Prep Zone

Dean Naden, D.O.

Perry Lovely, M.D.

Chris McGee, M.D.

Tom Arnold, M.D.

Sonya Mink, CRNP

Angie Kuykendall, CRNP

Angela Sanders, CRNP

Justin Bates, CRNP

GENERAL MANAGER

Michael Keeton

MANAGING EDITOR

Nicole Smith

CONTRIBUTORS

Sports Editor Johnathan Bentley

Ron Harris

Jeff Johnsey

Jason Clark

Matt Norris

ADVERTISING

Jake Aaron, Brenda Anthony, Stacy Daniel, Josh Pruitt

The 2023 Walker County Playbook is a publication of the Daily Mountain Eagle

P.O. Box 1469

Jasper, AL 35502

(205) 221-2840

www.MountainEagle.com

FromTheStaff...

Michael Keeton, General Manager

he aily ountain agle is proud to release the 202 Prep one Playbook, a magazine dedicated to providing a first-look into the upcoming alker ounty high school football season

Inside the pages of this Playbook you will find each teams’ schedule, preview stories, players to watch in 202 , historical facts on each team, photographs of the teams and each individual player e pected to participate this fall

his edition marks our eighth year to release a Playbook ur evolution in community sports journalism began with the first Playbook in 2016, and has lived on through the continued Prep one branding of our high school football coverage

e are proud to support the coaches and student athletes of arbon ill, ordova, urry, ora, asper, akman and umiton hristian he aily ountain agle wishes you much success throughout the season

e hope you enjoy the Playbook and continue to rely on the for more sports coverage

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PG. 06 PG. 08

PG. 18 PG. 24

PG. 30

PG. 36

PG. 42

PG. 48

PRESEASON EAGLE ELITE

JASPER VIKINGS

DORA BULLDOGS

CORDOVA BLUE DEVILS

CARBON HILL BULLDOGS

OAKMAN WILDCATS

CURRY YELLOW JACKETS

SUMITON CHRISTIAN EAGLES

Cover design

Jennifer McCaskill

#54 Jasper, Sr. DL

Braxton Houston #1 CORDOVA, JR. LB

Mason Bates #6 Oakman, Jr. LB

Trace Cagle #4 SUM. CHR., Sr. LB

NOAH GODWIN #2 Sum. Chr., JR. DB

AUSTIN SCOBEY #11 Dora, jr. DB

Jayden Griffin #26 OAKMAN, JR. Db

BRIDGER UPTON

#62 CURRY, JR. DL

Landon Cummins #8 Dora, SR. DL

Korion Pryor #90 Jasper, Jr. DL Jojo odom #68 Sum. Chr., Sr. DL

Jack Aderholt #64 Cordova, Sr. DL

Logan Burton #53 Dora, Sr. LB

Braxton Kitchens

Photo by Ron Harris

FIRST TEAM

#7 Dora, Sr. QB

Kesean Pryor #5 cordova, Sr. RB

David Odom #6 Jasper, Soph. RB

Micah Pledger #26 CURRY, Sr. RB

Kody Cooke #74 OAKMAN, SR. OL

GAGE BLANTON #55 Jasper, JR. OL

Levi Hardenbrook #57 CORDOVA, SR OL

TRACE ALLEN #55 Dora, JR. OL

CADE CHANNELL

#13 C. HILL, SR. QB

WALKER KIMBRELL #2 Dora, Sr. WR

Josh Williams #8 Cordova, Sr. WR

Braedon Lugo #3 Jasper, Sr. WR

Titus Waldrop #2 Oakman, Sr. WR

rick Johnson

Photo by att orris

VIKINGS JASPER

Class 5A, Region 5

NEW COACH REEVES EXCITED TO GET STARTED AT JASPER

By Johnathan Bentley

Jasper needed a reset after three mediocre seasons playing some of the toughest competition in the state.

Enter new coach David Reeves.

The former UAB defensive coordinator is back in the high school ranks and is tasked with turning around a program that has won just 1 games over the last three years.

I’m very blessed with the opportunity, eeves said I’m very e cited about the future of Jasper football and what these young men are going to bring to the table. We have some really good players who are going to take us through this transition we’re going through right now.”

asper finished -6 last season, losing to Moody in the opening round of the playoffs. The Vikings placed third in lass , egion behind state contenders Ramsay and Pleasant Grove — who have both played for a state championship each of the last two years.

Reeves, who spent the last six years as the Blazers defensive coordinator, welcomes the competition.

ur region it feels like it’s one of the toughest in e have the state champion in our region. We have the team that the state champion beat in the semifinals in our region, eeves said hat’s how we want it to be here. We are not trying to pretend. We want to play the best, it gives us the opportunity to measure not just where we are, but where we want to be. We

play some very athletic teams, some very hard-nosed teams wo of our non-region games are ullman and Homewood. You are playing some really good 6 programs there e want to play those kind of people.

“The great part about being in Jasper is that every game matters. e’re trying to get to the spot where we walk out on the field and we are the same every week — Game 1, ame 10, ame 1 , whatever game it is during the year.”

asper has 11 seniors on the team, which Reeves will count on to be leaders.

“The strength of the team I think will be our leadership. The young men we have are hungry to be successful, hungry to do the right things and hungry to win. When you get a group of young men that are hungry, and do it the right way, you can take a small group and take over a country hat’s what I think about these guys. Their minds are in the right place and their hearts are in the right place,” Reeves said.

The new coach wants to add his own mark to the Vikings program.

“The tradition here is something we talk about on a daily basis. With great tradition comes great responsibility. I feel it on my shoulders. I love it when guys come up to me and start talking about when they played here. It means something. I want to do my best to make sure we honor that tradition that came before we did.”

Date

Aug. 25

Sept. 1

Sept. 8

Sept. 14

Sept. 21

Sept. 29

Oct. 6

Oct. 13

Oct. 20

Oct. 27

Nov. 3

BY THE NUMBERS

Enrollment: 576.85

Stadium: Ki-Ro Gambrell Field

AT A GLANCE

2022:

5-6 overall; 5-2 in Class 5A, Region 5 (third) coach:

David Reeves

Overall — 0-0 (entering first year)

At Jasper — 0-0 (entering first year)

players to watch:

DL Braxton Houston

RB Micah Pledger

OL Jo Jo Odom

key losses:

QB Spencer Rosenfeld

DB Cole Sargent

OL Colin Langley

LB Bubba Odom

schedule:

Jasper faces one of the tougher schedules in 5A thanks in part to non-region games against 6A teams Cullman, Sidney Lanier and Homewood. Sidney Lanier was a late addition to the schedule after Manchester, Georgia, backed out of playing the opener due to a conflict. Because of the change, Jasper’s off-week, which was scheduled for the middle of the season, comes in the opening week of the season. The Vikings’ open the season on Sept. 1 at home against Cullman. The first two region games — Ramsay and Fairfield — are also at home. Jasper has six home games this season with the addition of Sidney Lanier.

overview:

Jasper’s return to Class 5A proved difficult with eventual state champion Ramsay and region runner up Pleasant Grove having their way with the Vikings. Despite the setbacks, Jasper placed third in the region and battled Moody to within a touchdown in the opening round of the playoffs. The Vikings turn to new coach David Reeves, the former defensive coordinator at UAB, for the 2023 season. He inherits a team that loses veteran quarterback Spencer Rosenfeld as well as the team’s top receiver and top two tacklers.

key number: 6

Number of years that new head coach David Reeves served as the defensive coordinator at UAB. He was a twotime Broyles Award nominee.

GARRETT BUSBY

RB, Senior

Photo by Jeff Johnsey

2023 Jasper Vikings

#11, Senior #12,senior #15, Junior #17, Sophomore #13, Junior #14, junior

Titus waldrop #3, Senior

Garrett Busby #4, SENIOR Brody Garrett #5,SOPHOMORE

Micah Pledger #6,SOPHOMORE

Tyson Phillips #8, SENIOR

Jesse Joseph #9, sOPHOMORE

Tanner Morrow #2, JUNIOR

Roman White stacy Mccollum John Stroud Luke Horsley

Connor Elmore jaxon Bijolle

Jaylen McCollum #10, Freshman #46, freshman#48, freshman #52 sophomore #54, senior

Aiden Franklin #33, Freshman

Hudson Hand #35, junior

Cedrick Vincent #36, freshman

Kortez samuels #40, sophomore

Devin Thomas #41, FRESHMAN memphis odom #42, eighth grade drew herring #30, sophomore

jakyrin tucker janoah Mckanney carter livingston #50, sophomore

robert hamilton #51, sophomore

javen butler braxton houston

Eli Kimbrell #43,junior

Tamarcus parham #19, Sophomore

Jarrell Johnson #20, freshman

Kelly Hudson #22, senior

Zion Coger #25, eighth grade

Michael Maddox #27, Sophjmore

Andrew Evans #28, Sophomore

Carter Reed #18, junior

2023 Jasper Vikings

Colton Sanders #56, freshman

keith parker #59, freshman

Lorenzo maddox #60, freshman

donovan wilkerson #61, freshman

kaylen evans-harris #64, Freshman

Cody Mullins #65, freshman

Levin Hardenbrook #55, junior

max cain

JOJO Odom

#69, junior #90, junior

Braxton Stanley

Makhi blair

#73, senior #99, sophomore

Drake britt #76, senior

Grant Bailey #77, sophomore

nathan morrison #80, senior

Carlos Portillo #81, junior

destree shippman

jaxon hussain

#67, sophomore #83, freshman

BULLDOGS DORA

Enrollment: 341.95

Stadium: Horace Roberts Field Class 4A, Region 5

LOADED DORA PRIMED TO MAKE LONG PLAYOFF RUN

By Johnathan Bentley

Dora’s got the talent and experience to make a run in Class 4A. Now the Bulldogs just have to make it happen.

Dora broke a pair of droughts last season, winning a region title for the first time since 2012 and earning a playoff victory for the first time since 201

The season eventually came to an end in the second round of the state playoffs in a - loss to andolph

“Last year was a stepping stone. We won our first region championship in 10 years, said ora head coach havis Williams, entering his third season at the helm. “Our goal was to host a playoff game. We got to host two. We came up short (against Randolph) and that left a bad taste in our mouth e’ve dedicated the offseason to getting back to that point and taking it all the way. We want to be playing in early December in ryant- enny hat’s a goal, not a dream. We are working toward that every day.”

Quarterback Kesean Pryor highlights a talented group of returning seniors. Pryor threw for 1 touchdowns, rushed for another 1 and caught a touchdown pass.

fter a 2- start, ora’s offense hit another gear following a midseason off week last year, winning six straight games and piling up the points to the tune of 39.3 points per game.

“We started off a little slow, but the team had to grow and gel I’m looking forward to see what they can do this year.”

Dora has added former Alabama running back Roy Upchurch to the staff. Williams and Upchurch were teammates for the Crimson Tide.

“When you are going out to search for a coach, you look for the best fit He was at Pinson Valley as the running back coach and track coach. He likes a physical running game and a lot of formation. I think the Dora fans are going to like what they see.”

ora will find out where it stands early with a road game at infield to open the season and the home opener against state runner-up neonta in Week 2. Key region showdowns with Haleyville and Corner will both be at home just before the off week.

It’s a new year and a new team It was good that these guys had some success I’m hoping that makes them even hungrier. We have shown that we can play ow, can we sustain it e’re not going to sneak up on anybody e’re going to get everyone’s best game Williams welcomes the high expectations. Dora had the same high expectations during his playing day for the Bulldogs under head coach Johnny Wright.

I wouldn’t want to be anywhere where there wasn’t high e pectations It comes down to daily work, accountability, having goals — and doing whatever you can to reach them.

e’ve got a good group of seniors ur goal is to play in state championship game and win it. We are going to attack that goal every day with enthusiasm.”

Sept. 1

Sept. 8

Sept. 15

Sept. 22

Sept. 29

Oct.

BY THE NUMBERS

AT A GLANCE

2022:

8-4 overall; 6-1 in Class 4A, Region 5 (first)

coach:

Chavis Williams

Overall — 22-22 (entering fifth year)

At Dora — 14-9 (entering third year)

players to watch:

QB Kesean Pryor

DB/WR Kori Pryor

DB/WR Josh Williams

OL Cade Channell

key losses:

LB Neil Foster

LB Cole Chapman

RB Jamarcus Goodmon

sche ule:

Like last year, Dora will be tested right away in the 2023 season with a game at Winfield and the home opener the following week against Oneonta, which advanced to the state quarterfinals. The Bulldogs lost both games last year. Dora will likely be the favorite to win the region championship with all three other region playoff teams — Haleyville, Corner and Northside — all making the trip to Horace Roberts Field.

overview:

After a 2-3 start last season, Dora caught fire in the second half of the season, running the table while earning its first region championship in a decade. Dora brings back a loaded senior class, including quarterback Kesean Pryor, (3,121 yards of offense with 34 touchdowns) and top three receivers Josh Williams (672 yards, four touchdowns), Garrett Hogland (391 yards and five touchdowns) and Kori Pryor (352 yards and four touchdowns). In its last seven games of 2022, including the playoffs, the Bulldogs averaged 41 points per game.

key number:

3,178

Yards of offense picked up by quarterback Kesean Pryor last season. He passed for 1,887, rushed for 1,234 and had one catch for 57 yards.

Photo by tt o s

2023 Dora Bulldogs

JEREMIAH PRUITT #1, Senior

Josh Williams #2, Senior

Garrett Hogland #3, Senior

Camden Hines #4, Senior

Cleveland Jones #6, Sophomore

Colby Key #5, Freshman

Kesean Pryor #7, Senior

Kori0n Pryor #8, Senior #20, Sophomore#21, Sophomore#22, Sophomore #23, Freshman #25, FReshman #24, Freshman #26, Senior

AIDEN HARRIS #9, Sophomore

BRYSON ROUSE

Jayden Rouse #10, Senior

Erzik Talley

Jayden Griffin #11, Junior Chris Blair

Dillon Watson #12, Freshman

Grayson Stephenson

JameLl SAxton #16, Sophomore

Josh Jenkins

Gavin Roberts #13, SOphomore

Shaun Green

Jacoby Foster #18, Sophomore

Riley Willingham

Nigel Bailey #19, Freshman

Jaden Walker #27, Freshman

, Senior

2023 Dora Bulldogs

#37, Freshman#38, Freshman#39, Freshman#40, Freshman #42, sophomore #41, sophomore #44, sophomore

JAMIR WILLIAMS #28, Freshman

ELIJAH MEADOWS

Kaleb Pryor #29, Freshman

Jordan Tubbs

Ashton Davis #30, Freshman

Jaxson Hart

Aiden Richardson #32, Freshman

Christian Ruiz

Logan Gragg #34, Freshman

Kaiden Trotter

Hunter Williams #33, Freshman

Tanner Pruden

Drew Ingle #35, Freshman

Dracen Stewart

Evan meadows #36, Freshman

Tristen Thomas #45, sophomore #54, junior #55, junior #56, junior#57, sophomore #59, senior #58, freshman #60, freshman

Nathan Austad #46, sophomore

CAMERON RICHARDSON

Colton Clifton #47, Freshman

Cade Channell

Christian Coffey #48, Freshman

Carson Davis

Desmond Farris #49, Sophomore

Ethan Hart

Kyle Allen #51, Freshman

Will Richardson

Jaxson Wingo #50, Freshman

Gage Hogland

Julian Satterfield #52, junior

Zane Robinson

Braxton Kitchens #53, Senior

Caden Boshell #63, Freshman

#78, junior #79, junior #80, junior #84, senior

JOSH CAMPBELL #64, freshman

AUSTIN LOCKHART

Ben Church #65, freshman Chug Wager

Kayden Williams #66, Freshman

Aiden West

Braxton Wright #67, junior

Dawson Lay

Will Aycox #70, sophomore

Brody Tolbert #68, freshman

Braxton Jefferson #73, senior

Eric Callaway #76, sophomore

BLUE DEVILS CORDOVA

Enrollment: 393.15

Stadium: Hudson-Kerby Field Class 4A, Region 5

CORDOVA HOPES FOR BETTER LUCK AFTER CLOSE LOSSES IN ‘22

By Johnathan Bentley

Cordova may have been the best five-win team in Class 4A last season.

ll that got them was a fifth-place finish and a sense of what might have been in coach hane mothers’ second year with the program.

fter four closes calls and finishing one play out of the playoffs — a failed 2-point conversion attempt against Corner in an overtime loss — the Blue Devils are hoping to turn some of those close losses into wins behind a veteran s uad with 1 seniors

e did lose five games last year, Smothers said. “In one game, we got beat pretty bad, to be honest. The other four we lost by a total of 10 points e had two one-point losses and two four-point losses e led in all four games. In one game we led 1-2 in the fourth uarter and got beat - 1 If it could go wrong for us last year, it went wrong. It opened our eyes to how close we were. We just got to keep working and working to win those one-score games this year

Cordova loses one of the cornerstones of the team in four-year starting quarterback Cody Headrick, who graduated last year.

irst and foremost, I can’t brag enough about his leadership It’s a huge loss, not just for us, but all sports at Cordova. He did a great job of leading our younger guys,” Smothers said.

Rather than trying to replace the top

passer in the county, Smothers puts his faith in the lue evils’ offensive line “We had a really good offseason. Our main goal was to get bigger and stronger e’re going to rely on the guys in front of the quarterback. For me, it doesn’t really matter who’s the uarterback and I’ve never been that way. I played quarterback and I’ve coached uarterbacks hat that means is that we have stressed to win it up front, no matter who’s back there, Smothers added.

While Cordova will have a new look at quarterback — juniors Trent Keating and Mason Bates, as well as freshman Lincoln Smothers, are vying for playing time the evils return the county’s second-leading rusher in avid dom he senior rushed for 1,1 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging yards per carry last season.

he offensive line is led by 6-foot- , 26 -pound senior race llen here is plenty of experience behind both Odom and Allen.

y first year here we had eight seniors his past year we had 10 seniors ow we have 1 seniors It’s been a process of building up the numbers and keeping them together. This senior group has an opportunity to go down as one of the best groups to come through Cordova. We have a really good opportunity if we just keep doing what we’re doing

The season opens on Thursday, August 24 at Fayette County.

24

Aug. 31

Sept. 8

Sept. 15

Sept. 22

Sept. 29

Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27

BY THE NUMBERS

AT A GLANCE

2022

5-5 overall; 3-4 in Class 4A, Region 5 (fifth)

coach:

Shane Smothers

Overall — 70-71 (entering 14th year)

At Cordova — 8-12 (entering third year)

players to watch:

RB David Odom

WR Kaden Williams

LB/ATH Mason Bates

key losses:

QB Cody Headrick

WR/DB Jalen Armistad

OL Cade Channell

schedule:

Cordova may have had the worst luck of any team in the state in 2022, losing four games by a total of 10 points. Three of the close losses came to region opponents — Haleyville (45-41), Corner (27-26 in overtime) and Northside (20-19). Due to the close losses, Cordova missed the postseason for the third straight season. Those teams, along with Dora, will vie for playoff spots again this year with the Blue Devils hoping to be in the mix.

overview:

Cordova showed drastic improvements on both sides of the ball after dropping from 5A to 4A last season. The Blue Devils were competitive in nine of 10 games, but continually came up on the short end. They will try to reverse the trend in 2023. One of the biggest challenges coach Shane Smothers faces is at quarterback with long-time starter Cody Headrick graduating. The Blue Devils return running back David Odom, who was second in the county with 1,153 yards with 12 touchdowns.

key number:

34.6

Number of points Cordova averaged on offense last season, which ranked secondbest in the region and was the Blue Devils’ best average since 2015.

QB, Senior

Photo by J son

2023 Cordova Blue Devils

#11, Senior #12, Sophomore #15, Junior #16, Sophomore

Jayden Bates #2, Senior

Lincoln Smothers #4, Freshman

David Odom #5, SENIOR

Trent Keating #6, Junior

Caden Owens #7, Senior Braedon Lugo #8, senior

Mason Bates #1, JUNIOR

Kaden Williams

Lucas Vance Kris mavers #13, Junior

Caleb Kilpatrick #14, Sophomore

Marcus Hendricks

Nick Cain Eli Bates #9, Senior

Jameson Robertson #18, Senior

Hunter Snow #19, Senior

Coltin Kilpatrick #20, Junior

Tyden Ledbetter #21, FRESHMAN

Khaleb Smith #22, Sophomore

Jay Ferguson #23, Senior

Brodie Blakenship #17, senior

2023 Cordova Blue Devils

Jace Kiser #26, Freshman

Aaron Shonkwiler #28, Junior

Jonah Bryant #29, Sophomore

dustin Russell #30, Junior

CoPper Moehlman #32, Freshman

COOPER KUYKENDALL #34, FRESHMAN

Jeremy Fullman #24, JUNIOR #45, FRESHMAN #50, SOPHOMORE #53, SENIOR #57, SENIOR.

Kaden Williams ANDREW GODDARD LOGAN POSTEN #51, SENIOR

DYLAN WILLIAMS #52, Sophomore

CLAYTON KILPATRICK TRACE ALLEN

JAKE FONDREN #44, FRESHMAN

#59, FRESHMAN #62, Senior

#67, SENIOR #68, Sophomore #76, SENIOR

Jackson Kilgore Ethan Pair

Logan Burton #64, SENIOR

Alex Robinson #66, Freshman

Sam Bryant Mauricio Gomez HAYDEN COLBURN

Avery Goddard #58, FRESHMAN

BULLDOGS CARBON HILL

Enrollment: 259.9

Class 3A, Region 5

EMERSON ACCEPTS

CHALLENGE AT CARBON HILL

By Johnathan Bentley

DJ Emerson spent the last two years attempting to turn around the Curry football program. Now he will try the same at Carbon Hill.

Emerson takes over his second reclamation project in three years, inhering a Carbon Hill program that finished 1- in 2022 merson helped the ellow ackets snap a 0-plus game winning streak last season. Curry finished 2-

I’m e cited about the challenge, merson said I wasn’t really looking to leave Curry. The opportunity presented itself and after weighing the options, I felt it wasn’t something I couldn’t turn down. I thought it was the best situation for myself and family ut we’ve got a long way to go e’re not where we need to be he numbers aren’t where they need to be It’s very similar to Curry). Both schools are presented with a lot of the same challenges. At both schools the numbers are extremely low.”

Carbon Hill struggled last year despite having a solid group of seniors. Only a road win over Tarrant kept Carbon Hill from a winless season. The defense struggled all season, allowing 39.3 points per game. On offense, the high output on the season was 20 points in a loss to Oakman.

Emerson has added three coaches to the staff since taking over. Jarrett Tuggle comes from Haleyville and will serve as the defensive coordinator. Jason Tittle is the wide receivers coach and Jamie

Lollar will handle the defensive line. Philip Smith also joins the staff, serving as the offensive line coach.

I’m really e cited about having a staff of that size. Having the opportunity to have more coaches is a great advantage,” Emerson said.

Carbon Hill competes in Class 3A, egion , which includes ordo, infield, ayette ounty, akman, idfield and arrant arbon ill opens the season at home against Decatur eritage ther non-region games are against Winston County and Oak Grove. Staring with a Week 2 game against Winston County, Carbon Hill plays six straight playoff teams.

The Bulldogs return one of the county’s top uarterbacks in alker imbrell, but they lose do-it-all receiver Cam DeJesus.

t the end of the day, I’m trying to focus on us I’m going to worry about us getting better every day I don’t want us to get caught up with the scoreboard and the result I’m judged by that e could do a lot of positive things and the scoreboard may not re ect that, Emerson said. “The kids understand our e pectations and standards It’s a daily challenge, but we are moving in the right direction. Right now the kids are hungry to see success. They are excited. We are trying to get that excitement to spread throughout the school.”

Carbon Hill opens the season at home against Decatur Heritage on Sept. 1 he ulldogs have si home games this season.

Stadium: G.W. Keith Stadium

Aug. 25

Sept. 1

Sept. 8

Sept. 15

Sept. 22

Sept. 29

Oct. 6

Oct. 13

Oct. 20

Oct. 27 Nov. 3

BY THE NUMBERS

AT A GLANCE

2022:

1-9 overall; 1-5 in Class 3A, Region 5 (sixth)

coach:

DJ Emerson

Overall — 2-18 (entering third year)

At Carbon Hill — 0-0 (entering first year)

players to watch:

QB Walker Kimbrell

LB Will Manasco

ATH Cole Brooks

key losses:

WR/DB Cam DeJesus

DL/OL Chug Wagar

sche ule:

Carbon Hill ran into trouble in Class 3A, Region 5 last season, losing to the four playoff teams — Gordo, Winfield, Fayette County and Oakman — by an average of 42.5 points per game. The 2023 season will start with a pair of non-region games — Decatur Heritage at home on Sept. 1 and at Winston County on Sept. 8 before the region opener at Fayette County. Carbon Hill plays six home games this season with region trips to Gordo and Midfield on the docket.

overview:

Carbon Hill took a big step backwards in 2022, winning just one game following a 4-6 season in 2021. The team loses its top offensive weapon in Cam DeJesus to graduation. The Bulldogs turn to new coach DJ Emerson, who comes to Carbon Hill after two years at Curry. The Bulldogs struggled on both sides of the ball last year, averaging 11.8 points per game while giving up 39.3. Senior quarterback Walker Kimbrell (1,199 yards, nine touchdowns, six interceptions) is the top offensive returner.

key number:

42

Number of consecutive years that Carbon Hill played Curry. The streak came to an end last year. The teams also don’t play this season.

QB, Senior

Photo by J son

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parker wright #60, SOph., ol/DL

Jordan kilgore #58, SOph., ol/DL

Carlos Camargo #64, 8th, ol/DL Fisher lollar #66, 7th, ol/DL

Hunter Taylor #69, soph., OL/DL

kayden lay #72, 8th, OL/DL

cole carmichael #73, senior, ol/dl

allister akins #75, freshman, OL/DL

thomas bigham #79, JUNIOR, OL/DL

Marcus Pierce #16, Soph., WR/DB

Skyler Butler #15, Senior, WR/LB

Logan Young #17, soph., WR/DB

Austin hart #18, JUNIOR, RB/LB

BRODY TEETER #20, junior, RB/LB

JAKE GILREATH #22, 8th, RB/LB

JOSEPH ROBBINS #24, JUNIOR, TE/LB

Easton Blackwell #2, Junior, WR/DB

KAMRIN FULLER #4, JUNIOR ,WR/LB

JACKSON KINNEY #6, SENIOR, WR/LB

Wyatt miller #7, FRESHMAN, WR/LB

Jarious jones #9, JUNIOR ,WR/LB

Cylas Crumbley #10, senior, TE/DL

Cole Brooks #1, JUNIOR, WR/DB

DAKOTA DRUMMOND #25,Soph. RB/LB

Walker kimbrell #13, Senior, QB/DB

Dylan Smith #26, Soph., WR/LB

Hayden Ratliff #27, Soph., TE/LB

Branson Terry #33, 8th, QB/LB

Camron Perry #34, SOph., FB/DL

Kade Johnson #44, 8th, FB/LB

Tristan Gilbert #52, 8th, OL/DL

Will Manasco #55,senior, OL/DL

Brett Teeter #57, Soph., OL/DL

WILDCATS OAKMAN

Enrollment: 235.9

Stadium: HD Collins Field Class 3A, Region 5

OAKMAN BRINGS BACK EXPERIENCE FOR 2023 SEASON

By Johnathan Bentley

Oakman took its lumps last season.

The Wildcats are ready to return the favor in 2023.

Though Oakman won just three games, down from nine the year before, the Wildcats did extend their playoff streak to 12 years, placing fourth in lass , egion

akman fielded a young and most inexperienced team last season after the departure of a large group of seniors from 2021

e’ve basically got everybody back. We are excited about that,” said Oakman head coach Ryan Hall, who is entering his fifth year at the helm wo years ago we had 1 seniors e are kind of in that same boat now e’ve got about 1 guys who played every meaningful snap for us last year.”

akman started the season 0-2 last year before winning three straight region games over idfield, arrant and arbon Hill. The Wildcats dropped six games, including a loss to Piedmont in the opening round of the playoffs.

“As far as the season goes, you have to look at the big picture - did we grow One of our primary goals at Oakman is to get to the playoffs. When you get in the playoffs it gives you the opportunity to play for the big prize. We were able to accomplish that last year with a very young team. Now we are a year older. e’ve learned a lot and grown a lot, Hall said.

“On defense, we return every starter and we have added a couple of guys

who didn’t play football that I think will help us. On offense, everyone is back except Aidan Martin.”

ne of akman’s biggest problems, especially against the regions top three teams ordo, infield and ayette County is the difference in numbers. In 2022, Oakman had several games that were close at the half, but got out of hand over the final two uarters

“One of our issues last year was that we kind of faltered late due to fatigue and things like that. That happens when you have 12 guys playing 120 snaps e have a little more depth where more guys will be on the field this year e couldn’t put them out there last year because of inexperience,” all added ordo has 62 players e have ast year, it’s 21-6 in the third uarter he ne t thing you know it’s -6 hey just wear you down with numbers infield and ayette ounty are the same way e’ve got to find a way to neutralize that a little bit.”

The season starts with a home game against Sulligent. After a game at Cordova, Oakman has three winnable region games against idfield, arrant and Carbon Hill. The back end of the schedule is a different story he final four opponents went a combined -

“You look at this stretch — Fayette ounty, infield, ordo, eek, and whoever you have to play in the first round of the playoffs If we aren’t battle tested and ready to roll by the time we get (to the playoffs) something is wrong,” Hall said. “There are some negatives

Date

Aug. 25

Aug. 31

Sept. 8

Sept. 15

Sept. 22

Sept. 29

Oct. 6

Oct. 13

Oct. 20

Oct. 27

Nov. 3

BY THE NUMBERS

Most Points Scored in a Game

80 in 80-20 win over Shades Mtn (10/5/2007)

Most Points Allowed in a Game

77 in 77–6 loss to Walker (11/10/1933)

Largest Margin of Victory

67 in 67-0 win over Calera (9/29/1950)

Largest Margin of Defeat

71 in 77-6 loss to Walker (11/10/1933)

Most combined points in a game

104 in 62-42 loss to Colbert Hghts (9/26/2008)

AT A GLANCE

2022:

3-8 overall, 3-3 in Class 3A, Region 5 (fourth) coach:

Ryan Hall

Overall — 25-20 (entering fifth year)

At Oakman — 25-20 (entering fifth year)

players to watch:

OL Gage Blanton

LB Trace Cagle

WR/DB Bridger Upton

WR/DB Rick Johnson

key losses:

FB/LB Aiden Martin

sche ule:

Oakman will need to take advantage of the early part of its schedule as the final four games come against teams that combined for 39 wins last year. The Wildcats dropped non-region games against both Sulligent and Winterboro on the road last year. Both games will be at home this season. After the opener against Sulligent, the Wildcats play three of their next four games on the road. The regular season ends at Meek, which is coming off its first unbeaten regular season in school history.

overview:

Oakman fielded a young and inexperienced team in 2022. The result was a three-win season, but the three wins came against the right teams, allowing the Wildcats to push their playoff streak to 12 years. Now with a more experienced squad, coach Ryan Hall’s team looks to compete with the top-tier teams in the region — Gordo, Winfield and Fayette County. The Wildcats return top play- makers Bridger Upton, Trace Cagle and Kasen Dickerson. 380

key number:

Number of points allowed by Oakman last season, which was a school record. The Wildcats gave up 208 points in the last four games alone..

S

RWR/DB, Senior

Photo by J son

Rick Johnson #2, Senior, WR/DB

Skyler Driver #3, 8th, RB

Kasen Dickerson #4, SENIOR, RB

Logan Tarvin #5, Junior, LB

Luke Martin #6, Senior, TE

Kris Eckroth #7, senior, DB

Tyler Thomas #1, Sophomore, RB

Trace Cagle #9, Junior, LB

Aidan Carson #10, JUNIOR, WR

Hampton Hall #11, 8th, QB/WR

Blaize Gant #12, Junior, WR

Aden Bonner #13, Freshman, LB

Caden Aaron #14, Sophomore, QB

Ledger Martin #8, 8th, LB

2023 Oakman Wildcats

LANDON KUYKENDALL #40, 8th, LB

Elijah Brunson #33, sophomore, DL

PEYTON MCLEMORE #44, SENIOR, LB

JAYDEN MOORE #50, JUNIOR, LB

DANIEL TUCKER #51, FRESHMAN, DL

CHESLEY BARNETT #52, 8TH, DL

GAGE HANDLEY #54, SOPHOMORE, DL

TJ ROGERS #55, SOPHOMORE, DL

Quincy Graham #70, Junior, OL

Mason Lowe #78, senior, DL

BRAYDEN MOORE #60, SOPHOMORE, DL

Troy Mclemore

Braylen Ramey

#71, sophomore, DL #80, 8th, CB

Brayden McCleney #62, SOPHOMORE, OL

Carson Gilliland #72, Junior, OL

Griffen Jones #63, 8th, OL

Adam Page #73, 8th, OL

Brady Jones #64, SOphomore, K/OL

Gage Blanton #74, Senior, OL

Landon Lee #66, Junior, OL

Bryant Mason #77, 8th, OL

Brayden Vines #65, Sophomore

Aaron Handley #75, junior, OL

Xavier Frazee #19, sophomore, DB

Tucker Wilcutt #22, 8TH ,WR

CJ Tortirici #23, SOPHOMORE, WR

Bridger Upton #24, junior WR/DB

Logan Smith #30, Senior, TE

Eli Fondren #31, 8th, DL

Will Key #15, JUNIOR, LB

Enrollment: 310.7

YELLOW JACKETS CURRY

Stadium: Travis Hudson Stadium Class 4A, Region 5 schedule

FIRST-YEAR COACH CORDELL TAKES OVER CURRY PROGRAM

By Johnathan Bentley

Jace Cordell was waiting for the perfect fit for his first head coaching job.

He feels he has just that at Curry High School.

After spending time at winning programs across the county — and winning big as a player at Cordova High chool ordell is ready for his first challenge as a head coach.

“God leads you to places. I believe he led me here to do something for this community and these kids,” Cordell said e’re going to bring a toughness and a physical brand of football to Curry and give them something that they can look forward to and hang their hat on. We think we will have some success that they’ve not been able to have in the past.”

Curry won two games last year, snapping a -game losing streak in a win over Berry in the second game last season. He takes over for coach DJ Emerson, who moved across the county to Carbon Hill.

“Coach Emerson did a great job last year ou can tell that there’s been discipline instilled in them,” said Cordell, who admits changing the culture is a daily battle urry hasn’t had a winning season since 1 6 and have made the playoffs just three times since.

e’ve got to become mentally tough before you become physically tough. This summer I believe they worked harder than they ever worked before. or us, that’s how we are going to find success e are going to outwork people It’s been a challenge since I’ve

got here trying to instill confidence in these guys e’ve got to get stronger in the weight room I think that’s going to be a factor going forward over the ne t several years hat’s how you build confidence and build strength you are able to impose your will on somebody,” Cordell said.

Curry plays in one of the tougher regions in Class 4A. Dora is the heavy favorite in egion , bringing back 1 seniors off a team that advanced to the second round of the playoffs. Northside, Haleyville and Corner were the other playoff teams from the region.

One change this season will be on offense. The Yellow Jackets were second in the area in passing yardage last season. Cordell plans to keep the ball on the ground.

he urry fan-base can come out and expect to see a very tough, physical brand of football. There may be some lower scoring matchups, but that’s all right e’re got to have a hard-nosed defense. That defense is going to be one of the best parts of our game. Our offense is going to keep the ball from the other team too It’s going be an old-school brand that some people can come and get behind and enjoy watching.”

e looking forward to getting that first game under his belt. Curry hosts Cold prings in the opener on ug 2

I’m thankful for urry to allow me to lead this program I’m going to work as hard as anybody has ever for them before.”

Date

Aug. 25

Sept. 1

Sept. 8

Sept. 15

Sept. 22

Sept. 29

Oct. 6

Oct. 13

Oct. 20

Oct. 27

Nov. 3

BY THE NUMBERS

Most Points Scored in a Game

70 in 70-46 win over Carbon Hill (10/28/2016)

Most Points Allowed in a Game

92 in 92-0 loss to Hackleburg (9/19/1930)

Largest Margin of Victory

62 in 68-6 win over Carbon Hill (10/30/2008)

Largest Margin of Defeat

92 in 92-0 loss to Hackleburg (9/19/1930)

Most combined points in a game

116 in 70-46 win over Carbon Hill (10/28/2016)

AT A GLANCE

2022:

2-8 overall; 0-7 in Class 4A, Region 5 (eighth)

coach:

Jace Cordell

Overall — 0-0 (entering first year)

At Curry — 0-0 (entering first year)

players to watch:

FB/LB Kody Cooke

OL/DL Landon Cummings

RB/DB Kam Miles

OL/DL Ben Pavlovec

key losses:

QB Josh Day

WR/DB Collin Page

LB/TE Ian Tuggle

sche ule:

Curry opens the season with a pair of non-region games, including the opener at Cold Springs and a road game at Berry. The Yellow Jackets enter the season with a 27-game region losing streak. Curry opens the region schedule with a home against region champ Dora and a road game at third seed Northside. Curry plays six home games this season with road games at Berry, Northside, Hamilton and Corner.

overview:

Curry snapped its long losing streak last season and turns to new coach Jace Cordell to keep that momentum going. Cordell was an All-State player at Cordova and also served on staffs at both Dora and Cordova before getting his first head coaching job at Curry. The Yellow Jackets saw their 35-game skid come to an end at home against Berry in the second game. Curry added a win over Vina four weeks later. Cordell hopes to lean on the running game, which comes in stark contrast to last year’s passing attack.

key number:

1,414

Number of days between Curry victories from 2018 to last season. The Yellow Jackets’ snapped a 35-game losing streak against Berry.

A EB AAR

RB, Senior

Photo by J son

CALEB AARON #1, SENIOR

ELI KENNEDY TYLER GONZALES AIDEN FERGUSON KEEGAN LATHUM HEATH MILLER BLANTON GILLESPIE #2, sENIOR #3, FRESHMAN #4, FRESHMAN #5, JUNIOR #9, JUNIOR #6, FRESHMAN

Carter Shadinger #33, Freshman

JD SICKLESCooper KeyRusty GonzalesKameron Miles Kody Cooke #14, sophomore #20, freshman#21, freshman #23, sophomore#26, Senior

Jaxon Tidwell ETHAN O’REAR #13, SENIOR #10, SENIOR

Kaison Waid #38, SENIOR

Sam Vicente Myka Tidwell Nathan Velazquez Ben Pavlovec Braden Madison Landon Cummins #51, junior #54, Junior#55, sophomore#56, seniOR #62, SOPHOMORE #58, senior WILL ROBERTS #78, sophomore

JAYLOR HORNSBY Kobe Christmas Jacob Thrall Caden Moore CONNOR BROWN #70, freshman #74, freshman #75, junior#76, JUNIOR #77, FRESHMAN

CADEN BRUCE LEE WILSON #66, SENIOR #64, JUNIOR

CHAD HAYES chayes@alfains.com

JASPER VIKINGDRIVE 2534VikingDr. (205)387-ALFA

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SUMITON 420BryanRd.,Ste100 (205)648-6061

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SUMITON 420BryanRd.,Ste100 (205)648-6061

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KEVIN BONNETT kbonnett@alfains.com

CARBONHILL 310401stAve.,NE (205)924-4455

REBECCA CORDES bcordes@alfains.com

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EAGLES SUMITON CHRISTIAN

Enrollment: 132.3

Stadium: Campbell Field Class 1A, Region 5

EAGLES BRING BACK EXPERIENCE, LOOK TO GET BACK TO PLAYOFFS

By Johnathan Bentley

Sumiton Christian missed the postseason by a narrow margin last year — eight points to be exact.

Despite playing in the toughest Class 1 region in the north, the agles hope to get back to the playoffs in head coach avid Powell’s fifth year at the helm.

umiton hristian will be battletested by the end of the season — by way of competing in lass 1 , egion

The Eagles will know where they stand in the pecking order early on with the first three games including matchups with state runner-up Pickens ounty and state uarterfinalist ynn

“We made the playoffs the previous two years. We are looking to make it back this year,” said Powell, adding that the team has lost plenty of talent over the last two years.

“We graduated six seniors last year and 1 the year before that osing 20 players in two years is a big hit for a small school. The good news is that we have nine seniors back. We are returning six starters — which basically means 12 because they will be playing both ways e’ve got some good young talent, they just don’t have much experience on Friday nights. If they keep developing and playing hard and playing smart you can look for the Eagles to have a solid year.”

-0 road loss to outh amar kept Sumiton Christian out of the playoffs.

The top three teams in the region — Pickens County, Lynn and Marion County — had an easier time with the Eagles, winning by an average of 33 points per game.

“If we can eliminate big plays we will have a chance to be in the game in the second half late. We gave up so many big plays against those top 3 teams in the region that the game kind of snowballed on us I definitely like the attitude of the team.Hopefully, if we can tackle in space, I think we can compete against those top three teams in the region.”

The Eagles also have key games coming in the middle of the season. Following games against a pair of teams that didn’t win a game Brilliant and Talladega County Central — the Eagles play region foes South Lamar and Marion County, two more playoff teams from 2022.

“The schedule is what it is. We look at it as ho is up ne t nd let’s go play,’ Powell said

Among the returning players are quarterback Jake White, who threw for 1,2 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, center Jack Aderholt, linemen hikezie heo- korie and yden Whiten, along with offensive weapons Austin Scobey and Noah Godwin.

Sumiton Christian starts the season with a home game against Hubbertville. The Eagles earned a narrow 1 - road win on the ions last season.

Date

Aug. 25

Sept. 1

Sept. 8

Sept. 15

Sept. 22

Sept. 29

Oct. 6

Oct. 13

Oct. 20

Oct. 27

Nov. 3

OPEN Hubbertville* Pickens County* Lynn* Brilliant* Talladega CC South Lamar* Marion County*

Tarrant Holy Spirit* Berry*

2022: (5-5, 4-4)

at Hubbertville* vs. Pickens County* at Lynn* vs. Brilliant* vs. Talladega Co. Central at South Lamar* vs. Marion County* vs. Tarrant vs. Holy Spirit* at Berry*

BY THE NUMBERS

Most Points Scored in a Game

81 in 81-48 win over Cedar Bluff (10/20/2000)

Most Points Allowed in a Game

70 in 70-7 loss to Escambia Aca. (10/21/1994)

Largest Margin of Victory

49 in 49-0 win over Brilliant (9/16/2022)

Largest Margin of Defeat

63 in 70-7 loss to Escambia Aca. (10/21/1994)

Most combined points in a game

129 in 81-48 win over Cedar Bluff (10/20/2000)

AT A GLANCE

2022:

5-5 overall; 4-4 in Class 1A, Region 5 (fifth)

coach:

David Powell

Overall — 239-99 (entering 30th year)

At Sumiton Chr. — 19-23 (entering fifth year)

players to watch:

QB Jake White

WR/DB Austin Scobey

OL/DL Jack Aderholt

key losses:

DB/WR Kannen Defoor

WR/LB Ashton Harper

DE/TE Jameson Nolen

schedule:

Sumiton Christian jumps right into region play after an off week to start the season. The Eagles took down Hubbertville in the opener last year and they get the Lions at home this season. The schedule is top-loaded with games against the the region’s top two teams beginning with the second game of the season at Pickens County, the state runner up. Lynn makes the trip to Sumiton Christian the following week. Non-region games are against Talladega County Central and Tarrant.

overview:

Playing in one of the toughest regions in the state, Sumiton Christian held its own, narrowly missing the playoffs thanks to a 7-0 road loss to South Lamar. The Eagles will rely on veteran quarterback Jake White as well as play-maker Austin Scobey on offense this season after the departure of Kannen Defoor, who led the team in rushing and receiving last year. The Eagles’ playoff hopes could com down to games against Hubbertville, South Lamar and Holy Spirit. Lynn, Pickens County and Marion County enter the season as the region favorites.

key number:

5

Number of seasons coach David Powell has been the head coach at Sumiton Christian, which ranks second in school history behind David Campell (7 seasons).

A E TE

QB, Senior

Photo by tt o s

#75, Senior #76, junior

CJ Harlan # 3, Senior

Noah Godwin #4, Senior Sawyer Irvin #5, junior

Austin Harbin #7, Senior

JD Barrett #10, Senior

Braden Woodard #11, Senior

Austin Scobey #2, junior

Jesse Franklin #14, Senior

Ty Weldon #21, junior

Dalton Manuel #23, Freshman

Carson Nalley #25, Freshman

Jace Adams #30, Sophomore

Nic Santos #35, junior

Jake White #12, senior

Tristan Fike #55, Senior

Phillip Wooley #56 , Freshman

Ryan Johnson #60, freshman

John Buxton #62 , Freshman

Jack Aderholt #68, Senior Everett Dobbins #70, Senior

Lane Cooper #54, sophomore

Ayden Whiten AsHton Skalnik

Chikezie Theo-Okorie #71, junior

ASWA Preseason Football Poll

R

he preseason la a a ports riters ssociation high school oot all ranings with first-place votes, last year’s win-loss recor an total poll points

1 hompson 21 11- 261

2 uburn 1 12-2 1

oover 11-2 1 2

entral-Pheni ity 10- 1 0

ewitt- russville - 1 2

6 estavia ills - 2

nterprise -

othan - 6

ary ontgomery 6-

10 Prattville 6- 11

th rs r i in ot s oley, pelika - , pain Park - , ulian , ak ountain - , ustin - 2, lorence - 2, ames

lemens -6 2, 2, parkman - 2, airhope - 1 ulian and are first-year schools after ee- ontgomery and eff avis were renamed

1 araland 21 1 -1 261

2 lay- halkville 1 -2 1

artselle 12-1 1

ountain rook 12- 1

heodore 1 -1 1

6 illcrest- uscaloosa 11-1

Parkeruscle hoals 11-2 61

panish ort - 2

10 Pelham 6-62

th rs r i in ot s omewood

10- 1 , ardendale - 1 , en-

jamin ussell - 10, Pike oad -

10, adsden ity - 6, ueytown - 6, ort Payne - , ford -6

, arver- ontgomery -2 , Pinson alley 6- 2, t Paul’s -6 2, elena

6- 1, c ill- oolen - 1

Pleasant rove 1 11-2 1 aith- obile11- 120

6 eeds 11-1 oody 10-2 2 eauregard 10-2 1 ulf hores 11-2

10 emopolis 10-2 0 th rs r i in ot s entral- lay o - 2 , untersville - 21, cottsboro - , rab 11-2 , airview - 2, le andria - 1, elma - 1, outhside- adsden -6 1

1 ndalusia 1 1 -12

2 herokee o 1 12- 1 0 atholic- ontgomery 1 -116 ackson 1 - 121 neonta 11-2 1

6 acksonvillenniston 11-16 estminster- untsville6- 6 andley 11-2

rs r i in ot s ison

6

aplesville - 11, lorala, eorgiana - , inden -2 , alley ead 10-2 , utaugaville 6-

eith -6 1, oachapoka -2 1, outhern hoctaw - 1

1 lenwood 10 - 21

2 Patrician 10 1 -0 20

cott 12-0 1 1

cademy 2 11-2 1 0

cademy - 1

6 larke Prep - 10

cademy 12-1

cademy - 0 outhern cademy -6 2

1 amsay 1 1 -2 2

2 harles enderson 2 12-2 1

- right 1 12-116

10 anks cademy 6- 2 th rs r i in ot s renshaw hr - 21, ort ale ca -6 10, akeside - , aliant ross - , ilco ca - , essemer ca 2- 6, parta 0-10 6, outh hoctaw ca - , dgewood 6-6 , acon- ast - , bbeville hr -

LindsayHandleyMcGuire, CRNP