Shelby County Football 2017

Creating his own

LEGACY

Braxton Barker takes the reins for Jags

FINAL BATTLE Rayam and Robertson to lead Thompson

READY TO

SOAR

Breaking down Calera’s 2017 season

Season outlook

Schedules, rosters and breakdowns for all teams

Newspapers, Inc. 2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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Table of Contents

5 12

20

Briarwood

24

Calera

30

Chelsea

36

Coosa Valley

38

Cornerstone

40

Evangel

42

Helena

52

Hope

54

Kingwood

56

Montevallo

62

Oak Mountain

68

Pelham

78

Shelby County

84

Spain Park

92

Thompson

100 Vincent

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2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

STAFF EDITORIAL Graham Brooks Stephen Dawkins Alec Etheredge Briana Harris Amalia Kortright Madoline Markham Keith McCoy Emily Sparacino Neal Wagner

PRODUCTION Connor Bucy Jamie Dawkins Kate Sullivan

MARKETING Ann Aycock Kristy Brown Kari George Rachel Henderson Daniel Holmes Rhett McCreight Kim McCulla Stacey Meadows Ashley Murphy Viridiana Romero April Spivey Bayleigh Thompson Kerrie Thompson

ADMINISTRATIVE Tim Prince Katie McDowell Hailey Dolbare Mary Jo Eskridge Katie Krouse 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

F

ootball holds a special place in my heart. While I have loved so many different sports since I was a young boy, there is just something about the anticipation of fall Friday nights under the lights during a sportsless summer break.

Having loved football since I was a kid and dreaming of the day of being a sports journalist getting the privilege to cover it as a living, it’s almost surreal that I am putting together my first football magazine in my career. I grew up that kid that would go to the book store, pile all of the college football magazines on top of each other and research for hours so I knew what to expect going into the season, and now I have the opportunity to put one together myself.

We are coming off an extremely impressive 2016 football season that didn’t come to an end until the Briarwood Lions fell in the semifinals of the 5A state championship. Now it’s already time to jump back in and preview each of the county’s 11 AHSAA schools as well as the five AISA schools, all of whom will have new head coaches at the helm.

Inside, you will find not only an in depth breakdown of each of those 16 teams, but you will also find three feature stories that highlight some of the more special stories that will take place during 2017, including Spain Park’s Braxton Barker and Thompson’s Jalen Rayam and KJ Robertson.

Barker is the son of former Alabama quarterback Jay Barker, while Rayam and Robertson are heading into their final football season together having shared the field since they were little kids.

This year not only marks a special moment for me putting this magazine

together but is also extra special with it being my one-year anniversary of working with Shelby County Newspapers. I hope you all can see my passion for the job and realize how much enjoyment I get out of highlighting each of these teams.

We have some fantastic schools, with some of the best athletes in the state of Alabama and that’s all because of great coaches, parents, teachers and communities that all of these young men are surrounded with on a daily basis.

I hope you all are as excited as I am that the season is finally upon us and I can’t wait to see the passion by which each of the fan bases and teams display during 2017.

Living in such a football centric area, I am going to try something else out that highlights Shelby County high school football teams other than this magazine during the 2017 season.

Each Sunday night I plan to put together a recap video of each team’s performance from Friday night by simply discussing what I took notice of that week. I will also decide on a player of the week and determine a game of the week for the following week.

Be on the lookout for that on our Facebook page and let me know what you think. With three teams in the top 5 of the preseason rankings, it’s sure to be an exciting season and I hope you all enjoy the ride with me.

Alec Etheredge, Sports Editor

Alec.Etheredge@ShelbyCountyReporter.com

Cover photo by Keith McCoy Cover design by Jamie Dawkins 2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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LIKE FATHER,

LIKE SON

BRAXTON BARKER READY TO LEAD DURING SENIOR SEASON Written by ALEC ETHEREDGE Photographs by KEITH MCCOY and TED MELTON 2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

L

ike father, like son is a saying as old as time, but for Braxton Barker, it’s much more than just a saying created in the 1300s. Those four little words are something he considers a blessing.

Braxton, son of Alabama National Championship quarterback Jay Barker, is a rising senior at Spain Park High School.

While he isn’t living in his father’s shadow, nor does he want to burst out and take any of the limelight away from his teammates, Braxton is about to embark on the journey of a lifetime — a senior year with 95 of his best “friends.”

That word “friend” specifically is something that Braxton uses quite a bit on the football field. Not to talk with his handful of best friends that just happen to be on the team as well, but to talk about the entire team he has bled and sweated through the summer with in preparation for his final season of cool, crisp fall Friday nights under the lights.

“Everyone is friends on the team, there’s not really any separation, just one big family,” Braxton said. “It’s my senior year and I get to go out there and play with my friends and enjoy it and hopefully make a run at it one last time, it doesn’t get much better than that.”

The quarterback position is one that Braxton has dreamed of playing at this level and even higher since he was a young boy tossing the ball around in the back yard every day with his dad and siblings.

“Playing in the back yard with my brothers and dad is probably my first and best memory of the game,” Braxton said. “We were competitive, of course, but that was such a fun time with them and it helped me fall in love with the game extremely quickly.”

This family fun in the yard started when he was just 3 years old and from the very beginning you could see a passion burning in Braxton to play the game.

“I remember him being three years old out in the yard with his sibilings and they weren’t just throwing the ball around,” Jay said. “They would 2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

7

all line up and run routes together.”

Whether it be his learning techniques from a young age or watching his dad’s old game films, Braxton clearly had a niche for the game and it showed as he went into his first year of flag football in the first grade.

“I wasn’t even signed up that year, my older brother was,” Braxton said. “I was just throwing around at practice one day with everybody and the coach asked me to come out and play with the team, which is how I got my start competitively.”

As to what position he would be committed to playing, there was never any question.

“I was always interested in playing quarterback because it’s what my dad did, so I always had an interest in it and knew it’s what I was going to do,” Braxton said. “I used to watch his ‘92 Florida game (SEC Championship) and ‘92 National Championship game against Miami and would try to do what he did because I wanted to be

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“It’s my senior year

film together of things they’re doing at the college and NFL level and also talk about different schemes.

He really talks to me about being a leader and being able to deal with different pressures. Seeing him after games and talking through different things has meant more to me than the game of football itself.”

Helping Braxton become better and being there to offer advice is what Jay said he loves the most about their relationship.

“Braxton even thinks I’m crazy about how much of a film nerd I — Braxton Barker am,” he said letting out a chuckle.

“We sit and watch practice and game tapes from NFL and other leagues, just like him.”

That father-son relationship is breaking down how to run routes something a whole lot more than and create the right opportunity. You Braxton wanting to be like his dad; can just find ways to make yourself it’s something that they still cherish a better quarterback and you might to this day and take advantage of on see something that you haven’t before that can help you find the open man. a daily basis.

“I’ve always told him that if he “He’s had a big impact on my life,” Braxton said with clear sentiment in can teach it to Harrison, his younger his voice. “To this day, we still watch brother, he can do anything because

and I get to go out there and play with my friends and enjoy it and hopefully make a run at it one last time, it doesn’t get much better than that.”

that shows a complete understanding of the game.”

It’s not just his dad that has helped him become a better and more competitive player, but his siblings like Harrison as well. Harrison, his younger brother and future quarterback with the Jags; Sarah Ashlee, his younger sister and star on the SP girls basketball team; and older brother Andrew, who played at Mountain Brook, all have had a part in helping as well.

“We always compete with each other playing things like 21 in basketball or even video games,” Braxton said before tossing a jab. “We’re just so competitive and hate to lose to each other, but it’s all good because I never lose.”

With a voice that showed an eye roll and laughter combined, Jay went on to add to Braxton’s statement saying his kids are more competitive than anybody he has ever seen, including himself.

While a lot of young athletes with parents that stood out themselves have an easier time getting recognition simply because of their name, Braxton has had to work harder than most and has hurdled a few obstacles he wasn’t going to let stand in his way.

Two games into his freshman year, Braxton’s arm started bothering him. It turned out he had little leaguer’s shoulder from throwing the ball so much during games over the past several years leading up to that 2014 season.

Doctors told him he was lucky because a few more throws would have caused a much more severe injury and would have at the least required surgery if not ended

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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his career. He ended up not needing surgery, but the recovery process was a long one.

That spring of his freshman year, he moved up to the varsity team, but still couldn’t throw and was on a program throughout the summer and the next season to get back to full health.

“A little bit of doubt definitely creeped into my mind but I just kept working and praying that Gods plan would work out the way it was meant to,” Braxton said.

That work he put in made the desire to get back on the football field greater than any desire he had experienced at any point in life thus far.

“You could tell it was eating at him because he just wanted to get back in the back yard and throw 10 passes like he did when he was a kid,” Jay said.

He was finally able to get back to full strength, and really stronger than he was before the injury as he was finally growing into his body, during the summer of 2016 heading into his junior season.

Braxton was locked in a quarterback competition with Hunter Howell at the time, who went on to be named the starter at the end of fall practice because the coaching staff felt like there were still a few things for him to work on.

“I just wanted to play because the injury gave me a new and energized love for the game that I had never had before now that I know it can be taken away from me so quickly,” Braxton said.

He put in the work and slowly started earning more respect from the

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coaching staff throughout the season and correcting things he still needed to work on.

“I thought he handled the competition of being beat out by Hunter last summer really well and he made the decision to work harder,” Jaguar head coach Shawn Raney said.

“He really progressed throughout the season and did everything we needed him too.”

By the ninth game of the regular season, Braxton had earned enough respect from the coaches to take over the starting job on a team competing for a playoff spot. He went 2-1 as the starter with an area win over Oak Mountain as well as a win over Minor

before falling to James Clemens in the first round of the playoffs.

Now Braxton has strong game experience as a starter and is heading into his senior year looking to take help lead his “friends” to the finish they deserve.

Just like his dad, he will be heading into his senior year as a starter at quarterback for the first time and will look to wow people all over the country in similar fashion.

While Jay says watching his son is more nerve wracking than competing for a national championship, Braxton feels calm and confident, not solely in himself, but his team that this year will be a special one for the Jags.

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2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

LAST LINE OF

DEFENSE RAYAM AND ROBERTSON READY FOR FINAL RUN AT TITLE

S

Written by ALEC ETHEREDGE Photographs by KEITH MCCOY and ERIC STARLING

ince the fourth grade, Jalen Rayam and KJ Robertson have been able to look over and see one another’s face on the same football field.

Both have been playing the game since they were young kids, Rayam at age four and Robertson at age six, thanks to fathers that were extremely involved in football.

When they first crossed paths close to nine years ago, the two linebackers had no clue this day would come, a day where they would become more than just friends, but brothers on and off the football field – brothers that for the final time will be able to take the field and look to their left or right in the middle of the defense and see that trustworthy face that instantly calms the other’s nerves as they prepare for their senior season as a Thompson Warrior.

“We’ve always been close since that first day of playing together,” Robertson said. “We automatically became friends and it just grew from there, from all the way through middle school to our first varsity game freshman year, it’s just always been like a brotherhood with everything we’ve been through together.”

Rayam is the son of former Alabama offensive lineman Thomas Rayam – who blocked a last-second field goal

against Penn State in 1989 to preserve a 17-16 win — and also has two siblings Madison, who is headed to Jacksonville University on a volleyball scholarship, and T.J. Rayam, who just signed to play football at Boston College — which just goes to show the athleticism that runs in his family.

A lot of that has to do with his dad’s success on the gridiron and from a very young age, Rayam fell in love with the game. At the age of four, he didn’t really know what was going on, but just being around the game so much gave him the burning desire to play like his dad.

“Playing at the highest level in the NFL, he just kept me one step ahead of everything because of all of the tips and pointers he was there to give me.

Anytime he would see something that wasn’t right, he would call me over and tell me how to correct it,” Rayam said chuckling. “I remember at the age of four, I was already practicing how to perfect the swim move.”

Robertson’s father also played an important role in introducing him to the game when he was younger.

A coach at Illinois for a long time during Robertson’s childhood, KJ became extremely interested in the game, especially being around college athletes on a regular basis.

“I was always going up there to 2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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practices and games,” Robertson said.

“The energy of it always interested me the most and that’s why I immediately wanted to start playing.”

The two played all over the field growing up, but were always by each other’s side and inseparable.

In 2014, the two settled naturally into their linebacker position at the high school level for the first time and fell in love. Now, for the past four years, they have been a nightmare for opposing backfields at the position.

“I like being in the middle of everything and seeing everything in front of me,” Rayam said of the position. “I don’t have to ask anybody else what my assignment is because I’m supposed to be the one that knows the assignment. I just love the control

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you get at linebacker.”

While Rayam can play both inside and out, he tends to be a solid anchor of force in the middle of the linebacking corps, while Robertson handles the outside.

“Being at outside linebacker, you can be at different places at different times,” Robertson said. “One snap you’ll be on the line rushing the passer and on the next snap you’ll be covering a slot receiver man-to-man or even in a zone. It just gives you a great flexibility to be all over the place.”

While both enjoy being all over the defensive side of the ball and bring back some remarkable stats, including Rayam’s 125 tackles, second on the team, and 15 tackles for loss, third on the team, there’s one particular

feeling that gives both standouts an extra boost of adrenaline – sacking the quarterback.

When asked if they enjoyed the feeling of sacking the quarterback or bringing down a running back barreling their way, both got giddy with excitement barely being able to stay seated in their chairs, looked at each other with a grin before a chuckle was let out and both said, “sacking the quarterback.”

“Sacking the quarterback is just such a gratifying feeling, just like ‘Yes, I got him!” Rayam said, still grinning ear-to-ear. “It’s more satisfying because quarterbacks are usually more protected, so when you hit him it just gives you the best feeling.”

Before Rayam could even finish

on the varsity squad in 2014, it didn’t necessarily mean they were fully committed or bought in, and as freshmen with a lot of growing left to do, that’s somewhat understandable.

Thompson went through the lowest of lows that year, and it was easily the biggest disappointment in both player’s careers as the Warriors went a dreary 0-10 that season. It’s something neither likes to talk about as they both drop their heads into their hands and just shake it in disbelief of the season before letting out another laugh, knowing that’s all they can do at this point.

“We weren’t a real team that 0-10 season,” Robertson said. “Everybody just wanted to do their own thing and there was no leadership, which was the biggest thing.”

“My first varsity game, I was 13 years old,” Rayam said. “I’m younger than just about everybody in my grade answering the question, Robertson was when they’re like ‘Oh snap, we just let so I didn’t really know what leadership chomping at the bit to chime in and that happen.’” was yet, so I had to grow really quick.

While they settled into their eventually blurted out with a smurk, “I “I remember a few times my love the face the offensive line makes positions quickly as freshmen players freshman year where I just didn’t want

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to go to workouts so I would stay home instead.”

While they realized they had to step up as leaders during their sophomore year, they were also greeted with the presence of new head coach Mark Freeman, who wasn’t going to let that same behavior fly moving forward.

“The first day they got in, the coaches told us ‘You aren’t missing workouts no matter what and we just got in that habit,” Rayam said.

“They’re watching everything you do, so you have to do every rep and you’re drenched after workouts, which wasn’t even heard of our freshman year,” Robertson said.

Going into their sophomore season, both guys knew their leadership skills had to immediately improve, which they drastically did. In 2015, the team made leaps the size of a giant going 5-5 overall and improving their defensive points per game from 35.5 to 20.6 in the process.

While their record stood at 5-5 again in 2016, the defense continued to

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improve lowering their average points per game to an impressive nine. Three of those five losses came by three points or less showing the progress made was light years ahead of their 2014 team.

Now the two head into their final season – after all of the ups and downs over the last four years – and with the core of that strong defense back as well as a much better offense, these two seniors feel as if this is the year they finally end a playoff drought that extends back to Nov. 17, 2006.

Both Rayam and Robertson have grown tremendously over the last four years in not only their understanding of the game, but their leadership roles, which has them primed to lead this team to a run at history in their final season.

“We have a lot of trust in each other at this point,” Rayam said. “We don’t even have a certain side of the field, I’ll just ask before the snap, ‘Hey KJ, what side of the field do you want?’ I trust him that he can do his job and I can do

mine. It’s truly a unique relationship.”

It’s a relationship that doesn’t just have the two senior leaders buying in, but the entire defense and team more confident because of that trust and leadership role they display.

“We’re not letting anybody slack off because any play in a game can be that gamechanger, so we have to keep our discipline and stay focused on the goal,” Rayam said.

“Body language,” Robertson added quickly after. “If me or Jalen are down, that’s bringing at least three or four other guys down as well. If we can keep our energy up the rest of the team will want to feed off of that and be better even if a play doesn’t go our way.”

Whether it be taking to the football field together since the fourth grade or challenging each other to a game of Madden, Jalen Rayam and KJ Robertson are the ultimate competitors and have no other objective than to make their final season of “brotherhood” on the same team the best one they have had in their nine years together.

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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MUST WATCH RANKING THE TOP 10 CAN’T MISS GAMES OF 2017 Written by ALEC ETHEREDGE 4. SPAIN PARK VS. HOOVER (Sept. 15) 1. THOMPSON @ HOOVER A game circled every year for both of (Oct. 27) It’s the traditional powerhouse in these teams and one that Hoover didn’t Hoover versus hyped up Thompson. even consider a rival for the longest time Hoover has won four state championships because of Spain Park’s lack of ability to in the past five years, but a lot of people knock off the powerhouse. That changed are considering Thompson the favorite in 2015 when the Jags won for the first in Class 7A Region 3, making this game time, now it’s a different game. an easy choice for the game of the year 5. BRIARWOOD VS. WENONAH in Shelby County.

(Sept. 15) These two teams gave us two of the 2. SPAIN PARK VS. THOMPSON better games in the state during 2016. In (Oct. 13) This will be the top in-county matchup the regular season the Lions took down during 2017 as long as both teams handle the Dragons 15-14 on the road, while their tough 7A Region 3 schedule up to Wenonah got the ultimate last laugh that point. With Taulia Tagovailoa and by taking down Briarwood 14-8 in the Braxton Barker both taking snaps for semifinals of the 5A state playoffs. Now their respective teams, that star power they face off again early in the season. alone will make this a can’t miss game.

6. CHELSEA VS. OAK MOUNTAIN (Aug. 25) 3. EVANGEL VS. CORNERSTONE For the second year in a row these (Sept. 29) The anticipation for this game has two county teams will open the season been mounting ever since long-time against each other. Last season, the Cornerstone head coach Tim Smith left Hornets shocked the 7A team by taking to become the head man and athletic down Oak Mountain 49-33. This year, the director at Evangel. While Smith still Eagles look for revenge. loves his guys at Cornerstone and they 7. PELHAM VS. HELENA still love him, there is no doubt it created (Sept. 15) a rivalry.

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Pelham completely shocked Helena last year when the Panthers pulled off a thrilling 27-23 upset of the Huskies for one of their two wins meaning revenge will be sought this season.

8. BRIARWOOD VS. CHELSEA (Sept. 1) It doesn’t get any easier for Chelsea in week two as they travel to take on Briarwood, who they beat 43-15 last year. While they beat both the Eagles and Lions to start 2016, both will be improved and the Lions will be a state championship contender.

9. MONTEVALLO VS. GORDO (Oct. 20) Montevallo’s lone blemish last year came to Gordo as they fell 56-21 in a route by the Green Wave. This year, the Bulldogs look for a big region win and upset.

10. CALERA @ DEMOPOLIS (Sept. 22) Demopolis was the only area loss on Calera’s 2016 schedule as they fell by a final score of 38-13. The Eagles are a legitimate contender to win the region championship this year, but this week-four matchup will loom with big implications.

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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J.R. Tran-Reno

BRIARWOOD CHRISTIAN LIONS

I

n head coach Fred Yancey’s 27 years at Briarwood, he has been a part of several great teams, including three state championships; but last year’s heartbreaking loss in the semifinals to Wenonah, whom they also beat earlier in the year, might have been one of his more memorable seasons despite coming up short.

What they were able to do last season

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By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by KEITH MCCOY

has created well-deserved hype around the 5A program heading into the 2017 season. While they have to replace a few key players, the Lions will return several of their top playmakers on both sides of the ball, including their top two tacklers, leading receiver and leading running back — all key positions.

With all of that talent back on a team that was just seven points away from a

state championship appearance in 2016 and a head coach that has seen it all, Briarwood is my favorite to win the 5A state championship in 2017. However, as coach Yancey said best, “every football season isn’t what you expect it to be,” meaning it won’t come easy.

QUARTERBACK While they bring back most of their

Carson Eddy

AHSAA 5A, Region 5 2016: 12-2 (7-0) Head Coach: Fred Yancey, (28th year, 255-90) Assistants: Bobby Kerley, Ernest Carroll, Daniel Coach, Matthew Forester, Shane Harmon, Brent Reese, Chris Donnelley

275

Reno is the most dynamic playmakers on offense, the athlete on the team and Lions will lose All-County has added even more size quarterback William at 6-foot-2, 195 pounds Gray. He will be tough to meaning he could turn into replace after going 116-178 Senior Gabe Russell one of the best backs in with 1,650 yards and 22 and junior Mark Hand the state this year. He will touchdowns through the air were the top two be accompanied by 5-footand running an additional tacklers for Briarwood 9, 155-pound Jay Kynerd, 189 times for 689 yards and in 2016 and bring back 12 touchdowns, but senior a combined 275 tackles who brings lightning quick Michael Hiers will try to between the two for the speed to the position. fill his shoes. Hiers is a 2017 season. very nimble guy that can RECEIVERS escape when need be, but The losses of Luke his throwing arm is what has coaches Miskelley and three-year starter excited. Last season, if it hadn’t been Kolby Kwarcinski are both going to be for Gray’s emergence, Hiers would have monumental this year as they combined likely seen a good chunk of playing time. for 799 yards and 10 touchdowns receiving in 2016. Briarwood will however return its leading receiver in RUNNING BACK A huge aspect that will help Hiers senior Carson Eddy. Last season, Eddy is backfield teammate and starting racked up 33 receptions for 471 yards running back J.R. Tran-Reno. Tran- and six touchdowns and returns as the Reno, who will also be the backup leading big-play threat at the position. quarterback, looked like a veteran The rest of the receiving corps is a tossduring his sophomore season a year up right now with six guys battling ago after posting 984 yards and five to fill the position making it Yancey’s touchdowns on 155 rushing attempts. biggest concern. Jake Dyson, Luke Hess, He also was able to grab 19 catches for Gabe Morris, Noah Whatley and Cade 255 yards and three touchdowns. Tran- Dickinson are among those battling for

Last region title: 2016 Last playoff game: 2016 BRIARWOOD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2017 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 25

@ Vestavia (Jamboree)

Sept. 1

Chelsea

Sept. 8

@ Moody*

Sept. 15

Wenonah*

Sept. 22

@ Fairfield*

Sept. 29

Mortimer Jordan

Oct. 6

St. Clair County*

Oct. 13

@ Woodlawn*

Oct. 20

Shelby County*

Oct. 27

@ Pleasant Grove*

Nov. 3

Madison Academy * Region game

a spot in the starting lineup.

OFFENSIVE LINE The offensive line might be the Lions’ biggest strong suit this season because of their size. With four of the five linemen weighing in at over 240 pounds and three of the five standing 6-foot-2 or taller, they will be matchup nightmares for defenses across the 5A classification.

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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BRIARWOOD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2017 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

NO.

NAME

POSITION

2

Carson Donnelley

DB

Senior

41

David Meyers

RB

3

Jake Dyson

WR

Senior

42

Brandon Kassouf

LB

4

Andrew Sherrod

DB

Senior

43

Noah Nall

K

5

Carson Eddy

WR

Senior

45

Sam Hamner

LB

Junior

6

Chance Beard

QB

Sophomore

46

Cole Garner

LB

Sophomore

7

Michael Hiers

QB

Senior

47

Chase Travis

DB

Sophomore

8

Cade Dickinson

DB

Junior

51

Christian Ferguson

DL

Sophomore

9

J.R. Tran-Reno

RB

Junior

52

Christian Pearson

OL

Sophomore

10

Andrew Jones

DB

Sophomore

54

Carson Kolb

DL

Senior

11

Hudson Hartsfield

DB

Senior

55

Joseph Munganast

OL

Senior

12

Gabe Morris

WR

Senior

57

Knox Wolsoncroft

DL

Sophomore

14

Matthew McKenna

WR

Junior

58

William Heidepriem

OL

Senior

15

Hayden Lamey

QB

Sophomore

59

Garrett Bell

OL

Senior

16

Mark Hand

LB

Junior

60

Clayton Rasmussen

OL

Sophomore

17

Luke Hess

WR

Junior

61

Landon Berg

OL

Junior

18

Mason Algren

QB

Junior

62

Jacob Hawk

DL

Senior

19

Gabriel Russell

LB

Senior

65

Cole Scordino

OL

Junior

20

Jacob Burr

LB

Sophomore

66

Ward Combs

DL

Junior

21

Blake McKenna

DB

Sophomore

67

Patrick Blythe

DL

Senior

22

Jonathan Hill

DB

Senior

68

Michael Holmes

OL

Junior

23

Cal Reebals

DB

Sophomore

70

Ross Godbehere

OL

Junior

24

Jay Kynerd

RB

Junior

71

Parker Will

DL

Sophomore

25

Alex Key

WR

Junior

72

Ian Davis

OL

Junior

26

Bryce Perrien

WR

Junior

73

Riley Bush

DL

Junior

27

Reid Mays

WR

Junior

75

Trent Howard

OL

Sophomore

28

Luke Prewett

RB

Sophomore

79

Alex Miller

OL

Sophomore

29

Cade Mango

DB

Junior

80

Colin Dorrill

DL

Junior

30

Michael Murphy

DB

Junior

81

Ryan Walker

DB

Senior

32

J.A. Perry

RB

Junior

82

Ian Sorrels

DL

33

Brody Burgess

LB

Junior

83

Sam Russell

WR

34

Mac McNamee

WR

Junior

84

P.C. Strickland

RB

Senior

35

Crawford Kent

RB

Sophomore

85

George Sumerford

DB

Sophomore

36

Brandon Guthrie

RB

Senior

86

Quaid Rasmussen

LB

Junior

37

James Hancock

RB

Sophomore

89

Sanket Shah

DB

Sophomore

40

Noah Whatley

DL

Junior

91

Dalton Brooks

DL

Junior

YEAR Sophomore Senior Sophomore

Junior Sophomore

Garrett Bell, who will occupy the left tackle spot, is the tallest of the crew standing at 6-foot-5, 245 pounds. He is getting a lot of college looks simply because of that size.

Trent Howard, who has a stature of 6-foot-3, 250 pounds, isn’t far behind as just a sophomore. Yancey said Howard, who will anchor the right tackle position, has the potential to be one of the best linemen in the state before he leaves.

Those guys will also be joined by right guard Cole Scordino, left guard Landon Berg and center William Heidepriem.

DEFENSIVE LINE The departure of Jordan Harmon and Champ Stewart will be tough to replace for the Lions as the defensive line might

22

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

LION FOOTBALL be their second biggest area of concern behind the receiving position. Patrick Blythe, who was a starter last year before being injured in game two and missing the remainder of the season, will handle the nose guard position. The 3-tech position will be filled by Dalton Brooks, who Yancey says is the best defensive lineman on the team this year.

One of the defensive end positions will be filled by senior Carson Kolb, who will be starting for the first time, while two seniors in Joseph Munganast and Jacob Hawk will battle to win the other defensive end spot.

Mark Hand return and with them, they bring a combined 275 tackles back as the top two tacklers on last year’s squad.

Sam Hamner, who is a solid baseball player as well, will handle the third and final linebacker spot, while senior Brandon Kassouf adds a fourth guy they can trust.

SECONDARY

Just like the linebacking corps, the secondary is another strong area for the defense. Carson Donnelley is back and starting for the third year in a row at the safety position. Last year he had 78 tackles, 10 pass breakups and five interceptions. He will be joined in the LINEBACKERS Unlike last year, there won’t be many secondary by cornerbacks Jonathan question marks at the linebacker Hill, Hudson Hartsfield and Andrew position. Senior Gabe Russell and junior Sherrod, all of whom are seniors and

bring back a lot of starts from 2016.

SPECIAL TEAMS Junior Noah Nall will handle the PAT and field goal attempts this season, while Hiers or Tran-Reno will take over the punting duties. Eddy and Tran-Reno will also try to help out in the return game, both of which can take it to the house.

PLAYERS TO WATCH J.R. Tran-Reno, RB/QB. Michael Hiers, QB. Carson Eddy, WR. Garrett Bell, OL. Gabe Russell, LB. Mark Hand, LB. Carson Donnelley, DB.

KEY LOSSES William Gray, Luke Miskelley, Kolby Kwarcinski, Will Baumbach, Champ Stewart, Jordan Harmon.

GOOD LUCK

lions!

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

23

Demarius Woodson

CALERA EAGLES

I

n head coach Andrew Zow’s first season, Calera didn’t miss a beat making its fifth straight playoff appearance and posting an overall record of 8-4 while scoring 30.7 points per game. Heading into year two of the Zow era, there is plenty of reason for excitement around the program as players know

24

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by KEITH MCCOY

the playing style and what to expect from the head coach who has won no less than eight games each of the last three years.

While 23 seniors have graduated and left a big gap to fill, there are plenty of playmakers back at skill positions on this year’s squad that should make Calera a real threat

to take home the Class 5A, Region 3 crown after coming up one game short of that benchmark a year ago.

QUARTERBACK Cornelius Brown came in as a sophomore and started the last few games to end last season and impressed the coaching staff despite

AHSAA 5A, Region 3 2016: 8-4 (5-1) Head Coach: Andrew Zow, (Second year, 8-4) Assistants: Robert Albritton, James Knowles, Bart Raulston, Gary Griffith, Shontua Ray, Paul Winterbottom, Trey Simpson, Jim Adams, Chris Stano, Antonio Langham, Paul Hovey, Chris McCrackin Last region title: 2008 Last playoff game: 2016

Jermaine Ross

his young classification. It all starts with his size, standing at 6-foot-5, 170 pounds, he has the perfect build and height to see over the defense. Brown is considered to be a threat both running and throwing the ball, but his arm is what continues to wow his coaches. Zow said he is an extremely good passer that understands defenses and how to attack them.

RUNNING BACK Last year, Calera had three running backs that rushed for more than 700 yards and the leader of that crew was none other than the fourth string running back heading into the year, DeCorean ‘Dee’ Mickens. This year,

Mickens, a 5-foot-11, 215-pound senior, is the only returnee from that bunch of 700-yard rushers after running for 760 yards and 14 touchdowns on 95 carries with no fumbles. Jermaine Ross, another returning starter and senior, along with Terry Burrells, are both speed guys that will give the Eagles depth at the position.

CALERA HIGH SCHOOL 2017 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 25

Mae Jemison

Sept. 1

@ Bibb County

Sept. 8

Dallas County*

Sept. 15

@ Central Tuscaloosa*

Sept. 22

@ Demopolis*

RECEIVERS

Sept. 29

@ Jackson Olin

Replacing Yatil Gant’s 39 catches for 736 yards and six touchdowns, not to mention his height, will be a tall task, but it’s a task Demarius Woodson is ready to take head on.

While Woodson is smaller standing at 5-foot-7, 155 pounds, he is one of the

Oct. 6

OPEN

Oct. 13

@ Jemison*

Oct. 20

Sumter Central*

Oct. 27

Marbury*

Nov. 3

Sylacauga * Region game

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

25

fastest and shiftiest guys on the team.

Dylan Killingsworth, a sophomore, will be another strong candidate at the position also bringing a lot of speed along with junior Tyler Ray, who is making his return after breaking a leg against Dallas County last year.

Chandler Smith has shown a lot of promise in the offseason as well and is the tallest of the bunch at 6-foot-2.

Quindarius Crews, a sophomore, will get time as well, while Cameron Day will be implemented as a tight end this year, and at 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, he’s a body they need at the position.

OFFENSIVE LINE Mackenan Thompson, Cody Cook and Brannen Earnest are all gone from last year’s offensive line leaving three big holes to fill, but two starters do return up front for a crew that should be more athletic this season.

Caleb Buckhannon is back to anchor the center position, while Blake Jones will return to the right guard spot.

While Zow says the sophomores who will fill the other three spots on the line should be interesting to watch, AJ Gaines, left guard, Gabriel Schweitzer, tackle, and Jayson Jones, tackle, all stand at 6-foot-3 or taller and give them some much-needed size and athleticism on the line that bodes well for the next few years.

DEFENSIVE LINE Ty Windham, Antonio Devine and Yatil Gant have all graduated leaving

DeCorean Mickens

another big gap on the defensive line, which means several of those big offensive linemen will have to play on both sides of the ball. Anthony Washington will be back as a starter, however, and should be looked upon as a leader. Trey Yowe has done a lot in offseason to earn more time as

well. He was 6-7, 425 pounds last year, but has dropped his weight down to 363 pounds making him an ideal size for the middle of the line.

LINEBACKERS While the Eagles lose leading tackler Jaramy Dozier, they’ll get

Missed the

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2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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back Dyson Edwards for his senior season. According to Zow, Edwards is very smart and does a good job of getting everyone lined up. He decided to attend a lot of camps this offseason and learned a lot that will benefit not only himself, but the team.

Ethan Lemley, a 5-foot-10, 210-pound senior hasn’t played a whole lot, but is extremely fast and athletic and will join Edwards as an interior linebacker. The nickel back position will be split among several guys such as senior Michael Banks and sophomore Trent Yowe, who is a young guy, but a hard hitter.

SECONDARY

760

Tyler Ferguson, a safety and leader in the secondary last season, has graduated. D.J. Williams will move from safety DeCorean Mickens to corner to try and fill that void returns as a starter along with Burrells. Ross will after going into 2016 as now move to safety from corner the fourth string running to replace Williams. Zow says back before emerging Ross keeps the secondary in line as the leading rusher and makes sure guys are in the with 760 yards and 14 touchdowns. proper spot.

Jermaine Wilson will lock down the other safety position and did great at camps throughout the summer. He’s a guy that started late in the season last year and impressed the coaching staff. While there is an emphasis on stopping the run, Wilson and Ross have both learned how to play defense on the back end as well.

SPECIAL TEAMS Zach Ford is the only non-question mark whatsoever heading into the season according to Zow saying his kicker is the most trustworthy player. It’s warranted praise as Ford nailed two game-winning field goals last year and is considered as one of the top kicking prospects 2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

27

CALERA HIGH SCHOOL 2017 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

NO.

NAME

POSITION

1

Dee Woodson

WR

Junior

26

Tyler Agnew

DB

Junior

1

Elija Jemison

LB

Sophomore

26

Jylon Jones

WR

Freshman

2

Tyler Ray

WR

Junior

27

Anthony Chamblin

WR

3

DeCorean Mickens

WR

Senior

28

Justin Tyus

LB

Freshman

4

Edwin Karanja

QB

Sophomore

29

Timothy Gilbert

DB

Sophomore

5

Zakiyah Johnson

LB

Senior

30

Michael Banks

LB

Senior

5

Jakobi Baker

WR

Sophomore

34

Landerrick Broadnax

DB

Sophomore

6

Trent Yowe

DB

Sophomore

35

Fredrick King

DL

Freshman

6

Warren Benard

DB

Sophomore

36

Jermaine Wilson

DB

Senior

7

Robert Gray

DB

Junior

40

Dyson Edwards

LB

Senior

7

Derrick Edwards

QB

Freshman

43

Rayshaun Bivens

DB

Senior

8

Chandler Smith

WR

Junior

45

Markell Kelley

TE

Sophomore

8

Ezekiel Wedgeworth

DB

Freshman

48

Patrick Killingsworth

DB

Senior

9

Dominic Lilly

LB

Junior

51

Ryan Caver

OL

Sophomore

9

Arterius Amos

DB

Sophomore

52

Jordan Williams

OL

Sophomore

10

Cornelius Brown

QB

Junior

52

William Sims

DL

Freshman

10

Christian Copeland

WR

Junior

53

Gabriel Schweitzer

OL

Sophomore

11

Dylan Killingsworth

WR

Sophomore

54

Malachi Small

OL

Sophomore

11

Samuel Henry

QB

Freshman

54

Zachery Turner

OL

Freshman

12

Quindarius Crews

WR

Sophomore

55

Anthony Washington

DL

Senior

12

Jeremiah Jones

DB

Freshman

55

Theron Williams

DL

Freshman

13

Terry Burrells

DB

Junior

56

Blake Jones

OL

Senior

13

Collin Ferguson

DB

Freshman

58

AJ Gaines

OL

Sophomore

14

Jermaine Ross

DB

Senior

58

Patrick Daniels

DL

Sophomore

14

Dalton Reynolds

TE

Sophomore

59

Ethan Lemley

LB

Senior

15

Chris Shearer

WR

Senior

60

Phillip Douglas

DL

Junior

15

Joshua Gilliland

DB

Freshman

66

Caleb Wester

DL

Sophomore

16

Quindarius Cotton

WR

16

Noah Williams

TE

YEAR

Senior

Junior

67

Trey Yowe

DL

Junior

Freshman

67

Riley Waddell

OL

Freshman Senior

17

Dallas Toles

QB

Sophomore

70

Caleb Buckhannon

OL

18

Chandler McGiboney

DB

Sophomore

72

Rodney Roberts

OL

Senior

18

Tyler Thornburg

WR

Sophomore

73

Jayson Jones

DL

Sophomore

19

Kenya Myricks

DE

Senior

75

Casey Concord

OL

Senior

20

DJ Williams

DB

Sophomore

76

Cameron Rogers

DL

Junior

21

Willie Underwood

DB

Junior

79

Dylan Weiss

OL

Freshman

22

Jonah Lee

LB

Sophomore

80

Logan Day

WR

Senior

23

Jacobi Gaines

DB

Sophomore

80

Camden Cline

DE

Sophomore

23

Morgan Clinton

LB

Sophomore

82

Jonathan Wolfe

TE

Freshman

24

OJ Harris

DE

Junior

84

Zach Ford

K

Junior

25

Arthur Seay

DB

Junior

88

Cameron Day

TE

Senior

25

Noah Seiger

WR

Junior

in his class as a junior. Dee Woodson, PLAYERS TO WATCH Chris Shearer and Killingsworth will Cornelius Brown, QB. Dee Mickens, KEY LOSSES all handle the return game when RB. Dyson Edwards, LB. Zach Ford, Mackenan Thompson, Yatil Gant, needed.

K. Jermaine Ross, ATH. Caleb Alex Dozier, Trezman Harris, Jaramy Dozier, Tyler Ferguson.

Buckhannon, OL/DL.

GOOD LUCK EAGLES! 28

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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Carter Burleson

CHELSEA HORNETS

C

helsea’s 2016 football season can be summed up by two names, quarterback Matt Marquet and running back Zalon Reynolds. Both of those guys helped lead the Hornets to a historic season that featured an overall record of 8-2 in the regular season and a school record 455 points scored as they averaged 41.4 points per game.

30

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by CARI DEAN and KEITH MCCOY

The 2017 season is going to look a whole lot different as Reynolds, the county’s player of the year, and Marquet both graduated taking 90 percent of the offense with them. Throw in leading receiver Jay Vickers and that jumps up closer to 95 percent.

Still though, head coach Chris Elmore — who is now 25-17 in four years — has plenty of reason to be optimistic,

mainly because of a stout defense and a plethora of depth for the upcoming 2017 season.

QUARTERBACK Since Elmore took over the Hornets’ head coaching position, Chelsea has averaged 37.4, 30.2, 31.7 and 41.4 points per game in his first four years. If that unbelievable trend of success is going

AHSAA 6A, Region 3 2016: 8-3 (4-2) Head Coach: Chris Elmore (Fifth year, 25-17) Assistants: Gerald Neaves, Nathan Fordham, Jamie Scruggs, Zeb Ellison, Stephen Clements, David Crabtree, Lee Hibbs Last region title: 2006 Last playoff game: 2016 CHELSEA HIGH SCHOOL 2017 SCHEDULE

Colton Carter

4,408

fumble the entire year. to continue it will start at Seniors Kendrick the quarterback position.

Simpson and Joseph While replacing Marquet’s Turnes as well as junior 1,486 yards passing, 16 Chelsea will have to Vick Lindsey will all share touchdowns through the replace 4,408 yards playing time in an attempt air and his 1,036 yards and 53 touchdowns to replace him. Simpson and 17 touchdowns on the combined between got decent playing time ground will be impossible, quarterback Matt last year and is a thicker Alec Little and Turner Marquet and running guy standing at 195 pounds, Griffin will do their best back Zalon Reynolds in 2016. but also has great speed to to make the transition go along with his power. smooth.

Turnes has created some Those two guys will battle it out during the summer, and excitement in the spring with his level perhaps even into the season, but of speed. Lindsey Little’s senior classification has given is another fast him an advantage. Little has a lot of guy with more of unknown, however, after tearing his a slash and cut ACL in his first snap of the 2016 season running style. against Oak Mountain and hasn’t taken a snap since. Griffin is a three-sport RECEIVERS athlete who started on the JV squad last Vickers led the season. team with 452 yards and seven touchdowns last RUNNING BACK Reynolds was last year’s player of year as Marquet’s the year for a reason. The small, but go-to target. This powerful senior ran for 1,886 yards year, while they and 20 touchdowns while not losing a don’t have that

DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 25

Oak Mountain

Sept. 1

@ Briarwood

Sept. 8

@ Wetumpka*

Sept. 15

Benjamin Russell*

Sept. 22

Pelham*

Sept. 29

@ Gardendale

Oct. 6

OPEN

Oct. 13

Opelika*

Oct. 20

@ Chilton County*

Oct. 27

@ Helena*

Nov. 3

Cullman * Region game

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

31

Dylan Seabolt

Kenny Simpson go-to guy, the Hornets have six guys they feel really good about. Seniors Colby Lambert and Colton Carter will both be solid guys for the quarterback to trust. Lambert brings back the team’s most experience, while Carter is recovering from an ACL injury, but before his injury was one of the best on the team in 2016. Lando Nichols, Jonah Moore and Reggie Fisher will also help out at the split end spot.

Slot receivers will include Joseph Turnes and Christian Pruitt, both of whom the coaching staff feels extremely confident in. Capping off the

32

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

receiving corps will be tight ends Will Peacock and Kaleb Tindall.

experience and will anchor the line; Mark Moody, who can play guard or center; Jackson Dunn, another option at center; and senior Caleb Gore. Juniors OFFENSIVE LINE The offensive line was a major Logan Brasher and Garrett Evans will concern coming out of spring practice play on the line as well. according to Elmore, but since a couple of guys have emerged and excited DEFENSIVE LINE the staff. Kingwood transfer Charlie Warner Wright was the first guy Parkinson has the most upside at 6-foot- mentioned when last year’s defensive 3, 270 pounds and as a sophomore, he line came up and he is this year’s has the potential to become great over anchor at defensive end for his senior the next three years. season. Wright will be accompanied on He will be accompanied by Spencer the end by fellow senior Dalton Gentle Jordan, who brings back the most as well as juniors Todd Justice and

Warner Wright

Chris Knecht.

The guard position will feature juniors Wesley Pouncey and Hakeem Stanford and sophomore Jordan Smith.

Despite being young, Smith stepped in and really impressed the coaching staff in the spring with his quick feet and hands.

LINEBACKERS Hunter Offord, who is described as the quarterback of the defense by Elmore is back for his senior season and won’t just be a leader at the linebacking position, but a leader for the entire team. He tore his ACL against Cullman in the regular-season finale last year causing him to miss their playoff matchup with Bessemer City. He will be joined by senior Will

Hayes as well as juniors Stephen and Matt Fant. Desmond Battle, a junior transfer from Florida, will also get a chunk of playing time, and standing at 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, he could become the best playmaker on defense once he learns the system.

SECONDARY Twins Reed and Carter Burleson will both be back in the secondary for their senior seasons. Both were described by Elmore as having strong intangibles as well as a perfect football mentality.

They’ll be joined by William Sullivan at the cornerback position.

Filling the safety position will be an array of four different guys. Simpson will be one of the spur safeties along with senior returnee Dylan Seabolt and 2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

33

CHELSEA HIGH SCHOOL 2017 ROSTER NO. NAME

POSITION

1

Collier Blair

RB

Freshman

YEAR

44

Austin Callahan

DB Sophomore

2

Kendrick Simpson

RB

Senior

45

Cole Berryman

LB Sophomore

3

Joseph Turnes

WR

Senior

46

Connor Mims

DB Sophomore

4

Reid Burleson DB Senior

47

Jordan Smith

DE Sophomore

5

Alec Little

QB Senior

48

Justin Galloway

LB Sophomore

6

Carter Burleson DB Senior

49

Christian Bullard

DE Sophomore

7

Christian Pruitt WR Senior

50

Caleb Gore

OL Senior

8

Will Hayes

LB Senior

51

Matt Fant

LB Junior

9

Jonah Moore WR Senior

52

Mason Roberts DE Senior

9

Dalton Shaddix

LB Sophomore

53

Logan Brasher OL Junior

10

Caleb Moore

QB Sophomore

54

Dalton Gentle DL Senior

11

Kaleb Tindall QB Junior

55

Warner Wright DE Senior

12

Kenny Simpson DB Senior

56

Wesley Pouncey DL

13

Jacob Boyle

QB Sophomore

57

Marc Moody OL Junior

14

Turner Griffin QB Junior

58

Baker Hix

OL Sophomore

15

Reggie Fisher WR Junior

59

Colby Clements

LB Sophomore

16

Dylan Seabolt DB Senior

60

Luke Haywood

OL Sophomore

17

Lando Nichols

Junior

61

Spencer Jordan OL Senior

17

Gavin Rigor

DB Junior

62

Jackson Dunn OL Senior

18

Colton Carter WR Senior

63

Nathan Glidewell

OL Sophomore

19

Chandler Ard CB Junior

64

Thomas Root

OL Sophomore

20

Colton Turner CB Junior

65

Ty Adema

OL Sophomore

21

Avery Lawhorn DB Junior

66

Drew Chambers OL Senior

22

Ethan Shaw

RB Junior

67

Hunter Thompson OL

23

Connor Graham WR Senior

68

Alex Jones

23

Allan Goss

DB Sophomore

69

Robert Montgomery DL Sophomore

24

Stephen Fant LB Junior

70

Tristan Carlee

25

Connor Griffin DB Junior

71

Ben Carpenter OL Senior

26

Michael Gibbs

72

Garrett Evans OL Junior

27

Andrew Bartlewski WR

Junior

73

Austin Martin

OL Sophomore

28

Scott Arnold DB Senior

74

Bradey Shelnutt

OL Sophomore

29

Wade Moore

WR Senior

75

Charlie Parkinson OL Sophomore

30

Maurice Marsh

RB Sophomore

76

Josh Sheppard

OL Sophomore

30

Timothy Ransom

DB Sophomore

77

Aaron Tyler

OL Sophomore

31

Vick Lindsey RB Junior

78

Devin Hill

DL Senior

32

Chris Knecht DE Junior

79

Jenathan Kennedy DL Sophomore

33

Desmond Battle LB

Junior

80

Grant Lang

WR Sophomore

34

Hakeem Stanford DL

Junior

81

Conner Nauert

WR Sophomore

35

Colby Lambert WR Senior

82

Doug Wood

WR Junior

36

Will Sullivan DB Junior

83

Brit Bass

WR Sophomore

37

Cameron Pierce DB Junior

84

Will Peacock TE Junior

38

Ladarius Gary

CB Sophomore

85

Jackson Goostree WR Sophomore

39

Will Neighbors

HB Sophomore

86

Todd Justice

DE

39

Peter Wren

DB Junior

87

Richie Rabenau

WR Sophomore

40

Hunter Offord LB Senior

88

Nathan Trent WR Junior

41

Jakob Clayton DB Junior

89

Alex Fritz

42

Ben Brasher LB Junior

90

Tanner Middleton K

43

Kijani King

WR

WR Sophomore

NO. NAME

POSITION

YEAR

Junior

Junior

OL Sophomore DL Junior

Junior

TE Sophomore Senior

RB Sophomore

junior Connor Griffin. Scott Arnold after a strong senior campaign. Three PLAYERS TO WATCH will hold down the free safety position guys will step up and share the kicking Alec Little, QB. Hunter Offord, LB. duties to try and replace him. Senior Warner Wright, DL. as he returns for his senior year.

Tanner Middleton along with Nichols and Lambert will all split time punting KEY LOSSES SPECIAL TEAMS Tyler Thomas, who was 49-54 on PATs and kicking this year for the Hornets.

Zalon Reynolds, Matt Marquet, Jay and 8-10 on field goals last year, is gone Vickers, Josh Gregg, Tyler Thomas.

34

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

HORNET FOOTBALL

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Chase Carlee

COOSA VALLEY REBELS

C

oosa Valley Academy is searching for something new, a spark of sorts, as struggle has settled in and become the norm over the last few years. Dane Reece has taken control of the program and the Rebels hope he is the energizing factor they have been missing.

With their last winning season being an 11-2 mark in 2010, they’ve managed a 2-27 record over the last three years with and two of those three seasons being winless, but Reece is optimistic about his first head coaching job.

QUARTERBACK In 2016, Coosa Valley’s offense averaged 12.8 points per game, something that has to improve if they want to win more games during the

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by KEITH MCCOY

12.8

upcoming season. Senior the team’s leading receiver Mason Houston will be from a year ago and already looked at as the key tool has great chemistry with as the 5-foot-11, 160-pound his quarterback. His feet senior steps into the Coosa Valley averaged and hands are exactly just 12.8 points quarterback role. what you want from a bigper game in 2016, play receiver. Two juniors something that will Trip Allen and Major RUNNING BACK have to improve if this Ervin, who can also play There will be a split team wants its first outside, will handle the backfield this year for the winning season since slot position, while Jacob Rebels under Reece, led 2010.

Brooks and Christian Rose by senior Stone Dorough, help out as well. who at 5-10, 210 pounds will be more of a power back for the team. Juniors Lew Dale and Jacob OFFENSIVE LINE Walton are both speedy and shifty guys Seniors Austin Dynum, a starter that will complete the backfield. last year, and Brandon Adams, who was in the rotation last season, will be looked at as the anchors. Two juniors RECEIVERS Senior Chase Carlee will return as Jacob Laddie and Johnny Cates will

GOOD LUCK

rebels!

36

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

AISA AA, Region 1 2016: 2-8 (1-4)

REBEL FOOTBALL add two more veteran guys that are solid all-around linemen. Sophomores Walker Whitten and Drake Stiles are both young guys that are expected to compete on the same level as the veterans.

DEFENSIVE LINE

SECONDARY Trip Allen will be the only returning starter to the secondary at this point for Reece. Allen held the starting cornerback job a year ago and will return to that same spot in 2017. Dale and Walton, the two running backs are also fighting for time at the position, as are Ervin and Jacob Nix.

Having a smaller roster of guys, most of Coosa Valley’s players end up on both sides of the ball, which puts SPECIAL TEAMS a major emphasis on conditioning for The Rebels are heading into fall the linemen. practice with some question marks at several different spots on special LINEBACKERS teams.

Dorough and Carlee are two guys that can play anywhere, but both are PLAYERS TO WATCH penciled in to the linebacker position Mason Houston, QB. Chase Carlee for now. Dynum is another guy that can WR. Stone Durough, RB. Trip Allen, play both on the line or as a linebacker. DB. Austin Dynum, OL. For now, those three guys will be three of the team’s leaders.

KEY LOSSES Justin Taylor, Tanner Temple.

Head Coach: Dane Reece (First year) Assistants: Alex Adams, Kyle Bynum Last region title: 2010 Last playoff game: 2013 COOSA VALLEY ACADEMY 2017 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 18

Hooper

Aug. 25

@ Chambers

Sept. 1

North River

Sept. 8

@ Macon East*

Sept. 15

@ Lakeside*

Sept. 22

@ Pickens

Sept. 29

Sparta

Oct. 6

Kingwood*

Oct. 13

@ Evangel* (Montgomery)

Oct. 20

Cornerstone*

Oct. 27

Lowndes * Region game

COOSA VALLEY ACADEMY 2017 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

2

Lucas Bynum

WR

Seventh

YEAR

28

Justin Tate

WR/DB

Eighth

3

Mason Houston

QB

Senior

42

Mack Palmour

OL/DL

Sophomore

4

Lew Dale

RB/DB

Junior

50

Walker Whitten

OL/DL

Sophomore

7

Christian Marler

WR

Sophomore

52

Harley Gerald

OL/DL

Junior

10

Caleb Allen

WR/DB

Junior

56

Brandon Adams

DE/OL

Senior

11

Jacob Brooks

WR

Sophomore

60

Austin Bynum

OL/DL

Senior

13

Tripp Allen

WR

Junior

62

Jacob Laddie

OL/DL

Junior

14

Jacob Walton

RB/DB

Junior

65

Drake Stiles

OL/DL

Sophomore

15

Chase Carlee

WR

Senior

68

Brody Williams

OL/DL

Junior

18

Bailey Deshazo

RB

Junior

72

Logan Cairnes

OL/DL

Freshman

23

Major Ervin

WR/DB

Junior

78

Johnny Cates

OL/DL

Junior

27

Brock Dorough

WR/DB

Eighth

84

Christian Rose

WR/TE

Senior

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

37

Landon Guy

CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN CHARGERS

T

15

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by KEITH MCCOY

im Smith spent 17 seasons as the head coach of the Cornerstone Chargers, but that era came to an abrupt halt as Smith packed up and moved to Evangel to become their new athletic director and head football coach.

James Lee steps into his place taking his first head coaching job after spending 17 years of his own as an assistant coach.

predecessor and will be just fine according to Lee.

RUNNING BACK

Perryman has been seen making one-handed catches in the spring and has a big body that has played on the defensive line and at tight end in the last year.

Last year Logan Tucker shined at the running back Quarterback Tyler position in an offense built McNamee threw 15 on attacking through the touchdown passes to air, but he, like McNamee, wide receiver Jo-Jo OFFENSIVE LINE graduated leaving the Joiner in 2016 — a Landon Guy will return position in the hands of production that will for his senior season and Patrick Howell. Howell have to be replaced is one of the top linemen will be a senior and adds due to both graduating. in the county that will a lot of speed out of the be this team’s leader. He QUARTERBACK will be joined by Austin Tyler McNamee is gone after a backfield.

Matzke, who got some great playing senior season that included 1,563 time last year, as well as Jacob Jeffers. yards passing with 21 touchdowns. RECEIVERS Into his place will step rising senior Into Jo-Jo Joiner’s place will step The biggest question mark will be Rhett Garrett, who has big shoes to fill. Ben Perryman, who is sneaky good Christian Andrews, who was a starter Garrett has a stronger arm than his and athletic according to his coach. on the team since eighth grade, but a

GOOD LUCK CHARGERS! 38

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

AISA AA, Region 1 2016: 8-3 (5-0) Head Coach: James Lee (First year)

CHARGER FOOTBALL brutal injury has put his football career back. Jacob Foster, Ethan Cowen, Nick Green and even Garrett will lock in jeopardy for his senior season. down the secondary this season as they come off a year that included 26 DEFENSIVE LINE Cornerstone competes in the AISA, interceptions including seven against which tends to have smaller teams, Kingwood. meaning several guys will have to play both ways. That’s the case on the SPECIAL TEAMS defensive line as it will be comprised Jayce Bailey enters his third season of most of the same guys playing on as Cornerstone’s kicker and Lee the offensive line as well. couldn’t hype him enough. He might be one of the best kickers in the state and could be the school’s first ever Division LINEBACKERS Tanner Falkner, Rhett Edmondson 1 prospect as just a junior. and Jake Blankenship will highlight the line backing core in 2017. Falkner PLAYERS TO WATCH is a guy that will play hard every down Rhett Garrett, QB. Ben Perryman, and has the biggest heart on the team WR/DE. Landon Guy, OL/DL. Jayce according to his head coach.

Bailey, K.

SECONDARY

Assistants: Joel Penfield, David Howell, Lance Brown, Dakota Falkner, Clayton Halbert, Wesley Criswell Last region title: 2016 Last playoff game: 2016

KEY LOSSES

Joiner was the lock down corner Tyler McNamee, Jo-Jo Joiner, Logan a year ago, but the bulk of the “sky Tucker, Landon Guy. patrol,” as they call themselves, are

CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2017 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 18

@ Sparta

Aug. 25

Bessemer

Sept. 1

Hope Christian

Sept. 8

Lakeside*

Sept. 15

@ Kingwood*

Sept. 22

OPEN

Sept. 29

@ Evangel (Alabaster)

Oct. 6

Evangel (Montgomery)*

Oct. 13

Macon East*

Oct. 20

@ Coosa Valley*

Oct. 27

North River * Region game

CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2017 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

NO.

NAME

POSITION

1

Ethan Cohen

ATH

Junior

24

Jake Blankenship

LB

Junior

2

Rhett Edmondson

OL/LB

Senior

27

Ben Perryman

WR/DE

Senior

3

Nick Green

WR/DB

Junior

51

Andrew Flack

LB

4

Lane Bailey

WR/DB

Freshman

54

Jacob Jeffers

OL/DL

5

Jacob Foster

WR/DB

Senior

56

Austin Matzke

OL/DL

Senior

7

Jace Bailey

K

Junior

58

Christian Andrews

OL/DL

Senior

11

Adrian Brown

WR/DB

Freshman

60

Zac Murphy

OL/DL

Freshman

12

Tanner Falkner

FB/LB

Junior

73

Cole Harmon

OL/DL

Freshman

13

Rhett Garrett

QB

Senior

75

James Jeffers

OL/DL

Freshman

18

Patrick Howell

RB

Senior

77

Landon Guy

OL/DL

Senior

21

Mason Richardson

RB/LB

Freshman

78

Trey Landman

OL/DL

Sophomore

YEAR

Freshman Sophomore

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

39

John Lloyd

EVANGEL CHRISTIAN LIGHTNING

T

he Murphy era has come to an end for the Evangel Christian Lightning as quarterback Micah Murphy graduated and his father and head coach Don Murphy also stepped down from the head coaching spot. In his four years with the Lightning, Don Murphy led Evangel to an overall record of 33-5, while his son combined for 3,317 all-purpose yards and 32 touchdowns during his senior season.

Replacing that kind of talent will be next to impossible, but new head coach Tim Smith is ready to take on the challenge. Smith comes over from Cornerstone where he spent 19 years.

While the Lightning are replacing close to 90 percent of their offensive production, the defense in 2017 is stacked and will help cut the team’s losses.

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by ALEC ETHEREDGE and KEITH MCCOY

will be Kamden Smith, who is pushing hard to grab the starting nod.

RUNNING BACK

3,317

Micah Murphy picked up 3,317 allpurpose yards and 32 touchdowns during his senior season, leaving a huge offensive gap to fill for the Lightning in 2017.

Not only is Evangel having to replace Murphy, but its second best offensive player in Brad Baggett is gone as well.

Baggett was second on the team with 16 touchdowns and 818 all-purpose yards after missing a good chunk of the season. Luke Baylis and John Lloyd seem to be the front runners to take over the position and will give a good combination of speed and power.

Most of the offensive line will be on the field for the majority of the game as they will double down and also play on the defensive line. Junior Wyatt Rickles will also put in some time at the defensive end position and give them added depth at the position.

WIDE RECEIVERS

LINEBACKERS

Tyler Henderson’s brother, Colby Henderson, will also be joining him from Kingwood and is going to be a threat at receiver as a senior. Juniors QUARTERBACK Smith has said there will be an Seth Harrison and Carter Hand will open QB battle between several guys also return for the Lightning and will to replace Murphy including front offer a good set of hands for the new runner Tyler Henderson, who comes quarterback. over from Kingwood for his sophomore season after throwing for 1,937 yards OFFENSIVE LINE and completing 135 of 249 passes as a The offensive line will feature some freshman. Also competing for the job kind of combination of Sam Graham,

40

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Ryan Remetich, Nathan Brasher, Luke Sanders and Luke Moore. While all can play wherever they are needed on the line, Graham and Remetich seem to be the two guys that will anchor the unit together.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Evangel will transition from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3 defense under Smith, but linebacker is probably this team’s strongest position. Returning for his senior season will be Lloyd, who will take on both sides of the ball. Lloyd led the team last season with 126 tackles and two sacks. He is one of the best linebackers in the county and will anchor at the MLB spot. Joining him will be Chase Callahan, Kamden Smith, Windsor and Rickles. Transfers Hunter

ACSC 2016: 9-1 (4-0) Head Coach: Tim Smith (First year) Assistants: Hagan Joiner, Shannon Jones, Billy Ferrell, Robert Goodner, Danny Goodner, John Parker Last region title: 2016 Last playoff game: 2016

LIGHTNING FOOTBALL Green and Theo Mangoes will also join the team and make an immediate impact.

While Murphy handled the kicking duties last year posting 47 touchbacks, Carson Adair will be back in 2017 after taking the 2016 season off. Adair will handle both punting and kicking duties SECONDARY Backing the front seven will be for the Lightning this season. a strong group in the secondary featuring junior Nat Arvizu as well as PLAYERS TO WATCH Baylis, Zachery Windsor and Harrison.

John Lloyd, LB/RB. Tyler Henderson, Baylis and Arvizu are both guys with QB. Luke Baylis, RB/DB. speed that will “tattoo you,” according to Smith.

KEY LOSSES Micah Murphy, Brad Baggett, Jake Byers.

SPECIAL TEAMS

EVANGEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2017 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 18

@ Evangel (Montgomery)

Aug. 25

@ Patrician Academy

Sept. 1

Kingwood

Sept. 8

@ Ezekiel*

Sept. 15

Hope Christian*

Sept. 22

Hooper Academy

Sept. 29

Cornerstone

Oct. 6

@ Lighthouse*

Oct. 13

@ Marengo

Oct. 20

Lyman Ward* * Region game

EVANGEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2017 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

NO.

NAME

POSITION

2

Will Ferrell

QB/DB

Freshman

YEAR

32

Hunter Green

RB/LB

Junior

4

Kamden Smith

QB/DB

Senior

36

Davis Windsor

FB/LB

Senior

6

Seth Harrison

WR/DB

Junior

41

Theo Mangos

LB

Senior

7

Russell Pierce

WR/DB

Junior

44

John Lloyd

FB/LB

Senior

8

William O’Neal

WR/FS

Senior

50

Wil Parker

OL/DL

Sophomore

10

Luke Bayliss

RB/SS

Senior

55

Luke Moore

OL/DL

Senior

11

Coleby Henderson

WR/DE

Senior

56

Ryan Remetich

OL/DL

Senior

12

Wyatt Rickles

FB/DE

Junior

60

Samuel Graham

OL/DL

Junior

13

Tyler Parks

WR/CB

Senior

61

Tanner Parks

OL/DL

Sophomore

15

Cooper Vowell

WR/CB

Sophomore

62

Jonah Clore

OL/DL

Junior

17

Carter Hand

WR/CB

Junior

63

Zach Rickles

OL/DL

Sophomore

19

Tyler Henderson

QB/DB

Sophomore

65

Braden Johnson

OL/DL

Junior

20

Nate Arvizu

RB/DB

Junior

67

Nathan Brasher

OL/DL

Senior

22

Chase Callahan

FB/LB

Senior

75

Logan West

OL/DL

Senior

24

Daniel Viles

FB/LB

Freshman

88

Luke Sanders

TE/DL

Senior

28

Andrew Stafford

WR/DB

YEAR

Sophomore

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

41

Kopeland Rosser

HELENA HUSKIES

T

he Huskies had their worst season since becoming a school during the program’s third year after posting a record of 3-7, which brought head coach Watt Parker’s overall record in three years to 17-16. The struggle wasn’t too much of a surprise considering the jump into the 6A ranks where they faced off against tough region foes

42

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by KEITH MCCOY, GRAHAM BROOKS and DAWN HARRISON

such as Chelsea, Benjamin Russell and Opelika, who made an appearance in the state championship game.

This season, however, is the second year in the tough division and with a year of experience under their belts, Helena should be much improved.

They are an extremely young team with half of their roster being filled by sophomores, but as this season goes

along they will gain a lot of experience.

The Huskies’ only two region games the first half of the season are against Chilton County and Pelham, the two last place teams a season ago. They don’t start their second half of the region schedule until Oct. 6 against Opelika, which by then, this team should be clicking on all cylinders.

AHSAA 6A, Region 3 2016: 3-7 (2-4) Head Coach: Watt Parker (Fourth year, 17-16) Assistants: Keith Maple, Maurice Whiting, Richard Anderson, Jody Colvin, Lucas Weatherford, Grant Addison, Adam Bice, William Sexton, Clif Naron, PJ Guy Last region title: None Last playoff game: 2015 Caleb Owens

QUARTERBACK

500

as a cat” and will bring valuable leadership skills Replacing Riley to the table as an allDavis’ 2,670 yards and 23 around great team player. touchdowns over the past two seasons will be a tall Dionte Tolbert will RUNNING BACK task, but Lawson Peoples return for his senior Mathew Williams, a is ready to step into season and brings senior, attempts to replace the role and conquer it. back 41 receptions for Devon Walker at the Peoples has been around 500 yards and three running back position. the program for a long touchdowns, which led During his two years as time now and according the team last season. a starter for the Huskies, to Parker, he is more than Walker ran for close capable of being a good quarterback. The senior has a very to 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns. “crisp” arm and can run the ball well. Williams is a thin back, but his He’s not the tallest guy, but is “quick elusiveness and cutting ability makes him tough to bring down.

HELENA HIGH SCHOOL 2017 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 25

Ramsay (Jamboree)

Sept. 1

Mountain Brook

Sept. 8

Chilton County*

Sept. 15

@ Pelham*

Sept. 22

@ Homewood

Sept. 29

Vestavia

Oct. 6

@ Opelika*

Oct. 13

@ Wetumpka*

Oct. 20

Benjamin Russell*

Oct. 27

Chelsea*

Nov. 3

@ Pell City * Region game

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

43

Jonathan Williams

Junior Kamau Green will back him up and add a tough second punch in the backfield as a power guy. Green is a much thicker and built back that squats 460 pounds in the weight room.

The combination of his power and speed, along with Williams’ shiftiness gives Helena a good duo. DJ Hudson adds another senior that could get some reps along with true fullback Rhett Henderson.

Justin Stuckey

RECEIVERS A change of tone comes over Parker when the receiver position comes up and for good reason. Peoples will have several studs out wide to catch the ball starting with seniors Justin Stuckey and Dionte Tolbert. Both guys had strong junior seasons and have seen playing time since they were sophomores. Stuckey is more of a downfield threat who can beat you on every play. Tolbert, who was the leading receiver on last year’s squad totaling 41 receptions for 500 yards and three touchdowns, is more of a prototypical slot guy. Junior Caleb Owens will also

44

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

get a lot of time at the position. After Senior Nash Maple played a good bit that, a slew of six sophomores will fill on last year’s squad and will return as the remaining receiving and tight end the starting center in 2017. Another positions. returning starter will be fellow senior Jakari Forest, who is one of the bigger linemen. Brandon Evans, who has OFFENSIVE LINE Taylor Knight, a two-year starter for been out for two years, is returning the Huskies, has become a leader on for his senior season to help add depth the line, but after hurting his shoulder and size. Those three guys will be the in a summer camp for the second time, anchors of the line and when Knight he will miss half of his senior season comes back they will be a solid core.

Parker says although there is small on the injured reserve list.

on the line alongside junior Larry Gilden. While the upperclassmen have the experience, sophomore Chase Perry has the coaching staff extremely excited and could contribute greatly throughout the year as a young guy.

Lawson Peoples

concern, a lot of his young sophomores had a fantastic spring.

DEFENSIVE LINE Senior Christian Young and junior

LINEBACKERS Cade Pugh, Justin Watson and Nash Adams have all graduated, leaving the Huskies without their top three tacklers from 2016. It’s a big gap that will have to be filled by several guys, only one of which is a senior. Junior Jake Schmidt will be one of the main guys looked upon to hold down the unit.

He will be joined by fellow junior Reese Davis and senior Leonard Tucker. After that, a core of sophomores in Nathan Dunaway, Cole Pugh, Ervin Jones, Collin Early and Zachery Townley will fill in. Jack Gay along with a couple of the running backs like Green will also help at the position.

Jonathan Williams are both back as leaders on a defensive line that features SECONDARY The good news for the linebacking several veteran players. Seniors Scott Yunke, Christian Billings, Cade Julius corps is that some of the secondary and Austin Hutchison will all rotate players will split between the two

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

45

HELENA HIGH SCHOOL 2017 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

NO.

NAME

POSITION

1

Justin Stuckey

WR/CB

Senior

34

Kevin Mahon

LB

2

Riley Marks

WR

Sophomore

35

Travis Porter

WR

3

Caleb Owens

WR

Junior

36

Ryan Lewis

DB

4

William Traweek

WR

Sophomore

38

Logan Maloney

K

Sophomore

5

Matthew Williams

RB/CB

Senior

39

Blake Anderson

DB

Sophomore

6

Reese Davis

LB

Junior

40

Tucker Knight

RB

Sophomore

7

Ralph Holsey

RB

Sophomore

41

Nick Thompson

LB

8

Tyler Stephens

QB

Junior

42

Dominic Fuller

WR

Sophomore

9

Zachary Goodwin

TE

Sophomore

44

Kopeland Rosser

DB

Senior

10

Jack Gay

WR

Sophomore

48

Larry Gildon

DL

Junior

11

Kamau Greene

RB

Junior

51

Nathan Dunaway

LB

Sophomore

12

Lawson Peoples

QB

Senior

52

Connor Burton

DL

Sophomore

13

Luke Stamba

QB

Sophomore

53

Mac Shannon

OL

Junior

14

Matt Mizerany

DB

Junior

54

Brandon Evans

OL

Senior

15

Nicholas Butts

DB

Sophomore

55

Scott Yunke

DL

Senior

17

Will North

QB

Sophomore

60

Cade Julius

DL

Senior

18

Cole Pugh

LB

Sophomore

61

Jamie Purkapile

OL

Junior

19

Ervin Jones

LB

Sophomore

63

Nash Maple

OL

Senior

YEAR Junior Sophomore Junior

Junior

20

Leonard Tucker

LB

Senior

64

Christian Billings

DL

Senior

21

Jeremiah Cope

TE

Sophomore

65

Christian Young

DL

Senior

22

Will Hawes

RB

Sophomore

68

Austin Hutchison

DL

Senior

24

Bradford Willis

K

Junior

70

Sam Regina

OL

Sophomore

25

Rhett Henderson

RB

Senior

72

Jakari Forest

OL

Senior

26

DJ Hudson

RB

Senior

73

Hunter Cunningham

OL

Junior

27

Chase Smith

WR

Sophomore

75

Taylor Knight

OL

Senior

28

Nic Cummins

DB

Senior

76

Chase Perry

OL

Sophomore

29

Jordan Wallace

DB

Senior

77

Ethan Trimm

DL

Sophomore

30

Griffin Brewer

K

Junior

80

Dionte Tolbert

WR

31

Davis Syx

DB

Sophomore

88

Chris Miller

TE

32

Zackery Townley

DB

Sophomore

89

Jake Schmidt

DB

Junior

33

Brodie Jones

DB

Sophomore

90

Jonathan Williams

DL

Junior

Senior Sophomore

positions in Parker’s 3-4 style defense.

Senior Kopeland Rosser, who will be not only the defensive leader, but one of the team’s overall leaders, will be back as a safety, but will put in a lot of reps at linebacker as well.

He will be joined at the safety position by senior Jordan Wallace, junior Ryan Lewis and sophomores Brodie Jones and Ladarrius Rice.

Williams and Stuckey will split time on both sides of the ball as they will be the Huskies’ lock down defensive backs. Senior Nick Cummings and junior Matt Mizerany will add depth behind those two.

SPECIAL TEAMS Dionte Tolbert

46

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Juniors Brad Willis and Griffin Brewer will join forces with sophomore Logan Maloney to handle the kicking duties. They’ve interchanged which will handle punting, place kicking and

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

47

HUSKY FOOTBALL kickoff duties, but all are more than capable.

PLAYERS TO WATCH Lawson Peoples, QB. Kopeland Rosser, DB. Dionte Tolbert, WR. Justin Stuckey, WR/DB.

KEY LOSSES Riley Davis, Devon Walker, Jake Busby, Nash Adams, Cade Pugh, Justin Watson.

GOOD LUCK

HUSKIES! 48

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

49

TOUGH ROAD AHEAD RANKING HELENA’S 2017 SCHEDULE

Written by ALEC ETHEREDGE Photograph by KEITH MCCOY oming off of a 3-7 season in 2016, the Huskies have several games they wish they could have back including three losses by seven points, two of which kept them out of the playoffs.

Those two losses that kept them out of the playoffs came at the hands of Pelham, by four points, and Wetumpka by seven points. The Huskies finished just one game behind Benjamin Russell for a playoff spot and held the tie breaker due to a head-to-head win, meaning beating either Pelham or Wetumpka,

C

both played at home, would have given them a spot in the postseason.

With Mountain Brook and Vestavia also on the schedule, it will be one of the most difficult roads in the state and below we have ranked the top can’t miss matchups 1-10 for the Huskies’ 2017 season.

HELENA AT PELHAM SEPT. 15 While it may not be the biggest game on the Huskies’ schedule in 2017, the 27-23 loss of a year ago still haunts this team. Since Helena became a school and split from Pelham in 2014, a rivalry

was born creating an atmosphere that makes high school sports so great. This year the Panthers will be better than a year ago when they pulled off the upset, while the Huskies will look to alleviate the pain of the Pelham faithful rushing their field.

HELENA AT OPELIKA OCT. 6 The biggest loss of the season in 2016 for Helena came at the hands of Opelika in a 36-7 thumping, yet again at home.

This year Opelika is coming off a state championship game appearance and will be the Huskies’ toughest region

Missed the

GAME?

We ’ v e g o t y o u c o v e re d .

V i s i t H e l e n a Re p o r t e r. c o m to find out what happened u n d e r t h e Fr i d a y n i g h t l i g h t s .

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2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

35-24 on the road. The reason it’s so important in 2017 is because Benjamin Russell was the team that kept Helena HELENA VS. CHELSEA out of the postseason a year ago by OCT. 27 With Helena, Pelham and Chelsea finishing just one win ahead of them all being in the same classification in in the region standings. Just like the every sport they field a team in, it has Chelsea game, a loss in this one could created a rivalry among all three. This very much determine if Helena will makes the Huskies’ second to last game miss the postseason for the second not just their final region game of the consecutive season. season, but one that gives them a little more extra motivation. Last season, the HELENA AT WETUMPKA Hornets gave Helena its second worse OCT. 13 thumping of the season in a 51-23 loss.

This game was another tough home This year, however, the talent level is loss for Helena in 2016 as Wetumpka much more even and a playoff spot came in and handed the Huskies a 28-21 could be on the line, making it a can’t loss. Losses like this close one and the miss contest. four-point loss to Pelham were games that could have easily gone their way, but ended up costing them a playoff HELENA VS spot instead. As it gets into October, MOUNTAIN BROOK Helena will know what it needs to do SEPT. 1 There is no easing into the season in order to make the playoffs, but a win for Helena in 2017 as the team takes on against the Indians is almost assuredly Mountain Brook at home in week one. a must.

The defense will get the privilege of trying to stop highly-touted recruit and HELENA VS. VESTAVIA Spartan running back Harold Joiner.

SEPT. 29 This was a close 21-14 loss for Helena on Vestavia will be the second 7A team on the road last year, but in 2017 it could be Helena’s 2017 schedule as the Huskies the momentum boost they need to kick prepare for a possible jump into the start a strong season.

7A ranks come 2018. It not only gives the team valuable experience against the best talent, but one of the more HELENA VS. difficult schedules in 6A this season.

BENJAMIN RUSSELL While playing the Rebels won’t impact OCT. 20 This is the only game in the top the region standings, Helena will look five that Helena won last season as to redeem a 34-12 loss in 2016 and show the Huskies took down the Wildcats it can hang with anybody. game of 2017.

HELENA VS. CHILTON COUNTY SEPT. 8 The final region game in the top 10 is a week two matchup with Chilton County. Despite being improved this season; Helena should be able to handle Chilton County for the second year in a row. Depending on how the Mountain Brook game goes, this matchup could put them at 2-0 overall and 1-0 in area play, which would send their confidence level through the roof.

HELENA AT PELL CITY NOV. 3 While it’s the final game of the season and an out of contest game where many starters could sit depending on their playoff standing, Pell City will have Helena’s full attention to end the regular season. The Huskies should have easily handled the Panthers in 2016, but made mistake after mistake to lose 20-14 in overtime on their home turf.

HELENA AT HOMEWOOD SEPT. 22 One of three wins last season for the Huskies, Homewood will look for redemption at home in 2017. Helena didn’t just beat the Patriots in 2016, but it was their largest margin of victory winning 25-7. The team should be able to handle Homewood for the second consecutive season despite the change of venue.

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

51

Tyler Hubbard

HOPE CHRISTIAN EAGLES

I

0

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by KEITH MCCOY and TWANNA ARNOLD

In 2017 it seems to be junior Jackson Davis’ job to lose. While Davis says the option attack is still on the table, Davis’ arm and speed make him a solid dual threat quarterback that may allow the Eagles to open things up offensively.

they are going to throw the ball more this season, all four will be key. Colton Smith is a guy that has coach Davis excited. Last year Smith played as an That is the number of people that will be able offensive and defensive lineman, but came into the to replace what head coach Tony Nafe did spring in great shape with for the Hope Christian a lot more athleticism. program in his five He could be an emerging years as head coach. player at the tight end RUNNING BACK position. True receivers They’ll lose powerful will include Joseph Smith playmaker Juan Cuellar, but in his place will step five guys ready as well as Connor Horn and Jardelle to carry the rock. Junior Peyton Long Cleveland, who are juniors. All have a and senior Ethan Key will be powerful lot of upside and give Davis some good smash-mouth runners willing to do hands to throw to. anything for the extra yards. Seniors Tyler Hubbard and Britton Boggan, OFFENSIVE LINE as well as junior Sam Brechin will While last year’s offensive line was add the speed to the power, giving the smaller, this year’s has created a lot of Eagles the perfect 1-2 punch out of the excitement around the program. Jacob backfield.

Jones, Andy Gilbert and David Tutor all return for their senior seasons QUARTERBACK after playing several seasons together.

Last season, the Eagles transitioned RECEIVERS into an option attack that saw several Four guys will step up and look to Sophomores Evan Key and Brayden different quarterbacks take the reins. be the go-to receivers in 2017 and if Boggan, as well as junior Jacob Dorris

t’s a somber time at Hope Christian as head coach Tony Nafe will no longer be roaming the sidelines after passing away during a resilient fight with cancer.

Nobody will ever replace Nafe, but trying to do so will be orthopedic surgeon and now head coach of the Eagles, Matt Davis. While it will be Davis’ first year as a head coach, he’s got immaculate experience in Nafe’s last few years as the coach himself asked for help from Davis.

It’ll be a tall task to say the least, but returning a top-heavy lineup of juniors and seniors, while only losing five members from last year’s senior class, sure will help make his transition easier as Hope tries to rebound from a 5-13 combined record over the last two seasons. With the amount of athleticism and speed back, expect the Eagles to make a splash in 2017.

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2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

ACSC 2016: 3-6

EAGLE FOOTBALL will also add depth at the position.

SECONDARY

DEFENSIVE LINE Every guy that was mentioned as playing on the offensive line will be playing both ways as they take on a tough task. Davis said they will get some breathers, but conditioning this offseason will be key to their success, which so far he has loved.

The back four will feature Hubbard, Cleveland, Davis and Brechin. All four of those guys will offer loads of speed at the position, which is Davis’ main hope going into the season.

Head Coach: Matt Davis (First year) Assistants: Daniel Key, Johnny Gilbert, Dave Long, Todd Bradshaw, Sam Domino, Danny Handley Last region title: 2010 Last playoff game: 2015 HOPE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2017 SCHEDULE

SPECIAL TEAMS

Tyler Hubbard, who will be playing all over the field as this year’s team leader, will also be handling the kicking LINEBACKERS The linebacking group will consist duties for the third year in a row, both of speed and aggressiveness according as the punter and place kicker for the to Davis. Long and Key, who were the Eagles. two power running backs, will bring just that to this position as they aim PLAYERS TO WATCH to be powerful up the middle on both Jackson Davis, QB/DB. Tyler sides of the ball. Horn and Smith, the Hubbard, RB/DB/ST. Peyton Long, two speedy receivers, will give them an RB/LB. extra burst of speed off the edge as the Eagles have a strong core in their front KEY LOSSES seven.

Juan Cuellar, Shane Davis.

DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 18

Tabernacle

Aug. 25

Edgewood Academy

Sept. 1

@ Cornerstone Christian

Sept. 9

OPEN

Sept. 15

@ Evangel (Alabaster)*

Sept. 22

Lyman Ward Academy

Sept. 29

Kingwood Christian

Oct. 6

Ezekiel Academy*

Oct. 20

@ Lighthouse Home School* * Region game

HOPE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2017 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

NO.

NAME

POSITION

1

Tyler Hubbard

DB/RB

Senior

42

Joseph Smith

WR

Junior

2

Connor Horn

WR

Senior

54

Jacob Dorris

OL/DL

Junior

5

Jardell Cleveland

DB

Junior

55

Jacob Jones

OL/DL

Senior

15

Sam Brechin

RB/DB

Junior

58

Evan Key

OL/DL

Junior

18

Joshua Baize

ATH

Sophomore

64

Austin Weathers

OL/DL

Junior

20

Britton Boggan

LB/RB

Senior

72

Brayden Boggan

OL/DL

Sophomore

30

Noah Douglas

LB

Sophomore

78

David Tutor

OL/DL

Senior

32

Ethan Key

RB

Senior

82

Andy Gilbert

OL/DL

Senior

35

Jackson Davis

QB/DB

Junior

84

Colton Smith

TE

36

Isaac Bradshaw

LB

Freshman

87

Jude Weaver

WR

Sophomore

40

Peyton Long

RB

Junior

88

Dylan Maddox

WR

Freshman

YEAR

Junior

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

53

Grayton Etheridge

KINGWOOD CHRISTIAN LIONS

A

fter going 9-22 in their last three seasons combined, Todd Bradford has been brought in to resurrect the Kingwood Christian football program in 2017. Bradford joins the Lions after serving as an assistant coach under Jimmy Perry at St. James in Montgomery for the past two years.

In his two seasons in Montgomery, Bradford helped lead the Trojans to an overall record of 16-7, including a 10-2 season in 2016. While he became accustomed to that success, he has a lot of work ahead of him at Kingwood.

The Lions will lose Tyler and Colby Henderson to Evangel. Tyler was Kingwood’s starting quarterback last season, throwing for 1,937 yards and 12 touchdowns, while Colby emerged as one of the go-to receivers.

The Lions are also replacing two more top receivers as well as two of their best defensive players creating a lot of question marks.

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by KEITH MCCOY

quarterback competition was still very much up in the air, but several guys will be competing for the starting job as they look to replace Tyler Henderson’s impressive freshman season. Junior Garrett Picklesimer and senior Seth Lovvorn seem to be front runners.

37.1

A big reason for just two wins in 2016 was the defense giving up 37.1 points per game, something that has to improve under firstyear head coach Todd Bradford.

RUNNING BACK The running back position is one of two offensive spots Bradford feels confident in early in the summer. Juniors Jayton Denard and Parker Foshee will join sophomore Tyler West in the backfield. Those three guys will bring the perfect combination of speed and power and will take the pressure off the emerging quarterback according to Bradford.

who combined for 56 receptions, 734 yards and 10 touchdowns, makes the wide out position very vulnerable.

Sophomore Antonio Ruiz, who started at corner last year, will play both sides and try to be a playmaker at receiver.

Denard, Foshee and West all have the ability to play out wide as well. Junior Jacob Bradford and tight end Garrett Helmers will

add depth.

OFFENSIVE LINE

The second position Bradford is comfortable with is the experienced offensive line. Cole Champion is back and will make the move to center for his senior year. Cade Horton, Keaton Meeks and Garrett Helmers are all back as well and will fill in positions on the line. Josh Dobson, Austyn Franklin, RECEIVERS Replacing Colby Henderson will Matthew Allen, Tanner Yarbrough and be tough enough, but also replacing Jared Hartley will add a ton of depth.

QUARTERBACK At the start of summer camp, the senior Jontae King and Drake Smith,

54

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

AISA AA, Region 1 2016: 2-9 (1-4) Head Coach: Todd Bradford (First year)

LION FOOTBALL DEFENSIVE LINE

corner and will play alongside some That amount of depth will come in form of Foshee, West and Bradford handy on the line as most guys will as those four athletes are more than play both sides of the ball. They are all capable of locking down the secondary, having to learn a new system, but the which will be a must if this team hopes experience and depth should help with to cut down on last year’s 37.1 points that. Ben Akers and Grayton Etheridge per game given up. are young guys that should give the Lions additional depth on both sides as SPECIAL TEAMS Austyn Franklin, who will spend well. time on the line and at linebacker, will be the team’s long snapper. The kicking LINEBACKERS Right now, the linebacker position is position is still up in the air, but it completely up in the air according to seems like Garrett Helmers is likely to Bradford. Denard and Lovvorn are the be the punter and kicker this fall. only shoo-in to the position right now, but several more will emerge before the PLAYERS TO WATCH Garrett Picklesimer, QB/DB. Antonio season starts. A few guys playing on the Ruiz, WR/DB. Parker Foshee, RB/DB. line will be splitting time at linebacker once things sort themselves out.

KEY LOSSES

SECONDARY

Tyler Henderson, Colby Henderson, Charlie Egbert, Drake Smith.

Ruiz will return as the team’s top

Assistants: Mike Robinson, Warren Watts, David Hobson, Ervin Wallace, Derrick Miles, Robbie Hawks, JD Shumate Last region title: None Last playoff game: 2016 KINGWOOD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2017 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 18

@ Pike Lib

Aug. 25

@ Springwood

Sept. 1

@ Evangel (Alabaster)

Sept. 8

Evangel (Montgomery)*

Sept. 15

Cornerstone*

Sept. 22

@ Chambers

Sept. 29

@ Hope Christian

Oct. 6

@ Coosa Valley*

Oct. 13

Lakeside*

Oct. 20

@ Macon East*

Oct. 27

Pickens * Region game

KINGWOOD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2017 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

2

Tyler West

FS, HB

4

Garrett Picklesimer

5

Wyatt Picklesimer

6

Antonio Ruiz

C, WR

9

Seth Lovvorn

SS, HB

17

Jacob Bradford

34

YEAR

NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

Sophomore

55

Cole Champion

DT, C

Senior

WS, QB

Junior

56

Austyn Franklin

LB, OG

Junior

WS, QB

Freshman

58

Cade Horton

DE, OG

Senior

Sophomore

63

Matthew Allen

DE, FB

Senior

Senior

64

Tanner Yarborough

N, OT

Senior

WS, WR

Junior

65

Josh Dodson

N, OT

Jayton Denard

LB, FB

Junior

66

Christopher Le

LB, OG

50

Carl Sellers

N, OG

Sophomore

74

Keaton Meeks

DT, OT

Senior

51

Jared Hartley

DE, TE

Senior

83

Gavan Hawks

C, WR

Freshman

52

Ben Akers

DT, C

Freshman

85

Garrett Helmers

DE, TE

Junior

Senior Freshman

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

55

Demetrius Smith

MONTEVALLO BULLDOGS

T

he transition from Andrew Zow, who is now at Calera, to new head coach Brandon Wilcox went more than smoothly during 2016. In 2015, Zow’s last season with the Bullodogs, Montevallo went 9-3, picking up the second most wins in the school’s history. Wilcox came in and said “anything you can do, I can do better,” as he led the Bulldogs to 10 wins, which tied the school record.

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by KEITH MCCOY

Despite the loss of quarterback Zac Oden and leading receiver Tre’Shawn Brown, there is obvious reason for optimism around the program as they return several top playmakers to their 2017 squad on both sides of the ball.

Montevallo finished last season with just one regular season loss to Gordo, which placed them second in the area standings. The team’s season eventually finished up in the second

round of the playoffs, but there is no doubt they will be back competing for the area championship in 2017.

The Bulldogs will be looking for their third straight playoff appearance heading into the season and coming in as the No. 5 team in the preseason rankings, they sit just behind No. 3 Gordo, which shows there isn’t much separation between the two schools.

EXPERT AGENT IN THE KNOW Hart McGarry 205-690-3234 7950 Hwy 31, Ste. B Calera, AL © 2016 Allstate Insurance Co.

56

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

222273

AHSAA 3A, Region 4 2016: 10-2 (5-1)

Daqwan Bryant

Head Coach: Brandon Wilcox (Second year, 10-2) Assistants: Ryan Poe, Christian Coston, Matthew Allen, Chris Baker, Paul Dubose

258

Last region title: 1995 Last playoff game: 2016 RUNNING BACK

MONTEVALLO HIGH SCHOOL One of the many aspects 2017 SCHEDULE The loss of Zac Oden is a that will help Sullens is big one. During his senior the talent he is surrounded season, Oden let the ball fly with on the offensive side DATE OPPONENT Demetrius Smith and 392 times, connecting on of the ball, which starts Aug. 25 OPEN Tyler Olds not only 221 of those pass attempts. bring back a combined at running back. Junior Sept. 1 @ West Blocton He finished the year with 258 tackles, but an Tyler Olds, who was an Sept.

8 @ American Christian Academy* an unbelievable 3,210 unbelievable 55 tackles ASWA lineman of the Sept. 15 B.B. Comer yards and 32 touchdowns for loss and 19 sacks year finalist last year as through the air and also as well. a linebacker, will get the Sept. 22 @ Midfield* added 373 yards and four bulk of the carries out of Sept. 29 Bibb County touchdowns on the ground. the backfield. At 6-foot, 185 Oct. 6 Green County* Jay Sullens will step into his role as pounds, Olds is a hard-nosed runner Oct. 13 @ Oakman* a junior and brings a different kind with both power and speed that make Oct. 20 Gordo* of talent to the table. While they will him difficult to bring to the ground. still rely heavily on throwing the ball, He will be joined by sophomore Deon Oct. 27 Carbon Hill* Sullens brings a very explosive and Gilliland, who brings a quick, shifty Nov. 2 @ Fultondale athletic dynamic to the table with both style of running to the table for a great * Region game his legs and arm. He is still learning one-two punch. the position, but the coaches feel very in Ahmad Edwards and Tre’Shawn confident in his ability.

RECEIVERS Brown. Edwards, who was an All-State Montevallo loses two studs out wide selection two years ago, but sat out

QUARTERBACK

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

57

MONTEVALLO HIGH SCHOOL 2017 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

NO.

NAME

POSITION

1

Daqwan Bryant

WR/DB

Senior

28

Jemari Harris

WR/FS

2

Davion Gilbert

WR/LB

Sophomore

33

Tyler Olds

FB/LB

3

Demetrius Smith

DE/RB

Senior

34

Jaylon Mckenzie

LB

4

Dakota Ross

ATH

Freshman

40

Johannes Delgado

WR/DB

5

JaBrian Sullens

WR

Sophomore

42

Zac Brantley

LB

6

Deon Gilliland

RB/DB

Sophomore

50

Rankin Allen

OL/DE

Sophomore

7

Jarius Sullens

RB/QB

8

Orlandis Weeks

ATH

9

JJ Jackson

10

YEAR Sophomore Junior Sophomore Freshman Junior

Junior

51

Dylan Brantley

DE

Sophomore

Freshman

52

Kiyon Brown

OL

Senior

WR/DB

Sophomore

54

Cameron Conwell

OL

Junior

TaVarius Holman

WR/DB

Senior

55

Isaiah Chapple

OL

Junior

11

Avery Anfield

WR/DB

Junior

57

Taylor Hall

OL

Senior

12

Jay Dreyer

ATH

13

Malik Inabinette

WR/DB

17

Jayvion Seay

18

Isa Harris

19

Landon Honeycutt

WR/DB

20

Justin Hyde

ATH

21

Kevin Martinez

ATH

22

Jonathan Grisham

K/P

23

Kavounte Britton

24

Bryson Turner

Freshman

58

Will Howell

DL

Sophomore

59

Xavier Bryant

TE/LB

LB

Sophomore

60

Boston Bush

DL

Junior

WR/DB

Sophomore

64

Hunter Bass

DL

Freshman

Junior

72

Harry Perez

OL/DL

Senior

Freshman

73

Will Snuggs

OL/DL

Freshman

Freshman

74

Anthony Welsh

OL/DL

Freshman

Senior

76

Chris Tibbals

OL/DL

Freshman

FB/LB

Freshman

96

Cesar Salazar

OL/DL

Freshman

FB/LB

Sophomore

all of last season after an unfortunate injury in game one, has transferred to Thompson. Brown led the team and county with 1,100 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns, while also posting 108 tackles on defense, 14 of which went for a loss.

The loss of those two is tough, but two of their top receivers from last year also return. Daqwan Bryant finished second on the team with 962 yards receiving and nine touchdowns, while TaVarius Holman racked up 365 yards and six touchdowns last year, which was good enough for third on the team. They’ll be joined by sophomores Davion Gilbert, JaBrian Sullens and J.J. Jackson, all of whom stand close to 6-foot-3. JaBrian Sullens is an athlete that can go up and grab the ball out of thin air, which has the coaching staff excited.

OFFENSIVE LINE The offensive line will also be trustworthy this season as three starters return. Senior Kiyon Brown, who stands at 5-foot-9, 315 pounds, will be the anchor of the line at the guard position. Cameron Conwell, who is 6-foot, 295 pounds, adds another guy with size. While Isaiah Chappell, another returning starter, is a tad

58

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

smaller at 5-foot-9, 235 pounds, he is one of the strongest guys on the team benching close to 300 pounds and squatting 500. Those three will be joined by Taylor Hall and Xavier Bryant, who complete a solid group.

DEFENSIVE LINE Demetrius Smith, who destroyed opposing offenses last year by grabbing 105 tackles, 23 tackles for loss and 13 sacks, will return for his senior season to lead the defensive line. Standing at 6-foot, 235 pounds, Wilcox says he is getting bigger every day and will be

Junior Sophomore

a nightmare off the edge. Two more returning starters will be alongside him in Will Howell and Boston Bush, which will make this defensive line one of the best in the state.

LINEBACKERS Smith is already a nightmare for quarterbacks on the defensive line, move back to the linebacker position and you’ll find enemy No. 2, Tyler Olds.

While Olds will be playing on offense, defensively at the linebacker position is where he brings back the most experience as a finalist for last year’s

BULLDOG FOOTBALL 3A Player of the Year award.

Last season he racked up a teamhigh 153 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, six sacks, three fumble recoveries and one interception as one of the best defensive players in the state.

Combined with Smith, the two bring back a total of 258 tackles, 55 tackles for loss and 19 sacks. Olds will anchor at middle linebacker along with junior Zac Brantley, who is still learning the game. Outside linebackers will be Gilbert and returning starter Jayvion Seay, both of whom will be sophomores.

SECONDARY

Bryant and Holman will be looked at Just like last season, the secondary as the two leaders as they bring back will be full of solid guys, all of which a combined four interceptions and will be playing offensively as well. Bryant’s 81 tackles. Bryant will take on

the safety position, while Holman will be the lock-down corner. As receivers themselves both of those guys have a knack for where the ball will be and

GOOD LUCK BULLDOGS! 2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

59

TaVarius Holman

when to go up to knock it away from the receiver. Holman will be joined by Gilliland and Jackson at the defensive back position.

year, has graduated and moved on to Tyler Olds, RB/LB. Demetrius kick for Troy University. Replacing him Smith, DE. Daqwan Bryant WR/DB. will be tough, but Jonathan Grisham TaVarius Holman WR/DB. will try to fill his big shoes. He’s been with the program for three years and KEY LOSSES will kick and punt.

SPECIAL TEAMS Zac Oden, QB. Tre’Shawn Brown, WR/FS. Jackson Hughes, LB. Diego Diego Martinez, who was one of the Martinez, K. best punters/kickers in the county last PLAYERS TO WATCH

60

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

61

Justin Evans

OAK MOUNTAIN EAGLES

I

n 2016, the Oak Mountain Eagles football team fought a tough battle as they tried to survive the entire season instead of playing with confidence. It led to a 3-8 overall record, and while on paper that doesn’t jump off the page, all three wins came in region play, which led to the Eagles finding a spot in the postseason as they finished fourth in the tough 7A Region 3.

This year, the Eagles have reloaded and head coach Cris Bell has a growing confidence in his team saying, “we feel like we have something to play for and

62

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by KEITH MCCOY and CARI DEAN

prove this year,” which has been very encouraging for the coach entering his sixth season with Oak Mountain.

While they bring back some key skill players and have plenty of talent, they will be competing in the toughest high school football area in the state with teams like Thompson, Hoover, Spain Park, Mountain Brook and Vestavia, all of whom could be a top 10 team to start the season.

QUARTERBACK For the second consecutive year,

Oak Mountain will have to replace its quarterback as Connor Webb steps in to replace Wyatt Legas. Webb — a 6-foot, 175-pound senior — started at free safety last year and picked up 75 tackles, but now has the entire offense in his hands. Webb, who played quarterback as a freshman and sophomore, has pleasantly surprised coaches by how well he has picked up the offense.

RUNNING BACK While leading rusher Daniel Salchert has graduated, the Eagles will bring

Connor Wilson

AHSAA 7A, Region 3 2016: 3-8 (3-4) Head Coach: Cris Bell (Sixth year, 29-25) Assistants: Rusty Frisch, Austin Karcher, Steward Carlisle, Tyler Crane, Riley White, Stuart Morrison, Casey Rogers, Brandon Lee, Wade Lyon, Brandon Brooks, Tommy Youngblood

3

2017. Carson Bobo returns back an array of backs with for his senior season after plenty of experience. Luke leading the team with 22 Percer, Connor Wilson and receptions for 288 yards Ethan Duncan all got time and three touchdowns as last year and made the a junior. While Noah Egan most of it. Percer, a junior, Oak Mountain made is gone as the top wide is the leading guy bringing the playoffs by winning receiver, Nathan Jones and back an average of 7.5 just three games in Trey Allen have given the yards per carry with him. 2016, but head coach coaches a lot of reason to Wilson, a senior, was the Cris Bell knows they be excited in the offseason.

B-back last year and picked have to improve if Jones only picked up 93 up 310 yards on 49 carries. they want to see the yards on six catches last Duncan, also a senior, postseason again. year, but Bell said he was played wide receiver as a underutilized the entire sophomore and running back last year giving him great hands season. Allen, a 6-foot-3 junior, will return and brings a lot of athleticism and agility. and explosiveness to the position.

RECEIVERS

The leading receiver for Oak Mountain will actually be a tight end in

OFFENSIVE LINE Another crew that excites Bell due to

Last region title: None Last playoff game: 2016 OAK MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL 2017 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 25

@ Chelsea

Sept. 1

Hillcrest Tuscaloosa

Sept. 8

Huffman*

Sept. 15

@ Vestavia Hills*

Sept. 22

Thompson*

Sept. 29

OPEN

Oct. 6

@ Hoover*

Oct. 13

Tuscaloosa County*

Oct. 20

@ Mountain Brook*

Oct. 27

@ Spain Park*

Nov. 3

Hazel Green * Region game

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

63

Zach Nelson

its size and experience is the offensive line. Everybody on the line stands at 6 feet or taller and the group features four seniors and two juniors that will make contributions. Jacob Feenker is back to anchor the line as a three-year starter. The 6-foot-2, 235-pound senior, will handle the center position. He will be joined by seniors Madden McDougal, right tackle, Devin Stern, left tackle, and Fuller Herring, left guard. Junior Clay Collins, who is the largest of the

64

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

crew at 6-foot-3, 280 pounds, will handle the right guard position and fellow junior Russ Autry will also factor in on the line.

forced fumble with him. Standing at 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, Davis was the third leading tackler on last year’s squad and also finished third in tackles for loss. Ben Wilke will move over from the offensive line, where he started the last DEFENSIVE LINE Bell has a lot of optimism for a defense two years, to help out on the defensive he knows has to improve from last year side of the ball. The rest of the line as seven seniors return. Jordan Davis will be filled with juniors as Carter is one of those seniors returning on the Owens and Zach Brown hold down the defensive line and returns 53 tackles, defensive end spots. Travis Tomlinson, one sack, 4.5 tackles for loss and one Zykeius Strong and Harrison Dimick,

Carson Bobo

high 14 tackles for loss. Evans started a good chunk of games before becoming a third down package player last year and will be instrumental every down this year. Jacob Fitzgerald, Dylan Hoye and Zay Brown, all juniors, as well as senior Connor Kelley are battling to determine who will take the outside linebacker and strong safety positions.

SECONDARY Zach Nelson is back as the leader in the secondary and will be joined by another team leader in Brett Cruce as both guys look to be lockdown cornerbacks. Junior Garrison Frisch will take care of the free safety position. Frisch started for the junior varsity team last season and is very instinctual according to Bell. Gerald Austin and Christian Hood will look to add depth at the position. also juniors, will be key contributors as Jackson Murphy and Justin Evans will return to handle the two inside SPECIAL TEAMS well.

Hood handled punting and kicking linebacker positions. Murphy moves over from outside linebacker, where he during the spring and seemed to fit the LINEBACKERS The linebacking corps is another finished last year second on the team role well. Nick Heino will handle long position Bell is excited about as both with 76 total tackles including a team- snapping, while Ben Handley takes

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

65

OAK MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL 2017 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

NO.

NAME

POSITION

2

Xzavier Brown

SS

Junior

46

Nik Heino

LS/LB

Junior

3

Zane Nelson

DB

Sophomore

47

Brett Cruce

DB

Senior

4

Gerald Austin

FS

Sophomore

48

Reynolds Jones

SS

Sophomore

5

Jonathan Bennett

HB

Sophomore

49

Connor Hill

WR

Sophomore

6

Kyle Percer

DB

Sophomore

50

Clay Collins

OL

7

Dylan Hoye

SS

Junior

51

Zach Brown

DE

Junior

8

Sam West

OLB

Sophomore

52

Zach Hollington

OL

Sophomore

9

Nathan Jones

WR

Senior

53

Gideon Lombardo

OL

Sophomore

10

Jimmy Harris

QB

Freshman

54

Tyler Martin

OL

Junior

11

Josiah Ransom

QB

Sophomore

55

Devin Stern

OL

Senior

12

Luke Percer

HB

Junior

56

Jordan Davis

DL

Senior

13

Carson Bobo

TE

Senior

57

Will Pfaffman

LB

Sophomore

14

Jackson Murphy

LB

Senior

58

Ben Wilke

OL

Senior

14

Tyler DuBoi

QB

Freshman

60

Alex Burns

OL

Junior

15

Connor Webb

QB

Senior

63

Austin Smith

DE

Sophomore

16

Trey Allen

WR

Junior

64

Jacob Feenker

OL

Senior

17

Christian Hood

DB/K

Junior

67

Brandon Stephens

OL

Junior

18

Jacob Fitzgerald

OLB

Junior

70

Russell Autry

OL

Junior

19

Zach Paisley

WR

Sophomore

71

Zach Bailey

OL

Sophomore

YEAR

Junior

20

Cole Thomas

Slot/HB

Junior

73

Nathan Gordon

OL

Junior

21

Aaron Brooks

Slot/HB

Sophomore

74

Madden McDougal

OL

Senior

22

Jalen Thomas

LB

Junior

77

Fuller Herring

OL

Senior

23

Cameron Whitlow

DB

Sophomore

78

Jacob Goldfon

DL

Sophomore

24

Zach Nelson

DB

Senior

80

Jack Simmons

DL

Senior

25

Ethan Duncan

HB/WR

Senior

84

Ben Handley

TE/LS

26

Garrison Frisch

DB/P

Junior

85

Sam Johnson

TE

Sophomore

27

Zach Hagedorn

WR

Sophomore

86

Connor Kelley

LB

Senior

28

Justin Evans

LB

Senior

87

Daren Lanier

WR

Senior

30

Tyler Mattox

DB

Sophomore

89

Nicholas Young

WR

Senior

33

Harrison Dimick

DL

Sophomore

91

Travis Thomasson

DE

Junior

34

Connor Wilson

HB

Senior

94

Cole Forbes

DT

Sophomore

36

Bay Hughes

DB

Junior

95

Jacob Payne

DE

Sophomore

38

Dylan Moore

WR

Sophomore

97

Carter Owens

DL

Junior

44

Andrew Bearden

TE

Junior

98

Zykeius Strong

DL

Junior

care of short snapping. The return game is up in the air right now and a top concern for Bell.

PLAYERS TO WATCH Connor Webb, QB. Carson Bobo, TE. Luke Percer, RB. Jackson Murphy, LB. Justin Evans, LB. Zach Nelson, DB.

KEY LOSSES Wyatt Legas, Daniel Salchert, Noah Egan, Mingyu Lee.

GOOD LUCK EAGLES!

66

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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www.SouthlakeOrthopaedics.com 2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

67

Patrick Durr

PELHAM PANTHERS

W

hen Helena and Pelham split into two different schools it wreaked havoc on the Panthers’ football program, which was evident by the amount of talent that chose to move to the new school. It left Pelham with a load of young athletes creating a difficult learning curve for Tom Causey and his players.

That learning curve has proven to be a winding road in Causey’s first two years at the helm as they have gone 1-9 and 2-9, respectively, during that time

68

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by KEITH MCCOY

span. For the first time however, he has a strong group of upperclassmen on his team as 36 juniors will grace the football field for the Panthers in 2017.

While they most likely won’t go from 3-17 to a championship team in one season, this team will make instrumental strides in 2017 as they could very well be a playoff squad.

athlete who compiled 604 yards and four touchdowns on the ground and another 848 yards and 11 touchdowns through the air. While Rye is a different kind of runner standing at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, he brings a bigger frame to the table.

RUNNING BACK

Nicholas Blackburn is back for his senior year and will be starting at running back for the third year in a row.

QUARTERBACK Junior Matthew Rye will take the Last year he picked up 938 yards and five reins in 2017 with the hopes of replacing touchdowns on 189 carries. Standing at Eli Hudson. Hudson was a strong 6-feet tall, 215 pounds, Blackburn is a

AHSAA 6A, Region 3 2016: 2-8 (1-5) Nicholas Blackburn

Head Coach: Tom Causey (Third year, 3-17) Assistants: Kevin LeSueur, Randall Reeves, Stephen Campbell, David White, Sean Anderson, James Thompson, Mike Talbert, Craig Hall, Chris Wilson Last region title: 2006 Last playoff game: 2013

36

Grayson Dill will be the goto X-receiver and at 5-foot10, 170 pounds, he is quick off the line and brings a lot of experience from last season. Sophomore Pelham may only be Matthew Plummer, who 3-17 over the last two made a big catch in last years, but the return of 36 juniors finally gives year’s upset of Helena, will them a solid group of also help at the position. upperclassmen to turn Junior Edward Gipson things around. will be the main target at the Z-receiver position.

RECEIVERS Having started since he Pelham will use X, Y and Z receivers under Causey in 2017 was a freshman, Gipson stands at 6-footand all of the positions are loaded. 4, 180 pounds, giving Rye a great tall powerful runner and has put on 30 pounds in the past two years, which has made him better all-around at the position. He will be joined by freshman Dylan Peterson, who is more of a slashing speed back, and junior Jaylen Cooks, who has a similar running style to Blackburn.

PELHAM HIGH SCHOOL 2017 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 24

Homewood (@ Samford)

Sept. 1

Mortimer Jordan

Sept. 8

@ Benjamin Russell*

Sept. 15

Helena *

Sept. 22

@ Chelsea*

Sept. 29

@ Thompson

Oct. 6

Wetumpka*

Oct. 13

Chilton County*

Oct. 20

OPEN

Oct. 27

@ Opelika*

Nov. 3

@ John Carroll * Region game

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

69

target to throw to. Junior Garrett Fox will back up at both the X and Z position.

At the slot position, Brandon Sledge and Kasey Clark will be looked at as go-to receivers. Sledge is a junior with great wheels and has started the last two seasons, while Clark, a junior, also brings back two years of starting experience.

OFFENSIVE LINE The offensive line will return three starters out of five positions, giving them a solid core of guys. Junior Gene Ramos, 5-foot-11, 235 pounds, will be back starting for the second year in a row at the right tackle position. Next to him will be junior Dakota McLaren, who spent all of last season injured. McLaren stands at 5-foot-10, 230 pounds and has really come on during the spring and summer.

Will Pierce will be looked at as this year’s team leader as well as the anchor of the offensive line at the center position.

Carrying a frame of 5-foot-11, 245, he is one of the greatest guys Causey says he has ever coached. At left guard will be third year starter Jarret McLaren, who will be a senior and the second tallest guy on the line at 6-foot-1, 250 pounds.

Next to him will be Nate Berron at the left tackle position, who is the tallest at 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, creating a strong size on the left side of the line.

70

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Carson Mckinney

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DEFENSIVE LINE Causey’s goal on the defensive line is to rotate as many guys in and out as possible because guys have gotten too many reps the last couple of years causing exhaustion late in games. Brock Higdon will be a leader on the line coming off the end. Long and lean, Higdon stands at 6-foot-7, 230 pounds, but also carries a lot of strength. Senior Elijah Shoemaker will be coming off the other end and has a motor that won’t shut off.

The interior of the line will feature two first year players in junior Braden Lee and senior Jayden Kidd. Both have the ability and have showed it off in the spring and summer, but just have to get up to speed. Sophomore Jayden Taylor, who played linebacker last year, and senior Carson McKinney will add depth at the position.

LINEBACKERS Similar to the defensive line, Pelham will also look for more depth at the linebacker position as they look to keep guys fresh later into the game. Replacing Jon Drakes’ 131 tackles and two sacks will be tough, but Ryan Jewell will look to tackle the task. A second year starter at the inside linebacker position, Jewell brings a solid frame of 6-foot-1, 230 pounds to the table and returns 98 tackles and two sacks.

Senior Tyler Hawkins will play as his backup and created 2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

71

PELHAM HIGH SCHOOL 2017 ROSTER NO. NAME

POSITION

YEAR

NO. NAME

Senior

45

Hayden Jackson LB Freshman

WR/DB Junior

48

Ryan Jewell LB Junior

Jaylen Cook RB Junior

49

Brooks Cotton

DL Sophomore

DB Senior

50

Jayden Taylor

DL Sophomore

5

Brandon Sledge Slot Junior

51

Tramaine Sears DL Junior

6

Jackson Weaver DB/RB Junior

53

Logan Atkins

OL Sophomore

7

Xavier Lankford

QB Sophomore

54

Mason Dunkin

OL Freshman

8

Tyler Deaver

WR Junior

55

Braden Lee

DL Junior

9

Garrett Fox

WR Junior

56

Will Pierce

OL Senior

10

Carter Parker LB Junior

57

Carson Mckinney DL

11

Greg Blue

K/P Junior

59

Jarrett McLaren OL Senior

13

Tyler Hawkins

LB/RB Senior

60

Dakota McLaren OL

14

Matthew Rye QB Junior

61

Jody Morton

15

Grayson Dill

WR Junior

62

Caleb Boutwell OL Senior

16

Phillip Duke

DB Sophomore

64

Christopher Quintana OL

17

Jon White

QB Freshman

65

Cameron Schoenmeyer OL

18

Matthew Plummer

WR/DB Sophomore

66

Dominic Chiarella DL Freshman

19

Jack Fox

LS Sophomore

67

Kevin Palacios

OL Freshman

20

Walker Lyles

Slot Freshman

68

Riley Puckett

DL Freshman

21

Patrick Durr

DB Junior

69

Elijah Shoemaker DL

22

Chase Christian

WR/DB Freshman

70

Roderick Hall OL Senior

23

Dylan Peterson

RB Freshman

71

Gino Ramos OL Junior

24

Donnie Ball

DB Junior

72

Aaron Silva

DL Freshman

25

Conner Hammond DB

Senior

74

Tyler Golden

OL Sophomore

26

Peyton Kanis

WR Freshman

75

Cason Tyler

DL Freshman

27

Trevor Jones DB Junior

76

Gustavo Gonzalez OL

28

Dorian Tolbert LB Junior

77

Nate Barron OL Junior

29

Tyler Zuiderhoek

DB Sophomore

79

Jesus Luna

OL Freshman

30

Kenton Darrington RB Sophomore

80

Zach Rushton

DL Freshman

31

Zach Cherry DB Junior

81

Caleb Augsburger WR

32

Greg Lowe

DB Junior

82

Kasey Clark

Slot Junior

33

Trent Jones

WR Freshman

83

Tyrin Davis

Slot Senior

34

Devon Bennett DB Senior

85

Grayson Redford DL Sophomore

36

Ben Rushton WR Junior

87

Hunter Dezenzio DB Freshman

39

Zach Verner

DB Freshman

88

Grant Bennett

WR Freshman

40

Ethan Deveaux DB Junior

89

Evan Pate

WR Freshman

41

Cade Foster

DB Freshman

90

Jayden Kidd DL Senior

42

Griffin Knight LB Junior

91

Delaney Brasher

43

Kris Carter

DB Freshman

93

Micah Harbin DL Senior

44

Cameron McGaughy DL Sophomore

95

Brock Higdon DL Junior

1

Nicolas Blackburn RB

2

Edward Gipson

3 4

Ladre Tabb

a lot of talk during the spring. Carter Parker and Dorien Tolbert will also give added depth.

Sophomore Tyler Zuiderhoek and junior Griffin Knight will handle the outside linebacker positions. Both have played a good bit and are looking to take control of the position. Mathew Plummer and Zach Cherry will both play the position as almost a third safety in the 3-4 defense.

Tabb will be back at the cornerback position and both are stocky guys with a lot of speed. Tabb will be starting for the third straight year in the secondary and is the leader of this year’s team. Donnie Ball will handle the safety position as a junior along with the two linebackers that will be like third safeties. Ball is a junior that has spent the last two years as a backup, but has gotten significant reps.

SECONDARY

SPECIAL TEAMS

Junior Patrick Durr and senior Ladre

72

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

POSITION

YEAR

Senior Junior

OL Sophomore Freshman Junior

Senior

Senior

Senior

DL Sophomore

punting and kicking job after backing up Jose Jimenez last year. Sophomore Jack Fox will return for long snapping duties and despite still being young, coaches love his ability.

PLAYERS TO WATCH Matthew Rye, QB. Nicholas Blackburn, RB. Ladre Tabb, CB.

KEY LOSSES

Jon Drake, Seth Torman, Eli Hudson, Alan Brown, Rodney Pettway, Tyler Junior Greg Blue will take over the Wages.

PANTHER FOOTBALL

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

73

NICHOLAS BLACKBURN GETTING TO KNOW PELHAM’S THREE-YEAR STARTING RUNNING BACK

74

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Question: When did you start playing football?

Answer: Started playing in the second or third grade.

Q: What started you playing the game?

A: My dad used to play for Bama and he always wanted me to start playing and once I started I never stopped. I fell in love.

Q: What kind of impact did your dad have on you?

A: He helped me out a lot because he coached me all the way up through middle school and that’s where I got most of my knowledge from. He knows a lot.

Q: How many sports do you play?

A: Really played basketball and football my entire life. I’ve been playing basketball since the first grade.

Q: Which sport is your favorite?

A: Definitely football.

Q: Why is that sport your favorite?

A: It’s a contact sport, which I love. It’s also a cool feeling getting out there playing under the lights on Friday nights and hearing the crowd cheering for you and your team.

938

Nicholas Blackburn is back for his senior season after running for a total of 938 yards in 2016 as he neared 2,000 rushing yards for his career.

Q: Do you feel like playing multiple sports has made you a better athlete?

A: Definitely, if I would have just played football all of my life I wouldn’t be the same athlete I am now.

Q: What do you love most about being a running back?

A: I love running the ball. Scoring a touchdown and having everybody cheer for you is the greatest feeling ever. That first time I scored my first touchdown, I knew I was sticking with being a running back forever because there is no other feeling like it.

Q: What are your goals after high school?

A: Trying to get a football scholarship for now, but I hope to get a business degree and own a business when I graduate

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

75

from college. My goal is to own a shoe store one day; that would be the ultimate goal.

Q: What do you feel like your best football attribute is?

A: All around honestly. I’ve got a little bit of everything.

team has a real chance to be great. It helps a lot to have so many juniors and upperclassmen this year. They’ve all been here since coach Causey got here so we are getting a great understanding of his system and know what to do now.

Q: I know it’s been a rough go the last few years. How do you help turn that around?

A: I feel like I’ve stepped up and been more of a leader this year. I just want to step up and be there for my team.

We have to trust the process and listen to our coaches, but hopefully this is the year we can turn it around.

Q: What has been most enjoyable about playing under coach Causey?

A: He’s the only coach that’s been here since day one. That’s the main thing I respect from him. He’s always there for us talking about honesty. I trust him and know he is all in and committed to us because he’s been through the tough times with us. I couldn’t imagine a Q: Is there a certain football moment that sticks out to you in your career? better guy and coach leading us.

A: In little league one time we were playing Hoover and it was pouring down Q: Why do you enjoy Pelham so much?

A: Pelham is all I know for real. I could rain. I scored an 80-yard touchdown. It never leave this place. I’ve been here my started storming literally right after I scored and everybody scattered and ran entire life. to their cars, but not before I got to score Q: What are your expectations for the that touchdown.

Also, that Helena game last year was upcoming season? Playoffs?

A: This is the hardest I’ve seen this special too. I had at least 100 yards and a team work since I’ve been here, so this touchdown and we had the game winning

76

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

drive. It was just crazy and extra special that we upset our biggest rival. All of the players and fans stormed their field, it was just an amazing feeling.

Q: How do your three years of varsity playing experience help?

A: Ever since coach Causey got here, it’s helped me a lot. He got me in a lot my sophomore year. I’ve been able to develop a lot of skills that I never knew I could.

Q: Do you feel like the team is looking at you as a leader?

A: I just try to make sure everybody is doing what they’re supposed to do.

Especially my running back crew. I make sure they finish drills and are doing what they’re supposed to.

Q: What does this year mean to you being your last season?

A: It’s still a shock to me that it’s all coming to an end, but I’m trying to treat it as any other season for my guys. Last practice, last time I play certain people.

It’s just all emotional, but I’m excited to get it under way.

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

77

SHELBY COUNTY WILDCATS

S

helby County has improved each of the past three years under head coach Heath Childers, who will be entering his fourth season in 2017, going from three wins to four wins and most recently up to five wins. If that trend continues, the Wildcats are in store for at least six wins this season, which would most likely end

78

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by KEITH MCCOY and ALEC ETHEREDGE

their seven-year playoff drought.

Last year they missed that elusive playoff spot by one game. If they want to bust through this season it’s going to take a much better defensive effort. The Wildcats bring back plenty of talent and reps on offense so there’s not much concern there.

The defense, however, gave up 32.9 points per game last year, including

a total of 329 points. Three of their four losses were due to giving up 40plus points and thanks to things as simple as missing tackles. If Shelby County sures up its defensive effort this season, it will be rewarded with a spot in the playoffs.

QUARTERBACK Chadwyn Russ is back for his senior

AHSAA 5A, Region 5 2016: 5-5 (2-5) Chadwyn Russ

Head Coach: Heath Childers (Fourth year, 12-18) Assistants: Casey Crumpton, Jake Knight, Chris Perkins, Mike Harrison, Kyle Stewart, Tyrin Johnson, Josh Wallis

season and ready to lead this team. Playing at the quarterback position since eighth grade, Russ only weighed 95 pounds then. He has now grown into his body and is closer to 185 pounds and much more durable. In the Wildcats’ Wing T offense, Russ will be handling the ball the entire game and having to make smart decisions on reading the defense.

RUNNING BACK

329

the Wildcats without their best back heading into 2017. While that’s a big gap to fill, Shelby County returns Jeremiah Crenshaw and Lamont Shelby County gave Bush, both of whom up 329 points in got a lot of carries last 2016 — or 32.9 per game — and defensive season. They’ll be joined coordinator Casey by 6-foot-2, 215-pound Crumpton said that’s a senior Austin Lucas, who big area of focus going is deceptively nimble. If into the new season. this crew can block a little more solidly, they will be the strongest position on the team alongside Russ.

Keyvontae Mayfield pounded his RECEIVERS way to 1,322 yards and 15 touchdowns Every year, Childers says the team during his senior season, leaving is going to try and incorporate more

Last region title: 2008 Last playoff game: 2009 SHELBY COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 2017 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 25

Childersburg (Jamboree)

Sept. 1

Holt

Sept. 8

@ St. Clair County*

Sept. 15

Moody*

Sept. 22

@ Wenonah*

Sept. 29

@ Springville

Oct. 6

Fairfield*

Oct. 13

Pleasant Grove*

Oct. 20

@ Briarwood*

Oct. 27

@ Woodlawn*

Nov. 3

Jemison * Region game

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

79

Lamont Bush

passing into the offense. This season, he is changing that sentiment to “we have to throw it more to be good.”

Childers said they haven’t had the right combination of receiver and quarterback in the past, but this year

80

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

that could change with Mitch Nash sophomore Greg Oliver, who is very back for his senior year. Standing elusive and adds another set of good at 6-foot-4, Nash creates a tough hands. matchup with his height, great speed and hands. He’ll be joined by OFFENSIVE LINE another solid player at the position in Dalton Purcell was not only one of

the best guys on the offensive line last year, but according to Childers one of the greatest kids he has ever coached. With him graduating and Childers putting a massive emphasis on the O-Line saying, “they’re worth their weight in gold,” replacing him will be tough, but crucial. Senior Chad Reach, also a wrestler, stands at just 5-foot-9, 155 pounds, but fits their offensive scheme perfectly and despite the size is extremely good.

He will be joined by another strong senior in Dontavius Mayfield, who at 6-foot-1, 260 pounds, brings a much bigger frame to the table. Corbin Hillman will also be another bigger sized guy on the line as he enters just his second year of football ever.

Patrick Wilson and twins Dalton and Dawson Brooks will also fill in on the line. Those guys are fast and add bigger bodies as well.

DEFENSIVE LINE Hillman, Mayfield and Dawson Brooks will all pull double duty and play on both sides of the ball.

Switching from a 30 front defense (34) to a 40 front defense (4-3), there’s a lot to learn in the offseason, but with all three of those guys being bigger with great feet and speed, it was an easy decision to put them on the defensive line. They’ll be joined by Patrick Wilkins and Trent Sullivan.

LINEBACKERS The main reason for the complete re-tool of the defense from a 3-4 scheme to a 4-3 scheme was because of last year’s linebacker play, which wasn’t up to expectation.

Lucas and Braden Lowery ended last year strong and will be back as two of the leading three guys at the position.

Coaches are still unsure of others that will compete at the position, but an emphasis is being placed on tackling and getting stronger in the weight room.

SECONDARY Improving the defense is going to be key if the Wildcats want to make it to the playoffs and the secondary has taken that to heart. Childers and defensive coordinator Casey Crumpton said multiple times that they are the most improved crew on the team from last season.

Crenshaw might be the most improved defensive player and will lead the defense this season from the safety position. Nash showed a lot of progress in the spring game and will join him at safety. Bush and Oliver will take care of the cornerback position and while Bush is 2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

81

SHELBY COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 2017 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

1

Casey Williams

LB

2

Tyrese Goodman

ATH

3

Jordan Morris

4

Chase Glover

5 6

YEAR

NO.

NAME

POSITION

Sophomore

45

Taylor Wilkins

LB

YEAR

Freshman

47

Raheem Montgomery

DL/LB

FB

Sophomore

48

Brayton Lowery

LB

Senior

LB

Senior

50

Riley Giles

LB

Freshman

Chase Holliman

QB

Sophomore

52

Daylon Littlefield

OL/DL

Freshman

Chase Franklin

LB

Junior

53

TJ McGinnis

OL/DL

Freshman

7

Kaden Cardwell

ATH

Freshman

54

Blake Robinson

OL/DL

Freshman

8

Isaac Montgomery

WR

Freshman

55

Patrick Wilkins

OL/DL

Senior

9

Austin Lucas

RB

Senior

57

Devon Montgomery

OL/DL

Sophomore

10

Austin Scott

LB

Junior

59

Dalton Brooks

OL/DL

Junior

12

Chadwyn Russ

QB

Senior

60

Dawson Brooks

OL/DL

Junior

14

Mitch Nash

WR

15

Greg Oliver

WR/DB

16

Nevada Wages

18

Lamont Bush

Junior Freshman

Senior

63

Chad Reach

OL

Senior

Sophomore

65

Trey Aderholt

OL

Sophomore

DB

Junior

67

Micah Hughes

OL

Freshman

RB/DB

Senior

72

Landen Stewart

OL/DL

Freshman Freshman

19

Charlie Taylor

DB

Junior

75

JT Pennington

OL/DL

21

Jordahn Garcia

DB

Freshman

78

Dontavious Mayfield

DL/OL

24

Trent Sullivan

LB

Senior

82

Tyler Eddings

WR

Sophomore

25

Jeremiah Crenshaw

RB/S

Junior

89

Jonathon Whitman

OL

Sophomore

33

AJ Sanchez

DB

Senior

95

Tyler Echols

DL

Junior

40

Austin Dunn

LB

Junior

97

Jessup Lodge

TE

Sophomore

42

Lloyd Harrison

DB

Sophomore

99

Corbin Hillman

OL/DL

44

Noah Shears

LB

Sophomore

GOOD LUCK

Senior

WildCats!

82

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Senior

WILDCAT FOOTBALL coming off a shoulder injury, he was the best DB on the team last year.

Size is a concern at the position, but the coaching staff feels very positive about what they have.

SPECIAL TEAMS Lucas will handle kickoffs and

punts this season for Shelby County PLAYERS TO WATCH and will be able to kick a lot of balls Chadwyn Russ QB. Jeremiah deep, which Childers hasn’t been Crenshaw, RB/DB. Lamont Bush, RB/ able to do the past couple of years. DB. Dontavius Mayfield, OL/DL. His leg will play an important role in field position. With great athleticism, KEY LOSSES Bush and Nash will handle the return Keyvontae Mayfield, Dalton game duties.

Purcell.

3715 Hwy. 25, Montevallo, AL 35115 www.rockcofuneralmontevallo.com

205-665-2135 2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

83

D’arie Johnson

SPAIN PARK JAGUARS

S

hawn Raney has established a new sort of expectation at Spain Park, an expectation that involves winning. Since he arrived in 2013, the Jaguars have won eight games twice and also have a 12-win season under their belts giving Raney three great seasons in his four years at the helm.

In 2015, the program really jumped

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by KEITH MCCOY and STEPHEN DAWKINS

to the next level by beating Hoover for the first time in school history and following that up with a second win over the Bucs in the semifinals to earn its second ever trip to the state championship. While they were unable to bring home the title, taking down their rival and competing for a blue map has transitioned this program’s attitude that they can beat anybody.

CIA 84

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Now, in 2017, the Jags are looking to prove they can win it all and grab the school’s first ever championship. With a strong offense returning and coach Raney’s defensive mindset, Spain Park will have a strong chance to make history as long as they don’t become victim to the toughest region in the state.

AHSAA 7A, Region 3 2016: 8-3 (5-2)

Hayes Cole

Head Coach: Shawn Raney (Fifth year, 34-12) Assistants: Matt Thompson, Marty Rozell, Chris Bell, Ryan Thopson, Keat Litton, Bob Bietighofer, Brian Maner, Eric Gibbons, Jason Hamlin, Darius Taylor, John Hardin Last region title: 2015 Last playoff game: 2016

QUARTERBACK

34

yards last year, while adding nine touchdowns.

Hunter Howell was Johnson is lightning quick named the starter over and can make people miss.

Braxton Barker last He will be joined by junior season and went on to throw for 1,199 yards and Spain Park head coach Jalen Henderson, who brings to the table a bigger 11 touchdowns, but by Shawn Raney is the frame and a lot of power. week seven of the regular winningest coach in season, Barker was able Jaguar football history RECEIVERS to take over the starting with a 34-12 record in Leading wide receiver job. This year, Barker just four years at the Thomas Jordan is returns for his senior school. gone. During his senior season and looks the part. season, Jordan totaled He’s grown into a 6-foot tall quarterback and gained some 44 receptions for 567 yards and five muscle to get up to 175 pounds. Raney touchdowns. Returning will be senior says he is an unbelievable kid with an Jalen McMillan and juniors Kenyon unbelievable talent. In the spring and Hines and MJ Rodgers. All three of summer, Barker has been making all those guys bring great athleticism and speed to the table and will be the throws and looks very polished. strong targets for Barker. During the spring and summer, it seems as if they RUNNING BACK Larry Wooden has graduated and formed a great relationship with their with him, the star running back quarterback. Jo Jo Dennis and Ryan will take 134 carries, 741 yards and Griffin, both seniors, will add depth 13 touchdowns, as well as 615 yards and compete for strong playing time as receiving. The Jags can take a deep well. breath, however, as D’arie Johnson is back for his senior season. He actually OFFENSIVE LINE While all of the offensive skill led Spain Park in rushing with 881

SPAIN PARK HIGH SCHOOL 2017 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 25

Gadsden City

Sept. 1

@ Muscle Shoals

Sept. 8

@ Vestavia Hills*

Sept. 15

Hoover*

Sept. 22

@ Mountain Brook*

Sept. 29

OPEN

Oct. 6

@ Huffman*

Oct. 13

Thompson*

Oct. 20

@ Tuscaloosa County*

Oct. 27

Oak Mountain*

Nov. 2

Minor * Region game

positions seem to be loaded, blocking for them will feature some challenges.

Spain Park will have to replace almost everybody from last year’s offensive line as Bredt Stover and Will Mullins have graduated, creating some concern especially depth wise, but Raney feels as if there is a lot of potential.

Casen Browning and Ryan Campbell will be the only two returning starters as the two prepare for a strong senior season. Joining them will be Jamie Simmons, who stands at 6-foot-5. Raney 2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

85

Jacob Pughsley

says he is still growing into his frame, but Simmons’ height and size give him no limit on the amount of success he can have and as just a junior, he could become one of the best linemen in the state over the next two years. Senior Abdul Deeb will also be a starter, but after that, Raney said there are five guys battling for one spot.

DEFENSIVE LINE As a sophomore, Cedric Tooson took the Spain Park defensive line by storm and although they lose a couple of key playmakers in Damon Wright and Douglas Henze; Tooson will make their absence feel less agonizing. Tooson came on strong last season accounting for 24 tackles, four sacks and one interception, while finishing second on the team with 11 tackles for loss.

While the defense as a whole is Raney’s biggest concern, Tooson will be looked upon as the leader of the group and is

86

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Braxton Barker

sure to get his teammates ready to play alongside him. Joining him on the line LINEBACKERS will be seniors Blake Hester, a Pelham Three-year starter Houston Hollis transfer, Jacob Pughsley, Robert Cook is gone and takes with him 57 tackles and Austin Muir. and eight tackles for loss. Other key

88

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

SPAIN PARK HIGH SCHOOL 2017 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

NO.

NAME

POSITION

1

D’arie Johnson

RB

Senior

43

Darnell Brown

DB

Sophomore

1

Cedric Tooson

DL

Junior

44

Wesley McDaniel

LB

Sophomore

2

Darian Stringer

RB

Senior

45

Creel Richardson

DB

Sophomore

2

Trevor Bernier

Punter

Sophomore

46

Zach Rushing

DB

Sophomore

3

Josh Denson

WR

Senior

47

William Vinson

WR

Sophomore

4

Luke Blackmon

WR

Senior

49

Kam Beckham

WR

Sophomore

4

Jade Jenkins

DB

Senior

50

William Mote

OL

Junior

5

Mason Pronk

QB

Junior

51

Jack Guthrie

OL

Sophomore

5

Mark Muir

DE

Senior

52

Donald Baylor

OL

Senior

6

Chris Mancill

DB

Sophomore

53

Dayton Hankins

OL

Sophomore

6

Jalen McMillan

WR

Senior

54

Brell Patterson

OL

Sophomore

7

Zach Robinson

LB

Senior

55

Ethan Prolsdorfer

OL

Junior

7

Braxton Barker

QB

Senior

56

James Schweer

DE

Senior

8

Ryan Griffin

WR

Senior

57

Claudio Sarniguet

OL

Junior

8

Clay Christian

DB

Senior

58

Caleb Foster

DL

Senior

9

Ronald Carl

WR

Senior

59

Goodwin Tidwell

LB

Sophomore

9

Joshua Stanton

DB

Junior

60

Chaze Bounds

OL

Sophomore

10

Josh Wallace

LB

Junior

64

Colton Punzel

OL

Junior

10

Michael Rogers

TE

Junior

65

David Shannon

OL

Senior

11

Kenyon Hines

WR

Junior

68

Ryan Campbell

OL

Senior

12

Harrison Barker

QB

Sophomore

69

Abdulrahman Deeb

OL

Senior

12

Krishad Offord

DB

Sophomore

70

Josh Mullins

OL

Junior

13

Jo Jo Dennis

WR

Senior

71

Casen Browning

OL

Senior

14

Jake Long

DB

Senior

74

Kevin Nguyen

OL

Sophomore

16

George Hill

QB

Sophomore

75

Michael Fowler

OL

Senior

18

Jake Carver

WR

Junior

76

Jaxon Bast

OL

Sophomore

19

Kam McDaniel

DB

Junior

77

Jayme Simmons

OL

Junior

20

Cole Starr

K

Senior

78

Jalen Johnson

OL

Senior

21

Kishawn Dawsey

DB

Junior

79

Cameron Young

OL

22

Colton Ledbetter

LB

Sophomore

80

Lee Miller

WR

Sophomore

23

Jalen Henderson

RB

Junior

82

Dolan Wilson

DB

Sophomore

24

Braxton Hall

DB

Junior

83

Ashanti Carter

TE

26

Victor Davis

RB

Senior

84

Neal Partin

P

Sophomore

27

Marcellus Payne

RB

Junior

85

Drew Hosemann

DB

Sophomore

28

Manny Austin

RB

Sophomore

86

Ben Rice

WR

Sophomore

29

Jacob Jenkins

RB

Sophomore

87

Michael Neal

WR

Sophomore

30

Tyrece Mickens

TE

Senior

89

Steven Pate

FB

Junior

31

Lionel Cook

WR

Junior

90

Layth Abusuad

DL

Junior

32

Robert Cook

DL

Senior

91

Jacob Pughsley

DL

Senior

33

Scott Moates

LB

Junior

92

DeQuarius Hill

DL

Sophomore

34

Chris Johnson

LB

Senior

93

Jake Horton

DE

Sophomore

35

Josh Burks

DB

Sophomore

94

Jay Tibbs

DL

Sophomore

36

Demillion Simms

DB

Sophomore

95

Richard Moses

LB

Sophomore

37

Khaleb Simmons

DB

Sophomore

96

Jaxson Lucas

DL

Sophomore

39

Darrien Lockhart

LB

Sophomore

97

Clifford Robinson

DL

Junior

40

Hayes Cole

LB

Senior

98

Zac Shaw

DE

Junior

41

Michael Callens

DB

Sophomore

99

Blake Hester

DL

Senior

42

Dre Robinson

LB

Junior

YEAR

Junior

Junior

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

89

JAGUAR FOOTBALL playmakers are gone from the position as well as the Jags have to replace all three starters. Senior Hayes Cole will be looked at as one of the leaders at the position along with junior Josh Wallace. Raney feels confident in the ability of those two guys, but after that, a battle between Scott Moates, Colton Ledbetter and Zach Robinson will take place for the third and final starting position.

SECONDARY Spain Park is coming off back-toback seasons with strong defensive performances allowing 10 points per game in 2015 and 18.3 in 2016; if they want another strong performance this year, the secondary will have to fill some big gaps. Demarrius Farmer, Jack Connell and Cameron Toyer are all gone and were leaders of the secondary last season. Juniors Kishawn Dawsey and Braxton Hall, along with Cameron McDonald will fill the cornerback position. Jaden Jenkins, Clay Christian and Banks Harland are all battling to determine

90

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

who will handle the starting safety handle the return game. duties.

SPECIAL TEAMS

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Braxton Barker, QB. D’arie Johnson While the Jags are still looking for a RB. Cedric Tooson, DL. punter, Cole Starr, son of soccer head coach Robert Starr, will handle all KEY LOSSES other kicking duties during his senior Larry Wooden, Damon Wright, year. McMillan and Johnson, both Thomas Jordan, Bredt Stover, Will speedy and elusive offensive guys will Mullins, Demarrius Farmer.

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

91

Joseph Ford

THOMPSON WARRIORS

H

ow can a football team go from two 5-5 seasons in a row to a favorite to win the 7A state championship, while battling in the toughest region in the state? They load themselves up with Division 1 worthy college athletes. That is just what the Thompson Warriors and head coach Mark Freeman have

92

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by KEITH MCCOY and ERIC STARLING

done in Alabaster.

In two years, Freeman has taken an 0-10 2014 team and molded them into a 5-5 team the last two seasons. In 2016, the Warriors finished 5-5, but were eight points away from an 8-2 (6-1) regular season as they lost three games by three points or less.

This year he has an offense that

is highlighted by new quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, younger brother of Alabama freshman Tua Tagovailoa, two returning running backs and an array of three-year starters at the wide out position. Defensively they lose a lot, specifically in the secondary, but return two of the best linebackers in the state as well as a top defensive

AHSAA 7A, Region 3 2016: 5-5 (3-4) Myles Brown

they’ll make a strong run at dethroning Hoover.

QUARTERBACK Tagovailoa, a junior, has come in from Hawaii and taken over as a true leader on the team. Freeman said his teammates have really taken to him and he has formed great relationships with each immediately. He came in and wanted to be a part of what the Warriors were doing, more so than focusing on himself and it shows by his closeness with backup quarterback Sawyer Pate, who is a year younger.

Tagovailoa has a rocket arm and can make all of the tight throws you need a lineman.

The hype is more than warranted quarterback to make. As a sophomore with a coach like Freeman, who holds in Hawaii, he threw for 3,919 yards, six state championships between the which was just 66 yards short of the AISA and AHSAA, having this level all-time passing record in the state, as of talent and a team returning with a well as 42 touchdowns. burning desire to win football games.

Bold statement says their 10-year RUNNING BACKS Thompson coaches have said playoff drought will come to an end and

Head Coach: Mark Freeman (Third year, 10-10) Assistants: Shawn Defoor, Mark Reaves, Tim Castille, Bradley Costanzo, Mike O’Berry, Kevin Todd, Conner McGavin, Wes Murphy, Jake Helveston, Jake Ganus Last region title: 2006 Last playoff game: 2014 THOMPSON HIGH SCHOOL 2017 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 25

Hapeville (Georgia) Charter

Sept. 1

OPEN

Sept. 8

Tuscaloosa County*

Sept. 15

Mountain Brook*

Sept. 22

@ Oak Mountain*

Sept. 29

Pelham

Oct. 6

@ Vestavia Hills*

Oct. 13

@ Spain Park*

Oct. 20

Huffman*

Oct. 27

@ Hoover*

Nov. 2

@ Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa * Region game

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

93

Jalen Rayam

Tagovailoa is extremely good in the play action game, which makes the running back position key. With two returning guys in junior Shadrick Byrd and senior Joseph Ford, not only will they help in the play action game, but also bring the ability to tote the rock to the end zone on any given play. Byrd returns as the team’s leading rusher with 750 yards and eight touchdowns on 123 attempts last

94

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

year as a sophomore. Ford is a little bit more of a heavy back standing at 5-foot10, 215 pounds and will help create the perfect one-two punch. Freeman said they have to honor the run this season if they want to be as good as they can be.

Holmes and Alondae Vasser. Who will be the leading receivers for the Warriors in 2017? Moe Edwards, Sam Holmes and Alondae Vasser. That’s right, they are all back to start for the third consecutive season, which is a dangerous combination to go along with the two returning running backs and one of the best quarterbacks in RECEIVERS Last year’s leading receivers for the country. Also joining them will be Thompson were Moe Edwards, Sam Montevallo transfer Ahmad Edwards,

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

95

who was injured all of last season with the Bulldogs, but was a Second Team All-State selection the year before as a sophomore. All of those guys will be seniors, but Michael Pettway, a sophomore with a lot of excitement around him, as well as Kyle Smoke and DJ Douglas will be young guys to help out.

OFFENSIVE LINE Junior left tackle Amari Kight is back to anchor the offensive line again and standing at 6-foot-7, 310 pounds with offers from several SEC schools, he will be tough for any defensive lineman to surmount.

Senior Alex Pearman will also return and be the leader of the group with Thompson has 10 his level of combined wins in e x p e r i e n c e . Mark Freeman’s first two seasons which Those two will matches the total from be joined by the previous four years junior center combined.

Seth McMillan as well as two more seniors in Seth Whitlock and Clayton Nichols.

Shadrick Byrd

10

DEFENSIVE LINE Another big body with several SEC looks will anchor down the defensive line as 6-foot-5, 315-pound Mackie McNeal is back to put fear into offensive backfields. Last year he accumulated

Missed the

GAME? We ’ v e g o t y o u c o v e re d .

V i s i t A l a b a s t e r Re p o r t e r. c o m to find out what happened u n d e r t h e Fr i d a y n i g h t l i g h t s .

96

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

THOMPSON HIGH SCHOOL 2017 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

NO.

NAME

POSITION

1

Myles Brown

DB

Senior

49

Carson Youngblood

DB

Sophomore

2

Josh Huner

WR

Senior

50

Owen May

ILB

Sophomore

3

Alondae Vasser

WR

Senior

51

Alex Pearman

OL

Senior

4

Jalen Bustamante

DB

Junior

52

Jeremy Lewis

OL

Junior

5

Jalen Rayam

OLB

Senior

53

Durell Russell

ILB

Sophomore

6

Will Conner

OLB

Junior

54

Colton Wren

LB

Senior

7

K.J. Robertson

OLB

Senior

55

Mason Crain

DE

8

Mo Edwards

WR

Senior

56

Sean Bustamante

OLB

9

Ahmad Edwards

WR

Senior

57

Alex Warner

DL

Sophomore

10

Sawyer Pate

QB

Sophomore

58

Ethan Herrell

OL

Sophomore

11

Sam Holmes

WR

Senior

59

Morgan Clinton

ILB

Sophomore

12

Taulia Tagovailoa

QB

Junior

60

Ethan Dunkin

OL

Junior

13

Shadrick Byrd

RB

Junior

61

Greg Inman

DL

Junior

14

Kyle Smoak

WR

Junior

62

Clayton Nichols

OL

Senior

15

Evan Clark

ILB

Senior

63

Nick Waldon

K

Junior

16

Justin Carter

DB

Senior

64

Samuel Serrato

K

Senior

17

Michael Pettway

WR

Sophomore

65

Evan McGuire

K

Sophomore

18

Elijah Clayton

DB

Junior

66

Aubrey Glidewell

OL

Junior

19

Cody Walker

DB

Senior

68

Seth Macmillan

OL

Junior

20

Tyrek Bivins

DB

Junior

70

Domonique Dollerson

OL

Senior

21

David Douglas

WR

Junior

71

Steve Villegas

OL

Sophomore

22

Josh Clinksale

RB

Senior

72

Christian Godfrey

OL

Sophomore

23

Brant Bivins

ILB

Senior

73

Dalton Lucas

OL

Sophomore

24

Darian Marcus

SS

Senior

75

Dylan Walker

OL

Sophomore

25

Ricky Martin

DB

Junior

76

Seth Whitlock

DE

Senior

26

Chris Hopkins

WR

Junior

77

Landon Hicks

OL

Junior

27

Chris Holt

DB

Senior

78

Amari Kight

OL

Junior

28

Kirstian Ellison

DB

Sophomore

79

Noah Tanner

OL

Sophomore

29

Gage Motes

DB

Junior

80

DeAnthony Sanderfer

WR

Sophomore

30

Sam Gaiters

RB

Sophomore

81

Andrew Barbour

WR

Sophomore

31

Shikeim Richards

DB

Sophomore

82

Brooks Conn

WR

Sophomore

32

William Browder

DB

Sophomore

83

Sy Garret

WR

Sophomore

33

Daelon Vesser

OLB

Sophomore

84

Micah Layton

WR

Sophomore

34

Joseph Ford

RB

Senior

85

Tyrek Howard

WR

Sophomore

35

Dorian Jones

DB

Sophomore

86

Brennen Grape

WR

Sophomore

36

Jerimiah Harrell

DB

Junior

87

Matthew Sims

WR

Senior

37

Gage McDaniel

DB

Sophomore

88

Devandis Smitherman

WR

Junior

38

Jonathan Smith

RB

Sophomore

89

Caleb Famer

HB

Sophomore

39

Kurtis Brown

RB

Sophomore

90

Mackie McNeal

DE

Senior

40

Taylor Campbell

DB

Sophomore

91

Eric Mizell

DE

Junior

41

Landon Sample

DL

Sophomore

92

Jamir Black

DL

Junior

42

Shaft Reese

WR

Junior

93

Zach Raines

DL

Sophomore

43

Carson Rockett

ILB

Sophomore

94

Damion Ugbo

NG

Sophomore

44

Brent Lowden

DB

Sophomore

95

Jacolbi Jones

NG

Sophomore

45

Kodie Robertson

OLB

Junior

96

K’Marion Hambright

NG

Freshman

46

Rondell Smith

OLB

Junior

97

Markeese McNeal

DL

Sophomore

47

Chandler Walker

DB

Sophomore

98

Rodney Dilbeck

NG

Junior

48

Roy El Everston

DE

Senior

99

Cordell Stephens

NG

Junior

YEAR

Junior Sophomore

GOOD LUCK WARRIORS! 2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

97

WARRIOR FOOTBALL one of the best returning free safeties in the state. While they are still trying to figure out who will surround him, Jalen Bustamante and Justin Carter seem to be strong candidates.

65 tackles including an unbelievable 17 tackles for loss and six sacks. He will be joined by junior Eric Mizell, who will take one of the defensive end positions.

In the 3-4 defense, Freeman said they are still waiting for that third guy to emerge on the line.

SPECIAL TEAMS

LINEBACKERS While they are still looking for that third guy on the defensive line, the linebacker corps will help fill any gap or worry. Jalen Rayam and KJ Robertson are both back to handle the outside linebacker spots as two of the best in the state. Rayam brings back 125 tackles, which ranked second on the team last year, three sacks, five pass break ups, 15 tackles for loss and one forced fumble. The inside linebacker position is the only place for concern as they lose Nick Mobley who led the team with 141 tackles last season including 23 tackles for loss. Will Browder and Grant Bivins will try to fill that loss.

Taulia Tagovailoa

from the secondary. Austin Davis, Ar’Shon Willis and Chris Lewis are all gone making it the biggest concern on defense. Returning, however, is possibly the best player from last year’s secondary, Myles Brown. Brown brings back a team-high seven interceptions SECONDARY Thompson will lose all but one starter and 14 pass break ups, making him

98

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Evan McGuire, a sophomore, is young, but seems to be the future when it comes to place kicking and kick offs.

He will be joined by Samuel Serrato to handle those duties, while the punting game is still a question mark. Brown and Edwards hold an unbelievable amount of athleticism and will most likely handle the return game, which Freeman knows needs to improve.

PLAYERS TO WATCH Taulia Tagovailoa, QB. Amari Kight, OL. Ahmad Edwards, WR. Shadrick Byrd, RB. Mackie McNeal, DL. Jalen Rayam, LB. KJ Robertson, LB. Myles Brown, DB.

KEY LOSSES Nick Mobley, Ar’Shon Willis, Austin Davis, Chris Lewis

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

99

J.T. Youngblood

VINCENT YELLOW JACKETS

W

iley McKeller returns for his second season as the head coach at Vincent after taking over a full rebuilding job in 2016. The Yellow Jackets showed they have a long way to go finishing 1-9 in McKeller’s first season, but improvement has and is being made.

100

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by DAWN HARRISON and KEITH MCCOY

Vincent was outscored 452-174 last year, giving up an average of 45.2 points per game and scoring just 17.4. While those numbers have to improve, the Yellow Jackets were only shut out once—in their first game last season—which was an improvement from the six the year before. They also only scored more than six points

twice in 2015, but improved to score more than 10 in eight games during 2016.

While it’s clear there is still work to be done, McKeller has a team back that only lost three seniors as all of the team’s best players will return. He knows it’s an up-hill battle, especially against teams like

AHSAA 2A, Region 5 2016: 1-9 (1-6) Head Coach: Wiley McKeller (Second year, 1-9) Assistants: Ted Gipson, Wes Johnson, Corey Goodson, Wayne Poole Austin Kirk

Last region title: 2006 Last playoff game: 2014 VINCENT HIGH SCHOOL 2017 SCHEDULE

13.5

at 6-foot-1, 245 pounds, LaFayette and Lanett, but but also carries a load he really likes his team’s of speed along with that chances to compete frame. McKeller said he against the majority of Vincent upped its has really seen Hardie their schedule. scoring average by turn up his intensity and 13.5 points per game thinks the junior can QUARTERBACK have a monster season in Last year, Dusty Davis in 2016 going from 3.9 to 17.4, which shows the backfield. A season came into the season Wiley McKeller has the ago, Hardie saw time on battling with Cole Fincher program headed in the the offensive line as well for the starting job, this right direction. as at linebacker showing year it is all Davis’ job his versatility. He will be as McKeller has made it clear he isn’t coming out this season backed up by a collection of young unless he gets injured. It’s a definite guys. confidence booster for the sophomore, who will also have a strong receiving RECEIVERS corps to help lessen the pressure.

The receiving position might be the Davis is a pro-style quarterback that, Yellow Jackets best position in 2017 according to his coach, “can spin the and it’s because of two-sport stars ball.” such as Zavien Kelley and Stanley Cooper. Both seniors that also play basketball, Kelley and Cooper add RUNNING BACK Chris Hardie returns for his junior athletic guys on the outside that can season and is possibly the best athlete go up and grab the ball. Kelley, like on this year’s squad. Hardie stands Hardie, is another one of those guys

DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 25

Pleasant Valley

Sept. 1

OPEN

Sept. 8

@ LaFayette*

Sept. 15

@ Lanett*

Sept. 22

Fayetteville*

Sept. 29

Sumiton Christian

Oct. 6

@ Woodland*

Oct. 13

@ Horseshoe Bend*

Oct. 20

Reeltown*

Oct. 27

Ranburne*

Nov. 3

@ Victory Christian * Region game

that is a difference maker on the team as he marks one of the returning starters at the position. Cooper adds another athletic body to match Kelley.

Behind those two guys will be 6-foot3 senior Dontrell Bruno, who has gained 35 pounds in the offseason and despite being in his first year on the team, his size and athleticism adds a lot of excitement. Robbie Albright will also get time at the position, but mainly as a tight end.

2017 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

101

VINCENT HIGH SCHOOL 2017 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

1

Zavien Kelley

WR/DB

Senior

22

Austin Kirk

LB

Senior

3

Stanley Cooper

WR

Senior

24

Jakob Walker

DB

Freshman

4

Kaleb Wilson

DB

Freshman

25

Keith Martin

LB

Senior

5

Jalon Rowe

RB

Freshman

30

Cobe McKenzie

DE

Freshman

6

Keandre Lykes

DB

Freshman

34

Matthew Edwards

DB

Freshman

7

Chris Hardie

RB

Junior

51

J.T. Youngblood

LB

Sophomore

8

Dontrell Bruno

LB

Senior

52

Walter Rowser

OL

Senior

9

Robbie Albright

DE/TE

Junior

53

Jackson McGinnis

OL

Sophomore

10

Caleb Scott

DB

Freshman

58

Torian Datcher

DL

Sophomore

12

Zack Martin

DL

Freshman

59

Braxton Scott

DL

Freshman

13

Treston Smith

DB

Sophomore

60

Drake Jobson

OL

Freshman

14

LaDonte McGregor

RB/S

Freshman

61

Evan Swain

DL

Freshman

15

Dusty Davis

QB

Sophomore

65

Ty Hall

OL

Senior

16

Zach Munoz

DB

Freshman

72

Martaviun Lawson

OL

Sophomore

18

Will Harvis

WR

Freshman

75

Blake Roberson

OL

Sophomore

20

Ryan Culliver

LB

Sophomore

78

Paul Albright

OL

Freshman

OFFENSIVE LINE Zeb McCord, who carried a frame of 6-foot-4, 275 pounds, has graduated and moved on to college. Despite losing the big man and having a young platoon of guys, McKeller has repeatedly said how good they can be. The only senior on the line will be 5-foot-11, 260-pound Ty Hall, who handled the right tackle position last year. He will be joined by several sophomores including J.T. Youngblood, Martaviun Lawson and Jackson McGinnis.

Youngblood stands at 6-foot-1, 250 pounds, but it’s not his size that excites the coaching staff, instead it’s his quick feet. Lawson and McGinnis both carry themselves around 6-foot2, 240 pounds, giving the Yellow Jackets four big guys on the line.

Torian Datcher will also probably defense. He will be joined on the ends get in the mix on the offensive line as by Hardie and Albright, who have both created a lot of excitement at the well. position. Last year, the Yellow Jackets struggled with rushing off the edge, DEFENSIVE LINE Datcher will definitely get time on but McKeller said both guys looked the defensive side of the ball as the strong during the spring and it’s not a team’s nose guard. McKeller referred concern going into this season. to him as the “fire hydrant” of the

LINEBACKERS Senior Austin Kirk, as well as Youngblood, will sure up the linebacker position in 2017. Kirk was moved to the position from the line because his feet were so quick that he would make more of an impact in the middle of the defense. Youngblood, along with Albright and Kelley, will be

GOOD LUCK yellow jackets!

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YELLOW JACKET FOOTBALL looked at as a leader on the defensive side of the ball because of his strong nose for the football.

SECONDARY Like the receiver position, McKeller feels confident in his secondary, mainly because a lot of those same guys will be splitting time at that position as well. Kelley will return as the leader of the defensive back position and brings back 43 tackles and four interceptions with him. He will be joined by freshman Ke’andre Lykes, who is physically mature for his age and a big hitter. Sophomore Treston Smith, who stands at 5-foot9, 130 pounds, adds another quick and athletic body at the position as well.

SPECIAL TEAMS A lot of positive things will be surrounding the Vincent special teams crew in 2017. Zach Martin, who has been kicking since seventh grade, is back yet again to handle place kicking and kick off duties for his junior season. Senior Keith Martin will continue to handle the job of long

snapper. A new face in Zach Munoz Zavien Kelly, WR/DB. Chris Hardie, will give the Yellow Jackets a punter RB/DE. Robbie Albright, TE/DE. J.T. this season, a luxury they didn’t have Youngblood, OL/LB. last year and has McKeller excited.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

KEY LOSSES Deandre Davis

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STATE RECORDS SHELBY COUNTY

AHSAA Football Individual Records OFFENSE - MOST POINTS SCORED, Season 204, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 2001 - T-34th OFFENSE - MOST POINTS SCORED, Career 620, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998-2002 - 8th OFFENSE - MOST TOUCHDOWNS SCORED, Season 34, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 2001 - T-42nd OFFENSE - MOST TOUCHDOWNS SCORED, Career 102, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998-2002 - 9th 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-37th OFFENSE - MOST POINTS KICKING, Game 15, Crosby Gray, Spain Park (15) vs. Thompson (14), 2015 - T-6th OFFENSE - MOST EXTRA POINTS KICKED, Season 68, Graham Wilson, Briarwood (of 73 attempts), 1998 - 25th OFFENSE - MOST EXTRA POINTS KICKED, Career 180, Graham Wilson, Briarwood, 1997-99 – T-11th OFFENSE - MOST EXTRA POINTS KICKED, Consecutive 53, Michael Proctor, Pelham, 1989-91 - 18th OFFENSE- MOST KICKOFF RETURNS FOR TOUCHDOWNS, Season 5, Jason Wilkins, Shelby County, 1997 – T-1st OFFENSE - MOST YARDS RUSHING, Season 2,281, Shontua Ray, Montevallo, 1997 (11 games) T-45th

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 – 43rd

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 OFFENSE - MOST PASSES COMPLETED, Game 32, Mason Duke, Spain Park vs. Oxford, 2013 - T-13th 31, Nick Mullens, Spain Park vs. Austin, 2012 - T-15th 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 PASSES COMPLETED, Career 594, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2004-07 - 7th 519, Tyler Watts, Pelham, 1994-97 - 13th OFFENSE - MOST TOUCHDOWN PASSES, Season 47, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2007 - 3rd 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 - 6th

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 - 39th 401, Mason Duke, Spain Park (52) vs. Thompson (28), 2014 – 43rd 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

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Coosa Valley ’84

Briarwood ’98

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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 - 38th 1,060, Bill Flowers, Pelham, 1999 – 63rd 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-6th DEFENSE - MOST TACKLES, Game 26, Ethan Simmons, Briarwood (14) vs. Vigor (13), 2012 – T-11th DEFENSE - MOST TACKLES, Season 285, Matthew Forester, Briarwood, 1998 - 1st DEFENSE - MOST TACKLES, Career 612, Matthew Forester, Briarwood, 1996-98 – 3rd DEFENSE - MOST FUMBLE RECOVERIES, Game 3, Jordan Carroll, Briarwood (32) vs. John Carroll (13), 2012 – 1st AHSAA Football Team Records COACHES WITH MOST STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS 3, Fred Yancey, Briarwood – T-13th 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-2nd 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 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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