Kickoff 2012

The Anniston Star

Kickoff Sunday, August 19, 2012

Calhoun County high school football preview

Page 2 Sunday, August 19, 2012

CALHOUN COUNTY FOOTBALL

The Anniston Star

Medley of 5 Trent Penny/The Anniston Star

Oxford head coach John Grass during a Yellow Jacket practice. Grasss lost a lot of talent, but he’s got a trio of SEC-caliber stars returning.

Top things to keep your eyes on this season Departed stars paint Oxford’s fortunes leaner, Piedmont’s veteran defense looks meaner, Wellborn’s path looks cleaner, the new 4A region has no ‘tweeners,’ and Larry Ginn’s influence along U.S. 431 becomes a triple-teamer.

It’s all part of the 2012 edition Medley’s Meanderings, AKA my top five observations/storylines headed into Joe Medley the coming prep football season.

We’re two weeks out from kickoff eight days away from Clay Central’s rollout in the Champion’s Challenge. Can’t tee it up quickly enough!

Rebuilding Oxford Anyone remember last year’s chatter about heat on Oxford coach John Grass? Me neither.

It seems long ago, now that the fifthyear Oxford coach blew through the Yellow Jackets’ early-round ceiling and produced their deepest run ever as a 6A program.

Oh, and he did it without his most touted recruit. Linebacker Kwon Alexander, now at LSU, was lost to injury for the second half of the regular season and throughout Oxford’s run to the state semifinals.

Coming into this year, Grass has two SEC commitments in defensive linemen Trent Simpson and Ulric Jones, both to Mississippi State, and junior

Racean Thomas, considered one of the nation’s best running backs in his class.

But Oxford lost a lot from a year ago.

Almost as distant a memory as Grasshot-seat talk is national signing day, when eight former players put ink to paper in the school’s gym.

Grass will have a new quarterback plus an almost all new offensive line and receiving corps. He won’t have Alexander and Trae Elston, among others, on defense.

Oh, and Oxford remains a 6A program playing with nearly 5A numbers, a program more likely to rebuild than reload in an unforgiving 6A. If the Yellow Jackets match last year’s run, then nominate Grass for coach of the year.

The Anniston Star

Sunday, August 19, 2012 Page 3

CALHOUN COUNTY FOOTBALL

piedmont primed

Trent Penny/The Anniston Star

Piedmont was without Cade Bradley in a 7-on-7 passing camp this summer, but the Bulldog quarterback will be at the helm this fall to attempt to lead Piedmont on another deep playoff run.

One gets a feeling about Piedmont, which enters this season ranked No. 3 in Class 3A. It’s that 2009 feeling.

The Bulldogs won a 3A title that year and will field arguably a more talented defense this year, maybe the best since Steve Smith became their head coach before the 2006 season.

They also raised eyebrows in July by reaching the finals of a 7-on-7 camp at Jacksonville State University, and they did it without starting quarterback Cade

Bradley and other key performers.

Piedmont has grown into a remarkable 3A program.

Not only has the football team reached at least the third round of the playoffs five years in a row, but the rest of the athletics department wins big.

Oh, did I mention that Smith has been the athletics director, as well, since 2006?

These are good times in Calhoun County’s northern reaches. Barring injuries, it should be a fun fall there.

wellborn’s Chance

Brutal region

Perhaps no program should benefit more from this year’s realignment than Wellborn.

The Panthers were not only freed from a region where they were clearly the best of the rest behind Leeds, Handley and Clay County, but they dropped from 3A to 2A. Wellborn was shipped into a strong 2A region with second-ranked Fultondale, No. 8 Vincent and playoff regular Woodland, which is receiving votes, but the drop down in classification comes after alum Jeff Smith has spent three-plus years rebuilding Wellborn’s program from hard times.

The preseason Alabama Sports Writers Association poll has Wellborn among others receiving votes in 2A. The Panthers should be looking down at “others” by season’s end.

There’s a lot of pedigree in the newly aligned 4A region of interest in these parts.

In 4A, Region 5, one need only say names like Alexandria, Anniston, Cherokee County and Cleburne County. At the very least, they’re perennial playoff teams.

Hokes Bluff was a championship program in 3A not so long ago.

Munford is on the rise under Will Wagnon, the offensive coordinator who groomed then-Mr. Football Coty Blanchard with Cherokee County’s 2009 statetitle team.

Jacksonville is a sleeping giant — a program with more athletes than results to show for it but with an intriguing new coach in Clint Smith.

Expect a brutally competitive region race and, at the very least, a good first round of the playoffs for the four qualifiers.

Oh, and watch out for Cherokee County. The Warriors have taken their lumps, going 5-6 two years in a row since losing 21 of 22 starters from that 2009 team, but they finally have a seniorheavy team again. They also have other elements coming into place under Tripp Curry, a proven coach.

Stephen Gross/The Anniston Star

Kevin Mixon and the Wellborn Panthers should benefit from this season’s easier schedule.

Trent Penny/The Anniston Star

Weaver coach Daryl Hamby learned the ropes under the late Larry Ginn.

Hamby hopes to recreate the success Ginn enjoyed at Alexandria.

Ginn’s influence Larry Ginn left us too soon, but he leaves lots of influence in Calhoun County. In fact, someone should name Calhoun County’s portion of U.S. 431 Larry Ginn Memorial Highway.

His disciples are head football coaches at three of four schools nearest either side of that stretch of highway, along which Ginn is buried.

There’s Frank Tucker, the long-time assistant who took over at Alexandria when Ginn retired suddenly in 2007 and died of melanoma in 2009.

There’s Daryl Hamby, who is trying to goose a Weaver program that bleeds athletes to reach its potential.

This season, there’s also Jonathan Miller, who was promoted at Saks when Smith went to Jacksonville.

Miller played wingback and linebacker for Ginn’s 1995 state-title team at Alexandria.

Just like Ginn and Hamby, Miller will be the head coach in football and boys’ basketball.

While we’re branching out, son Will Ginn is an assistant in football and basketball at Alexandria after a brief stay at Ohatchee, the county’s other school in the 431 area.

Nephew Wes Ginn, formerly at Weaver, will be the head baseball coach and an assistant football coach at Saks.

Larry Ginn won and did it in a way everyone respects. That his influence will be felt under Friday night lights all up and down 431 says it all.

Page 4 Sunday, August 19, 2012

The Anniston Star

CALHOUN COUNTY FOOTBALL

ASWA

preseason poll

Trent Penny/The Anniston Star

TABLE OF CONTENTS ALEXANDRIA VALLEY CUBS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE 5 ANNISTON BULLDOGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 JACKSONVILLE GOLDEN EAGLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 DONOHO FALCONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 JACKSONVILLE CHRISTIAN THUNDER. . . . . . . . . . . . 10 OHATCHEE INDIANS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 OXFORD YELLOW JACKETS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 PIEDMONT BULLDOGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 PLEASANT VALLEY RAIDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 SAKS WILDCATS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 WELLBORN PANTHERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 WEAVER BEARCATS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 WHITE PLAINS WILDCATS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

2012 COMPOSITE SCHEDULE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 2012 AHSAA PLAYOFF FORMAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 2012 REGION ALIGNMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Class 6A

Class 3A

Team (1st)..................................... ’11 record........ Pts 1. Hoover (31) .......................................13-2 .............372 2. Clay-Chalkville# ................................1-9 ..............247 3. Auburn ...............................................8-2 ..............189 4. McGill-Toolen . .................................11-2 .............181 5. Spain Park ..........................................5-6 ..............155 6. Daphne .............................................10-2 .............102 7. Oxford ...............................................12-2 ...............82 8. Carver-Montgomery .........................7-4.................80 9t. Vestavia Hills ....................................7-5 ................77 9t. Northridge .......................................10-2 ...............77 Others receiving votes Prattville (12-2) 47, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa (12-1) 41, Gadsden City (6-5) 33, Hueytown-*(13-1) 24, Mountain Brook (12-1) 21, Austin (7-4) 15, Fairhope (10-3) 8, BobJones (10-2) 7, Davidson (7-4) 4, Central-Phenix City (11-3) 2, Huntsville (8-4) 2, Florence (7-3) 1. *-Class 5A in 2011; #-Forfeited ninegames in 2011 due to an ineligible player.

1. Leeds-# (11) .................................. 0-13 ........... 297 2. Deshler-* (13) ............................... 11-2 ........... 293 3. Piedmont (1) . ............................... 12-1 ........... 242 4. Madison Acad. (6) ........................ 12-3 ........... 233 5. Bayside Acad. . .............................. 11-1 ........... 129 6. Abbeville ........................................ 9-2 ............ 121 7. Midfield-* . ..................................... 6-5 ............ 112 8. Lauderdale Co. ............................. 11-2 ........... 105 9. T.R. Miller ....................................... 9-3 .............. 78 10. Hamilton ...................................... 8-3............... 37 Others receiving votes Fayette Co.-*(9-4) 25, Gordo (9-3) 25, Hanceville (10-1) 23, American Chr.-** (12-2) 16, Elkmont (75) 8, Straughn-* (6-5) 7, Trinity (6-5) 5, Excel (3-7) 3, GreeneCo.-* (7-4) 3, Geraldine (5-6) 2, Montevallo (4-6) 2, Opp (6-5) 1. *-Class 4A in 2011; **-Class 2A in 2011; #-Forfeited 10 wins after the 2011 season due to ineligible player.

Class 5A 1. Hartselle (19).....................................15-0..............316 2. Muscle Shoals (5) .............................11-2 .............262 3. Pinson Valley (3)................................9-3 ..............245 4. St. Paul’s (2) . .....................................11-2 .............217 5. Homewood-* (1)................................5-5 ..............194 6. Jackson-** .........................................15-0 .............188 7. Vigor (1) ............................................12-3 ...............70 8. Eufaula...............................................10-2 ...............60 9. Briarwood Chr...................................12-2................46 10. Center Point ....................................11-2 ...............44 Others receiving votes Cullman (8-4)34, Spanish Fort (9-4) 24, Fort Payne (10-2) 24, Demopolis (6-5) 16, Etowah (10-2) 9, Valley (9-3) 7, Athens (4-7) 6, Walker (6-5) 3, Greenville (111) 1, Russellville (5-6) 1. *-Class 6A in 2011; **-Class 4A in 2011

Class 4A 1. Oneonta (20) . ...................................12-3 .............327 2. Handley-** (5)...................................15-0..............250 3. Dadeville (2) .....................................12-1 .............234 4. UMS-Wright (1) .................................9-5 ..............184 5. N. Jackson (1) ....................................11-1 .............174 6. Thomasville (2) . ...............................10-2 .............173 7. Bibb Co. .............................................12-1 ...............84 8. Central-Clay Co.-*** ..........................n/a................74 9. Anniston ............................................9-5 ................73 10. Beauregard .....................................10-2 ...............42 Others receiving votes Andalusia (10-1) 33, Sardis-** (9-2) 24, Brooks (8-3) 20, Rogers-** (11-3) 16, Fairview (7-4) 10, Madison Co.-* (4-6) 10, Charles Henderson-* (6-6) 9, Calera (4-6) 8, Tallassee-* (4-7) 6, Guntersville (8-3) 5, J.O. Johnson-&* (0-10) 5,Hillcrest-Evergreen (5-5) 4, St. James (8-3) 2. *-Class 5A in 2011; **-Class 3A in 2011; ***-New school; &-Forfeitedfive games in 2011 due to ineligible player.

Class 2A 1. Elba (22)......................................... 15-0 ........... 339 2. Fultondale (4) ............................... 10-3 ........... 272 3. Tanner (1) ..................................... 14-1 ........... 252 4. Sweet Water-** (2) ........................ 10-4 ........... 196 5. Washington Co.-* (2) ..................... 9-3 ............ 188 6. Reeltown ........................................ 8-4 ............ 123 7. Fyffe ............................................... 11-1 ........... 105 8. Vincent ........................................... 9-3 .............. 56 9. Sheffield-* ...................................... 9-3 .............. 55 10. G.W. Long .................................... 9-2 .............. 48 Others receiving votes Oakman (8-4)39, N. Sand Mountain (9-2) 32, Flomaton (11-2) 18, Woodland (8-5) 13, Walter Wellborn-* (9-3) 9, LaFayette (7-4) 6, Sand Rock (6-5) 6, Leroy (8-5) 4, Montgomery Acad.-* (3-7) 3, Southern Choctaw (8-3) 2, Luverne-* (7-4) 1. *-Class 3A in 2011; **-Class 1A in 2011.

Class 1A 1. Marion Co. (19)............................. 14-1 ........... 297 2. Linden (6) ..................................... 13-2 ........... 285 3. Maplesville (2) .............................. 12-1 ........... 219 4. Ragland (1) ................................... 13-1 ........... 213 5. Brantley (1) ................................... 10-2 ........... 192 6. Pickens Co. . .................................. 11-2 ........... 179 7. R.A. Hubbard (2) ........................... 7-4 ............ 121 8. Cedar Bluff ..................................... 6-6 ............ 106 9. Lynn . .............................................. 9-3 .............. 38 10. Berry ............................................ 10-2 ............. 28 Others receiving votes Addison (9-2) 27, Collinsville (11-2) 17, Geneva Co. (6-6) 15, St. Jude (9-2) 7, Pleasant Home (8-4) 6, Winterboro (10-2) 6, Parrish (4-6) 5, Hackleburg (7-4)3, McKenzie (6-4) 3.

The Anniston Star

Sunday, August 19, 2012 Page 5

alexandria valley cubs

silent but dangerous Standout Alexandria tailback opts to let his moves, speed do all his talking on the field

BY NICK BIRDSONG

good delivering the ball in and out of the pocket.

His presence likely won’t change ALEXANDRIA the identity of Alexandria, a traditional rank Tucker summed up Juspower that’s built its reputation on its tice Owens pretty well. brand of smashmouth football. For “Justice plays one way and example, in a wild 55-41 win against acts another way,” said Tucker, Fairview in the first round of the playoffs, who’s entering his sixth season the Valley Cubs didn’t attempt a single as head football coach at Alex- pass. But throwing it could provide andria. them with another option and help keep His statement was a compliment of defenses from stacking the box and darthe highest caliber. ing them to throw.

Owens isn’t a rah-rah type of leader. “(Wells brings) A passing game,” So, you won’t catch him beating his Owens said. “It’s something we haven’t chest, shouting and yelling in excitehad in the last couple years. That little ment. Even when they break it down to fade, we don’t have to do that anymore. end practices, Owens isn’t very vocal in We can do some posts. Some post flags. his excitement. He gets together with the We’ve got a lot of routes that we can do. guys in a show of unity but he still keeps We’re just changing up our offense a his cool demeanor. little bit to fit him.”

His bark may not be loud. But don’t it Owens didn’t have to raise his voice get twisted. The senior Valley Cub’s bite to exhibit his enthusiasm about the addiout on the field is quite vicious. Last sea- tion of Wells to the Valley Cubs lineup. son, the 5-foot-10, 165-pounder rushed After a pair of practices, one in the for 573 yards and 11 touchdowns on morning and another in the afternoon, just 87 carries while adding 18 catches last Wednesday. He went back out on the for 267 yards. This year, the first-team field and practiced route-running and selection to The Star’s Class 4A-6A Allcatching with just him and someone to Calhoun County team will be a featured throw him the ball. asset as Alexandria strives to reach That’s saying plenty. the AHSAA state playoffs for the 10th “With his actions he’s real quiet and consecutive season, the longest streak very unassuming,” Tucker said of Owens. among Calhoun County teams.

“But when he gets out on the field, he “I’m laid back,” Owens said. “I ain’t becomes a different person. I like his trying to be a coach. I can be quiet and personality. He plays hard. He’s not a show them different techniques and very boastful kid. He’s just a humble kind stuff. I don’t have to sit there and scream of guy who just gets the job done.” at them.”

The Valley Cubs assignment in 2012 The Valley Cubs will rely heavily on will come on the road against Class 5A the exploits of the versatile Owens, who Etowah in a Thursday night game on could see time at running back, wide Aug. 30 before they invite Cherokee receiver, defensive back, punt and kick County to Lou Scales Stadium for their returner. They’ll be led by a class of 13 home and region opener. seniors, which includes the likes of all“It fees good to come out here as county performers lineman Taylor Watts a starter and know that everybody’s and linebacker Chance Smitherman. watching you,” Wells said. “We just gotta On offense, they’ll be led by a firstcome out and win some games.” year starter in senior quarterback Tanner Nick Birdsong covers prep sports for Wells. The 6-3, 185-pounder has protoThe Star. He can be reached at 256-235typical size for the position and looked 3575. Follow him on Twitter nbirdsong@annistonstar.com

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Trent Penny/The Anniston Star

Alexandria’s Justice Owens looks for running room during practice. Owens will be the Valley Cubs’ featured running back after averaging 6.5 yards per carry.

Quick hits • Opening up: While Alexandria will definitely look to use Wells and his big arm in the passing game, don’t be surprised if the big quarterback gets outside the pocket and makes some things happen with his legs. An honorable mention to The Star’s Class 4A-6A All-Calhoun County baseball team, he looked good rolling out in preseason practices.

“He really has improved a whole lot this summer,” Tucker said. “He’s going to be able to throw and run, I hope. That will make us better by having a dualthreat back there at quarterback.

Be Aggressive, B-e Aggressive: Just like the old cheer says. Both players and coach alike stressed the

necessity for the Valley Cubs to initiate the physicality along the line of scrimmage this season.

“We’ve just got to come out a little harder this year,” Owens said. “We came out harder this summer than we did the past two summers. So, maybe that will help us.”

Wells said the Valley Cubs won’t have the size across the board they typically do. So, it’s going to be paramount they take it to their opponents.

“Just like any football team, we need to learn a lot more so we can be aggressive, then after we learn we have to be aggressive.”

— Nick Birdsong

Page 6 Sunday, August 19, 2012

Anniston bulldogs

The Anniston Star

a gift for a pope

Ex-Alexandria standout Lee transfers to Bulldogs, will attempt to fill 2,500-yard void by two-year star

BY NICK BIRDSONG

girls basketball coach, he dealt with a similar case last winter when he handled the transfer of hoops star Quanetria hile it could be the Bolton, who came in from Wellborn understatement of this past season; she sat out the first five the year, it’s going to games of the Lady ‘Dawgs season while be difficult for Annis- awaiting approval from the AHSAA. ton to replace TroyIn that case, Bullock said he called maine Pope. the AHSAA to make sure there were no After rushing for more than 4,400 problems. He visited Bolton’s old resiyards and 60 touchdowns in the past dence and new residence to make sure a two seasons — 2,539 yards and scoring bonafide move had been made. Knowing 31 touchdowns last year — the Class 4A the penalty, Bullock said he’ll take the All-State tailback has taken his talents to same precautions with Lee’s transfer.

Jacksonville State.

“I’m going to do it by the book,” BullBut if anybody could, it’d be Jarline ock said. “I’m going to make sure that “Scoop” Lee. everything is in line and in compliance Lee, who had a breakout season as with the state, and he won’t be on the a junior at Alexandria last season with field (in a game) until it is.”

1,945 yards and 27 touchdowns on 304 Whenever the 5-foot-7, 165-pounder carries, transferred to Anniston in June in does step onto the field, opposing one of the biggest moves of the offseason defenses are going to have problems. in all of Northeast Alabama.

Anniston plans to use Lee in various “It was just something I wanted to do,” capacities from slot receiver to tailback Lee said, flatly. and Bullock, who’s taking over the offenAnniston coach Eddie Bullock, enter- sive coordinating duties as well, said Lee ing his third season at the Bulldogs’ helm, could also be used as a wideout. declined to go into detail about exactly On one play during practice, he why Lee made the move but referred to it soared above a pair of defenders in the as “philosophical differences” between middle of the field to snag a pass from Lee and the Valley Cubs’ coaching staff. quarterback Spencer Howard. When he That’s what he thought after talking with landed, he quickly made a move to elude Alexandria coach Frank Tucker. That’s a couple more defenders and took it the the first person Bullock called when he distance untouched. learned Lee might be looking to enroll.

Much like his predecessor Pope, who “He and I are friends,” Bullock said said he’d rush for 2,500 yards as a senior in regards to Tucker. “ ... I called coach when his junior year was cut short due Tucker because I know if that was my to injury then went out and did it, Lee best running back, I’d want to know what wasn’t bashful about his goals for his was going on straight from the source. individual goals for his senior season.

I talked to coach Tucker man-to-man, “I want to get at least get 2,500 (yards) 1-on-1.” he said. “And I’m going to try to get about Bullock added: “The kid hadn’t done 35 touchdowns.” anything to me. So, I wasn’t going to tell And oh yeah, Anniston travels to Alexhim he couldn’t come to school at Annis- andria Sept. 21st. ton.”

Nick Birdsong covers prep sports Bullock’s not a newcomer when it for The Star. He can be reached at 256comes to dealing with big-name, big235-3575. Follow him on Twitter @ game transfers. Also Anniston’s head birds_word.

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nbirdsong@annistonstar.com

Trent Penny/The Anniston Star

After rushing for nearly 2,000 yards last season at Alexandria, Jarline Lee has transferred to Anniston, where he’ll fill the void left by Troymaine Pope.

Quick hits • Leader of men: Coach Eddie Bullock brought Spencer Howard along slowly last year. Replacing a four-year starter in former standout Josiah Atkins, the then 5-8, 165-pound junior had played only sparingly as a sophomore. He made the transition from rookie to veteran in leading the Bulldogs to a 9-5 record and an appearance in the state semifinals. Now, he’s more than prepared to lead his team even further.

“I feel more confident this year because I’ve got one year under my belt,” he said. “So, I know what I’m looking for and all that.”

He’ll also have the benefit of a young but talented wide receiver corps that looks poised to spread its wings and fly.

“They’re coming along real good, learning the routes, learning how to

read defenses too at that,” he said.

“They’re catching the ball and they know spacing stuff.”

• One more hat: As if being athletics director, head football and girls basketball coach at a Class 4A school wasn’t enough for Bullock, he’ll now add another title to his list — offensive coordinator.

Bullock was the Bulldogs’ defensive coordinator prior to taking over the head coaching reins. Lynn Moore was the Bulldogs offensive coordinator this past year but did not return to the staff.

Bullock looked to obtain another coach to handle the offense. But when he bolted for another school Bullock opted to handle things on that side of the ball as well to quell confusion.

— Nick Birdsong

The Anniston Star

Jacksonville golden eagles

Sunday, August 19, 2012 Page 7

Time for a repeat

Smith hopes his successful formula he used at Saks can carry over with the Golden Eagles

By Al Muskewitz amuskewitz@annistonstar.com

C Trent Penny/The Anniston Star

First-year Jacksonville coach Clint Smith watches his team do drills. Smith will try to lead Jacksonville to the playoffs for the first time since 2009.

Quick hits • END OF THE LINE: Golden Eagles senior safety Jared Tippets represents the end of a legacy in JHS sports. He’s the last in a long line of Tippets boys to play sports at the school. His oldest brother was a junior in high school the year Jared was born and graduated in 1996.

“I’m going to graduate in 2013 – that’s a stretch,” he said.

He says there is a little bit of pressure being the final torchbearer in a family where seven siblings have gone before him.

“I hope I can (uphold the legacy),” he said. “I hope this is a team that turns things around at Jacksonville. With the

coaching staff, players and attitude we have, the future is definitely bright at Jacksonville.”

• By the way: Keep Week 10 open. That’s when the Golden Eagles and Saks clash in Jacksonville. The game, the start of a two-year deal, was scheduled several months before Smith changed jobs.

“I think the players from both sides will be very excited,” Tippets said. “I’m sure they’ll want to beat their old coach and we’ll want to beat his old program.”

“And when it’s over,” Smith said, “we’ll shake hands and still be friends and do the things we’ve always done.”

— Al Muskewitz

JACKSONVILLE lint Smith brought a vision to his last head coaching job and parlayed it into a successful run at Saks. He’s hoping for the same kind of success in his new job at Jacksonville.

If the plan is right, it figures the rest should follow.

After guiding a once-proud then downtrodden Saks program to the playoffs four of the last five years of his sevenyear tenure, Smith moved 10 miles up the road to help get the Golden Eagles back on track.

And he’s going into it with the same approach, one that not only encompasses the school’s football program but its entire athletics operation.

“We’ve got a vision; we know what we want to do,” Smith said. “... The biggest thing going into a school is building a solid foundation and determining what we want that foundation to be.

“What I tried to really stress to the guys is we want everything we do to be done in a first-class way.”

It’s an approach that helped Smith win the job over more than 90 applicants from as far away as Mexico and Canada, and one that appears to be catching on at Jacksonville.

Players were coming back out for the varsity who hadn’t played football in a while, nearly doubling the size of the varsity roster. There’s an additional 50 players in the junior high program. During the first full week of practice the team had perfect attendance every day.

“I think that’s the biggest indicator things are changing at Jacksonville,” safety Jared Tippets said. “There’s definitely a difference and it’s opened everyone’s eyes. This coaching staff has found a way to get the players and fans excited for

football season.”

The Golden Eagles hadn’t been exciting for a while. They were 18-43 in former coach Roland Houston’s tenure and went 2-8 last year amid a rash of injuries. They have made the playoffs only three times since 1998, the last in 2009.

When Smith took over the Saks program, the Wildcats had missed the playoffs four straight years. In 2007, his team won its first region title since 1996 — when it played for the 5A state title — and reached the second round of the playoffs. Last year, they went 7-4 and lost in the second round of the playoffs 14-13 when a two-point conversion attempt failed with 39 seconds to play.

“I don’t know if it’s tougher or easier,” Smith said comparing the two moves.

“There are a lot of similarities seven years ago when I took over the Saks job.”

To help make the transition smoother, Smith was able to bring along four of his Saks assistants — longtime offensive coordinator Jamison Edwards, defensive coordinator Marcus Albright, special teams coach Cordell Hunt and offensive line/linebackers coach C.J. Boyd.

“That’s a big plus,” Smith said. “They already know how we do things and what we do, so we’re able to jump in with both feet and really not miss.”

Another thing Smith brought with him is the spread offense he implemented last year at Saks. It’s a bold departure from the triple option of the previous regime.

“I think our personnel fits what we do,” he said.

An exciting offense sells tickets, but the emphasis will be on defense and special teams.

“We’ve got a lot of guys who haven’t played in a long time, in a couple years, that we’re looking forward to helping us,” Smith said. “The numbers are good.

We’re trying to get people plugged in where we need them.”

Al Muskewitz is a sports writer for The Star. He can be reached at 256-235-3577.

Page 8 Sunday, August 19, 2012

donoho falcons

The Anniston Star

leadership potential

Trent Penny/The Anniston Star

Donoho coach Shannon Felder will be counting on players like quarterback Marshall Ghee (5) this fall to fill leadership roles vacated by graduation.

Lack of veterans has Falcons needing players to step up

By Al Muskewitz

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amuskewitz@annistonstar.com

hannon Felder is looking for a few good men to lead the Donoho football team back to the playoffs.

The Falcons were loaded with veteran leaders last year when they went 11-2 and made it all the way to the third round of the 1A playoffs. But those players are gone now, leaving the leadership role to players who heretofore haven’t had to carry those roles.

“We certainly lost a lot of leadership,” Felder said. “We had several guys who have been on some good teams and some weak teams and those guys learned a lot. Not having those guys around this year is going to be a little tough for us because we really don’t

have guys who have had to be leaders in the past.

“This is kind of a new thing for several of the guys we’re asking to be leaders this year. We certainly know they have the ability to do it — they made some steps in that direction when we were (at camp) in Pisgah — but we need all of them to get on a fast track.”

He’s hoping those leaders emerge from the team’s four seniors — quarterback Marshall Ghee, two-way linemen Jared Jones and Paul Chung, and versatile George McMillan.

Felder has asked players to assume roles not necessarily consistent with their personalities before — at Donoho and elsewhere — and it’s been rare in his experience they have shied away from it.

“For the most part, when you ask a guy to be a leader they understand the pressure that comes with that and they

understand the first thing is leading by example,” he said. “I’ve never had a player who I’ve asked to be a leader who didn’t want to be a leader or didn’t want to do what was best for the team.

“I’ve had guys say this is not my cup of tea, but if this is going to be the best thing for the team than I’m going to do whatever I have to, and I think that’s what we’ve got with these guys, a bunch of guys who want to do what’s best for the team.”

Ghee said he was one of the looser personalities on the team last year, when he played some quarterback behind Teddre Williams, but now there’s little time for joking around. He understands the seriousness of his role this year and appears ready to embrace it.

Please see donoho ❙ Page 9

Quick hits • The Falcons’ goal is to make the playoffs, and if they do the schedule could work in their favor.

After trying in vain to schedule a game for Week 10, coach Shannon Felder decided just to leave it blank.

That means, if the Falcons do make the playoffs, they’ll have a week off to prepare.

• The Falcons may be looking for some new leaders in the locker room, but look for them to stick with what works for them on the field.

The Falcons will spread the field on offense, breaking out in wing-Ts, double wings and trips. Defensively, they’ll stick with a multiple look.

— Al Muskewitz

The Anniston Star

donoho Continued from Page 8 “They say all the time the older kids have to (show leadership),” Ghee said.

“After having a big team last year, a much deeper team last year, they’re always talking about how the leadership has to be a lot greater on this team. We don’t have the size and talent as last year’s team, but with our hard work and if we can all stick together and show good leadership, we can have a run at something.”

Jones, who will be playing his first year of football, said he, too, is ready to accept his role out front. He transferred from Westbrook Christian before his sophomore year, but didn’t have the desire to play football and last year went through spring and summer drills before undergoing season-ending knee surgery.

“If the team can come together under a leader we’re going to win more games,” he said.

And that ultimately could lead to a playoff berth, which Ghee said is a “very realistic” goal.

Felder figures it would take four region wins to make it to the postseason,

Sunday, August 19, 2012 Page 9 but getting off to a fast start is the key.

“For us to have what I would refer to as a successful season, we need to make the playoffs,” he said. “In order for us to make the playoffs, it’s imperative we get off to a good start. That’s a must. If we have any chance to make the playoffs we have to come out the gate playing.

“I have no idea what our record needs to be; what we’re saying is it’s imperative for us to get off to a good start. If we can come out of the gate and win a couple games and then towards the latter part of the season hopefully we’ll be playing better football. I think to make the playoffs it’s going to take four wins. Makes no difference where. We feel if we can get four games then we can get in.”

And if they do qualify, they catch a bit of a break. They have no game in Week 10, so effectively the Falcons will have an open week before the pressure cooker that’s the playoffs.

And they promise they won’t be content just getting there.

“I personally think we’ll have a run in the playoffs for a little while,” Ghee said.

“I’m not going to stop when we get to the playoffs personally. I don’t think we plan to.”

Al Muskewitz is a sports writer for The Star. He can be reached at 256-235-3577.

PROUD SUPPORTERS Ghee, Draper, Alexander & Downey Law Firm Watermark Tower 931 Noble Street • (256) 236-2543

Page 10 Sunday, August 19, 2012

The Anniston Star

jacksonville christian thunder

UPhill all the way

Jacksonville Christian still playing numbers game, but will also battle youth and inexperience

By Rip Donovan Star Sports Correspondent

A

JACKSONVILLE lack of numbers has been an issue for Jacksonville Christian football since the Thunder joined the Alabama High School Athletic Association prior to the start of the 2002 season.

This year head coach Tommy Miller is building a team from 18 players, including two seventhgraders and two from the eighth grade.

“I’ve been here 25 years and we’ve had to play uphill the whole time. We’re just a very, very small school. Actual number wise, we are the smallest school in the whole state that plays in the AHSAA. It’s always going to be an uphill battle when you’re like that,” Miller said after a recent practice.

The remaining 14 players include three seniors, one of whom did not play last year, four juniors, three sophomores and four freshmen.

“We’re so thin and so young,” Miller noted. “We’ve probably got 12 or 13 guys that ought to be varsity. The rest of them would be JV only.”

But there is no junior varsity so the youngest players, too small to risk in a game against other teams’ seniors and juniors, watch and learn.

After a 4-6 campaign last year, the Thunder returns six players with significant playing experience.

Sophomore Daylon Brackett moves into the role of quarterback. Brackett, a starter at wide

receiver and cornerback as a freshman, got a bit of playing time at quarterback in Week 9 last year then played the position for the final three quarters of a 20-19 comeback win over Meek in Week 10.

“I think it’s a big challenge because there’s so much to playing quarterback,” Miller said of the change. “I know there’s a lot of armchair football quarterbacks, but quarterbacking is a tough position, and when you’ve got a guy that‘s stepping in for the first time, it’s a big challenge.

“I think Daylon’s ahead of the game by playing some at the end of the season there last year.”

The Thunders’ other experienced players include seniors Seth Posey and Brandon Sudduth and juniors Cody Blohm, Dakota Crook and Tyler Morales.

Sudduth is the team’s fastest player with Brackett just a step behind.

The new regional alignment has not favored Jacksonville Christian. The Thunder will play in Region 7, a nine-team region, and drew the schedule with eight consecutive region games to start the season.

Miller said in the previous alignment he felt there were four teams JCA could not necessarily defeat but play competitively.

“The region we’re in now is probably more balanced toward the top. You’ve got Cedar Bluff and Collinsville sitting up there at the top but then there’s Gaylesville and Valley Head and Spring Garden, Donoho. There are several good teams in this region so I think this region’s going to be tougher on us,” he said.

Trent Penny/The Anniston Star

JCA coach Tommy Miller talks to his players during a recent practice. The Thunder have only 18 players out for football this season, 14 in the top four grades.

Quick hits • HALF LINES AND PHANTOM DEFENSES: JCA has only six linemen.

To scrimmage, the starting left guard and left tackle play offense and the starting right guard and right tackle play across from them on defense.

Then the right side of the line moves to offense to face the left side on defense.

JCA practices its 11 offensive players as a unit by driving downfield against thin air.

“We’ve always gone half line but we’ve had enough to line up in dummy scrimmages 11-on-11 even up through last year,” said veteran coach Tommy

Miller. “This is the first year in a while that we haven’t had 22 that we could line up.”

• DOMINO EFFECT: At JCA, the No. 1 at one position is often the No. 2 at a second position and the No. 3 at a third.

In a recent practice, senior Seth Posey began at right guard, moved to right tackle and finally worked at center.

“If we have somebody that say gets the breath knocked out of them or is flagged for equipment or something, that can move three or four people at one time,” Miller said.

— Rip Donovan

The Anniston Star

Sunday, August 19, 2012 Page 11

ohatchee indians

time to wehunt

New Ohatchee coach ready to turn program around

BY NICK BIRDSONG

scheme the Warriors ran but wanted to evaluate his talent on the offensive side of the ball before committing to any OHATCHEE system. After a summer of workouts and he price is steep if you miss 7-on-7 passing camps, he decided to go one of Ohatchee coach for what he knows there as well.

Nathan Wehunt’s practices.

“We’re doing the same thing here It’s suicides. that we did there,” Wehunt said. “The “That’s where you sprint terminology’s exactly the same. You see 10 yards, do 10 up-downs, them. You see us.” sprint 10 more yards and do 10 more upTypically, Wehunt said it’s easier downs, something to that effect,” he said. to mold players into a defense than And that’s in addition to at least 50 an offense. However, he felt comfortup-downs. able with Allen’s arm strength, and the It sounds tough. But it’s the type of mobile signal-caller is more comfortable discipline the first-year coach said is operating out of the shotgun than from necessary to turn around a program that underneath the center. went a combined 5-15 in the past two “We’re still going to run the ball,” seasons.

Wehunt said. “We’re going to be 70 perWehunt, a former Cherokee County cent run. But we’re just doing everything assistant, took over the Indians’ helm out of the gun.” in late April following the departure of Riley’s brother, sophomore Tristan, former coach Jason Howard, who left his led Ohatchee in rushing last season. alma mater to return to Spring Garden.

The 5-8, 160-pounder had 563 yards and Despite a few defections, Wehunt said eight touchdowns on his way to being a the Indians’ numbers have increased named a first-team all-county choice. with 55 players on their varsity roster Senior Dillon Parker could be a top heading into their season-opener. target for Allen in the passing game.

In less than four months on the job, The 5-11, 170-pounder came back the Indians have bought into their new out for the team after not playing footchief’s methods. Though he’s a firstball since the eighth-grade, choosing to year coach, his pedigree spoke for itself focus on baseball and basketball. He was before he said a word. Working under lured back onto the field after hearing Tripp Curry, Wehunt was a part of a pitches from coaches and players who Warriors team which finished a perfect persuaded him it could make him a bet15-0 on its way to winning a Class 4A ter athlete. state championship. That’s part of why “It did,” he said. “I love it. I couldn’t his words resonate so much with those ask for any better. I missed it.” who’ll be representing a school whose The Indians will face a rough-andonly state title came in 1977. tumble slate, matching up against the “He knows what it takes to win,” likes of No. 2 Fultondale and No. 8 Vinsenior quarterback Riley Allen said. “He cent along with Wellborn and Woodland, won a state title at Cherokee County and both of whom won at least one game in we’re trying to the same thing here.” the playoffs last year.

After being named a first-team selec“We love to accept a challenge and be tion to The Star’s Class 1A-2A All-Calthe underdog,” Riley said. “He’s a really houn County team last season, the 5good coach and I’m sure we’ll have a foot-7, 175-pound Allen will once again plan for them.” be the featured attraction for Indians.

Nick Birdsong covers prep sports Wehunt, a defensive assistant while for The Star. He can be reached at 256at Cherokee County, said months ago 235-3575. Follow him on Twitter @ he’d implement the same 3-4 defensive birds_word. nbirdsong@annistonstar.com

T

Trent Penny/The Anniston Star

First-year coach Nathan Wehunt watches as his Ohatchee players go through drills. Wehunt was most recently an assistant at Cherokee County.

Quick hits • Goal-oriented: Wehunt’s looking to bring his winning ways to the Creekbank now. He didn’t want to put a number to it but the first-year, first-time head coach said he thinks his team is capable of winning several games. “Our goal is to make the playoffs,” he said.

Week 1 Opponent: Despite losses in their last three meetings, including a 30-19 defeat last season, Ohatchee has more than a good track record against White Plains, the team it will travel to take on during the season-opener.

Ohatchee has won 21 of 26 overall meetings against the Wildcats. That’s an 80.8 percent winning percentage.

Prior to 2009, Ohatchee beat White Plains eight times in a row, dating back

to 1995.

• Never scared: Coaches always say preseason rankings don’t mean anything. With a full-fledged five-week playoff, they’re right. But they’d be lying if they said they don’t look at them.

When the ASWA preaseason poll was released earlier this month Fultondale, Ohatchee’s Week 2 opponent, was ranked No. 2 in the state to begin the season. But instead of being intimidated by their opponent’s position, Wehunt used it as a means of motivation.

“They’ve got to beat us,” Wehunt said. “We don’t have to beat them.

They’ve got a target on their back as big as this building.”

— Nick Birdsong

The Anniston Star

2012 composite

schedule

Page 12 Sunday, August 19, 2012

Alexandria Valley Cubs Anniston Bulldogs donoho Falcons Jacksonville Golden Eagles Jax Christian Thunder Ohatchee Indians Oxford Yellow Jackets PIedmont Bulldogs Pleasant Valley

Raiders Saks Wildcats Weaver Bearcats wellborn Panthers white Plains wildcats

The Anniston Star

Sunday, August 19, 2012 Page 13

Aug. 31

Sept. 7

Sept. 14

Sept. 21

Sept. 28

Etowah

Cherokee Co.

Hokes Bluff

Anniston

Saks Home

Away (10/4)

Greenville

Cleburne Co.

Lincoln

Alexandria

Valley Head

Coosa Chr.

Jax Chr.

Pleasant Valley

Hokes Bluff

Woodville

Collinsville

Away (8/30)

Away

Away

Away (8/30)

Home

Home

Away

Away

Home

Home

Oct. 5

Oct. 12

Oct. 19

Oct. 26

Nov. 2

Munford

Cleburne Co.

Lincoln

Jacksonville

Leeds

Handley

Jacksonville

Cherokee Co.

Hokes Bluff

Munford

Carver-Mont.

Woodville

Collinsville

Falkville

Cedar Bluff

Spring Garden

Gaylesville Home

OFF

Cherokee Co.

Munford

Weaver

Anniston

Lincoln

Cleburne Co.

Alexandria

Saks

Donoho

Cedar Bluff

Spring Garden

Gaylesville

Valley Head

Coosa Chr.

ASD

Away

Home

Home

Away

Away

Home

Away

Home

Home

Home

Home

Away

Home

Away

White Plains

Fultondale

Ranburne

Carrollton (Ga.)

Clay-Chalkville

Gadsden City Away

Alabama A&M

Cherokee Co.

Ashville

Glencoe

Cleveland Away

Home (9/27)

Jacksonville

Ranburne

Vincent

Wellborn

White Plains

Cleburne Co.

Home

Home

Away

Away

Away

Home

Away

Away

Home

Away

Home

Home

Home

Home

Away

Away

Away (11/1)

Home

Away

Away

Shades Mtn. Christian

Plesant Valley

Vincent

Victory Chr.

Gaylesville

Home

Home

Woodland

Westbrook

Wellborn

Huntsville

Florence

Lee-Hunts.

Home

Away (10/11)

Grissom

Albertville

Pell City

Spain Park

Leeds

White Plains

Susan Moore

Saks

Weaver

Lincoln

Victory Chr.

White Plains

Fultondale

Ohatchee

Woodland

Wellborn

Gaston

Susan Moore

Ashville

Alexandria

Glencoe

Weaver

Piedmont

Cleveland

Jacksonville

Glencoe

White Plains

Susan Moore

Jacksonville

Cleveland

Saks

Ashville

Piedmont

Wellborn

Saks

Vincent

Victory Chr.

Fultondale

Fyffe

Ohatchee

Woodland

Ranburne

Plesant Valley

Weaver

Ohatchee

Saks

Weaver

Glencoe

Pleasant Valley

Piedmont

Ashville

Cleveland

Susan Moore

Collinsville

Away (8/30)

Away

Home

Home (8/30)

Home

Home

Away

Home (8/30)

Home

Home

Away

Home

Away

Away

Home

Home

Away

Home

Away

Away

Home

Home

Away

Away

Home

Home

Home

Home

Away

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Home

Away

Away

Away

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Away

Away

Away

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Away

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Away

Away

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Away

Away

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Away

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The Anniston Star

2012 composite

schedule

Page 12 Sunday, August 19, 2012

Alexandria Valley Cubs Anniston Bulldogs donoho Falcons Jacksonville Golden Eagles Jax Christian Thunder Ohatchee Indians Oxford Yellow Jackets PIedmont Bulldogs Pleasant Valley

Raiders Saks Wildcats Weaver Bearcats wellborn Panthers white Plains wildcats

The Anniston Star

Sunday, August 19, 2012 Page 13

Aug. 31

Sept. 7

Sept. 14

Sept. 21

Sept. 28

Etowah

Cherokee Co.

Hokes Bluff

Anniston

Saks Home

Away (10/4)

Greenville

Cleburne Co.

Lincoln

Alexandria

Valley Head

Coosa Chr.

Jax Chr.

Pleasant Valley

Hokes Bluff

Woodville

Collinsville

Away (8/30)

Away

Away

Away (8/30)

Home

Home

Away

Away

Home

Home

Oct. 5

Oct. 12

Oct. 19

Oct. 26

Nov. 2

Munford

Cleburne Co.

Lincoln

Jacksonville

Leeds

Handley

Jacksonville

Cherokee Co.

Hokes Bluff

Munford

Carver-Mont.

Woodville

Collinsville

Falkville

Cedar Bluff

Spring Garden

Gaylesville Home

OFF

Cherokee Co.

Munford

Weaver

Anniston

Lincoln

Cleburne Co.

Alexandria

Saks

Donoho

Cedar Bluff

Spring Garden

Gaylesville

Valley Head

Coosa Chr.

ASD

Away

Home

Home

Away

Away

Home

Away

Home

Home

Home

Home

Away

Home

Away

White Plains

Fultondale

Ranburne

Carrollton (Ga.)

Clay-Chalkville

Gadsden City Away

Alabama A&M

Cherokee Co.

Ashville

Glencoe

Cleveland Away

Home (9/27)

Jacksonville

Ranburne

Vincent

Wellborn

White Plains

Cleburne Co.

Home

Home

Away

Away

Away

Home

Away

Away

Home

Away

Home

Home

Home

Home

Away

Away

Away (11/1)

Home

Away

Away

Shades Mtn. Christian

Plesant Valley

Vincent

Victory Chr.

Gaylesville

Home

Home

Woodland

Westbrook

Wellborn

Huntsville

Florence

Lee-Hunts.

Home

Away (10/11)

Grissom

Albertville

Pell City

Spain Park

Leeds

White Plains

Susan Moore

Saks

Weaver

Lincoln

Victory Chr.

White Plains

Fultondale

Ohatchee

Woodland

Wellborn

Gaston

Susan Moore

Ashville

Alexandria

Glencoe

Weaver

Piedmont

Cleveland

Jacksonville

Glencoe

White Plains

Susan Moore

Jacksonville

Cleveland

Saks

Ashville

Piedmont

Wellborn

Saks

Vincent

Victory Chr.

Fultondale

Fyffe

Ohatchee

Woodland

Ranburne

Plesant Valley

Weaver

Ohatchee

Saks

Weaver

Glencoe

Pleasant Valley

Piedmont

Ashville

Cleveland

Susan Moore

Collinsville

Away (8/30)

Away

Home

Home (8/30)

Home

Home

Away

Home (8/30)

Home

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Page 14 Sunday, August 19, 2012

oxford yellow jackets

The Anniston Star

Unleash the beast National spotlight firmly fixed on Oxford’s Thomas as he returns to carry the load for Jackets’ ‘0’

By Joe Medley

It wasn’t long before Thomas got to test his willingness to run inside as a member of Oxford’s scout team. He OXFORD got what he called “tough love” from ots of question marks surolder Oxford stars, one in particular. round Racean Thomas this “At first, it was kind of brutal,” he season, but two things are said. “Gary Mason, when he hits you, certain. it’s like a truck hitting you, for real.”

One, all eyes are on the It was all preparation for what Oxford junior already tout- Thomas will face this season. ed as one of the nation’s top running A 1,500-yard rusher in 2011 who backs for the Class of 2014. saw regular action as a freshman in Two, the lone-returning offensive 2010, he’s one of few proven comstar from a state-semifinal team is modities on Oxford’s offense. The ready to shoulder the load as Oxford’s Yellow Jackets lost departed senior feature attraction. quarterback Jackson Stephens, runThat latter question got answered ning back/receiver Coty Spurling, in the school of hard knocks, when receivers like Elston and Dominique Thomas was a scout-teamer going up Williams and four starting linemen, against now-LSU linebacker Kwon including Michael Flint (who is on Alexander and other former Yellow scholarship at Arkansas State) and Jacket first-teamers in practice.

Calvin Baker (Jacksonville State).

“Kwon and Trae (Elston, now with All are either college football signOle Miss) and them on defense kind ees or professional baseball players. of made me better and let me know I That means Thomas will have to should never be scared of anything,” produce against Class 6A defenses Thomas said. that will key on him, at least until Not that Thomas ever was. That new starters around him prove to be much became clear to Oxford coach capable threats.

John Grass when he first glimpsed Thomas lists at 6-foot, 200 pounds Thomas. and looks every bit of it. He certainly Grass was named Oxford’s head seems physically capable of taking coach in 2008, when Thomas was in the pounding. seventh grade. When Grass observed Ideally, Grass said, he’d like to Oxford’s up-and-coming players, keep Thomas’ carry load in the low Thomas was already showing a will20s, but it depends on how games ingness to challenge defenders. play out. Thomas has had high-carry “He’s a true running back guy, not games, like 30 for 301 yards in a firsta kid that was an athlete that you had round playoff game against Spain to turn into a running back,” Grass Park last season, but he didn’t have to said. “He’s a natural runner with the do it week in and out. ball in his hand.

“I think he’s matured and ready “… He would break 60-, 80-yard for that,” Grass said. “I think he’s runs, and he would run the ball even ready to lead and be the mainstay on inside at that age when the blocking our offense.” ability is not advanced. A lot of times Joe Medley is The Star’s sports you’ll see running backs run to the columnist. He can be reached at 256sidelines every time, but he wouldn’t 235-3576. Follow on Twitter @jmeddo that. He’d run the ball up inside.” ley_star. jmedley@annistonstar.com

L Trent Penny/The Anniston Star

Running back Racean Thomas is one of the few returners on Oxford’s offense, but he’s worthy of carrying the load after rushing for 1,500 yards last season.

Quick hits WHERE TO START: Question marks abound on offense as Oxford readies to welcome new starters at several positions, most notably quarterback.

The Yellow Jackets lost departed senior and three-year starter Jackson Stephens, and Oxford coach John Grass said the quarterback competition is between sophomore Ty Webber and senior Joe McGuire, who can also play receiver. As of last word, Webber “probably has a slight edge.”

“We’re going to be able to throw the football enough that people are not just going to be able to bottle up the box on us,” Grass said. “The quarterback position is going to be able to get the ball out and get it in the receivers’ hands to where we spread the field enough to be effective.”

• DOSE OF REALISM: Oxford lost a lot of talent off a team that went 12-2 and made the deepest playoff run in the school’s 6A history, and a school with about half the enrollment of 6A powers like Hoover doesn’t exactly just reload.

“I don’t think we’ll ever be to a point where we just reload in 6A football,” Grass said. “It’s so different from 5A, and we still play with almost 5A numbers, so we’re going to have that building deal.

“We don’t have the number of kids to do that, but I love our kids. I love this team’s attitude. We’re going to play hard, work hard. We had a great offseason. Everything you could expect them to do, they’ve done, so I’m looking forward to going into battle with them.”

— Joe Medley

The Anniston Star

Sunday, August 19, 2012 Page 15

PIedmont bulldogs

Arms race Piedmont’s performance sans starter at JSU camp latest evidence Smith’s teams never run out of QBs

By Joe Medley jmedley@annistonstar.com

T Trent Penny/The Anniston Star

Piedmont head coach Steve Smith chats with quarterback Cade Bradley during practice. Bradley is the frontrunner to take over the starting QB job.

Quick hits • DEFENSE KEY: For all of the attention paid to quarterbacks and offense since Steve Smith became Piedmont’s head coach before the 2006 season, Piedmont might be best on defense this year.

The Bulldogs return Marquez Gamble, Jaylan Johnson and Exavyer Jackson on the line, Jamie Major and Collin Bradley at inside linebacker, Cody Daughtry at outside linebacker and Laphonso Burroughs at defensive back.

“We’ve got a lot of experience on that side, and that’s definitely going to be the strength of our team,” Smith said. “Our defense should be pretty good.”

• PLENTY OF DEPTH: Piedmont has 66 players on the roster, and Smith expects to play 30-35 every varsity game.

“We’ve got a lot of quality depth, probably the most kids we’ve had since I’ve been here that we feel comfortable putting on the field in a game-time situation on Friday nights,” Smith said.

• REGION SUPPORTER: While Piedmont was voted No. 3 in the preseason Alabama Sports Writers Association poll in 3A, the Bulldogs were the only team from their region to receive a vote. Smith called it “a slap in the face.”

“I don’t know what these people are watching,” he said, “but Weaver and Saks and Glencoe and Susan Moore, really, for those four teams to not receive a vote, that’s an injustice. All four of those teams are playoff-caliber teams. They’re all top-10-worthy teams.

“Our region last year went 3-for-4 in the first round, and the only loss was Weaver on the road to Madison Academy, who wound up being the state runner-up, and it was by a failed extrapoint conversion. Weaver could have easily knocked off the state runner-up in the first round.”

Smith also said White Plains is “knocking on the door of getting over the hump.”

— Joe Medley

PIEDMONT he news from Piedmont’s day at Jacksonville State University’s 7-on-7 tournament in July was eye-opening, most of all for Cade Bradley.

He had to miss the tournament to attend his great grandmother’s funeral, so how did the Bulldogs do sans their senior starting quarterback throwing the passes?

They made it to the finals before losing to Georgia power Carrollton.

“I was like, dang,” Bradley said. “I’ve got some competition.”

Maybe not so much, because Bradley is the clear frontrunner to take over for departed senior Chris Strott this season, but Piedmont’s day at JSU just further proved two constants in Steve Smithcoached programs — winning and quarterback play.

Coming off a 12-1 season and Piedmont’s fifth in a row to reach at least the third round of the playoffs, it appears the third-ranked Bulldogs are well on their way to continuing both trend lines.

Bradley, who saw extended and productive action when Strott was injured in 2011, is plenty ready to run Smith’s spread offense.

Sophomore Tyler Lusk, who took over for Bradley on July 19 at JSU, looks plenty ready to play the third-series, change-ofpace role and groom.

Oh, and Piedmont is good once again.

Book it.

Their veteran defense is a big part of the reason why they’re ranked behind only No. 1 Leeds and Deshler, and the line — the heart of that strong defense — didn’t play in a 7-on-7 tournament.

Neither did the starting quarterback nor his brother Collin, Piedmont’s middle linebacker. Top prospect Jamie Major (ankle) sat out, as did starting cornerbacks Laphonso Burroughs and Denard Spears, who also plays receiver.

Top-returning receiver Cass McCord was limited with a shoulder injury, and the Bulldogs lost their top three receivers from a year ago, all seniors.

“We went into that camp with the

mindset that we were going to try to play a lot of kids any way,” Smith said. “Those guys just stepped up and played really, really well.”

To add perspective, Piedmont went 2-4 in a 7-on-7 camp at Samford two days prior, but that was Piedmont’s first day of throwing for a bunch of guys who had thrown baseballs all summer. Two days later, they almost won at JSU, so the football-throwing muscle memory came back quickly.

No one should be surprised.

Smith, a former quarterback, coached Cole Peace and Jamie Hampton at Cedar Bluff. Kevin Bedwell, Chase Childers, Strott and Bradley have won for him at Piedmont.

They’ve been big and small, but they’ve all been smart, coachable and eager to learn.

“I’m kind of picky on the kind of kids that I like to use there,” Smith said.

This year, Smith has Lusk, sophomore Gadsden City transfer Sloan Tyler and eighth-grader Taylor Hayes behind Cade Bradley on the varsity.

Smith gets a close-up view of Lusk’s development. The Smiths and Lusk are next-door neighbors.

“I see him out there in the yard constantly working, trying to get better,” Smith said. “The arm strength that he’s developed from ninth to 10th grade and his decision-making and his confidence, Tyler has really progressed nicely.

“He’s probably been one of the biggest surprises of our early camp.”

Bradley completed 18 of 30 passes for 382 yards and five touchdowns with one interception in 2011, playing nearly three full games when Strott was hurt. He’s the clear starter.

Smith typically plays a change-ofpace quarterback, usually in the third series, and Lusk looks likely to step into that role. Then there’s Tyler and Hayes.

“If one of these other guys work their way into the rotation, too, you may see a third quarterback even some,” Smith said.

Indeed, Smith never runs out of quarterbacks, and his teams just keep winning.

Joe Medley is The Star’s sports columnist. He can be reached at 256-235-3576.

Follow on Twitter @jmedley_star.

Page 16 Sunday, August 19, 2012

pleasant Valley raiders

The Anniston Star

no place like home With playoff appearances accomplished, PV set its sights on hosting playoff game

By Rip Donovan

Eddie Roe and Austin Tate at wide receiver and junior Dustin Andrews at tight end.

PLEASANT VALLEY Senior Ethan Lambert and he future could be now junior Jared Colvin will anchor at Pleasant Valley. the offensive line. Colvin started Since Pleasant every game as an eighth-grader Valley began playing and has started every game since football in 1982, the then.

Raiders have reached “We expect great things out of the playoffs four times. Three of Colvin and we expect great things those appearances — 2007, 2008 out of Ethan on the line,” Davis and 2010 — have come during Jeff noted. “Everybody in northeast Davis’ tenure. The Raiders have Alabama that plays us knows never played a postseason game at where we’re going. We’re going home. Davis, beginning his eighth right behind those two big lineyear at the Raiders’ helm, wants men.” that to change.

Size on the offensive line will “That’s our goal, to play a be a strength for the Raiders. home playoff game. That’s what Behind those linemen, Pleasant we’re shooting for right now,” Valley could generate ball-control Davis said. “We don’t want to just scoring drives of 12 to 15 plays. make the playoffs. We want to “You’ve got to be disciplined make the playoffs something that team to have those kind of drives,” is expected and done around here Davis said. “You’ve got to be able on a regular basis.” to hold on to the football. You’ve Many of the pieces for a sucgot to be able to move the football cessful season appear to be in with some consistency.” place. Junior Lucas Ford returns “I think Lucas will bring all of at quarterback. that in and get us in the right situ“Lucas started 10 games for ations.” us last year as a 10th-grader and As much as anything, the disthere’s so much more to his conappointment of last year’s 3-7 seafidence level right now than there son, a season which Davis feels ever was last year,” said Davis. could have produced six or seven Senior Hunter Green and wins, may make the Raiders sucsophomore Dalton Bean return at cessful this time. running back.

In several losses, Pleasant Val “Green’s running the ball with ley was unable to capitalize on a more authority. If we can get break or unable to overcome the Bean to quit dancing and run it, effect of a break its opponent used he’s going to get us five, six, seven to advantage. tough yards when we need for “Little stuff like that, we’ve got him to do that,” Davis said. to learn to overcome. Good foot When Ford looks to throw, ball teams overcome something he’ll have proven pass catchlike that instead of letting it kill ers in seniors Preston Garrett, them,” Davis noted.

Star Sports Correspondent

T Trent Penny/The Anniston Star

Pleasant Valley quarterback Lucas Ford picks up yardage at a recent practice.

Coach Jeff Davis said his confidence in Ford is high.

Quick hits • WHERE BASEBALL GOES, CAN FOOTBALL FOLLOW?: On its way to an area championship in the spring, the Pleasant Valley baseball team won a number of games with late-inning rallies after trailing early. None of that escaped the attention of head football coach Jeff Davis.

“Last spring, our baseball team learned how to overcome that (defeatist) mentality. They would get down and then they would not get beat. They refused to lose. Well, we’ve got the same kids that are playing football that played baseball. … We’re building on the success the baseball team had in the spring,” Davis said.

• OVERCOMING SPEED: Davis named Fultondale, Wellborn, Woodland and Vincent as his pre-season favorites in Pleasant Valley’s new Class 2A region, Region 6.

Each of the four won at least one playoff game last year. All four can be expected to have more speed than the Raiders but Davis has a plan.

“We’ve got to narrow the game down, keep them in a box,” Davis said.

“That’s the thing that we’ve done so well in the past. We can play with anybody that we play for 20 yards. “… Now, if we’re chasing, we’re losing.”

— Rip Donovan

The Anniston Star

Sunday, August 19, 2012 Page 17

saks wildcats

miller time Alexandria product set to put philosophies of coaching legend to work in first season with Saks

By Joe Medley

“I always loved sports growing up, but he just fostered that and got me jmedley@annistonstar.com interested in coaching, just seeing SAKS how he went about things. He was t’s 4 p.m. on a Thursday at very prepared.”

Saks High School, hours after Miller has spent his entire coacha morning football practice. ing career at Saks, going there straight The school’s football team has out of Jacksonville State University. gone home, and a front-office He’s more known as the head boys’ worker assumes the same for basketball coach, a role he retains, the new head football coach. but he’s entering his 12th season on Just to make sure, the man calls, the football staff. He spent the past six and … “Oh, he’s still here watching years as defensive coordinator. film?” the man said.

Saks’ veteran players likely never Yes, Jonathan Miller is a disciple of met Ginn, who retired suddenly just the late and great Larry Ginn. before the 2007 season and died of When Saks promoted Miller from melanoma in 2009, but it sounds like defensive coordinator to replace Clint they’re describing him when they Smith, now head coach at Jacksondescribe Miller. ville, Miller became Calhoun Coun“Fun, hard-working and down to ty’s third current head football coach business,” receiver Tre Smith said. with Ginn roots, joining Alexandria’s “We watch a lot of film. We still watch Frank Tucker and Weaver’s Daryl film from last year so he can show me Hamby. my mistakes, and we just learn from Miller’s Ginn roots won’t show that. in Saks’ spread offense, a departure “He’s serious about the film.” from the wing-T Miller ran as a wingQuarterback Chase Johnson says back under Ginn on Alexandria’s 1995 Miller “knows what he’s doing. He’s state-championship team. real aggressive.” Oh, and there’s the Miller’s Ginn roots won’t show film thing. in Saks’ three-man defensive front, “He likes to break down every a departure from Alexandria’s fourplay,” Johnson said. “He really likes man fronts, but the ex-Valley Cub out- to talk about details with everything, side linebacker must take advantage make sure that everybody underof Saks’ speed to overcome inexperistands what’s going on.” ence.

Saks players who spend much Where Miller’s Ginn roots will time around Miller are likely to hear show is in how he talks to his team about more than football. He said and prepares for games, and count he remembers fondly those driver’slong days watching film as exhibit education sessions on Fridays, when number one.

Ginn would tell stories but let him “He was always watching film. He know the moment the speedometer had the film memorized,” Miller said. ticked over the speed limit.

“From the coaching side, I knew he “One thing I always remember is was prepared. the life lessons,” Miller said. “He was “He knew numbers. He knew always talking to us about effort and heights. He knew weights. He knew making sure you work hard, and there who every player was and their weak- are guys that don’t have the opportuness, and he studied that film over nities you have to play sports. and over and over.”

“Some of them may have to work.

Some of those film sessions came Some of them may have a disability, during school, in Alexandria’s old or whatever, and you can’t waste your gym. opportunity.”

“He had this little TV there in the Joe Medley is The Star’s sports back, and we’d sit there and watch columnist. He can be reached at 256film,” Miller said. “He knew the play 235-3576. Follow on Twitter @jmedbefore it was coming. ley_star.

I

Trent Penny/The Anniston Star

Jonathan Miller, first-year head coach at Saks, gives some pointers to some of his players during a recent Wildcat practice.

Quick hits • MISSING DENNARD: One player Saks won’t have on the football field is junior Corpio Dennard, the former receiver/back who suffered a broken neck during the J.B. Pennington game in 2011.

Dennard didn’t know how seriously he was hurt until the next day and nearly didn’t get it checked. He underwent surgery, and doctors said his strong neck muscles miraculously spared him paralysis.

He could end up playing sports again for Saks, just likely not football.

New Saks coach Jonathan Miller said

Dennard “would have helped us, absolutely. He would have been one of our better skill-position players.”

• BIG-PLAY COMBO: Saks lost nine starters on defense and seven on offense, but the Wildcats have two key returnees in quarterback Chase Johnson and receiver Tre Smith.

Johnson threw for 1,664 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2011, and Smith had team-highs of 356 receiving yards and six touchdowns. They averaged 19.8 yards per completion.

— Joe Medley

Page 18 Sunday, August 19, 2012

The Anniston Star

wellborn panthers

taking the next step

Stephen Gross/The Anniston Star

After three trips to the playoffs, Wellborn coach Jeff Smith has his players ‘serious’ about focusing on winning a state championship.

Playoffs achieved; Panthers looking bigger

BY NICK BIRDSONG

in 2011, during which it advanced to the second-round of the Class 3A state playoffs. nbirdsong@annistonstar.com They finished fourth in a region which WELLBORN included state champion Handley, semifit was only the first day of practice but nalist Clay County and 2010 state champs the tone was already being set.

Leeds. They went on the road and defeated Led by fourth-year coach Jeff Speake in the first-round, the Panthers first Smith, Wellborn did everything on postseason victory since 1995, the same the hip, ripping and zipping through week they suffered the tragic death of fordrills at various stations in the late mer Panther “Aaron “Tootie” Harris before afternoon heat last Monday. bowing out at home against Washington The Panthers appeared to have postsea- County. son focus in the preseason.

After the most recent AHSAA reclassi“We’re going to take it one game at a fication, the Panthers, who received votes time,” Smith said “But our ultimate goal is in the Alabama Sports Writers Association to win a state championship. We gotta be preseason poll, will drop down to Class 2A. serious about it if we’re going to do it.”

They’re grouped in Region 4 with No. 2 FulThe past three years, he’s taken his alma tondale, No. 8 Vincent, Woodland, another mater to the playoffs. Prior to his arrival team which received votes, Pleasant Valley, in 2009, Wellborn had gone 1-9 in back-toOhatchee, Ranburne and Victory Christian. back seasons.

Please see wellborn ❙ Page 19 Wellborn’s coming off an 8-4 campaign

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Quick hits • Four Horsemen: Jeff Smith said he expects his defensive line to be especially strong this season despite the loss of former all-county selection Dejuan Traylor. The unit will consist of O.J. Pilot (5-10, 215), Jaleel Burton (5-10, 265), A.J. Files (5-8, 220) and James Dunn (5-11, 165). The group is experienced — Pilot, Files and Dunn are all seniors, and Burton is a junior.

Their size should be key, too, especially in 2A ball.

Smith said the biggest reason he believes his front four will shine this season is the coaching they receive from assistant Allan Russell.

“He’s the best defensive line

coach in the state, hands down” Smith said. “He comes over from Hoover every day and he just works those guys. He was with me at Hueytown and he’s done a good job with them.”

• One to watch: Landon Machristie tallied about 80 tackles and started at linebacker allseason for the Panthers a year ago. He was a freshman. The 6-1, 205-pounder certainly looks the part and could put up even bigger numbers this fall.

“He’s strong. He’s got good speed and he’s real aggressive,” Smith said. “He’s also a very good person. He’s a high-character guy.”

— Nick Birdsong

The Anniston Star

Wellborn

and undisputedly so. The 5-foot-5, 160pound dynamo bench presses 315 pounds and squats 700. He rushed for 1,078 yards Continued from Page 18 and 19 touchdowns on 170 carries as a sophomore on his way to a being named Wellborn opens this season’s slate a first-team selection to the all-county August 31 when it travels to face crosssquad. county foe Saks.

“That’s all we do when we’re here MonAnd the Panthers will have plenty of day-Thursday is workout,” Goodman said offensive firepower, namely quarterback of Judd Smith and running back tandem While Goodman will likely be WellChantz Goodman and Kevin Mixon. born’s go-to guy between the tackles Judd, Jeff’s son, is a rare fourth-year Mixon will be a threat to make a cut and starter under center. bounce a run down the sideline for a big Already, a two-time selection to The Star’s All-Calhoun County team, chosen by gain. The 5-8, 160-pounder rushed for 800 yards while being named an honorable local coaches, the 5-foot-8, 150-pounder mention to the all-county team. completed 40 of 68 passes for 706 yards “We always try to one-up each other and 14 touchdowns as a junior. He’s also and see who’s better,” Mixon said of his equally as viable a threat to take off runrelationship with his backfield mate. “But ning for a first down as he is to find the we always give each other props because open man. But it’s knowledge as much we want each other to do our bests.” as his numbers that makes him the chain For Judd, having a slash (Goodman) on Wellborn’s bike and has them thinkand slice (Mixon) duo to hand the ball off ing they could make a deeper run in the is a luxury most signal-callers don’t have. playoffs should they make it their come “They’re tough guys and their fast too,” November.

“He’s started 34 straight football games Judd said. “I think we’ve got the best halfbacks in the state in the Wing-T offense.” for us,” Jeff said of Judd. “We’ve got a load Nick Birdsong prep sports for The Star. of experience at quarterback for us. If dad He can be reached at 256-235-3575. Follow here calls a bad play, Judd can fix it.” him on Twitter @birds_word.

Goodman is the Panthers’ power back

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Page 20 Sunday, August 19, 2012

The Anniston Star

weaver bearcats

to fuel their fire First-round playoff loss serving as a motivating factor for Bearcats

By Joe Medley

good specialty players.”

That core of playmakers returns to jmedley@annistonstar.com a team that had an impressive array WEAVER of athletes and now seems ready to t doesn’t take much to get a realize potential. All it took was brutal groan from Weaver players and disappointment, followed by watching coaches these days. Just menMadison Academy dismantle Elkmont tion Madison Academy.

42-0, Lauderdale County 35-14 and The Bearcats’ wrenching, Rogers 34-7 on the way to the title 27-26 loss to the Mustangs in game in Tuscaloosa, where the Musthe first round of the 2011 playoffs was tangs lost 20-14 to Handley. hard to take for a program that hasn’t Handley rallied and needed to won a playoff game since 2005, but recover an onside kick to set up the there’s another side to agony. winning score.

Watching Madison Academy’s run Weaver led Madison Academy after that game turned agony into 14-0 before giving up 17 unanswered big dreams. As the Mustangs roared points. through the playoffs en route to a loss “It lets the kids know that we’re to Handley in an epic Class 3A final, close,” Hamby said. “It’s not the Weaver’s possibilities came into focus. impossible dream that we can actually “It showed us a lot,” junior Mr. Alldo it.”

Purpose Chris English said. “We use The Bearcats seem to have gotten that as our fuel. When we think about the message, mounting what Hamby football, we think about the Madison called “probably one of the best sumAcademy game.” mer workouts that we’ve had.”

With that as a rallying cry, Weaver “They’re enjoyable to coach, and returns a strong core from a team that that’s the main thing,” he said. “We’ve found itself two missed extra points — had some good groups of athletes, but one in regulation and one in overtime they weren’t as fun to coach.

— away from a breakthrough.

“These guys are fun to coach. They There’s English, an all-state point love to compete. We open up the gym, guard who flirted with giving up footand they’re here all day. We’ve got to ball to concentrate on basketball but kick them out.” bulked up and came out for football Massey said there’s no shortage of anyway. motivation.

There’s muscle-bound running “We trained a lot harder this year back Brandell Massey, who looks than we did last year, because we know ready to bowl over defenders. we should have won that (Madison There’s Timothy Hawkins, an athAcademy) game,” he said. “I know letic playmaker who is back home at we can win. I know we can go to the quarterback this season after spending championship.” some time at wide receiver last season.

Hawkins agrees.

There’s also tailback Chris Troge, “We definitely could have beat H-back Austin Jennings plus receivers them,” he said, “and we could have Fernando Forbes and Drake Ledet. gone to the championship and, prob“I think we’re going to have some ably, won state.” surprises for everybody,” Weaver Joe Medley is The Star’s sports colcoach Daryl Hamby said. “We’ve got umnist. He can be reached at 256-235some good backs, and we’ve got some 3576. Follow on Twitter @jmedley_star.

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Trent Penny/The Anniston Star

Weaver quarterback Timothy Hawkins isn’t shying away from the spotlight. He’s taken the No. 1 jersey and said he wants to emulate NFL star Cam Newton.

Quick hits • TOUTING TIMOTHY: Quarterback Timothy Hawkins has taken jersey No. 1 and wants to pattern himself after former Auburn and current Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.

Hawkins said he hopes to do like Newton — bring a championship to his team.

Weaver coach Daryl Hamby expects big things from Hawkins this season.

“I think he’s really going to blossom this year,” Hamby said. “We’re going to throw the ball a whole lot more than we have in the past, because he’s making a

lot better decisions.”

• MISSING IN TRENCHES: Weaver must overcome key losses like Malik Anderson and Chandler Fall on the defensive line, which Hamby said will be next to impossible.

“They made it really tough, so we’re going to have to have some people step up on that defensive line,” Hamby said.

“I don’t know if you can replace them, to tell you the truth. They were that good for us.”

— Joe Medley

The Anniston Star

white Plains wildcats

Sunday, August 19, 2012 Page 21

swift kick in the pants Last-second win set Wildcats on winning streak, potential turnaround for downtrodden program

By Al Muskewitz

couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel and then we saw it. The momentum off that took us all the way into the off WHITE PLAINS season and the spring.” he field goal David Gomez It wasn’t the first time Gomez had won hit in the closing seconds a game for the Wildcats on a last-second to beat Pleasant Valley in field goal, but it was by far his longest. He Week 7 last season did more beat Weaver with an 18-yard kick with 10 than provide the White seconds left in the second game of 2010.

Plains football team with He agreed the field goal was “very a huge sigh of relief. More important to all my teammates,” but he than just a game-winning kick, it may wasn’t about to take credit for being the have changed the course of a program. source for all the growth that has transThe Wildcats had not won a game to pired in the program since. that point in the season and there were “I’m not responsible for anything,” he fears they might not win at all. Instead, said. “If we all do our jobs, a good outwith one 37-yard swing of Gomez’ foot, come will come of it. That day we were the dark clouds that were hovering over focused and doing our jobs. We got into the program parted and everything it and we won. If we can do the same in changed. those (upcoming) games, we can finish The Wildcats won their final three off the whole season real good.” games to finish 3-7 and suddenly football It certainly was inspiring. Among was cool again at White Plains. those it inspired to return to the program Enthusiasm and interest soared. It were linemen Logan Price and Alex Colgrew even more when the Wildcats got to lins and running back Johnny Bynum. play in Jacksonville State’s stadium in the Another thing the Wildcats have going spring. More than 50 players took part in for them this year is one of the biggest the spring and now they have more than offensive lines in the area. If someone 40 players on the varsity, plus junior high asks Harmon where’s the beef he won’t and B teams, and 11 coaches to cover have to look far. them all.

The Wildcats have two 300-pounders It’s against that backdrop they go into up front to protect quarterback Del Redthe 2012 season as positive as fifth-year dick — center Price (6-1, 300) and Jacob coach Heath Harmon has seen it in the Nisbett (5-11, 301) — to go along with last 2 1/2 years. guard Adam Smith (280), tackle Alex Col“That (field goal) was real big because lins (250) and Cade Shaw (205). Nisbett is that game was all of the things we told the strongest player on the team, squatour kids would happen if you don’t quit,” ting 500 pounds, and Smith is said to be Harmon said. “Those kids had been told glue that holds its all together. by other athletes and kids in the school “I think they saw how it finished last they (weren’t good), why do you play? year and were encouraged to try again,” They just never quit.

Harmon said of the returnees. “We’re “It’s easy to say you’re going to do heading in the right direction; it’s so something; we’re going to build a promuch better than it was. I tell them how gram at White Plains and people laugh. do you eat an elephant — this is a big We were dealing with that adversity, thing we’re trying to do here? One bite at building with one hand and fighting with a time. Some go down nasty, we’ve done the other. If you win a game like that, then that. Now we’ve experienced a little bit of all that stuff we’ve been talking about positive, we’ve got a chance to grow.” and preaching and believing in was true.

Al Muskewitz is a sports writer for The They kept chopping to get out of it and Star. He can be reached at 256-235-3577. amuskewitz@annistonstar.com

T Stephen Gross/The Anniston Star

White Plains’ David Gomez boots a field goal during practice. Gomez started the Wildcats’ 2011 winning streak with a 37-yarder against Pleasant Valley.

Quick hits • converted: The field goal David Gomez kicked to beat Pleasant Valley in Week 7 last year wasn’t the first time he won a game on a last-second kick.

The second game of 2010, Gomez, then a sophomore, hit an 18-yarder to beat Weaver.

Actually, Gomez is a newcomer to football. He had been a soccer player until he thought about giving football a try the year of his first big kick.

And there may be more of them in his future — and longer.

“When we went to play at (JSU),” coach Heath Harmon explained, “he was so pumped about being in that stadium, he was nailing 50-yarders in pregame. I feel good about him at 40, but he’s strong enough (for longer).”

• LITTLE BETTER OFF: The making of a football schedule is a two-part process. The Alabama High School Athletic Association tells you the games

you have to play and in the order you have to play them. The non-region games left over, the coach gets to pick the opponents.

The order of the region games and the scheduled off weeks aren’t random; it’s all about a rotation.

So, let’s just chalk up last season to the schedule gods not being kind to the Wildcats.

White Plains opened the season with a tough Glencoe squad and had a string of seven straight region foes in a nip-and-tuck Class 3A, Region 6.

And in that schedule, White Plains lost its first seven games.

This year, however, a smile has come from above.

Three of White Plains’ first five games are non-region contests, and it’ll open with Ohatchee, which won three games last season.

— From staff reports

Page 22 Sunday, August 19, 2012

The Anniston Star

CALHOUN COUNTY FOOTBALL

2 0 2012 1 2 Playoff A HBracket S A A p l ay o f f s

For the championship playoffs the region qualifiers in each class will be paired in brackets as follows: Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 6–7 Nov. 9

Bracket applies to allwith six AHSAA classification a➤ 32-team bracket positions in the

R2-#1 R1-1 R1-#4 R2-4 R4-#2 R3-2 R3-#3 R4-3 R1-#1 R2-1 R2-#4 R1-4 R3-#2 R4-2 R4-#3 R3-3 R3-1 R4-#1 R3-#4 R4-4 R2-#2 R1-2 R2-3 R1-#3 R4-1 R3-#1 R3-4 R4-#4 R1-#2 R2-2 R2-#3 R1-3

R6-#1 R5-1 R5-#4 R6-4 R8-#2 R7-2 R7-#3 R8-3 R5-#1 R6-1 R6-#4 R5-4 R7-#2 R8-2 R8-#3 R7-3 R8-#1 R7-1 R7-#4 R8-4 R6-#2 R5-2 R5-#3 R6-3 R7-#1 R8-1 R8-#4 R7-4 R5-#2 R6-2 R6-#3 R5-3

G-1 G-2 G-3 G-4 G-5 G-6 G-7 G-8 G-9 G-10 G-11 G-12 G-13 G-14 G-15 G-16

G-17 G-25 G-18 G-29 G-19 G-26 G-20 G-31 G-21 G-27 G-22 G-30 G-23 G-28 G-24

In the first round of play in 2012 for all classes, the teams listed on the top of the brackets will be the host teams.

Tie-Breaking Procedure 1. Resolve all two-team ties first, using tiebreaking factor (a).

2. If two or more teams are tied for one of the qualifying places in a sport, first resolve the tie for the highest of those places in the standings, then the next highest place in the standings, etc.

3. To resolve the team rankings if more than two teams are tied, determine the highest-ranked team by applying the tiebreakers in the order listed, beginning with (b). Until the highest-ranked team has been determined, no consideration will be given to determining the ranking of the other teams involved in that tie.

After the highest ranked team has been resolved, then the next highest ranked team will be determined by applying the same tiebreakers, beginning with (a) or (b) as necessary.

4. If a certain tiebreaker does not apply to the tie being resolved, apply the next tiebreaker in the order listed for that sport.

5. Forfeited contests count as losses.

A team that intentionally forfeits a required game becomes ineligible for championship competition for the remainder of that classification period plus the next classification period in that sport.

6. If two area, region or section teams elect to play each other more than the required number of contests during the same season, the first contest played (or first at each site if two are required in a sport) will be used in computing standings unless the State Office is otherwise notified in writing by both schools prior to the season. The other contest(s) will be treated as nonrequired contest(s).

7. Contests against teams that are not eligible for the championship program and contests in regular season tournaments are not used in figuring any tiebreakers IF TWO TEAMS TIE . . . a) If two teams are tied for any place, the team that defeated the other in the required regular season game will be placed above the other tied team. The team that lost its head-to-head contest will qualify for the next highest place.

IF MORE THAN TWO TEAMS TIE ‌ b) Ifmore than two teams are tied for any place, the teamthat defeated all the other tied teams in the required regular season games will be placed ahead of all the other tied teams. If one of the teams did not defeat all the other tied teams, the tie cannot be resolved by this factor. c) If more than two teams are tied for any place, the team (or teams) that had the highest winning percentage against the No. 1 ranked team will be ranked ahead of all the other tied teams. If there is a three-way tie for first place, apply (f) and the remaining tiebreakers in the order as needed.

If two teams tie for the highest winning percentage ahead of all the other teams involved in the tie, the team that defeated the other in their required regularseason game will be placed ahead of all tied teams.

Then, if necessary, apply (a) or (b) as applicable for the remaining teams in the tie. d. Apply (c) using percentage against the No. 2 ranked team. If two teams tie for the highest winning percentage ahead of all the other teams involved in the tie, the team that defeated the other in their required regular season game will be placed ahead of all tied teams. Then, if necessary, apply (a) or (b) as applicable for the remaining teams in the tie. e. Apply (c) using percentage against the No. 3 ranked team. If two teams tie for the highest winning percentage ahead of all the other teams involved in the tie, the team that defeated the other in their required regular season game will be placed ahead

of all tied teams. Then, if necessary, apply (a) or (b) as applicable for the remaining teams in the tie. f. Apply (c) using percentage against the No. 4 ranked team. If two teams tie for the highest winning percentage ahead of all the other teams involved in the tie, the team that defeated the other in their required regular season game will be placed ahead of all tied teams. Then, if necessary, apply (a) or (b) as applicable for the remaining teams in the tie. g. Apply (c) using percentage against the No. 5 ranked team. If two teams tie for the highest winning percentage ahead of all the other teams involved in the tie, the team that defeated the other in their required regular season game will be placed ahead of all tied teams. Then, if necessary, apply (a) or (b) as applicable for the remaining teams in the tie. h. Apply (c) using percentage against the No. 6 ranked team. If two teams tie for the highest winning percentage ahead of all the other teams involved in the tie, the team that defeated the other in their required regular season game will be placed ahead of all tied teams. Then, if necessary, apply (a) or (b) as applicable for the remaining teams in the tie. i. Apply (c) using percentage against the No. 7 ranked team. If two teams tie for the highest winning percentage ahead of all the other teams involved in the tie, the team that defeated the other in their required regular season game will be placed ahead of all tied teams. Then, if necessary, apply (a) or (b) as applicable for the remaining teams in the tie. j. Apply (c) using percentage against the No. 8 ranked team. If two teams tie for the highest winning percentage ahead of all the other teams involved in the tie, the team that defeated the other in their required regular season game will be placed ahead of all tied teams. Then, if necessary, apply (a) or (b) as applicable for the remaining teams in the tie. k. The team with the best winning percentage against non-required common opponents. If two teams tie for the highest winning percentage ahead of all the other teams involved in the tie, the team that defeated the other in their required regular season game will be placed ahead of all tied teams. Then, if necessary, apply (a) or (b) as applicable for the remaining teams in the tie. i. The team whose defeated non-region opponents in class and above have the most victories if all teams involved in the tie play an equal number of games. If two teams tie for the highest winning percentage ahead of all the other teams involved in the tie, the team that defeated the other in their required regular season game will be placed ahead of all tied teams. Then, if necessary, apply (a) or (b) as applicable for the remaining teams in the tie. m. The team whose defeated opponents have the most victories if all teams involved in the tie play an equal number of games. If two teams tie for the highest winning percentage ahead of all the other teams involved in the tie, the team that defeated the other in their required regular season game will be placed ahead of all tied teams. Then, if necessary, apply (a) or (b) as applicable for the remaining teams in the tie. n. The team whose defeated opponents have the most victories. If two teams tie for the highest winning percentage ahead of all the other teams involved in the tie, the team that defeated the other in their required regular season game will be placed ahead of all tied teams. Then, if necessary, apply (a) or (b) as applicable for the remaining teams in the tie.

SOURCE: AHSAA 2012 Fall Sports Book

The Anniston Star

Sunday, August 19, 2012 Page 23

CALHOUN COUNTY FOOTBALL

2012 region alignments

Class 1A

Region 1 J.U. Blacksher John Essex Fruitdale A.L. Johnson Linden Saint Luke’s McIntosh Marengo Region 2 Brantley Florala Geneva Co. Georgiana Kinston McKenzie Pleasant Home Red Level Region 3 Akron Autaugaville Billingsley Ellwood Chr. * Holy Spirit Keith Maplesville Sunshine Region 4 Fayetteville Loachapoka Notasulga Saint Jude Talladega Co. Central Verbena Wadley Winterboro Region 5 Berry Brilliant Hubbertville Lynn Marion Co. Parrish Pickens Co. South Lamar Region 6 Addison Appalachian Falkville Jefferson Chr. Meek Ragland Shades Mountain Chr. Southeastern* Sumiton Chr. Region 7 Cedar Bluff Collinsville Coosa Chr. Donoho Gaylesville Jacksonville Chr. Spring Garden

Valley Head Woodville

Region 8 Decatur Heritage Hackleburg R.A. Hubbard Phillips Shoals Chr. Tharptown Vina Waterloo

Class 2A Region 1 Choctaw Co. Flomaton Leroy Millry Mobile Chr. Southern Choctaw Sweet Water Washington Co. Region 2 Ariton Cottonwood Houston Acad.

Houston Co. G.W. Long Providence Chr. Samson Wicksburg Region 3 Calhoun Central-Hayneville Elba Goshen Highland Home Luverne New Brockton Zion Chapel Region 4 Aliceville Cold Springs Hale Co. R.C. Hatch Lamar Co. Francis Marion Oakman Sulligent Region 5 Isabella LaFayette Lanett Montgomery Acad.

Prattville Chr.* Randolph Co. Reeltown Horseshoe Bend Region 6 Fultondale Ohatchee Pleasant Valley Ranburne

SOURCE: Alabama High School Athletic Association

Victory Chr. Vincent Wellborn Woodland

Region 7 Fyffe Gaston Ider North Sand Mountain Sand Rock Section Westbrook Chr. West End Region 8 Cherokee Colbert Heights Hatton Lexington Phil Campbell Red Bay Sheffield Tanner

Class 3A Region 1 Bayside Acad.

Cottage Hill Chr. Excel T.R. Miller W.S. Neal Opp Southside-Selma Straughn Region 2 Abbeville Barbour Co. Dale Co. Daleville Geneva Montgomery Catholic Pike Co. Slocomb Region 3 American Chr. Fayette Co. Gordo Greene Co. Greensboro Holt Northside Sipsey Valley Region 4 B.B. Comer Central Coosa Leeds Midfield Montevallo Tarrant Thorsby Trinity Presbyterian Region 5 Ashville Cleveland

Glencoe Piedmont Saks Susan Moore Weaver White Plains

Region 6 Brindlee Mountain Geraldine Holly Pond New Hope J.B. Pennington Pisgah Plainview Sylvania Region 7 Cordova Danville Good Hope Hamilton Hanceville Vinemont Winfield Winston Co. Region 8 Clements Colbert Co. Deshler Elkmont Lauderdale Co. Madison Acad.

Westminster Chr. West Morgan

Class 4A Region 1 Andalusia Clarke Co. Escambia Co. Hillcrest-Evergreen Monroe Co. Thomasville UMS-Wright Wilcox Central Region 2 Alabama Chr. Ashford Beauregard Bullock Co. Charles Henderson Headland Saint James Tallassee Region 3 Beulah Chiildersburg Clay Co. Central * Dadeville Dallas Co. Elmore Co. Handley Holtville Region 4

Bibb Co. Calera Carbon Hill Corner Dora Jemison Oak Grove West Blocton Region 5 Alexandria Anniston Cherokee Co. Cleburne Co. Hokes Bluff Lincoln Jacksonville Munford

Region 6 Crossville Douglas Fairview Guntersville Locust Fork Oneonta Saint Clair Co. Sardis Region 7 Ardmore Butler DAR J.O. Johnson Madison Co. North Jackson Pope John Paul II Randolph Region 8 Brooks Central-Florence East Lawrence Haleyville Priceville Rogers West Limestone Wilson

Class 5A Region 1 Faith Acad.

Gulf Shores LeFlore B.C. Rain Saint Paul’s Episcopal Spanish Fort Vigor Williamson Region 2 Carroll Eufaula Marbury Rehobeth Benjamin Russell Russell Co. Valley Booker T. Washington

Region 3 Citronelle Demopolis Greenville Jackson Saraland Satsuma Selma Sumter Central Region 4 Briarwood Chr. Chilton Co. Homewood John Carroll Ramsay Shelby Co. Sylacauga Talladega

Region 5 Brookwood Paul Bryant Central-Tuscaloosa Fairfield McAdory Parker Pleasant Grove Wenonah Region 6 Center Point Curry Hayden Moody Mortimer Jordan Pinson Valley Springville Walker Region 7 Arab Boaz Brewer Columbia Etowah Fort Payne Scottsboro Southside-Gadsden Region 8 Athens Cullman East Limestone Hartselle Lawrence Co. Muscle Shoals Russellville West Point

Class 6A Region 1 Baker Blount Alma Bryant Davidson Mary Montgomery McGill-Toolen Murphy

Theodore

Region 2 Baldwin Co. Daphne Dothan Enterprise Fairhope Foley Northview Robertsdale Region 3 Auburn Carver-Montgomery Central-Phenix City Jeff Davis Sidney Lanier Lee-Montgomery Opelika Smiths Station Region 4 Chelsea Oak Mountain Pelham Prattville Spain Park Stanhope Elmore Thompson Wetumpka Region 5 Bessemer City Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa Hoover Hueytown Jackson-Olin Minor Northridge Tuscaloosa Co. Region 6 Carver-Birmingham Gardendale Hewitt-Trussville Huffman Mountain Brook Shades Valley Vestavia Hills Woodlawn Region 7 Albertville Clay-Chalkville Gadsden City Grissom Huntsville Lee-Huntsville Oxford Pell City Region 8 Austin Bob Jones Buckhorn James Clemens * Decatur Florence Hazel Green Sparkman

* - Indicates new member school

Page 24 Sunday, August 19, 2012

CALHOUN COUNTY FOOTBALL

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