THE TOP SIX OF DISTRICT 6 The Top Players in East Alabama
From Sidelines to Center Stage: The Evolution of Cheerleading Can Clint Smith and Staff Do it in Calhoun County?again
WEEK BY WEEK SCHEDULES
DOZENS OF TEAM PREVIEWS JON HOLDER'S TOP 10 AND SUPER 7 PICKS + +
TEAM SCHEDULES +
By Jon Holder
In the first two years of 8 man football at Oxford’s Trinity Christian Academy the Tigers won 2 games, then Clint Smith and staff arrived. Over the next 3 seasons Trinity won 19 games including a10-1 season and a state championship in 2000. At the beginning of the 2005 season Saks High School had suffered through 9 consecutive years of losing records, then Clint Smith and staff arrived. In the next 7 years the Wildcats posted winning records and made state playoff appearances 4 times, including 2 trips to the second round of the Class 4A playoffs. Heading into the 2012 football season Jacksonville High School had posted losing records in 10 of the 12 previous seasons and had employed 3 head coaches, then Clint Smith and staff arrived. The Golden Eagles did not have a losing record again for the next 13 years, including 12 state playoff berths and an appearance in the 2019 Class 4A State Championship Game. Jacksonville won 8 or more games 8 times and Smith became the first JHS coach to end his tenure with a winning record in 52 years.
Now in 2025 Clint Smith and staff move again to another Calhoun County school and football program, this time at White Plains High School. The Wildcats have not had a winning season in 21 years and have not made a playoff appearance since 1994. That playoff berth 31 years ago is the only playoff berth in school history and White Plains has never won a playoff game. On paper this appears to be the biggest challenge for Coach Smith and staff yet, and would appear to be one of the most challenging football jobs in the state. During the Summer I sat down with Smith in his office during an evening thunderstorm and dove into finding the answer of “Can it be done again at White Plains?”.
The answer all begins with the aforementioned staff. Four of Smith’s staff are coming with him from Jacksonville including Josh Blythe who has coached with Smith for 4 years and Darren Mitchell who has been with Smith for 5 years. Two very important keys to the staff have been with Coach Smith for almost the entirety of his coaching career and are also moving with him to White Plains. Defensive Coordinator
Marcus Albright has been at Smith’s side for 19 years and Offensive Coordinator Jamison Edwards has been with Smith for 20 years.
Smith says the coaching staff is the first key to turning a program around, “The only way it will work is to bring almost an entire staff with me. It creates consistency and brings the same messaging. And it is not just a staff, but a staff you trust, know and enjoy being around, and that are loyal to you.” He says of longtime coordinators Albright and Edwards, “We have basically grown up together and are very familiar with each other. We have spent our whole adult lives together. I was 25 years old when I came to Saks and then took 5 coaches with me from Saks to Jacksonville.”
Another big answer to building a winning program according to Smith is consistency. “The biggest thing that has to happen at White Plains to turn things around is we have to have kids come out for football in 7th grade and stay in the program all 6 years to create that consistency. For that to happen they have to know you will be here. They have had 3 coaches in 3 years. I am not that guy that bounces around. I like to put down roots and dig into the school and community,” says Coach Smith.
Smith continued, “I spent 7 years at Saks and 13 at Jacksonville. I have lived in Calhoun County since 1997 and I have
lived my entire life in Calhoun and Clay Counties. I married a Saks girl (wife Ashley) who taught at White Plains for 17 years and I did my student teaching here under Mike Altman. This place is like home. I have had opportunities and turned down bigger jobs because being close to family and being at home is important.”
Smith employs what he calls the 3 Rs in building a program. Those 3 Rs are building relationships, building respect, and building reputation. Coach Smith particularly emphasizes the importance of relationships in building and maintaining a successful program, “Relationships are important in building a staff and a team. If you have good relationships the kids will do whatever you want. I try to go to games in the other sports the players participate in because I care about them, not just as football players. Championships are nice and wins are great, but being with kids every day is what it is all about.” Coach Smith also says, “Football has changed, so we have had to evolve. Kids play because it is fun and we have to help the kids enjoy playing. Part of that is one thing we always try to do as a staff is value the
players’ time. We want to run a great high school program, but a lot of coaches today try to run a high school program like a college program.”
Coach Smith states they will do a lot of the things they did the first year at Saks and Jacksonville, “It is the same exact situation we had at both places. All 3 schools are similar as to where they were when I got there. We are trying to get numbers up, create excitement, have a vision of where we are going, and build those relationships.” That vision includes belief. Smith proclaims, “It is humbling when the kids buy in and do everything you have asked them to do. I enjoy watching a group of young people do something that they didn’t initially believe they could do.”
Smith and staff realize the challenge that is ahead, but are ready to tackle it head-on, “I was told that Saks was a coaches’ graveyard. I was told that Jacksonville would never win. They are saying the same things now about White Plains. One thing that is gratifying is starting and finishing the job at each place we have been.” There seems to be quiet confidence that a turnaround can happen at White Plains, though Coach Smith would not put a time table on it. Indeed, the most asked question in prep football circles around East Alabama this year has been “Can Clint Smith and his staff do it again, this time at White Plains?”. If past results are a reliable predictor of future performance, the answer could be a very interesting and historical story about to be written again in the annals of Calhoun County football. ◆
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• 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
Football fans in Alabama will tell you there are only two seasons in the calendar year. Obviously, the football season each fall has to be one. Nothing matches the passion and the fandom of high school and college football in this state. The remainder of the year centers around the recruiting season as fans look at how well their college team hauls in the talent on National Signing Day.
High school football recruiting has become one of the most competitive and closely watched aspects of the game. For student-athletes with dreams of playing at the next level, it’s more than just Friday night lights—it’s a chance to earn a college scholarship and potentially change their future. Coaches, scouts, and recruiters are always searching for the next standout player, and for many teenagers, this process starts earlier than ever. AHSAA District Six, which comprises Cherokee, Etowah, St. Clair, Calhoun, Cleburne, Randolph, Clay, and Talladega counties have produced hundreds of talented players over the years. This fall is no exception as we look at some highly recruited players from District Six. In an extremely difficult selection process, let’s take a look at “The Top 6 of District 6.”
School: Gadsden City
Class: 2026
Position: DB
Gibson is a highlytouted defensive back for the Gadsden City Titans. Considered as the #5 Class of 2026 prospect in the state, Gibson committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide on December 24, 2024. He was the first Crimson Tide commitment for the Class of 2026. Gibson is a 3-sport athlete and brings sprinter’s speed to the secondary. At 6’1” 175 lbs., Gibson ran a 10.63, 100 meter dash during the AHSAA Track and Field Championships.
School: Wadley
Class: 2026
Position: RB / OLB
Wilkes rarely comes off the football field every Friday night and that’s bad news for the opponents. At 6’4” 220 lbs., the 4-star linebacker and running back often dominates the game from opening kick to final whistle. That was the case in Wadley’s 2024 State Championship as Wilkes rushed 38 times for 317 yards and 5 TD’s. Defensively, he would finish with 10 tackles and an interception earning MVP honors. For the season, he would finish the year with almost 2600 yards and 37 touchdowns. Wilkes committed to Auburn on July 21.
School: Oxford Class: 2026
Position: LB
Britt ended the recruiting war early, committing to South Carolina on August 10, 2024. The 3-star linebacker is a two time All-State selection for the Yellow Jackets. At 6’2” 230 lbs., Britt makes plays from sideline to sideline. Regardless of where he lines up, this Yellow Jacket has the ability to totally shut down the opposing offense. As a 4-year starter, Britt has become a vocal leader for Oxford and will be relied on heavily in 2025.
School: Cherokee County Class: 2026
Position: TE
At 6’5” 215 lbs., Ben Moseley has emerged as the top tight end in the state. Coming off of an All-State season, Moseley has drawn plenty of attention on the prospect camp circuit. Utilizing his size and great hands, the tight end often made difficult catches in traffic and over defenders. With 4.5 speed, Moseley is a match-up nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators. Mosely is committed to Duke, and holds offers from Kentucky, Georgia Tech, and Air Force.
School: Jacksonville Christian
Class: 2026
Position: QB
What would the Top 6 be without a quarterback? We have a good one on this list in Jacksonville Christian’s Noah Lee. Ranked as a 3-star prospect, Lee may be the best pure passer in the Class of 2026. At 6’3”, Lee brings a big arm with pinpoint accuracy. Over the summer, he would compete in an Elite 11 Camp in Nashville and leave as the most talked about QB at the camp. Lee ended his recruiting journey on June 11 by choosing to stay home and play for the Jax State Gamecocks.
School: Oxford
Class: 2026
Position: WR
Hailed as one of the state’s most electric playmakers, Taylor combines speed and quickness that can create huge plays for the Yellow Jackets. His ability to elude defenders is next level. At 6’1” 185 lbs., Taylor also has excellent timing and leaping ability to pull down tough catches over defenders. The 3-star receiver amassed 89 catches for 1436 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2024, earning Taylor 1st Team AllState recognition. Taylor is committed to taking his talent to Huntingdon, West Virginia as a member of the Marshall Thundering Herd.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
8/15 Jacksonville Christian Home 8/23 Arkansas S.D. Away 8/29 Open
9/6 Oklahoma S.D Home 9/13 Indiana S.D. Away 9/19 Open
9/25 Tennessee S.D Home
10/4 Florida S.D. Home 10/9 Mississippi S.D. Away 10/18 South Carolina S.D. Away
8/29 Jacksonville Away 9/5 White Plains Home* 9/12 Anniston Away* 9/19 Oneonta Home* 9/26 Sardis Home
10/3 Hokes Bluff Away* 10/10 Ashville Away* 10/17 Cherokee County Home* 10/24 Etowah Away 10/30 Munford Away
8/29 Beauregard Away 9/5 Ashville Away* 9/12 Alexandria Home* 9/19 Hokes Bluff Away* 9/26 Pleasant Grove Home 10/3 Cherokee County Home* 10/10 Etowah Away* 10/17 Oneonta Home* 10/24 White Plains Home* 10/30 Jacksonville Away
8/22 Springville Away 8/29 Open
9/5 Anniston Home*
9/12 Oneonta Away*
9/19 Etowah Home*
9/26 Decatur Heritage Home
10/3 White Plains Away*
10/10 Alexandria Home*
10/17 Hokes Bluff Away*
10/24 Cherokee County Home*
10/30 St. Clair County Away
8/22 Valley Head Home 8/28 Collinsville Away 9/5 Gaston Home*
9/12 North Sand Mountain Away* 9/19 Section Away*
9/26 Spring Garden Away
10/3 Pleasant Valley Home*
10/10 Pisgah Home*
10/17 Sand Rock Away*
10/24 Open
10/30 Donoho Home
8/22 Handley Home
8/28 Benjamin Russell Away 9/5 Valley Away* 9/12 Marbury Home* 9/18 Sylacauga Away* 9/26 Scottsboro Home
10/3 Elmore County Home* 10/10 Holtville Away* 10/17 Beauregard Home*
10/24 Pell City Away
8/22 Piedmont Away 8/29 Arab Home 9/5 Oneonta Home* 9/12 Etowah Away* 9/19 White Plains Home* 9/26 Shades Valley Home 10/3 Anniston Away* 10/10 Hokes Bluff Home* 10/17 Alexandria Away* 10/24 Ashville Away*
8/22 Fayetteville Home 8/28 Talladega Away 9/5 Lee-Scott Academy Away* 9/12 Glenwood School Home* 9/19 B.B. Comer Away* 9/26 Vincent Away 10/3 Open 10/10 Beulah Home* 10/17 Randolph County Away* 10/24 Dadeville Home* 10/31 Winterboro Home
8/29 Sardis Away 9/5 Handley Home* 9/11 Talladega Away* 9/19 Booker T. Washington Home* 9/26 Walter Wellborn Home 10/3 Tallassee Away* 10/10 St. James Home* 10/16 Munford Away* 10/24 Bullock County Home* 10/30 White Plains Away
8/22 Wadley Away 8/29 Vincent Home
9/5 Glenwood School Away*
9/12 Open
9/19 Childersburg Home* 9/26 Piedmont Home
10/2 Beulah Away*
10/10 Randolph County Home* 10/17 Dadeville Away*
10/24 Lee-Scott Academy Home* 10/30 Thorsby Away
8/22 Pierce County, GA Away 8/29 Pell City Home 9/5 Southeastern Away* 9/12 Falkville Home* 9/19 Susan Moore Home* 9/26 M.T. Blount Home
10/2 Cleveland Away 10/10 Cold Springs Away* 10/17 West End Home* 10/24 Tuscaloosa Academy Away
8/22 Gaylesville Home 8/29 Ragland Away 9/5 Pleasant Valley Away 9/12 Wadley Home* 9/19 Winterboro Home* 9/26 Ohatchee Away 10/3 Fayetteville Home* 10/10 Open 10/17 Victory Christian Away* 10/24 Woodland Away* 10/30 Cedar Bluff Away
8/22 Jacksonville Away 8/29 Open
9/5 Hokes Bluff Away* 9/12 Cherokee County Home* 9/19 Ashville Away* 9/26 Southside Home 10/3 Oneonta Away* 10/10 Anniston Home* 1017 White Plains Away* 10/24 Alexandria Home* 10/31 Lincoln Lincoln
8/22 Childersburg Away 8/28 Billingsley Home 9/5 Wadley Away* 9/12 Winterboro Home* 9/19 Open 9/26 Ragland Home 10/3 Donoho Away* 10/10 Victory Christian Away * 10/17 Woodland Home* 10/24 Ellwood Christian Home 10/31 Brilliant Away
8/21 Muscle Shoals Away 8/29 Hewitt-Trussville Home 9/5 Buckhorn Home* 9/12 Open 9/19 Hazel Green Away* 9/26 Bob Jones Away 10/3 R.E. Lee-Huntsville Home* 10/10 Fort Payne Home* 10/17 Southside Away* 10/24 Mae Jemison Away* 10/30 Fultondale Home
8/22 Asbury Away 8/29 Open
9/5 Cedar Bluff Away*
9/12 Woodland Away
9/19 North Sand Mountain Away* 9/26 Whitesburg Christian Home 10/3 Section Home*
10/10 Pleasant Valley Home* 10/17 Pisgah Away*
10/24 Sand Rock Home* 10/31 Ider Home
8/22 Donoho Away 8/29 Asbury Home 9/5 Valley Head Home* 9/12 Appalachian Away* 9/19 Open 9/26 Verbena Home 10/3 Ider Home* 10/10 Spring Garden Away* 10/17 Ragland Home*
10/24 Woodville Away* 10/31 Notasulga Away
8/22 Southeastern Home 8/29 Westbrook Christian Away* 9/5 J.B. Pennington Away* 9/12 Walter Wellborn Home* 9/19 Open 9/26 Hokes Bluff Away 10/3 Weaver Home* 10/10 Saks Home* 10/17 Ohatchee Away* 10/24 Locust Fork Home* 10/31 Piedmont Away*
8/22 Central-Clay County Away 8/29 Dadeville Home
9/5 Cleburne County Away* 9/12 St. James Home* 9/19 Munford Away* 9/26 Lanett Home 10/3 Bullock County Home*
10/10 Tallassee Away* 10/17 Talladega Home*
10/24 Booker T. Washington Away*
8/22 Etowah Home
8/29 Alexandria Home
9/5 Moody Home*
9/12 Center Point Away* 9/19 Leeds Home*
9/26 Corner Away 10/3 Springville Home*
10/10 Lincoln Away* 10/17 Open
10/24 St. Clair County Away* 10/30 Anniston Home
8/28 Southside Away 9/5 Etowah Home* 9/12 White Plains Away* 9/19 Anniston Home* 9/26 Glencoe Home
10/3 Alexandria Home* 10/10 Cherokee County Away* 10/17 Ashville Home* 10/24 Oneonta Away* 10/31 Randolph County Away
8/15 AL School for the Deaf Away 8/22 Open
8/29 Tuscaloosa Christian Home*
9/5 Tabernacle Christian Away* 9/12 Trinity Christian-Pelham Away 9/19 Victory Christian, MS Home*
9/26 Russell Christian, MS Away*
10/3 Southern Christian Home 10/10 Open 10/17 Cornerstone Christian Home*
8/22 Valiant Cross Academy Home 8/29 Chambers Academy Home
9/5 Hooper Academy Home* 9/12 Crenshaw Christian Home* 9/19 Banks Academy Away 9/26 Abbeville Christian Away 10/3 Open
10/10 Edgewood Academy Away* 10/17 Bessemer Academy Away 10/24 Lakeside Academy Away*
8/22 Shelby County Away 8/29 Munford Home 9/5 Center Point Home* 9/12 Leeds Away* 9/19 Springville Away* 9/26 Northside Home 10/3 Open 10/10 Jacksonville Home* 10/17 St. Clair County Away* 10/24 Moody Home* 10/31 Etowah Away
Locations in Piedmont, Oxford, Jacksonville, Centre, Southside, Gadsden, Alexandria, Auburn and Opelika
8/21 Gainesville, GA Away 8/29 Oxford Home
9/5 Jacksonville Away* 9/12 St. Clair County Home* 9/19 Helena Home 9/26 Auburn Away 10/3 Center Point Home*
10/10 Leeds Away* 10/17 Springville Home* 10/22 Lincoln Away*
8/29 Lincoln Away 9/5 Tallassee Away*
9/12 Bullock County Home* 9/19 Handley Home* 9/26 Westbrook Christian Away 10/3 Talladega Home* 10/10 Booker T. Washington Away* 10/16 Cleburne County Home* 10/24 St. James Away* 10/30 Alexandria Home
8/22 New Hope Away 8/29 Locust Fork Away* 9/5 Piedmont Home* 9/12 J.B. Pennington Home* 9/19 Weaver Away* 9/26 Donoho Home
10/3 Westbrook Christian Home* 10/10 Walter Wellborn Away* 10/17 Glencoe Home* 10/24 Saks Away*
8/22 Central-Carrollton, GA Home
8/29 Moody Away
9/5 Shades Valley Home*
9/12 Pinson Valley Away*
9/19 Mountain Brook Home*
9/26 Helena Home
10/3 Pell City Away*
10/10 Open
10/17 Clay-Chalkville Away*
10/24 Huffman Home* 10/30 Florence Home
8/22 Pelham Away 8/29 Coosa Christian Away 9/5 Clay-Chalkville Away*
9/12 Mountain Brook Home*
9/18 Huffman Away* 9/26 Open
10/3 Oxford Home*
10/10 Shades Valley Away*
10/17 Pinson Valley Home*
10/24 Central-Clay County Home
10/31 Southside Away
8/22 Cherokee County Home 8/29 Saks Home* 9/5 Ohatchee Away* 9/12 Open
9/19 Westbrook Christian Home* 9/26 B.B. Comer Away 10/3 Locust Fork Away*
10/10 J.B. Pennington Away* 10/17 Weaver Home*
10/24 Walter Wellborn Away* 10/31 Glencoe Home*
8/22 West End Home 8/29 Spring Garden Away 9/5 Donoho Home 9/12 Pisgah Away* 9/19 Sand Rock Home* 9/26 Woodland Home
10/3 Cedar Bluff Away* 10/10 Gaston Away* 10/17 North Sand Mountain Home* 10/24 Section Away*
8/29 Donoho Home
9/5 Spring Garden Away* 9/12 Southeastern Away 9/19 Woodville Home* 9/26 Fayetteville Away 10/3 Valley Head Away* 10/10 Appalachian Home* 10/17 Gaylesville Away* 10/24 Ider Home* 10/31 Decatur Heritage Home
8/22 Mt. Zion, GA Away 8/29 Woodland Home 9/5 Lafayette Home* 9/12 Reeltown Away* 9/19 Central-Coosa Away* 9/26 Randolph County Away 10/3 Horseshoe Bend Home* 10/10 Open 10/17 Loachapoka Away* 10/24 Lanett Home* 10/31 Spring Garden Home
8/22 Woodland Away 8/29 Central-Coosa Home
9/5 Open
9/12 Dadeville Away*
9/19 Lee-Scott Academy Away* 9/26 Ranburne Home
10/3 Glenwood School Home*
10/10 B.B. Comer Away* 10/17 Childersburg Home*
10/24 Beulah Beulah* 10/31 Hokes Bluff Home
8/22 Jemison Away 8/29 Montgomery Catholic Home 9/5 Open 9/12 Moody Away* 9/19 Center Point Away* 9/26 Shelby County Home
10/3 Leeds Home* 10/10 Springville Away* 10/17 Lincoln Home* 10/24 Jacksonville Home* 10/30 Ashville Home
8/22 Horseshoe Bend Home 8/29 Piedmont Away* 9/5 Westbrook Christian Home* 9/12 Weaver Home* 9/19 Walter Wellborn Away* 9/26 Central-Coosa Away 10/3 J.B. Pennington Home* 10/10 Glencoe Away* 10/17 Open 10/24 Ohatchee Home* 10/31 Locust Fork Away*
8/21 Spring Garden Home 8/29 West End Away 9/5 North Sand Mountain Home* 9/12 Section Home* 9/19 Pleasant Valley Away* 9/26 Collinsville Home 10/3 Pisgah Away* 10/10 Open
10/17 Cedar Bluff Home* 10/24 Gaston Away* 10/31 Whitesburg Christian Away
8/21 Geraldine Away 8/29 Cleburne County Home 9/5 Arab Home* 9/12 Guntersville Away* 9/19 Scottsboro Home* 9/26 Alexandria Away 10/3 Boaz Away* 10/10 Douglas Home* 10/17 Fairview Home* 10/24 A.P. Brewer Away*
8/22 Guntersville Away 8/28 Hokes Bluff Home 9/5 R.E. Lee-Huntsville Home* 9/12 Fort Payne Away* 9/19 Open 9/26 Etowah Away 10/3 Mae Jemison Home* 10/10 Buckhorn Away* 10/17 Gadsden City Home* 10/24 Hazel Green Away* 10/31 Pell City Home
8/22 Ashville Home
8/29 Fairview Away
9/5 Leeds Away*
9/12 Alma Bryant Away
9/19 Lincoln Home* 9/26 Open
10/3 Jacksonville Away* 10/10 St. Clair County Home* 10/17 Moody Away* 10/24 Center Point Home* 10/30 Corner Home
8/21 Sand Rock Away 8/29 Pleasant Valley Home 9/5 Ragland Home* 9/12 Woodville Away* 9/19 Valley Head Home* 9/26 Cedar Bluff Home
10/3 Appalachian Away* 10/10 Gaylesville Home* 10/17 Ider Away* 10/24 Open 10/31 Ranburne Away
8/22 Central-Coosa Home 8/29 Montevallo Away 9/5 Holtville Home* 9/12 Beauregard Away* 9/18 Central-Clay County Home* 9/26 Jemison Away 10/3 Valley Away* 10/10 Marbury Home* 10/17 Open 10/24 Elmore County Away* 10/31 Glenwood School Home
*Region Games
8/22 White Plains Away 8/28 Childersburg Home 9/5 Booker T. Washington Home* 9/11 Cleburne County Home* 9/19 St. James Away* 9/26 Open 10/3 Munford Away* 10/10 Bullock County Home* 10/17 Handley Away* 10/24 Tallassee Home* 10/31 Central-Coosa Home
8/22 Sumiton Christian Home 8/29 Open 9/5 Woodland Away* 9/12 Open 9/19 Wadley Away* 9/26 Francis Marion Home
8/22 Oak Grove Home 8/29 Open
9/5 Walter Wellborn Home*
9/12 Saks Away*
9/19 Ohatchee Home*
9/26 Winterboro Away
10/3 Glencoe Away*
10/10 Locust Fork Home* 10/17 Piedmont Away* 10/24 Westbrook Christian Home* 10/31 J.B. Pennington Away*
8/29 J.B. Pennington Home* 9/5 Weaver Away* 9/12 Glencoe Away* 9/19 Saks Home* 9/26 Cleburne County Away 10/3 Open
8/22 B.B. Comer Home 8/29 Horseshoe Bend Away 9/5 Fayetteville Home* 9/12 Donoho Away* 9/19 Victory Christian Home* 9/26 Glenwood School Home 10/3 Woodland Away* 10/10 Lee-Scott Academy Home 10/17 Open 10/24 Winterboro Home*
10/10 Ohatchee Home* 10/17 Locust Fork Away* 10/24 Piedmont Home* 10/31 Westbrook Christian Away*
10/3 Winterboro Away* 10/10 Fayetteville Home* 10/17 Donoho Home* 10/24 Belgreen Away 10/31 Berry Away 8/29 Glencoe Home* 9/5 Saks Away* 9/12 Locust Fork Home* 9/19 Piedmont Away* 9/26 Munford Home 10/3 Ohatchee Away* 10/10 Trion, GA Away 10/17 J.B. Pennington Home* 10/24 Weaver Away* 10/31 Walter Wellborn Home*
*Region Games
8/22 Pleasant Valley Away
8/29 Sand Rock Home
9/5 Falkville Away* 9/12 Susan Moore Home*
9/19 Cleveland Home* 9/26 Vinemont Away
10/3 Cold Springs Away*
10/10 Ider Home
10/17 Coosa Christian Away* 10/24 Southeastern Home*
8/22 Talladega Home 8/29 Open
9/5 Alexandria Away* 9/12 Hokes Bluff Home*
9/19 Cherokee County Away* 9/26 Horseshoe Bend Away
10/3 Ashville Home* 10/10 Oneonta Away* 10/17 Etowah Home*
10/24 Anniston Away* 10/30 Cleburne County Home
8/22 Vincent Away
8/29 Open
9/5 Central-Coosa Away
9/12 Fayetteville Away*
9/19 Donoho Away*
9/26 Weaver Home
10/3 Victory Christian Home*
10/10 Woodland Home*
10/17 Open
10/24 Wadley Away*
10/31 Childersburg Away
8/22 Randolph County Home
8/29 Ranburne Away
9/5 Victory Christian Home*
9/12 Gaston Home
9/19 Open
9/26 Pleasant Valley Away
10/3 Wadley Home*
10/10 Winterboro Away* 10/16 Fayetteville Away*
10/24 Donoho Away* 10/31 Horseshoe Bend Home
Locations in: Piedmont, Oxford, Jacksonville, Centre, Southside, Gadsden, Alexandria, Auburn and Opelika
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
CLASS, REGION:
Class 4A, Region 6
HEAD COACH: Todd Ginn
2024 RECORD: 8-4
Stadium: Lou Scales Stadium
Colors: Orange & Black
2024 was a huge bounce back season for Alexandria as the Valley Cubs fashioned one of the biggest turnarounds in the state. Alexandria dropped from Class 5A to 4A and responded by going from 1-9 in 2023 to 8-4 and a trip to the second round of the playoffs in 2024. The Cubs lost 2 of the first 3, but then won 7 of the next 8 before a close road playoff loss at Brooks of Killen.
The Cubs only lost 8 seniors. The biggest losses include kicker/cornerback Clete Forrest, receiver Que McDowell, running back E.J. Hunter, and offensive tackle Dean Boxley.
Most of the players that led the turnaround last year in the Valley return. Experienced players returning include Junior quarterback Cole Wheeler, Junior offensive/ defensive lineman Parker Nemeth, Senior linebacker/ fullback Ryan Brown (5’9, 195), tough running back/ safety J.J. Beason, big receiver/cornerback Evan White (6’2, 190), cornerback/ receiver M.J. Morris, junior linebacker Corey Owens, and massive offensive lineman Royce Trantham (6’6, 250)
This is a veteran Valley Cub team that is led by a talented Junior class. Alexandria returns 8 starters on offense and 9 on defense with a total number of 62 players. The Cubs finished third in Class 4A, Region 6 last year and are eyeing big showdowns with the two region teams that defeated them in ’24-Cherokee County and Anniston. Alexandria was a score away from being in the state quarter-finals last season. Expect the Valley Cubs to be one of the top 4A teams in North Alabama this season.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 4A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Rico Jackson
2024 RECORD: 7-6
Stadium: Lott/Mosby Memorial Stadium
Colors: Cardinal, White, Black & Gray
Anniston got off to a slow start in 2024, losing 3 of the first 5 outings. Then, the Bulldogs turned things around winning 5 of the next 6 battles to advance to the Class 4A quarterfinals. The season drew to a close in round 3 with a playoff loss at West Morgan.
Defensive end Khamar Holder has taken his talents to the Miles College football program. Lagrange College was able to nab linebacker Keviontae Johnson after a standout career at AHS. Anniston Head Coach Rico Jackson also singled out center Andrew Nelson as a great leader that will be hard to replace.
Offensively, this Bulldog attack is loaded with playmakers. Damon Pope is an All-state playmaker heading into his
senior season. Running back Jabari Williams can take it to the end zone from any point on the field. Quintavious Cunningham is an extremely talented ball carrier and Jakorie Carr is a dynamic wide receiver. On the line, 3-star prospect Sharontae Bailey is one of the more coveted offensive tackles in the Class of 2027. Bailey, an All-state performer in 2024 will join Adyen Goodson on the Bulldogs’ offensive front.
There is no shortage of talent on the defensive side of the football for Coach Jackson. D-lineman Charles Thomas is coming off of a dominant junior season and should create even more havoc this season. Linebacker Deriontae Brooks is a playmaker for the defense. The secondary has the speed and athleticism that many college programs would love. Safeties Tariq Judkins, Kyree
Lewis and cornerback Eli Lanier all have next-level offers and could have a field day against opposing offenses.
Heading into his 3rd season at Anniston, Rico Jackson is looking to continue the momentum that his Dawgs had at the end of last season. “We have to be ready to play consistently every time we take the field. This region (Class 4A Region 6) is filled with veteran coaches that know how to get the most out of their teams. That makes this region extremely tough. There are no weeks off,” says Jackson. Anniston also faces a tough non-region schedule with Beauregard to open the season, Pleasant Grove to close out September and at Jacksonville to conclude the regular season. Ironically, all of those teams will feature new coaches this fall.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 2A, Region 7
HEAD COACH:
Garrett Crane
2024 RECORD: 3-7
Stadium: Bruce Field
Colors: Red & White
Cedar Bluff shifted back to Class 2A in 2024 and the result was a 3-7 record against a rugged schedule. The schedule included 8 playoff teams in 3 classifications, including 2 teams that finished undefeated. Three of the losses were by a combined 9 points-including 2 losses by a single point.
Key Seniors that graduated off the 2024 Tiger squad include Caleb Edmondson (WR/QB), Hunter Jenkins (RB/OLB), Jacob Chambers (OL/DL), and Hunter Stallings (QB/Safety).
Cedar Bluff fullback/linebacker Sam Payne, defensive/offensive linemen Isaac Roberts and Kayden Garrett, Head Coach Garrett Crane, running back/linebacker Kadien Tracy, wide receiver/safety Jamison Miller, running back/linebacker Jeremiah Miller, wide receiver/cornerback Dylan McDaniel, defensive/offensive linemen Saw Jordan and Hudson Smith, quarterback Kuper Bradley, offensive lineman Daylen Dobbins, and tight end/defensive end Zahlen Kyle.
Some of the top players for Cedar Bluff in 2025 include quarterback Kuper Bradley, returning running back Kadien Tracy, 5’8, 205 running back/ linebacker Jeremiah Miller and twin brother wide receiver/ free safety Jamison Miller, defensive end/offensive tackle Isaac Roberts, Gaylesville transfer offensive guard/ defensive tackle Daylen Dobbins, center/defensive tackle Cayden Garrett, wide receiver/defensive back Dylan McDaniel, and tight end/inside linebacker Sam Payne
The Tigers return 4-5 starters on both offense and defense with 27 total players in the program. That number includes 8-9 Seniors. With the low numbers and competing in 2A, avoiding injuries will be a big key to success in 2025. Head Coach Garrett Crane reports that 18 of Cedar Bluff’s 22 starters were injured at some point in the 2024 season. Despite the low numbers, Crane says the team is overall more mature physically and mentally than last year. Coach Crane expects lots of great competition at the top of Class 2A, Region 7.
CLASS, REGION: Class 5A, Region 4
HEAD COACH: Danny Horn
2024 RECORD: 12-1
Stadium: Volunteer Stadium
Colors: Scarlet, Navy & White
The Volunteers posted backto-back perfect seasons for the first time in school history. Clay Central advanced to the Class 5A quarterfinals before ending their season with a loss at eventual State Champion Montgomery-Catholic and finished with a 12-1 record.
Skill positions were hit hard by graduation. Quarterback Deshaun “Soap” Gibbons amassed 2,400 yards and 38 total touchdowns during his senior season. Also lost were receiver Tyler Boyd, tailback Ladamion Boyd, and DaMauri Whetstone at linebacker.
Entering his 37th season, Clay Central Head Coach Danny Horn sees plenty of experience on the offensive line. Averaging around 280 lbs. across the front,
Dewey Brown, Noah Peterson, Cole Rice and Chance Helms should be a strong-point for the Volunteer offense. J.T. Wilkerson, who played tight end in 2024, will make the transition to quarterback. Wilkerson brings a strong arm and high football IQ that should be on display throughout the season. Receivers Kaiden Glenn and Zi Newell will provide solid targets on the perimeter. In the backfield, Taylor Boyd and Daylon Houston are expected to share the load at running back.
Defensively, the front seven returns for 2025. Ends Trendan Glenn and Myles Parker have the ability to dominate. Amari Ward will make the move from inside linebacker to the outside after a stellar season a year ago. Cole Watts and Kamden Mullins are a couple of active inside linebackers. Hard-hitting
Central-Clay County offensive lineman
Noah Peterson, Head Coach Danny Horn, running back Taylor Boyd, and quarterback J.T. Wilkerson
Taylor Boyd returns to the Vol defense and will be joined by J.T. Wilkerson, who was an All-State linebacker in ‘24, as a physical pair of safeties. Tristen Wilson and Kaiden Glenn will handle the cornerback spots for Clay Central.
Coach Horn feels like the 2025 schedule will see a much improved region and some tough non-region opponents. “Most of our region was young last year and has a bunch of talent coming back. Sylacauga will be much-improved. Beauregard has a new coach that won a state championship last year. Valley has basically everybody back and some college prospects on their roster. Our region will probably be one of the most-improved in the state,” said the winningest coach in AHSAA history.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 4A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Jacob Kelley
2024 RECORD: 13-2
Stadium: Warriors Stadium/Johnson Field
Colors: Black & Gold
Cherokee County made their 3rd consecutive trip to the AHSAA Super 7 Class 4A State Championship Game. The Warriors again won the Class 4A, Region 6 title and won the North Alabama 4A Championship, beating Westminster Christian of Huntsville, Central-Florence, Brooks of Killen, and West Morgan of Trinity in the playoffs before falling in the state title game to Jackson.
The Warriors lost 17 seniors, including talented players like receiver and kicker Ben Frampton, 3 time All-State defensive end Tae Diamond, defensive lineman Caleb Harbour, All-State linebacker Tristan Brown, QB Carson Tittle,
Cherokee County safety Cooper Allen, running back/ defensive back Quintavious Rogers, offensive linemen
Evan Hill and Jackson Doeg, Head Coach Jacob Kelley, running back/linebacker Case Hill, center James Hunter, linebacker/wide receiver Ethan Glass, and defensive/offensive lineman Dylan Duncan
and offensive lineman Landon Ransum.
Despite the heavy losses from last year the Warriors appear to be re-loading. There is returning talent all over the field including running back Keyshawn Woods (5’11, 185), Junior quarterback Adam Griffith, Senior offensive tackle Asa Holbert (6’7, 300) who has already committed to Western Kentucky, tight end Ben Moseley (6’5, 210) who is committed to Duke, offensive guard Jackson Doeg (returning from injury), linebacker Jayquan Diamond, 2nd team All-State defensive end Dylan Duncan (6’4,220), Collinsville transfer running back Quintavious Rogers, and athlete Keshawn Thomas.
This CCHS Senior class has the opportunity to surpass last year’s class as the winningest in school history. This group of seniors have won the region title and advanced to the Super 7 every year that they have been playing varsity football. There have only been two Centre teams to finish 10-0 in the regular season in school history, and this year’s team has being the 3rd team as a stated goal.
Coach Jacob Kelley returns an impressive 8 starters on offense and 6 on defense with 13 returning seniors and 53 total players. Kelley says the Warriors will be big and physical up front and the skill position talent is in place as well. Coach Kelley expects a tough battle for the region title, especially from Alexandria and Anniston.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 4A, Region 3
HEAD COACH: Vaughn Lee
2024 RECORD: 1-9
Stadium: L.E. Bell Field
Colors: Red & Black
The Tigers entered last season with a lack of depth and one of the youngest teams in Class 4A. That combination proved costly as Cleburne County would finish the year at 1-9.
There were only two seniors on the Tigers’ 2024 roster. However, Austen Mayfield and Hunter Gore had played a lot of football for Cleburne County and will be missed. Gore registered starts at quarterback, wide receiver, defensive back and also punter during his career. Mayfield brought his toughness to linebacker and fullback.
Head Coach Vaughn Lee sees a lot of familiar faces in the offensive huddle. It all starts with quarterback Cade Shubert.
Shubert will be joined in the backfield by running back Carter Hughes, last season’s leading rusher. Alijah Ware will also bring cat-like quickness to the backfield. Fullback Silas Hunt is a bruising blocker that can also grind out tough yards. The offensive line is anchored by Senior Cashton Robinson and Ollie Brown.
Defensively, Sophomore Cavin Bates could be one of the top defensive linemen in the Class of 2028 Silas Hunt is also a physical linebacker that can dominate the middle. Outside linebacker Cody Clayton is new to the program but has nailed down a starting spot. All four starters return to the secondary for their sophomore seasons. Cornerbacks Coby Hale and Lyric Ware will join safeties Carston Williams and
Cleburne County linebacker/running back Alijah Ware, Head Coach Vaughn Lee, quarterback Cade Shubert, and linebacker/offensive lineman Luke Adams
Gavin Robinson in the defensive backfield. Erick EscandonParedes has developed into a reliable and talented kicker for the Tigers.
Coach Lee and the Tigers will be saving money on bus trips this season as the distant road opponents from last year will be visiting L.E. Bell Field in 2025. The Tigers gained plenty of experience last year that Lee says will help this season. “We have a year under our belt and that should make our young guys more confident. We also need to develop toughness through adversity. Our guys faced adversity last year and I think we’ll respond to those challenges better this season and make our community proud of how we play and proud to be a Tiger,” concluded Lee.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 2A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Rush Propst
2024 RECORD: 9-1
Stadium: Phillip Ellen Stadium
Colors: Carolina Blue & Vegas Gold
No team in Alabama defeated Coosa Christian on the field in 2024. Coosa lost the opener at Pierce County, GA and then won 9 straight to finish 9-1. AHSAA sanctions prevented the Conquerors from being eligible for the 2A playoffs and a chance to win a state championship. The 9 wins included victories over 6A Pell City, 3A power Fyffe, and 2A runner-up Tuscaloosa Academy.
Coosa only lost 8 seniors off of last year’s team, but they did lose some very key players including 3 time All-state linebacker Clete O’Bryant, quarterback Joh David Justus, and defensive end Eli Motes.
Coosa Christian linebacker/tight end Cade Mickler, safety/wide receiver Grayson Malone, Head Coach Mark O’Bryant,offensive lineman/linebacker Radley Mays, and offensive/defensive lineman Zayden Franklin.
Plenty of talent returns including new Senior quarterback Mac Long, Senior running back Jaylen Terry (5’10, 180), Senior receiver L.J. Mostella (6’0, 185), Senior running back Joseph East (5’9, 170), offensive lineman/linebacker Radley Mays, offensive/defensive lineman Zayden Franklin, and Sophomore cornerback Kylen Johnson (5’10, 170).
Head Coach Mark O’Bryant proclaims Johnson as the best 10th grade player in the state.
Coach O’Bryant states that the 2025 Coosa team is even more talented than last year, but with less depth. The Conquerors have about 40 players on the
roster, including 10 Seniors. This is still a young Coosa team with a great freshman class upcoming. O’Bryant says this is the best offensive line he has ever coached and that this team has the best speed he has ever had. Coosa will swap a trip to Fyffe this year for a home game with traditional 6A power M.T. Blount of Prichard in metro Mobile.
Late in the Summer the AHSAA ruled to allow Coosa to be eligible for the Class 2A playoffs, but the decision also called for a one year suspension of Mark O'Bryant for the 2025 season. With the talent and experience that the Conquerors have, look for Coosa Christian to be the favorite in 2A in North Alabama, if not the entire state.
FRIDAY NIGHT
SPORTS INJURY CLINIC
9:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. Jamboree game until playoffs
No appointment necessary
CLASS, REGION:
Class 1A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Bill Smith
2024 RECORD: 5-6
Stadium: Lentz Field
Colors: Maroon & Gray
After a 1-5 start to the season, the Falcons rallied to win 4 straight to nail down a playoff spot. The season ended in a road loss to Appalachian as Donoho finished the season 5-6. The post-season appearance was the first for the Falcons since 2019.
Head Coach Bill Smith will be without 6 valuable seniors from 2024 that provided great leadership to the program. That list includes linebacker Hayes Farrell who wrapped up a stellar career. The 6’5” 212-pound Farrell was named All-state and claimed the 2024 Class 1A Lineman of the Year award. Graduation also took offensive lineman Brayden Johnson and the versatile Kai Cleckler.
The Donoho offense will be under a transition this fall as several players find themselves in key positions. Luke Farrell says that he is living the “lineman’s dream” as the sophomore is making the move from offensive line to quarterback this season. Ethan Bailey returns to the backfield after rushing for more than 800 yards in 2024. Receivers Phoenix Rainey and Noah McLendon will provide Farrell with talented targets in the passing attack. Along the offensive front, Dylan Hullett and Daniel Storey will return to the Donoho O-line.
Defensively, Farrell and Bailey will lead the Falcons from their linebacker spots. The defensive line is also young but talented. Senior Sam Montgomery will hold down one end position. 6’3”
250-pound Donovan Barr, Kyler Brooks, and Kayden Brooks will all be in the trenches in the fall.
Entering his 17th season as a Head Coach, Smith continues to bring energy and toughness to Donoho. Class 1A, Region 6 brings back the 2024 state champion and is loaded from top to bottom. Smith says, “Wadley is number one until proven otherwise.” He knows that this is one of the most talented regions in the state. Smith may have a young team but he feels like the foundation is in place. “We have a group of guys that really love each other and have a great chemistry. We are mostly sophomores this season but I truly enjoy coaching these guys as much as any team I’ve ever had,” said Smith.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 4A, Region 6
HEAD COACH: Scott Peavey
2024 RECORD: 4-6
Stadium: Jim Glover Field
Colors: Royal Blue & White
Etowah lost their first 3 games of 2024, but won 2 of the last 3 to finish 4-6 and carry some momentum into the off season. The Blue Devils failed to reach the 4A playoffs for the first time since 2009 in rugged Class 4A, Region 6.
The personnel losses were heavy for Etowah as the Devils lost 16 seniors to graduation including OT Jalen Grear, safety Connor Dingler, TE Bennett Reaves, LB/RB Kason Nelms, WR Zayden Knight, two year starting center Alex Taylor, and quarterback Jameson Scissum,
Most of the players to watch will be on the defensive side including inside linebacker Bryson Henry who was the leading tackler last year in Region 6, Senior cornerback Jackson McCall, defensive ends Julian Douglas and Antonio Garza, free safety Kenneth Boley, defensive tackle Ethan Honeycutt, and outside linebacker Bradley Pleger. The only returning starter on offense is 3 year starting guard Cole Kirby who will also play on the defensive line. The Blue Devils will welcome back offensive lineman J.C. Garmany (6’3, 235 Sophomore) who broke his hip in Game 2 last season.
Coach Scott Peavey returns 8 starters on defense from last year, but only 1 starter on the offensive side. With the exception of the Cherokee County and Anniston games, Etowah scored at least 24 points in every game. In fact, the Blue Devils scored over 30 points in 6 contests last year. With 10 starters gone from that offense the experienced defense will have to lead the way in the early games which include 3 playoff teams to begin the season.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 6A, Region 8
HEAD COACH: Ali Smith
2024 RECORD: 6-4
Stadium: Titan Stadium
Colors: Black, Cardinal & Silver
Things started off well for Gadsden City in 2024 as the Titans won 5 of the first 6 contests, but then things unraveled in the back half of the season as GCHS lost 3 of the last 4 including crushing Region 8 losses to Fort Payne and Southside and a first round playoff loss at Clay-Chalkville.
Some of the key players lost to graduation include running back T.J. Worthy, receiver Mathew Sparks, receiver Alex Swafford, defensive end Taylor Barber, and noseguard Nehemiah Samples.
Quarterback Kai Franklin took control of the signal calling last year and had a spectacular
year. The offensive line will be led by 6’1, 250 Anthony Edwards and 6’5, 290 James Woods. Others to watch on offense include speedy receiver Kamauri Moore (5’7, 150), receiver Keyshawn Curry, and athlete/utility player Carson Ashley.
The defense is led by many stars including Alabama 4 star commit Zyan Gibson at cornerback, Mercer commit Ty Sims at safety, and cornerback Kerrell Yow has been offered by UAB. The 4 starters in the secondary are members of Gadsden City’s elite 4X100 relay team. The linebacking corps is solid as well featuring 6’0, 230 Chris Butler, outside backer Xavier Wright, and Damien King returning from an ACL injury.
Gadsden City wide receiver/cornerback Zyan Gibson, safety Ty Sims, Head Coach Ali Smith, wide receiver Keyshawn Curry, and athlete Carson Ashley.
Gadsden City lost 24 seniors from last year, but like most 6A schools they come right back with big numbers. The Titans again have 24 seniors and 125 players in the program in grades 9-12. Head Coach Ali Smith will have 4 returning offensive starters and 6 returning defensive starters to work with in 2025. The game with 6A McAdory was a day of game cancellation by the Yellow Jackets and the game won’t happen in 2025 either. The Titans will instead welcome Class 4A Fultondale to Titan Stadium on Thursday, October 30th. The pieces are in place to return the Titans to compete again for the Region 8 title and the 6A playoffs.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 2A, Region 7
HEAD COACH:
Randy Dupree
2024 RECORD: 3-7
Stadium: Captain Bill Boyd Field
Colors: Red & White
Gaston’s win total improved from 2023 to 2024 as the Bulldogs went from 2 wins to 3. The Bulldogs opened and closed the season with victories and also won at Section in the middle of the season.
Gaston lost 6 starters on both offense and defense including RB/OLB Keller Skaggs, RB/ DL Nate Oliver, DL Johnathon Teel, and WR/CB Kodie Bogle.
Gaston wide receiver Dominique Heard, wide receiver/defensive back Noah Cohen, Head Coach Randy Dupree, offensive lineman/linebacker Jon Ponce, and running back/linebacker Tommy Johnson
Jayse Gibbs will take the role of quarterback for the Bulldogs in 2025. This is a young team, but there is some experience and talent. Names to watch this season include receiver/ safety Noah Cohen, running back/linebacker Tommy Johnson, newcomer Domonique Heard, offensive lineman/ linebacker Jon Ponce, and receiver/defensive back Chapman Clay. In addition, two of the best linemen are defensive lineman Maddox Eagly (6’1, 215) and returning offensive line starter Brody King. Look for Junior offensive guard Colton Wells to be a big contributor after missing most of last season with a knee injury.
New Head Coach Randy Dupree welcomes 5 starters back on both offense and defense, with about 33 players on the roster in grades 10-12. The Bulldogs only have 5 Seniors and there are no Senior starters. The overall numbers are good with 12-13 players on average in each class coming up in grades 9-11.
Gaston’s first four games will be on the road with Coach Dupree’s home debut not coming until Week 6 with a non-region match-up with Whitesburg Christian at Captain Bill Boyd Field. Gaston will host a pre-season jamboree at home versus Gaylesville.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 1A, Region 8
HEAD COACH:
Brian Knapp
2024 RECORD: 4-5
Stadium: Trojan Field
Colors: Purple & White
Gaylesville football enjoyed a nice step forward in the win/ loss column in 2024. After not winning a game in 2023, the Trojans improved to 4-5 last season. Gaylesville won their first two games and ended the season with a close Region loss at Ragland and a huge 6228 Region 8 win at home over Woodville.
The Trojans lost 7 starters on both offense and defense including record setting running back Alex Baty, 5 year starting defensive end Carson Ray, 4 year starting quarterback/safety Hunter Almond, and 3 year starting linebacker Collin Hendon.
With the loss of 7 starters this will be a young team at Gaylesville. Players to watch for the Trojans in 2025 include quarterback/defensive end Bryson Thompson, linebacker/fullback Timmy Dawson, running back/ outside linebacker Jackson Sentell, wingback/safety Aydn Heinrich, tight end/defensive end Jared Butts, and the team’s best lineman Bradlee Smith.
The Trojans return just 4 starters on both offense and defense and there is only 1 Senior on the roster. That roster is small with only 23 varsity players led by a
Gaylesville quarterback/defensive end Bryson Thompson, linebacker/ fullback Timmy Dawson, running back/ linebacker Jackson Sentell, and Head Coach Brian Knapp.
relatively large Junior class of 10. The biggest question mark is replacing Alex Baty, perhaps the most prolific rusher in Gaylesville history. Baty was by far the workhorse in the Trojan backfield and replicating those lost yards in Coach Brian Knapp’s run oriented offense that rarely throws the ball will be the biggest challenge for this 2025 squad.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 3A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Bayley Blanchard
2024 RECORD: 2-8
Stadium: Wilson-Darnell Field
Colors: Black & Gold
Glencoe took a step back in 2024 as the Yellow Jackets only won two games, the highlight being a thrilling 32-28 come from behind Region 6 road win at Saks.
The heaviest losses for the Jackets were up front. Glencoe lost a number of linemen including Joe Coleman, Preston Reeves, J.T. Hancock, Carter Cook, Aiden Jaynes, and Baylor Dunn. The Yellow Jackets also lost production at running back with the graduation of Aaron Mann and Jake Boggs.
While there were personnel losses in the trenches, there is good talent at the skill positions. Jaylen Hunter is a
good quarterback and will also see time in the secondary on defense. The receivers could be very good with 6’2 Bryce Borntrager, Isaiah Young, and Alex Hudson, who will also see time at running back. Bronner McMurray will be a prominent player at running back also. Parker Gulledge and Aiden Johnson are names to watch in the secondary. Other defensive leaders include middle linebacker Cooper Gomez, end Kevin Rodriquez, and massive 6’3, 300 Sophomore noseguard Jonah St. John.
Glencoe welcomes their 6th Head Coach in the last decade as assistant Bayley Blanchard steps up from an assistant role. The former Piedmont star says to expect the Yellow
Glencoe Head Coach Bayley Blanchard, receiver/safety Aiden Johnson, linebacker/tight end Cooper Gomez, and offensive/ defensive lineman Kevin Rodriquez
Jacket defense to be multiple in schemes and for the offense to spread things out and to try to get the ball to backs in space. With a good quarterback and receivers, Glencoe looked impressive in 7 on 7 events this Summer.
Glencoe returns 4-5 starters on offense and 4 on defense. There are 11 Seniors on a roster of 54 players, so the numbers are good. The Yellow Jackets have not posted a winning record in a decade with the last winning season coming in 2015. In fact, in those 9 years Glencoe has not won over 3 games in any season. Coach Blanchard states that the team motto for 2025 is simply “Believe” in what is expected to be a wide open race in the 9 team Class 3A, Region 6.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 4A, Region 3
HEAD COACH:
Chris White
2024 RECORD: 7-4
Stadium: Wright Field
Colors: Cardinal & White
The Handley Tigers finished the 2024 season with a 7-4 record and a third-place finish in Class 4A, Region 3. Handley ended the season in a shootout with St. Michael’s and one of the state’s top quarterbacks in Gunner Rivers 63-40 in round one of the AHSAA playoffs.
The top loss for the Tigers is Daquavian SlaughterOther losses of note are linemen Caleb Whiddon and Ashton Lane, as well as Brody Estes-Shirah. The greatest loss of all is Head Coach Larry Strain, who retired after spending 26 seasons as a head football coach. He won 84 games in 10 years at Handley and led the Tigers to two state championships.
Cordan Patterson returns to lead the Tigers’ offense at quarterback for his senior
season. Jamarcus Daniel, Tavien Houston, and Makavian Allen are other players who are expected to play at high levels this season. Alex Busbin will see a greater role in calling plays for the Tigers' defense this year, while Cole Davis, Brody Bailey, and Hayden Hare will anchor Handley’s offensive line. Elijah Stegall will be the “young” name to watch this season as the speed he is known for will give Handley another weapon.
Handley will begin the season with new leadership as Chris White takes over for legendary Head Coach Larry Strain, who has retired after a stellar career as a head coach in football and girls' basketball. White returns to the head coaching role for the first time since 2018, when he left White Plains to become the Head Softball Coach at Handley and to serve as an assistant under Strain.
Handley defensive end Chris Sutton, quarterback Cordon Patterson, tight end Reid Giardina, Head Coach Chris White, tailback/wide receiver/defensive back Jamarius Daniel, and safety Alex Busbin
White feels that he learned many things about coaching from Strain, who he calls one of the greatest to ever coach in Alabama, and hopes he can keep Strain’s legacy going.
“There is so much that I learned from him, just not even asking him, just watching him do what he did, I hope I can do a third of what he did,” White said. “To be honest with you, it's a tough task to come in and follow him, because people are going to expect (great things). Hopefully we can provide that.”
Despite having new leadership, the Tigers’ goal remains the same- to win the region championship. The task will be tall this season as Handley will have to visit two of the region’s top teams, Booker T. Washington and region champion Tallassee.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 4A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Mike Robertson
2024 RECORD: 8-3
Stadium: Mike Robertson Stadium
Colors: Green & White
The Bluff’s move back up to Class 4A brought a winning season and a state playoff berth for the Eagles. Hokes Bluff won their first five games, dropped two back to back Region 6 games to Alexandria and Cherokee County, then won the last three before a first round playoff loss at home to Madison Academy.
Hokes Bluff lost 12 seniors off of last year’s 4A playoff team, including offensive lineman Daylon Reaves, DE/TE Colton Shields, and RB/DB Anderson Morgan, FB/LB Connor Ford, DB/WR Logan Wiemann, and DL/OL Clayton Helms.
Conner Wellingham (6’6, 315) is an impressive physical specimen on the offensive/defensive line. Returning quarterback Bryce Whitaker will be on of the top signal callers in East Alabama regardless of class. Drew McCarver is a big play specialist on both sides of the ball at receiver and safety. The Eagle offensive and defensive lines will be anchored by Caden, Aiden, and Brayden Howard. They are believed to be the first set of triplets in Hokes Bluff football history. Other names to watch include linebacker Brayden Davis, defensive back Blake Green and newcomer tailback Brenton Hale.
Hokes Bluff quarterback Bryce Whittaker, offensive/defensive linemen Caden Howard and Aiden Howard, wide receiver/safety Drew McCarver, offensive/defensive lineman Conner Wellingham, linebacker Brayden Davis, defensive end/tight end Brayden Howard, and Head Coach Mike Robertson.
Head Coach Mike Robertson returns for his 30th year as the boss of the Hokes Bluff program. He is only the 3rd Head Coach of the Eagles in the last 55 years. That consistency is a trademark of the Hokes Bluff program. Robertson strives each year for the same numbers overall and class by class. This season is no different as the program has 61 players on the roster and 15 seniors. There are holes to fill as the Eagles only return 3 starters on offense and 5 on defense. Coach Robertson expects the competition to be stiff in Class 4A, Region 6 again as he expects every team to be improved. With Whitaker and McCarver serving as a nucleus, expect Hokes Bluff to be in playoff contention again.
CLASS, REGION:
AISA Class AA, Region 1
HEAD COACH:
Chris Stone
2024 RECORD: 0-0
Stadium: Big Jack Stovall Park
Colors: Purple and Gold/Stadium
Hope Christian had initially planned to have an 8 man team in the AISA last season, but lack of numbers forced the school to push back to this season
Some of the expected key players to watch for in the Saints’ inaugural season include running back/safety/ receiver Nick Morrow, receiver/cornerback Cayden Slick, linebacker/tight end Carson Campbell, offensive/defensive linemen Caden Marturello and Terrence Young, Freshmen receivers Lawson Burns and Easton Strickland, and quarterback Kainen Bozeman.
History will be made this season as Calhoun County’s and East Alabama’s newest football team launches their first team. Head Coach Chris Stone only has 3 Seniors, but the 26 players is an impressive number for a small private school. The Saints will play their home games at Big Jack Stovall Park off Airport Road in Oxford. Hope will jump right into 11 man football in Class AA of the Alabama Independent School Association, comprised of private schools primarily in the southern half of Alabama.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 5A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Jeremy Sullivan
2024 RECORD: 6-5
Stadium: Golden Eagle Stadium
Colors: Blue & Gold
After years of success in Class 4A, Jacksonville made the jump to 5A and into one of the toughest regions in Alabama. The Golden Eagles would go 2-0 in August, 0-4 in September, and win 4 straight to close out the regular season. JHS earned a spot in the playoffs for the 12th straight season. The 2024 season drew to a close with a loss at Scottsboro in the first round of the 5A playoffs, finishing the season at 6-5.
The winds of change blew in the Calhoun County coaching circles during the off-season. Clint Smith resigned at JHS to take over at White Plains. Jeremy Sullivan has taken over at Jacksonville after spending 8 years at Boaz. Running back Xavier English graduated in May after a great career as a Golden Eagle. The offensive front was also hit hard by graduation.
Offensively, there will be several new faces when the Golden Eagles take the field. Kamouri Harmon has stood out during the off-season and has earned the starting quarterback spot. Running back Quay McNeal will join Harmon in the backfield. Malik Coleman has playmaking ability at receiver. The offensive line will rely on returning center Ben Pridgen and Derrick Hayes.
Linebacker Bryce Allen returns to the defense after being named as an All-state performer a year ago. He’ll be joined by Jack Dingler and Jackson Patterson “in the box”. The secondary appears strong for the Golden Eagles. Senior Zavier Moore has been a strong leader throughout the summer at defensive back. McNeal was named All-state as a sophomore in 2024. JHS fans will also notice sophomore Carson Jenkins who has the potential to
be a special player over the next few seasons.
Coach Sullivan is a former All-American at Jacksonville State and knows about tough competition. Heading into his initial season at Jacksonville, the veteran coach knows the challenges of Class 5A, Region 6. “This has to be one of the toughest regions in the state. Moody played for the state title last year and will be loaded again. We saw St. Clair County this summer in a 7-on-7. They will be much-improved. Leeds has a great coach in Jerry Hood and they are good every year. From top to bottom, this region is so tough. We have to focus on executing this new offensive system. We only have a couple of starters back so it’s basically new for everybody,” said Sullivan. ”I’m excited to take on this challenge and just happy to be at Jacksonville.”
CLASS, REGION:
Christian Football Association (8 man)
HEAD COACH:
Tommy Miller
2024 RECORD: 9-2
Stadium: Tommy Miller Field
Colors: Red, Black & White
JCA lost two games in 2024, but both losses came outside of the Christian Football Association. In the CFA, Jax Christian did not lose a game. In the first round of the playoffs the Thunders defeated Cornerstone of Rainsville 58-26 and then won the state championship 3627 against Russell Christian of Meridian, Mississippi in the CFA Championship Game in Tuscaloosa. The Championship was the first for Jacksonville Christian since joining the league.
The Thunder did have some key losses off the championship team. WR Jesse Ganaway,
DE Moses Averette, DE Nick Brodeur, and LB Caleb Stallings are some of the players lost to graduation.
Thunder quarterback Noah Lee is the top quarterback prospect in East Alabama and has already committed to Jacksonville State. He will have some familiar teammates to toss the ball to in receivers Ethan Compton, Bryson Dowdy, and Skylar Crowder. Other names to watch for JCA in 2025 include receiver/ linebacker Dawson Wilkerson, running back/defensive lineman Brodie Wilkerson, tailback and defensive end Jack Henry Harrellson, and lineman Preston Strawder.
The Thunder return half of their starters-four-in 8 man football. JCA only has 2 starters returning on the defensive side. There are 21 players on the roster, which is an increase from last year and an average number for Jax Christian through the years. With a Division 1 quarterback returning and returning receivers, look for JCA to make another run at a state title in October.
Jacksonville Christian Head Coach Tommy Miller is the dean of coaches in Calhoun County, and is tied with Central-Clay County’s Danny Horn with the most years as a head coach in East Alabama with 37 years at JCA and Pleasant Valley.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 5A, Region 6
HEAD COACH: Bret Henderson
2024 RECORD: 0-10
Stadium: Keith Howard Memorial Stadium
Colors: Black & Old Gold
The Lincoln Golden Bears suffered a winless season in 2024, losing each game by an average of 49-9. Lincoln finished seventh in 5A, Region 6, three games behind sixthplace finisher Springville. The Bears’ 10-game skid in 2024 extended their losing streak to 14 games, which dates back to Oct. 6, 2023 when they defeated Munford 29-17.
Lincoln graduated 12 seniors last season, including Shawn Jones, Noah Shedrone, Devin Clegg, and Aaron Truss.
Braelon Stricklin, Jamichael Ellis, and Chance Cole will be players to watch in 2025. All three are multi-sport athletes and are ready to change the culture surrounding Lincoln football this fall.
Bret Henderson takes over as the head coach of the Golden Bears’ program, taking over for Matt Zedaker after an eightyear tenure. Henderson steps into his new role after playing a major role in Cherokee County’s recent dominance in Class 4A by serving as the Warriors’ defensive coordinator during their streak of three-straight state title appearances.
Henderson is navigating the waters of being a head coach, such as booster club meetings and installing new systems. However, he is quickly establishing the fundamentals that made his time in Cherokee County special. Out of every new implementation, he says that the weight room was the first venture to be overhauled.
“The biggest thing is “weight room.” The weight room is huge., It is one thing I took from (Cherokee County Head Coach) Jacob Kelly, something that I brought in and implemented instantly, and we are seeing some big changes in a short period of time,” Henderson said.
Outside of the weight room, Henderson has built a deep roster with 82 players who are aiming to play for each other and to redefine what it means to play as a “family.”
The Golden Bears will look to navigate through a challenging 5A, Region 6 that features Moody, Leeds, Center Point, and Jacksonville, all teams that have made deep playoff runs in recent memory.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 4A, Region 3
HEAD COACH: Michael Easley
2024 RECORD: 2-8
Stadium: Munford Stadium
Colors: Red, White & Gray
After a season-opening 30-3 win over arch-rival Lincoln, Munford faced a rigorous schedule. The Lions met several very athletic opponents in Class 4A, Region 3 and found some extremely athletic competition. Munford also battled numerous injuries and finished the season with a 2-8 record.
Head Coach Michael Easley will look for a new starting running back for the first time since the 2021 season. Amari “Tank” Edmondson has held down that spot for the past three seasons and leaves as one of the top backs in Munford history. Edmondson led the team in rushing in each of the past two seasons. K.D. McCoy was just behind in total yardage and will be tough to replace as well.
Easley says that it will be a “running back by committee” to open the 2025 campaign. Junior running back Javier Curry has worked on his speed during the off-season and expects to be a major contributor. Sophomore Livarus Embry is also expected to get his share of carries. Junior quarterback Braden Nichols replaced an injured B.J. Anderson in mid-season last fall. Both players return to the offense with a more confident Nichols handling the QB duties, while Anderson transitions to receiver. Right Tackle Keydeen Mosley enters his 4th season as a starter on the offensive line.
Graduation took away the entire secondary and linebacker units. Senior Lake Walters will step into the spot at middle linebacker.
Defensive back Fabian Parker has performed well in 7-on-7s this summer and is expected to lead the secondary throughout the season. Senior Jacob Borden should be a force on the defensive line and defensive end Kalvin Castleberry brings plenty of natural, athletic ability.
Entering his 7th season at Munford, Easley knows that his team must stay healthy this fall. “We had to start 11 different guys on the offensive line last year. Because of being banged up, we had a hard time getting any rhythm or continuity. We have to stay away from those key injuries this season,” said Easley. The Lions will travel to Lincoln to open the season before beginning region play.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 3A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Blake Jennings
2024 RECORD: 6-5
Stadium: Roy C. Owens Field
Colors: Red & White
Ohatchee opened the 2024 season with an incredible 76-71 shootout win over New Hope that drew national attention. The Indians would then drop 3 of the next 4 before a late season surge. The season drew to a close with a playoff loss to Fyffe to finish the year with a 6-5 record.
The Ohatchee football program said goodbye to 17 seniors in the spring that had played a lot of football on The Creekbank. 6’6” Quarterback Jake Roberson has moved on to Huntingdon where he’ll suit up for the Hawks this fall. His primary target, Colby Hester, also graduated after a solid senior season. All-state selection Nate Jones will be missed on both sides of the
ball. Linemen Oliver Abernathy and Sam Jones have also moved on after great careers in the Ohatchee program.
Running back Gus Hunter is about as subtle as a sledgehammer when talking about the Ohatchee offense. “Ohatchee is known for toughness. We are a hardnosed, smashmouth team. That’s what we’re going to bring and I love it,” said Hunter. Indian fans can expect to see plenty of the Ugly Eagle offense with Jayden Siegler, Brayden Bennett, and Phoenix Tuiolosega getting their fair share of opportunities to make plays. Junior Braxton Davis, at 6’0, 275 lbs., looks primed for a great season and will join Quin Nunnelly to lead the Ohatchee offensive front.
Ohatchee running back/linebacker Gus Hunter, Head Coach Blake Jennings, and offensive/defensive lineman Braxton Davis
Defensively, Hunter and senior Ethan Jones will lead the linebackers while Parker Crump creates havoc on the defensive line. Tuiolosega will be counted on to “quarterback” the secondary from his safety position.
Following Chris Findley’s departure to Texas in the offseason, a familiar face returns to Ohatchee. Blake Jennings returns to the Indians’ sidelines after spending 12 seasons at OHS as an assistant and a two-year stint at White Plains. According to Jennings, it has been a seamless transition. “It’s like I never left. The first day back in the weight room, it was like coming home. I know these kids. They are tough. They show up every day. When they show up, they are ready to work.,” said Jennings.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 6A, Region 6
HEAD COACH: Sam Adams
2024 RECORD: 13-1
Stadium: Lamar Field
Colors: Black & Old Gold
Oxford enjoyed its most successful fall since the 2019 State Championship run. The Yellow Jackets rolled to a perfect regular season and just fell short to eventual State Champion Parker in the Class 6A semifinals, finishing with a 13-1 mark.
Coach Sam Adams will look to replace one of the top quarterbacks ever to play at OHS. He’s now vying for playing time at Louisville. Graduation also ended the Lamar Field appearances of running back D.K. Wilson and receiver Nick Richardson. Defensive Back Cedric Twyman is also headed to the next level, playing at ClarkAtlanta.
Oxford still has plenty of firepower on the offensive side
of the ball. Running back Caleb Wynn is a physical, downhill runner with the speed to take it the distance. Marshall-commit Jaylin “J.T.” Taylor is one of the most talented receivers in the state and brings explosiveness and the physicality to haul in the tough catches. Slot receiver Andre’ Ford is primed to have a breakout season.
6’5” 295-pound junior Bryson Sanderson is a road grader at tackle and is one of the most highly recruited linemen in the Class of 2027. The focus of the offense will be on Maddox Mims, who will lead the Oxford offense in his sophomore season.
The Yellow Jackets have a tradition of great linebackers and Keenan Britt just adds to that list. Playing the edge position last season, Britt posted 121 tackles and will make the move inside in 2025. The South
Carolina commit is one of 6 defensive starters to return this season. Outside linebacker Jiyez Fleming returns after being an All-county selection last season. Defensive lineman Josh Stack will be counted on heavily this fall. Safety Kamari English is only a sophomore but could be a household name in recruiting over the next few seasons.
With a solid group of returning talent, Coach Sam Adams knows his 5th season at Oxford could be really special. He also knows that there are some areas that must come together. “We need some of our inexperienced starters to step up and play like veterans. We also have some guys that may not be starters but can take that next step to give us some depth in certain areas,” said Adams.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 6A, Region 6
HEAD COACH: Nick Gentry
2024 RECORD: 5-6
Stadium: Pete Rich-Alumni Stadium
Colors: Black & Gold
Faced with taking the field with their 4th head coach in 4 years, Pell City overcame adversity to earn a spot in the Class 6A playoffs. Improving throughout the season, the Panthers lost a heartbreaker to Fort Payne in round one of the post-season to finish 5-6.
: The Panthers’ passing attack took a hit at graduation. Receiver John David Propst was a reliable playmaker. JeMareo Clegg provided PC with an elusive athlete who could take it the distance. Offensive tackle Malik Watts has taken his talents to Chattanooga. Defensively, J.J. Johnson has left a void in the secondary.
Entering his 2nd season as a Head Coach, Nick Gentry is
excited about this team. “This group of receivers is as deep and talented as I’ve been around.,” said Gentry. WR Mason Dates has pushed his way to the top after a dynamic off-season. Logan Raines is a newcomer that is loaded with potential. 6’3” J.J. Hamby and tight end Jarrett Doran have also shown improvement this summer. Quarterback Brody Gossett took over the offense in mid-season last fall. Kemari Love and Isaiah Smith will carry the load in the running game. The offensive line is young but extremely talented and is expected to get better with more game experience.
Gentry is counting on a salty defense in 2024. End Jordan Woods, a Jax State commit, is an imposing defender at 6’5” 235 lbs. Jordan Perry, Colston McCombs, and Parker Davis
are all expected to have a great 2025 season. D.J. Verges will control the middle from his linebacker spot and has a very bright future. The Pell City secondary is full of talented athletes including T.J. Sanders, Ethan Isbell, Dion Williams, Tristun Anderson and Blake Ezelle.
Coach Gentry feels that Region 6 is one of the most balanced in Class 6A. “Oxford won the region last year and is obviously our biggest rival. That game means a lot to our fans,” said Gentry. Clay-Chalkville and Mountain Brook have plenty of tradition and are always tough. Coach Gentry is ready for the challenge, “We made the playoffs last year for the first time since 2019. If we stay healthy, I really expect us to make a run deep in the post-season.”
CLASS, REGION:
Class 3A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Jonathan Miller
2024 RECORD: 13-1
Stadium: Field of Champions
Colors: Blue & Gold
The magic was back at the Field of Champions in Piedmont last fall. The Bulldogs stormed through the competition and into the Class 3A semi-finals before falling to eventual state champion Mars Hill Bible.
6’3” Playmaker Ish Bethel finished his Bulldog career with back-to-back All-state seasons. Quarterback Cole Wilson was also an All-state performer in his second season leading the offense. Linemen Kale Austin and Noah Farmer will leave some big shoes to fill in the trenches.
Offensively, quarterback Cole Austin will take over the offense and has turned heads during the off-season. Austin will have the luxury of state recordholder Rollie Pinto to lead the
aerial attack. Pinto, a Jax State commit, finished last season with 1,826 receiving yards in earning All-state honors. Several running backs will get the early opportunity to earn the starting nod. Center Braylen Williams and fellow lineman Kane Stanford will lead the way upfront.
Defensively, the linebacking corps should lead a salty Piedmont defense. Junior Bentley Chandler returns to the defense after an All-state season as a sophomore. Active defender Chase Kirkpatrick will also hold down one of the linebacker spots. Big things are also expected from Safety Ben Dempsey and defensive back Aliandre Wright as they lead the secondary.
Heading into his 3rd season at Piedmont, Jonathan Miller
Piedmont offensive/defensive lineman Braylen Williams, Head Coach Jonathan Miller, and wide receiver Rollie Pinto
says that the keys to the season are not just “coach speak” but big for the Bulldogs, “We really have to find ways to be efficient and effective in our run game. I expect us to have a “running back by committee” but we have to run the football. On the flipside, stopping the run is so important,” said Miller. Piedmont will compete in one of the state’s few 9-team regions in Class 3A, Region 6. “I expect our region to be super-competitive again from top to bottom. There are a lot of teams with a shot to win this region and we know that we have to be ready for a fight every week,” Miller said. The Bulldogs will open the season with one of the state's marquee matchups on August 22. The Field of Champions will be packed as defending Class 3A runners-up Cherokee County will make the trip to Piedmont.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 2A, Region 7
HEAD COACH: Jonathan Nix
2024 RECORD: 8-3
Stadium: Raider Stadium
Colors: Red, White & Blue
The Raiders enjoyed a historic run in 2024 in posting an 8-3 record. The 8 wins are the most victories in a season for PVHS. Also, for the first time in school history, Pleasant Valley played host to a playoff game.
The Raiders return 9 starters on both sides of the football. Noah Johnson will definitely be missed at linebacker. The offense also took a hit with the graduation of All-county performer Hunter Sparks.
Braxton Salster will return to lead the offense after a hand injury limited his play at quarterback a year ago. At 6’4”, the senior has generated plenty of interest from college programs this off-season.
In fact, Salster is the first PV player to ever receive a Division 1 offer (Murray State). The line will get a big boost with the return of 6’1” 270 Wesley Wheeler after an injury sidelined him in 2024. He’ll be joined in the trenches by Andre Luster. Athlete Jaden Sparks was named 1st team All-state last fall and is a key playmaker for the Raiders.
An experienced defense will take the field for Coach Jonathan Nix this season. Senior Brayden Pappa is a tackling machine and will join Salster and Sparks to form an extremely talented linebacking group. The defensive line has depth as 6-7 players are fighting it out for 4 spots. Nic Acker provides the leadership in the secondary.
Pleasant Valley quarterback/linebacker Braxton Salster, Head Coach Jonathan Nix, and running back/linebacker Jaden Sparks
Expectations are high once again for the Raiders as the 2025 season rolls in. West End will come to town on August 22 for the season opener. The Class 2A, Region 7 race will be full of talent. One must-see showdown in the region will be September 12 as Pleasant Valley travels to Pisgah. “This is a very competitive region. All of the teams are good and will get after you. Every game is key. After last year, we’ll be on every team’s radar and we have to be ready for that. Ball security and finishing in the 4th quarter are big keys to our season,” said Nix.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 1A, Region 8
HEAD COACH:
Wes Tidwell
2024 RECORD: 5-6
Stadium: Joan Ford Stadium
Colors: Purple & Old Gold
After opening the season 0-3, Ragland turned the page and won 5 of the next 7 to earn a spot in the playoffs. The Purple Devils dropped a road matchup to a talented Winterboro squad to finish the year at 5-6.
Ragland will be without 5 seniors from 2024 and all will be missed. Big shoes will need to be filled as H-back Tacorian Soles is now playing at Greenville College. Receiver Ethan Everett is now a Faulkner Eagle after a stellar career as a Purple Devil.
A’Ron Lee will head into his 3rd season as a dynamic running back. Posting back-toback seasons with over 1,000 yards, Lee will be counted on
to lead the Ragland offense. Trey Bothwell will also get plenty of opportunities in the running game. Hunter Nolan will be handling the quarterback duties. Head Coach Wes Tidwell is counting on the offensive line to lead the way. Chris Alexander, Shaun Hawkins, and Riley Sears will join center Jackson Robinson in the trenches.
Defensively, the linebacker room is tough and athletic. Hawkins and Chris Alexander will be handling the inside. The athletic Trey Bothwell will get the start at outside linebacker. Donte’ Smith and Cole Phillips are expected to lead the secondary.
With only 28 on the Ragland roster, Coach Tidwell says that
Ragland linebacker/offensive lineman
Shawn Hawkins, Head Coach Wes Tidwell, and tailback/defensive back
A’ron Lee
staying healthy will be a major factor in the Purple Devils’ 2024 success, but he emphasized much more this summer. “We have to play clean football. That means that we need to limit our mistakes. We can’t get pre-snap penalties that get us behind the chains. We can’t be sloppy with the football and we need to cut down our turnovers,” said Tidwell. As for the region, Tidwell sees a much improved group on the schedule. “Spring Garden is always physical and we expect them to be that way again. Valley Head is a very solid program, and Appalachian was good last year and they have a lot of talent back. We have some good kids that will not back down and I’m excited to go to battle with them,” Tidwell concluded.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 2A, Region 4
HEAD COACH:
Stephen Bailey
2024 RECORD: 3-7
Stadium: Harlan Robinson Field
Colors: Purple & Gray
Ranburne’s first trip through Class 2A, Region 4 was a tough journey. After jumping out to a 2-1 record to open the season, the Bulldogs dropped six of the last seven to finish at 3-7.
The offensive line lost a couple of leaders in the trenches to graduation. Zayden Benefield and Aiden Hanson will be missed upfront. The team’s leading rusher, Kalon Smith, also graduated in the spring. Defensively, linebacker Curtis Daniel has left some tough shoes to fill.
Heading into his 10th season at RHS, Head Coach Stephen Bailey will look to a mixture of new faces and players in new places to start the 2025 campaign. Last season’s
quarterback Creed Young will be looking to use his versatility as he transitions to more of a running back/h-back position. Young will provide a receiving target for new quarterback Cason Jones. Aiden Whitman will get a bulk of the carries from the running back spot and have center Levi Cole paving the way for the rushing attack.
Defensively, a pair of young linebackers will lead the Bulldogs to more stops this fall. Sophomores Jake Yearwood and Sawyer Freed are hard-nosed defenders and love contact. “We’ve got to get off the field on 4th down. That was our nemesis last year. We would get teams in 3rd and long and then allow the big play. We have to find a way to make that play and get the ball back,” said Bailey.
Ranburne will open up the season with arch-rival Woodland in one of the state’s oldest series. The Bulldogs and Bobcats first met in 1931 with Ranburne holding a 5034-1 edge. Then, it’s back into the Class 2A, Region 4 race where Coach Bailey knows that his team will be challenged every week. “You have to start with Reeltown, who won it all last year. They have their quarterback and running back again. Every team has tons of speed. Loachapoka is loaded with talent and has a bunch of guys returning from last year. Lanett and Lafayette have the speed to run past you. Horseshoe Bend returns a lot of guys and they’ll be really good,” said Bailey. “We have to bring our best every Friday night. I like our guys and I know that they’ll compete every week.”
CLASS, REGION:
Class 3A, Region 4
HEAD COACH:
Pat Prestridge
2024 RECORD: 7-4
Stadium: Hulond Humphries Stadium
Colors: Navy, White & Old Gold
Randolph County logged seven wins last season, marking the 10th time in 11 years that the Tigers have won at least seven games. Randolph County also finished second in 3A, Region 4, finishing behind AHSAA newcomer Glenwood and ahead of Beulah and Dadeville. Pat Prestridge’s squad won its first five games before running into the buzzsaw that is the Glenwood Gators, who took down Randolph County, 68-40 on the road. The Tigers then fell victim to an upset at the hands of BB Comer, who stunned RCHS 36-34 one week later. Randolph County concluded the season with a road loss at Hokes Bluff and a playoff defeat at home against Trinity Presbyterian.
Randolph County will be without several star players such as Gavin Wortham, Amari Molden,
Randolph County offensive/defensive linemen Zacharia Burney, Tristan Chappell, and Liquarious McCLendon
Devon Fuller, Tae Gipson, and Trent Waters this season due to graduation.
First team all-state running back Mo Winston headlines RCHS’ key returning players. Offensive line coach Matt Fendley spoke on the shiftiness of Winston and how his unit adjusts to his speed.
“Mo (Winston) makes it easy for an offensive lineman. You don’t have to make the hole quite as big and you don’t have to move quite as much. We are fortunate to have pretty good-sized guys. You blind the linebacker’s vision for a second or two, Mo is gone.”
Tristen Chappell, Matthew White, Ryder Pinson, Kollin Black, and Brayden Terrell are also key players to watch this season for the Randolph County Tigers. Rhett Huddleston returns as the Tigers’ quarterback.
Randolph County will aim to take down Glenwood this season to claim the 3A, Region 4 championship. The Gators will be the top team in the Tigers' pursuit of another region title, but RCHS needs to keep an eye on Beulah, Dadeville, and Lee-Scott, who have the same goal as the Tigers of knocking Glenwood off the top spot.
Randolph County will face Glenwood, as well as fellow playoff participant Dadeville, at home this season. Fendley feels that playing the Gators at home will aid the “grinding” season the Tigers will face.
“We got the tough ones at home,” Fendley said of the Tigers’ region schedule. “We’ve got to do the little stuff right, be disciplined, and if we keep games close, we might have some things happen for us down late in the season.”
CLASS, REGION:
Class 3A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Shannon Felder
2024 RECORD: 2-8
2024 REWIND
The 2024 football season was a tough one for Saks. The Wildcats finished the year at 2-8.
Graduation took its toll on the Saks defense. The defensive front was hit especially hard with the losses of All-County D-linemen Justin Cosper and Joseph Buggs. Defensive back Lajuan Curry will also be hard to replace.
Heading into his 1st season at Saks, Head Coach Shannon Felder will turn his offense over to senior quarterback D.J. Allen. Lineman Quay Judkins was an All-County selection a year ago and looks to have an even better senior season. Judkins and fellow linemen Daniel Childs will look
to lead the way for Allen and Jakhari Monroe to light up the scoreboard for the Wildcats.
With only 18 Wildcats on the roster, most of the players will be getting snaps on both sides of the football. Defensively, at 5’8” 245 lbs. Judkins has the ability to be a force from his noseguard position. Only a freshman, defensive end D.J. Tuck was an All-County performer as an 8th grader and has been impressive throughout the off-season. Big things are expected from Jayden Culpepper, who will be patrolling the secondary from his safety spot.
Felder says that staying healthy throughout the season is more important than ever for the Wildcats. Creating depth on both sides will be a key
heading into Class 3A, Region 6 play. “I’ve been in coaching for 31 years and this has to be the toughest region I’ve been in. The top 4 coming out of our region can play with anybody across the state. The level of competition is strong from top to bottom and you better bring your “A game” every Friday or you’re in trouble,” said Felder. The Wildcats will play host to Horseshoe Bend on August 22 to usher in the Shannon Felder era at Saks.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 2A, Region 7
HEAD COACH:
Tanner Nelson
2024 RECORD: 5-6
Stadium: Russell Jacoway Stadium
Colors: Maroon & White
Sand Rock returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2021 after finishing the season at 5-5. The Wildcats were third in Class 2A, Region 7 and advanced to the first round of the 2A playoffs before falling at Vincent 49-0.
The Wildcats lost 5-6 players on offense and 3-4 on defense. Some of the players lost to graduation include LB/FB Cain Robinson, LB/OT Caiden Bullard, HB/LB/Punter Gatlin Cox, and DE/OT Seth Holland.
Sand Rock returns experienced quarterback Alec Ashley, who will be a key part of this ’25 Sand Rock team. There will be a battle at running back between Nick Clanton and Landon Chadwick. Alex Stone and Lathan Amos will be the main targets for Ashley in the receiving corps. The best offensive lineman will be Morgan Tucker (6’1, 220) who will also start on the defensive line. Two other key linemen will be Grayson Lane and Bradley Stone.
After 5 seasons as head coach, Alan Heath resigned in the off season and Sand Rock turned to Tanner Nelson to be the next leader of the Rock program. Nelson has only a year’s experience as a head coach, but what a year it was. Nelson led Class 3A Sylvania to a 9-3 record and runner-up spot in the stacked 3A, Region 8. Coach Nelson will have 6-7 starters back on offense and 7-8 returnees on defense. There are only 7 Seniors on the squad, but 38 players on the roster. Look for the Wildcats to be right in the thick of things again in the Class 2A, Region 7 race.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 6A, Region 8
HEAD COACH:
Miles Holcomb
2024 RECORD: 6-5
Stadium: Barney Hood Stadium
Colors: Black & Cardinal
Southside made the jump from Class 5A to 6A last season. After starting the season 1-3, the Panthers won 5 of the next 6 before falling to powerful Mountain Brook in the opening round of the playoffs.
The 2024 offensive line may have been one of the biggest and most talented in school history. Four of those linemen have graduated including 6’5” 305 lb tackle Jamin Brown, who is expected to see playing time this fall for Duke. Linemen Cole Garrett, Grant Golden, and Reese Thomason also graduated in the spring. Do-it-all athlete Jordan Bryan has also wrapped up a great Panther career. Defensively, the losses of end McCade Wright, LB Brayden Bowers, and DB Silas Osborne will be missed this FALL.
Once again, it all starts with the
Southside offensive line. Rance Brown, Jamin’s “little” brother, leads the way upfront. At 6’8” 290 lbs., the junior already holds offers from the likes of Kentucky, Duke, Tulane and Southern Miss. Brown will be joined on the O-line by center Reese Daugherty and Collin Futrell, who’ll transition from fullback to guard. Look for Noah Miller, Kamden Simmons, and Wesley Carroll to anchor a strong offensive front. Freshman Quarterback Christian Morris has been impressive throughout the off-season. Morris will be joined in the backfield by Jamelle Boyd, Miles Rickles, and Mayson Gray, who will compete for carries this season. Panther fans can also expect TE Cooper Hood, and receivers Josh Peoples and Hunter McNair to be major contributors for the offense.
Defensively, big things are expected from Cameron Flowers, who is heading into his 4th season as a starter at defensive end. Cain Russell has had a great
Southside tight end Cooper Hood, defensive end/outside linebacker Cameron Flowers, Head Coach Miles Holcomb, linebacker Connor Strunk, and athlete Josh Peoples
off-season at the opposite end spot. The Panther defense is a great combination of experience as Cole Johnson, Barrett Lindsey, and Colby Dodd return to the starting line-up. Holcomb is also excited about the development of Luke Olson, Braden Brown, and Connor Strunk. Adrianna Alberghina will create havoc from the Star position. Case Clough and Mattox Gray should be playmakers in the secondary.
Southside will look to avenge last season’s loss to Guntersville as they travel to the Wildcats on August 22nd. One historic date comes October 17th as Gadsden City makes their first trip to Southside for a much-anticipated showdown. “Once again, we have a tough schedule and need to play well every Friday. I think if we can be physical against the run and handle both sides of the line of scrimmage, we can have an exciting year,” Holcomb said.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 1A, Region 8
HEAD COACH: Barrett Ragsdale
2024 RECORD: 11-1
Stadium: Panther Stadium
Colors: Maroon & Gold
More football history was made at Spring Garden in 2024 as the Panthers posted the first on the field 10-0 record in school history. The Panthers captured the Class 1A, Region 8 title and ended the regular season ranked #3 in the ASWA poll. The Panthers suffered an upset 6-0 loss to Berry in the second round of the playoffs to finish 11-1.
The loss of talent and experience was heavy in The Garden. SG lost 12 Seniors to graduation including such stars as RB/DB Connor Bates, QB Noah Barber, OL/DL Hayes Garmon, DL Grey Simpson, OL Mason Woods, OL/DL Jacob Welsh, WR/DB John Welsh, OL/ DL Tanner Ruark, and WR/DB Johnny Baker.
Spring Garden defensive back/kicker
Joel Hunter, nose guard Colton Driskell, wide receiver/defensive back Bowden Boles, linebacker/fullback Zane Edwards, linebacker/running back Clayton Sadler, and Assistant Coach Draevan Bowman
Spring Garden will build the 2025 team around returnees Clayton Sadler at running back, running back/receiver/utility player Zane Edwards, and 3 year starting defensive linemen Colton Driskell. Junior Zack Scogin will anchor the offensive line. Brady Ruark will take over at quarterback and defensive lineman Bryant Williams earned a lot of playing time in 2024. Other players to watch include receiver/defensive back Bowden Boles and defensive back/kicker Joel Hunter.
The Panthers return just 3 starters on offense and 4 on defense. Thee are 35 players on the roster, including 8 seniors. Head Coach Barrett Ragsdale is unfazed by the loss of talent from last year. He states that there will be a lot of new names, but that nothing has changed as far as standards and expectations at Spring Garden. “Our players have heard the negative talk, but they have busted their tails in the weight room. This is a team with a chip on their shoulder and they want to prove people wrong this season,” says Ragsdale.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 4A, Region 3
HEAD COACH:
Damien Dorsey
2024 RECORD: 2-8
Stadium: Mary Dumas Stadium
Colors: Red & White
Talladega took a giant step forward in 2024 under firstyear Head Coach Damien Dorsey. The Tigers, who went 0-20 over the 2022 and 2023 seasons, snapped a 26-game losing streak on Oct. 27 with a win over Ashville, and followed suit by upsetting county rival Munford one week later. Talladega ended the season with a 2-8 record, its highest win total since 2020.
Talladega lost six seniors last season: Jayden Pena, Cortlin McMillan, Angel Villanueva, X’Zavier Lyles, Jaden Jones, and Takarius Tucker.
Tyler Floyd, who recently received a committable offer from Tuskegee, returns to anchor both lines this season. Malik Smith and Alex Taylor will be two key skill players to watch.
Dorsey is fully bought in to building the Talladega Tigers into a solid program. Last season, he pushed discipline. This season, he wants his players to hold themselves, as well as their teammates, accountable. So far, everyone has bought into the message.
“This year, we're looking just for accountability, being able to do alignment and assignment
Talladega’s Tyler Floyd. Malik Smith, and Alex Taylor with Head Coach Damien Dorsey
and line up correctly and play ball without having to wonder if everybody's on the same page. This summer, this spring, the kids are bought into it. Everyone who's involved with the program understands what we're trying to do.”
The Tigers will compete in 4A, Region 3 this season alongside heavy hitters in the state that include Tallassee, St. James, and Handley. Last season, the Tigers grabbed one region win, beating Munford, 28-14, and were close to grabbing another at Cleburne County, losing 28-26. Expect the Tigers to be improved this season, and really challenge their Region 3 foes.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 1A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Matt Griffith
2024 RECORD: 5-5
Stadium: Richard Adams Stadium
Colors: Blue & Orange
Victory Christian went through their 3rd coaching change in 3 years as they took the field in 2024. Head Coach Matt Griffith took over the program late and inherited a program that had not made the playoffs since 2019. The Lions earned a postseason spot to finish with a 5-5 record last fall.
The Lions’ offense will be under new leadership. Quarterback Shepard Sargent wrapped up a great career at Victory. Battling through a couple of shoulder injuries, Sargent continued to play and lead his team to the playoffs. Brady Hart has also graduated after being a fixture in the trenches.
Entering his 2nd season at Victory Christian, Griffith is counting on Isaac Baker to make the transition to
the quarterback spot. After playing safety and running back, Baker welcomes the new challenge. “I love the responsibility that comes with playing quarterback. It has already taught me how to be accountable and has improved me as a leader,” says Baker. Chase Pond will get the nod at running back and has had a good summer in preparing for his junior season. Griffith expects great things from receiver Dwayne Talley, who brings tremendous speed and athleticism to the offense. Caden Wilson will be a contributor at his tight end and defensive end positions. Griffith also cited John Perry as a playmaker at both receiver and defensive back. Linebackers Jack Crow and Justin Rowe have emerged as defensive leaders. Griffith is also expecting Elijah Milliken to have a great season.
In Class 1A, most players will be playing on both sides of the ball as well as special teams. Even though the Lions have more depth in 2025, Griffith knows that they must avoid injury. “We have to stay healthy. That will be a huge key for us. We have more players but if one guy goes down, it’s really like losing 3 starters,” said Griffith, “Our region (Class 1A, Region 6) is a physical group. Obviously, Wadley won it all last year and they have so much talent coming back. They have a new coach and I know they will be really good. Winterboro is extremely athletic and they should be one of the top teams in 1A. Woodland, Donoho, and Fayetteville will be tough too. It’s going to be a fight every time we suit up,” Griffith concluded.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 1A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Dake Rivers
2024 RECORD: 13-0
Colors: Red & White
The Wadley Bulldogs capped off one of their most dominant seasons in program history last season with their firstever state championship. The Bulldogs finished last season with a 13-0 record, outscoring their opponents by an average score of 54-16. Those stats are even more eye-popping when you consider Wadley’s opponents combined to win 75% of their games.
Wadley will be tasked with replacing several talented veterans this season. Senior all-state players Ty Taylor and Logan Murr have graduated, with quarterback Mason Wilkerson and lineman Jeremiah Overton joining them. Shenan Motley has also departed the program to take over Beauregard.
Jaquez Wilkes is the key returner for the Bulldogs, where he will be a threat on both sides of the ball. Speed will be tough to defend this season as Cortavian Lynch and Frisco Robertson join Wilkes in being offensive weapons, as well as tough defenders. Demon and Damarious Spradling will be threats this season, with Desmond Thomas and Dekevion Staples returning to anchor the lines.
Wadley will be under new leadership this season as Dake Rivers takes over the program for his first head coaching job after spending years as an assistant at Eufaula and Smiths Station. He may not be local to Wadley, but he is about as local as they come. He married a Wadley girl and
Wadley offensive/defensive lineman Dekevion Staples, wide receiver/ defensive back Frisco Robertson, Hewd Coach Dake Rivers, and running back/linebacker Jaquez Wilkes
he is well versed in the culture and expectations of Wadley football. He hopes to keep the momentum going from last season’s state championship team and bring back another title.
“I would like to be holding up the state championship trophy in Protective Stadium and bring the trophy back home for the kids, the school system, and the community,” Rivers said of his goal for his first season as Wadley’s head coach. “Because at the end of the day, you know, it's not about us coaches, or who's the Head Coach. It's about the kids and the community of Wadley.”
CLASS, REGION:
Class 3A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Jeff Smith
2022 RECORD: 5-4
Stadium: Wellborn Stadium
Colors: Black & White
After a 5-0 start to open the season, Wellborn stumbled down the stretch. The Panthers dropped the final 4 outings and finished the year at 5-4.
Ethan Carroll graduated in the spring and leaves after a great career on the Wellborn offensive front. Carroll was a twotime All-State performer for the Panthers and will be missed. Center Dozer Hayes leaves another void on the offensive front. Do-it-all athlete Kyle Bright, defensive back Chris Williams, and linebacker Ray Williams will also be tough to replace.
Offensively, quarterback Zy Amerson will return for his junior campaign with a season
under his belt. Amerson will join junior Mareese Traylor and Damarian Tippins in the backfield. Panther fans can also expect to see the playmaking abilities of Zane Hill and Justus Williams. Seniors Brady Greenwood and Jaden Henegar will provide senior leadership on the offensive front. Parker Williams and Colt Quinn will also look to dominate in the trenches.
Defensively, Juan Hernandez has impressed the Panthers’ coaching staff during this off-season and could be a force on the defensive line. The secondary will be manned by Zane Hill, Traylor, Tippins, and Jaheim Kirby. Keep an eye out for freshman linebacker Braden Horton, who could be a major contributor for the next few seasons.
Walter Wellborn offensive/defensive lineman Brady Greenwood, Head Coach Jeff Smith, and offensive/ defensive lineman Parker Williams.
Heading into his 29th season and the 17th at his alma mater, Jeff Smith really enjoys coaching this group of Panthers. “We have some good kids. We are really working hard and I couldn’t ask for a better attitude than we’ve gotten. We need to get better every week and stay away from key injuries. There’s a lot of juniors (13) on the roster. Some have played a good bit and some just need experience. With our region, all of our guys have to bring it every week,” said Smith. Wellborn will once again face the challenges of Class 3A, Region 6. The Panthers will dive right into the 9-team region race hosting J.B. Pennington on August 29th on “The Hill”.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 3A, Region 6
HEAD COACH: Ken Cofer
2024 RECORD: 4-7
Colors: Red, Black & Gray
Weaver stumbled out of the gates in 2024 to an 0-5 record. The Bearcats were able to rebound and win 4 of the next 5 games before falling to Sylvania in the opening round of the Class 3A playoffs to finish the year at 4-7. The playoff appearance was the first at Weaver since 2019.
All-state performer Kaden Gooden is now at Wofford. Gooden played a variety of positions over his standout high school career. Coach Ken Cofer will also look to replace Keshawn Allen who brought big play potential on every snap for the Bearcats.
Junior Allen has been a solid receiver for the past two seasons. He will be making the transition from catching the football to throwing it as the junior takes over at quarterback. Taylor Green will get the call in the backfield as the senior will be counted on to make the ground attack successful. At 6’1” 230 pounds, Caden Green will lead the offensive line this fall.
One big story in the off-season has been the development of Gianluca Torres. Primarily a kicker throughout his career, Torres has taken over at outside linebacker. Taylor Green will pull double-duty at linebacker and will provide great leadership for the Bearcats. Gabe Jackson is expected to handle another
Weaver offensive/defensive lineman Caden Green, running back/linebacker Taylor Green, Head Coach Ken Cofer, and kicker/defensive back/wide receiver Gianluca Torres.
linebacker post. Zach Hooks has developed into a tough defensive lineman and Leegion Bragg has performed well at safety.
Weaver will open up the season against Oak Grove at Bill Bryan Stadium on August 22. After the following open week, it’s right into the Region 6 schedule. “Week after week, it’s like a playoff atmosphere. It’s a tough region but it’s what high school football should be,” said Cofer. “We have to fly around and just play the game. At the same time, we have to be disciplined in our assignments and make the play. If we do that, I think we’ll be a good football team,” Cofer said.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 3A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Steve Smith
2024 RECORD: 6-4
Stadium: Jack Osborn Stadium
Colors: Red & Black
A wild season included some tough losses like a 47-43 loss in the rain at Locust Fork and a tough 37-34 home loss to Weaver, and some big wins like a 48-27 win at home versus Ohatchee and a huge 47-24 victory at Wellborn to close the season. At the end Westbrook had a winning season at 6-4 and just missed a Class 3A state playoff berth after a 5 way tie for 3rd in the region.
Not too many losses to graduation for the Warriors, with most of the losses coning upfront including offensive linemen Eric Kirkpatrick, Cade Sanders, and Hudson Lowe, defensive linemen Albert Aday and Ian Shah, defensive backs Jackson Ramsay and Max Legg, and inside linebacker Noah Wright.
The number of returnees is very large in Rainbow City this season. There is talent and experience virtually everywhere on the field. 2nd Team All-State quarterback Brody Blevins will be one of the top players at his position in all of East Alabama. All-State kicker Read Barber returns, as does leading tackler Titus Jones at linebacker. Both running backs return in Brodey Wood and Maximus Jones. Receivers returning include Bo Kilgo, Brodie Johnson, and Beckham Hammmontree. Returning starters on the offensive line include Cooper Lancaster and Jonah Valentine. The defense returns defensive linemen Jake Haney, and sophomore ends Isaiah Hooten and Easton Skaggs. Linebackers Brooks Whiteside
and Jaxon Marotz are back, along with defensive backs Luke Thompson and Carter Cothran.
Every skill player returns for the Warriors with 8 returning starters on both offense and defense. The numbers are very good with 57 players on the roster in grades 9-12. That number includes 15 Seniors and 12 very talented Juniors. Westbrook is seeking their first playoff berth, and first ever in Class 3A, since a 10-2 season in 2020. Head Coach Steve Smith’s third team at WCS looks to be a solid contender for region honors and a playoff berth for the first time in 5 years.
CLASS, REGION:
Class 4A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Clint Smith
2024 RECORD: 2-8
Stadium: Robertson Field
Colors: Royal Blue & White
White Plains posted a 4-6 record in 2024, their best showing since posting the same record in 2020. The Wildcats lost 3 of the first 4, but won 3 of the last 6 including an impressive 42-13 win at rival Cleburne County to end the season.
Some of the names lost to graduation from 2024 include running back Patrick Sims, lineman Dalton Luker, lineman Ty Roberts, and receiver Ethan Turner.
Junior quarterback Crew Martin returns to lead the offense an he will have a couple of good targets at receiver in Senior Hayden Barksdale (5’11, 170) and junior Bryson Cheatwood.
Both will also play in the secondary on defense. The top protector up front will be Junior offensive lineman Hudson Ingalsbe (6’7, 290) who is a college prospect. He will be joined in the trenches by center Logan Loube (6’0, 230 Senior) who will also play on the defensive line.
Up and coming players to watch include linebackers Caden Foster (Junior) and Colby Jones (sophomore), along with sophomore receiver Will Graham.
New Head Coach Clint Smith and his new staff arriving from Jacksonville will inherit 6 returning starters on offense and 4 on defense. This is a young Wildcat team with only 7 Seniors on the 52 player roster in grades
White Plains wide receiver/defensive back Bryson Cheatwood, Head Coach Clint Smith, offensive/ defensive lineman Hudson Ingalsbe
9-12. The numbers are good throughout the program with 154 players total in grades 7-12. Coach Smith notes that the Freshman class is good and says some of those players could contribute this season. Running back Rodney Peery was injured in the offseason, but could return later in the year. In the meantime, the running game will truly be by committee with 4 or 5 players splitting the carries. Smith says in the 3-4 months his staff has been on the Plains that everything has been good, “We have lots of new kids out or returning to football. They are hungry and want to be successful. The kids have been outstanding and the community has been outstanding. They have done everything we have asked.”
CLASS, REGION:
Class 1A, Region 6
HEAD COACH:
Kevin Smith
2024 RECORD: 2-8
Stadium: Sewell Field
Colors: Orange & Navy
The Woodland Bobcats finished 2-8 in year one under alum Kevin Smith, earning convincing wins over Gaston and Fayetteville. Smith was pleased with his team’s ability to improve each week, as both the players and the coaching staff continued to learn the system as the weeks went on.
David Noles, Rashad Nunn, and Avery Porter are the top losses for Woodland’s roster. Smith says that those three, who were multi-year starters, were reliable and could be depended on each week. Porter Beam is another tough loss after playing at a high level, especially late in the season.
Garrett Hendrix will be the top player to watch this season. The junior plays with an “old school” approach by being a
hard hitter both on defense and by carrying the football. Linemen Derrius Grant and Andrew Sanchez return to the trenches, and Nate Herren will step into the starting quarterback role this season for the Bobcats.
1A, Region 6 will be wide open this season, and the Bobcats expect to compete for a playoff spot. Last season, Donoho and Victory Christian grabbed the No. 3 and No. 4 spots respectively, despite winning just five games. Outside of Wadley and Winterboro, the playoff race in the region will be a fun one to watch.
“We're in a tough area, tough region, but I really feel like this year that we can kind of compete for at least one of the four (playoff spots)” Smith said. “We were in the hunt at the end of the year last year, and we
Woodland offensive/defensive lineman Andrew Sanchez, cornerback Keon Moultry, Head Coach Kevin Smith, safety/linebacker Asa Burge, and running back/linebacker Garrett Hendrix
just fell short. But, you know, I feel like this year we can kind of get over that.”
Woodland will be well prepared for the start of region play as they open with their two archrivals, Randolph County on Aug. 22 and at Ranburne on Aug. 29, before opening region play at home against Victory Christian on Sept. 5.
“The first two weeks of the season is kind of tough when you got Randolph County High School and Ranburne in the first two weeks, but it kind of also sets the tone (for the season). So we can kind of go in there and compete really, really well those first two weeks, I think we can have a lot of excitement for the rest of the season. So I'm hoping that at the end of year (people are saying) the Bobcats are back on track of doing great things,” stated Smith.
Cheerleading has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past few decades. What was once viewed as a spirited group of girls on the sidelines— waving pompoms, shouting chants, and encouraging the crowd—is now recognized as a demanding athletic pursuit requiring intense physical training, technical skill, and unwavering mental toughness.
Gone are the days when cheerleaders were simply crowd motivators in pleated skirts. Today’s cheerleaders spend five to six days a week training like any other sports team. They practice advanced tumbling passes, intricate stunts, and synchronized choreography that demand strength, flexibility, and teamwork. It’s no exaggeration to say that many of the stunts performed today would have once been seen only under a circus tent or on a gymnastics floor.
Few people understand this evolution better than Allie Mitchell, owner of Cheaha Cheer and Tumble—a local training center that has become a second home for many of the area's rising stars in the sport. Mitchell, herself a lifelong cheerleader, has watched the shift unfold firsthand.
“From the uniforms to the responsibilities of a cheerleader to the skills performed, cheerleading is vastly different from cheerleading three decades ago,” Mitchell said. “School cheerleaders now have a much different role and expectation in schools.”
In the past, cheerleaders focused primarily on school spirit—cheering for football and basketball games. Today, they juggle a growing list of responsibilities including supporting multiple sports, organizing pep rallies, leading homecoming events, and representing their schools at community functions. Many squads now also compete at high-stakes state and national competitions, where the intensity and level of skill rivals any other sport. All of this is in addition to being held to the same academic standards as the athletes for whom they cheer.
“The diligence, discipline, physical agility and strength that cheerleaders display—especially those teams that compete—hands down, qualify students in our sports as athletes—very tough athletes at that!” Mitchell emphasized. ateam work daily to shape these athletes—not just for competition, but for college and life beyond.
“At Cheaha Cheer and Tumble, we strive to provide a safe and positive environment for anyone with a desire to learn to tumble or cheer. As athletes progress, they are required to face fears, believe in themselves, work super hard, and keep pushing when things get tough,” Mitchell said. “They have grit, and they face reallife scenarios with their teammates that prepare them for creating new relationships, moving off to college, and their future careers.”
To anyone who still questions whether cheerleading is a sport, Mitchell encourages them to take a closer look. “We can show them their strength & conditioning plans, practice schedules, a list of their responsibilities, and a few videos from the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s State Cheer Competition and they will surely disagree with the former opinion!”
In today’s world, cheerleaders aren’t just leading cheers—they’re leading the way. And thanks to places like Cheaha Cheer and Tumble, they’re being equipped not only to succeed on the mat, but in life.
“Cheerleaders are tough, brilliant, and the most dedicated people you'll ever find,” Mitchell said. “We are honored that so many of our local cheerleaders call Cheaha Cheer and Tumble home.”
High School Football Alabama’s “After the Game” is pleased to partner with Cheaha Cheer and Tumble this football season to recognize and honor these hard working teams. Look for our Cheaha Cheer and Tumble Cheer Squad of the Week each Friday night on After the Game, beginning at 10 PM! ★
Thursday, August 21st
• Gadsden City at Muscle Shoals
• Moody at Gainesville, GA
• Sardis at Geraldine
• Spring Garden at Sand Rock
Friday, August 22nd
• Ashville at Springville
• Valley Head at Cedar Bluff
• Handley at Central-Clay County
• Cherokee County at Piedmont
• Fayetteville at Childersburg
• B.B. Comer at Wadley
• Coosa Christian at Pierce County, GA
• Gaylesville at Donoho
• Etowah at Jacksonville
• Gaston at Asbury
• Southeastern at Glencoe
• Valiant Cross Academy at Hope Christian
• Lincoln at Shelby County
• Ohatchee at New Hope
• Central-Carrollton, GA at Oxford
• Pell City at Pelham
• West End at Pleasant Valley
• Ranburne at Mt. Zion, GA
• Randolph County at Woodland
• St. Clair County at Jemison
• Horseshoe Bend at Saks
• Southside at Guntersville
• Central-Coosa at Sylacauga
• Talladega at White Plains
• Sumiton Christian at Victory Christian
• Oak Grove at Weaver
• Winterboro at Vincent
Saturday, August 23rd
• A.S.D. at Arkansas S.D.
Thursday, August 28th
• Hokes Bluff at Southside
• Cedar Bluff at Collinsville
• Central-Clay County at Benjamin Russell
• Childersburg at Talladega
• Billingsley at Fayetteville
Friday, August 29th
• Alexandria at Jacksonville
• Anniston at Beauregard
• Arab at Cherokee County
• Cleburne County at Sardis
• Vincent at B.B. Comer
• Pell City at Coosa Christian
• Donoho at Ragland
• Hewitt-Trussville at Gadsden City
• Asbury at Gaylesville
• Glencoe at Westbrook Christian
• Dadeville at Handley
• Chambers Academy at Hope Christian
• J.B. Pennington at Walter Wellborn
• Tuscaloosa Christian at Jacksonville Christian
• Munford at Lincoln
• Ohatchee at Locust Fork
• Oxford at Moody
• Saks at Piedmont
• Pleasant Valley at Spring Garden
• Woodland at Ranburne
• Central-Coosa at Randolph County
• Montgomery Catholic at St. Clair County
• Sand Rock at West End
• Springville at Fairview
• Sylacauga at Montevallo
• Wadley at Horseshoe Bend
• White Plains at Alexandria
• Anniston at Ashville
• Gaston at Cedar Bluff
• Central-Clay County at Valley
• Oneonta at Cherokee County
• Childersburg at Lee-Scott Academy
• Handley at Cleburne County
• B.B. Comer at Glenwood School
• Coosa Christian at Southeastern
• Donoho at Pleasant Valley
• Etowah at Hokes Bluff
• Fayetteville at Wadley
• Buckhorn at Gadsden City
• Valley Head at Gaylesville
• Glencoe at J.B. Pennington
• Hooper Academy at Hope Christian
• Moody at Jacksonville
• Jacksonville Christian at Tabernacle Christian
• Center Point at Lincoln
• Springville at Leeds
• Munford at Tallassee
• Piedmont at Ohatchee
• Shades Valley at Oxford
• Pell City at Clay-Chalkville
• Ragland at Spring Garden
• Lafayette at Ranburne
• Westbrook Christian at Saks
• North Sand Mountain at Sand Rock
• Arab at Sardis
• Lee-Huntsville at Southside
• Holtville at Sylacauga
• B.T. Washington at Talladega
• Victory Christian at Woodland
• Walter Wellborn at Weaver
• West End at Falkville
• Winterboro at Central-Coosa
Saturday, September 6th
• Oklahoma S.D. at A.S.D
Thursday, September 11th
• Cleburne County at Talladega
Friday, September 12th
• Anniston at Alexandria
• Ashville at Oneonta
• Cedar Bluff at North Sand Mountain
• Marbury at Central-Clay County
• Cherokee County at Etowah
• Glenwood School at Childersburg
• Falkville at Coosa Christian
• Wadley at Donoho
• Winterboro at Fayetteville
• Gaston at Woodland
• Gaylesville at Appalachian
• Walter Wellborn at Glencoe
• St. James at Handley
• Hokes Bluff at White Plains
• Crenshaw Christian at Hope Christian
• J.B. Pennington at Ohatchee
• Jacksonville at Center Point
• Jacksonville Christian at Trinity Christian-Pelham
• Lincoln at Leeds
• Locust Fork at Westbrook Christian
• St. Clair County at Moody
• Bullock County at Munford
• Oxford at Pinson Valley
• Mountain Brook at Pell City
• Pleasant Valley at Pisgah
• Ragland at Southeastern
• Ranburne at Reeltown
• Dadeville at Randolph County
• Weaver at Saks
• Section at Sand Rock
• Sardis at Guntersville
• Southside at Fort Payne
• Springville at Alma Bryant
• Spring Garden at Woodville
• Sylacauga at Beauregard
• Susan Moore at West End
Saturday, September 13th
• A.S.D. at Indiana S.D.
Thursday, September 18th
• Central-Clay County at Sylacauga
• Pell City at Huffman
Friday, September 19th
• Oneonta at Alexandria
• Anniston at Hokes Bluff
• Etowah at Ashville
• Cedar Bluff at Section
• White Plains at Cherokee County
• Childersburg at B.B. Comer
• B.T. Washington at Cleburne County
• Susan Moore at Coosa Christian
• Winterboro at Donoho
• Gadsden City at Hazel Green
• Gaston at North Sand Mountain
• Handley at Munford
• Hope Christian at Banks Academy
• Leeds at Jacksonville
• Victory Christian, MS at Jacksonville Christian
• Lincoln at Springville
• Helena at Moody
• Ohatchee at Weaver
• Mountain Brook at Oxford
• Westbrook Christian at Piedmont
• Sand Rock at Pleasant Valley
• Woodville at Ragland
• Ranburne at Central-Coosa
• Randolph County at Lee-Scott Academy
• St. Clair County at Center Point
• Saks at Walter Wellborn
• Scottsboro at Sardis
• Valley Head at Spring Garden
• Talladega at St. James
• Victory Christian at Wadley
• Cleveland at West End
Thursday, September 25th
• Tennessee S.D. at A.S.D
Friday, September 26th
• Sardis at Alexandria
• Pleasant Grove at Anniston
• Decatur Heritage at Ashville
• Cedar Bluff at Spring Garden
• Scottsboro at Central-Clay County
• Shades Valley at Cherokee County
• Childersburg at Vincent
• Walter Wellborn at Cleburne County
• Piedmont at B.B. Comer
• M.T. Blount at Coosa Christian
• Donoho at Ohatchee
• Southside at Etowah
• Ragland at Fayetteville
• Gadsden City at Bob Jones
• Whitesburg Christian at Gaston
• Verbena at Gaylesville
• Glencoe at Hokes Bluff
• Lanett at Handley
• Abbeville Christian at Hope Christian
• Jacksonville at Corner
• Jacksonville Christian at Russell Christian, MS
• Northside at Lincoln
• Moody at Auburn
• Briarwood Christian at Leeds
• Munford at Westbrook Christian
• Helena at Oxford
• Woodland at Pleasant Valley
• Ranburne at Randolph County
• Shelby County at St. Clair County
• Saks at Central-Coosa
• Collinsville at Sand Rock
• Sylacauga at Jemison
• Francis Marion at Victory Christian
• Glenwood School at Wadley
• Weaver at Winterboro
• West End at Vinemont
• White Plains at Horseshoe Bend
Thursday, October 2nd
• Coosa Christian at Cleveland
Friday, October 3rd
• Alexandria at Hokes Bluff
• Cherokee County at Anniston
• Ashville at White Plains
• Pleasant Valley at Cedar Bluff
• Elmore County at Central-Clay County
• Cleburne County at Tallassee
• B.B. Comer at Beulah
• Fayetteville at Donoho
• Etowah at Oneonta
• Lee-Huntsville at Gadsden City
• Section at Gaston
• Ider at Gaylesville
• Weaver at Glencoe
• Bullock County at Handley
• J.B. Pennington at Saks
• Springville at Jacksonville
• Southern Christian at Jacksonville Christian
• Piedmont at Locust Fork
• Center Point at Moody
• Leeds at St. Clair County
• Talladega at Munford
• Westbrook Christian at Ohatchee
• Oxford at Pell City
• Ragland at Valley Head
• Horseshoe Bend at Ranburne
• Glenwood School at Randolph County
• Sand Rock at Pisgah
• Sardis at Boaz
• Mae Jemison at Southside
• Spring Garden at Appalachian
• Sylacauga at Valley
• Victory Christian at Winterboro
• Wadley at Woodland
• West End at Cold Springs
• Florida S.D. at A.S.D
• A.S.D at Mississippi S.D. Friday, October 10th
• Alexandria at Ashville
• Anniston at Etowah
• Pisgah at Cedar Bluff
• Central-Clay County at Holtville
• Hokes Bluff at Cherokee County
• Beulah at Childersburg
• St. James at Cleburne County
• Randolph County at B.B. Comer
• Coosa Christian at Cold Springs
• Fayetteville at Victory Christian
• Fort Payne at Gadsden City
• Pleasant Valley at Gaston
• Gaylesville at Spring Garden
• Saks at Glencoe
• Handley at Tallassee
• Hope Christian at Edgewood Academy
• Piedmont at J.B. Pennington
• Jacksonville at Lincoln
• Locust Fork at Weaver
• Moody at Leeds
• Munford at B.T. Washington
• Ohatchee at Walter Wellborn
• White Plains at Oneonta
• Pell City at Shades Valley
• Appalachian at Ragland
• St. Clair County at Springville
• Douglas at Sardis
• Southside at Buckhorn
• Marbury at Sylacauga
• Bullock County at Talladega
• Lee-Scott Academy at Wadley
• Westbrook Christian at Trion, GA
• Ider at West End
• Woodland at Winterboro
Thursday, October 16th
• Cleburne County at Munford
Friday, October 17th
• Cherokee County at Alexandria
• Oneonta at Anniston
• Ashville at Hokes Bluff
• Cedar Bluff at Sand Rock
• Beauregard at Central-Clay County
• Childersburg at Randolph County
• B.B. Comer at Dadeville
• West End at Coosa Christian
• Donoho at Victory Christian
• Etowah at White Plains
• Woodland at Fayetteville
• Gadsden City at Southside
• Gaston at Pisgah
• Ragland at Gaylesville
• Glencoe at Ohatchee
• Talladega at Handley
• Hope Christian at Bessemer Academy
• J.B. Pennington at Westbrook Christian
• Cornerstone Christian at Jacksonville Christian
• Lincoln at St. Clair County
• Walter Wellborn at Locust Fork
• Springville at Moody
• Oxford at Clay-Chalkville
• Pinson Valley at Pell City
• Weaver at Piedmont
• North Sand Mountain at Pleasant Valley
• Ranburne at Loachapoka
• Fairview at Sardis
• Spring Garden at Ider
Saturday, October 18th
• A.S.D at South Carolina S.D.
Thursday, October 23th
• Gadsden City at Mae Jemison
Friday, October 24th
• Alexandria at Etowah
• White Plains at Anniston
• Cherokee County at Ashville
• Central-Clay County at Pell City
• Dadeville at Childersburg
• Bullock County at Cleburne County
• Lee-Scott Academy at B.B. Comer
• Coosa Christian at Tuscaloosa Academy
• Donoho at Woodland
• Ellwood Christian at Fayetteville
• Sand Rock at Gaston
• Gaylesville at Woodville
• Locust Fork at Glencoe
• Handley at B.T. Washington
• Hokes Bluff at Oneonta
• Hope Christian at Lakeside Academy
• Jacksonville at St. Clair County
• Moody at Lincoln
• Munford at St. James
• Ohatchee at Saks
• Huffman at Oxford
• Piedmont at Walter Wellborn
• Pleasant Valley at Section
• Ider at Ragland
• Lanett at Ranburne
• Randolph County at Beulah
• Sardis at A.P. Brewer
• Southside at Hazel Green
• Center Point at Springville
• Sylacauga at Elmore County
• Tallassee at Talladega
• Victory Christian at Belgreen
• Winterboro at Wadley
• Westbrook Christian at Weaver
• Southeastern at West End
Thursday, October 30th
• Alexandria at Munford
• Anniston at Jacksonville
• Donoho at Cedar Bluff
• Cleburne County at White Plains
• B.B. Comer at Thorsby
• Florence at Oxford
• Ashville at St. Clair County
• Sand Rock at Whitesburg Christian
• Corner at Springville
• Fultondale at Gadsden City
Friday, October 31st
• Winterboro at Childersburg
• Lincoln at Etowah
• Fayetteville at Brilliant
• Ider at Gaston
• Gaylesville at Notasulga
• Glencoe at Piedmont
• Hokes Bluff at Randolph County
• Weaver at J.B. Pennington
• Saks at Locust Fork
• Pell City at Southside
• Decatur Heritage at Ragland
• Spring Garden at Ranburne
• Glenwood School at Sylacauga
• Central-Coosa at Talladega
• Victory Christian at Berry
• Walter Wellborn at Westbrook Christian
• Horseshoe Bend at Woodland
