Football Magazine 2016

The

Hidden Star Who is Micah Murphy?

Inside: PHOTOS ROSTERS SCHEDULES BREAKDOWNS

THE SONS OF MONTEVALLO

The Bulldogs prepare to take center stage

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Table of Contents

22 Briarwood 28 Calera 34 Chelsea 40 Coosa Valley 42 Cornerstone 44 Evangel 46 Helena

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58 Hope 60 Kingwood 62 Montevallo 66 Oak Mountain 72 Pelham 82 Shelby County 90 Spain Park 94 Thompson 102 Vincent

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STAFF EDITORIAL Graham Brooks Steven Calhoun Stephen Dawkins Baker Ellis Alec Etheredge Briana Harris Keith McCoy Emily Sparacino Neal Wagner

PRODUCTION Connor Bucy Jamie Dawkins Layken Gibbs Clarke Stackhouse

MARKETING Meagan Barton Kristy Brown Ashley Duckett Kari George Daniel Holmes Rhett McCreight Kim McCulla Stacey Meadows April Spivey Jessica Spradlin Sabrina Zizo

ADMINISTRATIVE Tim Prince Katie McDowell Hailey Dolbare Mary Jo Eskridge This is a publication of Shelby County Newspapers, Inc. P.O. Box 947 115 North Main Street Columbiana, AL 35051 phone: 205.669.3131 advertise@shelbycountyreporter.com

From the Editor

H

ello again.

I hope this magazine finds you well. Crazy how time flies, it feels like last year was here just a moment ago, but nonetheless here we are again. It’s football season! And there is so much to talk about.

There are 16 football teams in Shelby County, and as usual, we’re taking a look at them all. We talk about which teams are in rebuilding mode, which teams are poised to make a deep playoff run, and which teams may just sneak up on some people.

Also of course, we’ve got some feature stories for you. First, we travel south to talk to four of Montevallo’s top returning players.

Last season was a renaissance year for the Bulldogs, and if Montevallo is going to build on that success in 2016, these four will play an integral part in that journey. Next, we take a look at one of the top athletes in the county that you probably haven’t seen play or heard much about, Micah Murphy from Evangel Christian School, and tell you exactly why you should keep an eye on him.

To make this thing you’re holding in your hands actually exist, a lot of people have to do a lot of things. To the designers who are able to take a bunch of words and pictures from a computer

and create this very nice-looking magazine, thank you so much.

Also, if you couldn’t tell, this magazine is huge this year. We have our awesome sales reps to thank for that, as they drive the revenue that makes this possible, and they definitely knocked it out of the park this year. We also have to give a shout out to all the businesses and people in each and every community that invest so openly and willingly in their local teams. Thank you guys for helping us make this possible.

And, as always, thank you for reading. This wouldn’t really mean much if you didn’t invest and care about your teams and communities the way you do. For that, you also have my most sincere thanks. Now, I hope you’ve just cracked this open on a nice crisp fall Friday night as kickoff is just a few minutes away. It’s officially football season again, folks, and that’s just the greatest news there ever was.

Good luck, and let’s get to it.

Baker Ellis, Sports Editor

Baker.Ellis@ShelbyCountyReporter.com

On the Cover Zac Oden, Daqwan Bryant, Tre’Shawn Brown and Ahmad Edwards return to lead Montevallo this season.

Cover photo by Keith McCoy Cover design by Jamie Dawkins

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THE SONS OF MONTEVALLO Written by BAKER ELLIS Photographs by JON GOERING, BAKER ELLIS and KEITH MCCOY

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G

etting to Montevallo takes a little bit of effort.

The sleepy hamlet in southern Shelby County is a lazy, 20-minute drive from I-65 outside of Calera down U.S. Highway 25, and is tucked neatly into a landscape that is reminiscent of a Normal Rockwell painting and has a population of roughly 7,000. It isn’t a place people pass through necessarily, even though it may feel like that to outsiders, but a place people go for a specific purpose. Whether it’s for sport, art, school, work or anything in between. Whatever the reason, no one ends up in Montevallo by accident.

In the fall of 2016 this will not change.

Few people still will be in Montevallo without reason, although one of those reasons will be steeped in more excitement and optimism than usual. In the wake of a 2015 football season that saw unique and almost unparalleled success across the long history of the

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Bulldog program, there is now some statewide buzz surrounding fall Friday nights in the city. As a result, there is palpable momentum surrounding this team for the first time in quite a while.

Zac Oden, Tre’Shawn Brown, Ahmad Edwards and Daqwan Bryant are the harbingers of that momentum.

These four will be Montevallo’s top playmakers this fall, and are at the forefront of a new and improved mentality seeping through the Bulldogs’ locker room walls. They are an undeniably and instantly likeable bunch off the field, and are four of the most exciting players in the county to watch on it.

Oden, Brown, Edwards and Bryant are close. They have all lived in Montevallo for most of their lives, (Ahmad, arriving in the second grade, is the most recent addition to the group) and it’s easy to see that their friendship runs deep. All have played football for as long as they can remember, and

there is a level of comfort and easiness between them that cannot be faked, indicative of the years they have spent together.

When talking about their favorite memories from their football careers, each shares a moment that involves another in the group. Daqwan’s favorite memory from his playing days so far doesn’t even include himself at all. With a grin slapped on his face, he relays the story of simply watching Tre’Shawn lay a vicious hit on Sipsey Valley’s gigantic running back last season in a game the Bulldogs won 21-0.

Tre’Shawn responds by saying he remembers vividly watching Daqwan take a screen pass 60-plus yards to the house in last season’s opener against Locust Fork. Montevallo won that game 28-27 in overtime.

“He had like four dudes hanging all over him, and he just bounced right off and took it,” Brown says.

They have grown up with each other

asked not to, can’t help themselves from calling a 24-year-old writer “sir,” a natural byproduct of respectable Southern upbringings. Edwards is tall, standing a shade over six feet, while Bryant is shorter and more compact.

The two are lightning-quick in the open field, and combined to catch 78 balls for 1,332 yards and 21 touchdowns as sophomores a season ago, and combine to make one of the best receiving tandems around, to make no mention of their defensive exploits, which are also numerous.

Brown was a First Team ASWA AllState selection last season at strong safety as a junior. His 128 tackles from his safety spot were the most in Shelby County, and he is as tenacious and dynamic as they come in the defensive backfield. The senior relishes contact, and his eyes light up when talking about some of his more memorable hits over the years. This year, Brown is going to play both ways and will work as the third receiver alongside Edwards and Bryant on offense, bringing another talented and dangerous arrow into the receiving quiver. When asked why the new Montevallo coaching staff is moving him to the offensive side of the ball, Brown’s answer is simple.

“To make plays,” he says with a in a small, tight-knit community, smile. sharing experiences on and off the There will be other elements to field, and now the foursome is set this Montevallo team, of course. to start their final football season Caleb Cottingham at running back together, a season which has a chance and Tavarius Holman at the fourth to be one of the best in the receiver spot are both history of the school. primed for big seasons, Oden, the quarterback, and linebacker Jackson is coming off a stellar Hughes will undoubtedly junior year in which he have a strong impact on threw for nearly 2,400 the defense once again, yards and 29 touchdowns. This season marks the but these four are the He has started every game fourth time in the last unquestioned backbone since he was a freshman, 31 years Montevallo of this bunch. Edwards, which makes him one of has been ranked in the Brown and Bryant are all the most experienced prep preseason poll. moving into their third gunslingers in the country year of big-time varsity heading into 2016, and he minutes, while Oden is in is ready to leave a lasting impression his fourth. Those countless snaps have on the school and community he has brought about a familiarity that will spent his life in. be invaluable this year.

Edwards and Bryant are a pair of “The best part about it is I’ve had bright-eyed, attentive junior wide these two for three years now,” Oden outs and defensive backs. They are says, nodding toward Bryant and sharp, quick to smile, and even when Edwards. “I’ve been fortunate in my

4

ure.com omeFurnit MagnoliaH

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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time here to have receivers who can go and make plays, whether it’s on a two-yard screen play or an arrow, guys who can turn anything into a 60-yard touchdown. These two are for sure the best I’ve played with.”

“His leadership is key,” Bryant says in return of his quarterback. “He’s our guy.”

The Montevallo locker room has completely bought in to the idea that this team can be special. New head coach Brandon Wilcox and his staff, along with the strong senior leadership from guys like Oden and Brown, has cultivated a mentality where guys now want to work out, they want to engage and want to get better. But this is somewhat of a new phenomenon for the Bulldogs. For the

longest time, the prevailing emotion in the locker room was one of apathy.

“There’s been a change in mentality,” Oden says. “With the way you talk, the way you work and how you play on the field. It used to be a, ‘We’re not going to listen to what the coach says, we’re going to do our own thing’ kind of deal.”

“Before, it was just a ‘We don’t care’ mentality,” Brown adds.

Tena Niven, — Ahmad Edwards who was born and raised in Montevallo and has taught in the Montevallo school system since 2000, backed up that statement. Niven grew up going to Montevallo High School football games, and has been the Voice of the Bulldogs for the last five seasons. When she started calling football games, she

“We’ve worked

so hard. We want to be state champs.”

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2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

began to notice a difference in how her alma mater played from what she had experienced growing up.

“It was almost miserable for a few years there,” Niven said. “We weren’t competing, we weren’t fighting. Guys would lay down in the middle of the field acting hurt. It wasn’t fun to watch.

That’s not what you want to see.”

While apathy and complacency permeated the Montevallo locker room, that was only part of the story.

From 2000-2014, Montevallo put up an incredibly pedestrian 56-94 record, averaging less than four wins per year.

Were all of those teams lazy? Of course not. As Niven said, the talent level at a smaller school can be boom or bust depending on the year, and for a while Montevallo simply didn’t have the athletes or numbers to be consistently competitive.

In 2016 however, the talent at Montevallo is as strong as its been in quite a while. Not only is Montevallo’s

football team coming off a great year, so are the basketball and baseball teams. On the hardwood the Bulldogs marched to a 22-9 record and made an appearance in the 4A Sweet Sixteen last season while the baseball team went as far as the 4A semifinals. Ahmad, Daqwan and Tre’Shawn all contributed to the basketball team’s success while Zac and Ahmad helped lead the baseball team as well. Oden was the only athlete in the county last year to be named a First Team All-County selection in both football and baseball.

Daqwan also runs track in the spring. Needless to say, these four stay busy.

Montevallo is a small school, and it is not uncommon for the athletes at smaller schools to play multiple sports out of necessity. All four are committed to football, and all say football is their first love, however each still enjoy taking part in their other sports. Ahmad however is slightly unique among most prep athletes today since he plays all three major sports. He is never out of season, and has not chosen to specialize in one over the other, as an increasing number of high schoolers do just that. His reasoning? He’s simply having too much fun.

“They’re all still fun to me, all three of them are,” he says. “My dad has always told me when one of them gets too stressful or when I get tired of one, that’s when you give it up. That hasn’t happened yet, I like playing all of them.”

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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While this bunch is talented and has had success, all of those accomplishments, all of the wins and all of the awards that Montevallo racked up a year ago, all of that is in the past now. 2016 is a blank slate, with new challenges and opportunities waiting for them. The question now becomes, can the Bulldogs build on this newfound success and continue to progress?

When asked what the expectation is for this season, the response from the group is simple and succinct.

“We’ve worked so hard,” Edwards says, and then pauses. “We want to be state champs.”

The other three chime in, adding their support to that statement.

Whether a state championship is in the stars or not for this bunch obviously remains to be seen.

Montevallo has moved back down to Class 3A this year after spending two years in 4A ball, but now moves in to a region with Gordo, Oakman and American Christian Academy, all of which are top contenders in the classification. The Bulldogs pulled in a

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No. 7 preseason rank in the class, while Gordo was ranked second in the class in the preseason and Oakman was ranked 10th. While the roster is more talented than it has been in a while, the schedule has also become much tougher as well.

Whatever happens this year on the gridiron, there will come a time soon enough where this season will end,

and all four will, seemingly in the blink of an eye, have graduated. They will leave their jerseys for fresh faces to take, and move on with their lives.

Before that happens, though, before the passing of time has left this season as nothing more than a memory, the sons of Montevallo have one more ride left to take together, and they’ll see if they can’t make some history along the way.

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THE

HIDDEN STAR

WHO IS MICAH MURPHY? Written by BAKER ELLIS Photographs by KEITH MCCOY, DAWN HARRISON and BAKER ELLIS

M

icah Murphy runs a 4.4 second 40-yard dash, and has been clocked at a 3.98 in the 5-10-5 shuttle run.

His bench max heading into the fall is 315 pounds, he squats 385, and he has a standing vertical jump of 35.5 inches.

He has an uncanny resemblance to a deer when running the football, gracefully rushing past would-be tacklers time and time again. He was a First-Team All-County athlete last season and had one of the most productive seasons in the history of prep football in Alabama. Have you heard of him? Probably not.

How is that possible? Murphy is, after all, hands-down one of the most dominant prep players around, and has the measurables to back that up.

As a junior, Murphy accumulated 3,593 all-purpose yards, which would rank as the ninth-most productive season in AHSAA history. But, Murphy doesn’t play in the AHSAA. He doesn’t even play in the independent schoolequivalent AISA. Murphy, who attends

Evangel Christian School, plays ball in the eight-man Alabama Christian Sports Conference, and he’s ready to demand a bigger chunk of the spotlight in 2016.

Evangel Christian School is a state-registered K-12 church school in Alabaster that operates under the legal and spiritual oversight of Evangel Church, also in Alabaster. It’s one of the ministry arms of Evangel Church, as is the Evangel Christian Classical School. ECCS is a brick-andmortar school that has an enrollment of around 360 kids, per the school’s website, while ECS is a homeschool organization. Students enrolled in either ECS or ECCS are eligible to play for the Evangel athletic teams, and the football team in any given year is made up of different proportions of students from both schools.

The Murphy family has been homeschooling their children through Evangel for more than 15 years now.

Micah, the youngest of four, has been homeschooled through Evangel his entire life. Don, Micah’s father and 2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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head coach of the Lightning, said the decision he and his wife made to homeschool their children almost two decades ago was for a myriad of reasons.

“I think part of it is it’s allowed us to customize their education,” Don said. “It allowed us to teach them history through travelling, it helped us to instill a strong work ethic in them, and it’s helped to teach them all strong entrepreneurial skills as well. Both my daughters own their own businesses now. Also, all my kids are their own best friends. If you asked my boys who their best friend is, they’ll likely say each other, which is pretty special.”

Micah’s older brother Mason was a special athlete in his own right, and was the ACSC Player of the Year in 2014 as a running back. The two have played an integral role in the last few years in turning Evangel into the cream of the ACSC crop, and the Lightning have

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2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

posted a 52-8 record over the last six years.

Both Micah and Mason come by their athleticism honestly. Murphy’s maternal grandfather, Alex Gibbs was a long-time NFL offensive line and assistant coach, while his uncle, David Gibbs, is the defensive coordinator at Texas Tech. His paternal grandfather also was the head track coach at Auburn, and his father played football at Furman University for a year as well. Suffice it to say athletics run deep in this family, and Micah is the natural byproduct of that reality.

Standing about 5-feet-10-inches tall and weighing roughly 190 pounds of mostly corded muscle, Micah plays quarterback for the Lightning out of necessity, although he’s more of a natural slot receiver. He talks quickly, like his father, but speaks articulately and intelligently. He has a 4.0 GPA and is taking college classes this fall with

the hopes of enrolling at a college after Christmas. He is as nice and polite a kid as you could hope to meet, but there is also an earnestness in his green, deep-set eyes that cannot be missed.

There is a passion in the youngest Murphy child, easily noticeable even if its origin is not, although a few minutes of conversation brings the source of that passion to light. Micah, more than anything, wants to play college football.

“I’ve always loved the sport, I’ve always loved playing it for as long as I’ve been around the game,” Micah said. “It teaches you life lessons, to push hard and to keep going and pushing when things are tough. It’s not an easy sport, there’s a lot to learn, it’s a mental game, it’s everything I like combined into one sport. I’ve always loved it, and I’ve wanted to play in college since I was a kid.”

Micah started playing football when he was in the sixth grade and it became

apparent when he reached high school he was capable of developing into a special athlete. As he has gotten older, he has attended a number of local college camps with the hopes of drawing attention from college coaches, although the fact that he plays in the eight-man game has made coaches wary.

“It definitely is a block,” Micah said candidly. “I’ve gone to some camps and have caught the eye of some coaches and impressed some people. But being at a small school, some (coaches) think it’s too much of a risk to give me an offer. Some coaches will look past it, but I’ve just been basically trying to get past the barrier of playing at a small school and playing eight-man.”

In other parts of the country, primarily in the Midwest in states like Nebraska, Oklahoma, Kansas and Iowa, eight-man football is common and college coaches in that part of the country are accustomed to the eightman game. In the South, not so much, and as a result there are a combination of factors that can crescendo together to raise college coaches’ suspicions about

a talented kid like Micah. One reason simply being that unfamiliarity tends to breed distrust. The eight-man game is widely unknown in Alabama and across the South, and because of that it stands to reason coaches might be wary in trusting a product of that game to easily transition to the college level.

There is also an innate assumption that the talent level is significantly lower across the board in the smaller leagues, and there is truly no way to know how successful or dominant someone like Micah would be in the AHSAA or even in the AISA. Also, the game itself is different from 11-man football. The field is bigger, there are six more bodies on the field, and both offenses and defenses operate in wildly

different ways.

Micah obviously knows all of this, he’s well aware of the challenges, and as a result knows he has to be doubly impressive when he gets in front of college coaches.

“My times definitely have to grab their attention, I’ve got to prove myself more than most (other kids),” Micah said.

“Everyone there wants to do that, but definitely for me I’ve got to prove myself even more, I’ve — Micah Murphy got to prove I can play at that level even coming from a small school and that I can play with those people.”

That reality would be enough to make most people, especially most teenagers, mad. To be incredibly dedicated to reaching a goal, and in that process

“I’m very competitive.

I want to push myself as hard as I can push myself, to work out harder, do this and that harder, practice this, make that better.”

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constantly be thrust into situation after situation where you have to work from a disadvantageous situation to get there. Micah however, uses that simply as motivational fuel.

“I’m very competitive,” he said. “I want to push myself as hard as I can push myself, to work out harder, do this and that harder, practice this, make that better. (I’m) always trying to get that extra edge on other players to show people, ‘Hey, I can do this, I can beat you at this, and just because I play at a small school, I can still play with you.’ It definitely is motivation.”

The natural question that comes up during this, the question that is so obvious but has to be asked, is simple. Does he wish he went to school somewhere else? Does he regret not getting the chance to showcase his skill at a larger prep school with more reach into the college realm?

To this, Murphy’s answer is short, immediate, and resounding.

“No,” he said simply in response.

“Absolutely not. I wouldn’t change anything.”

Murphy is the best player in the ACSC, and likely the second-best player in the conference is his backfield mate and classmate Brad Baggett. The Lightning are the odds-on favorite to roll through the ACSC without a problem with both of them leading the way this season. Murphy will be electric to watch as always this year, but there is another, unique story taking place within the ACSC this season. On Dec. 9,

2015 the Alabama Independent School opponents, which is a big deal.

For years, the AISA had not Association’s Athletic Committee voted unanimously to designate teams within allowed its member schools to play the ACSC as acceptable nonconference homeschool teams out of concern that

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the homeschool programs did not police eligibility as strictly as the AISA does. The ACSC was formed in 2007 as a product of that concern by the AISA, and the ACSC adopted the same eligibility stipulations that the AISA puts in place to appease those concerns. Finally, after years of proving capable of policing their own eligibility, the ACSC has been deemed acceptable nonconference competition in all sports.

What this means for ACSC football and teams like Evangel and Hope Christian is still being figured out.

Traditionally an eight-man league, the ACSC will most likely move to the 11-man game permanently in a few years, after Murphy has graduated and moved on. In the meantime, this year Evangel and Hope will both dip their feet into the 11-man game. Eight of Evangel’s 10 regular season games this year will be 11-man games, which will create a very interesting situation.

The Lightning got their first taste of 11-man football with a spring jamboree classic at Jacksonville State. Evangel played Kingwood Christian for one half of the jamboree, and beat the Lions 28-0. Then Evangel played Evangel Christian out of Montgomery (same name, that can get confusing) in the other half and beat those Lions 21-14. Murphy had 186 yards on the ground on 12 rushes in the two halves combined and scored twice in his first taste of the 11-man game. When talking about the differences he has Micah Murphy’s 3,593 noticed between the two games, yards of offense in the primary difference Micah said 2015 would have he noticed was the speed change. ranked as the ninth“A lot of it has to do with most productive season speed,” Murphy said. “In eight- in the history of AHSAA man everything is quicker. football.

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Especially as a quarterback, guys get to you faster because you lose two tackles. But in 11-man there are just a lot more people on the field. Even though it’s slower, when you’re running the ball there are more bodies you have to get away from.

Eight-man is a lot more rolling out and passing, there’s more time to throw in the 11-man game.”

The chance to play 11-man football this year is big news for Evangel and for Murphy. He will get a chance to showcase his skills for one season in the 11-man arena and will be able to get himself on tape in that setting. The chance to play 11-man this year will give him his first true taste of the game he wants so badly to play in college.

How he performs this season could play a vital role in determining where he goes to school.

It’s impossible to know what the future has in store for the youngest of the four Murphy children. His last prep season on the field will be interesting for sure, and he will likely graduate as one of the conferences’ most productive players ever, if not the most productive. The next chapter in Micah’s football story has not been written yet, but whatever the future brings, one thing seems to be certain.

This hidden star likely won’t stay hidden for much longer.

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Carson Eddy

BRIARWOOD CHRISTIAN LIONS

F

or the first time in Fred Yancey’s storied 27-year career as Briarwood’s head football coach, the Lions are coming off backto-back losing seasons. The addition of a 7A classification in 2014 and the classification restructuring that took place as a result pushed Briarwood into the 6A class for the first time in

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2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

By Baker Ellis | Photographs by Baker Ellis and Keith McCoy

school history, resulting in a pair of down years. Briarwood did make the 6A playoffs in 2014 and 2015, and even upset Fort Payne in the first round of the playoffs this past season, but overall the Lions posted a 9-14 record over the last two years, the worst of any two-year stretch in Yancey’s tenure.

Now Briarwood returns to the 5A class

for at least the next two seasons thanks to the 2016-18 reclassification, and the Lions will look to return to their historically winning ways as a result with a team that returns a number of skill players.

Quarterback

William Gray returns for his senior season after starting every game as a

AHSAA 5A, Region 5 2015: 5-7 (4-3) Head Coach: Fred Yancey (27th year, 243-88 record) Assistants: Shane Harmon, Ernest Carroll, Chris Donnelley, Daniel Forester, Matthew Forester, Bobby Kerley, Brent Reese Last region title: 2011 Last playoff game: 2015 BRIARWOOD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2016 SCHEDULE

junior. Gray has worked hard in the offseason to put on weight and add speed, according to Yancey, and is more confident now than he has ever been. A competent athlete with a strong arm, Gray is not afraid to take shots down the field in Briarwood’s spread offense. As a junior Gray was interception-prone

23

Briarwood has made the playoffs 23 straight years, which is by far the longest streak in the county.

at

times,

Rising

DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 19

OPEN

Aug. 26

@ Chelsea

and will need to protect the ball better this time around to give Briarwood a chance in tight games.

However, the senior now has plenty of game experience as well as a playoff win under his belt, and is primed to lead the Lions offense in 2016.

Sept. 2

Moody*

Sept. 9

@ Wenonah*

Sept. 16

Fairfield*

Sept. 23

@ Mortimer Jordan

Sept. 30

@ St. Clair County*

Oct. 7

Woodlawn*

Oct. 14

@ Shelby County*

Oct. 21

Pleasant Grove*

Running Back

Oct. 28

@ Madison Academy

junior

Ashton

Domingue

* Region game

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

23

Ashton Domingue

will take a more prominent role in the offense this year at the running back position, after spending his sophomore year primarily as Gray’s backup at quarterback. Yancey and the Briarwood coaching staff have moved Domingue around this summer, trying him out at linebacker before

24

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

moving him back to the offensive side of the ball. Domingue will be joined in the backfield by newcomer JR Tran-Reno, who comes up from last year’s freshman team, and Wilson Hand. As a freshman, Tran-Reno was clocked running a 4.62 40 and has only improved since then. Hand is back

in uniform for the Lions after not playing football his junior year, and is a tough runner with good balance.

Between Domingue, Tran-Reno and Hand, playing time at the running back positions will be one of the most compelling aspects of this Briarwood team leading into the fall.

Want to know who scored during the big game Friday night?

Visit ShelbyCountyReporter.com for complete results from Friday night’s action.

Receivers

The addition of Domingue, Tran-Reno and Hand to the backfield will allow junior playmaker Carson Eddy to move out wide. Eddy spent much of his sophomore season at running back out of necessity for the Lions, but is more comfortable and effective working in space.

Eddy will head up a receiving corps along with returning seniors Luke Miskelley, Kolby Kwarcinski and Bradford 2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

25

BRIARWOOD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2016 ROSTER No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

1

Kolby Kwarcinski

WR

Senior

26 Bradford Pattillo

WR

Senior

61 Landon Berg

OL

Sophomore

2

Ethan Housel

LB

Senior

27 Graham Core

WR

Senior

62 Jacob Hawk

DL

Junior

3

Bennett Miles

DB

Senior

28 Carson Donnelly

DB

Junior

64 Will Baumbach

OL

Senior

4

Andrew Sherrod

DB

Junior

29 Champ Stewart

DE

Senior

65 Cole Scordino

OL

Sophomore

5

Wilson Hand

FB

Senior

30 Alex Key

WR

Sophomore

66 Ward Combs

DL

Sophomore

6

Barrett Tindall

HB

Senior

32 J.A. Perry

SE

Sophomore

67 Patrick Blythe

DL

Junior

7

Michael Hiers

QB

Junior

33 Max Crutchfield

DB

Junior

68 Michael Holmes

OL

Sophomore

8

Ashton Domingue

FB

Junior

34 Mac McNamee

WR

Sophomore

70 Ross Godbehere

OL

Sophomore

9

J.R. Tran Reno

QB/FB

Sophomore

35 Joseph Mungenast

LB

Junior

71 Mac Brown

OL

Senior

10 William Gray

QB

Senior

36 Brandon Guthrie

HB

Junior

72 Ian Davis

DL

Sophomore

11 Luke Miskelley

WR

Senior

40 Noah Whatley

LB

Sophomore

73 Riley Bush

OL

Sophomore

Position Year

12 Gabe Morris

WR

Junior

42 Brandon Kassouf

LB

Junior

77 Brooks Burgess

DL

Junior

14 Matthew McKenna

WR

Sophomore

44 Carson Eddy

WR

Junior

80 Collin Dorrill

DL

Sophomore

15 Cade Dickinson

DB

Sophomore

45 Sam Hamner

LB

Sophomore

81 Ryan Walker

DB

Junior

16 Mark Hand

LB

Sophomore

50 Hunter Whatley

OL

Senior

82 Bryce Perrien

WR

Sophomore

17 Luke Hess

DB

Sophomore

51 Will Pratt

DL

Sophomore

83 Reid Mays

WR

Sophomore

18 Mason Algren

QB

Sophomore

52 Tucker Johnston

OL

Senior

84 P.C. Strickland

HB

Junior

19 Gabe Russell

LB

Junior

54 Carson Kolb

OL

Junior

86 Quaid Rasmussm

HB

Sophomore

20 Jordan Harmon

DE

Senior

55 Conner Hutson

OL

Senior

88 Jake Dyson

WR

Junior

21 Hudson Hartsfield

DB

Junior

56 Nathan Cale

OL

Senior

89 Michael Murphy

DB

Sophomore

91 Dalton Brooks

DL

Sophomore

22 Jonathan Hill

FB

Junior

57 Cooper Thompson

DL

Senior

23 Caleb Daniels

WR

Senior

58 William Heidepriem

OL

Junior

24 Jay Kynerd

FB

Sophomore

59 Garrett Bell

OL

Junior

Linebackers

Pattillo. Miskelley will most likely and Carson Kolb round out the list of be Briarwood’s other deep ball threat returning lettermen who will work in The linebacking corps will look alongside Eddy, while Kwarcinski and the rotation across the front. completely different from a season Pattillo work better as inside receivers. ago. Rising senior Ethan Housel is moving to the linebacker position 2015 First Team All-County defensive after spending his junior year as a Carter Bankston has safety and will provide valuable game In the wake of the graduation of guys linemen like Daniel Johnston, Ross Thompson graduated and is now playing football experience to the group. Other names and Will Halama, the only returning at the Naval Academy. Bankston was that all have potential to see time at starter on the offensive line is Hunter credited with 70 tackles last season linebacker are sophomore Mark Hand Whatley, who will hold down the right as well as two forced fumbles and and juniors Gabe Russell, Brandon tackle position after playing center last four sacks, and the Lions will need to Kassouf and Joseph Mungenast. year. Junior Garrett Bell will see his make up for his lost production, which first consistent game action this year at will be no small task. Fortunately, left tackle, and the Briarwood coaching Briarwood returns Jordan Harmon, Carson Donnelley, one of the most staff is excited about his mobility Champ Stewart and Cooper Thompson competitive players on Briarwood’s and range up front. Will Baumbach is all from last year’s defensive line, roster, is back in the secondary after a another senior who is back in uniform which is good news. Newcomer Patrick great spring and summer. The junior after some time away from the football Blythe, who will see his first consistent has added speed and bulk, and will once field, and can play either center or game action this year, will join the again roam the field from his safety guard, depending on need. Connor three seniors up front. position. Bennett Miles, who is moving Hudson, Nathan Cale, Tucker Johnson

Offensive Line

Defensive Line

Secondary

GOOD LUCK lions!

26

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

LION FOOTBALL from the cornerback position where he started last year, will join Donnelley as the other safety. In Miles’ absence will be Andrew Sherrod, Hudson Hartsfield and Jonathan Hill competing for the corner spots. Sophomore Cade Dickenson may work into the rotation as well.

Special Teams

Josh Brower, an All-County First Team forward from Briarwood’s 2016 soccer team, has graduated, leaving the place kicking position vacant. Yancey and the coaching staff are waiting to see who emerges as the new kicker, while Gray will once again handle the punting duties. Domingue will punt out of spread punt formation, but Yancey has always preferred to punt from the gun more often than not.

Players to Watch

William Gray, QB. Ashton Domingue, LB. Wilson Hand, RB. JR Tran-Reno, RB.

William Gray

Key Losses

Carter Bankston, RJ Jennings, Josh Brower.

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

27

Trez Harris

Jaramy Dozier

CALERA EAGLES

C

alera has made the playoffs each of the last four years, and over that time span has developed into a consistent, strong program that can be counted on to win at least seven games per year. Now however, Calera is entering a period of transition, and the consistency the Eagles have become known for could

28

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

By Baker Ellis | Photographs by Dawn Harrison and Keith McCoy

be put to the test in 2016.

Wiley McKeller has left to rebuild 2A Vincent, and Andrew Zow has stepped into the head coaching role, transitioning from 3A Montevallo, which is just a 10-minute drive down U.S 25. While Zow’s commute looks similar to years’ past, the job itself will look much different. Calera has been primarily a running team for the

last five years with backs like Ronnie Clark, ShaKeith Tyes and Kyle Harrell coming through the program, but Zow, a former quarterback himself at Alabama, will bring a more passoriented style of offense to Calera, which will take time to fully integrate.

With new faces at key spots and old faces moving into new roles, the 2016 Eagles will be an intriguing team to

AHSAA 5A, Region 3 2015: 7-4 (5-2) Head Coach: Andrew Zow (First year) Assistants: Robert Albritton, Chris McCrackin, Gary Griffith, James Knowles, Paul Hovey, Bill Madigan, Jonathan Howard, Paul Winterbottom watch develop.

Quarterback

Charles White has also graduated, leaving a wide-open backfield for Calera to work with. In the place of Harrell and White will step a committee of backs. Trez Harris is making the transition from his role as a defensive end last year to running back this year, and senior twins Alex and Jaramy Dozier will also see time at running back when they are not at linebacker. Decorean Mickens and Antonio Devinner could also see time in the backfield as well.

Moving into the fall there are three guys all vying for the quarterback spot in Demerius Woodson, Edwin Karanja and Tyler Ferguson. Ferguson, the only senior of the bunch, started the second half of last year and is one of the primary leaders on this team, while Woodson, a sophomore, is the best pure athlete and Karanja is more of a pocket passer. It’s likely that all three will see time in the backfield in the first few games as the coaching staff tries to iron out who will be the Tray Jones and Zach Gaines have guy moving forward. both graduated, although Gaines was hurt for most of last season and did not see much playing time at receiver, This is the second season in a row that which means the receiving unit will Calera will have to replace a top-level also be fully revamped. Yatil Gant saw back, as Kyle Harrell has graduated some time at receiver last year, and and moved on to the Naval Academy. the senior is one of the more athletic

Receivers

Running Back

Last region title: 2008 Last playoff game: 2015 CALERA HIGH SCHOOL 2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 19

@ Mae Jemison

Aug. 26

Bibb County

Sept. 2

@ Dallas County*

Sept. 9

Central Tuscaloosa*

Sept. 16

Demopolis*

Sept. 23

Jackson-Olin

Sept. 30

OPEN

Oct. 7

Jemison*

Oct. 14

@ Sumter Central*

Oct. 21

@ Marbury*

Oct. 28

@ Sylacauga

* Region game

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

29

guys on the team and will be expected to produce out wide.

Joining Gant will be Jonathan Brown, a basketball player who has come out for the team in his senior year, as well as Tyler Ray and Chris Shearer. Moving into the fall, the coaching staff is still working with the receiving corps to make sure they develop smart, sharp route-running habits.

Offensive Line

The offensive line has the most experience of any group on the team.

Mackenan Thompson, Blake Jones, Caleb Buckhannon and Cody Cook all started last year, and are all back for 2016.

The fifth lineman job is currently up in the air, with Bryce Keller, Trey Yowe, Brandon Earnest and Jeffrey Turnipseed all battling for time on the line.

Defensive Line

31

The Calera offense averaged 31 points per game last season, which was the lowest average total for the Eagles in the last four years.

Calera will have more guys than in years past playing on both sides of the ball, and the Eagles are still in the process of figuring out where a number of guys will spend the majority of their time. Antonio Devinner, for example, will be on the defensive line if he is not at running back, as could Trez Harris, since both played defensive end

30

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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last season. Cameron Day, Phillip Douglas and Anthony Washington are some of the other faces trying to lock down time on the defensive front.

Linebackers

Senior twins Alex and Jaramy Dozier were the only two linebackers in Calera’s 4-2-5 scheme last season, but that will change in 2016 as Calera moves to more of a traditional 4-3 look. The Dozier boys will hold down the outside linebacker positions, splitting time there and at running back, while Decorean Mickens will also work at outside linebacker from time to time. Dyson Edwards and David Lawrence have also impressed this summer, and will both get reps at middle linebacker. While the linebacker corps has multiple names that will see time there, Zow and the coaching staff feels this is one of the team’s stronger units.

Secondary

Terry Burrells has locked down one of the corner spots, and will be joined by either Tyler Ferguson or Demerius Woodson at the other corner. If Ferguson does not lock down the starting quarterback job he will be at corner, where he spent the first part of last season, and if Ferguson wins the job, Woodson will likely step into the other cornerback role. Jonathan Brown, Chandler Smith, Zakiyah Johnson and Jermaine Wilson are all vying for time at safety as well.

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

31

CALERA HIGH SCHOOL 2016 ROSTER No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

Position Year

1

Antonio Devinner

DE/RB

24 Chandler Smith

WR/FS

50 Justin Venegoni

OL/DL

Senior

2

Demeraius Woodson QB/WR/CB

25 Tyler Agnew

DB/WR Sophomore

51 Ryan Caver

OL/DL

Freshman

3

Decorean Mickens

RB/LB

Junior

26 Jaramy Dozier

LB/RB

52 Blake Jones

DL/OL

Junior

4

Edwin Karanja

QB

Freshman

27 Chandler McGiboney WR/DB Freshman

53 Gabriel Schweitzer

OL/DL

Freshman

5

Zakiyah Johnson

CB/WR Junior

28 Trez Harris

RB/DE

Senior

54 Malachi Small

OL/DL

6

Richard Thomas

SS/WR

29 Paul Clayton

WR/LB

Senior

55 Anthony Washington DL/OL

7

Ty Windham

DE/WR/TE

Senior

30 Michael Banks

LB/RB

Junior

56 Jordan Williams

OL/DL

Freshman

8

Robert Gray

CB/WR Sophomore

31 Kenya Myricks

WR/FS

Junior

58 Myles Morrisons

OL/DL

Freshman

9

Tyler Ray

WR/CB Sophomore

32 Arthur Seay

WR/CB Sophomore

59 Ethan Lemley

LB/WR

Junior

FS/WR

33 Jonah Lee

LB/RB

Freshman

60 Phillip Douglas

DL/OL

Sophomore

10 Ben Johnson

Senior Frosh.

Senior

Senior

Sophomore Senior

Freshman Junior

11 Yatil Gant

WR/DE Senior

34 Cameron Dexter

LB/H

Senior

63 Mackenan Thompson OL/DL

Senior

12 Tyler Ferguson

CB/QB

Senior

35 Alex Dozier

LB/RB

Senior

64 Jeffery Turnipseed

OL/DL

Senior

13 Terry Burrells

CB/RB

Sophomore

36 Jermaine Wilson

FS/WR

Junior

65 Bryce Keller

OL/DL

Senior

14 Jermaine Ross

CB/WR/QB

37 Timothy Gilbert

WR/FS

Freshman

68 Trey Yowe

OL/DL

Freshman

15 Chris Shearer

WR/CB Junior

38 Justen George

WR/CB Freshman

70 Caleb Buckhanon

OL/DL

Junior

39 Isaak Thompson

TE/DL

Freshman

71 Brandon Earnest

OL/DL

Senior Freshman

16 Dylan Killingsworth WR/FS

Junior

Freshman

17 QuinDarius Crews

WR/CB Freshman

40 Dyson Edwards

LB/H

Junior

73 Jayson Jones

OL/DL

18 Ke’Sean Bates

LB/TE

Senior

42 Kameron Johnson

LB/WR

Senior

77 Cody Cook

OL/DL

Senior

19 Laparris Whatley

FS/QB

Freshman

43 Rayshaun Bivens

CB/WR Junior

80 Trenton Yowe

WR/FS

Freshman

20 Jonathan Brown

WR/FS

Senior

44 DeJavius Williams

WR/CB Freshman

84 Zach Ford

K

Sophomore

21 Willie Underwood

WR/CB Junior

45 David Lawrence

LB/H

Senior

88 Cameron Day

TE/DE

Junior

22 Dominic Lilly

LB/RB

46 Tyler Devinner

LB/H

Senior

99 Clayton Brannon

LB/WR

Senior

23 JaCobi Gaines

WR/DB Freshman

Sophomore

48 Patrick Killingsworth CB/WR Junior

Special Teams

Zach Gaines will be missed at receiver for sure, but will also definitely be missed in the special teams game, as he had one of the most powerful legs in the state a season ago. Into the kicking role will step sophomore Zach Ford, who will handle all kicking and punting duties for the Eagles. The return specialists jobs have not been secured heading into the fall.

Players to Watch

Decorean Mickens

Mackenan Thompson, OL. Yatil Gant, WR. Demerius Woodson, QB/DB. Decorean Mickens, RB/LB. Caleb Buckhannon, OL.

Key Losses

Kyle Harrell, Charles White, Zach Gaines, Kevin Nunn.

Yatil Gant

GOOD LUCK EAGLES! 32

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

EAGLE FOOTBALL

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2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

33

Matt Marquet

CHELSEA HORNETS

C

helsea had a solid season under Chris Elmore in 2015, as the Hornets finished 7-4 and made the playoffs for the first time since 2011. The Hornets have trended upward in each of Elmore’s first three seasons, winning more games with each passing year under his reign. Elmore and Chelsea will benefit from the return of a vast number of skill players to last season’s offense that averaged 31.7 points per game, however the defensive unit will look completely different this season as

34

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

By Baker Ellis | Photographs by Cari Dean and Keith McCoy

Chelsea heads into the newly aligned 6A Team quarterback. An adept and Region 3. savvy runner, Marquet is not afraid to make a play with his legs, and has the athleticism and quickness to confound Matt Marquet is back for his senior most linebackers when he tucks and season, and is one of the most runs. He has been a part of the Chelsea experienced quarterbacks across the system since his freshman year, and county, having taken varsity snaps now Elmore and the Chelsea coaching since his sophomore season. As a junior, staff get one last ride with their talented Marquet finished with 1,255 yards leader. This offense will in large part go passing and eight touchdown throws as Marquet goes. as well as 122 carries for 784 yards and 11 more touchdowns on the ground, and was named the All-County Second AJ Jones graduated, taking 973 yards

Quarterback

Running Back

AHSAA 6A, Region 3 2015: 7-4 (4-2) Head Coach: Chris Elmore (Fourth year, 17-14 record)

Zalon Reynolds

Assistants: Zeb Ellison, Nathan Fordham, Gerald Neaves, David Crabtree, Lee Hibbs, Stephen Clements Last region title: 2006 Last playoff game: 2015

3

year. Austin Stallworth, a rushing and 17 rushing fellow senior who had an touchdowns with him. The impressive spring, will be loss of a talented back like Reynolds’ primary backup Jones will hurt, especially and Kendrick Simpson in the passing game, but will get touches as well, as the load will now fall more The Hornets return long as he stays healthy squarely on the broad, three key weapons after pulling his hamstring capable shoulders of Zalon on offense from last twice over the spring and Reynolds. Reynolds, who year, but lose three on summer. also rushed for 900-plus defense. yards last year and scored six times in a tandem backfield role with Jones, will now be The receiving corps has been Chelsea’s the primary backfield option for the most consistently impressive group Hornets heading into his senior year. throughout the spring and summer, Standing at roughly 5-feet-10-inches, according to Elmore. Jay Vickers Reynolds is the strongest player on is back on the outside, and will be Chelsea’s roster, bar none, and has the Marquet’s primary target for the second combination of vision, speed and power consecutive year. Vickers hauled in 33 to be a high-end prep back in his final catches last season for 547 yards and

Receivers

CHELSEA HIGH SCHOOL 2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 19

@ Oak Mountain

Aug. 26

Briarwood

Sept. 2

Wetumpka*

Sept. 9

@ Benjamin Russell*

Sept. 16

@ Pelham*

Sept. 23

Gardendale

Sept. 30

OPEN

Oct. 7

@ Opelika*

Oct. 14

Chilton County*

Oct. 21

Helena*

Oct. 27

@ Cullman

* Region game

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

35

Jay Vickers

four touchdowns. Vickers, a senior as well, is not a big target, but does have 4.5 40 speed like Reynolds and can be dangerous in open space. Josh Gregg, Lee Rickard and Hunter Blackburn will rotate in at the receiver and slot positions as well in Chelsea’s spread option offense, as well Will Rowser. The receiving corps is the most internally

competitive unit on the team, according Last season, Chelsea rotated through to Elmore, which has elevated the play eight linemen, and return a number of each member over the summer. of guys who saw significant varsity minutes. Nathan Wood started last year before suffering a concussion against Ben Haskins, Rod Tyson and Joey Helena, effectively ending his season, Chiofalo are all gone from last season’s but is back for his senior year, while O line, which will hurt, but the Hornets Houston Needham returns for his senior still have a number of pieces up front. campaign as well. Jacob Christian came

Offensive Line

Want to know who scored during the big game?

Visit 280Reporter.com for a complete recap from Friday night’s game.

36

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Allen Bass and Austen Bearden. Bass, albeit undersized, will likely be the Hornets’ main nose guard in Chelsea’s 3-3-5 defense, but both Needham and Fine will likely see between 10-12 snaps per game at the position as well. Regan Wortham, a starting defensive end on the 2015 team, will also work on the front line this year some as well.

Linebackers

Chris Elmore

on in Wood’s absence and had a strong second half of the 2015 season, while Kevin Fine and Brett Bearden also saw time up front as well. Elmore likes his linemen to be able to play multiple positions, and there are a number of different positional alignments that could take shape up front for the Hornets, but more likely than not Fine will play center while Wood, Christian,

Needham and Bearden, along with Spencer Jordan and Jackson Dunn, will flank him in protection of Chelsea’s explosive backfield.

Defensive Line

Warner Wright, Chelsea’s most consistent defensive lineman, is back for his junior campaign, and will be joined by Briarwood transfer John

Chelsea suffered a mass exodus at the linebacker position after last year.

Justin Painter, David Hardenbaugh and Blake Travelstead, all of whom were three-year starters, have all graduated, leaving a wide-open landscape at the linebacker position. Wortham is moving from his defensive end role to one of the outside linebacker positions, and will be flanked by fellow seniors Jalyn Miller and Will Shaw. The middle linebacker role falls to Hunter Offord, a junior who spent last season backing up Hardenburgh. Offord has seen a large share of first team reps in practice, and will translate that to game action this year. While the linebacking corps is experiencing a complete overhaul,

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

37

CHELSEA HIGH SCHOOL 2016 ROSTER No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

1

Zalon Reynolds

RB

Senior

31 Vick Lindsey

RB

Sophomore

61 Spencer Jordan

OL

Junior

2

Jalyn Miller

LB

Senior

32 Austin Bearden

DE

Senior

62 Jackson Dunn

OL

Junior

3

Jay Vickers

WR

Senior

33 Christian Pruitt

WR

Junior

63 Matt Fant

LB

Sophomore

4

Tyler Thomas

K

Senior

34 Will Hayes

LB

Junior

64 Nathan Tolbert

OL

Junior

5

Matthew Marquet

QB

Senior

35 Colby Lambert

WR

Junior

65 Michael Griffin

OL

Junior

6

Zac Young

DB

Senior

36 Reid Burleson

DB

Junior

66 Drew Chambers

OL

Junior

7

Regan Wortham

LB

Senior

37 Austin Stallworth

RB

Senior

67 Hunter Thompson

OL

Sophomore

8

Hunter Blackburn

WR

Senior

38 Carter Burleson

DB

Junior

68 Chris Knecht

DE

Sophomore

9

Lee Rickard

WR

Senior

39 Carson Alexander

LB

Sophomore

70 Tristan Carlee

DL

Sophomore

10 Bryson Hardy

DB

Senior

40 Hunter Offord

LB

Junior

71 Ben Carpenter

OL

Junior

11 Alec Little

QB

Junior

41 Jakob Clayton

DB

Sophomore

72 Garrett Evans

OL

Sophomore

12 Kenny Simpson

DB

Junior

42 Ben Brasher

LB

Sophomore

73 Todd Justice

DE

Sophomore Senior

Position Year

13 Will Rowser

WR

Senior

43 Connor Griffin

DB

Sophomore

74 Andy Hendricks

DL

14 Turner Griffin

QB

Sophomore

44 Stephen Fant

LB

Sophomore

76 Nathan Wood

OL

Senior

15 Josh Gregg

QB/WR Senior

45 Lake Phillips

WR

Sophomore

77 Hakeem Stanford

DL

Sophomore

16 Dylan Seabolt

DB

Junior

46 Clint Glaze

DB

Junior

78 Devin Hill

DL

Junior

17 Kaleb Tindall

QB

Sophomore

47 Will Sullivan

DB

Sophomore

79 Jacob Christian

OL

Senior

18 Colton Carter

WR

Junior

48 Cameron Pierce

DB

Sophomore

80 Reggie Fisher

WR

Sophomore

19 Cody Walker

DB

Junior

49 Will Peacock

TE

Sophomore

81 Lando Nichols

DB

Sophomore

20 Colton Turner

DB

Sophomore

50 Houston Needham

OL

Senior

82 Doug Wood

WR

Sophomore

21 Evans Shaw

DB

Senior

51 John Allen Bass

DL

Senior

83 Caleb Gore

DE

Junior

22 Tristan Pinska

DB

Senior

52 Mason Roberts

DE

Junior

84 Zach Adams

TE

Junior

23 Bailey Hix

DB

Senior

53 Logan Brasher

OL

Sophomore

85 Jonah Moore

WR

Junior

24 Will Shaw

LB

Senior

54 Dalton Gentle

DL

Junior

86 Zach Shaw

WR

Sophomore

25 Kendrick Simpson

RB

Junior

55 Warner Wright

DE

Junior

87 Andrew Bartlewski

WR

Sophomore Sophomore

26 Joseph Turnes

WR

Junior

56 Wesley Pouncey

OL

Sophomore

88 Nathan Trent

WR

27 Ethan Shaw

LB

Sophomore

57 Marc Moody

OL

Sophomore

89 Connor Graham

WR

Junior

28 Scott Arnold

DB

Junior

58 Brett Bearden

OL

Senior

90 Tanner Middleton

K

Junior

99 Dawson Downard

DL

Senior

29 Wade Moore

WR

Junior

59 Matt Tyson

LB

Sophomore

30 Lionel James

RB

Junior

60 Kevin Fine

OL

Senior

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38

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

HORNET FOOTBALL there is still experience and age at those positions to anchor the defense.

Secondary

As dramatic replacing three threeyear starters at linebacker may seem, Chelsea’s more immediate area of focus is in the secondary. Michael Waller is gone, and is the player Chelsea will miss the most, according to Elmore, as are Calen Russell and Luke Ganus. Bryson Hardy, Chelsea’s best returning corner, will move to fill the free safety slot Waller vacated, and will be joined by

some combination of Zac Young, Dylan Seabolt and Scott Arnold at the spur safety positions. Evans Shaw and Bailey Hix, another Briarwood transfer, will be the top two corners for this bunch.

Special Teams

Tyler Thomas is back and will be Chelsea’s main kicker, however the Hornets have no shortage of legs. Lando Nichols, a rising sophomore soccer player, has joined the team and has a quality leg; while Colby Lambert is also back for his junior year. Justin Painter

moonlighted as the Chelsea punter last year, and that role will more than likely be filled by Marquet this year, who has a serviceable punting leg.

Players to Watch

Matt Marquett, QB. Zalon Reynolds, RB. Jay Vickers, WR. Regan Wortham, LB. Bryson Hardy, S.

Key Losses

AJ Jones, Ben Haskins, David Hardenbaugh, Justin Painter, Michael Waller, Blake Travelstead, Calen Russell.

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

39

COOSA VALLEY REBELS

T

he Rebels have retained head coach Steve McCord from last season, and McCord has seen rapid improvement in the weight room and in the overall conditioning of his team since coming to Coosa Valley in July of last year. Moving into the 2016 season, expectations are as high as they have been in Harpersville in the last two seasons that this Rebel team can be competitive.

By Baker Ellis | Photographs by Jon Goering and Baker Ellis

and gives Coosa Valley its best chance to be effective on the offensive side of the ball.

sophomore Tripp Allen.

Receivers

Chase Carlee is moving back to his more natural position at receiver in light of Taylor Do-everything taking over the senior Easton quarterbacking Hopkins has duties. Allen will graduated, and was one of the lone bright join Carlee out wide spots on the Rebels’ when he is not in the offense that averaged just backfield. Mason Houston and Christian Rose, another pair The Rebels will roll out junior Justin 13 points per game. Stepping Taylor in the backfield this year. Taylor, into the running back role will be of juniors, will work out wide as well who stands a shade under six feet tall sophomore Camden Knight, who saw in Coosa Valley’s spread offense. There and weighs in at about 170 pounds, has time at the position a season ago, as are no seniors in the receiving corps a high football IQ according to McCord, well as senior Austin Ledford and and few across Coosa Valley’s entire

Running Back

Quarterback

GOOD LUCK REBELS! 40

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

COOSA VALLEY ACADEMY 2016 ROSTER No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

1

Cain Thornton

WR

Senior

13 Tripp Allen

WR

Sophomore

56 Brandon Adams

DE/OL

Junior

2

Austin Ledford

RB

Senior

15 Chase Carlee

WR

Junior

60 Austin Bynum

OL/DL

Junior

3

Mason Houston

WR

Junior

18 Bailey Deshazo

RB

Sophomore

61 Tanner Temple

OL/DL

Senior

5

Stone Dorough

HB

Junior

21 Camden Knight

TB

Sophomore

64 Mack Palmor

OL/DL

Freshman

7

Jacob Brooks

WR

Freshman

32 Blake Harden

TE

Senior

68 Brody Williams

OL/DL

Sophomore

8

Griffin Smith

K

Senior

50 Jaylin Peters

LB

Sophomore

72 Justin Roberts

OL/DL

Junior

QB

Junior

52 Harley Gerald

OL/DL

Sophomore

84 Christian Rose

WR

Junior

10 Justin Taylor

Position Year

AISA AA, Region 1 2015: 0-10 (0-6) Head Coach: Steve McCord (2nd year, 0-10 record) Assistants: Alex Adams, Kyle Parrish, Gerald Carter, Kyle Bynum, Jarod Watson

REBEL FOOTBALL roster, and this receiving group will be able to grow into their role as the season progresses.

Offensive Line

Tanner Temple returns for his senior season on the offensive line. Temple has been a staple of the Coosa Valley front for years, and the senior will once again hold down the center position in his final prep season. Jaylin Peters, a sophomore, will flank Temple on the right side at the right guard spot while classmate Brody Williams will be at right tackle. Austin Bynum, a junior, will be at left guard this season while fellow junior Justin Robertson will plug the left tackle slot. Blake Harden, a senior, and junior Stone Dorough will play at tight end as well for this Rebel team.

Last region title: 2010 Last playoff game: 2013 COOSA VALLEY ACADEMY 2016 SCHEDULE

and Brody Williams will likely start across the front of Coosa Valley’s 4-4 defense, while Stone Dorough will work heavily into that rotation as well.

DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 19

@ Kingwood (Jamboree)

Aug. 26

Chambers Academy

Linebackers

Sept. 2

@ Lowndes Academy

Sept. 9

Macon-East Academy*

Sept. 16

Lakeside*

Sept. 23

Pickens Academy

Sept. 30

@ Sparta Academy

Oct. 7

@ Kingwood Christian*

Oct. 14

Evangel Christian* (Montgomery)

Oct. 21

@ Cornerstone Christian*

Camden Knight will split his time evenly between the running back role and linebacker. The sophomore will be joined by some combination of Jaylin Peters, who will be the only member of the team to play on the offensive line and in the linebacking corp, Chase Carlee, Tripp Allen and Austin Ledford.

Secondary

Oct. 28 Sumter Academy Mason Houston will occupy the safety * Region game slot, while Christian Rose and Justin Taylor will work at the cornerback positions. Ninth-grader Jacob Brooks responsibilities. Mason Houston will is getting some looks at cornerback as handle most of the returning duties, well, as is Kain Thornton, who will play both kickoff and punt. a little wide receiver as well as seeing The Rebels, who play in the AISA AA some reps in the defensive backfield. classification, are slim on numbers, and Justin Taylor, QB. Chase Carlee, WR/ as a result pretty much every player DB. who starts on offense will start on the The Rebels, heading into the fall are defensive side of the ball as well. Blake still trying to determine who is going Harden, Tanner Temple, Austin Bynum to handle the kicking and punting Easton Hopkins, Mitchell Watson.

Defensive Line

Players to Watch

Special Teams

Key Losses

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

41

Logan Tucker

CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN CHARGERS

T

im Smith is heading into his 17th season as Cornerstone’s head coach, and the Chargers have moved up to the AA class this year, even though they most likely won’t have more than 25 guys on the roster. However, Smith has a talented crop of seniors, especially at the skill positions, and feels confident that this Cornerstone team will make strides forward from the 2015 season.

Quarterback

Tyler McNamee is back under center for his senior year and ready to lead the Charger offense. McNamee, who is starting for the second season and playing football for just the second season, has put on weight and has had a terrific offseason according to Smith, and much is expected of him this season if Cornerstone is to improve off their 2-8 campaign from a season ago.

Running Back

Logan Tucker, another senior, will

42

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

By Baker Ellis | Photographs by Dawn Harrison and Baker Ellis

take over the running back duties in replace of Cade Adams, who has graduated.

Tucker accelerated as a football player over the course of his junior year, and has dropped weight and gained speed entering his final year. The Chargers will operate primarily out of the spread, but Tucker will get his fair share of touches in the backfield this year.

Receivers

Stepping into the No. 1 receiver role will be Jo-Jo Joiner, another senior, who has come “a million miles in three years” according to Smith. Joiner has the same ability as Jeffrey Odgers did a season ago and is also slightly faster. He will also see some time in the backfield at running back as well as consistent action in the secondary and will handle return duties. It will be a busy year

for him, no doubt. Rhett Garrett, who is also the backup quarterback, and Jake Blankenship will also see time out wide, as will Ben Perryman. Perryman has been around the program for a while, but has recently hit a growth spurt and the staff is excited to see what he can do.

Offensive Line

The Chargers return four starters to the offensive line from a season ago, which is an improvement over last season.

Christian Andrews is once again back, and will start on the line for the fourth year in a row, where the junior has started since he was in the eighth grade.

Daniel Howell, Tucker Johnston and Landon Guy also all started last year and return. Howell and Johnston return at the guard positions, while Guy, the biggest lineman on the team at roughly

CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2016 ROSTER No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

Position Year

1

Jace Bailey

K

Freshman

10 Tucker Johnson

OL/LB

Senior

34 Andrew Flack

WR/DB Freshman

2

Rhett Edmondson

OL/LB

Junior

12 Tanner Falkner

FB/LB

Sophomore

51 Lane Bailey

OL/LB

8

3

Nick Green

WR/DB Sophomore

13 Rhett Garrett

QB/DB

Junior

54 Jacob Jeffers

OL/DL

Freshman

4

Jo-Jo Joiner

WR/DB Senior

16 Theo Mangos

WR/LB

Junior

55 Ryan Atchison

OL/DL

Senior

5

Jacob Foster

WR/DB Junior

18 Patrick Howell

RB/LB

Sophomore

56 Austin Matzke

OL/DL

Junior

6

Nick Foster

WR/DB Freshman

21 Logan Tucker

RB/LB

Senior

57 Mason Vanier

OL/DL

Senior

7

Tyler NcNamee

QB/LB

Senior

24 Jake Blankenship

RB/LB

Sophomore

58 Christian Andrews

OL/DL

Junior

9

Jahnari Chisolm

TE/DE

Junior

27 Ben Perryman

TE/DE

Junior

77 Landon Guy

OL/DL

Junior

AISA AA, Region I 2015: 2-8 (1-3) Head Coach: Tim Smith (17th year, 79-88 record) Assistants: James Lee, Clayton Halbert, Wesley Criswell Last region title: None Last playoff game: 2015

CHARGER FOOTBALL Secondary

280 pounds, along with senior Ryan Atchison will be at tackle while Andrews Joiner will be Cornerstone’s primary will be under center. Austin Matzke will cover guy in the secondary this year at also work into the line rotation as well. cornerback, and will be joined in the secondary by McNamee at times, as well as Jacob Foster, Rhett Garrett, Nick Almost every player on Cornerstone’s Green and Blankenship, who will play team this year will play both ways, as something of a linebacker/cornerback Smith projects to have roughly 25 total hybrid for the defense this season. players on the roster. Therefore almost all of the defensive names are familiar.

Landon Guy and Christian Andrews Jayce Bailey came on strong last year will be two of Cornerstone’s primary kicking the ball for Cornerstone, and defensive linemen, and the two will now the sophomore has the potential be joined by junior Chelsea transfer to be Cornerstone’s first Division I Jahnari Chisolm, who the coaching prospect, according to Smith. Bailey, staff is excited to welcome to the team. just a sophomore, is a soccer player by

Defensive Line

Special Teams

trade, but has a special foot. McNamee will handle the punting duties, and The primary linebackers for this team Joiner will be the team’s primary return will be Logan Tucker, who will hold specialist. down the middle linebacker spot, and Tucker will be flanked by junior Chelsea transfer Theo Mangos as well as Tyler McNamee, QB. JoJo Joiner, WR/ Tucker Johnson. Daniel Howell, Tanner DB. Logan Tucker, RB/LB. Falkner and Rhett Edmondson all can play the position as well.

Linebackers

CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 19

OPEN

Aug. 25

@ Bessemer Academy

Sept. 2

Sumter Academy

Sept. 9

@ Lakeside*

Sept. 16

Kingwood Christian*

Sept. 23

Hope Christian

Sept. 30

Evangel Christian (Alabaster)

Oct. 7

@ Evangel Christian* (Montgomery)

Oct. 14

@ Macon-East Academy*

Oct. 21

Coosa Valley Academy*

Oct. 28

@ North River Christian

* Region game

Players to Watch Key Losses

Cade Adams, Jeffrey Odgers.

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

43

Brad Baggett

EVANGEL CHRISTIAN LIGHTNING

W

ell, this is going to get interesting.

Don Murphy is headed into his third season as the head coach of the Lightning, and this will undoubtedly prove to be the most memorable one of his tenure to date.

Evangel, which competes in the ACSC, has traditionally played eight-man football, and has played it well over the years, winning five of the last six ACSC titles. This season, however, will be different, thanks to the AISA Athletic Committee ruling from Dec. 9, 2015 that now allows ACSC teams to compete against AISA competition.

By Baker Ellis | Photographs by Dawn Harrison and Keith McCoy

on the 80-yard, eight-man field last year. One thing is certain, as long as Murphy is on the field, Evangel will have a chance.

Running Back

One of the reasons Murphy is as dangerous as he is at the quarterback position is because of classmate and backfield mate Brad Baggett. Baggett, who accumulated 1,189 allpurpose yards in 2015, is one of the premier runners at the ACSC level, and compliments his quarterback well.

Baggett will be joined in the backfield by 2015 All-Conference linebacker Cameron Kimbrell, who will play on Returning at quarterback for Evangel both sides of the ball this year. is 2015 ACSC Player of the Year and First Team All-County athlete Micah Murphy. Murphy, the coach’s son, Logan Smith returns for his senior accumulated 3,593 all-purpose yards season while Mason McEvoy and in 2015, which would have ranked as John Lloyd are back for their junior the ninth-most productive season in years. Lloyd is back after missing his AHSAA history. The most athletically sophomore year with an injury, and gifted player at the ACSC level, Murphy McEvoy will take a larger role in the routinely did whatever he pleased receiving game after spending last year

Quarterback

Receivers

44

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

as a tight end and backup quarterback.

Murphy’s top receiving target last year was Baggett, and Baggett will still be utilized often out of the backfield, but the rest of the receiving corps will still see a number of looks.

Offensive Line

All three of Evangel’s 2015 linemen have graduated. Not only does Evangel have to replace those three instrumental linemen, the Lightning also have to add two more linemen for the 11-man game this year. Jake Byers will be Evangel’s center this season after playing tight end a year ago. Byers has the potential to be one of Evangel’s better receiving options, but is needed more on the offensive line this year. Senior Jordan Maxam and sophomore Sam Graham will occupy the guard positions, while Senior Jordan Bailey and junior Luke Moore will be the new faces at tackle.

Defensive Line

Both Logan Smith and John Lloyd will

EVANGEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2016 ROSTER No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

2

Samuel Justice

DB/RB

Sophomore

20 Nate Arvizu

WR/DB Sophomore

52 Colten Wrenn

Position Year OL/NG

Sophomore

4

Josh Lau

LB/RB

Junior

21 Logan Smith

DE/TE

Senior

55 Jordan Bailey

OL/DE

Senior

6

Seth Harrison

WR/DB Sophomore

22 Chase Callahan

LB/RB

Junior

56 Ryan Remetich

OL/NG

Junior

7

Russell Pierce

DB/RB

Sophomore

24 Cameron Kimbrel

LB/RB

Senior

59 Frank East

OL/DE

Junior

8

William O’Neal

Sophomore

DB/QB

Senior

26 Adam Hyde

RB/LB

Senior

60 Samuel Graham

OL/NG

10 Luke Baylis

DB/RB

Junior

27 Mason McEvoy

LB/TE

Senior

65 Braden Johnson

OL/NG

Sophomore

11 Micah Murphy

QB/SS/K Senior

28 Kamden Smith

LB

Senior

67 Nathan Brasher

OL/DE

Junior

12 Wyatt Rickles

QB/DE

Sophomore

36 Davis Windsor

RB/LB

Junior

70 Jordan Maxam

OL/NG

Senior

13 Parks Tyler

RB/DB

Junior

41 Zachery Windsor

TE/LB

Junior

75 Jake Byers

OL/LB

Senior

15 Phillip Flanders

QB/DB

Senior

44 John Lloyd

RB/LB

Junior

88 Luke Sanders

TE/DE

Junior

19 Brad Baggett

WR/RB Senior

46 Carter Hand

DB/RB

Sophomore

ACSC 2015: 11-1 Head Coach: Don Murphy (Third year, 21-3 record) Assistants: Jason Mann, Del Clayton and Kenneth Moore

LIGHTNING FOOTBALL pull double duty, as the two receivers will also start at the defensive end positions in Evangel’s new 3-4 defense.

Luke Moore will also play on both sides of the ball, as the junior tackle will also start at nose guard. Jordan Maxam will split time with Moore at the nose, while Jordan Bailey will also split time with Smith and Lloyd at defensive end.

Linebackers

After an All-Conference season last year at linebacker, Cameron Kimbrel will be back to lead the new, four-person linebacker unit. Kimbrel and Windsor Davis will be the inside linebackers this season, while Jake Byers and Mason McEvoy will be the two outside linebackers. When Evangel plays eightman football this year, there will only be three linebackers on the field.

Secondary

Coach Murphy will keep Micah out of the secondary as much as he can, but

the quarterback will see spot minutes as needed at the safety position. Baggett, who a year ago was one of Evangel’s starting defensive ends, is making the stark transition to the secondary this year, and will provide that unit with added athleticism. Phillip Flanders earned a starting cornerback job toward the end of last year, and will be opposite junior Luke Baylis, who will occupy the other corner position.

Zachary Davis will play free safety in place of Murphy as often as possible.

Special Teams

Last region title: 2015 Last playoff game: 2015 EVANGEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 12

Russell Christian Academy✝

Aug. 19

OPEN

Aug. 26

Patrician Academy

Sept. 2

@ Kingwood Christian

Sept. 9

Ezekiel Academy*

Sept. 16

@ Hope Christian*

Sept. 23

@ Hooper Academy

Sept. 30

@ Cornerstone Christian

Oct. 7

Lighthouse*

Oct. 14 Marengo Academy Murphy handles all special teams Oct. 21 Lyman Ward✝* duties. All of them. Kickoffs, punts, * Region game extra points and field goals as well as ✝ 8-man game punt and kick returns are all taken care of by Murphy. The senior has a very competent leg, and he also amassed 920 Micah Murphy, QB/KR. Brad Baggett, return yards and seven touchdowns in RB/S. Cameron Kimbrel, RB/LB. the return game as well last year.

Players to Watch

Key Losses

John Will Graham, Andrew Morris.

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

45

Riley Davis

HELENA HUSKIES

H

elena enters its third season in an interesting position. Last year the Huskies finished 9-3, averaged 30 points per game, nabbed the No. 2 seed out of their region and made a second round appearance in the 5A state playoffs.

An overwhelmingly successful season

By Baker Ellis | Photographs by Jon Goering, Graham Brooks and Keith McCoy

by all accounts. Now, Helena has been knocked up to the 6A ranks in the wake of the 2015-16 classification, the only team in the county to move up a class, and will have to prove it can compete in what is widely regarded as the toughest class in the state. With teams like Opelika and Benjamin Russell, both traditional state powers, on the region

schedule this year along with Chelsea, which beat Helena 40-20 last season, the Huskies will face a tougher run to the playoffs than they have in the past.

In two years, head coach Watt Parker and the Huskies have established they will consistently roll out an athletic, disciplined team that will almost never lose a game they shouldn’t. This is a

Karen Miller Agency 205-620-1120

Š 2016 Allstate Insurance Co.

46

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

187548

Helena & Hoover karenmiller2@allstate.com

AHSAA 6A, Region 3 2015: 9-3 (6-1) Head Coach: Watt Parker (Third year, 14-9 record) Assistants: Keith Maple, Dale Massey, Steve Bromley, Jody Colvin, Jake Moorer, Chris Laatsch, Jon Russell, Blake Beam, PJ Guy, Clif Naron

Devan Walker

61

Team All-County baseball tremendous chance and selection in the spring as a great year for Helena a pitcher. As a result of to prove it is capable and his baseball work, Davis ready to step up and play got a late start in summer with the top echelon of practice, but is chomping teams in Alabama.

In the first two years of Helena’s existence, the at the bit to lead the Huskies in their first year Huskies have posted as a 6A program.

Last season Riley Davis a winning percentage split time at quarterback of 61 percent on the with Diondre’ Sackreiter gridiron. until Sackreiter tore his Davis will benefit from the ACL against Chelsea on return of running back Sept. 25, which gave Davis complete Devan Walker. Walker had a comingcontrol over the offense for the last half out year as a junior and finished the of the season. Davis finished his junior season with more than 900 total yards year with 1,520 total yards along with of offense and nine touchdowns before 14 touchdowns and four picks, and now tearing his ACL in the second round in his senior year will lead the Helena of the playoffs against Beauregard. offense. The 6-foot-3-inch, 185-pound As a result, Davis has focused most of quarterback is also a mainstay on the his offseason on rehabbing from knee Helena baseball team and was a First surgery. He went through the spring

Quarterback

Running Back

Last region title: None Last playoff berth: 2015 HELENA HIGH SCHOOL 2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 19

OPEN

Aug. 26

@ Mountain Brook

Sept. 2

@ Chilton County*

Sept. 9

Pelham*

Sept. 16

Homewood

Sept. 23

@ Vestavia Hills

Sept. 30

Opelika*

Oct. 7

Wetumpka*

Oct. 14

@ Benjamin Russell*

Oct. 21

@ Chelsea*

Oct. 28

Pell City

* Region game

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

47

without any contact and has been given a clear bill of health heading into the fall, according to Parker. Walker doesn’t have top-tier speed in the open field, but has great balance and has a knack for seeing space before it develops, and has put on solid weight and increased his strength for his final prep season.

Kopeland Rosser and Matthew Williams will also see time in the backfield as well.

Receivers

Out wide Helena loses two crucial elements from their spread offense attack in Phildon Dublin and Kourtney Moore, who combined for 977 receiving yards between them last season before graduating. Jake Busby is back at split end, which will help alleviate the loss of Moore and Dublin, and Justin Stuckey, who spent much of last year as the No. 3 guy, will step into one of the main receiver roles this fall. Deonte Tolbert had a good summer, and the junior will see an increased role in the offense this season, as will sophomores Caleb Owens, Chris Holt and Jake Schmidt.

Hoover transfer Braylon Moss has

Secure

their future.

WILLS & ESTATE PLANNING

Contact your family’s attorney:

Scozzaro Law, LLC ATTORNEYS Located in Old Town Helena

205-624-3367 www.scozzarolaw.com Ala. Rule of Prof. Resp. 7.2 requires the following: No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

48

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

moved to Helena for his senior year and has seen practice reps at both quarterback and tight end, but will play much more of the latter for this Husky team, barring injury. Dean Benton is also back at tight end as well to round out the large receiving ensemble.

Offensive Line

The Huskies lose three pieces from last year’s offensive line but return a nice assortment of linemen to fill those gaps.

Brooks Brophy, another baseball guy, is back at center and will lead the line from a senior leadership perspective. Brophy will be bookended by Taylor Knight and Keith Wright at the guard positions.

Knight started last year as well but has really impressed the coaches with the spring and summer he has had, and the junior is head and shoulders ahead of where he was a season ago. Wright, a rising senior, is the biggest lineman on the team at 6-feet-4-inches and weighing in at 300-plus pounds, and has worked hard in the offseason to get in game day shape. At the tackle positions will be Jakari Forest, a junior who is more naturally suited to play guard, and

Watt Parker

Nash Maple. Maple is battling for the other tackle slot along with Matthew Raley, a converted defensive lineman, and Raley will work into the rotation as well most likely. The line has the bodies to get the job done in the trenches, but is a little thin up front.

Defensive Line

Nick Irwin, a senior, and Jonathan

Williams, a sophomore, will be the two starting defensive ends in Parker’s 3-4 scheme, and those two will need to control the edges all year. Raley will work into that rotation as will Forest and Wright, both of whom saw time at nose guard last year. Larry Gibbon is another name who could and will see time at nose, and Brandon Wilson will also see time at defensive end, as he

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

49

HELENA HIGH SCHOOL 2016 ROSTER No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

Position Year

1

Justin Stuckey

WR

Junior

26 DJ Hudson

DB

Junior

60 Cade Julius

DL

Junior

2

Devan Walker

RB

Senior

27 Garrett Hallmark

DB

Senior

61 Jamie Purkapile

OL

Sophomore

3

Austin Laatsch

QB

Sophomore

29 Jordan Wallace

WR

Junior

62 Christian Vines

DL

Sophomore

4

Jake Busby

WR

Senior

30 Griffin Brewer

WR

Sophomore

63 Nash Maple

OL

Junior

5

Blake Howard

QB

Sophomore

31 Jacob Siebert

LB

Senior

64 Matthew Raley

DL

Junior

6

Reese Davis

WR

Sophomore

32 William Cummings

DB

Senior

65 Christian Young

DL

Junior

7

Christopher Hill

DB/WR Sophomore

33 Wesley Featherstone RB

Senior

67 Jacob Redman

OL

Sophomore

8

Tyler Stephens

QB

Sophomore

34 Kevin Mahon

Sophomore

70 Josh Glenn

OL

Senior

9

Sophomore

DE/FB

Justin Butler

WR

Senior

35 Norri Tinker

LB

Senior

71 Sabastian Bradley

OL

10 Nash Adams

DB

Senior

36 Ryan Lewis

LB

Sophomore

72 Jakari Forest

OL/DL

11 Kamau Greene

RB/SS

Sophomore

37 Stephen Smith

WR

Sophomore

73 Hunter Cunningham OL

12 Lawson Peoples

QB

Junior

39 Justin Watson

LB

Senior

74 Keith Wright

DL/OL

Senior

13 Riley Davis

QB

Senior

41 Nick Thompson

FB

Sophomore

75 Taylor Knight

OL

Junior

14 Matt Mizerany

DB/WR Sophomore

43 Cameron Beery

K

Senior

80 Dionte Tolbert

WR

Junior

15 Chris Holt

WR

Junior

44 Kopeland Rosser

RB/DB

Junior

81 Garrett Hinds

TE/LB

Sophomore

16 Matthew Williams

RB

Senior

45 Dean Benton

TE

Senior

82 Warren Edwards

WR

Senior

17 Jacob Bradford

WR

Sophomore

46 Dominic Lane

DL

Sophomore

83 Jesse Gossett

WR

Sophomore

18 Cade Pugh

LB

Senior

47 Davis Vansandt

P

Senior

85 Brandon Wilson

DE

Senior

20 Leonard Tucker

LB

Junior

48 Larry Gildon

DL

Sophomore

86 Nick Erwin

DL

Senior

21 Tyler Rizzo

SS

Senior

49 Jordan Ayers

LB

Junior

87 Caleb Owens

WR

Sophomore

22 Kade Jones

DB

Senior

51 Brooks Brophy

OL/LS

Senior

88 Jeremy Leath

WR

Senior

23 Justus Edwards

DB

Senior

52 Brandon Evans

OL

Junior

89 Jake Schmidt

WR

Sophomore

24 Bradford Willis

K/FS

Sophomore

53 Mac Shannon

DL

Sophomore

90 Jonathan Williams

DL

Sophomore

25 Rhett Henderson

LB

Junior

55 Will Nall

OL

Sophomore

Junior Sophomore

is working as an outside linebacker/ defensive end hybrid. The defensive line will rely heavily on different packages and rotating bodies to be effective.

Linebackers

The linebacking corps has lost Brett Granger to graduation, who finished last season with 98 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and six sacks and has moved on to play at Samford. Returning however is senior linebacker Cade Pugh, who doesn’t have Granger’s size but is on par with him in terms of talent and ability.

Nash Adams, who spent time last year as a defensive back and finished the season with 85 tackles will split time

50

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

HUSKY FOOTBALL at outside linebacker and might even see time as a defensive end, as will classmate Justice Edwards. Norri Tinker, Justin Watson, Leonard Tucker and Jordan Ayers will all work at the inside linebacker positions at different points as well.

Secondary

Garrett Halmark returns to start again at cornerback, and will be the Huskies shut down corner. Hallmark is another Husky kid who isn’t physically

imposing, but does play intelligent, physical football and does a tremendous job in coverage, according to Parker.

Will Cumming will be in the secondary, as will Cade Jones and Kopeland Rosser, who will also see reps at running back.

Special Teams

in a number of his skill guys, whether it be Stuckey, Tolbert, Adams, Rosser or someone else, and as a result Helena may throw a number of guys back to return punts and kicks.

Players to Watch

Riley Davis, QB. Devan Walker, RB. Davis Vansandt is back to punt for his Cade Pugh, LB. Brooks Brophy, OL. senior season. The placekicking duties are still being ironed out heading into the fall, but Vansandt will handle all Phildon Dublin, Brett Granger, punting duties, and Parker is confident Kourtney Moore, Brody Rhodes

Key Losses

GOOD LUCK huskies!

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

51

RILEY DAVIS

ONE-ON-ONE WITH HELENA’S QUARTERBACK

52

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Question: Hey Riley. How long have you been playing football? When did you start?

Answer: I started playing tackle football my fifth grade year. I had played flag football up through fifth grade, I was always a skill guy, and I think that helped me develop as a passer when I was young.

Q: Why did you get involved with football? What pulled you to the sport?

A: I’d always loved it growing up. It’s an exciting game and the fall season is just an exciting time of the year.

With college football and everything, I just always wanted to be around it.

Q: Have you been in the Helena area for long? When did you get here?

A: I grew up living in Helena, I’ve been here my whole life.

Q: What other sports do you play?

A: I play baseball as well. I’m a pitcher, when I’m not pitching I play second base.

14

Q: On the baseball field you’re a pitcher and on the football field you’re a quarterback. What As a junior, Davis threw similarities have you noticed 14 touchdown passes and also posted a between those two positions?

A: I think they’re very similar. completion percentage As a pitcher all eyes are on you of 54 percent. out there, and it’s the same as a quarterback. The mistakes are magnified. You don’t have to be a real fan of the game to notice when the quarterback or the pitcher makes a mistake. Both positions require leadership too. I’ve been a quarterback and a pitcher most of my life, and I enjoy the leadership element of both.

Q: Do you gravitate more toward one or the other? Do you consider yourself a baseball guy who plays football or vice versa or neither?

A: I’ve never really been able to decide, honestly. When the spring comes around I lean more towards baseball I think, but it’s the same in the fall with football. Whichever one is in season at the time.

Q: You were a sophomore when Helena split from Pelham.

What was that like, playing for a team and a school that literally hadn’t existed before?

A: It was fun but it was different for sure. It kind of felt like middle school again, because all the guys from Helena 2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

53

Middle School came back together again for the most part.

It wasn’t exactly hard. Both (head football) Coach (Watt) Parker and (head baseball) Coach (PJ) Guy are great coaches, it wasn’t too difficult. It was fun making a name for ourselves, no one really knew what to expect from us.

Q: Last season you split time at quarterback with Diondre’ Sackreiter until he tore his ACL. This season, it’s just you back there. Is there a difference with how you prepare as a full-time starter than as someone who is splitting reps?

A: Not really. You’ve still got to practice hard and prepare.

There’s not much of a difference. He didn’t affect how I practiced last year and I don’t think I affected how he practiced. You’ve got to prepare the same way.

Q: You guys had two pretty successful years in 5A ball and are now going up to 6A. Is that a change you guys think about at all or no?

A: Not exactly. Last year we played Pleasant Grove, and they were one of the biggest 5A schools, and Chelsea too. We’re playing a bunch of the same schools this year.

We’re not really concerned with moving up or anything like that.

Q: Is there one area you feel like Helena has improved on the most in the last two years?

A: The first year we went a summer with no weight room, and that definitely hurt us. Last year was better, we got to have a summer to lift and improve, and this year we’ve been able to make the biggest improvement yet. We’ve taken a big step forward, all across the depth chart. That’s been big for us.

Q: What do you feel like you need to improve on from last year heading into your final season?

A: Just everything in general. Becoming a better leader, helping my team in any way I can.

Q: What would you say your skillset is as a quarterback?

Are you more of a pocket guy or a runner?

A: I’m more of a pocket passer. I need to run more and get better at keeping plays alive with my feet. Throwing the ball is definitely my strength.

Q: Is there a game on the schedule you’re looking forward to more than any other this year?

A: The Pelham game. Week Three. I can’t wait for that one.

Q: Do you have any individual goals you want to hit this year? Team goals?

A: I want to beat Pelham for sure. That’s my biggest thing.

They’re going to be our rival for a while and we all want to win that. Besides that the other big thing would be to make the playoffs.

Q: What would you say is your favorite football memory to date?

54

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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A: Definitely my junior year, beating Sidney Lanier at home in the first round of the playoffs. The place was packed out, it was raining, it was so much fun. It was an awesome environment.

Q: Is college football something you’ve thought about? College baseball?

A: I think I’m leaning towards college baseball at this point. UAB has always been my dream school, and I’d love to play baseball there.

Q: Away from football and away from baseball what do you enjoy doing?

A: I’m an outdoors guy, I like being outside and just getting to spend time with my friends.

Q: Looking ahead to this season, give me a prediction. How do you think you guys are going to do this year?

A: I think we’re going to do really well. I think we’re going to make playoffs. Hopefully we’ll get to host a first round game again and see what we can do from there.

56

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

57

HOPE CHRISTIAN EAGLES

H

ope Christian finished the 2015 season with a 2-8 record, which was one of the worst finishes in school history. It was certainly the poorest finish for Hope since Tony Nafe arrived as the head coach in 2012, and now in 2016 Nafe and the Eagles are trying to right the ship.

With a revamped offensive strategy and one of the hardest-working groups Nafe has had in his time at Hope, expect this 2016 team to trend back in the right direction.

By Baker Ellis | Photographs by Twanna Arnold

Running Back

The Eagles have a stable full of running backs this year. When and if Hubbard is not playing quarterback, he will be an option in the backfield as will Cuellar.

The most intriguing backfield option this year for Hope will however be Elliot Bradshaw, who was a starting lineman for the Eagles a year ago. Bradshaw, at 6-feet-4-inches and 200-plus pounds, The Eagles are transitioning to an has worked hard in the offseason to option-based system this season, which transition into a fullback, and will be a fits their personnel more, especially load to bring down. Felipe Minderhout, considering the immanent move to at roughly 5-feet-3-inches, will be a stark the 11-man game, and have three guys contrast to those big bodies. capable of running the show. Juan Cuellar is one and is the best athletes on the team, while Josh Patton and Tyler When not playing quarterback Cuellar Hubbard are in the running as well. will be one of the Eagles’ main receiving Cuellar spent chunks of last season at options, and will be joined by Ethan receiver and running back and fits the Key, freshman Jackson Davis and Shane option system well. Hubbard stepped Davis as well. Bradshaw and Finch will in at quarterback last season some, and also both see time at tight end as well this Patton is the youngster of the bunch, season, and will be capable receiving just a sophomore.

Quarterback

Receivers

58

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

options when need be. Patton and Hubbard will also see reps at receiver, depending on who is not playing quarterback.

Offensive Line

The offensive line is one of the main reasons Hope is transitioning to an option-style offense. Hope is small across the front, and the creative, deceptive nature of the option caters more towards a smaller line. Jacob Jones, Andy Gilbert and David Tutor are all returning guys who will most likely be the three linemen for eight-man games, and will be joined by first year player Colton Smith in the 11-man games along with most likely some combination of Bradshaw and Finch as well.

Defensive Line

Hope will operate out of a 5-3 base defense this year for the 11-man games, as a number of teams the Eagles will play are run-heavy teams, and Nafe feels it necessary to control the trenches with an ample amount of bodies. Ethan and

HOPE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2016 ROSTER No. Name

Position Year

1

Tyler Hubbard

QB/WR/DB

No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

Position Year

32 Ethan Key

WR/DB Junior

47 Garth Osburn

OL/DL

3

Harrison Davis

Senior

WR/DB 7

34 Garrett Ledbetter

RB/LB

48 Cade Dorrough

OL/DL

6

Freshman

Ben Nabors

LB

Senior

35 Jackson Davis

WR/DB Sophomore

54 Jacob Dorris

OL/DL

9

Sophomore

Shane Davis

TE/DE

Senior

36 Isaac Bradshaw

RB/DB

8

55 Jacob Jones

OL/DL

Junior

Junior

Sophomore

10 Juan Cuellar

QB/WR/DB

39 Kerry Welch

RB/DL

Sophomore

56 Elliot Bradshaw

OL/DL

Senior

20 Joshua Baize

WR/DB Freshman

40 Peyton Long

LB

Sophomore

58 Evan Key

OL/DL

Freshman

23 Jackson Gilbert

WR/DB 7

41 Jacob Handley

WR/DB 7

62 Noah Walters

OL/DL

Sophomore

24 Caleb Domino

WR/DB 8

42 Sam Brechin

RB/DB

Freshman

70 Colton Smith

OL/DL

Junior

26 Joshua Patton

QB

Sophomore

43 Robert Rary

RB/LB

Freshman

75 Elijah Thompson

OL/DL

8

27 Jardell Cleveland

RB/LB

Freshman

44 Felipe Minderhout

RB

Sophomore

78 David Tutor

OL/DL

Junior

30 Noah Douglas

RB/LB

Freshman

46 Isaac Brechin

RB/LB

8

82 Andy Gilbert

OL/DL

Junior

Senior

ACSC 2015: 2-8 Head Coach: Tony Nafe (Fifth season, 27-17 record) Assistants: John Gordon, Johnny Gilbert, Jason Bussey, Todd Bradshaw, Daniel Key, Tim Nabors

EAGLE FOOTBALL Evan Key, Gilbert, Kerry Welch and Bradshaw project to be the five guys up front for the defense, and will see the lion share of the reps. The defensive line’s best attribute according to Nafe is its overall speed, and wants this unit to challenge every team at the line of scrimmage.

Linebackers

While Shane Davis will moonlight as a receiver, his primary responsibility will be controlling the defense at linebacker.

Nafe has given Davis leeway to audible out of and into sets as he sees fit, and in general will be the beating heart of the defensive unit. Peyton Long and Patton will join him in the linebacking unit, while Cuellar and Ethan Garrett can play the position too. Nafe has as many as eight guys he feels can play linebacker, and that is one position that will look different from game to game as Hope moves from the eight-man to the 11-man game.

Secondary

Last region title: 2010 Last playoff game: 2015 HOPE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2016 SCHEDULE

When Hope is playing eight-man games, the secondary will blend in with the linebacking unit, operating as one and the same. In the 11-man games, names like Jackson Davis, Cuellar and Hubbard will take those spots.

DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 19

@ Tabernacle ✝

Aug. 26

@ Edgewood Academy

Sept. 2

Lighthouse Home School*✮

Special Teams

Sept. 9

Lyman Ward ✝ ✔

Sept. 16

Evangel Christian*✮

Sept. 23

@ Cornerstone Christian

Sept. 30

@ Kingwood Christian

Oct. 7

@ Ezekiel Academy ✝

Oct. 14

Russell Christian Academy ✝ ✔

Oct. 21

OPEN

Hubbard is back to handle punting duties, but Hope is still waiting for a kicking game to emerge. In the eightman game, kicking is not nearly as important as all conversion attempts are two-point tries.

Players to Watch

Juan Cuellar, WR/DB. Shane Davis, WR/ LB. Kerry Welch, RB. Elliot Bradshaw, DL.

Key Losses

Ethan Stewart, Seth Machen, Mich Douglas.

* Region game

✝ 8-man game ✮ Columbiana Youth Field ✔ Cornerstone Christian School

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

59

KINGWOOD CHRISTIAN LIONS

L

ast year, in Sheldon Ward’s first year as Kingwood’s head football coach, the Lions struggled against some of the top teams in the AISA. Kingwood finished the 2015 season with a 3-7 record and went 0-4 in AAA region play. This year the Lions will move out of the AAA classification and down to the more manageable AA class, which should help alleviate some of Kingwood’s problems.

Heading into 2016, the name of the game for these Lions will be getting a roster full of youth some varsity experience as Kingwood tries to build toward the future.

Quarterback

The starter heading into the fall will be freshman Tyler Henderson. Kingwood runs the Delaware Wing-T offense, which is centered mainly around running the ball, and Henderson will not be called upon to put the ball in the air at a heavy clip. However, Henderson, already pushing 6-feet-2-inches, is a tremendous leader for a freshman and is heady

60

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

By Baker Ellis | Photographs by Keith McCoy and Contributed

beyond his years. If he can develop as center of gravity.

Ward and the coaching staff hope he will over the next few years, the Lions should be in a good position offensively.

Garrett Helmers, a sophomore, will start at center while Charlie Egbert will return to occupy one of the guard Michael Williams is eligible to play this positions and Dalton Douglas will be at year after transferring from Pelham and one of the tackle slots. The other two missing the 2015 season. Williams, is linemen jobs are up for grabs between the fastest kid on Kingwood’s team and Keaton Meeks, Charlie Parkinson and will be called on to carry a large chunk Grayton Etheridge, while Jackson Mills of the running load. Hunter Lodge will will see time at tight end. play fullback this season while Parker Foshee, Jayton Denard and Dallas Toles are all names who will see time in the The Lions will certainly miss Kerry backfield as well.

Thompson out at defensive end, as the rangy end had 60 tackles, 11 sacks and eight forced fumbles last year alone.

Stepping into the big-play receiver role Douglas, Helmers, Meeks and Parkinson will be Tyler Henderson’s older brother are a few of the names who will see time Colby. Colby Henderson, a junior, up front in the rotation, and other names transferred in the spring of 2015 from like Etheridge, Cade Horton, Jimmy Coosa Valley with his brother, and is Cingernelli, Tanner Yarbrough and Ben anxious to get back on the football field. Akers could see time on the front line.

He will be joined by spark plug Antonio Ruiz, who will see time as both a wingback and slot receiver. Ruiz stands Charlie Egbert will not spend much time at roughly 5-feet-9-inches, and has a low on the defensive line, or at least Ward

Offensive Line

Running Back

Defensive Line

Receivers

Linebackers

KINGWOOD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2016 ROSTER No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

Position Year

1

Colby Henderson

WR/DB Junior

24 Parker Foshee

RB/DB

Sophomore

63 Anthony Rastelli

OL/DL

2

Tyler Henderson

QB

Freshman

30 Will Parker

RB/LB

Freshman

64 Tanner Yarbrough

OL/DL

Junior

3

Michael Williams

RB/DB

Sophomore

34 Jayton Denard

FB/LB

Sophomore

66 Alex Wood

OL/DL

Freshman

4

Garrett Picklesimer

QB/SS

Sophomore

35 Jacob Parker

RB/DE

Junior

71 Charlie Parkinson

OL/DE

Freshman

5

Wyatt Picklesimer

QB/DB

8

41 Christopher Le

TE/LB

7

72 Garrett Helmers

DE/OT

Sophomore

6

Antonio Ruiz

WR/DB Freshman

42 Hunter Lodge

FB/LB

Senior

74 Keaton Meeks

OL/DE

Junior

7

Noah Seiger

RB/DB

Sophomore

50 Charlie Egbert

OL/LB

Senior

77 Grayton Etheridge

OL/DL

Freshman

8

Jontae King

RB/DB

Senior

51 Jared Hartley

OL/DL

Junior

80 Andrew Parkinson

TE/LB

8 Freshman

8

10 Landon Lawrence

WR/DB 7

52 Ben Akers

OL/DL

8

82 Jackson Mills

TE/DE

13 Dallas Toles

RB/DB

Freshman

55 Cole Champion

OL/DL

Junior

83 Gavin Hawks

WR/DB 8

20 Tyler West

RB/LB

Freshman

58 Cade Horton

NG

Junior

84 Austyn Franklin

TE/LB

Sophomore

22 Chase Walker

RB/DB

Senior

61 Jeremy Kline

OL/DL

7

97 Dalton Douglas

DL

Senior

AISA AA, Region 1 2015: 3-7 (0-4) Head Coach: Sheldon Ward (Second year, 3-7 record) Assistants: Michael Robinson, Ervin Wallace, David Hobson, Eddie Toles, John Parker, Jason Pickleshimer

LION FOOTBALL are still trying to decide if the defense is going to have two or three safeties, but regardless the rest of the secondary will be filled by some combination of Antonio Ruiz, Dallas Toles, Foshee, Wyatt Pickleshimer and Tyler West.

doesn’t intend for him to, because he will be one of Kingwood’s outside linebackers.

Hunter Lodge will be back at one of the interior linebacker roles for Kingwood, which will give the Lions two seniors in the linebacking unit. Austyn Franklin will be the other inside linebacker alongside Lodge, and junior Cade Horton looks to have the other outside linebacker job wrapped up at this point.

Secondary

Special Teams

Heading into the fall the Kingwood staff is still waiting for a kicker and a punter to emerge.

Players to Watch

Michael Williams will be one of the cornerbacks in this secondary unit and Hunter Lodge, RB/LB. Tyler Henderson, Colby Henderson will be one of the QB. Colby Henderson, WR/DB. Antonio safeties. Ward and the Kingwood staff Ruiz, WR/DB.

Last region title: None Last playoff game: 2013 KINGWOOD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 19

Jamboree

Aug. 26

Springwood

Sept. 2

Evangel Christian (Alabaster)

Sept. 9

@ Evangel Christian* (Montgomery)

Sept. 16

@ Cornerstone Christian*

Sept. 23

@ Chambers Academy

Sept. 30

Hope Christian

Oct. 7

Coosa Valley*

Oct. 14

@ Lakeside*

Oct. 21

Macon-East Academy*

Oct. 28

@ Pickens Academy

* Region game

Key Losses

Corey Robinson, Chase Innabinett, Wyatt Baker, Kerry Thompson.

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

61

Caleb Cottingham

MONTEVALLO BULLDOGS

I

n the wake of their most successful football season in the last 20 years, the Montevallo Bulldogs have harnessed something that has been missing from their program for quite a while: Momentum. After hosting a home playoff game for the first time since 1995, and winning a home playoff game for the first time since 1984, Montevallo is in a historically unique position, and has the chance to push the program to a place it has never been. While a

62

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

By Baker Ellis | Photographs by Jon Goering and Keith McCoy

number of familiar faces will suit up for the Bulldogs this year, the offseason has also brought some change to Montevallo.

For starters, previous head coach Andrew Zow has moved six miles down the road and is now the head coach at 5A Calera. In his place steps Brandon Wilcox, who comes to Montevallo from 1A Marion County, where he was the head coach for the last two seasons.

In addition to getting a new coach, Montevallo has also moved from the

4A class back down to the 3A class in the wake of the 2016-18 reclassification.

While the 2014-16 reclassification positioned Montevallo as the fourthsmallest 4A school in the state, the new reclassification has moved the Bulldogs back down to the 3A level, where Montevallo is a more natural fit. It is important to remember in the midst of all the change, the Bulldogs have the chance to have one heck of a football team.

AHSAA 3A, Region 4 2015: 9-3 Head Coach: Brandon Wilcox (First year) Assistants: Lanny Jones, Brent McCaleb, Wayne Davidson

Jackson Hughes

Last region title: 1995 Last playoff game: 2015 MONTEVALLO HIGH SCHOOL 2016 SCHEDULE

Quarterback

Once again, Zac Oden returns to lead the Montevallo offense. Oden, who has started under center every year since he was a freshman, is back for his swan song season. The 2015 First Team All-County and 4A ASWA Honorable Mention quarterback threw for a whopping 2,388 yards on a 56 percent completion percentage as a junior, and accumulated 29 touchdowns through the air as well. Oden is one of the unquestioned leaders of this Montevallo team, and while he has had to adjust to a new coach and a new system in his final prep year, the talented senior has the experience and

ability to make his final year a special one.

DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 18

Verbena (Jamboree)

Running Back

Aug. 26

West Blocton

Sept. 2

American Christian*

Sept. 9

@ BB Comer

Sept. 16

Midfield*

Sept. 23

@ Bibb County

Sept. 30

@ Greene County*

Oct. 7

Oakman*

Oct. 14

@ Gordo*

Oct. 21

@ Carbon Hill*

Oct. 28

Fultondale

One of the few offensive needs Montevallo will have to fill in 2016 is at the running back position.

Both Undreaz Lilly and Kerry Mack have graduated, taking a combined 1,457 yards rushing and 24 rushing touchdowns with them. Stepping into their place will be senior Caleb Cottingham. Cottingham saw chunks of time as a junior and showed ability to be a productive back, and the responsibility of complementing Montevallo’s potent passing attack will

* Region game

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

63

MONTEVALLO HIGH SCHOOL 2016 ROSTER No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

Position Year

1

Daqwan Bryant

WR/DB Junior

22 Jonathan Grisham

K/P

Junior

59 Trent Page

OL/LB

Freshman

3

Demetrius Smith

HB/DE

23 Caleb Cottingham

FB/LB

Senior

60 Boston Bush

OL/DL

Sophomore

4

Tre’Shawn Brown

WR/DB Senior

24 Bryson Turner

FB/LB

Freshman

64 Nick Norris

OL/DL

Senior

6

Kaleb Williamson

HB/LB

Junior

25 Diego Martinez

K

Senior

65 Roderick Morris

OL/DE

Sophomore

7

Zac Oden

QB

Senior

33 Tyler Olds

FB/LB

Sophomore

70 Carl Sellers

OL/DL

Freshman

8

Jackson Hughes

HB/LB

Senior

44 Jemari Harris

WR/DB Freshman

71 Xavier Bryant

OL/DE

Freshman

9

Ahmad Edwards

WR/DB Junior

45 Isaiah Chappele

OL

Sophomore

73 Colin Gammon

OL/DL

Senior

10 TaVarius Holman

WR/DB Junior

50 Matthew Allen

OL/DL

Senior

74 Coty Jones

OL/DL

Senior

11 Avery Anfield

WR/DB Sophomore

51 Dylan Brantley

OL/DE

Freshman

75 James Popwell

OL/LB

Freshman

13 Malik Inabinette

WR/DB Freshman

52 Kiyon Brown

OL/DL

Junior

76 Charles Beasley

OL/DL

Senior

14 Jarius Sullens

WR/DB Sophomore

53 Jaylon Mckenzie

OL/DL

Freshman

77 Rankin Allen

OL/DL

Freshman

15 Davion Gilbert

WR/DB Freshman

54 Cameron Conwell

OL/DL

Sophomore

80 Jamarius Carter

WR/DB Freshman

17 Jayvion Seay

FB/DB

57 Taylor Hall

OL/DE

Junior

85 Isa Harris

WR/DB Freshman

19 Landon Honeycutt

WR/DB Sophomore

58 Will Howell

OL/DE

Sophomore

Junior

Freshman

9

addition to those three fall primarily to him this will be resident newcomer year. Tyler Olds, a physical, Tavarius Holman, who tough sophomore, will will be a junior and is join Cottingham in the potentially the fastest kid backfield as the second option.

Last season, Montevallo on Montevallo’s team this won nine games, which year, according to Wilcox.

Look for Montevallo to air is the second-highest it out early and often this Montevallo is absolutely total for Montevallo in year. loaded this year at the any one season since receiver position. Juniors the Bulldogs started Ahmad Edwards and playing football in 1930.

Daqwan Bryant are back While the passing game after breakout sophomore has the potential to be truly seasons. Edwards, who was named special, Wilcox is a firm believer that a 4A ASWA Second Team All-State his teams will only be as successful on selection last year, finished with 45 offense as the offensive line allows. The receptions, 877 yards receiving and 16 Bulldogs are fortunate to return Colin touchdowns, scoring every 2.8 times he Gammon, Coty Jones and Matthew caught a pass. Bryant, his counterpart, Allen from last year’s team, while also hauled in 33 targets and five Kiyon Brown and Taylor Hall will fill touchdowns and accumulated 455 the other two slots. Jones will be back yards receiving as well. Edwards is one at center and will be flanked by Allen of the most electric receivers across and Brown at the left and right guard the state, and will be a top concern for positions, while Gammon and Hall will opposing defenses. Explosive senior fill the left and right tackle slots. The Tre’Shawn Brown, who was named offensive line unit has worked hard all a First Team All-State selection last spring and summer, and Wilcox feels year as a defensive back, will also join confident the unit is on track to have a the two to provide a new, incredibly successful fall. dangerous wrinkle to the offense. In

Receivers

Offensive Line

64

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Defensive Line

The Bulldogs’ three most productive defensive linemen from last year are all gone, leaving 197 tackles worth of production to be replaced, which is daunting. Junior Demetrius Smith, who had 36 tackles last season, is primed for a breakout year and will lead the defensive front. Smith will be one of the defensive ends, and will be opposite Taylor Hall, who will see actions on both sides of the ball. Sophomore newcomers Boston Bush and Will Howell will occupy the two defensive tackle positions in Montevallo’s 4-3 defense.

Linebacker

Undreaz Lilly and Hunter Nabors have both graduated, and the two accounted for 196.5 tackles between them last season, which is again, a ton of production to replace. The only returning starter from the linebacking corps is senior Jackson Hughes, who did amass 109.5 tackles last season and also forced a pair of fumbles, and will be the unquestioned leader of the unit.

Cottingham and Olds, who will both see significant minutes on both sides

BULLDOG FOOTBALL of the ball this year, will join Hughes as the other two starters. Cottingham saw spot minutes on defense last year, and finished with 11 tackles, while Olds will have to learn quickly beside the other two. Sophomore Isaiah Chappell could also see time at linebacker.

Secondary

Brown and Edwards will be back at safety this year while Bryant will hold down one of the corner slots again, as the three will rarely be off the field this year. Last season Brown finished

the year with 128 tackles, including six tackles for loss, while Edwards finished with 94 tackles and a state-leading nine interceptions. Joining Edwards and Brown in the backfield will be Holman, while sophomore Jay Sullens will be the new face in the secondary, as he will occupy the other corner spot apposite Bryant.

Special Teams

Diego Martinez is back for his senior year and will once again handle the kicking duties. A fan favorite,

Martinez is a serviceable field goal option as well as an adept punter. He will split punting duties with Jonathan Grishom while taking care of the place kicking responsibilities.

Players to Watch

Zac Oden, QB. Ahmad Edwards, WR/DB. TreShawn Brown, WR/DB. Daqwan Bryant, WR/DB.

Key Losses

Undreaz Lilly, Hunter Nabors, Coty Cutts, Blake Smith

Want to know who scored during the big game?

Visit ShelbyCountyReporter.com for a complete recap from Friday night’s game.

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

65

Wyatt Legas

OAK MOUNTAIN EAGLES

L

ast year the Eagles lost region games to Vestavia, Hoover, Spain Park and Hewitt-Trussville and barely missed the playoffs en route to a 5-5 finish with a seniorheavy roster. Now, as Cris Bell moves into his fifth year at the head of the Oak Mountain program, the Eagles are faced with a few stark realities. For one, the Eagles are replacing five starters

By Baker Ellis | Photographs by Barry Clemmons and Keith McCoy

on offense, including a quarterback, and are replacing a whopping eight starters on the defensive side of the ball. For another, Oak Mountain remains in the toughest high school football region in the state, 7A Region 3, along with notorious powerhouses Hoover, Spain Park and Vestavia, as well as newcomer Huffman, which made the 6A playoffs a year ago as well.

While there are some hurdles for

this Oak Mountain team to overcome in 2016, the Eagles do benefit from the return of nearly their entire offensive line, and will trot out one of the rangiest receiving corps in the state as well. Time will tell how this group comes together, but it’s never a smart bet to assume that Bell, the 2014 7A Coach of the Year, won’t get the most out of this or any team.

Come as you are. You’ll fit right in.

SUNDAYS AT 8:15 & 10:45 AM

Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church 5080 Cahaba Valley Trace Birmingham, AL 35242

#wheregraceabounds

66

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

AHSAA 7A, Region 3 2015: 5-5 (3-4) Head Coach: Cris Bell (Fifth year, 26-17 record) Assistants: Rusty Frisch, Austin Karcher, Steward Carlisle, Riley White, Stuart Morrison, Brandon Lee, Tommy Youngblood, Wade Lyon, Freddie Thomas

Daniel Salchert

Last region title: None Last playoff game: 2014

Quarterback

to succeed, and as long as he takes care One of the most glaring changes on of the football, he should step in and this Oak Mountain team from years make the offense his own. past will be the change at quarterback.

Warren Shader has graduated, and in his place steps senior Wyatt While Legas will be getting his first Legas. Legas, also a key contributor crack at being a full-time starter, on the basketball team, started two Daniel Salchert returns to give the games under center last season for backfield some experience. Salchert, Oak Mountain, and led the Eagles who split carries last season with to a crucial region win on the road Coleman Reeves and finished his against Mountain Brook. He has been junior year with 879 yards of offense, in the Eagles’ system since he was a is a small, quick runner who can get freshman, and understands the option- to top speed in a hurry. He has seen based offense as well as anyone with significant varsity time since his limited game experience can. Legas sophomore year and understands his has some of the same intangibles that role in the offense as well as anyone.

Shader had, according to Bell, like his Salchert is also a serviceable receiving soaring confidence and strong desire option, and caught 18 balls last year out of the backfield. Senior Jaylin

Running Back

OAK MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL 2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 19

Chelsea

Aug. 26

@ Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa

Sept. 2

@ Huffman*

Sept. 9

Vestavia Hills*

Sept. 16

@ Thompson*

Sept. 23

OPEN

Sept. 30

Hoover*

Oct. 7

@ Tuscaloosa County*

Oct. 14

Mountain Brook*

Oct. 21

Spain Park*

Oct. 28

@ Hazel Green

* Region game

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

67

Noah Egan

GETTING YOU BACK

in the Game

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www.SouthlakeOrthopaedics.com

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2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Gaines and junior Connor Wilson will fill the other running back position in tandem.

Receivers

The Eagles will roll out a rangy, long corps of receivers this year. Noah Egan and Nathan Jones, two of Oak Mountain’s primary outside receivers, are both back, and are 6-foot-5-inches and 6-foot-4-inches, respectively, and both run in the 4.7 40-yard-dash range.

Ethan Duncan, a junior, also stands roughly 6-feet-2-inches and will see an increased role at one of the inside slots. Garrett DeAraujo, an outfielder on the Oak Mountain baseball team, will most routinely fill the other inside position, and Luke Percer and Jackson Kimbrell also bring speed to the group. Carson Bobo, who was hurt in the spring, will be Oak Mountain’s primary tight end and is another receiving option that is over 6-feet tall.

The Eagles have enough weapons on the flanks to be effective, assuming Legas and the offense gives them chances.

Offensive Line

line, has to replace its top performer While losing a player of Justice from the 2015 team in Armond Lloyd.

The unit now will roll out between Hammond’s caliber is never easy to replace, Oak Mountain is returning 7-10 players in any given game. Trey four starters across the offensive line Meadows and Matt Pflaum will most for the first time in Bell’s tenure to help likely start at the defensive end alleviate Hammond’s absence. Jacob positions in Bell’s 4-3 defense, while and Nick Feenker are both back, as Whitt Jackson and Daniel Perkins will most likely start at the are William Roberson and interior positions. Perkins Ben Wilke. Jacob Feenker got hurt midway through will take over Hammond’s last year and missed the center position, while Nick latter half of the season, Feenker and newcomer Eli and Jackson is the only Lombardo will take care one of the bunch with of the guard positions, The Eagles lose 13 quality size. Jordan Davis, while Roberson and Wilke starters off of last Jake Tice and Connor will once again handle the season’s team, eight tackle positions. Carson on the defensive side of Templin will also rotate into the defensive line in Bobo will also be on the the ball alone. situational roles. line as the primary tight

13

end. Having so many pieces back across the front could prove crucial for Oak Mountain, as the line needs to be in sync from the jump to allow the option to work effectively.

Defensive Line

The defensive line, like the offensive

Linebackers

Spencer Hughes and Mingyu Lee both saw quality minutes last year at the linebacker position and are both back for their senior seasons. Hughes is slimmer than he was a season ago, and quicker as a result, and has the chance to be a quality linebacker alongside

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

69

OAK MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL 2016 ROSTER No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

Position Year

1

Nick Carney

K/P

Senior

30 Jake Tice

LB

Junior

62 Eli Lombardo

OL

Senior

2

Xzavier Brown

WR

Sophomore

31 AJ Fleet

HB

Senior

63 Connor Templin

DL

Senior

3

Noah Brown

WR

Sophomore

32 Glen Humphrey

HB

Sophomore

64 Jacob Feenker

OL

Junior

4

Garrett DeAraujo

WR

Senior

33 Spencer Hughes

LB

Senior

65 Payne Watkins

OL

Sophomore

5

Jaylin Gaines

HB

Senior

34 Connor Wilson

HB

Junior

66 Juan Palacios

OL

Senior

6

Logan McNaughton DB

Junior

35 Jack Russell

HB

Sophomore

67 Brandon Stephens

OL

Sophomore

7

Noah Egan

WR

Senior

36 Jalen Thomas

LB

Sophomore

68 Ruben Nunez

OL

Junior

8

Wyatt Legas

QB

Senior

37 Christian Hood

DB

Sophomore

70 Russell Autry

OL

Sophomore

8

Bay Hughes

DB

Sophomore

38 Davis Manning

DB

Senior

71 Greyson McClain

OL

Senior

9

Nathan Jones

WR

Junior

39 Skylar Johnston

DE

Sophomore

73 Nathan Gordon

OL

Sophomore

10 Jackson Kimbrell

QB

Sophomore

40 Dylan Hoye

LB

Sophomore

74 Madden McDougal

OL

Junior

11 Grayson Alexander

WR

Senior

41 Jacob Fitzgerald

LB

Sophomore

75 Tyler Martin

OL

Sophomore

12 Luke Percer

HB

Sophomore

42 Max McLaughlin

SS

Junior

77 Fuller Herring

OL

Junior

13 Carson Bobo

QB

Junior

43 William Cline

CB

Senior

80 Jack Simmons

TE

Junior

14 Jackson Murphy

SS/K

Junior

44 Andrew Bearden

DE

Sophomore

81 Michael Luu

WR

Sophomore

15 Connor Webb

DB

Junior

45 Fox Bowen

DB

Junior

82 John Mark Price

K/P

Junior

16 Trey Allen

WR

Sophomore

46 Nik Heino

LB

Sophomore

83 Ben Echols

WR

Junior

17 Mingyu Le

OLB

Senior

47 Brett Cruce

DB

Junior

84 Ben Handley

TE

Junior

18 Thomas Pechman

DB

Senior

48 Dane Moody

DB

Sophomore

85 Matt Piper

WR

Junior

19 Daniel Perkins

DT

Senior

49 Jacob Gagnon

LB

Sophomore

86 Connor Kelley

LB

Junior

20 Cole Thomas

HB

Sophomore

50 Clay Collins

OL

Sophomore

87 Darren Lanier

WR

Junior

21 Art Smith

DB

Senior

51 Zach Brown

DE

Sophomore

88 Matthew Pflaum

DE

Senior

22 Ryan Childress

WR

Junior

53 Carey Jackson

OL

Junior

89 Nicholas Young

WR

Junior

23 Hunter Martinez

DB

Senior

54 William Roberson

OL/LB

Senior

90 Hudson Tate

LB

Sophomore

24 Zach Nelson

DB

Junior

55 Devin Stern

OL

Junior

91 Travis Thomasson

DE

Sophomore

25 Ethan Duncan

RB

Junior

56 Jordan Davis

DE

Junior

92 Peter Kolar

DE

Junior

25 Garrison Frisch

DB/P

Sophomore

57 Nick Feenker

OL

Senior

93 Nolan Tucker

TE

Senior

26 Daniel Salchert

RB

Senior

58 Ben Wilke

OL

Junior

94 Mark Henderson

DE

Sophomore

27 Trey Meadows

DE

Senior

59 Josh Stanford

OL

Junior

97 Carter Owens

DL

Sophomore

28 Justin Evans

DB

Junior

60 Alex Burns

OL

Sophomore

98 Zykeius Strong

DL

Sophomore

29 Jackson Sauers

DB

Senior

61 Jameson Ellet

DL

Junior

99 Whit Jackson

DT

Senior

Lee. The third linebacker position will be filled by some combination of Max McLaughlin, Zay Brown and Justin Evans, and all will see game time.

Secondary

The Oak Mountain secondary will be almost entirely new. Payton Youngblood, Mitchell Jones and Hall Morton have all graduated, leaving a number of open positions for new faces to fill. Thomas Pechman is back as Oak Mountain’s only returning corner, and will play opposite Brett Cruce, Zach

Daniel Salchert

GOOD LUCK EAGLES! 70

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

EAGLE FOOTBALL Nelson or Jackson Sauers, who are all competing for that other cornerback slot. Connor Webb will take one of the empty safety spots, and will be joined

by Davis Manning, Hunter Martinez or Jackson Murphy, who are all battling for the other safety spot.

Special Teams YOUR

COMMUNITY.

YOUR

STORIES.

Nick Carney will handle the punting and place kicking duties for the Eagles, while the kickoff situation is still playing itself out, although there is a good chance Carney ends up handling that too. Salchert will return punts and kicks, and will be joined by some combination of DeAraujo, Connor Webb and Egan most likely.

YOUR MAGAZINE.

Subscribe today

Players to Watch

Daniel Salchert, RB. Spencer Hughes, LB. Wyatt Legas, QB.

Key Losses

Warren Shader, Justice Hammond, Payton Youngblood, Hall Morton, Armond Lloyd

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www.northshelbylibrary.org 2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

71

Nicholas Blackburn

PELHAM PANTHERS

W

hen Tom Causey came to Pelham from Demopolis in December of 2014 to take over the football program, he knew what he was walking into. Causey took over a program and a roster that was full of youth and inexperience, and the Panthers suffered through a tough

72

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

By Baker Ellis | Photographs by Dawn Harrison and Keith McCoy

1-9 campaign in 2015 as a result. Now, a year into Causey’s tenure, there is still work to be done, but Pelham is trending in the right direction. A dedicated offseason in the weight room has brought the Panthers back to even par with opposing teams in terms of strength, and now Pelham has had a year to familiarize itself with Causey’s system and coaching

method. How Pelham will fare in the newly aligned 6A Region 3 along with teams like Benjamin Russell, Helena and Chelsea remains to be seen, but with a roster that is overwhelmingly a year older and wiser, signs of progress are beginning to show.

Quarterback Griffin

Rivers

transferred

from

AHSAA 6A, Region 3 2015: 1-9 (1-6) Head Coach: Tom Causey (Second year, 1-9 record) Assistants: Chris Cournoyer, Jeremy Sullivan, Sean Anderson, David White, Clay Massey, Stephen Campbell, Ed Brown, James Thompson

Jere Spillers

Last region title: 2006 Last playoff game: 2013 PELHAM HIGH SCHOOL 2016 SCHEDULE Homewood High School in late July of last year, and quickly became the leader of the Pelham offense. A two-sport athlete, Rivers has since graduated and is now playing baseball at South Alabama, meaning there will be a new face under center in Causey’s second year. In Rivers’ spot will step Eli Hudson, who was the frontrunner for the job last year before Rivers arrived. Hudson, a senior who ended up spending last season at wide receiver, is not a big presence in the pocket, standing at roughly 5-feet9-inches and weighing around 165 pounds, but is a good athlete with quick feet who has taken control of

the huddle and will command the spread offense with competency.

Matthew Rye, a sophomore, projects to be Hudson’s backup.

Running Back

Gio Adan has graduated, which will open up the backfield somewhat.

Adan’s main backfield companion last season was Nicholas Blackburn, and Blackburn will see an increased backfield role in this his junior year.

Jackson Weaver also saw backfield time last season as a freshman, and will join Blackburn in the backfield.

Also Homewood transfer Derrick Bush, who had to sit out last season,

DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 18

@ Homewood (Samford University)

Aug. 26

Mortimer Jordan

Sept. 2

Benjamin Russell*

Sept. 9

@ Helena*

Sept. 16

Chelsea*

Sept. 23

@ Thompson

Sept. 30

@ Wetumpka*

Oct. 7

Chilton County*

Oct. 14

OPEN

Oct. 21

@ Opelika*

Oct. 28

John Carroll

* Region game

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

73

Jose Jimenez

74

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

is now eligible to play and will see significant time in the backfield as well, although Bush will also start in the defensive secondary as well.

Receivers

and Whit Wood is back at right tackle for his senior year. Cesar Villasenor, who started in the first game of football he ever played a year ago against Helena, will start at right guard and Gino Ramos will start at left tackle this year. Villasenor and Wood are seniors, McLaren and Pierce are juniors and Ramos is a sophomore. Alan Brown, a 6-foot-5-inch, 220-pound sophomore in his first year of football will back up at the guard position, while Nate Barron will see time at tackle as well.

Pelham returns the majority of its receiver depth, which is nice for Causey’s spread offense. Kasey Clark, Pelham’s leading receiver from last season, is back, as are Vidal Solito, Seth Wright and Brandon Sledge.

Edward Gipson, who started every game for Pelham as a freshman at safety last season, is one of the best athletes on the team and The Pelham defensive line has made the transition to of Causey’s 4-2-5 defense receiver this year as well. is not particularly big, and Also, newcomers Seth The Panthers won just as a result the Panthers Torman and Tyler Wages one game in 2015, will throw a ton of bodies have joined the team this which is the lowest into the trenches. Blake season, which is a shot in number of wins in the Hester, Niles Bryant and the arm for the Panthers. history of the program.

Jere Spillers all return Torman is one of the best to the line after getting goalkeepers in the state valuable game experience and is long with great hands while last season. Bryant and Spillers will Wages, the shortstop on the baseball once again start at the defensive team, has also joined the team and has end positions, while Jayden Kidd, top-level speed. There is no shortage of a transfer from Shades Valley, will receiver options this year for Hudson join Bryant on the interior. Elijah to utilize.

Shoemaker, Carson McKinney, Brock Higdon and Alex Montgomery will all rotate into the defensive front as well.

Almost the entire offensive line is also back for Pelham, the silver lining to starting an incredibly young, raw unit The unquestioned leader of the in 2015. Will Pierce is back at center, Pelham defense is returning stud Jarret McLaren is back at left guard linebacker Jon Drake. Drake, a 2015

1

Defensive Line

Offensive Line

Linebackers

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

75

PELHAM HIGH SCHOOL 2016 ROSTER No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

1

Nicholas Blackburn RB

Junior

29 Tyler Zeiderhoek

DB

Freshman

59 Jarrett McLaren

OL

2

Derrick Bush

DB

Senior

30 Daniel Maddox

Slot

Sophomore

60 Dakota McLaren

OL

Sophomore

3

Jalen Cook

DB

Sophomore

31 Zach Cherry

DB

Sophomore

61 Jody Morton

OL

Freshman

4

Ladre Tabb

DB

Junior

32 Donovan Ross

DL

Junior

62 Caleb Boutwell

OL

Junior

5

Brandon Sledge

Slot

Sophomore

33 Matt Walton

LB

Freshman

64 Chris Todd

OL

Freshman

6

Vidal Solito

DB

Senior

34 Jackson Weaver

RB

Sophomore

65 Michael Savage

DL

Sophomore

7

Eli Hudson

QB

Senior

35 Brooks Cotton

LB

Freshman

66 Alex Montgomery

DL

Senior

8

Seth Torman

WR

Senior

36 Ben Rushton

WR

Sophomore

69 Elijah Shoemaker

DL

Junior

9

Seth Wright

Slot

Senior

37 Gage Deloach

DB

Sophomore

70 Roderick Hall

OL

Junior

10 Rodney Pettway

DB

Senior

38 Joseph Chimento

DL

Sophomore

71 Gino Ramos

OL

Sophomore

11 Greg Blue

K/DB

Sophomore

39 Dalton King

LB

Senior

72 Alan Brown

OL

Freshman

12 Sam Stinnett

WR

Senior

40 Ethan Deveaux

DB

Sophomore

73 CJ Wood

OL

Sophomore

13 Tyler Hawkins

RB

Junior

41 Phillip Duke

DB

Freshman

74 Tyler Golden

OL

Freshman

Position Year Junior

14 Matthew Rye

QB

Sophomore

42 Griffin Knight

DB

Sophomore

75 Brock Higdon

DL

Sophomore

15 Grayson Dill

WR

Sophomore

43 Tyler Hall

LB

Senior

76 Gustavo Gonzalez

OL

Junior

16 Ryan Countess

DB/QB

Senior

44 Jon Drake

LB

Senior

77 Nate Barron

OL

Sophomore

17 Xavier Lankford

QB

Freshman

46 Wesley Kitchens

DB

Freshman

80 Tyler Wages

Slot

Senior

18 Cody Ferguson

Slot

Freshman

47 Jayden Taylor

LB

Freshman

81 Caleb Augsburger

WR

Junior

19 Jose Jiminez

K/DB

Senior

48 Ryan Jewell

LB

Sophomore

82 Kasey Clark

WR

Sophomore

20 Saadiah Bennett

DB

Senior

50 Jere Spillers

DL

Senior

84 Mattew Plummer

WR

Freshman

21 Patrick Durr

DB

Sophomore

51 Niles Bryant

DL

Senior

85 Grayson Redford

DL

Freshman

22 Jordan Moss

DB

Sophomore

52 Carter Parker

LB

Sophomore

86 Tyler Deaver

WR

Sophomore

23 Edward Gipson

WR

Sophomore

53 Logan Atkins

OL

Freshman

88 Garrett Fox

WR

Sophomore

24 Donnie Ball

DB

Sophomore

54 Cesar Villasenor

OL

Senior

90 Jayden Kidd

DL

Junior

25 Conner Hammond

DB

Junior

55 Whit Wood

OL

Senior

91 Delaney Brasher

DL

Freshman

26 Darren Ledbetter

LS/LB

Junior

56 Will Pierce

OL

Junior

99 Blake Hester

DL

Junior

27 Trevor Jones

DB

Sophomore

57 Carson Mckinney

DL

Junior

28 Dorian Tolbert

LB

Sophomore

58 Christian Brown

DL

Sophomore

All-County First Team defensive selection, finished last year with 122 tackles, the second-most in the county, and is the heart and soul of the Pelham team. In Drake’s final prep season sophomore Ryan Jewell, who will replace graduated linebacker Connor Christian, will join him. Dalton King, Carter Parker and Dorian Tolbert all will rotate in as the second linebacker on the Pelham defense, while Drake will rarely be off the field.

this season, as Malik Copeland and Peyton Chenault have graduated and Gipson has moved to offense. Rodney Pettway will be the new strong safety, Vidal Solito will start at free safety and Jalen Cook will start at weak safety, with Donnie Ball factoring into the rotation as well. Ladre Tabb and Derrick Bush will start at the cornerback positions, and Griffin Knight will be the third man in that outfit as well.

Secondary

Special Teams

Torman may well end up as Pelham’s punter. Darren Ledbetter will handle the long snapping duties for the Panthers. Derrick Bush and Tyler Wages will return kicks, while Wages will return punts as well.

Players to Watch

Jon Drake, LB. Eli Hudson, QB. Nicholas Blackburn, RB. Derrick Bush, DB. Blake Hester, DL. Jayden Kidd, DL.

Key Losses

In Causey’s defensive scheme there are Jose Jimenez is back to handle the Griffin Rivers, Jaylen Smith, Connor three safeties, all of which will be new kicking and punting duties, although Christian, Gio Adan.

GOOD LUCK pANTHERS! 76

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

PANTHER FOOTBALL

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

77

JON DRAKE

ONE-ON-ONE WITH PELHAM’S ALL-COUNTY LINEBACKER

78

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Question: Okay Jon, how long have you been playing football? Why did you start?

Answer: I started playing football when I was seven.

Honestly, my sister is one year older than me, and she was a cheerleader. I watched her and I saw that the cheerleaders were having so much fun. I just wanted to be a part of whatever they were doing.

Q: Have you lived in Pelham your whole life?

A: Yes, I’ve been here my whole life.

Q: Do you play any other sports? When did you give everything else up?

A: Actually I grew up playing baseball and football. My last year playing baseball was eighth grade, and then I started wrestling in high school. I did that for two years before giving that up and focusing just on football.

Q: Do you miss playing baseball?

A: I sometimes miss it. I don’t miss the practices or how much practicing it takes.

129

Q: Why did you land on football?

Was there a moment you remember where you knew this was the game for you?

A: Well I remember it was in my first year playing, back Drake set the Pelham when I was seven. It was our single-season tackle jamboree game, we were playing record as a junior Thompson. On defense I made with 129 tackles last a kid fumble. I scored two season. touchdowns that game too, and afterwards my dad asked me what I enjoyed most about the game. I told him I just had loved making that guy fumble, the rush was something I’d never had before. At that point I knew I loved football and have loved it ever since.

Q: What would you say you’re best at on the football field?

A: I don’t have the size of a normal linebacker. I’m 5’10, 200 pounds. So I have to use different techniques on defense to be effective. Because of that I’ve gotten good at reading the linemen, reading the guards, before the play starts to figure out where the ball is going to go.

Q: (Head) Coach (Tom) Causey has worked with some really talented linebackers in the past. Nico Johnson at Andalusia and Greg Irvin at Demopolis to name a couple.

Having someone like him, someone who has worked with some top-notch guys at your position, does that motivate you or affect you at all?

A: Well he’s told me all the stories about all his former players, and I want to live up to that caliber. It makes me want to work harder to get to that level.

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

79

Q: How does he motivate you?

A: Coach Causey doesn’t say anything to me on the field, really. It’s definitely a motivational tactic. I want to get him to notice me out there and say something to me. Sometimes in practice if I make a play he’ll tell the offense they did a good job to get under my skin. We have a great relationship, and he’s a great coach.

Q: Last year was tough for you guys as a team (1-9 finish), but you had a really strong individual year (school-record 129 tackles). Was there some consolation in that for you, knowing you had a good season? How do you look at last season in general?

A: My season goal last year was to break our school record in tackles. That’s what I wanted to do from the beginning.

But by Week 7, Week 8 it was just miserable. I didn’t care about that anymore, we were just losing every game and that didn’t matter anymore. It became less important.

Q: So moving on from that season, what does Pelham have to do to this year to be competitive again?

A: It’s clear that this year our schedule is harder than it was last year. But the way we’re approaching this season is it takes a pack of raptors to take down a T-Rex. We’re a lot farther along than last year. It’s just going to take work and we’re going to have to come together on the field.

Q: Do you have any individual or team goals you want to accomplish this year?

A: Coming into this season I want to break my tackle record from last year, and I don’t want to give up on that.

On top of that I just want to win some games.

Q: Is there one game on the schedule you’re looking forward to more than any other?

A: Mostly my three big games are Homewood, Helena and Thompson. I don’t want to win them, I want to crush them. I want to blow them out.

Q: What, at this point, is your favorite memory from your football career to date?

A: My favorite memory is again from my first season. We played Thompson in the jamboree and didn’t play them again until the last game of the regular season, and we had to win to get in the playoffs. There are four seconds left, we’re on our 30 and have to score to win. Our coach puts me in at quarterback and tells me to run a QB sneak.

I didn’t think we could score with a QB sneak, so instead I ran around the edge and scored. I remember they had one defensive lineman who was big for our size, or at least I remember him being really big. I was running away from him, to the other side of the field. I turned the corner and saw the linebacker and the safety, and cut back to the other side of the field. From there I had an open lane and scored, and we won the game.

80

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Q: Was your coach mad you changed the play?

A: No, ha. We were all just happy we won.

Q: That’s an incredibly sharp memory from something that happened when you were seven. Do you have a photographic memory?

A: When someone brings up a game from pretty much any year I’ve been playing I remember specific plays from it.

Q: What’s your GPA? A: 4.2 Q: That’s really impressive. Do you have any idea what you want to do with your life after football?

A: I want to be an aerospace engineer, a rocket scientist.

I’ve researched the profession, and we’ve done some stuff in school with engineering that I’ve enjoyed.

P

Q: Is college football something you want to pursue?

A: Absolutely. I would love to play college football. I’ve been talking with some coaches and we’ll see what happens.

F

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A

M

B

A

L

L

#WeArePelham

Q: What do you do for fun, away from the field?

A: There’s not much. Football is my life. I like to work on my Jeep, but that’s about it.

@PELHAM_AD

PELHAM PANTHER ATHLETICS P

E

L

H

A

M

H

I

G

H

A T

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Q: Give me a prediction for this season. What’s going to happen in Pelham this year?

A: I think we’re going to have a surprising year. I think we’re going to shock a bunch of people. Coach Causey has said it best. Right now we’re hiding in the weeds.

We’re going to knock some teams down and drag them into the weeds to start the year. And we’re just going to keep going from there.

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

81

Trent Sullivan

SHELBY COUNTY WILDCATS

S

helby County has not made a playoff appearance since 2009, which is now the second-longest active playoff drought in the county behind only Thompson.

Consequently in the six years since that 2009 season, the Wildcats have not won more than four games in a single year and have posted an aggregate

82

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

By Baker Ellis | Photographs by Dawn Harrison, Baker Ellis and Keith McCoy

record of 14-46 over that span. While that is no doubt an unwelcome statistic for Shelby County fans to hear, there is actually good news lurking in these numbers for the Wildcats.

In every season from 2010-2014, Shelby County gave up more points per game than it scored. In 2010 the Wildcats gave up 34 points per game while averaging 20. In 2011 it was a

slightly better margin of 22 average points for to 30 points against before back-to-back seasons of averaging 15 points per game or less and giving up 40 or more. In 2014 the Wildcats returned to a respectable place, and gave up 27 points per game while averaging 18. However, in 2015, a flip switched.

Shelby County averaged a whopping 33 points per game, the highest

AHSAA 5A, Region 5 2015: 4-6 (2-4) Head Coach: Heath Childers (Third year, 7-13 record) Assistants: Casey Crumpton, Chris Perkins, Tyrin Johnson, Randell Reeves, Mike Harrison, Jake Knight, Edmund Buie

Keyvontae Mayfield

Last region title: 2008 Last playoff game: 2009

33

are moving into a new, scoring margin of the last revamped region and will six years, while giving up roll out a number of new 31, marking the first time faces as they try to punch the Wildcats have had a a playoff ticket for the positive scoring margin first time in seven years. since making the playoffs Shelby County While Shelby County in 2009. averaged 33 points per had an offensive A season ago, the game on offense last resurgence in 2015, the Wildcats were just a season, the most of Wildcats still have work handful of plays away any year since 2009. to do on the defensive from breaking that side of the ball, as they streak, and lost to region opponent Sylacauga by one point, 49- have not given up less than 27 points 48, in a game that could have sealed per game since making the playoffs a playoff berth. Now, in what will be seven years ago. But before we get to Heath Childers’ third year as Shelby the defense, let’s look at what Shelby County’s head coach, the Wildcats County is working with on offense

SHELBY COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 19

OPEN

Aug. 26

@ Holt

Sept. 2

St. Clair County*

Sept. 9

@ Moody*

Sept. 16

Wenonah*

Sept. 23

Springville

Sept. 30

@ Fairfield*

Oct. 7

@ Pleasant Grove*

Oct. 14

Briarwood*

Oct. 21

Woodlawn*

Oct. 28

@ Jemison

* Region game

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

83

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84

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

this season.

Quarterback

Shelby County has made a change at quarterback this year, as the Wildcats are going with junior Chadwyn Russ to start things off. Mason Blythe was Shelby County’s quarterback for most of last season before getting injured against Sylacauga, at which point Russ took over the offense for the rest of the year, and will now keep the job heading into the fall. The two entered the spring getting roughly the same number of offensive reps, but Blythe suffered a bad stinger and had to be held out of a few key workouts, and Russ earned the starting nod. Russ is smaller than Blythe, but quicker and has a more accurate arm. Childers and the Shelby County coaching staff hope to incorporate more passing into their Wing-T offense, and Russ’ ability to hit the long ball accurately will play a pivotal role in that development.

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

85

Running Back

Jamarius Mayfield, the 2015 Shelby County Player of the Year, is gone.

Mayfield, who was one of the top backs in all of 5A last year, leaves a crater of production to fill in the Wildcat backfield that will need to be replaced in some form or fashion by a committee

86

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

of backs. Lamont Bush, Chance McNeal and Jeremiah Crenshaw are the three backs that get the unenviable task of replacing Mayfield, and some combination of Keyvontae Mayfield, Aremee Calloway and Trent Sullivan will join those three in the backfield at fullback. In Shelby County’s offense, the fullback position will see between

30-35 carries a game, and Childers will utilize as many bodies as he can to make sure there are healthy legs come October and potentially November.

With upwards of six different faces to fill the two backfield slots next to Russ, Shelby County definitely has the bodies to stay fresh.

success there, this team has a chance to be an offensive threat against most anyone they will play.

Offensive Line

Jeremiah Crenshaw

Receivers

In the Wildcats’ ever-continuing quest to incorporate more passing into their offense, 2016 might be the year some results are seen in that regard.

Last season the Wildcats hoped to incorporate now-graduating receiver Deon Carter more into the offense, but Shelby County was not as effective in the passing game as it wanted to be at the beginning of the year. This year,

Addison Couch and newcomer Mitch Nash provide two capable, talented options at receiver for Russ to work with, and the Wildcats will utilize their stable of backfield options in the passing game as well. Nash and Couch are two of the better deep ball receivers Shelby County has had in recent years, and Russ’ strength lies in throwing an accurate long ball as well. If Shelby County can utilize some play-action looks and have some

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Four of Shelby County’s linemen from last year have graduated, leaving a ton of openings across the front. The Wildcats do benefit from the return of Dalton Purcell, who will return to his right guard position. Childers is very high on Purcell, and believes that although the senior is undersized for his position, he is a quick, strong, intelligent lineman who can run the Wildcat system with no trouble.

Childers works specifically with the offensive linemen, and while losing four starters in one year is always going to be tough, he believes it looks worse on paper than it will on the field.

Dalton Brooks will slide into the center position, Chad Reach will step in as the left guard, Dawson Brooks, Dalton Brooks’ twin brother, will play left tackle and Dontavious Mayfield will play right tackle, while Austin Lucas is back at tight end as well.

The unit might be overwhelmingly green as far as varsity experience is concerned, but they know what is required of them, and Childers believes this group will come together nicely.

Defensive Line

Like the offensive line, the defensive line took a hit as well, and all four starters from last season are gone.

Donatavius Mayfield and Dawson Brooks will see time on both sides of the ball, but Childers does not want the starters on the offensive line to start on the defensive line as well.

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2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

87

SHELBY COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 2016 ROSTER No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

1

Casey Williams

LB

Freshman

18 Lamont Bush

RB

Junior

59 Dalton Brooks

OL

Sophomore

2

Keyvontae Mayfield RB

Senior

19 Charlie Taylor

DB

Sophomore

60 Dawson Brooks

OL

Sophomore

3

Jordan Morris

FB

Freshman

23 Chance McNeal

RB

Senior

61 Zack Green

DL

Senior

4

Aremee Calloway

FB

Senior

24 Trent Sullivan

LB

Junior

62 Abel Villa

OL

Senior

5

Chase Holliman

QB

Freshman

25 Jeremiah Crenshaw RB

Sophomore

63 Chad Reach

OL

Junior

6

Chase Franklin

LB

Sophomore

33 A.J. Sanchez

DB

Junior

65 Tre Aderholt

OL

Freshman

7

Camden Davis

DB

Sophomore

34 Parker Munoz

DB

Senior

71 Joel Vaughn

OL

8

Addison Couch

WR

Senior

42 Lloyd Harrison

DB

Freshman

78 Dontavious Mayfield OL

9

Position Year

Sophomore Junior

Austin Lucas

TE

Junior

44 Nic Chapple

DL

Senior

80 Luke Crumpton

DB

Sophomore

10 Mason Blythe

LB

Senior

45 Taylor Wilkins

LB

Sophomore

81 Luis Lagos

DL/K

Senior

11 Austin Scott

LB

Sophomore

50 Dalton Purcell

OL

Senior

82 Tyler Eddings

WR

Freshman

12 Chadwyn Russ

QB

Junior

51 Trent Davis

DL

Senior

89 Jonathon Whitman

OL

Freshman

14 Mitch Nash

WR

Junior

53 Trevor Davis

OL

Freshman

91 Tyler Echols

DL

Sophomore

15 Greg Oliver

RB

Freshman

54 Camden Roulier

DL

Junior

97 Jessup Lodge

TE

Freshman

99 Corbin Hillman

DL

Junior

16 Nevada Wages

DB

Sophomore

55 Patrick Wilkins

OL

Junior

17 Collin Jennings

WR

Freshman

58 Chandler Horton

OL

Freshman

Some combination of Patrick Wilkins, Cam Roulier, Corbin Hillman, Abel Villa and Luis Lagos will start up front in Shelby County’s 4-4 defense, with a number of the offensive linemen seeing defensive reps as well such as both Dalton Brooks and Chad Reach.

Linebackers

Blythe is transition from quarterback to linebacker in his senior year, and has had a successful spring and summer according to Childers. The 6-foot-4-inch senior will occupy one of the inside linebacker spots while Trent Sullivan will occupy the other.

Chance McNeal will be at one of the outside linebacker positions and will see time on both sides of the ball, but is a tireless machine according to Childers, and can handle the double duty. The other outside linebacker spot will likely go to Chase Franklin, but Childers will play Keyvontae Mayfield at linebacker when needed. Taylor Wilkins and Austin Lucas could also factor into the rotation.

Secondary

In the middle of the summer Shelby County suffered the loss of Patrick Krieder, who had all but locked up a starting job in the backfield before moving away. That loss set Shelby County back, but the Wildcats have Luis Lagos will once again return to adjusted. Mitch Nash and Addison handle the kicking duties for Shelby County, as the senior has been the

Special Teams

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2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Couch will play both ways and will see ample time in the secondary, as will Nevada Wages and Jeremiah Crenshaw.

WILDCAT FOOTBALL Wildcats main kicker for the last few years now. The Shelby County kicking game will also play an increasingly important role in the Wildcats’ grindit-out type offense.

Players to Watch

Aremee Calloway, FB. Keyvontae Mayfield, FB/LB. Dalton Purcell, OL.

Key Losses

Jamarius Mayfield, Mac Slaughter, Jacob Humphrey, Jared Humphrey

Want to know who scored during the big game?

Visit ShelbyCountyReporter.com for a complete recap from Friday night’s game.

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

89

Damon Wright

SPAIN PARK JAGUARS

L

ast season was one of, if not the most, successful seasons for Spain Park in its 14-year history. The Jaguars not only beat Hoover for the first time in school history via a 17-0 shutout in the regular season, Spain Park beat the Bucs again in the 7A semifinals en route to a runner up finish in the largest classification in the state.

The Jags reached the state finals for the second time in program history, and fell just short of their first title, getting

By Baker Ellis | Photographs by Neal Wagner and Marvin Gentry

beat 14-12 by McGill-Toolen in the 7A championship game.

This year, in Shawn Raney’s fourth year at the head of the Spain Park program, the Jaguars have one goal in mind, claiming the school’s first football state title. With a few dynamic offensive players to build around and a seniorladen defense that has become known for its stinginess, there is no time like the present for the Jags to make another title run.

CIA 90

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Quarterback

Game manager Joey Beatty has graduated, which has once again created a quarterback battle at Spain Park. Last year leading up to the season, it was Beatty battling for the starting job with then-junior Hunter Howell.

Now Howell, a senior, is trying to win the job while Braxton Barker, a junior, is challenging. Barker has recently hit a growth spurt, shooting up from roughly 5-feet-7-inches to 5-feet-11 in the last

AHSAA 7A, Region 3 2015: 12-2 (7-0) Head Coach: Shawn Raney (Fifth year, 26-9 record) Assistants: Matt Thompson, Marty Rozell, Darrius Taylor, Keat Litton, Chris Bell, Ryan Thompson, Brian Maner, Eric Gibbons, Jason Hamlin, Bob Bietighofer, John Hardin

Damarius Farmer

year, and has had a good summer. Howell has also had a productive summer and has put on solid weight since last season. Neither are dynamic runners, but they won’t be asked to run much in Spain Park’s system. Raney has said he will name a starter the week of the Gadsden City game, which is scheduled for Aug. 19.

Running Back

9

There will be nine senior starters on this years’ defense for Spain Park. Last year, the Jags gave up just 10 points per game en route to a 7A runner-up finish.

The Jaguars lose Wade Streeter but retain Larry Wooden, which is great news for this offense. At the start of the season Wooden held eight scholarship offers, including an offer from Minnesota, but that number will likely rise as the season goes on. Wooden ran for 896 yards on 203 carries last season while splitting touches with Streeter,

and also had 344 yards receiving as well as a junior.

A big, strong, agile back, Wooden is poised to have a breakout season this year for the Jags. Junior D’arie Johnson will join him in the backfield this season, as will sophomore Jalen Henderson. Henderson, a big athlete for his age, will fill more of a fullback role until Wooden graduates, but all three will see touches this season.

Receivers

Bridge Suber has graduated, but Thomas Jordan is back for his final prep season and will be Spain Park’s top receiving target. Jordan, a 6-foot receiver, also sports a 4.2 GPA and scored a 32 on his ACT and is being courted by some Ivy League schools,

Last region title: 2015 Last playoff game: 2015 SPAIN PARK HIGH SCHOOL 2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 19

@ Gadsden City

Aug. 26

Muscle Shoals

Sept. 2

Vestavia Hills*

Sept. 9

@ Hoover*

Sept. 16

Mountain Brook*

Sept. 23

OPEN

Sept. 30

Huffman*

Oct. 6

@ Thompson*

Oct. 14

Tuscaloosa County*

Oct. 21

@ Oak Mountain*

Oct. 27

@ Minor

* Region game

Come as you are. You’ll fit right in.

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Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church 5080 Cahaba Valley Trace Birmingham, AL 35242

#wheregraceabounds 2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

91

SPAIN PARK HIGH SCHOOL 2016 ROSTER No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

Position Year

1

D’arie Johnson

RB

Junior

25 Larry Wooden

RB

Senior

62 Layth Thiab

OL

Sophomore

1

Andrew Mader

DB

Sophomore

26 Victor Davis

RB

Junior

64 Colton Punzel

OL

Sophomore

2

Landon Shoemaker WR

Senior

27 Jack Connell

DB

Senior

65 Ethan Prolsdorfer

OL

Sophomore

2

Zach Evans

DB

Junior

28 Thomas Jordan

WR

Senior

66 Broderick Polk

OL

Sophomore

3

Myckael Walton

DB

Senior

29 Kenyon Hines

WR

Sophomore

67 David Shannon

OL

Junior

3

Josh Denson

WR

Junior

30 Tyrece Mickens

TE

Junior

68 Ryan Campbell

OL

Junior

4

William Mee

WR

Senior

31 Braxton Hall

DB

Sophomore

69 Abdulrahman Deeb

OL

Junior

4

Jaden Jenkins

DB

Junior

32 Robert Cook

LB

Junior

71 Casen Browning

OL

Junior

5

Mason Pronk

QB

Sophomore

33 Scott Moates

LB

Sophomore

73 LJ Murray

OL

Senior

5

Damon Wright

DB

Senior

34 Houston Hollis

LB

Senior

74 Devin Dowdle

K

Sophomore

6

Emmanuel Holsey

DB

Junior

35 Darrian Stringer

RB

Junior

75 Michael Fowler

OL

Junior

6

Jalen McMillian

WR

Junior

36 Zachary Robinson

LB

Junior

76 Claudio Sarniguet

DE

Sophomore

7

Rayfe Richey

LB

Senior

37 Peyton Maner

DB

Senior

77 Jayme Simmons

OL

Sophomore

7

Braxton Barker

QB

Junior

38 Gaven Pudlik

DB

Sophomore

78 Jalen Johnson

OL

Junior

8

Clay Christian

DB

Junior

39 Hayden Callegan

P

Senior

79 Cameron Young

OL

Sophomore

9

Ronald Carl

DB

Junior

40 Hayes Cole

LB

Junior

80 Michael Rogers

WR

Sophomore

9

Tony Wendes

WR

Junior

41 Reed Vella

DB

Sophomore

82 Marcellus Payne

RB

Sophomore

10 Jo Jo Dennis

WR

Junior

42 Josiah Johnson

LB

Senior

83 Ashanti Carter

TE

Sophomore

10 Isiah Bonilla

DB

Junior

43 Kishawn Dawsey

DB

Sophomore

84 Michael Allen

TE

Senior

11 Damarius Farmer

DB

Senior

44 Mark Muir

DE

Junior

85 Luke Blackmon

WR

Junior

12 Hunter Howell

QB

Senior

45 Darius Robinson

LB

Sophomore

86 Jake Carver

WR

Sophomore

12 Thomas Branin

DB

Junior

46 Ja Cory Robinson

DB

Sophomore

87 Christian Richburg

RB

Sophomore

13 Colin Kirkpatrick

QB

Sophomore

47 Johnathon Harland

DB

Sophomore

88 Davis Brown

WR

Sophomore

14 Ryan Griffin

WR

Junior

48 Joshua Stanton

DB

Sophomore

89 Steven Pate

DE

Sophomore

15 Omar ANgel

WR

Junior

49 Nicholas Cotumaccio LB

Junior

90 Layth Abusuad

C

Sophomore

16 Mario Davis

WR

Senior

50 Will Mullins

OL

Senior

91 Jacob Pughsley

DE

Junior

17 Darion Keahey

DB

Senior

51 William Mote

OL

Sophomore

92 Douglas Henze

DL

Senior

18 Nicholas Dixon

RB

Junior

52 Josh Wallace

LB

Sophomore

93 Isiah Johnson

DL

Sophomore

19 Kameron Mcdaniel

DB

Sophomore

53 Caleb Foster

LB

Junior

94 Clifford Robinson

DL

Sophomore

20 Cole Starr

K

Junior

54 Josh Mullins

OL

Sophomore

96 P. T. Vercher

DL

Sophomore

21 Cameron Toyer

DB

Senior

55 Alexander Kassouf

OL

Senior

97 Kalik Mallard

DL

Senior

22 Brandon Simmons

DB

Senior

56 James Schweer

DE

Junior

98 Zac Shaw

DE

Sophomore

23 Jalen Henderson

RB

Sophomore

57 Bredt Stover

OL

Senior

24 Cedric Tooson

DB

Sophomore

58 Burrell Boswell

OL

Senior

according to Raney, and will be a vital cog in the Spain Park offense. Suber and Jordan were the only two true receiving threats on last years’ team that made it to the 7A state title game, but this year Jordan will have more companions out wide in Jalen McMillan, William Mee and Landon Shoemaker. Shoemaker and Mee are both seniors who have been in the program for years and now have an opportunity to snag quality playing

time, while McMillan is a junior on the rise.

Offensive Line

While the offensive line does lose its most athletic piece from last year in First Team All-State lineman Grey Best, Spain Park does return an array of experience across the front line, and Raney feels the unit as a whole is more athletic than it was a year ago.

Will Mullins and Bredt Stover are both back and will be starting for the third year in a row, and Burrell Boswell, who started five games for the Jaguars last season, is also back. Mullins will slide over to center this season, while Stover and Boswell will hold down the guard positions. LJ Murray, who moved to the Birmingham area last year from South Carolina, is a senior who will hold down the right tackle spot and has

GOOD LUCK Jaguars!

92

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

JAGUAR FOOTBALL come to understand his role and what is expected of him. The left tackle spot is one of two positions that has not been filled heading into the fall, and the coaching staff is still waiting for someone to claim that role.

Defensive Line

ball at the University of Cincinnati and leaves an athletic gap to be filled in the middle of the field. Helping ease that transition is the return of Houston Hollis. Hollis, who has started since he was a sophomore, will lead the defense this year from the middle linebacker spot. Raney has said Hollis is “everything you want in a high school player” and the athletic and powerful senior knows this defense better than anyone. Josiah Johnson, who saw time last season as a junior has been tasked with the unenviable role of replacing Young at the weakside linebacker spot in his senior year, and Rayfe Ritchey, another senior, will hold down the nickel slot after splitting time there last season.

Last season Raney’s defense held teams to just 10 points per game, and in general was one of the stingiest units in the state. The Jags will have to replace a few key pieces from that defense, but return enough guys and have the athletes to step into the vacated roles to be just as effective. On the defensive front both Douglas Henze and Damon Wright return and will be the two three-year starters in charge of leading that unit.

Joining them will be classmate Kalik Mallard, who played spot minutes last Jack Connell, a senior, will start for year, and junior Jacob Pughsley. the Jags this year at free safety while classmate Cameron Toyer will start at free safety. Damarius Farmer, another The biggest and most obvious piece that senior, will be back at one of the must be replaced from this defense is cornerback spots, while the other corner Perry Young. Young, who finished last is still up for grabs heading into the fall. year with 74 tackles, four sacks and three The left tackle slot and the corner slot interceptions, is now playing his college opposite Farmer will most likely be

Secondary

Linebackers

filled by young faces, but heading into fall practice those young faces had not been completely identified.

Special Teams

Spain Park has to replace potentially the top kicking and punting duo in the state from last year in Crosby Gray and Tyler Sumpter. Both Gray and Sumpter played pivotal roles in Spain Park’s runner-up finish last year in the kicking game, and replacing their legs will be no easy task.

The two kickers on Spain Park’s roster this season are Cole Starr, a junior, and Devin Dowdle, a sophomore, while the lone punter listed on the roster is senior Hayden Callegan. Those three will be responsible for helping the Jags keep their edge in the special teams game this season.

Player to Watch

Larry Wooden, RB. Houston Hollis, LB. Thomas Jordan, WR. Damarius Farmer, DB.

Key Losses

Joey Beatty, Wade Streeter, Perry Young, Jonah Tibbs, Grey Best.

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

93

Josh Huner

THOMPSON WARRIORS

I

n one year, Mark Freeman and the Thompson Warriors have changed the narrative of football in Alabaster completely.

A year ago, Thompson was coming off one of the lowest points in program history, a 0-10 season. When Freeman arrived in December of 2014 from Spanish

94

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

By Baker Ellis | Photographs by Eric Starling, Jon Goering and Marvin Gentry

Fort, he knew he was walking in to a tough situation, but in just one season coached the Warriors to a 5-5 record, which was the most successful football season for Thompson since 2006. 2006 was coincidentally the last time Thompson made the playoffs, and most of the players on this roster weren’t even 10 years old then.

Thompson is in the midst of the longest playoff drought of any team in the county, and this year just might be the season the Warriors break that streak.

For that to happen, a number of things have to break correctly for the Warriors this year. Thompson plays in one of the toughest regions in the

AHSAA 7A, Region 3 2015: 5-5 (2-5) Head Coach: Mark Freeman (Second year, 5-5 record) Assistants: Shawn DeFoor, Mark Reaves, Nick Woodley, Mike O’Berry, Jake Helveston, Kevin Todd, Wes Murphy, Ham Barnett, Bradley Costanzo, Tim Castille, Durrell Fuqua, Thomas Rayam, William Watts, John McCaver, Vincent Pitts Last region title: 1997 Last playoff game: 2006

state, 7A Region 3, along with Hoover, Spain Park, Oak Mountain, Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Tuscaloosa County and newcomer Huffman, and will have to win tight games against top competition, games that have eluded the Warriors in years past. Last year, for example, Thompson played one of its best games of the season against Spain Park in the third week of the season. The Warriors’ defense consistently held the Jags out of the end zone, but Spain Park’s Crosby Gray hit a state-record five field goals in the game, and Thompson came up just short 15-14. Spain Park went on to win the region and was the runner-up in the state in the 7A class.

The Warriors proved last year they are now capable of playing with some of the state’s best competition.

In the year before Freeman’s arrival, Thompson lost to Hoover, Spain Park and Oak Mountain by an average of 33 points per game. This past season that average margin of defeat was trimmed down to seven points per game. While that improvement is noteworthy and obviously a step in the right direction, the Warriors still lost each of those games in 2015. Now 2016 is the chance for Thompson to take another positive step and see if the Warriors can’t slap a few more W’s on the schedule.

THOMPSON HIGH SCHOOL 2016 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 19

OPEN

Aug. 27

Godby (Fla.)

Sept. 2

@ Tuscaloosa County*

Sept. 9

@ Mountain Brook*

Sept. 16

Oak Mountain*

Sept. 23

@ Pelham

Sept. 30

Vestavia Hills*

Oct. 6

Spain Park*

Oct. 14

@ Huffman*

Oct. 21

Hoover*

Oct. 27

Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa

* Region game

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

95

Quarterback

to be replaced. In most of Freeman’s Walker Lott has graduated and coaching past, his teams have ended moved on to play his college football up running the ball roughly 65 at Yale, and has left an interesting percent of the time by the end of the quarterback battle in his wake. season, although he is not shooting Heading into the fall the Warriors for that number on purpose in any have two potential quarterbacks vying given year, but the point remains for the starting job in junior Josh that the Warriors will need runners.

Huner and sophomore Caleb Ragland. The two main running threats this Last season Huner ran the JV squad year will be junior Jo-Jo Ford, who behind Lott and played well at that saw spot carries as a 10th-grader, and level. As a result of that experience, sophomore Shadrick Byrd. Byrd had Huner has a deeper and more solid a huge spring game against defending 7A champ McGill-Toolen, foundation working as he ran for 127 yards within Thompson’s and scored a touchdown offensive scheme than as well. Both are quick, does Ragland in game capable runners, and with situations, but Huner was Corey Burroughs working also banged up in both the into the rotation as well, spring and summer, and The Warriors’ five wins the Warriors’ staff feels as a result Ragland got the last year were the most good about the future of majority of the first team in any single season their backfield talent reps in the offseason. If since 2006. one of the two separates themselves in the few Whoever is under center weeks of fall camp, Freeman will for Thompson will have options to name a starter heading into opening throw the ball to.

With the loss of both night, otherwise both will see time in Jordon Haywood and Nolan Burke, games as the two take the battle into Thompson will look to Sam Holmes the regular season as the Thompson and Alondee Vasser, a pair of juniors, coaching staff continues to evaluate to take over the primary receiving who will give the Warriors a better roles.

Alongside those two will be chance to win ball games.

Moe Edwards and Trey Turnbow, both of whom had great summers, Carlos Stephens has graduated, taking and Chris Lewis as well. Lewis, also his 1,115 rushing yards with him, the baseball team’s first baseman, which is production that will need serves as a tight end and an H-back when needed. The Warriors have

5

Receivers

Running Back

96

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

97

THOMPSON HIGH SCHOOL 2016 ROSTER No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

1

Austin Davis

DB

Senior

34 Joseph Ford

H/RB

Junior

65 Hunter Self

OL

Sophomore

2

Corey Burroughs

WR

Senior

35 Kevshon Hobson

DB

Junior

66 Aubrey Glidewell

OL

Sophomore

3

Chris Lewis

DB

Senior

36 Gage Motes

DB

Sophomore

67 Tanner Mosely

OL

Sophomore

4

Ar’Shon Willis

DB

Senior

37 Derek Hussey

DB

Sophomore

68 Chris Ervin

OL

Junior

5

Jalen Rayam

OLB

Junior

38 Mason Crain

OLB

Sophomore

70 Jake Burnett

OL

Junior

6

Trey Turnbow

ATH

Senior

40 Seth Whitlock

DE

Junior

71 Jackson Tanner

OL

Junior

7

KJ Robertson

OLB

Junior

41 Paul Kellogg

DB

Senior

72 Tate Pickle

OL

Senior

8

Moe Edwards

WR

Junior

42 Hunter Green

OLB

Sophomore

73 Seth MacMillan

OL

Sophomore

9

Chris Lewis

H/OLB

Senior

43 Isaac McAdams

DE

Sophomore

77 Landon Hicks

OL

Sophomore

11 Sam Holmes

WR

Junior

44 Kai Bonds

DE

Senior

78 Amari Kight

OL

Sophomore

12 Josh Huner

QB

Junior

45 Kodie Robertson

OLB

Sophomore

79 Tyler Couch

OL

Senior

13 Alondee Vasser

WR

Junior

46 Rondell Smith

OLB

Sophomore

80 Kyle Smoak

WR

Sophomore

14 Caleb Ragland

QB

Sophomore

48 Viktor Turek

DE

Junior

81 Devandis Smitherman WR

Sophomore

15 Kyle Claiborne

OLB

Sophomore

49 Brendon McCray

DL

Sophomore

82 Shaft Reese

WR

Sophomore

19 Jalen Bustamante

DB

Sophomore

50 Noah Machan

NG

Senior

83 Jeremy Lewis

TE

Sophomore

20 Shadrick Byrd

RB

Sophomore

51 Alex Pearman

OL

Junior

84 Resse Rickman

WR

Sophomore

21 Myles Brown

DB

Junior

52 Ibronima Bah

OL

Senior

86 Samuel Serrato

K

Junior

22 Elijah Clayton

DB

Sophomore

53 Luke Nichols

OL

Senior

87 Taylor Poskey

WR

Junior

23 Grant Bivins

LB

Junior

54 Cody Brown

NG

Senior

89 Breydon Edmondson HB

Sophomore

24 Quincy Stafford

DB

Senior

55 Tryan Cooper

DE

Senior

90 Mackie McNeal

DE

Junior

25 Nick Adams

WR

Senior

56 Jamir Black

ILB

Sophomore

91 Eric Mizell

DE

26 Justin Carter

DB

Junior

57 Rodney Dilbeck

OL

Sophomore

92 Domonique Dollerson NG

Junior

27 Don Buckhannon

ILB

Senior

58 Garet Mason

OL

Senior

93 Logan Brown

K

Senior

28 Josh Clinkscale

RB

Junior

59 Patrick Kennedy

OL

Sophomore

94 Greg Inman

DL

Sophomore

29 Nick Mobley

ILB

Senior

60 Ethan Dunkin

OL

Sophomore

95 Nick Owens

NG

Senior

30 Nick Waldon

K

Sophomore

61 Nick Trease

OL

Senior

98 Cordell Stephens

NG

Sophomore

31 Evan Clark

ILB

Junior

62 Clayton Nichols

OL

Junior

99 Kamari Perry

NG

Senior

32 Jarius Grimsley

DB

Junior

63 Matthew Walker

OL

Junior

33 Darian Marcus

DB

Junior

64 Landon Howell

OL

Junior

Position Year

Sophomore

options out wide that can make plays with the ball. While this team will look to run the ball early and often, Freeman advocates that his team will react to whatever the defense gives them. If the defense is susceptible to the run on a given play, the Warriors will run. By contrast, if the defense is willing to give up the pass, the Warriors will pass. As a result, it will still be imperative that this group of receivers provides a steady stream of production if Thompson wants to be effective against its region opponents.

Offensive Line

GOOD LUCK Warriors!

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2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Nick Mobley

KJ Robertson

One of Thompson’s two players with a Division I offer heading into the fall is on the offensive line in sophomore Amari Kight. Kight is a massive 6-foot-5-inches and weighs in at 315 pounds, and currently holds an offer from Mississippi State. He will hold down one of the tackle spots opposite returning starter Evan Pearman, who is moving to that spot after playing guard a season ago. Tyler Couch is the other returning starter along with Pearman, and he will be back at guard. The other guard spot is still

being sorted out heading into the fall, nose guard position in Thompson’s 3-4 but youngster Matthew Walker will be defense. The third job in the trenches, the team’s new center. the other defensive end opposite McNeal, is still being fought for, but Ty Cooper is the frontrunner to win The Warriors’ second player with a that job heading into the fall.

Division I offer heading into the fall is Mackie McNeal, who also has an offer from Mississippi State. McNeal The defense as a whole is fortunate to measures in at 6-feet-5-inches and have Nick Mobley returning to lead weighs north of 300 pounds and is only the linebacking corps. Mobley led a junior. McNeal, for all his size, is Thompson in tackles and sacks last one of Thompson’s defensive ends as season, and will be the premier leader senior Kamari Perry will return to the and traffic director from his middle

Defensive Line

Linebackers

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WARRIOR FOOTBALL linebacker spot. Mobley, who stands just under six feet tall and weighs in at more than 200 pounds, will be joined by Jalen Rayam, the younger brother of now-graduated defensive lineman TJ, and KJ Robertson, along with a fourth linebacker yet to be named. Both Rayam and Robertson will be juniors, and will look to make their mark on the defense.

Secondary

Two of Thompson’s most talented athletes will be in the secondary in Austin Davis and Ar’Shon Willis.

Willis transferred into Thompson a year ago from Vincent and is a safety, while Davis transferred in a season ago from Helena and will be back at cornerback. The two make quite the backfield tandem, and it doesn’t take much film to tell that both are top-tier athletes. Watching highlight tapes of both Davis and Willis is enough to get anyone excited for the potential lurking in the Warriors’ defensive backfield. The other secondary positions are still up for grabs as Thompson heads into the fall.

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2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Special Teams

Davis will handle the majority of the punting and kick return duties, and the staff trusts the talented senior implicitly in that role. Thompson will most likely use whoever is playing quarterback as the primary punting option, and the Warriors are still trying to sort out who will handle the kicking duties, although senior Logan Brown has had a strong summer and

will likely see some, if not all, of the kicking responsibilities.

Players to Watch

Austin Davis, DB/Ret. Nick Mobley, LB. Ar’Shon Willis, DB. Josh Huner/ Caleb Ragland, QB.

Key Losses

Walker Lott, Carlos Stephens, TJ Rayam, Jordon Haywood.

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JT Youngblood

VINCENT YELLOW JACKETS

T

he bottom fell out for Vincent a season ago, simple as that. After getting beat by West Blocton 41-20 in the opening game of the 2015 season, Vincent scored just 19 points over the next nine games combined, and was shut out six times in total on the year.

It was, to put it simply, the worst-case

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2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

By Baker Ellis | Photographs by Dawn Harrison and Baker Ellis

scenario for the Yellow Jackets.

Now, a year later, what has changed?

For starters, the coaching staff. Wiley McKeller stepped down from his head coaching position at 5A Calera to take over the rebuilding efforts at Vincent, and has brought with him new life and a new energy to the program.

McKeller is a proven offensive mind who helped Calera become the

highest-scoring offense in the state in both 2013 and 2014, and took the job because he wants the chance to truly build a program from the ground up.

However, even with McKeller heading up the reboot, it will still take some time for this Vincent team to reach the competitive plateau that it operated on for much of the last decade. While Vincent’s numbers

AHSAA 2A, Region 5 2015: 0-10 (0-6) Head Coach: Wiley McKeller (First year) Assistants: Jamie Scruggs, Alan Box, Maurice Whiting, Shawn Martin, Ted Gipson, Brent Lightsey, Ryan Halla

39

and Robbie Albright will handle the running back duties this year. Davis is the best athlete on the team according to McKeller, and is a small, The Yellow Jackets quick, shifty back who There is a two-way scored 39 total points in can make people miss competition for the 2015, and were shut out in tight spaces. Albright six times. is just going to be a Vincent quarterback job sophomore, but already taking place between has varsity experience junior receiver-turnedquarterback Cole Fincher and and is as solid as they come, especially freshman Dusty Davis. The leader for a player his age. While McKeller for the starting job in late summer is bringing his high-octane spread was Fincher, as he has been in the offense over from Calera, the Yellow program for years and is the more Jackets will make it a priority to get mature football player. McKeller will these two the ball. play the guy who gives the Yellow Jackets the best chance to win, and while this year that looks like it will Zavien Kelley, the point guard on be Fincher, Davis projects to be quite the Vincent basketball team, Josef the player down the line. Already Greene and Christian Henderson will standing over 6-feet tall, Davis has be the three main receiving targets more natural gifts and with time has this year. Kelley’s primary job for this the chance to develop into a quality Vincent team will be at cornerback, quarterback. but he will rotate heavily in with the receivers. Greene, the younger brother of former Vincent stud Jace The running back position will be Greene, will also play on both sides where Vincent is the most athletic of the ball. Physically Greene will be this season. Deandre Davis, one of fine, as he stands over 6-feet tall and Vincent’s three seniors on the roster, has good speed, but has to improve are already up from a year ago, there will be a number of new faces on the field for the Yellow Jackets in 2016.

Quarterback

Receivers

Running Back

Last region title: 2006 Last playoff game: 2014 VINCENT HIGH SCHOOL 2016 SCHEDULE Aug. 19

@ Pleasant Valley

Aug. 26

OPEN

Sept. 2

LaFayette*

Sept. 9

Lanett*

Sept. 16

@ Fayetteville*

Sept. 23

@ Sumiton Christian

Sept. 30

Woodland*

Oct. 8

Horseshoe Bend*

Oct. 14

@ Reeltown*

Oct. 21

@ Ranburne*

Oct. 28

Victory Christian

* Region game

on his understanding of the game this year to develop into one of the Yellow Jackets’ leaders. Henderson is another new face to not just the team but the game of football, but at 6-feet-one-inch tall with quality hands, the junior will be relied on immediately to make an impact.

Offensive Line

Big man Zeb McCord will once again anchor the offensive line. Weighing in 2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

103

VINCENT HIGH SCHOOL 2016 ROSTER No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

Position Year

No. Name

1

Zavien Kelley

WR/DB Junior

15 Dusty Davis

QB/DB

51 Austin Kirk

OL/LB

Junior

2

Josef Greene

WR/DB Senior

16 Tristan Isbell

WR/DB Junior

52 Walter Rowser

OL/DL

Junior

3

Stanley Cooper

WR/DB Junior

17 Christian Henderson WR/DB

Junior

55 Zeb McCord

OL/DL

Senior

4

Kaleb Wilson

WR/DB Freshman

20 Ryan Culliver

RB/DL

Freshman

56 Chris Hardie

OL/LB

Sophomore

6

Deandre Davis

RB/DB

Senior

21 J.T. Youngblood

WR/DL

Freshman

58 Torian Datcher

OL/DL

Freshman

8

Cole Fincher

QB/DB

Junior

25 Keith Martin

WR/DL

Junior

60 Drake Jobson

OL/DL

8

9

Robbie Albright

WR/LB

Sophomore

33 Jackson McGinnis

WR/DL

Freshman

65 Ty Hall

OL/DL

Junior

Junior

34 Matthew Edwards

RB/DB

Junior

75 Blake Roberson

OL/DL

Freshman

78 Paul Albright

OL/DL

8

11 Brandon Abernathy RB/LB

Freshman

12 Zack Martin

RB/DB/K Sophomore

42 Brandon Hayes

WR/DB Freshman

13 Lawrence Rivers

WR/DB Junior

50 Dakota Boyd

OL/DL

Position Year

Junior

Josef Greene

at roughly 275 pounds and standing at a shade over 6-feet-4-inches, the senior is far and away Vincent’s most imposing presence up front. The rest of the line, however, will be full of fresh faces. Torian Datcher, a freshman, will start at center while McCord and sophomore Chris Hardie will handle the guard positions, and Hardie saw time last year as a freshman as well.

Junior Ty Hall will handle the right

tackle duties, while the left tackle position is a three-way battle, with Dakota Boyd in good position to claim that job.

Vincent’s front four will be freshman.

JT Youngblood, Ryan Culliver and Jamichal King will all get their first consistent taste of varsity minutes this year. In two years, McKeller feels this group will be a force to be reckoned McKeller is excited about where his with, but they may take some lumps in defensive line projects to be in a few the process before getting there. years time. Hardie will pull double duty, playing on both sides of the line, while the other three members of McKeller is going to roll out just two

Defensive Line

Linebackers

GOOD LUCK yellow jackets!

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2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

YELLOW JACKET FOOTBALL linebackers this year, and they will be Robbie Albright and Brandon Abernathy. Albright has the potential to be the best linebacker McKeller has ever coached, he said, and is thankful he will get three full years with him.

Abernathy is a junior, and will flank Albright in the middle of the field.

Secondary

football IQ’s on the team, and has had a good summer of work. Zavien Kelley, when he is not playing receiver, will be Vincent’s primary cornerback along with running back Deandre Davis. Vincent’s secondary is full of athletes, some of the best athletes on the team, but is short on experience and knowledge, which McKeller is working to remedy.

state, and is only entering his second year of high school. Martin has been kicking for the varsity team since he was in the seventh grade, and is now moving into his fourth year as the Yellow Jackets placekicker.

Players to Watch

Robbie Albright, RB/LB. Zeb McCord, OL. Deandre Davis, RB/DB. Josef Greene, WR/DB.

Josef Greene will be the starting strong safety this year while Kaleb Allen will slide into the free safety Zack Martin is the most tenured role. Wilson has one of the higher kicker in the county, possibly in the Jordan Smith.

Special Teams

Key Losses

Want to know who scored during the big game?

Visit ShelbyCountyReporter.com for a complete recap from Friday night’s game.

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STATE RECORDS SHELBY COUNTY

AHSAA Football Individual Records OFFENSE - MOST POINTS SCORED, Season 204, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 2001 - T-32nd OFFENSE - MOST POINTS SCORED, Career 620, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998-2002 - 6th OFFENSE - MOST TOUCHDOWNS SCORED, Season 34, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 2001 - T-39th OFFENSE - MOST TOUCHDOWNS SCORED, Career 102, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998-2002 - 8th OFFENSE - MOST FIELD GOALS MADE, Game 5, Crosby Gray, Spain Park (15) vs. Thompson (14), 2015 - T-1st OFFENSE - LONGEST FIELD GOAL 60 yards, Michael Proctor, Pelham (39) vs. Mountain Brook (16), 1991 - 2nd 51 yards, Jason Lang, Pelham vs. Shades Valley, 1994 - T-38th

OFFENSE - MOST PASSES ATTEMPTED, Game 55, Mason Duke, Spain Park vs. Oxford, 2013 - 8th 53, Nick Mullens, Spain Park vs. Austin, 2012 - 11th

OFFENSE - ALL-PURPOSE YARDS, Season 4,079, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2007 - 6th 2,430, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1999 - 41st

OFFENSE - MOST PASSES ATTEMPTED, Season 361, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2007 - 17th 342, Tyler Watts, Pelham, 1997 - 26th 335, Bart Yancey, Briarwood, 1990 - T-27th 303, Parker Anderson, Pelham, 1999 - 52nd

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

OFFENSE - MOST PASSES ATTEMPTED, Career 1,008, Tyler Watts, Pelham, 1994-97 - 6th 966, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2004-07 - 11th

DEFENSE - MOST TACKLES, Game 26, Ethan Simmons, Briarwood (14) vs. Vigor (13), 2012 – T-11th

OFFENSE - MOST PASSES COMPLETED, Game 32, Mason Duke, Spain Park vs. Oxford, 2013 - T-10th 31, Nick Mullens, Spain Park vs. Austin, 2012 - T-12th OFFENSE - MOST PASSES COMPLETED, Season 228, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2007 - 15th 204, Parker Anderson, Pelham, 1999 - T-26th 200, Tyler Watts, Pelham, 1997 - T-29th

OFFENSE - MOST POINTS KICKING, Game 15, Crosby Gray, Spain Park (15) vs. Thompson (14), 2015 - T-5th

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

OFFENSE - MOST EXTRA POINTS KICKED, Season 68, Graham Wilson, Briarwood (of 73 attempts), 1998 - 25th

OFFENSE - MOST TOUCHDOWN PASSES, Season 47, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2007 - 3rd

OFFENSE - MOST EXTRA POINTS KICKED, Career 180, Graham Wilson, Briarwood, 1997-99 - 11th OFFENSE - MOST EXTRA POINTS KICKED, Consecutive 53, Michael Proctor, Pelham, 1989-91 - 18th OFFENSE- MOST KICKOFF RETURNS FOR TOUCHDOWNS, Season 5, Jason Wilkins, Shelby County, 1997 – T-1st OFFENSE - MOST YARDS RUSHING, Season 2,281, Shontua Ray, Montevallo, 1997 (11 games) T-45th

OFFENSE - MOST TOUCHDOWN PASSES, Career 88, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2004-2007 - 8th 55, Tyler Watts, Pelham, 1995-97 - 33rd OFFENSE - LONGEST TOUCHDOWN PASS 99 yards, Jeff Flannerty to Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1999 – T-1st 99 yards, Joe Craddock to Tim Castille, Briarwood, 2002 – T-1st OFFENSE - PASS COMPLETION PERCENTAGE, Game 86.2, Mason Duke, Spain Park (52) vs. Thompson (28), 2014 - 5th

OFFENSE - MOST YARDS RUSHING, Career 5,144, Arthur Johnson, Thompson, 1980-82 - 29th

OFFENSE - MOST PASS RECEPTIONS, Season 70, Montez Billings, Pelham, 2002 - T-33rd 70, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998 - T-33rd

OFFENSE- Most rushing attempts, Game 46, Wade Streeter, Spain Park (63) vs. Hewitt-Trussville (64), 2014 - T-12th

OFFENSE - MOST PASS RECEPTIONS, Career 243, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998-2002 - 3rd

OFFENSE - MOST YARDS PASSING, Game 408, Tyler Watts, Pelham vs. Vestavia Hills, 1995 - 37th 401, Mason Duke, Spain Park (52) vs. Thompson (28), 2014 – 41st OFFENSE - MOST YARDS PASSING, Season 3,469, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2007 - 8th 2,834, Parker Anderson, Pelham, 1999 - 37th 2,501, Bart Yancey, Briarwood, 1990 - 64th 2,484, Tyler Watts, Pelham, 1997 - 67th 2,388, Zac Oden, Montevallo, 2015 – 77th 2,056, Jeff Flannery, Briarwood, 1998 - 116th OFFENSE - MOST YARDS PASSING, Career 7,968, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2004-07 - 12th 6,838, Tyler Watts, Pelham, 1994-97 - 22nd

Thompson ’82

106

Coosa Valley ’84

Briarwood ’98

2016 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

DEFENSE - MOST TACKLES, Season 285, Matthew Forester, Briarwood, 1998 - 1st DEFENSE - MOST TACKLES, Career 612, Matthew Forester, Briarwood, 1996-98 - 2nd DEFENSE - MOST FUMBLE RECOVERIES, Game 3, Jordan Carroll, Briarwood (32) vs. John Carroll (13), 2012 – 1st AHSAA Football Team Records COACHES WITH MOST STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS 3, Fred Yancey, Briarwood – T-12th MOST CONSECUTIVE GAMES WITHOUT A LOSS (Including Ties) 45, Shelby County (43-0-2), 1961-66 - 6th OFFENSE - MOST POINTS SCORED, Game (Both teams) 127, Spain Park (63) vs. Hewitt-Trussville (64), 2014 – 6th 117, Pelham (77) vs. Jackson-Olin (40), 2006 - 13th 114, Vincent (72) vs. Isabella (42), 2011 - 17th 109, Shelby County (69) vs. Marbury (40), 2015 – T-24th 103, Oak Mountain (60) vs. James Clemens (43), 2012 – 34th OFFENSE - MOST POINTS SCORED, Season 582, Briarwood Christian (15-0), 1998 - 51st 512, Calera (10-2), 2014 – T-111th MOST POINTS SCORED, Game (By losing team) 63, Spain Park vs. Hewiit-Trussville (64), 2014 – T-1st

OFFENSE - CAREER TOUCHDOWN RECEPTIONS 41, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998-2002 - T-12th OFFENSE - MOST YARDS RECEIVING, Season 1,305, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998 - 14th 1,170, Shannon Hartsfield, Briarwood, 1990 - 37th 1,060, Bill Flowers, Pelham, 1999 - 62nd

OFFENSE - MOST PASS ATTEMPTS, Season 342, Pelham, 1997 - 10th OFFENSE - MOST COMPLETIONS, Season 200, Pelham (342 attempts), 1997 - 12th MOST TOUCHDOWN PASSES, Season 47, Briarwood, 2007 – 4th

OFFENSE - MOST YARDS RECEIVING, Career 4,122, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998-2002 (243 catches) - 3rd OFFENSE - TOTAL OFFENSE, Career 9,544, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998-2003 - 7th 9,164, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2004-07 - 9th

DEFENSE - MOST INTERCEPTIONS, Game 4, Brandon Salser, Chelsea vs. Isabella, 1989 - T-5th

MOST FIELD GOALS MADE, Game 5, Spain Park (15) vs. Thompson (14), 2015 – T-1st MOST KICKOFF RETURNS FOR TOUCHDOWNS (Both teams) 3, Elba (59) vs. Vincent (20), 2012 – 1st

OFFENSE - TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS, Season 53, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2007 - T-6th

Shelby Academy ’98

Briarwood ’99

Briarwood ’03

Shelby Academy ’06

Coosa Valley ’10

KNOW what t o d o in c ase of

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

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

Any athlete with a suspected concussion:

n Should be IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PLAY/ACTIVITY n Should be urgently assessed medically n Should not be left alone n Should not drive a motor vehicle

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

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