver 2025 6’ 165 Athlete
P.J. Holloway White Plains 2027 5’7” 160 Running Back
Jamari Johnson Pell City 2025 6’ 155 Defensive Back
Eric Kirkpatrick Westbrook Christian 2025 6’4” 315 Offensive Tackle
Noah Lee Jacksonville Christian 2026 6’3” 195 Quarterback
Eli Motes Coosa Christian 2025 6’4” 215 Tight End
Jaxon Newton Wellborn 2026 6’4” 200 Outside Linebacker
Frisco Robertson Wadley 2026 5’10” 160 Defensive Back
Ty Sims Gadsden City 2026 5’10” 170 Safety
Daquavian Slaughter Handley 2025 6’3” 200 Defensive End
James Tapley Oxford 2025 5’11” 190 Linebacker/Long Snapper
Cedric Twyman Oxford 2025 5’11” 175 Defensive Back
Malik Watts Pell City 2025 6’4” 270 Offensive Tackle
Damauri Whetstone Clay Central 2025 6’ 205 Linebacker
Des Whitson Oxford 2025 6’3” 210 Outside Linebacker
T.J. Worthy Gadsden City 2025 5’10” 175 Running Back
McCade Wright Southside-Gadsden 2025 6’5” 255 Defensive End
256Recruiting is a twitter-based recruiting service founded and operated by High School Football Alabama colleague Tommy Wood. This is a ministry that is designed to help studentathletes gain exposure for an opportunity to continue their academic and athletic careers. The service began as a local operation in January and now works with over 650 athletes across the state of Alabama. Follow @256Recruiting on Twitter.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
*Region Games
8/24
9/7
9/12
Louisiana S.D. Home
Oklahoma S.D Away
Tennessee S.D Home
9/21 California S.D. Home 9/26 Mississippi S.D Home 10/5
Florida S.D. Away 10/11 Open
10/19 Texas S.D. Away
8/30 Jacksonville Home 9/6 White Plains Away* 9/13 Anniston Home* 9/20 Oneonta Away* 9/27 Sardis Away 10/4 Hokes Bluff Home* 10/11 Ashville Home* 10/18 Cherokee County Away* 10/25 Etowah Home 10/31 Munford Home
8/30 Beauregard Home 9/6 Ashville Home* 9/13 Alexandria Away* 9/20 Hokes Bluff Home* 9/27 Pleasant Grove Away 10/4 Cherokee County Away* 10/11 Etowah Home* 10/18 Oneonta Away* 10/25 White Plains Away* 11/1 Jacksonville Home
8/23 Springville Home 8/30 Open
9/6 Anniston Away* 9/13 Oneonta Home*
9/20 Etowah Away*
9/27 Talladega Away
10/4 White Plains Home*
10/11 Alexandria Away*
10/18 Hokes Bluff Home*
10/25 Cherokee County Away*
11/1 St. Clair County Home
8/23 Valley Head Away 8/30 Collinsville Home
9/6 Gaston Away*
9/13 North Sand Mountain Home* 9/20 Section Home*
9/27 Spring Garden Home
10/4 Pleasant Valley Away*
10/11 Pisgah Away* 10/18 Sand Rock Home*
10/25 Open 11/1 Donoho Away
8/23 Handley Away 8/30 Benjamin Russell Home 9/6 Valley Home*
9/13 Marbury Away* 9/20 Sylacauga Home* 9/27 Scottsboro Away 10/4 Elmore County Away* 10/11 Holtville Home*
10/18 Beauregard Away* 10/25 Pell City Home
8/23 Piedmont Home
8/30 Arab Away 9/6 Oneonta Away* 9/13 Etowah Home*
9/20 White Plains Away* 9/27 Shades Valley Away 10/4 Anniston Home* 10/11 Hokes Bluff Away* 10/18 Alexandria Home* 10/25 Ashville Home*
8/23 Fayetteville Away 8/30 Talladega Home
9/6 Lee-Scott Academy Home* 9/13 Glenwood School Away* 9/20 B.B. Comer Home* 9/27 Vincent Home 10/4 Open 10/11 Beulah Away* 10/18 Randolph County Home* 10/25 Dadeville Away* 11/1 Winterboro Away
8/30 Sardis Home 9/6 Handley Away* 9/13 Talladega Home* 9/20 Booker T. Washington Away* 9/27 Walter Wellborn Away 10/4 Tallassee Home* 10/11 St. James Away* 10/18 Munford Home* 10/25 Bullock County Away* 11/1 White Plains Home
8/23 Wadley Home
8/30 Vincent Away
9/6 Glenwood School Home*
9/13 Open
9/20 Childersburg Away*
9/27 Piedmont Away
10/3 Beulah Home*
10/11 Randolph County Away* 10/18 Dadeville Home*
10/25 Lee-Scott Academy Away* 11/1 Thorsby Home
8/23 Pierce County, GA Away 8/30 Pell City Away 9/6 Southeastern Home* 9/13 Falkville Away* 9/20 Susan Moore Away* 9/27 Fyffe Home
10/4 Cleveland Home 10/11 Cold Springs Home* 10/18 West End Away* 10/24 Tuscaloosa Academy Home
8/23 Gaylesville Away 8/30 Ragland Home 9/6 Pleasant Valley Home 9/13 Wadley Away* 9/20 Winterboro Away* 9/27 Ohatchee Home 10/4 Fayetteville Away* 10/11 Open 10/18 Victory Christian Home* 10/25 Woodland Away 11/1 Cedar Bluff Home
8/23 Jacksonville Home 8/30 Open
9/6 Hokes Bluff Home* 9/13 Cherokee County Away* 9/20 Ashville Home* 9/27 Southside Away
10/4 Oneonta Home* 10/11 Anniston Away* 1018 White Plains Home* 10/25 Alexandria Away* 11/1 Lincoln Away
8/23 Childersburg Home 8/30 Billingsley Away 9/6 Wadley Home* 9/13 Winterboro Away* 9/20 Open 9/27 Ragland Away 10/4 Donoho Home* 10/11 Victory Christian Home * 10/18 Woodland Away* 10/25 Open 11/1 Brilliant Home
8/23 Asbury Home
8/30 Open
9/6 Cedar Bluff Home*
9/13 Woodland Home
9/20 North Sand Mountain Home*
9/27 Whitesburg Christian Away
10/4 Section Away*
10/11 Pleasant Valley Away*
10/18 Pisgah Home*
10/25 Sand Rock Away* 11/1 Ider Away
8/22 Muscle Shoals Home 8/30 Hewitt-Trussville Away 9/6 Buckhorn Away* 9/13 McAdory Away 9/20 Hazel Green Home 9/27 Bob Jones Home
10/4 R.E. Lee-Huntsville Away* 10/11 Fort Payne Away* 10/18 Southside Home* 10/25 Mae Jemison Home
8/23 Donoho Home
8/30 Asbury Away 9/6 Valley Head Away* 9/13 Appalachian Home* 9/20 Open 9/27 Verbena Away 10/4 Ider Away*
10/11 Spring Garden Home* 10/18 Ragland Away* 10/25 Woodville Home*
8/23 Southeastern Away 8/30 Westbrook Christian Home*
9/6 J.B. Pennington Home* 9/13 Walter Wellborn Away* 9/20 Open 9/27 Hokes Bluff Home 10/4 Weaver Away* 10/11 Saks Away* 10/18 Ohatchee Home* 10/25 Locust Fork Away* 11/1 Piedmont Home*
*Region Games
8/23 Central-Clay County Home
8/30 Dadeville Away
9/6 Cleburne County Home* 9/13 St. James Away* 9/20 Munford Home* 9/27 Lanett Away 10/4 Bullock County Away* 10/11 Tallassee Home* 10/18 Talladega Away* 10/25 Booker T. Washington Home*
8/29 Southside Home 9/6 Etowah Away* 9/13 White Plains Home* 9/20 Anniston Away* 9/27 Glencoe Away 10/4 Alexandria Away* 10/11 Cherokee County Home* 10/18 Ashville Away* 10/25 Oneonta Home* 11/1 Randolph County Home
8/23 Etowah Away 8/30 Alexandria Away 9/6 Moody Away* 9/13 Center Point Home* 9/20 Leeds Away* 9/27 Corner Home 10/4 Springville Away* 10/11 Lincoln Home* 10/18 Open 10/25 St. Clair County Home* 11/1 Anniston Away
8/16 Southern Christian Home
8/23 Tuscaloosa Christian Away*
8/30 Tabernacle Home*
9/6 Trinity Christian Home
9/13 Victory Christian, MS Away*
9/19 Russell Christian, MS Home*
9/27 Ezekial Christian Away
10/4 Clay County Christian Home*
10/11 Cornerstone Away* 10/18 Open
8/23 Shelby County Home 8/30 Munford Away 9/6 Center Point Away* 9/13 Leeds Home* 9/20 Springville Home*
9/27 Northridge Away 10/4 Open 10/11 Jacksonville Away* 10/18 St. Clair County Home* 10/25 Moody Away* 11/1 Etowah Home
8/22 Gainesville, GA Home 8/30 Oxford Away 9/6 Jacksonville Home* 9/13 St. Clair County Away* 9/20 Helena Away 9/26 Auburn Home 10/4 Center Point Away 10/11 Leeds Home* 10/18 Springville Away* 10/25 Lincoln Home*
Locations in Piedmont, Oxford, Jacksonville, Centre, Southside, Gadsden, Alexandria, Auburn and Opelika
8/30 Lincoln Home 9/6 Tallassee Home* 9/13 Bullock County Away* 9/20 Handley Away*
9/27 Westbrook Christian Home 10/3 Talladega Away*
10/11 Booker T. Washington Home* 10/18 Cleburne County Away* 10/25 St. James Home*
10/31 Alexandria Away
8/23 New Hope Home 8/30 Locust Fork Home*
9/6 Piedmont Away* 9/13 J.B. Pennington Away* 9/20 Weaver Home* 9/27 Donoho Away
10/4 Westbrook Christian Away* 10/11 Walter Wellborn Home* 10/18 Glencoe Away* 10/25 Saks Home*
8/23 Central-Carrollton, GA Away 8/30 Moody Home 9/6 Shades Valley Away* 9/13 Pinson Valley Home* 9/20 Mountain Brook Away* 9/27 Helena Away 10/4 Pell City Home* 10/11 Open 10/18 Clay-Chalkville Home* 10/24 Huffman Away* 11/1 Florence Away
8/23 Pelham Home
8/30 Coosa Christian Home
9/6 Clay-Chalkville Home*
9/13 Mountain Brook Away*
9/20 Huffman Home*
9/27 Open
10/4 Oxford Away*
10/11 Shades Valley Home* 10/18 Pinson Valley Away*
10/25 Central-Clay County Away 11/1 Southside Home
8/23 Cherokee County Away 8/30 Saks Away*
9/6 Ohatchee Home*
9/13 Open
9/20 Westbrook Christian Away* 9/27 B.B. Comer Home
10/4 Locust Fork Home*
10/11 J.B. Pennington Home*
10/18 Weaver Away*
10/25 Walter Wellborn Home* 11/1 Glencoe Away*
8/23 West End Away
8/30 Spring Garden Home 9/6 Donoho Away 9/13 Pisgah Home* 9/20 Sand Rock Away* 9/27 Woodland Away 10/4 Cedar Bluff Home* 10/11 Gaston Home*
10/18 North Sand Mountain Away* 10/25 Section Home*
8/30 Donoho Away 9/6 Spring Garden Home* 9/13 Southeastern Home 9/20 Woodville Away* 9/27 Fayetteville Home 10/4 Valley Head Home*
10/11 Appalachian Away* 10/18 Gaylesville Home* 10/25 Ider Away* 11/1 Decatur Heritage Away
8/23 Mt. Zion, GA Home
8/30 Woodland Away 9/6 Lafayette Away* 9/13 Reeltown Home* 9/20 Central-Coosa Home* 9/27 Randolph County Home
10/4 Horseshoe Bend Away* 10/11 Open 10/18 Loachapoka Home* 10/25 Lanett Away* 11/1 Spring Garden Away
8/23 Woodland Home 8/30 Central-Coosa Away 9/6 Open 9/13 Dadeville Away* 9/20 Lee-Scott Academy Home* 9/27 Ranburne Away 10/4 Glenwood School Away* 10/11 B.B. Comer Home* 10/18 Childersburg Away* 10/25 Beulah Home* 11/1 Hokes Bluff Away
8/23 Jemison Home
8/30 Montgomery Catholic Away
9/6 Open
9/13 Moody Home*
9/20 Center Point Home*
9/27 Shelby County Away
10/3 Leeds Away*
10/11 Springville Home* 10/18 Lincoln Away*
10/25 Jacksonville Away* 11/1 Ashville Away
8/23 Horseshoe Bend Away 8/30 Piedmont Home* 9/6 Westbrook Christian Away* 9/13 Weaver Away*
9/20 Walter Wellborn Home* 9/27 Central-Coosa Home
10/4 J.B. Pennington Away* 10/11 Glencoe Home* 10/18 Open
10/25 Ohatchee Away* 11/1 Locust Fork Home*
8/22 Spring Garden Away 8/30 West End Home
9/6 North Sand Mountain Away* 9/13 Section Away* 9/20 Pleasant Valley Home* 9/27 Collinsville Away 10/4 Pisgah Home* 10/11 Open 10/18 Cedar Bluff Away* 10/25 Gaston Home* 11/1 Whitesburg Christian Home
8/23 Geraldine Home
8/30 Cleburne County Away 9/6 Arab Away* 9/13 Guntersville Home* 9/20 Scottsboro Away* 9/27 Alexandria Home 10/4 Boaz Home* 10/11 Douglas Away* 10/18 Fairview Away* 10/25 A.P. Brewer Home*
8/23 Guntersville Home 8/29 Hokes Bluff Away 9/6 R.E. Lee-Huntsville Away* 9/13 Fort Payne Home* 9/20 Open 9/27 Etowah Home
10/4 Mae Jemison Away* 10/11 Buckhorn Home 10/18 Gadsden City Away* 10/25 Hazel Green Home* 11/1 Pell City Away
8/23 Ashville Away 8/30 Fairview Home 9/6 Leeds Home* 9/13 Alma Bryant Home 9/20 Lincoln Away* 9/27 Open
10/4 Jacksonville Home* 10/11 St. Clair County Away* 10/18 Moody Home* 10/25 Center Point Away* 11/1 Corner Away
8/22 Sand Rock Home
8/30 Pleasant Valley Away
9/6 Ragland Away*
9/13 Woodville Home*
9/20 Valley Head Away*
9/27 Cedar Bluff Away
10/4 Appalachian Home* 10/11 Gaylesville Away*
10/18 Ider Home*
10/25 Open 11/1 Ranburne Home
8/23 Central-Coosa Away 8/30 Montevallo Home 9/6 Holtville Away* 9/13 Beauregard Home*
9/20 Central-Clay County Away* 9/27 Jemison Home
10/4 Valley Home* 10/11 Marbury Away* 10/18 Open
10/25 Elmore County Home* 11/1 Glenwood School Away
8/22 White Plains Home 8/30 Childersburg Away 9/5 Booker T. Washington Away* 9/13 Cleburne County Away* 9/20 St. James Home* 9/27 Ashville Home 10/3 Munford Home* 10/11 Bullock County Away* 10/18 Handley Home* 10/25 Tallassee Away
*Region Games
8/23 Sumiton Christian Away 8/30 Open 9/6 Woodland Home* 9/13 Open
9/20 Wadley Home* 9/27 Francis Marion Away 10/4 Winterboro Away* 10/11 Fayetteville Away* 10/18 Donoho Away*
10/25 Belgreen Home 11/1 Berry Home
8/23 B.B. Comer Away 8/30 Horseshoe Bend Home 9/6 Fayetteville Away* 9/13 Donoho Home* 9/20 Victory Christian Away* 9/27 Glenwood School Home
10/4 Woodland Home* 10/11 Lee-Scott Academy Away 10/18 Open 10/25 Winterboro Away*
8/23 Oak Grove Away 8/30 Open 9/6 Walter Wellborn Away* 9/13 Saks Home* 9/20 Ohatchee Away* 9/27 Winterboro Home 10/4 Glencoe Home* 10/11 Locust Fork Away* 10/18 Piedmont Home* 10/25 Westbrook Christian Away* 11/1 J.B. Pennington Home*
8/30 J.B. Pennington Away*
9/6 Weaver Home*
9/13 Glencoe Home*
9/20 Saks Away*
9/27 Cleburne County Home
10/4 Open
10/11 Ohatchee Away*
10/18 Locust Fork Home* 10/25 Piedmont Away*
11/1 Westbrook Christian Home*
8/30 Glencoe Away* 9/6 Saks Home* 9/13 Locust Fork Away* 9/20 Piedmont Home*
9/27 Munford Away
10/4 Ohatchee Home*
10/11 Innovation Academy, TN Home
10/18 J.B. Pennington Away* 10/25 Weaver Home*
11/1 Walter Wellborn Away*
8/23 Pleasant Valley Home 8/30 Sand Rock Away 9/6 Falkville Home* 9/13 Susan Moore Away* 9/20 Cleveland Away* 9/27 Vinemont Home 10/4 Cold Springs Home* 10/11 Ider Away 10/18 Coosa Christian Home* 10/25 Southeastern Away*
8/23 Talladega Away 8/30 Open
9/6 Alexandria Home* 9/13 Hokes Bluff Away* 9/20 Cherokee County Home* 9/27 Horseshoe Bend Home 10/4 Ashville Away* 10/11 Oneonta Home* 10/18 Etowah Away* 10/25 Anniston Home* 11/1 Cleburne County Away
8/23 Vincent Home 8/30 Open
9/6 Central-Coosa Home 9/13 Fayetteville Home* 9/20 Donoho Home* 9/27 Weaver Away 10/4 Victory Christian Away* 10/11 Woodland Away* 10/18 Open 10/25 Wadley Home* 11/1 Childersburg Home
8/23 Randolph County Away 8/30 Ranburne Home 9/6 Victory Christian Away* 9/13 Gaston Away 9/20 Open 9/27 Pleasant Valley Home 10/4 Wadley Away* 10/11 Winterboro Home* 10/18 Fayetteville Home* 10/25 Donoho Home* 11/1 Horseshoe Bend Away
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
CLASS, REGION:
Class 4A, Region 6
HEAD COACH: Todd Ginn
2023 RECORD: 1-9
Stadium: Lou Scales Stadium
Colors: Orange & Black
An extremely rare season for Alexandria last year as the Valley Cubs posted only 1 win. The schedule was grueling as the Cubs faced 7 playoff teams, including 3 schools that advanced to at least the state quarter-finals.
The Cubs only lost 6 seniors, but that includes the loss of 5 starters on both offense and defense.
Alexandria will feature one of the best kickers in Alabama with the return of Cleat Forrest. Forrest has many FCS and FBS teams in the country vying for his services. Other key returnees include Senior RB E.J. Hunter (5’9, 200), returning 10th grade QB Cole Wheeler, middle linebacker Ryan Brown, OT Dean Boxley (6’3, 235), sophomore OT Parker Nemeth (6’2, 290), DE/ TE Cooper Bridges (6’2, 185 Jr.), sophomore RB/Safety J.J. Beason, and a newcomer from the Alexandria basketball program Que McDowell. McDowell is a 6’3 receiver and is expected to become a contributor.
This is a young, but experienced Valley Cub squad. There are only 8 seniors, but 6 starters return on both offense and defense. The numbers are good with 60 players in the program. There are only 10 juniors, but the sophomore class is special and is already full of game experience. Of the 17 10th graders, 5 played as freshmen and some even started as 8th graders. The Valley Cubs move back down to Class 4A for the first time since 2013. Class 4A Region 6 is loaded with tradition rich programs like Alexandria, Cherokee County, Oneonta, Anniston, Etowah, and Hokes Bluff. The Cubs are on the rise, so expect an improved Alexandria team in 2024.
CLASS, REGION: Class 4A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Rico Jackson
2023 RECORD: 6-4
Stadium: Lott/Mosby Memorial Stadium
Colors: Cardinal, White, Black & Gray
Anniston posted a 6-4 record in 2023. The season ended in a heartbreaking 20-16 loss to T.R. Miller in Round One of the Class 4A playoffs.
Rico Jackson enters his 2nd season as Head Coach of the Bulldogs and will be looking to replace some talented players off of last year’s squad. Quarterback Gavin Doss signed with the U.S. Naval Academy. Defensive back Jayden Lewis is expected to compete for early playing time at Tulane. Safety Love Kirby is wearing the green and gold at UAB. Collin Wansart, who led the Bulldogs’ offensive line, is projected as a tight end at Bethany College.
Fortunately for Coach Jackson he has plenty of experienced players returning. The roster features only 8 seniors but 24
juniors and most saw playing time last fall. If you follow recruiting, Anniston always seems to have some top-level prospects. Heading into his sophomore season, Sharontae Bailey has already received numerous college offers. At 6’3” 290 pounds, he has proven to be a physical and explosive mauler in the trenches. He’ll join offensive lineman Jamarco Rudolph, who has worked hard throughout the summer and that should payoff this fall. Wide receiver Kaleb Moore has stood out during this off-season and is expected to be a major playmaker for the Bulldogs. Defensively, look for linebacker Jalon McElderry to make plays all over the field. Khamar Holder returns at defensive end and should make a major impact throughout the season. “This team is made up of really good players. They are gritty and want to win at all costs.
There are no egos. In all of my 20 years of coaching, this could be one of my favorite teams,” said Jackson.
Anniston will be competing in Class 4A Region 6 this fall. The Bulldogs will visit crosscounty foes White Plains and Alexandria. They’ll also journey to Oneonta and Cherokee County in road region matchups. Ashville, Hokes Bluff and Etowah will visit the renovated Lott-Mosby Memorial Stadium. Jackson’s second season gets underway on Friday, August 30th as the Bulldogs host Beauregard in a non-region game. “We’re looking forward to this season. We’re going to face some great teams with some outstanding coaches. Every Friday night will be some great atmospheres and I’m ready to see how we compete,” said Jackson.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 2A, Region 7
HEAD COACH:
Garrett Crane
2023 RECORD: 5-6
Stadium: Bruce Field
Colors: Red & White
Cedar Bluff finished the regular season 5-5, including a sweep of all three Cherokee County rivals-Sand Rock, Gaylesville, and Spring Garden. The Tigers lost on the road in the first round of the 1A playoffs to powerhouse Wadley.
Not many losses at all for the 2024 edition of the Tigers. Cedar Bluff only lost 2 starters on each side of the ball, most notably wide receiver Eli McFry.
The Tigers return a bevy of players including Seniors Caleb Edmondson (WR/QB), Hunter Jenkins (RB/OLB), Jacob Chambers (OL/DL), and Hunter Stallings (QB/Safety). Junior Kadien Tracy will play a number of positions including linebacker, tight end, and H-Back. Massive sophomore lineman/TE/H-Back Kaden Fife is already a big-time college prospect with an offer from Georgia Southern. Fife is 6’6, 300 lbs and can move well for a big man.
OL/DL Jacob Chambers, QB/Safety Hunter Stallings, RB Hunter Jenkins, WR/DB Caleb Edmondson, and Kadien Tracy
Cedar Bluff jumps back to Class 2A in 2024-25 for only the second time in school history. The Tigers will be experienced and confident with 9 starters returning on both offense and defense. The roster of 33 players in grades 9-12 includes 12 seniors. Tiger coaches report that they will have more depth this season, and that was something that Cedar Bluff worked on in the off-season. That depth will be important jumping up a class and into a region with teams like Pisgah and North Sand Mountain.
CLASS, REGION: Class 5A, Region 4
HEAD COACH: Danny Horn
2023 RECORD: 10-1
Stadium: Volunteer Stadium
Colors: Scarlet, Navy & White
Central-Clay posted the first undefeated season in school history before a 7-0 loss to UMS-Wright in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs.
Hall of Fame Coach Danny Horn enters his 36th season as a head coach and his 7th at Clay-Central. If you follow high school football in this state, you know that Horn’s teams will always bring a physical defense. “Last year’s team had probably the best defense that I’ve had since I’ve been here,” said Horn, “We didn’t have the big names but as a whole, we had kids that would get to the ball and just played hard.” Koby Johnson led the team in tackles for the past two seasons and was the heart of the Vols defensive unit. Denzel McNeil was a defensive playmaker and
is now at Maryville College. The D-line was hit hard with the loss of All-State lineman Aiden Stewart and Leroy Cheek. The offensive line will look to replace Zaylon Stroud and Nathan Pybus, who was an AllState performer.
Running back Ladamion Boyd exploded onto the scene in 2023. Before suffering an ankle injury in week 10, Boyd posted more than 1600 yards and 21 touchdowns. “When we lost Ladamion, we lost 75% of our offense heading into the playoffs. He’s worked hard to get back and he’s still getting healthy,” said Horn. Deshaun “Soap” Gibbons makes the move to quarterback. After a standout career at defensive back, Gibbons has had an impressive off-season and looks ready to make the Vols’
offense more balanced this fall. Playmaker Tyler Boyd looks primed for a breakout season with his elusiveness and speed. Defensively, Damauri Whetstone and J.T. Wilkerson should be a tough tandem at outside linebacker. Junior Trendan Glenn has the potential to be dominant on the defensive front.
The schedule may be one of the toughest in the area. The Volunteers open up the season at Class 4A powerhouse and bitter rival Handley. The following week, the traditional showdown with Class 6A Benjamin Russell. The other non-region opponents are Scottsboro at mid-year and 6A Pell City to wrap up the regular season. The Region 4 schedule includes newcomers Holtville and Marbury.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 4A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Jacob Kelley
2023 RECORD: 13-2
Stadium: Warriors Stadium/Johnson Field
Colors: Black & Gold
Cherokee County played for a 4A state championship for the second year in a row. The Warriors again won the Region 6 title and rolled through the playoffs with wins over CentralFlorence, Haleyville, West Morgan, and Westminster Christian before falling to Montgomery Catholic in the 4A championship game at BryantDenny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.
The Warriors had some key losses to graduation including Super All-State running back Jacob Cornejo and All-State offensive lineman Zach Gaylor. Centre lost 3 of 4 starters in the secondary and 4 of 5 starters on the offensive line.
There is still plenty of talent in Centre in 2024. CCHS returns players such as leading receiver and kicker Ben Frampton, 2 time All-State defensive end Tae Diamond, defensive lineman Caleb Harbour, AllState linebacker Tristan Brown, QB Carson Tittle, and massive 6’5, 295 lb offensive lineman Landon Ransum. New names to watch include 6’5, 210 TE Ben Moseley, running back/ linebacker Keyshawn Woods, athlete Javierre Henderson, and freshman running back Jayshun Stroup.
Cherokee County certainly has the potential to arrive at their third straight Super 7 in Birmingham. Sixth year Head Coach Jacob Kelley says his biggest challenge is inexperience on the offensive line, but though replacing 4 starters he says they will be much bigger averaging 6’3, 270 lbs. The team strength is skill players, with lots of experience returning on both sides of the ball. Kelly says this is he biggest Senior class he has had at CCHS with 18 seniors. Coach Kelly says he will replace the production of Cornejo with 4-5 guys, led by Diamond playing both ways this year. Diamond had 200 yards rushing in the quarter-final playoff win at West Morgan.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 4A, Region 3
HEAD COACH:
Vaughn Lee
2023 RECORD: 4-7
Stadium: L.E. Bell Field
Colors: Red & White
Cleburne County finished 4-7 record in 2023, falling to Jackson 44-7 in round one of the post-season.
The loss of Jake Dingler will be felt in a big way. The team’s leading tackler has moved on to Lindsey Wilson College to continue his football career. Lineman Braden Beam and 6’3” wide receiver Gray Freeman have also graduated.
Vaughn Lee returned to lead Cleburne County in the spring in his first stint as head coach. Lee finds a very young squad heading into the season. The Tigers only have two seniors on the 2024 roster and both should play huge roles. Hunter Gore will pull double-duty as a receiver and defensive back.
Austin Mayfield, who is a twotime state champion wrestler, will be a valuable linebacker and running back. Junior Kendall Miller is returning from knee surgery and is expected to be A playmaker at tight end. Cade Shubert returns at quarterback after taking over the post last season. He’ll have Carter Hughes join him in the backfield as the fastest player on the team. Zander Martin leads the offensive line and will be joined by Cashton Robinson, Luke Adams and Hunter Morgan. Lee has a young but talented kicker in sophomore Erick Felipe, who could make a difference in the kicking game.
Cleburne County moves to Class 4A Region 3 this season. While some familiar teams
dot the schedule, there are several new opponents. Over the next two seasons, Booker T. Washington, St. James, Bullock County, and Tallassee are long road trips into unfamiliar territory. Coach Lee says that the focus of the 2024 season has to be on the Tigers. “We have to consistently work on us. Our confidence. Our standard. We need to know who we are and that’s every time we take the field, whether in practice or on Friday night,” said Lee.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 2A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Mark O’ Bryant
2023 RECORD: 13-2
Stadium: Phillip Ellen Stadium
Colors: Carolina Blue & Vegas Gold
The Conquerors were forced to forfeit 4 games in the first half of the season, but the on the field record was 13-2. The only losses were to Class 3A semifinalist Geraldine and in the Class 1A State Championship in Tuscaloosa to Leroy 28-21.
10 seniors were lost to graduation, but only 3 starters are gone on each side of the offense and defense.
There are returnees everywhere for Coosa. Twotime All-Stater Clete O’Bryant returns at linebacker along side fellow linebacker Cade Mickler.
Also back is Joseph East, starting QB John David Justus, and athlete Grayson Malone. Defensive end/linebacker Eli Motes (6’3, 215) is a college prospect. Other names to watch include OL Radley Mays, DL Zayden Franklin, and another college prospect at linebacker D.J. Mackey (6’3, 195).
Coosa Christian returns 8 starters on both offense and defense from the Class 1A state runner-up team. There are about 8-9 seniors on the roster of 33-35 players. The AHSAA Competitive Balance formula took the 2022 semi-final appearance and
last year’s state title game appearance into account and moved Coosa up to Class 2A for the first time in school history. Head Coach Mark O’Bryant remains undaunted by the move up, “If we are hungry, we will be better than last year. Anything less than what we accomplished last season is unacceptable.”
CLASS, REGION:
Class 1A, Region 6
HEAD COACH: Bill Smith
2023 RECORD: 0-9
Stadium: Lentz Field
Colors: Maroon & Gray
Donoho struggled to an 0-9 record last season.
Head Coach Jeremy Satcher left Donoho during the off season. After spending 15 years at various stops across the state, Veteran Head Coach Bill Smith takes over the Donoho program in 2024. Smith is well-known for rebuilding several football programs and he’ll look to bring his energy and toughness to Donoho.
As with most teams in Class 1A, Donoho will have many players going both ways in addition to performing on special teams. Last season, Kai Cleckler played football for the first time and found himself as the starting quarterback. Now as an experienced 6’2”
senior, he returns to lead the offense. “He’s had a great summer and I’m looking forward to watching him continue to get better,” said Smith. Cleckler will operate behind an offensive front that will be led by 6’4” 230-pound Braden “Beef” Johnson and 6’3” Cash Worley. Senior Wide receiver and defensive back James Benkwith will also play a huge role for the Falcons. 6’5” Senior Hayes Farrell will see double-duty at tight end and at outside linebacker. Jordan Cameron also returns to play this fall and Coach Smith is excited to have the senior leadership. “We have 6 seniors but all of those guys will probably own successful businesses one day. They have great work ethic and are just impressive young men,” Smith said.
Donoho opens the 2024 season on the road as the Falcons visit Gaylesville in a non-region affair. The following Friday, Ragland will visit Lentz Field in the home opener. Class 1A Region 6 is full of standout teams and the Falcons face two of those in back-to-back road trips in September. The Wadley Bulldogs will host Donoho on September 13 and the Falcons visit Winterboro one week later. “Our kids are just outstanding. They’re on time and they work hard. I’m really eager to see how we can improve week-to-week and compete,” said Smith.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 4A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Scott Peavey
2023 RECORD: 3-8
Stadium: Jim Glover Field
Colors: Royal Blue & White
Etowah made their three wins count in 2023. All three victories came in region play and those wins propelled the Blue Devils into the Class 4A playoffs, which ended in the first round with a road loss at West Morgan.
The Blue Devils lost 13 seniors to graduation and Head Coach Matt Glover in the off season. Gone from the 2023 team are NG Braylin Mostella, OL Nick Barron, LB Corey Duncan, and CB Trent Bothwell.
New Head Coach Scott Peavey inherits a roster of 51 players, including 16 Seniors. That Senior class includes OT Jalen Grear, safety Connor Dingler, TE Bennett Reaves, LB/RB
Kason Nelms, and WR Zayden Knight. Also returning is two year starting center Alex Taylor. The center piece of the team is quarterback Jameson Scissum, one of the top athletes in all of East Alabama. Newcomer Cito Williams (6’5, 200 lb Senior) is coming over from the Blue Devil basketball team and is expected to make an immediate impact at tight end.
Coach Peavey reports that only 5 offensive and 3 defensive starters return from last year, but there is a lot of experience on the team. “We have lots of speed, but we are short on linemen. However, we play hard, train hard, and we have great kids,” said Peavey. Peavey returns to East Alabama from Haralson County High School in Tallapoosa, GA. He
has served as Head Coach in Alabama at Wellborn, Ashville, and Madison County. Among new staff members will be Offensive Coordinator Jordan Chunn, a former Class 4A Back of the Year at Madison County and great player at Troy.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 6A, Region 8
HEAD COACH: Ali Smith
2023 RECORD: 9-4
Stadium: Titan Stadium
Colors: Black, Cardinal & Silver
Gadsden City enjoyed the best season not only of the Ali Smith tenure as Head Coach, but the best record in a decade. The Titans registered 9 wins and advanced to the quarter-finals of the 6A playoffs. The season included a region championship and notable victories over Carver-Montgomery, Hartselle, and Gardendale. .
The Titans lost 14 Seniors including star safety Dre Kirkpatrick, Jr., QB Luke Waldrop, DE Jerrell Brasher, and LB Kevin Brooks.
Gadsden City boasts a host of talented players again in 2024. That talent includes Seniors T.J. Worthy (5’10, 195 RB), QB/ WR Mathew Sparks, speedy wide receiver Alex Swafford, DE Taylor Barber, and noseguard Nehemiah Samples. Other stars to watch include 4 star junior DB Zyan Gibson, LB Chris Butler, and DB Kerrell Yow, QB Kai Franklin, WR Keyshawn Curry, and massive OL James Woods (6’4, 280)
Titan Head Coach Ali Smith believes there are no less than 6 college prospects on this 2024 Gadsden City team. This is a team loaded with experience and numbers. The Titans have 112 players on the roster, including 24 seniors. Gadsden City returns 5 starters on defense and 9 on offense. Smith is optimistic about the ’24 Titans, “We have the potential to be as good as we have been.”
CLASS, REGION:
Class 2A, Region 7
HEAD COACH:
Derrick Sewell
2023 RECORD: 2-8
Stadium: Captain Bill Boyd Field
Colors: Red & White
After winning 3 games in 2022, Gaston won the first and last games of the season in 2023 to finish 2-8.
Gaston loses 6 starters on both offense and defense. The Bulldogs also lost Head Coach Alan Beckett in the off-season.
The competition and talent level is on the rise out at Shinbone Ridge. Players to watch in 2024 include RB/OLB Keller Skaggs, RB/DL Nate Oliver, DL Johnathon Teel, and WR/CB Kodie Bogle, who is a great athlete. The quarterback battle is between two sophomores-Chapman Clay and Noah Cohen. The football Bulldogs will receive some help from the very successful basketball Bulldogs
as athletes Devin Green (6’5, 208) and Adonis Jones (5’11, 180) playing football for the first time. Both Green and Jones are expected to make a big impact.
New Head Coach Derrick Sewell comes from West End and will be the third Bulldog coach in just over a year. Sewell is a former assistant at Gaston during the tenure of Swane Morris. Sewell returns 5 starters on both offense and defense. The numbers are up with 31 on the varsity roster and 13 seniors, with 67 players in the program. Sewell believes Gaston will be able to generate separate offensive and defensive lines this season. “We are building momentum. We have competition at quarterback, our numbers are up, we picked up
some guys from basketball. I am excited about this team,” says Sewell.
The Bulldogs don’t have a road game until Week 6. Gaston picked up a late home game with Class 1A Woodland coming to Captain Bill Boyd Stadium in Week 2.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 1A, Region 8
HEAD COACH:
Brian Knapp
2023 RECORD: 0-10
Stadium: Trojan Field
Colors: Purple & White
A tough season for Gaylesville in 2023 ended with an 0-10 record coming off a 3-6 season in 2022.
Gaylesville High School’s
Senior Class of 2023 had only 7 boys, and just 3 of those played football. Among the 3 players lost were starting QB/Safety Kyler Bradley and lineman Braden Sharpe.
The numbers are better at Gaylesville this season, with more seniors and more players on the roster. Leaders to watch for this season for the Trojans include big running back Alex Baty who will carry the ball a lot and also spend time at linebacker, 5 year starting DE/ RB Carson Ray who tore his
ACL before the season last year, 4 year starter Hunter Almond moves from running back to quarterback and will also see time at free safety, 3 year starter Collin Hendon at TE/LB/DB, OL/DL Tanner Hughes, and sophomore RB/ LB Jack Sentell. Also look for Caden Angle and Timmy Dawson to see plenty of playing time.
Coach Brian Knapp begins his 6th year at Gaylesville and 17th in coaching with 6 seniors, the most that he has had at Gaylesville. The total numbers are up to 38 in grades 7-12, including a sophomore class of 10. Knapp expects the Trojans to be much improved if the team can stay healthy. “We are bigger, stronger, and faster this year. Our biggest challenge is
OL/DL Caden Angle, OL/DL Tanner Hughes, and RB/LB Alex Baty
depth and staying healthy. Our biggest strength is our senior class and offensive line,” said Knapp. Gaylesville had four starters last year that had never been in a varsity game, and 6 freshmen started at times last season.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 3A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Scott Martin
2023 RECORD: 3-7
Stadium: Wilson-Darnell Field
Colors: Black & Gold
Glencoe finished 3-7 and failed to make the playoffs, but it was the best record for the school since the 2016 season. The Jackets head into 2024 looking for their first winning season since 2015.
The Jackets biggest losses were offensive and defensive linemen Jordan Haney and Lucas Huff.
If the off-season is any indication, the Yellow Jackets will be a much stronger team in 2024. “The work ethic in the weight room has been really good. The mentality and attitude have been very impressive,” said Head Coach Scott Martin. The offensive line is expected to be much stronger led by Joe Coleman at tackle, alongside Dawson Rhodes, Preston Reeves, and J.T. Hancock. Carter Cook at tight end adds
another powerful blocker for the Yellow Jackets. Aaron Mann returns to the backfield after rushing for over 1,000 yards in 2023. Jake Boggs, Hayden Hudson, and Alex Hudson lead another group of talented runners in a deep backfield. There’s been a quarterback battle throughout the off-season with Aden Johnson holding an edge as we head to the opener. Defensively, the line is also strong with defensive lineman Baylor Dunn and D-end Aiden Jaynes.
Glencoe Head Coach Scott Martin is entering his 40th season on the sidelines. The 2024 season marks his 32nd as a head coach. In 2009, Martin transitioned from Louisiana to Alabama and took over the program at Calera. After a couple of stops at HillcrestTuscaloosa and seven seasons
at Ohatchee, Martin heads into his third year at Glencoe. “He’s honestly one of the greatest guys that I’ve ever met. He’s a great motivator in everything that we do,” said Senior tackle Joe Coleman.
Glencoe will be part of a 9-team region for the next couple of seasons in Class 3A Region 6. J.B. Pennington and Locust Fork are now on the 2024 slate. The Yellow Jackets will join Saks, Westbrook Christian, Wellborn, Saks and Ohatchee to make up a very competitive region. “There’s never an offweek on our schedule. I expect that we will beat up on each other every Friday night. I could see a 3 or 4 loss team getting into the playoffs because our region is so tough,” Martin said, “We are in our third year in the program and we are ready to get over the hump.”
CLASS, REGION:
Class 4A, Region 3
HEAD COACH:
Larry Strain
2023 RECORD: 10-2
Stadium: Wright Field
Colors: Cardinal & White
Handley finished 10-2, won the Class 4A, Region 4 title, and advanced to the second round of the 4A playoffs before being upset on the road at Booker T. Washington of Tuskegee.
The Tigers lost an incredible 24 seniors 16 of 22 starters from last year’s team, including starting QB Cannon Kyles. Handley lost every starter on both the offensive and defensive lines.
Handley returns seven position players, led by seniors Daquavian Slaughter and Brody Estes-Shirah, as well as junior Jamarcus Daniel. Both lines will see new players as well including Cole Davis and Ridge Nelson. Senior Caleb Widdon is expected to play a more active role in the trenches as well. Handley will look to
junior Cordan Patterson to lead the offense at quarterback, he takes over for two-year starter Cannon Kyles. Head Coach Larry Strain also projects several freshman stepping up and earning valuable playing time this season.
Handley will play a difficult schedule and will deal with youth in several important positions. Despite the challenges, Strain hopes to produce the same physical style of football that the Tigers are known to exhibit. “I hope my team continues to improve as the season goes along. And we are so young that should happen this time. So that you can be a force once you get into playoffs,” Strain said. “You know, I just hope we see improvement each and every week is what I”m really looking for. You know right now the question mark about us is,
OL Ashton Lane, OL Caleb Whiddon, Head Coach Larry Strain, TE Daquavian Slaughter, and QB Cordan Patterson.
“How physical are we going to be?” And that’s the key point. I hope when you see that when you come watch us play because We’ve always played physical football around here. I hope you say hey, Handley High School is still a physical football team.”
The Tigers move into 4A Region 3, where they will face Booker T. Washington instead of Jacksonville, and St. James in the place of Anniston. Cleburne County, a team that earned a playoff bid in 2023 for the first time in seven seasons, joins Handley in Region 3 as well as Munford, Talladega, Tallassee, and Bullock County.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 4A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Mike Robertson
2023 RECORD: 5-6
Stadium: Mike Robertson Stadium
Colors: Green & White
The middle of the 2023 season was good for the Bluff as the Eagles won 4 straight after dropping 2 of the first 3. Hokes Bluff lost the last 4 games, including a Class 3A playoff loss at Madison Academy.
Hokes Bluff lost 9 seniors off of last year’s 3A playoff team. Including safety Dylan Lancaster, offensive lineman Brayson Hayes, center Harrison Cummings, and linebacker Coleman McGinnis.
RB/DB Anderson Morgan, LB/FB Connor Ford, Head Coach Mike Robertson, DB/WR Logan Wiemann, and DL/OL Clayton Helms
Head Coach Mike Robertson points to offensive lineman Daylon Reaves, DE/TE Colton Shields, RB/DB Anderson Morgan, FB/LB Connor Ford, DB/ WR Logan Wiemann, and DL/OL Clayton Helms as team leaders. OL/Dl Connor Willingham (6’5, 295) is a college prospect, while starting Jr. QB/DB Bryson Whitaker also returns after an injury in Week 6 last season.
Hokes Bluff returns 6 starters on offense and 5 on defense with 12 experienced seniors among the 64 man roster. Hokes Bluff moves up form Class 3A to 4A this season and into Region 6 with two-time state runner-up Cherokee County and perennial powers Anniston, Oneonta, Etowah, and Alexandria. Coach Robertson states, “I think we have a good team with some good skill players, we just have to avoid injuries.”
CLASS, REGION:
Class 4A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Clint Smith
2023 RECORD: 10-3
Stadium: Golden Eagle Stadium
Colors: Blue & Gold
2023 REWIND
Jacksonville posted a 10-3 record last season. For the 2nd straight season, the Golden Eagles season ended in a loss to Catholic Montgomery, who would claim the Class 4A State Title.
After breaking almost every passing mark at Jacksonville, quarterback Jim Ogle is now challenging for the starting spot at Murray State. “There’s not really a way to replace a player like him. He’s one of those guys that you don’t get to coach very often. His leadership, his ability and his football IQ are things that you just don’t see in a high school quarterback,” said JHS Head Coach Clint Smith. The receiving corps was also hit hard by graduation. Wideout Ky’dric Fisher has taken his playmaking ability to the Ivy League and is attending Dartmouth. Monte Sinclair, who led the team in receptions, has also moved on. Defensively, the losses of 3-year starting linebacker Ryan
Mitchell, Charlie Wright and Will Greenwood will need to be addressed.
The offensive line looks to be a strongpoint for the Golden Eagles. Drake Lee is an impressive guy to have in the trenches at 6’4” 290 pounds. He’ll be joined by Braden Ball, who is the strongest player on the team heading into the season. Gherig Strain, Ben Pridgen and Demauri Sigler make up the remainder of the O-line that started every game in 2023. Senior Zay English returns to the backfield after posting over 1000 yards in 2023 and brings incredible speed to the offense. The quarterback job is still being decided as senior Jackson Bonner and junior Matthew Salmon are both competing at a high level. Defensively, six of the seven “players in the box” will be new. The lone returner will be defensive end D.J. Atkinson. “We’ll be young on the D-line but this will be the biggest group
we’ve had in a while,” said Smith. Trent Jackson has looked good at linebacker and the secondary will rely on Tyshun Cameron and T.J. Wilson. Smith is also excited about the return of kicker John Ducar, who was 65 of 65 in PAT’s last season.
The Golden Eagles will be making the jump to Class 5A this fall and will be playing in Region 6. “Moody, Leeds, and Center Point would probably be the first three that you look at in this region and those are the first three region games for us,” says Smith, “It becomes a little bit of a numbers game after that. Most teams will platoon as much as they can. We have to stay healthy and develop depth long the way.” Jacksonville opens up at Etowah on August 23rd before road trips to Alexandria and Moody. Smith concluded, “We’re excited to play teams we’ve never played and go to places we’ve never been as a program.”
CLASS, REGION:
Christian Football Association (8 man)
HEAD COACH:
Tommy Miller
2023 RECORD: 8-1
Stadium: Tommy Miller Field
Colors: Red, Black & White
JCA finished the regular season unbeaten, but suffered an upset loss at home to Tuscaloosa Christian in the semi-finals of the Christian Football Association playoffs. The Thunder had beaten the same team earlier in the season.
Playing 8 man football, the Thunder only lost two seniorscenter/nosequard Deon Dupree and Travis Barnhill (LB/WR/RB).
Head Coach Tommy Miller’s grandson Noah Lee is the quarterback and the junior is a big time college prospect. With most of the team returning he will have plenty of help in players like WR Jesse Ganaway (6’3, 180), center Preston Strawder, OL/DL Ethan Compton, DE Moses Averette, DE Nick Brodeur, LB Calbe Stallings, WR Bryson Handy, WR Jack Henry Harrellson, and DB Skyler Crowder.
A small private school playing 8 man football equals smaller numbers. The Thunder will have 18 players in grades 7-12, but that is one more than last year. JCA will have all two-way players, but that is the nature of 8 man play. With a player like Lee leading the way and the number of returnees, Coach Miller feels like Jacksonville Christian can compete again for the championship in the CFA.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 5A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Matt Zedaker
2023 RECORD: 4-6
Stadium: Keith Howard Memorial Stadium
Colors: Black & Old Gold
The Golden Bears posted a 4-6 record for the second consecutive year, including wins over arch-rival Munford and Alexandria. Lincoln won 4 of the first 6 contests, before dropping the last 4.
Lincoln lost 13 key seniors from last year’s team, leaving just two seniors on a young but experienced squad.
Expect defensive end Noah Shedrone to benefit from the new defensive style. The Senior is heading into his third season as a starter and can be a terror coming off the edge. “Our defensive front is probably our strongpoint. Noah leads that unit with his high IQ as a disruptor. He has a high motor and should have the opportunity to play at the next level,” said Zedaker. He’ll be
joined on the defense by Junior linebacker Ty’Shawn Beck who brings plenty of experience and leadership. Zedaker also has a talented kicker in Senior Mason Hall. “He is one of the best in the state. He consistently puts the kickoff in the end zone and that’s a big advantage. In high school football, a good kicker can be huge and I’m luck to have Noah Mason,” Zedaker said.
In his 25th season on the sidelines and 8th at Lincoln, Head Coach Matt Zedaker said it was time for a new theme. “Discipline and Change” is the message of the Golden Bears in 2024. “We felt like we dropped a couple of games last season that we could have won because weren’t disciplined enough. We decided that we needed to focus on being disciplined in the classroom, the dressing room and in the weight
room. Our kids have responded to that,” said Zedaker. The 2024 Golden Bears will be much stronger with most players experiencing a 50-60% increase in the max weight lifts to close out the summer. Change is also taking place as Lincoln will be more wide-open offensively and rely on creating pressure on the defensive side.
Class 5A Region 6 is full of great teams and Zedaker knows that each Friday night will be a battle. “There’s obviously no easy games but we’re not going to run from it. Moody, Leeds and Center Point will probably be in the pre-season top 10. Jacksonville moves up from 4A where they have been very successful. Springville was in the playoffs last season and they bring back a lot. We may be an underdog in several games, but we like that. I’m really excited about this season,” said Zedaker.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 4A, Region 3
HEAD COACH:
Michael Easley
2023 RECORD: 3-7
Stadium: Munford Stadium
Colors: Red, White & Gray
Munford finished 3-7 last season. The 3 wins included 2 in the very tough Class 4A, Region 4 including a memorable overtime win at White Plains.
The Lions lost 4 starters on both the offensive and defensive lines, so that will be the area of greatest loss heading into the 2024 season.
The Lions will trot out 60 players this season which is the biggest roster in years according to Head Coach Michael Easley. Munford will have more depth this season and will return one of the state’s top running backs in Tank Edmonson. Munford’s leadership of 10 seniors and 15 juniors will strive to earn
not only earn a playoff bid, but to make a second-round appearance for the first time since 2015.
Easley says that success on both lines will be key this season. However, there is another factor that Easley wants to see out of his team to accomplish their goal of postseason play. “We have to be good tacklers in space,” Easley said. “We have had a really tough region the last four years. There’s a little more speed in our region this year, so we have to be great tacklers in space. That has to be number 1.” Munford will join Handley, Talladega, and Cleburne County by competing in Region 3 this season, which also features a deep playoff team in Booker T. Washington.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 3A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Chris Findley
2023 RECORD: 5-5
Colors:
The Indians started the 2023 season strong, winning the first three contests. However, the middle part of the season brought 4 losses in 5 games as the Tribe finished 5-5 and missed the Class 3A playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Ohatchee only lost 3 players to graduation, but one of those was athlete Jesse Baswell. Baswell went out with an injury last season and Head Coach Chris Findley notes it took 4 or 5 players to replace him.
With most of last year’s team returning, there are good players and athletes all over the field for the Indians. 6’6 QB Jake Roberson and WR Colby Hester (6.0, 185) have a great
passer/receiver connection that goes back to youth league. Twin brothers Nate and Sam Jones will be impact players-Sam at defensive end and Nate (5’9, 185) at running back and linebacker. Coach Findley points out that Nate will be the only twoway starter. Leaders up front include Owen Abernathy at center on offense and Tristan Kiker at nosegard on defense.
In essence the Indians return all 11 starters on both offense and defense from the last game of 2023 versus Plainview. There are 53 players on the roster, including 20 seniors. Most of those 20 seniors are 3 year starters. Findley states, “We have lots of depth and experience. This is the most depth and most experienced team I have had. We will be able to play platoon football. Of course we want to control the ball, but this year we have the ability to open it up if we want to. We could throw it 45 times a game if we needed to.”
CLASS, REGION:
Class 6A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Sam Adams
2023 RECORD: 9-3
Stadium: Lamar Field
Colors: Black & Old Gold
Oxford finished the season at 9-3. The Yellow Jackets ended the year with a 21-14 loss at A.H. Parker of Birmingham in the second round of the Class 6A playoffs.
In Coach Sam Adams fourth season at Oxford, he’ll be looking to replace a couple of offensive playmakers. Leading receiver Camare Hampton is now a member of the Nicholls State football program. Running back Jaden Thomas is just up the road at Jax State. Lineman Andy Kirkland will also leave a void after signing with Huntingdon. Defensively, defensive back Trey Figgers will be tough to replace. Judd Syer, who brought so much versatility to the roster, has also graduated.
Expectations are high for the “Big O” in 2024. The Yellow Jackets have a good mixture of experience and will feature one of the more talented rosters to ever wear the black and gold. The Region 6 race will be a war every week with some great programs. “Someone out of our region has been a state finalist every year since 2017. Six of the last seven state champions have come out of this region,” Adams said. Oxford opens up the year at Central-Carrollton (GA) on August 23rd.
The offense has looked great in the summer camps and is expected to continue to be explosive. It all starts with 4-Star quarterback Mason Mims, who has committed to play at Louisville. “He was unbelievably advanced as a football player three years ago and he has continued to work and get better,” said Adams. Mims will be joined in the backfield by D.K. Wilson, who brings 4.5 speed and can play several spots for the Yellow Jackets. Wilson rushed for close to 800 yards and posted another 450 in receiving. Adams will count on the experience and blocking of 4-year O-line starter Rashad Cunningham. “He’s just been so steady at left tackle. He’s very athletic for his size and super reliable,” Adams said. Defensively, Caleb Tinner is back for his fourth season at noseguard. Linebacker Desmond Whitson and Cedric Twyman in the secondary are also key players. Outside linebacker Keenan Britt heads into his junior season as a 4-Star defender with offers from the top college programs in the country.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 6A, Region 6
HEAD COACH: Nick Gentry
2023 RECORD: 2-8
Stadium: Pete Rich-Alumni Stadium
Colors: Black & Gold
Pell City posted a 1-9 record in 2023 in the first and only season under legendary prep coach Rush Propst. The Panthers lost 7 of 8 games by a combined 29 points, an average of 4 points per game. The Panthers led in the second half of each of those losses, and two went to overtime.
The big loss was veteran Coach Rush Propst resigning during the off-season. Former University of Alabama player Nick Gentry takes over the Panther program. In his first season as a head coach, Gentry has energized the Pell City program and his message of “Let’s Make History” has spread among the Panther faithful.
Offensively, Quarterback Caleb Jenkins is expected to lead the way. Receiver John David Propst will provide a playmaking target on the outside. Tackle Malik Watts, who has committed to Louisiana-Monroe, dominates the trenches and should provide plenty of running lanes in 2024. Defensively, the secondary looks in good shape with Jordan Woods and Troy-commit Jamari Johnson, who may be the fastest player in Class 6A. Specialteams look to be in good shape as well behind the leg of Kicker Brooks Laminack.
2024 SEASON
The Panthers will keep the road uniforms on the hangers for the first few weeks. Pell City opens the season with Pelham on August 23. The following
week, Class 2A powerhouse Coosa Christian will visit Pete Rich-Alumni Stadium. The Class 6A Region 6 opener is another home date with defending State Champion Clay-Chalkville. Pell City will have several interesting road trips. Region battles at Mountain Brook, Oxford, and Pinson Valley. The Panthers close out the regular season at Clay Central and hosting Southside.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 3A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Jonathan Miller
2023 RECORD: 5-7
Stadium: Field of Champions
Colors: Blue & Gold
It was the tale of two halves for Piedmont in 2023. The first half saw the Bulldogs lose 4 of the first 5 games, but the half saw Piedmont won 3 of the last five to clinch their 18th straight playoff berth. Piedmont advanced to the second round of the 3A playoffs before a tough home loss to Lauderdale County.
Piedmont lost 16 seniors to graduation including receiver McClain Mohon, defensive back Trevor Pike, linebacker Luke Rhinehart, and defensive linemen Chance Murphy and Fisher Adams.
There will be a very good nucleus of returnees for Piedmont again in 2024. Quarterback Cole Wilson returns for his second season at starter. The Bulldogs will feature two of the best receivers in Class 3A in Ish Bethel (6’4, 150) and Rollie Pinto (6’0, 175). Pinto is returning from a season ending injury in 2023. Senior RB Hayes Gunn (5’10, 210) is a tough runner and he will have linemen like Chris Parris (5’10, 230) and Noah Farmer (6’0, 240) to run behind. Other players to watch include DB Demetrious Owen, DB Davion Stitts, and LB Brodie Homesley.
Piedmont will attempt to bounce back from their first losing season since 2004 with 6 starters back on offense and 5 on defense. Second year Head Coach Jonathan Miller’s team will feature a senior class of 12 and 60 players total in grades 9-12. There is a large and very talented freshman class of 23 on the way. Miller believes the new 9 team Class 3A Region 6 will be wide open, and believes his team will be able to compete with anybody again.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 2A, Region 7
HEAD COACH: Jonathan Nix
2023 RECORD: 5-6
Stadium: Raider Stadium
Colors: Red, White & Blue
One of the top stories in our area last season took place in Pleasant Valley. The Raiders started the season 4-0 before finishing 5-6 and made the playoffs for the first time since 2010.
The Class of 2024 at PVHS included some guys that really put their stamp on the program. Connor Crump wreaked havoc on opposing offenses throughout the 2023 season. He ended the year being named 2nd team All-State. The leadership of Holt Bentley, Jeremiah Jones, and Bryce Freeman will also be missed. Defensively, Samuel Duncan graduated after starting for two seasons at linebacker.
Heading into his 10th season at Pleasant Valley, Coach Jonathan Nix brings back a talented quarterback to his program. Braxton Salster returns after a great season in 2023. He’ll have several weapons that join him offensively. Jaiden Sparks will see action at running back and linebacker. Hunter Sparks should provide Salster a talented target at wide receiver. Noah Johnson is also a solid tight end. Defensively, Johnathan Hanson is expected to play a big role on the defensive line and linebacker Braden Pappa has had a good off-season.
Coach Nix will feature six seniors this fall on what is still a relatively young team. “We started nine freshmen in the playoffs last year. We are really a sophomore and junior team. Our goal is to grow each week. We will make mistakes but we have to find a way to learn and build from them,” said Nix. The 2024 Raiders’ season gets started at West End on August 23. The region race gets underway as Pisgah comes to Pleasant Valley on September 13 in a “measuring stick game” according to Nix. The Raiders take on Cedar Bluff in October marking the first time the two programs have met since 1995.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 1A, Region 8
HEAD COACH:
Wes Tidwell
2023 RECORD: 6-5
Stadium: Joan Ford Stadium
Colors: Purple & Old Gold
Ragland posted a 6-5 mark in 2023 and fell to Valley Head in round one of the Class1A playoffs.
LB Ethan Courtney was a tackling machine for the Purple Devil defense. He posted 100+ tackles in each of his three seasons as a Ragland starter. Lineman Skyler Barber finished his career as a four-year starter. The graduation of both Ladarius Rembert and Brett Sisson will leave a huge void.
Big things are once again expected from RB A’ron Lee. The junior is coming off of another stellar season that saw him rush for more than 1,500
yards. A couple of key players will be lining up in different spots. Tacorian Soles will move from the line to H-back. Also, Jagger Cox will make the transition from receiver to quarterback. “If Jagger has a good year, then Ragland will have a good year. He needs to play well and I really think that he’s up for the challenge,” said Head Coach Wes Tidwell. Cox will get some help from receiver Ethan Everett. Defensively, sophomore Luke Brewer is the leader after tallying more than 150 tackles last fall from his linebacker spot. Tidwell also looks for Trey Bothwell to have a big season.
The 2024 season opens on August 30 as the Purple Devils
travel to Donoho. The Class 1A Region 8 slate opens up the following Friday as Spring Garden visits Joan Ford Field. “Our region will be new to us. We are familiar with Spring Garden. We played Valley Head in the playoffs last year. Other than that, we don’t know a lot about the rest of the region,” said Tidwell.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 2A, Region 4
HEAD COACH:
Stephen Bailey
2023 RECORD: 4-6
Stadium: Harlan Robinson Field
Colors: Purple & Gray
Ranburne finished with a 4-6 record in 2023, winning 3 of their first 5 and dropping 4 of the last 5.
The graduation of quarterback Kaide Garrett leaves a huge void in the Bulldog program. Garrett was a great leader for Head Coach Stephen Bailey over the past several seasons. “When we needed a play, Kaide just had a way of making it happen. He was also the kind of person that the entire team respected and followed his leadership,” said Bailey. Of the 36 touchdowns scored by the Ranburne offense, Garrett was responsible for 28, either passing or running. The offensive line was also hit hard by the graduation of Trey Ertzberger, Caleb Pollard and Isaac Calvert.
Creed Young takes over at quarterback after leading the team in tackles last season. “Creed works so hard, you can’t help but be impressed with him. He has spent so much time watching film, asking questions and doing everything he can to be a good quarterback. He seems to improve each week and his teammates see how much he’s put in,” Bailey said. He’ll be joined in the backfield by Curtis Daniel, Brody Morgan and Aden Whitman who will share the load of the running game. Crimson Champion and Kalon Smith are expected to make plays from the slot. Zaden Benefield and Aden Hanson return to the offensive line. Brothers Eli and Levi Cole should see plenty of playing time on the line as will Jack Nolen and Lane Lipham.
RB Brody Morgan, Head Coach Stephen Bailey, and QB Creed Young
Class 2A Region 4 has a different look this season for the Bulldogs. “It got a whole lot faster,” said Bailey. Reeltown, fresh off a state title game appearance, is now a regional foe. Loachapoka (10-1 last season) will join Lanett as new regional opponents for the Bulldogs. “We have to be disciplined defensively this season. We will not have the team speed as some of those teams so we have to fill gaps and not give up the big plays. Offensively, we have to be patient and drive the football,” said Bailey. Ranburne opens up the season at home as they face Mt. Zion (GA).
CLASS, REGION:
Class 3A, Region 4
HEAD COACH:
Pat Prestridge
2023 RECORD: 10-2
Stadium: Hulond Humphries Stadium
Colors: Navy, White & Old Gold
Last season Randolph County posted a sparkling 10-2 record and advanced to the second round of the Class 3A Playoff. The only two Tiger losses were to region champion Wellborn and in the playoffs to 3A semifinalist St. James.
The Tigers will miss four-year starter Avion Willis this season following his graduation among 11 of the 22 starters lost from 2023.
Randolph County will look to win its first region title since 2015 this season. To do so, the Tigers will need to rely on several playmakers including Gavin Wortham, Mo Winston, Brayden Terrell, Ryder Pinson, and linemen Kaleb Ennis and Tae Gibson. Rhett Huddleston and Bryant Lee will square off for the right to earn the starting quarterback role for the Tigers this season.
Ol/Dl Kaleb Ennis, Head Coach Pat Prestridge, WR/DB Gavin Wortham, and OL/DL Tae Gipson
Randolph County look to make another deep run in Class 3A, doing so with yet another brutal schedule. Pat Prestridge has described his past region schedules as the “SEC West” and it could be detailed that way this cycle as the Tigers welcome in championship-caliber teams in BB Comer, Lee-Scott, and Glenwood to 3A Region 4. Those teams, in addition to playoff contenders Beulah and Dadeville, will make this region one of the toughest in the state. Randolph County head coach Pat Prestridge says that he notices similarities between his program and several region foes heading into the season. “Dadeville’s got a new coach this year, I’ve heard some things that they will be doing, things different. They are going to have a lot of skill and a lot of great players coming back, they didn’t lose much at all. They are going to be a great team,” Prestridge said. “Childersburg is the same way. Childersburg
lost their quarterback just like we did, but they have a lot of skill (players) and linemen coming back. Beulah had a few seniors, but Coach Johnson down there does a great job and they did a great job last year. They are going to be tough.”
There are two newcomers to the Tigers’ schedule, however. Lee-Scott and Glenwood enter the AHSAA after playing in the previous two AISA 3A title games. Prestridge will not let the unfamiliarity of two opponents get in the way of traditional game planning. “The other two (LeeScott and Glenwood), they don’t know nothing about us, and we don’t know anything about them,” Prestridge said. “That’s the key every year. You can look on YouTube and see some things, their games and all, but it’s hard to compare (them) to Wellborn. Are they like a Wellborn team or like another team? I don’t know. But time will tell. They can look us up and watch our film as well.”
CLASS, REGION:
Class 3A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Alphonso Freeney
2023 RECORD: 1-9
2023 REWIND
Saks posted a 1-9 record in 2023, their first losing mark since 2019. The Wildcats ended the year on an up note with a win over Talladega.
Coach Alfonso Freeney enters his second season leading the Saks program. Freeney will look to replace tight end Marquis Gaffney who developed into a playmaker as the season developed. Graduation also took Christian Smith who provided several big plays from his wide receiver post. Center John Busey will also be missed as a leader on the offensive line.
“At this point last year, I didn’t realize how young we really were. We had guys who had taken junior high and B-team snaps, but not a lot of guys who had played on Friday night,” said Freeney. This
season, the Wildcats return seven starters on offense and 9 defensively. Nick Mixon leads the way for the Saks offense after a productive start last season. “Nick had close to 600 yards rushing going into week 5 and then had a knee injury that ended his season. He’s our smallest player but our most productive guy,” said Freeney. Lajuan Curry returns from a shoulder injury and will bring tons of speed to the offense that should equate to some explosive plays. Jacorie Avery will be a factor as both a receiver and defensive back. Mason Stephens returns as the Wildcats “most explosive and college-ready lineman”. Gage Brown will move from H-back to take over the quarterback spot. “He’s not flashy but our kids will play hard for him. He’s a great leader,” Freeney said. Defensively, Justin Cosper could be a force on the line and is willing to do whatever
is needed for the team to be successful. Jyiaz Berry is a newcomer to the program but should play several positions in 2024.
The key for the 2024 Saks Wildcats is handling adversity. “If you look back at last season, we were in every game. Then, one bad thing would happen and we couldn’t recover. We have to be able to react to a bad play or a mistake. That’s what we’ve focused on this summer,” said Freeney. The Wildcats will open up the 2024 campaign at Horseshoe Bend on August 23rd, before the home opener against Piedmont. The Class 3A Region 6 opener will follow at Westbrook Christian. “We have a tough region, but it doesn’t matter what region we’re in if Saks is not where we need to be.”, Freeney concluded.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 2A, Region 7
HEAD COACH:
Alan Heath
2023 RECORD: 2-8
Sand Rock finished 2023 2-8 against a rugged schedule in Class 2A. How rugged? 7 of the 8 losses were to teams that qualified for the AHSAA state playoffs.
Not many losses for the Rock heading into the 2024 schedule. The Wildcats return 9 or 10 players on both sides of the ball that have started at times.
The Wildcats are still very young, but have lots of experience. Wildcat players to watch include LB/FB Cain Robinson, LB/ OT Caiden Bullard, HB/LB/ Punter Gatlin Cox, DE/OT Seth Holland, Center/noseguard Morgan Tucker, CB/WR Gavynn Cunningham, safety Tyler Traffanstedt, and returning QB Alec Ashley.
Fifth year Head Coach Alan Heath says this is a young Sand Rock squad, but is an enjoyable group to coach. The Wildcats still are young, with only 8 seniors and 4 juniors, but the lower classes of the 36 player roster feature about a dozen players in both the sophomore and freshman classes. Coach Heath states that all of the offensive line positions are up for grabs, and that will be a big key in reaching Heath’s goal of being a 70/30 run/pass team. Legendary Wildcat QB Lucas McMichen joined the Sand Rock staff in the off season. Sand Rock’s revamped Class 2A, Region 7 will look new with the addition of rival Cedar Bluff, Pleasant Valley, and Gaston.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 6A, Region 8
HEAD COACH:
Ben Stewart
2023 RECORD: 8-3
Stadium: Barney Hood Stadium
Colors: Black & Cardinal
Southside finished 8-3 in 2023, losing in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs to Boaz. The Panthers won the 5A, Region 6 championship and poste their best record and first region title in 9 years.
All-State running back Mason Teague concluded an incredible career in 2023. Posting more than 2,100 yards last fall, Teague will definitely be missed. Defensively, the graduation of linebacker Tytan Rich will also be a point of emphasis for the Panthers. However, Southside returns a lot of experience as 40 different players started at some point during the season.
It all starts on the line for Southside led by Duke-commit Jamin Brown. At 6’5” 300 pounds, Brown is a road grader on the front with a personal goal of “100 pancake blocks” in
2024. The size is not just limited to Brown. “Our line may be the biggest I’ve ever seen in high school football with the exception of IMG Academy. That’s both of our lines, offensively and defensively,” said Head Coach Ben Stewart. Experience is also a plus for the Panthers with 8 returners on offense and 7 on the defensive side of the ball. One of those returning on the defense is senior McCade Wright, who is an imposing 6’5”, 255 pound defensive end. Offensively, Jordan Bryan makes the transition from quarterback to wide receiver and should be a playmaker in 2024.
Head Coach Miles Holcomb left Southside during the offseason to take over the program at Tuscaloosa County. Ben Stewart will take over in 2024 in his first head coaching role. Stewart has been a part of some great programs spending time
Jamin Brown, Head Coach Ben Stewart, McCade Wright, and Jordan Bryan
at Hoover and Oxford. “I have learned a lot from the coaches that I’ve had the chance to work with. Those guys will say the same thing and that’s the kids make up the program. I’m excited because we have some great kids at Southside,” said Stewart.
Southside opens the season against rival Guntersville, a team that upended the Panthers 14-10 in the season opener. “It is an extremely tough schedule. I’m a firm believer in going 1-0 every week. Our focus has been on Guntersville. After that Friday night, we’ll turn our attention to the next week. That has to be our mindset throughout the season,” said Stewart. Folks outside the locker room may be guilty of looking ahead. Most fans have circled October 18 as the Panthers travel to Gadsden City for a region game. This marks the first time that the two have met in their history.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 1A, Region 8
HEAD COACH: Barrett Ragsdale
2023 RECORD: 7-4
Stadium: Panther Stadium
Colors: Maroon & Gold
OL/DL Hayes Garmon, QB Noah Barber, Head Coach Barrett Ragsdale, RB Connor Bates, and DL Grey Simpson
Another successful season for Spring Garden including clinching the runner-up spot in Class 1A Region 6, winning 7 contests (including 6 of their last 7 regular season games), and advancing to the state playoffs for the 10th straight year. 2 of the Panthers’ 4 losses were to state runner-up Coosa Christian.
Really only two key losses off of the 2023 team, but they were impactful with QB Chapel Pope and offensive lineman Jacob Dempsey.
A large Senior class of 12 leads the 2024 edition of the Panthers. The Panthers will return RB/DB Connor Bates, QB Noah Barber, OL/DL Hayes Garmon, DL Grey Simpson, RB/LB Clayton Sadler, RB/LB Zane Edwards, OL Mason Woods, 6’7, 250 OL/ DL Jacob Welsh, WR/DB John Welsh, OL/DL Tanner Ruark, and WR/DB Johnny Baker.
The Garden returns 9 offensive starters and 10 defensive starters, with 33 total players on the roster, good numbers for Class 1A. Second year
Head Coach Barrett Ragsdale reports that the team strength is the experienced Senior laden offensive and defensive lines. “We lost last year in the first round for the first time in 10 years. We expect to play a bit longer. We gotta change something, get better at everything, do something different than in the past if we want to go further and play for a state championship,” says Ragsdale.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 4A, Region 3
HEAD COACH: Damien Dorsey
2023 RECORD: 0-10
Stadium: Mary Dumas Stadium
Colors: Red & White
2023 REWIND
The Tigers suffered through their second straight 0-10 season in 2023. Talladega has a 4-37 record dating back to the 2020 season.
Talladega lost the services of veteran Head Coach Bill Smith in the off season as he retired from public school coaching and entered the private school ranks at Donoho.
New Head Coach Damian Dorsey is looking to change the program’s trajectory in 2024. Dorsey takes over in hopes of turning the program back into a playoff contender and is doing so by giving his team life lessons in addition to proper football techniques. He says that rebuilding a program
like Talladega begins from the ground up. “Building any house, you have to start with the foundation. Our motto is “brick by brick.” That really encompasses starting from the ground up with the kids,” Dorsey said. “First thing we did was we worked on the social part… handshakes, eye contact, understanding what it’s about, not just football, but we deal with so much. I preach that “manhood is disguised as football.” Shaking hands is the first part of showing integrity and that’s what we want to build for the kids “brick by brick.” Have integrity, being there, being accountable and responsible young men.”
Talladega will compete with the likes of Tallassee, Munford, Cleburne County, and Bullock
County for a playoff spot alongside powers Handley, St. James, and Booker T. Washington. In order to reach that goal, Dorsey wants his team, and himself, to improve in at least one aspect every day. “We got a tough region so we are just taking it day by day really. Reading this book, “Atomic Habits” we are just talking about 1% better,” Dorsey said. “I’m challenging the kids to get 1% better, I challenge my coaches to get 1% better, I challenge myself everyday to get 1% better. I’m there every day until 7 p.m., so I know what I’m doing. We are showing the kids first, then they are going to show on the field.”
CLASS, REGION:
Class 1A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Matt Griffith
2023 RECORD: 4-6
Stadium: Richard Adams Stadium
Colors: Blue & Orange
Victory Christian posted a 4-6 record in 2023 and finished 5th in Class 1A Region 6. The Lions won 4 of their first 6, but lost the last four games of the season.
The Lions will be looking to replace RB Kaden Dixon in the backfield. Along the offensive and defensive fronts, 6’5” 285 lb William Wilson-Hueter will also be missed.
Senior Quarterback Shepard
Sargent will be the leader of the Lions’ offense in 2024. After suffering a shoulder injury last season, Sargent has worked relentlessly to get back to the field as a better thrower this season. “He is throwing so much better every time out and our offense will revolve around Shepard Sargent,” said Griffith. The rushing attack will feature Cayden Brunson who returns to the backfield. Brunson, who
doubles at linebacker will bring physicality and toughness to the offense. He’ll share the carries with Junior Isaac Baker. Sophomore running back and linebacker Chase Pond and receiver Dwayne Talley have also looked good in the off-season. Expect Alex Hoggard to make plays as receiver and as safety for the Lions. As Griffith says, it all starts up-front with brothers Jude and Kade Whittington, Caleb Powers, Phillip Brasher and Brady Hart.
Head Coach Matt Griffith enters his first season at Victory Christian after five seasons as an assistant at Lincoln. Griffith began his head coaching career at Pell City in 1998 and led Sylacauga from 2005 through 2019. “One thing that is key to a great season in Class 1A is that you have to stay healthy. One injury can be devastating because of the number of roles
that each player has on this team,” said Griffith. “Our biggest key this year will be our linemen, both offensively and defensively. We have 8 seniors and most of those are on the line. We will rely on them throughout the season,” Griffin concluded.
The Lions will open the 2024 campaign at Sumiton Christian on August 23. The Class 1A Area 6 race should be a weekly battle this fall. “Wadley has a ton of returners from a team that went 11-2 last year. They also have a D1 running back (Jaquez Wilkes) and they are the team to beat. Winterboro will also be very good. They were going to be tough but when you add the kids from Talladega Central, they have around 50 on their roster. Bill Smith is at Donoho and I know what kind of coach he is, so they’ll be improved. Fayetteville drops from 2A to 1A so they’ll be tough. This is a very strong region,” said Griffith.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 1A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Shenan Motley
2023 RECORD: 11-2
Stadium: Curtis Lynch Memorial Field
Colors: Red & White
Wadley went 11-2, won the Class 1A, Region 6 championship, and advanced to the quarter-finals of the 1A playoffs, losing a tough road game at Pickens County.
The Bulldogs only lost 5 of 22 starters from last year’s top ten and region championship team.
This season’s 11th and 12th graders were just 8th and 9th graders when Wadley competed for the AHSAA Class 1A state championship in 2021. Senior Ty Taylor says that he feels like he’s “aged quicker than usual” due to all the experience he has gained as a Wadley football player. That experience will fuel Wadley to be successful this season, as 17 of 22 positions
are filled\with returning starters. Alongside Taylor, Mason Wilkerson, Logan Murr, and Jeremiah Overton return as seniors while Jaquez Wilkes, Cortavion Lynch, Jabari Burns, and Frisco Robertson join the upperclass ranks as juniors.
Head coach Shenan Motley says this team has top notch work ethic and that the proof of their efforts can be seen in the weight room. “I’ve had these guys since they were in seventh grade. That’s a big part of me being here. They work, they make each other accountable,” Motley said. “I don’t know what it is about this group, but they work hard. I put up a workout, and these guys get at it. We are done so fast because theyjust get in there and they do it all.”
QB/DB Mason Wilkerson, LB/FB Ty Taylor, Head Coach Shenan Motley, RB/LB Jaquez Wilkes, and RB/DB Cortavian Lynch
The Bulldogs have won two of the last three 1A Region 6 championships, and the expectation to win again remains the same this season. Region 6 replaces Spring Garden with Fayetteville, Ragland with inter-county rival Woodland, and drops Talladega County Central due to school closure. Winterboro returns as a threat to the crown, while Donoho and Victory Christian look to take a step forward in their respective programs’ development.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 3A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Jeff Smith
2022 RECORD: 7-4
Stadium: Wellborn Stadium
Colors: Black & White
Wellborn won the Class 3A Region 4 title last season and again advanced to the 3A playoffs. After dropping the first two contests, the Panthers sailed to a 7-1 finish of the next 8 games and lost at home to Flomaton in the first round of the playoffs.
The most significant loss was talented running back Jabarri Williams transferring out in the off season. The Panthers also lost 11 players to graduation, including quarterback Noah Screws.
Wellborn returns excellent leadership and experience to the 2024 team. 4 year starter Ethan
Carroll (6’1, 220) is a 2nd team All-State player at TE/DE. Other senior leaders include All-County players Kyle Bright at RB/SS and Trace “Dozer” Hayes at Center. Another key senior leader is RB/LB Raymond Williams. Junior RB/LB/WR Jaxon Newton (6’3,200) is an FBS prospect already holding an offer from Cincinnati. An upcoming young player to watch is sophomore QB A.Z. Amberson (5’9, 200).
The Panthers return 5 starters on offense and 7 on defense on a roster of 38 players in grades 10-12. There are 11 Seniors, 10 Juniors, and a big class of 17 Sophomores, which Head Coach Jeff Smith notes will be a strength of the team as they
went undefeated in junior high. Smith says the defense will be the strength of this Panther squad, and he is looking for improvement from an offensive line that returns three starters. Coach Smith says, “We lost some good players from last year, so we are still putting this team together. We had a good spring, a pretty good summer, and I think we can have a good team.”
CLASS, REGION:
Class 3A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Ken Cofer
2023 RECORD: 4-6
Stadium: Bill Bryan Stadium
Colors: Red, Black & Gray
Heading into 2023, Weaver had won three games in the past five years. Last fall, the Bearcats tallied four wins and finished 4-6 on the season.
One of the more notable areas hit by graduation was the offensive backfield. Gabe King, who transferred from Pelham last summer, and Christian Marturello have both graduated. “They were both tough runners and they were such a big key for offense. They just pounded that ball. Richard Knowlton is another guy we’ll miss,” said Weaver Head Coach Ken Cofer.
Kaden Gooden could be one of the top returning athletes in our area. Offensively, he is
expected to lead the Weaver offense with his elusiveness and explosive plays. Cofer says that Gooden is valuable on the other side of the ball as well. “Defensively, he’s extremely physical. He’s also a great leader for not just the offense but the entire team. He’s just such a team player,” Cofer said. Expect Keyshawn Allen and his brother, Junior Allen to play a huge role in the offense in 2024. The strongpoint appears to be in the trenches as Brandon Jolliff, Zac Hooks, and Caden Green lead the way. Junior Taylor Green transferred in from Texas and should have an immediate impact. Gian “G” Luca Torres provides Weaver with a weapon in the kicking game.
“We have to do a much better job at stopping the run this season. Last season, we didn’t do that and that is on me,” said Cofer. “I came in late and tried to different things defensively and it just didn’t work”. The Bearcats kick off the season at Class 4A Oak Grove. The Class 3A Region 6 race then heats up quickly with a road trip to “The Hill” to face Walter Wellborn. “Our region is tough, but I like it that way. Every week is a playoff atmosphere and each game is important. As a competitor, you have to push yourself to be at your best every time you go out there. That’s what makes this game so special,” Cofer concluded.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 3A, Region 6
HEAD COACH: Steve Smith
2023 RECORD: 5-5
Stadium: Jack Osborn Stadium
Colors: Red & White
2023 REWIND
An up and down season in Head Coach Steve Smith’s first year at Westbrook as the Warriors finished 5-5, however Smith’s squad finished strong winning 2 of the last 3 with solid road wins at Plainview and White Plains.
Westbrook lost 15 seniors including QB Greyson Carroll, lineman Aiden Brown, linebacker Hamzah Alabbasi, receiver Cooper Greer, receiver Hunter Arnold, and defensive back Ethan Daffron.
LB Noah Wright, Head Coach Steve Smith, and OT Hudson Lowe
Leaders to watch in 2024 for Westbrook include offensive linemen Eric Kirkpatrick, Cade Sanders, and Hudson Lowe, defensive linemen Albert Aday and Ian Shaw, defensive backs Jackson Ramsay and Max Legg, and inside linebacker Noah Wright.
Westbrook welcomes back 5 starters on offense and 6 on defense. This is still a relatively young squad with only 8 seniors, but there are numbers and talent coming in the lower
grades as the Warriors have 61 players in the program in grades 9-12. Coach Smith says, “I am excited about this team. The numbers are up and we are headed in a positive direction.” Westbrook is in the unique 9 team Class 3A Region 6 which welcomes new teams such as Weaver, Wellborn, Saks, J.B. Pennington, and Locust Fork. Westbrook made a late addition to their schedule with the addition of Innovation Academy of Springfield, Tennessee coming to Rainbow City for Homecoming.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 4A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Blake Jennings
2023 RECORD: 2-8
Stadium: Robertson Field
Colors: Royal Blue & White
White Plains posted a 2-8 record in 2023 and fell just shy of making the Class 4A playoffs. The Wildcats lost 3 games by single digits, including an overtime loss to Munford. White Plains also lost via forfeit to Anniston.
White Plains only lost one senior from last year’s team but it will be felt as the Wildcats begin 2024. Dylan Barksdale put together one of the best seasons in White Plains history last year. His toughness, athleticism and competitiveness will long be remembered by Wildcat fans.
Coach Blake Jennings returns for his second season at the helm. Offensively, he’ll have sophomore PJ Holloway,
who will be one of the fastest players in Class 4A this season. His explosiveness could be a huge difference for the offensive attack. In camps this summer, Holloway posted a 4.37 that drew attention of many college scouts. Quarterback Crew Martin has provided great leadership. Running back Patrick Sims, who doubles at linebacker, has had a solid off-season. The Wildcats also feature a couple of guys upfront that lead the way. Coach Jennings also expects big things from Dalton Luker who will see action on the offensive and defensive lines. Senior Ty Roberts should also be a force in the trenches this season. Jennings also said that senior Rodney Perry has put in the work this summer and is expected to contribute as both receiver and defensive
back. Expectations are also high for receiver Ethan Turner.
Coach Jennings’ second season will look much differently than his initial year. The Wildcats move from Class 4A Region 4 to Region 6. “We’ll see a lot of good teams. You have to start with Cherokee County who played in the Super 7 last season. They’re always tough,” said Jennings, “Etowah has a new coach and they have tons of speed. Hokes Bluff and Anniston are great programs. We have to continue to believe in ourselves and continue to grow our mental toughness,” Jennings said.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 1A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Kevin Smith
2023 RECORD: 3-7
Stadium: Sewell Field
Colors: Orange & Navy
The Bobcats improved from 1-9 in 2022 to 3-7 last year. The three wins included two victories in rigged Class 2A, Region 4 play.
Woodladn only lost 6 of 22 starters off of the 2023 roster.
The Bobcats also lost Head Coach Joel Schrenk who left for Elkmont in the off season.
David Noles returns to lead the Bobcats offense after rushing for 755 yards and four touchdowns as Woodland’s premier back. Smith will also rely heavily on Andrew Sanchez, Tobin Pinkard, and Cade Cross on both lines while Bradley Brasher, Asa Burge, Garrett Hendrix, and Brayden Yates will look to make plays on both sides of the football.
Nearly 40 years after leading Woodland to the 2A state championship game as an allstate quarterback, Kevin Smith has returned to the sidelines to serve as head coach of his alma mater. Smith spent many seasons as an assistant coach at programs such as Lanett and Benjamin Russell, he even won two state championships while on staff at Handley in 2011 and 2016. After paying his coaching dues for over 30 years, it was time to make the move to the head coaching chair. It was a move that occurred in the 11th hour, as Smith submitted his application near the end of the allotted time frame.
Now back in the orange and blue, Smith hopes to lead Woodland back to the glory days that the program experienced under Larry Strain and his head coach, Max Yarbrough. He understands that the process
of returning the Bobcats to that level will take time, and he looks forward to sharing what he has learned over the years with his new team. “(The players have) done a really good job so far in weight workouts, and we really push them, bringing in that different mentality is all about my old school ways,” Smith said. “I’ve been doing this for a while. I’ve been away for a while. So I’ve seen a lot of how a lot of different things work. I just know that we need to get back to physicality. And that’s what we’re trying to push in the weight room and in the offseason.
Woodland drops to Class 1A after spending a two-year stint in 2A, going 4-16. The move in classification should help Woodland, as their run in 1A during the 2020-21 cycle saw the Bobcats reach the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2013 and 2014.
The colors are different. The mascots change. The geographical location is never the same. However, if we asked you to tell us about your school’s Friday night atmosphere, there would be staples holding each scene together that would be virtually the same across the state. And they would almost certainly all revolve around food.
The scent of freshly popped popcorn. Smoke from the grill drifting into the air as hotdogs and hamburgers are wrapped tightly in aluminum foil by parents and booster club members sharing expectations of the coming game. Funnel cakes that make their presence known by their aroma long before we have laid eyes on them.
These are the classic sights, sounds and smells wafting through the stadiums of Alabama on Friday nights, making their way down through generations of high school football fans attending prep football games.
“We’ll just get something at the game.” That’s a phrase that’s probably been uttered by millions of sports fans worldwide. However, getting dinner at the game hasn’t always been an option in high school football. “When I was a kid, no one gave a second thought to a concession stand. Maybe to get something to drink, or a snack,” recalls Jon Holder, host of High School Football Alabama’s After the Game broadcast. Jon, the son of a high school football coach, has watched the concession stands across the state transform from places where simple snacks could be found to places that now give local eateries a run for their money. “Now, at most schools, you can get a full meal on a Friday night,” according to Jon. “They are like restaurants, and really good restaurants, too!”
No doubt, today’s concession stands boast much more than popcorn and canned soda. On any given Friday night, fans can find entrees,
sides, and desserts after they walk through the gates of the stadium, making it easy to say “yes” to attending a game after a long day of work. As for the cost, it may be a little more than making your own sandwich at home, but there’s something about knowing money spent is going to support the programs that support community kids that makes the purchase a little easier to…swallow.
Maybe you’ve noticed that, as the concession stand wares have increased, so has the competition to be the “best.” Is the best hotdog the Valley Dog in Alexandria? Has anyone ever had a better steak sandwich than the Ribeye Steak Sandwich in Spring Garden? When you’re looking for the best burger, is it the Falcon Burger at The Donoho School or the Sting Burger at Oxford? We don’t have the answer to those questions, but we know that there are plenty of people who do. All you have to do is ask them.
“It (the valley dog) has been around since my husband and I were kids in the 80s,” remembers Michelle Prickett, 1993 Alexandria graduate and long-time supporter. Michelle and her husband, Lance, are raising their family’s 4th generation of Valley Cubs and worked several years in the home-side concession stand on Friday nights, which supports athletics. Michelle is quick to point out, however, that the visitor’s concession stand isn’t lacking one bit at Lou Scales Stadium. “Not only do we have a concession stand on top of the hill on our home side, but we have a special concession stand at our stadium on the visitor’s side and it is run by our amazing Sound of the Valley marching band leaders and parents,” says Michelle. “It has a history of serving wonderful foods and even homemade lemonade.”
The Friday night contests go well beyond the gridiron. High School Football Alabama’s “After the Game” makes sure of it. Once again, this season, Johnson’s Giant Food is providing
$100 every week of the regular season to a concession stand with “the best” food. These schools are featured weekly on “After the Game” and as special segments on our social media pages. At the end of the season, we award the Johnson’s Giant Food Concession Stand of the Year a plaque from Awards to Remember. These will be proudly displayed as long as there are concessions, which we are certain will last as long as the game itself endures.
In 2023, the concession stand item claiming the Johnson’s Giant Food championship title was the Ribeye Steak Sandwich from Spring Garden High School. A hometown favorite, the sandwiches are sometimes even purchased by Panther fans who are on their way home from work and may or may not actually be attending the game but will still swing by the concession stand for the sandwiches before heading home.
The concession stand at Spring Garden is operated by the Tip-Off Club. Club President, Marcus Woods, accepted the Johnson’s Giant Food Concession Stand of the Year plaque on
behalf of the school and says the secret isn’t just found in the ingredients that go into the sandwich itself. According to Woods, the night before every game, four people make sure all the steaks are properly marinated and two more cook the steaks on gameday. The club typically cooks about 150 steak sandwiches on a football Friday and those are usually sold out by halftime.
If you’ve priced steaks lately, you may be wondering how much a ribeye steak sandwich from Spring Garden High School might set you back. The answer is $8.00, and if you think anyone is deterred by that price, you’d be wrong. Woods recalls a time when a fan from a visiting school made the trek over to the home side concession stand and walked away with three of the signature sandwiches. “He was walking away from the concession stand,” recalls Woods, “when he passed one of his friends who asked about the price of the sandwiches. The guy told him the price and his friend said, ‘That’s kind of expensive for a sandwich,’ The guy with the three sandwiches
in his hands said, ‘Wait ‘til you try it. I’ve already had one and I had to go back and get more money from my wife for these three,’” Woods recalls with a chuckle. “Once you taste it, you’ll understand why they’re $8.00.” Woods remembers a playoff game hosted by Spring Garden in which several visitors came over to the concession stand. “They said they didn’t know anything about our football team,” says Woods, “but they said they had been told not to eat anything before the game so they could have a ribeye steak sandwich.”
As we approach the 2024 season of high school football, some things are inevitable. Some teams will experience a host of exciting wins while others endure difficult seasons of growth. Unfortunately, you may not be able to do much about whether your favorite team experiences success this season. The good news is, if you find yourself at one of our award-winning concession stands, whether you taste victory will be up to you. ►
Thursday, August 22nd
• Muscle Shoals at Gadsden City
• Gainesville, GA at Moody
• White Plains at Talladega
• Sand Rock at Spring Garden
Friday, August 23th
• Springville at Ashville
• Cedar Bluff at Valley Head
• Central-Clay County at Handley
• Piedmont at Cherokee County
• Childersburg at Fayetteville
• Wadley at B.B. Comer
• Coosa Christian at Pierce County, GA
• Donoho at Gaylesville
• Jacksonville at Etowah
• Asbury at Gaston
• Glencoe at Southeastern
• Jacksonville Christian at Tuscaloosa Christian
• Shelby County at Lincoln
• New Hope at Ohatchee
• Oxford at Central-Carrollton, GA
• Pelham at Pell City
• Pleasant Valley at West End
• Mt. Zion, GA at Ranburne
• Woodland at Randolph County
• Jemison at St. Clair County
• Saks at Horseshoe Bend
• Geraldine at Sardis
• Guntersville at Southside
• Sylacauga at Central-Coosa
• Victory Christian at Sumiton Christian
• Weaver at Oak Grove
• Vincent at Winterboro
Saturday, August 24th
• Louisiana S.D. at A.S.D.
Thursday, August 29th
• Southside at Hokes Bluff
Friday, August 30th
• Jacksonville at Alexandria
• Beauregard at Anniston
• Collinsville at Cedar Bluff
• Benjamin Russell at CentralClay County
• Cherokee County at Arab
• Talladega at Childersburg
• Sardis at Cleburne County
• B.B. Comer at Vincent
• Coosa Christian at Pell City
• Ragland at Donoho
• Fayetteville at Billingsley
• Gadsden City at HewittTrussville
• Gaylesville at Asbury
• Westbrook Christian at Glencoe
• Handley at Dadeville
• Tabernacle at Jacksonville Christian
• Lincoln at Munford
• Moody at Oxford
• Locust Fork at Ohatchee
• Piedmont at Saks
• Spring Garden at Pleasant Valley
• Ranburne at Woodland
• Randolh County at CentralCoosa
• St. Clair County at Montgomery Catholic
• West End at Sand Rock
• Fairview at Springville
• Montevallo at Sylacauga
• Horseshoe Bend at Wadley
• Walter Wellborn at J.B. Pennington
• Alexandria at White Plains
• Ashville at Anniston
• Cedar Bluff at Gaston
• Valley at Central-Clay County
• Cherokee County at Oneonta
• Lee-Scott Academy at Childersburg
• Cleburne County at Handley
• Glenwood School at B.B. Comer
• Southeastern at Coosa Christian
• Pleasant Valley at Donoho
• Hokes Bluff at Etowah
• Wadley at Fayetteville
• Gadsden City at Buckhorn
• Gaylesville at Valley Head
• J.B. Pennington at Glencoe
• Jacksonville at Moody
• Trinity Christian at Jacksonville Christian
• Lincoln at Center Point
• Tallassee at Munford
• Ohatchee at Piedmont
• Oxford at Shades Valley
• Clay-Chalkville at Pell City
• Spring Garden at Ragland
• Ranburne at Lafayette
• Saks at Westbrook Christian
• Sand Rock at North Sand Mountain
• Sardis at Arab
• Southside at R.E. Lee-Huntsville
• Leeds at Springville
• Sylacauga at Holtville
• Talladega at Booker T. Washington
• Woodland at Victory Christian
• Weaver at Walter Wellborn
• Falkville at West End
• Central-Coosa at Winterboro
Saturday, September 7th
• A.S.D. at Oklahoma S.D.
Thursday, September 12th
• Tennessee S.D. at A.S.D
Friday, September 13th
• Anniston at Alexandria
• Oneonta at Ashville
• North Sand Mountain at Cedar Bluff
• Central-Clay County at Marbury
• Etowah at Cherokee County
• Childersburg at Glenwood School
• Talladega at Cleburne County
• Coosa Christian at Falkville
• Donoho at Wadley
• Fayetteville at Winterboro
• Woodland at Gaston
• Gadsden City at McAdory
• Appalachian at Gaylesville
• Glencoe at Walter Wellborn
• Handley at St. James
• White Plains at Hokes Bluff
• Center Point at Jacksonville
• Jacksonville Christian at Victory Christian, MS
• Leeds at Lincoln
• Moody at St. Clair County
• Munford at Bullock County
• Ohatchee at J.B. Pennington
• Pinson Valley at Oxford
• Pell City at Mountain Brook
• Pisgah at Pleasant Valley
• Southeastern at Ragland
• Reeltown at Ranburne
• Randolph County at Dadeville
• Saks at Weaver
• Sand Rock at Section
• Guntersville at Sardis
• Fort Payne at Southside
• Alma Bryant at Springville
• Woodville at Spring Garden
• Beauregard at Sylacauga
• Westbrook Christian at Locust Fork
• West End at Susan Moore
Thursday, September 19th
• Russell Christian, MS at Jacksonville Christian
Friday, September 20th
• Alexandria at Oneonta
• Hokes Bluff at Anniston
• Ashville at Etowah
• Section at Cedar Bluff
• Sylacauga at Central-Clay County
• Cherokee County at White Plains
• B.B. Comer at Childersburg
• Cleburne County at Booker T. Washington
• Coosa Christian at Susan Moore
• Donoho at Winterboro
• Hazel Green at Gadsden City
• North Sand Mountain at Gaston
• Munford at Handley
• Jacksonville at Leeds
• Springville at Lincoln
• Moody at Helena
• Weaver at Ohatchee
• Oxford at Mountain Brook
• Huffman at Pell City
• Piedmont at Westbrook Christian
• Pleasant Valley at Sand Rock
• Ragland at Woodville
• Central-Coosa at Ranburne
• Lee-Scott Academy at Randolph County
• Center Point at St. Clair County
• Walter Wellborn at Saks
• Sardis at Scottsboro
• Spring Garden at Valley Head
• St. James at Talladega
• Wadley at Victory Christian
• West End at Cleveland
Thursday, September 21st
• California S.D. at A.S.D
Thursday, September 26th
• Auburn at Moody
• Mississippi S.D. at A.S.D
Friday, September 27th
• Alexandria at Sardis
• Anniston at Pleasant Grove
• Ashville at Talladega
• Spring Garden at Cedar Bluff
• Central-Clay County at Scottsboro
• Cherokee County at Shades Valley
• Vincent at Childersburg
• Cleburne County at Walter Wellborn
• B.B. Comer at Piedmont
• Fyffe at Coosa Christian
• Ohatchee at Donoho
• Etowah at Southside
• Fayetteville at Ragland
• Bob Jones at Gadsden City
• Gaston at Whitesburg Christian
• Gaylesville at Verbena
• Hokes Bluff at Glencoe
• Handley at Lanett
• Corner at Jacksonville
• Jacksonville Christian at Ezekial Christian
• Lincoln at Northridge
• Westbrook Christian at Munford
• Oxford at Helena
• Pleasant Valley at Woodland
• Randolph County at Ranburne
• St. Clair County at Shelby County
• Central-Coosa at Saks
• Sand Rock at Collinsville
• Jemison at Sylacauga
• Victory Christian at Francis Marion
• Glenwood School at Wadley
• Winterboro at Weaver
• Vinemont at West End
• Horseshoe Bend at White Plains
• Glenwood School at Wadley
Thursday, October 3rd
• Beulah at B.B. Comer
• Munford at Talladega
• St. Clair County at Leeds
Friday, October 4th
• Hokes Bluff at Alexandria
• Anniston at Cherokee County
• White Plains at Ashville
• Cedar Bluff at Pleasant Valley
• Central-Clay County at Elmore County
• Tallassee at Cleburne County
• Cleveland at Coosa Christian
• Donoho at Fayetteville
• Oneonta at Etowah
• Gadsden City at R.E. LeeHuntsville
• Gaston at Section
• Gaylesville at Ider
• Glencoe at Weaver
• Handley at Bullock County
• Jacksonville at Springville
• Clay County Christian at Jacksonville Christian
• Moody at Center Point
• Ohatchee at Westbrook Christian
• Pell City at Oxford
• Locust Fork at Piedmont
• Valley Head at Ragland
• Ranburne at Horseshoe Bend
• Randolph County at Glenwood School
• Saks at J.B. Pennington
• Pisgah at Sand Rock
• Boaz at Sardis
• Southside at Mae Jemison
• Appalachian at Spring Garden
• Valley at Sylacauga
• Victory Christian at Winterboro
• Woodland at Wadley
• Cold Springs at West End
Saturday, October 5th
• A.S.D. at Florida S.D.
Friday, October 11th
• Ashville at Alexandria
• Etowah at Anniston
• Cedar Bluff at Pisgah
• Holtville at Central-Clay County
• Cherokee County at Hokes Bluff
• Childersburg at Beulah
• Cleburne County at St. James
• B.B. Comer at Randolph County
• Cold Springs at Coosa Christian
• Victory Christian at Fayetteville
• Gadsden City at Fort Payne
• Gaston at Pleasant Valley
• Spring Garden at Gaylesville
• Glencoe at Saks
• Tallassee at Handley
• Lincoln at Jacksonville
• Jacksonville Christian at Cornerstone
• Leeds at Moody
• Booker T. Washington at Munford
• Walter Wellborn at Ohatchee
• Shades Valley at Pell City
• J.B. Pennington at Piedmont
• Ragland at Appalachian
• Springville at St. Clair County
• Sardis at Douglas
• Buckhorn at Southside
• Sylacauga at Marbury
• Talladega at Bullock County
• Weaver at Locust Fork
• West End at Ider
• Oneonta at White Plains
• Winterboro at Woodland
• Wadley at Lee-Scott Academy
• Innovation Academy,TN at Westbrook Christian
Friday, October 18th
• Alexandria at Cherokee County
• Anniston at Oneonta
• Hokes Bluff at Ashville
• Sand Rock at Cedar Bluff
• Central-Clay County at Beauregard
• Randolph County at Childersburg
• Munford at Cleburne County
• Dadeville at B.B. Comer
• Coosa Christian at West End
• Victory Christian at Donoho
• White Plains at Etowah
• Fayetteville at Woodland
• Southside at Gadsden City
• Pisgah at Gaston
• Gaylesville at Ragland
• Ohatchee at Glencoe
• Handley at Talladega
• St. Clair County at Lincoln
• Moody at Springville
• Clay-Chalkville at Oxford
• Pell City at Pinson Valley
• Piedmont at Weaver
• Pleasant Valley at North Sand Mountain
• Loachapoka at Ranburne
• Sardis at Fairview
• Ider at Spring Garden
• Locust Fork at Walter Wellborn
• Westbrook Christian at J.B. Pennington
Saturday, October 19th
• A.S.D. at Texas S.D.
Thursday, October 24th
• Tuscaloosa Academy at Coosa Christian
• Oxford at Huffman
Friday, October 25th
• Etowah at Alexandria
• Anniston at White Plains
• Ashville at Cherokee County
• Pell City at Central-Clay County
• Childersburg at Dadeville
• Cleburne County at Bullock County
• B.B. Comer at Lee-Scott Academy
• Donoho at Woodland
• Mae Jemison at Gadsden City
• Gaston at Sand Rock
• Woodville at Gaylesville
• Glencoe at Locust Fork
• Booker T. Washington at Handley
• Oneonta at Hokes Bluff
• St. Clair County at Jacksonville
• Lincoln at Moody
• St. James at Munford
• Saks at Ohatchee
• Walter Wellborn at Piedmont
• Section at Pleasant Valley
• Ragland at Ider
• Ranburne at Lanett
• Beulah at Randolph County
• A.P. Brewer at Sardis
• Hazel Green at Southside
• Springville at Center Point
• Elmore County at Sylacauga
• Talladega at Tallassee
• Wadley at Winterboro
• Weaver at Westbrook Christian
• West End at Southeastern
• Belgreen at Victory Christian
• Munford at Alexandria
• Jacksonville at Anniston
• St. Clair County at Ashville
• Cedar Bluff at Donoho
• Childersburg at Winterboro
• White Plains at Cleburne County
• Thorsby at B.B. Comer
• Etowah at Lincoln
• Brilliant at Fayetteville
• Gaston at Ider
• Piedmont at Glencoe
• Randolph County at Hokes Bluff
• Oxford at Florence
• Southside at Pell City
• Ragland at Decatur Heritage
• Ranburne at Spring Garden
• Locust Fork at Saks
• Whitesburg Christian at Sand Rock
• Springville at Corner
• Sylacauga at Glenwood School
• Berry at Victory Christian
• J.B. Pennington at Weaver
• Westbrook Christian at Walter Wellborn
• Woodland at Horseshoe Bend
