Football 2016

Football 2016 Inside: See previews on all local high school teams including: Hartselle • Brewer Priceville • Danville Falkville • Decatur Austin • West Morgan Decatur Heritage

Hartselle looks to combine experience and depth

August 2016 Hartselle Enquirer Football Preview

2 • Hartselle Living

Dr. Chuck, Casey, Tripp and Mille Grace Gill

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FOOTBALL 2016

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2016 HARTSELLE HIGH SCHOOL Hartselle looks to combine experience with depth for deep playoff run STORY BY CALEB SUGGS

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t has been a long hard road for the Hartselle Tigers football program the last few years. Hartselle is a team that is use to success as they won four straight region titles from 2008-2011 and won a state championship in 2011. However, the Tigers have not advanced past the first round of the playoffs or hosted a playoff game since 2012. Hartselle was hit tough with graduation following the 2012 season and have been working to build their depth back up since. Last year the Tigers felt good about the young players they had working in and now head coach Bob Godsey hopes they use those players to help them stay fresh down the stretch in their Class 6A Region 8 schedule. “We feel like we have more players that we can put on the field this year than we’ve had in years past.”

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Quarterback

Running back

The quarterback situation that the Hartselle Tigers have is one that not many high school teams ever deal with.

The Tigers lost Jake Tiffin to graduation who was a three-year starter, which normally would spell trouble for a team.

However, the Tigers aren’t worried as they have complete faith in Senior Trevor Oakes who will take over as the starter. “I have as much faith in Trevor as any quarterback that has taken a snap for us,” Godsey said “The reason why is because he has done every thing he can possibly do to prepare for this moment.”

Oakes entered every game for the Tigers last season for at least one drive and even threw touchdown passes in meaningful games such as Pinson Valley and Cullman. He has also been busy this offseason attending various quarterback competitions and camps including the prestigious Manning Passing Academy.

The expectations for Oakes this season are high but Oakes feels ready for the challenge.

Hartselle has always been a team that traditionally likes to run the football and Godsey has had some great running backs come through the program. Jordan Stover looks to be the guy that will carry the load for the Tigers this year. Stover started last year as the backup but found his way into the starting spot in the last four games.

Stover made the most of his opportunity and proved he could be an every down back. “Jordan finished the year strong last year and returns as our top running back this year,” Godsey said, “we expect big things from him.”

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Fullback The Tigers will feature a brand new face at fullback this year as two-year starter Gage Johnston graduated.

Sophomore Adam Hampton emerged from the spring and summer as the top candidate to replace him. “Fullback is one of those position that’s not very glamorous and doesn’t FOOTBALL 2016

receive a lot of headlines,” Godsey said, “but it’s very important in our offense and very important to what we want to do.”

Wide Receiver Receiver will be one of the positions this fall where the depth the Tigers have built will come in handy. The Tiger’s graduated five seniors who saw playing time at receiver last year but also return players who saw action. Garrett Wade and Connor Burks will start at the two outside positions. Both players rotated in last year as sophomores. Seth Garner will start at the big slot position while the small slot will be by committee until someone takes it over.

Offensive Line Offensive line is another position that doesn’t receive a lot of recognition but is also one that is vitally important to a team. Head coach Godsey couldn’t hide his excitement when he spoke of HARTSELLE, continued on page 6

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HARTSELLE, from 5 how he returns four starting offensive lineman this fall. “It’s very rare to return that many lineman on one team,” Godsey said, “It definitely makes thing easier on us.” Senior Cade Holmes will return as a four-year starter and will anchor the line at center. Senior Austin Parker and Junior Jake Johnson will return at their spots of left tackle and right guard respectively. Senior Walker Thompson has spent the last two years at left guard but could possibly switch to right tackle this fall. The last spot is still up for grabs and will probably not be decided until week 1.

Defensive Line The other side of the trenches features just as much experience for the Tigers. Caleb Meyer returns as a three year starter at defensive end and Shamaud Swope will be back after playing Nose Guard last year as a sophomore.

The other end position will be by com-

Hartselle Roster First Name Riley Cade Jordan C.J. Keondre Connor Jackson Mac Kaleb Hunter Trevor Luke Britt Gunnar Houston Stone Doug Austin Addison Christian Colin Andy Seth Jackson Connor Adam Connor Tucker Tyler Keythan Beau Jarrod

Last Name Wood Wiley Stover Gholston Swoopes Tumlinson Terry Meyer Hall Little Oakes Godsey Gillette Wiggins Wright Powell Durbin Harden Parker Edwards Springer Lamb Garner Boyer Landers Hampton Burks Hayes Cartee Mishaw Nosal Galloway

Number 1 2 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 21 22 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 28

Position DB DB RB, WR WR DB, RB WR DB WR WR DB QB QB, WR LB DB DB LB DB RB QB DB DL DB WR LB LB FB WR FB WR DB K WR

Will Zach Andrew Jaydon Brinton Marc Garrett Seth Will Lijah Braxton Cullen Wyatt David Ryan Clay Nash Hunter Harrison Travis Ian Brandon Josh Caleb Larsen Zane Austin J.M. Zeb Ben Alec Will Cade

Matthews Hillman Nuss England Barclay Pettus Wade Mayfield Lawrimore Rollins Peck Donahoo Wright Hayes Langston Burns Riddle Driver Lunsford Davis Bodine Slayton Hannah Meyer Osborne Stinson Parker Caparas Green Caldwell Lovett Miller Holmes

29 30 31 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 54 55 56 57 58 59 60

DB DB DB TE RB RB WR LB LB, DE WR DB DB WR LS TE WR FB LB DB LB DB LB LB DL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL

Blake Gavin Tyler Austin Dylan Colby Walker Thomas Bryson Zane Scott Alston Jake Shamaud Austin Jacob Karl Hunter Hilton Braydon Mitch Chandler Jose Davis Eason Hunter Tad Cain Takoma JoJo Andrew Ramiro

Curtis Jared Lackey Boardman Bargas Ricks Thompson McConnell Holt Craven Hames Hampton Johnson Swope Miller McDonald England Franks Anderson Bullard Grammar Briggs Aguilar Harris Mizell Owens Sivley Guillon Smiley McConnell Demastus Zavala

61 62 63 64 65 67 67 70 71 73 74 75 76 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 86 88 89 90 91 92 93 95 96 97 98 99

OL OL OL DL OL OL OL OL DL OL OL OL OL DL DL WR WR WR WR DB DB WR DL DL DL LB DL DL DL DL K DL

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mittee early on per Godsey. Colin Springer and Eason Mizell are two players vying for time at the position.

Linebackers

Hartselle Schedule 8/19 8/26 9/2 9/9 9/16 9/23 9/30 10/7 10/14 10/20

Linebacker will be another position of experience for the Tigers this fall. Connor Landers returns as a three-year starter at Middle Linebacker. Will Lawrimore will also be back as an outside Linebacker. Lawrimore started there last year before having to switch to defensive end midseason. His ver-

SEPTEMBER 7, 2016

vs. Cullman @Lawrence County vs. Athens @Florence vs. Muscle Shoals @Russellville @Hazel Green vs. Austin vs. Decatur @Columbia

satility play either position is something the coaches hope they use to their advantage. Britt Gillette looks to be the other outside backer.

Gillette saw limited action last year and looks to have a bigger role this year.

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Cornerbacks

Safeties

Overview

For the second straight year Hartselle will have to replace both cornerbacks.

Last year two seniors stepped in to play the positions but this year the Tigers will have to rely on younger players. Junior Houston Wright and Sophomore Keondre Swopes will be counted on to take over the two corner spots this year.

The Tigers will switch to a three-safety system this year after spending many years using two positions called “ponies”. Riley Wood and Andrew Nuss will return as starters this year for the Tigers.

The other safety spot will go to new starter Junior Jackson Terry. Terry saw action last year as a reserve player and even made one start against Cullman.

The Tigers look poised to finally get over their first round curse this year.

However, it won’t be easy as they will once again have to endure the Class 6A Region 8 which is the toughest top to bottom in all of AHSAA football.

Hartselle will have tough opponents on their schedule that include Austin, Decatur, Florence and Muscle Shoals

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along with Cullman and Russellville in non-region play. Hartselle opens with long time rival Cullman on

Aug. 19th at J.P. Cain Stadium. The game will decide who lead the series in the rivalry.

for a Great 2016 Season

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2016 BREWER PATRIOTS

Changing a Culture Brewer hopes to undo a history of disappointment STORY BY CALEB SUGGS

he history of football is filled with amazing comeback stories. Nick Saban took an Alabama team that hadn’t won an Iron Bowl in six years and turned them into possibly the greatest dynasty ever. In 2013, Auburn rebounded from a 3-9 season to go all the way to the National Cham-

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SEPTEMBER 7, 2016

pionship game. However, taking a team that is down and making them great again vs. changing a culture completely is two different things. Second year Brewer Head Coach Geoff Walters will be the first to tell you this. “The history here is not that glamorous” Walters

FOOTBALL 2016

BREWER continued on page 16

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ars C s l l e S e c i Pr

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Good Luck for a Great 2016 Season

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BREWER, from 13

Brewer Football Roster

said, “you can count the number of First Name Last Name Number playoff appearances on one hand.”

Aaron Borden 3 Walters knew when he took the job Blake Borden 4 that he faced a steep task. “If it was DJ Anderson 5 easy, the history would be different,” John Jay Graves 7 Walters said “many coaches have Zach Kodra 8 DJ Hyatt 9 come in here and tried to change Cole Weaver 10 the culture at Brewer.” Walter’s Jared Holmes 11 first season at Brewer went about Levi Cagle 18 Devin Weathers 20 the same as many other seasons Jordan Franklin 22 have gone at Brewer as the Patriots Jake Lawrence 25 finished the season 0-10. However, Isaac Phillips 28 Bristol Collins 30 it was the little things that Walters Baxley Collins 31 saw that makes him feel as if this Jeremiah Dervis 35 program is turning a corner. “We’re Jonathan Holmes 44 TJ Baker 52 coming out and playing in front Silas Slate 53 of a packed house every week,” Josh Colbey 57 Walters said, “Those are the kind of things that can change a program.”

Swafford. The Patriots will return Walters would continue. “The almost the whole offensive line amount of support our community that was playing at the end of the is putting behind these men gives season. Jonathan Holmes and John them an added boost.”

Jay Graves will be the new faces The Patriots will return many on offense this fall at running back players as they didn’t lose much and tight end respectively. Holmes off last year’s team. spent last year on Gavin Artis and 2016 Brewer Schedule defense and Graves Caleb Humphries is a new player to 8/19 vs. Randolph 8/26 @Westminster will be two key football.

9/2 @Oxford players Brewer will On defense, Cole 9/9 vs. Albertville 9/16 @Pell City have to replace off Weaver who spent 9/23 vs. Arab last year’s squad.

9/30 @Fort Payne last year as the 10/7 Southside Hunter Swafford running back will 10/21 vs. Cullman will also be gone at 10/27 @Grissom switch to Mike linequarterback. backer. “We feel like Brewer will rewe found a home turn Blake Borden and D.J. Hyatt at there for him. He’s a head hunter.” receiver. Jared Holmes will round Baxley Collins will make the switch out the returning players at wide re- to defensive line this fall while Tanceiver. Zack Self will take over the ner Cobb and Aaron Borden will quarterback duties for the Patriots make the move to linebacker. Zach this fall. Self started the last two Kodra will return at cornerback after games for Brewer after an injury to starting every game last year. “On PAGE 16

FOOTBALL 2016

Logan Carter Bryson Noah Clay Bailey Hunter Carter Cody Cohen Dawson Fabian Isaiah Jaylynn Jordan Kaleb Kris Levi Matthew Mathew Thomas William

Bailey Morrow Holmes McMinnis Lemons Watts Youngblood Morrow Laseter Hill DeFreez Remirez Monreal Iracheta Flack Medders Bramlet Rice Colbey Slaten Graves Humphries

62 64 65 67 68 70

defense our secondary I would say is the unproven part,” Walters said, “We have a lot of talent but not a lot of experience.”

Brewer’s hopes to climb into relevancy this year won’t come easy. A tough region that features Southside, Oxford, Fort Payne and Cullman will make things tough for the Patriots. However, Brewer will have the advantage of having an easier nonregion schedule. “Last year, we had teams like Hartselle and Decatur as non-region opponents,” Walters said, “This year I feel like we did a better job of scheduling teams we can be competitive with.”

Becoming a team of relevancy won’t be easy this year but Coach Walters believes there getting there.

“The changes that have been made in just a year have been amazing,” Walters said, “everyone around here from players to family to staff is buying into what we are doing.”

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We do it all

SEPTEMBER 7, 2016

2016 DANVILLE HAWKS

“We want Bonus Football” Danville hopes to achieve playoff berth after near miss last fall STORY BY CALEB SUGGS

he message was clear from Danville Head Football Coach Josh LouAllen, “We want to be playing bonus football when November comes.”

LouAllen enters his third year at the helm of Danville and things haven’t gone quite as smooth as he would have hoped. “I got here about a couple weeks before school

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started in my first year and we had to install a lot of stuff in a short amount of time.” Danville finished with a 2-8 record in LouAllen’s first year. In his second year the Hawks showed much improvement and look destined for a playoff spot when they started the 2015 season at 3-0. However, they stumbled down the stretch and fin-

ished 5-5 just barely missing the playoffs. “We had our chances, we were in a position to win against Hamilton and make the playoffs but we just couldn’t get it done.”

This season, the Hawks are focused on one thing and that is making sure their still on the field when November rolls around.

DANVILLE, continued on page 20

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DANVILLE, from 19

2016 Danville Hawks First name

Last name

#

Nick Dalton Will Ryan Tucker Jabe Justin Jacob Samuel Clay Leo Trevor Thomas Clayton Dylan Dalton Garrett Austin Rodney Landon

Hanners Madison Mayfield Self Boyd Anderson Greenhaw Terry Jacobs Johnson Soto Flowers Morrow Winegardner Sartin Bice Legg Reeves Johnson Upton

38 40 42 44 50 51 52 54 56 60 62 65 70 71 73 76 75 77 78 81

Danville will have to Tysne Coker 6 deal with the losses of a Brycen Templeton 10 Nathan Cooper 11 few key players this seaCody Cribbs 12 son. The Hawks lost both Kane Hogan 14 of their starting linebackZed Shaneyfelt 16 ers who averaged 100 Landon Tidwell 17 tackles a piece and also Matt Borden 19 Peyton Colburn 20 a defensive lineman who Micheal Mixon 22 had around 80 tackles.

Preston Shelton 24 “When you look at it, Austin Isbell 26 that’s almost 300 tackles Jacob Morehead 27 we’re having to replace,” Zac Baker 28 Weston Philpott 29 LouAllen said, “300 tackWilliam Cole 31 les out of three players is Jackson Locklear 33 hard to replace.” Danville Blake Ray 35 will also have to replace both cornerbacks. Depth call a Jack of all trades, he’s a utilwill be the biggest issue 2016 Danville Schedule ity player that can fit anywhere we the Hawks face after losing the 8/19 vs. Clements need him to.” The Hawks adjusted class of 2016 seniors.

8/26 @Falkville to LouAllen’s system well and it 9/2 @Rogers Although they lose a lot of de9/9 vs. Wilson showed last year. “They know the fense, Danville will return several 9/23 @Hatton system well now and at times they 9/30 vs. West Limestone players on the offense for this sea10/7 vs. Central even correct me on some things.” son. Landon Tidwell will be back 10/14 @Deshler Danville will also look to some 10/21 @Priceville this year to lead the Hawks at quarof these offensive players to play 10/27 vs. Cold Springs terback. Jacob Morehead and Ryan defense as well, including Baker Self will return in the backfield at at cornerback and Colburn at linefullback and running back respectively. Zac Baker backer. Danville will also have some fresh faces and Jackson Locklear will also return as wings in this year including Tucker Boyd who will start at LouAllen’s Wing T system. Peyton Colburn will tackle and defensive end and Preston Shelby who also return as a rotational player that can play all will play at tight end and defensive end. three positions in the backfield. “He’s what you Danville’s schedule this year looks to be another tough one as they have games against West Limestone, Wilson and Deshler among others. However, tough schedules are something that LouAllen is use to. “If you look at last year our region was the stand out in 4A North,” LouAllen said, “our region was pretty much knocking each other out of the playoffs at the end and Fayette County ended up playing in the state championship.” Having those teams advance so far in the playoffs has been a confidence boost for Danville. “Those are teams that we play every week,” LouAllen “it lets our guys know that they can be just as good.”

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2016 FALKVILLE BLUE DEVILS

No steps back Falkville looks to build off successful 2015 campaign STORY BY CALEB SUGGS

or Falkville, it’s football history has been filled with hit’s and misses. The Blue Devils have experi-

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SEPTEMBER 7, 2016

enced success but it has usually been followed by a few years of no success. However, Head Coach Joel Schrenk believes that is all FOOTBALL 2016

about to change. Schrenk will be entering his fifth year at Falkville BLUE DEVILS, continued on page 24

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BLUE DEVILS, from 23 and will be trying to move a team forward that finished 9-3 last season with a berth in the second round of the playoffs.

The Blue Devils will have to replace a few key players off of last year’s team as 10 players graduated. Ryan Sullivan will be the biggest loss for the Blue Devils this fall as he served as a multi-year starter at quarterback. Sullivan had offers to play in college at small schools but chose instead to attend West Point Academy.

Andy Dove will be another key player gone as he served as the Blue Devils best receiver and cornerback. Dove led Falkville in both receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

Dove also led the team in interceptions. Logan Vinson and Enochs Garth will also be gone after serving as both receivers and defensive backs last year. From the defensive front seven, Devin Reed and Bryan Holmes will be gone at inside linebacker.

All these guys were threeyear starters.

Falkville will have a few returning players this year to build around. On offense, the Blue Devils will have nine players returning with starting experiPAGE 24

2016 Falkville Blue Devils First name Caleb Hunter Ravyn Aaron James Gage Tyler Trustin Nick Zach Carlos Jack Austin Kaden Jose Fred Cody Riley Jacob

Last name Vinson Shelnutt Fairchild Dove Garner Ruiz Robinson Pylate Skinner Brown Esquivel Willis Smith Davis Meza Walls Bryson Smith Holladay

# 2 3 4 5 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 21 22 25 28 32 33 34

Nic AJ Cole Robbie Travis Jonathan JP Austin Brock Justin Garrett Nathan Newt Blake Jordan Brody Hayden Isaac Baley Payton

last year at quarterback,” Schrenk 8/19 @Decatur Heritage said, “but as far as 8/26 vs. Danville meaningful snaps, 9/2 @Cleveland 9/9 vs. Tarrant Decatur Heritage 9/16 @Cold Springs 9/30 vs. Sumiton Christian will be the first 10/7 vs. West End one.” Dove saw 10/14 @Winston County 10/21 vs. Tanner action last year at 10/28 @Vinemont linebacker but will make the move ence just maybe not at the to offense this fall. James position they played. Caleb Vinson will return this Garner and Trustin Pylate will step in this year, as year at running back after receivers while the former rushing for 1,300 yards will also play cornerback. last season. Falkville will Jacob Holladay will step in also return four of their at outside linebacker. five offensive linemen.

The schedule the Blue On defense, Zach Brown Devils have this year will will return this year as a not be the easiest. Falkville three year starting defensive back. The Blue Devils faces tough games against Decatur Heritage, Danville will return three of the and Winston County. “Acfour defensive linemen. cording to the AHSFHS Aaron Dove will take website we have the fifth over at quarterback this toughest schedule in 2A year for the Blue Devils.

“Aaron saw some action which makes things dif-

2016 Falkville Schedule

FOOTBALL 2016

Reid Robinson Asherbranner Duling Ricks Carroll Garrison Fowler White Aguero Ball MacDonald Whitworth Eason Pace Lacey Little Russell Bell Carroll

40 42 44 53 54 60 61 62 63 64 65 70 71 72 73 75 79 80 81 85

ficult on us.” Falkville did a good job of maneuvering the schedule last year as they started 8-0, but just like last season, all roads this year lead to Tanner.

Last year, Tanner gave Falkville all they can handle and Coach Schrenk knows they have to play their best if they are going to be able to beat a team like that.

“Tanner is one of the top teams in the state. Always have been always will be,” Schrenk said, “ We have to execute at a high level in order to beat a team like that.”

Schrenk feels Falkville has the pieces to move forward this year. “Our motto this year in the next play” Schrenk said, “don’t worry about what’s ahead just worry about the next play.

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2016 PRICEVILLE BULLDOGS

Playing with the Young Guns Priceville searches for new answers after losing 23 seniors STORY BY CALEB SUGGS

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o say that the Priceville Bulldogs are a young team would be quite the understatement. The Bulldogs have to replace 23 seniors all of whom were big contributors in Priceville’s big season. Last season Priceville achieved the biggest season in the school’s short history by going 8-3 and claiming the school’s first football region title.

Priceville’s new players

will also have big shoes to fill, as they have to replace almost every major player from an offense that finished 10th in the entire state of Alabama. Head Coach David Strunk understands the challenge that awaits him and isn’t one to shy away from the reality he faces. “It’s tough, there’s no doubt about it,” Strunk said, “That class was the most successful to ever come through Priceville.”

BULLDOGS, continued on page 30

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Of course the first player that comes out of anybody’s had last season, they only have 66 yards and 1 touchdown mouth when talking about players leaving will be quarof it coming back this season. “That kind of tells you terback Kaleb Barker. Barker was a where we’re at,” Strunk said “we’re superstar for Priceville last year as he young and out of 40 players on the 2016 Priceville Schedule Tore apart the offensive record books roster, 27 of them are freshmen and and brought Priceville state-wide atsophomores.”

8/25 vs. West Morgan 9/02 @West Limestone tention that it had never seen before.

Priceville will have the advantage 9/9 vs. Central Barker now is at Troy on a full footof having some experience returning.

9/16 @Deshler ball scholarship. The Bulldogs also Bake Shear and David Strunk III will 9/23 @Fairview 9/30 @Vinemont have to deal with the loss of running be back in the secondary as second 10/7 vs.

Rogers back Aaron Cartee, who also served year starters. Ramsey Rey will move 10/14 @Wilson as the team’s backup quarterback, as to linebacker this fall after spending 10/21 vs. Danville well as receivers Heath Mann, Parker last year on the defensive line. Austin 10/28 vs. Westminster Gwin and Kyle Haynes. Out of the Powers will return as the only starter 5,500 yards of offense, the Bulldogs on the defensive line.

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BULLDOGS, from 28 On offense, the Bulldogs will return three starters in Tyler Horn, Travis Weaver and Matt Dugger. All three are offensive lineman.

The new players that will have to step up this year will be Steven Vo at running back and David Strunk III will move in at quarterback. Both Vo and Strunk III saw action in garbage time last year.

After running a spread system last year, the Bulldogs will be switching to a split-back veer system this year which is what Coach Strunk has ran most of his life. “We felt like that would be the best help for us and it would help us do the best we can in the future,” Strunk said, “Out of our 40 man roster almost half of the roster in offensive an defensive lineman.”

This year’s schedule will feature some steep competition The Bulldogs will battle in the same region as cross-county rival Danville.

2016 Priceville Bulldogs First name Nathaniel David Jaxon Darius Landon Grayson Devin Patrick Tyler Matthew Benjamin Parker Jaxon Charles Steven Johnathan

Last name Shear Strunk, III Cross Burch Flaherty Clark Froman Johnson Leopard Michaels Murphy Voss Graham Clemons Vo Calixto-Martinez

# 4 5 7 10 12 16 17 22 24 25 26 28 29 34 42 43

The region also features strong teams such as West Limestone and Deshler. Strunk realizes that his team is young, but also realizes that his team has a lot of potential.

“Yeah we’re young but if you look

Wesley Ramsey Richard Austin Ethan Truman Tyler Travis Grant Cameron Dalton Matthew Michael Matthew Jaylen Austin William

Johnson Rey Coleman Segars Shelton Terry Horn Weaver Jones Leeth Sammet Dugger McNutt Johnson Scruggs Powers Dugger

44 48 50 53 55 56 57 59 60 63 64 65 68 70 75 79 85

back at last year’s class they were young at one point to,” Strunk said, “the good thing about starting so many underclassmen is that eventually they’ll have several years of experience.”

HAVE A GREAT 2016 SEASON!

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2016 AUSTIN BLACK BEARS

More than just luck Austin looks to build off magical run to semi-finals STORY BY CALEB SUGGS

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ast year the tide turned for the Austin Black Bears, and it turned in a big way.

If you had asked anybody going into October if they thought the Black Bears would make it to the semi-finals they would have probably gave you a resounding no. Austin had won just a collective 6 games in 2013 and 2014 and they looked like they were headed for much of the same last fall. Austin opened the season with and impressive 38-35 three overtime win over Spain Park but then proceeded to lose three of their next four games including an embarrassing 42-17 loss to Muscle Shoals. However, Austin didn’t pack it in and went on to win the rest of their regular season games. The change would come in a November meeting with Hartselle. Trailing by four at halftime, Austin came out in the second half with an offensive

SEPTEMBER 7, 2016

onslaught that allowed them to win 62-31. The next week they beat the top team in 7A Bob Jones 28-24. Austin would continue their momentum in the playoffs as they breezed the first three rounds while averaging 38 points per game. This led to a meeting with Clay Chalkville, who was on a 28 game win streak, in the semis.

Austin would come up short by 10 points but the excitement they had built was still there. Head Coach Jeremy Perkins believes this will only aide the Black Bears. “They’ve seen what we can do now and they believe in themselves.”

The road back to the semi’s this year won’t be as easy. The Black Bears have to deal with many losses to key players on both sides of the ball. On the offensive side of the ball, Perkins will have to replace his entire explosive backfield. Quarterback Victor Garth

FOOTBALL 2016

2016 Austin Schedule 8/19 8/26 9/2 9/9 9/16 9/30 10/7 10/14 10/21 10/27

@Walker vs. Bob Jones vs. Decatur @Hazel Green @Columbia vs. Florence @Hartselle vs. Muscle Shoals @Athens vs. James Clemens

and running back TC Lowe are both gone from graduation. Asa Martin who served as the other running back has transferred to the IMG Academy out of Florida. Austin also loses Eric Washington at receiver and Deionte Brown, who is now at Alabama, on the offensive line. On the defensive side, Austin will have to replace defensive ends Carlos Conley and Marcus Webb, defensive back Rorrick Steward and all three linebackers.

AUSTIN, continued on page 32

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2016 Austin Black Bears

AUSTIN, from 31 Perkins does believe they have enough returning players to build off on going forward. Offensively the Black Bears will have three returning offensive lineman as well receivers Jalik Jaggwe and Malieq Senior. On defense Austin will have defensive tackle DeAndre Bass along with defensive backs Alex Grays and Tyrese Swopes back.

Despite losing both running backs, Perkins believes that the players they have coming up can make up the difference. Collin Moses and Antonio Robinson will be the two expected to carry the load. “They both saw playing time last year so they have some experience and hopefully that will help this year.”

Last year the Black Bears installed a new offensive system, which helped spark their huge run and Perkins hopes it will help do the same this year. “Last year they created their identity off the system and helped them play great football,” Perkins said, “we will have to adjust to the players but hopefully they can find their identity as well.” So far the quarterback competition is still ongoing between Paxton Montgomery and Sam Watkins who are both juniors.

Austin once again faces a steep schedule this fall in the Class 6A Region 8. The Black Bears will have to fend off Decatur, Florence, Hartselle and Muscle Shoals to claim the region title.

However, Perkins believes the Black Bears have only scratched the surface of what they can do.

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1 Jalik Jaggwe 2 Malieq Senior 3 Caymon Brown 4 5 Alex Grays 6 Paxton Montgomery 7 Antonio Robinson 8 Horace Boykin 9 Jalene Holliday 10 Collin Moses 11 Jack Faulk 12 Thomas Rossi 13 Gabriel Roper 14 Sam Watkins 15 Kiyan Tapscott 16 Jackson Landers 17 Kulyn Hubbard 18 Keiran Booker 19 Dawson Howell 20 21 Tyreise Rice 22 Nick Torain 23 Tyrese Swoopes 24 Dykerius Allen 25 26 Chrisean Robinson 27 Santana Robinson 28 Bryson Cosby 29 Josh Mishalanie 30 Reddy Steward 31 32 Drew Mattox 33 DheaQuan Jones 34 Tony Norman 35 Corey Cunningham 36 Jaquan Pledger 37 Devron Carroll 38 Sam Olinger 39 40 Zack Gholston 41 Ben Williamson 42 Zac Betancourt 43 Chris Lampkin 44 45 JP Austin 10 LB 46 Jeffrey Fuqua 47 Juan Lopez 48 Ricardo Gonzales 49 Shane Arnold 50 Tyrese Kirk

FOOTBALL 2016

12 WR 12 WR 12 DB 12 11 11 12 12 11 10 12 11 11 11 11 10 10 11

DB QB RB LB WR RB DB QB WR QB DB WR QB DB DB

11 10 12 12

DB RB DB LB

12 11 12 10 10

LB RB LB WR DB

11 12 11 11 12 10 10

LB RB RB RB RB DB RB

11 11 10 10

LB LB RB RB

11 10 11 10 11

DB K LB LB LB

51 Jackson Jones 52 Darryl Pointer 53 Cade Jenkins 54 Anthony Boyd 55 Cameran Ledbetter 56 Rodney Fossett 57 Tyus Phillips 58 Jamell Washington 59 Matthew Garth 60 61 Dennis Brown 62 Tyson Cosby 63 Amari Young 64 Blake Holt 65 Zachary Fox 66 67 68 69 70/84 Justin Morgan 71 Kevin Penn 72 Rhett Tucker 73 74 Raeshad Harris 75 Marquice Robinson 76 Javian Conley 77 Jashun McDaniel 78 Malique Mullins 79 Jacob Dortch 80 81 Cody Sorrels 82 Retired 83 Isaiah Washington 84 85 Jon Bond 11 TE 86 Brooks Blaxton 87 Matthew Goodwin 88 Walker Pritchett 89 Tyler Brinkley 90 Cristian Isidoro 91 92 Keondrick Boyd 93 94 Daniel Keeton 95 DeAndre Bass 96 Colby Johnson 97 98 Donald Orr 99 Cameron Kirkes

11 11 10 11 12 11 11 11 10

LB DE LB DL DL DL DL OL LB

11 12 10 11 11

DL OL OL OL OL

11 OL/TE 10 DL 12 OL 11 11 11 10 12 10

DL OL OL OL OL DL

10 WR 11 WR 11 11 11 12 10

K/P TE WR TE K

12 DL 12 LB 12 DL 11 DL 10 DL 12 DL

SEPTEMBER 7, 2016

SEPTEMBER 7, 2016

FOOTBALL 2016

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2016 DECATUR RED RAIDERS Decatur looks to rebound from last year’s lackluster season STORY BY CALEB SUGGS

T

the AHSAA semi-finals, narrowly defeated the Red Raiders. Still, the Head Coach Jere Adcock and the Red Raiders aren’t out to make excuses for themselves and are focused on getting back to the playoffs this year.

Getting back to the playoffs this year won’t be the easiest task for the Raiders as they have to replace starters on both sides of the ball. On defense the Raiders will have to deal with the

PAGE 34

FOOTBALL 2016

o say that last season didn’t go quite as planned for the Decatur Red Raiders would be an understatement. Decatur, who is know for being a team that wins a lot of ball games and always makes playoffs, finished with a 4-6 record and missed the playoffs. Despite this record though, Decatur wasn’t that bad last year. Teams such as Bob Jones and Austin, who went on to play in

2016 Red Raiders Schedule 8/25 9/2 9/9 9/16 9/23 9/30 10/7 10/14 10/21 10/28

vs. Huntsville @Austin vs. Columbia vs. Hazel Green vs. Lee @Athens vs. Florence @Hartselle vs. Muscle Shoals vs. Sparkman SEPTEMBER 7, 2016

losses of defensive back Michael Bolden, defensive tackle Lecorbin Sales and defensive end Cameron Elliot. Decatur also loses their other two defensive linemen as well. On offense, Decatur has to deal with the loss of all five starting offensive lineman as well as the loss of fullback Scott Litrell who Adcock described as a “tough kid we could put anywhere on the field.”

Losing all five starting lineman is a rare and crushing blow to any offense, but luckily Decatur does return some skill players to ease the blow.

Alec Marks returns as quarterback this season.

Marks was thrown in last year in the third game after the starter Griffin McCollum was injured. Marks started rocky but finished the year strong and looks to have a big year this year. Decatur also returns running back Ladarious Woods and receivers Tyrique Purvis and Charlie Cushing. The offense will also receive help from some new but experienced faces. John Riehl, who started the last two years at linebacker, will move to receiver and running back this fall. “John had some injuries last year that hampered him,” Adcock said, “the doctor said he would probably benefit more from playing offense than defense this fall.” Jackson Hall will also make the move to offense this fall after seeing playing time as a defensive tackle last fall as a freshman.

On defense, the Raiders will return a few key playSEPTEMBER 7, 2016

ers on defense that will help them build off. Joshua Marsh returns at linebacker after leading Decatur in tackles as a sophomore last year. Jacquez Green will also be back at middle linebacker and Tyric Langford will be back at cornerback.

The road Decatur has ahead of them is not easy as they face a tough schedule.

The Red Raiders open up with Huntsville and Austin and always face a tough three game stretch in October with Florence, Hartselle and Muscle Shoals. “Our schedule definitely isn’t easy,” Adcock, said, “when you open with two tough teams like that and close with a stretch like that it makes it difficult.”

Adcock knows that in order to be successful in the region that they are in, they have to go into every game and give it their all.

“I think sometimes these kids get used to winning so much that they think all they have to do is check the right boxes,” Adcock said, “they realize now that you have to come in and be passionate about what your doing to win.”

2016 Decatur Red Raiders FirstName DaeVantay Alec John Terry Tyric LaBruntae Turner Tyler Cameron Jujuan Wyker Tyrique Andrew Rollyn Smith Gary Carson Drew Ladarious Stone Charlie Connor Trentin Joshua Jacoby Jahmaudi Caleb Beau Heath Isaiah Colin Nathan Cole Jackson Harrison Dale Raegan Demarcus Jeff Jalen Elijah Kenneth Remington Jamari Jaheim Malik Jacquez Malachi Jordan Jordan Hicks

LastName Lattimer Marks Riehl Mitchell Langford Davenport Stepp Stoupe Morson Lang Jones Purvis Rawson Tainatongo Coon Sharpley Chiles Brown Woods McCurry Cushing Morson Dupper Marsh Chatman Goode Reynolds Claborn Matthews Scott Smiley Henderson Cagle Burrow Marks Hartzog Hardin Miland Kirkland Martin Bryant Cannon Presley Goode Langford Merriweather Green Elam Freeman Fuqua Pettey

Number 1 2 3 4 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 9 10 11 11 12 14 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 45 46 47 47 48

Position DB QB WR WR DB DB QB DB QB DB WR WR DB LB WR DB LB B B WR WR WR QB LB DB WR DB B DB DB B WR DB DB WR LB LB DL K B DB B DL DB B DL LB WR DB LB B

Hunter Chris Dakota David Tyler Jose Michael Bill Micah Dylan Isaac Alex Desmond Levi Malone Will Duntae Amari Mac Cassius Bryce Zach Lawson Nelson Jorge Logan Logan Carson Cedric Jackson Brady Kenny Jack Russell Ben Chase Zach Kobe Connor Adrian Logan Derrick Nathan Will Alex Damian Barrett Hector Bryan Demetrius

Greenwell Sharpley McNutt Rodriguez Richey Lxchajchal Nichols Collins McDaniel Romera England Petersen West Pylant Johnson Dinsmore Montano Reeves Johnson Gray Hamlin Heflin Dement Earley Garcia Roberts Truitt O’Connor Pointer Hall Barnes Williams Smith Betterton Carroll Cauthen Pointer Gray Dickman Flores Rollins Moore Pylant Lin Hurst Moore Barnes Godinez Sanchez Holsey

49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99

B OL OL OL DL OL DL OL OL DL OL OL OL DL DL DL DL OL OL DL DL OL OL OL DL OL OL DL OL OL WR WR WR WR k WR WR WR WR K DL DL DL DL DL DL K K DL DL

Go Get ‘em Teams!

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800 Hwy 31 SW Hartselle Behind Hardees in Hartselle Plaza

FOOTBALL 2016

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2016 WEST MORGAN REBELS

Keep pushing forward West Morgan hopes to use experience to create big season STORY BY CALEB SUGGS

I

t wasn’t the easiest start for West Morgan head football coach John Ritter last fall as the Rebels went 0-10 in Ritter’s first year. The Rebels tough coaching made it hard for them as they found it hard to contend PAGE 36

with many teams. However, this year is Ritter’s second year and with it he brings back several players with plenty of experience. Ritter hopes that all of that experience will aide the Rebels in achieving a much better season.

FOOTBALL 2016

The Rebels lost very few players off last year’s squad. Dustin Beason and Matthew Roland will be the two most missed players. West Morgan will return nine players that saw starting action last fall. Among those, Gabe Peluso will SEPTEMBER 7, 2016

return as a second year starter at quarterback while Jaye Terry will be back as a big play receiver. Austin Guyse along with every other offensive lineman will be back for this season. Tyson Teague will also be back as the team’s running back while Justin Nelson will step in as a receiver.

On defense, West Morgan will return Sammy Thorne at linebacker. Zac Morgan and Austin Smallwood will step in to play at defensive line. Gage Tucker will be a new player at linebacker.

While last season was rough, Ritter knows there were things he learned.

“It is what is. I knew it was going to be tough,” Ritter said, “It’s not easy to change the culture.” Ritter would SEPTEMBER 7, 2016

continue. “We have a great group of seniors and they understand their role,” Ritter said, “our junior class is our biggest and has a lot of starters and their bought in completely.”

West Morgan’s schedule will make it tough for the Rebels to gain momentum.

It features games against Colbert County, Lauderdale County and St. John Paul II. However, Ritter believes they are making great strides in their program. “We had a great spring and a great summer,” Ritter said, “our players are working hard and buying in.” Ritter would continue.

“Our schedule is tough but all we have to do is focus on the each game.”

Ritter believes that the biggest challenge that is facing West Morgan is FOOTBALL 2016

2015 Rebels Schedule 8/19 8/25 9/02 9/9 9/16 9/23 9/30 10/7 10/14 10/21

@St. John Paul II @Priceville vs. Lauderdale County @Colbert Heights Colbert County vs. Cherokee vs. East Lawrence vs. Clements @Elkmont @Lexington

responding to adversity. “How we respond to adversity is going to determine how we do this season,” Ritter said, “last year when one thing went wrong, 10 more would go wrong. We have to respond to that better.”

PAGE 37

2016 DECATUR HERITAGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY EAGLES

Time to reload STORY BY CALEB SUGGS

L

who is going to block for them.” Decatur Heritage will return several key players though that will aide them in a return trip including eight players on offense. Grayson Wakefield will return as the quarterback after making All-State last season. Jackson Keith will also be back as the team’s running back after rushing for 900 yards last season. Decatur Heritage will also return two receivers from last year’s team that made several big catches as well as three offensive lineman. While they do return three offensive linemen, the Eagles lost multiple guys who were backups up front last year, making depth a critical issue.

Defense is where the Eagles were hit the hardest. Heritage will have to deal with the loss of three of their four defensive linemen and two of their middle linebackers. The Eagles also lost two defensive backs.

Patrick Benefield will be a new face this year at defensive end after not playing last year. Jacob McCamon will also fill in on the defensive line.

Justin Brown will get the start at both middle linebacker and offensive line

PAGE 38

FOOTBALL 2016

ast season was a big year in football for the city of Decatur as it saw two of it’s schools reach the AHSAA semi-finals.

However, it wasn’t both Austin and Decatur. Last season Decatur Heritage, along with Austin, shocked the city by advancing all the way to the semi finals after going just 5-5 the year before. Head football coach Steve Meek was just as shocked as the rest of the city. “If you would have told me before the season what we we’re going to do I would have probably laughed,” Meek said, “but it just goes to show you what will happen when you buy in.” Meek would continue. “I told them if they would stick together they would have a special senior year.” Now the Eagles are preparing for the 2016 season and the expectations are higher than they’ve ever been.

The Eagles will have to do some replacing on their team this year with the bulk of their losses coming from the offensive and defensive line. “Everyone keeps saying well you got all your skill players coming back,” Meek said, “while that is true you have to wonder

this season after backing up both positions last fall. Freshmen Carter Sample and Colton Keith are among the young players that could receive playing time this fall.

Repeating as region champions will not be the easiest task this fall. The Eagles will face steep region competition including Meek, R.A. Hubbard and Sumiton Christian. The biggest game will come in game six for the Eagles when they take on Addison. “Addison is a school that brings a very rich football tradition,” Meek said, “I’m pretty sure their whole town shuts down on game day.” Last season, Decatur Heritage ran the table in the region and they hope to do the same this year.

Meek understands the pressure the Eagles now face this season but also understands the excitement that it is bringing to their school. “The season we had changed the perception around town,” Meek said, “people started realizing that we’re out here playing football just like Decatur and Austin.”

One thing is for sure is that it is sure to be an exciting fall this year for Decatur Heritage.

SEPTEMBER 7, 2016

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For a winning season in 2016!!!

FOR A WINNING SEASON IN 2016 PAGE 40

FOOTBALL 2016

SEPTEMBER 7, 2016