The Madison Record 2020 HS Football Preview

FOOTBALL‘20 FOOTBALL

Top players to watch for this season

Tackling COVID-19

Teams ready for historic year in the face of coronavirus James Clemens • Bob Jones Sparkman • Madison Academy MADISON FOOTBALL 2020

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Table of Contents

5 James Clemens Jets 10 Bob Jones Patriots 14 Sparkman Senators 16 Madison Academy Mustangs

18 The White Brothers 20 Sounds of the Stadium

10

2020 Madison Football Preview The Madison Record P.O. Box 859, Madison AL 35758 256-772-6677 Published by Tennessee Valley Media, Inc.

14 EDITORIAL John Few Bob Labbe Gregg Parker

16 MARKETING Donna Counts GENERAL MANAGER French Salter

18

20 COVER PHOTO James Clemens senior Jaylin Grigsby Photo by Joshua Berry

The Madison Bowl

September 4 Kickoff - 7 p.m.

4 MADISON FOOTBALL 2020

Louis Crews Stadium Alabama A&M University

JAMES CLEMENS HIGH SCHOOL TIME TO RELOAD FOR THE JETS

BY BOB LABBE

T

he 2020 football season for James Clemens High will be a total rebuild for the Jets. The two-time Class 7-A, Region 4 champions have just four returning starters along with the smallest senior class of players in school history.

“There’s no doubt we can rebuild with the

players we have, but this group needed a normal path to get to success,” said Wade Waldrop, head coach of the Jets. “We’ve made the most of our time together during the COVID-19 situation with limited access to the players and social distancing workouts and practices.”

Due to the restrictions put forth by the

Alabama High School Athletic Association and local school administrators during the current pandemic, area high school teams like the Jets missed normal spring practice and Waldrop knows his team needed that time on the field, so he and his staff have fast tracked in preparation for the 2020 campaign.

MADISON FOOTBALL 2020

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James Clemens High School 2020 Roster Name

#

POS GRD HT WT

Travis Rogers

49

TE

11

6’0

205

Dante Snodgrass

1

RB

11

5’8

165

Cameron Baker

50

DL

10

5’10

185

Gio Lopez

2

QB

10

5’10

180

Brayden Ray

51

DE

11

6’0

165

Chance Starling

3

LB

12

5’11

200

Jake Parker

52

OL

10

6’0

225

Ryan Creehan

4

LB

12

6’0

210

Luke Woodruff

53

DE

11

5’9

185

Keymari Pittman

5

WR

10

5’7

155

Naim Muhammad

54

OL

10

6’0

250

Gabe Ballard

6

RB

10

5’10

170

Cadin Brown

55

DB

11

5’8

160

Keenan Hill

7

DB

11

6’1

175

Josey Murrah

57

OL

10

5’10

210

Ephraim Rolingson

8

DB

12

5’9

170

Tristian Guyton

58

DE

10

5’8

155

Connor Cantrell

9

QB

12

5’10

180

Chris Speigner

59

OL

10

6’0

215

Jamal Mayers

10

DB

10

5’9

160

Riley Sparks

60

OL

10

5’10

210

Carson Creehan

11

QB

10

6’1

180

Cody Gorelczenko

61

DL

11

5’10

180

Manny Sanders

12

WR

12

5’10

170

Toby Anderson

62

OL

10

5’8

215

Keenan Walker

13

DB

10

6’4

175

Ryan Nicholson

64

OL

11

5’9

250

Bryson Smith

14

QB

11

6’0

180

Jaycen Ervin

65

OL

12

5’9

290

Tyrik Walker

15

WR

11

6’0

175

Tyler Moore

66

OL

12

5’10

250

Kameron Barnett

16

DB

11

5’10

165

Zach Moore

67

OL

12

5’10

250

Jack Willis

17

QB

10

5’9

165

Jameer Rhodes

68

DL

11

5”10

240

Jaiden Tolliver Williams 18

WR

10

5’9

165

Dorion Thigpen

70

OL

10

5’8

250

Kobe Johnson

19

WR

11

5’10

160

Edgerrin Watson

71

OL

11

6’2

275

Jaiden Walker

20

DB

10

5’4

115

Max Gagliano

73

OL

11

6’2

270

Chad Coulter

21

DB

11

5’10

175

Jackson Henderson

74

OL

11

5’10

280

Braxston Williams

22

DB

11

5’11

165

Ezekial Gideon

75

OL

11

5’10

285

Jaylin Grigsby

23

LB

12

6’1

205

Jacob Boyd

76

OL

12

6’3

315

Terrance Cunningham 22

DB

11

5’9

145

Tristian Walker

77

OL

11

6’1

265

Eli Bolden

25

LB

12

6’0

205

Charlie Davis

78

DL

12

5’10

270

Marlon Sherman

26

DB

12

5’10

165

Grant Gage

79

OL

10

6’4

270

Logan McMeans

27

DB

12

5’7

140

Will Conlon

80

WR

12

5’10

165

Aaron Boone

28

RB

12

5’8

155

Robert Morgan

81

WR

11

5’9

155

DJ Holden

29

DB

12

5’8

140

Parker Wynn

82

TE

12

5’11

155

Jordan English

30

DB

12

5’9

165

Mikhail Small

83

WR

11

5’10

160

Jordan Blackburn

31

DL

11

6’1

225

Jalen Harris

84

RB

11

5’10

165

Jonathan Hammonds

32

DB

10

5’10

165

Amarae Barksdale

85

WR

10

5’10

170

Elijah Keefer

33

DB

10

5’8

140

Jonathan Campbell

86

WR

11

6’0

170

Red Moore

34

LB

10

5’10

170

Rylan Orndorf

87

WR

11

5’9

160

Chaynce Murphy

35

RB

11

5’7

165

Kanon Waite

88

WR

10

6’0

170

Garren Bell

36

LB

11

5’10

175

Chris Kang

89

TE

10

5’10

185

Trey Ragland

37

DB

10

5’4

110

Zach Pierce

90

DE

11

6’0

180

Nich Tobicash

38

DB

11

5’10

165

Dawson Whited

91

DL

11

6’5

215

Caleb DeYoung

39

DB

10

5’10

130

Nate Jennings

92

DL

9

6’3

205

Weston Pruitt

40

DB

12

5’10

175

Sean Webster

93

DL

12

5’10

195

Aaron Rowe

41

PK

11

5’10

180

Andrew Millar

94

DL

10

5’10

220

Kade Johnson

42

DE

11

6’1

175

Ryan Williams

95

DL

11

6’2

260

David Ross

43

RB

11

5’7

155

Fred Williams

96

LB

10

5’10

180

Chris Roper

44

LB

10

5’5

115

Tyler Best Livermore

97

DL

10

5’9

175

Jacob Durham

45

LB

10

5’9

165

Joseph Vinson

98

DL

12

6’1

250

Camden Wells

46

LB

10

5’8

170

Darren Verhage

99

DL

11

6’1

240

Stephen Ezell

47

TE

10

5’10

170

Jaylin Harper

WR

10

5’8

165

Kaiden Samad

48

DB

10

5”10

175

6 MADISON FOOTBALL 2020

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James Clemens was 7-0 in Region 4, 9-3 overall losing to Hoover in overtime 20-23 during a second round playoff game. They scored a team record 476 points and a team record margin of victory with a 63-0 shellacking of Grissom. The Jets finished among the top four teams in Alabama.

On offense, two starters return - quarterback Connor Cantrell (5-10, 180, Sr.) and wide receiver Manny Sanders (5-10, 170, Sr.). Connor will be in competition with four others, Bryson Smith (6-0, 180, Jr.), Carson Sheehan (6-1, 180, So.), Gio Lopez (5-10, 180, So.) and Jack Willis (5-19, 165, So.) for the starting spot, but Cantrell has plenty of experience under his belt. Not only is he a three year starter on the Jets’ baseball team, he also took over as starting quarterback as a

Coach Wade Waldrop

8 MADISON FOOTBALL 2020

freshman when the then starter signal caller was hit by a severe injury. Cantrell also played backup the past two seasons. “He has all the tangibles to be a good leader and player,” added Waldrop.

With the graduation of six All-State players off last season’s squad, including running back Dylan Blackburn, Waldrop is looking to Dante Snodgrass (5-8, 165, Jr.), Aaron Boone (5-18, 155, Sr.) and Gabe Ballard (5-10, 170, So.) to take the reins in the backfield. This group is very talented, but need experience. Snodgrass had a lot of snaps during the 2019 season, but had ACL surgery. He’s moving well and had a great recovery.

Waldrop’s main area of concern is in the “box” of both offense and defense. Juniors will be the face of the offensive line with Edgerrin Watson (6-2, 275, Jr.) leading the way. “We love his toughness and attitude,” Waldrop said of Watson.

“We have seven others competing for four spots.

We look forward to the competitive battles and the kids are responding well to that attitude.”

You can add Grant Gage (6-4, 270, So.), Tristian Walker (6-1, 265, Jr.), Jacob Boyd (63, 315, Sr.) and several others to make for some playing time.

The defensive line is a key for success for James Clemens in 2020. The squad must play well together and mesh quickly due to the young talent, which must stand up and take charge quickly. Like a renovation of a building, the DL is a total rebuild from a season ago.

Senior Joseph Vinson (6-1, 250, Sr.) looks to be the take charge player on the defensive line.

He’ll have some help from Darren Verhage (61, 240, Jr.), Ryan Williams (6-2, 260, Jr.), Kade Johnson (6-1, 175, Jr.) and Dawson Whited (6-5, 215, Jr.) to anchor a squad that Waldrop said will have to grow up fast.

Linebacker may have the deepest layer of talent on the team and will be led by two returning starters- Jaylin Grigsby (6-1, 205, Sr.)

Wide receiver Manny Sanders (5-10, 170, Sr.), is one of two off

and Chance Starling (5-11, 200, Sr.). Add to the mix of Ryan Creehan (6-10, 210, Sr.), Weston Pruitt (5-10, 175, Sr.), who will also played some at defensive back, and Eli Bolden (6-0, 205, Sr.), and the Jets will have plenty of flexibility at the standup position.

At defensive back, look to D.J. Holden (5-8, 140, Sr.) and Ephraim Rolingson (5-9, 170, Sr.), two players who played in every big moment the Jets were involved in in 2019, to give some stability at the back position. Chad Coulter (510, 175, Jr.), Keenan Hill (6-1, 175, Jr.), Kameron

2020 James Clemens Jets Class 7A Region 4 Coach: Wade Waldrop Aug. 29

Athens

Away

Sept. 4

Bob Jones A&M

Sept. 11

Austin Away

Sept. 17

Huntsville

Sept. 25

Lee (HC) Home

Oct. 2

Florence

Oct. 9

Grissom Home

Oct. 16

Sparkman Home

Oct. 23

Albertville Away

Home

Away

fensive 2019 starters returning.

Barnett (5-10, 165, Jr.) along with additional play from Sanders from the offensive speed corps to assist will give the Jets some rich raw talent that will need to be nurtured once the season gets underway.

Aaron Rowe (5-10, 180, Jr.) will handle all of the place kicking and punting duties while Travis Rogers (6-0, 205, Jr.) will take care of the allimportant long snapper duties.

“Our expectations have not changed, but we must establish the culture we need to be successful and looking to the older players to help

the younger players come along on a good pace,” said Waldrop, in his eighth season as head coach of the Jets. “If we can build on that we should be a good team.”

The James Clemens schedule begins with a road battle against Athens in the nearby Limestone County before playing at home against crosstown rival Bob Jones. That came will be played at the Louis Crews Stadium at Alabama A&M. The remainder of the 2020 schedule includes road games at Austin, Florence and Albertville and home contests versus Huntsville, Lee, Grissom

and Sparkman.

The past two seasons James Clemens has lost its first two opening games, but have bounced back to playoff spots in each of those uneasy season beginnings. Waldrop said of the upcoming campaign, “Austin will be the team to beat in our Region, Florence is always talented, Sparkman will be the most athletic team we’ll face, both Huntsville and Grissom have lots of returnees.”

Overall, the Jets have 21 seniors, 35 juniors, 38 sophomores and 35 freshman complete its roster for 2020.

MADISON FOOTBALL 2020

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BOB JONES HIGH SC COACH KELVIS WHITE TAKES OVER

BY BOB LABBE

T

he 2020 season of football at Bob Jones High is one of anew. The inaugural season for first-year head coach Kelvis White will also be a return to a winning effort for the Class 7A Patriots.

A season ago, the Pats suffered its first losing season (4-6) since 2006. At the completion of the campaign head coach Kevin Rose retired from the school system after 11 seasons as head coach and took the similar position at Lincoln County High in Fayetteville, Tenn. Bob Jones finished sixth in Region 4 and missed the postseason playoffs scoring just 22 points per game.

The squad that hits the playing field this season will feature 10 starting returning players on offense and an additional eight on defense.

For most accounts 2020 is not a rebuilding year, it’s more of a revamp.

“The experience level is overall very good as we have a senior heavy group and lots of exceptional talent returning for us,” said White. “This season is a little different for all

10 MADISON FOOTBALL 2020

CHOOL

of us as I’m getting settled into the program, we have lots of new coaches on our staff and we have 90-plus kids within our program and all are eager to play.”

The offense lost a nucleus of very good players but returns a bevy of talent. At quarterback, Slate Alford (6-2, 205, Sr.) returns to lead what White has said will be a spread offense. “Slate has a great arm and can do damage with his legs, as well,” added White.

“Ray Hardy (6-0, 190, So.) will push Slate for the starting position as both have taken most of the reps this summer. Both of them are a good fit with what we want to do.”

It should be noted Alford has committed to Auburn University to play baseball as the twosport athlete certainly could entertain schools for his prowess on the football field should he and the Patriots have a banner season.

Uncertainty at running back was the feeling going into the summer, but White and his staff have been pleasantly surprised at several players working very hard to get into the grid.

The top three players on the depth chart at running back have had zero varsity carries among them. Underclassmen Terrance Slater (5-9, 200, Jr.), Rowan Jones (5-9, 185, So.) and Zane Lynch (5-9, 180, Jr.) will be those looked

upon to carry the ball.

Wide receiver position will have no less than four players waiting their turn to grab a pass and make things happen. The four leaders include Miles Humes (5-10, 180, Sr.), who was fourth on the team a year ago with 17 catches and 264 yards, Connor White (5-10, 175, Sr.), who White stated has had a great pre-season, K.J. Fields (6-0, 180, So.), a polished receiver at such a young age, and Daniel Phillips (511, 185, Sr.). At tight end, the Patriots will have youth and experience combined as Ryan McWilliams (6-0, 205, Sr.) returns with lots of experience and newcomer Max Soliz (6-4, 215, Sr.) expected to battle for lots of playing time.

The players up front on offense include 2019 All-State center Drew Lawson (6-2, 295, Sr.). He has had 21 starts over the last two years, has a 90-percent grade and 24 pancake blocks to his credit. Add Ethan Dawes (6-1, 250, Sr.), Collin Lee (6-3, 270, Sr.) Collin Jones (6-1, 280, Jr.) Gerius Turner (6-3, 265, Sr.) and Maddox Sunderman (6-3, 275, So.) and the Patriots have what White called a “7A looking line.”

“I’m really impressed with this group as we have size and lots of experience and I’m confident these can get together and be very

At quarterback, Slate Alford (6-2, 205, Sr.) returns to lead what White has said will be a spread offense.

MADISON FOOTBALL 2020

11

Bob Jones High School 2020 Roster No. Name

Grade

Pos.

1 DJ Davenport 11 RB/LB

H/W

47

Sam Glover

12

WR

5’10”/160

6’/185

48

Tyler Thompson

10

WR

6’1”/180

2

Slate Alford

12

QB

6’2”/205

49

John Dotson

10

DB

5’9”/170

3

Justin Reynolds

12

RB

5’8”/160

50

Dakadus Eisom

12

LB

5”9”/180

4

Ray Hardy

10

QB/RB

6’/190

51

Devin Mays

11

DL/LB

5’10”/225

5

KJ Fields

10

WR/DB

6’/180

52

Malachi Anderson

12

LB

5’10”/220

6

Malachi Steele

11

DB

5’10”/170

53

Danielson Hernandez

11

LB

5’9”/205

7

Daniel Phillips

12

WR

5’11”/185

54

Anthony Ramos

11

DL

6’/220

8

Cosey Scarebrook

11

DB

6’1” /195

55

Gerius Turner

12

OL

6’3”/265

9

Jayson Walls

12

LB

5’10”/175

56

Brandon White

9

DL

6’1”/190

10

Jaevion Powell

12

LB

6’/200

57

Collin Jones

11

OL

6’1”/280

11

Brian Vaughn

12

DL

6’4” 240

58

Drew Lawson

12

OL

6’2”/295

12

Caleb Cooper

12

DB

6’1”/190

59

Abdullah Alamarzooqi

12

DL

5’8”/205

13

Connor White

12

WR

5’10”/175

61

Jake Webber

12

OL

6’2”/305

14

Caden Jones

10

QB/DB

6’/185

62

PJ Brown

11

OL

5’9”/300

15

Drew Alex

12

WR

6’1”/ 190

63

Austin Barnes

11

OL

6’/270

16

Quenton Hubbard

10

WR

5’10”/170

64

Caleb Holsey

10

OL/DL

6’/245

17

Max Soliz

12

WR

6’4”/215

65

Dylan Stewart

10

OL/DL

6’/220

18

Brendan Pharris

11

QB

6’/185

66

Keaton Kilpartick

10

OL

6’/205

19

Dan Gordon

11

LB

5’10”/205

68

Diego Cruces

11

OL

6’/225

20

JW Hopkins

12

TE

6’1”/210

70

Brennan Williams

11

OL

6’/240

21

Evan Pippin

11

LB

6’/195

72

Ethan Dawes

12

OL

6’1”/250

22

Rowan Jones

10

RB

5’9”/185

74

Ethan Atakoussok

10

OL

5’9”/210

23

Miles Humes

12

WR

5’10”/180

75

Mat Hailey

10

Ol

24

Keyshawn Reynolds

12

DB

6’/180

77

Collin Lee

12

OL

6’3”/270

25

Zeke Smith

10

WR

6’/170

78

Maddox Sunderman

10

OL

6’3”/275

26

Zane Lynch

11

RB

5’9”/180

79

Marcus Saunders

12

DL

27

Caleb Oliver

10

DB

5’9”/170

80

Tucker Lacompte

10

QB/WR

5’9”/160

28

Terrance Salter

11

RB

5’9”/200

81

Hunter Mason

10

TE

5’9”/180

29

Jordan Morrison

10

DB

6’/175

82

Brodey Cooper

10

WR

6’1”/180

30

Savion Jones

10

DB

6’/185

83

Ryan McWilliams

12

TE

31

Gunnar Dixon

10

WR

5’9”/170

84

Aaron Moll

12

WR

5’10”/170

32

Nasser Sahim

10

DB

5’8”/165

85

Joseph Wheat

11

K/P

5’9”/190

33

Darrius Johnson

12

DB

6’1”/190

86

Phenix Keck

10

TE

34

Brandon Montoya

10

RB

5’7”/170

87

Eli Williams

11

WR

6’1”/175

35

Ethan Aquino

10

DB

5’7”/165

88

Ashkat Katoch

12

TE

6’4”/250

36

Tyrese Reynolds

12

WR

6’/170

89

Ben Forton

10

WR

6’1”/170

37

Dakota Gordon

11

DB

5’9”/170

90

Kaden Smith

10

DL

5’9”/180

38

Matthew Lee

12

DB

6’/170

91

Austin Davis

10

DL

6’1”/225

39

Ronin Amsler

10

DB

6’1”/170

92

Will Post

11

K/P

6’3”/170

40

Kaleb Pisterzi

10

DB

5’9”/165

93

Devin Toney

12

DL

6’/240

41

Jackson Adams

11

LB

6’1”/175

94

Christian Kemp

10

DL

6’1”/200

42

David Byrd

11

TE

6’1”/180

95

Austin Thompson

12

DL

6’/210

43

Jake Gaertner

12

LB

6’/205

96

Demarius Mason

12

DL

6’/220

44

Jaden Edwards

11

LB

6’/205

97

Alex Hovis

11

DL

5’10”/205

45

Greyson Davis

11

DB

5’9”/160

98

Andre Reese

12

DL

5’9”/240

46

Luc Burnley

11

DB

5’9”/ 165

99

Cedric Jackson

11

DL

6’3”/305

12 MADISON FOOTBALL 2020

6’/220

6’/250

6’/205

6’/170

good,” said White of his offensive line.

The defense gave up over 29 points per game a year ago and White is looking for players to step up and take control, especially in the box along the line. He’s looking at ends Brian Vaughn (6-4, 240, Sr.) and Devin Toney (6-0, 240, Sr.), both starters a season ago, to anchor what could be a very exceptional group within the DL. Cedric Jackson (6-3, 305, Jr.) played on the offensive line last year, but was moved to the nose guard position for the 2020 campaign. Others to make the step into play on the DL include Anthony Ramos (6-0, 220, Jr.), Demarius Mason (6-0, 220, Sr.) and Andre Reese (5-9, 240, Sr.).

The least amount of overall experience at defense will be at the linebacker position. White said this group is making progress especially with the leadership of D.J. Davenport (6-0, 185, Jr.) who had 104 tackles last season. “He’s as good as advertised,” said White. “D.J. is a tremendous player with a bright future. He’ll play both the safety and ‘dog’ positions.”

Jake Gaertner (6-0, 205, Sr.), Jaevion Powell (6-0, 200, Sr.), Jaden Edwards (6-0, 205, Jr.) and E.J. Johnson (6-1, 190, Sr.) will be looked

upon to help the corps of linebackers.

At defensive back, Malachi Steele (5-10, 170, Jr.) will certainly be the anchor of this group. He played as a starter in 2019 as did Cosey Scarbrook (6-1, 195, Jr.). Jayson Walls (5-10, 175, Sr.) will play both defensive back and at linebacker, when needed. Caleb Cooper (6-1, 190, Sr.) is coming off a season-ending injury of a year ago and is considered to be a savvy player on a mission.

Joseph Wheat (5-9, 190, Jr.) will handle place kicking duties while Alford will also handle the punting duties as he’s considered to have a strong leg. The all-important longsnapper will be Gaertner.

“I know this group will play hard and put forth a great, positive efforts,” said White.

“As for heavy recruits, Drew Larson and A.J. Vaughn have the early looks.”

Overall, there are 34 seniors, 27 juniors, and 31 sophomores on the official roster.

The Patriots kick off the 2020 campaign in Auburn and also have road games against James Clemens, Huntsville, Albertville, Grissom and Prattville. Home games will against Buckhorn, Florence, Sparkman and Austin.

2020 Bob Jones Patriots Class 7A Region 4 Coach: Kelvis White Aug. 28 Buckhorn

Home

Sept. 4 James Clemens

Away

Sept. 11 Huntsville

Away

Sept. 18 Florence

Home

Sept. 25 Auburn

Away

Oct. 1

Sparkman

Home

Oct. 9

Albertville

Away

Oct. 16 Grissom

Away

Oct. 23 Austin

Home

Oct. 30 Prattville

Away

MADISON FOOTBALL 2020

13

SPARKMAN HIGH SCHOOL

BY BOB LABBE

S

parkman is on schedule to play its season opener on the road in Gardendale against the Class 6A Rockets. The Senators are coming off an 8-3 overall record last season, which included a third place finish in Class 7A, Region 4 with a region record of 5-2 and a playoff first round loss to Hoover (21-3).

A season ago, Sparkman, under third year head coach Laron White, won its first seven games and achieved a sixth place state ranking among the Class 7A teams in week eight. The

14 MADISON FOOTBALL 2020

cardinal and black squad then lost their next two games versus James Clemens and Florence before ending the regular season with a win over Decatur.

“We played well against Hoover and our entire season a year ago certainly will build on this year’s team as we found some things we can build on just by looking at them,” said White, whose said he’s ready to kick off his fourth season with the Senators.

Gone from last year’s team are four AllState players including first-team punter Miles

Tillman.

This year’s squad has 100 players on its varsity roster with 34 players in both senior and junior classes and another 32 listed in the sophomore class. White is looking to returning experience among his players to be a strong suit for the Senators in 2020.

“We must develop more depth as many of our seniors and juniors did not see a lot of snaps last season,” said White, as the Senators averaged 27 points per game while allowing just 19 points per outing. “We have two new

running backs and offensive linemen to jell with our other offensive talents. Nick Sawyer, a West Point commit, (6-0, 165, Sr.) was our starting quarterback last year and will be again this go around, but he’ll get some pressure for snaps from Luke Schomburg (6-3, 190, Jr.) who I liked what he did last year in a backup role.”

In all, White said there are four Div. I recruits on the squad. Besides Sawyer, the big ticket players for the Senators includes Micah Pettus (6-8, 310, OL, Sr.) who is an Ole Miss commit, Caleb Ransaw (6-0, 180, CB, Sr.) who is looking at Troy and White’s own son, Karon White (6-2, 275, DE, Sr.), who has verbally committed to Appalachian State.

2020 Sparkman Senators Class 7A Region 4 Coach: Laron White Aug. 21

Gardendale

Away

Aug. 28

Thompson

Home

Sept. 4

Albertville Home

Sept. 10

Grissom

Sept. 18

Austin Home

Oct. 1

Bob Jones

Oct. 9

Florence Home

Oct. 16

James Clemens Away

Oct. 23

Huntsville

A&M

Oct. 30

Muscle Shoals

Home

Away

Away

MADISON FOOTBALL 2020

15

MADISON ACADEMY Madison Academy 2020 Roster NO. NAME

YEAR

POSITION

#26

Lawson Minor

JR.

WR-DB

#2

Jailen Holmes

JR.

WR-DB

#30

Gage Rucker

SO.

WR-DB

#3

Will Stokes

JR.

RB-DB

#31

Selano Thomas

SO.

WR-DB

#4

Kanen Hamlett

JR.

WR-LB

#32

Trey Andrews

FR.

RB-DB

#5

KD Cherry

JR.

WR-DB

#36

Caleb Williams

FR.

WR-DB

#6

KJ Rogers

JR.

WR-DB

#53

Nick Nelson

JR.

OL-DL

#7

Andrew Clark

SR.

WR-DB

#55

Hayden Knight

SO.

OL-DL

#8

Chuck Moore

JR.

LB-RB

#56

JP White

JR.

OL-DL

#10

Timothy Spurlock

JR.

WR-DB

#57

Jake Schmidt

SR.

OL-DL

#11

Mario Brewer

SO.

WR-DB

#59

Jalen Arnold

JR.

OL-DL

#12

Harrison Cerniway

FR.

QB-LB

#60

Brock Horton

FR.

OL-DL

#14

Cole Porter

FR.

WR-DB

#61

Alex Pencola

FR.

OL-DL

#15

Ian Vachon

JR.

K-WR

#65

Daylen Johnson

SO.

OL-DL

#17

Matt Perkins

JR.

WR-LB

#66

Jaylen Hosea

FR.

OL-DL

#18

Holden Blake

JR.

QB-S

#68

Cade Mitchell

SR.

OL-DL

#19

Avery Seaton

SR.

QB

#71

Brent White

SR.

OL-DL

#20

Blake Helton

SR.

RB-DB

#74

Kaden Young

JR.

OL-DL

#21

Joseph Follette

SR.

WR-DB

#77

Reese Baker

FR.

OL-DL

#22

Jackson Reece

FR.

WR-DB

#81

Austin Chambers

FR.

TE-LB

#24

Jaxon McMonigle

FR.

RB-LB

#85

Cam Williams

FR.

WR-LB

#25

Ken Cherry

FR.

RB-LB

#88

John Allen Davidson

FR.

TE-DL

16 MADISON FOOTBALL 2020

MADISON FOOTBALL 2020

17

A family’s coaching tradition brings two brothers to lead rival teams

BY BOB LABBE 18 MADISON FOOTBALL 2020

Coach Laron White

T

he White brothers, Laron and Kelvis, are a complete scope of personalities - passionate, loving, respectful and family oriented - but most of all, they are competitive.

“We both want to win, but I always want to beat my big brother and it’s been that way since we were growing up,” said Kelvis, 42, of his four-year older brother.

Laron is entering his fourth season as head coach of the Sparkman Senators in 2020 while Kelvis has taken the similar position in his first season for rival Bob Jones. The two schools have been heated rivals as long as locals can remember and with the fact this year’s battle scheduled for October 2 will pit the brothers head-to-head, look out for a family gathering.

“The last and only time we met in a game was in 2016 when I was head coach at Tanner and Kelvis was at Mae Jemison, some of our family sat on the home team side, while others switched sides at halftime,” said Laron who lost to his younger in that lone meeting.

The sons of Louis and Mollie White were born in Colbert County Hospital and grew up in the small community along highway 20 in Courtland where the west-east train cuts through town. Their father won four state titles during his 1975-1998 tenure as head coach of the Class 1A Chiefs. He is a member of the Alabama Hall of Fame and saw both of his sons play for him, play in college and become head coaches in their own rights.

Hearing the thunderous train at all hours of the day and night along with the sounds of Big Nance Creek, which was named after a Cherokee chief, also makes it treks through the small Lawrence County town, Laron and Kelvis were your typical young lads playing

with friends and doing set chores at their home located on highway 33 on the outskirts of town among the country side and plentiful woods.

They also had the honor of being the sons of a legendary coach of the local team where they accompanied him on most trips and hung out like shadows at both practices and games.

Their experiences easily influenced them to follow in their father’s footsteps while their mother was also an educator at the local school teaching first grade. Kelvis said he wanted to be part of what his father was doing with football and always wanted to grow up to be a member of the Courtland Chiefs.

“My father spent a lot of time with his players and heavily figured into molding their lives, but he didn’t put pressure on us although we spent a lot of time with him in the film room, cleaning up the field house and taking those bus rides with the teams,” said Kelvis.

Both brothers played heavily in the success of the teams at Courtland and signed with the Alabama Crimson Tide as lineman. Laron was head coach at Tanner High for 14 seasons where his teams made the state playoffs each year while winning two state titles and posted a record of 148-30. At Sparkman he is 19-13. Kelvis was head coach at Dothan High for eight years and Huntsville’s Mae Jemison for four seasons. His overall coaching record is 64-65.

The White brothers spend many hours together with their families as Laron and his wife, Kathy, have three sons, including senior Karon who has committed to sign with Appalachian State. Kelvis and his wife, Chris, have two children. Family gatherings are large and, yes, the subject of football comes up in conversation on many occasions.

“We bounce ideas off each other as we’re always trying to find a way MADISON FOOTBALL 2020

19

Coach Kelvis White

to be successful so we share ideas as we mostly talk football culture,” alongside him,” said Laron. “We beat Bob Jones last year for the first said Kelvis. time in a decade and the game should be a showcase type contest this “Our families are close. For many years Kelvis and I didn’t see each season. I know Kelvis’ team will be ready. I’m proud of him.” other except during the Christmas holiday,” said Laron. “Christmas is always a big time for our large family as we usually have four days straight of celebration.”

As the older brother, Laron seemed to always have his younger brother hanging around, but each of them had their own group of friends due to the difference in age. Kelvis was more outgoing and became a fan of Auburn University. When it was time for Kelvis to choose a college, his mother committed for him to join Laron at Alabama. “Yes, I became a converted Alabama fan,” admitted Kelvis.

Once on campus Kelvis was a freshman and Laron a senior for the Crimson Tide. The one year in Tuscaloosa was the only time they were officially on the same team.

It’s not uncommon to see the brothers attending their brother’s children’s sporting events and their wives are good friends besides being sisters-in-law.

Growing up with parents who were prominent among the Courtland community, walking a fine line was always important for both Laron and Kelvis. The expectations were high and with success plentiful in the White home, the brothers became very competitive in their quests as head coaches and that spirit continues in 2020 and will come to a heighten frenzy this fall when the Bob Jones Patriots host the Sparkman Senators in what will be a heated rival contest between Louis White won four state football championships as the Courtland two schools- and two brothers.

High School coach and had a 181-83 record in 24 seasons. His two “We’re brothers here to serve our players and I’m glad to do this sons, Laron and Kelvis, now carry on that family coaching tradition.

20 MADISON FOOTBALL 2020

Sounds of the Stadium How local marching bands are coping with COVID-19

BY GREGG PARKER

M

adison families who live near the Jets or Patriots campus again are enjoying afternoon music as bands have returned to practice fields for their 2020 marching and instrumental rehearsals.

However, those afternoon ‘concerts’ on County Line and Hughes roads have a different ‘director’ as the band members are marching to the beat of COVID-19’s constraints to curtail spread of the disease.

On Aug. 18, James Clemens started marching practice twice weekly for the whole ensemble on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4 p.m.

Approximately 170 students are marching.

“They don’t know which football games they’ll attend, and they aren’t sure how whether they’ll ride buses to get there,” band parent Maureen Mack said. “But the continued uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t put a damper on local high school marching bands.”

Jets Band Director Keith Anderson stated virus guidelines: * Mandatory safety precaution instruction and adherence. * Daily temperature checks and symptom reporting. * Outdoor practices only with social distancing guidelines always observed. * For the first several days of practice, only one section meets at a time.

“Our students are rolling with it. They’re just glad to be out there, and it is the first thing in many months at school that feels ‘normal’ to them,” Jets Assistant Band Director Brian Sims said.

The Bob Jones High School color guard (above) and James Clemens Marching Band (below) at practice getting their shows ready.

At Bob Jones, Director Leigh Thomas and Assistant Director Kevin Smart scheduled the first back-to-school practice for July 28 with the Color Guard. The guard learned warmups and completed various auditions.

Woodwinds reported to rehearsals on July 29. Parent volunteers and board members assisted in keeping students safe with the rules for social distancing and other COVID-19 precautions.

The 2020 Patriettes dance line was the next band unit to return to campus. These young women are learning their routines from a choreographer and working on the football show. Like other band

22 MADISON FOOTBALL 2020

components, the Patriettes were required to wear face masks.

All week long, students respected the ‘new normal’ and allowed directors and boosters to pursue prerequisite work before school resumed, according to Bob Jones Band Boosters posts on Facebook.

At last spring’s band banquet, the audience viewed a preview of Bob Jones’ 2020 show for football marching band. The “Rainy Days” show will feature “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC; “It’s Raining Men, “The Weather Girls; and “Rocked You Like a Hurricane,” Scorpions. The competition show, “Now,” will give an interpretive explanation of the concepts of time and its limitations.

The COVID-19 Impact

COVID brings new challenges for local officials this season

BY CALEB SUGGS

T

he 2020 high school football season starts Aug. 21, and that means a whole new set of challenges to be faced.

While most people focus on what the coaches and players will have to do, local officials also will contend with a new set of circumstances.

“Every year there are new challenges, but I’d say we’ve never faced anything quite like this,” said longtime official Leonard Morris. “With everything we’ve been through in recent months, it’s almost kind of a shock to remind yourself that the season starts this week.”

He admits that he doesn’t know what to expect this year.

“I’ve been doing this 18 years, and every year is different. Having that flexibility is important to be an official,” he said. “I don’t know what this season holds, but I know that our goal is to make sure we do everything we can do so that these kids can have their season.”

Just like the players that take the field, officials must work as a team to ensure the best performance as possible. To do this it’s important to build camaraderie. However, due to COVID-19, that will prove to be tougher than ever.

“Usually officials drive to games together, but this year we will most likely all drive separately. Then we will also do our pregame over the phone,” Morris said. “Obviously, this can make it difficult to build that camaraderie.”

And also just like the players, if an official were to test positive before a game, the rest would have to find a way to go on.

“That’s just a situation where we have to have that flexibility,” Morris said. “Hopefully we’d be able to find a reserve official. But we are prepared to call a game with a seven-man, five-man or four-man crew.”

There will be plenty of new rules to enforce as well, both as a result of COVID-19 and regular rule changes.

COVID-19 rule changes will extend the player box from between the 25-yard lines to between the 10-yard lines. All timeouts will now be a maximum of 2 minutes, with the option to cut short if both teams are ready.

Coaches will no longer get the cushion they are used to for arguing calls or trying to get players’ attention in 2020.

“Coaches have never been allowed on the field, but we’ve always given them a little cushion,” Morris said. “They won’t get that this year.

They’ll have to stay behind the white line.”

There are some other rule changes that can have importance.

Obstruction penalties will now be a 5-yard penalty instead of a 15yard personal foul. Obstruction refers to any sort of signal of disruption a defense might do to purposely draw an offense offside. For example, clapping which has become a popular way of signaling the snap of the ball.

Teams will also now be able to spike the ball from the shotgun position. That’s a new rule sure to be welcomed by many coaches because most teams in the state do not take snaps under center.

Playing football in a pandemic isn’t going to be easy, but just like players, coaches and parents, Morris believes it’s something that needs to happen.

“Some of these schools rely on football to fund all their extracurricular activities. Without football, there’s no telling what will happen to them,” he said. “Then you have the seniors on these teams. This isn’t like college, if they lose this season, they’ll never get it back.”

MADISON FOOTBALL 2020

23

WHERE THE

PROS GO

OFFICIAL TEAM PHYSICIANS

366745-1

OF THE ROCKET CITY TRASH PANDAS

24 MADISON FOOTBALL 2020

7734-1

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