The Trussville Tribune | Kickoff Edition | August, 2020

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Pinson Valley senior Ga'Quincy McKinstry

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August, 2020

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August, 2020

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H e w i t t -T r u s s v i l l e H i g h S c h o o l

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Kickoff Edition | The Trussville Tribune

August, 2020

Huskies look to bounce back in 2020

By Erik Harris, sports editor

TRUSSVILLE — For the Hewitt-Trussville football program, a unique 2019 season collides with something far more challenging in 2020.

Last fall, for the first time in seven years, the Huskies miss postseason play after a rash of injuries tore through the roster.

“Last season was a pretty unique situation,” said seventh-year head coach Josh Floyd. “It was the most injuries I’ve ever dealt with in one season. But I think we’ve got to get to where we can handle those injuries better, because I don’t want to make excuses.”

Back at full strength, Hewitt-Trussville is among the most talented in the state.

The Class 7A Huskies check in at No. 3 in the annual Alabama Sports Writers Association preseason football poll.

“We’ve got a lot of guys coming back this year that played a lot of snaps, even if they weren’t starters, just because of our situation,” said Floyd.

“Fast forward to this year, it’s a positive in some ways that we went through all that,” he continued. “Everybody knew about the quarterbacks, but there were a lot of other positions out there where guys may not have been quite ready for Friday nights, but it’s good for them to go through that.”

Floyd says he’s confident in two different quarterbacks as the 2020 season approaches. Cade Ott Carruth, who tossed for 924 yards and 10 scores in eight appearances last season, is expected to be the starter, but don’t be surprised if Jackson Holland checks in for a change of pace.

“Right now, our main two guys are Jackson and Cade, and those guys can do differ-

Hewitt-Trussville quarterback Cade Ott Carruth delivers a pass during practice on Aug. 4, 2020. Photo by Erik Harris

ent things and have different strengths, so I could see us playing both this year,” said Floyd. “Both of those guys can do really good things for us. Both can win games.”

Carruth is considered more of a pro-style quarterback, while Holland brings more of a running element to the offense.

“Jackson is just a football player,” said Floyd. “He was one of our best players on defense last year. He can do a lot of things for us.”

First-year offensive line coach Brad Boyette has three returning starters to work with, thanks to tackles Riley Quick and Miller Malone, and guard Steven Horsley.

Maverick Mcintyre, Ryan Gunter and Harrison Asbury

are also working for reps up front.

“We’ve got three guys that I feel like when they touch the ball, big things happen,” said Floyd about running backs Armoni Goodwin and Sean Jackson, and receiver Omari Kelly.

Goodwin, an Auburn pledge, only played in three games last year before suffering a season-ending injury.

He eclipsed 100 yards rushing in all three and finished his abbreviated junior year with 10 touchdowns.

“He’s improved his game after coming off that ACL injury,” Said Floyd. “But he’s had a full recovery and he’s made himself a better receiver, which is going to help his future.”

Goodwin will play alongside Jackson, giving Hewitt-Trussville a versatile look in the backfield.

“Sean is one of the most complete running backs I’ve ever coached just from the standpoint of a guy that can run, be a physical blocker and he’s also got some of the best hands on the team; he was one of our leading receivers last year,” said Floyd. “He’s 5-10, 230 pounds, so he’s just a hammer running the football.”

Floyd likens Kelly to former Husky and 2020 firstround NFL draft pick Noah Igbinoghene.

“He was scoring touchdowns against Hoover and Thompson as a sophomore... that’s not normal in our re-

gion, so for him to be able to do that and gain that experience was great,” said Floyd of Kelly.

For the Hewitt-Trussville defense, it all starts with talented defensive end Justice Finkley, who led the team with 16 tackles for loss as a sophomore last season.

“Justice is a guy that we want to move around,” said Floyd. “He’s just so explosive. His get-off speed makes him hard to block. I know during practice, we don’t do a very good job of blocking him.”

Floyd expects Finkley to draw double-teams often, which could open up opportunities for rangy sophomore Hunter Osborne.

Jamarion “Bam” White is

one of four starters back at linebacker.

“He’s a great leader on and off the field and he brings a lot of energy to practice every day, so he’s one of those guys that really loves the game,” said Floyd of White, who returns to the linebacker position alongside Landen Berguson, Clint Simpson and Mike Edwards.

Ole Miss cornerback commit Trey Washington will bring three years of starting experience to a secondary that includes fellow returning starter Jackson Holland.

“It all starts with Tre,” said Floyd. “He’s a great weapon to have back there and if he’s going to go play in an SEC secondary, than he’s pretty special.”

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August, 2020

Page 5

Huskies loaded with talent, experience in 2020

By Erik Harris, sports editor

TRUSSVILLE — The expectations are as high as ever in Trussville.

Despite an injury-plagued 2019 season that fell short of the playoffs at 6-4, the Hewitt-Trussville football team is, according to the Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA), a top contender in the ever-arduous landscape of Class 7A. The Huskies recently debuted at No. 3 in the annual ASWA preseason ranking, directly behind No. 2 Central-Phenix City and No. 1 Thompson.

“It’s a preseason poll, so it really doesn’t mean a whole lot, but the one thing I will say about it is I think it shows respect for our program,” said Hewitt-Trussville head coach Josh Floyd.

“Our kids aren’t worried about that. They know it’s all about where you finish and we, obviously, want a shot at winning a championship at the end of the year.”

The climb, at least as it stands today, will begin on Aug. 21 at Class 6A No. 3 Pinson Valley. That game, however, is not the focus Floyd wants for his team more than two weeks out.

With the loss of spring training due to the coronavirus pandemic, Floyd knows there’s a lot to work on before toe meets leather.

“Don’t worry about Pinson Valley,” Floyd said to his players at the end of a Tuesday morning practice. “Worry about us.”

He wants to put a particularly keen eye on the big boys up front.

“We’ll have some good

Hewitt-Trussville running back Sean Jackson charges up field during practice on Aug. 4, 2020. Photo by Erik Harris

Ole Miss cornerback commit Trey Washington works through drills at Hewitt-Trussville Stadium. Photo by Erik Harris

competition up front on both sides of the ball, so I think that’s the biggest thing we’re trying to look at the next few days,” said Floyd, who admits evaluating lineman can be more difficult than evaluating skill players.

Setting the starting five will be first-year offensive line coach Brad Boyette, who is sure to stay busy on Wednesday, as the Huskies dress out in full pads for the first time. Things might get physical.

For Ole Miss cornerback commit Trey Washington,

that will be a welcomed opportunity.

“It’s a blessing to be out here, because you really lose it when you’re in quarantine for that long,” said Washington on Tuesday. “It’s good to be back with my teammates.”

The rising senior says last season’s 6-4 record serves as a constant motivation factor throughout the program.

“The coaches put that on us every day in workouts and practices to be better than we were last year, so everything is about getting better,” said Washington.

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Page 6

August, 2020

Leeds, Moody, Springville take turns at media day

By Erik Harris, sports editor

PELL CITY — The status of the upcoming high school football season remains unclear as COVID-19 continues its surge throughout the state, nation and globe. However, optimism was present recently as players and coaches took center stage for the second annual St. Clair High School Football Media Day at Buffalo Wild Wings in Pell City.

“We’re preparing like there’s going to be a season,” said Springville quarterback Pearson Baldwin, who joined head coach Michael Graben and wideout Landon Ho for a short session with the media.

Moody and Leeds also took part in the conversation.

Seniors Logan Cole and Taylor Rothe joined third-year Blue Devil coach Adam Wallace behind the microphone.

Leeds’ second-year head man Jerry Hood took questions alongside defensive end Cameron Dunklin and linebacker Justin Pettus.

Moody returns from a 4-6 campaign, but expects a playoff push in 2020. Cole said his goal is a 9-1 regular season.

“I would love to reach the playoffs and I think this team can do it, if everyone’s committed,” said Rothe.

Moody head football coach Adam Wallace makes an appearance at St. Clair High School Football Media Day alongside Logan Cole (left) and Taylor Roth (right). Photo by Erik Harris

His head coach is focused on a different goal as kickoff approaches.

“My goals may be a little different than these guys,” said Wallace. “I just want us to have a great year. I want us to play at least 10 games and see what happens after that.”

“I want our kids to be safe,” he continued. “Of course, I want us to win a lot

of games along the way, but this (coronavirus) stuff has kind of changed what your top priorities are.”

Moody will compete in Class 5A, Region 6: Alexandria, Center Point, Corner, Hayden, Leeds, Lincoln, Moody and St Clair County.

The Leeds Greenwave are making the jump from Class 4A to 5A this fall, and head

coach Jerry Hood is excited about what’s ahead. He said his roster has doubled in size since his first day of practice last season.

“Even though it was a struggle last year and our record (2-8) was not very good, the atmosphere on the team was outstanding and that started spreading through our school, so we went from 26

players at the start of the year to 42 by the end of the year,” said Hood.

Dunklin, the team’s premier pass rusher, credits the growth to a season full of recruiting the hallways.

“We started spreading the word about how good our coach was and starting convincing guys it would be a fun experience,” said Dunk-

lin. “We’re more together this year.”

As far as the upcoming season goes, Dunklin expects to find the opposing quarterback often.

Also stepping up in classification this year will be the Springville Tigers, who leap from 5A to 6A in Graben’s third season on the sideline.

The Tigers will compete in Region 7 alongside Arab, Fort Payne, Oxford, Pell City, Scottsboro and Southside Gadsden.

Graben will rely heavily on his senior quarterback, Pearson Baldwin, in 2020.

“Pearson is coming off a great year,” said Graben. “He’s a dual-threat quarterback, so we’re trying to take advantage of him running the ball and throwing it. Our whole offense will run through him.”

Baldwin, a converted running back, said he has been offered by Birmingham Southern College. His favorite targets, Ho and Ben Bianchi, joined him for the lap around media day.

“We’re excited about these guys,” said Graben. “Ben is a huge weapon at tight end. He scored about six touchdowns for us last year. Landon (Ho) has had a great summer camp and catches everything that’s thrown to him.”

Moody 2020 Varsity Football Schedule Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

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August, 2020

Pinson Valley High School

Page 7

Pinson Valley 2020 Varsity Football Schedule Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

vs. Hewitt-Trussville at Shades Valley vs. Gardendale* at Minor* vs. Jackson-Olin* at Park Crossing vs. Mortimer Jordan OPEN at Clay-Chalkville at Jasper vs. Lee Huntsville Round 1

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Page 8

August, 2020

Pinson Valley boasts Alabama’s top player

By Erik Harris, sports editor

PINSON — The state’s top-rated senior — Pinson Valley athlete Ga’Quincy McKinstry — is keeping his eye on the ball.

Despite the distractions created by the novel coronavirus, McKinstry, known best as “Kool-Aid” around PVHS, is focused on his senior season.

“I’m just focused on getting it started,” said McKinstry. “I really don’t put my thoughts into all that extra stuff. I leave that up to the people who need to deal with it. I just worry about what I can worry about.”

McKinstry will have plenty of on-field responsibilities to keep him occupied this fall, as he gears up to pull double-duty for first-year Pinson Valley head coach Sam Shade.

It’s certainly nothing he can’t handle.

“The good thing about him is that he’s played on both sides of the ball for a long time,” said Shade of McKinstry. “He’s got a really solid foundation in both offense and defense, so he doesn’t need more work on one side of the ball that the other side of the ball.

Offensively, he will line up out wide as a receiver. As a junior last fall, he pulled in 47 receptions for 700 yards and 12 touchdowns.

It is, however, his accomplished play as a cornerback that’s landed him national recognition—McKinstry is considered the second-ranked corner in America and checks in at No. 22 overall in the Class of 2021, according to 247Sports.

He is one of the few pieces returning from an Indians’ defense that allowed an average of 13 points per game last year, as Pinson Valley finished at 10-3 thanks to a 31-28

Pinson Valley senior Ga’Quincy McKinstry is considered the top recruit in Alabama. The two-way star is considering between Alabama, Auburn and LSU. Photo by Erik Harris

semifinal loss to eventual 6A state champion Oxford. The Indians pitched three shutouts and held seven opponents to seven points or fewer in 2019.

Rising senior defensive lineman Julian Peterson, a first-team All-Tribune performer in 2019 and recent

Troy commit, played a major role on last year’s unit. He could be the team’s premier pass rusher alongside Air Force commit James Perkins.

Those two will be aided up front by the addition of transfer linebacker Noah Steen, who makes the move over

from Center Point this season. Steen was a first-teamer on the 2019 All-Tribune roster, as he secured 83 stops, including 11 tackles for a loss for the Eagles. He also forced one fumble, pulled down an interception and scored a touchdown for a stingy Cen-

ter Point defense.

Pinson Valley adds another newcomer to its offensive huddle, as rising junior quarterback Zach Pyron joins the Tribe after two seasons as a starter at Class 2A Fyffe, where he went 30-0 with two state titles.

Shade says he sees great leadership qualities in his new quarterback.

“He’s a good sized kid— 6’3”, 210 and for a quarterback, he really works hard in the weight room,” said Shade.

“And he’s adjusted to our offense pretty well.”

The big righty earned first-team all-state honors as a sophomore last year, as he ran for 750 yards and 19 scores for the 2A state champs. He also threw for another 525 yards and seven touchdowns.

He believes his best quality is his ability to make something out of a broken play.

“If the pocket breaks down, I feel like I’m able to get out and make a play, either with my feet or with my arm,” said Pyron. “That’s what I feel like I bring to the table is my playmaking ability when a play breaks down.”

Joining Pyron in the backfield will be running back Kenji Christian, who made the most of a slim workload last season. Despite a modest 63 carries in 2019, Christian has attracted scholarship offers from Georgia, Tennessee and Ole Miss. He finished his junior season with 451 yards rushing on only 63 attempts.

He also scored four touchdowns.

Leading the group up front will be 6’5” offensive tackle Rayvon Crum, who has attracted scholarship offers from Georgia Tech, West Virginia, Kansas and Arizona State. Auburn has also shown interest in the big left tackle this summer.

Pyron can rest easy knowing Crum is protecting his blind side while McKinstry breaks free.

“If I see he’s one-on-one with somebody, I know I’ve just got to put it somewhere he (McKinstry) can catch it, and he makes me look good a lot,” said Pyron. “I’ve got a lot of receivers on the team that can do that. A lot of them.”

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Kickoff Edition | The Trussville Tribune

August, 2020

Page 9

Indians break in new coach, quarterback

By Erik Harris, sports editor

PINSON — Week 1 is in the books, and the Sam Shade era has officially begun at Pinson Valley High School.

Shade, along with a bevy of first-year staffers, took the field at Willie Adams Stadium on Friday for a three-hour shorts-and-helmets session that closed out the opening week of AHSAA-approved practice.

Shade, a member of Alabama’s 1992 national championship team, gathered his team in a socially distant

manner at the end of Friday’s practice.

“We had a good (first) week, and we got better as the week went on,” Shade said to his players. “On Monday, we put the pads on.”

With spring training canceled due to COVID-19 concerns, offseason conditioning became a matter of self-accountability, and Shade is happy with the commitment he’s seen from his upperclassmen.

“Julian Peterson has come back in good shape and ready to go,” said Shade of his All-Tribune defensive line-

Head coach Sam Shade will replace Patrick Nix on the Pinson Valley sideline in 2020.

Photo by Erik Harris

First-year Pinson Valley quarterback Zach Pyron steps into a throw during practice at Willie Adams Stadium. Photo by Erik Harris

MA

AG

man. “The older guys have come back with a little more focus and in shape.”

He pointed to several team leaders who took it upon themselves to put work in throughout the pandemic, working out and playing 7-on-7. “They were doing a lot together in groups, so I feel like that’s helped us a lot,” he continued.

It came as no surprise that two-time all-state selection Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry stood out this week. The two-way star is widely considered the top overall prospect in the state and the No. 1 cornerback prospect in the county, according to 247Sports.

Per his usual, “Kool-Aid” will be called upon for offensive and defensive purposes this fall.

“I enjoy playing on both sides, for real,” said McK-

instry. “We have two good coordinators and they use me to my best potential and they do a good job of using me on both sides.”

The rising senior says he was thrown on less than 12 times last season, making it virtually impossible to get sufficient defensive film.

Nevertheless, he is, perhaps, the most sought-after corner in the country. He finished 2019 with one interception to go with 700 yards receiving and 12 scores for the Tribe.

He appears to have developed strong rapport with transfer quarterback Zach Pyron, who brings two years of dominant Class 2A experience with him from Fyffe.

The rising junior went 30-0 with back-to-back state championships as the Red Devils’ starting signal caller.

He looks forward to facing the challenge of Class 6A

football, and hopes to extend his 30-game winning streak.

“Everybody’s willing to work and get that extra work in after practice and on weekends, so everybody’s willing to do the extra stuff that it takes to be great,” said Pyron.

“Zach seem to be transitioning well,” said Shade.

“After he got enrolled in school, he jumped right in with the guys and started leading individual drills, some 7-on-7…, so he’s doing a really good job and he has brought some leadership with him.”

That leadership will be essential, as Pinson Valley takes on the challenge of Class 6A, Region 6: Gardendale, Minor, Jackson-Olin, Mortimer Jordan, Clay-Chalkville and Jasper.

The Indians open up their season on Aug. 21 at home against Hewitt-Trussville.

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Page 10

August, 2020

C l ay -C h a l k v i l l e H i g h S c h o o l

Clay-Chalkville 2020 Varsity Football Schedule Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

at Shades Valley at Hueytown at Jasper* vs Gardendale* at Minor* OPEN vs. Jackson-Olin* at Mortimer Jordan* vs Pinson Valley* vs Huffman OPEN Round 1

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Kickoff Edition | The Trussville Tribune

Page 11

No. 8 Clay-Chalkville wants ball-control offense

By Erik Harris, sports editor

PINSON — The ClayChalkville Cougars enter their fourth season under the direction of head coach Drew Gilmer, who is coming off a 10-3 season that ended at the hands of eventual Class 6A state champion Oxford, 2013.

Gilmer has led the team to postseason play in each of his three seasons as head coach, winning eight of his 11 playoff contests. The Cougars expect nothing less in 2020, as they transition to Region 6: Pinson Valley, Gardendale, Mortimer Jordan, Jasper, Minor and Jackson-Olin.

According to the Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA) preseason poll, the

eighth-ranked Cougars join two other Region 6 members (No. 3 Pinson Valley and No. 10 Gardendale) in the Class 6A top 10.

It’s been four years since Clay-Chalkville’s last region title, and Gilmer hopes to hunt down another with the help of a ball control offense.

“We want to be able to control the line of scrimmage, control the clock and just be able to play field position,” said Gilmer. “And that will allow us to be able to draw them in and create big plays on the outside. In the past, we haven’t really been able to create that because we haven’t really been able to be successful in the box to create those outside matchups.”

He has a deep group of wideouts that starts with ris-

Clay-Chalkville head coach Drew Gilmer has won eight playoff games in three seasons with the Cougars. Photo by Erik Harris

Clay-Chalkville wideout Antonio Miles fires off the line during a preseason scrimmage in Cougar Stadium. Photo by Erik Harris

ing juniors Marquarius White and senior Antonio Miles.

“He’s a kid that started for us as a 10th grader and this kid just has elite speed; he’s faster than anybody else on the field,” said Gilmer of White. “We just have to find ways to get the ball in his hands because he makes us look like better coaches.”

Miles, on the other hand, brings a more physical presence to the position. Gilmer says the senior is big enough to attach at tight end and fast enough to create big plays down field.

The receiver rotation will also include Jordan McCants, Ortavious Miles, Nate Owens, Jaylen Mbakwe and Isaiah Carlisle.

With the graduation of quarterback Damione Ward, Clay-Chalkville will look to junior Khalib Johnson under center. The 6-foot-2 righty is expected to take the starting snaps when the Cougars visit Shades Valley on Aug. 21.

“Khalib is a little more athletic and can move around, but

he’s also got a big arm,” said Gilmer. “He has a chance to be big-time. The sky is the limit.”

He will be joined in the backfield by at least two experienced ball carriers. Rising juniors Edward Osley and Lazarius Hinkle both earned starting reps last fall, and should provide a capable onetwo punch for the offense.

“Osley has really come along,” said Gilmer. “He just looks dynamic and the thing with him is he’s so versatile: we can spread him out wide, he can play receiver, we can put him in the backfield and he can be the featured back, he can be the fullback.”

“Hinkle is just a freaking bulldozer,” said Gilmer. “He doesn’t have a lot of wiggle, but you just get tired of tackling him.”

The group up front won’t be the biggest in the region, but what it lacks in size is made up for in athleticism.

Senior center Izziah Williams, a first-team All-Tribune performer last season, has stepped into a leadership

role. He will be joined across the line by guards Ahmante Altman and Kyrell Wiggins, and tackles Xavier Norman and Fred Samuel. Also expect Corey Calvin to work into the rotation.

Defensively, ClayChalkville will implement an aggressive game plan from coordinator Matt Glover, who like the offensive staff, will be working with a less-thanmassive front line in 2020.

“We’re going to be a very athletic group that can run and do a lot of things that can cause some havoc and create some negative plays by creating some vertical penetration,” said Gilmer.

The Cougars will ask a lot of an experienced secondary that includes Kameron Peterson, Lamar Croskey and Center Point transfer Robert Blanco. Returning middle linebacker Jonathan Harris will be responsible for making the calls.

He and the Cougars open up at Shades Valley on Aug. 21.

Moody High School Moody wants more from passing attack

By Erik Harris, sports editor

MOODY—It’s been five years since Moody has qualified for postseason play, and those within the program believe that’s about to change.

In head coach Adam Wallace’s third season, the Blue Devils will compete in Class 5A, Region 6 alongside Center Point, Leeds, Alexandria, Corner, Hayden, Lincoln and St. Clair County.

Wallace admits there’s much to replace on his roster, but has confidence in the guys stepping in this fall, including his son/quarterback AJ Wallace.

AJ is entering his sophomore season and will likely give the offense a little different look in 2020.

“The offense is going to look a little different this year,” said Wallace. “Last year, we handed the ball off 25-30 times a game and then asked our quarterback to run it 10-15 times. Might be a little different.”

Wallace expects several offensive leaders to help his son’s progression throughout the year.

“Asking a 10th-grader to come in and start at a 5A varsity level is not easy and then you add to that being the coach’s son and the pressure that comes with that,” said Wallace.

“He’s got guys around him that can help him be successful and a lot of times make him look good even when he’s not,” he continued.

“I don’t expect him to be perfect, but he will compete and give it all he’s got.”

The Blue Devils will have to fill two vacancies left by graduating seniors up front,

but according to senior Taylor Rothe, both spots have been filled by “some great players.”

Wallace says the carries will likely be handled by a committee of players this season, starting with junior Nick Burrell. “He’s an explosive kid, not a huge guy but he can make things happen in the open field,” said Wallace.

Moody’s top returning receiver is senior Logan Cole, who is particularly productive in jump-ball situations.

“His main job for us is going to catch footballs and

making big plays,” said Wallace of Cole. “Logan is one of those kids that looks like a slim receiver, but when you put him in the weight room, he’s an absolute beast. He can do it all. He’s a great blocker, can go catch the deep ball, can catch the intermediate route, we’ll hand it to him a little bit, so we’re going to get this dude the ball a lot and he’ll make me look good.”

Cole, who’s listed at 6’0”, sees himself as a matchup problem against smaller defensive backs.

“My speed makes me able to beat the little cornerbacks over the top and then just my height over them,” said Cole.

“Most of these cornerbacks are really small and kind of short so my height kind of helps with that. I can just jump over them and grab it.”

When it comes to the passing game, he sees potential with AJ pulling the trigger this year. “He’s got a really good arm on him,” said Cole.

“He can throw it deep and throw it short with accuracy; he can really dart it in there.”

Wallace believes he’ll put a balanced defense on the field. “We lost some really good players, I’ll be honest with you about that,” said Wallace. “But we’ve got some really good guys to come in and fill those gaps.”

It all starts with senior linebacker Taylor Rothe.

“Taylor is a guy that will be our starting inside linebacker and he’s also a coach on the field,” said Wallace. “He can tell all 11 guys their assignment. He’s just a football junkie, a smart kid who loves

the game and having him on the field to help other guys get lined up will be huge.”

Rothe is one of several players Wallace will call on to pull double-duty this year thanks to the cancelation of spring camp, due to coronavirus.

“Some of our guys are going to have to play both ways more this year than they have in the past,” said Wallace.

“Our numbers are close to the same but with all this stuff going on, we may have to have some guys go both ways.”

Page 12

Kickoff Edition | The Trussville Tribune

August, 2020

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Page 13

Tigers take aim at Class 6A

By Erik Harris, sports editor

SPRINGVILLE — Michael Graben understands the challenge and is ready to take it head-on.

The Springville head coach enters his third year with the program, and his first as a member of Class 6A. He and the Tigers took the step up from 5A when the AHSAA Board of Central Control approved its reclassification and sports alignments last December. Graben said he was surprised to see Springville make the jump, but was relieved to see three of his Region 7 opponents (Arab, Scottsboro and Southside-Gadsden) coming up with him.

“In that region, there are three other teams that are moving up with us,” said Graben. “So it’s Oxford, Pell City and Fort Payne that have been there for a while, but us, Scottsboro, Southside, Arab, we’re all about the same.”

His players welcome the challenge of 6A football.

“Our kids have approached it with the attitude of ‘heck yeah, I’m a 6A quarterback,’” said Graben.

Senior Pearson Baldwin will once again be taking the snaps for the Tigers in 2020, and according to Graben, his dual-threat quarterback is the straw that stirs the drink.

Baldwin was named to the honorable mention list of last year’s All-Tribune Team.

“Pearson had a great year last year,” said Graben. “He’s a runner and a thrower. He’s our best running back, so we’re trying to take advantage of him running the ball and throwing it.”

Graben says his rising senior has developed as a passer this offseason while attending different camps.

“Our whole offense will run through him,” said Graben of Baldwin. “I know teams will do some things to

Springville head football coach Michael Graben addresses a question during St. Clair High School Football Media Day in Pell City. Photo by Erik Harris

take away from him, and so if it does, we’re confident in our running backs to take that on.”

Graben also pointed to pass-catchers Landon Ho and Ben Bianchi, who both joined him at St. Clair County Media Day in July.

“Ben (Bianchi) is a huge weapon at tight end,” said Graben. “He’s also an all-county basketball player, so he wreaks havoc out on the basketball court and on the football field. He scored about six touchdowns for us last year.”

Bianchi sees himself as a well-rounded tight end, willing to block when called upon or to get involved in the passing game.

“Landon (Ho) has had a great summer camp and catches everything that’s thrown to him,” said Graben of Ho, who is coming back from a leg injury that limited him last fall.

Graben emphasizes the need for his team to stay healthy, unlike it did in 2019 when the club lost four starting linebackers to various injuries.

“We ended up with two 14-year-old kids playing linebacker in 5A football, in grown-man football,” said Graben, who enters this third season with 95 players on his roster.

He does believe that misfortune at linebacker last year can help his outlook in 2020.

“Because we lost so many linebackers last year, we had to play a bunch of younger guys and they are all back,” said Graben. “I really think defense will be a strength for us.”

He is particularly excited about his defensive front, which brings back a pair of 300-pounders. Big improvements are expected from a secondary that started a trio of sophomores last season.

“I think all of us have matured over the past year, just getting bigger, stronger and faster, especially the secondary,” said Baldwin.

“It was their first time starting last year and you could tell they were a little nervous at first, but then when we came back in July, you

could tell how much they’ve matured.”

The entire starting secondary is back, including Johhn Wolf, who according to his coach, will play more than 40 pounds heavier this year as a junior.

With a little luck on the injury front, Graben thinks his group can be a competitive 6A football team.

“That’s the key is health,” he continued. “We have some spots where we might could take one or two injuries, but that’s about it.”

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August, 2020

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Page 15

Leeds High School

Leeds 2020 Varsity Football Schedule Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

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August, 2020

Eagles build on quarterfinal season

By Erik Harris, sports editor

CENTER POINT — The environment is changing, and George Bates can see the confidence growing throughout his Center Point roster.

In two seasons with the Eagles, Bates has won more games (15) than the previous two coaches combined during a five-year stretch. Shawn Gregory went 1-19 as head coach between 2016-17, and Bennie Hall led Center Point to an 11-20 mark between 2013-15.

Bates sits at 15-10 overall after last year’s 9-4 run to the Class 5A quarterfinals.

“People talk about culture and things of that nature, and to me, in your third year you can start to see it,” said Bates.

“I can see myself in the team now, and that’s the biggest difference.”

For Bates, his biggest challenge since taking over in 2018 has been building mental toughness. His efforts are obvious, as his Eagles won their second and third playoff games under his watch last November.

“It’s been about giving the kids some stability and proving to them that we can play big-time football,” said Bates.

“Once the kids start seeing the city leaders—mayor, pastors—supporting the program, it makes them feel like someone cares.”

Center Point is going to be “extremely young” this year, but that wont change the expectation.

First-year offensive coordinator Brandon Wilcox has been given full rein of a unit that’s still working through a quarterback competition.

Wilcox, who won 28 games as head coach at Montevallo from 2016-19, will choose between sophomore candidates Troy Bruce and Jabari Collier.

“Both of those guys are athletic,” said Bates. “Jabari is

A Center Point receiver holds his block during a preseason practice on Aug. 6, 2020. Photo by Erik Harris

the taller of the two and Troy is the more explosive of the two.”

Bruce contributed as a running back last year as a freshman, and Bates believes that experience gives him a slight edge over Collier, who has not played since middle school.

“It’s still going to be a battle,” said Bates. “I would give Troy a slight edge due to him playing ball last year. He was a varsity contributor, starting quite a few games at tailback last year and Jabari hasn’t

played (football) since about seventh grade.”

Perhaps the only senior in the huddle will be running back D’ontae Eatmon, who checks in at 5’10” 205. The team’s top returning wideout will be sophomore Harold Holloman.

“He had some big catches in big games as a freshman, so he will probably be our go-to guy,” said Bates.

He expects big things from rising junior Evan Swann—6foot-4, 220 pounds—on both lines of scrimmage. Swann

is one of many that will be called upon for offensive and defensive duty this year.

Bates will also look to Jayvon Brooks for production up front.

“Our big guy in the middle will be Jayvon Brooks... He’s about 5’10” 340, so he’ll anchor the D-line for us,” said Bates.

Senior linebacker Khalid Collier was the first player Bates pointed to on the defensive side. At 190 pounds, Collier is expected to be one of the Eagles’ top playmakers.

Tamarkus Judkins is, perhaps, the most versatile player of the group.

“He’s going to be our rover,” said Bates of Judkins. “He played all over the place for us last year and did a great job.”

In the back end, Bates will rely on senior corner Jalen Smith and Woodlawn safety transfer Tramaine Brown.

Center Point will compete in Region 6, which includes a few new challenges: St. Clair County, Lincoln, Hayden, Corner, Alexandria, Moody and Leeds.

“We were disappointed when Mortimer Jordan moved up (to Class 6A), because we felt like that was a very nice rivalry that was starting to come to life,” said Bates. “And then with Central-Clay County, we had a big rivalry for the two years we played each other. We were disappointed when it came out because we really wanted those guys to stay in because they were two of the best teams in 5A and we felt good about saying we had the best region.”

Quarterback competition continues at Center Point

By Erik Harris, sports editor

CENTER POINT — As the start of the 2020 season approaches, Center Point head football coach George Bates continues to evaluate a pair of quarterback candidates.

Following a recent prac-

tice session, Bates said rising sophomore Troy Bruce has taken a slim lead on first-year signal caller Jabari Collier, based on experience.

“It’s still going to be a battle,” said Bates. “I would give Troy a slight edge due to him playing ball last year.

He was a varsity contributor, starting quite a few games at

tailback last year and Jabari hasn’t played (football) since about seventh grade.”

Bates likes the athleticism both bring to the table, describing Bruce as the more explosive of the pair and Collier as the more rangy option.

“Troy (Bruce) is probably one of our top playmakers, while Jabari (Collier)

Sophomore quarterback Troy Bruce prepares to pitch the ball during a practice session at Center Point High School. Photo by Erik Harris

George Bates enters his third season as head football coach at Center Point High School.

Photo by Erik Harris

is probably the best young basketball players we have in the school,” said Bates.

Bates, who enters his third year with the program, says he also has openings to fill at outside linebacker and in the secondary. With approximately 47 players on his roster, Bates and his staff are taking steps to keep play-

ers healthy this offseason.

“We feel like we can be physical and get everything we need in shells—it’s just the way we’ve been doing it for a few years,” said Bates.

“We don’t tackle low at practice, so it’s just a way to try to stay as fresh as we possibly can.”

Last season saw the Ea-

gles (9-4) advance into the Class 5A quarterfinals for the first time since 2011. It was the program’s second straight playoff run under Bates after a four-year postseason slump.

This year’s group hopes to continue that upward trend, opening up at Wenonah on Aug. 21.

August, 2020

Kickoff Edition | The Trussville Tribune

Page 17

Hood: ‘We look forward to showing great improvement’ Up front, the Green Wave brings back a wealth of experience with a trio of starters returning at linebacker. Jacob Cain, Keylan Jones and Justin Pettus played almost every snap for Hood last season, and the experience shows.

“They are a talented bunch,” said Hood of his linebackers. “The main thing is they know our scheme now and they’re aggressive to the ball. I think what you will see out of the front seven is a fearlessness, an aggressiveness and probably more speed than one would expect from us.”

Hood also pointed to Cameron Dunklin, Cameron Vines and Kavion Henderson as key pieces across the front line.

Leeds head football coach Jerry Hood settles in for St. Clair High School Football Media Day alongside Cameron Dunklin (left) and Justin Pettus (right). Photo by Erik Harris

By Erik Harris, sports editor

LEEDS — Leeds High School football will look different in 2020, and not just because of COVID-19.

The Green Wave hopes to kickoff the second year of Jerry Hood’s tenure as head coach soon, as a trip to Sylacauga is due up on Aug. 21.

Hood fought an uphill battle in his first year at the wheel.

“When we got there last year, there were 26 kids out there on the field on the first day, so that gives you an indication of there being some trouble in the program,” said Hood. “It needed to be brought together.”

Although it didn’t always

reflect on the scoreboard, Leeds showed promise as the season wore on.

“Even though it was a struggle last year and our record (2-8) was not very good, the atmosphere on the team was outstanding and that started spreading through our school, so we went from 26 players at the start of the year to 42 by the end of the year,” said Hood.

As for 2020, the Green Wave is poised to take a big step forward in the jump from Class 4A to Class 5A. Nearly the entire roster is back, as only four seniors graduated from last year’s team.

“This year will look much different,” said Hood. “We’re just more knowledgeable

and more talented. I don’t know what that means as far as wins and losses because there are a lot of other things that go into it, but at least we will show improvement. No doubt about that.”

That experience will be crucial against a Region 6 slate that includes Center Point, Moody, Alexandria, Corner, Hayden, Lincoln and St Clair County.

To combat that lineup, Hood has paired a new-look secondary with a veteran front seven. He pulled in a pairs of first-year corners (Fredlando Fitts and Tanner Chambers) from the Leeds basketball team to go with safety Mekhi Jones and versatile sophomore CJ Douglas.

Offensively, Leeds brings back five starters up front to protect rising sophomore quarterback Jarod Latta, who took starting snaps as a freshman in 2019.

“He had a lot of growing up to do, but I believe he has matured appropriately and has thrown the ball well and run our offense well this summer,” said Hood of Latta.

“I’m pleased with his progress.”

Jamal Jordan will also take some reps at quarterback and other positions.

Hood pointed to Jackson Bartee as a leader on the offensive line. The junior has experience at center and guard.

“He’s a really bright, intelligent guy,” said Hood of Bartee. “He can make the

calls we need and can handle the snapping duties as well as play the guard position. He showed me a lot last year.”

All-Tribune running back Jakobi Hunter is tough to replace, but his younger brother Jeremiah will give it a try this fall.

“We’re going to miss Jakobi Hunter, but the good thing is they have multiple kids in that family, so his brother Jeremiah Hunter will take over at running back,” said Hood.

Despite recent struggles, Leeds has a wealth of football tradition that starts with three straight title appearances between 2013-15. Not sure the 2020 squad has a state finals run in it, but fans can expect major improvements this autumn.

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Page 18

Springville High School

August, 2020

Springville 2020 Varsity Football Schedule Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

OPEN at St. Clair County at Cherokee County at Fort Payne* vs. Scottsboro* vs. Fultondale at Southside-Gadsden* vs. Pell City* at Oxford* vs. Arab* vs. Moody Round 1

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Preseason high school football rankings released

By Erik Harris, sports editor

High school football season inched a little closer recently with the announcement of the Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA) preseason rankings.

The top three classifications are peppered with local flavor, as Hewitt-Trussville checks in at No. 3 in Class 7A, Pinson Valley and Clay-

Chalkville open up at No. 3 and 8, respectively in Class 6A, and Center Point sits just outside the Class 5A top 10.

The Huskies enter their seventh season under head coach Josh Floyd with a collection of talent led by Auburn running back commit Armoni Goodwin. Floyd will be looking to rebound from an injury-plagued 2019 season that finished at 6-4.

Pinson Valley is making

the transition to first-year head coach Sam Shade, who takes over for Patrick Nix. The Indians are coming off a 10-3 season that finished in the state semifinals, where they fell to eventual state champion Oxford, 31-28.

Drew Gilmer enters his fourth season coaching the Clay-Chalkville Cougars with an overall mark of 338. Like Pinson Valley, ClayChalkville saw its 2019

season end at the hands of Oxford. The Cougars lost to the eventual 6A champs 20-13 in the state quarterfinals.

In Class 5A, Center Point has some rebuilding to do following the departure of a talented 2019 Class. However, head coach George Bates has the Eagles trending upward as he approaches his third season.

See complete rankings below:

CLASS 7A 1. Thompson (23); 12-1; 285 2. Central-Phenix City (1); 12-2; 203 3. Hewitt-Trussville; 6-4; 186 4. Hoover; 10-3; 178 5. Auburn; 9-4; 144 6. Fairhope; 6-5; 106 7. James Clemens; 9-3; 59 8. Dothan*; 8-3; 55 9. Theodore; 8-3; 41 10. Prattville; 9-3; 27

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CLASS 6A 1. Oxford (18); 14-1; 267 2. Mountain Brook* (5); 8-3; 222 3. Pinson Valley; 10-3; 160 4. Blount; 8-3; 151 5. McGill-Toolen* (1); 11- 1; 146 6. Opelika; 11-2; 141 7. Eufaula; 9-3; 54 8. Clay-Chalkville; 10-3; 47 9. Spanish Fort; 9-5; 38 10. Gardendale; 8-4; 37

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August, 2020

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