Shelby County Football 2020

SEASON

OUTLOOK

Schedules, rosters, previews and more

JUST GETTING

STARTED

Bama commit Jeremiah Alexander ready to roll

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MARK IT DOWN 10 can’t miss games this season

TASTE OF SUCCESS Hines, Johnson poised to lead Helena

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Shelby County Football 2020

CONTENTS 5

RESILIENT FIGHTER Seaburn Hines overcomes tragedy to become a top lineman

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ALEXANDER THE GREAT Thompson’s Jeremiah Alexander ready to prove he’s the best

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VIEWING MENU The top 10 games on the 2020 schedule

TEAM PREVIEWS 20 Briarwood 24 Calera 28 Chelsea 38 Cornerstone 40 Evangel 42 Helena 52 Montevallo 56 Oak Mountain 62 Pelham 72 Shelby County 78 Spain Park 84 Thompson 92 Vincent 4

2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

STAFF

From the Editor

EDITORIAL

THERE WAS A TIME THIS as the work ethic of Alexander, who is one OFFSEASON when I didn’t think I’d be of the top 10 junior recruits in the country.

Alec Etheredge Madoline Markham Keith McCoy Scott Mims Emily Sparacino

PRODUCTION Jamie Dawkins Kate Green Connor Martin-Lively

MARKETING Darniqua Bowen Kristy Brown Parker Bryan Kari George Caroline Hairston Rachel Henderson Rhett McCreight Stacey Meadows Viridiana Romero Lisa Shapiro Kerrie Thompson

ADMINISTRATIVE Tim Prince Daniel Holmes Hailey Dolbare Mary Jo Eskridge

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sitting down to write this letter to you— football fans. But alas, the stars have aligned and high school football is on the very near horizon.

This year brought its share of challenges due to COVID-19, putting us as a news organization in a struggling financial situation at times, while players and coaches pondered whether a 2020 football season would even be played after spring sports were canceled back in March.

Slowly but surely, however, student-athletes were welcomed back this summer, and the Alabama High School Athletic Association gave fall sports the greenlight.

Through that dense fog, we are now seemingly on a clear path toward the upcoming football season, and we are delighted to bring to all fans across Shelby County our 2020 edition of the Shelby County Football Magazine.

While players and coaches didn’t know if this season was coming, that didn’t stop the hard work and excitement from building.

They all held out hope, and now they’ll have the chance to step on the field under the lights on Friday nights.

Inside this edition of our magazine, we give you a look at each of the county’s 13 teams, breaking them down by position unit and giving you an in-depth look at each team’s schedule and roster, as well as other interesting numbers and facts to help you get to know what to expect from Shelby County football teams this fall.

You’ll also find feature stories on two of the county’s best players—Seaburn Hines and Jeremiah Alexander—which give you a look at the resilience of Hines to keep playing after the loss of both parents as well

Extra stories on several teams as well as the top-10 can’t miss games are included, and we give you the top players to watch for each team and some of the biggest losses.

The season itself may be unique due to COVID-19, but every team has dealt with the same pandemic and each is entering with a sense of optimism.

Defending Class 7A champ Thompson will begin the season as favorites to win it again and as the No. 1 ranked team in the classification, while several others are expecting to surprise opponents and some are hoping they’ll overcome early youth and inexperience to make a playoff push late.

It’s a season where every team will have aspirations of the playoffs and maybe even a championship, but most importantly, it’s a season we’ll all appreciate—win or lose.

After seeing how quickly sports can be ripped away following the shutdown of spring sports, players and coaches have a new passion for the game and want to play every game like it’s their last, while we’re all just happy to have sports back in our lives.

I can’t wait to take this ride with you throughout the 2020 season, and no matter the outcome, I’ll be excited to roam the sidelines covering each of our teams this season.

Thank you for your continued support, and I can’t wait to see you under the lights.

Alec Etheredge, Managing Editor Alec.Etheredge@ShelbyCountyReporter.com

Cover photo by Keith McCoy Cover design by Connor Martin-Lively 2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON VICTORIOUS

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Rumble of resilience Seaburn Hines fights through the emotions of losing both parents to lead Helena Written by ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photos by KEITH MCCOY 2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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Emotionless, Seaburn Hines couldn’t find answers.

He didn’t know why God put him in such a heartbreaking situation, and he admittedly didn’t care to find any answers. Following a tragedy inside his household, both of his parents were dead, leaving Hines and his sister Addison to cope with the unthinkable.

Left parentless and forced to move in with their grandparents, both were angry, confused and looking desperately for ways to turn their attention away from the heartbreak.

While it took time, Hines stepped up as a big brother and amazed family, friends and others he didn’t even know with his maturity level over the next year.

His heart still had a burning hole, but the area surrounding that hole burned greater for his will to not give up.

“I can’t quit, because if I do, I give up on so much,” Hines said. “It wasn’t just about my pain. I had so many other people I needed to be strong for. It would have been easy to give up and not care about anything, but I didn’t want to miss out on these years of my life.”

EMOTIONLESS SIX MONTHS For Seaburn and Addison, that Sunday started out as a normal spring day for the family, but April 7, 2019, eventually turned into a devastating date that neither wanted to relive.

“It’s definitely been the most difficult thing I’ll ever have to deal with in my life,” Hines said. “There weren’t any emotions.

They went away for six months. It made it easy and hard at the same time because I didn’t care. It didn’t matter what good or bad things happened. I could do things, but didn’t know why or care why I was doing them.”

As a wrestler and offensive lineman on Helena High School’s football team, the

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“ I had so many other people I needed to be

strong for. It would have been easy to give up and not care about anything, but I didn’t want to miss out on these years of my life. ”

— Seaburn Hines tragedy happened near the end of his sophomore year in high school. But for a short period of time, Hines, who was receiving recruiting attention in football and had advanced to the state tournament in wrestling the spring before, lost sight of sports.

Helena head football coach Richie Busby recalls the difficult day Hines lost both of his parents.

“I remember seeing the first responders driving by with sirens on heading in that direction,” he said. “At the time I didn’t know what was going on, but I knew something bad had happened.”

But Busby knew if anybody could cope with something so difficult it was going to be Hines, who he had formed a close relationship with throughout his sophomore season, calling him the best offensive lineman he had ever coached at the end of the 2018 season.

“I go back to when all of the stuff

happened with him. He was already a mature kid. He is such a good kid with a good heart, and I knew he would not only step up for his sister and family, but his teammates and others that didn’t even know him to inspire them,” Busby said.

SPORTS AS A COPING DEVICE As the 2019 football season neared, Hines still sat in an emotionless state, but he had the sport he loved to focus on, and he poured everything he had into playing the game.

“Football in itself has helped process a lot and helped me deal with a lot,” he said. “It’s almost therapeutic in a way and really helped me shift my attention to something else.”

He started to have emotions again as the care for his teammates returned. Just a junior, he wanted to help a special senior class one year older than him go out with a historic season, so he poured 2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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in hours of extra hard work and lifted others up to help them achieve their goals.

“That season was tough, but in turn, I got better because of the focus I put into the game,” Hines said. “I was a difference maker on the field, and to see I could make stuff happen for my team and myself was a special thing that helped me keep going. Those became great moments and memories.”

He helped lead the Huskies to their first region championship in school history and a win over rival Pelham for the first time in school history as well.

In addition to that, his recruiting attention soared and he was enjoying life again with his brothers on the field.

But while he was just starting to see steps of progression, many others were amazed by what they saw just days after the death of his parents.

He stepped up in front of many people during the few weeks after that tragic April 7 day and showed signs of

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the maturity he had. It was difficult, but friends, coaches and family described his ability to handle the situation as unbelievable.

“I couldn’t shut down. At the end of the day, I’m going to push through it and maybe inspire others who have been through difficult things,” Hines said. “It will always be the most difficult circumstance of my life, but I’ll be stronger for it.”

THE INTRODUCTION It was the first week of practice under a new head coach, and Hines didn’t know what to expect. It got even more nerve wracking when Busby called him over after just a couple of days into his tenure. Hines walked over to the head coach in a gingerly manner, not knowing what to expect, before looking up to see his coach’s eyes.

“Do you want to play football at the next level?” Busby asked.

“Yes sir,” Hines quickly responded.

Busby saw quickly the type of player Hines could be not just for the Huskies but well beyond. And as soon as he got his answer, Busby put his name in a recruiting system and started to put the work in to make sure he was noticed.

But their relationship truly blossomed a week later during max week.

“The day before recording our maxes, I worked out really hard and was exhausted,” Hines said. “The next day, I tried to do my max and didn’t improve at all. (Coach Busby) pulled me in the hallway and chewed me out. I remember him saying, ‘I just put in all this work to get you noticed and this is how you respond.’ That was the start of our relationship.”

Hines couldn’t get through that story without laughing.

“I knew he had the best interest for me at heart, and he knew what it was going to take to get me where I wanted to go,” he said. “It was a mutual respect thing, and we have always respected

figure role, says, “She’s number one and everyone else is number two. That’s not a choice, it’s just a fact and instinct and not something that will ever change.

“We went through a difficult time together and having two just made it stronger. We didn’t really support each other, we were just in it together. We were stronger together as brother and sister than either of us would have been alone.”

Now heading into her freshman year at Helena, Addison is using that to her advantage as a member of the Huskies’ volleyball team. And during a time of COVID-19 where the two have been quarantined together, they’ve been working out together.

“I didn’t really know how hard he worked until last year,” Addison said.

“We’ll work out together sometimes and he’ll push me to my limit. He wants me to A NEW MEANING TO OLDER be as great as I can be. His work ethic is BROTHER crazy.”

Addison, like her older brother, found Sitting side-by-side, Seaburn and his younger sister Addison look at one it therapeutic and put a heavy focus on another with admiration. More than a the sport, which is when the two started year-and-a-half since tragically losing working out together.

“I gave her some drills in eighth grade their parents, the brother and sister have each other and trade admirable words to help put her focus on sports and away from other things” Hines said. “Then, about one another.

Seaburn, in a situation where he is now when COVID started, we were on not only an older brother but in a father- lockdown because we live with my each other.”

That was less than a year from when tragedy struck, but it was a relationship that formed quickly and paid off a year later when Hines was trying to prepare for the 2019 season.

“He told me I had the skill to get where I wanted and that’s when I started to put in the work to make it happen,” Hines said.

And Busby’s sentiment for the offensive lineman has only grown stronger.

“We have such a great relationship now,” Busby said. “He’s not only the best offensive lineman I’ve ever coached, but he’s great in the classroom and is a leader that has done a great job of bringing other kids along. He lifts people up and is an inspiration.”

2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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grandmother. I tied in a lot of the same workouts I do for both of us.”

Addison said that’s when she really started to see the hard work ethic her older brother had.

“He just kept going,” she said. “That’s really helped me a lot. He gives me a ton of pointers and is helping me grow as an athlete.”

But the two have also formed a close relationship outside of sports, and Addison knows how thankful she is for the older brother Seaburn has been.

“He’s a great person, so I’ve always looked up to him in that regard,” she said. “There’s nothing bad about him. I look up to him in every facet of life—his work ethic, school and everything else.

It’s a special relationship and he’s always there for me. I love him for that.”

But when talking about this being their last year in the same house together, Addison put her hands over her heart and made a sad face.

“We’re best friends,” she said. “Him not waking me up in the morning is

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how much the young guys can grow during this year to get better. That’s the key. We do have a little bit of a younger team, but I know from experience that if we grind out and get that same experience from last year, then these young guys can do just as good,” Hines said. “It’s all about taking the field and expecting to win regardless of who we ONE LAST RIDE are facing every time. I think we can be Hines has seen success playing something serious, I really do.”

Hines said the team coming together football since he started playing in the first grade, always playing with older as brothers is what will drive them players and being as good or better than forward this season, and he hopes that them. Now, through the years of hard helps them create more history.

“Shared blood, sweat and tears is work, heading into his senior season feels like a culmination of everything where we will come together,” he said. that has happened both on and off the “We’ll all make it through that pain together and we’ll fight for one another field.

While he’ll have more experiences at because of what we’ve been through the next level, his ability to handle what together. It’s all about having a goal of he has during his time as a Helena more than yourself. That’s when Husky will give him the capability to something special happens.”

And just like they were there for him handle any challenge thrown his way.

Now, he’s ready to get back in the through tragedy, he plans to be there for them to help get the most out of his trenches and leave his mark.

“I know what’s possible, and I know teammates this season. going to be different. I’m really going to miss him being there and hanging out.

The house is going to feel so empty.”

Heading to Georgia Southern to continue playing football at the collegiate level, he’ll be “just a phone call away.”

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A force no one wants to meet Already one of the top players in the country, Jeremiah Alexander is ready to wreak havoc Written by ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photos by KEITH MCCOY

STANDING WITH HAND OVER HEART nervous. It was doing what I love and it felt natural.” during the playing of the National Anthem on a steamy Friday night on Aug. 24, 2018, Jeremiah Alexander felt like he was about to throw up.

Under the lights, Alexander stood behind a massive banner with the rest of his Thompson Warrior teammates, who were preparing to run through the banner seconds after the anthem concluded to take on James Clemens in their first game inside the new state-of-the-art Warrior Stadium.

But for the freshman linebacker, it marked his first experience running onto a high school football field. Little did he know at the time, he was about to become the most sought-after recruit in the state.

“I was super nervous before that first game,” Alexander said. “But even through feeling like I was going to throw up, it was a good feeling. Once I got out there, I realized there was no reason to be

MOVING UP Following a hot day of fall practice in Alabama during August 2018, Alexander headed straight to an ice bath to recover. He crawled into the refreshing icy water and started talking with one of his teammates. At that point in time, Alexander had already been brought up to the varsity team, but wasn’t sure what to expect.

“I thought they had me up there as like another body just in case someone went down,” he said.

“One of my teammates, who had been talking with the coaching staff, told me I was going to be playing significant minutes, and I didn’t know how to react.

I was honestly shocked.”

While Alexander was surprised by the move, it was one the coaching staff had mulled over and 2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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strategically put in place from head coach Mark Freeman to defensive coordinator Shawn DeFoor and linebacker coaches Jake Ganus and John Jones.

“We saw him when he was an eighth grader and ahead of his freshman season and he was already a big, strong kid,” DeFoor said. “We happened to see him in the weight room downstairs and we had just lost two Division I linebackers, and at that point, we knew bringing him up to varsity would help us as a team.”

From that point, the coaches worked on identifying his skill level and observing the young linebacker to make sure he could handle the jump.

“You don’t want to deplete them as freshmen and discourage them,” DeFoor said. “If we move someone up,

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they had shoulder pads on. “I wanted to be that big,” he said.

With the dream of playing college football since the seventh grade, Alexander was about to realize he would not only have an opportunity to live out that dream, but that he was already one of those big kids without pads.

During his freshman season, the nerves wore off, and he dominated the defensive front with 74 tackles, including 16 for loss and six sacks.

Recruiting sites and colleges quickly took note of what he did so well.

Following his freshman season, one that started with him ready to throw up ON THE RADAR because of a nervous stomach, Watching college football with his Alexander was ranked as the ninth best dad as a kid, Alexander was amazed by player in the country for the Class of how big the players were, not knowing 2022. we have to truly feel like they will play significantly for us and will be able to help the team and progress as a player.”

Initially, Alexander took on an outside linebacker role, but instead of having him focus on all the responsibilities of that position, such as pointing out coverages and having to drop back at times, the coaches wanted him to focus on what he does best—get after the quarterback and the ball.

That’s when they decided to move him up to defensive end as a freshman—a decision that paid off.

He quickly earned 13 different offers following the season, including SEC offers from Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Florida and Tennessee.

“It was honestly shocking when I was a freshman to start getting that kind of attention,” he said. “It was always a dream, but I didn’t think it would come that early in my life.”

But Alexander still maintained his focus on Thompson’s success. After a 52-7 loss to Central-Phenix City in the state championship, he was determined to come back better than ever as a sophomore to help the team achieve its goal of redemption.

“Game one of sophomore year, I was ready to go,” Alexander said. “Coach Ganus and coach Jones, they know what they’re doing. That’s when I became a film junkie. Both of those

guys played and coached at the college level, and instilled how important it was to watch your mistakes and what other teams are doing so you can improve.”

Moving back to linebacker as a sophomore, there was more responsibility on Alexander, but the coaching staff felt confident in his ability to handle an outside position.

“We moved him back to where I felt he needs to be,” DeFoor said.

“Linebacker right now is the proper fit with his size, and he can be a leader there. He’s just too versatile of a player to not use there. He can play in a fourman rush and three-man rush on the line, but he can also move around at linebacker as a strong, weak, field or boundary guy.”

It was a move that put a lot on

Alexander, but one that he became more comfortable with as the season went along.

“D-line was a whole lot easier than linebacker, but it’s so much better to be versatile,” he said. “If you can rush the passer and also drop back in coverage, that can only benefit you.”

And he became a natural at the position. Alexander went on to total 118 tackles as a sophomore, including 25 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks with two interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

Not only that, but he was a key in Thompson’s redemption path to claiming the 2019 state championship.

In a 40-14 win over Central-Phenix this time around, Alexander posted eight tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and one sack.

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Now that he’s committed to one of the top football programs in the country, Following his sophomore season, totaled near 200 career tackles and led the Alexander remained the top-ranked Warriors to a state championship, you player in the state and was still a top-10 may be wondering what’s left for player in the country, which earned more Alexander to prove. Plenty, according to the now junior, who is going into his third offers and attention.

But the recruiting process, while a year as a starter.

“You can’t put on film what you did last blessing, was something Alexander wanted to get out of the way so he could year or they’ll think you just topped out,” focus on Thompson and improving his Alexander said. “They’ll lose interest in you really quick. I want to make sure I do skills.

“It’s a blessing at the end of the day to a lot more this year and prove I can drop get recruiting attention, but you can’t play back in coverage and be better overall.”

Alexander has committed himself to football by yourself. You have to play as a team and I wanted to focus on that,” he not only working hard in practice with his said. “They helped me get where I am, and team, but also bettering himself outside of I want to make sure I’m fully focused on mandated time with the team.

“His agility has gotten so much better,” being there for them the next two years.”

That maturity level was one reason the DeFoor said. “He’s breaking on balls coaches brought him up as a freshman better and making some picks now. On and is something the coaches have the edge, he can dip and bend and can also continued to notice throughout the walk a lineman back if he needs to. His game and at his size is scary.” recruiting process.

After success his first two seasons, And on Monday, March 9, Alexander made his college decision by choosing to Alexander is now itching to join his attend the University of Alabama to play teammates back on the field for a run toward a second consecutive state under Nick Saban.

“It’s so close to home and the atmosphere championship.

“We break it down every day on ‘blue there is amazing. It just feels right,” Alexander said. “I would always watch map’ for a state championship,” he said. them and Nick Saban. Dont’a Hightower “We’re going to be very interesting. We’re and others were guys I looked up to. There not satisfied with how we played last year was a lot that went into that process, but and we have more chemistry than we’ve had. We believe we can do it again.” the home atmosphere was key.”

WHAT’S LEFT TO PROVE?

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VIEWING MENU A look at the 10 best games of the 2020 season

1.

THOMPSON VS. HOOVER OCT. 23

Going into the 2017 season, Thompson had never beaten Hoover.

Now, the Warriors have won four of the last five matchups. This season, it’s the final region game of the year for both teams, meaning it could once again be for the region championship.

3.

CHELSEA VS. BRIARWOOD SEPT. 4

Last year’s game went Chelsea’s way on the field by a final of 17-14, but on paper it’s listed as a loss due to forfeit. That won’t be the only interesting storyline this year, as the two rivals are now also in the same classification and region after Briarwood’s move up.

5.

THOMPSON VS. OXFORD AUG. 22, SATURDAY

To open the season, it will be the defending Class 7A State Champ Warriors hosting the Class 6A State Champ Oxford Yellow Jackets.

While there is a classification difference, they’re the two front runners again this year due to the amount of Division I talent on both teams.

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2.

HELENA VS. PELHAM SEPT. 18

Helena picked up its first win in this rivalry last year and did so in dominant fashion with a 62-20 win. Now, the Panthers will be looking for revenge, while Helena hopes to start a win streak of its own after losing the first three in the series.

4.

THOMPSON AT HEWITT-TRUSSVILLE SEPT. 18

One game kept Thompson from perfection last year, and that one game was a 35-29 loss to Hewitt-Trussville. This season, the Warriors will hope for redemption in a game featuring nationally ranked teams.

6.

SHELBY COUNTY VS. MONTEVALLO AUG. 27, THURSDAY

Last year, the two county rivals put up a combined 106 points with Montevallo claiming a 56-50 win. This season, however, the Wildcats may have the upper hand with a strong returning cast, while Montevallo is young with a first-year head coach.

7.

BRIARWOOD VS. MOUNTAIN BROOK OCT. 9

The Lions and Spartans will meet for just the third time in school history this year. But both now enter the same classification and region and will look to cement themselves as title contenders in this one.

9.

OAK MOUNTAIN VS. CHELSEA AUG. 21

For the fifth consecutive year, these 280-area rivals will kick the season off against one another. It’s a game that should show us how each will handle the 2020 season out of the gate.

8.

CHELSEA VS. HELENA AUG. 28

After Helena won last year’s game by three points in the final minute, this year we’ll get an earlier glimpse at the two teams outside of region play with each hoping to overcome early inexperience.

10.

SPAIN PARK VS. HOOVER OCT. 9

This rivalry is always a game to mark, but Spain Park has still only won two games all-time against Hoover. The Jags, however, were close last year and have the offense to compete again this season.

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BRIARWOOD

TEAM INFORMATION

LIONS Year one of the Matthew Forester era was a roaring success for Briarwood after finishing with a 12-2 record and a trip to the semifinals of the playoffs where in the end they missed out on advancing to the state championship game by two points in a 16-14 loss to Pleasant Grove.

Year two, however, is going to present a new set of challenges for the Lions, who will now move up one classification to Class 6A and into one of its most difficult regions.

The good news for this year’s team is the return of a strong defense and several starters on the offensive side of the ball. While their last move up to 6A didn’t go extremely well, this year’s team seems built to compete at a high level, as long as the Lions can build the depth.

With a star player at every position on both sides of the ball aside from offensive line, and sometimes more than one, the Lions are poised to make some noise. Forester proved he’s capable of leading his team to greatness in year one, and it’s hard to imagine the Lions losing confidence going into year two.

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK One of the biggest bright spots for Briarwood will be the return of sophomore quarterback Christopher Vizzina, who started as a freshman and won 11 games, including three postseason victories. Already standing at 6-foot-3, 185 pounds with three years left, his future is bright and he has a chance to take command of the offense this year. Last year, the Lions were more built to run the ball, and while they’ll do that again, Vizzina has learned the offense and will be trusted with much more as they expand what they do this season. He won’t have a lot of height at receiver to throw to downfield, but his accuracy will be help this offense succeed.

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Christopher Vizzina

CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 6A, Region 5 2019 RECORD 12-2 (6-1) HEAD COACH Matthew Forester RECORD 12-2 (Second year) ASSISTANT COACHES Mike Bautista, Ernest Carroll, Chris Donnelly, Matthew Furuto, Shane Harmon, Bobby Kerley, Jay Mathews, Johnny Howard, Brent Reese, Steve Renfroe, Jared Walker, Jay Wise LAST REGION TITLE 2019 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2019

PLAYERS TO WATCH Christopher Vizzina, QB As a freshman, Vizzina stepped in and won 11 games for Briarwood leading the Lions to the semifinals of the playoffs.

He’ll be the engine of this year’s offense.

Luke Reebals, RB As a sophomore backup, Reebals ran for 852 yards and five touchdowns and added another 232 receiving yards on 22 catches. Now, he’s the premier back.

Tyler Waugh, LB Waugh led the team with 163 tackles, seven tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks last year and will lead the defense this year.

Luke Hand RUNNING BACK

2020 SCHEDULE

The Lions have big shoes to fill with the departure of three-year starter Luke Prewett in the backfield, who totaled 950 rushing yards and 238 receiving yards from his senior season, but they’ll return junior Luke Reebals. Last year, Reebals played a major role with 852 rushing yards and 232 receiving yards with a combined six touchdowns in a backup role. Now, Reebals will be the leader at the position and should be in a position to run for more than 1,000 yards. He has great cut back potential, which is then followed by explosiveness.

Junior Riley Margene will join him as a do-it-all running back who can block, run and catch out of the backfield. Both players stand around 5-foot-10, 180 pounds.

another strong addition this season after returning from an injury last year.

Jay Butler is the tallest at the position standing at 6-foot-3, while senior tight ends Sam Gage and Bailey Salmon will help at the position.

RECEIVERS

OFFENSIVE LINE

The receiving corps won’t be the tallest this year, but all have great hands and understand how to be well-rounded receivers who do what is needed. Brooks Donnelly tore his ACL the third day of fall practice last year and was set to be a leader at the position. This year, he’s back and healthy and will be a big boost to the offense with great hands. Eli Steadman moved to the receiver position from defensive back last year to help fill Donnelly’s spot and looked good. Now he’s back and ready for a bigger role as well. Junior Nick Deason will also bring back some playing experience, while Sawyer Tindell will be

The Lions are going to have to be deep up front this season after making the jump up to 6A and will also have to replace All-State lineman and current Clemson Tiger Trent Howard. Junior Alex Moore and senior Carson McKeen will be leaders of the unit this year.

Moore stands at 6-foot, 285 pounds, while McKeen is 6-foot-2, 265 pounds.

Charlie Heidepriem, Peyton Fox and Harris Smith all stand at least 6-foot-1, 225 pounds and will play key roles on the line as well.

Aug. 21: @ Madison Academy Aug. 28: Spain Park Sept. 4: @ Chelsea* Sept. 11: Woodlawn* Sept. 18: Huffman* Sept. 25: @ Mortimer Jordan Oct. 2: @ Shades Valley* Oct. 9: Mountain Brook* Oct. 16: Bye Oct. 23: @ Homewood* Oct. 30: Corner

Parker Hutson, LB Hutson added 141 tackles last season with 6.5 tackles for loss and three sacks to complement Waugh at the linebacker position.

Alastair Harris, DB Harris totaled 62 tackles on the back end of the defense last year with six tackles for loss and 11 pass breakups. He’ll lock down the secondary again this year.

*Region game

DEFENSIVE LINE The defensive line will a feature

Luke Reebals

KEY DEPARTURES Luke Prewett Prewett takes three years of starting experience with him and totaled 950 yards rushing and 238 yards receiving last year despite missing three games.

Trent Howard Now at Clemson, Howard was one of the best offensive linemen in school history.

Cal Reebals Reebals had 102 tackles last year with a team-high 12.5 tackles for loss and six sacks.

Blake McKenna McKenna became a major receiving threat last year with 678 yards and eight touchdowns on 37 receptions.

Cole Garner Garner totaled 70-plus tackles last year, including 12 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.

2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

23

QUICK HITS A GIANT LEAP Briarwood is making the dreaded leap back up to the 6A classification for the second time in the last seven years. Their first go around during the 2013 and 2014 seasons saw the Lions make the playoffs both seasons but win just a combined nine games with 14 losses. This time around, Briarwood not only has to make that leap into the competitive classification, but jumps into a region with the likes of former 7A team Mountain Brook, who is moving down, as well as rival Chelsea, Homewood, Shades Valley and others. Briarwood has the talent to compete in the starting lineup, but they have to form depth.

PREVENTING THE SOPHOMORE SLUMP Last year was remarkable for head coach Matthew Forester in his first season at the helm with 12 wins and a berth in the semifinals with a freshman quarterback in Christopher Vizzina. Some may worry it happened so quickly, that there is nowhere to go but down, but it also could have been the start of a dynasty. Now, Vizzina and Forester go into their second year in key roles for the Lions hoping the latter is true. The main key this year for that to be the case will be forming a passing game with more trust in Vizzina.

DETERMINED FOR DEPTH The coaching staff knows how important it will be for this year’s team to form depth in order to be successful at a higher level of competition. They may have to play some players younger than they normally would as sophomores and juniors, and those younger players will have to be ready to compete at a high level. If they stay healthy, and that depth forms, the Lions will likely be playing their toughest two games in the final three weeks of the season in great shape.

OFFENSIVE CONSISTENCY The last two years, Briarwood has averaged 25 points per game or less with inconsistency on the offensive side of the football. This season, they’ll trust Vizzina more as a sophomore with a season of starting under his belt, they’ll have solid depth at running back and the offensive line should have some good sized players, but the receiver position has to step up.

The Lions need that position to be a difference this year in order for the team to take that next step and compete at the 6A level.

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2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

2020 Briarwood Roster NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

1

Miller Stubblefield

DL 11

34

Harrison Self

DB 10

2

Brooks Donnelly

WR 12

35

Robert Beason

WR 10

4

Brady Waugh

QB 10

36

Peyton Fox

OL 11

5

Cal Higdon

DB 12

37

Vance Hopkins

WR 10

6

Sawyer Tindall

WR 12

38

Mathis Tindall

TE 11

7

Knox Baker

QB 10

39

Wells Connell

LB 10

7

Luke Hand

LB 12

40

Preston King

DL 10

8

Luke Gilbert

WR 11

41

Grant Dickinson

LB 10

8

Vraj Patel

DB 12

42

Knox Merry

LB 11

9

Cohen Luker

DL 12

43

Aidan Punch

K

10

AJ Davis

WR 11

44

Walker Chambless

TE 10

11

Parker Hutson

LB 12

45

Buddy Campbell

LB 12

12

Eli Steadman

WR 12

46

Aaron Cale

LB 12

13

William Lloyd

WR 10

47

Colton Williams

RB 10

14

Reece Garner

DB 11

48

Jake Scott

DB 10

15

Sam Gage

TE 12

49

Caleb Laechelt

DB 10

16

Jakob Brower

K 11

52

Hardy Thompson

LB 11

17

Christopher Vizzina QB 10

54

Alex Hudson

OL 11

18

Payton Clement

WR 12

55

Harrison Clemmer

OL 10

19

Sawyer Russell

WR 10

56

Garrett Harmon

DL 11

20

Seth Alford

DB 11

58

Charlie Heidepriem OL 11

10

21

Haddon Stubbs

DB 11

59

Holden Patterson

DL 11

22

Riley Margene

RB 11

64

Carson McKeen

DL 12

23

Luke Reebals

RB 11

65

James Michael Tedesco OL

24

Nicholas Dicen

WR 11

66

Alex Moorer

OL 11

11

25

Grant Bruce

LB 11

67

Andrew McAdams

OL 10

26

Tyler Smith

DL 12

70

Jason Bess

OL 10

27

Ethan Anderson

DB 11

73

Griffin Clark

OL 10

28

Pierce Reichle

DB 12

74

Rich Connell

OL 11

29

Bailey Salmon

TE 12

76

John Taylor

OL 10

30

Peyton Steed

DB 10

79

Harris Smith

OL 12

30

Tyler Waugh

LB 12

80

Clay Dorrill

DL 11

31

Alastair Harris

DB 12

81

Jay Butler

WR 11

32

Daniel Corbin

DL 12

84

Beau Barnes

DB 10

33

Sam Hoff

WR 10

95

Sully Wright

DL 10

couple of solid returnees who should play big roles this season, led by juniors Miller Stubblefield and Holden Patterson, as well as senior Daniel Corbin. Stubblefield, 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, and Corbin, 5-foot11, 210 pounds, both started last year.

Patterson, who is the bigger of the three at 6-foot-2, 235 pounds, will be a key addition.

All three of those players are expected to step up, while Tyler Smith is a senior defensive end the coaches hope will step up and have a big year as well.

EDITOR’S 2020 PREDICTION (7-3) It’s no secret, the jump from Class 5A to Class 6A is one of the most difficult to make in the state of Alabama due to the number of competitive teams in the 6A classification. That said, the Lions face a schedule this season where they should be able to compete in just about every game. A best case scenario would likely be an 8-2 or 9-1 regular season, which is very plausible. But a realistic expectation in their first year back in 6A is closer to 7-3, while the worst case scenario would likely be 5-5 or 4-6. But this team is too talented for the worst case scenario. The difference between this team being 7-3 and 9-1 will be whether or not a receiver steps up as a legitimate threat and whether or not there is depth built early in the season. The defense alone, however, should continue to allow the Lions to be better than average and find one of the top four spots to make the playoffs out of a difficult region.

2019 RESULTS Chelsea# Pleasant Grove Woodlawn @ Wenonah Hartselle John Carroll @ Parker Ramsay @ Fairfield @ Hueytown Marbury* @Jackson* Bibb County* Pleasant Grove*

W 1-0 L 14-26 W 38-20 W 16-7 W 21-10 W 48-15 W 38-20 W 21-20 W 28-18 W 7-0 W 42-26 W 24-14 W 7-3 L 14-16

#Forfeited win *Playoff game

2019 STATS will get time as well.

Offense Total points: 332 Per game: 23.7 County rank: 8

LINEBACKERS As usual, linebacker will be one of Briarwood’s strongest positions during the 2020 season thanks to the return of three seniors. All-State linebacker Tyler Waugh will be one of those returning, as will Parker Hutson, who coaches say was just as good last year, and Luke Hand.

Waugh, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound linebacker, totaled 163 tackles last year with seven tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and four recovered fumbles.

Hutson totaled 141 tackles with 6.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. Those two were in on a combined 304 tackles together last year. Hand, who stands at 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, has played significantly the last two years and will have the chance to be a major contributor this year. Behind that, Aaron Cale is a senior who will add depth and give the Lions four seniors in the mix, while some younger guys

SECONDARY The secondary will also see the return of two key starters in Cal Higdon and Alastair Harris. Last season, Harris totaled 62 tackles with six tackles for loss, one sack and one interception as a sophomore. Vraj Patel and Pierce Reichle are two other seniors the Lions can lean on. Behind that, the coaching staff is hoping for a several younger players to step up, including juniors Haddon Stubbs, Reece Garner, Seth Alford and Ethan Anderson.

Defense Points allowed: 221 Per game: 15.7 County rank: 1

5-YEAR WIN TREND 14 12 9

SPECIAL TEAMS Briarwood will have to replace star kicker Noah Nall this year. Behind Hutson as the long snapper, everything else is up in the air. Aidan Punch is a sophomore who wants to kick, while Alford and Stubbs have done it in the past for junior varsity.

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GOOD LUCK LIONS! 2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

25

CALERA

TEAM INFORMATION

EAGLES Coming off back-to-back one-win seasons, it has been a tough stretch for the Calera Eagles. They’ve looked like a team that moved up to the 6A classification two years ago and made a coaching change in June last year.

Now, the Eagles are starting to build, and while they may have some youthful growing pains this year, they’ll still be better and are on the path to being extremely dangerous in the next year or two with potential for this season to be a breakout year.

Last year’s team ended with 52 players on it due to 13 season-ending injuries, and while the team will only have seven seniors, five of which will play defense, they’ll have closer to 90 players on the roster this year with 35-40 freshmen and 25-30 sophomores.

Going into the second year under head coach Trey Simpson, the expectations don’t change because of that youth, while they are starting to progress to the numbers of a 6A program.

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK Right off the bat, one of the most important positions on the field can determine whether this year will put the Eagles a year ahead of where their age actually is. Tyler Nelson will return as the starting quarterback as a sophomore, and coaches say he has the potential to blow up this year. Last year, he started his first game against state power Opelika and didn’t blink. Now at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, he’s learned the position, and while he’s extremely athletic and talented with his feet, he’s worked tirelessly on his accuracy passing the football and isn’t afraid to step into a hit to deliver the ball.

RUNNING BACK At running back, there is a lot of potential as well.

Chris Cotton was set to play a lot last year, but broke his arm in week three of the season. This year, standing at 5-foot-10, 180 pounds, he’ll be the leader and has put on more size to handle the duties of being an every-down back as a senior. Daniel Carmona will bring a different dimension to the position as a talented playmaker who can do more on the perimeter. Just a sophomore, he’ll allow the Eagles to do more outside zone, which they haven’t

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2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Tyler Nelson

CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 6A, Region 3 2019 RECORD 1-9 (0-5) HEAD COACH Trey Simpson RECORD 1-9 (Second year) ASSISTANT COACHES James Knowles, Mike Montgomery, Robert Albritton, Chris Wilson, Ryan Dobbs, Paul Hovey, Ty Nelson, Austin Barnhill, AJ Ward, Adam Lawson LAST REGION TITLE 2008 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2017

PLAYERS TO WATCH Tyler Nelson, QB Nelson eventually took over the starting job as a freshman last year and returns with a ton of upside this year. The coaches expect him to have a breakout year this season.

Kobe Prentice, ATH Prentice will be one of the team’s best athletes, playing at both running back and receiver this year.

Chris Cotton, RB Cotton was set to play running back last year but broke his arm in week three.

Now, he’s healthy and a leader with the size to handle the position.

Jeremiah Jones, DB One of the leaders in the secondary, Jones returns as a starter this season and is an athletic playmaker in coverage and space.

Derrick Edwards, DB Edwards, like Jones, will return as a starter in a secondary that should be the best part of this year’s defense.

Kobe Prentice been able to do in the past.

RECEIVERS At receiver, there won’t be a ton of depth for the Eagles this year, which may be the biggest concern for Nelson to have a breakout year, but Kobe Prentice will be a key. He stands at 5-foot-11, 180 pounds and is a threat every time he touches the ball. Junior Jaydien Rutledge will add some height out wide and is putting on more size, while Javante Nelson is a 6-foot-3 wideout who can run and gets after it.

OFFENSIVE LINE The offensive line should help Nelson feel more comfortable with 15 players currently working at the position. There will be two sophomores and two juniors leading the way at the position. Matthew Tucker and Trey Bright are the juniors who will handle tackle positions. Tucker is a 6-foot-4, 280-pound right tackle, while Bright is a 6-foot, 300-pound left tackle.

Mason Colmer and Brody Odom will

Will Sims, DL Sims is the leader of the team and will anchor the defensive line this season as a four-year starter.

2020 SCHEDULE Aug. 21: @ Demopolis Aug. 28: Jackson-Olin Sept. 4: Pelham* Sept. 11: @ Chilton County* Sept. 18: Bye Sept. 25: Pell City Oct. 2: Stanhope Elmore* Oct. 9: Helena* Oct. 16: @ Wetumpka* Oct. 23: @ Benjamin Russell* Oct. 30: @ Chelsea *Region game handle guard positions after each started three games as freshmen last season. Tanner Greene and Landon Martin will battle for the fifth spot.

DEFENSIVE LINE While the defense as a whole will be deeper and improved, the defensive line will see the biggest drop off from a bodies standpoint, but it’s a group that should be able to create some havoc led by team leader Will Sims. Sims is a 5-foot-8, 245-pound four-year starter

KEY DEPARTURES Jayson Jones Despite being double teamed all of last season, Jones totaled more than 30 tackles on the defensive line with more than eight tackles for loss and five sacks. He’s now at the University of Oregon.

Quindarius Crews We never saw the full potential of Crews, but he was the best athlete on last year’s team.

Ashton Shoddie Shoddie took on the running back position with ease last year, totaling 727 yards with seven touchdowns on 151 carries.

Dylan Killingsworth Not only the team’s leading receiver but also a key piece in the secondary, Killingsworth will be missed from a skill and leadership standpoint.

Ryan Caver Caver spent much of last year injured, but was set to be the best defender on the team.

2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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QUICK HITS TIME TO BLOSSOM With more than half of this year’s team being freshmen or sophomores, the coaching staff is hoping several players can blossom at a young age. One of those expected to have a breakout year is sophomore Tyler Nelson at quarterback, while there are several other athletes putting in the work who hold the athleticism to be difference makers. They all have bright futures, but they’re going to be asked to blossom early.

THE RIGHT FIT The biggest problem for Calera the last two years has been depth and players being forced to play both sides of the ball. It not only causes the team to wear down with exhaustion in the second half of tight games, but it led to 13 season-ending injuries last year.

The coaching staff is focused on getting the young players to play on one side of the ball, and if that right fit is found, it will help tremendously in the long run.

DEFENSIVE TRANSITION Calera gave up 40 or more points in five of its 10 games last season and has given up 30 or more in 13 of its last 20 games. This year, the Eagles have to do better and there is potential for that to happen. While they may not be as star-studded with individual talent, they have more team comradery at each unit on that side of the ball. With five of the seven seniors on the team playing defense, there should be enough leadership at each position to help the Eagles at least show improvement and help build depth.

NO MORE HIDING Each of the last two years, the offense for Calera has sputtered. Two years ago, there was enough talent for that not to happen. Last year, the talent just wasn’t there other than a couple of talented athletes.

Now, the talent is all young for the most part, but the potential is as high as it has been in a while.

Last season, the Eagles scored a combined 17 points in their last four games with 14 of those coming in one game, while they failed to score more than 27 in any game. The last two years, the Eagles have averaged 14.5 and 13.7 points per game. This year, the offense has to make an appearance and it has to happen early to help with confidence.

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2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

2020 Calera Roster NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

1

Kobe Prentice

WR 11

Derrick Edwards

Ayden Slaten

DB 9

2

45

DB 12

Kevin Holman

Antwone Byrd

DL 9

3

46

LB 10

DeCarlo Pryor

Kobe King

DL 11

4

47

DB 11

Jeremiah Jones

Alex Millender

WR 10

5

48

DB 12

Chris Cotton

Joshua Jones

DB 9

6

49

RB 11

Fred Hurth

Will Sims

DL 12

7

50

DL 12

Jacob Sommers

Curis Oliver-Avery

DL 9

8

51

DB 11

Jaydien Rutledge

Tre Bright

OL 11

9

52

WR 10

TJ Hernandez

Brodie Odom

OL 10

10

53

QB 10

Jevonte Melton

Jaylon Pearson

DL 11

11

54

WR 11

Art Amos

JaMichael Vines

DL 10

12

55

DB 12

Skyler Strawn

Kefir Emery

OL 9

13

56

DB 10

Tyler Nelson

Rod Smith

OL 12

14

57

QB 10

Braylen Farrington

Braxton Taylor

DL 11

15

58

WR 10

Noah Williams

Taylor Alford

OL 9

16

59

TE 12

Tyde Harrison

Kharlis Cooper

OL 9

17

60

QB 9

Wesley Head

Walker Harris

OL 10

18

61

DB 11

Preston Stokes

Landon Martin

OL 11

19

62

QB 10

Brodie Smith

Devin White

OL 10

20

64

TE 11

Michael Banks

Tanner Green

OL 11

21

65

S 10

66

Cameron Rutherford DL 10

22

Daniel Carmona

RB 10

Justin Green

67

Julius Marsh

OL 10

23

WR 11

Isaiah Green

Jaquon Barron

DL 9

24

70

WR 12

D’Ivan Carmona

Matthew Tucker

OL 11

25

71

LB 10

Nick Holland

Mason Colmer

OL 10

26

72

DB 9

Xzayvion Childress

Josh McDade

OL 11

27

73

WR 10

Orlandis Norwood

TJ Allen

OL/DL 10

28

75

TE 10

De”Shun Seay

Stewart Goldman

OL/DL 9

29

76

LB 9

Brayden Harden

Parker Jackson

OL/DL 9

30

77

DB 11

Cameron Medders

Jake McDonnell

OL/DL 9

31

79

LB 12

32

Braxton Harden

80

Nathon Smitherman WR 10

DB 12

Amari Brundidge

81

Amari Collins

DB 9

33

RB 9

Grayton Carlee

Mason Green

TE 10

34

82

LB 10

Dekendrick Bennett LB 10

Dallas Grayson

WR 10

35

83

Troy Burks

Jordan Williams

WR 9

36

84

DB 9

Chase Elliot

Antonio Jones

WR 9

37

85

WR 10

Trip Gallahan

Christian Dexter

TE 9

38

86

DL 10

CJ Tolbert

Tyler Dixon

RB 9

39

87

WR 9

Tim Williams

Derrick Young

DL 9

40

88

WR 10

Justin Evans

Caleb Hunter

DB 9

41

89

WR 11

CJ Richardson

Jordan Helm

K 12

42

90

LB 10

Kam’ Ryan Moutrie

William Raneri

K 10

43

91

LB 9

Ian McGrady

Anthony Rastelli

DL 12

44

92

LB 10

94

Davelice Jefferson

DL 11

who will solely play defense this season.

Braxton Taylor, a 6-foot-1, 215-pound junior, will lock down a defensive end position, while senior Rodriguez Smith adds a frame of 6-foot-4, 210 pounds to the line. In addition to that, junior Jalen Pearson is starting to prove himself, while Trip Gallahan, Jamichael Vines and Fred

Hurth will all get time as well.

LINEBACKERS Backing up the line in the front seven will be one of the most exciting units on the team at linebacker. Kevin Holman is a sophomore who started two games last year and played well. Sophomore C.J.

Richardson and senior Cameron Medders will also play key roles at the position.

SECONDARY

defensive back positions. In addition to that, Art Amos will be a leader at safety with returning experience for his senior season, while sophomores Michael Banks and Zymeer Jemison will be key as well.

The secondary is going to likely be the strongest position on defense for the Eagles this year with seven players SPECIAL TEAMS the coaching staff feels comfortable in Jordan Helm will return to handle playing. Seniors Jeremiah Jones and kicking duties this year and should Derrick Edwards are two of the team’s handle all three phases in his second most experienced players as three- year as a starter. year starters and they’ll handle two

2019 RESULTS @ Pelham Pell City Wetumpka Stanhope Elmore @ Bibb County Selma @ Opelika @ Benjamin Russell @ Chelsea Helena

W 27-20 L 21-27 L 7-35 L 15-42 L 21-40 L 27-46 L 0-41 L 14-54 L 0-28 L 3-21

5-YEAR WIN TREND

EDITOR’S 2020 PREDICTION (4-6) Don’t let the prediction fool you, Calera is on the rise and could surprise a lot of people this year, but the Eagles are just extremely young. Coming off back-to-back one-win seasons, picking up three wins will be a remarkable feat with the level of youth on the team. With approximately 70 of 90 players being underclassmen, they’re going to have to grow up fast with a difficult schedule, but the athleticism and talent is there for this team to be close to a .500 team depending on how good other teams are. If players like Tyler Nelson at quarterback can flourish as sophomores, this team won’t just be a surprise, they’ll become a legitimate threat the next three seasons.

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Fun Family Dentistry 5075 Hwy 31 Unit B Calera, Al 35040

205-668-7766

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Go Eagles!

Representative

Corley Ellis Alabama House District 41

2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

29

CHELSEA

HORNETS The Chelsea Hornets were three losses by three points or less away from being a nine-win team last season. Instead, the Hornets finished 4-7 overall with a a first-round playoff exit at the hands of eventual Class 6A State Champion Oxford.

Now, the Hornets head into the 2020 season knowing what is possible, but also in a position of replacing a lot of last year’s talent during a summer in which they have little time in pads.

This year’s team features 22 seniors and nine returning starters, but six of those returnees are on the defensive side of the ball, making the offense extremely inexperienced this year.

Having to replace a starting quarterback, all starters on the offensive line and all starters at linebacker with spring practice canceled is cause for concern. But the coaching staff is expecting to see players step up once the pads are on.

TEAM INFORMATION CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 6A, Region 5 2019 RECORD 5-6 (3-3) HEAD COACH Dustin Goodwin RECORD 7-14 (Third year) ASSISTANT COACHES Zeb Ellison, Kyle Caldwell, Gerald Neaves, Lee Hibbs, Ted Darby, Kerry Gleaton, Dylan Seabolt, Stephen Clark, Lee Hibbs Jr. LAST REGION TITLE 2006 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2019

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK For the third year in a row, Goodwin will be looking for a new quarterback with the departure of Caleb Moore. Nic Neaves, a 6-foot, 155-pound senior was the backup last year and is going to get a strong look as the starter this season, while junior Cooper Griffin and sophomore Hayden Garrison will also battle at the position. All three of those athletes have been in Goodwin’s system for at least a year with Neaves and Cooper in it for two years. That’s key with Goodwin’s offensive philosophy, which is as good as the quarterback. Griffin is the younger brother of Turner Griffin, who was the starter on Goodwin’s first team with the Hornets two years ago, while Garrison has the best size of the three at 6-foot-3, 170 pounds.

RUNNING BACK A three-year starter, Collier Blair isn’t just back as one of the top running backs in the county this year, but he also returns as one of the strongest leaders.

Now a senior, his special career will come to an end this season, and he returns a bulk of Chelsea’s offensive production. Last season, Blair posted 1,048 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 200 carries, while also adding 187 receiving yards and three touchdowns through the air. Depth is a concern at the position, especially with what will be an

30

2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Adam Reaves

PLAYERS TO WATCH Collier Blair, RB Totaling 1,048 yards last season and heading into his fourth year as a starter, Blair will be the engine behind the entire team.

Gabe Ruffin, WR Ruffin will be one of three returning receivers this year and will be the most physical at 6-foot-1, 200 pounds.

Cody Cooper, OL As the only offensive linemen that had any experience going into fall practice, Cooper will have to be a leader during his senior season.

Chandler Pruitt, DB The leader of the defense, Pruitt has plenty of starting experience and will be a senior with a broad range thanks to his 6-foot-2, 190-pound frame.

Chad Carbonie, DB Carbonie will join Pruitt and three others as returnees in the secondary this year, and is coming off an impressive junior season.

Collier Blair inexperienced offensive line, but the coaching staff is searching for the right fit to help take pressure off Blair and keep him healthy.

RECEIVERS A bright spot for whoever wins the quarterback position will be the return of three receivers with experience this year. Gabe Ruffin and Holton Smith are both returning starters, while Adam Reaves returns a lot of experience.

Ruffin will bring the more physical size to the table at 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, while Smith and Reaves are both around 5-foot-8, 155 pounds and bring speed. Thomas Simpson will also compete for time at the position and brings a little more size to the table. A junior this season, Simpson stands at 6-foot-2, 185 pounds.

2020 SCHEDULE Aug. 21: @ Oak Mountain Aug. 28: Helena Sept. 4: Briarwood* Sept. 11: @ Homewood* Sept. 18: Bye Sept. 25: @ Pelham Oct. 2: Woodlawn* Oct. 8: Huffman* (Thursday) Oct. 16: @ Shades Valley* Oct. 23: @ Mountain Brook* Oct. 30: Calera *Region game

only lineman the coaching staff was 100-percent confident in starting.

Behind him, they hadn’t seen any of the other players in pads yet to get a good feel for who would fill in at the position.

Losing guys like Charlie Parkinson, Ty Adema and Baker Hix will be a major blow on the line.

OFFENSIVE LINE Last year, offensive line was one of the strongest units for Chelsea. This year, however, the Hornets will have some major holes to fill up front, replacing all of the position’s starters.

Heading into fall practice, Cody Cooper, a 6-foot-1, 260-pound senior, was the

DEFENSIVE LINE While the offensive line will have be missing its key players, the defensive line will return two juniors that started as sophomores in Marquis Turner and Garyson Maddox. Turner brings a size of 5-foot-11, 190 pounds to the position,

Chandler Pruitt

KEY DEPARTURES Michael Gibbs Last year’s leading receiver, Chelsea will miss the 618 receiving yards and 135 rushing yards Gibbs brought to the team.

Colby Clements Clements was the team’s leading tackler last season despite playing through injuries and is one of three starting linebackers gone.

Caleb Moore While it took some time, Moore became a strong starting quarterback for the Hornets. Now, they’ll be starting their third new quarterback in as many years.

Jordan Smith Smith totaled seven tackles for loss and three sacks last year and was always around the ball. He is another linebacker that will be missed.

Ladarius Gary Gary was an athletic playmaker that could make plays on both sides of the ball, and was really good in space playing defense.

2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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QUICK HITS CONQUERING QB1 For the third consecutive year and in each of Goodwin’s first three years, the Hornets are forced to replace their starting quarterback going into the 2020 season. It has taken a while each of the last two years for a quarterback to get comfortable.

Now, Chelsea is in a similar situation this year with three players battling, led by Nic Neaves. The three battling for the position have been in Goodwin’s system for two years now, which should help, but they’ll have to show they understand it at game speed early behind an inexperienced offensive line for this year’s team to be successful.

WIN THE CLOSE ONES Chelsea was a combined six points in three games away from finishing the regular season 9-1 last year with a region championship. The Hornets lost three games by three points or less, including a two-point loss and a one-point loss. Last year, that forced the Hornets into the fourth seed in the region. This year, the schedule may be a bit tougher and those losses could be the difference in making the playoffs altogether.

CONTINUE THE TREND More than anything going into the 2020 season, Chelsea needs to continue the trend under Goodwin. They went from two wins in year one to winning five games in year two with three losses by three points or less and a forfeited loss to Briarwood due to an ineligible player.

The talent hasn’t been overwhelming across the board the last two years, but the team has still made drastic improvements due to the ability to buy in and work together. Once again, they’ll be inexperienced this year with the exception of three positional units, but continuing the trend upward should be the main focus of the players and staff.

BLAIR’S FINAL RIDE When he came onto the scene as a freshman, the coaching staff was excited about what Collier Blair brought to the table as a versatile back. His smaller size didn’t bother anyone, and he’s proved the last three years that he is pound-for-pound one of the most physical players on the field. Now, he enters his senior season off a 1,000-plus yard junior year, and he’ll look to close out his special career by being a leader for an inexperienced team.

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2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

2020 Chelsea Roster NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

1

Collier Blair

RB 12

43

Hamp Waller

DB/WR 12

2

Hasani Burn

WR/DB 12

44

Jackson Laughlin

LB/TE 10

3

Rickey Whited

WR/DB 12

45

Mason Mosko

LB/WR 11

4

Marquis Turner

DL/LB 11

47

Sam Niven

P 12

5

Gabe Ruffin

WR 12

48

Ty Forehand

WR/DB 11

6

Donovan Bivens

FB 12

51

Will Fant

OL/DL 11

7

Chris McNeill

RB/DB 10

52

Kaleb Thomason

OL/DL 11

8

JyDarian McKinney

WR/DB 10

53

Harrison Dummier

OL/DL 11

9

Adam Reaves

WR/QB 12

54

Brady Clements

OL/DL 10

10

Evan Jones

WR/DB 11

55

Walker Williams

OL/DL 10

11

Hayden Garison

QB/DB 10

56

Fermin Martinez

OL/DL 11

12

Nic Neaves

QB/S 12

58

Jaeden Bennett

OL/DL 10

13

Alex Trout

K 12

59

James Turnes

OL/DL 10

14

Cooper Griffin

QB/S 11

60

Roman Ateaga

OL/DL 10

15

Thomas Simpson

WR/DB 11

61

Xander Echols

LS 12

17

Holton Smith

WR/DB 12

62

Connor Beane

OL/DL 10

18

Jackson Bailey

WR/DB 11

63

Carson Khalidi

OL/DL 10

19

Gabe Senn

LB/TE 11

64

Peyton Griffith

OL/DL 12

20

Evan Durham

RB/LB 11

65

Ethan Herndon

OL/DL 10

22

Cade Turner

WR/DB 11

66

Cesar Madrid

OL/DL 10

23

Kevin LaGrande

WR/DB 11

67

Aiden Williamson

OL/DL 10

24

Jake Adams

DB/RB 12

68

Garyson Maddox

DL/TE 11

25

Griffin Parrish

WR/DB 11

71

Cody Cooper

OL/DL 12

26

Darnelle Manuel

WR/DB 12

73

Emmanuel Waller

OL/DL 10

27

Cody Fortenberry

TE/DE 10

77

Ethan Vickers

OL/DL 11

28

Ernest Moore

RB/DB 11

78

Eli Berg

OL/DL 12

29

Chandler Pruitt

FS/TE 12

80

Clay Green

WR/DB 10

30

Austin Freer

WR/DB 10

81

Colin Moore

WR/DB 11

31

Jake Deavers

RB/LB 10

82

Josh Christian

DE/TE 10

32

Austin Rigdon

WR/DB 10

83

Blake Page

WR/DB 11

33

Chad Carbonie

RB 12

84

Bryant Harris

DE/TE 11

35

Josh Williams

RB/DB 11

85

Ben Nichols

WR/DB 10

36

Jesse Newton

WR/DB 10

87

Jacob “Bear” Maxwell WR/DB 11

37

Carson Freeman

FS/WR 12

88

Robi Nauert

WR/DB 10

39

Brock Forehand

DB/WR 12

90

Connor Ridderhoff

LS 11

40

Kalob Johnstone

RB/LB 10

91

Nathan Cisneros

WR/DB 10

41

Nathan Smith

WR/DB 10

while Maddox holds a frame of 6-foot-2, 200 pounds. Those two should help this position be more of a bright spot after it was a concern a season ago. The coaching staff is also excited about the ability of some young players, but hasn’t seen them in pads yet this season and is still trying to determine who will handle nose guard.

Jordan Smith combined for more than 100 tackles, including 16 tackles for loss and five sacks. With the departure of all three, there are big shoes to fill. Senior Donovan Bivens is the only player back with significant experience, while several inexperienced young players will be looked upon to step up and join him.

LINEBACKERS

SECONDARY

Possibly the most worrisome spot on the team, Chelsea will be replacing all of its linebackers heading into the season. Last year, Colby Clements, Cole Berryman and

For what the front seven lacks in experience, the secondary makes up for.

All of the unit’s starters are back and will be seniors, including safeties Chandler

Pruitt and Carson Freeman. Pruitt isn’t just one of the most important leaders on the team, but brings a frame of 6-foot-2, 190 pounds to the defense and is considered a “diamond in the rough” by the coaches. At cornerback, three others return experience in Hasani Lyons, Chad Carbonie and Jake Adams. All three of those players are

returning starters who play well in coverage. Those five players are trustworthy athletes the coaching staff can count on.

the Hornets do return starting punter Sam Niven, who is one of the best in the state, and long snapper Xander Echols, who is committed to UAB. The coaches are working out different kickers to handle extra point attempts and SPECIAL TEAMS While starting kicker Cooper Neal is kickoffs, and feel good about finding gone, taking with him 37 of 38 made the right athlete to handle the return PATs and a long field goal of 49 yards, game.

EDITOR’S 2020 PREDICTION (5-5) There is no hiding Chelsea’s inexperience going into the season with no spring practice. The Hornets may take the biggest hit of any local team when it comes to COVID-19, because they hadn’t gotten to see battles at key positions with pads on until fall practice started on July 27. I have faith that the defense can come along, mainly because of the talent in the secondary, but the offense is replacing so much at the two most important positions—quarterback and offensive line. If the offensive line can come along to give Blair the proper running holes and allow the quarterback to have time to make decisions with a solid receiving corps, then this team will be better than 5-5. But the schedule is difficult, and several new faces are going to have to prove themselves for Chelsea to be successful.

Go Hornets!

Representative

Corley Ellis

Alabama House District 41

Pet Boutique

Natural Foods

205-618-9496 16618 Hwy 280 • Chelsea 2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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Chelsea Hornets

Ready to lead Collier Blair and Chandler Pruitt set for big role Written by ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photos by KEITH MCCOY AND CARI DEAN “In fifth grade, I played quarterback and he was running SITTING IN THE CAFETERIA IN FOURTH back, so we both ran the offense,” Pruitt said. “It was fun to GRADE, Collier Blair walked up to Chandler Pruitt and decided the two would become friends. Now, nine years later, the Chelsea seniors are set to play their final football season together for the Hornets, and each is expected to lead their respective side of the ball.

“It’s gone by in a hurry,” Blair said. “Chandler and I both have been best friends forever. Now, we get to play one last season together after playing with each other really since the fourth grade. He’s the leader on the defense and I’m the leader on the offense.”

After playing on different teams in the third grade, the two met in the lunchroom a year later and happened upon the same rec league team that same year.

From that point forward, the two rising seniors at Chelsea were on the same team every year aside from their freshman season.

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2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

have him running next to me, and I got to hand him and toss him the ball. It was really cool and helped our friendship grow.”

That lasted through middle school football, but when the duo reached Chelsea High School, they were split up.

“I played freshman football that year, but he was up playing on the varsity,” Pruitt said. “It was really weird not being on the same team together.”

But then they were reunited a year later as sophomores when Blair was a key leader at running back and Pruitt was taking over the reigns as a defensive back with a promising future.

Now, heading into their senior seasons together, the two are not only gearing up to handle the emotions of their final year together, but they’re set to try and help Chelsea take the

next step as leaders.

Last year, the Hornets finished 5-6 overall with a forfeited loss against Briarwood that they actually won 17-14 as well as three losses in a row by three points or less that prevented an eight-game winning streak and a region championship.

As seniors, Blair will have to handle new starters all around him on offense, while Pruitt will be grooming several inexperienced defenders as well.

Each knows if the Hornets are going to be successful this season, it will start with their ability to lead and help their side of the ball.

For Blair, he will be tasked with helping a new offensive line and new quarterback get comfortable within the offense.

“The main focus that we have is finding the guys that we can count on,” he said. “Nobody except for maybe a couple of plays has any varsity experience on the offensive line. We only have one senior so we’re focusing on getting those guys ready. Learning the plays and getting the techniques down is key. We never have the biggest line, so we rely on technique. If we can get them tough, strong and know where

they are going, that’s all we can hope for.”

Having started since his freshman season, Blair said this will be the fourth different line he’s played with, losing seniors from the position every year.

With him being a running back, forming a relationship with that unit is key because he can only go as far as they’ll let him.

“I need to be able to give pointers and show them what I’m seeing from the position,” Blair said. “I’ve experienced this and know where mistakes happen. I hope as an older starter, I can help them overcome any fears and doubt.”

Blair feels ready to take on that role because he’s seen seniors lead for the last three years.

“Ever since I was a freshman, I wanted to give that extra effort to match the seniors and have carried that with me each year,” Blair said. “My leadership role is to make them accountable for themselves and their teammates. You have to give everything 100 percent of the time. If I’m doing that as a senior, that will make the younger guys want to work that hard to match it.”

As for Pruitt, he’s focusing on many of the same leadership 2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

37

skills for the defense.

Playing as a safety in the secondary as a two-year starter, Pruitt has the task of teaching younger players one of the most difficult aspects of the game–coverage.

“Right now, I’m making sure everybody understands the coverages,” he said. “My sophomore year, the coaches and players were trying to do that with me, and I needed somebody to sit down and explain it to me. It’s hard. So I try to explain it better and do it hands on and remember what I struggled with. I try to stand behind the guys so I can point things out for them. It’s a complicated position to play.”

Last year’s defense gave up an average of 22.7 points per game, which ended up being the best the defense has played since the 2010 defense gave up 19.2 points per game.

Now Pruitt will largely be tasked with helping this year’s defense continue that trend and not take a step back.

“It’s going to have to be us playing until the whistle every single play,” he said. “We know we have a chance, we just can’t make mistakes like penalties and letting receivers run by us. If we learn from last year’s mistakes and improve this

300 Jade Park, Suite 301 Chelsea www.chelseabraces.com 205-678-2770

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2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

year, we’ll be better.”

As for his personal game, Pruitt has seen his understanding and decision-making speed up.

“Knowing what to do has been burned into my head the last three years,” he said. “I know what coach (Zeb) Ellison wants on that side of the ball. I can see what is happening so much faster now. Sometimes I see it before him because I’m on the field, which helps speed up our play and calling things out before each snap.”

Going into their senior seasons, both Blair and Pruitt realize it’s their final time suiting up on the same team, which is sad, but it’s a moment they’ll cherish together one last time.

“My freshman year, I watched my brother play his final game. It was sad,” Pruitt said. “I said I wouldn’t be that sad during my final season. But now that I’ve been in the locker room and seen it come and go so fast. It’s really sad. I’m playing my last season of high school football. The kids I’ve grown up playing with, I may not touch a football with them again and won’t put pads on and have that family bond with them again. All the work we’ve put in since fourth grade up to our senior year, it’s just sad to know it’s coming to an end.”

“It’s definitely gone by in a hurry,” Blair said. “I didn’t expect senior year to get here this fast. It’s a shock. I always felt like I was older because I was playing with older players and wondered when I was going to be a senior. Now it’s here and I wish I was younger. It’s a sad thing that it’s almost over, but now I have to live in the moment and enjoy my time with my buddies.”

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CORNERSTONE

CHARGERS Taking on one of the most difficult AISA schedules, the Cornerstone Chargers have struggled the last two years with two wins each season.

But now, heading into the 2020 season, the schedule isn’t as daunting as it once was and there is hope that this is the year they can turn a new page.

The biggest concern this season will be depth, as COVID-19 took a hit on the team’s numbers with some still on the fence about playing.

But, head coach James Lee, who is entering his fourth season, says this year’s group is closer than past teams.

Most of the returning players this year have been playing since eighth grade, bringing trustworthy experience to the table, while newcomers will look to help fill important gaps.

TEAM INFORMATION CLASSIFICATION AISA Class A, Region 1 2019 RECORD 2-9 (1-3) HEAD COACH James Lee RECORD 10-22 (Fourth year) ASSISTANT COACHES Sam Adams, Chris Honeycutt, Nick Simmons, JD Schumate, Randy Vanoy, Andrew Flack LAST REGION TITLE 2016 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2019

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK The quarterback position will be key for the Chargers to find some consistency on offense this season after averaging just 12 points per game last year. Heading into fall practice, Kenny Hollis and Lane Bailey, two of the best athletes on the team, are working at the position. Both stand about 5-foot-9, 180 pounds. Bailey is an old-school player who can play anywhere on the field. Hollis has a high upside due to his athleticism and arm strength.

RUNNING BACK The running back position is lacking size this season, but has a lot more speed. Christian Chapman, a new player in from Calera, isn’t the biggest with a frame of 5-foot-7, 150 pounds, but his speed is a difference maker.

In addition to him, Bailey will play at the position and is a back who will look to run through players every time he touches the ball. Kyler Simmons and Cole Davis will also fit into the rotation this year.

Go Chargers!

Representative Corley Ellis Alabama House District 41

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2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Lane Bailey

GOOD LUCK Chargers!

PLAYERS TO WATCH Lane Bailey, ATH Playing on both sides of the ball, Bailey is the likely frontrunner at quarterback and will be one of the best defenders.

Justus Adams, OL/DL Going into his fourth year as a starter and still just a junior, Adams will be a force on both sides of the ball at 6-foot-2, 225 pounds.

Warren Goodwin, OL/DL Goodwin has also started for three years and will be a key piece on both sides with a frame of 6-foot-2, 215 pounds.

them valuable experience, while Adams At the receiver position, several of those led the team in tackles, finishing just running backs will split their time out ahead of Bailey. Several of the other wide. Simmons can be more of a offensive linemen will help add depth up traditional receiver who can make plays front. down the field, while Chapman is a back LINEBACKERS who can slide into a slot receiver position Bailey and Davis will be the two due to his quickness off the line and ability highlights at linebacker as returning to make moves to get open with his speed.

Behind those two, the Chargers are still players, while Bailey finished second in tackles last year and is considered one of trying to find players to step up. the team’s best overall players. Simmons will also join the two at the position. It’s OFFENSIVE LINE Justus Adams and Warren Goodwin not a position that’s intimidating from a have started since they were in the eighth size standpoint, but can be flexible in what grade and are now juniors set to lead the styles can be run.

RECEIVERS

offensive line. Adams stands at 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, while Goodwin is now 6-foot2, 215 pounds. In addition to that. Jonah Murphree is a player who has shown improvement and will play an important role, while Eric Durrett and Matthew Crumpton will join him. Karson Pavey will also play a role on the line.

Kyler Simmons, ATH Simmons will be a leader at both receiver and running back on offense and will play at linebacker defensively.

2020 SCHEDULE Aug. 21: Bye Aug. 28: Banks Sept. 4: Lakeside* Sept. 11: @ Crenshaw* Sept. 18: @ Snook Sept. 25: Abbeville* Oct. 2: @ Coosa Valley* Oct. 9: @ Springwood Oct. 16: Bye Oct. 23: @ Lowndes* Oct. 30: Hooper

SECONDARY Chapman, who will play a lot on offense at receiver and running back, will be the leader in the secondary at cornerback, while several others are expected to fill important roles.

*Region game

2019 STATS Offense Total points: 132 Per game: 12 County rank: 13

SPECIAL TEAMS DEFENSIVE LINE Most of the defensive line will feature many of those same players from the offensive line playing both ways. Adams, Goodwin and Murphree all played on both sides of the ball last year, giving

The Chargers will have to replace a major key on special teams in star kicker Jace Bailey after four years of starting.

Simmons and Goodwin could compete for the spot, but Lee said there could be some other opportunities as well.

Defense Points allowed: 419 Per game: 38.1 County rank: 13

2020 CORNERSTONE Roster NO. NAME 2

POSITION YEAR

NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

NO. NAME

Christian Chapman ATH 11

14

Jackson Waugh

ATH 9

55

Warren Goodwin OL/DL 11

POSITION YEAR

4

Kyler Simmons

QB/LB 11

24

Matthew Crumpton ATH 10

56

Justus Adams

OL/DL 11

6

Cash Causey

ATH 8

25

Lane Bailey

QB/LB 12

59

Seth Dillard

OL/DL 8

7

Malachi Adams

ATH 6

26

T.C. Sanders

ATH 7

60

Karson Pavey

OL/DL 12

10

Noah Schober

ATH 8

30

Cole Davis

RB/LB 12

61

Eric Durrett

OL/DL 12

12

Zeke Adams

ATH 8

52

Jonah Murphree OL/DL 11

66

Landon Alexander OL/DL 8

2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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EVANGEL

TEAM INFORMATION

LIGHTING Championships continue to be the normal for the Evangel Lightning.

Coming off a third state championship in a row under fourth-year head coach Tim Smith as well as back-to-back eight-man national championships, the expectation is for that to continue in 2020.

Under Smith, the Lightning have never lost an eight-man game, while the dynasty has won nine of the last 10 ACSC State Championships. Despite the departure of 16 seniors, including their top playmakers, the expectation remains the same.

This year’s team may look a little different from an offensive standpoint with three-year starting quarterback Tyler Henderson gone and a challenging schedule, but the Lightning still remain loaded with talent and will be the favorites in eight-man football this fall until somebody knocks them off.

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK With the departure of three-year starter Tyler Henderson, it’s now time for a new face, and that will likely be sophomore quarterback Eli Whitfield.

Standing at 5-foot-10, 165 pounds, Whitfield has been the backup to Henderson the last two years. Due to his speed and ability to run the ball, the Evangel offense may shift from more of a pass-heavy style to one that takes advantage of his legs.

RUNNING BACK While quarterback will be a key position to replace, running back might be the more alarming. Evangel will lose both Noah Shears and athlete Will Ferrell at the position, who combined for 1,600 yards.

Attempting to replace them will be former nose guard Daniel Viles, who brings a 5-foot-9, 205-pound frame to the table.

RECEIVERS This is the position Ferrell will be missed the most at, but luckily for the Lightning, Jett Lodge will be back to spend the majority of his time at receiver after totaling 1,214 yards last year with 23 touchdowns. In addition to that, Harris Black and Tyler Wilson will both help, while former linebacker Timothy Howard will play at the position due to his good hands.

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2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Harris Black

CLASSIFICATION ACSC 2019 RECORD 8-2 (2-0) ACSC State Champions HEAD COACH Tim Smith RECORD 25-7 (Fourth year) ASSISTANT COACHES Hagan Joiner, Brian Wolf, Jon Parker, Jack Donovan LAST REGION TITLE 2019 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2019

PLAYERS TO WATCH Jett Lodge, ATH Lodge will be the team’s best athlete this season and returns 1,214 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns. He’ll play all over the field.

Eli Whitfield, QB Whitfield will be key this year as Henderson’s replacement at quarterback, but his speed will make him fun to watch.

Daniel Viles, RB/LB Playing on both sides of the ball, Viles will be a key this year, and will have his hands full trying to take over at running back.

OFFENSIVE LINE

LINEBACKERS

The offensive line is one of the most exciting for Smith heading into the year.

Thomas Koach, a 5-foot-8, 215-pound junior, will handle a guard position, while Zach Chandler and Caleb Lumpkin will both be tackles. Chandler stands at 5-foot-9, 225 pounds, while Lumpking brings good height to the table at 6-foot3, 204 pounds. Three others will battle for center with Carson Donovan, Jared Mourn and Everson Jones all bringing a size of at least 6-foot-1, 230 pounds to the table, while Marcus Bennett will return from a knee injury last year

The linebackers will be another bright spot for this year’s team. Howard will be a leader at the unit, while Weathers and Viles will also spend time at the position.

In addition to that, sophomore Aidan Lau and junior Chris Lee will play important roles. Freshman Colton Dorough will also help, while twins Kaden and Kyle Jones will add depth.

2020 SCHEDULE Aug. 21: @ Meadowview Christian Aug. 28: East Central HomeSchool* Sept. 4: @ King’s Academy Sept. 11: @ Southern Christian Sept. 18: Bye Sept. 25: @ Lighthouse HomeSchool* Oct. 2: Ezekiel Academy* Oct. 9: Tennessee Heat Oct. 16: Freedom Cowboys Oct. 23: @ Georgia Force Christian Oct. 30: Evangel Christian

SECONDARY

Several of the team’s best athletes will slide into the secondary as well, including Harris Black, Lau, Wilson and Whitfield.

Those four will be primary defensive backs, while speedy sophomore Garrett DEFENSIVE LINE Many of those offensive linemen will Brooks, senior Caleb Patton and freshman split time on the defensive line as well, Hayden Black will look to help solidify while junior Riley Mason and senior the back line of defense.

Tyler Jeffers will also help out. Both played a lot last year, while Mason has SPECIAL TEAMS gained 20 pounds. They’ll each spend Lodge is set to do it all on special time at defensive end, while others from teams as the kicker and reutrn man for the offensive line will fill spots. the Lightning.

*Region game

2019 STATS Offense Total points: 460 Per game: 46 County rank: 1

Defense Points allowed: 281 Per game: 28.1 County rank: 5

2020 Evangel Roster NO.

NAME

NO.

NAME

POSITION YEAR

NO.

NAME

POSITION YEAR

2

Garrett Brooks ATH

POSITION YEAR 10

14

Kyle Jones

DB, ATH

10

40

Zachary Turner

DL, OL

12

3

Harris Black

QB, DB

11

15

Connor Nettles

WR, DB

10

50

Elijah Henderson

DL, OL

10

4

Jett Lodge

WR, DB

12

16

Chris Le

DL, OL

11

52

Thomas Koch

OL, DL

11

5

Lucas Mast K

10

17

Zhenya Stallings

DE, OL

10

54

Zach Chandler

DL, OL

11

7

Wyatt Picklesimer QB, WR

12

19

Zane Barlow ATH

9

57

Everson Jones

C, DL

11

8

Eli Whitfield

10

20

Colton Dorough ATH

9

59

Caleb Lumpkin OL

11

9

Tyler Jeffers DE

12

21

Hayden Black ATH

9

60

Carson Donovan

DL, OL

9

10

Kaden Jones

CB, ATH

10

22

Tyler Wilson

RB, LB

10

67

Matthew Long

DE, OL

10

11

Timothy Howard

FB, OLB

12

24

Daniel Viles

NG, OL

12

72

Jared Warren

OL, DL

12

12

Aidan Lau

DB, WR

10

27

Marc Ayers ATH

11

88

Riley Mason

DL, OL

10

13

Dylan Weathers

LB, FB

10

28

Jake Parker

8

QB, DB

ATH, DE

2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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HELENA

HUSKIES The 2019 football season was full of history for the Helena Huskies.

They won their first region championship in school history, most games in school history (9) and scored their most points in school history (387).

Now, the attention turns to the 2020 season and trying to replicate that success. But with the loss of 28 seniors, doing so isn’t going to be an easy task.

Helena will have 20 seniors on this year’s team as well, but many will be filling holes that were previously filled by three-year starters.

The defense will lose a lot of production, but the offensive side of the ball should be alright thanks to the return of a strong offensive line and its top running back in a run-heavy system.

Depending on how fast the team can overcome inexperience and if the veteran players don’t become relaxed with last year’s results, Helena should once again be a threat this season.

TEAM INFORMATION CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 6A, Region 3 2019 RECORD 9-2 (6-0) HEAD COACH Richie Busby RECORD 13-8 (Third year) ASSISTANT COACHES Jim Elgin, Keith Maple, Scott Lowery, Greg Appling, Shane Hutchinson, Adam Bice, David Lee, Dale Massey, Shaun Kendall, Phillip Lawson, Jody Colvin, Rob Beard LAST REGION TITLE 2019 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2019

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK The biggest setback on the offensive side of the ball will be the loss of starting quarterback Luke Stamba. In his time at Helena, Stamba started for three years and was a leader. Last year, as a senior, he posted 1,316 passing yards and 744 rushing yards with a combined 21 touchdowns.

Looking to replace him will be last year’s backup Mac Turner. A junior this season, Turner is a 6-foot2, 185-pound quarterback who is comfortable in the pocket. With his size, he can see the field well and brings a strong arm to the table with a great deep ball. Backing him up will be Kolby Harris, who started seven games at safety last year. He’s an athletic presence that adds senior experience to

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2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Marquis Johnson

IceBerk Cave

PLAYERS TO WATCH Mac Turner, QB With Luke Stamba gone, junior Mac Turner is set to take the reins at quarterback and will have to fill the shoes of a three-year starter.

Marquis Johnson, RB Johnson was the county’s best running back last year, and will once again be a threat returning 1,478 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns.

IceBerk Cave, LB Cave will be one of the top returning tacklers on the team after totaling 85 tackles last year, including eight for loss and six sacks.

the position.

RUNNING BACK The top running back in the county last year will return to Helena’s backfield this season. Marquis Johnson, who posted 1,478 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns on 207 carries, will return for his senior season and be the leader of the offense with Stamba gone. Johnson stands at 5-foot-7, 170 pounds, but is extremely powerful for his size with great explosiveness. Kobe Hughes got significant carries last year as well and will be a between-the-tackles back with a frame of 5-foot-9, 205 pounds.

He is also a senior who the coaching staff is excited about. In addition to that, junior Kasyn Bustamento and sophomore A.J. Horsestead are athletes who will play at the position, while freshmen Jordan Washington

2020 SCHEDULE Aug. 21: Dallas County Aug. 28: @ Chelsea Sept. 4: @ Wetumpka* Sept. 11: @ Benjamin Russell* Sept. 18: Pelham* Sept. 25: @ McAdory Oct. 2: Chilton County* Oct. 9: @ Calera* Oct. 16: Stanhope Elmore* Oct. 23: Bye Oct. 30: UMS Wright *Region game

and Eli Ray both have a chance to earn time as well. The biggest concern at will be the loss of H-back Chris Miller, who made their run game go with his blocking.

RECEIVERS The most concerning unit on the offensive side of the football will be at

Seaburn Hines, OL One of the state’s best offensive linemen, Hines is committed to Georgia Southern and will be instrumental in Johnson having another big year and helping Turner feel comfortable.

KEY DEPARTURES Luke Stamba Stamba’s experience as a three-year starter will be missed due to his ability to run the offense.

Nathan Dunaway One of the best players in school history, he was last year’s leading tackler with 129 tackles.

Tucker Knight Knight has been a dominant force at linebacker and on the defensive line the last three years.

Cole Pugh Pugh is another linebacker and defensive lineman that will take three years of experience with him.

LaDarrius Rice Rice was a consistent playmaker in the secondary and forced teams to stay away from him last year.

2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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QUICK HITS GROUND AND POUND Under Busby, Helena is a team that will take the ground-and-pound theme to heart. They want to block well and run hard each game. With the return of three starting offensive linemen and a 1,400-plus yard running back who totaled 26 touchdowns, they’ll heavily rely on the ground game again this season. That should help take pressure off the inexperience at receiver and quarterback.

QUARTERBACK QUESTIONS It’s not necessarily Stamba’s production that needs to be replaced at the quarterback position, but his experience and ability to lead at the position. Spending three years as the starter, including two under Busby, he understood the system and the game. Now, Turner is going to have to step in and handle that pressure as a first-year starter. He’s got the offensive line and running back to help take pressure off, but he’ll also have to step up as a leader and form connections with an inexperienced group of receivers.

A FRESH LOOK Changing up regions will give the Huskies a new experience going into the 2020 season. The difficulty of the schedule will truly depend on how quickly they can gain experience, but with four of their first six games on the road, including their first two region games, there won’t be much time for error early on. There isn’t an easy stretch on the schedule with games that should be close both early in the season and on the back half.

But Helena is now a team that believes it can win after last year, and even with new faces, that should help in a new region.

receiver. The Huskies had seven senior receivers last year and lost all of their starters. With Turner’s ability to throw the deep ball, Busby said at least three players need to step up, starting with J.C. Sivley.

His size at 6-foot-5, 200 pounds going into his junior season can be a difference maker if he takes advantage of his time as a starter.

Jayden Jackson, who has played at times the last few years, will be a senior that can help too. J.T. Carson is also a senior the coaching staff is going to lean on as an athletic presence. From there, Harris will play one of the receiver spots if not at quarterback,

while sophomore Miles Mitchell will transition to receiver this year. Ryne Berry and Garrett Morton will battle for time as well.

OFFENSIVE LINE While Helena will replace two key starters up front in Sam Regina and Chase Perry, the Huskies return three starters to the offensive line and will eventually rotate six or seven players. The clear leader of the unit is Seaburn Hines, who stands at 6-foot-2, 305 pounds, and is committed to play collegiately at Georgia Southern. Jack Blanton, 6-foot-1,

EDITOR’S 2020 PREDICTION (6-4) Not only is there unknown on Helena’s roster this season, but there is unknown about the competition as well. Depending on how quickly the Huskies’ talent comes along, they could battle for the region title once again or they could be fighting for the fourth and final playoff spot. There is a strong chance to start 2-0 and then, a two-week stretch of road games against Wetumpka and Benjamin Russell will kick off region play. If the Huskies can win those two games and start 4-0, that would be a huge success and would change the dynamic of the season. I think early in the season, it will be good to rely on the offensive line and the run game, but eventually, quarterback and receivers will have to step up, while the defense will have to show that it can handle replacing loads of talent. A winning record will continue a good trend for Helena considering the amount of talent replaced, but it’s up to this year’s team to determine whether it’s 6-4 or better.

WANT TO KNOW WHO SCORED DURING THE BIG GAME? Visit HelenaReporter.com for the latest updates and recaps from Friday night football.

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2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

2019 RESULTS McAdory W 38-14 @ Hueytown L 24-32 @ Homewood W 28-24 Minor W 28-14 Southside-Gadsden W 61-10 Chelsea W 31-28 @ Carver-Birmingham W 45-13 @ Jackson-Olin W 49-21 Pelham W 62-20 @ Calera W 21-3 Clay-Chalkville* L 0-17 *Playoff game

265 pounds, and Matthew Ray, 6-foot, 255 pounds, will also return as starters at the position. Those three are leaders and will make life easier for Turner and Johnson.

Behind that, there are a few battling for the final two spots. Bryson Rhodes, Dalton Griffin, Trace Barnett, Jake Julius, Skyler Stephens and Turner Morrison will either start or add depth.

DEFENSIVE LINE As a whole, the defense will lose more than 400 tackles from last year’s team, including 166 on the defensive line from Cole Pugh, Tucker Knight and Ethan Trimm.

Two key pieces this season will be juniors Joel Logan and Noah McDonald at defensive end. Logan has a ton of upside at 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, while McDonald adds speed off the edge. Backups to those two

2019 STATS

Offense Total points: 387 Per game: 35.2 County rank: 4 Defense Points allowed: 196 Per game: 17.8 County rank: 2

2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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2020 Helena Roster NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

1

Jayden Jackson

WR

12

34

Hunter Bright

LB 10

Mac Turner

Cole Yarbourgh

DL 10

2

67

QB 11

35

Scout Brooks

LB 12

Peyton Woodall

Trace Barnett

OL 10

3

68

LB 11

36

Jax Rush

HB 10

Tim Gooden

Skyler Stevens

OL 11

4

69

WR 12

37

Errol Anderson

DB 11

JC Sivley

Deason Capps

OL 10

5

70

WR 11

38

Jon Michael Combs

HB 12

Kaysn Bustamento

Derrick Wilson

DL

6

71

RB 11

39

Chris Funches

DB 10

72

Hunter Johnson

DL 12

10

7

Kolby Harris

ATH 12

40

Ryan Dillahunty

LB 10

IceBerk Cave

73

Jake Julius

OL 10

8

LB 11

42

Josh Williams

DB 11

Justin Yunke

Seaburn Hines

OL 12

9

74

LB 11

43

Dylan Greer

RB 11

Hudson McCaslin

Spencer Bozeman

OL 11

10

75

WR 10

44

Brock Sisson

LB 12

Miles Mitchell

Connor Mcree

OL 10

11

76

WR 10

45

Kellen Hughes

RB 10

Connor Pugh

Turner Morrison

OL 12

12

77

S 11

46

Joey Corbin

DL 11

Andre Odom

Jack Blanton

OL 12

13

78

HB

11

47

Brayden King

WR 10

Kyle Tolbert

Xavier Guy

OL 10

14

79

S 11

48

Hunter DeVore

RB 10

Mathew Thompson DE 10

Peyton Benefield

WR 10

15

80

49

Charlie Harper

DB 11

Walter Womack

Garrett Morton

WR 11

18

81

DB 10

50

Walter Krzykalski

LB 10

Grayson Garner

Jack Carson

DE 12

19

82

HB 12

51

Jackson Thomas

OL 10

Marquis Johnson

Ryne Berry

WR 11

20

83

RB 12

52

Tyler Peterson

DL 12

Jake Kruse

Jerry Jackson

WR 10

21

84

DB/WR 12

53

Chris Pacheco

LB 10

JT Carson

William Marshall

WR 11

22

85

WR 12

54

Tanner James

DL 10

AJ Horstead

Alex Pierce

WR 10

23

86

RB 10

55

Jacorey Sherman

OL 10

Damien Hines

Garrett Allen

WR 12

24

87

DB 11

56

Dalton Griffin

OL 11

Jackson Snyder

Zach Freeman

TE 10

25

88

DB 11

57

Jarvis Elston

LB 12

Kobe Hughes

Chris Wamble

WR 10

26

89

RB 12

58

Julian Busby

DL 10

Joel Logan

Nick Payne

DE 11

28

90

DE 11

59

Bryon Holland

DE 11

James Preston

Aidan Naron

K 11

29

91

DB 12

60

Bryson Rhodes

OL 11

Lawson Smith

Kevin Kim

DL 12

30

92

LB 12

61

Owen Campbell

OL 10

Tyler Payne

Matthew Blocker

K 11

31

93

DB 10

63

Chase Holmes

DL 12

Harrison Franks

Cole Yarbourgh

DL 10

32

94

DB 10

64

Matthew Ray

DL 12

Kenny Hawkins

Nathan Butts

DE 11

33

95

DB 11

66

Phillip Allen

OL 10

97

Zac Read

DL 12

5-YEAR WIN TREND 9

2019

9

4

1

2018

2017

3 2016

2015

will be junior Kevin Kim and sophomore Matthew Thompson.

Two seniors will fill the interior portion of the line as starters with 6-foot, 290-pound Hunter Johnson and 5-foot-10, 240-pound Joey Corbin bringing great size to the position. Both return significant snaps from last year, while the coaching staff is excited about

backups Derrick Wilson and Xavier Guy as well. Jack Carson and Brian Holland will also add help.

LINEBACKERS While the linebackers will lose the best player on the defensive side of the ball with the departure of Nathan Dunaway’s 129 tackles, the unit does return starters in IceBerk Cave and

HELENA HUSKIES! 100 Brook Drive, Suite B Helena, AL • 205-436-8481• www.jonesandassociates.net 48

2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

KEY NUMBERS

400

387

28

1,478

Arguably the most difficult void to fill this season will be on the defensive side of the ball with more than 400 tackles gone, including Nathan Dunaway’s 129. In addition to him, threeyear starters like Cole Pugh, Tucker Knight, Ethan Trimm, LaDarrius Rice, Zach Goodwin and Jade Hildreth are all gone from the defensive side of the ball, which leaves major holes to fill and puts a lot of pressure on returning linebackers IceBerk Cave and Lawson Smith.

Last year was a year of history for the Huskies, who set a team record with 387 points scored, won their most games in school history and won their first region championship in school history. That’s a program-changing type of year that should impact the confidence and belief of team’s moving forward. If it continues this season, it will become something that feels normal for the Huskies each year.

The biggest blow to the Huskies this season will be the departure of 28 seniors. Last year’s senior class was one that had been playing together for three years, including two under Busby, and they finally got to the point of believing they could not only compete, but beat the best, which led to history. Now, there are a few strong leaders left on the team, but the young players will have to have the same belief and will have to carry over what last year’s dynamic senior class started.

The obvious bright spot to this year’s team will be the return of Marquis Johnson’s 1,478 rushing yards. He earned an All-County First Team nod last year as the county’s top running back, and will have a solid offensive line to run behind again. He also brings back 26 touchdowns and will get plenty of help with reliable depth to help keep him fresh.

GOOD LUCK Huskies!

2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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Lawson Smith. Cave is getting Division I offers and returns 85 total tackles, including eight tackles for loss and six sacks from his sophomore season. Smith will be a senior this year and returns 90 total tackles with six for loss. Senior Brock Sisson has a good chance to be the third guy at the position, while Scout Brooks, Hunter Bright and Justin Yunke will all help as well.

SECONDARY The secondary will also take a big hit with the departure of LaDarrius Rice, Zach Goodwin and Jade Hildreth.

Junior Kyle Tolbert and senior Damian Hines are two that will play at cornerback and bring good athleticism to the table, while Jackson Snyder and Jake Cruce will help at the position. Walter Womack, Tim Gooden and Jay Preston could help either at corner or at safety as well.

Connor Pugh will be leaned on heavily at the safety position, while Peyton Woodall and Harrison Franks will also split time.

SPECIAL TEAMS The Huskies will lose kicker Logan Maloney, who came up big in several games last year. J.T. Carson will handle some punting and kicking, while Aiden Naron and Matthew Blocker will battle for the rest of the kicking duties. Johnson, Bustamento, Jackson and Franks are athletes that will help in the return game.

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2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Helena Huskies

Time to shine Helena leaning on leaders to overcome inexperience Written by ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photos by KEITH MCCOY AND JEREMY RAINES

HOW DO YOU TOP winning your first region

Last year’s team will live on as one of the most historic in championship, beating your rival for the first time, winning school history after their 9-1 regular season and 9-2 finish, a school-record nine games and setting a record for most but despite the loss of 28 seniors, this year’s team doesn’t lack talent. points in a season?

“The group that will be juniors this year went undefeated There’s no easy answer to that question, but it’s one the 2020 Helena Huskies will hope to find an answer to this as freshmen and the class ahead and one behind that junior class have talented players as well,” third-year head season.

2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

coach Richie Busby said. “We feel like they can be good because of that. The success they’ve seen can only help them this year.”

In addition to a strong junior class, there will still be between 20 and 22 seniors on this year’s team as well. While the team will be younger across the board at key positions and many will be inexperienced, some of the experienced players will be leaned on heavily to help lead, and they’ll use the example last year’s crew set.

Two of those seniors will be on the offensive side of the ball including running back Marquis Johnson and Seaburn Hines.

Hines has been a starter the last three years up front and is the best lineman Busby has ever coached according to the head coach, while Johnson is the county’s top returning running back this year after totaling 1,478 yards on the ground last year.

“Marquis is going to be great,” Hines said. “We can trust him. Kobe Hughes is another guy that is going to surprise a lot of people there at running back too. If I can push (the offensive line) a little bit further, we may have one of the best offensive lines we’ve had.”

That’s the kind of leadership Busby wants from those players, noting that will be what determines whether this year’s team can duplicate last year’s success.

“This year’s group has to take on the role that they’re the guys that have to step up to help create that physical tough-minded group,” Busby said. “It’s up to them to establish it.”

Defensively, the Huskies are losing more than 400 tackles and most of the leaders on that side of the ball, but returning will be IceBerk Cave and Lawson Smith, who combined for 175 tackles last year at the linebacker position.

Those two will have to not only replicate that success, but also fill the void of some other departures, while younger players will need to step up.

“We lost nine starters on defense and several backups,” Busby said. “We will start some freshmen at times this year and may have some athletes play both ways too.

Right now, the defense isn’t seasoned yet, but as they get reps in fall practice and games, we’ll see how they come along.”

Going into fall practice and the early portion of the season, Busby said the team needs to find its identity to reach its full potential.

“We know we want to be physical in the run game and on defense. That’s our philosophy and what we’ll try to establish,” Busby said. “We’ll find out if we have the kids to do that or not. It all boils down to how fast we can overcome inexperience.”

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MONTEVALLO

TEAM INFORMATION

BULLDOGS A new era of Montevallo football is here. After four years under Brandon Wilcox, Blake Boren took over the program in the offseason after success at Pike Road High School.

Boren will have his hands full during his first season with the Bulldogs, however. While their numbers are up and the athletes are there, the team only returns three starters and loses its 2,000-yard quarterback, two 1,000-yard receivers and a 1,000-yard running back.

The offensive line and running back unit will be leaned on with some experience back, but the rest of the team is inexperienced with many players playing for the first time since middle school.

Boren is excited for the future and has an experienced coaching staff with upgrades coming to the football facility, which has created excitement around the program.

While there will be growing pains this year, you may see some flashes of what could make this a special team in the coming years.

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK The departure of three-year starter Malik Inabinette is going to be a big blow for the offense as one of the state’s best quarterbacks the last two years. Last season alone, he totaled 2,697 passing yards with 27 touchdowns. Finding his replacement will be tough, but 6-foot-5, 185-pound senior Jay Dreyer is hoping to handle that. A baseball player, Dreyer hasn’t played football in a couple of years, but brings good size, a strong arm and good pocket presence to the position.

Behind him, Kam Goins is an athlete who will be all over the field and could see time at quarterback.

RUNNING BACK Despite replacing Deon Gilliland’s 1,125 yards and

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2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Joseph Anderson

CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 4A, Region 3 2019 RECORD 6-5 (4-2) HEAD COACH Blake Boren RECORD 0-0 (First year) ASSISTANT COACHES Jim King, Zeke Pigg, Charlie Boren, Chris Shelton, Garrett Langer, Keegan Bell, Donnell Robinson, Pat Johnson, Jamaah Holmes, Cody Davis, Ariel Goins LAST REGION TITLE 1995 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2019

PLAYERS TO WATCH Joseph Anderson, RB The backup to Deon Gilliland last year, Anderson was capable of big games and posted 344 yards and nine touchdowns on 58 carries.

KamRon Goins, ATH Goins will not only work at quarterback some this season, but will be relied on all over the offense and in the secondary on defense.

Kial Cottingham, ATH Cottingham will play both at slot receiver and in the secondary as a returning playmaker. In Boren’s offense, he could have a big season.

Orlandis Weeks, ATH Weeks will play on both sides of the ball this season, spending time at running back and linebacker as a physical, athletic presence.

Cole Dennis 16 touchdowns, Montevallo should be in 2020 SCHEDULE good shape at running back with three playmakers. Joseph Anderson will be Aug. 21: @ Marbury the key at the position with a strong Aug. 27: @ Shelby County (Thursday) lower half. He stands at 5-foot-9, 190 Sept. 4: American Christian Academy* Sept. 11: Bibb County* pounds and squats 500 pounds. Last Sept. 18: Wilcox Central* season, Anderson totaled 344 yards and Sept. 25: @ West Blocton* nine touchdowns on 58 carries and Oct. 2: Bye showed potential for explosive plays.

Oct. 9: @ Sumter Central* Behind him, Orlandis Weeks is one of Oct. 16: @ Holt* Oct. 23: Dallas County* the most athletic players on the team Oct. 30: Maplesville and will spend time at running back and receiver this year, while Justin Tyus is a *Region game similarly athletic playmaker that will join him. Those three athletes will make football like he does when going for a that a dangerous position if the offensive rebound in basketball. Kial Cottingham, a junior, will play in the slot and is an line pans out. explosive playmaker that will help in Boren’s offense which loves the runRECEIVERS The offensive departures continue at pass-option and shallow pass routes. receiver as Jamarius Carter takes a Behind that, All-County basketball 1,031-yard senior season with him that player Michael Jones has decided to included 15 touchdowns, while J.J. play football and will help at the position Evans is now at Auburn and leaves as will freshman receiver Javon Rogers, behind a career that featured more than who stands at 6-foot-2, 170 pounds.

2,000 receiving yards. Boren’s goal is to Luke Oden will add help in the slot after get as many athletes at receiver as getting some experience as a freshman possible, but there won’t be much last year. experience. Senior Kavounte Britton, a 6-foot-3, 190-pound basketball player, will be one of those additions. The coaches are wanting him to go after the

OFFENSIVE LINE Former Montevallo head coach Charlie Boren, Blake’s dad, will run the

Cole Dennis, OL/DL A three-year starter this year, Dennis is still just a junior and is a physical presence with the motor to play the entire game on both sides of the line.

Hunter Bass, OL/DL Bass, like Dennis, brings back a ton of experience. He’ll be recovering from an ACL injury during wrestling going into his senior year, but is ready to go.

Dylan Campbell, DL As a sophomore, Campbell started every game on the defensive line last year and will be a leader during his junior season.

KEY DEPARTURES J.J. Evans Evans totaled 755 receiving yards and eight touchdowns last year. The Auburn commit will be sorely missed and takes more than 2,000 career receiving yards with him.

Malik Inabinette Inabinette totaled more than 2,500 yards each of the last two years at quarterback and leaves a major hole to fill this season at quarterback.

Deon Gilliland Following back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, Gilliland’s departure at running back will be a crucial blow to the offense.

Jamarius Carter Last year, Carter had a breakout season with 1,031 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns and that was just the beginning of his potential.

2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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QUICK HITS JUST LIKE THAT, THEY’RE GONE The last two years have been something special to watch at Montevallo. The Bulldogs have set records with their offense due to the ability of quarterback Malik Inabinette, receivers J.J. Evans and Jamarius Carter, and running back Deon Gilliland. Now each of those playmakers are gone.

Evans and Carter take more than 3,000 combined yards from the receiving corps the last two years, Inabinette takes close to 6,000 passing yards with him and Gilliland takes more than 2,000 rushing yards.

NOT SO BOREN The talent may be gone, but new head coach Blake Boren is an offensive minded coach that will continue to bring the excitement. His offensive philosophy will create plenty of fireworks for the Bulldogs this season despite youth and inexperience. His main goal is to line up the best athletes on the field and help young players get experience. Last year, as the offensive coordinator at Pike Road, Boren led the Patriots’ offense to a team record 515 points.

QUICK BUY IN Boren considers himself a players’ coach, which is key to helping his new team buy in to his philosophy. He’s already worked on getting more players out for the team, but keeping them on the team and getting them to believe in him will be important. Montevallo is a team that needs its best athletes playing, but not just playing for themselves, playing for each other. If they can buy into Boren’s system early, the future is bright with some young talent ready to be molded.

POSITIONAL FOCUS One of the main ideas for Boren going into his first year as head coach is to work on getting his players to rotate as much as possible and to keep them from having to play multiple positions on both sides of the ball. For example, the defensive line is going to attempt to play 10-12 players this season to help build for the future and get players set to focus on just that position. It’s a difficult task in the 4A classification, and inevitably, the Bulldogs will have several playing on both sides of the ball, but if Montevallo wants to stay fresh and improve on defense this year, any form of depth will be key.

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2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

2020 Montevallo Roster NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

2

Kavounte Britton

WR/DB 12

42

Spencer Adams

RB/LB 10

3

Justin Tyus

RB/DB 12

44

Elfreeman Morton

RB/LB 9

4

Kial Cottingham

WR/DB 11

45

Malachi Cartwell

WR/DB 9

5

Peyton King

WR/DB 9

45

CJ Shaner

TE/LB 10

6

Anthony Martin

RB/DB 10

46

Benjamin Locks

WR/DB 9

7

Jay Dreyer

QB 12

51

Kamardre Purnell

RB/DB 9

8

Orlandis Weeks

RB/DB 12

52

Jaylon Hudson

OL/DL 10

9

Kam Goins

QB/DB 10

53

Willie Goodwin

TE/DL 9

10

Michael Jones

WR/DB 11

57

Cole Dennis

OL/DL 11

11

Javon Rogers

WR/DB 9

58

Gio Hernandez

K 10

12

Christian Tolbert

WR/DB 9

59

Tyler Gentry

OL/DL 9

13

Luke Oden

WR/DB 10

60

Jaylen Williams

OL/DL 10

14

Demontre Lilly

WR/DB 10

61

Jaydon Cummings

OL/DL 9

15

Braden Douglas

QB/DB 9

64

Hunter Bass

OL/DL 12

16

Gavin Monk

WR/DB 10

65

Dylan Campbell

OL/DL 10

17

Braxton King

QB/DB 9

66

Rafael Perez-Garcia

OL/DL 10

18

Jacob Fitts

RB/DB 9

70

Jorein Gilbert

OL/DL 11

19

Gabe Haynie

WR/LB 10

71

Brantley Burk

OL/LB 10

20

Joseph Anderson

RB/LB 11

73

Will Snuggs

OL/DL 12

21

Tamardreon Purnell

RB/DB 11

74

Richard Smith

OL/DL 10

22

Jeremy Holsomback TE/LB 12

75

Hunter Kennemer

OL/DL 12

24

Dante Iniguez

WR/DB 12

76

Mathew Holsomback OL/DL 9

25

Jamion Mack-Prentice TE/DB 11

77

Matt Alexander

OL/DL 11

28

Dalton King

WR/LB 9

80

Lester Blevins

WR/LB 9

32

Clay Massey

RB/LB 11

85

Tyson Jones

WR/DB 10

33

Charlie Adams

TE/LB 9

92

Talan Peyton

RB/LB 9

34

Zion Dukes

WR/DB 9

92

Tim Waters

WR/DB 10

40

Aidan Harper

TE/DL 10

96

Hakeem Chapman

TE/DL 11

offensive line, which will help that unit tremendously this year with the departure of three players. But two starters in Cole Dennis and Hunter Bass return. Dennis will be a junior this year and has started since he was a freshman with a motor to play the entire game on both sides. He stands at 5-foot-11, 255 pounds. Bass will be a senior this year and is rehabbing from an ACL injury during wrestling season, but has been cleared and will be a key component. Behind that, senior Will Snugs will play at left tackle after sitting out last year and has great size for the position at 6-foot-2, 275 pounds. Brantley Burk will play at center, and while he’s only 190 pounds, he is intelligent and fits the position perfectly for Boren’s system. Jaylen Hudson, Jaylen Williams and Matt Alexander will battle for the final spot and depth up front.

DEFENSIVE LINE This year, several of the offensive linemen

will have to play on both sides, but Boren is going to rotate more and play 10-12 guys in hopes of eventually only playing his players on one side of the ball. Dylan Campbell will be a defensive-focused player who started every game last year as a sophomore and brings back a frame of 6-foot-3, 270 pounds. Hudson, who stands at 6-foot-3, 280 pounds, will play at defensive tackle because of his size and will join Campbell on the interior portion of the line. Jorein Gilbert and Richard Smith will also spend time in the rotation this year in addition to the offensive linemen.

LINEBACKERS Boren admits the linebacker position is one of his biggest concerns ahead of fall practice. Not only are the Bulldogs replacing several starters, but they don’t have much depth. Weeks and Tyus will add two good athletes to the position, which should help.

Those two are going to be the key to the unit’s

2019 RESULTS @ Marbury L 14-48 Shelby County W 56-50 Dallas County W 48-20 Jemison W 68-40 @ American Christian L 30-84 West Blocton W 62-50 @ Sumter Central L 12-14 Sipsey Valley W 56-0 @ Greensboro W 32-26 @ Lincoln L 34-38 Talladega* L 18-20 *Playoff game

2019 STATS Offense Total points: 430 Per game: 39.1 County rank: 3

success. Normally secondary players, they aren’t as big, but bring speed and athleticism that will be tough to match.

Dennis may slide back and play some Mike linebacker if needed and Anderson can help there on a limited basis, but will focus on the running back position.

year and are explosive athletes who can make plays on the ball. Montevallo will play a lot of man coverage, which will put secondary players on an island, but with those athletes, Boren feels confident in their ability. Anthony Martin will also be an impact player as a sophomore, while Jones and Rogers may get some time as well.

Defense Points allowed: 390 Per game: 35.5 County rank: 11

5-YEAR WIN TREND

SECONDARY The secondary will be one of the best positional units on defense for the Bulldogs this season thanks to the return of playmakers like Goins, Cottingham and Javion Prentice. All three of those players got time in the secondary last

SPECIAL TEAMS Gio Hernandez will kick for the Bulldogs this year, and while he’s never kicked a football before, he’s a soccer player that is progressing going into fall practice.

10

9

9

6 3 2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

EDITOR’S 2020 PREDICTION (5-5) A realistic expectation for Montevallo is 5-5, which quite honestly would be an impressive first year for Boren with the amount of talent this team is losing and the lack of football playing experience that will be back. But, the schedule will present several opportunities, and it could even see the Bulldogs finish as high as third in their region and compete for a playoff spot. After a difficult start to the season, Montevallo will have four consecutive region games that will be winnable.

At that point in the season, if they are healthy, the Bulldogs should have gotten through some of their growing pains and have a better understanding for what it will take to be successful. If that happens, they could easily win four in a row and punch a ticket to the postseason.

GOOD LUCK Bulldogs!

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2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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OAK MOUNTAIN

TEAM INFORMATION

EAGLES The Oak Mountain Eagles are headed into their eighth season under head coach Cris Bell, and while they haven’t had a winning season since 2014, there is reason to believe this could be the year that misfortune changes.

There is a lot of optimism around the program that this year’s team could be much closer to that 2014 team that finished 10-2, mainly due to the experience back and a level of depth the Eagles haven’t had in a while.

Class 7A, Region 3 is one of the toughest in high school football, featuring three top 70 teams in the national preseason rankings, and the Eagles will face a difficult road this season.

But with an experienced team featuring eight returning starters on defense and five on offense with three others returning significant time, the Eagles are confident they can compete with the best.

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK One reason for hope is the return of junior quarterback Evan Smith, who will now go into his third year as the starting quarterback. After being thrown into the fire as a freshman, he’s continued his growth and finished last season with 676 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground, while adding 700 yards through the air with just three interceptions and seven touchdowns. He’s the complete package for the option-style offense Bell runs, but if Oak Mountain wants to be as good as they can be, he’ll have to be a leader in the passing game this year in addition to his dangerous legs. Now standing at 5-foot-11, 170 pounds, he’s experienced and has several weapons surrounding him this season.

RUNNING BACK Some of the most dangerous weapons on the field in addition to Smith will be at running back, which is one of the team’s deepest positions. That bodes well for a squad that loves to run the football, and that’s something returning running back Judah Tait will bring to the table for his senior season. Tait holds a size of 5-foot-11, 205 pounds and posted 715 yards and six touchdowns last season. He’s a strong, powerful back that can run between the tackles.

In addition to him at B-back, junior Aiden Laughlin

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2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Evan Smith

CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 7A, Region 3 2019 RECORD 4-6 (1-6) HEAD COACH Cris Bell RECORD 40-44 (Ninth year) ASSISTANT COACHES Rusty Frisch, Steward Carlisle, Stuart Morrison, Danny Ward, Matt Taylor, Payton Holmes, Drew Pickett, Zach Hightower, Freddie Thomas LAST REGION TITLE None LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2016

PLAYERS TO WATCH Evan Smith, QB Just a junior, Smith will be a third-year starter this season. He brings back 676 rushing yards and 697 passing yards with a combined 18 touchdowns.

Judah Tait, RB Tait will be a focal point of the offense this season at running back and brings back 715 rushing yards with six touchdowns.

Noah Young, WR The Eagles have to take advantage of Young’s 6-foot-5, 200-pound frame. He only had 18 catches for 200 yards last year, but should play a bigger role as a senior.

Dean Null and sophomore Trey Bessell, both around 5-foot-10, 190 pounds, will add depth at B-back. Sophomore Mark Johnson and junior Cade George will take on the A-back position with great speed and outside potential. Senior Jaquarius Davis is also a speedy back who can make plays on the outside.

RECEIVERS This will be the key position. As a team that is usually run first in the option attack, having a dimension and threat of throwing the ball is what can take them from average to great. And with 6-foot-5, 200-pound junior Noah Young back, Bell knows the Eagles need to capitalize. The lengthy receiver only had 18 catches for around 200 yards and three touchdowns last year, but they’re set on finding him more this season because of the single coverage they know the receivers will face. He’s the tallest out wide, but Ethan Hammett brings speed and has put on 20 pounds since last year. In addition, Tyler Dubois will play at slot and Harrison Miller can be a universal player and do what is needed for the offense. Johnson, George and Corbitt Grundhoefer could also split out wide from the A-back position.

2020 SCHEDULE Aug. 21: Chelsea Aug. 28: Pelham Sept. 4: @ Gadsden City* Sept. 11: Vestavia Hills* Sept. 18: @ Hoover* Sept. 25: Bye Oct. 2: Spain Park* Oct. 9: @ Tuscaloosa County* Oct. 16: Thompson* Oct. 23: @ Hewitt-Trussville* Oct. 30: @ Pace (Fla.)

Drew Rowland, OL Rowland will be the leader of the offensive line this year at right tackle as one of four returning players.

Gavin Nelson, DL The front seven will be strong this year, especially up front, and Nelson will play a role in that returning four tackles for loss and one sack.

Micai George, DL In the middle of the defensive line, George will return seven sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss.

Noah Young

*Region game

KEY DEPARTURES OFFENSIVE LINE While the receivers can make a difference, the offensive line is what will make everything roll, and this year’s unit is the best in a while with four players back who have good experience. The two tackle positions will be held by Drew Rowland, a 6-foot-2, 225-pound right tackle, and Chris Mattox, a 6-foot-1, 205-pound left tackle. Another senior Alex Mathis will handle one of the guard positions with a frame of 6-foot-1, 255 pounds, while junior Nic Rigden, who stands at 6-foot-1, 235 pounds, will handle the other guard position. Beyond that, Charlie Serra, Nolan Fuqua or

Jonathan Bennett Bennett was leaned upon heavily when healthy and will be missed at the running back position.

Drew Padgett Last year’s best offensive lineman, Padgett is now at Jacksonville State and takes with him a size of 6-foot-7, 275 pounds.

Will Pfaffman Pfaffman was the leading tackler on last year’s team with 95 total tackles, including seven for loss and two sacks.

Sam Johnson One of the county’s best punters in recent history, Johnson is now on the roster at the University of Alabama.

2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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2020 Oak Mountain Roster NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

2

Noah Young

NO. NAME

WR 12

30

Amar McIntosh

DB 12

3

Corbitt Grundhoefer RB/DB 11

58

Crawford Romanowski OT 10

31

Jaquarious Davis

SS 12

Mark Johnson

59

Aden Black

NT 10

4

RB 10

32

Tucker Boswell

RB 12

Trey Vassell

Alfredo Hernandez

OL 10

5

60

RB 10

33

Judah Tait

RB 12

Cameron Atkinson

Ellis Porch

OT/P 10

7

61

LB/TE 11

34

Jacob Helgason

LB 10

Devan Moss

Ely Hernandez

OL 10

8

64

DB/WR 10

35

Aiden Laughlin

DB 11

Evan Smith

Charlie Serra

OL 11

9

65

QB 11

36

Tyler Lawson

WR 10

Cade George

Kevin Hernandez

OL 11

10

70

RB 11

37

Quest Agee

SS 11

Ethan Hammett

Grayson Pugh

OL 10

11

75

Slot 11

39

Dean Null

DB 12

Jimmy Harris

Alex Mathis

OG 12

13

77

DB 12

40

Preston Miller

LB 11

Tyler Do-Bui

Grayson Cowart

OL 11

14

78

Slot 12

42

Zach Smith

OLB 11

Titus Tucker

Hudson Youngblood

OL/DL 10

15

79

QB/WR 12

43

Chase Schwender

DB 12

Garrett Murphy

Will Wittman

WR 10

16

80

QB 10

44

David Gathu

LB 11

Eli Hackbarth

Harrison Miller

WR 12

17

81

QB 12

45

Davis Coggin

DE 10

Zac Hauck

Peyton Swann

TE 10

18

82

LB 10

46

David Parker

OLB 11

Hogan Morton

Matthew Vickery

WR 11

20

83

K/DB 12

48

Andrew McCallister DB 11

Jett Wilson

Evan Laycock

TE 12

21

85

DB 10

50

Nic Rigdon

OL 11

Carter Lehman

Jacob Katona

DL 12

22

87

LB 10

51

Jett Turner

OL 11

Brandon Lewis

Warner Perry

WR 12

23

88

DB 10

52

Justin Kennedy

DT 10

Zach Taylor

Gavin Nelson

DE 11

24

91

DB 12

53

Drew Rowland

OL 12

Chris Weston

Luke Oswalt

DE 10

25

92

DB 10

54

Mason Burnett

OL 11

Noah Hagedorn

Micai George

NT 12

27

93

WR 10

55

Nolan Fuqua

OL 12

Davion Foster

Andrew Lee

DL 12

28

96

WR/DB 10

56

Christopher Mattox OL 12

Jamyrian Clanton

Braxton O’Brien

DE 12

29

97

LB 10

57

Mattox Vines

POSITION YEAR

LB 11

Zach Taylor

Alfredo Hernandez will battle for center and add depth up front.

DEFENSIVE LINE The coaching staff is excited about the defense as a whole with eight returning starters and it starts up front. The two defensive ends are athletic and have both worked hard in the offseason.

Junior Gavin Nelson, who is 6-foot-5, 235 pounds, can be big time according to the coaches, while Braxton O’Brien, a senior standing at 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, worked hard and is ready to handle one of the DE positions. The inside will also have some good size and athleticism starting with Micai George, who has quick feet and is good with his hands while holding a size of 6-foot, 260 pounds will also be key. Mason Burnett, a former center, brings his frame of 5-foot-9, 200 pounds to the defensive side now, while wrestler Andrew Lee, a 5-foot-11, 270-pound senior, will play a big role. Senior Jakob Katona adds a 6-foot-5, 255-pound playmaker who also

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2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Vines is a 5-foot-9, 190-pound traditional Mike linebacker, while Atkinson is an athletic playmaker good in space who stands at 6-foot-2, 190 pounds. At outside linebacker, 6-foot-4, 185-pound senior LINEBACKERS At the linebacker position, juniors Dean Null will lead the way with great Cameron Atkinson and Maddox Vines range, while Carter Lehman and Jacob will lead the way at the inside positions. Helgason will battle for the other spot. scored a 33 on his ACT showing his smarts. He can play anywhere the coaches need him.

Zach Hauck and Tucker Boswell will add extra depth at linebacker as well.

SECONDARY The secondary might be the best unit on the defensive side this season with four players returning with experience.

At cornerback, senior Zach Taylor

KEY NUMBERS

3

8

30

1,390

Oak Mountain has won just one region game in the last two seasons with a 53-32 victory against Tuscaloosa County last year. In that same span, however, the Eagles are 5-1 outside of region play, winning all three non-region games last year. This year, they’ll have to find a way to turn that non-region success into region success and it will start in the first two region games of the season against Gadsden City and Vestavia Hills.

With eight returning starters on the defensive side of the ball, including the majority of their production up front and a talented secondary, the Eagles should have one of their best defenses in a while. As is the case with any team, getting off the field on third downs and keeping your defense fresh is the key to winning football games. Oak Mountain will have the experience and depth on that side of the ball to make that happen this year, which hasn’t been the case the last few years.

Oak Mountain hasn’t averaged more than 25 points per game since 2014 when the Eagles averaged 30.6 points per game. Oddly enough, that’s also the last time they had a winning record at 10-2.

The magic number for Oak Mountain this year on offense should be right around that 30 points per game mark. With the offense the Eagles run taking time off the clock, that seems to be the perfect number for success. And this year, with the experience back on that side, it seems possible.

Between Smith and Tait, Oak Mountain will return 1,390 combined rushing yards for the 2020 season. In the Eagles’ option offense, having experience in the backfield and an offensive line that not only can block but understands the scheme is key. This year, they have the best core group at all of those positions that they’ve had in a long time. You would also expect all of them to be improved this year.

GOOD LUCK Eagles!

2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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2019 RESULTS @ Chelsea Hewitt-Trussville Thompson @ Hoover Pelham @ Mountain Brook Tuscaloosa County @ Spain Park @ Vestavia Hills Pace (Fla.)

W 17-0 L 33-50 L 14-51 L 7-37 W 21-7 L 14-42 W 53-32 L 28-35 (2OT) L 10-31 W 27-24

EDITOR’S 2020 PREDICTION (6-4) How successful Oak Mountain is during the 2020 season will all depend on the start. If the Eagles can get off to a 4-0 start, the sky is the limit for this year’s team. The talent is there, the experience is there and the depth even seems to be there this year. I don’t think this year’s team is nearly as timid as past teams have been, and they relish in the opportunity ahead. They’re easily good enough to finish 6-4, and if they get early confidence, they could top seven or eight wins.

Judah Tait returns after playing all of last year, and Jimmy Harris, who was hurt against Chelsea last year, has improved and will be a key player as a senior. At safety, two more seniors will lock down the secondary in Chase Schwender and Eli Hackbarth. Schwender played as a sophomore and started last year, while Hackbarth played linebacker last year as a starter at the Nickel position.

GETTING YOU BACK IN THE GAME

Depth will be added from Devan Moss, Quest Agee, Hogan Morton and Amar McIntosh.

SPECIAL TEAMS Oak Mountain will be led on special teams by Morton as the place kicker and kick off specialist, while they’ll have to replace Sam Johnson at punter, who is now at Alabama.

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2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Shelby county

football

2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

63

PELHAM

PANTHERS Pelham ended last season with wins in three of its last four games after a 0-6 start to the season. Now, heading into the 2020 season, the Panthers and going into the sixth year under head coach Tom Causey and seem ready to carry over that momentum from the end of last season.

Last year’s squad was a young one with several sophomores and freshmen getting playing time, forcing many players to play a year ahead of where they normally would have been. While that led to some early struggles last season, it paid dividends late last year and has this year’s squad more prepared for a strong season.

The Panthers only lost 13 seniors last year, while bringing back 19 for this year’s team with a strong junior class as well after starting 13 combined freshmen and sophomores last season.

On paper, this looks like a playoff team if they can figure out their new region and remain healthy throughout the season.

TEAM INFORMATION CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 6A, Region 3 2019 RECORD 3-7 (2-4) HEAD COACH Tom Causey RECORD 17-34 (Sixth year) ASSISTANT COACHES Mike Talbert, Kevin Lesueur, Craig Hall, Sean Anderson, David White, Randall Reeves, Nathan Fordham, Josef Lauderdale, Nathan Collins, Ronnie Clemens LAST REGION TITLE 2006 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2018

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK Former quarterback Xavier Lankford has now graduated after throwing for 1,166 yards and rushing for another 591 last season with a combined 16 touchdowns. But younger brother Will Lankford looks poised to fill his shoes. Will has grown to 6-foot-2, 170 pounds in the offseason and brings back playing experience as well as the experience of having learned from his brother. He’s an athletic quarterback that has been working hard on his passing ability in the offseason. Drake Hickox is player who will push Will for the job though. A sophomore, Hickox is 5-foot-11, 180 pounds and is a great runner of the football with great physicality.

Will Lankford

“THESE TIMES MAY BE UNCERTAIN BUT WE’RE IN IT WITH YOU! HAVE A GREAT YEAR ON AND OFF THE FIELD!”

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2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

!

PLAYERS TO WATCH Will Lankford, QB The younger brother of last year’s starting quarterback Xavier Lankford, Will should be poised for a big year as a playmaker both in the pocket and on the run.

Dylan Peterson, RB Peterson was injured the majority of last year after coming into the season as a threat to top 1,000 yards following a strong sophomore season. He’ll be determined to make up for that this year.

Gabe Gamble RUNNING BACK Easily the most exciting position unit for the Panthers heading into the season, they’ll have Dylan Peterson back for his senior season and Gabe Gamble back for his junior season.

Peterson was injured early on last year, which led to Gamble becoming the starter last year and reeling off 1,051 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 153 attempts. Entering his junior season, Gamble is now 5-foot-8, 185 pounds. But having Peterson back as a 6-foot-1, 212-pound back will be crucial for Pelham. He is a collegiate-type back who ran for 538 yards on 83 carries as a sophomore with seven touchdowns, and was set to have a major season last year. He could easily top 1,000 yards this season if healthy, especially with the threat of Gamble back there as well.

Freshman Markell Bell is another playmaker who has the coaching staff excited about the future because of his quickness.

2020 SCHEDULE Aug. 21: @ Mortimer Jordan Aug. 28: @ Oak Mountain Sept. 4: @ Calera* Sept. 11: Stanhope Elmore* Sept. 18: @ Helena* Sept. 25: Chelsea Oct. 2: @ Wetumpka* Oct. 9: Benjamin Russell* Oct. 16: Bye Oct. 23: Chilton County* Oct. 30: Homewood *Region game

RECEIVERS The receiver position will also be a positive for Pelham this season with leaders at all four spots back this season.

Senior Walker Lyles will return to hold a slot position this season and will be a leader, while sophomore Jake Fox will return to the X position after playing as a freshman. Christian Pritchett will also return as a starter to the Y position after finding his groove near the end of last season to total 322 receiving yards on 20

Gabe Gamble, RB Replacing Peterson last year, Gamble totaled 1,051 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.

Walker Lyles, WR Lyles is a true athlete who returns 239 receiving yards and 131 rushing yards with a combined five touchdowns.

Brayden Marlowe, LB As a sophomore, Marlowe totaled 89 tackles with eight tackles for loss and four sacks. He’ll lead a strong unit at linebacker.

KEY DEPARTURES Xavier Lankford After starting off and on for two years, Lankford ended last year with more than 1,600 all-purpose yards, which will be tough to replace at quarterback.

Phillip Duke Duke totaled 60 tackles last year with three tackles for loss in just eight games played.

Matthew Plummer Plummer was the team’s second leading tackler last year with 71 tackles despite playing in just eight games.

Cody Ferguson Along with Duke, Ferguson will be missed in the secondary after totaling three pass breakups and 31 total tackles.

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QUICK HITS DYNAMIC DUO Pelham couldn’t ask for a better situation at running back this season. Not only do the Panthers return their leading rusher and one of last year’s best running backs in Gabe Gamble, who totaled 1,051yards on the ground, but they’ll return Dylan Peterson. Injured last year, Peterson also has the potential to be a 1,000-yard back who will play at the next level. With an experienced offensive line, those two should have big seasons, and defenses will have to respect their game-changing ability. With that, Will Lankford will be helped at quarterback with open passing lanes. If everything goes as expected, this year’s offense could be one of Pelham’s best because of that dynamic duo.

GO DEEP In addition to what the Panthers will return at running back, they’ll also return several athletes at receiver. Walker Lyles not only returns 239 receiving yards but 131 rushing yards and is a threat in space. He’ll be joined

by Christian Pritchett, who was last year’s leading receiver with 322 yards. In addition to those two, J.D. Wilkins adds a deep threat as a returning starter. With the threat of the run game, the receivers may find themselves in single coverage often, which could make this year’s offense dynamic.

YOUTH TURNED EXPERIENCE Last season, Pelham was an extremely young team. Now they’ve gotten some wins under their belt, and they’ll return starters to every position this year with the exception of quarterback. While they had growing pains last year, that should pay dividends this season.

receptions. The staff is excited about his potential this season, and J.D. Wilkins will handle the Z receiver position after starting almost every game last year. Isaac Brechin and Gaeton Rellah will both add depth at the position, while sophomore Darius Copeland could also have a breakout year in the slot.

Sophomore Jamaal Miles could emerge as well.

OFFENSIVE LINE Closing out the offensive side of the ball is an exciting offensive line thanks to the return of three starters and a fourth who played a lot of snaps last year. Returning starters include sophomore Jackson Davenport as well as juniors Caleb Newell and Jesus Luna.

Davenport is back at left tackle and has gotten bigger at 6-foot-4, 255 pounds. Newell will take on the left guard position as a three-year

starter at the position now standing at 6-foot2, 300 pounds. Luna played all over the line last year, but will return to the right tackle position this year with a frame of 6-foot, 220 pounds. Chris Quintana, a 5-foot-11, 220-pound senior, played a lot last year and will start somewhere on the line as well.

Center is the main position they are looking to fill. Moises Munoz is a player who could help there, while Oscar Aguiar, Brian Terry and Brody Layton are all going to help somewhere as well.

DEFENSIVE LINE On the defensive line, the Panthers will see more key returning players as well. Mason Duncan, a senior, and B.J. Maxena, a junior, both played in every game last year and will return. Duncan has played inside and outside and stands at 6-foot-1, 250 pounds, while

WANT TO KNOW WHO SCORED DURING THE BIG GAME? Visit PelhamReporter.com for the latest updates and recaps from Friday night football.

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Pelham

5-YEAR WIN TREND 7 5 3 2019

2 2018

2017

2016

1 2015

EDITOR’S 2020 PREDICTION (6-4) Maxena is an inside guy standing at 6-foot-1, 265 pounds. Jake Ingram, who got a lot of experience as a sophomore last year, will take on a defensive end position with a size of 6-foot-2, 200 pounds. Keon Brooks, a 6-foot-5, 190-pound sophomore, will also tackle a defensive end position after buying in. Vincent Lewis, a senior and second-year player, will get some time at defensive end with a frame of 6-foot, 230 pounds, while junior Andrew

Fields, a 6-foot-1, 280-pound transfer from Missouri, and Augiar could both play key roles as well.

LINEBACKERS This will be one of the team’s strongest units with a lot of reps coming back, including depth as well.

Brayden Marlowe, a junior standing at 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, will be playing outside and has stepped up as a leader with returning starter experience. He totaled 89 tackles,

If Pelham had last year’s schedule again this year, I’d feel more comfortable making the Panthers at least a seven-win team. Breaking down the schedule, it’s going to be tough to find back-to-back wins, while the possibility of a 1-3 start due to their most difficult games in that stretch is scary. That said, the Panthers could start better than that and should have a strong second half of the season.

The talent truly is there for this year’s team to be one that could win seven or eight games, but coming off a 3-7 season, they’ll have to prove it on the field.

Catch the

In Action

Tune in for live game coverage every week on The River 93.3 FM. And, head over to Applebee’s to join Pelham players, coaches, and community for the live radio broadcast of the Panther Pulse coaches' show on Tuesdays at 6 pm.

pelhamhighathletics.com

2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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2020 Pelham Roster NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

1

Darius Copeland

Slot 10

31

Cohen Lee

LB 10

Jamal Miles

Chris Quintana

OL 12

2

64

DB 10

32

Brayden Marlowe

LB 11

Drake Hickox

Brian Salazar

DL

3

65

QB 10

33

Christian Johnson

WR 10

66

BJ Maxena

OL 11

9

4

Chase Christian

DB 12

34

Gabe Gamble

RB 11

Isaac Brechin

67

Corbin Sanders

OL 9

5

Slot 12

35

Nicholas Higdon

DB 11

Trey Corkill

Isaiah Byrd

LB 10

6

68

WR 10

36

Michael Grayson

RB 9

Bishop Rellah

Jonny Pena

LB 11

7

69

DB 9

37

Ra-Sen Martin

DB 10

Steven Parker

Brody Layton

OL 10

8

70

WR 11

38

Nicholas Bamberg

DB 10

Jon White

Cash Tatum

OL 9

9

72

DB 12

39

Carson Dill

WR 9

William Lankford

Andrew Fields

DL 11

10

73

QB 11

40

Seth Branham

LB 10

Ethan Hill

Oscar Aguiar

DL 11

11

74

Slot 10

41

Will Felton

DL 9

Salvador Jimenez

Jackson Davenport

OL 10

12

75

K/P 12

42

Nico Ramos

LB 11

Clayton Mains

Mikey Ramos

OL 10

13

76

QB 9

43

Luke Pukstys

DB 10

Jylen Tate

Tyler Mason

OL 9

14

77

DB 11

44

Jaxson Drake

LB 11

Zach Verner

Jesus Luna

OL 12

15

79

LS/DB 12

45

David Pukstys

DB 9

Mykell Prince

Zechariah Bowens

LB 10

16

80

Slot 10

46

Christian Pritchett

Slot 11

Jake Fox

Kaden Bowen

WR 9

17

82

WR 10

47

Zack Rushton

LB 12

Brock Isbell

Ethan Jowers

Slot 9

18

85

WR 9

48

Tony Mancuso

LB 9

Markell Bell

Hunter Dezenzio

LB 12

19

87

RB 9

49

Eddie King

DB 12

Dylan Peterson

Matthew Chaux

Slot 9

20

88

RB 12

50

Brian Terry

OL 10

Walker Lyles

Evan Pate

WR 12

21

89

WR 12

51

Isaac Cruz

DL 11

Gaeton Rellah

Gerardo Lopez

DL 9

22

90

Slot 11

52

Brodie Martin

DL 9

Cody Bethers

Cason Tyler

DL 12

23

91

DB 11

53

Jaden Williams

DL 9

Kesean Griffin

Aaron Silva

DL 12

24

92

DB 9

54

Mason Dunkin

DL 12

Kris Carter

Vincent Lewis

DL 12

25

94

DB 12

55

Vance Barker

OL 9

Marshall Watts

Keon Brooks

DL 9

26

95

WR 9

56

William Palacios

LB 11

Fabian Calderon

Travis Kirkland

DL 10

27

96

DB 11

57

Aaron Bice

LS 11

Cameron Parker

Chris Hernandez

DL 9

28

97

DB 11

58

Troy Jones

LB 10

Will McGough

Jake Ingram

DL 11

29

98

DB 9

60

Caleb Newell

OL 11

30

Parker Pruitt

DB 11

63

Moises Munoz

OL 12

eight tackles for loss and four sacks as a sophomore. Seth Branham, a 5-foot-10, 180-pound sophomore, will also play outside linebacker with Marlowe, while Zach Rushton, a senior, will play inside linebacker after starting every game last year. He holds a frame of 5-foot-11, 210 pounds and has had a great offseason. Jackson Drake will join him at inside linebacker for his junior season, while Cohen Lee played in just about every game as a freshman last year. Both of those players stand around 5-foot-10, 190 pounds. Hunter Desinzio, a senior, will add depth at outside linebacker, as will Nico Ramos, while Johnny Penta will add depth at an inside position.

SECONDARY

Brayden Marlowe 68

2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

The secondary will also return three players with a lot of reps, including Chase Christian, Chris Carter and Jamaal Miles. Christian played safety last year and will be a 5-foot-10,

KEY NUMBERS

3

1,000

13

5

Pelham was able to pick up three wins last year and all three of those wins came in the last four games. That number is key going into this season because of the confidence it should give the Panthers early this season. If they can come out and continue that success with most of the same players early this season, they’ll be on their way to a special year.

With the return of running backs Gabe Gamble and Dylan Peterson, the Panthers have two backs with the potential of topping 1,000 yards. There’s a strong possibility at least one reaches that mark and possibly even both depending on how heavily they are used. Peterson ran for more than 500 yards as a sophomore before getting injured, while Gamble just topped 1,000 yards last year.

Last season, the Panthers started 13 freshmen and sophomores.

Early, that was difficult to handle.

But it didn’t take long to start to see the benefit of it as the players showed improvement throughout the season and ended the year looking like veteran varsity players.

This year, that only helps. Along with 19 seniors and a strong junior class, this year’s team should feature a nice level of experience.

The schedule is going to be the most difficult hurdle for Pelham. The panthers will play three consecutive road games to open the season and five of their first seven games on the road. Moving to Class 6A, Region 3, they’ll also have five matchups with teams that had a winning record last year, including three with nine wins.

GOOD LUCK Panthers!

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2019 RESULTS

Walker Lyles

Calera L 20-27 Bibb County L 17-19 Homewood L 21-42 @ Minor L 7-35 Chelsea L 38-64 @ Oak Mountain L 7-21 Carver-Birmingham W 31-20 @ Jackson-Olin W 38-7 @ Northridge W 14-13 @ Helena L 20-62

2019 STATS

70

Offense Total points: 213 Per game: 21.3 County rank: 11 Defense Points allowed: 310 Per game: 31 County rank: 7

2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

170-pound senior this season, while Carter is also a senior who runs well and brings a frame of 5-foot-8, 150 pounds to the table.

Miles had a great freshman season last year and has improved more than anyone in the last year according to the coaches, while hitting a growth spurt to now stand at 5-foot-11, 170 pounds. Those players will all tackle a cornerback position, while Jaylen Tate will add depth. John White and Fabian Calderon both played valuable snaps at safety last year and will return that experience this year, while some

sophomores will add depth too.

SPECIAL TEAMS Salvador Jimenez is back this year to handle kicking duties and has worked hard in the offseason. Moises Munoz will also help with some kicking. They can do all three kicking duties. Zac Verner will be the team’s long snapper, while the return game has plenty of options from several talented athletes, including Lyles, Gamble, Peterson and Copeland.

Pelham Panthers

Ready to run Gamble, Peterson prepared to lead Pelham’s backfield Written by ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photos by KEITH MCCOY

FOLLOWING

A

500-PLUS

YARD,

seventouchdown performance as a sophomore for the Pelham Panthers, Dylan Peterson entered his junior year with eyes set on 1,000-plus yards and 10-plus touchdowns. But two weeks into the season, that outlook changed drastically.

Early in a week-two matchup with Bibb County, Peterson went down after his leg got tweaked. He hopped up thinking he could walk it off, but then fell right back to the ground in pain.

“At first, I didn’t think it was that bad,” Peterson said. “I didn’t think much of it until I went to the doctor. They said it was a rare injury and didn’t know exactly what was wrong.”

The doctors eventually figured out it was a fractured tibia just under the knee.

While Peterson shifted into rehabilitation mode to fight his way back, sophomore running back Gabe Gamble

stepped innto the starting lineup.

Another young player on an already young team, Gamble was forced to take control of the backfield with no starting experience.

“I felt a lot of pressure,” Gamble said. “I felt like I had to do more than what I needed to. But once I finally calmed down and realized as long as I was doing my job, it will be alright, it all felt easier.”

The game where it clicked for Gamble came against Chelsea on Sept. 20. The Panthers dropped the game 6438, but it marked the most points they scored all season and Gamble totaled 153 yards on 19 carries, including an 89-yard touchdown run.

“That’s when it slowed down. I realized if I do my job and others do theirs, I would be fine,” Gamble said.

Gamble was the starting back the rest of the year, and in that span, he totaled 1,051 yards and seven touchdowns, 2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

71

while leading the Panthers to three wins in a row late in the season once he and several of the younger players gained experience.

“Some guys that were younger were able to get that high school point of view,” Gamble said. “Coming from middle school and having to go straight to varsity for many was tough when you’re going up against seniors that had been doing it for four years. But we got experience and now we’re hoping to pick up where we left off at the end of last season.”

Aside from their starting quarterback and three defensive players, the Panthers will return a large portion of their team this season, including both Gamble and Peterson.

Not only do both enter the season with the goal of topping 1,000 yards on the ground with different playing styles, the two should have similar snap counts and will likely be used on the field at the same time in many situations, meaning it’s very plausible the Panthers do have two 1,000-yard rushers this season.

Peterson will be coming off the difficult injury, but through his rehab and hard work, he was actually able to play in Pelham’s final game of last year against Helena. It was limited time, but he recovered in a little more than six weeks and is now getting back to his old self.

“The injury hurt me a lot,” he said. “I couldn’t do much for a while, but I didn’t have to have surgery, which was good and now I have mobility back. I’m excited to get back on the field and prove everybody wrong and prove what I’m still capable of. I can’t wait to get back out there and just play.”

Head coach Tom Causey trusted Peterson as a sophomore to be the starting tailback after the team lost three-year starter Nic Blackburn. That gave Peterson quick confidence and he hasn’t lost it yet.

The same can be said for Gamble, who will now be going into his junior season with a year of starting experience under his belt.

“I feel a lot more prepared this year,” he said. “When Dylan first went down, there was a lot of pressure as a sophomore

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2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

having such high expectations for myself. It was tough. But now I understand the speed and I’m prepared. Sitting back and watching film, I’ve been able to see where I made mistakes and now know what to do if those situations arise again.”

Gamble got better each week last season and holds himself to the same high standards going into this season.

“I want to accomplish big goals,” he said. “I want to continue helping the team and myself, but I have to improve week to week doing the little things that I know I struggle with so I can become an all-around better back.”

He also credits Peterson with helping him transition into the starting role last year as a player that was in the same role a year earlier.

“Dylan and I chatted all the time about how he would react and view things,” Gamble said. “I combined his and mine and pieced it together to see what they were like together. He’s been a great role model and I’ve used some of his styles and critiques to help better my game.”

Now the two will get the opportunity to play healthy at the same time as proven backs.

Peterson is a back that can do a little bit of everything, but brings a taller more powerful body to the table at 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, while Gamble has smaller frame at 5-foot-8, 185 pounds and can be both shifty and powerful.

Those different frames will help the two complement each other on the field this season.

“We lean on each other. We needed him big time last year and he played a huge role in helping the team get some confidence,” Peterson said. “To have him is special.

He helps me as much as I help him. We push each other in the weight room and on the field.”

Now both hope to work together to get to the end goal of a championship this season.

2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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SHELBY COUNTY

TEAM INFORMATION

WILDCATS Shelby County’s absence from the playoffs has now surpassed 10 years with the Wildcats’ last appearance in the postseason coming in 2009, and while they have been unable to punch that ticket the last few years, they’ve been on the verge.

Now, heading into the 2020 football season under seventh-year head coach Heath Childers, the Wildcats have more reason to be excited than they have in a while.

After a 0-7 start last season, the Wildcats went on to win their final three games in a row by 14, 29 and 40 points. The problem early on was the defense, which gave up more than 40 points in six of those seven losses, but then found a rhythm following a bye week to close out the final three weeks by giving up 21 or less in each of the wins.

This year, they’ll not only bring back confidence from a team that was close again last year, but will have the most confidence they’ve had in years.

CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 5A, Region 3 2019 RECORD 3-7 (2-4) HEAD COACH Heath Childers RECORD 21-39 (Seventh year) ASSISTANT COACHES Casey Crumpton, Mike Harrison, Corey Hamrick, Chris Perkins, Kyle Stewart, Ryan Poe, Maurice Whiting, Clay Shearer, Shannon Jones LAST REGION TITLE 2008 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2009

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK Going into fall practice, two players are battling for the starting quarterback spot with Kaden Cardwell holding the early advantage. Cardwell came in and played some last year when senior Chase Holliman went down with injuries. Standing at 5-foot-9, 160 pounds, Cardwell brings that experience level back this year and will be a senior. He brings an accurate arm to the table with great touch, while also being able to manage the option-style attack the Wildcats run on offense. Connor Aderholt, one of the county’s best pitchers, will battle at the position as well.

Around the same size, he has a stronger arm and is bouncing back from an injury that happened right before last season. Athletically, both are almost carbon copies of one another and both have been

Kaden Cardwell “IF YOU

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF and have DEDICATION and PRIDE - and never quit you’ll be a WINNER. The price of VICTORY is high but so are the REWARDS.”

BryantBank.com

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2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

CAHABA VILLAGE | COLUMBIANA | GREYSTONE | HOMEWOOD | HOOVER | TRUSSVILLE

PLAYERS TO WATCH J.T. Pennington, OL/DL Pennington has three years of starting experience and boasts 18 collegiate offers. Many coaches have described him as the best lineman in the state.

Isaac Montgomery, WR/DB With eight touchdown catches last year, Montgomery showed his downfield threat and should be utilized more as an athlete this year.

Tyrese Goodman, RB/DB Goodman is a shifty running back who is one of the team’s best athletes. He got more confidence throughout last year while getting over a knee injury and is poised to be a big-play threat in 2020.

Raheem Montgomery working hard, while showing leadership.

RUNNING BACK Arguably the most important position to Shelby County’s option attack, the Wildcats return an impressive group of running backs this season. Senior Raheem Montgomery will return 773 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on 144 carries from last year. He is a bruiser type back at 5-foot-10, 265 pounds, and isn’t afraid to run into the line and through a tackler. Evan Joiner, a 5-foot10, 220-pound junior, will join him as a fullback, and if his ball security troubles have been squared away, those two will be an exhausting combination for defenses. In addition to those two, Tyrese Goodman brings an athletic, shifty and speedy back to the position as a returnee as well. Early last year, he was getting over a knee injury, which led to confidence issues. But as the season

2020 SCHEDULE Aug. 27: Montevallo Sept. 4: @ Sipsey Valley* Sept. 11: Selma* Sept. 18: @ Demopolis* Sept. 25: Chilton County Oct. 2: Central-Tuscaloosa* Oct. 9: Marbury* Oct. 16: Bye Oct. 23: @ Jemison* Oct. 30: @ Talladega *Region game

went on, he started to show his usual athleticism, which should be on full display this year as a senior. Jordan Garcia, Landon Stewart and Will Price will also play at the position.

RECEIVER Every year the coaching staff hopes to throw the ball more to make opponents pay for loading the box against their

Raheem Montgomery, RB/LB Montgomery totaled 773 yards and 13 touchdowns on 144 carries last year.

He’s a bruising back that isn’t afraid to run over anyone.

Kaden Cardwell, QB Expected to be the starter this year, Cardwell will replace Chase Holliman at quarterback and had some experience last year. He’s got an accurate arm and can run the ball well as an athlete in the option attack.

KEY DEPARTURES Chase Holliman Spending time at quarterback the last two years and last year’s starter, Holliman’s experience will be missed.

Greg Oliver Oliver was a key contributor on both sides of the ball last year both on offense and in the secondary.

Tre Aderholt As a starter on both sides of the ball, Aderholt’s experience and playmaking ability will be missed.

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2019 RESULTS Childersburg @ Montevallo @ Chilton County Bibb County @ Marbury @ Moody Demopolis @ Central-Tuscaloosa Jemison St. Clair County

L 14-22 L 50-56 L 33-40 L 20-53 L 34-43 L 20-41 L 7-41 W 28-14 W 48-19 W 61-21

2019 STATS Offense Total points: 315 Per game: 31.5 County rank: 5

Defense Points allowed: 350 Per game: 35 County rank: 9

5-YEAR WIN TREND

5 3

3

3

2019

2018

2017

3 2016

2015

option attack. Last year, they finally started doing so with 14 attempts per game through the air. Now, they not only have two quarterbacks that can air it out, but also return their top receiver in senior Isaac Montgomery, who stands around 6-foot, 170 pounds. He had eight touchdown catches last year and brings great route running and explosiveness to the table. Senior Coleman Byers and junior Seth Hall will also help at the position, while whoever isn’t playing quarterback can also add depth.

OFFENSIVE LINE What might be the most dangerous

aspect of Shelby County’s team and what opponents should be most worried about is the return of four offensive linemen in an offense that relies heavily on the success of that position. Losing their center, Ralph Aderholt, will be the only major blow to the position. The key to the group will be guard J.T. Pennington, who stands around 6-foot-4, 295 pounds, and is the best offensive lineman in the state according to many different coaches. He’s not only talented, but is a leader and holds 18 college offers heading into his senior season. Three-year starter Micah Hughes, a right tackle, will also return for his senior season

KEY NUMBERS

2009

31.5

30

9

The only number anybody on Shelby County’s roster should focus on is 2009. That was the last time the Wildcats made it to the postseason — now more than 10 years ago. If that’s not something that motivates this year’s group to want to go out and prove they can be the one to break that streak with 100 percent effort and anger on every play, then nothing will. This team has all the tools to be successful and many of the young players returning showed improvement last year.

Now is the time to capitalize.

Shelby County averaged 31.5 points per game last year on the offensive side of the football and returns almost all of that talent as well. It was a drastic improvement from a team that struggled on that side of the ball the two years before, as the Wildcats scored 30-plus points in five of their 10 games last year and 40 or more in three of 10. This year’s offense has the potential to average closer to 35 points and may come close to 40.

The offense may have seen success last year, but the defense struggled mightily during the Wildcats’ 0-7 start to the season. Overall, they gave up 35 points per game and haven’t given up less 30 points per game since 2014. For this year’s team to reach its full potential, that’s all they have to do. If the Wildcats can give up less than 30 points per game, they’ll be drastically improved.

Last season, Shelby County lost three games by nine points or less, including a 40-33 loss to Chilton County, a 43-34 loss to Marbury and a 56-50 loss to Montevallo. Had they won those games, the Wildcats would have finished the regular season 6-4 and they would have made the postseason. Even with a loss to Montevallo, had they won the other two as region games, they would have been in the postseason.

This year, there is no room for error like that and a big difference will be the defense.

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2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Go Go Wildcats!

Wildcats!

205-669-3179 207 Hwy 47 S Columbiana

WANT TO KNOW WHO SCORED DURING THE BIG GAME? Visit ShelbyCountyReporter.com for the latest updates and recaps from Friday night football.

Tyrese Goodman with a size of 5-foot-8, 235 pounds. Second-year starter Kai Barnett will also return with a good frame of 5-foot10, 230 pounds. The junior also brings good feet as a soccer player. Tanner Stogner will also return and will handle the left-guard position. He stands at 6-foot-4, 265 pounds and has the coaches excited, while left tackle junior Ryan Woods will bring good size to the line with a frame of 6-foot-6, 295 pounds. Jackson Bailey, a junior, is currently working to fit in at the center position.

DEFENSIVE LINE Many of the offensive linemen will also play on the defensive line due to the level of depth there this year, while the coaching staff is hoping for some younger players to step up. Kevin Arteaga, Jack Lobard and Landon Sheffield all have opportunities to step up and help on the line. Last year, the defensive line was the best part of the defense, and should be strong this year.

LINEBACKERS While tackling has been the biggest concern for Shelby County the last two years, it got better near the end of last year, and it was largely due to the improvement of the linebacking unit, which returns all but the inside linebacker this year. Montgomery and Joiner will move over to the defensive side to help fill that position this year due to their size and physicality. Outside of those two, Eason Carlisle and Bailey are both returning to the 2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

77

QUICK HITS BREAK THE STREAK Each of the last three years, Shelby County has walked away with three wins and has just missed out on a trip to the playoffs by one or two games. Now is the time to break that streak. Not having been to the playoffs since 2009, this year’s team brings back the experience to be the one that overcomes that streak and helps the Wildcats get back to glory. Last year’s team was close with three losses by nine points or less, but the last three teams have been close. It’s time to go from close to busting down the wall in 2020.

EXPECT A BREAKTHROUGH Not only should fans expect a breakthrough this season, but so should the players. The Wildcats only lost 11 seniors and return key starters to every position.

Last year’s group struggled for most of the year with a 0-7 start, but the Wildcats bounced back with three consecutive wins by at least 14 points over the final three weeks. They showed their growth on both sides of the ball, in particular on defense, and entered the offseason with some confidence. Now, with the majority of the team’s top playmakers back this season and an easier schedule, Shelby County is poised for the breakthrough year it has desperately been searching for.

USE YOUR STRENGTH From agility and speed to power, the run game is the strength of the Wildcats and something they’ll focus on this year. Running an option attack, that’s already their forte, and while they desperately need to find a passing game, they need to be able to rely on the deep group of backs on this year’s team. With the return of Raheem Montgomery, Shelby County gets back a powerful running back who totaled 773 yards and 13 touchdowns last year on 144 carries. There will also be a powerful one-two punch with Evan Joiner, who adds a frame of 5-foot-10, 220 pounds as a junior and is a similar to Montgomery. In addition to that, Tyrese Goodman returns as an athletic back that can make incredible plays in space, while several others can jump in to give those guys a breather. It’s a unit that should open up a lot for the Wildcats’ offense this season.

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2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Isaac Montgomery

2020 Shelby County Roster NO. NAME

POSITION

YEAR

NO. NAME

12

52

Kai Barnett

OL/DL 11

Tyrese Goodman

RB/DB 12

53

Keith Castleberry

OL/DL 9

Micah Swain

RB/DB 9

54

Jacob McGaha

OL/DL 10

4

Coby Moore

QB/DB 9

55

Kevin Arteaga

OL/DL 11

5

Jacob Fox

RB/LB 10

56

Jac Glover

OL/DL 11

6

Logan Edwards

WR/DB 11

57

Clay Howell

OL/DL 11

7

Kaden Cardwell

QB/DB 12

58

Nathan Lansford

OL/DL 11

8

Issac Montgomery

WR/DB 12

59

Kevin Ocana

OL/DL 9

9

Landen Stewart

RB/OLB

12

60

Ryan Woods

OL/DL 11

12

Connor Aderholt

QB/DB 11

63

Jackson Bailey

OL/DL 11

13

Jaylen Mayfield

RB/DB 11

65

Hunter Davis

OL/DL 9

14

Dezmond Rogers

OLB 12

66

Landen Sheffield

OL/DL 11

16

Greg Brasher

WR/DB 10

67

Micah Hughes

OL/DL 12

18

Cole Sykes

RB/LB 9

70

Tanner Stogner

OL/DL 10

19

Cantrell, Corgan

WR/DB 9

72

Conner Rogers

OL/DL 9

22

Garcia, Jordahn

RB/DB 12

75

Montana Wages

OL/DL

24

Dalan Dalton

RB/LB 9

77

Landen Stubbs

OL/DL 10

25

Evan Joiner

RB/ILB 11

78

JT Beasley

OL/DL 9

33

Seth Hall

RB/OLB

11

80

Connor Rigney

WR/DB 10

36

Raheem Montgomery RB/ILB 12

82

Charlie Hall

WR/DB 9

42

Bradley Horton

RB/LB 9

84

Demetrius Norwood

WR/DB 11

44

Logan Jackson

RB/LB 12

88

Weston Dooley

WR/DB 11

45

Jeremiah McCarter

RB/LB 10

89

Genesis Taylor

WR/DB 10

48

Will Price

WR/DB 11

95

JT Pennington

OL/DL 12

50

Abe Ocana

OL/DL 11

97

Tristan Chattman

OL/DL

51

Eason Carlisle

OL/DL 11

1

Coleman Byars

WR, DB

2 3

position this year. Jacob Fox was a freshman last year who didn’t play a ton, but the coaching staff is excited about this year. Landon Stewart will return as a

POSITION

YEAR

10

10

leader at outside linebacker with a size of 6-foot-3, 215 pounds. The coaches want him to be consistent this year. Will Price, Desmond Rogers, Logan Jackson and

Photo by Frank Couch

Garcia will contribute as well.

SECONDARY Last year, the secondary improved drastically in coverage in the passing game, but still needed to work on tackling. This year, they’ll return several key players to the position, which should help the improvement continue.

Montgomery may be even better on

defense and is extremely talented in coverage. He’ll be a leader at cornerback this year, while junior Jaylen Mayfield started opposite of him last year and will return. Sophomore Greg Brasher will battle with those two. Aderholt and Cardwell can both lock down a safety position if need be, while Goodman and Seth Hall can also play on the back end with exciting upside.

SPECIAL TEAMS Barnett will return this year to handle kicking duties as far as extra points go, while Montgomery will likely do kickoffs and the quarterback will handle punting duties. The coaching staff is also excited about what they’ll be able to do in the return game with so many talented athletes across the board.

EDITOR’S 2020 PREDICTION (7-3) Breaking down the schedule, a 7-3 prediction is almost a worst-case scenario going into this season. That’s how much talent they bring back and how much more manageable their schedule will be. There is a very real possibility the Wildcats could only lose one game, a matchup with Demopolis early in the season. Beyond that, they should at the very least be in every game on the schedule. This is a team that is built for the playoffs due to the returning talent on offense across the board and a defense that will be drastically improved this season.

GO WILDCATS! Representative

Corley Ellis Mon-Thu, 10-7 Fri-Sat, 10-8 121 Old Hwy 25, Columbiana

Alabama House District 41

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SPAIN PARK

JAGUARS Heading into the eighth year under head coach Shawn Raney, the Spain Park Jaguars have been as successful as 12-2 with a state championship appearance and as underwhelming as back-to-back 4-6 seasons the last two years.

But the last few years, numbers have been down in senior classes and the team has been battling lack of consistency on both sides of the ball with the offense having some of its best seasons, but the defense struggling.

This season looks to be the last of those low numbers with 18 seniors on the squad, but 32 juniors, 40 sophomores and 48 freshmen set to compete.

A lot of those juniors and sophomores played valuable minutes last year and will be the leaders this year. The defense will continue to have some growing pains this year but won’t be worse than last year’s, while the offense has the possibility of being one of the state’s best.

TEAM INFORMATION CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 7A, Region 3 2019 RECORD 4-6 (2-5) HEAD COACH Shawn Raney RECORD 48-29 (Eighth year) ASSISTANT COACHES Matt Thompson, Marty Rozell, Chris Bell, Ryan Thompson, Keat Litton, Bob Bietighofer, Brian Maner, Eric Biggons, Darrius Taylor, George Pugh, Matt Hall, Patrick Bonovitch, Sara Lynch LAST REGION TITLE 2015 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2017

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK While the Jags had been ruled by defense for several years, for the last three years, the offense has taken strides, and largely because of the consistency they have had at quarterback with Braxton Barker, Mason Pronk and Harrison Barker. Now it’s time for their fourth new starter in as many years, and junior Bennett Meredith seems poised to continue the trend. Standing a 6-foot-3, 180 pounds, Meredith has great size for the position and despite never starting on varsity, he already has an offer from Troy.

He’s an athletic playmaker who can run and throw the ball extremely well. Athlete Michael Ogletree and sophomore Evan Smallwood are expected backups at the position.

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2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Cooper Kelley

PLAYERS TO WATCH Bennett Meredith, QB

A junior and first-year starting quarterback, Meredith will have his hands full replacing Harrison Barker, but he’s got a Troy offer and massive upside.

Jaylen Ward, WR

With several Division I offers, Ward is expected to have a big junior year after totaling 596 yards and six touchdowns as a sophomore.

Cooper Kelley, WR

Jaylen WARD RUNNING BACK The offensive excitement continues to the running back position due to speed and athleticism. Justin Pegues played at the position all of last summer before having to move to the cornerback position due to injuries. His teammates saw that sacrifice, and now he’s back at running back as a team leader who has been working every day to adapt and be ready as the feature back. He’ll be joined by Zamir Farris as the backup.

The two are almost identical in that they are smaller, athletic backs who can be explosive with their speed. While size at the position will be a concern, their athleticism allows the offense to do a lot.

RECEIVERS

2020 SCHEDULE Aug. 21: @ Huntsville Aug. 28: @ Briarwood Sept. 4: Hewitt-Trussville* Sept. 11: Thompson* Sept. 18: @ Gadsden City* Sept. 25: Bye Oct. 2: @ Oak Mountain* Oct. 9: Hoover* Oct. 16: Vestavia Hills* Oct. 23: @ Tuscaloosa County* Oct. 30: @ Hueytown *Region game mark his second year as a starter and third with playing time. He totaled 596 yards and six touchdowns last year and has gathered offers from several Division I programs. In addition to that, David Moultry is another junior with a frame of 6-foot-1, 190 pounds that dealt with injuries last year but gained valuable experience throughout the season. Behind those three, Landon Miller is a junior who is expected to have a breakout season, while sophomore John Robert Thompson is said to be a younger version of Kelley.

Perhaps the deepest and most dangerous unit on the entire team, there are a plethora of receivers that not only give the threat of a deep connection on every play, but can also make plays after the catch. Senior Cooper Kelley will be key at the position. As last year’s leading receiver, Kelley totaled 778 yards and seven OFFENSIVE LINE touchdowns. In addition to that, the The offensive line is going to help the team’s second-leading receiver last entire offense go this year, and Raney year Jaylen Ward will also return. A says he feels as good as he’s ever felt 6-foot-2, 195-pound junior, this will about. It’s a position that will allow

Kelley was the leading receiver on last year’s team with 778 yards and seven touchdowns on 43 catches.

Drake Tabor, K

Tabor is considered one of the top place kickers in the state going into this season and was 36-for-37 on extra points last year and 4-for-6 on field goals.

Justin Pegues, ATH

Pegues started in the secondary last year after moving positions to help the team. But now he’s back to handling the starting running back position and is a speedy athlete that can make a difference.

KEY DEPARTURES Harrison Barker

Losing Barker’s 2,946 passing yards and 25 touchdowns from last year will be the biggest blow to the team Michael Callens

The Jaguars will once again be replacing their leading rusher with Callens taking 822 rushing yards with him as well as 269 receiving yards.

Jacob Jenkins

If Jenkins was back, the Jags would have the best receiving corps in the state, but he departs and takes 612 receiving yards with him.

Richard Moses

One of the leading tacklers for Spain Park last year, Moses totaled seven tackles for loss and three sacks.

Jake Horton

Horton had more than 50 tackles last season, including eight for loss and six sacks.

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QUICK HITS PLENTY OF OPTIONS Bennett Meredith may be entering his first season as the starter at quarterback, but he couldn’t have asked for a better situation to step into on offense. If he looks left, he’ll have a star receiver, if he looks right, he’ll find the same thing, and if he looks over the middle of the field, he’ll have the option of a speedy running back or another receiver to dump the ball to. With leading receivers Cooper Kelley and Jaylen Ward back this season and two running backs that are great in space, the offense has the weapons to be dangerous.

TIME TO DECIDE In addition to talented receivers and backs to spread the ball around to, Meredith will get the benefit of time.

He’ll have more time than usual to make decisions in the pocket because of an experienced offensive line. Raney has said he’s as comfortable with the position as he’s been, which not only benefits the passing game, but the run game for a unit that needs to get in space to be successful. Every player on the line has a frame of at least 6-foot-1, 250 pounds, while 6-foot-5, 280-pound Jayson Webb will be the anchor of what should be a solid wall of linemen.

RETURN OF THE DEFENSE Last year, Spain Park gave up a new team record of 366 points during the season for an average of 36.6 points per game. As a defensive coach, that’s not something Raney was pleased with, but it’s something he and the team almost had to accept with a lack of experience there. The defense will once again be experienced and young this season, but progress is a must for the team to reach its full potential.

CLOSING OUT THE CLOSE ONES Spain Park lost three games last year by seven points or less and lost three games the year before by 10 points or less.

Closing out those close games with their difficult region is key because wins are limited and never guaranteed. All four wins last season also came in games decided by nine points or less, which shows they are capable of winning them, but also shows they are in a lot of close games.

This year, they’re going to have to create more separation from teams they should beat and make late plays in other close games.

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2020 SPAIN PARK Roster YEAR

1

NO. NAME Jaylen Ward

POSITION

NO. NAME

WR

11

10

Pierson Cole

Alex Smith

DB

1

37

DB

11

12

David Moultry

Alex Morton

LB

2

38

WR

11

Micheal Benson

Jackson Mitchell

LB 10

2

39

DB

10

Bennett Meredith

40

Jonathan Graham

DB 10

3

QB

11

Chanz Pickett

Jamal Scott

DL

3

41

DB

12

Elijah Johnson

Jonas Harrelson

LB 10

4

42

RB

11

Gage Hughes

12

Larry Ford

43

DL

4

DB

12

11

Justin Pegues

Braxton Sumpter

K

5

44

RB

11

10

Jayst Dorion

Sauder Ashton

FB

5

45

LB

12

11

T’Nazj Means

Tucker Steed

DB

6

46

RB

12

11

KJ Rudolph

Jermiah Myers

DB

6

47

LB

10

12

Evan Smallwood

Jordan Hoskins

DB

7

48

QB/DB

10

10

Michael Ogletree

Zion Richards

DB

7

49

DB

12

10

James Broderick

Trip Morgan

OL

8

50

FB

12

10

Tate Brune

Zy’Quan Benjamin

OL

8

51

LB

10

11

Taeshaun Sessions

John David Coggin

DL

9

52

WR 10

10

Jack Baylor

Evan Bishop

FB

9

53

LB 11

10

Cooper Kelley

Landon Tabor

OL

10

55

WR 12

11

Cailon Hudson

Travis Mann

OL

10

56

LB 10

11

Brian Alston

Conner Elrod

OL

11

57

DL

10

11

Clay Spencer

Leon Cheatham

OL

12

58

WR

10

10

Jack Kendrick

CJ Clency

DL

12

59

DB

10

11

Landon Miller

Thornton Allen

OL

13

61

WR

11

11

John Robert Thompson WR

Victor Lam

OL

14

64

10

11

Cameron Flanigan

Parker Stone

DL

15

68

WR

11

11

John Michael Lee

Jackson Boler

OL

16

70

WR/DB

10

10

George Gilbert

Morgan Bowden

OL

17

71

WR

10

10

TJ Metcalf

Aiden Blizzard

OL

18

72

WR/DB

10

12

Conner Blair

Jayson Webb

DL

19

74

QB

11

11

Keon Buck

Conner May

OL

20

75

RB

11

10

Caldwell Bussey

Rayshod Burts

DL/OL

21

76

DL/TE

10

12

Drake Tabor

Zach McPeeters

OL

22

77

K

12

Cason Billings

Stephen Olsen

OL 12

23

78

P

11

Andrew Moses

11

Stopher Walls

79

OL

24

DB

10

11

NYC Speer

Micah Ford

DL

25

80

FB

10

Caleb Ward

Russell Walker

ATH 10

26

81

LB

10

Kyle Rush

12

Ethan Gutowski

82

WR

27

LB

11

10

Zamir Farris

Chandler Curry

WR

28

83

RB

10

12

Dillion Orr

Rodney Scott

WR

29

86

LB

11

11

Tyler Hunter

Russell Partin

WR

30

87

DB

11

10

Braden Brock

Mason Bowden

DL/TE

31

88

DB

12

12

Logan Denson

Joseph Heatherly

OL

32

90

DB

11

12

Sam Moates

AJ Hazel

DL

33

92

LB

12

11

Angel Ortiz

Darius Dillon

DL

34

93

DB 10

Austin Rogers

John Davis

DL 10

35

94

DB

10

Jackson Major

99

Samuel Garibay

DL

36

DB

12

Meredith time to find those trustworthy receivers, while also giving the athletic backs a chance to make plays. Jayson Webb is a 6-foot-5, 280-pound senior who came out midway through last year as a basketball player who gives the team

POSITION

YEAR

11

12

something they haven’t had in the past with his size and athleticism up front. In addition to him, three-year starter Stephen Olsen brings great size to the line at 6-foot2, 300 pounds with athleticism.

Behind that, three juniors who started

as sophomores will return. Jaxon Bolwer is the biggest of the three at 6-foot-2, 270 pounds, while Connor May and Andrew Moses are both around 6-foot-1, 250 pounds.

Sophomore Morgan Bowden, who stands at 6-foot-2, 250 pounds also brings good size to the line, while tight ends Caldwell Bussey and Mason Bowden are two sophomores that will be key in addition to James Broderick at fullback.

Heatherly is a senior who will be The defensive line will be a position making the jump from junior varsity that needs some improvement this with a size of 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, season as a unit that can create while Hughes played some last year disruption both on the line and in the and is now going to be leaned on as a backfield. Senior Sam Garibay is a senior. Bryan Alston, a 6-foot-2, returning player who has put in work in 240-pound sophomore, is a young the weight room and stands at 6-foot-2, player who will take on defensive end 260 pounds. He’ll be a leader experience this year and could become the wise on the line. Dylan Heatherly and difference maker for the unit as the Gage Hughes are two others the season moves along and he gets coaching staff will be counting on. experience. In addition to that, Moses will play some on the defensive line as

DEFENSIVE LINE

EDITOR’S 2020 PREDICTION (7-3) Spain Park’s success this season will largely depend on the offense living up to its potential and the defense playing better than expected. A 7-3 record seems like the best-case scenario when looking at the difficult schedule, but also seems very realistic. That, however, means beating every team outside of the three nationally ranked teams in Thompson, Hoover and Hewitt-Trussville. I’m of the belief that the Jags will shock a few teams and be a surprise to many people this year. Their offensive talent makes them a threat to compete for one of the top three spots in the region, but it will take them reaching their max potential to do so.

Good luck Jaguars!

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2019 RESULTS @ Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa W 42-33 Bessemer City L 35-42 @ Vestavia Hills L 7-45 Mountain Brook L 49-56 @ Hewitt-Trussville W 28-24 Thompson L 23-47 @ Hoover L 35-42 Oak Mountain W 35-28 (2OT) @ Tuscaloosa County L 21-42 Shades Valley W 14-7

2019 STATS

Offense Total points: 289 Per game: 28.9 County rank: 6 Defense Points allowed: 366 Per game: 36.6 County rank: 12

well, but depth is a concern.

LINEBACKERS Possibly the biggest question on the defense is the linebacker position.

The team entered fall practice with several athletes, but was still trying to find the right mix and spot for each.

Jayst Dorion and Sam Moates are two seniors who will be leaders at the position with both standing around 5-foot-10, 185 pounds. Behind that, sophomores Caleb Ward and TJ Metcalf will be leaned on. Both have bright futures standing close to 6-foot, 190 pounds, but both are young. Juniors Jack Baylor and Ethan Gutowski will also be in the mix with similar sizes to the rest.

SECONDARY The secondary will by far be the strongest unit on the defensive side and is probably the second best unit on the team behind the receiver

position due to the experience back.

The leaders will be Braden Brock, Ogletree and Pierson Cole. All of those players started last year. Brock is a senior cornerback, while Ogletree is a senior safety. Cole is a junior who will also lock down one of those positions. Junior Tyler Hunter and sophomore Michael Vincent will look to fill Pegues’ spot in the secondary, while Tucker Snead will be in the rotation at safety.

SPECIAL TEAMS At special teams, three-year starting kicker Drake Tabor will return for his senior year as one of the top kickers in the state. He can make a difference in close games and he will also have a chance to punt alongside Braxton Sumner. In addition to that, the return game will also be exciting this season with several athletes including Ward, Moultry and Pegues who can make plays.

Shelbycountyreporter.com

Shelby county

football 84

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THOMPSON

TEAM INFORMATION

WARRIORS Coming off their first state championship since 1982 and second in school history last season, the Thompson Warriors are quickly becoming the team to beat in the state.

This year, the Warriors’ defense will return eight starters from last year’s team, including a player at every level with major Division I offers.

In addition to the excitement on that side of the ball, Thompson returns two of its top three receivers, two of its top three running backs and its entire offensive line.

Head coach Mark Freeman, now heading into his sixth year, said the team isn’t going to hide their desire to win another state championship and that’s what will drive them to get better every day. As a team that has won at least 11 games the last three years in a row, going to at least the semifinals of the playoffs in each of those years, the odds are high once again with one of the most talented teams in the state.

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK For the second year in a row, the Warriors are having to replace an All-State First Team quarterback. Two years ago, it was Taulia Tagovailoa.

He was replaced by Sawyer Pate, who totaled 3,125 yards and 41 touchdowns with just five interceptions last year. Now, Thompson has to find someone to replace that talent once again. Conner Harrell and Cade Golden are the two battling for the spot going into fall practice. As much as replacing the production, the eventual starter will have to replace Pate’s ability to run Freeman’s offense flawlessly.

Harrell has been in the program for several years and was the backup last year. He brings a dual threat playmaker to the table as a junior. Golden on the other hand is more of a pocket passer and prostyle quarterback who can make the throws as a senior. Whoever gets the starting job will have plenty of opportunity with the entire offensive line back, returning running backs and receivers, and a defense that will give the offense ample amount of time on the field.

RUNNING BACK Thompson will lose lead running back Jojo Gaiters, who ran for 1,003 yards and five touchdowns

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Jarrett Crockett

CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 7A, Region 3 2019 RECORD 12-1 (6-1) Class 7A State Champions HEAD COACH Mark Freeman RECORD 45-14 (Sixth year) ASSISTANT COACHES Mark Reaves, Brad Costanzo, Eric Kuykendall, Conner McGavin, Shawn DeFoor, Jake Ganus, John Jones, Taylor Burgess, Woodrow Briggs, Jordan Robertson LAST REGION TITLE 2019 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2019

PLAYERS TO WATCH Jeremiah Alexander, LB One of the top players in the country, Alexander returns more than 100 total tackles, including 25 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks.

Jax Van Zandt, LB Van Zandt will be a leader at linebacker this season in his second year starting.

Tony Mitchell, DB Mitchell had more than 60 tackles last year and was great in coverage.

Peter Woods, DE Woods burst onto the scene last year with 15 tackles for loss and seven sacks.

J.B. Mitchell on 139 carries, but Jarrett Crockett is back for his senior year. A 5-foot-10, 195-pound senior, Crockett brings back 624 yards on 93 carries and led the team in rushing touchdowns with 10. The coaching staff says he has also had his best summer and is putting in extra work every day to take on the starting role. Joining him will be returning back Brandon Franklin. A junior this year, Franklin brings a strong frame to the position at 6-foot2, 220 pounds and will be a bruising back on tired defenses. Both are leaders who understand the offenses and coaches are expecting big years from both. Sam Reynolds, who is arguably the team’s best athlete, will also be used in different ways.

2020 SCHEDULE Aug. 22: Oxford (Saturday) Aug. 28: @ Sparkman Sept. 4: Tuscaloosa County* Sept. 11: @ Spain Park* Sept. 18: @ Hewitt-Trussville* Sept. 25: Mountain Brook Oct. 2: Vestavia Hills* Oct. 9: @ Gadsden City* Oct. 16: @ Oak Mountain* Oct. 23: Hoover*

Sam Reynolds, ATH A South Carolina commit, Reynolds may be the best athlete on the team.

Jarrett Crockett, RB Crockett brings back 624 yards and 10 touchdowns on 93 carries.

J.B. Mitchell, WR Last year, Mitchell had 677 receiving yards and eight touchdown receptions, including a big state championship game. He’ll be a major downfield threat this season.

Tre Roberson, WR Roberson came along last year and ended the season with 415 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He’s set for a monster senior season.

*Region game

last year and will be a major downfield target this season bringing back 677 yards and eight touchdowns on 53 catches. Roberson, who is now 6-foot3, 193 pounds, also emerged last year with 415 yards and seven touchdowns on 32 catches. He has hit more of a growth spurt and should lineup RECEIVERS Similar to running back, the opposite Mitchell to create a dangerous Warriors will have to replace their target on both sides of the field. Junior leading receiver in Mike Pettway, but Ryan Peppins and Reynolds will both will get back two key pieces. Pettway be used at the position as dangerous topped 1,000 yards each of his last two threats who can take it to the house seasons at Thompson and will be anytime the ball touches their hands. missed after putting together 1,154 As a unit, it’s the strongest the yards and 16 touchdowns last year. Warriors have been at receiver in years But, both J.B. Mitchell and Tre with height, athleticism and speed Roberson came on strong in the second across the board. half of last season and will be leaned OFFENSIVE LINE on heavily as returnees this year.

Easily the most important factor for Mitchell, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound senior, really came on strong in the playoffs Thompson’s offense this year is the

KEY DEPARTURES Sawyer Pate Pate ended last year with 3,125 yards and 41 touchdowns to be named the Class 7A Back of the Year and lead the Warriors to a state title.

Mike Pettway Pettway posted 1,154 yards and 16 touchdowns last year at receiver and topped 1,000 yards each of the last two years.

JoJo Gaiters Gaiters was the leading rusher on last year’s team with 1,003 yards and will prevent the Warriors from having a three-headed monster this year.

Damion Ugbo Ugbo had an impressive 18 tackles for loss and three sacks during his senior season.

Montaj Cook Cook totaled 11 tackles for loss and two sacks last year. Like Ugbo, he’ll be missed on the line.

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2019 RESULTS Davidson Foley Hoover @ Oak Mountain Tuscaloosa County @ Spain Park @ Vestavia Hills Mountain Brook @ Hewitt-Trussville Austin* Florence* Hoover* Central-Phenix City#

W 40-14 W 42-13 W 48-30 W 51-14 W 63-18 W 47-23 W 35-21 W 33-21 L 29-35 W 54-20 W 38-31 W 35-21 W 40-14

*Playoff game #State Championship game

2019 STATS

Tre Roberson

Offense Total points: 555 Per game: 42.7 County rank: 2

Defense Points allowed: 275 Per game: 21.2 County rank: 3

5-YEAR WIN TREND

12

2019

11

2018

12

2017

5

5

2016

2015

return of its entire offensive line.

Even if there were new starters across the line, the offense would be better than average this season, but the entire line returning gives the offense time to spread the ball all over the field to the array of talent on that side of the ball. Seniors Michael Specht, Anthony Butler, Connor Howard and Anthony Kilburn all return with a year of experience under their belts, while sophomore Noah Watts also returns after an impressive freshman campaign. All of the seniors stand at approximately 6-foot-3, while weighing between 235 and 300 pounds. As a sophomore, Watts stands at 6-foot-3, 255 pounds and has a bright future.

DEFENSIVE LINE The two biggest blows to a defense that returns 90 percent of its talent will come on the defensive line with the losses of Montaj Cook and Damion Ugbo. Those two combined for more than 100 tackles last year, including 29 tackles for loss and five sacks. But four others will return to the position with experience led by K’Marion Hambright and Peter Woods. Hambright is a 5-foot-10, 280-pound senior who can make a difference at nose guard or defensive tackle. Woods, just a sophomore, is more of an edge rusher standing at 6-foot-3, 245 pounds, but could also slide in to handle a tackle position.

Last year, Woods totaled 15 tackles for loss and seven sacks as a

EDITOR’S 2020 PREDICTION (9-1) Truthfully, Thompson could win every game this season, but the schedule is going to make that extremely difficult with two opponents ranked inside the top 70 nationally in Hoover and Hewitt-Trussville, as well as a matchup with defending Class 6A State Champion in Oxford to kick off the season. The good news is the Warriors’ toughest games are spread out with Oxford week one, Hewitt week five and Hoover week 10. It will be tough not to have a slip up like they did last year against Hewitt-Trussville, but this year’s team is loaded at every position. The defense has the potential to be, and honestly should be, the best in the state. The offense will need a quarterback to step up and prove they can handle what Tagovailoa and Pate have, but in Freeman’s system, that’s a position you trust will come along. This team is too talented not to at least finish as one of the top two teams in the region, and probably should be vying for a repeat as state champions come December.

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Sam Reynolds freshman and has since earned offers from most major Division I schools as one of the top sophomores in the country. Greg Green, who is taller at 6-foot-5, 235 pounds, will also return as a starter and can play all across the line, while senior Kobe Stewart will play on the opposite end to Woods with a frame of 6-foot-3, 210 pounds.

LINEBACKERS As good as the defensive line is, the

front seven is finished out by what could be the best group of linebackers in the state. Jeremiah Alexander will be starting for the third year in a row as an outside edge rusher. Considered one of the top juniors in the country regardless of position, Alexander is 6-foot-2, 230 pounds and brings back a remarkable 25 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks from last year. He also totaled 118 tackles to lead the team. In addition to him, the Warriors return Jax Van Zandt for his

junior season. Van Zandt is considered the leader of the group and knows how to get everyone at the position in the proper spot. He brings back 79 tackles, including 9.5 tackles for loss and stands at 6-foot-1, 220 pounds. Juniors Ahmari Bolden and Nate Riddle also have experience back from their sophomore seasons after combining for close to 100 tackles and are primed for bigger, breakout roles going into this season.

WANT TO KNOW WHO SCORED DURING THE BIG GAME? Visit AlabasterReporter.com for the latest updates and recaps from Friday night football.

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QUICK HITS THE PATH TO REPEATING Winning back-to-back championships is one of the most difficult tasks in all of sports, and the Thompson Warriors look to tackle that feat this season. While it won’t be easy, especially taking on one of the most difficult schedules in the state, the Warriors have the talent to make it happen. As long as last year is in the rearview and the same amount of work and passion is there, this year’s team is arguably more talented and should have the opportunity to repeat.

QUARTERBACK WHISPERER One of the biggest question marks going into the season can be answered by head coach Mark Freeman. While Conner Harrell and Cade Golden are battling for the starting quarterback position, you have to feel comfortable about whoever wins the job with Freeman coaching them and the offense. He is known as a quarterback whisperer across the state and showed what he could do the last two years with both Taulia Tagovailoa and Sawyer Pate as two All-State quarterbacks. Both Golden and Harrell have the intangibles to fit into his system.

DEFENSIVE NIGHTMARE Over the last four seasons, Thompson has given up no more than 21.2 points per game on the defensive side of the ball and that high came last year with freshmen and sophomores at many positions.

Yet, they still won a state championship last season because of the way the defense performed.

The last four years are a credit to the incredible work of defensive coordinator Shawn DeFoor. Now, DeFoor will get back more talent than he’s ever had with eight returning starters on defense, including three with major Division I offers at each level on that side of the ball.

ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE Going into the season, Thompson isn’t hiding. The Warriors know teams don’t want them to win anymore, and they know their goal is to win a state championship. They’ve accepted the challenge of knowing they’ll get everybody’s best shot this season, but they’re also not hiding the fact that they want to win the state championship again and that’s the main focus going into the season.

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2020 Thompson Roster NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

1

Sam Reynolds

NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

ATH 12

A’Mon Lane

Jeffrey Kimochu

HB 10

1

41

DB 9

Ryan Peppins

Jeremiah Coney

NG 12

2

42

WR 11

Karston Haywood

Luke Harris Bevel

DB 10

2

43

DB 11

Tony Mitchell

Jamal Peterson

LB 12

3

44

DB 10

Gavin Shipman

Ashton Sparks

LB 10

4

44

DB 12

Tre Roberson

Kaleb Thompson

DE 11

5

45

WR 12

K’Marion Hambright NG 12

Brett Conn

DE 10

5

46

Ahmari Bolden

Karson Lubinger

LB 10

6

47

Jeremiah Alexander LB 11

Colin Wesson

LB 11

7

47

EJ Edwards

Regan Proctor

K 10

8

48

DB 12

Zach Sims

Elijah Whittier

LB 11

8

49

QB 9

Nate Riddle

Marcos Guardado

OL 11

9

50

LB 11

Greg Green

Anthony Butler

OL 12

10

51

DE 12

Zach Johnson

Rush Crawford

LB 10

10

52

WR 12

Peter Woods

Hunter Holtman

OL 10

11

53

DE 10

Korbyn Williams

Ryan Walker

OL 10

11

54

WR 10

Jax Van Zandt

Cole Hall

OL 11

12

55

LB 11

JB Mitchell

Kole Matthews

DE 12

13

56

WR 12

Triston Woody

Vlad Valasiuk

LB 10

13

57

LB 12

Brandon Holifield

Piorre Carpenter

DE 12

14

58

DB 12

Conner Harrell

Christopher Snow

LB 10

15

59

QB 11

Cade Golden

Noah Watts

OL 10

16

60

QB 12

Kobe Stewart

Michael Specht

OL 12

17

61

DE 12

Tyler Reid

Zachary Felton

OL 10

17

62

WR 11

Seth Hampton

Devin Haynes

OL 12

18

63

LB 10

Trevor Hardy

Mason Bentley

OL 12

19

64

DB 11

Kendall Franklin

Michael Bubel

OL 12

20

65

DB 11

Joey Nowak

Kevin Mayberry

OL 10

21

67

WR 10

Jake Ivie

Jesse Ramil

OL 12

22

68

LB 10

Zach Stewart

Trip Rhyne

OL 10

23

70

WR 11

Lione Cook

Steven Lillich

OL 10

24

73

RB 11

Damion DJ Lewis

Connor Howard

OL 12

25

74

DB 11

Jarrett Crockett

Parker Mitchell

OL 11

26

76

RB 12

Noah Hillshea

Anthony Kilburn

OL 12

27

77

DB 10

Malek Naija

Casey Kimochu

WR 11

27

80

DB 11

Kobe Herlong

Kenny Hagler

WR 10

28

81

LB 10

Jordan Smith

Jasiah Ward

WR 10

29

82

DB 11

Jeffry Tubbs

Alfredo Jiminez

WR 10

30

86

LB 11

Cody Wooten

Dylan Willis

DE 10

31

90

DB 11

Amari Jackson

Keegan Eason

NG 12

32

92

RB 10

Joey Precise

Kyle Wright

NG 11

33

93

HB 11

94

JaAnthony AJ Allen NG 11

LB 11

34

Brandon Franklin

RB 11

Kelby Taylor

95

Nyl Nnamdi

NG 11

35

LB 10

Jacoby Shade

JC McCurdy

DE 10

36

96

DB 10

Omari Thomas

Kyle Hamilton

DE 11

39

97

RB 10

Jackson Scott

Elijah Williams

NG 10

40

98

LB 11

Kahnor Hughes

Shafton Thomas

NG 10

40

99

K 10

SECONDARY In the secondary, Thompson will lose Ja’Vone Williams, who led the team with eight interceptions last season, but he will be the only starter missing this season.

Gavin Shipman, a senior, will return to the position and brings back five interceptions as a cornerback as well as 50 total tackles and four tackles for loss.

He’ll be joined at corner by sophomore

Photo by Barry Stephenson, TCI Sports Photography

KEY NUMBERS

555

35

3,000

Last year’s offense looked like a well-oiled machine despite Sawyer Pate stepping in as a first-year starter at quarterback. He didn’t just find success throwing the football with more than 3,000 yards and 41 touchdowns, but he maneuvered defenses and ran the offense to perfection.

That led to a team record 555 points and a state championship. Now, the majority of the talent that helped produce that is back and hoping to replicate the success of an offense that has totaled more than 1,000 points in two years.

Before Mark Freeman arrived, Thompson had eight consecutive losing seasons, hadn’t won more than four games since 2006, hadn’t been to the playoffs since 2006 and was coming off a 0-10 season in 2014. In his first two seasons, the team didn’t make the playoffs, but the Warriors won more games (five) in each season than they had in close to 10 years. Then, the success followed. Since 2017 (Freeman’s third year), Thompson has won a combined 35 games, going 35-4 in that span.

Each of the last three years, Thompson has produced a quarterback that has surpassed 3,000 yards passing. Last year, Sawyer Pate totaled 3,125 yards. The two years before that, Taulia Tagovailoa threw for 3,823 yards and 3,768 yards and as a senior. Now, the Warriors will hope for similar success with a third new starter.

Good luck Warriors!

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Peter Woods Tony Mitchell, who as a freshman was able to total more than 60 tackles and one interception. He was great in coverage last year and has good size for the position at 6-foot-1, 175 pounds.

Senior EJ Edwards will be the returning leader at safety after totaling three pass deflections, one interception and 49 tackles last year. Bolden, who is more of a

Nickel back linebacker, will also slide back and help at the position, while Reynolds can jump over from the offensive side and make a difference as well.

SPECIAL TEAMS Going into fall practice, Thompson is still trying to figure out the kicking

situation after losing current Auburn kicker Evan McGuire. McGuire handled all kicking duties for the Warriors and was crucial not only in field goals but booted most kickoffs through the end zone. Right now, Trevor Hardy is getting a strong look at kicker and is working extremely hard to take over the position.

Veterans Park - Regulation Skate Park, Lighted Walking Track, Disk Golf Buck Creek Nature Trail Baseball / Softball / Soccer / Football / Basketball Limestone Park-Alabama Birding Trails

Alabaster City Schools Evangel Christian School and Homeschool

Alabaster CityFest Farmers Market Churches Purina Beneful Dream Park Promenade Shopping Center

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VINCENT

YELLOW JACKETS Heading into year three under head coach Lucas Weatherford, the Vincent Yellow Jackets are hoping this is the year everything comes together.

With a group that has bought in more than any other under Weatherford and some top returning players, there is optimism that the Jackets can improve on last year’s 2-8 record this season.

If that’s going to be the case, they’ll have to show improvement on defense, which should be a bright spot this season, while returning athletic playmakers on offense will have to show they can pick up where they left off.

Depth will remain a concern for the Jackets with around 30 players on the roster, but a fast start could give them confidence for a difficult closing stretch to the schedule.

TEAM INFORMATION CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 2A, Region 4 2019 RECORD 2-8 (2-4) HEAD COACH Lucas Weatherford RECORD 5-16 (Third year) ASSISTANT COACHES Corey Goodson, Tim Junkins, Ryan Halla, Ted Gipson, Shawn Martin, Jason Allums LAST REGION TITLE 2006 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2018

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK The quarterback position will be a bright spot for the Yellow Jackets with the return of Will Harris. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound senior struggled at times last year in his first season as a starter, but showed poise and leadership while learning the position. Now, he understands the position more and is one of the team’s biggest leaders. He’s an athletic playmaker who has improved his throwing ability drastically since last season. With Harris playing in the secondary on defense as well, sophomore Blake Allums will also help at the position. He’s a smaller quarterback at 5-foot-9, 155 pounds, but is very smart with the ball.

RUNNING BACK The team’s best athlete will return to the running back position for Vincent this season, as well as several other positions. Tae McGregor, a 5-8, 160-pound senior, finished last season with more than 1,000 allpurpose yards, close to 800 of which came on the ground. He also scored 20 of the team’s touchdowns last year. In addition to McGregor, Jermarey Lawson is back out for the team this year as a junior after sitting out last season. Standing at 6-foot-1, 175 pounds, he’s a speedy and shifty back similar to McGregor. Those two will be extremely dangerous on the outside or in space this season, which excites the coaching staff.

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Tae Mcgregor

PLAYERS TO WATCH Tae McGregor, ATH Finishing with more than 1,000 all-purpose yards, McGregor is dangerous every time he touches the ball and will play all over the field on offense and on special teams.

Will Harris, QB Harris is heading into his second year as the starting quarterback and seems to have a better feel for the game going into fall practice.

Paul Albright, OL/DL The biggest of the linemen this season at 6-foot-4, 350 pounds, Albright is the leader on both sides of the ball.

Evan Swain, OL/DL In addition to Albright up front, Swain is pound-for-pound the strongest player on the team.

Cobe MCKENZIE RECEIVERS While both of those running backs may get some time out wide as well due to their athleticism, sophomore Zac Carlisle will be the key returnee at receiver. He played the majority of his time in the secondary last year. He’s a weight-room player standing at 6-foot, 165 pounds. Joining him will be athletic playmaker Tray Youngblood.

A sophomore who holds a size of 5-foot-8, 145 pounds, Youngblood is an athletic and speedy player who can make big plays this season. In addition to those names, a few other young players will add depth where needed.

2020 SCHEDULE Aug. 20: @ Winterboro (Thursday) Aug. 28: Billingsley Sept. 4: Ranburne* Sept. 11: @ Horseshoe Bend* Sept. 18: Fayetteville* Sept. 25: Bye Oct. 2: Lanett* Oct. 9: @ Randolph County* Oct. 16: B.B. Comer* Oct. 23: @ LaFayette* Oct. 30: Prattville Christian *Region game and Felix Arteaga will handle big roles on the line, as will junior Noah Tetrault.

Eighth grader Ethan McElwrath will add depth for the Jackets.

OFFENSIVE LINE The offensive line isn’t going to be as big overall as it has been the last couple of years, but this might be the best Weatherford has had. It’s an athletic, smart and coachable unit this year that is led by Paul Albright and Evan Swain.

Albright is a senior returning starter who will be the anchor at 6-foot-4, 350 pounds, while Swain is a junior who is possibly the strongest player on the team at 6-foot-1, 225 pounds. Beyond that, sophomores Jacob Carter, Easton Fields

DEFENSIVE LINE Most of that same crew from the offensive side will flip over to play on the defensive front this season as well, which is typically the case for the Yellow Jackets. Albright will be disruptive because of his size and is expected to have a big year, while Swain will play defensive end and linebacker. The rest of the offensive linemen will rotate in and out throughout the defensive front.

Caleb Scott, DB A linebacker last year, Scott brings back experience and will be in the secondary this season.

Cobe McKenzie, DB McKenzie will also convert from linebacker to safety this season and brings the frame and tools necessary to be successful.

Zac Carlisle, WR Carlisle will be a key in the passing bame this season as a returnee to the position, which should help Harris.

KEY DEPARTURES J.T. Youngblood Youngblood did everything he needed to for the Jackets, playing on both lines and at running back. He finished last year with five tackles for loss and four sacks, while also rushing for 400 yards and three touchdowns.

Kaleb Wilson Wilson was an athlete who played at several skill positions on both sides of the ball.

Martaviun Lawson Lawson finished last year with 11 tackles for loss and eight sacks defensively, while also grading at 90 percent on the offensive line.

Torian Datcher Datcher will be another sorely missed piece to both the offensive and defensive line this year.

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2020 Vincent Roster NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

1

Tray Youngblood

WR/DB 10

13

Aiden Poe

QB/DB 8

51

Felix Arteaga

OL/DL 10

2

Jermarey Lawson

RB/DB 11

14

Griffin Fields

TE/DB 12

52

Grayson Gulde

OL/LB 8

3

Tae McGregor

RB/DB 12

16

Mattson Davis

WR/DB 9

53

Ty’Qun Goodman

OL/DL 10

4

Quenterrius Robertson RB/LB

9

17

Joseph Valenti

WR/DB 11

55

Easton Fields

OL/DL 10

5

Tristan Glaze

RB/LB 9

18

Zac Carlisle

WR/DB 10

56

Evan Swain

OL/DL 11

6

Will Harris

QB/DB 12

24

Noah Scott

WR/DB 9

60

Drake Jobson

OL/DL 12

8

Cobe McKenzie

TE/DB 12

25

Jackson Godwin

TE/LB 9

61

Ethan McElrath

OL/DL 8

9

Chris Brown

RB/LB 12

33

Gavin Kratz

WR/DB 10

71

Jacob Carter

OL/DL 10

10

Caleb Scott

TE/DB 12

34

Nolan Kratz

WR/DB 10

75

Noah Tetrault

OL/DL 11

11

Griffin Martin

TE/LB 11

40

Zack Wright

RB/LB 10

78

Paul Albright

OL/DL 12

12

Blake Allums

QB/DB 10

50

Montana Chamblee OL/LB 9

QUICK HITS A DIFFICULT PATH Vincent’s schedule will be one of the most difficult in the state. Seven of the 10 opponents they’ll face this year finished at least .500 last year, while six of those seven finished above .500, three finished with at least 10 wins and one took home a state championship with a perfect 14-0 record.

BRING THE STING Vincent has had a difficult time of believing and giving it their all in certain games the last few years.

That’s something that seemingly improved last year and will need to improve even more this year.

Despite the difficult schedule, the Jackets need to find a way to be motivated and believe they can compete.

OVERCOMING DEPTH CONCERNS There were times last year when Vincent was competing for the first half or first three quarters, but then exhaustion set in and teams scored at will to pull away.

Vincent will have most players playing on both sides of the ball again this year, so finding a way to stay healthy and fresh will be key for any success.

CONTINUE THE TREND Vincent may have had one less win (two) in Lucas Weatherford’s second year as head coach, but the improvement was there. The Yellow Jackets lost three games by nine points or less in addition to their two wins, while they were only in three close games the year before. In addition to that, last year’s team gave up six less points per game and scored close to five more points per game last year.

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pounds. Those two will be the leaders, LINEBACKERS Linebacker may be the biggest concern while senior Chris Brown is back out for the for the defense, but will still have two good team this season after missing last year. leaders in junior Griffin Martin and He’ll add some help as will freshman sophomore Zach Wright. Martin got Quenterrius Robertson, who is a strong injured in the second week of the season player. last year, but has worked hard to get back SECONDARY and looks more athletic this season. He’s The secondary will challenge the now 5-foot-11, 180 pounds, while Wright played a lot as a freshman last season and defensive line for the strongest unit on the is returning with a size of 5-foot-9, 205 team, especially on the defensive side of the

EDITOR’S 2020 PREDICTION (4-6) There are games on Vincent’s schedule that could go either way. The three toughest opponents will be Lanette, Randolph and Ranburne. Outside of that, the Jackets have very few guaranteed wins, but could also win all of them depending on how improved this team is and the shear want to be better this year. Finding a deep threat on offense will be key, while the defense improving and staying health will be the determining factor.

Vincent has a lot to prove this year against a very difficult schedule, but the main focus has to be on continuing in the right direction. If that is the focal point, the Yellow Jackets will be better than the last two years and may even equal the win total from those two years combined.

2019 RESULTS @ White Plains Keith @ LaFayette Thorsby @ Winterboro Central-Coosa Horseshoe Bend @ Reeltown @ Fayetteville Ashville

L 12-42 L 19-28 L 20-45 L 20-28 L 24-40 W 51-8 W 43-24 L 6-42 L 12-14 L 14-41

2019 STATS Offense Total points: 221 Per game: 22.1 County rank: 10

ball. Senior Caleb Scott, who played at linebacker last year, will return this season to take on a safety roll with a size of 6-foot, 185 pounds.

He’ll be joined by another returning starter who played linebacker last year in Cobe McKenzie, who is now 6-foot-1, 185 pounds. Harris will also play at the safety position when his stamina allows to switch sides of the ball. Carlisle and Youngblood will also play both sides of the ball, as those two will handle cornerback

Defense Points allowed: 312 Per game: 31.2 County rank: 8

positions, while Allums will add depth. McGregor and Lawson will play there as well, but Weatherford wants them to be fresh on offense.

SPECIAL TEAMS While the team is searching for a place kicker for field goals and kick offs heading into the season, McGregor will return to punt and do kick returns. The coaching staff said improving on special teams will be key to success this season.

5-YEAR WIN TREND

5 1

3

2 2019

2018

2017

2016

0 2015

KEY NUMBERS

1,000

5

6

25

Tae McGregor totaled more than 1,000 all-purpose yards last year as an All-State player and is back to lead Vincent’s offense this season. He helps in the receiving game and the ground game, while also leading the team in both kickoff and punt returns.

The last time Vincent finished a season with more than five wins and a winning record was 2013. The Jackets have won three games or less four times in the last five years and are desperately hoping to turn the page.

Vincent’s schedule will feature six opponents who had a winning record last year, while it will also feature three teams that won 10 or more games, including Lannett, who has moved up to Class 2A again after going 14-0 in the 1A classification last year to claim the state championship.

While it’s going to be a difficult task this year with the schedule, the magic number to average per game on both sides of the ball for the Yellow Jackets is 25. In 2017, their last five-win season, they were at 24.4 points on offense and 27.7 on defense. Last year, they took steps in the right direction at 22.1 points per game offensively and 31.2 per game defensively, which gave them a chance at five wins yet again.

Good Luck Yellow Jackets!

(205) 672-2224

110 Wheat St | Harpersville, AL 35078 jismith@russelllands.com

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STATE RECORDS

SHELBY COUNTY

OFFENSE - ALL-PURPOSE YARDS, Season 4,079, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2007 - 6th 2,430, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1999 – 43rd

OFFENSE - MOST POINTS SCORED, Season 204, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 2001 - T-34th

OFFENSE - MOST PASSES COMPLETED, Season 287, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2017 – 3rd 271, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2018 – 4th 228, Sawyer Pate, Thompson, 2019 – 20th 228, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2007 - 20th

OFFENSE - MOST POINTS SCORED, Career 620, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998-2002 - 11th

OFFENSE – MOST PASSES COMPLETED, Career 558, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2017-2018 – 12th

OFFENSE - ALL-PURPOSE YARDS, Career 9,544, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998-2003 - 9th 9,164, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2004-07 - 14th

OFFENSE - MOST TOUCHDOWNS SCORED, Season 34, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 2001 - T-42nd

OFFENSE – MOST TOUCHDOWN PASSES, Game 8, Malik Inabinette, Montevallo vs. Greensobor, 2018 – 3rd

OFFENSE – MOST TWO-POINT CONVERSIONS, Season 15, Deon Gilliland, Montevallo, 2018 – 3rd

OFFENSE - MOST TOUCHDOWNS SCORED, Career 102, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998-2002 - 9th

OFFENSE - MOST PASSES COMPLETED, Career 594, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2004-07 - 7th 519, Tyler Watts, Pelham, 1994-97 - 13th

DEFENSE - MOST INTERCEPTIONS, Game 4, Brandon Salser, Chelsea vs. Isabella, 1989 - T-6th

AHSAA Football Individual Records

OFFENSE - MOST FIELD GOALS MADE, Game 5, Crosby Gray, Spain Park (15) vs. Thompson (14), 2015 - T-1st OFFENSE - LONGEST FIELD GOAL 60 yards, Michael Proctor, Pelham (39) vs. Mountain Brook (16), 1991 - 2nd OFFENSE - MOST POINTS KICKING, Game 15, Crosby Gray, Spain Park (15) vs. Thompson (14), 2015 - T-6th OFFENSE - MOST EXTRA POINTS KICKED, Season 68, Graham Wilson, Briarwood (of 73 attempts), 1998 - 25th OFFENSE - MOST EXTRA POINTS KICKED, Career 180, Graham Wilson, Briarwood, 1997-99 – T-11th OFFENSE - MOST EXTRA POINTS KICKED, Consecutive 53, Michael Proctor, Pelham, 1989-91 - 18th OFFENSE- MOST KICKOFF RETURNS FOR TOUCHDOWNS, Season 5, Jason Wilkins, Shelby County, 1997 – T-1st OFFENSE – LONGEST KICKOFF RETURN FOR TOUCHDOWN 99, Luke Prewett, Briarwood vs. Chelsea, 2019 – T1st OFFENSE - MOST YARDS RUSHING, Season 2,281, Shontua Ray, Montevallo, 1997 (11 games) - T-45th OFFENSE - MOST YARDS RUSHING, Career 5,144, Arthur Johnson, Thompson, 1980-82 - 29th OFFENSE- Most rushing attempts, Game 46, Wade Streeter, Spain Park (63) vs. Hewitt-Trussville (64), 2014 - T-12th OFFENSE - MOST YARDS PASSING, Game 507, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson vs. Oak Mountain, 2018 – 9th 488, Harrison Barker, Spain Park vs. Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa 2019 – 16th 474, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson vs. Hoover 2019 – 19th 467, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson vs. Huntsville, 2017 – 20th 450, Malik Inabinette, Montevallo vs. Greensboro, 2018 – 30th OFFENSE - MOST YARDS PASSING, Season 3,823, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2017 – 3rd 3,788, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2018 – 6th 3,469, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2007 - 13th 3,376, Malik Inabinette, Montevallo, 2018 – 16th 3,124, Sawyer Pate, Thompson, 2019 – 29th OFFENSE - MOST YARDS PASSING, Career 7,968, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2004-07 - 12th 7,608, Taulia Tagovailoa, 2017-2018 – 17th 6,838, Tyler Watts, Pelham, 199497 - 22nd OFFENSE - MOST PASSES ATTEMPTED, Game 61, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson vs. Hoover 2018 – 5th 55, Mason Duke, Spain Park vs. Oxford, 2013 - 10th 53, Nick Mullens, Spain Park vs. Austin, 2012 - 13th OFFENSE - MOST PASSES ATTEMPTED, Season 442, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2018 – 4th 435, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2017 – 5th 361, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2007 - 17th 342, Tyler Watts, Pelham, 1997 26th 335, Bart Yancey, Briarwood, 1990 - T-27th OFFENSE - MOST PASSES ATTEMPTED, Career 1,008, Tyler Watts, Pelham, 1994-97 - 6th 966, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2004-07 - 11th 877, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2017-2018 – 16th OFFENSE - MOST PASSES COMPLETED, Game 33, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2018 – T13th 32, Mason Duke, Spain Park, 2013 - T-16th 31, Nick Mullens, Spain Park, 2012 - T-17th 31, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2018 – T17th 28, Harrison Barker, Spain Park, 2019 – T29th

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OFFENSE - MOST TOUCHDOWN PASSES, Season 47, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2007 - 3rd 41, Sawyer Pate, Thompson, 2019 – T12th 38, Malik Inabinette, Montevallo, 2018 – T18th 36, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2017 – T26th 36, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2018 – T30th OFFENSE - MOST TOUCHDOWN PASSES, Career 88, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2004-2007 - 10th 71, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2017-2018 – 23rd OFFENSE - LONGEST TOUCHDOWN PASS 99 yards, Jeff Flannerty to Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1999 – T-1st 99 yards, Joe Craddock to Tim Castille, Briarwood, 2002 – T-1st OFFENSE - PASS COMPLETION PERCENTAGE, Game 86.2, Mason Duke, Spain Park (52) vs. Thompson (28), 2014 - 6th OFFENSE - PASS COMPLETION PERCENTAGE, Season 74.5, Sawyer Pate, Thompson, 2019 – 3rd 66.0, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2018 – 30th OFFENSE – PASS COMPLETION PERCENTAGE, Career 63.6, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2017-2018 – 5th OFFENSE - MOST PASS RECEPTIONS, Season 125, Ahmad Edwards, Thompson, 2017 – 1st 74, J.J. Evans, Montevallo, 2018 – 37th 70, Mike Pettway, Thompson Warriors, 2018 – 40th 70, Montez Billings, Pelham, 2002 - T-40th 70, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998 - T-40th OFFENSE - MOST PASS RECEPTIONS, Career 243, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998-2002 - 3rd OFFENSE – MOST TOUCHDOWN RECEPTIONS, Game 5, J.J. Evans, Montevallo vs. Greensboro, 2018 – T4 4, J.J. Evans, Montevallo vs. American Christian, 2018 – T10 OFFENSE – MOST TOUCHDOWN RECEPTIONS, Career 41, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998-2002 - T-12th OFFENSE – MOST YARDS RECEIVING, Game 269, J.J. Evans, Montevallo vs. Sumter Central, 2018 – 11th 269, 245, J.J. Evans, Montevallo vs. Greensboro, 2018 – 24th OFFENSE - MOST YARDS RECEIVING, Season 1,706, J.J. Evans, Montevallo, 2018 – 2nd 1,459, Ahmad Edwards, Thompson, 2017 – 9th 1,305, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998 - 20th OFFENSE - MOST YARDS RECEIVING, Career 4,122, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998-2002 (243 catches) - 3rd OFFENSE – TOTAL OFFENSE, Game 511, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2018 – 13th 494, Malik Inabinette, Montevallo, 2018 – 17th 490, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2018 – 19th 488, Harrison Barker, Spain Park, 2019 28th 455, Malik Inabinette, Montevallo, 2018 – 30th OFFENSE – TOTAL OFFENSE, season 4,205, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2018 – 8th 3,975, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2017 – 9th 3,577, Malik Inabinette, Montevallo, 2018 – 16th OFFENSE - TOTAL OFFENSE, Career 9,544, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998-2003 - 7th 9,164, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2004-2007 – 9th 8,180, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2017-2018 – 15th OFFENSE, TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS, Game 8, Malik Inabinette, Montevallo vs. Greensboro, 2018 – T3 OFFENSE - TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS, Season 53, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2007 - T-6th

DEFENSE – LONGEST INTERCEPTION RETURN FOR TOUCHDOWN 99, Tamardreon Purnell, Montevallo, 2019 – T22nd DEFENSE - MOST TACKLES, Game 26, Ethan Simmons, Briarwood (14) vs. Vigor (13), 2012 – T-11th DEFENSE - MOST TACKLES, Season 285, Matthew Forester, Briarwood, 1998 - 1st DEFENSE - MOST TACKLES, Career 612, Matthew Forester, Briarwood, 1996-98 – 3rd DEFENSE - MOST FUMBLE RECOVERIES, Game 3, Jordan Carroll, Briarwood (32) vs. John Carroll (13), 2012 – 1st

AHSAA Football Team Records COACHES WITH MOST STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS 3, Fred Yancey, Briarwood and Mark Freeman, Thompson – T-16th MOST CONSECUTIVE GAMES WITHOUT A LOSS (Including Ties) 45, Shelby County (43-0-2), 1961-66 - 6th OFFENSE - MOST POINTS SCORED, Game (Both teams) 127, Spain Park (63) vs. Hewitt-Trussville (64), 2014 – 8th 124, Montevallo (54) vs. American Christian (70), 2018 – 13th 117, Pelham (77) vs. Jackson-Olin (40), 2006 - 20th MOST POINTS SCORED, Game (By losing team) 63, Spain Park vs. Hewiit-Trussville (64), 2014 – T-2nd 54, Montevallo vs. American Christian (70), 2018 – T5th 50, Shelby County vs. Montevallo (56), 2019 – T13th OFFENSE – MOST YARDS PASSING, Game 507, Thompson vs. Oak Mountain, 2018 – 8th OFFENSE – MOST YARDS PASSING, Season 3,880, Thompson, 2017 – 3rd OFFENSE – MOST YARDS PASSING PER GAME, Season 298.5, Thompson, 2017 – 3rd OFFENSE – MOST YARDS IN TOTAL OFFENSE, Game (Both teams) 1,199, Thompson (654) vs. Hewitt-Trussville (545), 2018 – 3rd OFFENSE – MOST YARDS TOTAL OFFENSE, Game 1,009, Oxford (565) vs. Spain Park (414), 2014 – 4th OFFENSE – MOST YARDS TOTAL OFFENSE, Season 6,165, Thompson, 2017 – 14th OFFENSE - MOST PASS ATTEMPTS, Season 342, Pelham, 1997 - 10th OFFENSE - MOST COMPLETIONS, Season 200, Pelham (342 attempts), 1997 - 12th OFFENSE – MOST TOUCHDOWN PASSES, Season 47, Briarwood, 2007 – 4th OFFENSE – MOST 2-POINT CONVERSIONS, Game 7, Montevallo (68) vs. Jemison (40), 2019 – 1st DEFENSE – MOST CONSECUTIVE INTERCEPTIONS RETURNED FOR TDs 2, Vincent (51) vs. Central Coosa (8), 2019 – 1st MOST FIELD GOALS MADE, Game 5, Spain Park (15) vs. Thompson (14), 2015 – T-1st CONSECUTIVE REGION WINS 31, Briarwood, 1993-2001 – T18th

AT RISK FOR

Concussion www.ChildrensAL.org/concussion In case of medical emergency, call 911 or go directly to your local ER

A concussion

is an injury caused by a blow to the head in which the brain moves rapidly and may collide with the inside of the skull.

Even a minor fall or collision may be of concern, so be alert to symptoms such as headaches, unsteadiness, confusion or other types of abnormal behavior.

Any athlete with a suspected concussion: n n n n

Should be IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PLAY/ACTIVITY Should be evaluated right away by a doctor/healthcare professional Should not be left alone Should not drive a motor vehicle

For a Concussion Clinic appointment,

call 205.934.1041

CHILDREN’S DOWNTOWN RUSSELL CAMPUS

CHILDREN’S SOUTH OUTPATIENT CENTER

1600 7th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233

Outpatient surgery, Pediatric Imaging, laboratory services and specialty care clinics

205.638.9100

1940 Elmer J. Bissell Road Birmingham, AL 35243

205.638.4800

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Karen Watson has two guiding principles for providing great customer service.

Can you guess what they are?

In eight years of helping customers with everything from billing questions to establishing new service, Customer Service Representative Karen Watson has applied two basic principles.

“It’s all about treating people the way you would want to be treated and being knowledgeable about the company’s policies,” Karen said.

“When I’m the customer, I want and expect great service. So, I’m always determined to give that to our customers.”

In fact, even if you’re not a SouthWest Water Company customer, Karen can be helpful. She keeps a current list of the customer service lines for all of the major utilities in the area, to help make certain any caller gets the help they need.

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2020 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Karen says, “The company invests in us, to make sure we have the training and skills we need to be effective in dealing with whatever issue a customer may have. So, call me. If I can’t assist you, I will find someone who can.”

SouthWest Water Company is committed to providing every customer with the best possible service—every day and in every way. Karen Watson and her guiding principles help us make good on that commitment.

To learn more, visit CleanerCahaba.info.