Madison Football Preview 2021

FOOTBALL‘21

James Clemens • Bob Jones • Sparkman • Madison Academy

In the Huddle

Top high school players to watch for this season

Sounds of the Stadium Music of the marching bands MADISON FOOTBALL 2021

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MADISON FOOTBALL 2021

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Table of Contents

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

17 Sounds of the Stadium Keep up with weekly updates on your favorite teams at www.themadisonrecord.com

M adison RECORD THE

14

10

16 GENERAL

2021 Madison Football Preview MANAGER P.O. Box 859, Madison AL 35758 French Salter 256-763-1150 • news@themadisonrecord.com EDITOR Published by Tennessee Valley Media, Inc.

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EDITORIAL Bob Labbe Gregg Parker Steve Moulton

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JAMES CLEMENS HIGH SCHOOL JETS TO START NEW SEASON RANKED IN TOP TEN

J

ames Clemens has a new head coach in 2021 after eight-year coach Wade Waldrop opted to move to Florence High. Upon accepting the new job, Chad McGehee set a goal of to keep the existing successful program at a high level.

The 44-year old McGehee has 17 years of

BY BOB LABBE / PHOTOS BY JOSHUA BERRY coaching experience including four years as a head coach. So he’s no stranger to facing adversity on or off the field.

Heading into 2021 action, the Jets are a preseason No. 9 in the Class 7A rankings. The squad was 8-3 in 2020 and second in Region 4 under Waldrop. The Jets are expected to be robust in all

three phases of the game, which will give balance on the field.

On offense, McGehee will develop success from the strengths already in place led by quarterback Gio Lopez (QB, 5-10, 180, Jr.) who McGehee feels throws the ball as well as any player he has coached. He has a strong arm and MADISON FOOTBALL 2021

5

6 MADISON FOOTBALL 2021

quick release. “He has a chance to be one of the most talented quarterbacks in the state as he’s the complete package,” said McGehee of Lopez, who is also an excellent runner and can easily extend plays with his legs. “He puts stress on defenses.”

The backfield will be led by Dante Snodgrass (RB, 5-8, 165, Sr.) who returns with his burst of speed and strength to break would-be tackles.

Junior Gabe Ballard (RB, 5-10, 170, Jr.) will receive snaps as well, but he will play both ways as he’s a defensive back for the Jets. Keymari Pittman (RB-WR, 5-7, 155, Jr.) is back after missing much of last season due to a shoulder injury and is regarded as the best slot player due to being one of the quickest Jets on the field.

Wide receivers will be on fire if Lopez finds his targets. The group’s leader will be Kobe Johnson (WR, 5-10, 160, Sr.) as he’s also an outstanding baseball player. “He had an outstanding summer,” said McGehee. “He can run and tracks the ball in the air.”

The offensive line should be solid with good size and very athletic with tackle Edgerrin Watson (OL, 6-2, 275, Sr.) on point. Already heavily recruited, Watson has good size and great foot work. He had a torn labrum during the offseason and if he stays healthy things should be positive from the offensive line.

On defense, 2020 First Team All-State safety Jamal Mayers (S, 5-9, 160, Jr.), who had an incredible sophomore campaign, is the real deal.

Heavy recruitment due to his season of a year ago where he had seven interceptions, three of which were for touchdowns, is giving him high hopes for a bright future as a defensive back/safety.

“Jamal comes to work every day and leads by example,” said McGehee. “He’s one of the fastest on the team, is a good tackler, finds the way to be around the ball a lot and has picked up what we’re doing on defense.”

The remainder of the secondary is strong.

Kameron Barnett (DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.) was injured last year and has something to prove.

Track athletes Chad Coulter (DB, 5-10, 175, Sr.) and Keenan Hill (DB, 6-1, 175, Sr.) can cover the field and solidify the group.

Defensive line and linebackers are sure and solid. Ballard will play the nickle position and Garren Bell (LB, 5-10, 175, Sr.) at linebacker will be the force. Add defensive linemen Ryan Williams (DL, 6-2, 260, Sr.) and Darren Verhage (DL, 6-1, 240, Sr.) into the mix and you have a defense that will win games.

The kicking game is what 70’s rock band Three Dog Night call a “One-Man Band.” Aaron Rowe (K-P, 5-10, 180, Sr.) returns for his swan song senior season and will handle all place kicker and punter duties. He has a tremendous touchback percentage on kickoffs and McGehee said he expects Rowe to be even better this season.

As for McGehee in his first season, he said, “I’m very competitive and love to develop strong

relationships. Our kids are ready to go and I’m ready,” said McGehee.

2021 James Clemens Jets Class 7A Region 4 Coach: Chad McGehee Aug. 13

Oxford

Away

Aug. 20

Murphy

Away

Aug. 27

Athens

Home

Sept. 3

Bob Jones Away

Sept. 10

Austin

Home

Sept. 17

Huntsville

Away

Sept. 24

Lee (HC) Home

Oct. 1

Florence

Home

Oct. 7

Grissom

Away

Oct. 15

Sparkman Away

Oct. 22

Albertville Home MADISON FOOTBALL 2021

7

James Clemens High School 2021 Roster Name

# POS GRD

Name

# POS GRD

Name

# POS GRD

Dante Snodgrass

1

RB

12

Tyler Hudgins

30

TE

10

Riley Sparks

60

OL

11

Gio Lopez

2

QB

11

Kaiden Samad

31

OLB

11

Toby Anderson

62

OL

11

Terrence Cunningham 3

WR

12

Fred Williams

32

LB

11

Cole Sterling

63

OL

10

Chanyce Murphy

4

RB

10

Jaylan Thompson

33

RB

10

Ryan Nicholson

64

OL

12

Keymari Pittman

5

WR

11

Chris Kang

34

LB

11

Jonathon Bryant

66

OL

10

Gabe Ballard

6

NI/RB

11

Frankie Hill

35

DB

10

Keyon Kula

67

OL

10

Kennan Hill

7

DB/WR 12

Garren Bell

36

LB

12

Jude Sutherland

68

OL

10

Brandon Parker

8

QB

10

Jordan Blackburn

37

LB

12

Josh Jeffreys

70

OL

10

Jordan Blackburn

9

LB

12

Dawson Whited

38

TE

12

Edgerrin Watson

71

OL

12

Jamal Mayers

10

DB/WR 11

Jaylon Ruffin

39

LB

10

Nasir Butler

72

OL

12

Yhovanni Readus

11

DB

Jaden Brown

40

DB

10

Max Gagliano

73

OL

12

Luca Furfori

12

WR/OLB 10

Aaron Rowe

41

PK

12

Hunter Headley

74

OL

10

Brody Stinson

13

DB

10

Kade Johnson

42

DE

12

Ezekial Gideon

75

OL

12

Michael Ross

14

QB

10

David Ross

43

RB

12

Grant Gage

79

OL

11

Tyrik Walker

15

WR

12

Ty Doughty

44

DB

9

Kenneth Washington

80

WR

10

Kameron Barnett

16

DB

12

Jacob Durham

45

LB

11

Marc Woods

81

WR

10

Jack Willis

17

TE

11

Camden Wells

46

LB

11

Logan Eggart

83

WR

10

Jaiden Tolliver Williams 18

WR

11

Stephen Ezell

47

TE

11

Amarae Barksdale

85

TE

11

Kobe Johnson

19

WR

12

Dev Patel

48

WR

10

Isaiah Woodward

87

WR

Donovan Lewis

20

DB

12

Travis Rogers

49

TE

12

Kanon Waite

88

WR

11

Chad Coulter

21

DB

12

Tristan Walker

50

OL

12

Nate Jennings

90

DE

10

Braxston Williams

22

DB

12

Brayden Ray

51

LB

12

Frederick Poe

91

DL

10

Nathaniel Clayton

23

DB

10

Luke Woodruff

53

OL

12

Julian Poe

92

DL

10

Devon Cooper

24

DB

10

Naim Muhammad

54

OL

11

Jaylen Brown

93

DL

10

Jack Crider

25

DL

10

Cadin Brown

55

LB

12

Andrew Millar

94

DL

11

AJ Negron

26

TE

10

John Allan Davidson

56

DL

10

Ryan Williams

95

DL

12

Kevin Peet

27

K

10

Dorian Thigpen

57

OL

12

Tamarion Barclay

96

DL

10

DJ Williams

28

RB

10

Jackson Pate

58

OL

11

Brock Taylor

97

DL

10

Hezron Kincy

29

DB

10

Chris Speigner

59

OL

11

Brandon Tanner

98

DL

10

Darren Verhage

99

DL

12

8 MADISON FOOTBALL 2021

12

Jets welcome first new head coach in eight years

BY BOB LABBE / PHOTO BY JOSHUA BERRY

A

s Chad McGehee accepted the position as head coach of the James Clemens football program earlier this year, he said his goal was to keep the existing successful program moving to be among the most elite in Alabama. In his first season as the top Jet, the 44-year-old has 21 years of coaching experience. In 2021, his single most challenge is implementing his coaching philosophy and build around the strengths already within the team roster of players.

“This is the tenth team in school history and the 30 seniors on our team they each have goals they want to reach,” said McGehee.

He has been as assistant coach for 17 years and four years as a head coach after playing college football at Alabama 1995-1998 under Alabama legends Gene Stallings and Mike Dubose. While he played in the defensive backfield for the Crimson Tide, he did so under the guidance of defensive coach Bill Oliver and has taken what he learned from his experiences with him to his own style of coaching.

“I look to create a family atmosphere and want these players, just like my own kids, to become the best version they can be,” said McGehee, who played safety and wide receiver at Southside-Gadsden High as a team captain and actually signed with Samford before moving to Tuscaloosa for college. “I teach the fundamentals of everything surrounding football and how to handle adversity. I’m going to push them, have standards and be demanding to have love and trust for each other.”

McGehee is married to his wife, Amy, and they have two children, Brett, 16, and Clayton, 12. Brett plays tennis while Clayton is a swimmer.

He said his main hobby is to study football and does so by traveling to visit colleges and meet with college coaches.

One of his first duties since joining the staff at James Clemens was to

address the option from the Alabama High School Athletic Association of hosting spring practice drills or forego the springtime gathering and add a week of pre-season practice to accommodate an early scheduled game. McGehee chose the early contest, which meant the Jets opened the season on Aug. 13 against Oxford High School in Oxford. The following week, this time traveling to Mobile, the Jets were to face perennial Class 7A powerhouse Murphy High.

The Jets under McGehee were to see its first action at home the next three weeks of the schedule including a rumble against crosstown rival Bob Jones. Last year’s James Clemens squad defeated the Patriots in a slugfest of 54-28.

McGehee is regarded as a player’s coach who genuinely cares about each of his players like they were his own. “I enjoy the kids as the platform football gives us coaches is to invest in each and every one of our student-athletes,” said McGehee. “I truly believe I look at what we do as coaches as having four phases. I see these youngsters as a person, student, athlete, and player, in that order. I call it player development through other means other than just teaching them a playbook.”

McGehee believes in development of relationships with the players’ families as well.

During the summer months McGehee installed some new defensive schemes that he had worked with in his previous years of coaching. On offense, he has included some of his own styles in combination with what was already instilled in the program by departing head coach Wade Waldrop who took the head coach position at Florence High after eight years leading the Jets’ program.

McGehee’s the new Jet and has plans to power forward his football program to fly higher than ever before.

MADISON FOOTBALL 2021

9

Pictured: Bryson Smith

BOB JONES HIGH SCHOOL PATRIOTS ARE “HUNGRY”

BY BOB LABBE

W

hen asked to describe the 2021 version of the Bob Jones football team, head coach Kelvis White used just one word, “Hungry.” The second-year head Patriot added, “These players weren’t pleased with last year’s showing and have spent their entire offseason washing off the bad vibes from their 3-7 campaign of a year ago.”

The Patriots return 13 starters led by 24 seniors along with 30 juniors, 33 sophomores and two freshmen on the varsity roster. Of those starters wearing the colors of red, white and blue there are five on offense and seven on defense. Add a kicker returning, and Bob Jones should be experienced enough to make a run at a Region 4 title.

The offensive fire power lacked the potency to score points last season scoring just 16 per outing. This year, the skills are in place to start anew and will be led by quarterback Ray Hardy (QB, 6-2, 205, Jr.) who saw some backup playing time, but now stands alone in

10 MADISON FOOTBALL 2021

Malachi Foster

the position.

“Ray is a true duel threat as he can beat you either way,” said White of his starting quarterback. “He will leave defenses in a bind as he’s the best athlete on the team.”

Hardy will bring balance to the offense as the best athlete will touch the ball on every play.

Weapons Hardy will be looking for on the passing game include wide receiver K.J. Fields (WR, 6-0, 185, Jr.) who led the team in receptions a year ago and who works hard and does the necessary tactics the correct way to be successful.

Jeff Rodriquez (WR/DB, 6-1, 190, Sr.) recently moved into the Madison area and should contribute on both sides of the ball as he will play both wide receiver and defensive back.

The offensive line is guided by 2020 Second Team All-State selection Maddox Sunderman (OL, 6-4, 300, Jr.) who earned his honor as a sophomore. Going into his junior season he has racked up numerous notices from a bevy of colleges. “He’s a leader, big and strong and had a great summer of workouts at various camps,” said White.

Actually there are three returning offensive linemen including Collin Jones (OL, 6-3, 300, Sr.) who was injured last season and has a chance to be really impressive and should open up some running lanes.

The defense was in sort of disarray in 2020 giving up 24 points per game, but White knows his squad well and anticipates the squad will be well advanced in 2021. “Our defense could win games for us and is the backbone of this team.”

With seven returning starters on defense look for the Patriots to make stops just when their opponents may feel they have the momentum.

Up front, Cedric Jackson (DL, 6-3, 320, Jr.) has the brawn and brains to make things happen. He’s a two-year starter with big things ahead of him.

The linebacker crew is where a host of the new interest on the defense will land. Rowan Jones (LB/RB, 5-9, 190, Jr.) is very active on the field and easily increases the speed of the defense. He’ll also see action as a running back.

In the Patriots secondary, the experience swells with talent with three two-year starters lining up for action. Cosey Scarebrook (DB, 6-2, 190, Sr.) has had several Div. I offers including major interest by West Point. He’s also received offers to join the track program at several schools as he was a high jump state finalist in the spring. Deangelo Davenport

Joseph Wheat

(DB/RB, 5-11, 175, Sr.) is an excellent athlete who will also receive some touches on offense at running back. The third of the more experienced in the defensive backfield is Malachi Steele (DB, 5-10, 168, Sr.) who White said was consistent at his position.

Joseph Wheat (K/P, 5-9, 185, Sr.) was perfect in his PATs a year ago and will again handle the kicking duties including as a punter.

“Having the off-season with them this year compared to last year’s COVID season we’re miles ahead of where we were compared to this time last year,” said White.

The Patriots kick off the season in grand style playing in one of the two AHSAA Kickoff Classic games in Montgomery’s Cramton Bowl. Bob Jones will face Dothan High on Friday, Aug. 20.

MADISON FOOTBALL 2021

11

Bob Jones High School 2021 Roster No. Gr Ht Wt

Pos Name

46

12

5’9

145

DB

Luc Burnley

1

12

5’11

175

RB

Deangelo Davenport

47

11

5’9

150

WR

Michael Duffy

2

11

6’0

165

DB

Jordan Morrison

48

11

5’10

165

WR

Hunter Mason

3

11

6’1

185

DB

Caden Jones

49

11

5’8

162

DB

John Dotson

4

11

6’2

205

QB

Ray Hardy

51

11

5’8

161

LB

Tyler Best- Livermore

5

11

6’0

185

WR

KJ Fields

52

10

5’8

170

LB

Justin Nguyen

6

12

5’10

168

DB

Malachi Steele

54

11

6’0

185

DL

Kaden Smith

7

12

6’1

190

DB

Jeff Rodriguez

55

10

6’1

180

DL

Maxwell Mentlow

8

12

6’2

190

DB

Cosey Scarebrook

56

10

6’4

215

DL

Brandon White

9

12

6’3

195

WR

Eli Williams

57

12

6’3

300

OL

Collin Jones

10

12

5’10

195

RB

Zane Lynch

58

11

6’0

195

LB

Javarion Elston

11

9

5’7

155

WR

Malalchi Foster

60

10

5’9

220

OL

Nathaniel Benedict

12

11

5’11

165

WR

Quenton Hubbard

62

12

5’7

325

OL

PJ Brown

13

12

5’10

165

WR

Robert Morgan

63

10

6’0

245

OL

Saevion Jackson

14

11

5’10

170

WR

Gunner Dixon

64

11

6’1

265

DL

Caleb Holsey

15

12

6’1

200

LB

Matthew Lee

65

10

6’0

250

DL

Dylan Stewart

16

12

6’1

197

QB

Bryson Smith

66

11

6’0

230

OL

Keaton Kirkpatrick

17

10

6’1

160

QB

Dylan Willingham

69

10

5’5

245

DL

Jay Sumbry

18

12

5’10

160

QB

Tucker Lacompte

70

12

6’0

277

OL

Brennan Williams

19

12

6’0

245

LB

Dan Gordon

72

12

6’1

260

OL

Austin Barnes

20

10

5’10

220

RB

Tyren Washington

74

11

5’9

230

OL

Ethan Atakoussok

22

11

5’9

190

RB

Rowan Jones

75

10

6’3

310

OL

Christian Abrams

23

12

5’9

175

DB

Ke’Ston Mosley

76

10

6’0

265

OL

Keon Davis

24

11

5’9

165

WR

Taeshaun Sessions

77

10

6’2

300

OL

Tafari Alcime

25

10

5’11

175

DB

Xavier Burnette

78

11

6’4

300

OL

Maddox Sunderman

26

10

6’0

155

DB

Jordan Urrutia

79

10

5’10

280

OL

Kameron Suggs-Downes

27

11

6’0

165

DB

Zeke Smith

80

10

6’3

240

DL/TE

Myles Cook

28

12

5’8

205

RB

Terrance Salter

81

11

6’3

175

WR

Ben Forton

29

10

5’11

165

DB

Amari McCoy

82

11

6’3

200

WR

Brody Cooper

30

10

5’2

110

WR

Elias Olive

83

11

5’11

167

WR

Jacob Hovis

31

10

5’8

155

WR

Maximus Montgomery

84

10

5’11

165

WR

Joseph Marshall

32

11

6’1

190

DB

Jonathan Monroe

85

12

5’9

185

K

Joseph Wheat

33

10

5’8

148

DB

Corbin Martin

86

10

5’7

150

WR

Sean Cormier

34

10

5’11

155

WR

Nakye Reese

87

10

5’10

150

WR

Jackson Dean

35

11

5’7

165

RB

Ethan Aquino

88

11

6’2

183

WR

Tyler Thompson

36

10

5’5

125

WR

Mark Drake

89

11

6’2

250

DL

Christian Kemp

37

10

5’10

170

RB

De’Shaun Harden

90

12

6’2

255

DL

Anthony Ramos

38

9

5’8

155

WR

Colt Dixon

91

11

6’2

270

DL

Austin Davis

39

11

6’0

195

LB

Ronin Amsler

92

12

6’3

175

K

Will Post

40

10

5’10

167

DB

Chase Elliott

93

10

6’0

190

DL

Branden Walker

41

10

5’5

160

WR

William Mikel

94

12

5’10

195

WR

Luis Pacheco

42

10

5’6

160

DB

Jeremy Gorritz

95

10

5’9

261

DL

Amauri Miller

43

10

5’8

140

DB

Jeremiah McCoy

96

10

6’1

255

DL

Tyron Ford

44

12

5’11

225

LB

Jaden Edwards

97

12

6’0

215

DL

Alexander Hovis

45

11

5’8

155

DB

Dylan Atakoussok

99

11

6’3

320

DL

Cedric Jackson

12 MADISON FOOTBALL 2021

2021 Bob Jones Patriots Class 7A Region 4 Coach: Kelvis White Aug. 27 Buckhorn

Away

Sept. 3 James Clemens

Home

Sept. 10 Huntsville

Home

Sept. 17 Florence

Away

Sept. 24 Auburn

Home

Oct. 1

Sparkman

Away

Oct. 8

Albertville

Home

Oct. 15 Grissom

Home

Oct. 22 Austin

Away

Oct. 29 Prattville

Home

Nakye Reese

R AY P E A R M A N L I N C O L N 2501 Bob Wallace Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35805 • “Where Trust Is A Family Tradition” MADISON FOOTBALL 2021

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Call 800-239-3357 Today Or Visit Online at RayPearman.com

13

SPARKMAN HIGH SCHOOL

BY STEVE MOULTON

L

ast year taught us a lot on and off the football field. One thing that is clear after the 2020 football season is that you should never count against the Senators. After back-to-back losses to start the year, the Senators rattled off six wins in their next eight contests and went to the 7A State Playoffs for the second straight season under Head Coach Laron White. “We had that conversation in the coach’s office before the season started last year about the team if we could hand that schedule out of the gate and we decided that they were strong enough

14 MADISON FOOTBALL 2021

and we knew all it do was make us better for the region season ahead of us, “ Coach White commented.

The Senators defense stepped up, in those eight games their scoring defense averaged 13 points a game including handing Austin their only region loss of the year and an overtime loss to James Clemens.

Coach White enters his fifth season in charge of the Senators with a winning percentage of 52%. Coach White has also led the Senators to the playoffs three times in four years in Class 7A football in the state of Alabama.

Coach White who played under Coach Gene Stallings at the University of Alabama from 1993-96, Coach White also spent 14 years as Head Coach of the Tanner High School leading the Rattlers to back-to-back 2A State Championships in 2012 and 2013.

The Senators have a lot of experience coming back this year several Seniors that have scholarship offers at the next level: Defensive lineman, Jase Bradley who has been offered by LaGrange College. Defensive back Kenny Hall who has received 10 offers from University of Pennsylvania, Harvard, Yale, Princeton,

Richmond, Furman, Columbia, Dartmouth, Alabama A&M and Navy. Offensive lineman Terrant Young who also has an offer from the Skyhawks from the University of TennesseeMartin.” He’s a heck of an offenssive lineman for us, he could play for anybody on the level.

I know the SEC likes them a little bit taller now but anybody from Sun Belt conference FCS level. He’s so versatile I think he’ll get a few more offers this year,” Coach White commented.

Some other Senators to be on the lookout for this season include some more experience along the offensive line with Senior Jorhdan Brown. Senior Linebacker Jaleel Birdsong also returns for Coach White’s team,” He’s another D1 football player for us. He just needs to be more consistent and show that he can play top notch football against these good teams,” Coach White said. Also returning is Senior Quarterback Lukas Schomberg, “ He might be the best all around quarterback we’ve had here. With Lukas pulling the trigger for us this year we have a chance to be really good, he’s efficient with his running ability and is a very good passer as well,” Coach White said.

Schomberg is getting some attention to play on

the next level from UTC and South Alabama.

Schomberg’s top target is also returning is Junior Mathew Rozier who played as a sophomore last year, “ He has really improved from last year to this year for us,” Coach White said.

Sparkman will have to replace Caleb Ransaw who is now playing for Chip Lindsey at Troy University. Ransaw recorded 32 tackles, two interceptions, 25 pass break ups, and a fumble recovery plus returned a kickoff for a touchdown as well last year for the Senators.”

Caleb was one of the best corners in the state last year he will definitely be missed but we’ve got a kid by the name of Kenny Hall he does some good things for us and is someone to be on the lookout for us, “ Coach White said.

Five home games highlight another tough schedule in Class 7A Region4 for the Senators beginning with a home match up versus Gardendale, the Rockets won last season’s matchup over the Senators to start the last year 22-7.” We know it is going to be a good game. They’ve got a great runningback coming back too. We just need to go out clicking a little better than last year, “ Coach White commented.

2021 Sparkman Senators Class 7A Region 4 Coach: Laron White Aug. 20

Gardendale

Home

Aug. 28

Thompson

Away

Sept. 3

Albertville Away

Sept. 10

Grissom

Sept. 17

Austin Away

Oct. 1

Bob Jones

Oct. 8

Florence Away

Oct. 15

James Clemens Home

Oct. 22

Huntsville

Home

Oct. 28

Muscle Shoals

Away

Home

Home

MADISON FOOTBALL 2021

15

MADISON ACADEMY

BY STEVE MOULTON

M

adison Academy began playing football in 1963. 58 years later the Mustangs are getting ready for another season under the lights off Slaughter Road in Madison.

Bob Godsey enters his 3rd year as the Head Football Coach of the Mustangs coming from Hartselle where he won a state title for the Tigers 10 years ago in 2011. Overall, this is Godsey’s 24th year in Coaching in the state of Alabama with a combined record of 198-73. “ I think we’ve got a chance we have a lot of potential, now weather we can bring that potential to reality that is up to us,” Coach Godsey said.

After multiple injuries and a below .500 season in his first season the Mustangs busted loose in 2020 going undefeated in the regular season and winning Class 4A Region 7 Championship (their 8th region championship in the last ten years). The Mustangs start this season on the road taking on 6A opponent Briarwood Christian, the Lions are coming off a run into the second round of the 6A state playoffs.

“Anytime you play a team like them (Briarwood) you know what kind of challenge it is. They are a tough physical well coached team that isn’t going to make mistakes and I think that is great way to start our season,” Coach Godsey on the Lions.

In terms of what to replace for Madison Academy, it starts with their quarterback, Avery Seaton who is now a two-sport athlete at Alabama A&M University. The cupboard isn’t bare for the Mustangs; with Kaden Young anchoring the offensive line and playmaker Tim “Deuce” Spurlock the Mustang fans have a lot to be excited about this year.

Deuce has over twenty scholarship offers, according to 247sports. com ranging from UAB, South Alabama, Troy, Boston College, South Florida, Mississippi State, Memphis, and Michigan. Spurlock is listed as a 3-star recruit. “He is outstanding in practice on both sides of the ball, he loves football, and we obviously count on him to do a lot of stuff for us,” Coach Godsey said.

Young 6-4 300 pounds plays the center position and has played there since he was a freshman. Young was a second team All-State performer in 2020 and has offers from South Alabama and Southern Mississippi heading into the year.” Extremely hard worker for us, was good player for us last year but I think we has improved a lot this off season. He’s got to be our guy to bring that leadership in the trenches for our other guys

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and he does an excellent job of that for us,” Coach Godsey.

Some other Mustangs to be on the lookout for this season include, Senior Wide Receiver Jalen Holmes, “ He made big plays for us last year and he continues to impress,” Coach Godsey noted. Plus, Senior Running back Will Stokes has added a little more weight plus little more explosiveness heading into his final season for the Mustangs. But maybe the biggest return for the Mustangs comes in the form of Senior Linebacker Chuck Moore coming off ACL surgery last year. “ I haven’t seen any effects from Chuck coming off that ACL surgery in less than a year ago and he has worked extremely hard to get where he is today,” Coach Godsey commented.

Finally Senior Kanen Hamlett is a three-star prospect that is also getting some attention from some colleges as well. Hamlett offers include Appalachian State, Austin Peay, Army, Arkansas State and Georgia State.

“We need him to step up this year too,” Coach Godsey said.

James Clemens Marching Band

Bands return to the field with excitement of vintage rock, hip-hop and disco

BY GREGG PARKER

A

fter the COVID-19 pandemic limited venues to perform in 2020, local bands have returned to the turf with excitement to again thrill audiences with their mastery of music and motion on the field.

In spring 2021, these instrumentalists, color guards, dancers and majorettes handled rigors of auditions for the ranks of their on-field marching band. Next, they memorized music charts and learned the moves of marching formations. In sweltering humidity, they worked at on-campus band camp to perfect the multi-tasking of ‘marching-whileplaying’ skills.

a solo confidently can be challenging in a small band such as ours, but Henry is doing a great,” Schaffer said.

The Mustang Color Guard has rehearsed new tosses for this year, including a flag exchange from the 40 to 40 yard lines!” Schaffer said.

“Our majorette is planning many different tricks while using one, two and three batons, hoops and light-up baton.”

The second movement features “Dancing Queen.” “We hope everyone can get up on their feet and move. Some incredible things are in store during this movement, including our majorette twirling three batons,” Schaffer said.

Section leaders in the Mustang Band are role models: Malachi Elkins -- percussion, senior, tenor drums; Henry Tucker -- winds, alto saxophone, sophomore; Raye Speir -- winds, tenor saxophone, sophomore; Evelyn Herrington -- Color Guard Captain, sophomore.

The Mustang Band has 20 students marching: Drumline, four; Color Guard, two; and one majorette. “New to Madison Academy this year is the addition of majorettes to our band program. We’re excited to grow and support each student’s talents alongside our Color Guard, Winds and Percussion students,” Schaffer said.

Madison Academy plans to attend Northeast Alabama Marching Invitational, Albertville High School, September 25; Scottsboro Marching Festival, Scottsboro High School, October 16; and Alabama Marching Band Championships, Hoover and Pelham high schools, Oct. 30.

MADISON ACADEMY MUSTANG BAND At Madison Academy, Band Director Sara Ann Schaffer said everyone – students, parents, faculty and staff – are very excited for the band to look more normal this year. “We did not do a marching show last year due to COVID-19,” Schaffer said. “We’re so ready to bring it back this year!

There is so much more enthusiasm this season already.”

Schaffer has collaborated with Color Guard Instructor Kelly Kelley, Majorette Instructor Kristen Bumpas-Troncone and returning Drum Major Molly Southard, a junior, to present “Mamma Mia! Featuring the Music of ABBA.” The show has three movements featuring four songs recorded by ABBA from the musical: “I Have a Dream,” “Mamma Mia,” “Dancing Queen” and “The Winner Takes It All.” “ABBA tunes are very recognizable to everyone, even those who have never seen ‘Mamma Mia!’ and have no idea who ABBA is,” Schaffer said. BOB JONES HIGH SCHOOL PATRIOT BAND At Bob Jones High School, Director of Bands Leigh Thomas said band Henry Tucker, saxophone section leader, will perform a solo. “To play members were extremely positive and resilient during camp this year. “We MADISON FOOTBALL 2021

17

Bob Jones Marching Band

dealt with quite a bit of rain the first week and brutal heat and humidity the second week,” Thomas said. “We’ve been enjoying bonding as a group and wiping the slate clean from last year.”

“This is a brand-new band,” Thomas said. “Our seniors were sophomores the last time we had a ‘normal’ season; our juniors were freshman.” Sophomores had a limited 2020 season, and freshmen are fresh out of middle school. “They’ve worked hard these two weeks and are determined to make the most of our time together . . . especially because we now know how precious that time is.”

Kevin Smart, Assistant Director of Bands, and Thomas trust the leadership of Drum Majors Emma Cook and Anaya Parker, both juniors, and senior Alondra Vargas-Ramirez; Assistant Conductors Taylor Cunningham, junior, and Salina Turner, senior; and Band Captain Josh Cagle, senior.

Bob Jones’ section leaders give critical commands on the field: * Flute -- Katerina Fedoseyev, Bethany Stoots. * Clarinet -- Hayden Purser, Liz Robertson. * Alto Sax -- Brandon Amaya Ortiz, Salina Turner. * Tenor/Baritone Sax -- Jacob Johnston. * Trumpet -- Will Cox, Anna Digges, Boyd Emmons. * Mellophone -- Paige Hughes. * Trombone -- Audrey Groger, Chase Smith. * Baritone -- Brandon Todd. * Contra -- Connor Bailey, Charlie Grimes. * Percussion -- Gunnar Amsler, Josh Boyd, Austin Revera, Daniel Wright. * Dance Team -- Noelle Humpal, Reagan Drake. * Color Guard -- Jessica Cochran, Olyvia English, Naomi Kaufman, Evie King.

The 191-member Patriot Band has 110 winds (brass and woodwinds), 32 percussion, 33 color guard and 16 dance team.

Bob Jones develops two shows – one for football halftime and a competition show for marching festivals. The football show, “Friday Night Lights,” features “All of the Lights” (Kanye West), “Light ‘em Up” (Fall Out Boy) and “Blinding Lights” (The Weeknd). “These three pop tunes capture the spirit of being under the lights every Friday night, having a blast with our football team, cheerleaders and fans!” Thomas said.

18 MADISON FOOTBALL 2021

Featuring more complex music and march formations, the competition show explores the concept of time and living in the moment, Thomas said. The show includes “Now” (“Doctor Who”), “Back to the Future,” Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time” and “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” (Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes).

Several soloists will claim the spotlight throughout this show, largely playing the melodic role of “Time After Time” and “Time of My Life.”

Three large props will relate to the time concept. The Color Guard will wear a trio of uniforms representing time periods -- the past, present and future.

The end of “Time After Time” and “Time of My Life” are both loud, in your face, powerful musical moments that hopefully will excite the audience. The end of the show embodies enjoying the present moment.

Bob Jones will compete for honors at Rockvale High School in Tennessee, Sept. 18; to be determined, October 23; Alabama State Marching Band Championship, Hoover, October 30; and USBands Southeastern Championship, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, Nov. 6.

“We’re planning to travel to Disney World in March 2022 to perform a parade in Magic Kingdom and explore the parks,” Thomas said. “Additionally, Bob Jones Wind Ensemble, Alabama’s top concert ensemble, was selected to perform a feature concert at Alabama Music Educators Association State Conference in January 2022. This will be the second time the wind ensemble has performed at AMEA and the third time an ensemble from Bob Jones has performed in five years.”

JAMES CLEMENS HIGH SCHOOL JETS BAND “Our students are thrilled to be getting back to our normal performance schedule,” Keith Anderson, Director of Bands at James Clemens, said.

Anderson’s staff includes Assistant Director Brian Sims and Drum Majors Conrad Burns, Aiyana Milligan and Bryan Prefer.

Section leaders answer members’ questions about music and drill moves: * Flutes -- Kate Owen, Emma Kane. * Clarinets -- Lauren Campbell, Emma Kane. * Alto Saxes -- Daniel Choi. * Tenor Saxes -- Steve Jung. * Trumpets -- Maddie Henslee, Jayden LaCross.

* Mellophones -- Quinn Zalamea. * Trombones -- Ian Zalamea, Joseph Choi. * Baritones -- Kourtlan Harmon. * Tubas -- Aidan Bullard. * Percussion -- Patrick Byrne, Jake Williams, Adam Schneider, Justice Bright. * Color Guard -- Sterling Stundtner, Aun’yae Johnson, Ronda Woods, Olivia Bonner, Madi Barksdale, Emma Blair. * Dance Team -- Annika West, Chloe James.

“The full ensemble is almost 180 members with 24 guard members, 11 dance team members and 27 drum line members,” Anderson said.

The Jets’ 2021 halftime show is “The Hits of Journey,” paying tribute to American rock band with (original) lead singer Steve Perry. “We hope the crowd enjoys our performances of ‘Separate Ways,’ ‘Wheel in the Sky’ and ‘Don’t Stop Believing.’ Everyone should plan to sing along to ‘Don’t Stop Believing!’” Anderson said.

“Like Water,” the Jets’ competition show, “combines the musical and visual performance to portray the elements and characteristics of water, inspired by the famous quotes of Bruce Lee,” Anderson said. “We’re planning many special moments that we’ve never done before to give the audience a special experience . . . but it’s too early to give all that away now.”

The Jets Band plans to attend four competitions throughout Alabama, including their first entry in the Bands of America regional contest on October 16 in Jacksonville and Alabama State Championships on October 30 in Hoover.

SPARKMAN HIGH SCHOOL SENATORS BAND David Raney, Director of Bands, at Sparkman High School also serves as President of the Alabama Music Educators Association. Sparkman’s Assistant Director is Robbie Stout, and Director of Percussion is Jack Albert.

“Our students are incredibly motivated and excited to have a full competitive season this year,” Raney said. “Although we lost valuable experiences of competition last year, we are looking forward to the dedication and commitment that a full competitive season can produce.”

“Although the new Sparkman High School Fine Arts Facility was completed last year, we are finally able to fully utilize the facility this year with a new band room and auditorium,” Raney said.

The 2021 Drum Majors at Sparkman are Kaden Burgess, Kalea Connolly and Lauren Tillman.

Band members who rank in seniority and/or mastery of music are section leaders: * Flute -- Sophia Parks, Hannah Harmon. * Clarinet -- Elias Loo, Gabriella Hawkes. * Saxophone -- Tristen Trees, Morgann Parrow. * Trumpet -- Harris Spinks, Joseph Lee. * Mellophone -- Chrissy Foshee, David Renfrow. * Trombone -- Micah Vasquez, Noah Edwards. * Euphonium -- Lorenzo France. * Tuba -- James Spurlock, Noah Gewin. * Percussion Battery -- Joseph Hamm, Ethan Smith. * Percussion Front Ensemble -- Clara Bagwell.

For the 2021 marching season, the Sparkman Senator Band has 178 wind players, 30 percussionists and 28 Color Guard members – for 236 total marching on the field.

Their halftime show, “Dance With Me,” features a collection of pop dance tunes that is intended to spur audience participation at football games, Raney said. “The marching band show should be enjoyable with

Sparkman Marching Band

Madison Academy Marching Band

audience participation from beginning to end.”

“The Travelers,” their competition show, “will take the audience on a journey through the eyes of a group of travelers moving from town to town while exploring their culture along the way,” Raney said. Soloists will perform, from trombone to alto sax.

“The music in this program features fast, syncopated rhythms with occasional odd meters at fast tempos,” Raney said. Selections include ‘Caravan,’ ‘Superstition’ and ‘Erghen Diado,’” a Bulgarian folk song.

Sparkman’s competition schedule includes Northwest Alabama Marching Classic, September 25; Bands of America Regional Competition in Jacksonville, October 16; and Middle Tennessee State University Contest of Champions, October 23.

“We hope to announce an alumni event this year inviting all alumni to participate in a pre-game performance at our homecoming game on September 10,” Raney said. “We want our alumni to see Sparkman’s Fine Arts Facility that was anticipated for decades.”

MADISON FOOTBALL 2021

19

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