Morgan County Football 2019

MORGAN COUNTY

FOOTBALL 2019 Friday night

LIGHTS Morgan County teams gear up for tough seasons

A new

ERA Bo Culver takes the reins of Tiger program

SEASON OUTLOOK Schedules, rosters and breakdowns for all teams

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 COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

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Table of Contents

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Hartselle School

16

Brewer School

21

Danville School

24

Falkville School

28

Priceville School

32

Austin School

35

Decatur School

39

West Morgan School

41

Decatur Heritage Christian Academy

MORGAN COUNTY

FOOTBALL 2019 A new

Friday night

LIGHTS Morgan County teams gear up for tough seasons

ERA Bo Culver takes the reins of Tiger program

SEASON

On the cover: Bo Culver is the new man at the helm of the Tiger program.

Culver comes to Hartselle from Deshler High School where his 2018 team finished as the Class 4A state runner-up.

OUTLOOK Schedules, rosters and breakdowns for all teams

Photo by Dan Busey

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 COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

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STAFF Managing Editor | Rebekah Martin Staff Writer | Lauren Jackson Contributors | Dylan Schrader • Clif Knight • Lauren Estes • Russell Frye Marketing | Baretta Taylor Copy Editor | Alison James

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

CONTACT US Hartselle Newspapers, LLC 407 Chestnut St.NW P.O.Box 929 Hartselle, AL 35640 Phone: 256-773-6566 Fax: 256-773-1953 Copyright 2019 by Hartselle Newspapers, LLC

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

Good Luck AREA TEAMS As we kick off another exciting football season, we’d like to wish the Area High School Football Teams good luck and much success. You’re the best on the field, and we’ll be cheering for you all the way to championships!

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

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MUST WATCH THE TOP 10 CAN’T-MISS GAMES OF 2019

BY LAUREN ESTES

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Aug. 23: Hartselle @ Austin – The Tigers last-minute 24-17 victory in 2018 came from a late touchdown from former quarterback Luke Godsey. The season opener will be a battle from start to finish. This time, Hartselle will be traveling to Austin High to take on the Bears.

Aug. 23: Falkville @ Danville – Danville is coming off a 0-10 season with a new leading Madison Academy transfer quarterback.

Falkville won last year’s matchup at home 54-7; however, the Blue Devils are under new leadership with the hiring of head coach Tyler Mitchell. The long-time rivalry will kick off the season for both teams.

Aug. 30: Decatur vs. Austin – The battle of the Decatur schools is a must watch in every football season for Morgan County supporters. It’s an Auburn/Alabama type rivalry in Decatur to watch these

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two battle. Last year, Austin won 60-45.

Expect explosive offenses again in 2019 – this time at Decatur.

Oct. 25: West Morgan @ Priceville – Priceville grabbed the victory over West Morgan on the road 42-12in 2018. The in-county, region rivalry is always one that draws a large crowd.

Sept. 13: Muscle Shoals @ Hartselle – The Tigers won on the road in a nail-biter 15-14 in the most recent meeting between these two teams.

Year in and out, the Tigers and Trojans prove true the level of athleticism and competition with this September game.

Sept. 20: RA Hubbard @ Falkville – Last season it was a game of the unbeaten. Falkville defeated RA Hubbard on the road 19-6, giving the Blue Devils a high step in the region.

Oct. 4: Priceville @ Danville – Priceville finished 27-6 over the

Hawks during Danville’s tough 2018 season. This long-time rivalry will have a greater spark this fall, and Danville plans to bring out new offensive weapons.

8. Oct. 11: Hartselle vs Decatur – In 2018 the Tigers defeated the Red Raiders 35-14 at their place. This region game will take place at Hartselle, and each will battle for a mid-season W. 9. Oct. 18: Hartselle @ Cullman – This yearly rivalry excites and unites two neighboring counties. Last year HHS finished with a three-touchdown victory, 20-7. The region game will take place at the Bearcats’ stadium in mid-October.

10. Nov. 1: Brewer @ Priceville – The Patriots defeated the Bulldogs at home last year 36-14. The two schools are known for their long-time rivalry, as each school is connected to common elementary schools.

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LOOK TO CONTINUE WINNING TRADITION UNDER NEW HEAD COACH

BY RUSSELL FRYE he Hartselle Tigers football team is looking to continue the program’s winning tradition with a new head coach at the helm.

Bo Culver was hired in March to succeed Bob Godsey, who left Hartselle as the winningest coach in school history with 141 victories in 16 seasons.

The Tigers have reached the playoffs in nine of the past 10 seasons, including a state championship in 2011. Hartselle finished 11-1 in 2018 with a Region 7 championship, losing in the second round to Clay-Chalkville.

“This is not a rebuilding process,” said Culver. “We just have to continue to

build on what is already here. I just have to add my personality to the program.”

Hartselle will be the fourth program Culver has led in his 11 years of coaching. He started his coaching career at Phil Campbell for three seasons and followed that with a three-year stint at Haleyville, where his teams made the playoffs every year. He then was hired as offensive coordinator at Florence under head coach Jamie Dubose. He spent the previous two seasons at Deshler, where his 2018 team finished as the Class 4A State Runner-up.

He is taking over a team that lost 24 seniors to graduation, including running back Keondre Swoopes, who was named

to the 6A All-State first team; linebacker Stone Powell, who was named to the All-State second team; and quarterback Luke Godsey, who was named the 2018 Co-Player of the Year for 5A-7A by the Decatur Daily. Swoopes signed to play with UAB, while Powell will walk on at Auburn.

Hartselle will employ a power running game out of the spread offense. Culver said he wants to run a fast-paced, upMORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

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Bo Culver comes from Deshler to be the new head coach at Hartselle.

[JERONIMO NISA/DECATUR DAILY]

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

126

talented but light on tempo offense but one that experience. Culver said looks to control pace the they have had good game is played. competition during the The offense will be spring and summer to triggered by junior Cal Cartee, who will be see who will get playing George, who will be the starting middle time. Look for senior taking over for Godsey – linebacker, finished Hunter Driver, who is who accounted for 1,011 2018 with 126 moving from defensive yards rushing and nine tackles, six tackles back, to make an impact touchdowns to go with for losses, one this year. Senior Jacob 874 yards passing and 12 blocked punt and McDonald returns as one touchdowns. one touchdown. of the outside receivers, “Cal is one of the truest and senior Hunter Franks competitors I’ve been will see time in the slot around. Playing QB is extremely tough and not all of the position. Other players who Culver young men that play love it, but he said have stood out are senior Ian does,” said Culver. “He wants the Bodine, who is moving from the responsibility, and he takes great running back position, and Jace pride in being a Hartselle Tiger. I’m Dubose, an athletic sophomore.

The offensive line returns one starter, extremely proud of the progress he has made, and he is only going to get senior Zane Stinson. The O-line is the one group Culver said he has been most better.”

Experience returns in the backfield in excited about this offseason, as the senior Brinten Barkley, who served as players have worked hard to pick up a the backup to Swoopes during the 2018 new blocking scheme they have never season. He will be joined in the backfield run before.

“Zane is one of the few returning

by Caleb Moore.

The wide receiver group will be starters we have,” said Culver. “He

Jay T. Pohl, M.D. Alan B. Walker, M.D.

has been in the fire and knows what it takes to win in the trenches. We will rely heavily on his experience, and he has to be a spark plug upfront for us.”

Joining Stinson on the line will be seniors Will Miller, center; Alston Hampton, tackle; Bryson Holt, guard; and junior Ryan Garrison, guard.

The defense will not see any changes from previous years as the defensive staff remains intact, led by defensive coordinator Bert Newton. They will still rely on the 3-3-5 attack the Hartselle fans have become accustomed to seeing over the past 10 years.

The defense will be led by linebackers Jackson Boyer, a senior, and Drew Cartee, a junior.

Boyer recently committed to play Division I football for the Naval Academy. “Jackson is a guy that leads by example,” Culver said. “He works extremely hard and understands how to challenge his teammates in the right way. He can do that because he welcomes accountability himself and owns his mistakes when they happen.”

Senior Ryan Langston will play the other outside linebacker position

Ashlee Drake, CRNP Anna Lawler, CRNP

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

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HARTSELLE HIGH SCHOOL 2019 ROSTER No.

Name

Year

43

Brant Stringer

9

1

Cade Wylie

12

44

Isaac Osteen

10

1

Grant Hembry

9

45

Brody Kauffman

9

2

Ian Bodine

12

46

J.J. Miller

11

3

Hunter Franks

12

47

Hudson Crowe

9

3

Jaylin Taylor

12

48

Kaden Worley

9

4

Devron Turney

10

49

Elijah McDonald

9

5

Seth Lockett

11

50

Dylan Green

9

6

Austin Hardin

12

52

Dalton Green

9

7

Addison Parker

12

53

Ryan Woodall

9

8

Blaze Gillespie

11

54

Zane Stinson

12

9

Tevin Shields

11

55

Zeke McHan

9

10

Zach Gitzen

10

59

Will Miller

12

11

Armahdeo Dunnigan

10

60

Braxton Quattlebaum

10

12

Cal George

11

61

Chris Woods

9

13

Noah Lawler

11

62

Jaxson Austin

9

14

Jacob McDonald

12

63

Jordan McCluskey

10

15

Blake Ray

12

65

Caleb Simmons

11

15

Trece Oden

9

66

Parker Stewart

9

16

Jonathan Carnes

12

66

Tide Whitt

9

17

Jayce Dubose

10

67

Reid Ellis

9

18

Jack Smith

9

68

Harrison Sparks

9

20

Anthony Caruthers

12

71

Bryson Holt

12

21

Peyton Ellis

10

72

Charlie Harris

10

22

Jackson Boyer

12

73

Ryan Aymett

9

23

Sean Wilson

11

74

Andrew Crittendon

9

24

Drew Cartee

11

75

Alston Hampton

12

25

Kevin Healherly

12

77

Mac Hardin

11

26

Tucker Hayes

12

78

Ryan Garrison

11

27

Hunter Owens

12

79

Evan Pagani

10

28

Hunter Driver

12

80

Dylan Peek

12

30

Clayton Castelle

10

81

Elijah Pique

10

31

Walker Hoyle

9

82

Eli Tidwell

9

32

Brinten Barclay

12

84

Ethan England

9

33

Mark Pettus

12

85

Braden Bullard

12

34

Kaleb Moore

10

87

Bishop Hust

10

35

Sage Smothers

9

88

Tacoma Smiley

12

36

Isaac Harris

10

90

Floyd McNutt

10

37

Koltyn Hill

9

92

Crawford Lang

9

38

Nolan Ricks

9

92

Lucas Smith

10

39

Calleb Pique

9

94

Bryan Munoz

11

40

Grayson Taylor

12

96

Michael Suit

9

42

Ryan Langston

12

99

Deagio Valentine

10

12

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

A Look at the schedule “Our schedule will prepare us for the playoffs,” said Culver. “Seven of the 10 teams on our schedule made the playoffs last season.”

The Tigers kick off the season Aug. 23 as they travel to Austin, a team they defeated 24-17 last year. Hartselle leads the all-time series 30-21-1.

In game two, the Tigers will host the Brooks Lions for the second meeting between the two schools. Hartselle won the first matchup 38-14 in 2018.

Hartselle jumps into region play Sept.

7 on the road at long-time rival Athens, which returns a veteran team minus star quarterback Logan Smothers, a

Nebraska commit, who transferred to Muscle Shoals. The Tigers lead the alltime series 39-30-2.

Muscle Shoals comes to Hartselle Sept.

13 looking for revenge following the Tigers’ last-second 15-14 victory last season.

Hartselle leads the all-time series 14-10-1.

The Tigers will travel to Birmingham Sept. 27 for a match-up against Briarwood Christian. Hartselle defeated the topranked Lions 14-7 in overtime last season and leads the all-time series 2-1.

Hartselle gets back into region play Oct. 4, traveling to Huntsville to face off against the Columbia Eagles. The Tigers defeated the Eagles 42-8 last season and lead the all-time series 3-0.

The Tigers will host the Decatur Red Raiders Oct. 11. These two teams first met on the gridiron in 1917, making this Hartselle’s second-oldest rivalry. The Tigers won last year’s game 35-14, but Decatur leads the all-time series 59-26-0.

The Tigers will travel to bitter rival Cullman Oct. 18. This year’s game will be No. 98 in this long-running series that dates back to 1916. Last season the Tigers won 20-7, and Hartselle leads the all-time series 48-45-4.

HARTSELLE HIGH SCHOOL 2019 SCHEDULE *denotes region game

Aug. 23

at Austin

Aug. 30

Brooks

Sept. 6

at Athens*

Sept. 13

Muscle Shoals*

Sept. 20

Open

Sept. 27

at Briarwood Christian

Oct. 4

Columbia*

Oct. 11

Decatur*

Oct. 18

at Cullman*

Oct. 25

Hazel Green

Nov. 1

at Scottsboro

The Tigers will host Hazel Green Oct. 25. Hazel Green will be entering this contest under new head coach Joel Schrenk, who previously was at Falkville. The Tigers won last season 33-0, and they lead the all-time series 9-0.

The Tigers will close out the 2019 season on the road at Scottsboro, a team Hartselle defeated 49-0 last season. The two teams have split eight games in the all-time series.

293594-1

opposite Boyer. He is an old-school type player, Culver said. He plays with a bit of “nastiness” in that he will do whatever it takes within the lines to make a play or blow up a play.

The defensive line will be anchored by senior Mark Pettus and junior Seth Lockett. Pettus will play nose guard, while Lockett will play defensive end.

The secondary will be led by senior Addison Parker, who will play safety for the Tigers.

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

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GOOD LUCK TO ALL AREA TTEAMS

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

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PLAN TO BUILD ON LAST YEAR’S 8-3 FINISH

BY MATTHEW SPEAKMAN

tar in the spotlight: Thomas Graves will look to achieve as the third Brewer lineman in two years to receive an offer to play Division I football. Jordan Flack (Western Kentucky) and Hunter Youngblood (Navy) both received scholarships last year, making them the first two in Brewer history to sign scholarships to play Division I football.

The 6-foot-3, 250-pound Graves is an offensive tackle and has been looked at by schools like South Alabama, UAB and Jacksonville State.

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

Lay of the land: Brewer competes in Class 5A, Region 8, against Arab, Ardmore, East Limestone, Guntersville, Madison Academy, Madison County and Scottsboro.

The Patriots finished third last year behind Madison Academy and East Limestone. Brewer opens its region schedule versus Arab at home before a road trip to Madison Academy and a home game against Madison County.

The Patriots play an all-Morgan County non-region schedule against Danville, West Morgan and Priceville.

Head coach: Geoff Walters is in his fifth season with a record of 14-27.

Walters went 0-10 in his first season then had two straight years with 3-7 records, but Brewer eventually turned it around in a big way with an 8-3 record last season and the program’s first play-off appearance since 1999.

That made Walters the third coach in Brewer history to lead the Patriots to a playoff appearance. He can become the first to pick up a play-off win this season if the Patriots make it back to the playoffs.

Brewer head coach Geoff Walters enters his fifth year after leading the Patriots to their first play-off appearance since 1999 last season.

[JERONIMO NISA/ DECATUR DAILY]

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

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BREWER HIGH SCHOOL 2019 ROSTER No.

Name

Position

Year

No.

Name

Position

Year

2

Austin Brown

X/FS

9

30

Cooper Smith

Y/C

9

3

Jonathan Morgan

F/M

12

31

Jonathan Robinson

Z/C

9

4

Devin Weathers

H/SS

12

32

Miguel Granados

10

5

Gonzalo Ramerez

F/C

10

33

Lukas Simpson

9

6

Patrick Johnson

QB/SS

12

34

Sean Bohanan

X/SS

9

7

Rlan Franks

Z/C

12

36

Levi Rice

M/F

12

8

Langston Borden

H/SS

10

38

Justin Melson

H/S

9

9

Ashton Baker

H/C

9

39

Jacob Kent

Y/W

9

10

Jake Lawrence

Z/S

12

40

Dylan Higginbotham

H/S

9

11

Thomas Gipner

K

12

44

Austin Lively

12

Wyatt Styles

F/M

11

46

Cameron Medley

Y/S

9

13

Micha Steffen

M/Y

10

48

Cody Walker

Y/W

9

14

Branden Rusk

QB/FS

11

50

Kaleb Hall

C/E

9

15

Carter Latham

H/FS

11

51

Jorge Salas

C/3

12

16

Kris Bramlett

FS/X

12

52

Tyson McGriff

RG/3

12

17

Chevy Cantrell

QB/M

9

53

Houston Strickland

W/LT

11

18

Caden Childers

QB/SS

9

54

Cade Jones

LG/T

11

19

Cutter Edison

QB/M

9

55

Thomas Graves

RT/3

12

20

Lee Murry

X/C

10

56

Dylon Whitworth

END/F

11

21

Jeb Bramlett

Z/S

9

57

Tyler Lively

LT/E

10

23

Blake Campbell

X/C

9

58

Cole Rathbun

BUCK/LT

11

24

Dawson Defreez

C/F

12

60

Carson Humphries

LT/T

9

25

Dakota Veal

H/FS

9

66

Cody Laseter

C/N

12

26

James Cambell

X/C

9

68

Colton Loflin

27

Neri Patino

X/C

9

72

Andrew Cameron

28

Angel Altamirano

Z/C

9

77

Jamie Landers

29

Nick Richards

Z/C

9

85

Dylon Whitworth

12 RT/T

9

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

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Your place for Friends and Faith

Brewer’s Jonathan Morgan, right, spins around a James Clemens player during summer practice.

[JERONIMO NISA/DECATUR DAILY]

“When you develop that culture, Friday nights should be a carryover,” Walters said. “Friday nights take care of themselves. We try to plan some adversity because it’s going to happen in a game.”

Past season: Brewer (8-3) lost in the first round of the playoffs to SouthsideGadsden, 15-9. The Patriots averaged 28.9 points per game while allowing 14.2 on the defensive side. Flack was a first-team All-State selection in Class 5A. In the past three seasons Brewer went a combined 6-14 in Walters’ second and third years as coach before going 8-3 last season.

Words to grow on: “They believe in us, and they’ve seen some proof now,” Walters said. “We’ve had coaches that are really complimentary of what we’ve done here in the past four years.

It’s still a daily grind. You’re never there. You’re never completely done.”

Quarterback: Patrick Johnson returns as the Patriots’ starter after taking over last season. Walters said he plans to involve Johnson more in the running game after he bulked up this offseason. “Now when we call a play, he doesn’t just know the first or

the second read, he knows the whole scheme,” Walters said. “He’s seeing the whole picture. I think that Patrick is one of the best athletes in the school.”

Offense: Walters said he plans to open up the passing game more with Johnson returning. Running back Jonathan Morgan will be in the backfield after rushing for more than 1,000 yards last year. The Patriots lose two important pieces on the offensive line in Flack and Youngblood, but Graves will anchor a solid starting line that features Tyson McGriff, Cole Rathbun and Cody Laseter.

Defense: The Patriots lose Youngblood on the defensive line but return key players in linebacker Levi Rice and safety Kris Bramlett. Rice will be in the middle of the defense at middle linebacker, and Bramlett will aim to cause as much havoc as he did last year when he had seven interceptions. Micha Steffen and Dawson DeFreeze should also be key contributors.

Must-see games: Brewer travels to Madison Academy Sept. 13 to face off against new Mustangs’ head coach

BREWER HIGH SCHOOL 2019 SCHEDULE *denotes region game

Aug. 23

Open

Aug. 30

Danville

Sept. 6

Arab*

Sept. 13

at Madison Academy*

Sept. 20

Madison County*

Sept. 27

at West Morgan

Oct. 4

Ardmore*

Oct. 10

at Guntersville*

Oct. 18

East Limestone*

Oct. 25

at Scottsboro*

Nov. 1

at Priceville

Bob Godsey. That, along with an Oct. 18 home game against East Limestone, will be important in deciding if Brewer can finish atop the region standings.

Final word: “We need to make our goals higher every year,” Walters said.

“The kids are buying in. This group has completely bought in. It’s not something where we have to sell them every day.”

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

19

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

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LEAN ON FRESH START THIS FALL

BY LAUREN ESTES he Danville Hawks are coming off some positive momentum with a solid offseason following their 2018 showing.

Head Coach Shannon McGregory said he feels like the effort he has seen from his players over the past six months has been second to none.

“Following an 0-10 season, we really needed to have a good offseason and summer, and I think we’ve done that,” McGregory said. “The players really have been dedicated and done everything we have asked of them and then some. What I think we have is a good group of young men and good, hard workers. It’s pretty enjoyable to see the changes that have been made, especially coming off last season.”

McGregory said the n defense, we lost a few players and got team havs made some some guys that will have to step up for changes, especially those positions, and I think they are already offensively, that doing that. Davis Northcut, Dalton Madison, secondary he feels like will Jake Waddell, Ethan Sapp – all of these guys had good positively affect their spring practices and offseasons. I’m expecting a lot out showing this fall. of those guys on, realistically, both sides of the ball this “We have the fall.” addition of Luke Nail, who transferred in from Madison Academy and will be the starting quarterback leadership abilities for the Hawks as a senior,” McGregory said. “I think football team.

He said the Hawks will see the same he will be a difference maker for the team and the season. He’s 6-foot-1, schedule they had in 2018 but with the 195 pounds, and the guy can run and locations flipped.

“We open with Falkville at our throw; he will definitely help out the place this year,” McGregory said. offense.”

McGregory said Nail is one of “I think the Falkville game is really several who have already stepped standing out in our minds. One reason up this summer and shown their is because it is the season opener,

“O

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

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Danville’s Shannon McGregory said he feels like the effort he has seen from his players over the past six months has been second to none.

[Decatur Daily/Jeronimo Nisa]

DANVILLE HIGH SCHOOL 2019 ROSTER No.

Name

No.

Name

No.

Name

1

Nic Mixon

16

Harrison Bates

53

Jabe Anderson

2

Jake Waddell

17

Davis Northcut

54

Keaton Hogan

3

Mason Cox

18

Cameron Moore

60

Reece Johnson

4

Grayson Glenn

22

Ethan Sapp

62

Kameron Hogan

5

Bo Huff

23

Tyler Dodgen

64

Ryan Jones

6

Hunter Franklin

25

Wyatt Lindsey

65

Weston Philpott

7

Owen Ellenburge

26

Luke Campbell

66

Lane Flowers

8

Dylan Parker

28

Dalton Dixon

68

Tyler Sumerel

9

Jeffrey Kilgore

29

Tanner Colburn

70

Camden Whittle

10

Brycen Templeton

30

Landon Boger

73

Clayton Winegardner

12

Luke Nail

32

Dalton Madison

78

Nathan Grissom

13

Justice Huff

34

Jacob Stephenson

85

Austin Kirby

14

Jaiquan Loyd

44

Calup Cunningham

87

Skylar Moody

15

Carson Crow

52

Landon Garner

22

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

and I really feel like it’s important to win that first one and get the ball rolling in a positive direction, and the Falkville game will be a tough one. Another reason is because of the rivalry. I’ve had an opportunity to talk to their new head coach, and I think their team will be tough, and

that game will be interesting. We just DANVILLE HIGH SCHOOL want to take it one game at a time.”

2019 SCHEDULE With no big changes this year to *denotes region game the team or the coaching staff, the Falkville Hawks are poised to build on their Aug. 23 Aug. 30 at Brewer 2018 results.

“We really have no changes Sept. 6 North Jackson* this year; we definitely have a few Sept. 13 at West Morgan* standouts and players to watch, but Sept. 20 at Randolph* for the most part it’s players you’ve Holly Pond seen before,” McGregory said. “Keaton Sept. 27 Priceville* Hogan, Jay Anderson, Wayne Flowers Oct. 4 – those guys have really stepped up as Oct. 10 DAR* leaders. Tyler Summerl really worked Oct. 18 at Saint John Paul II* hard in the weight room and has gotten Oct. 25 at Fairview* physically stronger this summer, and he will be our starting center. keep that mindset as we approach “Everything we do goes back the season and throughout each to hard work, and we just want to game.”

Danville quarterback Luke Nail transferred from Madison Academy where he threw for 2,001 yards in 10 games last season.

[JERONIMO NISA/DECATUR DAILY]

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

23

COME UNDER NEW LEADERSHIP

BY LAUREN ESTES

he community recently learned of a new coach hired to lead the Blue Devil football team.

Coach Tyler Mitchell out of Russellville is already making an impact with the 2019 squad during the Blue Devils’ summer training expenditures. He comes to town with some successful team experiences and an impressive resume.

“I was born in Russellville and played football and baseball for the

24

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

state championship team there. I went to college, and then I started coaching at Lawrence County High School,” Mitchell explained. “I was there for four years and worked primarily with special teams and the defense under Shane Smothers and Rich Dutton.

I then went to Cordova for a year. I worked with the secondary and the special teams there as well. We were able to turn program around, going from a 2-8 season to a 10-4 with a semifinals appearance.”

After that season Mitchell went to East Limestone and was there for four years, where he primarily worked with the strength and conditioning under Jeff Pugh. “Honestly, he was big help to this job change,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell said between working at the different schools, a couple things have been the same: He loves the game of football, and he’s been a “devil” a lot.

“Me and my wife were actually making a joke about how I’ve been

FALKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL 2019 SCHEDULE *denotes region game

Falkville quarterback Andrew Jones throws a pass during the FCA 7-on-7 tournament at Jack Allen Soccer Complex.

[JERONIMO NISA/DECATUR DAILY]

a Red Devil, a Blue Devil and now a Blue Devil again,” Mitchell said. “I’ve been a devil for most of my career.”

Something Mitchell said he feels sets him apart is the push he will have for his players in the strength and conditioning aspect.

“My biggest thing is definitely the weight room because it sets the tone for the whole thing,” Mitchell said.

“I’m a defensive guy, but we’re also going to be physical on offense. I know Schrenk liked to throw the ball around, and that’s good when you can do it; something I’m really going to push is the physicality side of it all.

“The weight room will be pushed, and everything we do will come back to that. The ones who have really committed to the program are going to see big rewards from that.

“One of the biggest things at East is that we wanted to be physical, and part of beating the other team is outworking them outside of the season, outside of that game. The weight room helps to do that. Falkville might have lost some quality players, but they still have a lot of talent, and I’m excited to be able to work with these guys.”

Some of the pre-season playmakers Mitchell has already taken notice of will ring a bell to community members, but there’s also a few new faces in the mix projected to stand out.

“Travis Ricks as an offensive lineman – he’s a senior and wearing 54 – he’s going to be an impact player,” Mitchell said. “Carlos Esquivel – I know many know him, and he’s a great all-around talent. Kaiden Bennett at fullback has been one of the most, if

Aug. 23

Falkville

Aug. 30

at Brewer

Sept. 6

North Jackson*

Sept. 13

at West Morgan*

Sept. 20

at Randolph*

Sept. 27

Holly Pond

Oct. 4

Priceville*

Oct. 10

DAR*

Oct. 18

at Saint John Paul II*

Oct. 25

at Fairview*

not the most, committed this summer.

He’s been present for every workout day and every makeup day.

“Another guy that most know is Christian Angulo; he will be a junior, and he’s a playmaker,” Mitchell added. “Another is Mikel Philyaw.

I would say he is our most dynamic guy. He’s got some tools I’ve honestly not seen in a kid, and I can’t wait to see them get even more explosive.”

Looking at FHS’ schedule, Mitchell already has a few games in mind that will be critical this fall.

“R.A. Hubbard will always be a big game; they’re a well-coached, a great and consistent team. One of their coaches actually coached me in high school,” Mitchell said. “Decatur Heritage is another challenge in the book. Really all the region games need to be circled because they decide the team’s future ultimately, but every game is important.”

Mitchell, along with his wife Amber and two daughters Paisley and Alaina, will be sporting the blue and gold this fall. He said a phrase or story he has imparted to his new team is simple: “Burn the ship.”

“I told a story to the guys about sailors coming to a new place and how the leader burned the ship when they made a home on the new island,” Mitchell said. “He burned the ship because there was no turning back. I told them whatever is not allowing you commit to us – the team – 100 percent, figure out what that is and burn it. Burn the ship, and fully commit to giving your absolute best to the Falkville Blue Devils.”

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

25

Tyler Mitchell is the new head coach for the Falkville Blue Devils.

[DAN BUSEY/DECATUR DAILY]

FALKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL 2019 ROSTER No.

Name

Year

No.

Name

2

Cullen Donahoo

12

50

Ben Whited

3

Wyatt King

11

52

Brock Puckett

9

4

Lawson Tew

9

53

Gabe Dailey

11

5

Carlos Esquivel

12

54

Travis Ricks

12

7

Caden Burnett

9

55

Matt Fetner

10

8

Christian Angulo

11

56

Jed Dunn

9

9

Austin Hunt

10

60

Alex Kneece

12

10

Austin Holmes

11

62

Zeke Smithson

10

11

Dylan Young

12

63

Austin Melson

9

12

Andrew Jones

10

64

Cody White

9

13

Bryce Woetrz

9

65

Garret Ball

12

14

Jordan Greenfield

10

66

Eli Teague

11

15

Gage Ruiz

12

67

Terry Crawford

11

21

Kevin Curtis

11

75

Brody Lacey

12

22

Mikell Philyaw

11

77

Camden Smi

10

24

Hunter Kilgore

11

79

Lorenzo Ochoa

9

25

Kaden Bennett

11

81

Wyatt Tomlin

11

32

Isaiah Warnick

9

88

David Lockhart

9

33

Luke Fitzgerald

11

26

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

Year 11

AMANDA G. SCOTT, CPA Revenue Commissioner - Morgan County, Alabama The Revenue Commissioner is elected by the people of Morgan County for a six year term and is responsible for the mapping, appraising, assessing, and collecting of ad valorem taxes as levied by the government. The office collects approximately 62 million dollars annually.

AGE 65 OR OLDER TAX REDUCTION

Since my election in 1996, I have endeavored to bring the Revenue Commissioner’s office to the people of Morgan County. We now have satellite offices in Hartselle and Lacey’s Spring for your convenience. You may now research your property tax data, view GIS (Geographic Information System) data, and pay your property taxes online. I hope the information on the website is beneficial to you.

If you are 65 years of age or disabled, you may qualify for an exemption which will result in a decrease of your property tax. Please call our office for further information.

It is an honor to serve you.

SUPPORTING LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL HOW TO CONTACT US Appraisal Division

256-351-4694

Mapping Division

256-351-4698

Assessment Division

256-351-4690

Business Personal Property

256-351-4862

Collection Division

256-351-4691

Board of Equalization

256-351-4674

Phone: 256-351-4690 Fax: 256-351-4699 ascott@co.morgan.al.us Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Mailing Address Amanda G. Scott, CPA Revenue Commissioner P.O. Box 696 Decatur, AL 35602

Morgan County Courthouse 302 Lee Street, NE Second Floor Decatur, AL 35601

Hartselle Satellite Office 241 Highway 31, SW Crestwood Shopping Center Suite 10 Hartselle, AL 35640

www.morgancountyrevenue.com

Lacey’s Spring Satellite Office 423 Union Hill Road Somerville, AL 35670 Mon.-Thurs. 6:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

RETURN EXPERIENCE ON OFFENSE IN FOSTER’S FIRST SEASON

BY MATTHEW SPEAKMAN

tar

in

the

spotlight: and Randolph made the playoffs, with spent time working in the management

Offensive lineman Michael McNutt is the reason a lot of Division I coaching staffs are making trips to Priceville. The 6-foot-7 senior slimmed down from 330 pounds to 295 pounds in the offseason.

Right now, he has offers from North Alabama, Jacksonville State, Liberty, Murray State, Mercer, Howard, Eastern Kentucky and South Alabama.

Lay of the land: Priceville competes in Class 4A, Region 7, with North Jackson, St. John Paul II, D.A.R., Randolph, Fairview, West Morgan and Danville.

North Jackson, St. John Paul II, D.A.R.

28

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

North Jackson winning the region title.

Priceville begins its region schedule with a road trip to St. John Paul II before hosting Randolph. Priceville’s non-region schedule includes Good Hope, Falkville and Brewer.

Head coach: Chris Foster comes to Priceville after four years at Brookwood – his alma mater. He has spent time as an offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator. While he’s never been a varsity head coach in football, he coached varsity softball when he was at Aliceville in Tuscaloosa County.

Foster graduated from Alabama and

information systems field before deciding to be a teacher and football coach. “I think what attracts me to the game of football is what it teaches young men,” Foster said. “Football is one of those deals where you don’t necessarily get instant gratification.

You have to work to achieve something.”

Past season: Priceville went 2-8 in Jason Simmons’ lone year as head coach with wins over Danville and West Morgan. The Bulldogs opened the season with five straight losses.

Priceville scored 19.4 points per game

Priceville offensive tackle Michael McNutt has nine scholarship offers to play college football.

[JERONIMO NISA/DECATUR DAILY]

and gave up 38.9 points per game. The Bulldogs finished 2-8 two seasons ago after an 0-10 finish three years ago, now totaling 4-26 in the past three seasons. Priceville has had two playoff appearances since 2002, including one in 2015 when the team went 8-3 and won a region title.

Words to grow on: “I want to instill a certain attitude into the players,” Foster said. “I think that, along with the attitude in the weight room or on the practice field, translates into a certain attitude that you play football with during the game. I think that attitude will be the key turning point for this program.”

Quarterback: Wyatt Hurt is Foster’s choice to replace Brock Payne, who played one season for the Bulldogs. The 5-foot-11 junior saw some action last season as Payne’s backup. “He’s got a really strong arm,” Foster said. “He has pretty good feet for his size. The combination of those two things is going to be a really good fit for what we’re going to run.”

Offense: The Bulldogs have three seniors on the offensive line in McNutt, Seth Looney and Truman Terry. Priceville also returns key skill players in Jaxon Cross, who will be used at wide receiver and running back, and Jerry Burton, who rushed for more than 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. “I expect our linemen to take the leadership roles on offense this year,” Foster said. “They have the most experience. They’re the biggest dudes out there. I think we will go as they go.”

Defense: Foster said he expects sophomore Tyler Cappi and senior Jaxon Graham to be big contributors on defense. Cappi will play on the defensive line, while Graham will be a big piece in the middle at linebacker for Priceville. The defense has more youth and inexperience than the offense.

Must-see games: Priceville’s first two region games will be supremely important in deciding what type of team it will be under Foster. St. John Paul II and Randolph were both pla-yoff

PRICEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL 2019 SCHEDULE *denotes region game

Aug. 23

Open

Aug. 30

at Good Hope

Sept. 6

at Saint John Paul II*

Sept. 13

Randolph*

Sept. 20

Fairview*

Sept. 27

Falkville

Oct. 4

at Danville*

Oct. 11

at North Jackson*

Oct. 18

at DAR*

Oct. 25

West Morgan*

Nov. 1

Brewer

teams last year, and having one of those games at home will give the Bulldogs a chance at a solid region win that could give them a shot at a playoff berth.

Final word: “I wanted to let my guys know that this season means just as much as any other in the future,” Foster said. “I want to make sure that we maximize their talent and abilities.”

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

29

PRICEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL 2019 ROSTER No.

Name

Year

No.

Name

1

Jaxon Cross

12

63

Koal Legg

11

2

Landon Pearson

11

64

Quade McAfee

9

3

Tristan Holmes

10

65

Gage Hammon

11

4

Gage Balbreath

11

66

Tyler Cappi

10

7

John Looney

11

68

J.J. Vallejo

11

11

Wyatt Hurt

11

70

Garrison Woodall

10

12

Jackson Prickett

9

71

Chaz Woodall

9

13

Xander Gaines

9

74

Steven Aguado

12

14

Jaxson Graham

12

76

Trent Jackson

9

15

Landon Shockley

10

77

Michael McNutt

12

18

Peyton Fowler

11

80

Luke Bragwell

9

19

Mason Cartee

9

81

Osvaldo Martinez

9

20

Nash Terry

10

82

Jacob Sloan

9

21

J.C. Estes

11

86

Bryant Stephens

9

22

Joey Lubisco

10

88

Caelan McAfee

11

23

William Baker

10

24

Chase Akridge

10

25

Michael Matthews

12

27

Jerry Burton

11

28

Bailey Rae

9

29

Makeylean Fletcher

10

30

Larson Speegle

9

42

Skylar Estes

9

43

John Calixto

12

45

Sam Walker

12

50

Jacob Bragwell

12

51

Jake Langlois

9

52

Blaxston Royster

9

54

Seth Looney

12

55

Dakota Clifton

10

56

Truman Terry

12

57

Hugh Law

11

60

Brodie Mattox

9

62

Michael Cherubino

9

30

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

Year

Chris Foster, Priceville’s new football coach, spent three years as an assistant at Brookwood High in Tuscaloosa County before moving to Priceville.

[DAN BUSEY/DECATUR DAILY]

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

31

EYE RETURN TO PLAYOFFS

BY DYLAN SCHRADER

n 2018 the Austin Black Bears had a decent season in their new stadium, finishing 7-4 with a shut-out loss in the first round of the playoffs versus Mountain Brook.

After winning the FCA 7-on-7 in late July this year, the Black Bears will look to improve that record with junior quarterback Quincy Crittendon, who is playing fulltime after splitting snaps last year with Kulyn Hubbard, who has since graduated.

“Quincy Crittendon has got a world of talent, and we’re expecting big things out of him,” Austin head coach Jeremy Perkins said.

32

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

Tre Shackelford will be another big player to watch out for on offense.

“Tre Shackelford is our leading returning receiver,” Perkins said. “I think he caught around 40 passes last year, and he’s had a really good off season this summer.” There will be some familiar faces in the backfield as well, as Tyhlen Williams, Jevon Jackson, Kendall Scales and Jabari Brown are all returning as running backs, though Brown is also a receiver.

Perkins said that he feels good about the depth he has in the offensive skill positions, but the offensive line is thin.

On defense, Austin’s biggest strengths are in the secondary

with safeties Tarik Sykes and Jaylon Barrett, and J.T. Johnson is returning as a starting cornerback.

Perkins that there is a good amount of depth on the defensive line, but the linebacker positions are a little thin, and the secondary is weak in some spots. “We are working a handful of guys on both sides of the ball to help sure up some of that depth,” Perkins said.

“For us to feel like we had a successful season, we feel like we need to go out and compete every game,” Perkins said. “What’s important is that we prepare well, we practice well and we go out and play well. Our goal is to win the

Jeremy Perkins is starting his 10th season at Austin with a 64-40 coaching record that includes six trips to the playoffs and two region championships.

[DAN BUSEY/DECATUR DAILY]

region, and we want to win every game – but the main thing is to go out and compete and to get better throughout the season to give ourselves a chance to win every time we play.”

What could threaten to hold his team back? Perkins said it’s the unknown that could create problems in the season.

“When it comes to winning, there’s a lot of factors at play. Obviously, the other teams have something to do with that,” Perkins pointed. “As far as we’re concerned inside our building – a lack of chemistry, poor work ethic, poor commitment, those types of things can get in the way of reaching your potential. We don’t have those things right now, but you

never know how things are going to develop.

“You’ve got so many factors that are unknown – like how are we going to handle success, how are we going to handle adversity, and how are we going to handle injuries or if things if things don’t go well for us early on?

“Every team is different in how they handle those things, and that’s what makes sports what they are.”

Overall, Perkins said he feels like he has a good team this year. “I feel like we are going to be a highlycompetitive team that plays the game the right way,” Perkins said.

“We have a bunch of guys that love the game of football and love Austin football.”

AUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL 2019 SCHEDULE *denotes region game

Aug. 23

Hartselle

Aug. 30

at Decatur

Sept. 6

at Florence*

Sept. 13

Gadsden City*

Sept. 20

at Grissom*

Sept. 27

Open

Oct. 4

at Sparkman*

Oct. 11

Huntsville*

Oct. 18

Bob Jones*

Oct. 25

at James Clemens*

Oct. 31

Athens MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

33

AUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL 2019 ROSTER No.

Name

Year

Position

No.

Name

Year

Position

1

Jabari Brown

12

WR

45

Brayden Hamilton

12

LB

2

Tyhlen Williams

12

RB

46

Jordan Ross

10

DB

3

JT Johnson

12

DB

47

Isaac Falero

11

DB

4

Tre Shackelford

11

WR

48

Lionel Ramirez

11

K

6

Jaden Baker

11

WR/DB

51

Zmari Bell

10

LB

7

Jayvin Elliott

12

RB

52

Isaiah Carlisle

11

LB/DE

8

Dakota Peebles

12

LB

54

Griffin Sikes

11

OL

9

Lawson Barnett

12

QB

55

Daiontrelle Hubbard

11

DL

10

Quincy Crittendon

11

QB

56

Ja’Key Conner

11

LB

11

Tyler Cooper

10

RB/DB

57

Michael Wiley

12

DL

12

Tucker Montgomery

11

QB

58

RJ Austin

10

OL

13

Tarik Sykes

12

DB

59

Colton Collier

11

OL

15

Bralyn Robinson

10

WR/DB

60

Brodie Crisler

11

OL

17

Gage Palmer

10

QB/WR

61

Nicholas Ballentine

10

OL

18

Logan Beasley

10

LB

62

Sam Crawford

10

OL

19

Jadius Love

12

DB

63

Cole Jones

11

DL

20

Kendall Scales

11

RB

64

Alex Machado

11

OL

21

Christian Parker

12

LB

65

Amari Pointer

10

OL

22

Jevon Jackson

11

RB

70

Jaylon Munford

11

OL

23

Jaylon Barrett

12

DB

71

Jayden Ashford-Ricks

10

OL

24

Kenneth Allen

12

DB

72

Giovanni Johnson

10

OL

25

Ronald Fletcher

11

LB

73

Gabriel Iniguez

10

DL

26

Tylus Ballentine

10

DB

75

Bradley Barnett

12

OL

27

Luke Massey

11

DB

77

Abdel Abuhmoud

10

OL

28

Zach Morrison

11

DB

79

Dahntay Birt

10

DL

30

Charles Baker

12

LB

80

Sidney Dudley

12

WR

31

Braxton Lyle

11

LB

81

Jake Bailey

11

WR

32

Keilan Williams

10

RB

82

Retired

33

Jakari Fuller

11

LB

83

Talon Ward

11

WR

34

Noah Flood

11

K

85

Terrance Martin

12

WR

35

Temo Vazquez

12

K

90

Jeremiah Burgess

10

DL

36

Mynor Godinez

11

DB/K

91

Jacob Wiley

10

DL

37

Zyan Bell

11

DB

92/50

Dontavian Bass

11

OL/DE

38

Jeffrey Givens

11

DB

94

Mantez Thompson

10

DL

39

James Mitchell

10

DB

95

Jalik Malone

11

DL

40

Collier French

10

TE/FB

98

Daniel Johnson

10

DL

41

Caleb Beard

10

LB

34

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

FIGHT DEPTH ISSUES

BY DYLAN SCHRADER

you have to rest ast year, the them on offense, Decatur Red and sometimes you Raiders had have to rest them a moderately on defense.” successful season, Adcock said to On offense, finishing 7–5 overall watch out for Jamarrie receivers Smith before being eliminated Washington: Coon, Harrison in the second round of “He has a D-1 type body.

Marks and Conner the playoffs in a shutout He’s about Dickman are against Oxford.

6-foot-3 or 6-foot-4, and returning starters This year, depth he’s 15. He’s this year, and might be a big issue for young; he has a offensive lineman them to overcome as the tremendous amount Hunter Claborn will season goes on. Head of potential. be returning, but coach Jere Adcock said everyone else will eight players on offense be new as starters and defense will have to in their positions. The Red Raiders play both sides of the ball this year.

“What it’s forced us to do is to will be running two quarterbacks on develop as much depth as possible, offense, Turner Stepp and Grayson so that when a guy needs a break, we Vermeire. “You have two quarterbacks can put another guy in, and we don’t that will also be defensive players, miss anything,” Adcock said. “We’ve so you automatically know they’re got to develop situations where we tough kids,” Adcock said. “You’ve got can give them a break, and sometimes two physical kids that throw the ball

6’3"

adequately to a receiving core that can make big plays happen when they get it – and they have the ability to run really well.”

The Red Raiders will also be running what Adcock calls “a running back by committee,”

DECATUR HIGH SCHOOL 2019 SCHEDULE *denotes region game

Aug. 22

at Huntsville

Aug. 30

Austin

Sept. 6

at Cullman*

Sept. 13

Athens*

Sept. 20

at Lee

Sept. 27

Lawrence County

Oct. 4

Muscle Shoals*

Oct. 11

at Hartselle*

Oct. 18

Columbia*

Oct. 25

Open

Nov. 1

at Sparkman MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

35

Jere Adcock is starting his 24th season as head coach of the Decatur Red Raiders.

[DAN BUSEY/DECATUR DAILY]

36

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

DECATUR HIGH SCHOOL 2019 ROSTER No.

Name

Year

No.

Name

1

Year

Josh Turner

9

46

Dale Hartzog

2

Malakai Morrow

11

49

Max Parker

9

3

Ryan Kirk

9

50

Aldopho Soto

9

4

Ellis Dickman

9

51

Kamerin Sandlin

11

5

Turner Stepp

12

52

Nikii Asher

11

5

Paxtin Dupper

9

53

Banks Murphree

11

6

Keandre Williams

10

54

Richard Crisantos

11

7

Grayson Vermeire

11

55

Cooper Lovett

10

8

Connor Dickman

12

56

Jacob McRae

10

8

Owan Poovey

10

56

Amari Gibson

9

9

Reed Harbin

12

57

Wilian Lopez

9

9

Jayden Brown

9

59

Tyquan Carter

12

10

Andrew Rawson

12

60

Carter McCollum

11

11

Smith Coon

12

61

Jack Dinsmore

9

11

Trey Ayers

9

62

Josh Riley

9

12

Chanceton Morrow

12

63

Michael Kellogg

11

12

Mac Hillis

9

64

Alex Kmoch

11

13

Cole Cagle

12

65

Dauntae Montano

11

16

Teandre Williams

10

66

Ward Bouchillon

10

17

Harrison Marks

12

67

Irving Barrientos

11

17

Charlie Zaluski

10

68

Jack Self

11

18

Banks Demment

10

70

Foster Nelson

10

20

Jack Waller

9

71

Zach Heflin

12

21

Charlie Taylor

11

72

Hunter Claborn

10

22

Diquan Milland

11

73

Nelson Earley

12

23

Andrew Davis

11

74

Hector Alonzo

12

24

Jaheim Langford

12

75

Ashton Lowery

10

24

Cage Davidson

10

76

Kody Asher

9

25

Zorre Matthews

9

77

Demetrius Holsey

12

26

Tim Terry

9

78

Austin Cammon

9

27

Zeryn Williams

11

82

Jack Sturges

10

28

Dekaron Tate

11

83

Zorrey Barr

9

10

Jamarrie Washington

29

84

Ben Carroll

12

31

Ja'Koby Harris

11

85

Chase Cauthen

12

33

Clint Harbin

10

86

Amari Reeves

12

34

Mylon Miller

9

87

Andrew Weeks

9

36

Jyron McDaniel

9

90

Tenarius Fennell

9

38

Ethan Bates

11

91

Demarcus Willard

9

39

Chase Jones

11

92

Jose Ayala

12

40

Devin Walker

9

93

Jaiden Freeman

10

41

Trinity Jones

11

96

Gavin Barbee

10

43

Cameron Clopton

9

97

Chris Kramer

11

45

Drew Brown

12

98

Bryan Sanchez

12

12

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

37

consisting of Chase Jones, Clint Harbin and others. “They’re young,” Adcock said, “but they’re hard-nosed, hese are the hardest working and they’ll run right down the hill at and toughest kids in school. you.” As far as surprises on offense, We don’t have a bunch of Adcock said to watch out for Jamarrie threestar players or guys that are going Washington: “He has a D-1 type body. to the Under Armor Bowl; we just have He’s about 6-foot-3 or 6-foot-4, and he’s a bunch of average joes that work real hard. It’s a typical Decatur football team.” 15. He’s young; he has a tremendous amount of potential; and he’s a really -Jere Adcock good kid – but he’s just got a lot of development to do.”

Defensively, Decatur will have more experience players returning this year. Cole Cagle will be starting at free safety for the third year. “He’s the quarterback of the defense as far as where everybody should be – as far as getting them lined up and making the calls in the secondary,” Adcock explained. “When he’s there, it’s just a completely different world.”

Also returning are Smith Coon and Andrew Rawson at cornerback and Turner Stepp at strong safety. Bryan Sanchez and Jacob McRae will be returning starters on the defensive line. The linebacker core will be

“T

somewhat inexperienced, as most of them played in JV last year.

Adcock outlined a plan for making sure his team is successful this year: “The biggest thing with the team this year is that we have to get off to a good start. They’ve got to get in sync,” he said. “The first four ball games are going to be very crucial for getting comfortable, getting into our stride and not letting what’s around us bother us.

“We had the most physical spring we’ve had in a long time, and most of that was to develop more physicality in our football team; we might get stopped on this play, but we’re coming after you the next.”

Overall, Adcock said he feels good about his team this year.

“I like these kids,” Adcock said.

“These are the hardest working and toughest kids in school. We don’t have a bunch of three-star players or guys that are going to the Under Armor Bowl; we just have a bunch of average joes that work real hard. It’s a typical Decatur football team.”

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

FIND IMPROVEMENT ON DEFENSE TO BE KEY TO SUCCESS

BY MATTHEW SPEAKMAN

tar in the spotlight: Glavine Segars returns as West Morgan’s quarterback after starting as a sophomore last season.

The Rebels mostly relied on a running game behind John Phillips, but Segars kept turnovers relatively low and made plays in the clutch. Segars should be more of a factor in the passing game this season after playing a full year in coach Mikel Riggs’ system.

Lay of the land: West Morgan competes in Class 4A, Region 7, against North Jackson, St. John Paul II, D.A.R., Randolph, Fairview, Priceville and Danville. West Morgan opens its region schedule with a road trip to Randolph

and a home game against Danville. Its non-region schedule includes Ardmore, Hatton and Brewer.

Head coach: Riggs enters his second year as head coach of the Rebels. He posted a 1-9 record, with his lone win coming over Danville. Riggs is the son of legendary coach Jamie Riggs, who has more than 300 wins for his career.

Past season: West Morgan won its first game of the year four games into the season before losing six straight to finish the season, giving up more than 30 points in each game. West Morgan gave up 48.1 points per game while scoring 17.2 points per game. “Last year, we were telling them to play like they’ve been there

before, even though they had not been there before,” Riggs said. “They now know what that’s like.”

The Rebels made the playoffs two straight years before last year’s showing.

That included a 10-2 record and region title under Coach John Ritter, who left for Russellville the next year. The Rebels made it to the second round of the Class 3A playoffs. The year before, West Morgan finished 7-4 and made the playoffs before losing in the first round.

Words to grow on: “Our general football knowledge is better,” Riggs said.

“In general, they understand football a little bit better. That experience has taught them things about the game. They MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

39

Mikel Riggs is entering his second season at West Morgan.

[JERONIMO NISA/DECATUR DAILY]

understand situational football.”

Quarterback: Segars returns after starting as a sophomore last season.

Backing him up is Kaden Cook, who is an underclassman. Riggs said Segars has a better understanding of the system now that he’s a junior with 10 games under his belt.

“The guys around him feel like he’s in

command,” Riggs said. “That’s what you want. You want somebody that you have no doubt he’s going to get the job done.

That’s what we have.”

Offense: Segars will be the centerpiece of an offense that wants to run the football. The Rebels will go with a running back by committee approach, with Tate Cottingham and Zeke Black getting most of the touches. The Rebels return Clarence Little at wide receiver, and Nathan Alexander, Owen Coffey, Marcus Jones, Adam Rolin and Evan Newman all return up front.

Defense: West Morgan returns three linemen, two linebackers and three defensive backs. Cade Alexander and Black will be difference makers at linebacker.

Caleb Terry, Jakobe Fletcher and Randy Chambers will be key in the secondary, while Alexander and Newman will also play on the defensive line. Riggs said the team is hoping experience will help slow opposing offenses, which had their way with the Rebels last year.

“We need to stop people from running it,” Riggs said. “We couldn’t stop anybody from throwing it because we couldn’t stop them from running it. That’s been a

WEST MORGAN HIGH 2019 SCHEDULE *denotes region game

Aug. 23

Ardmore

Aug. 30

at Hatton

Sept. 6

at Randolph*

Sept. 13

Danville*

Sept. 20

at DAR*

Sept. 27

Brewer

Oct. 4

Saint John Paul II*

Oct. 11

at Fairview*

Oct. 18

North Jackson*

Oct. 25

at Priceville*

Nov. 1

Open

point of emphasis this summer. We need to get off blocks and make tackles.”

Must-see games: A regional showdown between the Rebels and Priceville closes out the regular season.

West Morgan is 3-6 all time against Priceville. The two started playing in 2010, and the game had raised stakes when it became a region game last season.

Final word: “We are still a fairly young team, but we have experience,” Riggs said. “They’re hungry and don’t mind working. I’m hoping we come out and play like we’ve been there before.”

WEST MORGAN HIGH SCHOOL 2019 ROSTER No. 6 7 10 11 14 15 18 19

Name Sebastian Pendegraph Caleb Terry Kaden Cook Cade Alexander Zeke Black Glavine Segars Andrew Bradford Clarence Little

20 21 23 24 25 26 28 30 33 42 43 44 50

Connor Dillard Jakobe Fletcher Randy Chambers Malachi Chambers Adam Lucas Devlin Tucker Antonio Townsend Tate Cottingham Myles Burgin DJ Washington Mattew Jones Gage Waits Nathaniel Kelley

40

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

Position DTS LB OLB QB WR DB DB

SKILL

No. 51 52 53 54 56 58 59 60

Name Mark Washco Nathan Alexander Cameron Ennis Tyus Smith Tyler Pendegraph Brady Daniel Owen Coffey Mark Velazques

61 62 65 70 71 73 74 77 78 80 81 82 84

Elijah Dumas Trevor Morgan Camden Seal Marcus Jones Tate Neal Adam Rolin Elijah Bice Evan Newman Alex Garcia Garrett McCurry Jakobe Griffin Graison Baker Kodee Teaue

Position DL

DL OL

OL OL OL/REF

GET READY TO SOAR WITH 14 SENIORS

BY DAVID ELWELL

tar in the spotlight: Senior seasons have been an amazing run for also started in the line. Candidates running back Colton Keith is a prime candidate. He’s rushed for more than 1,000 yards for two straight seasons.

Last season he had 1,316 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Lay of the land: Decatur Heritage plays in Class 1A, Region 7, against Falkville, R.A. Hubbard, Coosa Christian, Woodville, Valley Head and Gaylesville. The Eagles’ non-region opponents are Phillips, Sumiton Christian and Shoals Christian.

Head coach: Steve Meek is starting his ninth season at Decatur Heritage.

The 59-year-old coach has a 55-35 record at Decatur Heritage with five trips to the state playoffs.

Past season: Class 1A, Region 7, was a four-team race with Decatur Heritage (7-4) finishing in fourth place behind Falkville, R.A. Hubbard and Coosa Christian. The Eagles lost in the first round of the playoffs at Spring Garden, 40-7. Decatur Heritage averaged 30.7 points a game but allowed 26.5 points. The past three

the Eagles with a 25-10 record.

Words to grow on: “We have 14 seniors this season,” Meek said.

“That’s by far our largest senior class.

Most of those seniors have played a lot of football. We are excited to see what happens.”

Quarterback: Decatur Heritage went into last season with three quarterbacks – Stratton Orr, Hank Davis and Brayden Kyle – competing for playing time. It’s the same situation this season with the same three quarterbacks. “I’ve thought about deciding on one as the starter and going from there,” Meek said, “but they all three have different skill sets. Deciding on one is not fair to the other two. They all deserve to play.”

Offense: Keith is the workhorse in the backfield; Meek said his biggest fear is wearing him out. Junior Michael Cheng can give Keith relief.

Both also play on defense at linebacker.

The offensive line has experience with seniors Carter Sample and Mason Lentz, and junior Justin Densmore

for the other two spots are Seaborn Chappell, Garret Rogers, Joby Helms, Sam Waters and Saxon Sample.

Senior Baker Wilson leads the receivers. Other players in the mix to be catching passes are Alex Malone, Tyler Founds and Preston Terry.

“We have guys who can run the football and guys who can catch the football,” Meek said. “We just need to be able to block.”

Defense: Experience should produce improvement on this side of the ball. Carter Sample is the playcaller on defense at his linebacker position. Rogers is a two-year starter in the line, and Davis is solid at linebacker. Eli Waldrep, Avery Hardy and Tyler Founds lead the defensive backfield; Founds had four interceptions last season.

Final word: “It’s been awhile since we won a play-off game or had a home play-off game,” Meek said. “I think this team would like to change that, and I think they can.”

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

41

DECATUR HERITAGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 2019 ROSTER No.

Name

Year

No.

Name

6

Stratton Orr

12

03

Ty Tyson

11

7

Hank Davis

12

26

Cooper Clemmons

12

9

Jalen Easter

12

37

William Barnett

10

14

Jordan Parker

12

04

Tyler Founds

10

15

Eli Waldrep

12

02

Brayden Kyle

10

16

Sam Waters

11

10

Alex Malone

10

18

Ben Lovelace

12

05

Cole O’Brian

10

22

Baker Wilson

12

21

Tyler Olive

10

24

Colten Keith

12

12

Nash Rippon

10

25

Michael Cheng

11

75

Saxon Sample

10

42

Avery Hardy

12

28

Jordan Burks

10

56

Mason Lintz

12

88

Preston Terry

12

57

Justin Densmore

11

Jackson Kyle

12

62

Seaborn Chappell

12

Cole Garner

12

70

Garrett Rogers

12

Charlie Holland

9

73

Carter Sample

12

Willis Orr

9

74

Joby Helms

11

Maddux Terry

11

DECATUR HERITAGE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 2019 SCHEDULE *denotes region game

Aug. 23

at Phillips Bear Creek

Aug. 30

Sumiton Christian

Sept. 6

Valley Head*

Sept. 13

at R.A. Hubbard*

Sept. 20

Coosa Christian*

Sept. 26

Shoals Christian*

Oct. 4

at Colbert Heights

Oct. 11

Falkville*

Oct. 18

at Gaylesville*

Oct. 25

Woodville*

Nov. 1

Open

Home games are played at West Morgan

42

MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

Steve Meek is starting his ninth season at Decatur Heritage.

The 59-year-old coach has a 55-35 record at Decatur Heritage with five trips to the state playoffs.

Year

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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2019

43

HARTSELLE TIGERS