CONTRIBUTORS
RUSSELL FRYE
WRITER
Russell Frye is a freelance sportswriter for the Hartselle Enquirer. He covers sports for Hartselle, Danville, Falkville, Brewer, and Priceville High Schools. He is married to Tammie and has three children, two who are grown, and Nastia who is in the ninth grade.
CALEB SUGGS WRITER
Caleb Suggs is a sportswriter for the Decatur Daily and the sports editor for the Moulton Advertiser. A Hartselle High alum, he enjoys covering Morgan County high school sports online and in print. He is married to Callie and they have one son, Nash.
JERONIMO NISA
PHOTOGRAPHER
Jeronimo Nisa, who is originally from Spain, has been a photojournalist with The Decatur Daily since 2008. He earned a master’s degree in photojournalism from the University of MissouriColumbia. He previously worked for radio and news agencies in Italy and South Africa. If he’s not taking pictures, he’ll probably be riding his bicycle.
TRISTAN HOLMES
PHOTOGRAPHER
Tristan Holmes is a young freelance photographer who has contributed regularly to The Decatur Daily since his graduation from Priceville High School. He is a student at Calhoun Community College. He is pursuing a marketing degree with plans to transfer to the University of North Alabama. Holmes's "behind the lens moments" involve local high school sports, Elevate the Stage gymnastics, the Huntsville Havoc, and many community-wide events. Check out Holmes on Facebook at PrimePhotography.
(L to R): Ben Ellenburg, Danville; Bryant Owens , Falkville; and Noah Lee, Hartselle
Photo by JERONIMO NISA
Managing Editor REBEKAH YANCEY
Contributors
RUSSELL FRYE
CALEB SUGGS
MARIANN PARKER
SHAWNA OLIVER
JERONIMO NISA
JIM MEADOWS
TRISTAN HOLMES
APRIL SHANEYFELT
Marketing
BARETTA TAYLOR
ANNA BAKER
SHELIA SMITH
EDDIE JOHNS
BECKY SPIVEY
CONTACT US
Hartselle Newspapers, LLC
206 Cedar St. NW
P.O.Box 929
Hartselle, AL 35640
Phone: 256-773-6566
Copyright 2024 by Hartselle Newspapers, LLC
The best 1A - 4A matchups for the 2024 season
WEEK 0:
WEST MORGAN AT RANDOLPH
AUG. 23
West Morgan opens the 2024 season with a road trip to Randolph. The matchup features a Randolph team that fell in the first round of the 4A playoffs last season and a Rebels team looking to make another deep run in the playoffs this season. West Morgan defeated Randolph 41-20 last season.
WEEK 1:
ADDISON AT DECATUR HERITAGE
AUG. 30
Addison comes to Decatur Heritage for a non-region matchup. This will be the teams’ first meeting since 2017. Both teams are coming off first round playoff losses last season. Addison leads the series 2-0.
WEEK 2: DESHLER AT DANVILLE
SEPT. 6
Danville hosts Deshler for their first Class 4A Region 8 home game. It will be their first matchup since 2019 when the Tigers defeated the Hawks 44-6 in the 1st round of the 4A playoffs. Deshler leads the series 3-0.
WEEK 3:
PRICEVILLE AT WEST MORGAN
SEPT. 13
West Morgan welcomes Priceville for a non-region matchup. This will be the team's
first matchup since 2021 when the Bulldogs defeated the Rebels 24-7. Priceville leads the series 8-4.
WEEK 4:
FALKVILLE AT SOUTHEASTERN
SEPT. 20
Falkville travels to Remlap for a region matchup with Southeastern. This is the teams’ first matchup since 2015 when Falkville won 55-0. The Mustangs advanced to the second round of the 2A playoffs last season while Falkville missed out on the playoffs.
WEEK 5:
FALKVILLE AT COLBERT HEIGHTS
SEPT. 27
Falkville travels to Colbert Heights for a nonregion matchup. This will be the team's first meeting since 2003. Both teams missed out on the 2023 playoffs.
WEEK 6:
DECATUR HERITAGE AT FALKVILLE
OCT. 4
Decatur Heritage makes the short trip to Falkville for a non-region matchup. Falkville won the last matchup in 2021 by a 34-20 score. The Blue Devils lead the series 6-2.
WEEK 7: WEST MORGAN AT DANVILLE
OCT. 11
Danville welcomes West Morgan for a region game as the Hawks move up to Class 4A. This
will be the first matchup of the two county rivals since 2019, when Danville broke a 13-game losing streak in the series with a 35-8 win.
WEEK 8:
DECATUR HERITAGE AT RED BAY
OCT. 18
The Eagles find themselves in the midst of a four-game road trip as they travel to Red Bay for a region matchup. Both teams fell in the first round of the 2023 playoffs. This will be the first-ever meeting between the Eagles and the Tigers.
WEEK 9: DANVILLE AT ST. JOHN PAUL II
OCT. 25
Danville steps out of region play for a trip to St. John Paul II as the season is winding down. This is the first meeting between the two teams since 2019. The Falcons lead the series 2-0.
WEEK 10: DESHLER AT WEST MORGAN
NOV. 1
West Morgan hosts Deshler in a battle of potentially ranked teams with the 4A Region 7 championship on the line. The Rebels cruised to a 56-35 win over Deshler last season. Both teams will bring talented and experienced teams into this season’s matchup that will set the tone for both teams going into the playoffs.
The best 5A - 7A matchups for each week of the 2024 season
WEEK 0: AUSTIN AT HARTSELLE
AUG. 23
Hartselle will open the 2024 season with a visit from Austin. Austin comes into the game with possibly the best offensive team in North Alabama, while the Tigers will rely on a strong defense. The Black Bears won last season 2817. Hartselle leads the all-time series 32-24-1.
WEEK 1: PRICEVILLE AT BREWER
SEPT. 1
Priceville makes the 15-minute trip down Highway 67 to renew their rivalry with Brewer. This will mark the first matchup where the teams are in the same classification. The Bulldogs are coming off a trip to the second round of the 4A state playoffs, while Brewer missed out on the playoffs. The Patriots lead the all-time series 7-5
WEEK 2: SPARKMAN AT AUSTIN
SEPT. 6
The Senators and Black Bears get region play started when Sparkman comes to Decatur for a visit. The last two matchups have been decided by six total points with Austin winning 24-21 in 2022, while Sparkman won 21-18 last season. The Black Bears lead the all-time series 12-10.
WEEK 3: ARAB AT BREWER
SEPT. 13
Brewer and Arab meet for the 15th consecutive season when the Knights come to Tucker Stadium for a region matchup. Arab advanced to the playoffs after finishing in
a three-way tie for first in region play last season. Arab has won the last four meetings in the series and lead 29-13 overall.
WEEK 4: HARTSELLE AT DECATUR
SEPT. 20
Hartselle returns to Decatur for the second consecutive season and will face another new face on the Red Raiders sideline as John Ritter takes the reins. The Tigers won a hard fought 20-19 game last season and have won six in a row in the series but trails Decatur 5931 in the overall series.
WEEK 5: CULLMAN AT BREWER
SEPT. 27
Cullman visits Tucker Stadium for a non-region matchup and continues a series dating back to 1976. The Bearcats are coming off a playoff appearance where they lost to the eventual state champions. Cullman leads the series 25-1, with the lone Patriots’ win coming 30 years ago.
WEEK 6:
HARTSELLE AT CULLMAN
OCT. 4
Hartselle travels to Cullman looking to build off last year’s 42-0 win over the Bearcats, the largest win in the series since 1937. Hartselle has won 12 of the last 15 games in the series and leads the all-time series 51-47-4.
WEEK 7:
PRICEVILLE AT FAIRVIEW
OCT. 11
Priceville and Fairview meet as regional
opponents for the first time since 2019, this time in Class 5A Region 8. The Aggies defeated Priceville 35-0 last season, ending a two-game winning streak in the series for the Bulldogs. Fairview leads the all-time series 6-2.
WEEK 8: AUSTIN AT JAMES CLEMENS
OCT. 18
This week eight matchup should have playoff implications for both teams. Last season, Austin won 28-7 but it was the Jets who won the region after two early season losses for Austin. The Black Bears lead the all-time series 6-4.
WEEK 9:
HARTSELLE AT MUSCLE SHOALS
OCT. 25:
The two teams have combined for arguably two of the best games in North Alabama the last two seasons. It took double overtime for the Trojans to get a 55-49 win over Hartselle last season. This matchup has had significant playoff implications for both teams for the last few seasons. The Tigers lead the all-time series 17-12-1.
WEEK 10: MUSCLE SHOALS AT AUSTIN
OCT. 31
Austin closes out the 2024 season with a visit from perennial playoff contender Muscle Shoals. This matchup will provide both teams a difficult opponent as they look to the 2024 state playoffs. This will be the 11th meeting all-time between the two teams with the Black Bears leading the series 6-4.
HARTSELLE TIGERS
By RUSSELL FRYE
TThe Hartselle Tigers enter the 2024 season under new leadership as Bert Newton replaces Bryan Moore, who left for 7A Opelika.
Newton has been the defensive coordinator for the Tigers since 2017 when he worked under Bob Godsey. He left Hartselle for one season to take the DC position at Vestavia Hills before returning the following season.
Newton will be tasked with continuing the success the Tigers have experienced the past three years under Moore, who went 38-9 in four seasons in Hartselle.
OFFENSE
The offense returns four starters in quarterback Noah Lee, receiver Markus Tapscott and linemen Harrison Tapscott, Nolan Carroll and Jaden Shekell.
QUARTERBACK
Lee returns for his second season as a starter for the Tigers. He replaced last year’s starter, Landon Blackwood, early in the season when he suffered a season-ending leg injury. Lee, who was a starting receiver at the time, came in and led the Tigers to seven wins in the last nine games. He led multiple fourth quarter, game-winning drives in wins over Gadsden City, Oxford, Athens and Decatur despite playing injured since the Gadsden City game.
“I am very excited about what the 2024 season holds,” Lee said. “This offense looks a little different than other Hartselle teams of the past, but this offense has the potential to be just as or more explosive than any of those offenses.”
Lee learned a lot of different lessons last
TEAM INFORMATION
CLASSIFICATION
6A Region 7
2023 RECORD 9-3 (4-1)
HEAD COACH
Bert Newton RECORD 0-0 (1st year)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Will Lang, Matt Praytor, Moose Cole, Carson Daniel, Gary Orr, Grant Lake, Jerry Fulks, Jerrett Holley, Waid Miller, Cy Ellis, John Hardin
LAST STATE TITLE 2011
LAST REGION TITLE 2022
LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2023
Jameson FALCIANI
season in stepping in for his injured friend and teammate.
“I learned so many valuable lessons from my time stepping in last year at quarterback,” Lee said. “From when to know a corner is blitzing to how to encourage a guy on our team whenever he doesn't have his best that day. But the biggest lesson for me last year was dealing with adversity and not running from it, but just leaning into it and trusting my coaches and the guys around me and finding a way to get through whatever stands in our way.”
RUNNING BACKS
Losing an All-State performer like Ri Fletcher is a major blow for the Tigers’ offense, but the coaching staff is excited about the players who will step in and take his spot.
Two players will get most of the carries. Leading the way will be Jaden Morris, who saw action at running back and receiver last season. Joining him will be Jaheem Pruitt, who will see his first varsity action.
“Jaden has the experience to be a good runner for us,” Newton said. “He will be a dual threat for our offense. I am excited to see what Jaheem can do for us. Once he gets
Cole MILES
2024 SCHEDULE
8/23 Austin
8/30 Jackson - Olin
9/6 OPEN
9/13 Columbia * 9/20 @ Decatur * 9/26 Woodlawn 10/4 @ Cullman * 10/11 Athens * 10/18 Jasper * 10/25 @ Muscle Shoals * 11/1 @ Mortimer Jordan
*Region game
2023 RESULTS
@ Austin L 28-17 Jackson-Olin W 35-8
W 42-0 @ Columbia W 44-0
Gadsden City W 31-28 Oxford W 22-21
Muscle Shoals W 55-49 (2OT) Athens W 21-14
@ Decatur W 20-19 OPEN
@ Bob Jones W 35-21
Center Point * W 28-18
Gadsden City * L 22-15
* Playoff game
2023 STATS
comfortable and sees an opening, he has the ability to be gone.”
Joining Morris and Pruitt in the backfield will be fullback Chandler Keel, who saw plenty of snaps last season and started a couple of games. He will help pave the way for the Tigers’ backfield.
RECEIVERS
The Tigers return one starter at wide receiver but will have players in the position that saw extended playing time last season. Markus Tapscott will be the main target for Lee when he looks to pass. Tapscott is a tall, lean receiver, who can dominate smaller defensive backs and win those jump balls when needed. Joining him will be Brady Holt and Trammell Hurley. Holt is a senior who has a good grasp of the position, while Hurley will provide another big body, who can also move over to tight end if needed.
OFFENSIVE LINE
4th
5-YEAR WIN TREND
The strength of this year’s offense will be the Tigers’ offensive line. Coach Matt Praytor’s group has plenty of size and experience that will be needed as the season gets started. Harrison Tapscott leads the line from his center position. He understands how to finish a block and open holes for the offense. Joining him are returning starters Nolan Carroll and Jaden Shekell. Carroll
is undersized but scrappy, while Shekell is athletic and good in pass protection.
Joining the three starters will be newcomers Elijah Guillion and Jalyn Grissom. Guillion had a great off-season according to Newton, while Grissom will provide toughness in the left guard spot.
DEFENSE
The defense returns only four starters but will be the most experienced unit on the field as multiple players saw extended playing time last season. The unit has experience at each level and will be led by Porter Simmons, Jameson Falciani and Jace Preuitt.
DEFENSIVE LINE
The defensive line will be led by Simmons, who will be a four-year starter at defensive end. He has received multiple college offers over the summer and should see more throughout the fall.
“I think we are going to be just fine this year,” Simmons said. “All our guys this year have played varsity ball, and this will be the first season that we really have had a team of upperclassmen.”
Joining Simmons at end will be Eli King, who has plenty of experience and made several huge plays last season. Newcomer Daulton Buntain, who had a great spring, will
Noah LEE
provide much needed size and strength in the middle of the defensive line. Newcomer TJ Sanders will provide depth on the line.
LINEBACKERS
The linebacking corp will be the backbone of the Tigers’ defense heading into the 2024 season. Leading the way will be multi-sport athlete Jameson Falciani, who will be responsible for getting the defense in position each down. Joining him will be Justin Metz and Noah Gibson, who both got plenty of playing time last season. Newcomer Hayden Gray will also see time at linebacker.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
The defensive backs will be led by returning starters Jace Preuitt and Cole Miles. Both players had huge seasons last year as they saw their playing time increase. Each provides a tenacity and energy that is contagious for the entire team. Joining them will be Saban Witt, Carson Jett, Shad Priola, Hudson Buckelew and Chris Hutson. Witt, Buckelew and Hutson saw time at defensive back and on special teams last season.
Markus TAPSCOTT
SPECIAL TEAMS
Newcomer Michael Summers will be handling the kicking duties for the Tigers. He has tremendous leg strength that will be an asset this season.
“When you look at our team, we won’t be the most athletic night in and night out,” Newton said. “But we have a bunch of players who will go to war for each other and play harder than anyone on our schedule.”
COACHING STAFF
The coaching staff will have several new faces in prominent roles and then familiar faces in new roles.
Returning on the offensive side of the ball will be Will Lang (associate head coach/quarterbacks), Matt Praytor (offensive coordinator/offensive line), and Gary Orr (running backs.) Joining the offensive staff will be Carson Daniel
(receivers) and Grant Lake (tight ends/ fullbacks.)
The defensive staff will be led by defensive coordinator and safeties coach Moose Cole. He slides into the position that Coach Newton has held for six out of the last seven years. Newcomer Cy Ellis (special teams coordinator/cornerbacks) joins the veteran staff that includes Jerry Fulks (defensive line), Jerrett Holley
2024 HARTSELLE ROSTER
(linebackers/head strength and conditioning), and Waid Miller (outside linebackers.)
John Hardin returns as the director of football operations.
SCHEDULE
Hartselle plays in 6A Region 7 with Muscle Shoals, Athens, Cullman, Decatur, Columbia and newcomer Jasper, who is moving up from 5A. Returning to the schedule this season will be rival Austin, who comes to JP Cain Stadium to open the season. Also returning will be Jackson-Olin for the third consecutive season. The Tigers will face new foes Woodlawn and Mortimer Jordan to round out the schedule.
“Our most important game this season will be Austin because it is the first game,” Newton said. “After that each and every game will be just as important because it is the next one up.”
Jace PREUITT
BREWER PATRIOTS
By RUSSELL FRYE
TThe Brewer Patriots are heading into the fourth season with coach Matt Plunkett leading the program. The team is looking to finally get over the hump in their rebuilding project.
The Patriots have built a foundation under Plunkett that they hope will lead to bigger things in the 2024 season and beyond.
“We are very excited to get the 2024 football season underway,” Plunkett said. “Our team has been working very hard to build this program the right way. We have lots of challenges but with the right mindset and work ethic anything is possible, and we certainly believe that the sky is the limit for our program.”
OFFENSE
The offense looks to take that final step to get the Patriots in the playoffs for the first time since 2018. They return nine starters, including quarterback Cason Oden and a strong offensive line leading the way.
QUARTERBACK
Oden returns for his second season as a starter at the quarterback position. According
to Plunkett, “Cason has all the intangibles to make the big throws.” Oden had a tremendous summer and heads into the fall as the unquestioned leader of the offense.
RUNNING BACKS
The running back position has two veterans who will split carries for the Patriots. Seniors CJ Watson and Walker Latham are two strong, athletic runners who can pick up the tough yards. Watson has seen time in the backfield the last couple of seasons and has gotten better each year. Latham has had trouble finding a position that fits his strengths until now and looks to have a big season now that he has found a home at running back.
“We've been working really hard this offseason and I'm excited to see it pay off,” Latham said. “I have learned that it is extremely important to lead by example and always maintain integrity because the underclassmen are always looking to us older guys to know what to do. It's bigger than just this year, it is important for us to build a mentality in the program that we will always outwork our opponents and put the team in front of ourselves.”
TEAM INFORMATION
CLASSIFICATION
5A Region 8
2023 RECORD
4-6 (2-4)
HEAD COACH
Matt Plunkett
RECORD
62-54 (12th year)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Jordan Miller, Chase Martin, Cody Lassiter, Matt Latham
LAST REGION TITLE 1997
LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2022
RECEIVERS
The receiving position will be a very explosive unit for the Patriots. There is a lot of skill at the position according to Plunkett. They return three starters in Hunter Knighten, Cam Ballinger and Talon Comfort. All three are lean and athletic and can go up and pull the ball down in traffic. Joining them will be Braylon Comfort, Elijah Alexander and Quamaine Anderson.
“We have some great skill players at receiver who can do things that create explosiveness in our offense,” Plunkett said. “We have adjusted and built this offense to fit our team, and we can't wait to get the season started and see these guys in action.”
OFFENSIVE LINE
The offensive line returns all five starters from last season in Wayne Horton, Brett
2024 SCHEDULE
8/23 @ Hayden 8/30 Priceville
9/6 @ Guntersville * 9/13 Arab * 9/20 OPEN 9/27 Cullman 10/4 Scottsboro * 10/11 @ Boaz * 10/18 Douglas * 10/25 @ Sardis * 11/1 West Point
*Region game
Walker LATHAM
Campbell, Mason Lawrence, Christian Parrish and Isaiah Shackleford. Eli Howell will provide depth in multiple positions.
“This offensive line has six very strong players who can all play and start for Brewer,” Plunkett said. “The sky's the limit for this group. They will be the most experienced and strongest group Brewer has placed on the football field in a very long time.”
DEFENSE
The defense returns seven starters and looks to build on last seasons’ effort. The experience of the unit lies with the defensive line and the secondary. It has taken some time, but coaches believe that they have finally built depth at every position.
DEFENSIVE LINE
The defensive line will be led by returning starters Beau Yancey, Dakota Crawford and Howell. They will be joined by Horton, Isaiah Shackleford and Jesus Gonzalez. All of them will rotate and see plenty of time on the field.
LINEBACKERS
Latham returns to lead the young linebacking unit. Joining him will be Watson,
Derek Correa, Landon Ferguson, Corbin Raines and Cole Drinkard.
“This group of linebackers has some youth, but it also has some great experience and some big-time athletic ability,” Plunkett said. “I am very excited to see this group come together and form into a very important aspect of our defense.”
DEFENSIVE BACKS
The defensive backs will be one of the most athletic groups on the field every night for the Patriots. Micah Edwards, Talon Comfort and Ballinger return as starters. Joining them will be Anderson, Braylon Comfort, Clay Clemons and Knighten.
SCHEDULE
Brewer moves to 5A Region 8 with Arab, Boaz, Douglas, Guntersville, Sardis and Scottsboro. Non-region games include Hayden, Priceville, Cullman and West Point.
“Our schedule will provide for a lot of good games this season,” Plunkett said. “It is filled with teams that made the playoffs last season which will make it one of the more difficult schedules that we have faced. But it gives us a chance to renew old rivalries and start new ones.”
2024 BREWER ROSTER
DANVILLE HAWKS
By RUSSELL FRYE
TThe Danville Hawks take flight into a new classification for the upcoming 2024 season as they move back to Class 4A after spending the last four seasons in Class 3A.
The Hawks are led by coach Andro Williams, who is entering his fourth season at Danville. This season will be his 18th season as a head coach, posting a record of 135-69 in stints at Linden, WS Neal and Danville.
“We are looking forward to the new challenges provided by moving up into Class 4A,” Williams said. “We return a lot of players from last season that we hope can take the next step with the experience they have gained.”
OFFENSE
The offense featured no seniors last season, so each player returning has starting experience on the offensive side of the ball.
QUARTERBACK
Jace Glenn returns as the starter at quarterback. According to Williams, “(Glenn) has worked hard in the offseason but now it is time to take that improvement to the field and be a leader.” Shaun Harris will be the backup quarterback and push Glenn for playing time.
RUNNING BACKS
Christian Rodriguez returns as the starting tailback, but the Hawks have three other
2024 SCHEDULE
8/23 Tharptown
8/30 @ Wilson * 9/6 Deshler * 9/13 West Limestone * 9/20 @ East Lawrence * 9/27 OPEN 10/4 @ Brooks * 10/11 West Morgan * 10/18 @ Hatton *
10/25 @ St. John Paul II 11/1 Central - Florence * *Region game
guys in Colby Reed, Talon Cross and Collin Cagle who will also get carries. Rodriguez burst onto the scene last season for Danville and looks to build on his experience from last year.
RECEIVERS
It will be receivers by committee this season according to Williams. There are several guys that the coaches think can provide explosiveness on the outside and who can stretch the field. They include Houston McClesky, Wyatt Summerford, Ben Ellenburg, Donald Walker, Jr. and Andro Willams, Jr. Tight ends will also play a huge role in the offensive scheme as blockers and receivers. Returning to fill the tight end spots are John Salvia and Matthew Tidwell.
OFFENSIVE LINE
The offensive line gained plenty of experience last season and looks to lead the Hawks as they move into Class 4A. Returning starters include Ryder Reeves, Landon Hanserd, Caden Flowers, Cory Thibodeaux, and Mitchell Owens.
4A Region 7 2023 RECORD 3-7 (2-4) HEAD COACH Andro Williams
RECORD 135-69 (18th Year)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Cody Bowers, Bryant Farley, Justin Helms, Wesley Williams, Rod Gillott LAST REGION TITLE 1995
LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2022
DEFENSE
The defense returns every starter from last season. The defensive line will be the strength of the defense and will be called on to set the tone every night.
DEFENSIVE LINE
The defensive line will be led by Hanserd, Owens and Reeves. Hanserd is coming off a great year and the Hawks coaching staff expects big things from him this season.
Danville offensive line
2023 RESULTS
2024 DANVILLE ROSTER
2023 STATS
WIN TREND
LINEBACKERS
The linebackers will be led by three-year starters Matthew Tidwell and Cole Flowers. They will play the inside positions and be responsible for getting the defense in the correct position pre-snap. The outside positions will be manned by Reed, Salvia and Jakhylen Orr.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
The defensive backs will be the deepest position group on the field for Danville. Cornerbacks will be Cody Barber and Avery Muhammed, while Ellenburg and Walker, Jr will man the safety positions. Joining them will be Harris, Summerford, McClesky and Williams, Jr.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Expectations for the special teams unit are that they will help the Hawks steal a game or two this season. Edward Ocampo returns as the kicker, while Ellenburg, Barber, Harris, Walker, r and Tristan Barrett handle return duties.
SCHEDULE
The Hawks leave behind Class 3A for Class 4A Region 7. They join a region that is packed with talented squads from top to bottom. When people talk about the region, they start with West Morgan, Deshler and Brooks. Joining them are Wilson, West Limestone, East Lawrence, Hatton and Central-Florence. Non-region games include Tharptown and St. John Paul II.
“The new region is very competitive and will give us the opportunity to do great things,” Williams said. “And the most important game on the schedule is Tharptown because they are the first. Then we will concern ourselves with the next one up.”
PRICEVILLE BULLDOGS
By RUSSELL FRYE
CChange is the name of the game for the Priceville Bulldogs heading into the 2024 season. First, they have a new coach in Seth Parker, who is replacing Chris Foster who turned the Bulldogs’ program completely around. Secondly, Priceville will move up in classification from 4A to 5A and will be the smallest public school in the new classification.
Parker comes to Priceville from Bob Jones, where he served as the Patriots’ offensive coordinator for the past three seasons. Before his time as the OC, Parker coached wide receivers for the Patriots.
OFFENSE
The offense returns six starters that will lead the new-look Bulldogs into Class
5A. The strength of the offense will be the offensive line as they return five guys who were starters at some point last season.
“Our team and style will look different from a broad perspective than Priceville teams have in the past due to the style of offense we’re playing,” Parker said. “We will spread it out and put the ball in the air more than we have in the past, but at the end of the day I think there will be more similarities than differences. But the way to win football games is to run the ball and stop the run, and that is still our main goal when entering every game.”
QUARTERBACK
The Bulldogs will look for more offense from the quarterback position this season
TEAM INFORMATION
CLASSIFICATION
5A Region 7
2023 RECORD 5-7 (4-3)
HEAD COACH
Seth Parker
RECORD 0-0 (1st year)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Austin Burke, Zach Linley, Chris Coffey, Wesley Burcham, Brady Earl, Lucas Worley, Jevon Turner, Stephen Ezell, Jonny Pool
LAST REGION TITLE 2022
LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2023
Brody COLLINS and Tyde BORDEN
2024 SCHEDULE
8/23 Columbia
8/30 @ Brewer
9/6 Ardmore *
9/13 @ West Morgan
9/20 East Limestone *
9/27 OPEN
10/4 @ West Point *
10/11 @ Fairview *
10/18 @ Lawrence County *
10/25 Russellville *
11/1 Arab
*Region game
2023 RESULTS
@ Plainview L 21-14
Fairview L 35-0
@ Madison County W 48-21
@ DAR W 50-12
New Hope W 36-14
Scottsboro L 56-21
@ St. John Paul II W 42-18
North Jackson L 40-8
@ Westminster Christian L 36-29
Randolph L 28-24
OPEN
@ Dora * W 18-14
@ Brooks * L 70-42
* Playoff game
in their new offense. Currently, they have a QB battle going on to determine who will lead the team and take the opening snap against Columbia on Aug. 23. The two players battling out are juniors Hudson Eubanks and Sheldon Graham.
"They do things a little differently as Hudson is fast and can run around, while Sheldon is more of a pocket passer that can get the ball out on time,” Parker said. “I'm really excited about that position and think both guys can run the offense the way we want it to be run."
RUNNING BACKS
Running back has been the focus point of the offense since Jerry Burton and Mason Cartee played the game. Blitz Clemons stepped up last season and joined the list of outstanding backs for the Bulldogs. Replacing their production will be difficult but senior Bronson Carroll is looking to step into that role for Priceville.
RECEIVERS
The Bulldog’s offense the last five seasons hasn’t been known to be a passing offense. When Parker took over, he noticed that their roster didn’t have any players listed at receiver. So, he has spent the time in developing a receiving group that will help make the offense more dynamic. One player that he looks to count on is returning starter Brody Collins at tight end.
“Brody is returning from an injury but had a great offseason,” Parker said. “He can be a dual threat for our offense as a receiver
2023 STATS
5th
30.4
5-YEAR WIN TREND
and a blocker. He has great hands and is difficult to tackle but he can also line up and open a running lane for the offense.”
OFFENSIVE LINE
The strength of this year’s offense will be the Bulldogs’ offensive line. Five players return who started games for Priceville last season. The leader of the line will be Cole Oliver.
“Cole will be an anchor on both our offensive and defensive lines,” Parker said. “He is very physical and athletic for a player his size. We will win or lose games based on how well our offensive line performs.”
DEFENSE
The defense returns six starters from last season. The defense will run a new scheme this season that should help the unit perform better overall. The linebacking group will lead the defense. Oliver will lead the new look defensive line.
Tyde Borden and Jack Eubanks will lead the defensive backs.
“Borden is the unquestioned leader of our defense. He led the team in tackles last season and can get to any ball in his area. Eubanks is a sophomore who is a tremendous athlete and leader,” Parker said.
“I'm super excited to get this year started with my guys,” Borden added. “We have an all-new coaching staff that has poured into us all summer and we are ready to show what we can do.”
COACHING STAFF
Joining Parker’s first staff will be Austin Burke (Defensive Coordinator / Strength & Conditioning Coordinator / Asst Head Coach), Zach Linley (Offensive Coordinator / Offensive Line), Chris Coffey (Special Teams Coordinator / Defensive Backs / Running Backs), Wesley Burcham (Wide
Bronson CARROLL
2024 PRICEVILLE ROSTER
JT Miller SR OL / DL
65 Houston Whitten SO OL / DL
68 Will Waters SR OL / DL
70 Trent Wood FR OL / DL
71 John Scott Christman JR OL / DL
74 Deacon Hughes SO OL / DL
75 Damian Ray JR OL
76 Ayden Hogan FR OL
77 Jacob Aldridge SO OL / DL
78 Ryder Doran FR OL / DL
80 Ryder Collier FR WR
84 Keller Richey FR WR
88 Jake Hamilton JR TE / DE
Receivers), Brady Earl (Offensive Line), Lucas Worley (Defensive Line), Jevon Turner (Inside Linebackers), Stephen Ezell (Outside Linebackers) and Jonny Pool (Specialists).
SCHEDULE
Priceville leaves Class 4A where they have played since 2006 and heads to Class 5A Region 7 that includes Russellville, Fairview, Ardmore, East Limestone, West Point and Lawrence County. The Bulldogs will renew their county rivalries with Brewer and West Morgan in non-region play. Priceville will open the season with 6A Columbia and close the season with Arab.
“I think our next game stands out to me the most,” Parker said. “Whoever it may be, I don’t think we’re in a situation where we can look ahead.”
FALKVILLE BLUE DEVILS
By RUSSELL FRYE
TThe Falkville Blue Devils look to rebound from a down season last year that saw them miss the playoffs for the second time in three years.
Coach Seth Ward returns for his fourth season to lead the Blue Devils program. He has a lot of experience working with nine starters returning on offense and six back on defense.
In order to succeed, we just need to play every down with great effort,” Ward said. “Football is simple. Block and tackle. If we do that, we should be in every game. We need to not make it too big and just do our job with great effort and intensity.”
OFFENSE
The offense returns nine starters from last year’s squad, including four starters on the offensive line which should be the strength of the offense.
QUARTERBACK
Landon Powers returns for his second season as a starter. "The experience that Landon got last season should give him the confidence to lead our offense,” Ward said.
RUNNING BACKS
Falkville is blessed with three guys who bring different traits to the backfield that will make it difficult for teams to focus on just one. Denver Comstock is the returning
2024 SCHEDULE
8/23 @ Vinemont
8/30 OPEN
9/6 @ West End *
9/13 Coosa Christian * 9/20 @ Southeastern * 9/27 @ Colbert Heights 10/4 Decatur Heritage
10/11 Susan Moore * 10/18 Cleveland * 10/25 @ Cold Springs * 11/1 @ Winston County *Region game
starter, who is a versatile runner and can get the tough yards. Brodie Bennett is a hardnose runner who has the talent to get yards in big chunks. Asher Lentz is young but talented with tremendous speed.
RECEIVERS
Falkville returns four players who saw playing time at receiver last season. Logan Fowler, Cash Lawrimore, Ryan Childers and Eli Harris can line up in the slot or on the outside. Each one does something a little different that sets them apart from the others. Landon Horton and Comstock will see time at tight end. Both players have good hands as well as good blocking skills.
TEAM INFORMATION
CLASSIFICATION 2A Region 6
2023 RECORD 4-6 (2-4)
HEAD COACH Seth Ward
RECORD 15-17 (4th year)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Jace Wilemon, Josh Lybrand, Chance Ellsworth, Austin Bentley
LAST REGION TITLE 2018
LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2022
Landon POWERS
2023 STATS
Offense
Total Points: 249 Per Game: 24.9
County Rank: 6th Defense Points Allowed: 278 Per Game: 27.8 County Rank: 6th
5-YEAR WIN TREND
OFFENSIVE LINE
The strength of this year’s offense will be the Blue Devils’ offensive line. Led by Bryant Owens and Trey Hemming, the offensive line will give Falkville the best chance to win each night. Joining them are returners Jacob Jackson and Ancel Meze who got valuable starting experience last season. There will also be some newcomers, Mason
2023 RESULTS
Vinemont L 26-20 @ Danville W 49-12 @ Sheffield W 58-34 Tanner L 48-18
@ Hatton L 28-14 OPEN
Lexington L 31-12
@ Red Bay L 44-14
@ Addison L 28-6
@ Tharptown W 46-6
Winston County L 27-6
* Playoff game
Moore and Houston Jackson, that will be called on to step up and fill a crucial spot on the line.
DEFENSE
The defense returns six starters from last season. The linebackers and secondary have a lot of good athletes that will help the Blue Devils’ defense improve after last season.
DEFENSIVE LINE
The defensive line will be led by Bryant, Hemming and Jacob Jackson who all saw plenty of playing time last season. Depth will be a big thing for the team as they look to give breathers to the three who will be doing double duty. Houston Jackson saw time at Nose Guard last year and had a good season. Brayden Tomlin and Cohen Jarrett will help provide some of the much-needed depth.
LINEBACKERS
Horton is the only returning starter from last season in the linebacker corps. Multiple sports will need to be filled but according to Ward, “we have several players who will give us a chance to win on defense.”
DEFENSIVE BACKS
The defensive backs will be the deepest unit on either side of the ball as Falkville has eight players who saw extended playing time last season. Led by returning starters Powers, Childers, Bennett and Fowler along with Lawrimore, Lentz, C J Jackson and Estabon Rendon will make throwing the ball difficult for opposing teams.
2024 FALKVILLE ROSTER
0 Eli Harris JR WR/DB
1 Landon Powers SR QB/DB
2 Denver Comstock SR RB/LB
3 Landon Jones SO WR/DB
4 Reed Dillard FR QB/LB
5 Ben Lacey JR WR/DB
6 Judson Tew JR WR/DB
7 Ryan Childers JR WR/DB
8 Logan Fowler JR WR/DB
9 Samuel Jacobs JR QB/LB
SCHEDULE
Falkville makes a move to region 6 this season after playing the last two seasons in region 8. Four of their six region opponents made the playoffs last season including Coosa Christian, who is moving up from 1A after playing the state championship game last season. Joining Coosa is Southeastern, Susan Moore, West End, Cleveland and Cold Springs. Non-region opponents will be Vinemont, Colbert Heights, Decatur Heritage and Winston County
“Every game on our schedule is important to us,” Ward said. “Wins aren't easy to come by in high school, so we try not to make any one game more special or take any one for granted.”
Esteban Rendon JR TE/LB 11 Tristen Perry JR WR/DB
Cash Lawrimore JR WR/LB 14 Gabe Motes FR WR/DB 15 Brodie Bennett JR RB/LB
CJ Jackson JR WR/DB
Landen Horton JR TE/LB
Clay Fitzgerald FR RB/LB 23 Jaxon Stringer FR TE/DL
Landon Linderman FR WR/DB
53 Trey Hemming SR OL/DL 55 Mason Moore SR OL/LB
56 Braydan Tomlin JR OL/DL
58 Cohen Jarrett JR TE/DL
62 Carter Fowler FR OL/DL
63 Houston Jackson JR OL/DL
66 Bryant Owens SR OL/DL
74 Jacob Jackson SR OL/DL
80 Landen Huddleston SR OL/DL
AUSTIN BLACK BEARS
By CALEB SUGGS
ALAY OF THE LAND
Austin will be in Class 7A, Region 4 with Albertville, Bob Jones, Florence, Grissom, Huntsville, James Clemens and Sparkman.
HEAD COACH
Jeremy Perkins is entering his 15th season at Austin. The Black Bears are 98-60 under Perkins with 10 playoff appearances.
LAST SEASON
Austin (8-3, 5-2) finished second in Class 7A, Region 4.
WORDS TO GROW ON
Austin has plenty of youth this season, but it's nothing new for Perkins.
"You have to be patient; it takes time," Perkins said. "When you look back at those years where we lost a lot of guys from the previous season, we generally got better as the season progressed. You can't give up too early or pack it in when things don't go your way. You have to keep on plugging until you're playing your best at the end of the season."
QUARTERBACK
Senior JL Davis is back this year after splitting time evenly with Judd Bailey in 2023 across 11 games.
2024 SCHEDULE
8/23 @ Hartselle
8/30 Decatur
9/6 Sparkman * 9/13 @ Florence *
9/20 @ Albertville * 9/27 OPEN
10/4 Huntsville * 10/11 @ Bob Jones * 10/18 @ James Clemens * 10/25 Grissom * 10/31 Muscle Shoals
*Region game
Davis passed for over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns last season and now the staff expects him to be even better in 2024 as the sole quarterback.
"I expect JL to take the next step," Perkins said. "It's his offense now, and I expect him to take it to the next level. He's more mature and he understands not only what we're trying to do, but what defenses are doing and where to go with the ball."
"If you look at our seasons since 2015 when I started working with the quarterbacks, most of our most successful seasons were with second-year starting quarterbacks. Having that second year is important because the game slows down for them, and they see things more clearly," Perkins added.
OFFENSE
Austin gets a big boost this year as the Black Bears return Gavin Fuqua at running back.
TEAM INFORMATION
CLASSIFICATION
7A Region 4
2023 RECORD 8-3 (5-2)
HEAD COACH
Jeremy Perkins RECORD 98-60 (15th year)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Wes Chamness, Bud Pruitt, Rorrick Steward, Damon Knox, Harold Wisdom, Terrius Ashford, Matthew Humphries, Kinte Welch, Malieq Senior
LAST REGION TITLE 2022
LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2023
Gavin FUQUA
Fuqua rushed for nearly 1,200 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2023 and has the chance to be one of the best running backs in north Alabama.
Also back is receiver Jaxon Potter. Potter caught 31 passes for 548 yards and six touchdowns last season and committed to Murray State over the offseason. Potter also serves as the team's kickoff and punt returner and Perkins said he's primed for a breakout season.
Other receivers will be Channing Patton and Sean Bannister, while Ethan Brooks will play at fullback and tight end.
Kenneth Joshua will serve as the backup running back again, with the ability to also play fullback, tight end and receiver, but will also play defense.
Austin returns just one starting offensive lineman, but Perkins said it will be his biggest group in his time at Austin with multiple guys over 300 pounds.
Xavier Yelder, a sophomore, will play left tackle, while William Orr, the lone returning starter, will play one of the two guard spots, most likely right guard. Sophomore Tyree Ellison is expected to play at left guard, junior Stanley Elliott will play center and right tackle will be sophomore Jacobi Phillips.
DEFENSE
Inexperience will hit the Black Bears the hardest on defense as they return just three guys that played significant snaps in 2023.
Cortavious Mason, last year's leading tackler, will be the leading returner on the defensive line and will be joined by Reco Willingham, Javan Hood and Zyan Orr.
At linebacker Mark Green and DJ Orr will play inside linebacker, while Nathan Gray, Zemar Watkins and Jamarri Vinson are competing for the two outside linebacker spots.
Caleb Caudle makes the move from safety to cornerback. Landon Buttleman will also play cornerback, with Kylen Stover and Rico Russell also expected to see time.
At safety, Kenneth Joshua and Chayse Davis will start.
MUST SEE GAMES
Austin opens the season with back-to-back rivalry games at Hartselle and against Decatur.
An Oct. 18 date at James Clemens will also be crucial as either Austin or James Clemens has won Class 7A, Region 4 every year since Austin moved to 7A in 2018.
Jaxon POTTER
2023 RESULTS
Hartselle W 28-17
@ Decatur W 35-3
@ Sparkman L 21-18
Florence L 20-7
Albertville W 56-13
@ Gardendale W 38-7
@ Grissom W 49-7
James Clemens W 28-7
Bob Jones W 49-22
@ Huntsville W 52-25
OPEN
Vestavia Hills * L 52-25
* Playoff game
2023 STATS
Offense
Total Points: 377
Per Game: 34.3
County Rank: 2nd
Defense
Points Allowed: 180
Per Game: 16.4
County Rank: 2nd
5-YEAR WIN TREND
FINAL WORD
Austin has a mix of returning stars and inexperienced players in 2024, and Perkins said for the Black Bears to achieve highlevel success, he needs those players to be more than just great football players, but great leaders as well.
"When you have a young team, having good leadership helps you stay grounded with success or not get too down when things don't go well," Perkins said. "If things go haywire, young guys are going to look at the leaders, and if they panic, then the young guys will, too.
"Our leaders set the tone, and how they handle the ups and downs is important for what comes next."
2024 AUSTIN ROSTER
DECATUR RED RAIDERS
By CALEB SUGGS
DLAY OF THE LAND
Decatur will be in Class 6A, Region 7 with Athens, Columbia, Cullman, Hartselle, Jasper and Muscle Shoals
HEAD COACH
John Ritter enters his first season as coach at Decatur. Ritter has a 85-42 career record as a head coach across 11 seasons at Russellville, West Morgan and Red Bay with 10 playoff appearances.
LAST SEASON
Decatur (3-7, 1-4), finished fifth in Class 6A, Region 7 and missed the playoffs.
WORDS TO GROW ON
Last year was Decatur's first season since 1996 with a new head coach when Aairon Savage took over for Jere Adcock. Now the Red Raiders have another new head coach
in Ritter who takes over a young roster that has 70 of 106 players that are freshmen and sophomores.
"We have very high expectations and standards of what we want this program to be known for, but Rome wasn't built in a day," Ritter said. "Sometimes you have to be patient, and I'm not a patient person."
"The important thing is these kids want to buy in and want to work hard and that's half the battle. We just have to keep plugging along and get some age and experience for these guys and we're going to be in a good spot," Ritter added.
QUARTERBACK
Decatur will have to replace arguably its top player from a season ago in quarterback Bradin Dupper who passed for 865 yards, rushed for 980 and accounted for 17 touchdowns in 2023.
TEAM INFORMATION
CLASSIFICATION 6A Region 7
2023 RECORD 3-7 (1-4)
HEAD COACH John Ritter
RECORD 85-42 (12th year)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Derek Blagburn, Joshua Moon, Ronnie Ritter, Claybourne Massey, Major Houston, Tucker Dodd, Gregory Willard, Zach Meadows
LAST STATE TITLE 1971
LAST REGION TITLE 2007
LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2022
Devin HALEY
2024 SCHEDULE
8/23 @ Buckhorn
8/30 @ Austin
9/6 @ Jasper *
9/13 Muscle Shoals *
9/20 Hartselle *
9/27 Lee - Huntsville
10/4 @ Columbia *
10/11 Mae Jemison
10/18 Cullman *
10/25 @ Athens * 11/1 OPEN
*Region game
Who will replace him is still up in the air as senior Zayne Pointer, along with sophomores Reed Roberson and Donovan Jarman competing for the job.
"We're very inexperienced at that position. We have three guys competing and between the three of them, they've played zero snaps," Ritter said. "Obviously we have to pick one, but it's going to be a constant competition and it'll probably be whoever has the best week going into Buckhorn. The important thing is, no matter who it is, that we design the offense to play to their strengths."
Trey GREENWELL
OFFENSE
Ritter said possibly the deepest position group coming back in 2024 will be at running back. Senior Donte Ross and sophomores Devin Haley and Isiaah Allen all saw snaps in 2023.
On the other hand, the receiver group returns no experience. Derek Cutler, Bryce Parker, Brayden Simpson, Cam Gamble and Jaylen Davenport will be the team's receivers, with all playing little or not at all in 2023. Ritter said the positive news is that each brings something different to the table.
On the offensive line senior Martin Johnson returns at left tackle. Left guard will be either sophomore William Perry or sophomore George Cobb, while sophomore
2024 DECATUR ROSTER
Coach JOHN RITTER
2023 RESULTS
Mae Jemison W 54-23
Austin L 35-3
@ Athens L 44-16
Cullman L 21-14
@ Hazel Green W 45-21
OPEN
Columbia W 42-0
@ Muscle Shoals L 56-3
Hartselle L 20-19
@ Buckhorn L 26-21
@ Scottsboro L 35-20 * Playoff game
2023 STATS
Offense
Total Points: 237
Per Game: 23.7
County Rank: 7th
Defense
Points Allowed: 281
Per Game: 28.1
County Rank: 7th
5-YEAR WIN TREND
Brayden Battles and junior Jacob Goodwin are vying for the center spot. Right guard will be senior Jared Guyse, who played defensive line last year, and right tackle will be junior Harris Penley, a returning starter.
DEFENSE
Going into the season, Ritter said the defense will be ahead of the offense as they return more players with experience.
Jayden Davenport, twin brother to Jaylen, returns at defensive end. He'll be joined by Josh Jones and Ty Asher, with Jason Tennison and Levi Jeffers at defensive tackle, who both played last year.
At linebacker, Cayden Oliver and Dylon Martin return and will be joined by Casey Justice at inside linebacker. Christian Crabb and Turner Weinman.
In the secondary, Trey Greenwell, who started every game at receiver in 2023, has moved to safety. Quaylen Hampton, Louis Truffa, Kaden Watkins all return after playing last year.
MUST SEE GAMES
Decatur opens with three road games against Buckhorn, the River City Rivalry against Austin and against Jasper.
The Jasper game and an Oct. 18 meeting at home vs. Cullman could decide whether the Red Raiders return to the playoffs in 2024.
Decatur closes the regular season with a rivalry region game on the road at Athens.
FINAL WORD
Ritter says he doesn't know for the season holds, but what he views as a successful first year won't come down to wins and losses. "I want us to maximize our potential," Ritter said. "What does that look like? Is that 8-2 and hosting a playoff game, 6-4 or even 2-8? Once the season begins, we'll be able to figure out what our ceiling is and maximize it. If our ceiling is 8-2, let's not go 6-4 and leave 8-2 on the table."
DECATUR HERITAGE EAGLES
By CALEB SUGGS
LAY OF THE LAND
DDecatur Heritage will be in Class 2A, Region 8 with Lexington, Red Bay, Tanner, Tharptown and Whitesburg Christian
HEAD COACH
Nikita Stover is entering his third season at Decatur Heritage. The Eagles are 13-8 under Stover with one playoff appearance.
LAST SEASON
Decatur Heritage (9-2, 6-0) finished first in Class 1A, Region 7.
WORDS TO GROW ON
For the first time in school history, the Decatur Heritage football team will be moving up to Class 2A.
Fortunately for the Eagles, it's a move they've been preparing for.
"You look at last year, our non-region games were a 2A team, two 3A teams and a 4A," Stover said. "To us this is nothing new. We'll play whoever's on the schedule."
QUARTERBACK
Decatur Heritage returns its quarterback from last year in Nash Thomas, the team is still trying to "figure some things out at quarterback" according to Stover.
While Thomas has experience, Stover said he can be a Division I tight end and the team would rather be able to move him around in the offense.
Competing for the opportunity to take over at quarterback are senior Dylan
TEAM INFORMATION
CLASSIFICATION
2A Region 8
2023 RECORD 9-2 (6-0)
HEAD COACH
Nikita Stover
RECORD 13-8 (3rd year)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Marquis Dobbs, Ethan Bates, TJ McGee, Dale Rock, Jacoby Moody, Chad Taylor, Alonzo PettifordMassey, Bronson Young
LAST REGION TITLE 2023
LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2023
Savarius EVANS
Germany and Ross Letson, who Stover said is a talented eighth grader.
"We've got two great running backs and a lot of talent on offense so really we're just looking for someone that can manage the offense, but still make some plays too," Stover said.
OFFENSE
Decatur Heritage returns its biggest weapon from a season ago in running back Savarius Evans, who rushed for over 2,000 yards as a freshman in 2023.
The Eagles also have sophomore Daniel "Budda" Taylor, who came on at the end of 2023, rushing for 532 yards. Stover said he feels Taylor would be the No. 1 running back for a lot of teams and the combination of him and Evans gives the Eagles one of the most explosive backfields in Alabama that will rush
for more yards as a team than in 2023. At receiver Harrison Hardy returns, while Paxton Tarver is back playing football after missing last year.
Along the offensive line, senior Trey Letson returns at left tackle as well as Andrew Rodridguez who, like Tarver, didn't play last year but started two years ago. Rodriguez will play center.
Jonathan Bowling and Cole Stewert are both back after starting at guard as freshmen a season ago. John Vincent played defensive end in 2023 but will switch to right tackle in 2024. Stover said the junior added 25 pounds in the offseason to make the switch.
DEFENSE
Zavier Johnson returns at defensive end for the Eagles after leading the team
2023 RESULTS
At linebacker Ian Wickwire returns as a three year starter, as does Dylan Germany
at outside linebacker. Connor Sivley and Ezra Burney will also play at linebacker, with Burney being one of the most approved players from 2023 according to Stover.
In the secondary, Daniel Taylor and Dalton Gay return at cornerback, while
2024 SCHEDULE
8/23 Sheffield
8/30 @ Addison
9/6 Lexington * 9/13 OPEN 9/19 Tharptown * 9/27 OPEN 10/4 @ Falkville
10/11 @ Tanner * 10/18 @ Red Bay * 10/25 @ Winston County * 11/1 Ragland *Region game
Harrison Hardy and Paxton Tarver will play at safety.
MUST SEE GAMES
While moving to 2A will bring tough competition, schools like Tanner, Red Bay and Falkville present fresh challenges and also an opportunity to play closer to home. "Every away game we had last year was like an hour-and-45-minute, two-hour drive," Stover said. "This year our longest drive is just over an hour. We're pretty excited about that."
FINAL WORD
It may be the school's first year in 2A, but with so much returning talent, the Eagles still have high expectations in 2024. "When you jump up a class, everything is new," Stover said. "You're playing all new teams and you have the chance to do things that have never been done here before. I think we will adjust well to 2A and I think it's going to be a fun season."
2024 DECATUR HERITAGE ROSTER
Coach NIKITA STOVER
in sacks in 2023. Also back will be Luke McGee at nose tackle, while the defensive end will rotate between John Vincent and Nash Thomas.
WEST MORGAN REBELS
By CALEB SUGGS
WLAY OF THE LAND
West Morgan will be in Class 4A, Region 7 with Brooks, Central-Florence, Danville, Deshler, East Lawrence, Hatton, West Limestone and Wilson.
HEAD COACH
Drew Phillips is entering his fourth season at West Morgan. The Rebels are 27-8 under Phillips with two playoff appearances.
LAST SEASON
West Morgan (12-1, 7-0) finished first in Class 4A, Region 7 and advanced to the Class 4A quarterfinals.
WORD TO GROW ON
West Morgan had its best season in school history last year, finishing undefeated in
the regular season for the first time ever. Now, after graduating 18 seniors, the Rebels have a new batch of players ready to make their own mark.
"I think our guys have an edge about them coming into this season," said West Morgan head coach Drew Phillips. "Everybody still talks about last year and rightfully so, but our guys want to put their own stamp on this season."
QUARTERBACK
The Rebels will have to replace Braxton Peters who passed for over 2,000 yards and 32 touchdowns a season ago.
In steps sophomore Titan Partlow who Phillips says has grown a lot this offseason.
"Titan has really matured so much this offseason it's incredible," Phillips said. "His
CLASSIFICATION
4A Region 7
2023 RECORD
12-1 (7-0)
HEAD COACH
Drew Phillips
RECORD 27-8 (4th year)
ASSISTANT COACHES
Preston Shelton, Tim Clark, Caleb Graham, Cameron Doerflinger, Spencer Davis, Russ Freeman, Bradley Willis, Bryan Styles, Daniel Warren, DJ McGuire, Chuck Thompson
LAST REGION TITLE 2023
LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2023
Coach DREW PHILLIPS
2024 SCHEDULE
8/23 @ Randolph
8/30 Brooks *
9/6 @ West Limestone *
9/13 Priceville
9/20 Hatton *
9/27 OPEN
10/4 @ East Lawrence *
10/11 @ Danville *
10/18 Central - Florence *
10/25 Wilson * 11/1 Deshler *
*Region game
2023 RESULTS
@ Randolph W 41-20
Ardmore W 48-0
@ Brooks W 83-53
Central Florence W 56-14
@ Rogers W 51-0
OPEN
Deshler W 56-35
@ West Limestone W 42-7
@ East Lawrence W 64-18
Wilson W 62-0
@ Haleyville W 42-12
Etowah * W 56-0
@ Corner * W 35-14
Cherokee County * L 28-27
* Playoff game
2023 STATS
Offense
Total Points: 663
Per Game: 51.0
County Rank: 1st
Defense Points Allowed: 201
Per Game: 15.5
County Rank: 1st
5-YEAR WIN TREND
2023: 12
2022: 10
2021: 5 2020: 3 2019: 3
awareness has gone up, he understands the offense and he's got the guys rallied behind him."
Tyshon Tucker will also get snaps at quarterback in a wildcat package.
OFFENSE
The Rebels led the state in in points per game for nearly the entire season in 2023, finishing with 51 points per game.
Unfortunately, the skill players that accounted for the majority of those yards and points are now gone. That includes running back Jalen Fletcher who's now at UNA and receiver Ti'Arrius Mosley who now plays for Jacksonville State.
Replacing that amount of talent is never easy, especially for a 4A program, but Phillips said part of why his staff is so excited for the upcoming season is getting to show everyone just how deep the West Morgan program is.
"We have a lot of guys that could've played the last couple years, but unfortunately you can only put 11 on the field," Phillips said. "These guys could have easily transferred somewhere else, but they've waited their turn. Seeing them finally have the opportunity to show what they can do is exciting."
Tyshon Tucker will step into the "athlete" role used by Fletcher in 2023 as he will move around the offense. MaCarri Johnson and Ty Jones will also play different roles in the offense. Johnson will see time at receiver and running back, while Jones will play running back, tight end and even wildcat quarterback.
Jaylin McGuire and Jabari Wiggins will rotate at running back, while Josh Garland, Kaylin Daniels and Shone Tapscott will see time at receiver. Jacob Johnstone will play at fullback and tight end.
The biggest plus for the Rebels this year will be along the offensive line where they return four starters.
Left guard will be Wiley Garrison, center is Melvin Carrillo, who was All-State in 2023, right guard will be Krishawn Goode and right tackle is Daniel Davis. Left tackle is still a competition between Connor Rikard and Braydon Blankenship with Phillips saying that either could easily start.
While the offense grabbed the headlines last season, the defense quietly had a strong year as well, holding teams to an average of 15.5 points per game.
The Rebels lose a few key players, such as linebacker Sha'Marvion Mosley, but also have several returning starters.
Ti’airrius MOSLEY
2024 WEST MORGAN ROSTER
Along the defensive line, Maddox Pendegraph, Jackson Webster and Seth Alexander are all back after starting every game a season ago.
Ty Jones, who was an All-State linebacker in 2023, is back at inside linebacker and will play alongside Jaylin McGuire and Jose Bibiano.
Cole Thorn returns at outside linebacker, while Keithan Delony will play at the other outside backer spot.
In the secondary will be Shone Tapscott and Nathaniel Smith will play at cornerback along with MaCarri Johnson and Kaylin Daniels. Brody Banks and Carson Gilliland will play safety.
MUST SEE GAMES
West Morgan opens a tough non-region game at Randolph before starting region play a week later vs. Brooks. They'll also renew a classic Morgan County rivalry when they take on Priceville on Sept. 13.
Possibly the biggest game of the year though will be against Deshler. The West Morgan vs. Deshler game has decided the
region each of the last two seasons and this year it takes place on the last day of the regular season.
FINAL WORD
West Morgan graduated a lot from last year's record-breaking season, but the Rebels believe they'll reload instead of rebuild in
"Being able to see the guys that have waited their turn get their chance and have success is something I'm really looking forward to," Phillips said. "These guys are hungry."
Walker LETSON
STATE RECORDS
INDIVIDUALS
OFFENSE - MOST POINTS SCORED, Game
52 - Brayden Kyle, Decatur Heritage vs Ragland, 2021
OFFENSE - MOST POINTS SCORED, Season
212 - Asa Martin, Austin, 2017
208 - Mason Cartee, Priceville, 2021
206 - Jerry Burton, Priceville, 2019
198 - Brayden Kyle, Decatur Heritage, 2021
OFFENSE - MOST TOUCHDOWNS, Game
8 - Brayden Kyle, Decatur Heritage vs Ragland, 2021
OFFENSE - MOST TOUCHDOWNS, Season
34 - Jerry Burton, Priceville, 2019
33 - Mason Cartee, Priceville, 2021
30 - Brayden Kyle, Decatur Heritage, 2021
OFFENSE - TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS ACCOUNTED FOR, Game
11 - Brayden Kyle, Decatur Heritage vs Ragland, 2021
8 - Kaleb Barker, Priceville vs J.B. Pennington, 2015
OFFENSE - TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS ACCOUNTED FOR, Season
68 - Brayden Kyle, Decatur Heritage, 2021
52 - Kaleb Barker, Priceville, 2015
OFFENSE - TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS ACCOUNTED FOR, Career
121 - Brayden Kyle, Decatur Heritage, 2020-21
OFFENSE - MOST FIELD GOALS MADE, Game
5 - Josh Woodard, Decatur vs Grissom, 2001
4 - Chip Walters, Decatur vs Lee-Huntsville, 1997
OFFENSE - LONGEST FIELD GOAL MADE, Game
55 - Josh Woodard, Decatur vs Bob Jones, 2001
51 - Josh Woodard, Decatur vs Grissom, 2001
51 - Crawford Lang, Hartselle vs Briarwood, 2020
OFFENSE - MOST FIELD GOALS OVER 50 YARDS, Season
2 - Josh Woodard, Decatur, 2001
OFFENSE - MOST POINTS KICKING, Game
16 - Chip Walters, Decatur vs Lee-Huntsville, 1997
15 - Josh Woodard, Decatur vs Grissom, 2001
OFFENSE - MOST EXTRA POINTS KICKED, Season
87 - Jacob Johnston, West Morgan
OFFENSE - MOST TOUCHDOWNS RUSHING, Game
8 - Brayden Kyle, Decatur Heritage vs Ragland, 2021
OFFENSE - MOST TOUCHDOWNS RUSHING, Season
33 - Jerry Burton, Priceville, 2019
32 - Mason Cartee, Priceville, 2021
30 - Brayden Kyle, Decatur Heritage, 2021
OFFENSE - MOST YARDS RUSHING, Season
2,510 - Jerry Burton, Priceville, 2019
2,363 - Mason Cartee, Priceville, 2021
OFFENSE - MOST YARDS RUSHING, Career
5,019 - Jerry Burton, Priceville, 2018-20
4,025 - Mason Cartee, Priceville, 2021-22
OFFENSE - HIGHEST YARDS PER CARRY, Season
14.2 - Brayden Kyle, Decatur Heritage, 2021
11.8 - Ri Fletcher, Hartselle, 2021
OFFENSE - MOST RUSHING ATTEMPTS, Game
43 - Jerry Burton, Priceville vs North Jackson, 2019
42 - TC Lowe, Austin vs Bob Jones, 2015
40 - Jerry Burton, Priceville vs St. John Paul II, 2019
OFFENSE - MOST RUSHING ATTEMPTS, Season
347 - Jerry Burton, Priceville, 2019
296 - Mason Cartee, Priceville, 2021
OFFENSE - MOST RUSHING ATTEMPTS, Career
763 - Jerry Burton, Priceville, 2018-20
OFFENSE - MOST YARDS PASSING, Game
503 - Aaron Dove, Falkville vs Coosa Christian, 2018
489 - Chance Ellsworth, Priceville vs Danville, 2011
442 - Aaron Dove, Falkville vs Decatur Heritage, 2018
410 - Kaleb Barker, Priceville vs West Morgan, 2015
OFFENSE - MOST YARDS PASSING, Season
3,021 - Aaron Dove, Falkville, 2018
2,985 - Brayden Kyle, Decatur Heritage, 2021
2,848 - Kaleb Barker, Priceville, 2015
2,752 - Brayden Kyle, Decatur Heritage, 2020
2,480 - Jack Smith, Hartselle, 2022
2,317 - Caden Burnett, Falkville, 2022
2,180 - JT Blackwood, Hartselle, 2021
Morgan County
OFFENSE - MOST YARDS PASSING, Career
6,666 - Kaleb Barker, Priceville, 2012-15
6,394 - Chris Sparkman, Austin, 2010-13
5,737 - Brayden Kyle, Decatur Heritage, 2020-21
OFFENSE - MOST YARDS PASSING BY 2 QBs IN SAME GAME
932 - Aaron Dove (503), Falkville & Caiden Lipscomb (429), Coosa Christian, 2018
OFFENSE - MOST PASSES ATTEMPTED, Career
739 - Kaleb Barker, Priceville, 2012-15
OFFENSE - MOST PASSES COMPLETED, Game
31 - Kaleb Barker, Priceville vs J.B. Pennington, 2015
OFFENSE - MOST PASSES COMPLETED, Season
182 - Aaron Dove, Falkville, 2018
181 - Kaleb Barker, Priceville, 2015
181 - Jack Smith, Hartselle, 2022
OFFENSE - MOST PASSES COMPLETED, Career 524 - Chris Sparkman, Austin, 2010-13
432 - Kaleb Barker, Priceville, 2012-15
OFFENSE - MOST TOUCHDOWN PASSES THROWN, Game
8 - Aaron Dove, Falkville vs Coosa Christian, 2018 7 - Aaron Dove, Falkville vs Decatur Heritage, 2018
OFFENSE - MOST TOUCHDOWN PASSES THROWN, Season
46 - Aaron Dove, Falkville, 2018
38 - Brayden Kyle, Decatur Heritage, 2021 34 - Brayden Kyle, Decatur Heritage, 2020 31 - Kaleb Barker, Priceville, 2015
OFFENSE - MOST TOUCHDOWN PASSES THROWN, Career
85 - Kaleb Barker, Priceville, 2012-15
72 - Brayden Kyle, Decatur Heritage, 2020-21 52 - Chris Sparkman, Austin, 2010-13
OFFENSE - PASS COMPLETION PCT. (Minimum 175 attempts), Season 70.3 - Aaron Dove, Falkville, 2018
OFFENSE - PASS COMPLETION PCT. (Minimum 500 attempts), Career 58.5 - Kaleb Barker, Priceville, 2012-15
OFFENSE - MOST PASS RECEPTIONS, Game 16 - Martin Warren, Austin vs Hartselle, 2003
OFFENSE - MOST PASS RECEPTIONS, Season 86 - Martin Warren, Austin, 2003
71 - Izayah Fletcher, Hartselle, 2022
64 - Malieq Senior, Austin, 2016
60 - Noah Holmes, Falkville, 2018
OFFENSE - MOST PASS RECEPTIONS, Career
198 - Izayah Fletcher, Hartselle, 2019-22
172 - Martin Warren, Austin, 2001-03
OFFENSE - MOST PASS RECEPTIONS FOR TOUCHDOWNS, Game
4 - Christian Angulo, Falkville vs Coosa Christian, 2018
4 - Nick Bell, Priceville vs Danville, 2011
4 - Isaiah Warnick, Falkville vs Lexington, 2022
OFFENSE - MOST YARDS RECEIVING, Game
303 - Isaiah Warnick, Falkville vs Lexington, 2022
246 - Noah Holmes, Falkville vs Decatur Heritage, 2018
246 - Herman Banks, Hartselle vs Austin, 1995
237 - Nick Bell, Priceville vs Danville, 2011
OFFENSE - MOST YARDS RECEIVING, Season
1,217 - Isaiah Warnick, Falkville, 2022
1,188 - Martin Warren, Austin, 2003
1,125 - Noah Holmes, Falkville, 2018
1,112 - Tre Shackleford, Austin, 2020
1,064 - Malieq Senior, Austin, 2016
1,031 - John Hardin, Falkville, 1999
1,018 - Christian Angulo, Falkville, 2018
1,014 - Eli Tidwell, Hartselle, 2022
OFFENSE - MOST YARDS RECEIVING, Career
2,971 - Izayah Fletcher, Hartselle, 2019-22
2,270 - Martin Warren, Austin, 2001-03
TOTAL OFFENSE (Rushing, Passing & Receiving), Game
629 - Brayden Kyle, Decatur Heritage vs Ragland, 2021
596 - Kaleb Barker, Priceville vs J.B. Pennington, 2015
585 - Kaleb Barker, Priceville vs West Morgan, 2015
527 - Brayden Kyle, Decatur Heritage vs Marion County, 2021
489 - Chance Ellsworth, Priceville vs Danville, 2011
450 - Kaleb Barker, Priceville vs Westminster Christian, 2015
TOTAL OFFENSE (Rushing, Passing & Receiving), Season
4,563 - Brayden Kyle, Decatur Heritage, 2021
4,343 - Kaleb Barker, Priceville, 2015
3,805 - Brayden Kyle, Decatur Heritage, 2020
3,037 - Jack Smith, Hartselle, 2022
2,899 - Caden Burnett, Falkville, 2022
2,389 - JT Blackwood, Hartselle, 2021
TOTAL OFFENSE (Rushing, Passing & Receiving), Career
9,782 - Kaleb Barker, Priceville, 2012-15
8,368 - Brayden Kyle, Decatur Heritage, 2020-21
ALL-PURPOSE YARDS (Rushing, Passing, Receiving, KO & Punt Returns), Season
4,563 - Brayden Kyle, Decatur Heritage, 2021
4,343 - Kaleb Barker, Priceville, 2015
3,805 - Brayden Kyle, Decatur Heritage, 2020
2,680 - Justin Youngblood, Hartselle, 2006
ALL-PURPOSE YARDS (Rushing, Passing, Receiving, KO & Punt Returns), Career
9,782 - Kaleb Barker, Priceville, 2012-15
8,368 - Brayden Kyle, Decatur Heritage, 2020-21
DEFENSE - MOST INTERCEPTIONS, Game
4 - Jerry Tomlin, Falkville vs Holly Pond, 1997
DEFENSE - LONGEST INTERCEPTION RECEPTION RETURNED FOR TOUCHDOWN
103 - Isaiah Warnick, Falkville vs Tanner, 2022
DEFENSE - MOST TACKLES, Game
27 - Josh Staggs, West Morgan vs Colbert Heights, 1999
DEFENSE - MOST BLOCKED KICKS, Game
2 - Cole Miles, Hartselle vs Gadsden City, 2023
LONGEST KICKOFF RETURN FOR TOUCHDOWN, Game
99 - Jarraud Powers, Decatur vs Hartselle, 2004
TEAM
OFFENSE - MOST POINTS SCORED (By Both Teams), Game
136 - Decatur Heritage (76) & Ragland (60), 2021
111 - West Morgan (57) & Brewer (54), 2019
111 - Falkville (70) & Decatur Heritage (41), 2018
109 - Priceville (68) & J.B. Pennington, 2015
101 - Priceville (58) & Rogers (43), 2021
OFFENSE - MOST POINTS SCORED (By Losing Team), Game
54 - Brewer vs West Morgan, 2019
OFFENSE - MOST POINTS SCORED, Season
591 - Austin, 2017
573 - Falkville, 2018
559 - Decatur Heritage, 2021
537 - Hartselle, 2022
535 - Decatur Heritage, 2015
509 - Hartselle, 2011
OFFENSE - MOST YARDS PASSING, Game
503 - Falkville vs Coosa Christian, 2018
OFFENSE - MOST PASSING YARDS, GAME (BOTH TEAMS)
932 - Falkville (503) vs Coosa Christian (429), 2018
OFFENSE - MOST COMPLETIONS, Game
31 - Priceville vs J.B. Pennington, 2015
OFFENSE - MOST TOUCHDOWN PASSES, Game
8 - Falkville vs Coosa Christian, 2018
8 - Falkville vs Decatur Heritage, 2018
OFFENSE - MOST FIELD GOALS, Game
5 - Decatur vs Grissom, 2001
DEFENSE - FEWEST FIRST DOWNS ALLOWED, Game
0 - Decatur vs Lee-Huntsville, 1995
COACHING
COACHING - MOST CAREER WINS (More than 50% in AHSAA)
253 - H.L. “Shorty” Ogle, 1929-63, Hanceville & Decatur, (253-77-17, .767)
210 - Bob Godsey, 1998-2021, Brooks, Hartselle & Madison Academy, (210-75, .737)
203 - Earl Webb, 1952-80, Falkville, Arab, Lanett & Decatur, (203-92-14, 680)
178 - Jere Adcock, 1996-2022, Decatur, (187120, .609)
COACHING - BEST WINNING PERCENTAGE (Minimum 100 Wins in AHSAA)
78.5 - Andro Williams, Linden, W.S. Neal, Danville (113-31)
78.5 - John Edward “Hot” O’Brien, Falkville, Tallapoosa Co., Tallassee (157-40-8)
75.9 - Hugh O’Shields, Hanceville, Decatur (244-73)
75.4 - H.L. “Shorty” Ogle, Hanceville, Decatur (253-77-17)
SUPER 7
INDIVIDUAL - LONGEST FIELD GOAL
47 YDS - Gavin Nash, 5A: Hartselle vs Vigor, 2011
TEAM - MOST FIELD GOALS
2 - 5A: Hartselle vs Vigor, 2011
TEAM - LONGEST FIELD GOAL
47 YDS - 5A: Hartselle vs Vigor, 2011
