Gridiron Guide 2021 - Elmore County

ANNUAL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

INSIDE:

• In-depth season previews • Rosters, schedules, team info • All-County preseason team

AUGUST 2021 A special supplement to The Wetumpka Herald & The Tallassee Tribune

2

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

GOOD LUCK TO ALL ELMORE COUNTY TEAMS! DRUG use is life abuse.

DON’T START - BE SMART

Bill Franklin Sheriff of Elmore County 8955 US Highway 231, Wetumpka, AL 36092

AUGUST 2021

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

AUGUST 2021

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

INSIDE:

• In-depth season previews • Rosters, schedules, team info • All-County preseason team

4

pa ge

ANNUAL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

BACK TO NORMAL Players, coaches ready for a full season of play

AUGUST 2021 A special supplement to The Wetumpka Herald & The Tallassee Tribune

ON THE COVER

6

page

Photos by Jake Arthur

This year’s cover story is about the challenges of the pandemic season and the fire teams have to get back to just playing the game they love this season.

Read more on Pages 4 and 5.

DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS Wetumpka’s experienced defense is being looked toward to lead the Indians to their first regional title since 2018

STAFF

THIRSTY TIGERS

Publisher Steve Baker

Chairman

Kenneth Boone

Advertising

Tippy Hunter, Advertising Director Marilyn Hawkins, Sales Manager Andy Carr, Account Manager

Circulation

12

Bradford seeks to lead Mustangs back to success of the past

Erin Burton Linda Ewing

Accounting

Lee Champion

Contributors

FINDING A NEW SPARK

20

pa ge

The Wetumpka Herald 127 Company Street Wetumpka, AL 36092 334-567-7811 www.thewetumpkaherald.com

18

Edgewood has chip on shoulder after being left out of rankings

Production

“It’s all about the audience.” — TPI

Smaller Panthers team more connected than ever

OVERLOOKED

Angela Mullins

Shelley McNeal Brian Tannehill

FAMILY TIES

page

Audra Spears, Art Director

RETURN TO FORM

page

Creative Services

16

Experienced Tallassee group looks to end playoff drought

page

Editorial

Jacob Holmes, News Editor Briana Wilson, Wetumpka Bureau Chief Carmen Rodgers, Tallassee Bureau Chief Dalton Middleton, Sports Editor Andy Anders, Regional Sports Director Siri Hedreen, Multimedia Reporter Cliff Williams, Staff Writer

10

page

Gridiron Guide is an annual publication of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. It is designed to highlight the local prep football teams in the Elmore County region.

Holtville looks to replace key offensive production

22

ge a p

PACKING COFFINS Reeltown leaving it all on the field to chase championship

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

4

Jake Arthur / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

Elmore County teams including Wetumpka (top), Holtville (above) and Edgewood (right) have been preparing during a relatively normal offseason, hoping to go uninterrupted by pandemic problems this year.

AUGUST 2021

RETURN NORMAL GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

AUGUST 2021

TO

Players, coaches ready to get back to regular schedules

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

C

OVID-19 plagued the 2020 football season worse than anyone could have imagined last fall, and now area coaches are hoping a sense of normalcy returns as the 2021 season gets started on Friday night.

When COVID hit in the spring of 2020, it ended the school year and the athletic year with it. With school done, spring football practice ended alongside it. That, however, was the least of troubles as players and coaches were quarantined for much of the summer.

When the fall came back and the school started, it seemed like everything might be back to normal, but that was not the case.

Games all across the state and area were canceled due to COVID outbreaks, which left some teams only playing a handful of games and even knocked some teams out of the playoffs.

In Elmore County alone, all six football teams had at least one game canceled due to COVID, while Holtville had two games canceled and Tallassee had three games canceled.

“Last year, you were always looking over your shoulder every day wondering who it’s going to be and wondering if we are going to play,” Holtville coach Jason Franklin said.

“Now, I think the nicest thing about this year is that you’re not having to do that. I know it’s still out there and there are new strains, but we don’t have to be looking over our shoulders at all times. That’s been a blessing.”

The Delta variant of COVID-19 is surging right now so teams are still taking precautions.

They aren’t quite the same level of precautions as teams used last year, but teams

are still trying to fight the virus.

The Wetumpka coaches, for example, are still encouraging all of their players to wear masks during school and they are still cleaning and sanitizing equipment like they were last year. When it comes to the vaccine, head coach Tim Perry is leaving that to the families to make that decision.

“We are still taking precautions, but it feels pretty good to get back to what we considered normal before the pandemic and COVID,” Perry said. “Even though we aren’t completely relaxed, we are much more relaxed from last year and are able to practice normally.”

Some of the precautions that teams took last year made it to where the teams couldn’t practice normally. Teams had to enter practices in waves. They had to dress and workout in groups, with one kid per rack in the weight room. While some kids worked out, the others sat separated in different rooms.

When the kids finally got onto the field for practices, they were sent to separate stations with few kids in each group that had to stay spread out. Coaches would have to scream as loud as they could just for every player to hear what they had to say.

When practice ended, kids were immediately sent home and were not allowed to linger and hang out with each other.

This year, practice has somewhat returned to normal.

Kids are back in huddles, and there are no restrictions going on for team meetings anymore. And when practice ends, players are allowed to interact and just have fun again.

“The kids seem like they’re having more fun again,” Stanhope Elmore coach Brian Bradford said. “Last year wasn’t fun. The kids just didn’t enjoy it like they did in past years and like they are this year. Now they can actually interact and be kids. They want to play and the reason they play football is to have fun. Last year was just going through the

motions and moving on.”

The return to some sense of normalcy will also help the skill level of teams across the board.

Last year, teams were not able to practice until fall camp started. They couldn’t learn their identities, and younger kids had less time to prove they deserved a spot amongst the upperclassmen.

This summer, teams were able to start summer workouts early in June. Tallassee, for example, practiced or worked out four times a week all summer while only taking a break for the 4th of July and the AHSAA All-Star Week.

The kids are showing up more frequently, and there’s a large sense or urgency that head coach Mike Battles Jr. has seen.

“It’s been so good just having the kids around this summer,” Battles said. “There’s a sense of urgency to them, and I think they now understand that this thing can be taken away from them pretty quick. You better get out here and you better play. You better not waste a practice or rep. We’ve tried to preach that as a coaching staff.”

While things are getting back to a sense of normalcy among teams and practices around the area, there is still a chance that COVID19 and its variants can strike any team at any given time.

Cases are surging all across the south, and COVID has proved to be quite unpredictable, no matter how prepared someone is for it.

Coaches and players are business as usual as they move towards the start of the season, and they’re all hoping it doesn’t cause any more issues this year.

“With the new variant out there, it’s always in the back of your mind that it’s going to happen again and games will be canceled,” Bradford said. “I had someone tell me the other day that we probably only have three weeks, so we better make the most of the first few games in case it happens again.”

5

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

6

AUGUST 2021

File / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

Wetumpka’s Dylan Price runs the ball last season and will help anchor the linebacker corps in 2021.

WETUMPKA INDIANS

Experienced defense set to lead Wetumpka

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

T

here’s always high expectations surrounding the Wetumpka Indians football program, but those expectations could rise even higher with the amount of returning experience the 2021 squad brings to the table.

Wetumpka is coming off a 5-6 season where it went 4-2 in Class 6A, Region 3 and lost in the first round of the playoffs to Opelika. The Indians, however, are returning eight starters on the defensive side of the ball and have expectations of winning a regional title for the first time since 2018.

“We have high expectations every year, but we are expecting our defense to play at a high level,” Wetumpka coach Tim Perry said. “A lot of these guys on the defense are three-year starters and are now seniors. That experience should help us play at a high level. We’re excited for them this year.”

Five of the returning defensive starters are entering their third year as a starter, and they’ve all seen the highs and the lows. In 2019, those five as sophomores gave up 29.9 points per game, but that team improved that number in the COVID-stricken 2020 season.

Last year, the Indians allowed only 26.5 points per game on defense. Wetumpka was even better in region play, allowing just 23 ppg as the Indians went 4-2. One loss came via a forfeit due to COVID. “To be successful at this level, you have to play well in every phase of the game,” Perry said. “You have to play well on both sides of the ball. Obviously, you have to come up with stops on defense. You have to take away what your opponent does the best and force them to be uncomfortable, so you have to play well on defense to do stuff like that.”

The experience from multi-year starters will be crucial for Wetumpka’s success this year as

linebackers Dylan Price and Lamarius Jackson, safety Tre Seabon, cornerback Avery Thomas and defensive lineman Steven Nolan are all entering their third year as a starters.

Returning along with them are second-year starters cornerback Amaerion Hampton, defensive tackle Quenterious Gill and defensive end Imarius Roberts.

The offense does not return as much experience, and the Indians have a lot of production to replace. Last year’s starter at quarterback, Robert Rose, is no longer with the program.

Replacing him at the helm of the offense will be sophomore Nathan Rogers, last year’s junior varsity starter.

“He has really surpassed our expectations of how fast he’s picked up the offense,” Perry said.

“Each day he is getting better and getting more comfortable. We are excited about the progress he has made.”

See WETUMPKA • Page 9

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

AUGUST 2021

7

WETUMPKA ROSTER No.

Name

Position

Grade

1 2 4 5 6 8 9 10 10 11 11 12 13 14 14 15 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 21 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 28 29 29 30 30 31 32 33 33 34 34 35

Justin Crumbaugh LB Jr. Quinn Wilson RB Sr. Dorian Jackson WR Jr. Michael Dillard RB So. Dylan Price LB Sr. Nathan Rogers QB So. Steven Nolen DT Sr. Quashawn Wright WR Jr. Morion Dorsey S Fr. Jamarion Thrasher WR So. Jushon Fleming WR Fr. Malik Owens WR So. Timothy George WR Fr. Quamarques Birmingham CB Sr. Tyler Smith-Marable LB Fr. Amaerion Hampton CB Sr. Tyler Johnson QB Fr. Tyler Mann QB So. Landarius Smoke S Fr. Derrick Smith WR Sr. Clenangelo Peake WR/RB Fr. Imarius Roberts DE Sr. Lige Westbrook CB Fr. Amarious Johnson Wr Fr. Kadarious Brown S Jr. Micah Bigelow LB Fr. Davin Lee CB So. Kelby Walker LB Fr. Lucas Price LB So. Tristan Bennett S Jr. Tre Seabon S Sr. Xander Walker CB Jr. Stone Minnifield RB Sr. Tensley Stever CB Fr. Rian Young S Jr. Dylon Marshall RB Fr. Amaris Jones RB So. Ethan Bailey DE Fr. Camden Benson CB Fr. RJ Harris DT Jr. Lamarius Jackson LB Sr. Julian Johnson DB Fr. Corey Lawrence LB So. Grant Weighall K/P Fr. Jayden Bennett DB So.

2021 Wetumpka schedule Aug. 20 – PRATTVILLE Aug. 27 – at Tallassee Sept. 3 – at Helena* Sept. 10 – at Hillcrest Sept. 17 – BENJAMIN RUSSELL* Sept. 24 – at Greenville Oct. 1 – at Pelham* Oct. 8 – CHILTON COUNTY* Oct. 15 – at Calera* Oct. 22 – STANHOPE ELMORE* Oct. 29 – BYE * - region game HOME GAMES IN ALL CAPS

No. 36 37 38 39 41 42 43 44 45 48 49 50 51 52 53 53 54 54 55 56 57 59 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 68 70 71 72 74 75 77 77 81 83 85 86 88 89 93

Name

Position

Grade

Landon Oswald DB So. Bradley Mustin CB Fr. Dasean Smoke LB Jr. Rafael Tillman DB So. Austin Turner LB Sr. Adrian Gipson WR Sr. Ethan Blake LB So. Christopher Lucas DB So. Quinton Jones DB Fr. Ethan Moore OL So. Finn Southwick LB So. Timothy Rogers DT So. Carter Ruffin DT Fr. Jay Buckhanon G Sr. Brady Amerson C Jr. Camari Bowman DE Fr. Charles Dennis DT So. Tavon Grays OT Fr. Clark Barker G So. David Shoemake OT Fr. Quenterious Gill DT Jr. Jaylon Rawls DT Jr. Charles Edwards DT Jr. Patrick Barfoot OT So. Cooper Wheat DT So. Jacobie Jenkins OT Jr. Jose Agustin C Fr. James Brasher DE Jr. Kalin Williams OT Sr. Amari Jackson G Fr. Aiden Glass OT So. Breylin Young OT Sr. Lexton Hollenquest OT Fr. Jerrold Lovejoy G Jr. Chase Maclean G Fr. Willie Cox G Jr. Christian Mendoza G Fr. Alex Londell K Sr. Boone Westbrook LB Jr. Logan Weighall PK/P Jr. PJ Merkerson DE/TE Sr. Kaden Cook WR So. Gabe Myrick PK So. Tyler McIntyre DL So.

WETUMPKA INDIANS at a glance Coach: Tim Perry, 10th season, 64-43 overall Class, Region: Class 6A, Region 3, lost to Opelika in first round of playoffs Last year: 5-6, 4-2 in Class 6A, Region 3 Returning Starters: Dorian Jackson (JR., WR); Stone Minnifield (SR., RB) Jacobie Jenkins (JR., OT); Alex Londell (SR., K); Logan Weighall (JR., P); Tre Seabon (SR., S); Avery Thomas (SR., CB); Amaerion Hampton (SR., CB); Dylan Price (SR., LB); Lamarius Jackson (SR., LB); Steven Nolen (SR., DT); Quenterious Gill (JR., DT); Imarius Roberts (SR., DE) Class Distribution: 20 seniors, 19 juniors, 26 sophomores, 32 freshmen Stadium Name: City of Wetumpka Sports Complex Stadium Stadium Location: 2350 Coosa River Parkway, Wetumpka, AL 36092

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

8

AUGUST 2021

File / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

Left: Payton Stephenson (3) goes in for a touchdown against Holtville. Middle: Holtville’s Shawn Brackett is brought down by Marbury defenders. Right: Tallassee’s Jalyn Daniels (3) tries to outrun Beauregard’s Kelvin Malloy.

OFFENSE QB: Payton Stephenson, Elmore County, Jr. The dual-threat quarterback accumulated 1,466 offensive yards and 15 touchdowns in nine games last season. He’s expected to be a bigger threat this season.

RB: Jalyn Daniels, Tallassee, Sr. Daniels rushed for 1,041 yards and 14 touchdowns on only 104 carries last year, and the speedster showed off his abilities with a 4.37 40-yard dash this summer.

RB: Stone Minnifeld, Wetumpka, Sr. Minnifield suffered a seasonending injury last year, but is fully healthy and one of the top returning running backs in the county.

WR: Jackson Thomas, Stanhope Elmore, Jr. Thomas, at 6-foot-3, played mostly in the slot last year and finished the 2020 season as the team’s second-leading receiver.

WR: Dorian Jackson, Wetumpka, Jr. Jackson is Wetumpka’s only returning wide receiver and had a big sophomore year filled with touchdowns and flashy catches.

TE: Conner Gregg, Stanhope Elmore, Sr. Gregg was Stanhope’s No. 2 tight end behind last year’s All-County tight end Chase Edding. This year, Gregg moves into the primary role in the offense.

OL: Jawon McCurty, Tallassee, Sr. McCurty was a crucial piece of

Tallassee’s rushing attack, especially with running back Jalyn Daniels averaging 10 yards per rush. He will help pave the way for that rushing attack again.

OL: Jacobie Jenkins, Wetumpka, Jr. Jenkins is the lone starter returning to Wetumpka’s offensive line, and the experienced offensive tackle will move from the right side of the line to the left this year.

OL: Colton Jones, Edgewood Academy, Sr. Jones started every game at center last season, and earned AllCounty and All-State honors for his performance. This year, he will take on a new role and move to one of the tackle positions.

OL: Alex Barajas, Stanhope Elmore,Sr. Alex Barajas is one of the best returning offensive linemen in the county, and he’s showcased his talents in each of the last two seasons. He will start guard for the third-straight season.

OL: Myles Eyerly, Elmore County, Jr. Eyerly plays on both sides of the ball for the Panthers, but will serve as the team’s top lineman this season. He is one of the toughest and biggest leaders on the team.

ATH: Shawn Brackett, Holtville, Jr. Brackett started multiple games last year and now takes over as the primary running back and will be the Bulldogs’ leading skill player returning.

2021 All-County Preseason Team Compiled by Dalton Middleton

DEFENSE DL: Jordan May, Tallassee, Sr. Jordan May, at 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds, has shown that he excels at getting to the quarterback off the edge. He highlights a defensive line that features three returning starters.

DL: Steven Nolen, Wetumpka, Sr. Nolen is a three-year starter showed his might inside last season as a defensive tackle, and was named to the All-County team for his efforts.

DL: Cooper Mann, Holtville, Sr. Mann was a force in the backfield last season. He recorded 22 tackles for loss and four sacks while recovering four fumbles in an All-County campaign.

DL: Caleb Foster, Stanhope Elmore, Sr. Foster produced mightily last season and excelled at defensive end as he recorded 67 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and four sacks.

LB: Zavion Carr, Tallassee, Sr. Carr is one of the best returning outside linebackers in the area and headlines a talented linebacker crew that returns four starters.

LB: Lamaris Jackson, Wetumpka, Sr. Jackson earned All-County honors last season for his impressive junior campaign where he finished with 32 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, and a pass breakup.

LB: Mikey Forney, Holtville, Sr.

Forney will go down as one of the top tacklers in the history of Alabama. In an extremely impressive junior campaign, Forney recorded a career-high 131 tackles and added 13 tackles for loss with them.

LB: JT Brazzell, Edgewood Academy, Sr. Brazzell will star on both sides of the ball for Edgewood Academy, but he shined on the defensive side of the ball last year and was named to the All-County team for his efforts.

DB: Cortrell Mandosia, Stanhope Elmore, Jr. Mandosia is one of three defensive backs that return for Stanhope, and head coach Brian Bradford is expecting big things from him in his second year as a starter.

DB: John Williamson, Holtville, Sr. After finding his groove as a defensive back last year, Williamson finished with a countyleading three interceptions and returned one for a touchdown. He also had eight tackles for loss.

DB: Tre Seabon, Wetumpka, Sr. As a junior last season, Seabon was named to the All-County team after recording 26 tackles, three interceptions and two pass breakups.

DB: Pat Williams, Stanhope Elmore, Sr. Pat Williams was named All-County for his efforts last season and is entering his third season as a starter. He is one of three talented defensive backs returning for the Mustangs this year.

AUGUST 2021

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

Wetumpka

9

continued from Page 6

File / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

Stone Minnifield’s season was cut short last year after an injury, but he returns to Wetumpka as an All-County preseason pick at running back.

In the backfield, Stone Minnifield and Quinn Wilson both return to lead the rushing attack.

In the passing game, Dorion Jackson is the lone returning receiver but Perry expects the Indians to have a very solid rotating receiving corps.

Junior Quashawn Wright, senior D.J. Smith, sophomore Michael Dillard, sophomore Jamarion Thrasher, sophomore Malik Owens, and senior tight end P.J. Merkerson are all set to be in the rotation.

“The thing we have about receivers is that everyone wants to be a starter, but we’ve told the guys that we have several guys who can contribute,” Perry said. “So we look at, as coaches, is that we want to rotate guys in and out and take advantage of each one’s skillset.”

The offensive line also only returns one starter, tackle Jacobie Jenkins, but is expecting a plethora of players to step up as well. Jenkins played right tackle last year, but will move over to the left side of the line this year and start left tackle.

Sophomore Clark Barker is expected to take over at center, junior Jerrold Lovejoy will be at left guard, senior Hunter Schmick is at right guard after playing linebacker last year, while junior Jaylon Rawls is at right tackle. Rawls was also a defensive player last year.

On special teams, Wetumpka returns both its punter and kicker from last year. Junior Logan Weighall is returning after averaging 42.3 yards per punt last year while senior kicker Alex Londell also returns. Londell has made up to a 52-yard field goal this offseason.

10

TALLASSEE TIGERS GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

AUGUST 2021

Experienced group looks to end playoff drought

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

T

he Tallassee football team has missed the postseason in three consecutive years, but head coach Mike Battles knows there are no excuses for this upcoming season.

Tallassee, which is led by Battles in his 10th season as head coach, returns nearly every starter from a year ago. The Tigers return nine starters on the offensive side of the ball, including four offensive linemen and third-year quarterback Tyler Ellis, while eight starters return on the defensive side of the ball.

“We have to win,” Battles said.

“That’s simple enough. The kids understand that. Every time we got rolling last year, something happened. The only way you get back to where we need to be is to win ballgames. The proof is in the pudding. You have to win. That’s just the way it is.”

The Tigers lost the first three games of the season last year, but won two straight Class 5A, Region 4 games before COVID struck. With a 2-1 record in region play, Tallassee had to forfeit two consecutive games, which knocked the Tigers out of playoff contention.

The first game back was against the two-time defending state champion, Central Clay County, and Tallassee had only one-and-and-ahalf days of practice to prepare for them. That loss put the Tigers with a 2-7 record entering the final week of play, which ended in a COVIDforfeit win for Tallassee.

Battles knows 3-7 isn’t indicative of what his team brings to the table, and he hopes to prove that this year.

“I have great expectations for us,” Battles said. “We should win.

There’s no excuses this year. We should have a good football team.

We have kids out there that have been playing for three or four years.

All these guys were thrown out there as 9th and 10th graders. They had to go fight and took some lumps, but now it’s their time. I fully expect for us to be competitive in every game we play.”

Tallassee’s success will start up front. The Tigers return four starting

File / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

Tallassee’s Jaylen Daniels and Logan Tompkins celebrate after a touchdown against Bullock County last season.

offensive linemen, and only lost the starting center from last year. Jake Purdue starts at right tackle, Jawon McCurty starts at right guard, Logan Thompkins starts at left guard and Max Moore starts at left tackle.

All four returning starters are seniors, and the center taking over is junior Austin Gray.

“I’ve never had a good football team, and I’ve had a bunch of good ones, that did not have a good offensive line that served as the nucleus as the team,” Battles said.

“They are the most selfless people there are.”

Behind the offensive line is a talented backfield that features junior Tyler Ellis entering his third year as starting quarterback. Battles has seen Ellis greatly improve since last season, and Ellis has a talented

running back group to help ease his job.

Jalyn Daniels will start at running back. Daniels, who was named All-County last year for his 1,041 yards and 14 touchdowns on only 104 carries, has six Division I offers already and looks to continue carrying the bulk of the load.

Daniels is a speedster, and Battles recently clocked him running a 4.37 40-yard dash. Earlier this summer, he ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at a Samford camp.

On the defensive side of the ball, Tallassee will once again be strong on the line. Seniors Jordan May and Quintin Thomas will start at defensive ends, while junior Micah Cole will start at nose guard.

Both middle linebackers and both outside linebackers return as well.

Marciano Smith and JT Wilson will play inside while Zavion Carr and Luke Burette will play on the outside.

The biggest weakness Tallassee will have is in the secondary, where the only returning starter is senior cornerback JaQuavious Lackey. Battles has some players he is expecting to step up in the secondary, however — junior Dontae Leonard, sophomore Cade Everson, and junior James Bender.

“Those guys have done a lot of things for us, but they’re going to be first-year starters,” Battles said.

“I think they’re going to be good.

They’re going to be really talented but practice isn’t a game. They’re good players but they’ll have to get out there and make sure they don’t make mistakes early on.”

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

AUGUST 2021

11

2021 Tallassee schedule

TALLASSEE TIGERS at a glance

Aug. 19 – at Reeltown Aug. 27 – WETUMPKA Sept. 3 – BYE Sept. 10 – at Sylacauga* Sept. 17 – ELMORE COUNTY* Sept. 24 – PIKE ROAD Oct. 1 – at Beauregard* Oct. 8 – at Talladega* Oct. 15 – at Holtville* Oct. 22 – CLAY CENTRAL* Oct. 29 – CARROLL

Coach: Mike Battles Jr., tenth season, 63-37 overall Class, Region: Class 5A, Region 4 Last year: 3-7, 2-4 in Class 5A, Region 4; missed postseason Returning Starters: Tyler Ellis (Jr., QB); Jalyn Daniels (Sr., RB); JT Wilson (Sr., FB); Jake Purdue (Sr., RT); Jawon McCurty (Sr., RG); Austin Gray (Jr., C); Logan Thompkins (Sr., LG); Max Moore (Sr., LT); Clayten Gough (Sr., WR); Dontae Leonard (Jr., WR); JaQuavious Lackey (Sr., WR/CB); Jordan May (Sr., DE); Micah Cole (Jr., NG) Quintin Thomas (Sr., DE); Marciano Smith (Sr., LB); JT Wilson (LB, Sr.); Zavion Carr (Sr., OLB); Luke Burette (Jr., OLB); Class Distribution: 20 seniors, 12 juniors, 12 sophomores, 19 freshmen Stadium Name: J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium Stadium Location: 302 Gilmer Avenue, Tallassee, AL 36078

* - region game HOME GAMES IN ALL CAPS

TALLASSEE ROSTER No.

Name

Position

Grade

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 33 34 39 41

Zavion Carr RB/LB Sr. Marciano Smith RB/LB Sr. Jalyn Daniels RB/DB Sr. Clayten Gough QB/DB Sr. Jordan May DE/TE Sr. Devonatae Tyus DB/WR Sr. JT Wilson RB/LB Sr. JaQuavious Lackey DB/WR Sr. Quintin Thomas DE Sr. Tyler Ellis QB/DB Jr. Bryson Rigsby QB/DB Fr. Russell Phillips LB/WR Sr. Luke Burdette LB/TE Jr. Dontae Leonard RB/DB Jr. Ziggy Holloway WR/DB So. Josh Johnson RB/LB Jr. Cade Everson QB/DB So. Josh Griffin RB/DB Fr. Tyler Crutchfield WR/DB Sr. Joseph Hooks RB/DB Fr. Mason Stewart WR/DB Jr. Clay Johnson K Sr. Shawn Ward WR/DB Fr. James Bender RB/DE Jr. Travarious Langford DB/LB Jr. Troupe Crestwell WR/DB Jr. Keyundre Brown DE Sr. Rutland Phillips WR/DB Jr. Jordan Holifield DB/WR So. Josh Boatwright LB/TE Jr. Rush Wright WR/DB Fr. Devin Stiff LB/TE Sr.

COUSINS INSURANCE AGENCY 234 HILL STREET T EL : 334.567.8493

•

WETUMPKA, ALABAMA

E MAIL : CIA@C OUSINS I NS . COM

No.

Name

Position

Grade

42 44 45 47 50 52 54 55 56 58 59 60 62 63 64 65 68 70 71 72 73 75 77 78 79 80 81 84 90 92 99

Jayquavios Terry DB/WR Fr. Mason Battles LB/SP Fr. Christian McCary RB/DB So. Nick Chandler LB/TE Fr. Ta’Kary Ford DL/OL So. Austin Gray OL/DL Jr. Jatown Griffin DL/OL So. Caleb Segrest LB/OL So. Collin Griggs LB/TE Sr. Monzavious Hooks OL/DL So. Ben Carwile OL/DL So. Jake Purdue OL/DL Sr. Carter Sayers OL/DL Fr. Marquez Freeman OL/DL Fr. Logan Thompkins OL/DL Sr. Brody Wisener OL Fr. Travis Wilkinson LB/OL Fr. Jawon McCurty OL Sr. Braxton McClain OL Fr. Zy’Quan Hinds OL Fr. Max Moore OL Sr. Micah Cole DL/OL Jr. Willie Ross DL/OL Fr. Braden Arnold OL/DL So. Zairen Lattimore DL/OL Fr. Camden Payne LB/TE Sr. Brody Ellis WR/DB So. Jamarion Smith WR/DB So. Damais Riley DE Fr. Hunter Murphy DE Fr. Eli Whittington DE Fr.

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

12

AUGUST 2021

STANHOPE ELMORE MUSTANGS Stanhope Elmore’s Caleb Foster (8) tackles an Opelika running back.

Bradford looks to get back to successful ways

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Stanhope Elmore head football coach Brian Bradford isn’t happy with the way his team underachieved last year, and now the Mustangs are entering the 2021 season with a chip on their shoulders.

Stanhope finished the 2020 season with a 5-6 overall record and a 4-2 record in Class 6A, Region 3. That was good enough for a third-place finish in region play, but the team was quickly eliminated by Eufaula in the first round of the playoffs.

Last season was Stanhope’s first losing season since 2017 and followed a 2019 season where the Mustangs finished 9-3 and hosted and won a playoff game. Bradford wants his team back at that level for the 2021 season.

“One good thing about being at Stanhope

Elmore is that we always expect great things out of the kids,” Bradford said. “Last year, we felt like we underachieved, so that’s kind of looming over us. We want to go out and get back to where we were before.”

Four of the six losses that Stanhope Elmore suffered last season came by 10 points or less, and three of them were by a touchdown or less. The year before, Stanhope was winning those one-possession games.

Part of that, Bradford believes, was COVID-19 messing with team morale.

He said last year his team didn’t have the same “family” mentality that it had in the past. But with 13 starters returning, seven on offense and six on defense, Bradford is confident his team can get back to winning those one-possession games instead of losing.

See STANHOPE • Page 14

File / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

2021 Stanhope Elmore schedule * - region game Aug. 21 – OPELIKA Aug. 28 – PRATTVILLE Sept. 4 – BENJAMIN RUSSELL * Sept. 11 – at Pelham * Sept. 18 – CHILTON COUNTY * Sept. 25 – at Eufaula Oct. 2 – at Calera * Oct. 9 – BYE Oct. 16 – at Helena * Oct. 23 – WETUMPKA * Oct. 30 – SMITHS STATION * - region game HOME GAMES IN ALL CAPS

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

AUGUST 2021

Position

13

STANHOPE ELMORE ROSTER

No.

Name

Grade

1 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 33 34 35 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 45 46

Pat Williams DB Sr. Darrion Clemons DL Sr. Fred Bass LB Sr. Jackson Thomas WR Jr. Cortrell Mandosia DB Jr. Avion Miles DL Sr. Caleb Foster DL Sr. Kaleb Bristow LB So. JaShawn Mays DB Jr. Josiah Scott QB Jr. Israel Baker WR Jr. Jacob Bryant QB So. Colton Walls QB Jr. Hunter Adams WR Jr. Colby Beyer K Fr. Jakobe Smith DB Sr. Carter Smith WR Jr. Orenthal Martin DB So. Antonio Trone RB Jr. Aurthor Mcqueen RB Fr. Ortez Morris DB So. Christian McNeil DB Sr. Germain Edwards RB So. Davion Thomas RB Jr. Deshun Caffey DB So. Jared Cherry DB Sr. Donnie Arnold DB So. James Greenlee DB Sr. Kneikao Jackson WR So. Conner Gregg; TE Sr. Zylan Foulks DB Fr. Romney Henry QB Fr. Jaiden Heath DB Fr. Karnovious Cunningham DB So. Jelan Smith RB Jr. Chris Watkins LB Sr. Jermaine Ray DB So. Jose Roblero DB Sr. Edwardo Roblero DB Jr. CJ Jackson LB So. Cade Nichols TE Jr. Aiden Frufaut TE Fr. Christian Turner DB Jr. Nathon Moats WR Fr. Bradley Morgan WR Fr.

No.

Name

Position

Grade

47 48 49 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 59 60 61 62 64 65 66 70 71 72 73 75 76 77 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 94 95 96 97 99

Kameron Anderson TE Fr. Brandon Jackson WR Jr. Quinterris Rivers WR Fr. Brandon Voltz DB Fr. Darien Smoke LB Fr. Aveon Johnson OL Jr. Xavier Foxhall DL Fr. Devin Gipson OL Jr. Jamie Parker OL Jr. Davion Brown OL Jr. O’Brian Harris LB Fr. Asher Brendelson LB Jr. Keishawn Croley DL Fr. Donald Brownfield OL So. Haedon Hughes OL So. Alfonaso Mendoza OL Fr. Layton Cooper OL So. Jacob Reeves OL Sr. Jackson Tristen OL Fr. Hayden Cord OL So. Irian Walls LB Fr. David Fields OL Sr. Cameron Hodge OL Fr. Alex Barajas OL Sr. Justin Thickland DL Jr. Charlie Plaisance OL Fr. Jayden Marshall OL So. Nick Jockisch WR So. Will Smith WR Fr. Andrew Wilson K Jr. Eli Winsett WR Fr. Jacorey Nobels WR Jr. Tevin Landrum WR Jr. Dekamron Jones WR Jr. Alex Cortez WR Jr. Chris Hardy WR Jr. Damarion Taylor WR Jr. Curtis King DL Fr. Thomas Williams DL So. Kristin Mullins DB Jr. Jaquize Buycks DL Jr. Terry Burke DL Jr. Desmond Barnes DL Fr. Damarreyan Colston DL Fr. Kameron Stokes DL Jr.

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

14

STANHOPE ELMORE MUSTANGS at a glance Coach: Brian Bradford, fifth season, 25-20 overall Class, Region: Class 6A, Region 3 Last year: 5-6, 4-2 in Class 6A, Region 3; lost to Eufaula in first round of playoffs Returning Starters: Pat Williams (Sr., DB); Fred Bass (Sr., LB); Jackson Thomas (Jr., WR); Cortrell Mandosia (Jr., DB); Caleb Foster (Sr., DE); JaShawn Mays (Jr., DB); Antonio Trone (Jr., RB), Conner Gregg (Sr., TE); Jamie Parker (Jr., OL); Davion Brown (Jr., OL); Jacob Reeves (Sr., OL); Alex Barajas (Sr., OL); Jaquize Buyucks (Jr., DL) Class Distrubution: 14 seniors, 32 juniors, 19 sophomores, 25 freshmen Stadium Name: Foshee-Henderson Stadium Stadium Location: 4300 Main St, Millbrook, AL 36054

Stanhope “Last year, we just didn’t get to bond like that, and it’s not the kids’ fault at all,” Bradford said. “There was just so much uncertainty and separation between everybody. That was just the situation we were in. So this year, we are focusing more back on the team, family, and playing for each other. I feel like we will be back where we should be.”

One of the biggest positions where players need to play together is the offensive line, and that should be Stanhope’s strength this season.

Four starters return from last year. The line will feature three seniors, two of which have been three-year starters.

Those two players are guard Alex Barajas and left tackle Jacob Reeves, while juniors Jamie Parker and Davion Brown are also returning starters.

“If you have a good front, you have a chance,” Bradford said. “That’s the way we’ve always wanted to be. We’re expecting a good bit out of them and that’s where our leaders are at. That’s where the game is won.”

In the backfield, junior Antonio Trone returns at running back and will continue to serve as Stanhope’s workhorse. Trone played a lot as a freshman but suffered an injury last year and missed time. Davion Thomas will also play at running back.

Jackson Thomas will be the top receiver coming back for the Mustangs. At 6-foot-3 and 180 pounds, he played in the slot and

AUGUST 2021

continued from Page 12 was the team’s second leading receiver last year. Sophomore Kneikao Jackson and Tevin Landrum will also play big roles.

Sophomore Jacob Bryant has taken most of the No. 1 reps at quarterback this preseason after playing sparingly as a freshman last year. Michael described Bryant as a smart quarterback and said he does a good job of managing the ball and not forcing turnovers.

On the defensive side of the ball, three players in the secondary return to lead the defense. Pat Williams, Cortrell Mandosia and JaShawn Mays all impressed last season and will start in the secondary.

Fred Bass, who was named All-County last year, is the leader of the linebackers and has big shoes to fill after the Mustangs lost multiple talented linebackers to graduation last year.

On the defensive line, Stanhope will have to replace William Whitlow Jr., the Elmore County Defensive Player of the Year last year who is now at Memphis. Helping replace his production will be defensive end Caleb Foster, who recorded 10 tackles for loss and 4 sacks last year, and junior defensive tackle Jaquize Buyucks, who sits around 270 pounds in the middle.

“It’s very hard to replace someone like Whitlow,” Bradford said. “We don’t have him anymore but we do have some good ones still who are playing really well. Our guys are still pretty talented down there.”

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

AUGUST 2021

15

ALABAMA SPORTS WRITER ASSOCIATION PRESEASON RANKINGS The Alabama Sports Writers Association preseason high school football rankings with first-place votes, last year’s record and total poll points (*—team played in a different classification last season):

CLASS 7A

Team (first-place); 2020 W-L; Pts 1. Thompson (23); 14-0; 276 2. Hoover; 11-2; 191 3. Auburn; 11-2; 188 4. Hewitt-Trussville; 9-3; 171 5. Central-Phenix City; 8-5; 140 6. Theodore; 10-2; 112 7. Daphne; 10-2; 77 8. Austin; 8-3; 58 9. James Clemens; 8-3; 45 10. Enterprise; 7-4; 36 Others receiving votes: Oak Mountain (7-5) 17.

CLASS 6A

Team (first-place); 2020 W-L; Pts 1. Pinson Valley (21); 12-2; 268 2. Spanish Fort; 11-4; 207 3. Clay-Chalkville (2); 11-2; 192

4. Opelika; 9-3; 140 5. Briarwood; 9-3; 139 6. Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa; 9-3; 102 7. McGill-Toolen; 7-3; 91 8. Mountain Brook; 11-2; 57 9. Eufaula; 9-3; 41 10. Oxford; 11-2; 23 Others receiving votes: Hartselle (7-4) 20, Helena (7-5) 10, Saraland (11-3) 9, Carver-Montgomery (7-4) 6, Homewood (7-5) 3, Pelham (8-3) 2, Fort Payne (7-4) 1.

CLASS 5A

Team (first-place); 2020 W-L; Pts 1. St. Paul’s (23); 15-0; 276 2. Faith-Mobile; 11-2; 182 3. Pleasant Grove; 11-3; 161 4. Pike Road; 11-1; 152 5. Guntersville; 10-1; 133 6. Central-Clay Co.; 11-2; 102 7. Leeds; 9-3; 99 8. UMS-Wright; 8-5; 82 9. Alexandria; 11-2; 31 10. Russellville; 10-3; 28 Others receiving votes: Andalusia (7-4) 25, Tallassee (3-7) 22, Center Point (7-4) 12, East Limestone (6-4) 4, Fairview (10-2) 1, Sylacauga (7-3) 1.

CLASS 4A

Team (first-place); 2020 W-L; Pts 1. Gordo (16); 13-2; 246 2. Handley (7); 12-1; 203 3. Madison Aca.; 10-1; 196 4. American Chr.; 13-1; 157 5. Williamson; 7-4; 122 6. Jacksonville; 7-4; 68 7. West Limestone; 11-2; 66 8. Mobile Chr.; 9-2; 60 9. Vigor; 5-5; 58 10. Etowah; 9-4; 48 Others receiving votes: Jackson (6-5) 18, St. James (7-4) 16, Anniston (4-7) 13, Montevallo (6-5) 13, Deshler (6-5) 11, Madison Co. (8-3) 7, Bibb Co. (10-3) 6, Brooks (6-5) 2, Good Hope (10-2) 1.

CLASS 3A

Team (first-place); 2020 W-L; Pts 1. Fyffe (21); 15-0; 270 2. Piedmont (2); 12-2; 206 3. Catholic-Montgomery; 12-2; 177 4. Hillcrest-Evergreen; 6-5; 121 5. Montgomery Aca.; 13-1; 118 6. Slocomb; 10-2; 81 7. Plainview; 10-2; 80

8. Ohatchee; 11-2; 68 9. Flomaton; 8-3; 58 10. Opp; 8-4; 55 Others receiving votes: Bayside Aca. (8-3) 28, Thomasville (10-2) 20, Reeltown (5-5) 12, Dadeville (6-4) 5, T.R. Miller (9-3) 5, Daleville (1-9) 3, Oakman (7-4) 2, Excel (2-8) 1, SouthsideSelma (6-5) 1.

CLASS 2A

Team (first-place); 2020 W-L; Pts 1. Mars Hill Bible (17); 13-2; 255 2. Lanett (6); 10-3; 223 3. Abbeville; 12-2; 169 4. Clarke Co.; 8-3; 158 5. North Sand Mountain; 11-2; 131 6. Geneva Co.; 8-4; 105 7. Spring Garden; 12-2; 74 8. Elba; 6-4; 62 9. Westbrook Chr.; 10-2; 53 10. Falkville; 8-3; 43 Others receiving votes: Red Bay (9-2) 33, West EndWalnut Grove (4-6) 3, B.B. Comer (9-2) 1, J.U. Blacksher (3-7) 1.

CLASS 1A

Team (first-place); 2020 W-L; Pts 1. Brantley (19); 13-1; 261 2. Sweet Water (1); 8-3; 192 3. Pickens Co. (1); 11-4; 186 4. Linden (1); 14-0; 162 5. Maplesville (1); 10-2; 143 6. Decatur Heritage; 9-3; 130 7. Millry; 8-3; 86 8. McKenzie; 8-3; 52 9. Cedar Bluff; 6-5; 38 10. Loachapoka; 5-6; 33 Others receiving votes: Berry (11-2) 23, Florala (8-3) 4, Winterboro (9-2) 1.

AISA

Team (first-place); 2020 W-L; Pts 1. Pike Liberal Arts (23); 10-2; 276 2. Glenwood; 10-1; 198 3. Escambia Aca.; 10-2; 186 4. Autauga Aca.; 2-7; 160 5. Chambers Aca.; 12-1; 141 6. Bessemer Aca.; 8-3; 111 7. Tuscaloosa Aca.; 2-7; 86 8. Macon-East; 8-5; 66 9. Patrician; 8-2; 42 10. Morgan Aca.; 8-3; 27 Others receiving votes: Crenshaw Chr. (10-3) 8, Sparta (6-4) 8, Abbeville Chr. (10-3) 1, Monroe Aca. (6-5) 1.

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

16

Elmore County running back CJ Wilkes (21) attempts to break a run around the right side last season.

AUGUST 2021

File / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

ELMORE COUNTY PANTHERS Small roster shoots for large goals

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Writer

Head coach Jordan Cantrell is planning on getting his Elmore County football team back on the right track, but his Panthers will have to overcome a depleted roster size to do so.

Elmore County, which went 2-8 with a 0-6 record in Class 5A, Region 4 last season, enters the 2021 season with only 39 members on its football team. That’s quite small for a 5A school, and quite the difference from last year.

Elmore County had 57 players on its roster in 2020, and despite having nearly 20 less, Cantrell said his guys are just going to have to play both ways and deal with it as a team.

“The expectation with us is pretty high as far as the weight room and making workouts in the summer,” Cantrell said. “It’s rather old school.

We love on the guys, but we also work them hard

and that’s probably why our numbers are smaller.

But something we are not willing to sacrifice is our philosophy. I know there’s 5A schools out there with a lot more numbers, but you can only have 11 playing for you at one time out there.”

Cantrell is excited for the players who have stuck with the program, and says his team is closer now than they’ve ever been. His players now have shown the will and determination he wants in a team, and he said this team is more of a family than most of the team’s he’s coached in his career.

“These guys, there’s different walks of life and guys from different backgrounds and there’s no cliques in this group,” Cantrell said. “You can really see them working together and persevering through the hard times in practice and the weight room.

Cantrell is expecting nearly everyone on the team

to play both ways, and that includes returning quarterback Payton Stephenson. Stephenson accumulated 1,466 yards and 15 touchdowns in nine games last year as the starting quarterback, and he will likely resume that role this year.

But he will also play in the defensive secondary and will be the team’s leader there as well.

“Payton can run and throw and has great instincts,” Cantrell said of Stephenson’s QB skills. “He is difficult to defend and is getting better as time goes on as far as reading coverages and just learning the game. He brings a lot to the table.”

Alongside Stephenson in the backfield will be sophomore CJ Wilkes and junior Zay Robinson, both of whom will play multiple positions. They likely won’t both be in the backfield at the same time, but both will be on the field and trying to See ECHS • Page 17

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

AUGUST 2021

17

ELMORE COUNTY ROSTER No.

Name

Position

Grade

2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 13 15 19 22 25 26 30 34 35 50 51

CJ Wilkes RB/DB So. Payton Stephenson QB/DB Jr. Zay Robinson RB Jr. Pernell Turner DB/FB Jr. Jackson Mann DB/ATH So. Jabari Murphy WR/DB So. Chris Holt RB/DL So. Frankie Mann WR/DB Fr. Luke Reinert LB/TE Fr. Hayes Fulmer DB/WR So. Colton Lowe LB/TE So. Jacob Baker WR/DB Fr. Eyan Eason WR/DB Sr. Logan Pack K Jr. Mason Carter FB/LB Sr. Tyler Woodfin WR/DB Fr. Damien McDade RB/LB Jr. Parker Hobbs FB/LB Fr. Drew Knighton OL/DL Fr. Bam Autrey OL/DL Sr.

No.

Name

Position

52 53 55 56 59 60 64 65 66 67 68 72 73 74 75 78 79 80 88

Nicobe Hooks OL/DL Jr. Kyle Doucette OL/DL Jr. Trevor Brown OL/DL So. Patrick Hart Ol/DL Fr. Preston Baker OL/DL Fr. Landon Yawakia OL/LB So. Elias Collins OL/DL So. John Thames OL/DL So. Drake Bolton OL/DL So. Landon Harrelson OL/LB So. John Reynolds OL/DL Sr. Myles Eyerly OL/DL So. Gary Waid OL/DL Jr. JW Clement OL/DL Sr. Kale Williams OL/DL Fr. Landon Thomas OL/DL So. Dylan Carter OL/DL So. Christian Stepney DE/TE Sr. Cooper Rogers TE Jr.

2021 Elmore County schedule Aug. 21 – at Moody Aug. 28 – at Dadeville Sept. 4 – HOLTVILLE * Sept. 11 – at Clay Central * Sept. 18 – TALLASSEE * Sept. 25 – WHITE PLAINS Oct. 2 – at Sylacauga * Oct. 9 – BYE Oct. 16 – BEAUREGARD * Oct. 23 – at Talladega * Oct. 30 – JEMISON * - region game HOME GAMES IN ALL CAPS

at a glance ELMORE COUNTY PANTHERS Class Region: 5A, Region 4 Coach: Jordan Cantrell, third year, 8-12 overall Last year: 2-8, 0-6 in 4A, Region 4; missed postseason Returning Starters: Nathan Jones (Sr., FB/LB); Cole Boothe (Sr., TE/DE); Coby Mann (Sr., OL/DL); Payton Hall (So., OL/DL); Dylan Brown (Sr., OL/DL); Brody Ward (Sr., ATH) Class Distribution: 7 seniors, 9 juniors, 24 sophomores, 16 freshmen Stadium Name: Burt-Haynie Field Stadium Location: 155 N. College St, Eclectic, AL 36024

ECHS

Grade

continued from Page 16

cause disruptions for opposing defenses.

“One may be at receiver an one be at running back, but they’ll both be there,” Cantrell said. “You hope to put your opponent in a bad spot with multiple guys out there.

Make them pick their poison.”

The Panthers will feature an experienced offensive line with three returners in juniors Drake Bolton and Myles Eyerly, along with senior Bam Aughtry. Cantrell believes his team’s attitude starts up front, and those three guys, along with the other ones who work their way into the starting lineup, will help lead the way.

Bolton and Eyerly will both help lead the defensive line as well as defensive end/tight end Christian Stepney, who is one of the biggest kids on the team. Chris Holt, who plays running back, will also serve on the defensive line. Newcomer Dylan Carter looks to make an impact on both sides of the line.

“Your front guys really have to win at the point of attack, so it’s important to get some guys who are really explosive off the ball,” Cantrell said.

In the secondary, freshman Jackson Mann is a newcomer who Cantrell is hoping to make a big impact. Cantrell describes Mann as “a wild dude who throws his body around,” while Stephenson, Robinson, Wilkes and Pernell Turner will all serve there as well.

The linebacker corps won’t have as much experience as the others, but senior Mason Carter is a player who played a handful of meaningful snaps last season there.

18

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

AUGUST 2021

EDGEWOOD ACADEMY

Lower expectations not slowing down the Wildcats

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Despite its season ending in the state semifinals in three consecutive seasons, the Edgewood Academy football team is on the outside looking in this preseason.

Edgewood Academy received no votes in the Alabama Sports Writers Association preseason football rankings. That comes after Edgewood finished last season with a 7-4 overall record and with a 3-1 record in region play.

One of the region wins came against Chambers Academy, the eventual state champion. That was Chambers’ only loss of the season.

“The preseason rankings don’t mean anything, but you definitely use them as motivation,” head coach Chad Michael said. “Especially with the success we’ve had in the past three years, and the teams we beat the last three years. It puts a chip on your shoulder. I thought we proved ourselves last year, but apparently we still have areas to prove to some people.”

One reason Edgewood Academy could be on the outside looking in is because of the lack of returning starters the Wildcats are bringing back. Edgewood is only bringing back four starters to the 2021 season: senior linebacker JT Brazzell, junior running back Bradley Boone, and senior offensive linemen Colton Jones and Jake Allison.

The lack of experience puts Michael in a wait-and-see position.

He knows what the new players can do, and he’s seen the work they’ve put in over the summer and early in camp. But he will never truly know how his new players will do until that first Friday night under the lights.

“You don’t know what to expect until you get to the fire,” Michael said. “You have expectations of these guys but you never really know. It’s kind of exciting for a coach as well though, because you get to see those guys grow up before your eyes and getting better every day.”

Despite that lack of experience across the board, Edgewood Academy returns one of the top linebackers in the area. Brazzell was named to the 2020 All-County team for his play at linebacker during his junior year, and he brings a lot of leadership to the team.

“I think the thing I’ve noticed the

Bradley Boone (21) returns a kick off against Chambers Academy in 2020.

most from him in camp so far is that he’s playing faster and he’s playing quicker,” Michael said. “He’s really comfortable doing what he’s doing now and that’s due to his experience last year. He’s going through his reads quicker and getting to where he needs to quicker. That’s all due to experience.”

On the offensive side of the ball, Edgewood returns two offensive linemen. Colton Jones was named to the All-County team last year and this will be his third year as a starter for the Wildcats. He played a lot during his freshman season as well, and his experience and leadership on the field cannot be matched.

He started center last year but has been moved to tackle. Allison starts at guard and is one of the smarter See EDGEWOOD • Page 19

File / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

EDGEWOOD WILDCATS at a glance Coach: Chad Michael, second season, 7-4 overall Class, Region: AISA-AA, Region 1 Last year: 7-4, 3-1 in AISA-AA, Region 1; lost to Chambers Academy in semi-finals Returning Starters: JT Brazzell (SR., TE/LB); Bradley Boone (JR., RB/DB); Colton Jones (SR., OL/DL); Jake Allison (SR., OL/DL).

Class Distribution: 5 seniors, 7 juniors, 7 sophomores, 8 freshmen, 6 eighth graders Stadium Name: Charles P. Storrs Field at Edgewood Stadium Stadium Location: 5474 Elmore Rd, Elmore, AL 36025

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

AUGUST 2021

No.

EDGEWOOD ROSTER Name

Position

Grade

2 Trevor Rodie WR/DB Sr. 3 Gabe LeMaster WR/DB So. 4 Connor Pike RB/DB 8th 5 JT Brazzell TE/LB Sr. 6 Tyler Wynn WR/DB So. 8 Brock Whitt QB/LB 8th 9 Ethan Evans QB/DB Fr. 11 Logan Moomey RB/LB Fr. 12 Austin Champion QB/DB Jr. 14 Brody Whitt WR/LB So. 16 Chance McDaniel RB/DB Jr. 18 Landon Smith WR/DB 8th 20 Josh Roeten TE/LB Fr. 21 Bradley Boone RB/DB Jr. 22 Miken Arnold WR/DB So. 24 Thomas Justiss WR/DB 8th 25 Thomas Payton WR/DB 8th 26 JB Collier WR/DB Jr. 28 Michael McLing TE/LB Jr. 30 Jack Adams WR/DB So. 32 Jackson Hudston TE/LB 8th 50 Zayne Talley OL/DL Fr. 51 Sam Williams OL/LB Sr. 52 Wes Reeves OL/DL Jr. 53 Matthew Bailey OL/LB Fr. 55 Parker Shaw OL/LB Fr. 56 Colton Jones OL/DL Sr. 58 Bryson Boone OL/DL Jr. 60 Matthew Cox OL/DL So. 62 Jake Allison OL/DL Sr. 65 Will Reeves OL/DL So. 75 Brad Nichols OL/DL Fr. 77 Mason Tidwell OL/DL Fr.

Edgewood

19

2021 Edgewood schedule Aug. 20 – SOUTHERN Aug. 27 – HOOPER Sept. 4 – at Banks* Sept. 10 – MACON EAST* Sept. 17 – PIKE LIB Sept. 24 – BYE Oct. 1 – LAKESIDE Oct. 8 – at Chambers* Oct. 15 – SPRINGWOOD* Oct. 22 – at Crenshaw Oct. 29 – WILCOX * - region game HOME GAMES IN ALL CAPS

continued from Page 18

players on the team. Michael said Allison teaches more of the younger kids how to block, and always understands what to do and where to be blocking.

“You win and lose ball games from the guys up front, both on offense and defense,” Michael said. “Having those two guys is huge for us.”

Behind the offensive line will be junior quarterback Austin Champion.

Champion started two games last year and the Wildcats won both of those games. One of the games he started and won was against eventual champion Chambers Academy.

Michael classifies Champion is a smart decision maker, and a player who isn’t afraid to carry the load on his back as he leads the team.

“We are expecting a lot of things

from Austin this year,” Michael said.

“We really think he can do some really good things with the ball.”

He will have multiple receivers to throw to, including junior Boone who will line up at both running back and receiver. Trevor Rodie, the tallest receiver that Edgewood has, will be the Wildcats’ deep threat.

The linebackers and secondary is where Edgewood Academy lacks the most depth. Sophomore Gabe LeMaster enters the season injured, but is expected to take a large role for the team at safety when he returns early in the year.

At linebacker, senior Sam Williams and freshman Parker Shaw are battling it out to play inside, and both are expected to play quality minutes this year.

Doing business without advertising is like winking at a girl in the dark.

You know what you are doing, but nobody else does.

CALL US! 548 Cherokee Road • Alexander City, AL 35010

256.234.4281

alexcityoutlook.com | lakemagazine.life

• ALIGNMENTS • TIRES/BRAKES • EXHAUST • OIL CHANGES

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

20

HOLTVILLE BULLDOGS

AUGUST 2021

File / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

Holtville’s Shawn Brackett (12) is one of the top athletes in the county this season.

Inexperienced offense looks to continue recent success

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

D

espite a move to Class 5A before last season, the Holtville Bulldogs continued their yearly improvement under head coach Jason Franklin.

Now in his fifth year at the helm, Franklin has a lot of production to replace if his team will continue to trend upward.

Holtville finished last season with a 7-4 record and a 4-2 record in Class 5A, Region 4. Despite hosting a playoff game, the Bulldogs were knocked out of the playoffs in the first round by UMS-Wright.

That was a one-game improvement from a 6-5 record in 2019, and the Bulldogs’ third-straight winning record since Franklin’s first season when the team went 2-8.

“We are going to be young up front on the offensive side of the ball, so we are going to have to grow up pretty quick there,” Franklin

said. “We have a lot of guys who have been in the program a while and they know what the expectation level is and what is expected out of them every day.”

Two offensive linemen with playing experience return in Ethan Alston and Lane Talley, but the Bulldogs will have to break in a new center and a few other positions along the line. Franklin expects some of the lineman battles to extend up until region play, where he wants seven or eight viable guys who can play in a rotation.

Both Alston and Talley are playing at the guard positions, but Alston is also playing at tackle.

Either player could play any of the five line positions.

They’ll be blocking for running back Shawn Brackett, who will have to carry much of the load this season. Last year’s All-County Offensive Player of the Year, Drew Pickett, transferred schools this offseason.

So Brackett, who mostly served as the backup but was still named All-County for his efforts last

year, will be the workhorse.

“Shawn has really matured since his freshman year and he did a really good job last year for us when Drew was out,” Franklin said. “I wholeheartedly feel comfortable in Shawn’s athletic ability and what he can do for us.”

Holtville also lost a quarterback to graduation last year, and sophomore Junior Tanner Potts looks to be the leading candidate to lead the offense. He will have John Williamson at receiver to throw to. Williamson was an All-County player at defensive back last season, but excels on both sides of the ball.

Another wide receiver is Cooper Mann, who was also an All-County player on defense last year.

On the defensive side of the ball, Holtville looks to be extremely talented. The defense is manned by All-County linebacker Mike Forney, who easily led the county in tackles last year.

He finished last season with a career-high 131 See HOLTVILLE • Page 21

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

AUGUST 2021

21

HOLTVILLE BULLDOGS at a glance Coach: Jason Franklin, fifth season, 22-21 overall Class, Region: Class 5A, Region 4 Last year: 7-4, 4-2 in Class 5A, Region 4; lost to UMS-Wright in first round of playoffs Returning Starters: Shawn Brackett (Sr., RB/DB); John Williamson (Sr., WR/DB); Ethan Alston (Jr., OL); Lane Talley (Jr., OL/DT); Cooper Mann (Sr., DE/WR); Mike Forney (Sr., LB); Copelin Gilliland (Sr., LB) Class Distribution: 12 seniors, 14 juniors, 18 sophomores, 16 freshmen Stadium Name: Boykin Field Stadium Location: 10425 Holtville Rd, Holtville, AL 36022

Holtville

continued from Page 20

tackles, along with 13 tackles for loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles and four pass breakups.

“You aren’t going to fool Mikey,” Franklin said. “He’s a pretty dang smart football player and he’s been at it for a while. I think he’s going to have a chance to be Top 10 all-time tackles in the state of Alabama by the end of it, and that in itself is a huge accomplishment.”

Copelin Gilland and Conner Hackett will also play as

linebackers, while Mann will headline the defensive line at defensive end. Mann was named All-County last year after recording 22 tackles for loss and four sacks.

He will be helped by Matthew Morrison and Lane Talley at defensive tackle while Kei Webb will play the other defensive end.

Some younger guys will also spot play on the defensive line, and the Holtville secondary will feature some two-way players.

Brackett will holster one of the corner positions while Williamson will star at one of the safety positions. Dalton Yarroch and Ty Langley are battling it out for the other safety position.

“Defense wins ballgames,” Franklin said. “If you can keep the other team out of the end zone, you have a chance to win and if you’re not playing from behind, that helps. Teams that have a large group of returners usually have a good defense.”

2021 Holtville schedule

Aug. 20 – GOSHEN Aug. 27 – at West Blocton Sept. 3 – ELMORE COUNTY* Sept. 10 – at Beauregard* Sept. 17 – TALLADEGA* Sept. 24 – at Marbury Oct. 1 – BYE Oct. 8 – at Clay Central* Oct. 15 – TALLASSEE* Oct. 22 – at Sylacauga* Oct. 29 – REELTOWN * - region game HOME GAMES IN ALL CAPS

HOLTVILLE ROSTER No.

Name

Position

Grade

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 30 32 33;

John Williamson WR/DB Sr. Dalton Yarroch WR/DB Sr. Weston Tubbs Jr. Shawn Brackett RB/DB Sr. Kei Webb DE Jr. Erik Adkins N/A So. Noah Keller LB Jr. Ty Langley DB Jr. Brett Lieb So. Chasen Webster So. DJ Harper Jr. Wade Glaze Jr. Kade Fergusen LB Jr. Keiland Baker QB Fr. Tanner Potts QB Sr. Conner Hackett LB Jr. Mikey Forney LB/WR Sr. Brett Franklin So. Jarrod Johnson So. Julius Jackson Sr. Bryce Watson Jr. Braxton Gaither Fr. Braxton Potts RB So. Cooper Mann DE/WR Sr. Caiden Gaither Fr. Luke Strength So. Zach Welch Fr. Bryan Tate Jr. Hunter Chavis Fr.

No. 34 35 36 40 42 44 45 50 52 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 62 62 64 66 68 69 70 72 75 77 80 81 85

Name

Position

Grade

Titus Nixon

Greg Zeigler

Sr. Joshua Jiminez

So. Bo Miller Fr. Copelin Gilliland LB/RB Sr. Zach Forney

Fr. Shalom McCloud

Fr. Lane Talley OL/DL Jr. Tyson Ratfliff

Fr. Matthew Morrison OL Sr. Tay Foster DL Sr. Dalton Redden

So. Jayson Strength

Jr. Tristan Gulledge

So. Dusty Bean

So. Jaba Carter

So. Jacob DeVaughn

So. LaDarian Garrdner

Fr. Kris Cole DL So. Dylan Allen So. Clifford Edwards

Fr. Ethan Cartwright DL Jr. Arkenvious Turner Fr. Ethan Alston OL Jr. Carson Reese

So. John Sanders

So. Conner Luster

Fr. Anthony Chunn Fr. Adam Wilson So.

22

REELTOWN REBELS GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

AUGUST 2021

Reeltown players ‘packing their coffins’ for 2021 football season

By ANDY ANDERS Regional Sports Director

In the late 1800s, when missionaries for Wycliffe Bible Translators sailed away from their homeland to spread the gospel, they knew there was a good chance they’d never return.

As a symbolic gesture, they packed all their belongings into coffins instead of suitcases.

When Reeltown football head coach Matt Johnson and the leaders of the Rebels’ football team read the story in one of the leadership training books they studied this offseason, they decided to adopt the mantra “Pack your coffin” as a core philosophy of the team.

It’s applicable in several ways for the sport. It means sacrificing for a cause you believe in. It means never looking back on your successes and your failures, but focusing on what you can do to get better in the future.

“Whatever it takes. Even if we have to pack our own coffin, that’s the mindset that we’re gonna have,” Johnson said. “We just related that to football. You’ve got all these excuses, all these outside people that are telling you great things or negative things or whatever. But you’ve gotta choose what to take to make yourself better. There’s some things you’re gonna have to pick up and pack, and there’s some things you’re gonna have to get rid of.”

Reeltown’s core of upperclassman leaders have adopted the philosophy, and with the kickoff of its season against rival Tallassee coming up Thursday, the Rebels hope to attack opponents with a physical approach to both offense and defense.

It’s part of the team’s mission to have every player be “all in.”

“I bought 200 poker chips that I designed that have our ‘R’ on it,” Johnson said.

“Says ‘all in,’ says, ‘buck stops here.’

Understanding what it means to be all in, what it means for the buck to stop here based off of another book we’ve studied.

Once they’ve bought into that, then we can expand on what it means to improve each and every day.”

There’s plenty of junior and senior talent to drive forward Reeltown’s all-in mentality.

Senior Dee Griffin, nicknamed “Alpha Dawg” by teammates and coaches, sets the tone on the offensive line as a multi-year starter with an aggressive presence on the field. The leading squatter on Reeltown’s

Reeltown’s Gabe Bryant snatches an interception against Holtville last season.

team, his explosion and strength at the line of scrimmage should provide an advantage on both sides of the ball.

Playing with him on the offensive line is junior Logan Dillard, a 6-foot-4, 280-pound monster with college interest, and senior multi-year starter Matthew Knox.

The other two offensive line spots were up for grabs entering fall training camp, and sophomore Jacob Hornsby scooped up one of them. The other is still an ongoing battle between Lane Burns and senior Jayvius Chapman.

Senior Dalton Bryant has been making a push as of late, Johnson added.

They’ll be blocking for another senior and returning first-team All-Outlook selection in senior Dakarian “Juicy” Hughley at running back. His blend of speed and power — Johnson said he runs a sub-4.6 40-yard dash and can squat 500 pounds — will set the tone for an offense predicated on running the football.

SeDarico “Scooter” Brooks should eat up a few carries as well once he’s back to full health. Junior Zy Collins could also be a factor.

“Juicy has had an unbelievable offseason,” Johnson said. “He’s in the top

five in our iron man. He’s quick, he can stretch the field with his speed.

“Any time you’ve got a 4.5, 4.6 guy squatting 500 pounds, that makes it interesting. He’ll carry the load, he doesn’t have a lot of defensive responsibilities, so he’ll be the bellcow to start with.”

Reeltown should also have the ability to spread things out, however.

Senior quarterback Gabe Bryant returns to take the reins of the Rebels’ offense, and he’ll have one of the county’s best wide receivers to throw to in senior Marcus Haynes, another first-team All-Outlook performer from 2020.

A difference from this year to years past, Johnson said, is young depth at the receiver position. Teams may have a tougher time loading up against the run.

Connor Spain, Arthur Woods, Demetrius Brown, Omor Ponds, Shelton Green and Xavier Thomas are all viable options for Bryant to air the ball toward.

“That’s our philosophy, our mentality.

We’re gonna establish the run,” Johnson said. “But when you’ve got a quarterback like we’ve got, and some receivers on the outside, you’re able to spread the ball out.”

While establishing himself passing

File / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

the ball, Bryant will be trying to stymie opposing passing games, as he will anchor Reeltown’s secondary at safety. Haynes played alongside him back deep in 2020, but this year he slid to “jack,” one of two hybrid outside linebacker positions in the Rebels’ 3-4 multiple defense.

Spain will take his spot at safety.

Speaking of Reeltown’s defensive scheme, one important piece of any 3-4 is the player at nose guard overtop an opposing center. A spot that is usually called upon to either eat a double team or defend both sides of the center in the running game, the Rebels are taking a by-committee approach to keep players fresh.

Burns, Bowman Rumbelow, Zach Riley and Logan Mask will rotate throughout games at the lone defensive tackle spot.

Griffin should help provide pressure off the edge.

“Two-gapping can be a complex thing, and we practice the actual two-gap read.

But if you’ve got a big body right there, you want somebody to demand a double team and be able to occupy an A-gap depending on flow and what the center does,” Johnson said. “We’ve got some guys that we just See REELTOWN • Page 23

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

AUGUST 2021

Position

REELTOWN ROSTER

No.

Name

Grade Ht.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 30

Gabe Bryant QB/DB Sr. Zy Collins RB/DB Jr. Marcus Haynes WR/OLB Sr. Xavier Thomas WR/RB/DB So. Seth Hill WR/DB Jr. Dakarian Hughley RB/DB Sr. SeDarico Brooks RB/LB Sr. Arthur Woods RB/DB So. Shelton Green RB/LB 8th Finn Henderson RB/LB Fr. Connor Spain WR/DB Jr. Jake Hornsby QB/LB So. Larry Butler III WR/DB Fr. Christian Taylor WR/DB So. Tanner Hill K/DB Sr. Hagan Lewis WR/DB Fr. Anthony Whaley RB/LB Jr. Omor Ponds RB/DB Jr. JJ Kendrick WR/DB So. Cooper Hardin QB/DB Fr. Joseph Green RB/LB 8th Ace Foy RB/LB Fr. Jeffrey Thompson RB/LB Fr. Tae Martin TE/LB Fr. Demetrius Brown WR/DB Fr. Jontravius Brown WR/DB 8th

6’3” 5’10” 6’2” 5’10” 5’7” 5’10” 6’1” 5’6” 5’9” 6’1” 5’10” 5’11” 6’0” 5’9” 5’11” 5’11” 5’8” 5’7” 5’9” 5’10” 5’8” 5’5” 5’8” 5’8” 5’10” 5’6”

Wt.

195 155 198 150 165 185 215 150 140 158 163 175 164 164 162 168 143 165 148 170 156 160 170 135 168 110

23

No.

Name

Position

Grade Ht.

32 33 40 42 45 50 51 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 62 63 65 67 68 70 71 72 73 74 75 78

Tyrese Fallin WR/LB So. Kelan Bevels WR/LB Fr. Devin Bragg RB/LB 8th Taylin Padgett WR/DB Fr. Cruise Johnson RB/DL Fr. Zane Milito OL/DL Fr. Matt Knox OL/LB Sr. Dee Griffin OL/DL Sr. AJ Ellis OL/LB Sr. Brady Hurley OL/DL Sr. Aaron Clark OL/DL 8th Michael Whaley OL/DL 8th Jayvius Chapman OL/DL Sr. Leviol Waites LB So. Xander Johnston OL/DL 8th Dylan Bryant OL/DL Fr. Logan Dillard OL/DL Jr. Casen Kelly OL/DL 8th Dalton Bryant OL/DL Sr. Baylor Clayton OL/DL Fr. Travis Webster OL/DL Fr. Bowman Brumbeloe OL/DL Fr. Lane Burn OL/DL Jr. Logan Mask OL/DL Sr. Jacob Hornsby OL/DL So. Zach Riley OL/DL So.

5’6” 5’9” 5’6” 5’7” 5’5” 6’1” 5’9” 6’1” 5’10” 5’10” 5’9” 5’11” 5’9” 5’5” 5’10” 5’7” 6’4” 5’6” 6’0” 6’2” 5’9” 6’1” 5’11” 5’11” 5’9” 5’10”

Wt. 154 128 160 178 135 180 191 250 165 170 210 174 205 180 165 170 275 185 185 190 165 306 267 260 205 238

REELTOWN REBELS

at a glance

Coach: Matt Johnson, sixth year Last year: 5-5 (3-4 Class 3A Region 4) Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Dee Griffin (sr., OL/ DL); Logan Dillard (jr., OL/DL); Matt Knox (sr., OL/DL); Dakarian “Juicy” Hughley (sr., RB/DB); Gabe Bryant (sr., QB/ DB); Marcus Haynes (sr., WR/OLB) First game: Thursday, Aug. 19 vs.

Tallassee Stadium name: Nix-Webster-O’Neal Stadium Stadium location: 4085 Ala. Hwy. 120 Reeltown, Alabama

2021 Reeltown schedule Aug 19 – TALLASSEE Aug 27 – at St. James Sept 3 – at Childersburg * Sept 10 – at Montgomery Catholic * Sept 17 – GOSHEN * Sept 24 – BYE Oct 1 – TRINITY * Oct 8 – BEULAH * Oct 15 – at Dadeville * Oct 22 – PIKE COUNTY * Oct 29 – at Holtville * - region game HOME GAMES IN ALL CAPS

Reeltown rotate in and out of there to keep them fresh.”

Ponds, the team’s top performer in its iron man competition, will start opposite Haynes at the “bandit” position as an outside linebacker. Both can be called upon to play either at a traditional linebacker depth,

continued from Page 22 on the end of the line or split out with a receiver.

“The ceiling for Omor is just endless,” Johnson said. “He’s a great, great kid.”

Woods and Collins round out the defensive backfield at cornerback. Thomas can spell either when needed.

“A lot of rotations, defensively especially, until we find that gel-in group getting into region play,” Johnson said. “Luckily we play two games out of the gate that are big games, but they’re non-region games.”

Reeltown’s season opens at home against rival Tallassee Aug. 19.