FOOTBALL‘20 FOOTBALL
Top players to watch for this season
Tackling COVID-19
Teams ready for historic year in the face of coronavirus James Clemens • Bob Jones Sparkman • Madison Academy MADISON FOOTBALL 2020
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Table of Contents
5 James Clemens Jets 10 Bob Jones Patriots 14 Sparkman Senators 16 Madison Academy Mustangs
18 The White Brothers 20 Sounds of the Stadium
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2020 Madison Football Preview The Madison Record P.O. Box 859, Madison AL 35758 256-772-6677 Published by Tennessee Valley Media, Inc.
14 EDITORIAL John Few Bob Labbe Gregg Parker
16 MARKETING Donna Counts GENERAL MANAGER French Salter
18
20 COVER PHOTO James Clemens senior Jaylin Grigsby Photo by Joshua Berry
The Madison Bowl
September 4 Kickoff - 7 p.m.
4 MADISON FOOTBALL 2020
Louis Crews Stadium Alabama A&M University
JAMES CLEMENS HIGH SCHOOL TIME TO RELOAD FOR THE JETS BY BOB LABBE
T
he 2020 football season for James Clemens High will be a total rebuild for the Jets. The two-time Class 7-A, Region 4 champions have just four returning starters along with the smallest senior class of players in school history. “There’s no doubt we can rebuild with the
players we have, but this group needed a normal path to get to success,” said Wade Waldrop, head coach of the Jets. “We’ve made the most of our time together during the COVID-19 situation with limited access to the players and social distancing workouts and practices.” Due to the restrictions put forth by the
Alabama High School Athletic Association and local school administrators during the current pandemic, area high school teams like the Jets missed normal spring practice and Waldrop knows his team needed that time on the field, so he and his staff have fast tracked in preparation for the 2020 campaign. MADISON FOOTBALL 2020
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James Clemens High School 2020 Roster Name
#
POS GRD HT WT
Travis Rogers
49
TE
11
6’0
205
Dante Snodgrass
1
RB
11
5’8
165
Cameron Baker
50
DL
10
5’10
185
Gio Lopez
2
QB
10
5’10
180
Brayden Ray
51
DE
11
6’0
165
Chance Starling
3
LB
12
5’11
200
Jake Parker
52
OL
10
6’0
225
Ryan Creehan
4
LB
12
6’0
210
Luke Woodruff
53
DE
11
5’9
185
Keymari Pittman
5
WR
10
5’7
155
Naim Muhammad
54
OL
10
6’0
250
Gabe Ballard
6
RB
10
5’10
170
Cadin Brown
55
DB
11
5’8
160
Keenan Hill
7
DB
11
6’1
175
Josey Murrah
57
OL
10
5’10
210
Ephraim Rolingson
8
DB
12
5’9
170
Tristian Guyton
58
DE
10
5’8
155
Connor Cantrell
9
QB
12
5’10
180
Chris Speigner
59
OL
10
6’0
215
Jamal Mayers
10
DB
10
5’9
160
Riley Sparks
60
OL
10
5’10
210
Carson Creehan
11
QB
10
6’1
180
Cody Gorelczenko
61
DL
11
5’10
180
Manny Sanders
12
WR
12
5’10
170
Toby Anderson
62
OL
10
5’8
215
Keenan Walker
13
DB
10
6’4
175
Ryan Nicholson
64
OL
11
5’9
250
Bryson Smith
14
QB
11
6’0
180
Jaycen Ervin
65
OL
12
5’9
290
Tyrik Walker
15
WR
11
6’0
175
Tyler Moore
66
OL
12
5’10
250
Kameron Barnett
16
DB
11
5’10
165
Zach Moore
67
OL
12
5’10
250
Jack Willis
17
QB
10
5’9
165
Jameer Rhodes
68
DL
11
5”10
240
Jaiden Tolliver Williams 18
WR
10
5’9
165
Dorion Thigpen
70
OL
10
5’8
250
Kobe Johnson
19
WR
11
5’10
160
Edgerrin Watson
71
OL
11
6’2
275
Jaiden Walker
20
DB
10
5’4
115
Max Gagliano
73
OL
11
6’2
270
Chad Coulter
21
DB
11
5’10
175
Jackson Henderson
74
OL
11
5’10
280
Braxston Williams
22
DB
11
5’11
165
Ezekial Gideon
75
OL
11
5’10
285
Jaylin Grigsby
23
LB
12
6’1
205
Jacob Boyd
76
OL
12
6’3
315
Terrance Cunningham 22
DB
11
5’9
145
Tristian Walker
77
OL
11
6’1
265
Eli Bolden
25
LB
12
6’0
205
Charlie Davis
78
DL
12
5’10
270
Marlon Sherman
26
DB
12
5’10
165
Grant Gage
79
OL
10
6’4
270
Logan McMeans
27
DB
12
5’7
140
Will Conlon
80
WR
12
5’10
165
Aaron Boone
28
RB
12
5’8
155
Robert Morgan
81
WR
11
5’9
155
DJ Holden
29
DB
12
5’8
140
Parker Wynn
82
TE
12
5’11
155
Jordan English
30
DB
12
5’9
165
Mikhail Small
83
WR
11
5’10
160
Jordan Blackburn
31
DL
11
6’1
225
Jalen Harris
84
RB
11
5’10
165
Jonathan Hammonds
32
DB
10
5’10
165
Amarae Barksdale
85
WR
10
5’10
170
Elijah Keefer
33
DB
10
5’8
140
Jonathan Campbell
86
WR
11
6’0
170
Red Moore
34
LB
10
5’10
170
Rylan Orndorf
87
WR
11
5’9
160
Chaynce Murphy
35
RB
11
5’7
165
Kanon Waite
88
WR
10
6’0
170
Garren Bell
36
LB
11
5’10
175
Chris Kang
89
TE
10
5’10
185
Trey Ragland
37
DB
10
5’4
110
Zach Pierce
90
DE
11
6’0
180
Nich Tobicash
38
DB
11
5’10
165
Dawson Whited
91
DL
11
6’5
215
Caleb DeYoung
39
DB
10
5’10
130
Nate Jennings
92
DL
9
6’3
205
Weston Pruitt
40
DB
12
5’10
175
Sean Webster
93
DL
12
5’10
195
Aaron Rowe
41
PK
11
5’10
180
Andrew Millar
94
DL
10
5’10
220
Kade Johnson
42
DE
11
6’1
175
Ryan Williams
95
DL
11
6’2
260
David Ross
43
RB
11
5’7
155
Fred Williams
96
LB
10
5’10
180
Chris Roper
44
LB
10
5’5
115
Tyler Best Livermore
97
DL
10
5’9
175
Jacob Durham
45
LB
10
5’9
165
Joseph Vinson
98
DL
12
6’1
250
Camden Wells
46
LB
10
5’8
170
Darren Verhage
99
DL
11
6’1
240
Stephen Ezell
47
TE
10
5’10
170
Jaylin Harper
WR
10
5’8
165
Kaiden Samad
48
DB
10
5”10
175
6 MADISON FOOTBALL 2020
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James Clemens was 7-0 in Region 4, 9-3 overall losing to Hoover in overtime 20-23 during a second round playoff game. They scored a team record 476 points and a team record margin of victory with a 63-0 shellacking of Grissom. The Jets finished among the top four teams in Alabama. On offense, two starters return - quarterback Connor Cantrell (5-10, 180, Sr.) and wide receiver Manny Sanders (5-10, 170, Sr.). Connor will be in competition with four others, Bryson Smith (6-0, 180, Jr.), Carson Sheehan (6-1, 180, So.), Gio Lopez (5-10, 180, So.) and Jack Willis (5-19, 165, So.) for the starting spot, but Cantrell has plenty of experience under his belt. Not only is he a three year starter on the Jets’ baseball team, he also took over as starting quarterback as a
Coach Wade Waldrop
8 MADISON FOOTBALL 2020
freshman when the then starter signal caller was hit by a severe injury. Cantrell also played backup the past two seasons. “He has all the tangibles to be a good leader and player,” added Waldrop. With the graduation of six All-State players off last season’s squad, including running back Dylan Blackburn, Waldrop is looking to Dante Snodgrass (5-8, 165, Jr.), Aaron Boone (5-18, 155, Sr.) and Gabe Ballard (5-10, 170, So.) to take the reins in the backfield. This group is very talented, but need experience. Snodgrass had a lot of snaps during the 2019 season, but had ACL surgery. He’s moving well and had a great recovery. Waldrop’s main area of concern is in the “box” of both offense and defense. Juniors will be the face of the offensive line with Edgerrin Watson (6-2, 275, Jr.) leading the way. “We love his toughness and attitude,” Waldrop said of Watson. “We have seven others competing for four spots. We look forward to the competitive battles and the kids are responding well to that attitude.” You can add Grant Gage (6-4, 270, So.), Tristian Walker (6-1, 265, Jr.), Jacob Boyd (63, 315, Sr.) and several others to make for some playing time. The defensive line is a key for success for James Clemens in 2020. The squad must play well together and mesh quickly due to the young talent, which must stand up and take charge quickly. Like a renovation of a building, the DL is a total rebuild from a season ago. Senior Joseph Vinson (6-1, 250, Sr.) looks to be the take charge player on the defensive line. He’ll have some help from Darren Verhage (61, 240, Jr.), Ryan Williams (6-2, 260, Jr.), Kade Johnson (6-1, 175, Jr.) and Dawson Whited (6-5, 215, Jr.) to anchor a squad that Waldrop said will have to grow up fast. Linebacker may have the deepest layer of talent on the team and will be led by two returning starters- Jaylin Grigsby (6-1, 205, Sr.)
Wide receiver Manny Sanders (5-10, 170, Sr.), is one of two off
and Chance Starling (5-11, 200, Sr.). Add to the mix of Ryan Creehan (6-10, 210, Sr.), Weston Pruitt (5-10, 175, Sr.), who will also played some at defensive back, and Eli Bolden (6-0, 205, Sr.), and the Jets will have plenty of flexibility at the standup position. At defensive back, look to D.J. Holden (5-8, 140, Sr.) and Ephraim Rolingson (5-9, 170, Sr.), two players who played in every big moment the Jets were involved in in 2019, to give some stability at the back position. Chad Coulter (510, 175, Jr.), Keenan Hill (6-1, 175, Jr.), Kameron
2020 James Clemens Jets Class 7A Region 4 Coach: Wade Waldrop Aug. 29
Athens
Away
Sept. 4
Bob Jones A&M
Sept. 11
Austin Away
Sept. 17
Huntsville
Sept. 25
Lee (HC) Home
Oct. 2
Florence
Oct. 9
Grissom Home
Oct. 16
Sparkman Home
Oct. 23
Albertville Away
Home
Away
fensive 2019 starters returning.
Barnett (5-10, 165, Jr.) along with additional play from Sanders from the offensive speed corps to assist will give the Jets some rich raw talent that will need to be nurtured once the season gets underway. Aaron Rowe (5-10, 180, Jr.) will handle all of the place kicking and punting duties while Travis Rogers (6-0, 205, Jr.) will take care of the allimportant long snapper duties. “Our expectations have not changed, but we must establish the culture we need to be successful and looking to the older players to help
the younger players come along on a good pace,” said Waldrop, in his eighth season as head coach of the Jets. “If we can build on that we should be a good team.” The James Clemens schedule begins with a road battle against Athens in the nearby Limestone County before playing at home against crosstown rival Bob Jones. That came will be played at the Louis Crews Stadium at Alabama A&M. The remainder of the 2020 schedule includes road games at Austin, Florence and Albertville and home contests versus Huntsville, Lee, Grissom
and Sparkman. The past two seasons James Clemens has lost its first two opening games, but have bounced back to playoff spots in each of those uneasy season beginnings. Waldrop said of the upcoming campaign, “Austin will be the team to beat in our Region, Florence is always talented, Sparkman will be the most athletic team we’ll face, both Huntsville and Grissom have lots of returnees.” Overall, the Jets have 21 seniors, 35 juniors, 38 sophomores and 35 freshman complete its roster for 2020.
MADISON FOOTBALL 2020
9
BOB JONES HIGH SC COACH KELVIS WHITE TAKES OVER BY BOB LABBE
T
he 2020 season of football at Bob Jones High is one of anew. The inaugural season for first-year head coach Kelvis White will also be a return to a winning effort for the Class 7A Patriots. A season ago, the Pats suffered its first losing season (4-6) since 2006. At the completion of the campaign head coach Kevin Rose retired from the school system after 11 seasons as head coach and took the similar position at Lincoln County High in Fayetteville, Tenn. Bob Jones finished sixth in Region 4 and missed the postseason playoffs scoring just 22 points per game. The squad that hits the playing field this season will feature 10 starting returning players on offense and an additional eight on defense. For most accounts 2020 is not a rebuilding year, it’s more of a revamp. “The experience level is overall very good as we have a senior heavy group and lots of exceptional talent returning for us,” said White. “This season is a little different for all
10 MADISON FOOTBALL 2020
CHOOL
of us as I’m getting settled into the program, we have lots of new coaches on our staff and we have 90-plus kids within our program and all are eager to play.” The offense lost a nucleus of very good players but returns a bevy of talent. At quarterback, Slate Alford (6-2, 205, Sr.) returns to lead what White has said will be a spread offense. “Slate has a great arm and can do damage with his legs, as well,” added White. “Ray Hardy (6-0, 190, So.) will push Slate for the starting position as both have taken most of the reps this summer. Both of them are a good fit with what we want to do.” It should be noted Alford has committed to Auburn University to play baseball as the twosport athlete certainly could entertain schools for his prowess on the football field should he and the Patriots have a banner season. Uncertainty at running back was the feeling going into the summer, but White and his staff have been pleasantly surprised at several players working very hard to get into the grid. The top three players on the depth chart at running back have had zero varsity carries among them. Underclassmen Terrance Slater (5-9, 200, Jr.), Rowan Jones (5-9, 185, So.) and Zane Lynch (5-9, 180, Jr.) will be those looked
upon to carry the ball. Wide receiver position will have no less than four players waiting their turn to grab a pass and make things happen. The four leaders include Miles Humes (5-10, 180, Sr.), who was fourth on the team a year ago with 17 catches and 264 yards, Connor White (5-10, 175, Sr.), who White stated has had a great pre-season, K.J. Fields (6-0, 180, So.), a polished receiver at such a young age, and Daniel Phillips (511, 185, Sr.). At tight end, the Patriots will have youth and experience combined as Ryan McWilliams (6-0, 205, Sr.) returns with lots of experience and newcomer Max Soliz (6-4, 215, Sr.) expected to battle for lots of playing time. The players up front on offense include 2019 All-State center Drew Lawson (6-2, 295, Sr.). He has had 21 starts over the last two years, has a 90-percent grade and 24 pancake blocks to his credit. Add Ethan Dawes (6-1, 250, Sr.), Collin Lee (6-3, 270, Sr.) Collin Jones (6-1, 280, Jr.) Gerius Turner (6-3, 265, Sr.) and Maddox Sunderman (6-3, 275, So.) and the Patriots have what White called a “7A looking line.” “I’m really impressed with this group as we have size and lots of experience and I’m confident these can get together and be very
At quarterback, Slate Alford (6-2, 205, Sr.) returns to lead what White has said will be a spread offense.
MADISON FOOTBALL 2020
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Bob Jones High School 2020 Roster No. Name
Grade
Pos.
1 DJ Davenport 11 RB/LB
H/W
47
Sam Glover
12
WR
5’10”/160
6’/185
48
Tyler Thompson
10
WR
6’1”/180
2
Slate Alford
12
QB
6’2”/205
49
John Dotson
10
DB
5’9”/170
3
Justin Reynolds
12
RB
5’8”/160
50
Dakadus Eisom
12
LB
5”9”/180
4
Ray Hardy
10
QB/RB
6’/190
51
Devin Mays
11
DL/LB
5’10”/225
5
KJ Fields
10
WR/DB
6’/180
52
Malachi Anderson
12
LB
5’10”/220
6
Malachi Steele
11
DB
5’10”/170
53
Danielson Hernandez
11
LB
5’9”/205
7
Daniel Phillips
12
WR
5’11”/185
54
Anthony Ramos
11
DL
6’/220
8
Cosey Scarebrook
11
DB
6’1” /195
55
Gerius Turner
12
OL
6’3”/265
9
Jayson Walls
12
LB
5’10”/175
56
Brandon White
9
DL
6’1”/190
10
Jaevion Powell
12
LB
6’/200
57
Collin Jones
11
OL
6’1”/280
11
Brian Vaughn
12
DL
6’4” 240
58
Drew Lawson
12
OL
6’2”/295
12
Caleb Cooper
12
DB
6’1”/190
59
Abdullah Alamarzooqi
12
DL
5’8”/205
13
Connor White
12
WR
5’10”/175
61
Jake Webber
12
OL
6’2”/305
14
Caden Jones
10
QB/DB
6’/185
62
PJ Brown
11
OL
5’9”/300
15
Drew Alex
12
WR
6’1”/ 190
63
Austin Barnes
11
OL
6’/270
16
Quenton Hubbard
10
WR
5’10”/170
64
Caleb Holsey
10
OL/DL
6’/245
17
Max Soliz
12
WR
6’4”/215
65
Dylan Stewart
10
OL/DL
6’/220
18
Brendan Pharris
11
QB
6’/185
66
Keaton Kilpartick
10
OL
6’/205
19
Dan Gordon
11
LB
5’10”/205
68
Diego Cruces
11
OL
6’/225
20
JW Hopkins
12
TE
6’1”/210
70
Brennan Williams
11
OL
6’/240
21
Evan Pippin
11
LB
6’/195
72
Ethan Dawes
12
OL
6’1”/250
22
Rowan Jones
10
RB
5’9”/185
74
Ethan Atakoussok
10
OL
5’9”/210
23
Miles Humes
12
WR
5’10”/180
75
Mat Hailey
10
Ol
24
Keyshawn Reynolds
12
DB
6’/180
77
Collin Lee
12
OL
6’3”/270
25
Zeke Smith
10
WR
6’/170
78
Maddox Sunderman
10
OL
6’3”/275
26
Zane Lynch
11
RB
5’9”/180
79
Marcus Saunders
12
DL
27
Caleb Oliver
10
DB
5’9”/170
80
Tucker Lacompte
10
QB/WR
5’9”/160
28
Terrance Salter
11
RB
5’9”/200
81
Hunter Mason
10
TE
5’9”/180
29
Jordan Morrison
10
DB
6’/175
82
Brodey Cooper
10
WR
6’1”/180
30
Savion Jones
10
DB
6’/185
83
Ryan McWilliams
12
TE
31
Gunnar Dixon
10
WR
5’9”/170
84
Aaron Moll
12
WR
5’10”/170
32
Nasser Sahim
10
DB
5’8”/165
85
Joseph Wheat
11
K/P
5’9”/190
33
Darrius Johnson
12
DB
6’1”/190
86
Phenix Keck
10
TE
34
Brandon Montoya
10
RB
5’7”/170
87
Eli Williams
11
WR
6’1”/175
35
Ethan Aquino
10
DB
5’7”/165
88
Ashkat Katoch
12
TE
6’4”/250
36
Tyrese Reynolds
12
WR
6’/170
89
Ben Forton
10
WR
6’1”/170
37
Dakota Gordon
11
DB
5’9”/170
90
Kaden Smith
10
DL
5’9”/180
38
Matthew Lee
12
DB
6’/170
91
Austin Davis
10
DL
6’1”/225
39
Ronin Amsler
10
DB
6’1”/170
92
Will Post
11
K/P
6’3”/170
40
Kaleb Pisterzi
10
DB
5’9”/165
93
Devin Toney
12
DL
6’/240
41
Jackson Adams
11
LB
6’1”/175
94
Christian Kemp
10
DL
6’1”/200
42
David Byrd
11
TE
6’1”/180
95
Austin Thompson
12
DL
6’/210
43
Jake Gaertner
12
LB
6’/205
96
Demarius Mason
12
DL
6’/220
44
Jaden Edwards
11
LB
6’/205
97
Alex Hovis
11
DL
5’10”/205
45
Greyson Davis
11
DB
5’9”/160
98
Andre Reese
12
DL
5’9”/240
46
Luc Burnley
11
DB
5’9”/ 165
99
Cedric Jackson
11
DL
6’3”/305
12 MADISON FOOTBALL 2020
6’/220
6’/250
6’/205
6’/170
good,” said White of his offensive line. The defense gave up over 29 points per game a year ago and White is looking for players to step up and take control, especially in the box along the line. He’s looking at ends Brian Vaughn (6-4, 240, Sr.) and Devin Toney (6-0, 240, Sr.), both starters a season ago, to anchor what could be a very exceptional group within the DL. Cedric Jackson (6-3, 305, Jr.) played on the offensive line last year, but was moved to the nose guard position for the 2020 campaign. Others to make the step into play on the DL include Anthony Ramos (6-0, 220, Jr.), Demarius Mason (6-0, 220, Sr.) and Andre Reese (5-9, 240, Sr.). The least amount of overall experience at defense will be at the linebacker position. White said this group is making progress especially with the leadership of D.J. Davenport (6-0, 185, Jr.) who had 104 tackles last season. “He’s as good as advertised,” said White. “D.J. is a tremendous player with a bright future. He’ll play both the safety and ‘dog’ positions.” Jake Gaertner (6-0, 205, Sr.), Jaevion Powell (6-0, 200, Sr.), Jaden Edwards (6-0, 205, Jr.) and E.J. Johnson (6-1, 190, Sr.) will be looked
upon to help the corps of linebackers. At defensive back, Malachi Steele (5-10, 170, Jr.) will certainly be the anchor of this group. He played as a starter in 2019 as did Cosey Scarbrook (6-1, 195, Jr.). Jayson Walls (5-10, 175, Sr.) will play both defensive back and at linebacker, when needed. Caleb Cooper (6-1, 190, Sr.) is coming off a season-ending injury of a year ago and is considered to be a savvy player on a mission. Joseph Wheat (5-9, 190, Jr.) will handle place kicking duties while Alford will also handle the punting duties as he’s considered to have a strong leg. The all-important longsnapper will be Gaertner. “I know this group will play hard and put forth a great, positive efforts,” said White. “As for heavy recruits, Drew Larson and A.J. Vaughn have the early looks.” Overall, there are 34 seniors, 27 juniors, and 31 sophomores on the official roster. The Patriots kick off the 2020 campaign in Auburn and also have road games against James Clemens, Huntsville, Albertville, Grissom and Prattville. Home games will against Buckhorn, Florence, Sparkman and Austin.
2020 Bob Jones Patriots Class 7A Region 4 Coach: Kelvis White Aug. 28 Buckhorn
Home
Sept. 4 James Clemens
Away
Sept. 11 Huntsville
Away
Sept. 18 Florence
Home
Sept. 25 Auburn
Away
Oct. 1
Sparkman
Home
Oct. 9
Albertville
Away
Oct. 16 Grissom
Away
Oct. 23 Austin
Home
Oct. 30 Prattville
Away
MADISON FOOTBALL 2020
13
SPARKMAN HIGH SCHOOL BY BOB LABBE
S
parkman is on schedule to play its season opener on the road in Gardendale against the Class 6A Rockets. The Senators are coming off an 8-3 overall record last season, which included a third place finish in Class 7A, Region 4 with a region record of 5-2 and a playoff first round loss to Hoover (21-3). A season ago, Sparkman, under third year head coach Laron White, won its first seven games and achieved a sixth place state ranking among the Class 7A teams in week eight. The
14 MADISON FOOTBALL 2020
cardinal and black squad then lost their next two games versus James Clemens and Florence before ending the regular season with a win over Decatur. “We played well against Hoover and our entire season a year ago certainly will build on this year’s team as we found some things we can build on just by looking at them,” said White, whose said he’s ready to kick off his fourth season with the Senators. Gone from last year’s team are four AllState players including first-team punter Miles
Tillman. This year’s squad has 100 players on its varsity roster with 34 players in both senior and junior classes and another 32 listed in the sophomore class. White is looking to returning experience among his players to be a strong suit for the Senators in 2020. “We must develop more depth as many of our seniors and juniors did not see a lot of snaps last season,” said White, as the Senators averaged 27 points per game while allowing just 19 points per outing. “We have two new
running backs and offensive linemen to jell with our other offensive talents. Nick Sawyer, a West Point commit, (6-0, 165, Sr.) was our starting quarterback last year and will be again this go around, but he’ll get some pressure for snaps from Luke Schomburg (6-3, 190, Jr.) who I liked what he did last year in a backup role.”
In all, White said there are four Div. I recruits on the squad. Besides Sawyer, the big ticket players for the Senators includes Micah Pettus (6-8, 310, OL, Sr.) who is an Ole Miss commit, Caleb Ransaw (6-0, 180, CB, Sr.) who is looking at Troy and White’s own son, Karon White (6-2, 275, DE, Sr.), who has verbally committed to Appalachian State.
2020 Sparkman Senators Class 7A Region 4 Coach: Laron White Aug. 21
Gardendale
Away
Aug. 28
Thompson
Home
Sept. 4
Albertville Home
Sept. 10
Grissom
Sept. 18
Austin Home
Oct. 1
Bob Jones
Oct. 9
Florence Home
Oct. 16
James Clemens Away
Oct. 23
Huntsville
A&M
Oct. 30
Muscle Shoals
Home
Away
Away
MADISON FOOTBALL 2020
15
MADISON ACADEMY Madison Academy 2020 Roster NO. NAME
YEAR
POSITION
#26
Lawson Minor
JR.
WR-DB
#2
Jailen Holmes
JR.
WR-DB
#30
Gage Rucker
SO.
WR-DB
#3
Will Stokes
JR.
RB-DB
#31
Selano Thomas
SO.
WR-DB
#4
Kanen Hamlett
JR.
WR-LB
#32
Trey Andrews
FR.
RB-DB
#5
KD Cherry
JR.
WR-DB
#36
Caleb Williams
FR.
WR-DB
#6
KJ Rogers
JR.
WR-DB
#53
Nick Nelson
JR.
OL-DL
#7
Andrew Clark
SR.
WR-DB
#55
Hayden Knight
SO.
OL-DL
#8
Chuck Moore
JR.
LB-RB
#56
JP White
JR.
OL-DL
#10
Timothy Spurlock
JR.
WR-DB
#57
Jake Schmidt
SR.
OL-DL
#11
Mario Brewer
SO.
WR-DB
#59
Jalen Arnold
JR.
OL-DL
#12
Harrison Cerniway
FR.
QB-LB
#60
Brock Horton
FR.
OL-DL
#14
Cole Porter
FR.
WR-DB
#61
Alex Pencola
FR.
OL-DL
#15
Ian Vachon
JR.
K-WR
#65
Daylen Johnson
SO.
OL-DL
#17
Matt Perkins
JR.
WR-LB
#66
Jaylen Hosea
FR.
OL-DL
#18
Holden Blake
JR.
QB-S
#68
Cade Mitchell
SR.
OL-DL
#19
Avery Seaton
SR.
QB
#71
Brent White
SR.
OL-DL
#20
Blake Helton
SR.
RB-DB
#74
Kaden Young
JR.
OL-DL
#21
Joseph Follette
SR.
WR-DB
#77
Reese Baker
FR.
OL-DL
#22
Jackson Reece
FR.
WR-DB
#81
Austin Chambers
FR.
TE-LB
#24
Jaxon McMonigle
FR.
RB-LB
#85
Cam Williams
FR.
WR-LB
#25
Ken Cherry
FR.
RB-LB
#88
John Allen Davidson
FR.
TE-DL
16 MADISON FOOTBALL 2020
MADISON FOOTBALL 2020
17
A family’s coaching tradition brings two brothers to lead rival teams BY BOB LABBE 18 MADISON FOOTBALL 2020
Coach Laron White
T
he White brothers, Laron and Kelvis, are a complete scope of personalities - passionate, loving, respectful and family oriented - but most of all, they are competitive. “We both want to win, but I always want to beat my big brother and it’s been that way since we were growing up,” said Kelvis, 42, of his four-year older brother. Laron is entering his fourth season as head coach of the Sparkman Senators in 2020 while Kelvis has taken the similar position in his first season for rival Bob Jones. The two schools have been heated rivals as long as locals can remember and with the fact this year’s battle scheduled for October 2 will pit the brothers head-to-head, look out for a family gathering. “The last and only time we met in a game was in 2016 when I was head coach at Tanner and Kelvis was at Mae Jemison, some of our family sat on the home team side, while others switched sides at halftime,” said Laron who lost to his younger in that lone meeting. The sons of Louis and Mollie White were born in Colbert County Hospital and grew up in the small community along highway 20 in Courtland where the west-east train cuts through town. Their father won four state titles during his 1975-1998 tenure as head coach of the Class 1A Chiefs. He is a member of the Alabama Hall of Fame and saw both of his sons play for him, play in college and become head coaches in their own rights. Hearing the thunderous train at all hours of the day and night along with the sounds of Big Nance Creek, which was named after a Cherokee chief, also makes it treks through the small Lawrence County town, Laron and Kelvis were your typical young lads playing
with friends and doing set chores at their home located on highway 33 on the outskirts of town among the country side and plentiful woods. They also had the honor of being the sons of a legendary coach of the local team where they accompanied him on most trips and hung out like shadows at both practices and games. Their experiences easily influenced them to follow in their father’s footsteps while their mother was also an educator at the local school teaching first grade. Kelvis said he wanted to be part of what his father was doing with football and always wanted to grow up to be a member of the Courtland Chiefs. “My father spent a lot of time with his players and heavily figured into molding their lives, but he didn’t put pressure on us although we spent a lot of time with him in the film room, cleaning up the field house and taking those bus rides with the teams,” said Kelvis. Both brothers played heavily in the success of the teams at Courtland and signed with the Alabama Crimson Tide as lineman. Laron was head coach at Tanner High for 14 seasons where his teams made the state playoffs each year while winning two state titles and posted a record of 148-30. At Sparkman he is 19-13. Kelvis was head coach at Dothan High for eight years and Huntsville’s Mae Jemison for four seasons. His overall coaching record is 64-65. The White brothers spend many hours together with their families as Laron and his wife, Kathy, have three sons, including senior Karon who has committed to sign with Appalachian State. Kelvis and his wife, Chris, have two children. Family gatherings are large and, yes, the subject of football comes up in conversation on many occasions. “We bounce ideas off each other as we’re always trying to find a way MADISON FOOTBALL 2020
19
Coach Kelvis White
to be successful so we share ideas as we mostly talk football culture,” alongside him,” said Laron. “We beat Bob Jones last year for the first said Kelvis. time in a decade and the game should be a showcase type contest this “Our families are close. For many years Kelvis and I didn’t see each season. I know Kelvis’ team will be ready. I’m proud of him.” other except during the Christmas holiday,” said Laron. “Christmas is always a big time for our large family as we usually have four days straight of celebration.” As the older brother, Laron seemed to always have his younger brother hanging around, but each of them had their own group of friends due to the difference in age. Kelvis was more outgoing and became a fan of Auburn University. When it was time for Kelvis to choose a college, his mother committed for him to join Laron at Alabama. “Yes, I became a converted Alabama fan,” admitted Kelvis. Once on campus Kelvis was a freshman and Laron a senior for the Crimson Tide. The one year in Tuscaloosa was the only time they were officially on the same team. It’s not uncommon to see the brothers attending their brother’s children’s sporting events and their wives are good friends besides being sisters-in-law. Growing up with parents who were prominent among the Courtland community, walking a fine line was always important for both Laron and Kelvis. The expectations were high and with success plentiful in the White home, the brothers became very competitive in their quests as head coaches and that spirit continues in 2020 and will come to a heighten frenzy this fall when the Bob Jones Patriots host the Sparkman Senators in what will be a heated rival contest between Louis White won four state football championships as the Courtland two schools- and two brothers. High School coach and had a 181-83 record in 24 seasons. His two “We’re brothers here to serve our players and I’m glad to do this sons, Laron and Kelvis, now carry on that family coaching tradition.
20 MADISON FOOTBALL 2020
Sounds of the Stadium How local marching bands are coping with COVID-19 BY GREGG PARKER
M
adison families who live near the Jets or Patriots campus again are enjoying afternoon music as bands have returned to practice fields for their 2020 marching and instrumental rehearsals. However, those afternoon ‘concerts’ on County Line and Hughes roads have a different ‘director’ as the band members are marching to the beat of COVID-19’s constraints to curtail spread of the disease. On Aug. 18, James Clemens started marching practice twice weekly for the whole ensemble on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4 p.m. Approximately 170 students are marching. “They don’t know which football games they’ll attend, and they aren’t sure how whether they’ll ride buses to get there,” band parent Maureen Mack said. “But the continued uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t put a damper on local high school marching bands.” Jets Band Director Keith Anderson stated virus guidelines: * Mandatory safety precaution instruction and adherence. * Daily temperature checks and symptom reporting. * Outdoor practices only with social distancing guidelines always observed. * For the first several days of practice, only one section meets at a time. “Our students are rolling with it. They’re just glad to be out there, and it is the first thing in many months at school that feels ‘normal’ to them,” Jets Assistant Band Director Brian Sims said.
The Bob Jones High School color guard (above) and James Clemens Marching Band (below) at practice getting their shows ready.
At Bob Jones, Director Leigh Thomas and Assistant Director Kevin Smart scheduled the first back-to-school practice for July 28 with the Color Guard. The guard learned warmups and completed various auditions. Woodwinds reported to rehearsals on July 29. Parent volunteers and board members assisted in keeping students safe with the rules for social distancing and other COVID-19 precautions. The 2020 Patriettes dance line was the next band unit to return to campus. These young women are learning their routines from a choreographer and working on the football show. Like other band
22 MADISON FOOTBALL 2020
components, the Patriettes were required to wear face masks. All week long, students respected the ‘new normal’ and allowed directors and boosters to pursue prerequisite work before school resumed, according to Bob Jones Band Boosters posts on Facebook. At last spring’s band banquet, the audience viewed a preview of Bob Jones’ 2020 show for football marching band. The “Rainy Days” show will feature “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC; “It’s Raining Men, “The Weather Girls; and “Rocked You Like a Hurricane,” Scorpions. The competition show, “Now,” will give an interpretive explanation of the concepts of time and its limitations.
The COVID-19 Impact
COVID brings new challenges for local officials this season BY CALEB SUGGS
T
he 2020 high school football season starts Aug. 21, and that means a whole new set of challenges to be faced. While most people focus on what the coaches and players will have to do, local officials also will contend with a new set of circumstances. “Every year there are new challenges, but I’d say we’ve never faced anything quite like this,” said longtime official Leonard Morris. “With everything we’ve been through in recent months, it’s almost kind of a shock to remind yourself that the season starts this week.” He admits that he doesn’t know what to expect this year. “I’ve been doing this 18 years, and every year is different. Having that flexibility is important to be an official,” he said. “I don’t know what this season holds, but I know that our goal is to make sure we do everything we can do so that these kids can have their season.” Just like the players that take the field, officials must work as a team to ensure the best performance as possible. To do this it’s important to build camaraderie. However, due to COVID-19, that will prove to be tougher than ever. “Usually officials drive to games together, but this year we will most likely all drive separately. Then we will also do our pregame over the phone,” Morris said. “Obviously, this can make it difficult to build that camaraderie.” And also just like the players, if an official were to test positive before a game, the rest would have to find a way to go on. “That’s just a situation where we have to have that flexibility,” Morris said. “Hopefully we’d be able to find a reserve official. But we are prepared to call a game with a seven-man, five-man or four-man crew.”
There will be plenty of new rules to enforce as well, both as a result of COVID-19 and regular rule changes. COVID-19 rule changes will extend the player box from between the 25-yard lines to between the 10-yard lines. All timeouts will now be a maximum of 2 minutes, with the option to cut short if both teams are ready. Coaches will no longer get the cushion they are used to for arguing calls or trying to get players’ attention in 2020. “Coaches have never been allowed on the field, but we’ve always given them a little cushion,” Morris said. “They won’t get that this year. They’ll have to stay behind the white line.” There are some other rule changes that can have importance. Obstruction penalties will now be a 5-yard penalty instead of a 15yard personal foul. Obstruction refers to any sort of signal of disruption a defense might do to purposely draw an offense offside. For example, clapping which has become a popular way of signaling the snap of the ball. Teams will also now be able to spike the ball from the shotgun position. That’s a new rule sure to be welcomed by many coaches because most teams in the state do not take snaps under center. Playing football in a pandemic isn’t going to be easy, but just like players, coaches and parents, Morris believes it’s something that needs to happen. “Some of these schools rely on football to fund all their extracurricular activities. Without football, there’s no telling what will happen to them,” he said. “Then you have the seniors on these teams. This isn’t like college, if they lose this season, they’ll never get it back.” MADISON FOOTBALL 2020
23
WHERE THE
PROS GO
OFFICIAL TEAM PHYSICIANS
366745-1
OF THE ROCKET CITY TRASH PANDAS
24 MADISON FOOTBALL 2020
7734-1
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