August 2016
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Bob Jones High School
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Buckhorn High School
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Columbia High School
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Grissom High School
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Hazel Green High School
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Huntsville High School
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James Clemens High School
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Lee High School
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Madison Academy
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Madison County High School
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Jemison High School
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New Hope High School
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Randolph High School
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Sparkman High School
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St. John Paul II Catholic High School
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Westminster Christian Academy
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Madison County Football 5
Bob Jones High School
STORY by Lindsay Vaught
Bob Jones sets sights on state championship
M
ADISON – Is this the best Bob Jones team Kevin Rose has ever had? The Patriots have averaged almost ten wins a season and won or shared seven straight region championships with Rose as head coach. For the first time ever, Bob Jones has two players committed to SEC schools in the same year, safety A.J. Harris and offensive tackle Kendall Randolph. “That is the best thing they could do for themselves and our football team,” Rose said. “They both have commitments to great SEC programs, and now they can focus on Bob Jones football.”
Senior returning quarterback Brady Polson (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) is also being heavily recruited. Polson threw 21 touchdowns last year to only four interceptions. “I’m talking to college coaches, but leadership on the field and how we play will determine where I go to college,.” Polson said. Region opponents Buckhorn, Sparkman and James Clemens all will have first-year starting quarterbacks. “When you get in close games and playoff games, the biggest difference will be quarterback play, and it will be a huge advantage for us,” Rose said. “An opponent may be running a guy out there for his first start.
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“Our offense will be similar to last year. Jalen Williams will take over at running back. He may not take it 99 yards like Miles could, but he can go 20 a bunch. He is a different style of back that runs extremely hard. Brad and Milkhi are big play threats, and we have a senior quarterback that can get it to them. We will have the best offensive line since we have been here.” Among skill players H-back Brad Anderson has major college offers, and receiver Milkhi Stewart has the size and skill to play at the next level. DeMontrez Brown (6foot-2, 210, junior) will get in the mix at receiver along with Sam Barnes. The offensive line will be the biggest ever for Bob Jones. Left to right the Patriots will line up with Kendall Randolph (6-foot-5, 290 pounds), Mac Regan (6-foot-3, 305 pounds), Caleb Lawson (6foot-1, 255 pounds) first year starter at center, Tucker Wal-
ters (6-foot-1, 285 pounds) moves back to right guard, and Ethan Gannuch (6-foot-2, 265 pounds), a transfer from Grissom, is working at right tackle. At linebacker Kade Kohler is a young hitter. The junior has size (6-foot-1, 225 pounds) and a knack for staying in the hole. He will be joined on the edge by D.J. Butler, a speedy and rangy linebacker who specializes in tackles for losses. Butler transferred from Sparkman and has major college offers. Bob Jones may have the best defense ever, according to Rose. “We just got to hustle and play with great energy. Our best teams and deepest playoff runs have been when we have strong defenses. We rotated three 10th graders at defensive line last year. Those guys impact the game more than anybody else.” Gavin Lewis (6-foot-4, 250 pounds, junior) at defensive end is poised for a breakout season.
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1 Skill players for Bob Jones include No. 4 Milkhi Stewart, No. 8 A.J. Harris,
No. 10 Brady Polson, No. 24 Brad Anderson and No. 3 Milkyle Stewart
6 Madison County Football
2 Polson handles the ball against James Clemens in 2015.
3 Anderson runs against 4 Head Coach Kevin Rose Decatur in 2015. leads the Patriots. TEAM PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY Greg Machen PHOTOS BY LINDSAY VAUGHT AND TAMMIE STEPHENSON
Madison County Football 7
Bob Jones Patriots preview Coach: Kevin Rose (8th season) Class 7A Region 4 2015 record: 9-2 Number of returning starters: 12 Offensive Scheme: Spread Defensive Scheme: 3-5
Two players have committed to SEC schools: Safety A.J. Harris (Ole Miss) and tackle Kendall Randolph (Alabama). Harris has played in 35 straight games. He had six interceptions last year. Senior quarterback Brady Polson has started 17 straight games and Noteworthy: Rose continues to is 14-3 in those games. add to the school’s all-time wins Polson threw for over 2,000 yards record (66). and 21 touchdowns last season. # Name Position Grade 1 Aremon Garth RB Fr. 2 Kade Koler MLB, OLB Jr. 3 Milkyle Stewart CB, WR Sr. 4 Milkhi Stewart WR, QB Sr. 5 Khalil Griffin RB, CB, FS Fr. 5 D.J. Butler OLB Sr. 6 Jaquirrus Pelmer C Jr. 8 Aj Harris FS, CB Sr. 9 Isaiah Hatchett OLB, RB Jr. 10 Brady Polson QB Sr. 12 John-michael Riley RB, OLB So. 13 Louis Williams FS, WR Sr. 14 Karl Dorn QB, P Jr. 15 Demontrez Brown OLB, FS Jr. 16 Jarvis Smith WR Jr. 17 Kyle Parker CB Jr. 23 Trey Langford OLB Sr. 24 Brad Anderson SB, RB Sr. 26 Cameron Pugh WR So. 27 Martin Mccoy RB Jr. 30 Terrell Jennings FS Jr. 35 Jaylen Williams RB Jr. 36 Kamron Kaba-williams WR, RB Jr. 39 Sam Moran CB Jr. 40 Adam Graham NG Sr.
8 Madison County Football
Bob Jones Patriots 2016 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Bob Jones has 20 seniors on the team. Bob Jones must replace Miles Strickland, who signed with Tulane. He had over 1,300 yards of total offense. All-purpose back Brad Anderson, the team’s receiving leader, returns. Bob Jones has two juniors, linebacker Kade Koler and defensive end Gavin Lewis, who are being heavily recruited.
Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28
vs. Dorman (S.C.) @ Austin @ James Clemens* @ Sparkman* vs Huntsville* vs Florence @ Hewitt-Trussville* vs Gadsden City* @ Grissom* at Louis Crews Stadium vs Buckhorn* open
* Region game
42 Eli Johnston Jr. 43 Jay Hawthorne FS, SS Sr. 44 Jayshaun Holley OLB, FS Sr. 47 Ian Kurowsky K So. 52 Caleb Lawson C, T Jr. 53 Ladon Baffield So. 58 Jon Phillips T, G Sr. 60 Kendall Randolph T, G Sr. 61 Tucker Walters C, G Sr. 62 Colby Morrell G So. 62 Mac Regan G, T Sr. 63 Mathew Fravel G Jr. 67 Ethan Gannuch T Sr. 67 Sutton Carle NG Sr. 69 Jamarcus Dale G Jr. 80 Tae Toney WR So. 82 Andric Harris WR So. 84 Connor Henderson WR So. 85 Wesley Burcham WR, QB Sr. 87 Jamaury Evans WR Jr. 88 Sam Barnes WR Jr. 90 Gavin Lewis DE, T Jr. 91 Christian Harris WR Sr. 94 David Foster DE Jr. 95 Ashton Smith DE Jr. 99 Thaliq Cureton NG Sr.
Buckhorn High School
STORY by Lindsay Vaught
Can Holladay put it all together at Buckhorn?
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EW MARKET – This was what John Holladay found when he took over the Buckhorn head coaching job six months ago. His best player Will Ignont had transferred to IMG Academy in Florida, and his returning quarterback had transferred to Madison County. Undeterred, Holladay stayed positive, and now Ignont is back at Buckhorn, and Holladay’s son Jackson is Buckhorn’s quarterback and has gained the confidence of his new teammates. “I was blessed and excited to get the head coaching job at Buckhorn,” John Holladay said. “We got a great group of
kids, and Will has grown up with those kids, and they’re excited for him to return. He’s a great player, but he is bringing more than that to the table for us. We learned a lot about what we need to work on this summer.” Jackson Holladay (5-foot10, 185 pounds, senior) was a starting quarterback at Walker High in Jasper the last two years. “He is a fierce competitor and a leader,” John Holladay said. “His measureables are not great, but he possesses the leadership we need at quarterback.” “I’ve liked Jackson since day one,” Ignont said. “He came in and he wasn’t cocky.
He worked for the job; it wasn’t given to him at all. He gained everyone’s respect. He’s a great all-around team player. He’s a great thrower. Every ball he throws is on the money. He leads the receivers and is dead on spot with accuracy. We have some playmakers that he can get the ball to.” Leading the receivers is Kendrick Johnson and Kenneth Allison, both of whom are tall and athletic. Ignont appears to be leaning to LSU in the recruiting battle. At 6-foot-2, 238 pounds, he is being recruited as a linebacker but rushed for over 1,000 yards as a sophomore and 300 yards last year as a junior and will
play some on offense this season. “This football season is going to be big for me. If they need me to play both ways, I can, but we have players all over the field who can play. We got two really good running backs that can execute the game plan Coach Holladay has. We know we can play,” Ignont said. Buckhorn has consistently made the playoffs the last few years and been on the cusp of winning a region title. With a large 25-man senior class, this could be the year. Holladay has won big every place he has coached, including a region title at Walker in 2012. His career coaching record is 130-66 in 17 seasons.
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1. No. 1 Will Inont and No. 64 Ethan Powers 2. Head Coach John Holladay will lead Buckhorn this year, and Jackson Holladay will quarterback.
PHOTOS BY LINDSAY VAUGHT TEAM PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY LIFETOUCH
Madison County Football 9
Wolde flooring
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Buckhorn Bucks preview Coach: John Holladay (1st season) Class 7A Region 4 2015 record: 6-5 Number of returning starters: 10 Offensive Scheme: Spread Defensive Scheme: 3-4
sence. He last coached at Walker High ( Jasper) in 2013. He was suspended the final nine games that year after he was involved in an altercation on field with a Cullman coach. Holladay’s brother Trey is superintendent of Athens City Schools. Senior Will Ignont returns at linebacker and running back. Noteworthy: Holladay returns to He is a 4-star recruit rated in the sidelines after a two-year ab- the top five linebackers in the # Name
Position Grade
2 Caelan Redding CB, WR Sr. 3 Chris Baskin WR Sr. 4 Jackson Holladay QB Sr. 5 Will Ignont MLB, RB Sr. 6 Nickie Rivers CB Sr. 7 Quincy Coleman CB, FS Sr. 8 Justin Page WR Sr. 11 Kendric Johnson TE, OLB Sr. 13 Cole Stiles QB So. 14 Hunter Howard SS Jr. 16 Brandon Jama OLB Jr. 17 Cameron Jolly CB Sr. 18 Garret Marks QB, WR, CB Jr. 21 Amahni Spinks FS So. 22 Logan Hutchison FB, RB Sr. 24 Matthew Evans RB Jr. 25 Dolphus Harris RB So. 25 Seth Christa OLB Sr. 26 Tyler Carter CB Jr.
nation by multiple agencies. Jackson Holladay has taken over at quarterback after Dalen Morris transferred. Holladay played QB at Walker last year. Buckhorn has 25 seniors, including tackle Ethan Powers, linebacker Aaron Zawacki and running back Dalin Woodley. Buckhorn lost to Hoover in first round of playoffs last year.
27 Quincy Coleman Sr. 28 Dallin Woodley RB Sr. 29 Brandon Barnes CB Jr. 30 Nicklas Owens OLB So. 31 Cesar Garcia OLB, RB Jr. 32 Chris Moreau MLB, QB Sr. 33 Colin Wilson OLB Jr. 34 Josh Campbell OLB Jr. 35 Peyton Wilson DE, OLB Sr. 37 Riley Pence FS Jr. 38 Michael Moynihan DE, TE Jr. 40 Zach Brazelton DT, TE Sr. 41 Jalen Lightfoot DE 42 Trey Russell FB Sr. 44 Aaron Zawacki MLB, TE Sr. 45 Anthony Garcia FB Jr. 45 Keonn Pride OLB So. 46 Frank Gonzalez CB Jr. 48 Austin Neely FS Jr. 51 Kaleb Baker T Jr. 51 Kaleb Baker T Jr.
Buckhorn Bucks 2016 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug. 19 vs. Madison County (preseason) Aug. 26 @ Hazel Green* Sept. 2 vs Sparkman* Sept. 8 @ Huntsville* MF Stadium Sept. 16 vs Hewitt-Trussville* Sept. 23 vs Jemison Sept. 30 @ Gadsden City* Oct. 7 vs Grissom* Oct. 14 @ James Clemens* Oct. 21 @ Bob Jones* Oct. 27 @ North Jackson * Region game
55 Joseph Law G, C Sr. 57 Ryan Henderson DE Jr. 58 Rayshawn Winston DE Jr. 62 Hunter Gates T Jr. 64 Ethan Powers G, C Sr. 65 Zyshon Conley T Jr. 67 Garrett McNeese Sr. 72 Josh Wilkerson C Jr. 76 Cortez Jones C Sr. 77 Nickelson Cory G Jr. 78 James Sizemore T So. 80 Keegan Holmes WR, RB Sr. 81 T.j. Otis WR Jr. 82 Preston Dye WR Jr. 83 jerry duffey WR Jr. 87 Grant Mullins So. 88 C.j. Brown WR Jr. 88 Logan Baker TE So. 90 Dreyvione Carter DE Jr. 91 Kynton Warner DT Jr. 95 Chauncey Ford DE Sr.
Madison County Football 11
Columbia High School
COLUMBIA EAGLES 2016 SCHEDULE Date Opponent
Columbia Eagles Coach: Chris Hancock (2nd season) Class 6A Region 8 2015 record: 2-8 Number of returning starters: 12 Offensive Scheme: Pistol-gun Defensive Scheme: 3-3 stack
6A this season and will play in Region 8 along with Athens, Austin, Decatur, Florence, Hartselle, Hazel Green and Muscle Shoals. The team makes the jump up with a senior class with only 30 games of varsity experience collectively. Linemen Tony Craig, Abram Jones, James Noteworthy: The Eagles are Lakes, DeAngelo Humphrey moving up from Class 5A to and Jamal Jones will be counted # Name Position Grade 1 Bryant Scruggs QB/LB Sr. 2 Antonio Potter OLB/WR Jr. 3 Mel Danzler RB/LB Soph. 4 Jalen Humphrey QB/LB Jr. 5 Damion Washington WR Sr. 6 Quinton Chisom DB Jr. 7 Jarquis Cawthorn LB/WR Sr. 8 Omar Cunningham WR Jr. 10 Marcus Foiles LB/WR Sr. 11 Damien Benson QB Soph. 12 Cameron Lopez QB Soph. 14 Darius Bland DB/WR Soph. 15 Shamon Caudle DB Sr. 16 Ismael Smith RB Soph. 17 Makhi Bennett TE/DE Fr. 18 DeWayne Autry RB/LB Fr. 19 Jermyron Gilmore CB/WR Soph. 20 Vadin McCants DB Soph.
on to play on both sides of the ball. The defense is anchored by returning middle linebacker Jalen Humphrey, an All-City second-team selection last year, freshman, while running back Mel Dantzler headlines the offense. The Eagles have never reached the playoffs in their previous 11 seasons while a member of 4A and 5A.
22 Caleb Connerly RB/LB Jr. 24 Zacarri Wallace WR/LB Sr. 26 Devonte Coleman RB/LB Sr. 28 Jalen Matthews RB/LB Soph. 30 Steven Key OLB/WR Jr. 32 Laydon Varise LB/FB Soph. 34 Vernon Gamble RB Fr. 36 Jacob Guyton RB Fr. 38 Brandarius Williams WR/RB Fr. 40 Jordan Kelly LB/TE Jr. 42 DeVann Key OLB Soph. 44 Leon Foster RB Soph. 45 Najee Rembert WR/DB Fr. 46 Rashid Griffin OLB Jr. 50 Jamal Jones OL/DL Sr. 51 Eric Slater OL/DL Soph. 52 Brandon Freeman OL Soph. 53 Abram Jones OL/DL Sr. 54 Quinten Matthews OL/DL Sr.
Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 20 Oct. 28
@ Albertville Open vs. Hazel Green (LCS)* @ Decatur* vs. Austin (MFS)* @ Huntsville (MFS) @ Muscle Shoals* vs. Athens (MFS)* @ Florence* vs. Hartselle (MFS)* vs. Lee (MFS)
* Region game LCS-Louis Crews Stadium MFS-Milton Frank Stadium
55 James Lakes OL/DL Sr. 56 D’Angelo Humphrey OL/DL Sr. 57 Tony Craig OL Sr. 60 LaVar Bibbs OL Soph. 61 Josh Guyton OL Fr. 63 Brekeese Pierce OL Soph. 68 Jonathan Watson OL Soph. 70 Logan Jones OL/DL Soph. 72 Ajay Matawatson OL Soph. 74 Matia West OL Soph. 75 Kody Smallwood DL/OL Jr. 78 Jobias Cooper OL/DL Sr. 80 Gary Brown WR/DB Fr. 82 WR/DB Fr. 84 Jalen Boyd WR Fr. 86 Michael Fitzgerald WR Soph. 88 James Willard K/PK Soph. 90 Cordell Simon WR Sr. 92 Kyree Brown DL Fr.
TEAM PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY LIFETOUCH
12 Madison County Football
Grissom High School
STORY by MIKE EASTERLING
Tigers try to ‘Restore the Roar’
H
untsville – the numbers paint a bleak picture. Since 2002, the last time Class 7A Grissom posted a winning record in high school football, the school has compiled a 32-99 record. Since 2010, things have been particularly unsightly: • The Tigers have posted records of 1-9, 1-9, 3-7, 0-10, 1-9 and 0-10 in the last six years. • They’ve been outscored 2,314-676. • They haven’t won a region game since 2012. • When Eddie Stewart took over as coach for the 2014 season, he became the seventh person to lead the program since 2008. • The 14th largest school in the state, Grissom has just 49 varsity players.
TEAM PHOTO CONTRIBUTED by Lifetouch National School Studios
• There are only three players over 200 pounds on the roster. The 2016 Tigers, however, vow better days await. “You’re definitely going to see a different Grissom,’’ senior quarterback Will Gardner said. “We’re going to go out
there and shock a lot of people. We believe we can do it, and we don’t care what anyone else thinks right now.’’ Stewart said the team adopted the theme “Restore the Roar’’ to a program that was a couple of plays away from playing for a state cham-
pionship in 2000. That season, when Grissom trailed Hoover by five points late before falling 35-23 in a thrilling semifinal game, is far back in the rearview mirror. Last season, Grissom was outscored 428-53 in all games and 327-40 in Class 7A, Region 4 games. The closest game the Tigers had was a 3813 loss to Hartselle. But, according to Stewart, the team has shown signs of life. “The most important thing is changing attitudes, developing mental toughness and getting the kids to believe in themselves and what we’re doing. “That came up several times in 7-on-7s this summer. We were competitive. Twice we got behind and came back and won. We haven’t done that in the past.’’ Senior linebacker Jay Goodwin said it’s all about attitude. “We’ve got to ignore all of this negative output from people,’’ he said. “We work hard, harder than anybody else in my opinion, and that will pay off.’’
PHOTO BY KRISTIN CLARK
Madison County Football 13
Grissom Tigers preview
GRISSOM TIGERS 2016 SCHEDULE Date Opponent
Coach: Eddie Stewart (3rd season) Class 7A Region 4 2015 record: 0-10 Number of returning starters: 8 Offensive Scheme: Multiple Defensive Scheme: 3-5-3
its picture day the week before preseason practice began. That number fell to 42 briefly then slowly climbed up to 49 the first week of practice. The Tigers have just three players who weigh more than 200 pounds. In 2014, Coach Eddie Stewart became the program’s seventh coach in six seasons. Noteworthy: Grissom, the Grissom hasn’t had a winning 14th largest school in the season since 2002 when it state, had just 45 players for went 8-3 under the late Ronny
# Name
1 Jaylin King 2 Dylan Padgett 3 Qwadri Ishman 4 Jerwuan Thomas 5 Seymour Irby 6 Tommy Jacobs 7 Will Gardner 8 Logan Owen 9 Diondrea Rice 10 Robert Pruitt 11 Ethan Turner 12 Tony Nin 13 TaRon Greenwood 14 Jacob Workman 15 Noah Walls 16 Blake Rogers
Position
Sr. Sr. Sr. Soph. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Soph. Jr. Soph. Sr.
17 John Davis 18 Micahel Long 19 Jayvion Leslie 20 Lamar Strong 21 Oxford Long 22 Jason Cantrell 23 Dylan Wood 24 Austin Motton 25 Dwe Slaughter 26 Parker Adams 27 Stevens, Mitchell 28 Jacob Yeager 30 Sanders, DeJuan 32 Nic Pearson 37 Drew Kelly 38 Deon Milbry 44 Jay Goodwin
Grade
RB, DB WR, DB RB, DB WR, DB WR, DB WR, DB QB, DB TE, DE RB, DB RB, DB WR, DB TE, DE WR, DB WR, DB QB, DB RB, DB
Massey. The school hasn’t made a playoff appearance since 2004 when it finished 4-7. In the past six years, the Tigers have gone 0-10 twice and 1-9 three times. Senior defensive end Logan Owen and senior punter Drew Kelly made first-team All-City last season. Senior quarterback Will Gardner and senior RB/ DB Robert Pruitt were both All-City second-team.
Jr. Jr. Soph. Soph. Soph. Soph. Jr. Soph. Jr. Soph. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr.
WR, DB QB, DB WR, DB WR, DB WR, DB RB, LB WR, DB RB, LB WR, DB TE, DE WR, DB TE, DE WR, DB RB, LB K, P WR, DB RB, LB
Aug. 19 @ Arab Aug. 26 @ Lee Sept. 2 vs. Huntsville (MFS)* Sept. 9 @ Hewitt-Trussville* Sept. 15 vs. Gadsden City* Sept. 23 Open Sept. 30 @ James Clemens (MCSS)* Oct. 7 @ Buckhorn* Oct. 14 vs. Bob Jones (LCS)* Oct. 21 @ Sparkman* Oct. 27 vs. Brewer * Region game MFS-Milton Frank Stadium MCSS-Madison City Schools Stadium LCS-Louis Crews Stadium
51 Harrison Hemmerly 52 Vaderick Fowler 55 Matthew Banks 57 Robert Lehman 60 Jay Mathison 62 Wyatt Dunn 65 Andrew Estacio 67 Robin Osborne 70 DreVaughn Cunningham 72 Justin Knight 73 Demitri Robles 74 Richard Compton 77 Jeffery Campbell 78 Cameron Jones 79 Patrick Boykin
Soph. Jr. Soph. Soph. Jr. Sr. Sr. Soph.
G, LB G, NG T, LB C, DE T, LB G, LB C, NG G, DE
Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Soph. Jr. Soph.
C, LB T, DE G, LB G, NG T, DE T, DE G, NG
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Hazel Green High School
STORY by MIKE EASTERLING
Hazel Green, healthy Arnold face new challenges in new class
H
AZEL GREEN – Logan Arnold couldn’t help but think dark thoughts. Nothing sinister – just the kind that haunt a promising athlete who sustained a serious knee injury. Arnold couldn’t help but wonder if those college football programs that had already offered him scholarships would still be interested after he tore his ACL, MCL and meniscus during the third game of his junior season. A week later he got a nice surprise. Following surgery to repair his knee one of the first colleges that had shown interest – UAB – had some uplifting news. “They told me it happens
to be the best of them and ‘you’ve got the scholarship,’” Arnold, a slot receiver or H-back, recalled as he prepared for a senior season with a repaired right knee. “That made me feel good.’’ Arnold, 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, felt so good he committed to the Blazers to become the program’s first commitment since the school decided to restart football after folding the program following the 2014 season. UAB will resume play as a member of Conference USA in 2017. “When they told me I was their first commitment it felt pretty good,’’ Arnold said. “It’s cool to be part of history.’’
He’ll rejoin a Hazel Green team on the field as it seeks to build from momentum found halfway through the first season for Coach Will Wagnon. Hazel Green lost its first three games in 2015, won five straight to earn a playoff berth and finished 5-6. Wagnon, who followed a five-year mostly successful run by Matt Putnam, hopes familiarity will breed more success. “Since the day the last season ended until today it’s been a lot smoother,’’ Wagnon said. “This year the guys have bought into what we’re doing 100 percent.’’ The Trojans drop from Class 6A to 5A this season. Count senior defensive
back/receiver Miles Battle among those who hasn’t paid much attention. “At the end of the day we all have to play football, and we’ve put the work in,’’ he said. “We don’t believe that anybody should beat us.’’ Hazel Green played two of its newest region opponents last season, losing to Muscle Shoals to open the schedule and Hartselle to end the regular season. The Trojans graduated more than 20 seniors and have a young roster. Arnold, though, is still feeling good. “We are a young team,’’ he said. “But, with who we have back and the coaches being back, I think we’ll have a good year.’’
TEAM PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Madison County Football 15
Wolde flooring
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Hazel Green Trojans preview Coach: Will Wagnon (2nd season) Class 6A Region 8 2015 record: 5-6 Number of returning starters: 11 Offensive Scheme: Spread Defensive Scheme: Stack
seasons in 7A. Hazel Green advanced to the first round of the 2015 playoffs, losing 31-7 to Spain Park. The Trojans are 0-6 all-time in the postseason. Wagnon led Munford to a 6-3 playoff record in three trips during his five seasons at the school. Senior wide receiver Logan ArNoteworthy: The Trojans drop nold committed to UAB, bedown one class after playing two coming the Blazers’ first pledge # Name
Position
Grade
1 Miles Battle DB Sr. 2 George Obiyor DB Jr. 3 Tyler Askew WR Jr. 5 Alondras Strong CB Jr. 6 Daniel Thrower RB Sr. 7 Jordan Seymore QB Jr. 8 Devin Harvey WR Jr. 9 Brad Otten DB Jr. 10 Brandon Franklin RB Jr. 12 Jakori Barlow DB Jr. 13 Jalen Jones DB Jr. 14 Cooper Lormand WR Sr. 15 Navell Blackmon QB Soph. 16 Logan Arnold WR Sr. 17 Vincent Baker LB Sr. 18 Dylan Avery DB Soph. 19 Dakota Hill LB Soph. 20 J.P. Parker DB Soph. 21 Christian Cleveland WR Sr. 22 John Boyle RB Soph. 23 Simean Montgomery LB Jr. 24 Shalen Patel WR Jr. 25 Damien Cheatham DB Soph. 26 Isaiah Braudaway WR Jr.
since reinstating the program. The Trojans have two others who have received Division I offers. Senior defensive back Miles Battle counts Cincinnati among his pursuers, while Duke has offered junior corner back Alondras “Pug’’ Strong. The team will rely on younger players along both lines, at linebacker, in the secondary and at wide receiver.
27 Garret Cross DB Soph. 28 Xavier Smith RB Soph. 29 Jamal Osborne DB Jr. 30 Skyler Hall DB Soph. 31 Adrian Gilstrap DB Soph. 32 Cainan Posey LB Jr. 33 Jacob Anderson LB Jr. 34 Dante Beauchamp WR Soph. 35 Elijah Baker RB Jr. 36 Dylan Chandler LB Sr. 40 Jason Betz LB Soph. 41 Jaden Hopkins DE Sr. 42 Nick Anderson LB Jr. 43 Ethan Turner LB Soph. 44 Cecil Flanigan LB Jr. 45 Eli Defoe DB Jr. 46 Walter Pike TE Jr. 48 Jon Shields OL Jr. 50 Chris Jackson LB Soph. 51 Christian Douglas DL Jr. 52 Reid Guffey OL Jr. 53 Case Bradley OL Sr. 54 Mathew Loper DL Soph. 55 Matthew Broadley OL Jr. 58 Nathan Lasater OL Soph.
HAZEL GREEN TROJANS 2016 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug. 19 vs. Huntsville (preseason) Aug. 26 vs. Buckhorn Sept. 2 @ Columbia* Sept. 9 vs. Austin* Sept. 16 @ Decatur* Sept. 23 @ Sparkman Sept. 30 vs. Hartselle* Oct. 6 @ Muscle Shoals* Oct. 14 vs. Athens* Oct. 21 @ Florence* Oct. 28 vs. Oak Mountain * Region game
60 Avery Winsett 62 Knight Mathis 63 Dalton Tucker 65 Tyler Betz 68 Micah Reid 70 Tyler Medlin 72 Andrew Robbins 73 Kyle Parker 74 Austin Manke 75 Riley Watson 76 Jude Fried 77 Neal White 78 Haylon Damron 79 Ecco Richardson 80 Davey Hines 82 Malachi Olszewski 84 Brian McKinney 88 Don Shackleford 90 Clay Patterson 93 Kestian Hare 94 Brandon Askew 95 Chris Carter 96 Jon Grant 99 Tommy Gresham
OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL K DL WR TE TE DE DE DE DE DL DL DE
Soph. Soph. Jr. Sr. Soph. Soph. Soph. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Soph. Jr. Soph. Soph. Sr. Sr. Soph. Soph. Soph. Sr. Soph. Sr. Sr.
Madison County Football 17
Huntsville High School
STORY by MIKE EASTERLING
Huntsville High Panthers look to get back on winning path this season
H
UNTSVILLE – Clint Woodfin has long had an appreciation for Huntsville High School football. It started in 1996, his senior season at Austin. The Black Bears opened on the road at Milton Frank Stadium and lost 7-0 to the Panthers. Austin wouldn’t lose again until the state playoffs, finishing the regular season 9-1. Woodfin wouldn’t see Huntsville up close and personal for some time afterward, but he did see the Panthers play on game tape from time to time. Then came 2015. The Huntsville head coaching job was vacant, and Woodfin eagerly left his post as James
Clemens offensive coordinator to fill the post. “The two biggest things that were attractive for me was the tradition and the community,’’ he said. “The tradition and support, I think, are unmatched when it comes to North Alabama football. “They’ve always had some of the most consistent, hard-working, hard-nosed teams.’’ The Panthers’ tradition is a modest one, though the school can claim two state championship game appearances and two berths in the semifinals in its history. But for the past 30 years, Huntsville has cobbled together the best resume among city and Madison County teams, with
Bob Jones close behind. Since 1986, Huntsville has logged 21 seasons with a record of .500 or better with 20 playoff appearances. Bob Jones has recorded 17 seasons with a .500 or better record with 21 playoff berths. No other team in the county is close. In the city, Johnson is next in line with 12 break-even or winning seasons and 19 playoff appearances. “One thing I’ve always remembered about Huntsville watching them on film was how they were always hard-nosed and well-coached,’’ Woodfin said. The Panthers enter 2016 looking to return to their traditional ways. Huntsville went 4-6 in 2014 and 2-8 in Wood-
fin’s first season, missing the postseason both years. With a year of experience in Woodfin’s up-tempo, no-huddle attack, the Panthers say they feel confident they can get back to their winning ways. “We have better chemistry and a better connection on offense,’’ senior receiver Will Cooper said. “We’re all on the same page this year.’’ Senior linebacker Conner Prince said there’s no secret formula for a winning season. “Hard work, of course, will put us back on track,’’ he said. “We went a lot of last summer not knowing who the coach would be. We know now, and we can be more consistent with hard work.’’
TEAM PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY LIFETOUCH PHOTOS BY KRISTIN CLARK
18 Madison County Football
Madison County Football 19
Huntsville Panthers preview Coach: Clint Woodfin Class 7A Region 4 2015 record: 2-8 Number of returning starters: 14 Offensive Scheme: Multiple no-huddle Defensive Scheme: 3-4 and 3-3
where he was offensive coordinator. Woodfin hopes the Panthers, who averaged 19.2 points per game last season, will flourish in his second year as did his last offense at James Clemens that averaged 34.2 points in 2014. Senior WR Will Cooper, senior DB Cole Noteworthy: Woodfin, a 1997 Whitehurst, senior DE/MLB Eligraduate of Austin in Decatur, is jah Thomas are back after making in his second season. He came to first-team All-City last year. SeHuntsville from James Clemens, nior Matthew Nowlin returns at # Name 3 Jackson Glover 5 Tyler Battle 6 Jake Holder 7 Zack Strange 8 Ke’Ashes Locklear 8 Stoney Patton 9 Jackson Litz 9 Israel Harris 11 Stanley Green 13 Justin Clark 13 Hanes Green 14 Joel Powell 15 Matthew Nowlin 16 Antonius Holmes 17 Griffin Hall 18 Cole Whitehurst 20 Wesley Brown 20 Graham Parker 21 Christian Gagliano 22 Martavious Birt 23 Jordan Thompson 25 Jawaun Doughty 26 Carter Johnson 28 Justin Anderson
Position Grade QB So. OLB, MLB Jr. WR So. RB So. WR, CB, FS Sr. SB, RB So. WR So. DE Jr. CB So. WR, SB Sr. CB, FS, SS So. CB, FS, SS Jr. QB, P Sr. OLB, CB Sr. OLB, MLB So. FS, QB Sr. OLB Jr. CB So. WR So. RB, OLB Jr. SB, WR Jr. CB Sr. FS, LS Jr. OLB, MLB Jr.
20 Madison County Football
QB, but the Panthers must replace OL Noah Satern, who signed with UNA, and RB Freddie Carodine, who is at Alabama A&M. Senior LB Conner Prince and senior WR/DB Ke’Ashes Locklear were second-team All-City last season. Huntsville made the state playoffs for nine straight seasons, including a run to the semifinals in 2008, before failing to reach the postseason the past two years.
29 Landon McCrary WR, SB 30 Patrick Green SS, OLB 30 Floyd Blackwell OLB 31 Sims Windham CB, FS, SS 31 Trey Daniel WR 32 Elijah Thomas DE, MLB 34 Dashun Grays RB, WR, CB 34 Connor Colvin OLB, MLB 37 Zephaniah Gosa WR 38 Jackson Woodruff CB, FS, SS 40 Connors Landwehr OLB, MLB 42 Eric Pavlik DE, DT 42 Drew Swatzell OLB 43 Andrew Davidson WR, CB 44 Conner Prince MLB, FB 47 Spencer Morris MLB, OLB 47 Blake Neill OLB, MLB 49 Teddy Graffeo MLB, G 50 Jack Kreger OLB, MLB 51 Daniel Ceci OLB 51 Blaine Hyde OLB, MLB 52 Kyle Jansen DE, T 56 Chase Flatau G 57 John Kozar T, G, C 60 Darvin Ford jr NG, G
So. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. So. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. So.
HUNTVILLE PANTHERS 2016 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug. 25 @ Decatur Sept. 2 @ Grissom (MFS)* Sept. 8 vs. Buckhorn (MFS)* Sept. 16 @ Bob Jones* Sept. 23 vs. Columbia (MFS) Sept. 30 vs. Sparkman (MFS)* Oct. 6 @ James Clemens (MCSS)* Oct. 14 @ Hewitt-Trussville* Oct. 21 vs. Gadsden City (MFS)* Oct. 28 vs. Athens (LCS) * Region game MFS-Milton Frank Stadium MCCS-Madison City Schools Stadium LCS-Louis Crews Stadium
63 Park Ellis 63 Jordan Gooden 64 Hunter Hill 65 Eli Morrow 68 Harrison Parker 69 Wylder Herring 70 Nick Wallace 71 Nicholas Rhynes 74 Brandon Ivey 75 Boots Ellett 77 Jalen Spady T, DT 80 Jack Hosna 82 Justin Holloway 82 Jonathan Ceci 83 Ryan Saunders 85 Brycen Rehome 85 Tucker Carden 86 Erik Haft 87 Logan Christopher 89 Tripp Johnson 91 Hiwon Pinchon 91 Joshua Haft 94 Sevin Snead 94 Ethan Decker 95 Harrison Hall
OLB, MLB So. DE, T Jr. G, T, C Sr. FB, MLB Jr. T, G, C Jr. T, G, C So. G, C Sr. DT, NG Sr. T, G, C Jr. G, T Jr. Sr. 6-3 OLB So. WR So. WR So. DE So. DE So. WR Jr. DE So. DE Jr. WR Sr. DT, DE Jr. SS So. DE Sr. OLB, MLB Sr. DE Jr.
James Clemens High School
STORY by Lindsay Vaught
Jets unfazed with heightened expectations
M
ADISON – The word is out. James Clemens is for real. Coaches across Alabama took notice when the Jets hung 51 points on Mountain Brook last year. Later they shutout Hewitt-Trussville 22-0 in a playoff game. The next week they had Spain Park on the ropes with a 13-0 lead but let it slip away. That loss still smarts Jets players. James Clemens begins the year ranked 2nd in 7A. The Jets defense is loaded with experience, size and speed and boasts major talent at every level. The defensive line will be anchored by LaBryan Ray (6-foot-4, 260), Daevion Davis (6-foot-2, 280), Jeremy Garth
(5-foot-10, 230), Michael Sharpley and Joseph Price. Garth gets plays run at him because he plays opposite side of LaBryan Ray. “I embrace the challenge playing alongside LaBryan,” he said. “Nobody wants to run at him. He challenges me and makes me better. We’ve got a lot of players back on defense that played big minutes last year. We are built on toughness and effort. We take it upon ourselves to do our job to make it easier on the offense.” Should opponents get past the line, then linebackers Monty Rice and John Jenkins and Kyriq McDonald (5-foot11, 195) wait. McDonald has committed to Alabama.
TEAM PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY GREG MACHEN
Despite the abundance of talent, it is up to head coach Wade Waldrop and his staff to ensure they play as a cohesive unit. “There were games last year we didn’t execute the right way on defense,” Waldrop said. “If we make a freshman mistake, then we’re not playing very good. We
have a very high standard of execution, and we shouldn’t make those type mistakes.” The offense was dealt a blow when Devin Atkinson injured a knee this summer and will miss the season. The quarterback competition between Jackson Nowlin and Jamil Muhammed
Madison County Football 21
PHOTOS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO
will continue until the season starts. Neither has started a varsity game. The offensive line returns all five starters from last year when the team rushed for over 1,500 yards. Atkinson alone accounted for 1,300 rushing yards. From left to right the Jets offensive line will have Skylar Boyd (6-foot-5, 285), Travis Ware (5-foot-10, 220), Rudy Flores
22 Madison County Football
(5-foot-11, 210), Brett Bennett (6-foot, 240), and Brodie Collier (6-foot-6, 285). “This group got better as a unit as the season went on and was playing at a high level, and this year should be even better. We don’t look back. Nothing we did last year matters,” Waldrop said. James Clemens’ kicking game was a big part of the success last year. The Jets
scored nine defensive or kicking game touchdowns last year. Kyriq McDonald blocked punts against Mountain Brook and Sparkman. Monty Rice recovered one for a touchdown. McDonald returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown against Mountain Brook. “We expect to be even better on special teams. As a staff we emphasize it. We view it as another opportunity to score points,” Waldrop said. Brodie Dropelman takes over the kicking duties. “He works as hard as any player on the team,” Waldrop said. “I have high expectations for him. He could have played last year. He has gotten a lot stronger.” Waldrop’s team has the talent to win the region, and a state championship is possible. “From our starters down, this is the best team we have had. A state champion has unwavering commitment from all players. A team that goes home has somebody in that starting lineup not doing their job. I like where this team is mentally,” Waldrop said.
James Clemens Jets preview Coach: Wade Waldrop (4th season) Class 7A Region 4 2015 record: 10-2 Number of returning starters: 16 Offensive Scheme: Spread Defensive Scheme: 4-3 By the numbers: James Clemens has three players with SEC offers: Kyriq McDonald (Alabama commit), Monty Rice (Alabama, Florida, LSU and Auburn) and LaBryan Ray (more than 20 of# Name
fers, including Oklahoma, Notre Dame, USC, Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee and Texas). McDonald had eight interceptions and blocked five punts last year. James Clemens won nine straight games after the loss to Bob Jones last year. James Clemens set a school record scoring 59 points against Huntsville. James Clemens scored nine defensive/ special teams touchdowns last year. Waldrop’s record at James Clem-
Position Grade
1 Devon Atkinson RB r. 1 LaBryan Ray DE, DT Sr. 2 Jackson Nowlin QB Sr. 2 Lance Meade SS, FS Sr. 3 Immanuel Wilder WR Sr. 4 Monty Rice MLB, RB Sr. 5 James Macklin SS, FS Jr. 6 Kyriq Mcdonald SS, CB Sr. 7 Joseph Price OLB Sr. 7 Jamil Muhammad QB So. 8 Collin Brown Jr. 9 Xavier Mcknight CB So. 10 Joseph Arias QB Sr. 10 Zach Hopkins MLB So. 11 Bradley Belt CB, FS, SS Sr. 11 Jalen Lewis WR Fr. 12 Cameron Cassidy WR, SB Jr. 13 Torolla Walker WR, CB Sr. 14 Eris Skelton jr WR, RB Jr. 15 Chris Baker QB Fr. 16 Austin Mcghee RB So. 17 Kylen Swoope WR Jr. 18 Jaylin Ware WR, CB So. 19 Alex Boothe WR So. 20 Nolan Smith WR, FS, CB Jr.
ens is 19-14. James Clemens has 30 seniors this year. Noteworthy: Devin Atkinson, the team’s leading rusher and kickoff returner, is lost for the season to knee injury. James Clemens defeated HewittTrussville 22-0 to win their first playoff game in 2015. James Clemens had 4th quarter leads in both losses last year to Bob Jones and Spain Park.
22 Bradley Goan RB, OLB Jr. 23 Montrell D. campbell CB, FS Jr. 24 amuel Clemons RB Sr. 25 Chris Sanders OLB, RB Jr. 26 Malachi Trantham OLB, RB So. 28 Cj Hanson CB Jr. 29 Boseck Cade Sr. 30 Alex Davis RB Jr. 31 Ryan Hutchison CB 32 Darrius Clark CB Jr. 33 Caleb Lee FS Jr. 34 Dylan Blackburn 36 Eric Sappington CB Sr. 37 Brody Droppleman K Jr. 38 Alex Forrest OLB, SS So. 39 Jackson Burchfield SS Fr. 40 Tony Kahle Sr. 41 Nigel Miller SB, TE Sr. 42 Brandon Moore WR Sr. 45 Preston Jubenville DE Jr. 46 Kalfif Austin 49 John Jenkins MLB Sr. 50 Cameron Handley G Jr. 57 Travis Ware G, DT Sr. 58 Rudy Flores C Sr. 60 Matt Burrow T, DT So. 61 Gavin Wilson So.
James Clemens Jets 2016 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug. 19 vs. Decatur (preseason) Aug. 26 @ Gardendale Sept. 2 vs. Bob Jones* Sept. 9 vs. Gadsden City* Sept. 16 @ Sparkman* Sept. 23 @ Clay-Chalkville Sept. 30 vs. Grissom* Oct. 6 vs. Huntsville* Oct. 14 vs. Buckhorn* Oct. 21 @ Hewitt-Trussville* Oct. 27 @ Austin * Region game
62 Brody Collier T Sr. 63 Kenyon Suan So. 64 Steven Raymond DT Sr. 65 Seth Bruder 66 Timothy Butler G So. 68 Cameron Farley Jr. 70 Zach Taylor T Fr. 71 Brett Bennett FB, TE Sr. 73 Zach Seals 75 Caleb Harris So. 76 Ethan Gordon T Jr. 77 Skylar Boyd T Sr. 79 Kaelin Yi Sr. 81 Dalton Ratcliffe WR Sr. 82 Haytham Tamimi K Sr. 83 Jeremy Garth DT, NG Sr. 85 Michael Marlow Sr. 86 Matthew Randel K Sr. 87 Trevor Hunziker WR So. 88 Sedric Mccrary jr TE, FB Sr. 90 Garritt Coughenour T So. 91 Clayton Helfert DE Sr. 92 Daevion Davis So. 93 Garrett Saint So. 95 Tyrell Winn DT, NG Jr. 98 Michael Sharpley MLB, DE Sr. 99 Kimardre Edwards DT Fr.
Madison County Football 23
Lee High School
LEE GENERALS 2016 SCHEDULE Date Opponent
Lee Generals preview Coach: Tony Woods (2nd season) Class 5A Region 8 2015 record: 6-5 Number of starters returning: 10 Offensive Scheme: Spread, wing-t Defensive Scheme: 4-2 Noteworthy: Lee drops down to Class 5A this season after playing in 6A for four seasons. The school essentially played up a class because the building also houses New # Name
Position
Century Technology. Of Lee’s five players selected last season as All-City first-team who graduated, the player Woods said might be the most difficult player is female kicker Kenysha Coulson. She was vital as the Generals had their first winning season and made their first playoff appearance since 2005, when they were 10-3. Generals returning who made All-Region
Grade
1 Joshua King DB Fr. 2 Antonio Baker RB. Soph. 3 Diamonte Douglas RB Sr. 4 KeMari Artis WR Soph. 5 Markell McNeil LB Sr. 6 Reggie Scott DB Sr. 7 Noah Watkins QB Fr. 8 Jarius Ramsey QB Sr. 9 Dashun Grays WR Sr. 10 Aaron Collins WR Sr 12 Cortez Brooks LB Jr. 13 Kobe Johnson WR Soph. 14 Curtis Brooks LB Jr. 15 Josh Phillips QB Sr. 16 Thomas Grimes QB Sr. 18 Darius Taylor WR Jr. 19 Brandon Powell TE Sr. 20 Cordarius Cox RB Jr. 21 Tyrell Woods LB Jr. 22 Parion Alexander DB Sr.
last year are running back Diamonte Douglas, offensive lineman Quintez Hurtado, defensive lineman Trevon Carr and linebacker Tashaad Woods. Lee lost All-City Offensive Player of the Year and quarterback Cameron Thomas and linebacker and Defensive Player of the Year Joshua Draper. Woods said freshman QB Noah Watkins was the leading candidate to start.
23 Jarquez Harris RB Jr. 24 DeQuan Binford DB Jr. 25 Derrick Warner LB Jr. 26 Se’Maj Ivey DB Sr. 27 Tashaad Jones DB Sr. 30 Travion Scott LB Jr. 21 Shannon Madry DB Soph. 32 JaDevin Johnson RB Fr. 34 Trrevon Carr LB Sr. 35 Malik Langham DL Jr. 36 Dazarius Burks RB Soph. 37 Quortez Burnett DB Jr. 40 Halston Langford DL Jr. 41 Jayden Hyter WR Fr. 42 Perez Namce DB Sr. 43 Mason Wherry WR Fr. 44 Andrew Henderson LB Soph. 50 Mikel Jones DL Jr. 52 Tyler Drake OL Sr. 53 Hosea Middlebrooks DL Soph. 55 Sebastion Strukie OL Soph. 56 Jarquese Acklin DL Fr.
Aug. 26 vs. Grissom (MFS) Sept. 2 @ Russellville* Sept. 9 vs. Brooks (MFS)* Sept. 16 @ East Limestone* Sept. 23 @ Decatur Sept. 29 vs. Ardmore (MFS)* Oct. 7 vs. Mae Jemison (LCS)* Oct. 14 @ Lawrence County ()* Oct. 20 vs. St.. John Paul II (LCS)* Oct. 28 @ Columbia (MFS) * Region game
57 DeAndre Mason DL Soph. 58 Jaylon Acklin DL Fr. 60 Shalante Cato DL Sr. 61 Deante Mallory DL Jr. 62 Kendall Jordan OL Jr. 65 Zion Bone DL Soph. 66 David Burrell DL Fr. 67 Avery McCrary OL Fr. 71 Alex Woodley OL Soph. 72 Coby Moore OL Sr. 73 Cairyn Lane OL Soph. 74 Austin Lyon OL Fr. 75 Maekki Douglas OL Jr. 76 Quintez Hurtado OL Sr. 77 Justin Howell OL Soph. 80 Isaiah MCCaulley TE Jr. 81 Hakeem Jordan WR Soph. 82 Jahayver Miller WR Soph. 83 Jaheim Miller WR Fr. 84 Gerald Miller WR Fr. 85 Secret Turner TE Fr.
TEAM PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
24 Madison County Football
Huntsville Hospital full page
Good Luck
Madison county FootbaLL teaMs! Matthew Hunt, MD Douglas Downey, MD
Caroline Schreeder, MD Marc Zelickson, MD
1041 Balch Road, Suite 350, Madison, AL | huntsvillehospital.org/NASA | (256) 265-5951
Madison County Football 25
Madison Academy
STORY by MIKE EASTERLING
Mustangs want more of same despite changes
H
UNTSVILLE – The coach is different, the classification and region have changed, and new faces will man many starting positions. But one thing remains constant at Madison Academy as the Mustangs move up to Class 4A after an ultra-successful run in 3A: attitude. “I still believe we’re the team to beat in 4A,’’ senior wide
receiver/defensive back Jaelin Ferdinand said. “I believe 100 percent we are going to win the state championship.’’ Ferdinand’s confidence is understandable. The Mustangs were a dominant 3A program during Coach Dr. Eric Cohu’s seven seasons. Under Cohu, Madison Academy compiled an 87-12 overall record and went 50-1 in region play with six championships.
2
1
The Mustangs went to the third round in the state playoffs three years, including 2015, finished as state runner-up in 2011 and won three straight championships from 2012-14. Grant Reynolds now takes over for Cohu, who left to join the Israeli national team as an assistant. Reynolds arrived after a successful stint as defensive coordinator and head coach at Boyd-Buchanan in Chattanooga. “Going up a class, we’re going to run into an issue where teams are going to be able to two-platoon,’’ Reynolds said. “We’ll have to make sure we’re in shape to play with these guys in the fourth quarter. “There are no walk-overs. It’ll be a dogfight every week.” Reynolds and the Mustangs will no doubt rely heavily on the broad shoulders of 6-foot-7, 275-pound lineman Austin Troxell as they search for depth along the offensive and defensive lines. A four-
year prospect and Auburn commitment, he is rated the highest among state players by 247sports. “We just want him to continue being himself,’’ Reynolds said. “We’re not going to ask him to do anything he hasn’t done. He’s been a hard worker and good leader.’’ Troxell said he is 100 percent after injuring a knee in the playoffs last year. “We’ played a lot of bigger teams last year so we’re used to that,’’ he said, “but we have to take every team seriously. There are no cupcake teams.’’ Senior quarterback Grayson Edgemon, who returns to start for a second season, said falling short of the state championship game last season provides fuel for the 2016 Mustangs. “It’s motivated us,’’ he said. “It’ll be a challenge, but I think it’ll be good for us. We’ll make history as the first team at Madison Academy in 4A.’’
2. Jaelin Ferdinand, a wide receiver and defensive back, along with 1. From left, Austin Troxell, Jaylin Brackett, Jake Christa and Robbie teammates Austin Troxell and Keke Matthews, were honored as AllOrfield make the stop during a win over Briarwood Christian last 2 State performers last season. season for a Mustangs’ defense that allowed an average of 4.8 points per game. PHOTOS BY PAULETTE BERRYMAN TEAM PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY TIM BALLENTINE
26 Madison County Football
Madison Academy Mustangs preview Coach: Grant Reynolds (1st season) Class 4A Region 7 2015 record: 11-2 Number of returning starters: 7 Offensive Scheme: Spread Defensive Scheme: 4-3
chanan after ten seasons as head coach to replace Eric Cohu, who took a position with Israel’s national team after leading the Mustangs to an 87-12 record in seven seasons. Madison Academy posted a 25-4 playoff record in Class 3A, won three state championships and had a runner-up finish in Chou’s tenure. The school is Noteworthy: Reynolds arrived moving up to Class 4A this seafrom Chattanooga’s Boyd-Bu- son and will play in Region 7 # Name
Position
Grade
2 Evan Brooks WR/DB Soph. 3 Alex Carpenter RB/DB Jr. 4 Hunter Schrader RB/LB Soph. 5 Kishawn Matthews RB/DB Sr. 6 Jaelin Ferdinand WR/DB Sr. 7 Evan Liddie QB/DB Soph. 8 Caleb Wimberly WR/DB Soph. 10 Robbie Orfield RB/LB Sr. 11 Tyler Greene QB/DB Jr. 12 Kelvin Malone WR/DB Sr. 13 Jordan Garrett RB/LB Sr. 14 Carson Kennamer TE/LB Soph. 15 Dawson Shumate WR/DB Sr. 16 Jonathan Parrish QB/DB Sr. 17 Grayson Edgemon QB Sr. 19 Timothy Clark ATH Jr. 20 Sean Dorney K/LB Jr. 21 Ty Bartley TED/LB Sr. 22 Slate Rucker WR/DB Fr.
with Huntsville private schools Randolph and Westminster. Senior lineman and Auburn commitment Austin Troxell (6foot-7, 275-pounds) is ranked No. 95 by Scout. Troxell, senior receiver Jaelin Ferdinand and senior back Keke Matthews earned All-State distinction last season. The Mustangs return just seven starters, but quarterback Grayson Edgemon is among those returning.
23 Jake Taylor TE/LB Jr. 24 Chase Barker WR/DB Sr. 25 Brody White WR/DB Jr. 26 Kyle Minor WR/DB Soph. 28 Evan Craighead RB/DB Fr. 30 Bronson Schad RB/LB Jr. 32 Joshua Malone RB/LB Fr. 33 Mac Graham LB Sr. 35 Andy Schad TE/LB Soph. 36 Taylor Young WR/DB Soph. 37 Daniel Brent RB/LB Soph. 41 Taylor Konig WR/DB Soph. 42 T.J. Edwards WR/DB Soph. 44 Jaylin Brackett RB/LB Jr. 45 Finn George WR/DB Soph. 48 Collin Tieder WR/DB Soph. 51 Cameron Ballard OL/DE Fr. 53 Carson Smith OL/DL Jr. 54 Jackson Taylor OL/DL Sr. 55 Wil Clardy ATH Soph.
MADISON ACADEMY MUSTANGS 2016 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug. 19 vs. Colbert County Aug. 26 Open Sept. 2 vs. Sardis* Sept. 9 @ Randolph* Sept. 16 @ Westminster* Sept. 23 vs. Tanner Sept. 30 @Haleyville Oct. 7 @ Madison County* Oct. 14 vs. North Jackson* Oct. 21 vs. DAR* Oct. 28 vs. Briarwood * Region game
57 Jake Christa OL/DL Sr. 58 Justin Jolley OL/DL Jr. 59 Jack West OL/LB Sr. 60 Mark Woeber OL/DL Soph. 61 Samuel Prince OL/LB Sr. 62 Asa Barnett RB/DL Fr. 63 Wade Wiginton OL/DL Soph. 64 Christopher Butler OL/DL Fr. 66 Matthew Dye OL/DL Sr. 67 Tannor Mitchem OL?DL Fr. 68 Jude Vachon OL/DL Soph. 76 Tex Bailey OL/DL Soph. 77 Ayush Patel OL/DL Jr. 78 Austin Troxell OL/DL Sr. 80 Drew Knox WR/LB Sr. 81 Max Marbutt ATH Jr. 85 Jack Lyons WR/DB Soph. 88 Jaylen Nelson WR/DB Soph.
Madison County Football 27
Madison County High School Madison County Tigers preview Coach: Scott Sharp (1st season) Class 4A Region 7 2015 record: 6-5 Number of starters returning: 11 Offensive Scheme: Spread Defensive Scheme: Multiple 3-3, 3-4
1908, has enjoyed its best decade in school history. After having just two winning seasons in 25 years before 2006, and having won two playoff games in three state playoff appearances total, the team compiled seven winning records in the Noteworthy: Sharp had four last ten years. The Tigers have winning seasons in five years at also gone 9-7 combined in the Huntsville. Madison County, playoffs under Joel Poole and which played its first game in Scott Peavey. The Tigers drop # Name
Position
Grade
1 Trevor Landers 1 Trevor Landers 3 Deshawn Mitchel 4 Bryce Gurley 5 Addison McCay 6 Ethan Miller 7 Tae Provens 8 Matthew Flint 9 Mac Guice 10 Tyler Hunt 11Jaxon Parker 12 Daylen Morris 14 John Robertson 16 Randy Guice 17 Dylan Kreps 18 Wiley Henshaw 19 Steven White 20 Mekhi Burdette 21 Evan Johnson 22 Josh Compton 23 Kendall Collier 24 Tanner Brewer 27 Elijah Holland 28 Derek Whittington 33 Ronin Jones 36 Andre Sarangi 37 Shawn Ammerman 47 Andrew Houk 48 Caleb Gillespie
SR SR SR JR SR JR JR JR JR SOPH JR SR SR SR SR SOPH SOPH FR SR JR JR JR SOPH JR SOPH FR FR JR SOPH
Man Man WR/DB WR/DB WR/LB WR/DB RB/DB WR/LB WR/DB WR/DB QB/LB QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB OLB K OL/LB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/LB WR/DB OL/LB WR/DB OL/DL K
back down to Class 4A from 5A. Dalen Morris, a transfer who started at Buckhorn last year, will take over for All-State quarterback Jake Peavey. He went with his dad to Oxford. Among the returning players are junior running back Tae Provens and linebacker Matthew Flint. Auburn University is among the programs offering both.
MADISON COUNTY TIGERS 2016 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug. 26 @ Etowah Sept. 2 vs. Hatton Sept. 9 vs. North Jackson* Sept. 16 vs. Randolph* Sept. 23 @ Guntersville Sept. 30 @ DAR* Oct. 7 vs. Madison Academy* Oct. 14 vs. Sardis* Oct. 21 @ Westminster* Oct. 28 vs. Scottsboro * Region game
50 Micah Burdette 52 Jesse Winburn 53 Sam Bulman 54 Cody Horton 55 Brock Mitchell 56 Sam Bramlett 57 Jonathon Hastings 58 Carson Dean 59 Cole Goodson 60 Cody McNei 61 Riley Pair 62 Brenen Gibbs 65 Jesse Walker 66 Dylan Congo 68 David Marks 71 Clay Middlebrooks 74 Jacob Sharp 75 Tate Rose 77 Andrew Parikh 79 Ed Harbin 82 Emanuel Fletcher 84 Quamaline Gamble
SOPH SR SOPH JR SR SR SOPH FR FR SOPH FR SR SR FR FR FR FR SOPH SOPH FR FR FR
Scott Sharp Bryan Gustafson Anthony Gideon Josh Davis Jason Noblitt Jason Smith Tavaris Dale Mark Mohler
Head Coach/Offensive Line Off Coord/RB Def Coord/LB Secondary/QB/Sp.Team Coord OLB/WR WR/DB RB/LB Trainer
OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/OLB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB
TEAM PHOTO BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO
28 Madison County Football
Jemison High School
TEAM PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY DEITRICK SMART
Madison County Football 29
Mae Jemison Jaguars preview Coach: Kelvis White (1st season) 2015 record: 3-7 (includes four forfeit loses) Number of starters returning: 13 Offensive Scheme: Spread Defensive Scheme: 3-4
building this year and also after it took in some students from shuttered Butler. Jemison kept the same nickname and colors as Johnson, which was coached the last 24 years by Harold Wells. White is the brother of Tanner coach Laron White, who led the Rattlers to state championships Noteworthy: Johnson High in 2012-13. The brothers, sons changed its name to Jemison as of legendary Courtland coach it prepared to move into a new Louis White, will face each # Name
1 Brandon Crosby 2 Brandon McCarver 3 Daquan Godfrey 4 She Darious Sparing 5 Harry Crump 6 Malik Williams 7 Keandre Gregory 8 Quentaveis Fletcher 9 Jamar Jackson 10 Shead Hobbs 11 Keshon Davis 12 Kyle Davis 13 Daymond Eason 15 La Marcus Hedgeman 16 Dee Ford 17 Isaac Laws III 18 Deshaun Floyd 20 Traylon Meeks 23 Jarmarkus Martin 24 Mitchell Smiley
Position
12 12 12 12 11 12 10 12 12 11 10 9 9 12 9 12 10 10 12 11
30 Madison County Football
Grade
QB WR RB DB RB DB DB LB WR RB WR DB QB LB WR LB QB DB DB RB
25 Quavonta Gardner 26 Kendrick Gregory 27 Lavar Moore 28 Sincere Anderson 29 Travis Matthews 30 Charles Coleman III 31 Peter Proctor 32 Justin Richburg 33 Darren Eason 35 Latrell Taylor 36 Desmond Pearson 38 Cordius Wilson 39 Keyon Woods 40 Jacorewon Terry 41 Isiah Henry 44 Amond Thompson 46 Christian Wimberly 49 Anthony Saunders 53 Deonta McLin 55 Cedric Lewis 56 Daion Campbell
other when Jemison plays at Tanner Aug. 26. DB Shon’Derious Spralling, QB/DB Brandon Crosby and RB Quan Godfrey return after making All-Region last season. Spralling has committed to Troy, Crosby has an offer from UNA and Godfrey from Union College. The Jaguars missed a fourth straight playoff berth when they forfeited four wins last year. 12 10 9 10 10 11 11 10 11 11 9 10 9 10 9 9 9 9 12 9 9
LB WR WR DB DB DL DB LB DL WR WR RB WR DB DB LB LB RB OL DL LB
MAE JEMISON JAGUARS 2016 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug. 19 vs. Calera (LCS) Aug. 26 @ Tanner Sept. 2 @ East Limestone* Sept. 9 vs. St. John Paul II (LCS)* Sept. 16 @ Russellville* Sept. 23 @ Buckhorn Sept. 30 vs. Brooks (LCS)* Oct. 7 @ Lee (LCS)* Oct. 14 vs. Ardmore (MFS)* Oct. 21 vs. Lawrence County (LCS)* * Region game LCS-Louis Crews Stadium MFS-Milton Frank Stadium
59 Cedric Adams 60 Malik Milton 61 Trinity Mitchell 62 Diaris Donaldson 64 Wesley Clay 65 Marc Kerley-Vaughan 66 Jamauri Irving 68 Samate Lampton 70 Shuntell Johnson 71 Jalen Matkin 73 Malik Toney 75 Cortez Richmond 76 Justin Rogers 77 Bobby Culbert 78 Kylon Campbell 79 Jalen Ingram 81 Jamarious Harris 83 Elijah Smith 84 John Vontae Williams 86 Vyshawn Villagomez 89 Johnathan Robinson
12 12 11 10 9 9 12 12 10 11 10 10 12 11 11 9 9 9 9 12 10
OL OL DL DL OL OL OL OL DL DL OL DL OL OL OL DL LB LB WR WR WR
New Hope High School
New Hope Indians preview Coach: Randall Taylor Class 3A Region: 7 2015 record: 7-5 Offensive Scheme: Spread Defensive Scheme: 3-3 stack
431 yards and six touchdowns before breaking his collarbone halfway through last season. The Indians have to replace threeyear starting quarterback Adam Browner. He passed for 4,127 yards with 45 touchdowns and Noteworthy: Senior WR/SS 22 interceptions in his career. Bret Clark received an offer from He also rushed for 1,405 yards Troy during the Trojans’ satellite with 21 TDs. He signed a jucamp in Decatur and commit- nior college scholarship with ted. He caught 31 passes for Garden City in Kansas. Return# Name
Position
2 Logan Durham WR, CB 3 Derek Edwards QB, CB 4 Brandan Selvage WR, OLB 5 Dylan Sigler QB, WR, OLB 9 Bret Clark WR, SS 11 Drew Pinkerton RB, MLB 13 Troup Cooper WR, CB 15 Ryan Pepper QB, DE 16 Ethan Lowhorne-williams QB, LS, CB 18 Seth Burke K, P 20 Jamie Green WR, FS 24 Kolby Bolton QB, DE 25 Zack Finch MLB, RB
Grade
Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. So. So.
ing players for the Indians who made All-Region last season are Clark, DE/TE Joshua Warren, LB/FB Jacob Mables and RB Jonate Cotton. He was named the All-Region Offensive Player of the Year. New Hope advanced to the playoffs for just the third time since 1992 last season and won its first playoff game since then when it defeated Winston County 28-13 in the first round. 31 Nikolas Pennington 34 Joshua Warren 35 Jonate Cotton 50 Eric Jackson 51 Elijah Smith 53 Jake Spivey 54 Jacob Maples 58 Jesse Hogan 68 Jacob Reavis 72 Elijah Anglin 75 Caleb Martin 76 Marcus Cotton 79 Brandon Jackson
NEW HOPE I NDIANS 2016 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug. 19 vs. Westminster Aug. 26 vs. Randolph Sept. 2 @ Brindlee Mountain* Sept. 9 Open Sept. 16 vs. DAR Sept. 23 @ Sylvania* Sept. 30 vs. North Sand Mountain* Oct. 7 vs. Pisgah* Oct. 14 @ Geraldine* Oct. 21 @ Plainview* Oct. 28 @ Midfield * Region game
OLB, WR OLB, TE RB, MLB C, G G, DE G, NG MLB, G G, DE T, NG G, NG G, DE NG, T C, G, T
So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. So.
TEAM PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY LIFETOUCH
Madison County Football 31
Randolph High School
STORY by MIKE EASTERLING
Raiders fight for momentum after state playoff appearance
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UNTSVILLE – The sheen hasn’t dulled from Randolph’s landmark 2015 football season. There’s reason to hold onto the memories of an unprecedented 7-4 season that saw the Raiders make the state playoffs for the first time in program history. Don’t blame Raiders Coach Nick Flanagan, though, for trying to rub a little luster off a season to be remembered but also not held onto too tightly. “We’ve preached all offseason that we’ve got to be relevant this year, stay relevant,’’ said Flanagan, who in his first season as coach led the Raiders to their first winning sea-
son since the school restarted the program in 2010 after a 31-year-long dormancy. The seven wins were the most for Randolph as a state qualifier. The Raiders went 7-3 in 1973 and 6-4 in 1974, but the program was not an area/region member of the Alabama High School Athletic Association. The school dissolved the program in 1979 following seasons of 1-8, 1-8, 1-6 and 2-6 as a qualifier. “We want to stay with the same things that got us there last year,’’ Flanagan said. “And last year was great. But we say all the time what we did last year – we did that, and it’s over. We’ve got to be relevant this
year by going out and doing the same things.’’ At a glance, it would appear the Raiders’ chances of staying among the better area teams improved simply by dropping down one classification. Randolph, playing in Class 5A previously because of the AHSAA’s 1.35-to-1 private school to public school student rule, broke through last season playing in 5A, Region 7. But it seems reclassification to 4A did the football-playing Raiders no favors. They’re grouped in 4A, Region 7 with the likes of Madison County, which also dropped down from 5A, Madison Academy, a pow-
erhouse in 3A which moved up this year, and traditional 4A power North Jackson. The Raiders aren’t deep or very big. They run a veer attack, where third-year starter Forrest Webber should be an asset. He plans to play baseball at Birmingham-Southern. “We put a lot of pressure on him to make reads,’’ Flanagan said. The Raiders return just six starters but have over a dozen players with varsity experience. “I’m really excited coming into this year,’’ senior receiver Austin Lu said. “We’ve got a lot of returning players.’’ Perhaps enough to stay relevant.
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Randolph Raiders preview Coach: Nick Flanagan Class 4A Region 7 2015 record: 7-4 Number of returning starters: 6 Offensive Scheme: Flexbone/veer Defensive Scheme: 3-3 stack Noteworthy: Randolph had its first winning season since restarting the football program in 2010. The Raiders also made the
# Name
Position
school’s first playoff appearance in Flanagan’s first season. Flanagan took over for Eddie Guth, who led the team to back-to-back 4-6 records in the last of his three seasons. The only other winning season Randolph has logged was in 1973 when the team went 7-3 in its first year of existence. The Raiders fielded a team from 1973-79 before folding the program. The Raiders drop down
Grade
1 Sam Kimel LB/SLOT Jr. 2 Graham Copeland DB/QB Soph. 3 Huston Morring DBWR Jr. 4 Forrest Webber QB Sr. 5 Colton Scoggins DB/SLOT Jr. 7 Hunter Harton LB/SLOT Sr. 8 Luke Alison DB/WR Soph. 10 Cole Greco LB/WR Sr. 11 Levon Fletcher ATH Jr. 12 Brad Layton DB/WR Jr. 13 J.B. Stockton DB/SLOT Soph. 14 Ty Callahan DB Fr. 15 Harrison Pearson LB?SLOT Jr. 16 Brandon Holland QB Fr.
from Class 5A to 4A this season and will play in Region 7 with Westminster, Madison Academy, Madison County, North Jackson, DAR and Sardis. Senior quarterback Forrest Webber will start for a third season. He plans to play baseball at BirminghamSouthern. Junior LB Jackson Vest and junior ATH Levon Fletcher have drawn interest from small schools.
17 Raymond Dexter DB/WR Soph. 18 Reed Thurman LB/SLOT Fr. 19 Jackson Vest LB Jr. 20 Matthew Chandler LB/FB Sr. 21 Jackson Davis LB/SLOT Soph. 22 Winston Kelly LB/SLOT Soph. 23 John Sadler Evans LB/SLOT Sr. 24 Bryce Johnson DL/OL Fr. 25 Major Dwyer QB Fr. 26 Luke Alison DB/WR Fr. 27 Evan Gross LB/WR Sr. 28 Caleb Haught DB/WR Sr. 29 Austin Lu DB/WR Sr. 31 Dominick Lioce LB/SLOT Jr. 51 Trey Stanly DL/OL Soph. 53 Chase Hammett DL/OL Soph.
RANDOLPH RAIDERS 2016 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug. 19 @ Brewer Aug. 26 @ New Hope Sept. 2 @ Westminster* Sept. 9 vs. Madison Academy Sept. 16 @ Madison County* Sept. 23 vs. Ardmore Sept. 30 vs. North Jackson* Oct. 6 Open Oct. 14 vs. DAR* Oct. 21 @ Sardis* Oct. 28 vs. Wilson * Region game
54 Parker Wilkerson DL/OL Jr. 55 Michael Moore DL/OL Jr. 56 Grant Johnson DL/OL Soph. 58 Rob Harragain DL/OL Jr. 60 Tim Curran DL/OL Soph. 61 Garrett Barrilleaux DL/OL Jr. 64 Andrew Johnson DL/OL Sr. 65 Ward Pullen DL/OL Sr. 70 Samuel Grover DL/OL Fr. 71 Jed Rainey DL/OL Fr. 73 Fletcher Wilson DL/OL Soph. 75 Alex Baugh DL/OL Sr. 76 David Strickland DL/OL Soph. 78 Kyle Hoyt DL/OL Jr.
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Sparkman High School
STORY by Lindsay Vaught
Sparkman begins long climb out of the basement
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ARVEST – Coach Chris Cagle remains confident he can turn around the fortunes of Sparkman’s football program. He experienced success at Bob Jones as offensive coordinator. He was brought to Sparkman two years ago to emulate that success, but the first two years have been tough. His team improved to 4-6 last season after a 3-7 mark his first year. But in region games Sparkman was 1-6 last year, and those six losses weren’t close. The Senators lost by an average of 24 points. “To be a champion, you have to beat the champion, and Bob Jones has been on top. Our players have to play with more confidence and understand we expect them to compete every time they go out there,” Cagle said. “This is a hard-working group. Every year we’ve been here our players have competed better, played harder and got more wins.
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We are ready to take that next step now. Every year we have more leaders. Those guys have to step up.” There are positive signs. Facilities and practice fields are now up to par with other 7A schools. The offseason workout attendance has been the best ever, and excitement is at an all-time high. “The people of Harvest/ Monrovia/Toney support their schools and sports teams,” Cagle said. “It’s frustrating when you don’t have success, but if you work and do what you’re supposed to, you get rewarded. Until we take that next step, we get what we earn.” Cagle knows success: he was on Roger Hayne’s staff in 2006, the last time Sparkman won a region championship. Key to taking that next step is new quarterback Devin Kimbrough (6-foot, 180 pounds, junior). A standout infielder on the baseball team, Kimbrough brings that same confidence into the huddle. Last season
PHOTOS BY LINDSAY VAUGHT
he threw the game-winning touchdown pass against Russellville. He got a lot of snaps last season in relief of Mason Edwards, who was a three-year starter at quarterback. Now, Kimbrough will be tutored by Cagle himself, who coaches quarterbacks and runs the offense. Quiet by nature, Kimbrough says he needs to be more of a vocal leader and improve on “leading the team. I’m a little quiet, so I need to be more vocal and execute every play. I like the read option. It fits my style of play. I am pretty fast, so if I use my speed, then the defense looks for that, and I can throw it over them. We showed we can compete against the top teams, but making the playoffs is our goal.”
Kimbrough led the team to some surprising results in 7-on-7 passing tournaments. Sparkman won the Birmingham Southern tournament, winning eight games to no losses. The Senators finished 5-1 at the Samford passing camp. Sparkman has two seniors (Zack Cangelosi and Jordan Rice) back on the offensive line. Sparkman will rely on a host of young players to fill holes on both the offensive and defensive line. The team also lost all their linebackers, but Cagle is confident the young guys will step up. Kimbrough will have experience at the skilled positions. Hunter Gibson is back at running back. Parker Schwartz, Chase Parker and Chase Kinard return at receiver.
Sparkman Senators preview Coach: Chris Cagle (3rd season) Class 7A Region 4 2015 record: 4-6 Number of returning starters: 10 Offensive Scheme: Spread Defensive Scheme: 3-5
last season. Sparkman won two games in the final minute last year but must improve on a 1-6 region record. Sparkman set a school record for points scored in a game when they defeated Grissom 7113. Sparkman has had nine straight By the numbers: Cagle went 3-7 losing seasons and last won a rein year one and improved to 4-6 gion title in 2006.
# Name
Position
Grade
1 Neal Burch WR 2 Garrett Bodine RB Jr. 3 Devin Kimbrough QB, WR Jr. 4 Alonte Harvey SB, QB So. 4 Parker Swords WR, TE Jr. 9 Jakim Mixon OLB, FS So. 9 Branden Moore DE, DT Sr. 11 Ronald White Jr. WR, RB Sr. 12 Hunter Martin QB So. 15 Denver Allen Betts FS So. 17 Jaxon Bannister WR So. 18 Anderson Alexander WR Sr. 18 Jedarral Walter CB Jr. 19 Carlos Burwell Jr. SS, CB Sr. 19 Mac Howard III (Trey) FS, WR So. 20 Porter Batts OLB, RB So. 21 Darien Brooks RB So. 23 Jakobi Knox-mcquart CB, WR Sr. 24 Jalen Wilson OLB Jr. 25 Damon Hodo OLB, CB Sr. 25 Nathan Dalins OLB, DE Sr. 26 Ernest Williams CB, FS Jr. 28 Chris Joiner RB So.
Sparkman will have 28 seniors this year. Multi-sport athlete Devin Kimbrough steps into the quarterback position vacated by three-year starter Mason Edwards. Defensive lineman Carlos Burwell and offensive lineman Zach Cangelosi are getting recruited by college coaches.
28 Syris Lewis RB, FB Jr. 30 Xavier Hopkins OLB So. 31 Dell Pettus CB So. 32 Bradley Butler MLB, RB So. 32 Hunter Gibson RB, MLB Jr. 33 Kereon Coney CB, FS So. 34 Darian Fletcher RB, MLB Jr. 35 Ethan Caselberry FS, CB Jr. 36 LaQuinton Mitchell FS, OLB Jr. 37 Jonathan Frady WR Jr. 38 Hunter Moore MLB So. 38 Justin Thatch DE, WR Jr. 39 Jonathan Pointer iii DE, DT Sr. 42 Avery Phillips DE Sr. 44 Lee Bowden MLB, OLB Jr. 47 Chaz Del mar FS, SS, CB Jr. 48 Mj Hobbs CB Sr. 49 Keith Lewis jr OLB Jr. 50 Patrick Burks NG Sr. 55 Artavious Fennell NG, DT So. 57 Logan Tarver OLB, MLB Jr. 57 Zavion Vann G So. 60 Blake Hicks T, G So. 60 David Adams G, T Jr. 61 Matthew Houston G, T Jr.
Sparkman Senators 2016 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug. 19 vs. Guntersville (preseason Aug. 26 @ Athens Sept. 2 @ Buckhorn* Sept. 9 vs. Bob Jones* Sept. 16 vs James Clemens* Sept. 23 @ Hazel Green Sept. 30 @ Huntsville* Oct. 7 vs Hewitt-Trussville* Oct. 14 @ Gadsden City* Oct. 21 vs Grissom* Oct. 28 vs. Decatur * Region game
62 Grant Whitt K, P Jr. 63 Austyn Gaither 64 Gavin Ickes C, G Jr. 65 Zack Cangelosi T, G Sr. 66 Jordan Rice C, G Sr. 70 Austin Hamilton G, T Sr. 72 Leamond Moss DE, NG Jr. 73 Raymond Tyree So. 74 Isaac Edwards T, DT Jr. 76 Steven Perry T, G Jr. 77 Zebulon Sanders T So. 81 TJ Dailey WR So. 81 Sam Rector TE, CB Jr. 82 Chase Clinard WR Sr. 83 Chase Parker WR, RB Sr. 85 Rondell Cole WR So. 88 Nathan Gunn WR So. 89 Josh Warner WR, SB So. 89 Joshua Warner WR So. 90 Nick Formby OLB So. 91 Nick Jarrett DE, DT Jr. 94 Maxwell Moore DE, TE Sr. 94 Markeith O’Neil-Tyree DE So. 95 Corey Smith NG Sr. 98 Jacob Towry DT So.
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St. John Paul II Catholic St. John Paul II Catholic Falcons preview Coach: John Mumford (1st season) Class 5A Region 8 2015 record: 1-9 Number of starters returning: 8 Offensive Scheme: Option Defensive Scheme: 3-3-5 Noteworthy: Mumford is in his first season and brings 35 years of college coaching experience.
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Among his previous stints were as interim head coach at LouisianaMonroe and Army and as an assistant at Kansas. He was head coach at Southwest Missouri State from 1990-99. He takes over for Elijah Asante, who led the program for just one season. Rick Daniel was coach for the team’s first four seasons of existence from 2011-14.
Position
Grade
1 J.T. Golden RB/DB Sr. 2 Matthew Souter QB/DB Sr. 3 John Boyer RB?DB Sr. 4 Brian Moss RB/DB Fr. 5 Seth Brown QB/DB Fr. 8 James Overstreet WR/LB Jr. 10 Jack Sauter WR/DB Soph. 11 Alex Brooks WR/DB Jr. 13 Michael Prax WR/DB Fr. 15 Jack Bridges WR/K Soph. 19 Joe Skarupa WR/DB Soph.
The Falcons played a single game in 2011 and have compiled a 6-33 overall record. Their best record was 3-6 in 2013 while playing in Class 4A. Catholic has lost 20 straight games on the field but was awarded a forfeit from Johnson last season. The team had just six seniors when preseason practice began.
POPE JOHN PAUL II CATHOLIC 2016 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Aug. 19 vs. West Morgan (DMS) Aug. 26 vs. Curry (DMS) Sept. 2 vs. Lawrence County (DMS)* Sept. 9 @ Mae Jemison (LCS)* Sept. 16 vs. Ardmore (DMS)* Sept. 23 Open Sept. 30 @ Russellville* Oct. 7 @ East Limestone* Oct. 14 vs. Brooks (DMS)* Oct. 20 @ Lee (LCS)* Oct. 28 @ Clements * Region game DMS-Discovery Middle School LCS-Louis Crews Stadium
21 Gerald Moore WR/DB Soph. 44 Dee Sledge RB/LB Soph. 51 Jay Spencer OL/DL Jr. 52 Connor Sisk OL/DL Jr. 54 Phillip Anderson OL/DL Fr. 55 Matthew Sheibley OL/DL Sr. 56 Gavin Jetton OL/DL Jr. 57 Matthew Weaver OL/DL Jr. 58 Garrett Coyne OL/DL Sr. 60 J.P. Sollohub Fr. 62 Mason Woods OL/DL Sr. 65 Nick Skarupa OL/DL Jr.
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Westminster Christian Academy Westminster Christian Wildcats preview Coach: Louis LeBlanc (1st season) Class 4A Region 7 2015 record: 6-5 Number of returning starters: 10 Offensive Scheme: Spread Defensive Scheme: 3-4 # Name
Noteworthy: Returning players of note: Michael Parker, junior (TE/DE), Larkin Ison, junior (QB/FS), Jeremiah Childs, junior (WR/CB) Last playoff appearance was in 2014. The team has no college commitments.Head Coach
Position
Grade
1 Auston Leslie WR So. 2 Jordan Smith SS, RB Jr. 3 Tavian Garrett RB, CB Sr. 4 Jordan Gonder OLB, MLB Sr. 6 Jeremiah Childs SB, CB Jr. 7 Michael Parker TE, DE Jr. 8 Ehson Brown CB Sr. 9 Luke Best SB, CB So. 10 Brooks Reinhardt MLB, FB So. 11 Sam Sheppard RB Fr. 12 Preston Paparella DE Fr. 13 Clay Doll Fr. 5-6 14 Ethan Pippin MLB, RB Jr. 15 Larkin Ison FS, QB Jr. 16 Walton Vaughn WR, DE So. 17 Ian Thies B, CB So. 18 Caden Best OLB, RB So. 19 Robert Mccoy MLB, FB So. 20 Carter Hayes RB, CB So. 21 Alex Stanley WR, CB So. 22 Matthew Mantooth DE So. 23 Noah Maddox CB, SB Jr. 24 Trey Thorne G, DE Sr. 25 John carl Lorick K Sr. 26 Jackson Billings QB, CB Fr. 28 Duke Rawlings WR, OLB Jr. 28 Noah Haggard WR, DE So.
WESTMINSTER WILDCATS 2016 SCHEDULE Date Opponent
Louis LeBlanc: “I am excited about the new appointment and challenge of being a first-year head coach. This team has adapted quickly to our philosophy, and I like our team chemistry. I look forward to watching their progress.”
Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28
@ New Hope vs. Brewer vs. Randolph* @ DAR* vs. Madison Academy* vs. Hayden @ Sardis* @ North Jackson* Open vs. Madison County* @ Priceville
* Region game
32 Greg Blakely RB, SS Fr. 33 Cade Rawlings WR, SS Fr. 34 Taylor Pell WR, FS Jr. 34 Taylor Pell WR, CB Jr. 35 Noah Keel Fr. 36 Cole Miles TE, DE Jr. 39 Matt Johnson TE, OLB Jr. 40 Micah Deerman G, DE Sr. 44 Alex Johnson FB, MLB Fr. 50 Caleb Lindberg G, NG So. 52 Blake Lonis G, NG Sr. 55 Collin Morris G, DT Jr. 56 Will Boerner G, NG Jr. 60 Adam Luechtefeld T, NG Sr. 63 Gentry Waller T, DT So. 64 Luke Troyanek C, DT Sr. 66 Caden Aguirre DT, G Jr. 67 Wesley Sellers G, DT Fr. 68 Steven Eich G, DT Fr. 70 Reece Cameron T, DT Fr. 72 Kendall Farr T, NG Sr. 73 Joshua Wright G, NG Jr. 75Derangelo Humphries NG, T Sr. 76 Nathaniel Pride G, NG Fr. 77 Neil Eno T, DE Sr. 78 Hayden Mayer G, DT Jr. 81 Dylan Fancher WR Fr.
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