Morgan County Football 2018

MORGAN COUNTY

FOOTBALL 2018 Friday Night

LIGHTS Teams gear up for tough season

Hartselle High School • Brewer High School • Danville High School • Falkville High School • Priceville High School Austin High School • Decatur High School • West Morgan High School • Decatur Heritage Christian Academy MORGAN M ORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

1

Table of Contents

4

4

Hartselle High School

10

Brewer High School

14

Danville High School

16

Falkville High School

18

Priceville High School

22

Austin High School

25

Decatur High School

28

West Morgan High School

30

Decatur Heritage Christian Academy

STAFF Interim Regional Publisher Daniel Holmes Managing Editor | Rebekah Martin Staff Writer | Lauren Jackson Contributors | Dylan Schrader Clif Knight • Lauren Estes-Velez Marketting | Tori Waits Copy Editor | Alison James

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

CONTACT US Hartselle Newspaper, LLC 407 Chestnut St.NW P.O.Box 929 Hartselle, AL 35640 Phone: 256-773-6566 Fax: 256-773-1953 Copyright 2018 by Hartselle Newspapers, LLC

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HARTSELLE HIGH SCHOOL NO GUARANTEES FOR EXPERIENCED, TALENTED TIGERS

BY DYLAN SCHRADER

L

ast year, the Hartselle Tigers went 6-4 with a young team — they had only 10 seniors. This year, the Tigers will have 23 seniors, several of whom are returning starters.

“The biggest thing building off of last year is that we should be a much more mature football team,” Hartselle head coach Bob Godsey said. “This senior class has played a lot more as sophomores and juniors. With 23 of them, we should have excellent leadership by numbers alone.”

Four of those returning starters made the Decatur Daily’s All Area team last year: cornerback/running back Keondre Swoopes, quarterback Luke Godsey, linebacker Stone Powell and defensive lineman Colin Springer.

Godsey said Swoopes and Godsey will be the center of the offense this year. “Keondre Swoopes was our

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

leading ground-gainer and scorer last year. Between he and Luke Godsey, our quarterback, everything will run through them,” he said. “We have to keep them healthy and make sure they have good seasons.”

Godsey said there is a good supporting cast around the two power players. “It’s a lot of the same guys as last year, but that was their first time in the situation,” he said. “Braxton Miller is one of them. He hasn’t played in a couple of years, but he came back out, and he’s playing receiver. He has continued to improve, and we’re excited to see what he can do in a real situation.”

According to Godsey, Brinten Barclay showed some flashes of brilliance last year. He added that he wanted to see receivers Conner Tumlinson and David Hayes “step up and perform.”

With just an experienced running and passing game, the Tigers would have been promising. But Godsey said the offensive line is returning four starters too. “The guys I’m

2018 HARTSELLE SCHEDULE Aug. 24

Austin

Aug. 31

Brooks

Sept. 7

Athens

Sept. 14

Muscle Shoals

Sept. 28

Briarwood

Oct. 5

Columbia

Oct. 12

Decatur

Oct. 19

Cullman

Oct. 26

Hazel Green

Nov. 2

Scottsboro

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Dr. Chris Widner MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

5

Hartselle High School 2018 Roster No.

Name

Position

Year

46

JJ Miller

10

FB

1

Doug Durbin

2

Cade Wiley

12

DB

47

Harrison Lunsford

11

WR

11

DB

2

48

Brian Torbert

10

DL

Ian Bodine

11

WR

49

Noah Lawler

10

DB

3

David Hayes

12

WR

50

Daniel Bolio

10

DL

4

Keondre Swoopes

12

DB

51

Brodie Morrow

9

DL

5

Conner Tumlinson

12

WR

52

Hezekiah Bass

10

OL

6

Braxton Miller

12

WR

53

Anthony Carruthe

11

LB

7

Gunnar Wiggins

12

DB

54

Zane Stinson

11

OL

8

Mac Meyer

12

DB

55

JM Caparas

12

OL

9

Tevin Shields

10

DB

56

Zeb Green

12

OL

10

Zach Gitzen

9

WR

58

Alec Lovett

12

OL

11

Luke Godsey

12

QB

59

Will Miller

11

OL

12

Cal George

10

QB

60

Brax Quattlebaum

9

OL

13

Jayce Dubose

9

WR

62

Gavin Jared

12

OL

14

Blaze Gillespie

10

DB

63

Jordan McCleskey

9

OL

15

Stone Powell

12

LB

64

KJ McGhee

10

OL

16

Sean Wilson

10

DB

65

Caleb Simmons

10

OL

17

Devron Turney

9

DB

66

Brandon Alexander

12

OL

18

Addison Parker

11

DB

70

Dominic Simmons

9

DL

20

Colin Springer

12

DL

71

Bryson Holt

11

OL

21

Andy Lamb

12

DB

72

Charlie Harris

9

OL

22

Jackson Boyer

11

LB

73

Zane Craven

12

OL

23

Adam Hampton

12

DL

74

Scott Hames

12

OL

24

Drew Cartee

10

LB

75

Alston Hampton

11

OL

26

Kobe Glover

12

DB

76

Fisher Lovill

9

OL

27

Web Harris

10

FB

77

Mac Hardin

10

OL

28

Hunter Driver

11

DB

78

Ryan Garrison

10

OL

29

Will Matthews

12

LB

79

Evan Pagani

9

OL

30

Clayton Casteele

9

DB

82

Hunter Franks

11

FB

31

Armahdeo Dunigan

9

DB

83

Andrew Bray

11

WR

32

Brinten Barclay

11

RB

84

Braden Bullard

11

DB

33

Marc Pettus

11

DL

85

Seb Alexander

10

WR

34

Kaleb Moore

9

RB

89

William Turner

9

WR

35

Elliott Bray

9

LB

91

Eason Mizell

12

DL

36

Issac Harris

9

DB

92

Lucas Smith

9

DL

37

Ben GrifďŹ n

9

DB

93

Elijah Pique

9

WR

38

Cullen Donahoo

11

WR

94

Brian Munoz

10

PK

40

Greyson Taylor

11

LB

95

Seth Lockett

10

DL

42

Ryan Langston

11

LB

96

Peyton Ellis

9

LB

43

Bryce Thomas

10

LB

97

Bishop Hust

9

WR

44

Issac Osteen

9

LB

98

Andrew Demastus

12

PK

45

Caleb Pittman

9

LB

6

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

7

most proud to see what they can do is our offensive linemen,” Godsey said. “We’ve returned four guys up there, and they’ve had really good off-seasons. I’m really excited to see how much progress those guys have made.”

The defense is just as experienced and Godsey said everything on this year’s defense starts with the defensive line. “Our three guys up front is where it’s going to start on defense,” Godsey said. “Those three will set the pace defensively. But we really have to develop some depth behind those guys.” Eason Mizell and Colin Springer are returning starters, and this will be Springer’s third year starting. Hampton moved over from the offensive line.

Godsey said they count on linebacker Stone Powell “being a playmaker on every play.” He said that Swoopes will obviously be integral to the defense, and that they will need the consistency that safety Andy Lamb always brings.

There are three less experienced players that Godsey said will need to step up this season. “Sophomore Drew

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

Cartee has shown flashes of being a there are no easy ones. You have to playmaker at linebacker,” Godsey bring it every day.

“6A, top to bottom, is easily the said. “But he’s a little young, and the question is whether he can handle toughest classification. You just have the rigors and the toughness of our schedule. “(Linebacker) Jackson Boyer was solid last year in the reserve role, now he becomes a starter. Doug Durbin has always shown flashes as a corner(back), but we need the consistency. He’s had an excellent summer though.”

Godsey said the team has done as much as they can to prepare. “This group really has done everything asked of them to be successful,” Godsey said.

“They’re just gonna have to go out and do it. We play a very tough schedule as always.”

Godsey said he is excited about the year, though as talented as the team is, there are no guarantees. “It’ll be a fun year, regardless of our record,” Godsey added. “They enjoy being around each other and coming to work every day. It’s been a blast so far. They deserve to be successful, but there are no guarantees, and

to bring it every week. In our region, you can be a good football team and still get left at home. It’s just the way it goes. It’s a fight every week.”

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

9

BREWER HIGH SCHOOL PATRIOTS TO RELY ON EXPERIENCE, LEADERSHIP OF 10 SENIORS

BY CLIF KNIGHT

A

big smile crossed head coach Geoff Walters’ face when he was asked about the returning seniors on his football roster at Brewer High School during a recent interview.

“We came here at the same time,” he said. “All 16 of them were incoming freshmen, and I was the new coach.

“I remember watching them walk across the parking lot after the first day of practice,” he recalled. “They didn’t look much like football players,

10

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

and I wondered if they had the guts to stick it out in a program fighting to build a winning tradition. Ten of them persevered through thick and thin and today are the backbone of our team. They’re bigger, stronger and more confident in their ability to perform at a high level. They hold the key to our success in 2018.”

The Patriots compiled a 3-7 record in 2017 and finished sixth in Class 6A Region 7, competing against playoff contenders like Oxford, Cullman and Albertville.

Brewer High School 2018 Roster YEAR

33

Andre Clark

10

H/C

11

C/F

34

Gavin Young

12

SS/Z

Johnathan Morgan

11

F/M.

35

Bobby Ray Simmons

9

SS/H

4

Devin Weathers

11

H/C

36

Levi Rice

11

M/F

5

D.J. Anderson

12

W/X

38

Paxton Suits

9

Z/C

6

Patrick Johnson

11

QB/SS

40

Gonzolo Ramerez

9

F/S

7

Isaac Childs

12

V/S

44

Kevin Heatherly

11

N/LG

8

Langston Borden

9

H.SS

49

Charlie Humphrey

11

X/C

10

Jake Lawrence

11

Z/S

50

Silas Slate

12

3/RG

11

Kagan Long

11

FS/Z

51

Jorge Salas

10

C/3

12

Tanner Cobb

12

S/Y

52

Tyson McGriff

11

RG/3

13

Micha Seffen

9

M/Y

53

Houston Strickland

10

W/LT

14

Braden Rusk

10

QB.FS

54

Kaleb Medders

12

RT/END

15

Carter Latham

10

H/FS

55

Thomas Graves

11

RT/3

16

Kris Bramlett

11

FS/X

56

Matthew Colbey

12

BUCK/LT

17

Brady Chappell

11

C/H

58

Cole Craddock

10

BUCK/LT

19

Tyler Lang

9

RT/END

66

Cody Laseter

11

C/N

20

Lee Murry

9

X/C

70

Hunter Youngblood

12

END/LT

21

Alex Taylor

10

X/C

75

Caleb Browning

19

N/RT

23

Christopher Wright

9

FS/Z

77

Jordan Flack

12

3/LG

24

Dawson Defreez

11

C/F

80

Kenneth Blankenship

11

X/C

27

Dane Ponbert

9

Z/C

83

Ryan Pitts

11

MGR

29

Caleb Gullion

12

K/P

84

Rian Franks

11

Z/C

30

Willie Cambell

9

S/F

85

Dylon Whitworth

10

END/F

32

Miguel Granados

9

H/C

88

Caleb Hodges

9

NO.

NAME

POSITION

2

Orlando Whatley

3

Y/S

Your place for Friends and Faith

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

11

5A

Missing from the Brewer at running back and sophomore “Winning the roster are five players three games we lost 2018 BREWER SCHEDULE who graduated in May. by a combined eight Quarterback Zac Self was one points would have Brewer will Aug. 31 @ Danville of them. He led the offense with enabled us to finish compete in 1,200 yards rushing. The 6-foot, with a 6-4 record,” 5A in 2018.

205-pound athlete is now a Walters pointed out.

Sept. 7 @ Arab walk-on player at Huntington The competition is expected to ease up a bit in 2018 as College in Montgomery.

Sept. 14 vs. Madison Academy Junior Patrick Johnson has stepped the Patriots drop to Class 5A Region 7.

Regional opponents are Arab, Madison up as Self’s replacement. At 5-foot-10, Sept. 21 vs. Madison County Academy, Madison County, Ardmore, 160 pounds, he throws the ball better Guntersville, East Limestone and than Self but is not as strong a runner, Sept. 28 vs. West Morgan (HC) Scottsboro. Other games are scheduled Walters said.

Other returning starters at skill with Danville, West Morgan and positions are junior Johnathan Morgan Priceville.

Oct. 5 @ Ardmore Oct. 12

vs. Guntersville

Oct. 19

@ East Limestone

Oct. 26

vs. Scottsboro

Nov. 1

vs. Priceville

Orlando Whatley and junior Dawson Defreez at wide receiver.

Senior Jordan Flack, a Western Kentucky University commit, and junior Cody Lassiter anchor the offensive line. Defensive leaders are returning starters Hunter Youngblood, Thomas Graves and Matthew Colbey.

Senior Caleb Gullion returns as the team’s punter and place-kicker.

“This team’s goal is to make the state playoffs,” said Walters. “We’ve preached that, and the players are working as hard as any team in the state to get there. Because we don’t have the numbers some 5A schools have, we’re still having to play some players both ways. It will be important for us to stay healthy and play with great effort and confidence.”

Working with the Patriots as assistant coaches are Zeke Walters, offensive coordinator; Stanley Robinson, assistant offensive coordinator; Lance Coggins, defensive coordinator; Thomas Webb, defensive line; and Patrick Lemons, running backs.

The Patriots open their season on the road with Danville Aug. 31.

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

13

DANVILLE HIGH SCHOOL HAWKS SEEK POST-SEASON GOALS UNDER MCGREGORY

BY LAUREN ESTES-VELEZ

T

he Hawks football program announced in February their team would be under new leadership – but with a familiar name.

Former Hawks assistant coach Shannon McGregory was given the head coach title to follow Danville’s 3-7 finish last season under Josh LouAllen.

McGregory said he is excited to see Danville take the field this season with the changes the team is implementing.

“We just completed hiring the majority of our coaching staff. The biggest challenge for me was getting everyone on the same page and getting ready for August practice to begin,” McGregory said.

The Hawks went 15-25 in the past four years and haven’t made the playoffs since 2009. So, one of the first noted goals was to change the state of the season and add the post-season appearance.

“My goals for this first season are having a winning season and then, of course, to go to the playoffs,” McGegory said. “The Hawks haven’t won a postseason game since 1994, so that’s

14

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

something we are looking to make an impact toward. Also, developing our passing game is a major goal.”

Some players McGregory said to be on the lookout for include Tysne Coker, who managed right at 100 tackles last year.

“His role on offense will be bigger. He will have the same role on defense, and we will rely on his leadership skills,” McGregory said. “Tysne Coker will be in the linebacker/fullback position; Cameron Moore will be a strong safety/ tail back; Landon Upton is OLB/ tight end; and Trey Hamilton will be at the offensive line position.

“Tysne Coker is an impact player on defense; he is one of the top five linebackers I’ve coached in my career,” McGregory added. “Landon Upton is another player that can cause mismatch problems for other teams.”

A few of the games the Hawks have circled on their schedule include the four Morgan County foes – “Falkville and Brewer because they are county schools and also West Morgan and Priceville because they are county schools and region games,” McGregory

said. “Those games are always the ones the kids look forward to playing.”

Among McGregory’s 11 years of head coaching experience, he has been an assistant at Sparkman, Lexington, Sheffield, Deshler and Thrasher high schools. He also played football at Sheffield High School and UNA. “It’s really been an easy transition, and support from our administration and community have helped and really closed a lot of gaps that we had,” McGregory said. “Everyone is on the same page and going in one direction.”

Coaches include Bruce Cheatham, defensive coordinator; Matt Smith, running backs/cornerback coach and special teams coordinator; Buck Williams, strength coach; Andy Wilson, quarterback coach and linebackers, as well as head B-Team coach; Rod Giullott, receivers coach and in charge of community relations; Matt Boston, wingback coach and technology coordinator; Carson McGregory, offensive line and linebackers coach and punters; and Logan Barkley and Blain Milam, offensive line and defensive line.

Danville High School 2018 Roster NO. NAME

22 ETHAN SAPP

60 GARRETT LEGG

1

NICK MIXON

24 DESTIN STUTTS

61 PRESTON HEATH

2

JAKE WADDELL

25 BO HUFF

62 KAMERON HOGAN

3

MASON COX

26 LUKE CAMPBELL

63 BROCK BURROW

4

GRAYSON GLENN

28 DALTON DIXON

65 HAYDEN LITTLE

6

TYSNE COKER

31 MASON COLE

66 LANE FLOWERS

7

OWEN ELLENBURG

32 DALTON MADISON

67 MITCHELL FINCHER

8

LANDON UPTON

33 BLAKE RAY

68 TYLER SUMEREL

9

JEFFREY KILGORE

37 WESTON PHILPOTT

70 CAMDEN WHITTLE

10 BRYSON TEMPLETON

47 BRAXTON HAND

73 CLAY WINEGARDNER

11 GRANT SPARKS

50 GAVIN MILLER

74 GEOFFERY SEATON

12 MITCH SHERRILL

50 DRAYSON BURGESS

76 DALTON BICE

13 JUSTICE HUFF

51 TAVISH GARRISON

78 TREY HAMILTON

15 TYLER DODGEN

52 LANDON GARNER

81 JACKSON POOLE

16 HARRISON BATES

53 JABE ANDERSON

87 SKYLAR MOODY

17 DAVIS NORTHCUT

54 JACOB TERRY

88 KOHL RANDOPH

18 CAMERON MOORE

55 MICHAEL MIXON

91 NEWT WHITWORTH

20 GAVIN SHIELDS

56 DANIEL BROWN

21 KETON HOGAN

57 NICK HANNER

2018 DANVILLE SCHEDULE

Aug. 24

@ Falkville

Aug. 31

vs. Brewer

Sept. 7

@ North Jackson

Sept 14

vs. West Morgan

Sept. 21

vs. Randolph

Sept. 28

@Holly Pond

Oct. 5

@Priceville

Oct. 12

@DAR

Oct. 19

vs. St. John Paul

Oct. 26

vs. Fairview

Nov. 2

Open

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

15

FALKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL BLUE DEVILS EXPECT IMPROVEMENT FROM 2A TO 1A

BY CLIF KNIGHT

F

alkville High School’s football team was good in 2017. It compiled a 7-4 record, finished second in Class 2A Region 7 and competed in the state playoffs before losing to Reeltown 3313 in the first round.

The Blue Devils could be even better in 2018 thanks to the experience and leadership of 15 returning seniors.

Heading up that group is quarterback Aaron Dove, a 5-foot-10, 175-pound athlete who completed 61percent of

16

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

his passes as a junior. He passed for 2,439 yards and 27 touchdowns with only eight interceptions. He also ran for four TDs and was recognized as an honorable mention member of the Class 2A all-state team.

“He’s a hard worker who leads by example. He’s dependable and has good knowledge of the game,” said seven-year head coach Joel Schrenk.

“With another good year, he’ll be a good fit for a small college.”

Schrenk said he’s “cautiously

optimistic” about this year. “If we can stay healthy, get a couple of breaks and have a little luck, we can be very good,” he said.

Eight other returning starters bring strength to the Blue Devils offense: Noah Holmes, Fred Walls, Brock White, Nathan MacDonald, Brody Lacy, Travis Ricks, Garrett Ball and Christian Angulo. Holmes, Walls, White, MacDonald and Lacy are seniors; Ricks and Ball are juniors; and Angulo is a sophomore.

Angulo led the Blue Devils in pass receiving with 44 catches for 624 yards and 10 touchdowns. Holmes was a close second with 43 catches for 664 yards and six touchdowns.

Walls had 235 yards rushing and 222 yard receiving as a back-up running back and slot receiver.

White, Ricks, Ball, MacDonald and Lacy are offensive linemen.

Schrenk said he is also excited about having five starters back on defense.

James Holladay will be the middle linebacker, while James Garner and Carlos Esquivel will play at outside linebacker positions. Austin Fowler will play at a defensive l i n e position, while Trustin Pylate and Davin Johnson will hold defensive back positions. Marcus Knocek returns as the kicker and also plays as a defensive back.

“A key for us is we’ll be able to play 11 on offense and 11 on defense,” said Schrenk. “We expect that to help a lot depth-wise.”

The Blue Devils are missing five players, all graduating seniors who made major contributions in 2017. They are Caleb Vinson, a 4,000yard career rusher, defensive linemen, and Jordan Pace, Justino Aguero, J.P. Garrison and wide receiver Alex Fowler.

With a move from Class 2A to Class 1A, the Blue Devils are matched with Woodville, Valley Head, R.A. Hubbard, Coosa Christian, Decatur Heritage and Gaylesville as region opponents this year.

Falkville opens the season at home against the 4A Danville Hawks Aug. 24. The Blue Devils are also scheduled to play 4A Priceville and Elkmont and 3A Vinemont this season.

2018 FALKVILLE SCHEDULE Aug. 24

Danville

Aug. 31

Vinemont

Sept. 7

Woodville*

Sept. 14

Valley Head (HC)

Sept. 21

R.A. Hubbard*

Sept. 28

Priceville

Oct. 5

Coosa Christian*

Oct. 12

Decatur Heritage*

Oct. 26

Gaylesvlle*

Nov. 2

Elkmont*

*Denotes Region game

Falkville High School 2018 Roster NO.

NAME

GRADE

NO.

NAME

GRADE

2

AUSTIN HOWELL

9

44

KEVIN HEATHERLY

11

4

JACOB HOLLADAY

12

50

BEN WHITED

10

5

AARON DOVE

12

52

CODY BRYSON

12

7

JAMES GARNER

12

53

GABRIEL DAILEY

10

8

CHRISTIAN ANGULO

10

54

TRAVIS WICKS

11

9

COLTON HOOPER

9

55

MATT FETNER

9

10

AUSTIN HOLMES

10

62

AUSTIN FOWLER

12

11

TRUSTIN PYLATE

12

63

BROCK WHITE

12

13

NOAH HOLMES

12

65

GARRETT BALL

11

14

DAVIN JOHNSON

12

66

ELI TEAGUE

10

15

CARLOS ESQUIVEL

11

67

SEATH CRAWFORD

10

21

AUSTIN SNITH

12

70

NATHAN MACDONALD

12

22

MIKELL PHILYAW

10

72

ISAAC BEHAN

9

25

KADEN BENNETT

10

74

HUNTER SMITH

12

28

FRED WALLS

12

75

BRODY LACY

11

32

MARCUS KLOCEK

12

79

AUSTIN MILLER

12

33

LUKE FITZGERALD

10

80

KEL CAMPBELL

9

40

DEVIN WARNICK

11

81

WYATT TOMLIN

10

42

WYATT KING

10

85

KEVIN CURTIS

10

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

17

PRICEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL NEW LEADERSHIP SHAPE 2018 BULLDOGS

BY LAUREN ESTES-VELEZ

W

ith a new head coach, new goals and new outlook for the 2018 season, the Bulldogs plan to be competitive this fall.

Former Austin defensive coordinator and now Priceville head coach Jason Simmons said his expectations are high for this team – especially for the offensive line.

“The biggest thing is the numbers, and at Priceville, we’re going to have to play both ways,” Simmons said. “At Austin, they only played one side of the football. That’s the biggest transition I’ve seen so far. My expectations are high for this group – and they didn’t like the way the season ended last year.

We want to correct that this time around.”

Some of the players making up the offensive line are Grant Jones, Truman Terry, Michael McNutt, Seth Looney, Dalton Sammet and Andy Mullins.

“These guys are where I’m putting a lot of my high expectations,” Simmons said. “There are some impact players to watch out for and who can truly make a difference on both sides of the ball. Brock Payne at quarterback – he’s a senior, and this is his first year playing in several years.”

Simmons also said fans should keep an eye on Jackson Cross at running back, Michael Matthews at full back, Grayson Clark at receiver, Ethan White at receiver, Peyton at running back and Jerry Burton at running back.

“From the defensive side of the ball, I expect Seth Looney at linebacker, Truman Terry, Grant Jones and Dalton Sammet at lineman (to make an impact). Logan Terry at linebacker and Parker Voss I also expect to do well,” Simmons said.

18

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

Every team has a rival or two mentally circled on the schedule that stick out for different reasons. For Priceville, Danville is that team.

“All four county schools are important to beat and be competitive against those schools,” Simmons said. “Danville is definitely one that sticks out. All those guys do a good job, and it’s important to be competitive with those teams.”

Simmons said one big difference in this Priceville team is the effort players have made in the weight room this summer.

“They’ve bought in this summer.

They’ve worked out in the weight room and gotten a lot stronger,” Simmons said.

“Be on the lookout for a lot of good things from us. We will have big junior classes and seniors. I don’t want to rebuild too much; I want these seniors to have a good taste in their mouths when they leave.”

This is Simmons’ 19th year coaching.

He coached at Austin for the past six years as the defensive coordinator and Pelham for four years prior to that.

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

19

2018 PRICEVILLE SCHEDULE

Simmons went to Sylacauga High school, played football at the University of North Alabama and then finished his degree at UAB. “Come out and watch us, and hopefully you’ll see the change on the field by the way our kids play,” Simmons said.

“The way they carry themselves in the community and the way we play on Friday nights should have a whole different look this season.”

Priceville will kick off the season at home Aug. 24 against Oneonta.

Aug. 24

Oneonta

Aug. 31

Good Hope

Sept. 7

St. John Paul II**

Sept. 14

Randolph*

Sept. 21

Fairview*

Sept. 28

Falkville

Oct. 5

Danville*

Oct. 12

North Jackson*

Oct. 19

DAR*

Oct. 26

West Morgan*

Nov. 1

Brewer

*Denotes Region game

Priceville High School 2018 Roster NO.

NAME

NO.

NAME

1

JAXON CROSS

42

DAKOTA CLIFTON

2

LANDON PEARSON

43

JOHN CALIXTO

3

TRISTAN HOLMES

44

GREYSON CRAWFORD

4

GAGE GALBREATH

45

SAM WALKER

7

DAVID ARNOLD

48

NASH TERRY

10

CHRIS POLLITT

50

CALEB DAVIS

11

WYATT HURT

51

TYLER CAPPI

12

ETHAIN WHITE

52

CALEB COOK

13

BROCK PAYNE

54

SETH LOONEY

14

JAXON GRAHAM

56

TRUMAN TERRY

15

ANTONIO MENDOZA

57

HUGH LAW

16

CLARK CLARK

60

GRANT JONES

18

PEYTON FOWLER

63

KOAL LEGG

19

PRESTON DILBECK

64

DALTON SAMMET

20

JOHN SAPP

65

BEN MURPHY

21

JC ESTES

68

MASON MANN

22

JOEY LUBISCO

70

GARRISON WOODALL

23

WILLIAM BAKER

74

GAGE HAMMON

24

CHASE AKRIDGE

75

JALEN SCRUGGS

25

MICHAEL MATTHEWS

77

MICHAEL MCNUTT

27

JERRY BURTON

80

JACOB BRAGWELL

28

PARKER VOSS

85

ANDY MULLINS

29

MAKEYLEAN FLETCHER

86

JAMES WILLIAMSON

32

LOGAN TERRY

88

CAELAN MCAFEE

20

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

AUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL BLACK BEARS FACE TRANSFORMATIVE, CHALLENGING YEAR

BY DYLAN SCHRADER

W

ith the move up to Class 7A, a roster full of young players, a new stadium and a new school, Austin will face many challenges in what is likely to be an exciting, transformative year for the Black Bears.

Last year the Austin Black Bears were undefeated until a heartbreaking, one-point overtime loss in the quarterfinals to Pinson Valley. They were led by a class of 33 seniors, including star running back Asa Martin, who will be playing for Auburn University this fall. This year, the Black Bears have only a few returning starters.

“Last year when we lined up game one, we were a very experienced football team already,” said head coach Jeremy Perkins. “A lot of those guys saw action in the 14 games the year before. So, going out there game one, there was not a whole lot that can happen on the field that we weren’t prepared for.

“This year’s going to be a little

22

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

different because we only have a handful of guys on both sides of the ball combined who have that kind of experience, so there’s going to be a lot of learning as you go.”

The most notable returning player is Reddy Steward. Steward, a firstteam Class 6A All-State defensive back in the 2017 season, already has offers from Michigan, Mississippi State and South Carolina to play college football. He will play mainly on defense, but he will also add some power in the running back position this season, Perkins said.

“We had two really good running backs that we gave the ball to last year, and he’s got some similarity to those two guys,” Perkins said. “He provides experience on the field and some explosiveness. He can do a lot of things.”

Because offensive tackle Jashun McDaniel is the only returning starter on offense this year, many of the positions have yet to solidify. Senior Kulyn Hubbard and sophomore

Quincy Crittendon are competing for the quarterback position. Perkins said Crittendon has a lot of talent; whether or not he wins the starting position this year, he will be a player to watch as he grows into his role as a future leader of the Black Bears offense.

Sam Olinger is the front runner for the fullback position, and Tyhlen Williams and Jevon Jackson will serve as running backs alongside Steward.

Perkins said several receivers are stepping up, and they will “provide athleticism, size and depth out there.”

The defensive line will be one of the main strengths of the team, Perkins said. “Kevin Penn is a returning starter on the defensive line, and Jacob Dorch is really coming along as a defensive lineman,” Perkins said.

“Donald Orr is having a big offseason as a big lineman. Tony Elliot is a newcomer that we’re expecting to come along who joined us from the band.”

Steward will be joined by

2018 AUSTIN SCHEDULE

returning starter Keiran Booker in the secondary, and Cade Jenkins is returning as a starting linebacker.

“We’re excited about the new challenges moving from 6A to 7A,”

Perkins said. “We’ll have a new environment at a new school. We’ll have an on-campus stadium for the first time, so there’s a lot of excitement in the air for that.

Aug. 24

@Hartselle

Aug. 31

vs. Decatur

Sept. 7

vs. Florence

Sept. 14

@Gadsden City

Sept. 21

vs. Grissom

Oct. 5

vs. Sparkman

Oct. 12

@Huntsville

Oct. 18

@Bob Jones

Oct. 26 Clemens

vs. James

Nov. 1

@Athens

“We’re a work in progress, and we’ve got to improve every day. The ride’s going to be fun. We’re going to try to get better every day, take the good with the bad, learn from it and keep getting better.”

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

23

Austin High School 2018 Roster NO.

NAME

GRADE

WR

46

BRAXTON LYLE

10

LB

12

DB

47

JAKARI FULLER

10

LB

SAM OLINGER

12

RB

49

TAYLOR ALLISON

10

LB

4

TRE SHACKELFORD

10

WR

50

DONALD ORR

12

DE

5

DEVRON CARROLL

12

DB

51

RENARDO ALDRIDGE

12

DE

6

KEIRAN BOOKER

12

DB

52

CHANDLER POINTER

12

OL/DL

7

KEENAN HAMBRICK

11

WR

53

ZACH KENNEDY

11

OL

8

CADE JENKINS

12

LB

54

GRIFFIN SIKES

10

OL

9

LAWSON BARNETT

11

QB

55

DAIONTRELLE HUBBARD

10

DL

10

KULYN HUBBARD

12

QB

56

JACOB DORTCH

12

DL/OL

11

CODY SORRELS

12

WR

57

IRVIN TAPIA

10

DL

12

QUINCY CRITTENDON

10

QB

58

AWYSUM HARRIS

11

DE/LB

13

TARIK SYKES

11

DB

59

COLTON COLLIER

10

OL

14

WINSTON LYLE

10

WR

60

BRODIE CRISLER

10

OL

15

JADEN BAKER

10

WR

61

ELI DUMAS

10

OL

16

JACK FAULK

12

DB

62

STEFAN RICKS

10

OL

17

BRIAN TRAYVICK

10

DB

63

COLE JONES

10

DL

18

JACOB JONES

11

WR

64

ALEX MACHADO

10

OL

19

JAYVIN ELLIOTT

11

DB

65

TONY ELLIOTT

10

OL

20

KENDALL SCALES

10

RB

66

TRISTIAN ALBRECHT

10

OL

21

TYHLEN WILLIAMS

11

RB

67

KALEB SHARPLEY

12

OL

22

JEVON JACKSON

10

RB

68

MYLES BOYD

11

OL

23

JALIN BARRETT

11

DB

70

MARVIN SALES

10

OL

24

JAYDEN GRISSOM

12

RB

71

KEVIN PENN

12

DL

26

COLLIN STEVENSON

11

DB

72

GATLIN LAVENDER

11

OL

27

LUKE MASSEY

10

DB

73

MICHAEL WILEY

11

DL

28

JT JOHNSON

11

DB

74

JOSUE MORENO

11

OL

29

JOSH MISHALANIE

12

WR

75

BRADLEY BARNETT

11

OL

31

JARTAVIOUS SWOPES

12

DB

76

JIDAI OLIVER

11

OL/DL

32

KENNETH ALLEN

11

DB

77

JASHUN MCDANIEL

12

OL

34

TALON WARD

10

WR

78

TONY COWLEY

10

DL

35

MASON MOORE

11

LB

79

JALIK MALONE

10

DL

36

MYNOR GODINEZ

10

DB/K

80

SIDNEY DUDLEY

11

WR

37

ZYAN BELL

10

DB

81

JAKE BAILEY

10

WR

38

JEFFREY GIVENS

10

DB

85

TERRANCE MARTIN

11

WR

39

ZACH MORRISON

10

DB

90

CRISTIAN ISIDORO

12

K

40

MATTHEW GARTH

12

LB

92

DONTAVIAN BASS

10

DE

41

RONALD FLETCHER

10

LB

93

TRENTON HAMILTON

11

DL

42

ZAC BETANCOURT

12

RB

94

JA’KEY CONNER

10

DE

43

DAKOTA PEEBLES

11

LB

96

JAYLON MUDFORD

10

DL

44

CHARLES BAKER

11

LB

97

HECTOR GODINEZ

12

K/P

NO.

NAME

GRADE

1

JABARI BROWN

11

2

REDDY STEWARD

3

24

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

POSITION

POSITION

DECATUR HIGH SCHOOL RED RAIDERS AIM FOR BALANCED OFFENSE, PHYSICAL DEFENSE

BY CLIF KNIGHT

W

ith a talented and experienced quarterback leading the way, Decatur’s Red Raiders are expected to reverse a disappointing season in 2017 and make a serious run at winning their regional championship in 2018.

Trentin Dupper, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound senior, is the player head coach Jere Adcock is looking to for emotional, mental and physical leadership in his second season as the starting quarterback. Dupper accounted for a more than 2,000 yards of offense as a junior.

“He reaches out to other players and encourages them,” Adcock said. “They look up to him. He’s the hardest worker and the best player on the field.”

Seven other returning starters, all seniors, join Dupper as the nucleus of experience on offense: running back Kenny Cannon, wide receivers Cameron Morson and Kenny Williams and linemen Jackson Hall, Isaac Englund, Bill Collins and Micah McDaniel. Cannon had more than 500 yards rushing last season, while Morson led the receiving corps with 51 receptions. Hall is a four-year starter and a college prospect.

The Red Raiders also have six returning starters on defense: seniors Damian Moore and Logan Rollins at tackle, Carson Chiles at middle linebacker, Elijah Bryant at strong safety, Cole Cagle at free safety and Tyler Troupe at cornerback.

Senior Axel Cerda is back as the place kicker, and junior Turner Stepp returns as the punter.

Other players who have moved to the top of the depth chart in their offensive positions are Hunter Claborn, tackle; Drew Brown, halfback; and Jacoby Chatman and Raegan Hardin, wide receivers.

Defensive talents include Bryan Sanchez and Jacob McCrae, end; Hunter Greenwell, linebacker; Tychicus Bolden, cornerback; and Stepp, defensive back.

“A positive turn for us was playing well against Hartselle and Sparkman late last season,” Adcock noted.

“Our offseason and summer have been productive, and we seem to have a good focus on what we want to achieve. We aren’t super talented, but we seem to have a hungry team that really loves the game of football.”

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

25

Decatur High School 2018 Roster NO.

NAME

GRADE

NO.

NAME

GRADE

1

CAMERON MORSON

12

WR

48

DEMETRIUS THOMPSON

12

DE

3

MALAKAI MORROW

10

RB

49

HUNTER GREENWELL

12

LB

4

JAMARI GOODE

12

RB

52

NIKII ASHER

10

OL

4

WILLIAM BURGREEN

9

QB

53

CHRISTIAN BURT

10

DL

5

TURNER STEPP

11

DB

54

RICHARD CRISANTOS

10

DL

5

JAHEIM LANGFORD

11

RB

55

COOPER LOVETT

10

DE

6

KEANDRE WILLIAMS

9

RB

56

BILL COLLINS

12

OL

7

GRAYSON VEREIRE

10

DB

57

MICAH MCDANIEL

12

OL

8

KENNY WILLIAMS

12

WR

58

COLWELL BIBB

9

OL

8

OWAN POOVEY

9

K

59

ISAAC ENGLUND

12

OL

9

KENNETH CANNON

12

RB

60

CARTER MCCOLLUM

10

OL

10

ANDREW RAWSON

11

DB

62

MICHAEL NICHOLS

11

OL

11

SMITH COON

11

WR

63

MICHAEL KELLOGG

10

DT

12

JORDAN FUQUA

11

RB

64

WILL DINSMORE

11

OL

13

COLE CAGLE

11

DB

65

DUNTAE MONTANO

11

DT

14

CARSON CHILES

12

LB

66

WARD BOUCHILLON

9

OL

15

KAMERIN SANDLIN

10

LB

67

IRVIN BARRIENTOS

10

DT

16

TEANDRE WILLIAMS

9

DB

68

JACK SELF

10

OL

17

CHARLES ZALUSKY

9

DB

70

FOSTSER NELSON

9

OL

18

BANKS DEMENT

9

LB

71

ZACH HEFLIN

11

OL

19

TRENTIN DUPPER

12

QB

72

HUNTER CLABORN

9

OL

21

JACOBY CHATMAN

12

WR

73

NELSON EARLEY

11

OL

22

DIQUAN MILAND

10

WR

75

ASHTON LOWERY

9

OL

23

ANDREW DAVIS

10

DB

78

JESUS TAVAREZ

9

OL

24

CAGE DAVIDSON

9

WR

79

JACKSON HALL

12

OL

26

ALEX ROMERO

12

WR

80

GRAYSON KEITH

11

WR

27

ZERYN WILLIAMS

10

DB

81

CHARLIE TAYLOR

10

WR

28

DEKARON TATE

10

WR

82

JACK STURGES

9

WR

29

JAMARRIE WASHINGTON

9

DB

83

WILL MARTIN

9

WR

30

CARSON PALAHACH

10

H

84

BEN CARROLL

11

K

31

JA’KOBY HARRIS

10

H

85

CHASE CAUTHEN

11

WR

32

ELIJAH BRYANT

12

DB

86

AMARI REEVES

11

TE

33

CLINT HARBIN

9

H

87

KOBE GRAY

11

WR

34

RAEGAN HARDIN

12

TE/LS

88

CONNER DICKMAN

11

WR

35

ADAM BRITO

9

LB

89

CHANDLER BRYANT

12

DE

36

BANKS MURPHREE

10

DE

90

LOGAN ROLLINS

12

DT

37

DYLAN MASON

12

LB

91

AXEL CERADA

12

K

38

ETHAN BATES

10

WR

92

NATHAN PYLANT

12

DE

39

CHASE JONES

10

LB

93

JAIDEN FREEMAN

9

DE

41

TRINITY JONES

10

TE

94

ALEX HURST

12

DT

42

ALEX BALDWIN

9

DB

95

DAMIAN MOORE

12

DT

43

BRADY HEATHERLY

H

96

GAVIN BARBEE

9

DL

45

DREW BROWN

11

H

97

AUSTIN RINE

12

DT

46

DALE HARTZOG

11

DE

98

BRAYAN SANCHEZ

11

DE

47

MESSIAH SMITH

9

DE

99

DEMETSRIUS HOLSEY

11

DT

26

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

12

POSITION

POSITION

2018 DECATUR SCHEDULE

Aug. 23

vs. Huntsville

Aug. 31

@ Austin

Sept. 7

vs. Cullman*

Sept. 14

@ Athens*

Sept. 21

vs. Lee

Sept. 28

@Lawrence County

Oct. 5

@ Muscle Shoals*

Oct. 12

vs. Hartselle*

Oct. 19

vs. Columbia*

Oct. 26

Open

Nov. 1

vs. Sparkman

Decatur is moving from Class 6A Region 8 to Class 6A Region 7 this season. Gone as region opponents are Austin, Florence and Hazel Green; replacing them in a six-team format is Cullman.

“Our goal is to win the region championship,” Adcock said.

“If you do that against the teams we play, you have a good chance to go far in the playoffs.

“I expect Muscles Shoals to be the favorite,” he added. “Athens returns a talented team, and

Cullman is entering the region with a new coach. We play them early without knowing a lot about them.”

Working with Adcock as assistant coaches are Kenny Morison, offensive coordinator (Abs); Lee Cagle, defensive coordinator (Dabs); Rod Lovett, kicking coordinator (SS/ WS); Kevin Abernathy (DE); Daniel Johnson (RB); Kevin Lockhart (DT) Kevin McCravy (WR); Ben Smith (OL); and Levi Terry (LB).

Decatur will open the season at home against Huntsville Aug. 23.

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

27

WEST MORGAN HIGH SCHOOL REBELS LOOK TO CONTINUE SUCCESS IN NEW ERA

BY DYLAN SCHRADER

T

his season will mark a new era for the West Morgan Rebels — there will be a new field house and weight room this season, and Mikel Riggs, the new head coach, will be on the sidelines. The Rebels will also be moving up to 4A. John Ritter, the previous head coach, accepted a job at Russellville High. Ritter transformed the Rebels from a 0-10 team in 2015 into a 10-2 team that made it to the second round of the 3A state championship playoffs last season. As it often happens in high school football, there were a lot of seniors on the 2017 team, so there are a lot of spots to fill.

“There was a big group of seniors that were involved in getting this program turned around that started playing as sophomores,” Riggs

28

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

said. “There’s a decent nucleus still around though, but there are a bunch of shoes to fill.”

With a young team and a completely new staff, it may take time for the Rebels to cohere as a team. “We’re a long way off from being good,” Riggs said. “There are a lot of shoes to fill, and this is a whole new staff for me too. This whole coaching staff is trying to figure out these kids and see what we can do.”

Riggs said the leadership of the team will come down to three players: seniors Nick Mason and Zachary Armor and junior Clarence Little. Mason, Armor and Little form a trio of receivers that will cause concern for opposing coaches. Mason and Little also play cornerback and Armor plays middle linebacker.

“Nick Mason is a senior who tore his ACL last year who has had a really good summer. He has pushed himself, and he’s done what we’ve asked him to do. Armor and Little have really pushed themselves too.”

One big question mark hanging over the Rebels is who will play quarterback. Right now, they are considering three different options: freshman Kaden Cook, sophomore Glavine Segars and junior John Phillips. Phillips served as the backup last year, Seers is the catcher on the baseball team, and Cook, while young, is keeping up with the other two candidates step-for-step.

“We’ve got three guys back there trying to figure out who’s going to call the shots,” Riggs said. “We’ve been training them on what we want them

to do. That’s the position I put a lot of focus on, because other than the head coach, that’s generally the other person that people know in the community.”

“They’re all athletic and they can all run it and throw it,” Riggs added.

“They’re fully capable of making the decisions we need them to make.”

Defense has also raised a lot of questions for the coaching staff.

“Defense is where we’re really trying to figure out what we’re going to be,” Riggs said. “We don’t really know

yet what front we’re going to run or what kind of coverage we want behind it. We’ve done a lot of things this summer just trying to get ideas.”

While the Rebels have practiced a lot this summer, Riggs said he is more concerned about building relationships among players and coaches. “We’ve played a lot of football, and we’ve done a lot in the weight room to build their toughness,” Riggs said, “but it’s really about their relationships. They’ve got a good understanding now of how I operate, what I’m about and what I will and won’t allow from them. When those things are established, everything else just falls in place.”

“The only way those kids are going to play hard on Friday night is if that bond is there and they know we have their best interest in mind,” Riggs added.

2018 WEST MORGAN SCHEDULE Aug. 24

Ardmore

Aug. 31

Hatton

Sept. 7

Randolph

Sept. 14

Danville

Sept. 21

D.A.R.

Sept. 28

Brewer

Oct. 5

St. John Paul II

Oct. 12

Fairview

Oct. 19

North Jackson

Oct. 26

Priceville

West Morgan High School 2018 roster NO.

NAME

GRADE

3

JOHN

PHILLIPS

5

WESLEY

WHISENANT

6

SEBASTIAN

PENDEGRAPH

7

CALEB

10

POSITION

NO.

NAME

GRADE

POSITION

11

34

ADAM

LUCAS

9

12

42

DJ

WASHINGTON

9

9

47

TRENTON

COTTINGHAM

10

TERRY

10

50

BRAYAN

ALVARADO

12

KADEN

COOK

9

52

NATHAN

ALEXANDER

11

11

CADE

ALEXANDER

9

54

JAKOB

SHULER

12

12

JAMES

SHEFFIELD

10

55

GARRETT

MCCURRY

10

13

ZACHARY

ARMOR

12

56

TYLER

PENDEGRAPH

11

14

ZEKE

BLACK

11

57

GILBERTO (CHOLO)

CONTRERAS

12

15

GLAVINE

SEGARS

10

58

BRADY

DANIEL

9

16

NICK

MASON

12

59

OWEN

COFFEY

9

18

ANDREW

BRADFORD

10

60

MARK

VELAZQUEZ

9

19

CLARENCE

LITTLE

11

62

TREVOR

MORGAN

9

20

KYLE

CARVER

11

64

ALEJANDRO

SOLIS

11

21

JAKOBE

FLETCHER

11

65

CAMDEN

SEAL

9

22

ASHTON

OWENS

11

70

MARCUS

JONES

9

23

RANDY

CHAMBERS

10

73

ADAM

ROLIN

11

24

BRIAN

FULLER

9

76

DILLION

GAY

11

28

JONATHAN

ALTAMIRANO

12

77

EVAN

NEWMAN

10

29

AIDEN

SHEFFIELD

12

78

ALEX

GARCIA

10

30

TATE

COTTINGHAM

10

81

COLE

MAPLES

10

32

GAGE

TUCKER

12

84

KODEE

TEAGUE

9

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

29

DECATUR HERITAGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY EAGLES REGROUP WITH STRONG JUNIOR CLASS

BY CLIF KNIGHT

D

ecatur Heritage Christian Academy is counting on five returning starters and a talented junior class to stay in the hunt for a play-off berth in the 2018 football season.

The Class 1A Eagles compiled an 8-2 regular season record and finished third in their region before losing to South Lamar, 40-39, in the opening round of the state playoffs in 2017. They made deep runs in the playoffs the two previous years, advancing to the semifinals in 2015 and the quarterfinals in 2016.

“The 13 seniors we lost to graduation in 2017 played an important part in our success on the football field over

30

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

the past three years,” said eight-year head coach Steve Meek. “They were a great group of players. Most of them started as sophomores.”

However, the cupboard was not left bare with their departure.

The Eagles are counting on five returning starters to give them strong leadership and a solid foundation to build on. A14-member junior class has shown the ability to step up as replacements for the graduated seniors.

Junior running back Colton Keith returns for his second season. He ran for almost 1,000 yards as a sophomore.

“We expect big things from him again this season,” said Meek.

Other returning starters are senior linebackers Jackson Eubanks and Ian Metzgar, junior linebacker Hank Davis and junior offensive/defensive linemen Garrett Rogers and Carter Sample.

The quarterback position is in the hands of juniors Stratton Orr and Hank Davis. Both served as backups to senior quarterback Nathaniel Ladner, who missed six games with an injury in the middle of last season.

Brayden Kyle, a freshman, is also showing promise at the position.

“We had several players who played a lot in back-up roles last year, and we’re counting on them to step up as starters this year,”

Meek said. Listed in that group are seniors Lance Callahan and Michael Amerson and juniors Jordan Parker, Eli Waldrep, Ben Lovelace and Baker Wilson.

“This year’s team is a very athletic, has a strong work ethic and feeds off each other,” Meek said. “They’re good young men who are fun to coach.”

He said he expects defense to be the strength of the team with the return of all three starting linebackers.

“The team’s goal is to make it back to the playoffs and extend the school’s string of playoff contenders to four in a row,” Meek added.

Decatur Heritage plays in a new region this season with Valley Head, R.A. Hubbard, Coosa Christian, Falkville, Gaylesville and Woodville as region opponents.

“Falkville has a lot of their players back, and I expect them to be the team to beat as far as the region winner is concerned,” Meek said. “The only other regional opponent we played last year is R.A. Hubbard. We know very little about the others.”

2018 DECATUR HERITAGE SCHEDULE

Aug. 24

vs. Phillips

Aug. 31

@ Sumiton Christian

Sept. 7

@ Valley Head

Sept. 14

vs. R.A. Hubbard

Sept. 21

@ Coosa Christian

Sept. 28

@ Shoals Christian

Oct. 5

vs. Colbert Heights

Oct. 12

@ Falkville

Oct. 16

vs. Gaylesville

Oct. 26

@ Woodville

2018 Decatur Heritage Eagles NO.

NAME

GRADE

POSITION

24

COLTON KEITH

11

RB/LB

2

BRAYDEN KYLE

9

QB/LB

25

MICHAEL CHENG

10

WR/LB

3

TY TYSON

10

WR/DB

26

COOPER CLEMONS

11

RB/LB

4

TYLER FOUNDS

9

WR/DB

28

JORDAN BURKS

9

WR/DB

5

COLE O’BRIEN

9

WR/DB

37

WILLIAM BURNETT

9

WR/DB

6

STRATTON ORR

11

QB/DB

42

AVERY HARDY

11

WR/DB

7

HANK DAVIS

11

QB/LB

50

IAN METZGAR

12

OL/DL

9

JALEN EASTER

11

WRDB

52

CARTER SAMPLE

11

OL/DL

10

ALEX MALONE

9

WR/DB

56

MASON LENTZ

11

OLDL

11

LANCE CALLAHAN

12

WR/DB

57

JUSTIN DENSMORE

10

OL/DL

12

NASH RIPPEN

9

QB/LB

61

MICHAEL AMERSON

12

OL/DL

14

JORDAN PARKER

11

WRDB

64

ETHAN HUBBARD

12

OL/DL

15

ELI WALDREP

11

WR/DB

65

JACKSON EUBANKS

12

OL/DL

16

SAM WALTERS

10

WR/LB

70

GARRETT ROGERS

11

OL/DL

18

BEN LOVELACE

11

K/DB

74

JOBY HELMS

10

OL/LB

21

TYLER OLIVE

9

RBLB

75

SAXON SAMPLE

9

OL/DL

22

BAKER WILSON

11

WR/DB

99

PRESTON TERRY

11

WR/DB

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

31

G N I V I L E L L E S T R HA D AY

R TR A V EL TI PS FO G U ID E ʁ C AT IO N

ʁ H O O PS

E STA R Z W IT H TH

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