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Kickoff Edition | The Trussville Tribune

August, 2021

Kickoff Edition | The Trussville Tribune

H e w i t t -T r u s s v i l l e High School

Page 3

Best of luck on the upcoming season Dawson! GO HUSKIES!

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Kickoff Edition | The Trussville Tribune

Page 4

August, 2021

Hewitt-Trussville Football Roster Num.

Grade

Pos.

Num.

Grade

Pos.

Num.

1 1 2 2 3 3 4 5 6 7

Name

Justice Finkley Connor Rhodes James Hammonds Clayton Hollis Omari Kelly Rob Wright KJ Jackson Cayson Zackery Rickey Gibson Peyton Floyd

SR SO SR SO SR SO SR SR JR SO

DL QB RB LB WR LB DB WR DB QB

Hunter Osborne

9 10 12

Jamarion White Hunter Jones Riggs Dunn

SR JR SO

LB LB DB

Ayden Moore

14 15 15

Kadarius Barnes Jordan McCants Colin Wadsworth

SO SR SO

WR WR QB

Cade Carruth

16 17 17 18 20

Andy Serena Ryan Shoop Jadon Cantley Noah Walls Hiram Griffin

SR SR SO JR SR

K WR DB WR LB

Connor Thomas

Gabriel Wright

Blake Barlow

23 23 24 24 25 26

Nick Hill Jacob Triplett Chaise Burton Macon Gallant Nigel Smiley Camron Williamson

JR SO SR SO JR SR

DB WR DB DB DB LB

MJ Smith Kennedy Mitchell Andrew Barber Hudson McMurray Riley Rigg Gavin Williams Dawson Blount Jaqson Melton Camron Wynn Asa Boyette Carson Bowen Max Herring Jackson Varner Braylon Chatman Kain Knight TJ Hobbs Jace Hill Jaycen Horton CJ Curtis Donovon Price Matt Miller Cahleb Gray Jamal Hobbs Ethan Shotts Hunter Kyle Zavier Austin Bradley Coffman Maverick McIntyre Aaron Simmons Brent Russell Josiah Gobert Grant Moore Aidan Elliott

JR SO SO SO JR SO SR SO SO SR SO JR SO JR JR SR SR JR SR SO SR SR SO SO JR SO JR SR SO JR SO SO SO

DB RB DB DB K DB DB RB DB LB WR LB WR LB DB DB WR DB K TE TE LB RB DB TE LB LB OL LB LB DL OL LB

27 28 28 29 30 30 31 32 32 33 33 34 34 35 37 38 39 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 51 52 52 53 53

Name

Jack Strange

Micah Johnson

Jack Erwin

Name

Grade

Pos.

Jamison Reedy

Aasin Thomas

Trace Wilbanks

Davis Wates

Adam Norris

63 64

Trevor Pruet James Wine

SO SO

OL OL

Harrison Asbury

66 68 71

Drew Johnson Luke Golden Skyler Carrillo

SO SR JR

OL LB DL

Riley Quick

73 74

Kade Martin Caleb Sears

SO SO

OL OL

Zachary Chatman

76 77

Jackson Howell Braden Valdez

SO SO

OL OL

Ryan Gunter

81 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90

TaRell Seals Jacob Sanders Jeremiah Hill Garrett Herrin Charles Borden Hopkins Long Jadon Loving Muhammad Al-Absi Samuel Bishop

JR SO SO SR SO JR SO SO SO

TE WR WR WR WR TE WR TE DL

Riley Mackey

Tyrell Averhart

Conner Durden

Kent Donaldson

Keelan Oniszko

Jordan Sherman

Hewitt-Trussville 2021 Varsity Football Schedule AUG 20 (FRI) 7 p.m.

VS PINSON VALLEY

HOME

SEP 10 (FRI) 7 p.m.

VS TUSCALOOSA COUNTY

HOME

AUG 27 (FRI) 7 p.m.

VS SARALAND

HOME

SEP 17 (FRI) 7 p.m.

AT THOMPSON

AWAY

SEP 3 (FRI) 7 p.m.

VS SPAIN PARK

HOME

SEP 24 (FRI) 7 p.m.

VS HUFFMAN

HOME (HOMECOMING)

OCT 1 (FRI) 7 p.m.

AT HOOVER

AWAY

OCT 8 (FRI) 7 p.m.

VS VESTAVIA HILLS

HOME (SENIOR NIGHT)

OCT 15 (FRI) 7 p.m.

AT GADSDEN CITY

AWAY

OCT 22 (FRI) 7 p.m.

AT OAK MOUNTAIN

AWAY

Let’s Go, Team! It’s going to be a great season; good luck to all of our area schools! From your friends at First Baptist Church Trussville

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Kickoff Edition | The Trussville Tribune

August, 2021

Page 5

For Hewitt-Trussville, a chance for a special season.

By Bobby Mathews, sports editor

TRUSSVILLE — The Huskies are on the hunt in 2021, bringing back a load of talent on a team that finished 9-3 last season and made it to the second round of the playoffs. Things have gotten no easier in the region nor 7A as a whole. Thompson and Hoover remain tough foes, and Hewitt-Trussville will have to go into hostile territory on the road to get those wins. But, in a loaded region, it’s fair to say that Hewitt-Trussville is also pretty well loaded. The team brings back eight starters on offense, including Omari Kelly, who has 67 career catches for 1,012 yards and nine touchdowns. MaxPreps has Kelly ranked as its No. 20 athlete in the country, and a bevy of top schools — including Alabama, Georgia, Florida, LSU, Auburn and Notre Dame, among others — and is set to commit to his school of choice on August 19, a day before the season starts. “Omari is one of the most versatile players that we have had in our program,” Hewitt-Trussville head coach Josh Floyd said. “He has incredible ball skills at the wide receiver position, great speed and can go up and get the ball. He’s also a player that is very dangerous with the ball in his hands so we will play him some in the backfield as well.” By the end of this season, Kelly will have been a threeyear starter for the Huskies. He may also play DB if the occasion calls for it, Floyd said. Rounding out the receiving corps are seniors Cayson

With a hefty dose of returning starters on offense, like Hewitt-Trussville quarterback Cade Carruth, the Huskies look poised to again be a force in 7A ball. (Photo: Ron Burkett)

Zackery and Jordan McCants. Look for McCants, who has offers from Troy, Army, Marshall, Arkansas State and South Alabama, and Zackery to take advantage when defenses key on Kelly. Quarterback Cade Carruth returns to lead the team in his senior year. Carruth brings both experience and productivity as the signal-caller for the Huskies. He’s thrown for 2,669 yards and 67 touchdowns, and he has offers from South Alabama, Middle Tennessee, and New Mexico, among others. The offensive line should be stout, with senior leadership like senior lineman Riley Quick, a three-year

starter. At 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, Quick anchors a line that includes a boatload of talent like Liberty commit Ryan Gunter and MaxPreps Freshman All-American, the 6-feet-4 inch, 295-pound sophomore, Kade Martin. Senior tight end Matt Miller, a 6-feet, 2-inch, 225-pound prospect with offers from Middle Tennessee, South Alabama and Dartmouth, can be used in both blocking and passing situations. His versatility will be called upon to help move the chains downfield and free up deeper passes. On defense, the Huskies return six starters, including senior defensive lineman

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Justice Finkley. Finkley has 151 career tackles, 22 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. In the weight room and on the practice field, Finkley has a work ethic that won’t quit. “Justice is one of the hardest workers that I have ever coached,” Floyd said. “He’s extremely focused every day and pays close attention to detail. He’s a beast in the weight room and is a very explosive D-lineman who’s always making plays. He is very versatile and can play any position on the D-line.” This will also be Finkley’s third year as a starter in the program. Finkley has scholarship offers from Alabama, Geor-

gia, Florida, Michigan, LSU, Florida and Colorado. He’s joined on the defensive front by Hunter Osborne, a 6-foot, 4-inch 250-pound junior with offers from Texas A&M, Indiana, Colorado, Virginia Tech, Virginia, Marshall and UNLV. Osborne had 34 tackles last season, with two tackles for loss. Junior defensive lineman Skyler Carrillo started the first few games of 2020 before a season ending injury. The Huskies return two senior defensive backs as well. Connor Thomas, at only 5-feet, 7 inches, led Hewitt-Trussville with three interceptions and 14 passes defended in 2020. He’s

joined by KJ Jackson, a 6-feet, 198-pounder who recorded 34 tackles last season. “KJ is one of the leaders of our defense,” Floyd said. “He’s a very physical safety that moves really well. He can make plays all over the field. KJ had a season-ending injury last year but I’m so proud of how he has responded to that adversity. He’s had a great off-season and has set himself up for a great senior season.” Junior DB Rickey Gibson (6’0”, 165 pounds) worked his way into the starting rotation by the end of the season in 2020 and returns looking to contribute for the Huskies.

We’re cheering you on to victory!

GO HUSKIES!!

Page 6

Kickoff Edition | The Trussville Tribune

August, 2021

Pinson Valley High School

Pinson Valley 2021 Varsity Football Schedule

Name

METCALF TJ

BYRD MARIO

Grade

Pos.

Name

FELLS JAYLON

AHMAD ABDULLAH

SHARPE MIKE

JACKSON JACOBI

WILLIAMS KORBYN

MCCRAY ZACH

DIAKITE BJ

BAYLOR JACK

HUNTER JA'CARLOS

PYRON ZACH

AT HEWITT-TRUSSVILLE

AWAY

8/27 7 p.m.

VS. SHADES VALLEY

HOME

9/3 7 p.m.

AT GARDENDALE

AWAY

9/10 7 p.m.

VS. MINOR

HOME

9/17 7 p.m.

AT JACKSON-OLIN

AWAY

9/24 7 p.m.

VS. RAMSAY

HOME

10/1 7 p.m.

AT MORTIMER JORDAN

AWAY

10/15 7 p.m.

VS. CLAY-CHALKVILLE

HOME

10/22 7 p.m.

VS. JASPER

HOME

10/29 7 p.m.

AT LEE-MONTGOMERY

AWAY

Pos.

Name

MOORER CARSON

SIDDLE HAYDEN

MITCHELL-HOLLEY MEKHI

IVY CARLOS

AUSTIN JAVION

RIGGINS-REED JORDAN PORTER OMARI

WILLIAMS MALACHI

WILLIAMS JEVONTA

PETERSON JALEN

EVANS DATARIUS

SCROGGINS KETAVION

PEEPLES DAMARCUS

JUDKINS TAMARKUS

WR/ DB

SPRINGFIELD ZI KEITH

THOMAS AMARE

MCLEMORE ANTOINE

AMBROSE CAMERON

ANDERSON MEKHI

SHADE JACOBY

MCCURDY AMYR

ENGLISH RICO

POSEY KEYWONE

MARSHALL AMIR

TAYLOR JAYLEN

BOTHWELL CHRISTIAN

RUSSELL TYLER

POUNCY QUINTRELL

SILLS AR'MARE

JAMES SANTANA

REED TABORIE

GREEN JAMISON

BUTLER ARMARIUS

Grade

8/20 7 p.m.

Grade

Pos.

Name

LEONARD MILES

PERDOMO JAMES

SIMMONS RAYMOND

FOMBY JEFFREY

GONZALEZ TONI

KELLEY ELIJAH

REDWINE DEVONTE

FROST CAMRON

HOLMES-ADAMS DAVONTAE

JOHNSON JAYLEN

ALLEN JEREMIAH

ROBBINS BRAYDEN

CONNER JACOB

LIPSCOMB TERRY

Grade

Pos.

REMBERT JOSHUA

MAYER JOHN

SMITH AJ

FULLER CANTRELL

LAWRENCE ELIJAH

THOMAS JAMARCUS

MITCHELL JOSHUA

RAGLAND JEREMIAH

HENDRICKS MARCUS

BUTLER ARMARION

CHAMBERS TAURUS

MATTHEWS ZACH

ROBINSON ALEX

DAILEY MICAH

JAMES QUENELL

RUTLEDGE NILAN

IVY ROD

NORWOOD JAYLON

STEWART TYRONE

HEFLIN NICK

GRIFFIN CAMERON

K/P/ PK

KNIGHT CONNOR

TOOMER-MCCRAY ZAYLEN

JACKSON JEREMIAH

47 48

CHILDS MATTHEW

LANDO GABE

MARTINEZ EMIR

K/PK

METCALF TEVIS

ALLISON JOSHUA

PRICE TAFT

GONZALEZ DAMIEN

P/K/ PK

JACKSON JORDAN

BROWN JOEL

HALL DAYLAN

MCSWAIN ZACOREY

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August, 2021

Kickoff Edition | The Trussville Tribune

Page 7

Can Pinson-Valley repeat 6A state title success — again?

By Erik Harris, for The Tribune

ALABASTER — The championship defense tour begins on Aug. 20 at Hewitt-Trussville Stadium. And second-year Pinson Valley head coach Sam Shade has 15 starters to replace from the 2020 Class 6A state championship team, including Alabama Mr. Football award winner “Kool-Aid” McKinstry, who will suit up for Alabama head coach Nick Saban this fall. McKinstry’s exit represents 45 receptions for 706 yards and 11 touchdowns along with 12 pass breakups and two interceptions returned for touchdowns last season. Shade says the replacement process -- not only for McKinstry, but for all 15 graduating starters -- began last fall with an opportunistic approach. For a 2020 squad that won seven games by two touchdowns or more, lategame reps were available for several younger players. “If we got up in games (last year), we tried to play our backups as much as possible,” said Shade. “Sometimes your coaches would say, ‘Man, we’re going to give up some yards on defense.’ or ‘We’re not going to score as many points.’ but I’m not a big stats guy. I’m into developing guys, whether they’re the starters or they’re backups and we feel like we’ve done a good job of that since last season.” Several spots are up for grabs this fall, but Shade likes the pieces he has to work with. “We’ve been identifying those guys since last season,” Shade continued. “You look at your guys that were backups, role players or maybe that fifth defensive lineman

Pinson Valley quarterback Zach Pyron (11) accepts the snap during an Aug. 28, 2021 road win over Shades Valley. Photo by Vickie Unlap (fodaciton.com).

that rotated in, that fourth linebacker, those are the guys that you’re looking to step up this year.” Coming off a state championship season -- Pinson Valley’s third such run in four years -- the coaching staff was eager to create a competitive atmosphere this offseason. It’s a concept Shade brought with him from eight seasons playing in the NFL.

“When you’re evaluated, you’re always looking at ways to improve… so I take that approach with this team all the time,” Said Shade during his session at High School Football Media Days last week. “I’m always looking for these guys to get better and improve and develop, so I don’t think these guys will have a let down, especially these guys that are sitting up here with me.

“But as a coaching staff, we try to do a lot of competition-type things whether it’s in the weight room or out on the field when we’re conditioning. It’s all about competition, so we try to create a (competitive environment). When you do that, I think it keeps everybody sharp.” Alongside Shade last Tuesday at Thompson High School were a trio of talented seniors: quarterback Zach

Pyron, running back Mike Sharpe and wide receiver BJ Diakite. Sharpe remains uncommitted with scholarship offers from Arkansas State, East Carolina, South Alabama and others in hand. Pyron and Diakite have announced their verbals to Baylor and Vanderbilt, respectively. Pyron was named an All-Tribune honorable mention recipient last year after

transferring to Pinson Valley from Fyffe. In his first season with the Indians, he quarterbacked a Class 6A state title journey -- his third blue map in as many seasons as a varsity player. The 6’2” right-hander earned a spot in the Elite 11 Finals earlier this summer, and admits a fourth straight championship is important to his AHSAA legacy, at least in terms of his personal goals. “That’s a big goal for me,” said Pyron. “The biggest reason is it wouldn’t be cool for me to win it all three years and then my senior season go without one. Senior season is big for everyone, so that’s the year I have to win it.” To get back to the top, the Tribe will have to navigate what some call the toughest region in Class 6A. Like last season, Pinson Valley will square off with Gardendale, Minor, Jackson-Olin, Mortimer Jordan, Clay-Chalkville and Jasper in league play. Region 6 (Pinson Valley, ClayChalkville, Gardendale and Minor) combined for an 8-3 playoff record last year after winning three of its four firstround matchups. “The region has a lot of good coaches,” said Shade. “They all do a great job with their players, getting their teams ready to play. You know every night you go out, you’ve got to go out and play well.” Things don’t slack off in non-region play, as the Indians visit Hewitt-Trussville and Lee-Montgomery between home games with Shades Valley and Ramsay, each of which won playoff games last November. The target on those black uniforms is big and red and obvious to anyone keeping up with high school football in Alabama, but what’s new?

Kickoff Edition | The Trussville Tribune

Page 8

August, 2021

Pinson Valley coach tapped to lead defense in 35th annual AlabamaMississippi All-Star game By Bobby Mathews, Sports Editor

PINSON — Pinson Valley High coach Sam Shade will be the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach for Alabama in the 35th annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Football Classic, the Alabama High School Athletics Association announced July 29. Shade, who led the Indians to a 6A championship in 2020 in his first year at the school, joins a staff led by Minor High School coach Adrian Adams. Other coaches for the Alabama side are Oxford head coach Sam Adams (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks); ; McAdory head coach Aryvia Holmes (wide receivers); Gardendale head coach Chad Eads (offensive line); Linden head coach Travis Lockett (running backs); Mars Hill Bible head coach Darrell Higgins (outside linebackers); Handley head coach Larry Strain (inside linebackers); and Minor assistant coach Chris Metcalf, the Alabama scout coach. “I’ve known Coach Adams for more than 10 years,” Shade said. “We established a really good relationship while he was an assistant coach at Hoover before he went to Minor, and even though I’m the defensive coordinator, he’s also a really good defensive coach. This will be much more of a collaboration.” Shade has unique experience in this game. In 1991, he played as a member of the Alabama unit that beat Mississippi, 15-13. “You have to get used to new teammates, new processes,” Shade said of the game’s

Pinson Valley head coach Sam Shade played in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game in 1991. He’ll coach the defense for the Alabama side in the 2021 edition. (Photo courtesy of Randy Wilson Photography.)

challenges. “As far as coaching goes, you have to come up with a plan and then let the guys execute. This game is about showcasing the talent of the players.” The game is Saturday, Dec. 11 at noon, the week after state championship weekend in Alabama. That’s also the week before the early signing period begins, so Shade said that many of the players selected will already know where they plan to play in college. Abrams is beginning his

fourth season as head football coach at Minor High School. His overall record is 16-16 (11-7 in region play). A former standout UAB linebacker, he served as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach at Hoover High School prior to becoming the Tigers’ head coach. He coached in the Alabama-Mississippi Classic in 2019 serving as defensive coordinator for head coach Shawn Raney of Spain Park. Alabama lost 17-16 in overtime in that game at Hat-

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tiesburg. Alabama won last year’s game played at Cramton Bowl 19-7 and now owns a 23-11 edge in the series first played in 1988. Brandon Dean, Director of the Alabama High School Athletic Directors and Coaches Association (AHSADCA) also announced that the North-South All-Star game is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 17 at the University of South Alabama’s Hancock Whitney Stadium at 7 p.m. Both the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game and the North-South

All-Star game will be televised live by the AHSAA TV Network and live-streamed over the NFHS Network with WOTM TV with Vince Earley serving as executive producer for both events. Geneva County High School’s Jim Bob Striplin and Helena High School’s Richie Busby will serve as head coaches for the South and North squads, respectively, at the 63rd annual North-South All-Star Classic. “We are pleased to have Coach Abrams, Coach Busby,

and Coach Striplin leading these respective teams,” Dean said. “All three have demonstrated the ability to lead and to motivate with enthusiasm. We believe they will exhibit those same attributes as they lead our All-Stars.” Dean said these annual all-star events demonstrate just how outstanding Alabama’s high school football programs are across the state. Reach sports editor Bobby Mathews at bobby.mathews@ trussvilletribune.com or @ bobbymathews on Twitter.

Kickoff Edition | The Trussville Tribune

August, 2021

Page 9

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

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Kickoff Edition | The Trussville Tribune

Page 10

Num.

C l ay -C h a l k v i l l e R o s t e r

Name

Grade

Pos.

Num.

Name

Grade

Pos.

Num.

Name

August, 2021

Grade

Pos.

Jakari Foster

Lamar Croskey

Cameron Grant

Khalib Johnson

Matthew Vazquez

Marquarius White

Gage Richardson

Adrian Spivey

Mario Craver

Aaron Osley

Ardarrius Williams

Amari Howell

Jayden Rice

Christian Hudson

Cam'ron Williams

Jayren Stubbs

Shawn Welch

Matthew Yafondo

Robert Tucker

Nate Owens

Wyatt Fitzhugh

Zion Cathey

Jaylen Mbakwe

QB/WR

Tyler Staples

Cameron Jones

Dezmond Kemp

Cameron Cottrell

Jayden Sweeney

ArShaun Davis

Jakobe Hall

Ormond Wallace

Kevin Hurley

Kamrin Jefferson

Rodriquez Johnson

Jakari Brewster

Jamari Cash

Kumar Robinson

Ke'Mauri Perry

Willie Harper

Christian Young

Kaleb Simon

Joel Velasquez

Marion Compton

Cadell Averette

Ty'queyious Houston

DeAntuan Matthews

Charles Collins

Jalen McCloud

Jeremy Billingsley

Dezmond Spivey

Adrien Maden

Rondarius Sykes

Mason Daniels

Roderick Alexander

Dylan Simmons

Kyrell Wiggins

Cristien Smith

Deon Gunn

Avion Pickett

Edward Osley

Christopher Robinson

Kaleb Taylor

Dezmond Spivey

Jamarqus Jones

Brandon Phillips

Quintez Square

Arterrius Burt

Brady Phillips

Ja'Mon Smith

DJ Barber

Pierre White

Coy Bankhead-Casey

Coda Cooper

Paul Lee

Randall Cole

Allan Cotton

Terrence Lawson

Devin Finley

Ka'Reyon Allen

Darrien Griggs

Amarion Jackson

Jordan Walker

Demaurye Pilot

Corey Calvin

Clay-Chalkville 2021 Varsity Football Schedule (All times 7 p.m.) 8/20

VS. SHADES VALLEY

HOME

8/27

VS. HUEYTOWN

HOME

9/3

VS. JASPER

HOME

9/10 9/17 10/1

AT GARDENDALE VS. MINOR VS. JACKSON-OLIN

AWAY HOME HOME

10/8

VS. MORTIMER JORDAN

HOME

10/22

VS. HUFFMAN

HOME

10/15

AT PINSON VALLEY

AWAY

10/28

AT OAK MOUNTAIN

AWAY

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Kickoff Edition | The Trussville Tribune

August, 2021

Page 11

Cougars hope to ride potent offense to 2021 success

By Erik Harris, for The Tribune

ALABASTER — With a little more than a month remaining until kickoff, the Clay-Chalkville Cougars took center stage for Birmingham Area Football Media Days on Monday at Thompson High School. Head coach Drew Gilmer was joined on stage by quarterback Khalib Johnson and cornerback Lamar Croskey, both rising seniors for a group that finished at 11-2 last season following a Class 6A quarterfinal loss. Gilmer, who’s gathered a 44-10 record in four seasons at the helm, believes his 2021 Cougars have the tools to build a special run. “One thing that makes these guys great is they want to be coached,” said Gilmer. “That’s one thing that separates the great ones from the average. The great ones want to be coached and these guys want to be coached and they want to be pushed and when you’ve got a group like that, they’re fun to be around.” Clay-Chalkville fans can expect plenty of fun this fall thanks to an experienced offensive unit, which looks capable of scoring with the best of ‘em. The Cougars return All-Tribune performers at running back (Edward Osley) and wide receiver (Marquarius White) along with a Louisville commit at quarterback (Khalib Johnson). “It’s a special group, I think we can take what we did last year and we can build on it,” said Gilmer. “There’s a lot of stability on that side of the ball with the coaches coming back, so there’s a chance for us to improve.” Johnson, a 6’2” senior, threw for 1,923 yards and 19 touchdowns last season on top of another 235 yards and

The Clay-Chalkville Cougars return an enormously productive offense into the 2021 season. After finishing 11-2 in 2020, the Cougars have their eyes on the region title. Photo by Vickie Unlap (fodaction.com).

five scores on the ground. He says he wants to grow as a leader in this his final prep season under center. “We’ve got a lot of pieces coming back, it’s a veteran group,” said Johnson. “I feel like we’ve got all the talent this year, it’s just going to be

about holding each other accountable -- that’s the biggest thing.” His favorite target last year, White, recently verbaled to Tennessee, continuing a trend of CCHS receivers moving on to Power 5 programs. T.J. Simmons signed

with Alabama’s Class of 2016 and Nico Collins signed with Michigan’s Class of 2017. “They’re different football players -- he’s different than Nico and T.J., but he has that ability,” said Gilmer of White. “He’s a dynamic playmaker. The more times we get

the ball in his hands, the better we’re going to be. We’re expecting nothing but great things from him as a senior.” Clay-Chalkville has won at least 10 games in each of Gilmer’s four seasons as head coach. This year’s squad will, once again, compete in Re-

gion 6 alongside Gardendale, Pinson Valley, Jackson-Olin, Jasper, Minor and Mortimer Jordan. “Our goal is to play 15 weeks and in order to do that we’ve got to develop some depth at a lot of places,” said Gilmer.

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Kickoff Edition | The Trussville Tribune

Page 12

August, 2021

Springville High School Springville hopes to replace key players, make strides in 2021

By Bobby Mathews, Sports Editor

SPRINGVILLE — There’s a lot of unanswered questions for the Springville Tigers at the beginning of the 2021 season. The Tigers lost All-St. Clair County Offensive MVP Pearson Baldwin to graduation in the spring, so now new leaders must emerge. That’s not necessarily bad news, as Springville hopes to build on a four-win season. But it does mean that there

will be changes. With a new head coach, that’s to be expected. Jon Clements was hired in January 2021 to replace Michael Graben, who posted an 11-18 record in three seasons with the Tigers. Springville finished at 4-5 in 2020, narrowly missing a playoff bid in 6A Region 7. “You don’t replace a guy like Pearson Baldwin,” Clements said of the former Tiger QB. “He was a leader here, and he was the alpha. When he was on, he was very good.”

This season, as the Tigers break in a new quarterback, the offense may look a little different. “We’re really going to depend on our offensive line,” Clements said. “We’ll also need Patrick Bennett, to carry the ball a good bit. He’s a senior running back with great balance and great pad height.” The Tigers are progressing well, Clements said. Not only are they adjusting to a new head coach, but also to new coordinators. Nick Malantis will guide the offense, while

Matt Partridge leads the defense. “We’ve tried to get the kids to hone in on a new bar every day,” Clements said. “They have really bought into the idea of “what do we have to do today? I believe we’re practicing well, and I think our age and our maturity level on the field is very good.” The Tigers get a little longer to make the adjustment from practice to game time, because they’re off until August 27, when they play host to St. Clair County at 7 p.m.

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Kickoff Edition | The Trussville Tribune

August, 2021

Page 13

Springville Football Roster

Num.

Name

Grade

Pos.

Num.

Name

Grade

Pos.

Num.

Name

Grade

Pos.

Alex Cox

OLB

Elijah Schultz

OLB

Nathan Baldwin

Matt Wolf

WR/DB

Brodie Eskew

Landon Mckendree

Jamel Williams

WR/DB

Colby Ellis

RB/OLB

Luke Richardson

TE/DB

Cole Black

Slade Wyatt

Patrick Bennett

Kayden Hanrahan

ILB

Brodie Ginn

Johnnie Wolf

WR/DB

Jordan Nichols

Zeland Bonds

Jake Conner

Logan Blalock

OLB

Cj Williams

Noel Cox

Michael Jones

Logan Swanson

Parker Mccadams

OLB

Hayden Beasley

Jeffrey Cummings

Caleb Mccarty

Bronson Thrasher

Cody Abts

Baylor Sandlin

Ashton Frye

Justin Jones

OLB

Cole Hinds

Zane Smith

ILB

Toxey Voudrie

Dj Salas

Collin Lockhart

Tristan Glover

Matthew Cherry

Asa Morrison

Josh Webb

Hudson Hobbs

Peyton Splawn

Brenden Mcain

Will Briggs

ILB

Jackson Wildinger

ILB

Jacob Neal

ILB

Chandler Chancello

Drew Platts

Jonah Duke

Jacob Adams

Brayden Tingle

Cade Clark

Garrett Hill

Cody Ingram

Joseph Glenn

Cooper Tibbs

OLB

Cole Tittle

ILB

Spencer Stewart

Talan Swallows

Malon Alverson

Tucker Isbell

Brady Seaman

Dewey Scott

Graham Hinds

Dalton Brown

Steve Thorton

Walker Cole

Will Hicks

Justin Allen

Jacob Blandamer

Andrew Carroll

Sean Nichols

Drake Digiacomo

Seth Jones

Taylor Blackwood

Cade Gleason

Jacob Riddle

Elijah Wasden

Angel Morales

Armon Boswell

OL/DL

Tallon Swallows

Springville 2021 Varsity Football Schedule (All times 7 p.m.) 8/27

VS. ST. CLAIR COUNTY

HOME

9/3

VS. CHEROKEE COUNTY

HOME

9/10

VS. FORT PAYNE

HOME

9/17

AT SCOTTSBORO

AWAY

9/24

AT FULTONDALE

AWAY

10/1

VS. SOUTHSIDE GADSDEN

HOME

10/8

AT PELL CITY

AWAY

10/15

VS. OXFORD

HOME

10/22

AT ARAB

AWAY

10/29

VS. MOODY

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Kickoff Edition | The Trussville Tribune

Page 14

Num.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22

Leeds High School

Name

Grade

Joshua Ruff Tanner Chambers Dontrey Harris Jeremiah Hunter Jarod Latta Kavion Henderson Devonte Megginson DeMarion Keenan Rametrius Yelverton Brody Goodman Damorion Felder Mekhi Jones C.J. Douglas Jacob Stokes Christian Simmons Conner Nelson Daniel Hood Johnathan Douglas Jaylean Felder Zaine Hood Chris Burge

12 12 12 11 11 10 11 11 12 12 12 12 11 12 11 9 12 12 9 11 10

Pos.

Num.

WR DB RB RB QB DL RB CB RB WR WR DB DB WR DB QB P LB WR RB DL

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 41 42 44 45

Name

Grade

Isaiah Yelverton Austin Fuller Elijah Lewis Miles Jones Nick Davis Nash Jones Miles Ashford Jacob Calvin Brandon Mitchell Tucker Summers Dakota Smitherman Will Thomas Leland Minchew Grayson Ford Brayden Williams Jackson Arthur Dorian Hunter Jackson Allen Sam Turner Cody Saulisbury Rylan Rose

10 12 10 9 10 9 9 9 10 11 12 9 11 9 9 11 9 10 10 12 9

Pos.

RB CB DL RB RB RB CB QB DL DE DE LB OL DL LB K CB WR DB DL DE

Num.

46 47 50 51 53 54 55 59 62 64 66 67 70 71 72 77 81 83 84 85 88

Name

August, 2021

Grade

ZJ Dale Mason Johnson John Larson David Luna Jackson Bartee Jay Williams Jakob Skinner Joseph Stone B.J. Davis Taylor Pulliam Wilson Beasley LaDavious Smith Nick Bradford Noah Davis Daniel Wise Carlos Placensia Alex Burrow Bryson Gaiter Arderrien Ellis Brandon Dye Will Ford

9 9 11 9 12 12 11 10 12 10 9 10 11 10 9 9 9 9 9 12 10

Pos.

RB LB OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL DB WR DB WR WR

Leeds 2021 Varsity Football Schedule (All times 7 p.m.) 8/20

VS. SYLACAUGA

HOME

8/27

AT PELL CITY

AWAY

9/3

AT LINCOLN

AWAY

9/10 9/17 9/24

VS. MOODY VS. HAYDEN AT WEST MORGAN

HOME HOME AWAY

10/1

AT CENTER POINT

AWAY

10/15

VS CORNER

10/8

AT ST. CLAIR COUNTY

AWAY

10/22

AT ALEXANDRIA

HOME

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Kickoff Edition | The Trussville Tribune

Page 15

Leeds Green Wave looks to take the next step after 9-3 season in 2020 By Bobby Mathews Sports Editor

LEEDS — The Green Wave has a better understanding of where it sits after a preseason 23-13 loss to 6A program Helena High School. For Leeds, the strengths of the program rest with the arm of Jarod Latta, who threw for 207 yards in the game, and the sure hands of Josh Ruff, who has the ability to make defenders miss, and the speed to burn down the field once he’s got the ball in his hands. Defensively, Leeds looks to Kavion Henderson on the defensive line. A standout with offers from major programs like the University of Michigan, Henderson will have to be accounted for by the offenses the Green Wave

face in 5A Region 6. Defensive lineman Chris Burge has good size and strength, though he sometimes looks hesitant up front, which could be an issue of concern when the games start counting. Junior defensive lineman Tucker Summers looked quick in pursuit against Helena, tallying a sack and getting good penetration throughout the course of the game. Leeds, of course, finished 9-3 in 2020, but during the course of the season had an eight-game regular season winning streak that was snapped in the final game by 5A Region 6 champ Alexandria, 24-9. The Green Wave claimed runner-up in the region before also bowing out in the second round of the

The Green Wave takes the field for a preseason contest against Helena. (Photo by Bobby Mathews)

Leeds finished 9-3 in 2020. (Photo by Ron Burkett)

playoffs in a losing effort to Russellville, 35-14. “Here’s what I know,” Hood said during a preseason interview. “The kids are working hard, and we have a lot of kids back. We’re a lot bigger and stronger than we were last year … what we try to focus on is, individually, am I better today so that I can contribute to the team in a greater way? If they do that, then whatever happens win and loss-wise will just happen.” If the Green Wave has a difference-maker, it could be C.J. Douglas. The defensive back has excellent clos-

ing speed and is a big hitter. Douglas is athletic enough that he will also see action on the offensive side of the ball, giving Latta another weapon. While the early Green Wave team looked inconsistent during its preseason game, the Leeds players are looking for some revenge when they host Sylacauga in a non-Region game on Friday, August 20. Last year, Sylacauga was one of only two teams to defeat the Green Wave in the regular season (the other was region foe Alexandria), and Leeds will head into the 2021 season with something to prove.

Good luck to the

WAVE

LEEDS GREEN

MOODY BLUE DEVILS &

on the upcoming season!

2919 Moody Parkway Moody. Al 35004 205-352-3656

Kickoff Edition | The Trussville Tribune

Page 16

Num.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

August, 2021

Moody High School

Name

Nick Burrell Chase Jackson Kolby Seymour Davion Dozier Blaine Burke Aiden Robinson Cam Benefield Charlie Kitts AJ Wallace Kaleb Goff Kellen Talley Gavin Baker Braden Wright EJ Vance AJ Madison Lucas Ray Christian Sierra Drew Eaves Lou Bearden Tyre Brown Matthew McDonald Logan Hope Javon Harden

Grade

Pos.

Num.

12 10 11 11 10 10 10 19 11 9 11 10 9 9 10 10 12 9 10 12 12 9 12

RB S WR WR WR WR RB DE QB QB/RB CB DE WR WR OLB DB K WR OLB DB MLB DB RB

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 37 38 40 42 43 44 45 46

Name

Grade

Pos.

Num.

Sawyer Marlowe Ryder Carpenitti Grayson Smith Caleb Barber Dawson Do Tyler Musselman Hayden Bowman Skylar Gomer Aiden Quisenberry John Cade Carroll Caleb Goree Colton Jackson Luke Hayes Noah Washington Carnell Jackson Camden Kennedy Caleb Rhoten Jeffery Hopper

10 9 9 9 11 10 10 10 9 11 9 10 9 9 9 10 9 9

RB RB MLB OLB WR DB S OLB MLB MLB RB DL LB DB DB OLB DB DL

54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 65 68 70 71 72 73

Antonio Rodriguez

48 50 52 53

Travis Mcclendon Mason Myers Tyler Crews Jackson Randell**

9 11 10 9

DB OL MLB OL

Name

Grade

Pos.

Brady Dodd Ben Rothe** Logan Suggs** Carson Dillashaw Jaxon Huckeba** Ethan Nichols** Caleb Griffin** Robbie Lay Grant Attikinson** Tristan Sheridan Mason Isbell** Isiah Hatch** Jared Newton Caydon Smith** Jake Jennings** Brennan King**

10 11 12 11 9 11 11 10 10 10 9 9 9 9 12 9

DL OL OL OL DL OL DL LB OL DL OL DL OL OL DL OL

Brayden Bankster**

75 77 79 80 81 95

Eli Walker** Ty Clemons Logan Chambers** Bradley Blais Fisher Beard Caleb O Neal**

9 9 10 9 9 9

OL DL DL WR WR DL

Moody 2021 Varsity Football Schedule (All times 7 p.m.) 8/20

AT ELMORE COUNTY

AWAY

8/27

AT JOHN CARROLL

AWAY

9/3

VS. HAYDEN

HOME

9/10

AT LEEDS

AWAY

10/1

HOME

9/17

VS. CENTER POINT

VS. ST. CLAIR COUNTY

HOME

10/8

AT CORNER

AWAY

10/15

VS. ALEXANDRIA

HOME

10/22

AT LINCOLN

AWAY

10/29

AT SPRINGVILLE

AWAY

Moody Blue Devils look to rise from the ashes of winless season By Bobby Mathews, Sports Editor

MOODY — The Blue Devils are looking for a little bit of redemption in 2021 after going 0-10 last season. In high school football, there’s no mercy, and area foes took full advantage of a young team. But this Moody team is older and wiser than it was a year ago. “We definitely have a more experienced group of players,” head coach Adam Wallace said. “We took a lot of lumps last year, but we hope that was a learning experience and that the team will apply those lessons to this season.” Moody nearly broke through with a win against Corner in 2020, with both teams combining for 111 points. That game was played on a Thursday night due to the potential of severe weather the next evening, and Moody quarterback A.J. Wallace threw his team into a shootout with visiting Region 6 foe Corner. Wallace, a sophomore at the time, fired the ball all over Bill Morris Stadium to the tune of 501 yards and sev-

The Blue Devils bring back A.J. Wallace as starting quarterback. Wallace, now a junior, has the ability to spread the field for Moody.

en touchdowns — both school records.

With an offense that can be that productive, and a quar-

terback with more experience under his belt, the Blue Devils

aren’t concerned about how they finished 2020; instead,

they’re approaching 2021 with something to prove.

Kickoff Edition | The Trussville Tribune

August, 2021

Num. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Name Harold Holloman Kemarius Horne Rodrellas Smith Jayvon Jones Jahmari Steele Johnson Deon Moore Troy Bruce Josiah Robinson Kylliah York Jabari Collier Gerrell Perry Kaleb Holt Jaylen Holder Demario Hicks Antonio Sebastian

Grade 11 10 12 11 12 9 11 12 12 11 9 9 12 11 11

Num. 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 33

Name Jaquoryae Busby Cameron Bonner Ahmonte Summers Jeremiah Bishop Jaylen Amison Malik Brown Antonio Garfield Kevin Clayton Mykuan Richardson Joshua Simon Ronald King Tramaine Toney Keymon Steele Derrick Duke Terence Tubbs Omarion Nelson

Grade 9 10 11 11 11 10 9 10 9 9 10 9 11 10 9 11

Num. 34 35 37 38 40 41 42 44 45 50 51

Name Jevontae Turner Samuel Nelson Daton Jackson Devin Dejarnett Durrell Cammack Jamari Johnson Julius Finnerson Antwone Brown Decardious Martin Jaden Jones Micah Dent

Grade 10 10 10 9 9 9 9 10 9 12 12

52 53 54 55

Evan Swann Deraiven Crawford Jaquan Burgess Gerald Perry

12 12 12 11

Page 17

Num. 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 70 71 74 75 78 79 81

Name Jackie Hurst Deleon Davis Hawkins Jaimouryn Fuller Kelvin Rembert Jamarcus Lumpkin Allan Frazier Jaquan Mccurdy Mahki Smith Jaheem Nathan Devin Purifoy Chadstin Thomas James Edwards Kenyon Brown James Daniels

Grade 11 12 9 11 10 9 9 11 10 9 9 9 9 12

Nicholas Howard

Center Point 2021 Varsity Football Schedule (All times 7 p.m.) 8/20

VS. WENONAH

HOME

8/26

AT FAIRFIELD

AWAY

9/3

AT ALEXANDRIA

AWAY

9/10

VS LINCOLN

HOME

9/17

AT MOODY

AWAY

9/24 10/1 10/8

VS. ANNISTON VS. LEEDS AT HAYDEN

HOME HOME AWAY

10/15

VS. ST. CLAIR COUNTY

HOME

10/22

AT CORNER

AWAY

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Page 18

Kickoff Edition | The Trussville Tribune

August, 2021

Eagles’ Bates says this may be the best Center Point team yet By Erik Harris, for The Tribune

ALABASTER — Center Point head coach George Bates is eager to make history. Entering his fourth year with the Eagles, Bates says this team might be his best yet. “I think this is going to be the most complete team we’ve had since we got there in 2018,” said Bates on Monday at Birmingham Area Football Media Days from Thompson High School. “This is my first senior class -- they were freshmen when we arrived.” “I feel like we have the best staff that we could possibly put together since we’ve been there,” he continued. “We talk about family all the time and this is the first time in our four years there that we really feel like we’re really going to reach that goal of being a family. We have arguments just like any other household, but we love each other, we play for each other and we’re there for each other.” On Monday, Bates was joined at Media Days by junior running back Troy Bruce Jr. and seniors Jaden Jones and Evan Swann. The quartet took turns answering questions from media members, presenting a collective confidence as the Eagles attempt a fourth straight playoff appearance in 2021 -- something the school has not accomplished since the late-90’s when it booked six consecutive postseason berths “This group is used to winning games and reaching the playoffs, so we don’t even really have to talk about that,” said Bates. “Now, we want to win a region championship and host in the first round. It’s time.” Center Point will be back in Class 5A, Region 6 play

The Center Point Eagles look to be explosive on offense this season, hoping that their returning experience can catapult them to a region title. (Photo by Ron Burkett)

again this season against Alexandria, Corner, Hayden, Leeds, Lincoln, Moody and St. Clair County. All three players agreed on Monday: Leeds is their biggest rival. The Greenwave won last year’s game, 17-14. The Eagles bring back an experienced offense that scored more than 40 points

four times last season. Bruce, a rising junior running back, had a lot to do with that production. Bates wants to get more creative with his home run hitter this time around. “He (Bruce) basically lined up in one spot the whole season and teams were able to identify where he was pre-snap and teams knew

they could do certain things to try to take away what we were trying to do, but this year we’re going to be more diverse,” said Bates. “He’s going to get 20 to 30 touches, but that could be off a handoff, that could be off him catching a pass, that could be from him at the quarterback position, so teams are really going to have

to do their homework.” Bates also anticipates a big step forward from his returning starter at quarterback. “We have a junior quarterback, Jabari Collier, that started seven games last year and he’s probably going to be one of the best dual-threat guys we have in the state,” said Bates. “He’s making strides.

He’s the fastest kid on the team and one of the fastest kids in the district and now he’s developing as a passer.” Time will tell if that development can carry Center Point to new heights. Bates says his goal is to notch the school’s first quarterfinal win. The Eagles are 0-4 all-time in third-round play.

Matchups to watch in 2021

Hewitt-Trussville vs. Pinson Valley: After a dominant win at Pinson Valley in 2020, the Hewitt-Trussville Huskies host the Indians to open the season this year. With a pair of talented receivers and a quarterback who can really move the ball around, the Huskies want to make some noise in their region. But before that, they’ve got to defeat Pinson Valley, who won the 6A state championship last season. Game time is 7 p.m. on August 20. (Photo by Ron Burkett)

Leeds vs. Center Point: Ask Center Point head coach George Bates, and he’ll tell you this is a rivalry game. In 2020, Leeds got a fortunate break on a ricocheted pass from its quarterback, Jarod Latta, to score a touchdown to go ahead 17-14 after the Green Wave had trailed 14-0 heading into the third quarter. While Leeds finished 9-3, they may be ripe for an upset by the Eagles, who finished last season 7-5. Bates is building a strong program at Center Point, and Jerry Hood is doing the same in Leeds. There’ll be fireworks for sure when these two get together October 1. Leeds hosts this one at 7 p.m.

Springville vs. Moody: This one is special because of the bragging rights the winning will get over in St. Clair County. Springville only won four games last year, while Moody went winless through the season. That doesn’t negate the effort and skill of these young men. The ball is shaped funny, and sometimes it bounces weird. Springville has a new coach in former Minor skipper Jon Clements, while Adam Wallace is in his fourth season at Moody. In practice, both teams have looked intense. Moody is on the road a lot this season, with six away games, including this one at Springville on Oct. 29

Pinson Valley vs. Clay-Chalkville: Last season, first-year PVHS coach Sam Shade took the then fourth-ranked team in 6A and beat the No. 3 Clay-Chalkville Cougars 27-10 to claim the Region 6 crown.While the Indians have won three of the last four 6A state titles, the Cougars remain dangerous. With the departure of Pinson’s Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry for The University of Alabama, Clay-Chalkville won’t have a better opportunity to make a run toward a region and state crown. Oct. 15 is the date for this slugfest. Game starts at 7 p.m.

Photos by Ron Burkett for The Tribune

Kickoff Edition | The Trussville Tribune

August, 2021

Page 19

Standards of Excellence: You Will Play Like You Practice

Nothing good ever happens by accident.

If You’re Gonna Do It - Then Do It!

No one ever achieved 100% of their goals with a 75% commitment and half-hearted effort.

If It Is To Be It Is Up To Me

It is up to you – to rise above that noise and stay focused on your goals. Remember, character is found in the response, not in the moment.

Best Wishes to all Players & Performers! Go Get It!

205-655-7526 David R. Guttery

RFC, RFS, CAM President, Keystone Financial Group

8178 Gadsden Highway, Brandon T. Guttery Financial Professional Suite 104 Trussville Al, 35173

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Page 20

Kickoff Edition | The Trussville Tribune

August, 2021

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DISCOUNT WAREHOUSE 7054 Highway 11 Trussville

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We would like to wish the

BEST OF LUCK

on the upcoming season to all area high school teams!