Huskies look to capitalize on returning experience

By KYLE PARMLEY

Last fall, Hewitt-Trussville High School’s four losses came against three schools. Those teams made up three of the four Class 7A semifinalists.

The Huskies lost to Central-Phenix City, Hoover and Thompson in the regular season, then to Hoover again in the second round of the state playoffs. They were close but just couldn’t quite get over the hump.

There are plenty of returning players this season who were part of that team last fall, a fact that encourages head coach Josh Floyd.

“We’re really excited about this group,” he said. “We’re still trying to bring that first state title to Hewitt-Trussville.”

Offense

There are plenty of similarities with the Hewitt-Trussville offense heading into this fall. The Huskies return nine of the 11 starters from a 2022 unit that averaged 34 points per game.

It was a young group last fall that needed time to mature and grow, but that won’t be the case this time around. The offense possesses plenty of experience and past productivity to give every expectation of another high-powered attack this fall.

Peyton Floyd is back at quarterback, after winning 7A Back of the Year last fall. He compiled over 3,100 total yards of offense in his first full season as the starter and has many of his weapons back alongside him.

“He knows the system, he’s been running it for years, but there’s no substitute for experience,” said Josh Floyd, who is also Peyton’s father. “As the season went on, he was able to totally take command and control of the offense.”

In the backfield, Jaqson Melton and Kennedy Mitchell return as complementary running backs. Mitchell is more of a big-play threat, while Melton is a physical runner and is a strong receiver out of the backfield as well.

“They bring different things to the table,” Josh Floyd said.

Deuce Alston and James Kelly are sophomore running backs who will give the Huskies even more depth there.

Wide receiver is where the Huskies are undoubtedly the deepest, returning several pass-catchers with at least 25 receptions last fall. Jadon Loving was the team’s leading receiver and has elite speed. Ka’Darius Barnes is no stranger to big plays, while Jacob Serena was a key factor as a sophomore last year.

It would not be a surprise for sophomore Dylan Cope to burst onto the scene this year as a receiver, while Floyd also mentioned Jacob Sanders and Cooper Langston could also factor into the rotation.

Floyd believes Hewitt has the best tight end in the state in Donovan Price. He was a first-team allstate player last fall and enters his senior year with several Division I offers. Nate Brisco will also get time at the position.

“He’s a huge part of what we do,” Floyd said of Price. “He’s a physical blocker and a threat in the passing game.”

Up front, Kade Martin returns as a fourth-year starter. He has played every position along the offensive line during his time with the Huskies and will play tackle this season. Braden Valdez and Trevor Pruet are returning starters up front, with Mason Holloway looking to break into the starting lineup as well. Drew Johnson and Grant Moore are also in the mix to claim a role.

Defense

The defensive side of the ball is where the Huskies will be relatively young and inexperienced, especially compared to their offense. They return six starters, but two of the departed are now playing in the Southeastern Conference.

The top returner for the defense is Tyrell Averhart, a force for the Huskies the last two seasons. He has certainly benefited from opposing teams paying attention to defensive stars like Justice Finkley and Hunter Osborne, but Floyd believes he’s set for a productive senior campaign.

“He’s so hard to block,” Floyd said.

Ayden Moore came on strong last year and is an athletic defensive end. Drew Ollis started some games last fall and returns, while Jordan Sherman, Jordan Colley, Mohammed Alabsi, Connor Durden and Verdell Snider are among the players looking to break into the rotation.

The Huskies are essentially starting over at linebacker, after Braylon Chatman and Hunter Jones graduated following standout seasons. Junior Owen Robinson played some last year and is expected to be one of the leaders in the middle of the defense this season. Another of Floyd’s sons, sophomore Parker Floyd, is expected to be in the mix as well.

Senior Zavier Austin should see plenty of playing time, and Clayton Hollis, Jadon Cantley and Owen Sewell are all competing as well.

The secondary lost Rickey Gibson to Tennessee but is still the unit with the most returning experience. Michael Igbinoghene will hold down one of the cornerback positions. Much like his brother Noah, who now plays with the Miami Dolphins, he’s an elite track and field athlete in addition to his football exploits.

Riggs Dunn and Gavin Williams are also back. Williams was by James Nicholas. one of the team’s top tacklers a season ago, while Dunn is one of the team’s vocal leaders at the free safety spot. Hayden Chauvin, Will Phillips, CamRon Wynn and Caden Ali are names to watch there as well.

Top: HewittTrussville receiver Ka’Darius Barnes (2) tries to avoid a Gadsden City defender during a game at the HewittTrussville Football Stadium in August 2022.

Bottom: HewittTrussville defensive lineman Tyrell Averhart (92) pushes past Vestavia Hills offensive lineman Glen Porter (59) in a game at HewittTrussville Stadium in October 2022.

Special Teams

The Huskies do need to find a new kicker and punter. Serena is someone capable of handling the kicking and punting duties but is also one of the team’s top receivers. Trip Ward has moved to the area and could also handle those duties. Baasel Alabsi could handle kickoffs if needed as well.

Dunn, Loving, Igbinoghene, Ali and Noah give the Huskies several strong options in the return game.