MORGAN COUNTY
FOOTBALL 2020
VERSUS THE VIRUS Area football teams gear up for year for the history books
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 2020
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Good Luck Hartselle Tigers! Have a safe and successful season!
Lori Henry, CRNP
Jeb Hornsby, MD
Jessica Smith, CRNP
Call to schedule your appointment today! 256-773-2260
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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
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21 On the cover: The look of the 2020 high school football season will be drastically different, with the impact of the coronavirus. Fall camp began in late July after the AHSAA made the decision to move forward and play the regular season as scheduled. The start of camp brought a huge sigh of relief for area coaches, as it was a sign the season was definitely going to happen. After seeing spring sports canceled because of the spread of COVID-19, high school coaches and players have worked hard to ensure there will be a football season. Still, questions abound concerning what the season will look like in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Football has seen almost every aspect of the offseason altered during the pandemic. It started with the cancellation of spring practice and continued with a no-go on HARTSELLE SENIORS RYAN GARRISON summer team camps and 7-on-7s – events AND SETH LOCKETT during which coaches usually learn a lot about their upcoming teams. Teams were allowed to have summer workouts with restrictions in place to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Coaches had to start taking daily temperature checks of every member of the team and staff, and players were kept apart as much as possible. Schools saw the impact of the coronavirus when teams were forced to shut down workouts after a player or coach tested positive for COVID-19. Photo by Dan Busey
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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
9
Hartselle High School
16
Brewer High School
21
Danville High School
24
Falkville High School
28
Priceville High School
32
Austin High School
35
Decatur High School
39
West Morgan High School
41
Decatur Heritage Christian Academy
STAFF Managing Editor | Rebekah Martin Contributors | Russell Frye • David Elwell • Matthew Speakman • Dan Busey • Jeronimo Nisa Marketing | Baretta Taylor • Anna Baker Copy Editor | Alison James CONTACT US Hartselle Newspapers, LLC 206 Cedar St. NW P.O.Box 929 Hartselle, AL 35640 Phone: 256-773-6566 Fax: 256-773-1953 Copyright 2020 by Hartselle Newspapers, LLC
MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
BEST OF: 2020 MORGAN COUNTY 1A-4A FOOTBALL MATCHUPS BY RUSSELL FRYE
WEEK ZERO:
3A, Region 8. Priceville leads the all-time series 9-7.
Decatur Heritage at Falkville The season opener will be a rematch of last year’s 21-14 thriller, won by Decatur Heritage. The Blue Devils are returning a veteran squad led by the three-time AllState selection Christian Angulo. The Eagles come into the game led by QB Brayden Kyle and Sean Zerkle, an All-State selection after hauling in 80 receptions for 1,720 yards and 25 touchdowns. Zerkle transferred to Decatur Heritage from St. John Paul II. This year’s matchup will be the seventh meeting between the two schools. The Blue Devils lead the all-time series 4-2.
WEEK SIX: Priceville at Rogers The Bulldogs travel to Rogers for a rematch of last year’s first-round play-off game, won 44-23 by Priceville. The game falls in the middle of a six-game stretch for the Bulldogs. Rogers leads the all-time series 3-2.
WEEK SEVEN: Decatur Heritage at R.A. Hubbard Region foes meet for the ninth time in this tightly-contested series. The game could have playoff implications for both teams. The Eagles enter the matchup having won four of the past five in the series. The all-time series is tied at 4-4.
WEEK ONE: Danville at Falkville Bitter Morgan County rivals clash in week two of the season. The Hawks are looking for some revenge following last season’s 34-21 loss, in which Falkville scored twice in the final 2:55, giving head coach Tyler Mitchell his first win. Each team comes into the game with an experienced offense – except the Blue Devils are returning QB Peyton Sallee, and the Hawks are searching for a quarterback. Danville leads the all-time series 27-18.
WEEK TWO: Priceville at West Morgan Another clash of Morgan County rivals takes place at Rebel Stadium. The matchup will be the region opener for the two teams that battled to a 24-22 game won by Priceville last season. Priceville is led by running back Jerry Burton, a 4A All-State selection who rushed for more than 2,000 yards and 33 touchdowns last season. The Rebels return a 1,000-yard rusher in Adam Lucas. Priceville leads the all-time series 7-3.
WEEK THREE: Danville at Lauderdale County Danville travels to Lauderdale County for a week three region tilt that could help decide the region championship. The Tigers finished second in the region last
WEEK EIGHT: Priceville’s Jerry Burton carries for a first down against Rogers during the game in Priceville.
Deshler at Priceville Priceville hosts Deshler in a late-season matchup between two veteran teams season and advanced to the second round looking to make a final playoff push. The of the playoffs. Lauderdale County leads Bulldogs are looking for their first victory over Deshler in a series dominated by the the all-time series 4-0. visiting Tigers. Deshler leads the all-time WEEK FOUR: series 4-0. West Limestone at West Morgan WEEK NINE: This contest will be a matchup between two teams looking for possible play-off Falkville at North Sand Mountain positioning midway through the season. This week nine matchup could very well West Morgan returns a veteran squad, decide who wins 2A, Region 7. The Blue with 10 starters returning on offense and Devils travel to North Sand Mountain seven on defense. West Limestone will for a matchup between teams that both be led by tight-end River Helms, who has advanced past the first round of the more than 15 scholarship offers from FBS playoffs last season by winning on the schools, including Florida State, Georgia road. Falkville leads the all-time series 1-0. and Oklahoma State. West Morgan leads WEEK 10: the all-time series 13-9. St. John Paul II at Priceville WEEK FIVE: Priceville and St. John Paul II meet for the third time in series history and first as Priceville at Danville Priceville returns to Danville, looking non-region opponents. The Bulldogs won to avenge last season’s 26-25 loss to the 43-29 last year for Coach Chris Foster’s Hawks. The Danville win helped propel first victory. The teams have combined to DHS into the playoffs and cost the Bulldogs average more than 70 points a game in the a region championship. The matchup will previous meetings. The all-time series is be a non-region game with Danville now in tied 1-1. MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
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BEST OF: 2020 MORGAN COUNTY 5A-7A FOOTBALL MATCHUPS BY RUSSELL FRYE
WEEK ZERO: Austin at Hartselle Austin travels to Hartselle to open the season. The Black Bears return quarterback Quincy Crittenden and wide receiver Tre Shackleford to power the offense, while the Tigers open the season under new head coach Bryan Moore. The Black Bears used a strong second half to defeat the Tigers 45-14 last season. Hartselle leads the all-time series 30-22-1.
WEEK ONE: Decatur at Austin The River City Rivalry will be one to watch. The Black Bears defeated the Red Raiders 56-14 last season and now have a five-game win streak in the series. Decatur leads the all-time series 36-24.
WEEK TWO: Cullman at Hartselle Bitter rivals meet for the 99th time to open the 6A, Region 8 season. The Bearcats scored twice in the final 5:57 to come from behind and defeat the Tigers 15-10. The win broke a five-game win streak for Hartselle in the series. Cullman is led by star running back Jaylen Hughey, who has committed to South Alabama. Hartselle leads the all-time series 48-46-4.
WEEK THREE: Hartselle at Decatur The Tigers and the Red Raiders will meet for the 87th time in this rivalry that dates back to 1917. The Tigers ran away with last year’s game, as they defeated Decatur 49-7. Decatur leads the all-time series 59-27.
WEEK FOUR: Austin at Sparkman The Black Bears travel to Sparkman with some revenge on their mind in this 7A Region matchup. Both teams entered last season’s game undefeated. The Senators scored with 1:33 left to pull out
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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
Hartselle defenders stop an Austin running back in their game last season. The Black Bears defeated the Tigers 45-14.
a 24-21 victory, and the win broke a sixgame winning streak for Austin in the series. Austin leads the all-time series 11-7.
WEEK FIVE: Arab at Brewer Brewer hosts Arab for the 39th meeting between the two schools. The Arab series is the longest-running rivalry for the Patriots, who defeated the Knights 29-21 last season to give the Patriots a threegame win streak in the series. Arab leads the all-time series 25-13.
WEEK SIX:
Hartselle leads the all-time series 14-11-1.
WEEK EIGHT: Albertville at Austin Austin hosts Albertville in a region matchup. The Aggies are in their first season in Class 7A. The game will be the teams’ first meeting since 1987. Albertville is led by star tight end/defensive end Trinity Bell, who committed to play college ball at the University of Tennessee. Austin leads the all-time series 3-1.
WEEK NINE:
Brewer at Lawrence County Hartselle at Athens The Patriots travel to Lawrence The Tigers travel to Athens for a County for a region matchup that could region matchup with possible playoff have playoff implications. The last time implications riding on the outcome. The these two teams met was in 1999. The all-time series is tied at 8-8. Golden Eagles defeated Hartselle 28-19 last season to break a 14-game Tigers’ WEEK 10: win streak. Hartselle leads the all-time series 39-31-2. Mountain Brook at Austin Austin will host Mountain Brook in WEEK SEVEN: a Thursday night non-region matchup. This game could be a preview of the Muscle Shoals at Hartselle Hartselle hosts the defending region playoffs. The past two meetings came in champion in the Tigers’ final home game the first round of the playoffs, with the of the season. Over the past decade, this Spartans getting the win in both – the last game has usually played a significant by a 31-0 score in 2018. Mountain Brook leads the all-time role in the outcome of the region championship. The Trojans won last series 3-2. season 35-14.
BY RUSSELL FRYE he Hartselle Tigers enter the 2020 season under a new head coach for the second consecutive season. Bryan Moore was hired in January to replace Bo Culver, who resigned in November following a 4-7 season. Moore comes to Hartselle after two years at Jasper. While at Jasper, he led the Vikings to back-to-back region championships. His team advanced to the third round in 2018 and the second round in 2019. His 2019 Vikings were ranked first in 5A for all but two weeks of the season. His first head coaching stop was at Eufaula, where he guided the Tigers to three straight playoff appearances, twice to the second round. He comes into his first season at Hartselle with a career record of 48-12 and five playoff appearances. He will be taking over a Tiger team that lost 26 seniors to graduation and its starting quarterback to transfer. One of those seniors, linebacker Jackson Boyer, signed with the Naval Academy to continue his career. Another senior, safety Addison Parker, signed to play baseball with
Tennessee-Martin. Moore’s first season has not started the way he wanted, because of to the coronavirus. After getting a few weeks in the weight room during the spring, everything stopped when schools closed in March. The Tigers were able to get on the field under Moore June 1 after the AHSAA allowed summer workouts to begin. Coach Moore has spent the summer working on getting his Tiger team ready to play this fall.
OFFENSE The Tigers will look to employ a downhill rushing attack out of a spread attack. Moore said he wants his Tigers to control the ball with their rushing attack and take shots downfield with play-action passes. Look for Hartselle to utilize a lot of three-wide receiver sets with a running back and fullback in the backfield. The Tigers have a quarterback battle between senior Parker Sawyer and junior JT Blackwood. Sawyer comes to Hartselle after being Moore’s starting quarterback at
Jasper last season. Blackwood played at Cullman last season. “Sawyer started 12 games for Jasper last season and went 11-1. He is a good athlete who moves around really well in the pocket and is an accurate passer,” said Moore. “Blackwood has a big arm and can make all of the throws.” Moore said both players can run the whole offense and won’t be limited in their roles. “We will ask Sawyer to use his feet more this season after not being asked to run a lot at Jasper due to having two senior running backs,” said Moore. Junior Kaleb Moore returns at the running back position. He will be stepping into a starting role after spending the past season as a reserve. The Tigers will be young at the receiver spot, with their top four players all being sophomores. Izayah Fletcher will lead the unit after seeing playing time as a freshman. Moore said the Tigers’ offensive line is young and inexperienced in spots. Hartselle returns two starters from this past season in senior left tackle Mac Hardin and senior right MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
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ROSTER
guard Ryan Garrison. Joining them will be junior right tackle Braxton Quattlebaum and sophomores Andrew Crittenden at left guard and Tyde Witt at center. Moore said the tight-end position will also be a crucial piece for the offensive line. Senior Caleb Simmons will see time in the position after moving over from the offensive line. “Offensive line play is the most critical piece to our team’s success,” said Moore.
DEFENSE Hartselle’s defense will look the same as it has over the past several years, with Coach Bert Newton remaining on staff following the coaching change. The Tigers will employ a 3-3-5 look. They return four starters. The defensive line will be the strength of this year’s team, with senior Seth Lockett returning to lead the way. Joining him will be seniors Kelvin Morris and KJ McGhee, junior Jordan McCleskey and sophomores Dalton Green and Maurice Johnson. Morris is joining the Tigers after moving to Hartselle from Clay-Chalkville, where he started last season as a junior. Isaac Osteen has the most experience returning for the Tigers at the linebacking position. He started a couple of games last season. He will take over the starting middle linebacker position. A couple of freshmen, Jakaleb Goodwin and Peyton Steele, could see time at outside linebacker. The Tigers return two starters from last year’s team in the defensive backfield. Junior Devron Turney moves from cornerback to free safety, and senior Tevin Shields returns at one of the cornerback positions.
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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
No.
Name
No.
Name
2
Izayah Fletcher
48
Kayden Worley
2
Grant Hembree
49
Malachi Collett
3
EJ Colbert
50
Dylan Green
4
Devron Turney
51
Blaize Chaney
5
Seth Lockett
52
Dalton Green
6
Landon Blackwood
53
Xander Waddell
7
Deaigo Valentin
54
Austin Spivey
8
Parker Sawyer
55
Zeke Mchan
9
Tevin Shields
56
KJ McGhee
10
Ri Fletcher
57
Camden Chaney
11
Armahdeo Dunigan
58
Tyde Witt
12
JT Blackwood
59
Maurice Johnson
13
Eli Snelson
60
Braxton Quattlebaum
14
Peyton Steele
61
Colton Stinson
15
Jakaleb Goodwin
62
Jaxson Austin
16
Ethan England
63
Jordan McCleskey
17
Eli Tidwell
65
Skylar Isbell
18
Jack Smith
66
Briar Holt
19
Rylan Smothers
67
Reid Ellis
20
Coleman Mizell
70
Jonathan McKlesky
21
Hudson Crow
71
Chris Woods
22
Sage Smothers
72
Jagen Barnette
23
Jordan McCleskey
73
Ryan Aymett
24
JT Davis
74
Andrew Crittenden
25
Eli Beatty
74
Zyler Waddell
26
Walker Hoyle
75
Santi Lemus
27
Lincoln Bryant
77
Mac Hardin
28
Trent Wright
78
Ryan Garrison
29
Brian Torbert
79
Evan Pagani
30
Jake England
80
Nick Hughes
31
Jaxon Stutts
81
Connor Simmons
32
Dominic Simmons
82
Brody Leathers
33
Jake Haynes
83
Jud Collins
34
Kaleb Moore
84
Gavin Zanda
35
Traece Oden
85
Caleb Simmons
36
Ben Carnes
86
Tucker Smith
37
Brant Stringer
87
Drake Borden
38
Nolen Ricks
88
Zach Cliett
39
Stinnett Haggeman
89
RJ Gray
40
Michael Suit
90
Floyd McNutt
41
Coen Dutton
91
Kelvin Morris
42
Brody Kauffman
92
Lucas Smith
43
Brett Smith
93
Drake Posey
44
Issac Osteen
95
Crawford Lang
46
Zeke Priola
99
Anwesh Dhungana
47
Josh Cliett
SCHEDULE *Region game
Jay T. Pohl, M.D. Alan B. Walker, M.D.
Aug. 21
Austin
Aug. 28
Mae Jemison
Sept. 4
Cullman*
Sept. 11
at Decatur*
Sept. 18
Columbia*
Sept. 25
at Russellville
Oct. 2
at Athens*
Oct. 9
Muscle Shoals*
Oct. 16
at Hazel Green*
Oct. 23
at Buckhorn*
Oct. 30
Open
Ashlee Drake, CRNP Anna Lawler, CRNP
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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
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SPECIAL TEAMS Sophomore Crawford Lang will be called on to be the starting placekicker and punter. He will be a valuable part of special teams on kickoffs and changing field position on punts.
COACHING STAFF The Hartselle coaching staff will be a mix of returning coaches and newcomers. Matt Prater, a Hartselle alum, comes to Hartselle after spending 14 years at Austin. He will be the offensive coordinator and coach the offensive line. Joining him on the offensive staff will be quarterbacks coach Will Lang, running backs coach Gary Orr, wide receiver coaches Jesse Perrin and Zach Fletcher and offensive line coach Chad Gladden. On the defensive side of the ball, Newton returns for his fourth season as defensive coordinator. He was named Frank Broyles High School Assistant Coach of the Year in 2018, one of the first to earn this honor. His staff will include defensive line coach Brad Bray, linebackers coach John Rogers, defensive backs coach Matthew “Moose” Cole, and outside linebackers/safeties coach Caleb Graham.
A LOOK AT THE SCHEDULE Hartselle will face seven teams that advanced to the playoffs last season. “Every week will be a battle for us,” said Moore.
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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
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In Week Zero, the Tigers will host Austin, who defeated Hartselle 45-14 to start the season in 2019. Hartselle leads the all-time series 30-22-1. In Week One, Hartselle will host Mae Jemison. These teams last met in 2009 when the school was known as J.O. Johnson. The all-time series is tied 3-3. In Week Two, the Tigers open region play by hosting Cullman. The Bearcats came from behind to defeat Hartselle 15-10 this past season. The loss broke a five-game win streak in the series for the Tigers, who lead the all-time series 48-46-4. In Week Three, Hartselle hits the road for the first time, traveling to Decatur for a region game. The Tigers defeated the Red Raiders 49-7 last season. Decatur leads the all-time series 59-27. The Tigers host Columbia in a region game in Week Four. Hartselle defeated the Eagles 76-0 last season, and the Tigers lead the all-time series 4-0. In Week Five, Hartselle travels to
Russellville for a non-region game. The teams last met in 2017, with the Tigers winning 51-0. Russellville leads the alltime series 24-9-1. Week Six sees the Tigers traveling to Athens for a region matchup. The Golden Eagles defeated Hartselle 28-19 last season. The Athens win broke a 14game Hartselle winning streak going back to 2006. The Tigers lead the alltime series 39-31-2. In Week Seven, Hartselle hosts region foe Muscle Shoals for the final home game of the season. The Trojans defeated the Tigers 35-14 in 2019. Hartselle leads the all-time series 1411-1. In Week Eight, the Tigers travel to Hazel Green for a region game. Hartselle defeated the Trojans 37-6 last season. The Tigers lead the all-time series 10-0. Hartselle travels to Buckhorn Week Nine for a region game to close out the regular season. The two teams last met in 1979. The Tigers lead the all-time series 2-0.
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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
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2019
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BY RUSSELL FRYE
he Brewer Patriots remain in 5A, Region 8, but that region will have a new look compared to last season. Ardmore and East Limestone are holdovers from last season, with Russellville, Lawrence County, Mae Jemison and Lee-Huntsville rounding out the seven-team region. The Patriots will play out-of-region games at Danville Aug. 21 and at home against Priceville Aug. 28, along with home games against Arab Sept. 25 and Fairview Oct. 16. Brewer will face five teams that advanced to the playoffs last season; four of those teams had winning records.
HEAD COACH Geoff Walters is entering his sixth season as head coach of the Patriots. This season will be his 20th walking
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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
WORDS TO GROW ON
the sidelines as a head coach, with previous stops at Deerfield Windsor in Georgia, Shelby County, Sylacauga and Evangelical Christian in Tennessee. He has a career mark of 104-107, with seven trips to the playoffs.
“As young as our team will be, we will have to take games one at a time and focus on improving every play,” said Walters.
PAST SEASON
QUARTERBACK
Wyatt Styles will be under center Brewer finished the 2019 season 3-7, for the Patriots this season. The junior but the win total does not tell the whole was thrust into a starting role in week story. The Patriots lost three games by three last year following an injury to six points or less. then-starter Patrick Johnson. “Wyatt learned through trial and error last year,” said Walters. “Last The Patriots are 14-17 over the year’s lessons could pay off valuably previous three seasons with one play- this year for this young man.” off appearance. The 8-3 mark in 2018 was the team’s first winning season since 1999 and the fourth since 1984. Brewer returning starters include The eight wins tied the school record Styles, tight end Micah Steffen and for wins, set previously in 1977 and lineman Cole Rathbun. Walters said he is looking for Steffen and Rathbun to 1983.
PAST THREE SEASONS
OFFENSE
ROSTER ROSTER No.
Name
2
Austin Brown
3
Cutter Eidson
4
Dakota Veal
5
Gonzalo Ramerez
6
Walker Latham
7
D.J. Burney
8
Langston Borden
9
Chevy Cantrell
10
Caden Childers
11
Neri Patino
12
Wyatt Styles
13
Micha Steffen
14
Braden Rusk
15
Carter Latham
20
Lee Murry
21
Jeb Bramlett
22
Connor Kirby
25
Konner Veal
28
Angel Altamirano
30
Cooper Smith
32
Maddox Ausley
33
Aaron Sharp
34
Sean Bohannon
44
Lucas Simpson
48
Caleb Barbee
50
Kaleb Hall
51
Noe Perez
52
Nichales Mosley
53
Houston Strickland
54
Ryan Daugette
55
Ben Johnson
56
Andy Jordan
57
Gabriel Lopez
58
Cole Craddock
60
Carson Humphries
62
Timmy Hunter
63
Chandler Brown
65
Micheal Renolds
67
Colton Mooney
70
Caleb Hodges
71
Brett Thompson
77
Connor Kinney
have breakout seasons for the Patriots. Steffen has worked hard in the off-season to add extra weight and strength. Rathbun, who is returning from a season-ending injury last year, will be called on to lead the offensive line. Walters said the offensive line will need to develop quickly for the Patriots to be successful.
DEFENSE The Patriots will be counting on returning starters Steffen at linebacker, Lee Murry at cornerback and Carter Latham at buck end to lead the relatively young defense. Joining the starting unit will be linebackers Lucas Simpson and Gonzolo Ramirez along with Rathbun on the defensive line. “Due to our youth and inexperience on the defensive side of the ball, we are going to need our young guys to improve quickly for the unit to be good,” said Walters.
MUST-SEE GAMES The two biggest games on the schedule will be the rivalry games at home – Aug. 28 against Priceville and Sept. 25 against Arab. The Patriots split with these two rivals last season in a pair of one-possession games. Region games to watch this season will be the Sept. 11 matchup at Russellville and the Sept. 18 home game against East Limestone. Russellville is returning several players from last year’s team, which spent eight weeks in the Top 10 in 5A.
MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
17
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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
SCHEDULE *Region game
Aug. 21
at Danville
Aug. 28
Priceville
Sept. 4
at Ardmore*
Sept. 11
at Russellville*
Sept. 18
East Limestone*
Sept. 25
Arab
Oct. 2
Lee*
Oct. 9
at Mae Jemison*
Oct. 16
Fairview
Oct. 23
at Lawrence County*
Oct. 30
Open
FINAL WORD “It is nice to be going into a season where we have established great work ethic and attitudes, and the kids we have in our program are very dedicated,” said Walters. “The overall excitement and outlook in football at Brewer has changed, and we expect to compete to win every game.”
MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
19
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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
BY RUSSELL FRYE anville takes a step down in classification to 3A for the 2020 season after six seasons in 4A. The Hawks’ new home is in 3A, Region 8 with Lauderdale County, Colbert Heights, Clements, East Lawrence, Elkmont and Phil Campbell. The Hawks host Brewer to open the season before traveling to Falkville in non-region games to open the season. Their out-of-region schedule also includes Priceville Sept. 25 and
Lawrence County to close out the regular season. Danville’s schedule includes five teams that advanced to the second round of the state playoffs last season. Three teams – Falkville, Lauderdale County and Priceville – advanced to the second round.
HEAD COACH Shannon McGregory is entering his third season as the head coach of the Hawks. After a 0-10 start in his first
season, he led Danville to five wins and the playoffs for the first time since 2009. The 2020 season will be his 13th season as a head coach, with previous stops at South Lamar and Colbert Heights.
PAST SEASON The Hawks finished 5-6 following a fourth-place finish in Class 4A, Region 7. Their signature win was a 26-25 win over a ranked Priceville team, which finished second in the region and advanced to the second round of the playoffs. MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
21
ROSTER No.
Name
1
Brayden Eldridge
2
Percy Smith
4
Grayson Glenn
5
Bo Huff
7
Owen Ellenberg
9
Paxton Cunningham
11
Tyler Dodgen
12
Gage Taylor
13
Justice Huff
14
Jaiquan Loyd
15
Carson Crowe
16
Kolten Bray
17
Landon Freeman
18
Cameron Moore
20
Tanner Colburn
21
Dylan Parker
22
Ethan Sapp
36
Jacob Stevenson
44
Dakota Fromhold
52
Landon Garner
53
Hayden Spence
54
Zac Bryant
62
Kameron Hogan
64
Ryan Jones
66
Lane Flowers
68
Tyler Sumerel
22
MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
PAST THREE SEASONS
the way will be seniors Lane Flowers and Danville has gone 8-23 in the previous Tyler Sumerel. “We are going to look to drive the ball on three seasons. After a 0-10 season in 2018, the Hawks bounced back with five offense,” said McGregory. “If we score on the first play, I won’t complain, but I would wins in 2019. prefer us to dominate time of possession and move the sticks.” “What are we trying to sell today? Are we looking to make excuses for why we failed, or are we going to learn and The Hawks return three starters from move forward?” last season in defensive end Ryan Jones, linebacker Justice Huff and safety Ethan Sapp. “We need to put players in a position Danville will be looking to replace to make plays to help our defense,” said Luke Nail, a UNA signee. Dylan Parker McGregory. and Gage Taylor are in a battle to see who can step up and take hold of the position. The 2020 season will be their The first two games of the season with first season of varsity football. Brewer and Falkville help define the “We need to see Parker or Taylor step Danville season. Danville lost both games up and take control of the offense,” said last season and will use these two to see McGregory. where they are in 2020. A region game to watch will be the road game at Lauderdale County Sept. 11. The The Hawks will be returning seven Tigers finished tied for first place in the region last season and advanced to the starters on offense. Leading the way will be running backs second round of the playoffs. Cameron Moore and Ethan Sapp. Moore rushed for 915 yards and 12 touchdowns on 157 carries last season. He also had 19 “For this team to be successful, we receptions for 235 yards and a touchdown. need to find a quarterback to manage The key to Danville’s offense will be its the offense,” said McGregory. “If our offensive line. The Hawks are returning quarterback position develops, we are all five starters from last season. Leading going to be hard to handle on offense.”
WORDS TO GROW BY
DEFENSE
QUARTERBACK
MUST-SEE GAMES
OFFENSE
FINAL WORD
SCHEDULE *Region game
Aug. 21
Brewer
Aug. 28
at Falkville
Sept. 4
at Colbert Heights*
Sept. 11
atLauderdaleCounty*
Sept. 18
East Lawrence*
Sept. 25
Priceville
Oct. 2
Open
Oct. 9
Elkmont*
Oct. 16
at Clements*
Oct. 23
Phil Campbell*
Oct. 30
at Lawrence County
Wishing all area teams a successful season!
2713 Spring Avenue SW • Owner: Jeff Johnson
363343-1
For all your equipment and party rental needs call us! 256-350-3333
BY RUSSELL FRYE he Blue Devils will be stepping up to Class 2A for the 2020 season. Their new home will be Class 2A, Region 7. Their region opponents will be Tanner, Whitesburg Christian, Ider, Section, North Sand Mountain and Pisgah. Falkville will face five teams that made the playoffs this past season, but only two of those – North Sand Mountain and Pisgah – are in their region. The Blue Devils open the season at home with non-region games against Decatur Heritage and Danville. They will travel to Cold Springs Sept. 25
24
MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
and to Winston County to close out the regular season.
regular season 6-4 and tied for second in the region.
HEAD COACH
PAST THREE SEASONS
Tyler Mitchell will be starting his second season as head coach of the Blue Devils. He led Falkville to the most wins, seven, for a first-year head coach since Daryl Burnham, who went 7-4 in his first season in 1985.
Falkville is 25-10 over the previous three seasons. That is the most wins over a three-year period in school history. The previous high was 22 wins in 2013-15 under Coach Joel Schrenk. The win total includes two playoff victories.
PAST SEASON
WORDS TO GROW BY
The 2019 season saw the Blue Devils go 7-5 and make it back to the second round of the playoffs for the second consecutive season. They finished the
“‘What kind of legacy are we going to leave behind for the players who follow you?’ is the theme of our season,” said Mitchell.
Peyton Sallee will be returning for his second season leading the offense. “Peyton can draw people toward him and then lead,” said Mitchell. “He has developed a lot of confidence heading into this season.”
OFFENSE Falkville will return eight starters from this past season, including Sallee, running back Christian Angulo and receiver Mikell Philyaw. Angulo is a three-time All-State
player looking to join a select group of Alabama high school players to be named to the All-State team for all four years of high school. He finished with 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns on 169 carries last season. He also caught a touchdown pass and threw for two more scores. Philyaw, another All-State selection, had 48 receptions for 721 yards and nine touchdowns while returning two kicks for touchdowns last season. Mitchell said the offensive line will lead the way for the Blue Devils. They
have two returning senior starters in center Terry Crawford and left tackle Gabe Dailey. Joining them will be Jackson Blackwell, a transfer from Jasper.
DEFENSE The Blue Devils will return 10 starters on defense, including linebackers Luke Fitzgerald and Wyatt Tomlin, to go along with defensive lineman Kaden Bennett and defensive backs Angulo, Philyaw and Wyatt King. “Fitzgerald is the heart and soul of
Have a Great Season
FALKVILLE BLUE DEVILS!
“Our Quality Stands Alone” 256-784-5535 | 96 Buster Road | Falkville, AL 35622 www.lonewolftrailerco.com • info@lonewolftrailerco.com MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
363384-1
QUARTERBACK
25
ROSTER ROSTER No.
Name
1
Austin Vest
2
Kole Fitzgerald
3
Wyatt King
4
Lawson Tew
5
Matt Fetner
6
Jackson Edmonson
7
Caden Burnett
8
Christian Angulo
9
Dawson Fowler
10
Austin Holmes
11
Hunter Franklin
12
Andrew Jones
13
Avery Bramlett
14
Jordan Greenfield
15
CJ Jones
18
Peyton Sallee
21
Gavin Lee
22
Mikell Philyaw
24
Thomas Williams
25
Gavin Bengard
28
Daniel Morris
32
Owen Teague
33
Luke Fitzgerald
34
Hunter Owens
42
Austin Melson
50
Ben Whited
52
Brock Puckett
53
Gabe Dailey
55
Lorenzo Ochoa
58
Kaden Bennett
60
Caleb Duling
62
Keenyan Nappier
63
Flint Smith
64
Cody White
66
Eli Teague
67
Terry Crawford
FINAL WORD
69
Jackson Blackwell
“We need to continue to work hard every day to be the team we want to be,” said Mitchell. “Our kids are hungry to get back to the playoffs and work to get past the second round for the first time in school history.”
70
Austin Drinkard
77
Kody Peebles
80
Cedric Beavers
81
Wyatt Tomlin
88
David Lockhart
our defense,” said Mitchell. He was a an interception, while Philyaw had 69 1A All-State selection after compiling tackles and an interception. 94 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss, five sacks, one fumble recovery and two forced fumbles. Falkville opens the season with Angulo finished with 68 tackles and two rivals in Decatur Heritage and Danville. The Decatur Heritage game was a one-score game this SCHEDULE past season that decided the region *Region game championship. The Blue Devils scored twice in the final four Aug. 21 Decatur Heritage minutes to pull out a 34-21 win. Aug. 28 Danville A region game to watch will be in week Sept. 4 Whitesburg Christian nine, when the Blue Devils travel to Sept. 11 at Pisgah North Sand Mountain Oct. 23 in a game Sept. 18 Open that could determine the region title.
MUST-SEE GAMES
Sept. 25
at Cold Springs
Oct. 2
at Section
Oct. 9
Tanner
Oct. 16
Ider
Oct. 23
at North Sand Mountain
Oct. 30
at Winston County
26
MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
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. Since my election in 1996, I have made every effort to serve you and simplify the process of ad valorem property tax for the citizens of Morgan County. To accomplish this goal, our website offers online property tax data, tax maps, and online payment services to the public. We have satellite offices in Hartselle and Lacey’s Spring for your convenience. I appreciate the support and trust you have placed in me as Revenue Commissioner of Morgan County. It is my goal and privilege to continue to serve you, and I look forward to every opportunity to make a difference for you and Morgan County. Thank you,
m rgan county teams this t AGE 65 OR OLDER 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.
TAX SALE Each May, tax delinquent property is auctioned off to the highest bidder in front of the Morgan County Courthouse in Decatur, Alabama. Tax sale property is advertised during the month of April. The tax sale will be Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Go to our website, www.morgancountyrevenue.com, to view a list of delinquent properties.
HOW TO CONTACT US Appraisal Division Assessment Division Collection Division
256-351-4694 256-351-4690 256-351-4691
Mapping Division Business Personal Property Board of Equalization
256-351-4698 256-351-4862 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.
Morgan County Courthouse
Amanda G. Scott, CPA Revenue Commissioner P.O. Box 696 Decatur, AL 35602
302 Lee Street, NE Second Floor Decatur, AL 35601
Hartselle Satellite Office
Lacey’s Spring Satellite Office
241 Highway 31, SW Crestwood Shopping Center Suite 10 Hartselle, AL 35640
423 Union Hill Road Somerville, AL 35670 Mon.-Thurs. 6:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
www.morgancountyrevenue.com
363368-1
Mailing Address
MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
27
BY RUSSELL FRYE riceville moves from Region 7 to Region 8 in Class 4A for the 2020 season. The region is a familiar one to the Bulldogs, as they played in it two years ago. The eight-team region includes Deshler, Brooks, Rogers, Wilson, Central-Florence, West Limestone and West Morgan. The Bulldogs will play out-of-region games at Brewer Aug. 28, at Danville Sept. 25 and at home against St. John Paul II to close out the regular season. Priceville will face six teams that made the playoffs this past season – including Deshler, which advanced to the third round.
HEAD COACH Chris Foster is entering his second season as the head coach for the Bulldogs. The former Brookwood assistant coach went 8-4 in his first season at the helm. His eight
28
MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
QUARTERBACK
wins were the highest win total for a first-year head coach at Wyatt Hurt will be returning for his Priceville. second season as starting quarterback. “Wyatt is a lead-by-example player,” said Foster. “He has picked up a lot of The Bulldogs finished 8-4 and confidence in returning with the same advanced to the second round of the offense for the second year in a row.” state playoffs. It was a record-setting year for the Priceville offense, as they rushed for 4,100. They averaged 380.3 Priceville will return five starters on yards and 29.6 points per game. offense, including Hurt, running back Jerry Burton and tackle Tyler Cappi. Burton is coming off a recordPriceville is 12-20 over the previous setting season during which he ran three seasons under three different for 2,510 yards and 33 touchdowns and head coaches. The 8-4 mark in 2019 was named to the 4A All-State team. was the Bulldogs’ fourth winning “Burton has worked on being a leader season since they started varsity play coming into his senior season,” said in 2004 and tied for most wins in a Foster. Cappi returns for his second season season. as the starting left tackle. He recorded 68 pancake blocks and graded out at 90 “We want to be the most physical percent in blocking in 2019. He was a team on the football field,” said Foster. 4A All-State second-team selection.
PAST SEASON
OFFENSE
PAST THREE SEASONS
WORDS TO GROW BY
Jerry Burton runs a drill with other players during a practice at Priceville High School.
Good Luck Priceville Bulldogs!
474 HWY. 67 S • PRICEVILLE, AL Located in Foodland Plaza • 256-353-0100
MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
363986-1
Have a Great Season
29
ROSTER
DEFENSE The Bulldogs return six starters on defense and will be led by linebackers senior John Looney and junior Tristan Holmes. Looney finished the past season with 94 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Holmes added 93 tackles, nine tackles for loss and three sacks. Cappi will also return on the defensive line after recording 53 tackles and seven tackles for loss.
MUST-SEE GAMES Rivalry games are always important in football, and the Bulldogs face three county rivals throughout the season. They open at Brewer Aug. 28 and then go to West Morgan Sept. 4 for a region matchup. They close out their rivalry games Sept. 25 at Danville, which won a 26-25 nail-biter last season. West Limestone will be a region game to watch at Bulldog Stadium Oct. 23. It will be a matchup of star players between Burton and the Wildcats’ River Helms. Helms is a big-time recruit with numerous offers from schools in the SEC and ACC.
FINAL WORD “We are going to determine our success by how we come out and compete every day,” said Foster.
SCHEDULE *Region game
Aug. 21
West Point
Aug. 28
at Brewer
Sept. 4
at West Morgan*
Sept. 11
Brooks*
Sept. 18
Wilson*
Sept. 25
at Danville
Oct. 2
at Rogers*
Oct. 9
Central Florence*
Oct. 16
Deshler*
Oct. 23
West Limestone*
Oct. 30
St. John Paul II
30
MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
Name
Number
Name
Number
Adam Miller
1
Jake Langlois
44
Jaxon Thomas
2
Riley Wagg
45
Tristan Holmes
3
Austin Caver
48
Gage Galbreath
4
JJ Vallejo
51
John Looney
7
Tristan Akridge
52
Mason Cartee
10
Brody Oliver
54
Dakota Shell
10
Mitchell Marks
55
Wyatt Hurt
11
Blaxton Royster
56
Jackson Prickett
12
Hugh Law
57
Xander Gaines
13
Isaiah Mendoza
58
Cody Kennedy
14
Kadin Crouch
60
Landon Shockley
15
Jacob Sloan
62
Eli Hawkins
16
Koal Legg
63
Peyton Fowler
18
Quade McAfee
64
Reece Young
19
Skylar Estes
65
Brodie Mattox
20
Michael Cherubino
66
J.C. Estes
21
Tyler Cappi
68
Joey Lubisco
22
Garrison Woodall
70
William Baker
23
Chaz Woodall
71
Bailey Rea
25
Gage Hammon
74
Jerry Burton
27
Jonathan Barrientos
76
Kekey Fletcher
29
Luke Bragwell
80
Larson Speegle
30
Asher Beildeman
80
Blitz Clemons
34
Hunter Petty
82
Deacon Hall
36
Mowgli Stephens
86
Caelen McAfee
88
Have a safe and successful school year! From your Superintendent and the Morgan County Board of Education
Proud to Support and Celebrate Student Success! ●
Emphasis on Student Leadership
●
School Resource Officers on every campus
●
Teacher Mentor relationships for all students
●
Career Technical Education in all schools, grades 7-12
●
Nationally Recognized Robotics- Morgan County Mech Tech Robotics
●
A+ College Ready programs in all high schools and middle schools
●
Six-Blue Ribbon Lighthouse Schools of Excellence (Cotaco, Danville-Neel, Priceville Elementary, Priceville Jr. High, MCS Technology Park, Union Hill)
●
Award Winning Morgan County Schools Technology Park
●
District-wide, 9th-12th grade, 1-1 Chromebook initiative
●
Nurses on every school campus
●
Annual District-wide Musical Production
●
Annual Fine Arts Festival
For updates and the latest information, please stay connected to MCS through our social media platforms: - Morgan County Schools
Check your email for our monthly
“Connect” newsletter
Follow us on Twitter
- @MorganCoSchools
Please visit our website: www.morgank12.org
Go to www.morgank12.org and download our app: 363353-1
Like us on Facebook
BY DAVID ELWELL here was some talk before last fall’s reclassification that Austin might slide back down to Class 6A. When the numbers came out from the Alabama High School Athletic Association, the average enrollment for Austin was 1,139.45. That’s seven from the bottom among the 32 schools in 7A. The Class 7A, Region 4 rivals are James Clemens, Florence, Sparkman, Bob Jones, Grissom, Huntsville and Albertville. James Clemens and Florence were first and second in the region last year. Sparkman and Austin were third and fourth. James Clemens and Florence won first round play-off games to advance to the second round. Austin’s out-of-region foes are the season opener at Hartselle Aug. 21; vs. Decatur Aug. 28; and the last game of the season Oct. 29 vs. Mountain Brook, which is now the largest school in Class 6A.
HEAD COACH Jeremy Perkins is beginning his 11th season at Austin. The former
32
MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
Thompson and Hoover assistant coach is the winningest football coach ever at Austin with a 71-44 record. Over the past five years, Austin has gone 46-17 with two region championships and five trips to the playoffs.
PAST SEASON After winning their first five games, the Black Bears lost three of their next five. The three losses were close region games – 24-21 at Sparkman, 36-28 vs. Bob Jones and 27-24 at James Clemens. Austin finished fourth in Region 4 and lost in the first round of the playoffs at Thompson, 54-20.
PAST THREE SEASONS After going up 12-1 in the past season in Class 6A in 2017, the Black Bears have gone 7-4 and 7-4 in their first two years in Class 7A.
WORDS TO GROW ON “I’m excited about this season,” Perkins said. “This team has a world of potential. For everybody’s sake, I hope we get to play it out and see how far we can go.”
ROSTER
QUARTERBACK Senior Quincy Crittendon is back for a second season as the starter. The Class 7A All-State honorable mention selection threw for 2,217 yards and 21 touchdowns last season while completing 114 of 198 passes with four interceptions.
OFFENSE The Black Bears have the potential to be explosive on this side of the ball. Along with Crittendon returning, Austin also has All-State receiver Tre Shackelford and running back Jevon Jackson. Both seniors have several Division I offers. Shackelford averaged nearly 22 yards a reception as Austin’s leading receiver last year. He had 40 catches for 872 yards and 10 touchdowns. Jackson rushed for 893 yards and 10 touchdowns, caught 14 passes for 268 yards and three touchdowns and returned one kickoff for a touchdown. Four starters return in the offense line: seniors Alex Machado, Colton Collier,
Jaylon Munford and Griffin Sikes.
DEFENSE The Black Bears return six starters on defense. Senior nose guard Jalik Malone did a great job last year clogging up the interior of the line while making 74 tackles. Senior Daiontrelle Hubbard returns at defensive end, and senior linebackers Braxton Lyle, Jakari Fuller and Ronald Fletcher are also back. After last season, the defensive backfield looked like a weakness going into this season with only senior Jaden Baker returning. Now it might turn out to be a strength. Senior Kendall Scales, who split time last year between offense and defense, is expected to start in the defensive backfield. Junior Tra Stover has transferred in from Madison Academy, and junior Eddie Mitchell, who is a talented basketball player, is expected to contribute in the defensive backfield in his first year to play football.
No.
Name
No.
Name
1
Kendall Scales
44
Michael Glenn
2
Tucker Montgomery
45
Isaac Falero
3
Talon Ward
46
Jordan Ross
4
Tre Shackelford
47
Garrett Ward
5
Tra Stover
48
Leonel Ramirez
6
Jaden Baker
49
Jayden Burton
7
Zyan Bell
50
Garrett Hale
8
Braxton Lyle
51
LaJalyn Fletcher
9
Eddie Mitchell
52
Jeremiah Ayers
10
Quincy Crittendon
53
Colby Ward
11
Jadyn MaClin
54
Griffin Sikes
12
Gage Palmer
55
Daiontrelle Hubbard
13
Jeffrey Givens
56
Wyatt Albrecht
14
Winston Lyle
57
Jaylon Munford
15
Bralyn Robinson
58
RJ Austin
16
Bryson Claiborne
59
Colton Collier
17
DeAir Young
60
Brodie Crisler
18
Logan Beasley
61
Nicholas Ballentine
19
Jake Bailey
64
Preston Loggins
20
Martel Munday
65
Amari Pointer
21
Tyler Cooper
67
Trace Carlisle
22
Jevon Jackson
68
Blake Griffin
23
Noah Flood
70
Alex Machado
24
James Mitchell
71
Jayden Ashford-Ricks
25
Ronald Fletcher
72
Giovanni Johnson
26
Natasha Frassatti
75
Jalen Verser
28
Zach Morrison
76
Marvin Sales
29
Caleb Beard
77
Abdel Abuhmoud
30
Torian Petty
78
Payson Hubbard
31
Mynor Godinez
79
Dahntay Birt
32
Keilan Williams
80
Jalen Mitchell
33
Jakari Fuller
84
Toney Cowley
34
Braylin Boulden
85
Julien Stewart
35
Mykael Burton
89
Lenarion Wynn
36
Braeden Young
90
Jeremiah Burgess
37
Charles Perry
91
Jacob Wiley
38
Jayden Wynn
92
Amarion Chapman
39
Fred Porter
94
Mantez Thompson
40
Collier French
95
Jalik Malone
41
Tyler Eady
96
Kamarion Swinney
42
Zmari Bell
97
Aidan Crisler
43
Druce Clarke
98
Ryan Keenum
99
Jaidon Jamison
MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
33
SCHEDULE *Region game
MUST-SEE GAMES When it comes to must-see games, you can take your pick of Austin’s first five. The first two games are huge rivalry matchups at Hartselle and at home vs. Decatur. Austin then
opens region play with the three teams that finished ahead of them last season – vs. Florence, vs. James Clemens and at Sparkman. Winning two of those three region games should mean a good chance to be in the playoffs. Winning all three games should mean a good chance
Aug. 21
at Hartselle
Aug. 28
Decatur
Sept. 4
Florence*
Sept. 11
James Clemens*
Sept. 18
at Sparkman*
Sept. 25
Open
Oct. 2
at Grissom*
Oct. 9
at Huntsville*
Oct. 16
Albertville*
Oct. 23
at Bob Jones*
Oct. 29
Mountain Brook (Thursday)
at a home game in the first round of the playoffs.
FINAL WORD “After two years in 7A, I think we are ready to turn the corner on being where we need to be to compete in the playoffs,” Perkins said.
MarMacCommercial.com 34
MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
363298-1
Local, National and Internationally Connected
BY DAVID ELWELL
lass 6A, Region 8 is the new home for the Red Raiders. It looks a lot like Class 6A, Region 7 did the past two years, with Hartselle, Athens, Cullman, Muscle Shoals and Columbia. Madison County schools Hazel Green and Buckhorn round out the list to make it an eight-team region. Decatur’s out-of-region games are vs. Russellville in Thursday’s season opener, at Austin Aug. 28 and at Huntsville in the season finale. Huntsville is Decatur’s longestrunning rivalry with 90 meetings. Decatur leads the series 52-32-6.
HEAD COACH This is season No. 25 as Decatur head coach for Jere Adcock. His record is 172-102. The 64-year-old is the fifth head coach at Decatur since 1933, when H.L. “Shorty” Ogle came to the River City.
PAST SEASON
QUARTERBACK
The 2019 season was not a good one for the Red Raiders (2-8). The defense matched a school record by giving up 327 points. The 1966 team went 0-10 while giving up the same number of points. The last time Decatur won as few as two games was in 1994 (2-8). That was two years before Adcock became head coach.
Grayson Vermeire will be directing the offense. The senior saw quite a bit of duty last season after starter Turner Stepp was lost for the season with a shoulder injury. Adcock said Vermeire ended the season with a solid performance in a 21-14 loss at Sparkman. “Grayson has worked hard to improve at quarterback, and he’s really taken on the role of leader of this team,” Adcock said.
PAST THREE SEASONS The Red Raiders are 13-19 over the Past three seasons. It’s been a decade of winning records in the even years and losing records in the odd years.
OFFENSE
The Red Raiders return seven starters with Vermeire, running back Keandre Williams, receiver Charlie Taylor, H-back Ethan Bates “I did a poor job last year getting our and linemen Banks Murphree, Carter team to where we needed to be so we McCollum and Hunter Claborn. The hope is that experience from could be as competitive as possible,” Adcock said. “It was like we were 2019 can lead to improvement in 2020. searching for answers all season and Last season the Red Raiders scored more than 17 points in three games. could never find them.”
WORDS TO GROW ON
MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
35
ROSTER
36
MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
No.
Name
No.
Name
1
Josh Turner
40
Wyatt Smith
3
Banks Dement
41
Levia Croskey
3
Ryan Kirk
42
Reeves Hardin
4
Ellis Dickman
43
Austin Cammon
6
Sam Stephenson
45
Tenarius Fennell
6
Keandre Williams
46
Damon Lamb
7
Grayson Vermeire
49
Max Parker
8
Owen Poovey
50
Adolpho Soto
8
Put Webster
51
Kamerin Sandlin
9
Jayden Brown
52
Nikii Asher
9
Bradin Dupper
53
Banks Murphree
10
Jack Sturges
54
Richard Crisantos
12
Mac Hillis
55
Cooper Lovett
14
Z.J. Matthews
56
Jacob McRae
15
Trey Ayers
57
Wilian Lopez
16
Teandre Williams
58
Crawford Fite
17
Tommy Cazier
59
Markus Harris
17
Charlie Zalusky
60
Carter McCollum
18
Jamarrie Washington
61
David Camacho
19
Paxtin Dupper
63
Michael Kellogg
20
Jack Waller
64
Alex Kmoch
21
Chandler Moore
65
Ian Bouchillon
21
Charlie Taylor
66
Ward Bouchillon
22
Jyron McDaniel
67
Cody Dobbins
23
Andrew Davis
70
Foster Nelson
24
Kolby Brown
71
Matthew Smith
24
Cage Davidson
72
Hunter Claborn
25
Devin Walker
73
Luke Bouchillon
26
Tim Perry
74
Kody Asher
27
Zeryn Williams
75
Ashton Lowery
28
Dekaron Tate
76
Compton Mullican
29
Jackson Thatch
77
D.J. Matthews
30
Dayton Swoopes
79
Jake Burnes
31
Ja’Koby Harris
80
Damaury Thomas
32
Cameron Clopton
82
Brian Cole
33
Darnell Long
83
Zorrey Barr
34
Mylon Miller
86
John Jimenez
36
Jarome Moore
89
C.J. Brown
37
Kendall Scott
90
Braxton Thomas
38
Ethan Bates
92
Thomas Fisher
39
Chase Jones
93
Jaiden Freeman
96
Gavin Barbee
DEFENSE Adcock said the goal for an improved defense depends on how well the Red Raiders can stop the run. “Even though most teams line up in the spread, the game has evolved more into a physical game running the football,” Adcock said. “If you can’t stop the run, you can’t win.” The coach said he hopes a couple of position changes make a big difference. Kamerin Sandlin moves from linebacker to nose tackle. Paxtin Dupper moves from linebacker to safety. “Kamerin is the strongest player on the team,” Adcock said. “His low center of gravity makes him perfect for the position. “Paxtin will be like our quarterback on defense. He’s got a lot of football smarts. His job is to get everybody in the right position to make plays, and we have confidence in him.” The linebackers will be Chase
Jones and Banks Dement. Jacob McRae is a returning starter at defensive end; he’s started since he was a freshman. The defensive backfield will be young, with a chance that the four starters could all be sophomores.
MUST-SEE GAMES The River City Rivalry with Austin is always the big game. It’s the second game of the season, Aug. 28, at Austin. The Black Bears will be going for a sixth straight win in the series. In reality, the biggest game of the season could be the season opener at home Thursday with Russellville. If the Red Raiders are going to bounce back from a bad season, a win in the first game would be huge.
SCHEDULE *Region game
Aug. 20
Russellville (Thursday)
Aug. 28
at Austin
Sept. 4
at Muscle Shoals*
Sept. 11
Hartselle*
Sept. 18
at Buckhorn*
Sept. 25
Open
Oct. 2
Cullman*
Oct. 9
Hazel Green*
Oct. 16
at Columbia*
Oct. 23
Athens*
Oct. 29
Huntsville (Thursday)
FINAL WORD “We are going to be a sophomoreheavy football team this season,” Adcock said. “I like the work ethic,
and I see a lot of good chemistry in the fieldhouse and on the field. I really enjoy watching this team grow.”
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MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
37
BY MATTHEW SPEAKMAN est Morgan joins Priceville in moving west to compete with Florence-area teams in Class 4A. The Rebels will be in Region 8 with Brooks, Central-Florence, Deshler, Priceville, Rogers, West Limestone and Wilson. West Morgan fell to Priceville 24-22 this past season but did not face any of its new region opponents in 2019. Its non-region schedule features Good Hope, East Lawrence and Leeds. “Historically speaking, it does hurt not having all of those Morgan County games we had the first two years,” West Morgan coach Mikel Riggs said. “We’re gonna miss those, but it will be neat to go play some people who we haven’t played in a long time.”
PAST SEASON
these guys that they can do some things and win some ball games.”
The Rebels rallied in the back half of the season after losing the first four games, including two region losses – to Randolph 32-25 and Danville 35-8. They then strung together two wins in a row and finished the season with a 3-3 record in their final six games to earn a 3-7 record overall and a 2-5 record in region play.
QUARTERBACK
HEAD COACH
WORDS TO GROW ON
MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
SCHEDULE
PAST THREE SEASONS
A big senior class led West Morgan to its best season of the 2010s in 2017 – the final year with coach John Ritter. The Rebels went 10-2 and made it to the Class 3A playoffs, where they beat Holly Pond 35-0 before losing to Sylvania 48-21 in the second round. Ritter left to coach at Russellville. Riggs took over, going 1-9 and 3-7 in his first two years. West Morgan is 14-18 in West Morgan made minor the past three seasons. improvements in the second year under Riggs. After going 1-9 two seasons ago, his team went 3-7 this “We have a lot of potential because past year. Three of West Morgan’s we have a lot of returning players,” four wins under Riggs have come in Riggs said. “Potential is useless if you region play. don’t tap into it. We want to convince
38
Glavine Segars returns for his third year as the Rebels’ starter. The 5-foot8 quarterback is experienced with the system, and Riggs said he will be a strong leader for the Rebels.
*Region game
Aug. 20
Good Hope (Thursday)
Aug. 28
at East Lawrence
Sept. 4
Priceville*
Sept. 11
at Deshler*
Sept. 18
West Limestone*
Sept. 25
at Leeds
Oct. 2
at Central Florence*
Oct. 9
Brooks*
Oct. 16
at Wilson*
Oct. 23
Rogers*
Oct. 30
Open
“He brings confidence to the offense and to his teammates,” Riggs said. “He’s not the biggest or the strongest, but he knows how to compete. His teammates believe he will get the job done.”
OFFENSE The Rebels return 10 starters, with junior running back Adam Lucas leading the way. Lucas rushed for 1,128 yards and eight touchdowns this past season. Senior tight end Jakobe Griffin also returns to give Segars a big target at 6-foot-4. Riggs said he also expects the team to be strong up front with multiple multi-year starters, including seniors Elijah Dumas, Evan Newman and Nate Alexander as well as juniors Marcus Jones and Owen Coffey.
ROSTER No.
Name
No.
Name
6
Sebastian Pendegraph
50
Gavin Walden
7
Caleb Terry
51
Jacobie Fletcher
10
Kaden Cook
52
Nathan Alexander
11
Cade Alexander
53
Cameron Ennis
12
Ja’Maury Burgess
54
Tyus Smith
13
Cam Schreiber
55
Garrett McCurry
14
Braxton Peters
56
Daniel Johnson
15
Glavine Segars
57
John Mendez
16
Dylan Draper
59
Owen Coffey
18
Andrew Bradford
60
Dakota Cockrell
19
Lou Segars
61
Elijah Dumas
20
Connor Dillard
62
Trevor Morgan
21
Jalen Fletcher
64
Braxton Terry
22
Jakobe Griffin
65
Camden Seal
24
Malachi Chambers
70
Marcus Jones
25
Adam Lucas
71
Tate Neal
26
Blake Suggs
72
Matt Bean
28
Antonio Townsend
73
Ashton Coviak
29
Harrison Johnson
74
Elijah Bice
30
Tate Cottingham
75
Ignacio Hernandez
32
Tenner Terry
76
Dallas Draper
33
Ti’airrius Mosely
77
Evan Newman
34
Ashton Garland
78
Alex Garcia
40
James Jones
80
Matt Glenn
42
Wes Bradford
81
Daniel Laporte
43
Matthew Jones
82
Hunter Harkins
44
Gage Waits
84
Kodee Teague
DEFENSE West Morgan will have seven returning starters on defense, but the Rebels lost Tyler Pendegraph, who had 48 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss this past season. Newman and Nate Alexander return on the defensive line. Junior Cade Alexander will lead the linebackers. Senior Drew Bradford, senior Caleb Terry and junior Kaden Cook will be key pieces in the secondary.
MUST-SEE GAMES West Morgan will face non-region opponent East Lawrence in Week 1 Aug. 28 for the first time since 2017, when the Rebels won 55-0. The two teams have met 35 times dating back to 1979. All but four of the matchups have been non-region games. Region games against Brooks and Deshler will also be important tests. “Our kids are already excited about (playing East Lawrence),” Riggs said. “When I told the players that game was back on the schedule, they were chomping at the bit to start getting ready.”
FINAL WORD “Our goal is to get to October and play our best football,” Riggs said. “Hopefully, at that point, we will have won enough to make the playoffs. I think this group has a chance to do that.”
MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
39
BY DAVID ELWELL
ecatur Heritage makes the move west to Class 1A, Region 8, where R.A. Hubbard continues to be perhaps the biggest region rival. Other region opponents this season are Cherokee, Hackleburg, Phillips, Shoals Christian, Vina and Waterloo. Decatur Heritage is familiar with most of the new region opponents. The Eagles played Phillips and Shoals Christian as non-region opponents last season. This year’s non-region opponents are Falkville, Colbert Heights and Woodville.
40
MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
HEAD COACH
Decatur Heritage lost 14 seniors from last year’s team – that includes four Steve Meek is beginning his 10th All-State players in offensive lineman season leading the Eagles. His record Carter Sample, linebacker Hank at Decatur Heritage is 67-36, with Davis, running back Colton Keith and two region championships and six defensive back Jackson Kyle. consecutive playoff appearances.
PAST SEASON The Eagles (12-1) matched a school record with 12 wins this past season before falling to Mars Hill Bible in the third round of the 1A state playoffs, 42-21. Mars Hill Bible advanced to the state championship game before losing to Lanett, 41-30.
PAST THREE SEASONS
It’s been three years of success with a 27-8 record and three playoff appearances.
WORDS TO GROW ON “We lost a lot from last year, but I’m excited about what we have coming back,” Meek said. “It’s an
ROSTER
SCHEDULE *Region game
William Barnett
Aug. 21
at Falkville
Tyler Founds
Aug. 28
Colbert Heights
Michael Cheng
Sept. 4
at Phillips*
Justin Densmore
Sept. 11
at Vina*
Lemzel Johnson
Sept. 18
at Shoals Christian*
Jack Slyman
Sept. 25
Woodville
Maddux Terry
Oct. 2
Waterloo*
Ty Tyson
Oct. 9
at R.A. Hubbard*
Sam Waters
Oct. 16
Cherokee*
Sean Zerkle
Oct. 22
Hackleburg* (Thursday)
Brayden Kyle
Oct. 30
at Winston County
Alex Malone Charlie Moores
opportunity for a lot of young guys to step up. yards and 25 touchdowns. He averaged 21.5 It’s always exciting to see how young players yards a catch and 143.5 yards a game. The 80 catches were the most in any classification accept a new challenge.” last season. When Decatur Heritage does run the ball, After two years in a three-player rotation, expect senior Michael Cheng and junior Tyler junior Brayden Kyle is ready to be the man Olive to be the main backs. The biggest challenge for Decatur Heritage leading the offense. Kyle has experience after playing many meaningful minutes at the could be in the offensive line. There’s one starter returning in senior Justin Densmore. position over the past two seasons. “Brayden has paid his dues since he was a Linemen being counted on to step up are Sam little squatty fellow taking snaps,” Meek said. Waters, Lemzel Johnson, Saxon Sample and “He’s got a big arm, and we definitely have to Charlie Hellard. The Eagles might have to count on some eighth-graders for depth. take advantage what he can do.” Sophomore Bo Solley will be backing up Kyle. Six starters return on an undersized defense that counts on quick-hitting gang tackling. One of the returning starters is Founds at For the previous five seasons, the Decatur Heritage offensive scheme has been to pound defensive back. He had six interceptions and 57 the defense with one of the Keith brothers at tackles in nine games and got an All State nod. Olive and Cheng are expected to man the running back. It would be hard to argue with the success. inside linebacker spots, with Nash Rippen Older brother Jackson in 2015 and 2016 at outside linebacker. Sample will be the and younger brother Colton for the past nose guard. Tyson will be in the defensive three years combined for 5,851 yards and 62 backfield. touchdowns in 62 games. The Keith pipeline has gone dry, but that might be OK. Because of Kyle’s arm, the The Falkville game is always big. This Eagles might become more of a passing season the rivalry is the season opener Aug. team. There’s a talented group of receivers 21 at Falkville. Decatur Heritage has won two returning in Alex Malone, Maddux Terry, out of the past three meetings, but Falkville Tyler Founds, Cole O’Brien and Ty Tyson. leads the series, 4-2. Two newcomers could make the pass receiving group even better. Seniors Sean Zerkle and Jack Slyman have transferred “Last year was a special season with a from St. John Paul II in Huntsville. special group of young men,” Meek said. “I Zerkle was a Class 4A first-team All-State hope this group can recapture the way we selection last year with 80 receptions for 1,720 played last year.”
QUARTERBACK
DEFENSE
OFFENSE
MUST-SEE GAMES
FINAL WORD
Cole O’Brien Tyler Olive Nash Rippen Saxon Sample Brian Brown Charlie Hellard Mac Hurst Jacob Belcher Josh Murray Willis Orr Bryant Pitts Bo Solley Aiden Waldrep Ben Abercrombie Shine Barran Jasper Miller Jasper Mullican Sam Cochran Harrison Hardy Prince Holyfield Luke McGee Andrew Rodriguez Jackson Rollins Connor Sivley Paxton Tarver
Brady Wilson Tag Love Ford Sparkman John Vincent Cooper Williams
MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
41
42
MORGAN COUNTY FOOTBALL 2020
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