FOOTBALLMetro
THE
CLAW
MARKS
Season preview, breakdown, prediction, roster and more SEEKING
JUST LIKE BIG BRO
Aaron Frye ready to follow in brother’s footsteps SCNI
Stuart Floyd looks to add state title as head coach of Clay-Chalkville
FOOTBALLMetro
FAMILY BUSINESS
2025
FORMIDABLE PACK Huskies defense searching to be at top of Class 7A again
Parker Floyd ready to continue family’s legacy THE HOWL Season preview, breakdown, prediction, roster and more
Kaleb Carson ready to take over as starting quarterback
Homewood hungry to get back to business after disappointing 2024 end 2025
PUSHING DOWN BARRIERS
FOOTBALLMetro FLYING AROUND
MARCHING INTO BATTLE Season preview, breakdown, prediction, roster and more
FOOTBALLMetro
DRAWING THE SWORD
2025
Trey Sanders ready to take Hoover defense into battle SETTING SAIL Season preview, breakdown, prediction, roster and more A BANNER YEAR
Talented 2026 class looks to lead Bucs to glory
THE NEW AGE
Mara sees John Carroll’s renovations as big step in new direction
IN THE
HUDDLE
FOOTBALLMetro MAN OF
Season preview, breakdown, prediction, roster and more
FAITH
Garrett Barnes relying on faith to help lead John Carroll offense
FOOTBALLMetro ROLLING WITH THE DEFENSE
Gavin Howard steps up as newest leader for Leeds
BACK TO TIMES OF OLD Greenwave defensive line ready to fight like ones before it
THE NEW WAVE Season preview, breakdown, prediction, roster and more
FOOTBALL LEADING
and more
THE JOB Moody looking to take home Class 5A State Title
Cam Mallory ready to cement his mark with Moody defensive line
FOOTBALLMetro BACK TO BATTLE
THIS IS SPARTA Season preview, breakdown, prediction, roster and more
WRITING HISTORY
Yeager prepares for 20th season at Mountain Brook
Rocco Gray jumps back on field after ACL injury
FOOTBALLMetro COMPLETING THE TRILOGY
EJ Kerley trying to complete his promises as senior
Spain Park set to write new chapter after success last year
IN THE JUNGLE Season preview, breakdown, prediction, roster and more
FOOTBALLMetro THE BIG BRAIN
Caleb Boylan looks to leave mark in final year of football
THE REBELS OF CLASS 7A Season preview, breakdown, prediction, roster and more EMBRACE THE CHALLENGES Evans building Vestavia Hills up with challenging schedule
2
Renowned Excellence
Samford is a leading nationally ranked Christian university, renowned for excellence, robust in opportunities, intentional in fostering connection and committed to cultivating students’ foundational faith. Samford fields 17 NCAA Division I varsity sports in the historic Southern Conference, and our 10 academic schools prepare students in a variety of disciplines. Now, options are available to earn college credit at Samford while still in high school.
samford.edu/go/discover Samford. Where passion meets purpose.
STAFF
EDITORIAL
Michaela Bankston
Dave Domescik
Daniel Locke
Anna Grace Moore
Tyler Raley
Andrew Simonson
Noah Wortham
PRODUCTION
Sydney Allen
Rowan Futrell
Jamie Dawkins
Connor Martin-Lively
MARKETING
Noah Brakefield
Evann Campbell
Octavia Campbell
Rachel Henderson
Rhett McCreight
Tori Smith
Viridiana Romero
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Anna Marie Cleckler
Mary Jo Eskridge
Stacey Meadows
Lauren Morris
Kayla Reeves
Leslie Reeves
Brittany Schofield
ADMINISTRATIVE
Alec Etheredge
SCNI
Shelby County Newsmedia, Inc.
This is a publication of Shelby County Newsmedia, Inc. P.O. Box 947
115 North Main Street Columbiana, AL 35051 phone: 205.669.3131 advertise@shelbycountyreporter.com
IT’S ANOTHER YEAR AND ANOTHER MAGAZINE, BUT A NEW FACE AT THE FRONT.
High school football season is here in front of us once again, sure to bring us new highlights, new thrills and new memories for all to look forward to. With that comes the question: What can I expect from my team this season?
Metro Football
Magazine is your place to find the answer to that inquiry, and after a successful first year of bringing you all that you need to know for Friday Night lights, this publication is back once again, bigger and better than before.
From the editor
hope you enjoy what it contains.
Since this time last year, Shelby County Newsmedia, Inc. has launched three new magazines in Trussville Living, Leeds Living and Moody Living. Just like last year where we aimed to bring our football magazine to our pre-existing magazines, it was only fitting that we do the same for the new trio.
As a staff writer for the Shelby County Reporter that covers just about everything, you might recognize the name at the end of this letter from the feature stories written in last year’s edition.
I was lucky enough to write those features as a sports intern last summer. Now a graduate of Auburn University with a degree in sports journalism and a full-time employee of SCR, I am honored to give you a face to the name and put my stamp on a product that was the highlight of my internship last year.
As a Shelby County kid born and raised, I have embraced what Friday nights have had to offer throughout my life and continued to while I was a student at Oak Mountain High School. I put that same excitement into all that is inside this magazine over the last two months, and I
Last season, we saw the Hoover Buccaneers take on a sudden coaching change and prove any doubters wrong with a strong performance. We saw the Spain Park Jaguars rattle off their first undefeated regular season in school history on their way to an appearance in the quarterfinals in the Class 6A state playoffs. The Homewood Patriots also shined once again, as Ben Burgeson led his squad to his 11th appearance in the postseason, still having not missed one as the head coach.
We now welcome the Hewitt-Trussville Huskies, Clay-Chalkville Cougars, Moody Blue Devils and Leeds Greenwave to the mix, all ready to make noise.
Inside, you will see an extensive preview of each of the 10 squads filled with rosters, schedules, position breakdowns, players to watch, key losses from last season, historical stats and last, but certainly not least, my prediction for your squad in 2025. My top games for the season are included, as well.
Also included are feature stories of a highlight player from each team, giving you a look inside an important theme for them and what makes them a significant leader for their school.
No matter what school colors are in your blood or how your team does, I hope you feel the genuine emotions of the high school season just like I do. And if you catch me on the sidelines reporting, don’t be afraid to come up and say hello, because meeting all of you is part of what makes my job fun.
Good luck this fall, and let the magic begin.
Tyler Raley, Staff Writer Tyler.Raley@ShelbyCountyReporter.com
VIEWING MENU
A guide to the season’s must-see games
1. HOOVER VS. THOMPSON OCT. 17
As possibly the top rivalry in Alabama, both Hoover and Thompson have been two of the three major contenders for the Class 7A, Region 3 title. Just it has been as of late, the championship could be on the line once again at the end of the season.
3. SPAIN PARK VS. HOOVER AUG. 29
It’s safe to say that the battle between these two rivals produced last year was one of the best games of the entire 2024 season. Hoover now seeks revenge on the Jaguars, trying to make a statement in week two of a tough schedule.
5. HOOVER VS. IMG ACADEMY AUG. 22
It is not often that someone from the state of Alabama takes on IMG Academy, but the Hoover Bucs are doing so for the fourth time to kick off the year. A win would be monumental for the program, making headlines across the country.
2. CLAY-CHALKVILLE VS. THOMPSON OCT. 3
The last three matchups in this short series have seen these two teams be separated by a combined seven points. Additionally, the Cougars have taken the last two in dramatic fashion. Now, Thompson looks to win its first in the series since 2022.
4. MOUNTAIN BROOK VS. CLAY-CHALKVILLE OCT. 3
Mountain Brook has been defeated by Clay-Chalkville by one possession each of the last three meetings, but have been one of the Cougars’ most competitive opponents recently. This year should produce more of the same, as the Spartans look to claim victory for the first time since 2020.
6. MOODY @ AUBURN SEPT. 26
Jake Ganus has made an effort to schedule difficult non-region opponents in his time at Moody. He has now scheduled his team to play the Auburn Tigers for the first time ever, presenting another challenge to his squad in the middle of the season as they near the postseason.
7. LEEDS VS. MOODY OCT. 10
Leeds and Moody have become two of the top programs to watch in Class 5A as of late and are both constantly competing for the Class 5A, Region 6 title. Between two great coaches in Jerry Hood and Jake Ganus, this year’s game could decide the region title once again.
9. HOMEWOOD VS. MOUNTAIN BROOK SEPT. 26
It is another year of both the Patriots and the Spartans bringing solid groups of players to the table for a matchup that has turned heads and absolutely has the chance of doing the same in September.
11. MOUNTAIN BROOK @ OXFORD SEPT. 19
When these two squads met in 2024, it was a battle to the death, with Oxford coming out on top. Now, Mountain Brook looks to head on the road to take the win back, making a statement Class 6A, Region 6 win.
13. HEWITT-TRUSSVILLE VS. THOMPSON OCT. 3
In three of the last four contests Hewitt-Trussville has given itself a true chance to make magic and come out on top. This is another opportunity to make it happen with a potent returning defense.
8. HOOVER VS. PARKER
SEPT. 26
The Bucs were taken down by the Thundering Herd in a contest of two Alabama powerhouses in 2024. Hoover knows that it was just a few plays away from defeating a top team in the state and wants to leave no crumbs on the table in this rematch.
10. HOMEWOOD @ BRIARWOOD AUG. 29
The Lions and Patriots have gone back and forth with each other over the last handful of years. In 2025, Briarwood looks to earn another intriguing home win at Lions Pride Stadium in week two of the season.
12. HEWITT-TRUSSVILLE VS. HOOVER SEPT. 12
After taking back-to-back meetings for the first time in the series, Hewitt-Trussville lost by one point late in a low-scoring defensive affair in 2024, but is looking to become a consistent winner in the series.
14. HOMEWOOD VS. JOHN CARROLL AUG. 22
John Carroll may not have had the best of seasons in 2024, but this is the Battle of Lakeshore. This game brings emotions out across Homewood, and the season opener is bound to do that once again.
Clay-Chalkville
COUGARS
Greatness is the standard at Clay-Chalkville, and with a household name entering year two as the leader in Stuart Floyd, the bar continues to rise, especially with experienced players and future college athletes on the roster.
Floyd has been an assistant coach for the Cougars on their last two championship-winning teams, and under his leadership, his offenses have made statements year after year.
Although Clay-Chalkville suffered a three-loss season in 2024 for the first time since 2019, it returns some key starters that are sure to make an impact on Jerry Hood Field.
A wealth of skill players on the offensive side of the ball will see the Cougars have a lethal option available no matter which type of play they go to. On the other side, the defense showcases an immense amount of physicality, bringing strong tackling to the forefront of it all.
So with another tough schedule on the docket for 2025, there will be challenges to face at every turn. However, if the history of the ClayChalkville program indicates anything at all, it’s that this team will be a state title contender once again, and a formidable one at that.
MEET THE TEAM
QUARTERBACK
Looking to follow in his older brother’s footsteps, Aaron Frye is taking the field for his second year as the starting quarterback of the Cougars. The senior is described as having the true demeanor to play quarterback and the full package of skills. Floyd loves Frye’s ability to throw the ball, but his speed also stands out as someone who can run a 4.4 40-yard dash. Having a strength of improvisation along with that quickness allows him to put everything on the line when needed. CJ Eldridge will stand behind him waiting for his opportunity.
RUNNING BACK
Running back has been a strength over the years for Clay-Chalkville, and this season is no different. While Aaron Osley has now departed the program, Josh Woods will fit in nicely after he was Osley’s right-hand man in 2024. Woods ran for close to 1,000 yards last season and has all the skills to be a strong back, sitting at 5-foot-10, 202 pounds. Aaron Robinson will be next to him this year, and the junior may be small, but is as fast as lightning. Nasir Ray will also spend some time in the backfield as a hybrid back.
CLASSIFICATION
AHSAA Class 6A, Region 6
2024 RECORD 9-3 (5-1 Region 6)
HEAD COACH
Stuart Floyd RECORD 9-3 (Second Year)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Preston Hatcher, Jake Helveston, Kyle Dickerson, Justin Burdette, Gene Richardson, Darius McCall, Jake Hibbs, Brooks Garrett, Andrew Dickerson, Josh Cheek, Fred Flowers, Gavin Wilson, Patrick Hatcher, Zach Wilson
LAST REGION TITLE 2023
LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2024
Aaron Frye
RECEIVER
The receiving game is emerging with many guys that Aaron Frye will be able to trust when throwing the ball down the field. One of the most intriguing in that department is senior Corey Barber, who returns back to the Cougars after a year at Spain Park. He serves as a vertical threat with a lot of pure talent at 6-foot-1, 185 pounds. Alongside him will be another senior in Jacari Johnson, who came along last season as someone who gained a lot of trust. Frye will also have a younger option in sophomore Kaleb Amerson, who stands at 6-foot-1, who has put on one of the best offseasons out of anyone on the team. Caden Farris and Braxton Burt will serve as slot guys as well and are both going to mix into the rotation with their shiftiness. Justin Feggins will extend the pass game as a tight end who will play a big role at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The offensive line is showing strength in size, and against the competition that Clay-Chalkville plays, size is imperative. Jayden Jones leads the group at center as a four-year starter and has played in a lot of big moments as a Cougar. His 6-foot-3, 270-pound size makes him a formidable force, helping him receive attention from FCS programs. Tavaris Powell will play outside at right tackle, and the 6-foot-5, 290-pound junior served as the sixth
2025 SCHEDULE
Aug. 22: @ Hueytown
Aug. 29: Ramsay
Sept. 5: Pell City*
Sept. 12: @ Shades Valley*
Sept. 19: Brandon, MS
Sept. 26: Thompson
Oct. 3: @ Mountain Brook*
Oct. 10: @ Huffman*
Oct. 17: Oxford*
Oct. 23: Pinson Valley*#
*Region Game #Thursday Game
lineman in 2024, but after growing into his body, is expected to have a breakout year. Sophomore Christian Bennett will play across the line at left tackle, and with several Division I offers at 6-foot3, 265 pounds shows solid feet and a ton of aggressiveness. Shamar Smith is a smaller junior that will play at guard at 5-foot-11, 260 pounds, while the other guard spot will be between James Felder and Julian Boyd. For a group with that build on them, the physicality is there, so if the communication gets better, this will be a hard room to get past.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Just like the other side of the line, the defensive front is riddled with talent across the board, led by junior Colton McIntyre. At 6-foot, 287 pounds, McIntyre is a returning All-State player and is the anchor on the front with
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Corey Barber, WR Barber comes back to the Cougars after a short stint at Spain Park and one of the best seasons in the state on the receiving end, stepping in with hot hands.
Aaron Frye, QB
The second-year starting quarterback has aspirations of playing at the next level after throwing for 2,160 yards and 20 total touchdowns as a junior.
Xavier Starks, S
The now senior safety has become a true dynamic threat on the Clay defense after racking up 70 tackles over the course of the 2024 season.
Colton McIntyre, DT
As a proven younger leader along the defensive line, McIntyre tallied eight sacks as a sophomore and looks to build on that as a junior.
KEY DEPARTURES
Na’Karius Allen, LB Allen’s dynamic play-making ability proved crucial and will be missed on the defensive side of the football after he posted 76 tackles and eight sacks in his final season as a Cougar.
Aaron Osley, RB Osley pushed himself and ran for more than 1,000 yards in his season and joined an elite group of backs in the state of Alabama that eclipsed that distance in his final season of high school football.
Patrick Smith, DE
The big man for the Cougars held a heavy presence in opposing backfields, racking up six sacks for Clay-Chalkville in his senior year and being a leader of a physical group of rushers.
QUICK HITS
BE A FINISHER Although the stats show that the Cougars scored close to 35 points on average in 2024, Stuart Floyd said that a big struggle was finishing in the red zone. This season, Floyd wants his team to put a heavy emphasis on scoring when the odds are with them and gain a sense of completion with each drive.
KEEPING THE PROGRAM GOING Floyd is entering his second season as the head coach of Clay-Chalkville, but prior to being hired, he was no stranger to the program. Floyd served as an assistant coach for the Cougars both before and after leading the Mortimer Jordan Blue Devils in 2021 season. He also looks to become one of the elite few to lead his squad to a state title as both a head coach and player for the same school.
Colton mcintyre
2025 Clay-chalkville Roster
EDITOR’S 2025 PREDICTION (9-1)
While many of the starters and key players from last year's team are returning for another year of football, that does not make the schedule any less difficult. However, the experience those players bring in, especially the ones with big collegiate offers, are going to play a factor in how the Cougars fare throughout the year. That, in combination with the determination to not end the season with a bitter feeling this year, should help propel them to some solid wins. A big slot of three games stands in the middle of the road though in playing Brandon out of Mississippi, Thompson and Mountain Brook. I do believe that performing well in the first four games of the year leading up to that trio will be crucial in determining how they will play. The 2025 offseason has placed a large focus on finishing, whether that be reps, games or the season. I think that turns around this campaign, one that should put them in a solid position to win the Class 6A, Region 6 title.
some solid mid-major offers. Keith Richmond is another junior with him at 6-foot-3, 217 pounds and is described by Floyd as a genetic freak with a crazy motor and a speed that will kill in pass rushing. Lincoln Moxey Jr. will also see a lot of time in his senior year alongside Javiyeen
Taylor and Carlos Pope. The group as a whole is expected to be explosive and will be chaotic in blitz packages. The depth also allows for the group to always have a fresh body on the field, which they hope yields more big plays and more help for the linebackers.
KEY NUMBERS
Throughout the course of their 2024 campaign, the Cougars held six opponents to seven points or less, marking the stifling defensive presence they had on the field. Giving up an average of 11.8 points per game, Clay-Chalkville was one of the top overall defenses in both Class 6A and the state as a whole. With a number of key guys from that team returning, there is hope for much of the same in the coming fall.
2,160
Aaron Frye has football in his genes, and after throwing for 2,160 yards in his first year as a starter, he has big aspirations to play college football just like his brother Ashton, who plays at Grambling State. He has a true dual-threat ability to keep defenses guessing and looks to accomplish higher goals after helping to lead the Cougars offense to score nearly 35 points per game as a junior.
LINEBACKER
Floyd did not hesitate to emphasize that his group of linebackers are young, but followed that up with the fact that they are very athletic. Isaiah Brown is a junior that will be the thumper in the middle at 236 pounds. Junior Quinton Lowe will also spend time in the middle at 230 pounds, and both guys are due for a big year with their physicality. Leland Johnson will serve as a smaller guy on the edge at 5-foot-11, 168 pounds with junior Jamario Yadao, who are both built to be a hybrid as nickel linebackers and safeties. Javiyeen Taylor will also play on the weak-side boundary and can absorb contact well.
SECONDARY
The secondary is mostly set in stone with some returners, as Xavier Starks will be a key athlete as a safety with great acceleration along with firstyear starter Josh Ivy. At corner, Deon
Callins does not give up a lot of size at 6-foot, with Brayden Butler, Lance Lee and Keith Scott competing for the other spot.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Joseph Del-Toro is returning to be the kicker after playing football for the first time last season. The senior is known as “The Bull” and is consistent from 35 yards and in, while still learning and growing. Xavier Starks will take his spot back in the punting game after serving there last season. Who will be long snapping is still a question that is up in the air, but CJ Eldridge and Josh Ivy are both contenders.
2024 STATS
2024 RESULTS
City# W 33-3
Muscle Shoals# L 21-31
Game
PROUD SPONSOR OF METRO FOOTBALL
Following the F ootsteps
Clay-Chalkville quarterback Aaron Frye preparing for his next steps
SWritten by TYLER RALEY | Photos by JAKE MCCUNE
Standing on the football field on a sunny day when they were younger, Aaron Frye and his older brother Ashton were running around slinging the pigskin and beginning to work on the skills of football.
The brothers competed day in and day out with the goal of becoming great, becoming the idols they watched growing up on the television.
Just a number of years later, Aaron watched as Ashton began playing on Friday nights as a
quarterback. He knew the sport was destiny for them.
After watching his brother shine in the limelight, Aaron is now in the same spot that Ashton was in four years ago, ready to shine just as he’s always learned to.
For him, it is all about following in the footsteps that his brother left, wanting to write his own story and make history.
BROTHERLY LOVE
Growing up with siblings sparks a unique familial bond, one that is rooted in competition.
One thing is for sure—Aaron is no stranger to that.
Aaron and his older brother, Ashton, are separated by four years. Despite the gap, the two have never taken it easy on each other, not even on day one.
Before all of that though, Aaron will emphasize that watching Ashton train was part of the reason that he fell in love with the game and found a home in the end zone.
“We started playing around the same year but he started training a little earlier than me,” Aaron said. “I was 5 years old and I was watching him and we both play quarterback, so that’s where I got my love for playing this position and playing the game.”
From the moment they stepped on the turf, everything they did together was like a rivalry. It was truly all about beating the other and standing on the
mountaintop.
No matter the result though, the drills they went through were learning moments for Aaron, as he got to craft his skills from someone he looked up to each day.
“It was always a competition going on of who would do the best in games or during training,” Aaron said. “We would go outside and just play around and (Ashton) would be like a personal trainer for me in getting better and stuff.”
The skills Ashton taught him were a by-product of all that their dad taught them through little league football as their coach.
Being his coach did not earn Aaron any extra special treatment though. Instead, it made it more difficult, more memorable and as a result, more prepared for the high school level.
“If I did bad, he would yell, scream and get up my butt,” Aaron said. “It was constantly him coaching and never giving up on us that really got us better and gave us that mental toughness that we have.”
BECOMING THE MASTER
Clay-Chalkville has had a history of winning over the years, securing three state championships since 2010.
Without a doubt, being the leader of the offense is no easy task. With that comes the requirement of being calm under pressure, something Aaron understood when he takes the field each time.
“Playing (in Class) 6A, playing 7A schools and stuff, it’s real good competition,” Aaron said. “People are bound to make plays, and that’s going against what I do. So (I try) not letting that get in my head and continuing to play with a next play mindset.”
Aaron enters his second year as the starting quarterback of the Cougars, having taken over for now Alabama athlete Jaylen Mbakwe.
Through that time, Aaron has learned a lot about what it takes to become the next star at Clay and trying to lead it to the school’s next blue map.
“Last year was all about learning more about the position and playing at a high level, getting my eyes in the right spot,” Aaron said. “I wasn’t a real talkative guy, so over this spring and summer, I’ve incorporated becoming a more vocal leader instead of just doing the right thing.”
Success is not a product of just mental and physical actions, however. It can also be emotional in how one carries themself throughout the course of a season.
Aaron’s background has always taught him that he only wants the best for himself and whoever he is playing with. It has caused him to always be confident and positive, competing to be first, not second or third.
“We have history of winning at Clay so a lot rides on being a good player here,” Aaron said. “The mindset is always to win, especially at this program, and I can’t do that if I’m not in the best mindset and supporting my teammates and them supporting me.”
BEING THE BEST
For as long as he can remember, Aaron has worn the number one on his jersey when given the opportunity.
He symbolizes wearing the number through his drive to be on top and through the players that he idolizes— Jayden Daniels, Lamar Jackson and Bryce Young, all of whom have won the Heisman Trophy.
However, striving to be the best has not simply been defined as what Aaron does in games, but also what he does in practice as well.
His head coach, Stuart Floyd, knows how to win. As a result, he’s put his team through drills to set up the best possible path to success.
“He’s a real disciplined coach, so we have a lot of extra effort drills or stuff where there’s a lot of commands going on,” Aaron said. “We do that when we’re tired so it translates on the field—we’re tired and we can’t miss a call or miss a beat because we’re tired so we’ve got to have disciplined communication as he preaches every day.”
Even outside of working with the team as a whole, Floyd has worked with Aaron in a more personalized sense.
Floyd has been Aaron’s coach since he was a freshman at Springville High School. Over the last three seasons, the coach has learned all of his quarterback’s tendencies, not hesitating to help him get better at any opportunity.
“When I first started playing the position at the high school level, my feet were real antsy and in the wrong places,” Floyd said. “Him slowing the game down in drills, before practices, or on film and in the VR, that’s just getting my mind right and my mental reps right.”
Floyd’s assistance has played a part in why Aaron currently has eight Division I offers on the table, making him another Frye that’s destined to play college football.
Aaron still has work to do though, wanting to finish the job on the same field he grew up playing on while also never hesitating to emphasize his love for being a Clay-Chalkville Cougar.
“I’ve been a Cougar my whole life since I was 5, playing on the same field, so it means a lot to me to be a ClayChalkville Cougar,” Aaron said. “I hold that dear to my heart wearing that CC across my chest or anything related to this school.”
Hewitt-Trussville
HUSKIES
If there is a year for anything to happen for the Hewitt-Trussville Huskies, now is the time. One of the big powerhouses in Class 7A, the Huskies return many key pieces from 2024 and are on the brink of being at the mountaintop.
Head coach Josh Floyd enters his 12th season at the helm of the program and after suffering two one-possession losses to Hoover and Thompson that truly changed the season, he believes his team’s motivation and returning talent can get the job done this year.
With eight returning starters back on a defense that was at the top of the classification last year, confidence is high, but the bar is raised to meet what was set last year, as Hewitt only gave up 9.5 per game. Combine that with the skill players on offense that showcase a ton of agility, and you have a team that will be a challenge for all to compete against.
The Huskies now have more maturity and experience, so if they can translate it to game action this fall, they will not only achieve a home playoff game in round one, but maybe more as well.
MEET THE TEAM
QUARTERBACK
The reins have been handed off to Zac Benedict now with the departure of Noah Dobbins at quarterback, and Floyd feels confident in his new guy based on his offseason. At 6-foot, 190 pounds, Benedict has placed heavy emphasis on improving his reads of the defense and going through his progressions. The senior got a little playing time last year and has transformed into a leader that wants to work hard, however, the first few games of the year will be huge for him. Floyd’s sons Parker and Jack could also see some time if needed this season as well, with Parker possibly having some packages at the position and Jack having knowledge as a freshman from learning from his older brother and former Huskies quarterback, Payton.
RUNNING BACK
Deuce Alston played a huge part in HewittTrussville’s success last season, and heading into his final year, the Kentucky commit is looking to contribute more than he ever has. At 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, Alston is a big and physical power back that has become tough to bring down between the tackles with his physicality, while also having the skills to catch the ball out of the backfield. James Kelly will
CLASSIFICATION
AHSAA Class 7A, Region 3
2024 RECORD 8-3 (5-2 Region 3)
HEAD COACH
Josh Floyd
RECORD 90-38 (12th Year)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Sean Talsma, Ethan Carroll, Dylan Haraway, Brad Boyette, Jake Garrett, Jean Cherizol, Ben Ramer, Shaq Jones, Danny Ward, Brandon Herring, Tyrece Mickens, Dedrick Carr, Alex Deal, Bryan Hinds, Trae Stowe
LAST REGION TITLE 2017
LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2024
Deuce Alston
play alongside him outside of his receiving duties and is seen as the fastest guy on the team. CJ Davis, son of former Auburn cornerback Chris Davis, is also a guy who is expected to see a bit of playing time as a sophomore and has become versatile, ultimately earning offers from notable collegiate programs.
RECEIVER
The receiving corps is in a comfortable spot with many solid athletes taking the field for Benedict to sling the rock to. Three-year starter Dylan Cope leads the way, and the 6-oot-3, 190-pound veteran carries good speed from the track and was the leading receiver last year with 503 yards and five touchdowns. His abilities have earned him offers from the SEC, and he is now expected to take that
2025 SCHEDULE
Aug. 22: Johnson Abernathy
Graetz
Aug. 29: @ Gadsden City
Sept. 5: Vestavia Hills*
Sept. 12: @ Hoover*
Sept. 19: @Hillcrest Tuscaloosa*
Sept. 26: Pinson Valley
Oct. 3: Thompson*
Oct. 10: @ Prattville*
Oct. 17: @ Oak Mountain*
Oct. 24: Tuscaloosa County*
*Region Game
next step. James Kelly, even at 218 pounds, has the ability to fly and will be a deep threat throughout the season. DJ Hall also serves as someone with solid speed, and the junior has shown he can make tough catches in traffic, even at
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Dylan Cope, WR
Cope was the Huskies’ leading wideout in the 2024 season with 503 receiving yards and five touchdowns, and looks to make a bigger statement this year.
Deuce Alston, RB
The Kentucky commit has proven that he has talents both running and catching the ball out the backfield and will be a force with his physicality.
Parker Floyd, LB
Floyd was just one of the many forces leading the Huskies defense to be the best in Class 7A with 105 tackles as the inside linebacker in his junior year.
De’Narrius Crawford, LB
After posting 91 tackles and five pass breakups in 2024, Crawford complimented Floyd as the outside linebacker and is an explosive athlete.
KEY DEPARTURES
Michael Igbinoghene, DB
Now at Tulane, Igbinoghene was an allaround athlete at Hewitt-Trussville, but mostly played in the secondary where his true forces stood out in big ways.
Mason Holloway, OL
As a two-year starter on the offensive line, Holloway was the only starter that left the front line, but at the same time was a solid leader among a group of experienced players.
Drew Ollis, P
Ollis was a solid punter that averaged nearly 40 yards with each punt, making him a reliable option to pin opposing offenses deep.
Owen Robinson, LB
While the linebackers are still a very deep group, Robinson served as a solid outside option to play alongside both Crawford and Floyd last fall.
2025 Hewitt-Trussville Roster
5-foot-11. Junior Riley O’Neill will see a little playing time as a role player, alongside senior Dane Askins, both of whom saw some action last year as well. Meanwhile, Jackson Martin will serve as the tight end as a junior, and the 6-foot4, 240-pound big man has a lot of strength and great ball skills.
OFFENSIVE LINE
A lot of positivity is on the table for the program with four starters on the offensive line back, and with a new fulltime starting quarterback, that is a huge plus for the offense as a whole. Jackson Reeves, Joshua Moore and Jackson Webb are all returning seniors that average out at about 250 pounds each.
Playing right tackle, right guard and center, respectively, the right side of the line will be the major strength of the group with its experience and bond between the players. Micah Fantroy is the other starter returning, and the junior will stay at left guard to help the interior. The left tackle spot is up in the air, but junior Calvyn Speigner saw action in the spring game at the spot.
DEFENSIVE LINE
The defensive line, after a fantastic year in 2024, is showing back up ready to work and achieve bigger goals on the gridiron, especially with the amount of talent it has. D’ante Seals is a junior defensive end that is currently a four-
star prospect with SEC offers. Floyd expects the 6-foot-3, 235 pound edge to go to work and channel his energy from the offseason into each play. Baasel Alabsi will be a leader alongside him as a senior, and with FCS offers in hand has grown tremendously with a good spring. Preston Bozeman is also a senior that has given himself a great chance to start with his work on the weights and a growing confidence. Sophomore Michael Ross will serve as the nose guard and see some early experience.
LINEBACKER
All-State linebackers return to the field in De’Narrius Crawford and Parker Floyd, two guys who can do it all. At 6-foot, 190
pounds, Crawford sets up on the outside and works well off the edge, but can also read routes well. His 91 tackles and five pass break ups last season helped as a big source of production. Floyd will be on the interior and has an understanding of everything. His 5-foot-10, 200-pound frame has provided him with some strength and the agility to make some shoestring tackles at the same time. Junior Harrison Malone will be the other outside linebacker and was moved there
after some time as a running back in order to see the field. Antonio Wynn will play behind them and will be molded in order to take over next season.
SECONDARY
The secondary, like the linebackers, sits in a big spot with the amount of athleticism scattered across the field. Will Phillips is one of the top returners and plays as a strong safety. With his 6-foot-2 length can go up and make plays in pass coverage, and will be
2024 STATS
2024 RESULTS
*Region Game
#Playoff Game
5-YEAR WIN TREND
QUICK HITS
KEEP THE DEFENSIVE STANDARD
Hewitt-Trussville turned a lot of heads in 2024 after they sat at the top of Class 7A in scoring defense. The Huskies gave up just 9.5 points per game last season, being seemingly impossible to score on. Now in 2025, Hewitt has a core group of defensive starters returning in Parker Floyd, De’Narrius Crwaford, Will Phillips, D’ante Seals and more. With that group taking the field once again, they will have a high bar to meet in order to live up to the expectations that were set last season. With the leadership though, it is not an impossible feat to meet.
ON THE BRINK
Coach Floyd described the Huskies’ one-possession losses to Hoover and Thompson as two results that really made a difference in the season. Quite frankly, he’s correct. Due to those two defeats, Hewitt-Trussville was forced to make its way down to Baker for the first round of the playoffs instead of playing on its home turf, which can be big in many cases. Over Floyd’s tenure, he has defeated Hoover and Thompson a combined six times, but in reality, those two series are closer than records would indicate. Those two games will be crucial if the Huskies want a home playoff game in 2025.
PROTECT THE NEW GUY
Zac Benedict will be the new quarterback for Hewitt-Trussville this season. Luckily for him, he has four returning starters on the offensive line in front of him for protection, which is an optimistic asset for a new starting quarterback to have. The four returners up front for the Huskies will be instrumental in helping Benedict get settled early before a tough region slate.
SPECIAL TEAMS
90
expected to do so as a third-year starter. Hayden Chauvin serves as the free safety and the voice of the secondary alongside him, and after putting on 15 pounds in the weight room is making strides to become a great tackler and great athlete down the field. Caden Ali has FBS offers at corner and has natural explosiveness to go up in a manto-man situation. Ethan Ridley is a taller corner at 6-foot-3 that will play opposite Ali and be difficult to throw the ball over. He and Simeon Watson will compete for the second corner spot.
Banks Lloyd and Nathan Fritz are in the running at kicker, with Fritz also competing with Tony Hrbacek for the punting job. Long snapper has close to five guys competing, including junior Will Miller and sophomore Harris Tuggle. The return game will feature an array of athletes.
EDITOR’S 2025 PREDICTION (8-2)
When it comes to Hewitt-Trussville over recent seasons, its performance on the gridiron begs me to say that it is on the rise, even despite its record being consistent as of late. 2023 saw the Huskies make their first appearance in the state semifinals since 1996. 2024 saw them post the top scoring defense in Class 7A, only giving up 9.5 points per game. It is not that far-fetched to say that Trussville might return to do more of the same this year. With eight starters returning on the defensive side of the ball, the defense will be one to watch. Overall, this season lines up to be another successful one on paper, and with a ton positive confidence reeling throughout the offseason, Josh Floyd, I know, will have his squad ready to fight for every point, especially against Hoover and Thompson , two games that will be coin flips.
KEY NUMBERS
9.5
Josh Floyd enters his 12th year as the head coach of Hewitt-Trussville and has tallied 90 wins to this point. Those victories sit him as the second-winningest coach in the program’s history behind the great Jack Wood. Floyd has been a leader that has put the Huskies in a position for success each fall, and having coached multiple sons throughout the process, has seen it all when it comes to donning the red and white.
While Hewitt-Trussville may be a consistently successful team in one of the most competitive regions in the state, it has not been able to get over a hump of winning more than 10 games in a while. In fact, it has been since 2017 since the Huskies surpassed that mark, which was also when the team last won a region title. Floyd looks to lead his group back to that mark after sniffing it in recent seasons. Dylan cope
The Huskies defense proved to be the top defense in all of Class 7A last season after giving up just 9.5 points per game throughout their 11-game campaign. Just three opponents scored more than 14 points in that span, two of which handed Hewitt-Trussville a loss on its record. A solid group of that defense is returning to the field this season, which the Huskies hope means more of the same trend.
2017
Continuing a legacy
Parker Floyd carries on a family business at Hewitt-Trussville
Written by TYLER RALEY | Photos by DAWN HARRISON
OOn Friday nights during the 2023 football season, residents of the city of Trussville came out and sat in the stands week after week to watch another football season for their Hewitt-Trussville Huskies.
As weeks passed by, fans watched senior quarterback Peyton Floyd as he led a charge to carry the Huskies through a historic season, making their first run to the semifinals of a postseason since 1996.
Helping make plays on defense and watching Peyton on the sideline—his younger brother Parker. Who was their coach? Their dad, Josh.
That season was a large culmination of all the hard work the Floyds had put into the game up to that point, and after Peyton made his legacy, Parker knew it was time to truly cement his.
Despite the time finally coming for him to step into the limelight of being a standout for HewittTrussville, Parker is in the middle of a family business, so greatness is in his DNA.
Now, as he prepares to step into Husky Stadium for his final year, it is time to showcase that, bouncing
off of a season where he made many headlines.
PLAYIING FOR COACH AND DAD
The year of 2014 brought along a new era to Parker’s life, and even the Floyds as a whole.
That year marked Parker’s first time playing tackle football, when he was in the first grade. Not only that, but he was adjusting to a new environment after moving into Trussville with his family for his dad’s new job.
It was not the move though that sparked his passion for football. It was instead a longtime passion that was made a reality at the right time.
“Obviously with my dad growing up, I’ve always been around it, it’s always been something that I’ve wanted to do because its’s something I’ve grown up around... I’ve enjoyed every minute of it," said Parker Floyd.
The family moved to Alabama from Arkansas, where Josh Floyd was the head football coach of
Shiloh Christian School in Springdale, Arkansas. He got the job at Hewitt-Trussville, which is where he remains today.
Having his dad as a coach allows Parker to see the game from many different perspectives, whether that is through another player’s eyes, from a strategic coaching perspective or from being a mentor.
Parker attributes a lot of his development as a player to what his dad does and is confident in saying that he would not be where he is without his father.
“I think it’s been great having him by my side being able to coach me,” Parker said. “He’s always helped me with certain skills no matter what position I’ve been at over the years, but also just maturing and growing as a player. Seeing both sides of everything throughout football has just been really helpful.”
Even when he is not on the gridiron, Parker always finds himself talking about the game, except at home, it’s with dad.
While they try not to let it be a topic in every conversation, it is just a fact that in the Floyd household, football connects the family.
“It’s definitely a constant conversation whenever we eat dinner, but we try not to always talk about it,” Parker said. “We definitely end up talking a little whether it’s questions about film or whatever it is. We definitely talk about it a lot.”
A LEG UP ON COMPETITION
Parker is surrounded by talented athletes, whether it has been with family or not. Outside of his dad though, he has had an advantage that only some can say they have on the gridiron—brothers who play the sport as well.
Parker is the middle of three sons in the Floyd family. Peyton is his older brother who plays quarterback for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, while his younger brother, Jack, is a freshman quarterback for the Huskies.
The sibling rivalry has always been present, but for Parker, it did more than just fuel his competitive fire—it made him, and his brothers, better players.
“It’s definitely been really fun, especially having an older and younger brother,” Parker said. “When I
was younger, (Peyton) was always bigger than me and definitely it was a good challenge. I think me and him have both been good with Jack too. I feel like we’ve all made each other better in different ways, just from a competitive nature.”
With both of his brothers playing quarterback, Parker has always had someone present to challenge him from an offensive perspective.
Peyton and Jack being there for his entire life have helped the linebacker to learn a new side of the game, figuring out what offensive players are thinking when the defense is in a certain coverage formation.
As a result, he takes the field with a different mindset, which ultimately helps him to read an offense quickly, sniff out what players will do and communicate to his defense accordingly.
“It has definitely helped me prepare,” Parker said. “Any time I have questions about anything from like an offensive standpoint, whether that’s my dad or my brothers, I can always go to them. They can help me understand why (opponents) do this and this, and they can help correct me so I can perfect my position.”
It also helps when Parker considers the fact that he plays beside a fellow All-State linebacker in De’Narrius Crawford.
The duo was a major two-headed monster for
Hewitt-Trussville last season and played a crucial role in the Huskies becoming the top defense in Class 7A.
The constant communication between the two of them has only added to the enjoyment of the game, a level of fun which Parker had not reached before until last year.
“Hopefully we can be even better than we were last year this year, but it’s definitely really fun,” Parker said. “I know last year is probably the most fun I’ve had, especially defensively. Going out there and getting three-and-outs all the time and holding offenses to a minimum amount of points has definitely been really fun.”
Now heading into his senior year, Parker wants to raise the bar once again and cap off another Floyd legacy while also setting the program up for the future.
CEMENT THE PAWPRINT
As one of the leaders of the team, Parker has been challenged by his dad to rise up on multiple occasions to be a leader, setting the standard and teach those who will come after him.
In the light of success that the defense has posted as of late, it is easy for high school players to get complacent. However, as a leader, Parker is trying to prevent that as best he can.
“I think for me as a leader, it’s always being mature and always keeping everybody’s head straight even when things might not be going great,” Parker said. “(Other players) see you put all that work in and see how it works out on the field for you, so then it makes them want to do it to.”
That mindset also carries over to leading the younger generations as well.
When an opportunity arises for Parker to make an impact on those who will take his shoes in the years down the road, he makes it a priority to do it to the fullest and make the kids remember it forever.
“For (the kids), they look up to us and think the world of us,” Parker said. “I think us just showing up to those, showing up and seeing them shows them how it really impacts them in many ways and shows that maybe they want to be like us one day.”
At the end of the day though, no matter if the Huskies hoist the blue map or not, Parker strives to leave his mark on the program like his family wants him to—the mark of a Husky.
“We’re one big family,” Parker said. “We’re all going to back each other up no matter the situation, we’ve always got each other’s back and we’re one big family, one big brotherhood that all loves each other.”
Homewood
PATRIOTS
Friday, Nov. 15, 2024 is a day many of the Homewood Patriots remember, as it ended in a three-point loss to Fort Payne in the second round of the Class 6A state playoffs. It left a feeling of emptiness, something the program does not want to experience again in 2025.
Heading into the fall, Ben Burgeson knows his team is not happy about the way last year ended, and now they feel as if they have a chip on their shoulder to go farther come November.
The transition of seasons does not come without its changes, and that starts at the quarterback spot with Kaleb Carson taking over. In addition to that, some turnover along the offense and defense are being brought forth, allowing some new faces to see some serious playing time.
Burgeson has made it his priority to get himself feeling good about the necessary replacements, and as the season approaches, he has achieved that with the hopes of making a 14th consecutive playoff run.
MEET THE TEAM
QUARTERBACK
The stage is set for a new leader of the offense as Will Myers has graduated and left his legacy. Senior Kaleb Carson will fill his shoes and finally get his time to shine. Carson stepped into the spotlight after Myers went down with injury and missed a lot of the last half of the season. At 5-foot-11, 170 pounds, Carson brings on a smooth dual-threat mentality, being very shifty and creative. Burgeson has also been impressed with his accuracy. Carson will mold pocket passer Jack Myers, Will’s brother, and sophomore Timothy Roshell as his backups in case he were to go down.
RUNNING BACK
A new era for the running backs has come forth as Davis Griffin becomes the starter for the 2025 campaign. The senior has the speed to be an outstanding back and is good in zone vision with breakaway speed to make him lethal at 170 pounds. Chappy Chapleau will be a second running back that will see time, and the junior serves as a thumper and will be a solid option on third downs. Reid Goldstein is a combination of both Griffin and Chapleau with his burst of speed and his will to be physical.
RECEIVER
With the departure of Kylen Newell as the leader of Homewood’s receivers, senior veteran Tomon Felton is
CLASSIFICATION
AHSAA Class 6A, Region 5
2024 RECORD 9-3 (5-1 Region 5)
HEAD COACH
Ben Berguson
RECORD
85-46 (12th Year)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Heath Brunner, Freddy Lawrence, Corey Harris, Tobbie Taylor, Jackson Hall, Mack McClung, Jason Haithcock, Eldrick Hill, Russell Martin, Charlie Goode, Myron Powe
LAST REGION TITLE 2022
LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2024
stepping up to lead the way and be one of the top pass catchers for the Patriots. Felton has become a big deep-ball threat like Newell was last year and looks to fill the athleticism that he provided. Fellow senior David Walden provides trustable catching ability in the slot and will lead with Felton in their senior years. Kam Foster is a younger athlete making his way up through the ranks that could see a starting role coming his way this season. Senior Henry Delk and juniors Cornell Warren, Landon Pettus and Caleb Jackson are all competing for the fourth spot on that line and provide a great amount of depth to the room. In the slot, Davis Litton and Winn Heath will play behind Walden, allowing the senior some rest when he needs it. In addition, J.T. Watts and Hayes DeCoudres will be able to do anything in the personnel package as tight ends.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The offensive line is where Burgeson admits there are some questions coming into the season, however size will not be much of an issue. The line returns two starters in Henry Studinka at center and Bardon King at right guard, both of whom are seniors. Weighing in at 230 and 280 pounds, respectively, both will serve as leaders, with Studinka making
2025 SCHEDULE
Aug. 22: John Carroll
Aug. 29: @ Briarwood
Sept. 5: Mortimer Jordan*
Sept. 12: @ Woodlawn*
Sept. 19: Jackson-Olin*
Sept. 26: Mountain Brook
Oct. 3: @ Gardendale*
Oct. 17: @ Parker*
Oct. 24: Minor*
Oct. 31: @ James Clemens
*Region Game
many of the calls up front. Gray Keown made the move over from his old spot on the defensive line to left tackle, putting together a solid spring at 6-foot-2, 235 pounds. Edwin McBride will be the left guard and the lightest guy on the line at 180 pounds, but his wrestling background gives him the physicality necessary to fight up front. Tristan Bell will round things out as a senior at right tackle who has not seen a lot of the field, but has a massive presence at 6-foot-3, 300 pounds. Burgeson sees them all as really scrappy kids, but they must gel together.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Randall Jaquez is back at the nose guard with his 5-foot-9, 200-pound frame and can disrupt plays very quickly,
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kaleb Carson, QB Carson is now the man at the helm of the offense after the graduation of Will Myers and will bring another dual-threat set of skills to the gridiron.
Tomon Felton, WR
The lone returning starter in the receiving corps, Felton is a deep-ball option that will be looked to to get down the field in quick fashion.
George French, CB French is finally getting his time on the playing field after having to sit in the shadows, but will be instrumental in being a leader on the outside.
John Griffin, S
Serving as the leader of the entire secondary, Griffin led the team in interceptions and showed incredible ball skills throughout the 2024 season.
KEY DEPARTURES
WR
As one of the top receivers in the state, Newell’s ability to be deep-ball threat will be missed after racking up more than 1,000 yards last season.
Walker Williams, OL Williams was a leader on the offensive line and only allowed one sack up front for the Patriots, now leaving a big hole in that group with his graduation.
Whit Armistead, K Armistead was a reliable leg to use when Homewood needed points from not-soclose range, posting a long of 42 yards in his senior season.
Trust Darnell, LB
As a dynamic force behind the defensive front, Darnell set up the 2025 group of linebackers for what they will do this season with his veteran leadership.
Kylen Newell,
John Griffin
J.D. Jordan
2025 Homewood Roster
While Homewood has not won a state title since 2005, it is still a program that is consistently making impressions and yielding success across the board. The Patriots have made the postseason each of the last 13 years and look to continually increase that number as time goes on. However, making it past the second round is something they are not very accustomed to, as they have only been there two times in that span.
KEY NUMBERS 7
Ever since Ben Burgeson became the head man at Homewood, he has found ways to win when it matters. In region contests, Burgeson has stacked up 52 wins in 11 seasons, which has earned him and the Patriots three region titles. His ability to coach players has been a massive reason behind Homewood continuing to punch a ticket into the playoffs, something he looks to continue doing as time goes on.
While not entirely happy with how last season ended, the Homewood offense continues to produce numbers on its drives. The Patriots scored 30 points or more in seven games last season, going 6-1 in those contests. The ability to move the ball in different ways has made Homewood a difficult team to stop at times, which has set them up for success more times than not. This will be a stat to focus on once again in 2025.
sometimes before the ball is even snapped. Ford Hawkins is the other senior who returns at defensive end and has a heavy pursuit off the edge that balances well with the inside presence of Jaquez. Major Moorer joins the starting group at 6-foot-4, 210 pounds and is a player that does not lose energy with a relentless motor that is difficult to stop. Rod Lambert will be the guy that has a chance to start on the edge and is coming back healthy after he broke his collarbone in the John Carroll game last year. Dennis White will be a backup at nose guard, while Jakari Haynes is beginning to turn heads as a freshman.
LINEBACKER
Joey Luckianow is a returning starter on the outside that posted a lot of tackles last year and is talented at tackling in space past the line. Henry Templeton also comes in as the other outside linebacker with a 6-foot-1, 185-pound build that allows him to be
quick and a talented tackler, especially on the short side of the field. Threeyear starter Luke Eldridge will make his way back to the inside once again after playing a little in Trust Darnell’s shadow, a spot which he can take full ownership of now. Parker Lindsey will also play on the inside, but is small. All the main players will have backups with Charlie Dabbs, Darren Stitt and J.D. Jordan playing in reserve.
SECONDARY
The secondary has a ton of promise with leaders that have set the standard for Burgeson, and he hopes that can continue once again in 2025. George French and John Martin are finally
2024 STATS
33.8
14.8
2024 RESULTS
@ John Carroll W 35-6
Briarwood W 28-7
@ Mortimer Jordan* W 49-21
Woodlawn* W 52-14
@ Jackson-Olin* W 52-0
@ Mountain Brook L 22-27
Gardendale* W 23-7 BYE Parker* L 17-27 @ Minor* W 41-0
James Clemens W 24-10 Athens# W 31-24
@ Fort Payne# L 32-35
*Region Game #Playoff Game
QUICK HITS
NEW QUARTERBACK, SAME IDENTITY
With Will Myers gone, Kaleb Carson steps under center. One thing is for certain though—they both have the same identity. Both quarterbacks are dual-threat options in an essence. Both love to throw the ball, but could run it when called upon. It makes for an easy transition period for the Homewood offense when you consider that Carson filled in for Myers last season as well when he went down. So while the face is different heading into the fall, the mindset and skills are almost the same, which might be crucial in how the Patriots operate.
REWRITE THE SCRIPT
Burgeson stated over the offseason that this year’s players feel like they are playing with a chip on their shoulder after last season’s devastating loss to Fort Payne in the playoffs. As a result, there is some determination building behind the scenes from returners. How they channel that into the games will be something to watch as the year goes on. Burgeson said that if the team can find a way to come together, they will be in good shape.
getting their time to shine on the corner, with French at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds and Martin at 6-foot, 160 pounds. Both guys are seen as talented tacklers and have good length to compliment that in coverage. Locke Tyree, Michael Luckianow and Quincy McGhee will back them up for depth. John Griffin will be the leader of the secondary at safety and led the team in interceptions in 2024. He can play close to the box as well and loves context. Ollie Whitten is getting his chance as a junior safety at 6-foot-1, 180 pounds and has great range. They will be backed up by Tate Burdeshaw and Brian Long, who like the
corners, add tremendous depth that will be crucial help down the stretch.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Homewood has to replace a solid kicker in Whit Armistead this year, a spot that is being battled out by Asher Ketcham and Judson Eanes, with Gabriel Carlson also being in the mix. Carlson is the guy though for punting and has a great hang time on his kicks and Hardy Butler has earned his fifth star in the long snapping recruiting ranks, which overall is the first in Burgeson’s history as a coach. As for the return game, John Griffin and Tomon Felton are likely to be the guys.
EDITOR’S 2025 PREDICTION (8-2)
Recent history shows that after a 9-3 season in 2024, the Homewood Patriots are due for a down year. However, even though new players are having to step to the forefront and take on some big roles, I don't believe that will be the case. Ben Burgeson sensed at the end of last fall that his team was not at all satisfied with the way the season went or ended, and rightfully so, as all three losses were by 10 points or less. That has propelled a new sense of determination to make plays, study harder and be ready for Friday nights. Two pretty emotional games in John Carroll and Briarwood are up first, and should the Patriots go 2-0, they are set up well for what is to come. The big stretch comes in the latter half of the season when Homewood faces Mountain Brook, Gardendale and Parker all in succession. Finding ways to win those games anywhere they can will help the Patriots make a statement, but on the flip side, losses can turn a ship around quickly, especially at the end of the season. While 6-4 feels like a comfortable prediction, Homewood has enough talent to get to the 8-2 record I put down.
Kaleb Carson trusts himself as Homewood’s quarterback Just Doing Not thinking,
Written by TYLER RALEY | Photos by JEREMY RAINES
SStanding outside with his mom as a young kid, Kaleb Carson tossed the football around like many other kids were at his age in order to have fun and create entertainment for himself.
Soon though, the fun that Carson was having turned into a passion. The then-young kid found something that brought him energy, something that he would soon invest himself in.
He ran around the yard before stepping out on the gridiron to do some more running. Before he knew it, he was in full pads and making a name for himself.
However, instead of thinking about it, he’ll just embrace it and let the good times roll, thinking what he has done afterwards.
It’s the way he lives his life on the field as a Homewood Patriot, so as he heads into his senior season, he will continue to do more of what led him to where he is now—not thinking about it, just doing what he does best.
THE START OF A SPRINT
Carson widened some eyes early on in his life, making it pretty evident, just like a lot of young boys, that he wanted to be involved in sports.
It is still a tough decision as to whether to truly say whether he chose athletics though, or if the athletics chose him due to his traits.
“I started playing football around the age of 5 or 6,” Carson said. “My mom, we would go out in the
yard and just throw the football, and she noticed I had a good arm on me at that age, so she just threw me in and I took it from there and I’ve just loved it ever since.”
That love for the game has continued to stay at a high level since he developed it, fitting into his energetic mindset and his quick twitch that he carries through all aspects of life.
However, Carson understands that it is more than just his drive to go the distance that has played a part in his passion. Many times, it is about taking what you can get and having confidence in other things that the results will come.
“(I love) just the work ethic you have to have to play the sport and the strength, the ability to think on the dot,” Carson said.
It is the guys around Carson that have never hesitated to help him out along the way, putting in the work so that he can be ready for the role he is filling under the Friday night lights.
Tomon Felton and George French are included in that group, but players like former quarterback Will Myers played an absolutely crucial role for Carson, as Myers was his mentor for taking his place after graduation.
“He would always talk to me and tell me to be a leader, because Will is a great leader,” Carson said. “He would just try to get to know guys on and off the field... I’m really trying to take these things that he taught me and do them for our guys now.”
It was the beginning of a ticking clock in his development, one that moved faster than Carson expected.
EARLIER THAN SCHEDULED
In the middle of the season, Myers went down with an injury that sidelined him for the back half of the season. As a result, Carson had to step up and become the leader Will taught him to be.
Carson also had to showcase his skills, but it was not as if he really was planning to use them on any certain down. It just happened.
“I really don’t know. I don’t think much during the game,” Carson said. “Whatever I see, I do. I try to get the ball to my athletes on the perimeter because I know what they can do as well... If I get in pressure, I just try to take off.”
Having to take on the pressure of being the man under center was no easy task, but for someone like Carson, it was a learning curve that many have time to prepare for.
Instead, he was thrown into the deep end of the pool, and while he was there, he figured out that having the right mindset is everything.
“You have to just go to the next play if you mess up, and you can’t overthink at this position,” Carson said. “You (also) have to be a great leader on and off the field because the team looks up to you. They look at you if something goes wrong, so you just have to help encourage guys like that.”
Carson was also assisted by some of the skills he has learned as a basketball player, where his quick thinking shines.
He attributes a lot of what he does to his talents on the court, which he is confident have put him on a path to victory—not just now, but for the future as well.
“You have to have a lot of finesse,” Carson said. “(With) the speed of basketball, you have to train. You have to be under control and not think in basketball, just react. So in football, I just use that as well.”
THE GIFT OF SUPPORT
Throughout his time as an early starter, Carson was navigating uncharted waters as the starter at the varsity level and learning how to adjust to the speed of the game.
Luckily for him, his head coach, Ben Burgeson, knows a thing or two about pushing through challenges and leading his players down the right path.
“He gave me confidence,” Carson said. “He just
told me, ‘Go out there and be you.’ I went out there and I was just comfortable already. He didn’t change anything up on offense or on defense just so I could be comfortable, but we just stuck to the plan and did everything that needed to be done.”
However, Carson had more than Burgeson behind him supporting him.
Throughout his entire life, he has felt pride in wearing the red, white and blue, as Homewood has been a special place to him full of people who are always supportive and always looking to help him take that next step.
It prepares him for Friday nights in a big way.
“Almost everybody knows each other, Carson said. “They know you love the sport. I love my teammates, they are all great people. I love coaches because we all work so hard together in the summer and in the spring, and it’s just so much fun to go out there in the fall and play for them.”
As Carson prepares to take on Waldrop Stadium for the final times, he shares the same sentiment of his teammates in wanting the Class 6A state title.
At the end of the day though, he wants to be remembered as someone who is everything a Homewood Patriot is meant to be.
“It means to be selfless, have strong work ethic, strong will,” Carson said. “You have to work hard all the time, be there for your guys on and off the field and just be you. Don’t change anything up, just be you.”
Hoover
BUCCANEERS
A dramatic change in coaches before the beginning of the 2024 last season saw many question what the Hoover Bucs were going to do with Chip English at the helm. After the performance they posted though, nobody is questioning their potential this fall.
Hoover finished the regular season with its third Class 7A, Region 3 championship in the last four years and was one game away from an appearance in the state title game for the first time since 2017
English was proud of the effort from his guys and how they met the Hoover standard, but now looks for the team to do more and do it better in order to get back to the ultimate goal.
The newer head coach has helped develop a strong senior class and coaching staff that will push the team to do more and give an extreme amount of effort to fight through any adversity they face.
With everyone learning their roles and fighting for a common goal, the only thing to do now is to go to battle every week, continuously strive to be better and do what the Bucs have set out to do every year—hoist a blue map.
MEET THE TEAM
QUARTERBACK
The Hoover Buccaneers have developed a number of talented quarterbacks through their system over the years, and they have three on the team this year who could all start and battle for time on the field. Hudson Babb is a senior that has served his time in the shadows and continued develop, becoming similar to 2024 quarterback Mac Beason. His ability to move around the pocket can help him to run if needed, but his passing ability is solid at all ranges and he succeeds in finding the open guy. Kaleb Freeman is a junior transfer from Pleasant Grove that came over with new offensive coordinator Darrell LeBeaux, where he started and has a physical body with sneaky athleticism. Meanwhile, RaKaveon Goldsmith is a sophomore with a solid arm and can extend plays well, showcasing the abilities to be successful. All of them are learning to handle pressure, but are working to do everything to the fullest and earn the starting job.
RUNNING BACK
Just like the quarterback room, the running backs have three guys who will all likely see time on the
CLASSIFICATION
AHSAA Class 7A, Region 3
2024 RECORD
10-3 (7-0 Region 3)
HEAD COACH
Chip English
RECORD
10-3 (Second Year)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Josh Reeves, Darrell LeBeaux, Gavin Hallford, Austin Harrell, Dustin Edgar, Leonard Davis, Sam Willoughby, Devin Patterson, Jerry Fuqua, Daryle Williams, Brad Pounds, Darius Arrington, William Eads, Russ Pilkington, Isaiah Jackson, Trent Richardson, David Crabtree
LAST REGION TITLE 2024
LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2024
gridiron this year with loads of talent to be seen. JR Mosley and Keilan Jefferson are both seniors that have experience in the Bucs system. At 215 pounds, Mosley brings a lot of brings a lot of explosiveness and power, but adds onto that with his ability to lead and communicate, which makes him stand out to English. Jefferson is smaller but provides the ability to make guys miss and find the holes, certifying him as a guy who is hard to bring down. The third guy is junior CJ Cowley, and the transfer from Spain Park is extremely dynamic and has fit in nicely with the offense after only recently making the move. English is a huge fan of having three running backs, knowing that is a big plus in Class 7A.
RECEIVER
Many names from the 2024 squad are recognizable in this year’s receiving room, and it all starts with the athlete that is Jonah Winston. Winston has been receiving looks from power programs for many years as a result of his ability do what is asked of him and do it well. He is also molding to his role as a captain this year with growing leadership. Jeremiah Tabb is another big name in the group who came on
2025 SCHEDULE
Aug. 22: IMG Academy, FL
Aug. 29: @ Spain Park
Sept. 5: Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa*
Sept. 12: Hewitt-Trussville*
Sept. 19: @ Prattville*
Sept. 26: @ Parker
Oct. 3: @ Oak Mountain*
Oct. 9: Tuscaloosa County*#
Oct. 17: Thompson*
Oct. 24: @ Vestavia Hills*
*Region Game
#Thursday Game
strong at the end of last season, and at 6-foot-2, 205 pounds has speed to break away to go make tough catches. Hunter Purdue and Damian Reese will also both play a good bit and make big impacts. Anderson Clark, Blake Clark, Ashtyn King and Jordan Ward will all serve as backups, but will need to get on the field to help adjust for when they step up in the 2026 season. At the tight end, replacing Ar’Mari Towns will be difficult after he left for Southside Selma, so the room will be run by committee to help the offense be more versatile.
OFFENSIVE LINE
If there is one place where Hoover will
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Jonah Winston, ATH
A fan can quite literally find Winston just about anywhere on the field, as his versatility and pure athleticism allows him to play many positions and be a top player for Hoover.
CJ Cowley, RB
The transfer from Spain Park will be a do-it-all addition in the backfield and has received a lot of attention from power collegiate programs.
Justyn Hartley, DL
Hartley led the Bucs defense with seven sacks last year and even scored twice, playing with solid force along the defensive front each game.
Trey Sanders, LB
Sanders will serve as the leader of the linebackers this year and has made a big impact since coming in as a sophomore with his intensity.
KEY DEPARTURES
LB
Torbor left the new Hoover linebackers with big shoes to fill after racking up 89 tackles and eight sacks in his final season as a Buccaneer.
Toby Richard, OL
As the leader of the offensive line, Richard made a huge impact in protection with his massive stature and strength, weighing in at more than 300 pounds.
Mac Beason, QB
Beason served as a potent passer as quarterback for Hoover last season and left his mark in his lone season with more than 2,000 passing yards.
Jamar Moultrie, DB
Playing both in the secondary and in the return game, Moultrie’s speed and athleticism was just one of many reasons the Bucs were difficult to stop.
Cameron Torbor,
DJ Waluyn Trey Sanders
2025 Hoover Roster
5-YEAR WIN TREND
have to answer questions, it is along the offensive line. The Bucs graduated their entire line last year in terms of guys who actually played, leaving many to step in and fill their shoes this fall. Lincoln Anderson will is expected to play a huge role at 6-foot-2, 275 pounds alongside Tyler Callins at 6-foot-1, 280 pounds, who got some
snaps last season. Lamar King is one of the bigger guys on the line 6-foot-3, 270 pounds and has a high potential to block well, and alongside Brayden Prince at 6-foot-3, 285 pounds, will be able to service the run and the pass game well. Joseph Cornelius will also put in some time with his 6-foot, 285-pound frame. As a whole, English
KEY NUMBERS
Justyn Hartley proved to be a force on the defensive side of the football last year. While the edge rusher racked up seven sacks, he also scored twice off of turnovers. Chip English has described him to be the type of player that opposing offenses will have to focus on in order to have success. No matter the circumstances, Hartley has made anyone who gets in his way pay and looks to do more of the same.
James Bryant is returning as the kicker for the Bucs in 2025, and after how he performed in 2024, the team is definitely happy about that. Bryant booted a couple of game-winning kicks last year, including in the season opener at Western. English feels comfortable using him from as deep as 45 yards out, but says he can hit from 50 and is extremely accurate when he steps onto the field for his duties.
knows they have good size, and the best part about the offseason has been getting used to the speed of the game for them, which they hope will pay off come the start of the schedule.
DEFENSIVE LINE
The Bucs are looking to fill the holes left by Brandon Rudolph and Pa’Landing Drammeh after their graduation, but they will not have to go far as four-star Tyson Bacon has stepped up in a big way, bringing a lot of disruption to both the run and the pass game and a want to take his game to the next level. Justyn Hartley will also be a big force after he had a big year off the edge in 2024, including his tally of two touchdowns. Jamarion White will also make a difference on the interior in his senior year as well, along with Joe Johnson and Jordan Williams, who will all be in rotation with him. Javon Pullman will get some time on the edge with Hartley, as the junior looks to make his mark at 6-foot-2, 220 pounds before taking on Hartley’s main role next season. English feels that with this group of players on the defensive front, his team can match any challenges that come to them, making the game that much better.
LINEBACKER
Trey Sanders is the star at the interior linebacker and has made serious noise and development
throughout his time at Hoover. He came in as a sophomore and has now become a leading tackler and provides intensity that is unmatched with his 6-foot, 210-pound build. Caleb Cook will play on the outside with him, and the fellow senior is someone who can play with a quick twitch and execute well in space, making a point to limit yards after contact. English says it will be on these two to really step up and make a difference as he knows they can, and he is excited to see how their talent improves as seniors.
SECONDARY
English is heading into the fall with a lot of excitement about what the secondary can produce for the defense. Jackson Lassiter is a senior corner that has made serious strides in development over the last two years, especially in the interception department, which is impressive with his length at 5-foot-9. Jordan Williams is the other corner and is incredibly fast off the line and strong enough to make plays at the same time, matching the speed of anyone he is up against. Junior DJ Waluyn got some action last year at safety having to fill in for an injury and made his mark, now taking on the role of a full-time starter this season. Anquan Allen will be the other safety playing beside him, and with the junior having put on some weight, has garnered serious attention with SEC and ACC offers, making the
QUICK HITS
LEAVING A LEGACY
Chip English has high expectations for the seniors on his team this year. He emphasized that this group has held a lot of focus in everything that they do, trying to uphold the standard that Hoover High School has set historically. English added that the group has been talked about since they were playing youth football years ago, which has driven them to ensure that they reach their max potential and put in the work in all facets of the game. With a lot on the line, the group wants to graduate having left a legacy of being state champions.
TAKE CARE OF THE FOOTBALL
The offseason has seen Hoover work a lot on taking care of the football, something they struggled with at times in 2024. The focus has been centered around making sure the team ends drive with kicks, whether that be field goals or on a kickoff. Doing so will increase the teams point total and scoring average, which has been sitting at just under 30 points a game for the last three seasons. It will also allow the Bucs to achieve a goal of playing consistent football and making more noise than they already have.
HIGH-PROFILE COACHING
English has pushed his squad and set high expectations from day one as head coach and all throughout his time as an assistant coach. He has been able to do that because of the coaches he has hired around him, especially with a new offensive coordinator in Darrell LeBeaux, the former head coach of the Pleasant Grove Spartans. LeBeaux’s offenses were among the top in Classes 5A and 4A while with the Spartans, and he certainly hopes to translate those numbers to Class 7A competition with talent scattered across the field, both starting and coming off the bench.
2024 RESULTS
@ Western, FL W 17-14
Spain Park L 37-39
@ Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa* W 35-6
@ Hewitt-Trussville* W 8-7
Prattville* W 40-6
@ Parker L 10-14
Oak Mountain* W 28-10
@ Tuscaloosa County* W 56-6
@ Thompson* W 27-26
Vestavia Hills* W 38-20
Fairhope# W 35-10
Opelika# W 32-29
@ Central Phenix City# L 7-17
*Region Game
#Playoff Game
Jonah Winston
EDITOR’S 2025
PREDICTION (7-3)
Hoover has a lot to be proud of with all of the adversity the program faced last season. The Bucs did not bat an eye, which is part of the standard that their program carries so heavily. However, there is revenge left to be had on the table, and the beginning of the 2025 campaign will say a lot about the squad, just as it has for many years. The IMG Academy game immediately stands out as a test, as the Ascenders are one of the benchmarks for athletes of any kind. Combined that with the fact that the rivalry with Spain Park backs it up, and you have two games that could go either way. Going 1-1 or 2-0 in that pair of matchups, and there is a lot to look out for from Hoover this season. Those two games not only help tremendously when region play arrives, but also for the other pinned showdowns with Parker and Thompson. With offensive skill players that have agility that few possess and a defensive front that is prepared to go to war week in and week out, the Bucs have a high bar set. But with a new quarterback in the backfield, there are questions of how he will perform. Nonetheless though, I have no doubt in my mind that Hoover can produce another winning season, one that turns heads and proves any doubters wrong, ultimately sending it to a deep playoff run.
Keilan Jefferson
safety duo dynamic. Both groups have matched each other well, putting themselves and their teammates in a spot for success.
SPECIAL TEAMS
James Bryant will return as the kicker after making some quality game-winning boots last season, and English feels good about him as deep as 45 yards out, but says he can hit
from 50 and is extremely accurate. Grant Morrison will fill the punter role and has been able to turn the ball really well and can be lethal for pinning opponents deep, and snapping the ball to him will be Lincoln Anderson. The return game will be lethal as well with Jonah Winston, Hunter Purdue, CJ Cowley and Jeremiah Tabb all getting opportunities.
Setting the sails
Trey Sanders’ leadership makes difference for Bucs
IWritten by DANIEL LOCKE | Photos by DAWN HARRISON
If the Hoover Buccaneers defense is on the field, Trey Sanders is looking for an opportunity to make an impact play.
The linebacker has been around Hoover football since his playing days began, making a mark from day one.
Suiting up for the Bucs is something that feels as
natural for him as waking up in the morning.
“Growing up as a kid, I’ve always loved the game of football,” Sanders said. “I played in Hoover’s little league, I’ve always been around Hoover football. I’ve been to all the games. Now playing as part of the (Hoover High School) football program these last four years, it’s been great.”
Sanders feels as though Hoover football players have a lot at their disposal, setting them up for success on and off the field.
“The coaching staff, the facilities, the school, it’s just been awesome. It’s a great experience,” Sanders said.
DRIVEN BY PASSION
Sanders’ willingness to give his all on the football field is derived from his passion for the game. He attributes his love for football as the driving force behind that passion, as well as the doors it could open for him.
While advancing to the next level is the goal, Sanders makes sure not to miss out on the enjoyment of playing football at the high school level.
“It’s just the passion for the game,” Sanders said. “I just loved the game of football growing up as a child, just playing and wanting to make it to the next level,
maybe the opportunity of going pro. Just the passion of the game and the love for the game (drives me).”
While his own desire to succeed certainly motivates him, Sanders wants to make those who mean the most to him proud more than anything.
“My family has played a big role,” Sanders said. “It’s not just my family, but I have a big group, like a big village as we call it. Me and my friends, their families get involved growing up. It’ll always be one big family—not just your family at home, but the family from the team and the coaching staff. “
While Sanders has received unwavering support from his family on the field, them having his back when he doesn’t have his helmet on is not unappreciated either.
“(They’re) always taking me to the games,” Sanders said. “Taking me to rehab, training, things like that— just helping me get better as an athlete and as a man.”
While he has no shortage of passion for getting the
job done on the field, Sanders’ desire to put his best foot forward extends into the classroom.
“Grades come first, you have to be a student athlete,” Sanders said. “I like to have great grades. My mom always instilled in me to have good grades. Grades come before everything, if I don’t have good grades, then I can’t play football. You need an education for off the field, going into the job field or doing anything that you need to do outside of football. Football is not going to be your whole thing, education has to come first.”
NEVER BACKING DOWN
Sanders’ time with the Bucs has not always been smooth sailing. There have been times when he was required to dig deep and find a way to keep pushing.
One of these scenarios came early in his high school career when he sustained an injury, something that will reveal the character of any athlete.
“I was a freshman, I was playing running back at the time. I got injured, I hurt my hands,” Sanders said.
Sanders ended up moving to linebacker, a position he has learned to love. Often referred to as one of the most physically demanding positions in the sport, playing there has presented challenges of its own for the star.
Despite the challenges, Sanders has kept pushing the whole time and has had an enjoyable football career to this point as a result.
“My experience has been kind of wonky,” Sanders said. “I got thrown in there my sophomore year because one of my boys got hurt and I’ve been playing ever since. It’s a great experience, I’ve had a great time playing for Hoover football.”
His refusal to give in when things don’t go his way will serve Sanders well, not just on the football field, but as he goes through life.
BUC FOR LIFE
Putting on the black and orange uniform on Friday nights is a privilege in the eyes of Sanders. He makes sure to make the most of each and every game with his teammates, representing a city that means a lot to him.
The Bucs receive an extraordinary amount of support from the community, something Sanders finds motivating.
“We have a big support system,” Sanders said. “It goes from the fans, to the restaurants and the endorsements from people outside. There’s always big things for us. Every year, we’ve gotten IHOP Friday mornings before the games—they’re good to us. Everybody at the Met hanging around
with us, the fans.”
The community never fails to wrap its arms around the Hoover football program, something that does not go unnoticed by Sanders or his teammates.
“We just have all the things in the community that help us out,” Sanders said. “They always show their support.”
While Sanders has enjoyed success on the football field, he is careful not to let it go to his head.
He never hesitates in making sure to give credit where it is due.
“I would like to thank the Lord,” Sanders said. “He’s helped me, He’s done everything to put me in the position where I am.”
Sanders has also been helped along in his football journey by those who have been there from the very beginning—his parents. He refuses to let his coaches go unappreciated, either.
“My mom, Keisha Davis, my dad, Tony Davis, a few coaches growing up, it’s just so many,” Sanders said. “I’ve had so many coaches, they know who they are. I think those, for me, have played a key factor in my football career.”
From the classroom to the football field, Sanders does everything possible to put himself, as well as his teammates, in the best possible position to make an impact.
John Carroll
CAVALIERS
There is no avoiding saying that the flip from 2023 to 2024 turned rough for the John Carroll Catholic Cavaliers. After posting a 9-3 record and their first winning season since 2010, the Cavaliers went 3-7 last season, not seeing the chips fall in the same place for their team.
Knowing that it will be a difficult road to turn the ship back around again, Will Mara has spent the offseason preaching to his team that they need to execute the extra 1 percent of plays in order to have a better chance at success—those types of plays coming off the field in preparation.
After many guys were thrown into the fire last season, Mara feels optimistic about the group he has returning, now as starters.
The 2025 campaign will be a road where the boys in green and white have a lot to prove, but fighting for John Carroll will be a mindset to embrace and commit to each day.
Mara expects guys like Garrett Barnes, Jackson Rankin and Nic Gagliano to be leaders each day, especially after all the changes the team went through off the field. However, adaptation is now something the Cavaliers are used to, which could be a strength come game time.
MEET THE TEAM
QUARTERBACK
After taking on his first full year as a starter, Garrett Barnes is being thrown back out onto the field as the starting quarterback for his senior season. After spending a lot of time growing in 2024, Barnes is being given a lot more freedom in a complex offense, getting the opportunity to make more of his own decisions as a result of his maturity. Mara says the biggest thing that he has worked on is learning to put touch on his throws, not making every pass as fast possible. With that, he has improved his ability to improvise under pressure, a skill that will help him out in a big way. He has evolved well to the job and is ready to make a bigger impact in his final season. Sophomore Harry White remains behind him and is developing each day.
RUNNING BACK
The unexpected transfers of Tristen Rutledge and John Ford have left John Carroll with a dire need to fill the backfield, but Mara believes the guys he has in place are determined to do their job well. Aubrey Coker was a starter in game two of last season, but within just a couple of games suffered a broken ankle and an end to his year. He has now returned and is determined to get any yards he can, with his strength lying in the fact that
CLASSIFICATION
AHSAA Class 5A, Region 5
2024 RECORD
3-7 (1-5 Region 5)
HEAD COACH Will Mara
RECORD
25-27 (Sixth Year)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Mike Plaia, Rob Crawford, Dennis Therrell, Stan White, Vince Elliot, Scott Spencer, Chris Allarde, Scott McFadden, Demetrius Battle, Connor Mara, Keith Deason, Chris Seidenfaden, Jason Reynalds
LAST REGION TITLE 1998
LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2023
he can pound the rock downhill, even at 5-foot-9, 180 pounds. Debo Battle will play alongside him to become a reliable shifty back as a senior, while also planting his foot in the ground make defender’s buckle.
RECEIVER
The 2025 receiving corps has a lot of sneaky athleticism, a trait that can be a big help towards the performance that Garrett Barnes puts out. Despite Aubrey Walker making a transfer, Mara has guys who are stepping to the forefront and making their mark in the offense. Braden White has become a huge leader with a willingness to learn every single receiving position, using his knowledge from being a safety to help make decisions. Jackson Rankin will also play as a big leader alongside him and will showcase his high game intelligence, likely getting 90 percent of the snaps on the year as a result of his talent. Kannon Hammock, Tucker Rice and Kieran Ford will also all step up and have been putting their head down and going to work, striving to learn something new every day with their athleticism. The offense will be extended with tight end work from Truman Vines and Isaac Kelley, both of whom have had experience at the position and are willing to ask questions.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The offensive line is a group that Mara has had to see many step up into bigger roles and embrace their assignments,
something they will have to adjust to quickly in order to protect Garrett Barnes successfully. Colton Redmond will lead the way at center and lived and breathed football his entire life, always being eager to learn how he can lead and get better. On the left, Hugh Tighe is a big 6-foot-6, 270-pound force on the outside that will be hard to get around, while Nick Garrido will play at the guard as a sophomore with speed at 5-foot-11, 260 pounds. On the right side, William Fieno and Bo Burke will both work at guard, with Burke having better size at 6-foot-4, 230 pounds. Meanwhile, Josh Chandler will round things out at right tackle.
DEFENSIVE LINE
The guy to watch along the defensive line will be Nic Gagliano, who is entering his fourth year starting on the defensive line and has a mentality that allows him to get the job done each rep. The drive he has has caused him to drag a double or triple team of protectors over to block him, however, he has eaten them up and will be a force in games again on the interior. Jacob Childress will be the main guy on the edge and is another senior that stands at 6-foot-5, 235 pounds with the ability to be an athlete and take over games quickly. Hugh Tighe will work as a down lineman on the defensive side with height that helps him on the interior. Connie Tripp and Alex Maenza will also be younger players to watch out for, as they have
Aug. 22: @ Homewood
Aug. 29: St. Michael
Sept. 5: Carver-Birmingham*
Sept. 12: @ Hayden*
Sept. 19: Ramsay*
Sept. 26: Montevallo
Oct. 3: @ Wenonah*
Oct. 10: Briarwood*
Oct. 17: @ Corner*
Oct. 31: @ West Blocton
*Region Game
#Thursday Game
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Garrett Barnes, QB
In his second year as the starting quarterback, Barnes will be looked at to lead the offense in a big way and help it move the ball efficiently.
Jackson Rankin, WR Likely to get 90 percent of all snaps, Rankin’s role on the offensive side will see him forced to show out with his vast knowledge of the game.
Nic Gagliano, DL Gagliano has grown a reputation of eating up blocks on a consistent basis and will be a force to watch out for in crucial situations.
Truman Vines, S Vines has made strides over the offseason in his confidence and has grown into a guy who can make big plays when called upon.
KEY DEPARTURES
Aubrey Walker, ATH Arguably one of the fastest receivers in the state, Aubrey Walker is now a Moody Blue Devil and leaves a big gap to fill on the offense.
Anthony Mokry, OL Mokry served as a multi-year starter at center and was a voice up front in protection, becoming a top lineman for the Cavaliers.
Braydon Lowery, LB Lowery’s time at John Carroll was defined by him being a leader and voice for the linebackers, which will be missed this year.
Tristen Rutledge, RB Rutledge heads to Pelham after being a shifty threat out of the backfield with a lot of reliability to make plays with the football.
2025 John Carroll Roster
0 Debo Battle DB/RB 12
1 Alex Plaia LB/F 12
2 Jackson Rankin WR/DB 12
3 Garrett Barnes QB 12
4 Jayden Starks DB/WR 12
5 Jacob Childress DE 12
6 Truman Vines TE/DB 11
7 Garvey Hannon S/WR 12
8 Kannon Hammock WR/DB 11
9 Jason Williams Jr. WR/DB 12
11 Harry White QB 10
12 Tucker Rice WR/DB 11
13 Braden White WR/DB 12
14 Kieran Ford WR/DB 11
15 Niajel Morgan DE/TE 12
16 Skyler Carmichael WR/DB 10
17 Braden Bentley WR/DB 10
18 Max Sullivan K 11
19 Judah Metcalf DB/WR 11
QUICK HITS
WORKING OFF THE FIELD
After last year’s 3-7 record, Will Mara stated that a lot of what his team could have done to change that result was to change 1 percent of the plays they ran. Where that slice of production can be changed is off the field in practice and working to understand the speed of the game. The head coach also placed heavy emphasis on the fact that 355 days out of the year are for practice, with the other 10 being for games. He wants his players to take advantage of that to study and get better at the game.
STRIDES OF IMPROVEMENT
Garrett Barnes is entering his senior year as the second-year starting quarterback of the Cavaliers and is making progress each day to get better. Mara has given his starter a lot more freedom on the field to make the correct calls and reads after having to help guide him a lot in his junior season. However, Barnes is adjusting to changing the velocity on his throws and will have to make changes based on how each specific passing play develops, giving a better ball to his receiving target. There is a lot of optimism after last year left some things to be desired.
20 Aiden Van Matre DB/WR 11 21 Lucas
made impacts quickly and often to cement themselves as playmakers. DJ Jackson and Nick Garrido will also be reserves here, adding to depth that can keep fresh legs on the field many times.
LINEBACKER
Niajel Morgan has a bandit role at linebacker who can also hybrid as a defensive end. His outside presence has developed with him learning to not try and do too much in space, along with Isaac Kelley, both of whom are around 6-foot-1, 230 pounds. Alex Plaia plays on the inside and is a key returner who understands the calls well, carrying over a lot of talent from last year. Braden White will play as the STAR and drop into the secondary when needed as another hybrid player. Joseph Hounkpe is expected to develop into that
role soon enough and is learning hard from White on the role, while Bobby O’Farrell will back up on the inside.
SECONDARY
Jayden Starks, Debo Battle and Judah Metcalf are all competing for the two corner spots and are making huge strides, with speed standing out to keep up with anyone on the outside. Meanwhile, Jackson Rankin is the leader at safety, but has guided those corners to be better and help them settle into the roles with his knowledge of the position, making him a great leader in his fourth year as a defensive starter. Truman Vines will step back there with him and is playing with more speed to help him make plays, something that has helped. Kannon Hammock and Braden White will back
90
Will Mara said that wide receiver and safety Jackson Rankin will likely receive 90 percent of all snaps this year on the field as he is a dynamic threat on both sides of the ball. Rankin’s knowledge of the game allowed him to do more both when he has the ball and when he is in coverage in the secondary. Mara compares him to former star athlete Zach Archer in that he understands the goal of everything done in the game.
19.2
It’s safe to say that the offensive production out of John Carroll last season was not a high point, and averaging 19.2 points per game did not put it in many favorable situations. The Cavaliers scored above that mark four times, with three of them yielding wins. It is evident that the games where they had that success yielded good outcomes, but it was not consistent.
them up.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The specialists are widely decided already, unlike how things were late in the last offseason. Max Sullivan will be the kicker and is comfortable from 42 yards out, while Ryan Swetz is a
top-of-the-line punter than can be a weapon on fourth down with Alex Plaia snapping the ball to him. The return game has weapons as well with athleticism from Jackson Rankin, Debo Battle and Jayden Starks stepping back on kicks.
EDITOR’S 2025 PREDICTION (4-6)
2024 RESULTS
John Carroll got put in a unique situation throughout last season and the offseason. Between players getting injured early, some graduating and some transferring, the Cavaliers have been put in a rough position. However, that does not come without the positive that following the injuries, new players got their time on the field, many of which will be starters this fall. John Carroll must find ways to move the ball and finish in the red zone if it wants to make a flip in its record, something it struggled with last year. The Battle of Lakeshore at Homewood and a home game with St. Michael prove to be two of the tougher opponents on the docket, both of which resulted in losses in 2024. Should the Cavaliers manage to find victories in one or both of those contests, I would feel better about where they might sit at the end of the season. A lot is riding on how players step up, and Will Mara seems optimistic that with more drive and new facilities in progress, the light gets brighter for his squad to do well. I feel good about John Carroll making a step in the right direction, but there is still a long road ahead that remains to be seen.
Isaac Kelley
100% of students in the McCollough Institute for Pre-Medical Scholars who applied to medical school were accepted.
2024 Best Colleges in the U.S.
- Wall Street Journal
2025 BEST COLLEGES FOR FUTURE LEADERS - TIME MAGAZINE
Listed among the Best Value Colleges - The Princeton Review
Travel + Leisure named Tuscaloosa among its 25 Best College Towns and Cities in the U.S.
Experience our award-winning campus, starting at the Catherine and Pettus Randall Welcome Center. Schedule now at visit.ua.edu.
THE CAV WAY
Quarterback Garrett Barnes looks to lead John Carroll to a bounce-back season
Written by DANIEL LOCKE | Photos by DAWN HARRISON
FFootball season is quickly approaching and senior quarterback Garrett Barnes is ready to lead the John Carroll Cavaliers in what they hope will be a memorable 2025 campaign.
Heading into his final year with the program, Barnes is highly motivated to help the Cavaliers achieve as much as they possibly can this season.
“I really want to win the area,” Barnes said. “I
really want to go all the way, honestly. I want to be 15-0. I feel like that’s a realistic passion to have.”
John Carroll is looking to bounce back after an unideal year in 2024 and Barnes is the man it wants under center to help achieve that. He was a leader through the ups and downs of last season. Now, he intends to carry that over into what the Cavaliers think could be a special year.
A LIFETIME OF FOOTBALL
Playing football comes naturally for Barnes, as he has been doing so for most of his life. Starting young has given him an additional appreciation for the sport and has helped teach him valuable life skills.
“I started in second grade playing tackle football,” Barnes said. “I’ve been doing it for a long time now, kind of just been a part of my life. I love it because it really connects me with other people and teaches me aspects of life—not only just the game—but it’ll carry on to more things.”
Barnes’ dad, Ben, has played a crucial role in his football career. From getting him started early to providing all the support he needs, Barnes knows he can always count on his parents.
“My dad started me young,” Barnes said. “I played flag for a year, then we hopped right into tackle. I probably wasn’t like, ‘Let’s go play tackle.’ He kind of threw me in there, but I love him for it and I’m thankful that he did it.”
Football has done a lot for Barnes throughout his
life. Most importantly to him, however, it allows him to spend time with a group he cares a lot about.
“I can compete and do it with a group of guys that I love,” Barnes said.
QB1
Quarterback is widely considered to be the most important position on a football team. A team’s quarterback has the ability to make or break a game, bringing a lot of pressure to anyone who plays at that spot.
Barnes not only accepts this role, he thrives in it.
He enjoys being able to take over a game and do what is needed to give his team the best chance to come out on top.
“It might be a little selfish, but I like taking control and just being the guy that people can look to and ask, ‘What’s the play? What do I have on this specific route?’ (It’s) stuff like that, just kind of being the go-to guy for any questions or asking what to do.”
Being responsible for knowing the assignments
of every offensive player each time the ball is snapped provides a lot of pressure, but Barnes finds enjoyment in it.
He gets a lot of fulfilment from knowing he can be there for his teammates.
“Hopefully they know they can rely on me when times get rough in a game or maybe in practice when they don’t know what to do,” Barnes said. “I can help them and everything will keep running smoothly.”
It is nearly impossible for a team to get the job done without solid play from its quarterback. Barnes is determined not to hold the Cavaliers back.
THE CAV WAY
John Carroll is more than just a school for Barnes, it’s a family. Suiting up for the Cavaliers on Friday nights is something he takes a great deal of pride in.
Being in a faith-based environment allows Barnes to thrive, as there is constant motivation and expectation for him to put his best foot forward at all times, on and off the field.
“I love it,” Barnes said. “We’re centered around a Catholic environment so we can obviously pray and talk about God every day, which I really appreciate. It’s a blessing. I have a lot of supporters, a lot of people that hold me to a higher standard than most athletes because I play for a Catholic school.”
Playing football in a space where God is regularly called upon gives Barnes even more of a passion to do the best he possible can while wearing a John Carroll uniform.
“It just means so much more,” Barnes said. “After practice, coach (Will Mara) will call on somebody and they’ll throw out a Bible verse and give a devotion with it. That just means so much that I’m learning about God while playing football. That’s really like a dream come true, honestly.”
There is a significant amount of support for John Carroll’s athletes from the school’s alumni base, something that Barnes refuses to let go unappreciated.
No matter what is going on in their lives, past players wrap their arms around the team through thick and thin, providing support and encouragement to any player who needs it.
“Last year we had a group of guys come back and give us a whole pregame speech,” Barnes said. “That showed us that they were there for us and supported us, even when we didn’t have the best record. That was a blessing.”
Being at John Carroll has not only made a difference in Barnes’ football career, but in his life as a whole. He will carry the lessons he has learned with him and is eager to show his support for future players when the time comes.
When John Carroll opens the season against Homewood on Aug. 22, Barnes will have done everything possible to get himself, as well as his teammates, ready to go and start the new season on the highest note they possibly can.
No matter what happens for the Cavaliers in 2025, Barnes hopes his leadership will provide the team with the encouragement to constantly give it everything they have at all times.
Leeds
GREENWAVE
It is a new year and a lot of new faces making their way towards serious action for the Leeds Greenwave, but one thing is for sure— optimism is certainly not lost on the heights they can ascend to.
Jerry Hood enters his seventh season as the leader of the program and has brought the program back to the days of old, pumping out postseason appearance after postseason appearance.
Having lost 13 starters from 2024, Hood is looking towards his rising seniors to use the experience they had last year to their advantage, as many of those graduates were key pieces.
Following the 11-3 record and appearance in the Class 5A semifinals, Leeds brings a new quarterback to the table to replace the star that Conner Nelson was and some new members in the secondary that will have to embrace their jump into the deep end of the pool.
So with many players finally getting their shot, Leeds is focusing on trying to find the answers to how they will succeed and create another statement year come the fall, hoping to break the barrier again of winning a state championship after falling just short last year.
MEET THE TEAM
QUARTERBACK
Sam Lollar is the new man under center for the Greenwave after star athlete Conner Nelson graduated following a fantastic career. Lollar got a little playing time last year, and in this offseason, has developed into a solid leader that everyone wants to learn from. While he is not the dual threat that Nelson was he excels at going through progressions in the pass game and putting the ball where he wants and for his receivers to go out and get. With not much depth behind him, freshman Bennett Schorfarr is the next man up, and is long and lanky with some height on him.
RUNNING BACK
Leeds has developed some running backs that can be brick walls this year and tough to bring down, something that fits in line with the reputation it has built. Marquintis Meadows will be a junior at 5-foot8, 190 pounds that Hood sees playing more of a tail back role behind JaCarrious Davis, who is likely to be the starter. At 5-foot-8, 165 pounds, Davis is the light and shifty guy of the group who played at the junior varsity level last season and has solid vision and speed
CLASSIFICATION
AHSAA Class 5A, Region 6
2024 RECORD 11-3 (5-1 Region 6)
HEAD COACH
Jerry Hood RECORD 52-20 (Seventh Year)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Jeremiah Millington, Jesse Turner, Eddie Wall, Curtis Coleman, Neal Chambers, Jordan Welch, Obed Ellis, Nick Bradford, Joe Lockhart, Wes McDonald, Grant Simpson
LAST REGION TITLE 2022
LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2024
to help him out. Hood believes he will become one of the great Greenwave running backs over time. Cash Armstrong will also fill in as a power guy, and the converted linebacker brings brute force to the table with his 5-foot10, 190 pound build that can help in man-to-man situations.
RECEIVER
Two key leaders return in the receiving game in Taylon Gaiter and Brooks Ford, both of whom saw serious action last season. Ford is a senior that is a do-it-all player and has collegiate potential, making anything that is asked of him happen between blocking, route running and lining up in the backfield. Gaiter carries the speed and can do a multitude of things for the offense. At 5-foot-7, he has become a reliable pass catcher and can take the top off with his quick twitch. AJ Perry returns to the team and has had a solid offseason, expecting to see action alongside Jordan Smith, a 6-foot2 sophomore that is thin, but can make great plays when given the opportunity.
OFFENSIVE LINE
According to Hood, this offensive line is going to be expected to get out on the
2025 SCHEDULE
Aug. 22: Mortimer Jordan
Aug. 29: @ Shades Valley
Sept. 5: Springville*
Sept. 12: Lincoln*
Sept. 19: @ Jacksonville*
Sept. 26: Briarwood
Oct. 3: @ St. Clair County*
Oct. 10: Moody*
Oct. 17: @ Center Point*
Oct. 24: @ Pelham
*Region Game
field and be smart, a bar that he has set for all of his teams over the years. Jax Garner is a third-year starter at center that has a lot of knowledge of the game and will be leaned on as the leader of the line and use his 5-foot-11, 235-pound frame to hold his own. Chris Bates will take on his first year as a full-time starter and is a hoss at 6-foot-2, 300 pounds, entering a learning curve but expected to be hard to get around. Luke Bell is a rising sophomore that is 5-foot-8, 235 pounds of pure muscle and showcases a lot of strength that allows him to fiercely compete. Houston Jackson is another sophomore that will be relied on to move around and make good reads at 5-foot-11, 269 pounds, similar to his
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Sam Lollar, QB
With a big legacy to live up to, Lollar steps to the quarterback role with a natural ability to put the ball where he wants it to be for his receivers.
Taylon Gaiter, WR Gaiter serves as a speed guy that can play in any part of the formation, and while small, is a standout as a junior who will only get better.
Gavin Howard, LB
As a dual-sport athlete, Howard brings a lot to the table as a linebacker with solid leadership and the speed to play on the outside.
Tyler Vandiver, K Vandiver is a soccer player that has turned into a hard-working kicker for the Greenwave, bringing confidence to get points from 40 yards and in.
KEY DEPARTURES
Conner Nelson, QB
Nelson played five years for the Greenwave, but made his mark in his final year as he both passed and rushed for more than 1,000 yards.
Gavin Bowlin, OL Bowlin was a top offensive lineman for Leeds in his time under head coach Jerry Hood, making his mark as a solid protector.
Miles Jones, LB Jones served as a leader on a younger linebacking corps in 2024, teaching those in the group now the skills they need for this season.
Reece Bittner, DB Bittner was the glue and voice of not just the safeties, but the entire secondary, and was a big part of the defense that had to be replaced for 2025.
Sam lollAr
QUICK HITS
20TH HISTORIC YEAR
Jerry Hood enters his 20th season as a head coach in high school football this season, and his career up to this point has been fruitful. Hood has made stops at Oak Mountain and Clay-Chalkville before making his way to Leeds. He has led his program to the playoffs in 13 seasons and won a state championship while at ClayChalkville. Now in year 20, Hood looks to do more of the same and bring the Greenwave their fifth state championship in school history after a recent run to the state semifinals in the 2024 season.
REPLACING A LEGEND
Conner Nelson created a name for himself while playing for Leeds. In his senior season, Nelson earned himself numerous postseason honors and was named to the AllState First Team by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. Nelson graduated as a solid all-around athlete and has left big shoes to fill. Sam Lollar will be stepping in at quarterback and does not necessarily have the same set of skills as Nelson did, which will be an adjustment process for the Leeds offense. There is optimism though that he can use his vision to make good throws and create big plays.
EDITOR’S 2025 PREDICTION (7-3)
Following the historic year that Leeds posted in 2024, it is no secret that the bar has been raised. The Greenwave lost some key pieces that played a big role in the run to the Class 5A semifinals. Looking at the front half of the schedule, there is a lot of optimism to be had, especially with some of the teams in that stretch having posted poor records last year. The real challenge, however, presents itself in the back half, with games against Briarwood, Moody and Center Point standing in the way. I am highly confident that Leeds will post another solid outing in Jerry Hood's 20th year of being a head coach. Consistency will remain, but with the turnover of major production from last season's squad, a tiny bit of a drop off might be due. This Greenwave team will be a force to be reckoned with, and Hood will have his guys prepared to go to battle on Friday nights, just as he always has.
2025 leeds Roster
counterpart Tucker Byers, who will also play on the line. Sebastian Nava could also see some action at tackle and flip over from his defensive position.
DEFENSIVE LINE
The defensive line at Leeds has held a history of getting down and dirty, being physical and tormenting opposing offenses. This year, Hood feels like they are finally making their way back to that time, especially with three starters returning. Alongside Sebastian Nava, senior Jackie Bishop has a ton of speed and agility to provide, even at 6-foot-2, 226 pounds.
Hood says since his flip from offensive line to be an edge rusher, he has really taken off and is showcasing great leadership qualities. Jamarcus Hardy is returning after he tore his ACL in the 2024 playoffs, and while he is still recovering, is looking to have an outstanding senior year. James Langford will also be due for a breakout year as a junior at 6-foot, 260 pounds, but a real hopeful breakout this season will be Tylin Moultrie, who sits at 6-foot-3, 294 pounds and moves well for his size.
LINEBACKER
If any opposing offensive player were to
ever get past the defensive front, Leeds can easily rely on the linebackers to finish the job handily. Reggie Franklin is back for his junior year and started as a sophomore, having gotten stronger over the offseason and is expected to be strong in getting off blocks at 6-foot-2, 225 pounds. Gavin Howard will also be a force in both the strong and weak spots, using his athleticism from being a baseball player to be a tough nut. Hood feels that combining those two and the defensive line will help them be a group to be reckoned with throughout the year. Hudson Hollis and Austin Davis are battling to play at the nickel and both show strengths, however, Hollis has game experience at safety.
SECONDARY
There is a split feeling on how the secondary will do in 2025, as while the corners return both starters, the safeties are both new. Amillion Burt and Sam Minnifield both played all 14 games last year and will use that
The Leeds offense was lethal in 2024, playing a big part in leading the team to an appearance in the semifinals of the Class 5A state playoffs. The 500 points scored was good enough to be the third-highest in the entirety of the classification, only behind eventual state runner-up Moody and state champion Montgomery Catholic. It is a high bar to live up to in 2025, but the Greenwave seem confident they have the weapons to do it.
experience to improve throughout their junior campaigns. With speed to match most that they face, it will be second-hand nature to execute their duties. Eddie Brown and Javone McCrayer will take over the safety spots, both showcasing speed and discipline, but lacking the in-game reps. Malachi Paul will back all four guys up as a junior who is maturing quickly and becoming intelligent in the game, enough to take over if he has to come in.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The special teams is sitting in a solid spot this year with Tyler Vandiver returning for the kicking duties and the possibility of punting duties as he is in competition for Sam Lollar. Sam Pulliam will long snap for his second year to Vandiver and is becoming reliable on that front. The return game will also be strong with Taylon Gaiter, JaCarrious Davis and Brooks Ford fighting for both the kick and punt return spots.
KEY NUMBERS
3
In the last five seasons, Jerry Hood has led Leeds to three records with double-digit wins, showcasing his dominance as a coach. His ability to help develop players along with his knowledge of the game as a whole has proved to be beneficial in the Greenwave being a constant contender in the postseason, especially when it shows in games against top competition each week. After 11 wins in 2024, there is hope for more coming into the year.
5-YEAR WIN TREND
2024 RESULTS
Game
72.2
In six seasons at the helm of the Leeds Greenwave, Jerry Hood has posted a winning percentage of 72.2 percent, winning 52 out of his 72 games so far. His only losing season in his time as the head coach came in his first year, when the Greenwave went 2-8 in their final season in Class 4A. Since then, Leeds has won at least nine games each season, all of which resulted got them to the postseason.
Gavin Howard
Gavin Howard setting example on title-hungry Leeds squad Green Hurricane the eye of the
Written by DAVE DOMESCIK | Photos by DAWN HARRISON
BBy the time Gavin Howard walks off the field for the last time this fall, he does not want to be remembered as flashy.
He does not care for fanfare or the spotlight. What he does want people to remember is simple— that he showed up every day, hit hard, made the tough plays and made them consistently.
Now entering his third year as a starter for the Leeds Greenwave, Howard embodies everything that has helped the program become one of the most respected in Class 5A under head coach Jerry Hood.
Hood describes him as tough, smart and steady— exactly what Leeds needs as it reloads after graduating 13 starters from last year’s semifinal team.
Howard serves as the leader of the defense this season, both in title and presence.
With a mix of new faces and rising players stepping into starting roles, it is his voice that keeps things calm amid the chaos, his instincts that keep the defense aligned and his toughness, both mental and physical, that sets the tone for the rest of the team.
UNTEACHABLE INSTINCTS
Ask Howard what makes a great linebacker, and he will give it to you straight—instincts.
It is the difference between making a play or
being a step late.
“Linebackers play off a lot of instinct,” Howard said. “Each year, I’ve grown more into it. Last year, I could feel it coming on, but now it’s just natural. I know what’s going to happen before it does.”
Howard plays both strong and weak side linebacker for the Greenwave, but his flexibility allows him to cover, blitz and take on blockers in the box with equal efficiency.
This season, with more depth in the secondary, he anticipates playing inside more, something he welcomes as a challenge and an opportunity to lead.
“I want to contribute in every way I can,” Howard said. “Wherever they want to put me, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.”
THE WEIGHT OF LEADERSHIP
There’s a quiet confidence about Howard. He is not the loudest voice on game day, preferring to get in his zone and find focus.
However, when it’s time to communicate, especially in pre-snap situations, he’s the one making sure every piece is aligned.
“Being the leader on defense, it’s a lot,” Howard said. “You’ve got to talk, you’ve got to make sure guys are lined up right and if something goes wrong, you’ve got to take that responsibility too.”
Howard’s bond with fellow linebacker Reggie Franklin has grown into one of the most critical
components of the Greenwave defense.
With Howard’s awareness and Franklin’s power, the duo forms a backbone that can anchor the entire unit.
“We’re very confident in each other,” Howard said. “We’ve played together (and) we trust each other, and that’s a big deal.”
BUILT FOR THE MOMENT
Howard’s emergence has come at the perfect time for Leeds. After a deep playoff run that ended in the 5A semifinals last season, the Greenwave are entering 2025 with a new quarterback, new faces across the secondary and a hunger to go one step further.
Last year’s team was fueled by the all-around excellence of Conner Nelson, who passed and rushed for over 1,000 yards. But now, it’s a new era under center with senior Sam Lollar, who is not the same dual threat, but excels at reading coverages and delivering the ball accurately.
Lollar will be flanked by a strong supporting cast, including standout receiver Brooks Ford and dynamic returner Taylon Gaiter, giving the offense a chance to replicate its 500-point explosion from 2024.
On the other side of the ball, Leeds returns much of its defensive front—Jackie Bishop, Sebastian Nava and Jamarcus Hardy—along with Howard
and Franklin in the second level, creating a formidable unit. The secondary will be young, but Howard isn’t worried.
“The (defensive backs) are younger, but they’re getting the hang of it,” Howard said. “They’re taking in what they need to learn and getting a lot better. They’ll be ready.”
PLAYING FOR MORE
Howard plays with a chip on his shoulder, and it shows.
He strives to not back down from hits and not flinch in big moments. That edge, he says, comes from a competitive family and a desire to be great.
“I’ve always been tough. I’m not afraid to hit anybody or get hit,” Howard said. “It’s just who I am.”
While he’s still undecided on whether he’ll pursue football at the next level, his focus remains squarely on the present—leading Leeds, hitting harder, tackling more and getting back to the state championship game.
“I definitely want to have more tackles this year than I did last year,” Howard said. “Last season was a lot of fun, especially those playoff games. Going to the fourth round was amazing, but we want more this year.”
LEGACY IN THE MAKING
Hood knows what it takes to build a winner. In his 19 years as a head coach, six have been with the Greenwave, where he has posted a 52-20 record and built a team that has reached the playoffs in every season since 2019.
With double-digit wins in three of the last five years, Leeds has become a model of consistency, but the hunger remains for that elusive state title.
With Howard anchoring the defense, that dream is alive and well. The job is simple however, as Howard wants to be remembered not for the highlight plays, but for the effort behind him.
“Behind the scenes, I want everybody to realize that I showed up every day and didn’t miss it,” Howard said. “I want to be remembered as someone who was consistent. (I am) not the flashiest player, but I made the hard hits and the hard plays.”
If the Greenwave are going to make another deep playoff run in 2025, they’ll do so with a quiet warrior leading the way—a linebacker who sees the game before it happens and plays it like he’s been there before
Howard has, and he’s ready to go even further.
THE FRIENDLIEST CAMPUS IN THE SOUTH.
At Jax State, you can earn a degree in more than 101 academic programs and concentrations, within a community that supports you every step of the way. When you get here and experience all that life on our campus has to o er, you’ll know you're in the right place to find your people, your place, and your passion. We're waiting for you!
Moody
BLUE DEVILS
Rewriting history and raising the bar—that is what the Moody Blue Devils are continuing to do under head coach Jake Ganus.
Since stepping to the helm of the team as a head coach for the first time three seasons ago, Ganus has led the Blue Devils to their first three double-digit-win seasons in school history, a feat that could have only been dreamed of before he arrived.
Despite the constant success though, satisfaction has not been reached, even after Moody reached its first-ever state championship game in 2024. Instead, Ganus thinks about where his team came up three points short and how they can put in the work to make sure that does not happen again.
This season, the bar is set at winning the Class 5A state championship, and with many key offensive and defensive pieces returning to Bill Morris Stadium, it is not unreasonable to expect that Moody can hoist the blue map in December.
How do the Blue Devils achieve it? Play a difficult schedule, prepare harder, find the extra boost and win every down. Do that, and they might just find themselves in the king’s chair at the end of it all.
MEET THE TEAM
QUARTERBACK
When a quarterback change comes around at any level of football, it becomes a huge topic of conversation. After the way Charlie Johnston led Moody last year, there is talk about how junior Jake Lowery will fill those shoes in his first year as a starter. At 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, Lowery excels in relying on his dual-threat ability to lead him towards the big plays, but being younger and smaller, still needs to grow. However, his ability to open up the field to many ideas in the run game expands the offense in a big way, something Ganus loves to have on his side. Should he go down, or even if he is healthy, Josiah Dozier might move over from his wide receiver position to fill in on some packages and is a solid allaround athlete that can spin the ball. Titus Thornton is also a rising sophomore that is continuing to get better every day and be a student of the game.
RUNNING BACK
The running backs have tallied a number of successful years under Ganus, and this year is likely to not be any different. Western Kentucky commit Le’Kamren Meadows is a senior with great vision and
CLASSIFICATION
AHSAA Class 5A, Region 6
2024 RECORD 11-3 (6-0 Region 6)
HEAD COACH Jake Ganus
RECORD 31-8 (Fourth Year)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Erik Kuykendall, Brandon Campbell, Brandon Wiley, Cam Willis, Logan Eastham, Matthew Reese, Jamari Staples, Cord Sandberg, Andrew Cromer, TD Marshall, Chase Biles, James Gaines III, Colby Brooks, Taylor Rothe
hands while also being a pure athlete at 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, one who Ganus says is one of the best he’s ever coached. Kevin James played well last season with Meadows and racked up 171 carries last year, but is finally getting a true time to shine after being buried by other great backs on the depth chart. Josiah Dozier can help when needed as a speed threat, but with a lot of production returning on a squad who rushed for 215 yards per game last season, things could get scary for opposing defenses when the rock stays on the ground. They’ll help Lowery out in a big way in the run game and be a trustful source to get yards.
RECEIVER
Just like the running backs, the wide receivers have a world of potential and skill ahead of them and have a bar set high from last year to make a statement, go out and make plays. Josiah Dozier is the leader of that effort and has been relied on to go make the tough plays in one-on-one coverage at 6-foot-2. With more than 20 college offers under his belt, Dozier is continuing to impress collegiate scouts, but looks to continue rising
2025 SCHEDULE
Aug. 21: @ Gainesville, GA#
Aug. 29: Oxford
Sept. 5: @ Jacksonville*
Sept. 12: St. Clair County*
Sept. 19: Helena
Sept. 26: @ Auburn
Oct. 3: Center Point*
Oct. 10: @ Leeds*
Oct. 17: Springville*
Oct. 24: @ Lincoln*
*Region Game
#Thursday Game
with his skills. Jalijah Rutledge was second on the team in receiving as a sophomore with 819 yards. Now as a junior, he is expected to make a gigantic impact in the slot and showcase his ball skills. Aubrey Walker will be another standout player, as the John Carroll transfer can take the top off of any defense with a 4.3-second 40-yard dash and give an offense a lot of creativity in how to use him. Zayne Leonard and Aidden White will also both see a good bit of playing time at receiver this year with a lot of upside in their game. It is overall the deepest receiver room the program has had, carrying electric potential with it.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Le’Kamren Meadows, RB
The Western Kentucky commit is an all-around solid running back with a lot of upside and force at 210 pounds, while also holding breakaway speed.
Josiah Dozier, WR
At 6-foot-2-inches, Dozier has a natural ability to go up and get the ball in a one-on-one situation and is embracing a leadership role in 2025.
Cam Mallory, DL
The soon-to-be West Virginia Mountaineer is the voice of the defensive front and has proven to be a hard worker under Jake Ganus.
Ba’Roc Willis, LB
With still a couple of seasons left in high school, Willis poses a lot of upside and can play in either of the linebacker spots with his physicality.
KEY DEPARTURES
Charlie Johnston, QB
Johnston was the leader of Moody’s offense at quarterback last year and earned All-State First Team honors, giving Jake Lowery a lot to live up to.
Sidney Walton, DB
Walton was a major contributor in the secondary during his time at Blue Devil, helping to lead the defense in every facet of the game.
Bravis Cave Jr., RB Cave proved to be another force in the backfield at Moody and showed signs of making flashy plays while helping share the load with Meadows.
Bailey Abercrombie, DL
The now Louisville defensive tackle played a major part in helping to build the reputation that Moody’s defensive front has with his agility and strength.
Joshua Willet Henry Smith
QUICK HITS
LEARN FROM NON-REGION GAMES
Since coming to Moody, Jake Ganus has made a point to schedule tough opponents for his team outside of region plays. He takes from Mark Freeman in believing his team just needs a shot in playing with a high-caliber opponent. This season, the Blue Devils will take on Gainesville out of Georgia, Oxford, Helena and Auburn. Ganus said getting a win against any of them will help the mentality of his players in a good way and eventually set them up for success. That mindset helped the team last year as Moody won 11 consecutive games after losing the first two.
POUND THE ROCK
Moody has a number of different weapons all along the offensive side of the football. Highlighted by running back Le’Kamren Meadows and wide receiver Josiah Dozier, the offense has the capability to execute a big play on any down from any part of the field. After the production from the offense in 2024 resulted in the second-highest point total of any team in Class 5A for the season, the Blue Devils have enough skills returning to duplicate those numbers and go farther if they make the right moves, a product that would be special to watch come the end of the season.
UTILIZE THE DEPTH
The group of wide receivers that the Blue Devils have this season is as deep as they have had in the history of the program. With Dozier leading the way and plenty of guys behind him, the offense will always have plenty of talent and energy out on the field. When it comes down to it, this will be key to utilize in games that are tight late or against big opponents, as it can make the difference in if the offense can move the ball or not in order to score when it matters the most.
OFFENSIVE LINE
A spot of the field where the Blue Devils were hit hard in a way is the offensive line. However, despite losing four big guys from last year that truly played, Moody has brought forth some athletes that will fill the holes nicely. JB
2025 moody Roster
Myers will be a third-year starter at left tackle and is a rock on the edge at 6-foot3, 276 pounds, while also being a true leader for the group. Fish Brinegar is a giant 6-foot-6, 315-pound guard that is playing with nasty determination and has the potential to garner SEC and ACC
offers. Dagan Metlock will play both center and guard at 5-foot-11, 255 pounds, while the right tackle will be filled by Caleb Ragsdale, who switched over from the defensive end and had a solid spring. Max Myers will be one among many competing for the fifth spot as a senior who has not
seen much time, but adds to a group that takes the challenges to heart and every job personally.
DEFENSIVE LINE
When you have a defensive line that you are fortunate to nickname “Death Row,” you are sure to be optimistic about what they can do. Committed to West Virginia, Cam Mallory comes into the year as the first four-year starter that Ganus has coached. His determination reminds him Peter Woods, who he coached at Thompson, and his drive to put in the extra work has been noticed across the team. Henry Smith will be another future Western Kentucky Hilltopper that joins Mallory in leadership and has contributed on the stat sheet in a major way. Josh Willet is also a rising senior that has played as much as anyone on the line and has a quick twitch that opposing offensive lines despise
10
It does not come as a surprise to many that Jake Ganus knows how to win. After spending some time under Mark Freeman at Thompson, Ganus made the transition over to Moody, and in each of his first three seasons, the Blue Devils have won 10 or more games. Ganus brought some of what he learned over and has watched his program thrive using that formula, making them an incredibly tough force.
blocking, while Willie Kimble Jr. serves as a guy on the interior that is strong and hard to move at 315 pounds. Dez Mobley and Ba’Roc Willis might play some on the edge as well, but will drop back in linebacker on occasion. The group gives them a chance to win, all understanding the structure they need to be in for the game.
LINEBACKER
As a linebacker himself, Ganus knows what he wants in his players both physically and mentally. His group this season is very athletic and has a drive to be the best players on the field, something that can pay dividends in the end. Ba’Roc Willis is a rising junior that showcases a lot of versatility and will play a lot on the outside, but drop inside as well. At 6-foot-4, 225 pounds, he is very athletic and can move around, expanding defensive attack options.
KEY NUMBERS
7
They say defense wins championships, and while Moody was not able to hoist the blue map last season, it held its own on the defensive side of the football. In 14 games, the Blue Devils held seven of their opponents to seven points or less, including five consecutive at the end of October and into November. Ganus has built a defense that is tough to get the ball by, with multiple players receiving offers from power programs.
2024 STATS
5-YEAR
2024 RESULTS
*Region Game
#Playoff Game
%State Championship
5
After a massive amount of success in 2024, the Moody Blue Devils produced five players that earned All-State honors. Two of them are returning in defensive lineman Ba’Roc Willis and wide receiver Josiah Dozier, both of whom are turning into very vocal leaders and are expected to have fantastic years. There is hope that the Blue Devils will produce more All-State players this year barring another electric season and a hopeful state title.
EDITOR’S 2025
PREDICTION (8-2)
If there is one person that Jake Ganus embodies in his coaching, it is current Thompson head coach, Mark Freeman. Since coming over to lead the Moody Blue Devils, Ganus has delivered the program’s first three 10-win seasons in school history, all of which came as a result of hard work, dedication and scheduling a gauntlet of non-region opponents. The Blue Devils are not at all satisfied with having lost in the Class 5A state championship game last season, so heading into this year, they are much hungrier. They are driving to take on a schedule that poses a lot of challenges. Two major stretches stick out, as the season begins with a trip to face Gainesville out of Georgia and a trip back home to play Oxford. Those two games will ultimately prepare Moody for games against Helena and Auburn a few weeks later, which will precede region games with Center Point and Leeds. The good thing is that, even if the Blue Devils go 2-2 in the non-region slate, there is a lot to look out for. With numerous players already set to make an impact at collegiate programs after the 2025 campaign, Moody is getting scarier and scarier as a program. It will easily be in the race for yet another region title under Ganus, and as long as that drive remains from the players, it will be a serious contender to hoist the blue map in December.
He will play alongside Jagger Ludolf, who now has the program record for tackles at 200 and has had to play since he was a freshman in some capacity. Marshall Teofilo will be the third part of the three-headed monster and has really grown since he was called up as an eighth grader, becoming a true leader for the team. Kaiden Mitchell is the fourth guy who, although he did not play much last year, served in different roles and has become a solid football player.
SECONDARY
Talent also makes its way back into the secondary, making for a lethal weapon in pass coverage for teams who test them. The corners have both starters back in senior Noah Hicks and junior Kylan Baker, both of whom are very physical in coverage and make it difficult to pass on. Baker will also play in safety some, but Caden Cofield and Owen Randall are battling it out for the most part. Cofield is a senior with
experience but went down with inury, while Randall is a sophomore who is developing into a player that one day will be the guy in the secondary with his young experience. Overall, there are six or seven guys battling for four spots in the secondary, an amazing situation for the Blue Devils to be in.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Two juniors are competing for the duties as kicker this season in Ryan McPherson and Will Yates, making it the first time that Ganus has multiple guys competing for the job. Jake Lowery is working on building up his punting skills on the other side, trying to develop the right form for the job. Josh Willet will be the long snapper for the team and has proven to be “Mr. Consistent,” making for reliability against miscues in tight situations. Meanwhile, Aubrey Walker, Josiah Dozier, Jalijah Rutledge and Aidden White will all see action in the return game as viable options with speed and athleticism to break a return out.
Cam Mallory aiming to lead Moody towards a state title QUARTERBACK hunter
FFWritten by DANIEL LOCKE | Photos by DAWN HARRISON
Following a 2024 campaign that ended with a 17-14 loss at the hands of Montgomery Catholic in the Class 5A state championship game, the Moody Blue Devils are primed for another big season this fall.
The Blue Devils are led on the defensive side of the ball by Cam Mallory, a 6-foot-2, 295-pound defensive lineman who is currently committed to the West Virginia Mountaineers.
Following a season in which he recorded 12 sacks, Mallory is aiming to dominate the line of scrimmage once again when the Friday night lights
turn on in August.
Head coach Jake Ganus and company have high expectations for Mallory, hoping the star defensive lineman will dominate anyone who stands in his way this fall.
FOOTBALL PRODIGY
Due to his large stature and natural ability to get into the backfield, it comes as no surprise that Mallory has been a force to be reckoned with since
he began playing football as a child.
The game came naturally to him and he felt right at home when playing defensive line for the first time.
“I started playing football when I was 9 years old, fourth grade,” Mallory said. “My first head coach was coach Clark Williamson. He really helped me, kind of taught me the fundamentals of the game.”
His ability to be physical paved the way for Mallory early on in his football career, and it continues to help him perform at a high level.
“I don’t really know why I started, just something new to try out,” Mallory said. “I really liked the physical aspect of it. Playing (defensive) line, it’s kind of a way to be as violent as you want to be without getting in trouble for it.”
Mallory’s family has been there with him throughout every step of his football journey, something that means a lot to him.
“They’ve been very supportive, never missing a game and always making sure I have what I need,” Mallory said.
Having people who have invested a lot in him by his side is something Mallory uses as a reminder to give his best effort at all times.
“Proving the people that believe in me right is really my motivating factor,” Mallory said.
Nearly a decade and 25 college offers later, Mallory is in a prime position to keep making a difference on the football field and make everyone who believes in him proud.”
BLUE DEVIL THROUGH AND THROUGH
Playing for Moody has helped elevate Mallory’s game and has prepared him to compete at the collegiate level.
Mallory feels as though his coaches put him in the best position they possibly can to help him succeed, not just on the football field, but in life as a whole.
All they want from him in return is for him to put his best foot forward at all times and lead his teammates to do the same.
“It’s incredible, one of the greatest experiences of my life,” Mallory said. “Coaches are great. They make it to where all you have to do is give a perfect attitude and effort. They’ll handle everything else in terms of game planning, putting you in positions to be successful and recruiting. You know that they are going to give you everything they have, and all they ask for is for you to give them perfect attitude in return.”
Another thing Mallory finds special about taking the field for Moody is the amount of pride the community takes in the football program. From showing up on Friday nights to cheer them on, to ensuring they don’t have any needs, the team knows the community has its back.
“(The community is) incredible,” Mallory said. “People step up and donate all the time, making sure we have everything we need.”
Mallory and his teammates do everything possible to show their gratitude, as they understand not every program receives the same level of support from the community it calls home.
“We realize how much the community impact is in terms of giving us stuff and donating,” Mallory said. “A lot of programs aren’t fortunate enough to have what we get because of our great community.”
PLAYING FOR ONE OF THE BEST
Another part of playing for the Blue Devils that Mallory gets a lot of enjoyment from is learning from Ganus.
The Chelsea native linebacker originally played for the University of Alabama at Birmingham before transferring to Georgia and eventually getting signed by the Minnesota Vikings.
Being able to say he has someone of that prestige as his coach is something Mallory takes a lot of pride in.
Both on and off the field, playing for Ganus is something that never gets old for Mallory and an opportunity he is greatly appreciative of.
“It’s a trust that he’s going to do everything he can to put me in a position to be successful on Friday nights and make plays throughout the season that help the team and help me,” Mallory said.
Mallory also gave Ganus credit for doing what was needed to help him earn an opportunity to play college football.
“Also in terms of recruiting, he’s going to give
everything he has in helping me get recruited,” Mallory said.
When Mallory steps into his life as a college football player, he feels he will be prepared as a result of the effort Ganus and the rest of Moody’s coaching staff have put in to help him achieve his dream of getting to that level.
When Moody hits the road to Gainesville, Georgia to open the season on Thursday, Aug. 21, Mallory and his teammates will be ready to give everything they have for Ganus and the coaching staff. The Blue Devils will also do everything possible to start the season on the right note by picking up a statement road victory after having worked tirelessly in the offseason.
Having a team that showed its state championship potential a year ago has set the bar high for the Blue Devils in 2025.
Led by Mallory, Moody is eager to finish what they started a year ago and bring home a blue map trophy when it is all said and done at Protective Stadium in Birmingham.
Mountain Brook
SPARTANS
They say that it is hard to break a habit once you get into it. If anyone knows that, it should be Chris Yeager.
The historic head coach is entering his 20th season as the leader of the Mountain Brook Spartans, where tradition has reigned supreme and building up players from their childhood to their high school days is the only process.
Yeager will do that once again this season and is trying to get his team back into double figures in wins this season after the last two have been defined by tough losses.
The head ball coach is proud of the way his guys grew last year, and says this offseason looked very similar to last year in terms of development. As a result, the staff loves where their team is going as a whole this season, especially with 28 seniors on the roster.
The Spartans are looking to keep their current nine-year streak of making the playoffs going this year. While Yeager may not say it though, there is a big wonder looming—will he finally win his first title in his career this season? Only time will tell it seems as the 2025 season rolls onwards.
MEET THE TEAM
QUARTERBACK
After losing another core group of seniors last year, one of the big things that remains a constant is the starting quarterback job, one Cayden Hofbauer is back for in 2025. The dual-threat athlete has gotten faster over the course of the offseason after setting the school record for the 400-meter dash in track. His speed makes him lethal when improvising, and in turn allows him to find open guys as he gets away from defenders. Caden Bryant and Archie Andrews are the backups once again, and while Andrews is similar to Hofbauer in his instincts, Bryant is more of a pocket passer.
RUNNING BACK
If Hofbauer ever needs a break with his legs, one of the top returning running backs in the state in Stuart Andrews will be available to back him up. The 1,805 rushing yards that Andrews posted as a junior led him to receive many recognitions. Now, the star senior is looking to make even bigger headlines and has been relentless in his return after tearing his labrum during wrestling season. Ryder McMakin stands behind him as sophomore backup with a lanky frame, reminding Yeager a lot of Cole Gamble. McMakin has shown great instincts with dynamic straight-line speed that
CLASSIFICATION
AHSAA Class 6A, Region 6
2024 RECORD
8-4 (4-2 Region 6)
HEAD COACH
Chris Yeager
RECORD
161-69 (20th Year)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Shane Stearns, Brad Easley, Gabe Rodriguez, Richard Kelly, Buddy Pell, Jake Collins, Jason Hamlin, David Powell, Kyle Speer
LAST REGION TITLE 2021
LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2024
Archie Andrews
makes him hard to catch. Trey Vinson will also spend time in the backfield, completing a ruthless trio with his versatility out of the backfield and the ability to catch the ball.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Mountain Brook has a lot of talent on its side in the receiving game, and while the group may not be overwhelming in physical size, they are shifty and have a lot to prove. Sam Smith will play a huge role in the receiving game this year, sometimes not as an actual as a pass catcher, but as a blocker. Archie Andrews also adds talent along with Trey Vinson, both of whom provide similar skill sets in terms of being shifty and solid blockers like Smith. John Colvin is another name to watch out for as he will be a threat to go up and get a ball in one-on-one coverage. Rivers Young has also had a fantastic offseason and has improved dramatically, giving him a chance to make an impact. The corps has depth, which gives a chance for Hofbauer to make plays on every drive. Tight ends Wallace Hunter and Bennett Jordan add that much more to the offense, being able to do it all as both are at least 6-foot-4 in height.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The offensive line has some
Aug. 22: Demopolis
Aug. 29: @ Parker
Sept. 5: Hueytown
Sept. 12: @ Pell City*
Sept. 19: @ Oxford*
Sept. 26: @ Homewood
Oct. 3: Clay-Chalkville*
Oct. 10: @ Pinson Valley*
Oct. 17: Huffman*
Oct. 24: Shades Valley*
*Region Game
replacements to make with just two true starters returning to their positions this season. Rocco Gray has proven himself to be a reliable leader starting at center and has made a huge impact to help anchor the line. Pierson Avery returns as the other starter at right guard. Together, he and Gray will help lead up front to make calls and checks when they see something out of place. Henry Gimenez is hopeful to make a full return to the front this year after being rattled with injury the past two years, rounding out the right side at the guard spot. On the left, Rob Schoenvogel is going to have to step up in times of urgency at left tackle after switching over from the defensive line last year, while William Tabb will play inside at left guard. This is a big year for the line, as every single
Cayden Hofbauer, QB
As a second-year starter and senior leader, Hofbauer’s speed and agility has only improved since last season, making him dangerous, especially outside the pocket.
Stuart Andrews, RB
Running for 1,805 yards last season, Andrews will continue to compliment Hofbauer nicely in the backfield and is known to be a relentless runner when given the ball.
Boyd Cooper, DL
Coming off the edge of the defensive line, Cooper is looking to continue to create havoc in the opposing backfield with his drive and pursuit of the ball off the snap.
Lawson McKnight, DB
At 5-foot-10, 185 pounds, McKnight is in the midst of a competitive safety room, but hopes to use his aggressiveness in order to create some big hits in the secondary.
PLAYERS TO WATCH KEY DEPARTURES
Hampton King, LB
After moving from defensive back to the linebacker position for his senior season, King racked up 66 tackles and was a force in the backfield, recording 10 of those for a loss while helping to be a voice for the defense.
Daniel Ellis, OL
Ellis was a reliable blocker along the offensive line throughout his time as a Spartan, capping it off by allowing no sacks in his senior year, which got him selected for the Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Classic.
Harris Crumpton, DB Crumpton recorded 90 tackles and four pass break-ups in 2024, but now leaves big shoes for Mountain Brook’s secondary to fill throughout the 2025 season.
2025 SCHEDULE
Cayden Hofbauer
2025 Mountain Brook Roster
QUICK HITS
TWO DECADES OF SUCCESS
Chris Yeager hits 20 seasons with the Mountain Brook Spartans this fall, entering the year with a 161-69 overall record and a 25-15 record in the postseason. However, Yeager has yet to win a state championship in his career and would love nothing more than to do that in a significant year in his legacy.
CONSISTENT SUCCESS
A big question with a lot of new faces on the roster this season is if the skill players will be good enough to help Mountain Brook make big plays consistently. Yeager and his assistants have high optimism that the Spartans will be as good as they always have been with players that will be as athletic as the program has seen over Yeager’s tenure.
one of them are seniors and must make an impact despite being 210-240 pounds each in size.
DEFENSIVE LINE
On the front lines of the defense stands two leaders who are searching to make their
20
mark in their senior seasons with their standout athleticism in Boyd Cooper and Maegher Teague. Cooper is the big returner on the line that is described as someone who will consistently scratch and claw, being physical as a rusher. Teague is trying to bounce back after suffering an ACL
KEY NUMBERS
2025 will be another milestone year for head coach Chris Yeager, as he will take the field for season 20 at the helm of the Mountain Brook football program. In that time, he has far and away become the winningest football coach in Spartans history and led them to the playoffs in the vast majority of those years. As a result, he has 161 wins under his belt and a 70-percent win percentage in his 19 completed seasons.
5
A team carries a unique feeling when their season gets ended by the eventual state champion. It certainly does not ease the pain, but it carries a different weight. Mountain Brook is no stranger to that though, as it has been eliminated by the state champion each of the last five seasons. The Spartans were eliminated by Pinson Valley in 2020, Clay-Chalkville in 2021 and 2023, Parker in 2024 and by Saraland in the 2022 championship game.
injury last season, possessing the speed to run like a linebacker and make big hits. Junior Will Ellis will play the nose guard with his fast twitch, while Tate Davis will provide some depth for him after moving over from the offensive line and having a solid spring. Seniors Graydon Griffin and John Thompson have also come along to help provide some depth, along with Mason Baynes and Henry Walton have also made an impact as rising juniors and will continue to
progress this year to fill in in 2026.
LINEBACKER
Miller Lee has moved from the middle to the outside spot and has
2024 RESULTS
5-YEAR WIN TREND
Rocco gray
EDITOR’S 2025
PREDICTION (7-3)
There is a secret formula to success, however, each coach has their own unique one. Chris Yeager is just one example of one of those coaches, otherwise, he probably would not be entering his 20th year as the head coach of the Mountain Brook Spartans. With this year will come another season of the Spartans developing and doing with what they have, so what the record shows will come down to veterans stepping up and leading newer faces through the trials and tribulations, something the staff feels great about. Just like 2024, the first seven games of the season are no easy task and will each provide a serious test. Each contest will prepare Mountain Brook for the next, which is why the games against Demopolis, Pell City and Homewood will be crucial before big games against Parker, Oxford and Clay-Chalkville. The Spartans have a history of continuing to get stronger as the season rolls, which is exactly what I think will happen again this season. Players like Cayden Hofbauer and Lawson McKnight will be relied on to make plays and help their teammates out in time of need, as both of them carry a unique set of skills with them. Leaders like them, in combination with Yeager leading the way, will have Mountain Brook prepared for all of the challenges that come their way and will benefit them in the end.
good length and ability to make plays in pass coverage at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds. Graham Smith and Miller Crumpton are both juniors playing inside spots beside him. Crumpton has shown that despite his size, aggressiveness and determination can pay dividends with his speed and ability to get around blocks. Smith has also become a solid run stopper with a relentless attitude, much like Crumpton. A group of younger juniors and one senior in Luke Waldrop, Skip Stuermann, Payne Pennebaker and Billy Pharo will back up, providing depth to a group that Yeager says is extremely disciplined.
SECONDARY
Not only do the linebackers have experience returning, but so does the secondary. As a result, the defense has been put in a solid position for making plays. One of those players who will contribute in a major way to that is Lawson McKnight, who will
serve as a captain this season. At 5-foot-10, 185 pounds, McKnight has developed into a big hitter that plays in a real aggressive manner, while also reading opponents well with his prior knowledge of the offense. Mac Mandell will join him with his allaround solid IQ of football along with sophomore Alex Long, who will back them up and needs development. Hayes Windle and Hosford Roberts will also return as starters to the secondary and have both had development in the summer that will create a dynamic secondary.
SPECIAL TEAMS
There is a new feeling on the special teams as Yeager feels that the Spartans have depth at kicker they haven’t had in years. Anderson Roberts returns, but has William Russ behind him if needed. Patrick Crye will serve as the long snapper, while John Colvin, Trey Vinson and Archie Andrews will provide agility in the return game.
back to Battle
Rocco Gray determined like a Spartan to have a strong bounce back
Written by TYLER RALEY | Photos by JEREMY RAINES
FFor much of 2025, Rocco Gray’s journey has been defined by a chapter other than athletics—one that is not ideal, but one that many face at least once in their life.
That chapter has been one riddled with challenges, trials and long days, as the Mountain Brook center works his way back to the field from one of the worst injuries an athlete can suffer in a torn ACL.
However, that has not stopped him from being positive about what’s to come, nor has it decreased his confidence of what he and the Mountain Brook Spartans can do in his senior year.
Gray has fought like a Spartan over the course of his career. Now, he is preparing for his final battles in the green and gold, going to fight for his program.
THIRST FOR THE FRONT LINES
Gray’s football journey began like many, playing through the ranks of his younger years before rising up to play at both the junior high level and now at
Mountain Brook High School.
When it comes to playing as a young kid though, it is not always the case that a young athlete has so many coaches that truly pour into their talent.
Luckily for Gray, that was not the case.
“I started playing football in fifth grade and we have a great pee-wee football program,” Gray said.
“I played for the Raiders and I just had a great experience with that, and then each year going into junior high, freshman year and three years at the high school, I’ve just had great coaches and great teammates that I’ve been blessed to play for.”
Gray communicated with those coaches constantly throughout the years and became a true student of the game.
As he grew in size and age, he took on a role at tight end before ultimately landing on the offensive line in high school, a part of the field he knows is vital to success.
“I think it’s such an important position for communication with the team,” Gray said. “It’s a really unique position being able to work closely
with (the other lineman) and also just being able to protect the people behind you.”
Being the center comes with taking on a leadership role to help direct other guys on the line in their checks. Gray was able to learn those skills from the Spartans who came before him and taught him when stepped foot into the program, setting just one small example of how he’s learned to improve.
“Coming into my sophomore year, especially that summer, I was just starting to learn everything of the offense,” Gray said. “ Those other players taught me the smaller intricacies of the game and the offense and stuff like that, so I’ve carried that with me.”
LEARNING FROM THE BEST
The Mountain Brook Spartans are led by a veteran head coach in Chris Yeager, who is entering his 20th season at the helm of the football team.
Yeager has seen thousands of players come through the school and play for him, to which the vast majority have taken in every lesson he provides.
Gray is no different, even though he is an esteemed veteran at the varsity level.
“Going into my third year playing for him, it’s been such a great experience because I feel like now I know a lot about the offense and what’s going on,” Gray said. “He just has such a knowledge about the game and it’s great to keep learning from him and take his knowledge that he’s passed onto me and some of the older guys and try to help the younger guys get to that same point.”
With that has come the opportunity to learn about how to be the leader he needs to be in order to succeed, a lesson that Gray has seen reflected in those he has learned from and played with.
It’s something that Gray describes as a true honor to witness.
“I think any of my leadership position has come from coach Yeager being a great example for that. He’s taught me so much about stuff like that,” Gray said. “It’s definitely not just me... I have a lot of people that I can trust on my team... it’s really a team effort for a lot of people on our team to drive the bus.”
He’s needed that team effort in more ways than one, especially now as he continues to work his way back to full strength.
DRIVE OF A SPARTAN
Gray tore his ACL in the middle of his basketball season last year playing for the school, feeling his knee give out during practice while making a cut.
After he found out what truly happened, it was difficult to wrap his brain around, but eventually, optimism set in as he looked forward to his return.
“It was tough for a little bit missing the end of basketball season, but I knew for football at least it was a good time to do it if it had to happen,” Gray said. “It’s been kind of a blessing in disguise for me to have a different view of the sport, not being able to be on the field and just trying to find other ways to help the team.”
That different view came from the sidelines, becoming a coach while being a student of the game itself.
It is a role that presented its own challenges, but not without the light it shed on what the game provides.
“It’s tough to do, trying to coach up some guys, especially your peers,” Gray said. “It’s also given me an appreciation for the intricacies for the game and it helped me learn a lot more about our technique and our scheme than maybe I could have playing in it.”
All the work that Gray has put in, in combination with the unwavering support of his parents and two older sisters, has set him up to hope to return to action at the start of the season.
Now, he can finish off his time in the green and gold with the guys he has developed with, making one last set of core memories that will last him a lifetime, while winning the battle and stamping his Spartan legacy into history.
“Football has brought me and my friends so much closer together and it’s been a great experience playing for them and fighting for them, and I really want to finish that off strong,” Gray said.
Spain Park
JAGUARS
When officially closing the book on the 2024 season, many will ask what the biggest storylines were and who to watch out for heading into 2025. Spain Park was certainly a topic of conversation in both of those answers. There is wonder on if last year’s 12-1 campaign for Tim Vakakes and his squad was the best in school history. That can be subjective depending on who you are, but now the real wonder for the Jaguars is how they answer it.
While this has always been the case, the players on this year’s Spain Park squad expect to win, and they’ll have a huge target on their back in doing so.
With a lot of those core players from last year’s defense back and a star quarterback who is already committed to a high-profile college, there is no reason to think that the Jags can’t do it again, or even go higher. However, this result will only come if they look forward and never back, because that makes all the difference in the world in a successful season and devastation.
MEET THE TEAM
QUARTERBACK
As if he did not cement his legacy enough already, Brock Bradley has the ultimate opportunity to go out on top in his final season as a Spain Park Jaguar. He’s taking every measure possible to make that happen, and it has started in the weight room, as Vakakes has said he is already starting to prepare for the size he’ll see at Clemson. The quarterback will have to stay calm through the tough moments though and keep his composure, especially as he prepares sophomore Nash Davis to step up once he is gone.
RUNNING BACK
Big holes are having to be filled with the departures of Dakari Shanks and CJ Cowley out of the backfield, as both players put together a highlight reel on the field though. Spain Park feels that it will be fine though with Nick McKissic stepping up as the primary back. The young sophomore is learning to run behind his pads at 6-foot, 165 pounds. With him will be rising junior Hudson Hibbard, who transitions over from the quarterback spot due to his footwork and knowledge of the offense. JD Thompson is also a sophomore that is rising in talent will be shifty at 5-foot10, 155 pounds.
CLASSIFICATION
AHSAA Class 6A, Region 3
2024 RECORD 12-1 (6-0, Region 3)
HEAD COACH
Tim Vakakes
RECORD 22-11 (Fourth Year)
ASSISTANT COACHES
David Bush, Darius Taylor, Danny Kimble, Daris Robinson, Taylor Diamond, Bryan Tull, Matt Thompson, Brandon Berry, TJ Simmons, Jordan Pannell, Daron Arrington, Lincoln Clark, Carey Moorer, Matt Hall
LAST REGION TITLE 2024
LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2024
RECEIVER
Possibly the biggest headline of the offense heading into 2025 is the replacement of star wide receiver Corey Barber. Kena Rego has made his way over from Tuscaloosa Academy to be a new top guy for Bradley on the receiving end at 5-foot-10, 170 pounds, being able to use his shiftiness and agility to go make plays. Mason McClure is a rising junior that also shows potential to be a key contributor and can play anywhere along the formation. With them will be Barrett Price, a sophomore seen as a workaholic, and Weston Brock, a rising senior that will play in some key role positions. Connor Greb, Landrick Holman and Graham Blair will also be options as tight end for Bradley to air it out to.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Vakakes believes the potential is there for his offensive line this season. Senior left tackle Hudson Reed leads the way once again and is due for another solid season, having gotten up to just under 290 pounds over the offseason. Reed Oatridge will also get his time to shine at the other tackle spot, and after not seeing a lot of action, the 6-foot-7, 290-pound senior will be able to prove his development on the field. Senior Jackson Bryant is under center at 265 pounds, and junior Nic Hendrix will have a guard spot at 250 pounds. Isaac Harris and Sammy Camargo are both
2025 SCHEDULE
Aug. 22: @ Sparkman
Aug. 29: Hoover
Sept. 12: Helena*
Sept. 19: @ Benjamin Russell*
Sept. 26: James Clemens
Oct. 3: Pelham*
Oct. 10: @ Chelsea*
Oct. 17: @ Calera*
Oct. 24: Chilton County*
Oct. 30: Gardendale#
*Region Game #Thursday Game
juniors who will be competing for the fifth spot over time.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Just like the offensive line, the defensive front is filled with seniors, but ones who are stepping into bigger shoes. Zion McLain steps up at 6-foot-2, 230 pounds and has a really high motor about him that drives his energy. Brady Heath has been described as a bull in a china shop and is aggressive at 240 pounds. On the smaller end, Ethan Boykin sits at 205 pounds and 5-foot-10, but has a quick twitch that allows him to play fast. Those three have been in the system and are comfortable in what they do. Kristan Carter will also step up as a junior, and at 5-foot-9, 255 pounds, is just difficult to defend. Jaylen Bates will be alongside him as well in a group that Vakakes sees as relentless, a trait that fits the Jags’ standard.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Brock Bradley, QB
The Clemson commit heads into his senior season with a ton of momentum on his side after being an All-County First Team quarterback in 2024.
Joe Cross, DB
Cross ended last year with five interceptions and four pass breakups, becoming one of the top secondary forces in the county heading into this fall.
EJ Kerley, LB
Kerley’s 140 tackles was good enough for second in the county in 2024, being just one of the reasons why he will help the Jags defense in a big way.
Kena Rego, WR
The Tuscaloosa Academy transfer was one of the top receiving threats in Class 2A last season and will be a dynamic threat in the passing game for Bradley.
KEY DEPARTURES
CJ Cowley, RB
Cowley makes his way to the other side of the city to play for the Hoover Bucs after a dynamic sophomore season that garnered a lot of attention.
Arnold Bush, CB
The outgoing cornerback proved to be one of the leaders in the secondary for Spain Park, leaving a hole to fill in that department this season.
Corey Barber, WR
Heading to play for Clay-Chalkville, Barber leaves the team after being arguably the best receiver in the county and one of the best deep threats in the state.
Dakarai Shanks, RB
The lead back for the Jags heads to Troy after running for almost 1,300 yards in his senior season, leaving a huge hole to fill in the backfield.
QUICK HITS
HOW MUCH BETTER CAN HE GET?
Brock Bradley is a name that when you say it at Spain Park, everybody knows what you mean. Bradley has etched his name in Jaguars history with his performance as a quarterback, and he still has one more season to go before his journey in the blue and black is complete. After passing for over 2,500 yards last season, it is not out of the realm of reason to think he has peaked. However, Tim Vakakes believes that his quarterback can have an even better year as a senior, as he makes everyone around him that much better.
DO NOT LOOK BACK
The 2024 campaign was a historic one for Spain Park, but now, it has to move on. The big thing that many are wondering is if the Jaguars will look back on the season too often and make comparisons as the weeks go by. However, they do not have the luxury of doing so. The whole team expects to win, and in order to do that, Spain Park does not need to talk about last year, but instead keep moving forward and doing the hard things consistently, as Vakakes wants them to do. It will be a crucial component of being force this year.
NEXT MAN UP
The Jaguars lost two of their best skill players in rising senior wide receiver Corey Barber and rising junior running back CJ Cowley as transfers. Those two were two of Brock Bradley’s most versatile weapons and made play after play without hesitation. With them gone, it’s the next men up for Spain Park. Luckily, Kena Rego has come into the program and will fulfill a huge role as one of the leading wide receivers. Adjustments will have to be made, but a smooth transition could be a lethal strength in the Jags offense this season.
2025 Spain Park Roster
Joe Cross
LINEBACKER
Spain Park feels solid about its linebackers this season as EJ Kerley and JD Bonamy both return to their respective roles after being instrumental to the defense as juniors. Kerley continues to get stronger in the weight room and has to be slowed down at times in practice due to his drive. Bonamy will be back on the outside and is proving to be a solid leader as well with his knowledge if the game. Kam
12
The 2024 season was a record-setting one in many ways for the Spain Park Jaguars, and while they did not set a record for wins, the Jags posted arguably the best season in program history with a 12-1 year. Spain Park capped off an undefeated season for the first time and dominated opponents week after week. That as a whole is good for its reputation, but it will be a high bar tp reach in 2025.
Lewis and Evan Taylor will both be juniors behind them, ready to fill their steed.
SECONDARY
The secondary is scattered with guys stepping into roles, however, the group has two solid leaders in seniors Joe Cross and Carter Holloway at safety. Both provide certain skills as Cross is speedy and agile, while Holloway is a hard hitter. Those two will help lead a group of
KEY NUMBERS
2,667
A shock to absolutely nobody, Brock Bradley had a fantastic season as a junior and is destined for an even better senior year. The Clemson commit continues to turn heads after posting 2,667 passing yards last year, racking up 32 passing touchdowns while completing 66 percent of his passes. Bradley has already cemented his legacy as one of the best in the school’s history, but time will only tell much deeper that legacy runs.
2024 RESULTS
Sparkman W 38-7
@ Hoover W 39-37
@ Helena* W 28-26
Benjamin Russell* W 42-15
@ James Clemens W 34-24
@ Pelham* W 42-7
Chelsea* W 31-3
Calera* W 42-7
@ Chilton County* W 37-6
@ Gardendale W 35-12
McGill-Toolen* W 44-35
Russell County* W 45-30
@Saraland* L 19-45
*Region Game #Playoff Game
476
Even though the Jaguars did not make it all the way to the Class 6A state championship game last year, their offense separated itself from any other Spain Park team. Scoring 476 points in 2024, the Jags set a new program record for points in a season, one that was previously held by the 2012 team with 413. With a wealth of weapons across the offense, Spain Park can make a similar statement one again this year.
EDITOR’S 2025
PREDICTION (8-2)
After the best regular season in school history a year ago, the Jags should be right in the mix once again this year. Spain Park will deal with some significant losses on both sides of the field and especially will need to ensure its run game can complement the passing game to keep defenses on their toes. That said, having a future Power 4 quarterback in Brock Bradley cures many ails, and I firmly believe Kena Rego is a star in the making and will thrive as the top target. The back side of the defense has playmakers for days at linebacker and safety, but continued success will likely come down to how the new starters acclimate to their roles. Because of that, there may be some growing pains early on, especially against quality teams like Hoover, Helena and Benjamin Russell in the first half of the season. I think the Jags will lose a couple close games against tough competition as a result, but make no mistake–this team will be in title contention this November. Spain Park is too well-coached and talent-laden to revert back to old ways.
competing corners in senior Xander McClure and juniors Tristan Hill and Jaylen Mosley, three guys on the edge who have good ball skills.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Having to replace kickers in high school is no easy task, and Spain Park is facing that now with Josh Tulloss graduating.
Garrett Hoffman and Charlie Glenn will compete for the kicker spot, while Zach Jones-Van Pelt and Rhys Jones will battle for the punting position, with John Lutenbacher returning as the senior long snapper. Meanwhile the team has some solid options in the return game with Kena Rego, Mason McClure, Barrett Price, Tristan Hill and JD Thompson.
three goals and a Dream
Spain Park’s EJ Kerley prepares to make statement in senior season
Written by TYLER RALEY | Photos by JEREMY RAINES
SSitting around his television and going to football games as a child, EJ Kerley cheered loud for his Alabama Crimson Tide as they took the field to play football on a Saturday with their leader, Nick Saban.
Week after week, Kerley watched the Crimson Tide play physical football, make big plays and rack up wins, widening the eyes of young kids around the country. The program was not only filling his Saturdays with joy but also filling him with the urge to get on the gridiron.
“When I started playing, and ever since I got that first taste of actual tackle football, I just couldn’t get away from it,” Kerley said.
As he kept playing, his passion grew, and just before he entered his freshman year at Spain Park, he told his future head coach Tim Vakakes that he had three goals as a Jaguar—lead the defense, sign a scholarship and chase a ring. Now, he has one more year to complete that trilogy.
LEAD THE DEFENSE
Most kids who play sports or have a desire to play sports find a competitive fire in anything that they do, so growing up wanting to get on the gridiron only fueled that for Kerley.
His spirit for competition matched the standard at Alabama, which was hitting someone hard and never
settling for anything less than the best result.
“I hated losing more than I liked to win,” Kerley said. “I think I carried that over to football and used my God-given ability to go as hard as I can every play, every rep, every whatever to continue be the best player I can be.”
Not giving up, giving it his all and putting together solid performances has lived up to what Vakakes expects out of his players and to what the Jaguars have set the standard as for their program historically.
It’s given Kerley a leadership opportunity and a chance to be a voice on Friday nights.
“It is definitely something I take seriously,” Kerley said. “Every practice, every game, whatever we do, we just try to get better and focus on what we’re doing, be where our feet are at and chase that ultimate goal of winning that championship.”
After the season that Spain Park had last year, the leaders are being held to a higher standard, and alongside fellow senior linebacker JD Bonamy, Kerley is trying to keep going above and beyond that bar to impress.
Not settling for anyone getting complacent, he is holding others accountable so that the future of the program will be in good hands. As a result, he’s forging himself a path for the future.
‘I just try to lead by example, and if coach tells me he wants something done this way and we set a standard,
then I try to enforce that standard,” Kerley said. “(I want) to produce other leaders within the team and within even the linebacker group to where we always keep everybody at the standard and nobody ever slips.”
PLAYING AT THE NEXT LEVEL
Kerley has currently received offers from UAB and Kennesaw State, but is also talking to other mid-major programs like South Alabama, Air Force and Army.
For some, that attention can be hard to balance with games in mind, but as he emphasizes, he has done his best to not let the future take full control.
“Even though that is one of my goals, that is not the main focus,” Kerley said. “I’m just trying to keep my head down, take it one day at a time, keep getting better, work on my craft and be there for my teammates and I feel like all of those things will take care of itself in the end.”
Having watched the Crimson Tide growing up, Kerley always knew what success looked like in its physical form on the field. However, he knew those guys did not just lay down each week until Saturdays arrived.
Instead, the process to get to where those athletes are involves a daily grind, and whether it is the regular season or the offseason, the mindset still has to be the same.
“What really separates you from everyone else is hard work and dedication, true love for the sport,” Kerley said. “I know that God will see me through and I know that I’m confident in my abilities and what I
have done and what I will do. I’ll just keep my head down and keep pushing and know that it will all turn around in my favor in the end.”
Even with the difficulty of being a smaller linebacker, Kerley has received encouragement from everyone around him, including Vakakes, telling him to keep going.
It’s those times that drive him, and because he keeps going, he keeps gaining offers. Now, his squad has a chance at all the glory before he takes the next step.
“Just advice like that and someone who knows where I’m at and can help in that area and fill me with great advice and encouraging words like that and all those things definitely helped me to continue my drive and my hard work and everything that I’m trying to accomplish as an individual player,” Kerley said.
THE GOLDEN GOAL... OR THE BLUE ONE
The Jags are coming off of their first undefeated regular season in program history, and for someone as rooted in the community as Kerley, he knows what it means for everyone surrounding him.
The other side of that is that he and the whole team knows that while it is great, the job is not finished.
“We don’t just play with each other, we play for each other, and I think all of that is definitely what helped us last year,” Kerley said. “We’ve had another year to just improve and only get better... I think that’s really going to be the driving force of us achieving that goal that we want so badly.”
For Spain Park and for Kerley, that goal is a state title, something they came three wins short of last year.
In order to be back in contention though, the Jags will have to do whatever it takes to come out on top down the stretch. If they don’t, things will be very difficult.
“By any means necessary that we have to (win), that’s what we try to do,” Kerley said. “If we just stall, that is dangerous place to be because every other team is practicing and trying to get better.”
With all of the talent that Spain Park has, Kerley has strong belief that his teammates understand the mission at hand. As he prepares to take off the blue and black at the end of the season, he wants them to have accomplished it, with him holding a different shade of blue on a trophy and achieving the goals he set as an eighth grader.
“It would definitely be nice to end my legacy and my career as a Spain Park Jaguar as a champion,” Kerley said. “With that in mind, with all the other seniors in my class that also play, I think as we’re all fighting for that and trying for that, that is what we’re going to try and make sure happens so that we end it right.”
Vestavia Hills
REBELS
Over Robert Evans' four years as head coach, it has been pretty clear that this program has come ready to play against anyone and everyone, no matter how big or how small.
The Rebels once again made their way into the playoffs in 2024 with Class 7A, Region 3 ticket, and help their own against two of the tougher opponents in the classification.
That product came as a result of the tough opponents Vestavia Hills played, especially in non-region play. This year, the schedule is arguably just as tough, and Evan will have his squad ready to go.
A lot of injuries plagued the team last year, forcing new guys to gain valuable early experience.
Evans believes this team just needs to be on the bus for the postseason by the time November arrives. At that point, the Rebels have a chance, and could once again be a tough out at the end.
MEET THE TEAM
QUARTERBACK
Charlie Taaffe stepped into the quarterback role last season as a sophomore and took on a lot of maturation throughout the year, adjusting to the speed of the game and learning how to be a leader. Over the offseason, he has had time to work on the mental side, especially after suffering an injury during baseball season. He has become a better passer and learned to make plays with his feet, something he’ll use this fall. Price LeMaster will back him up, but Evans wants to find a way to use him due to his reps in the offseason.
Carson Purdy may also get some snaps as a running back with a quarterback background, possibly playing in some wildcat formations to vary formations and cause confusion to opposing defenses.
RUNNING BACK
One thing that is easy to say is that it will be very difficult to replace the likes of Will Tonsmeire and Bruce Littleton in the backfield, especially considering that Littleton had a breakout year in 2024 after having to replace Tonsmeire due to injury. Carson Purdy will step up as that replacement though, as Evans says he has a lot of those qualities that Littleton had. At 6-foot, 195 pounds, Purdy is a little lanky but can make plays when called upon. Noah Boylan will split the reps with him at a similar size of 5-foot-11, 190 pounds. Both of
CLASSIFICATION
AHSAA Class 7A, Region 3
2024 RECORD
6-6 (4-3 Region 3)
HEAD COACH
Robert Evans
RECORD
22-14 (Fourth Year)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Josh Franklin, Chad Merrill, David Lundberg, Sammy Queen, Greg Smith, Jake James, Jared Walker, Preston Sanford, Chris Cournoyer, Brent Welborn
LAST REGION TITLE 2013
LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2024
Charlie Taffe
them can do a little bit of everything and will play a big role in run-pass options. Together, they will put defenses on their heels and run a quick pace on offense, forcing fatigue on the other side.
RECEIVER
This season will present another newer group for the offense in the receiving game, with Carson Mann and Chase Webb not being in the room anymore. Luke Stubbs does return as a starter and rising junior, showing increasing dynamic ability in his third year at the varsity level. Zach Laws possesses a speed threat at 5-foot-10, 170 pounds, becoming one of the better screen players with the ability to make guys miss. Hayes Hudson will be the third guy alongside them, continuing to improve and is due for a big senior year at 6-foot, 170 pounds with natural athleticism. Will Ainsworth will help serve as a hybrid tight end as well, giving Taaffe another option in play action to help spread the offense around through a variety of plays. Evans knows he has to get everyone involved each game, as the best offenses have multiple threats to use consistently.
2025 SCHEDULE
Aug. 22: Westside, SC
Aug. 28: Auburn#
Sept. 5: @ Hewitt-Trussville*
Sept. 12: Hillcrest Tuscaloosa*
Sept. 19: @ Thompson*
Oct. 3: Prattville*
Oct. 10: Oak Mountain*
Oct. 17: @Tuscaloosa County*
Oct. 24: Hoover*
Oct. 30: Montgomery Catholic#
*Region Game #Thursday
OFFENSIVE LINE
The offensive line, while not overly intimidating, has come into form as one of the most experienced position groups that the Rebels have this year. Caleb Boylan will lead the way at center and has a natural knack for knowing what to do, becoming a tough kid to get around at 6-foot-1, 260 pounds. Juniors Jackson Deal and Will Gwathney will serve on the inside at guard, but need a lot of development and will get thrown into the fire to replace the seniors when they are gone. Pearson Tucker and Copeland Styles are the tackles and are the other two returning starters alongside Boylan, both having had good years in 2024 and
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Charlie Taaffe, QB Taaffe is entering his second year at starting quarterback and now truly knows what he will experience as a junior when leading the offense.
Caleb Boylan, OL
A major leader at center, Boylan has helped the middle of the offensive line with his smarts and leadership, leaving Robert Evans confident about his interior.
Josh Arendall, DL
The three-technique defensive lineman has widened eyes with his strength and has proved to be a solid body on the interior of the front.
Nick Williams, LB Williams helped to replace Jacob Watson when he was injured in 2024 and got valuable experience against major region opponents, which will help this year.
KEY DEPARTURES
Bruce Littleton, TE
Although used like a tight end in many occasions, Littleton stood out as another rusher, churning out more than 1,000 yards on the season with power.
JD Livingston, OL Livingston was a reliable offensive lineman for the Rebels that consistently posted solid performances and kept Charlie Taaffe protected.
Grayson Bruno, LB
When Jacob Watson went down, Bruno stepped up as a massive presence at linebacker, becoming the team’s leading tackler on the season at 89.
Spence Hanna, DB
Hanna was a vocal and physical leader for Vestavia Hills in the secondary, and his 88 tackles added to that strength as a top safety.
Noah Boylan
2025 Vestavia Hills Roster
KEY NUMBERS
177
The Rebels lost two key defensive pieces to graduation in linebacker Grayson Bruno and defensive back Spence Hanna. Combined, they were the team’s leading tacklers in 2024 with 177 tackles. Having to replace those two athletes is easier said than done, however, Hanna and Bruno each molded those behind them for the next steps. 93
A big start is strong when playing in Class 7A, and that’s certainly something that Vestavia Hills needs to have on its radar this year. While Evans prides himself on scheduling difficult opponents, his Rebels surrendered 93 points in the first two games of last season. Even if they do not win their first two contests in 2025, making stops will be crucial for the players.
Owen Willbanks
are expected to improve this campaign. Evans says the group is close with each other, but will definitely need to keep being willing to learn from Boylan, as he is giving them a chance to be strong because of his knowledge.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Evans is optimistic about what the defensive line brings to the table with bigger bodies, being able to compete on a week-to-week basis. Paxton Ussery and Haines Bridges will both play off the edge and are both disruptive juniors with a quick twitch at 215 pounds. On the inside, Josh Arendall is three-technique senior with a ton of strength at 245 pounds and smarts to help him make an impact in the middle, holding his own. Morgan Butler, Matthew Hilsmier and Liam Boryczka will back them up to provide depth, but Evans knows his line needs to be disruptive all the time, and that means having extra guys available. If they can do that, they will be able to get physical with any offensive line in the state at any time and become a force to stop.
2024 RESULTS
Carver Montgomery L 19-41 @ Auburn L 17-52
Hewitt-Trussville* L 14-18
@ HIllcrest Tuscaloosa* W
LINEBACKER
Linebacker was a spot where spots had to be filled as a result of injury with Jacob Watson going down for much of the year. Nick Williams filled his spot, and now that Watson is gone, Williams is a full-time starter. As a junior, he is seen as doing well on checks and has a solid ability to make plays on the inside. Rush Harper will play at one of the outside spots and moves there after starting at nose guard last year, being a scrappy and tough kid that is expected to have a super involved senior year. Daniel Richardson will fill the other outside spot and moves over from the corner after starting seven games last year, bringing almost a full year of experience from his sophomore
2024 STATS
*Region Game
#Playoff Game
QUICK HITS
EXPERIENCE IS BIG
Last season was a tough one mentally for Vestavia Hills, having to replace players week after week due to injuries. However, outside of the injuries , one big theme came about—players getting experience. The backups to the starters saw playing time ahead of schedule, having to fill in roles on the fly. Players like linebacker Nick Williams had to take the field after senior Jacob Watson went down with a serious injury. Having to face those challenges have made those players better as they step into fulltime starting roles, and they now have the chance to prove what they learned in those moments.
EMBRACE
THE CHALLENGES
Robert Evans has made a point since he stepped in as the head coach to schedule tough opponents and teams that would bring along major challenges. With Class 7A, Region 3 being one of the toughest in the state to navigate, any difficult non-region games can help prepare, even if a team does suffer a loss. Evans knows that as a result of scheduling high-profile teams in the non-region slate, his squad will be difficult to beat down the stretch because they are battle-tested from the early parts of the season, giving them optimism that they can burst into the playoffs again.
Pearson Tucker
season. While they all need development, their experience has helped them to be never scared of the moments in front of him. The corps will also have depth with Grayer Manown and Maddox Vickers backing them up, who are both becoming willing learners by the day.
SECONDARY
The secondary is also taking some replacement from last season, but Evans has confidence that they have guys to fill the roles. Parker Simpson, Layton Osborn and Will Bochnak are all competing at the corner spot, all hovering around 5-foot-11, 175 pounds. According to Evans, this group has to be willing to tackle to make up for the lack of speed, which could hurt them in the long run. In the safety spots, Owen Wilbanks will move to the free safety slot, while Walker Hogue will fill the strong safety role. Both players have shown
toughness and have decent ball vision to compliment it. Ben Ponder will back them up and is a speed threat who has agility. However, the safeties will be a crucial component to how the Rebels perform defensively, so they must step up and become leaders throughout the season.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The specialists are undefined across the board. Sloan Morgan and Gray Prier are both competing for that kicker spot, while Mason McDaniel also has some backup kicking experience and has his name in the hat. Jackson Deal is likely to return as the long snapper, but Brody Glenn might get reps as well. The returners will also be different depending on the situation, but Charlie Taaffe, Luke Stubbs, Price LeMaster, Zach Laws and more will play as good options.
EDITOR’S 2024 PREDICTION (5-5)
Robert Evans has made a point over his time at Vestavia Hills to schedule tough opponents. As if the Class 7A, Region 3 schedule was not tough enough already, adding teams like Westside out of South Carolina, Auburn and Montgomery Catholic to the schedule makes things monstrous and among the toughest in the entire state. A challenge that the Rebels face on top of that is the fact that not a single one of their players have a collegiate offer, something which many of the teams on their schedule do. Where that deficit lies, experience stands, and having many young guys with experience after coming in due to injuries last season sets Vestavia Hills up that much better for the coming season. With a stretch at the beginning containing Westside, Auburn and Hewitt-Trussville, the Rebels will have all their work cut out for them at the beginning. Evans has said though that stretches like those set his team up for the rigors that they will face down the stretch with fighting for a postseason spot and fatigue. I think it will be another year of clinching a spot into the Class 7A playoffs, a place that, if Vestavia can get to, will be a tough out for any opponent they face.
Vestavia Hills Shares
The Vestavia Hills Shares Card is a fundraiser par tnership between the Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce and Vestavia Hills Schools. Shares Cards can be used to receive deals at local businesses now through May 2026!
Sponsored by:
Piddlin Ar t & Antiques
Scan here to purchase
Save the card to your phone’s wallet or pick up a physical card at the Chamber Off ice
Davenpor t’s Pizza Palace
Participating Businesses
B Happy I Bandwagon Sports I Birmingham Therapy Services I The Blue Willow I Bricks & Minif igs
Bruster ’s Real Ice Cream I Burn Bootcamp I Cahaba Nutrition I Cartridge World I The Clotheshorse
Clover + Bee I Darnell’s Fun Stuff I Davenport’s Pizza Palace I DeJa Vu Events & Design I Dear Emmaline
Elite Nutrition I Elite Skin I Family Medical Supply I Feathers Boutique I Fleet Feet
GameDay Men’s Health I Gigi’s I GLAM Beauty Boutique I Bridgett Glasgow-ERA King
HotWorx Vestavia Hills I Iz Cafe I Leaf & Petal I The Lili Pad I Little Soles
The Local Bourbon House & Eatery I McDonald’s-Vestavia Hills I Minette Boutique I Monograms Plus Orangetheory Fitness I Peterbrooke Chocloatier I Piddlin Art & Antiques I Rocky Ridge Drug Co
Rolls Bakery I Romeo’s Sporting Goods I Salon 12 I The Smocking Bird I Society Wellness & Skin Spa
Sunshine Creamery I SURV Birmingham I Taco Mama Tanology I Taziki’s I Troup’s Pizza
Unless U Scoops I Vestavia Barber Shop I Vestavia Bowl I Vestavia Hills Nutrition I Vestavia Nails
Vicki’s Amish Traditions I Village Dermatology I The Window Source
behind the snap Brain
Caleb Boylan prepares for final season at forefront Vestavia Hills offense
Written by DAVE DOMESCIK | Photos by JEREMY RAINES
AAt the heart of the Vestavia Hills Rebels offense stands a player who is equal parts technician, tactician and team captain—three-year starting center Caleb Boylan.
While his impact on the field is undeniable, his leadership off of it may leave an even greater mark on the program by the time he graduates.
Head coach Robert Evans has watched Boylan anchor the offensive line for the past two seasons, but
what stands out more than the 31 knockdowns and 88 percent grade from last fall is the way Boylan carries himself.
Whether it’s dissecting defensive fronts, mentoring underclassmen or posting a 35 on a practice ACT, Boylan’s presence sets the tone for the Rebels.
“Starting at center for three straight years has made me more relaxed every time I get out there,” Boylan
said. “The experience I gained early on really hardened me and prepared me for this senior year.”
That preparation shows, as from the first whistle to the final play, Boylan commands the offensive line with a maturity uncommon even at the 7A level.
He controls the cadence, recognizes defensive alignments and makes key line calls—all responsibilities that speak to the high trust his coaches place in him.
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
For Boylan, leadership is not just about what’s said in the huddle. It is about being the kind of person others want to follow.
“I think many of the seniors on my team view leadership as a position from which you talk,” Boylan said. “But to me, a leader really is a role model,
someone who does the right thing regardless of whether the coach is looking or not.”
That quiet resolve is why Evans describes Boylan as one of the team’s strongest role models.
He puts in the hours others don’t see—studying film, mastering his playbook and helping younger linemen sharpen their fundamentals.
“I would like to think I’ve been training for this position my entire life with the work I’ve put in,” Boylan said. “Playing center is special to me because it’s such a key role. There’s leadership built into it, and I love that.”
ON THE RISE
With a 6-6 finish in 2024 and a playoff appearance, the Rebels enter the 2025 season with unfinished
business.
Boylan believes his team’s identity this fall will be rooted in speed, precision and unity.
“Our identity right now is in our speed, how quick we can effectively do our job,” he said. “We try to play as fast as possible and outpace our opponents. The mindset this year is definitely looking toward a state championship.”
The Rebels will need Boylan to anchor an offensive line that lost standout JD Livingston but returns key talent around him. With junior quarterback Charlie Taaffe entering his second year under center, consistency at the snap will be vital.
Vestavia Hills will also look to replace several leaders on defense, including Grayson Bruno and Spence Hanna, who combined for 177 tackles last season.
Players like linebacker Nick Williams, who gained valuable reps during an injury-plagued 2024 campaign, will step into bigger roles—something Boylan’s steady presence can help stabilize across the team.
MORE THAN A JERSEY
While football commands a large part of Boylan’s daily rhythm, it is only one piece of who he is.
A gifted student, Boylan takes just as much pride in his academics as he does his blocking assignments.
“My favorite subject is mathematics, and my favorite class has been AP Physics 1 with Mr. (Roger) Bittinger,” Boylan said. “I feel like there are a lot of parallels
between sports and academics. They really build onto each other. I put in a lot of effort in both places, and it all flows together.”
Boylan has his sights set on Auburn University or Samford University after graduating, where he plans to pursue a degree in engineering or physics.
While his football career may not extend into college, he is content with what he has accomplished on the field.
“I haven’t had much recruitment for football, so I don’t think that there’s going to be a next step in football specifically,” Boylan said. “I’ve always worked hard to keep my academics strong. Success for me this year would be playing well, finishing strong and being prepared for what’s next.”
GROUNDED BY FAITH AND FAMILY
Ask Boylan what motivates him, and the answer does not start with touchdowns or accolades—it starts with his faith.
“God is my ultimate motivator,” he said. “I want to make Him proud. I do also want to measure up to what my dad was like in high school. He was very successful in the classroom and on the field, and I’m trying to mirror that.”
He credits his father as one of his biggest influences, not just for his success, but for how he carried himself as a man of character.
“My dad demonstrates how to live, how to walk through our faith and how to be a good man of God,” Boylan said. “I try to replicate that with the people I surround myself with.”
Faith, family and football—it’s a trio of guiding values that continues to shape Boylan into a wellrounded leader both on and off the field, especially as he heads into the final season of his career.
THE FINAL CHAPTER
Now entering his senior season, Boylan is approaching every snap with intentionality, knowing it’s his final chance to wear the Rebels uniform.
“Putting on pads and strapping the chinstrap—it’s the true test,” Boylan said. “I’m super excited to compete this fall.”
More than anything, Boylan hopes that when his time at Vestavia Hills is over, he’ll be remembered not just for his football achievements, but for the way he carried himself.
“I hope people remember my character—who I was as a person, not the things I did,” Boylan said. “I want people to know who I am and that Jesus Christ defines me. It’s a great honor to wear that Rebels jersey."
PRE-GAME RITUALS
AARON FRYE
I always pray at the goalpost and I listen to “Gravity” by NBA Youngboy about every three hours before the game.
KALEB CARSON
“
I always listen to some soft music. Sometimes I listen to some rain noise as well. I don’t try to go too crazy on the music. I try to just keep it calm.
GARRETT BARNES
We as a team go up to the chapel for about 30 minutes before the game to pray and get our minds right.
CAM MALLORY
“
I always pray with the defensive line and listen to “Giving You The Best That I’ve Got” by Anita Baker while I walk the field.
EJ KERLEY
“
I listen to gospel music and I pray and then I guess one of the superstition things that I do is that I sit by myself while we’re pregame meals and spend that time clearing my head, thinking about the game, envisioning the game, what I’m going to do... that definitely helps me be the most focused I can be.
PARKER FLOYD “
We always do something called a Husky Walk when we walk over and I just play some worship music to try and calm me down, know that God’s always got me and just listening to that through pregame and before we go out there, I just try to calm my body and then be ready to play.
TREY SANDERS
Walk the field to my favorite song, call my mom and pray, walk and trace all the numbers on the field and then go up and get ready to play with my team.
GAVIN HOWARD
“
Just staying calm, finding quiet. I don’t really want to be talked to.
ROCCO GRAY
I always try to play the game in my mind the night before and think though all the different scenarios. I also always pray with my friends right before we run out.
CALEB BOYLAN
I usually get an energy drink and a Gatorade. Then I’ll go down to Publix and get the King’s Hawaiian Rolls sandwiches that are already pre-packaged. I’ll usually eat that about 30-45 minutes before warm-up. After that, whenever I have a break from last-minute notes, I’ll be listening to rap.
A concussion is nothing to play with.
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury and should be taken seriously. Although fewer than 10% of concussions involve a loss of consciousness, it is important to understand the dangers and not take them lightly. 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 should immediately be removed from play and activity, evaluated right away by a doctor or healthcare professional, monitored and not left alone and not drive a motor vehicle. To make an appointment, please call 205-638-6921.