Madison County Football 2018 by Madison Publications

Madison County FOOTBALL FOOTBALL 2018 MADISON COUNTY

Madison Bowl Bob Jones vs. James Clemens James Clemens Bob Jones Buckhorn Columbia Grissom Hazel Green Huntsville Jemison Lee Madison Academy Madison County New Hope Randolph Sparkman St John Paul II Westminster

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

Table of Contents 5

Bob Jones High School

Buckhorn High School

12 Columbia High School 14 Grissom High School 16 Hazel Green High School

19 Huntsville High School 22 James Clemens High School 28 Jemison High School 30 Lee High School

22 EDITORIAL Rebekah Martin Alison James Gregg Parker CONTRIBUTORS Bob Labbe Mike Kelley Lindsay Vaught Dylan Schrader Reggie Benson Bud McLaughlin MARKETING Ashley Davis Tori Waits ADMINISTRATIVE Kayla Taylor Harrison Daniel Holmes

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

33 Madison Academy 36 Madison County High School

38 New Hope High School 40 Randolph High School 42 Sparkman High School 46 St John Paul II High School 48 Westminster High School

BOB JONES HIGH SCHOOL Written by LINDSAY VAUGHT | Photos by Greg Machen

t this time last year, Bob Jones quarterback Caden Rose was largely an unknown starting in his first varsity game as a sophomore.

Now he is a team leader who has football offers from Power Five conference schools. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what passing for 2,300 yards and 16 touchdowns with a 70-percent completion rate plus rushing for 430

yards and six touchdowns will do for a guy. Rose was at his best in big games. He delivered in the clutch against James Clemens as Bob Jones scored 33 straight points; on the road in MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

BOB JONES HIGH SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER NO. NAME

GRADE

NO. NAME

GRADE

Jaydon Hill

Malachi Anderson

Caden Rose

Reed McWilliams

Cam Pugh

LaDon Baffield

Khalil Griffin

Gerius Turner

Branden Fearn

Andre Reese

Dylan Ray

Rec

Raymond Lee

Walker Styles

Drew Lawson

Josh Lewis

Rec

Jayson Walls

Conner Henderson

Rec

Bryan Thomisino

Jon Michael Riley

Rec

Colby Morrell

Artavian Toney

Noah Ahmed

Tanner Trout

Jacob Webber

Slate Alford

Jacob Rackauskas

Jacob Guyton

Josh Carter

Will Rickard

Drew Brosnan

Donavan Brown

Rec

Collin Lee

Jacoby Green

Art Allen

Colton Carver

Ethan Dawes

Trey Lockhart

James Willard

Amiyi Maxwell

Alex Edwards

Miles Humes

Rashad Altubuh

Deondre Smith

Michael Lucente

Tavias Clark

Joshua Guyton

Ian Barrier

Jared Harris

Connor Cooper

Issac Rinehart

Aremon Garth

Connor White

Rec

Javeon Powell

Aiden Hopkins

Rec

Jonathan West

Cooper Neil

Deonte Farris

Brynt Taylor

Rec

Darrius Johnson

Daniel Phillips

Rec

Tyler Pitts

Logan Tharpe

Rec

Jacob Fruehwald

Justin Hawkins

Rec

Jhamhyrin Johnson

Andric Harris

Jackson Burris

Tyler Brown

Travon Truesdale

Jeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;han King

Jacob Gaertner

Devin Toney

Jacob Fewell

Brian Vaughn

Justin Reynolds

Ryan McWilliams

Jackson Lozano

Demarrius Mason

Caleb Cooper

Derrick Weddle

Brett Brosnan

Kale Farr

Forest Kuenzli

Chris Cobb

Thomas Riley

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

POSITION

Rec

BOB JONES 2018 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 24

Christian Brothers

Aug. 31

@Mainland (Daytona, Fla.) in Alpharetta, Ga.

Sept. 7

@James Clemens*

Sept. 14

@Florence*

Sept. 21

Gadsden City*

Sept. 28

Hillcrest Tuscaloosa

Oct. 5

@Grissom*

Oct. 12

@Sparkman*

Oct. 18

Austin*

Oct. 26

Huntsville*

Nov. 2

Open *Denotes Class 7A, Region 4 game

Bob Jones’ first ever win at Gadsden City; and with a 34-point second half against Huntsville. Rose is a natural athlete, an accurate passer with running ability to be a dual-threat quarterback difficult to defend. “In the 10 years I have been here, we haven’t had a quarterback return after having a season like that,” head coach Kevin Rose said. “To have an experienced quarterback that you know can make the throws and can beat you with his feet is a plus going into the season. He has a great impact on his teammates. He has a great energy that is contagious. He had to prove himself last year, and he did. He had to earn his stripes. “He understands the game, makes good decisions and gets us in good plays. He reads the defense and takes what they give him,” Rose added. “We will have a chance to score a lot of points. Caden and Dylan Ray have a special connection and will be a great combination.” Bob Jones averaged 28 points a game last year. Ray had tremendous games this summer when available, and Josh Lewis is working back up to game speed. John Michael Riley and Cam Pugh have played well at receiver, despite not having much experience. Connor Henderson is back. Success on offense will depend a lot on how fast the offensive line can come together. The line will have three new starters, but Art Allen (6-foot-5, 280 pounds, MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

senior) and Colby Morrell (6-foot-1, 290 pounds, senior) return, and Jared Harris is back after a year away from football. Sophomore Drew Lawson is making a strong push to start. “We can be better than we were last year on the offensive line,” Rose said. Khalil Griffin and Jacob Guyton with take over at running back. Guyton has good speed, and Khalil is good in the red zone. Rose said he likes Griffin’s combination of size, speed and style of running. Kicker Jake Fruewald also returns this year. He was second on the team in scoring with 52 points. He booted seven field goals and 31 PATs. Versatile John Michael Riley can punt and kick off and is always a threat for a fake. Ray is long snapper. “The kicking game can help us win close games,” Rose added.

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

The defense took a big hit losing Kade Koler at linebacker and Gavin Lewis at end but returns Jacoby Green (6-foot-1, 215 pounds, junior) at linebacker and Jaydon Hill at corner. Hill (6-foot,174 pounds, senior) developed into one of the best cover corners in the state last season, and combined with run support, he is now one of the top-rated players in the nation at cornerback. “If you throw it his way, there is a possibility he is going to pick it and run it back,” said Rose. “He is too talented to just stick him over there on corner. We will move him around. It allows us to play Kahlil Griffin as an extra linebacker.” Hill added five interceptions to his highlight reel last year, including a pick six against Gadsden City. On the defensive line, Chris Cobb (6-foot-1, 250 pounds) and Ja’han

King (5-foot-9, 220 pounds) both played a lot last year. Derrick Weddle (6-foot-2, 205 pounds) and Deondra Smith (6-foot, 200 pounds) both will have an impact. Bob Jones will again play in Class 7A Region 4. After reclassification, Florence and Austin were added to the region; Hewitt-Trussville exited the region; and Buckhorn dropped to 6A. The schedule features four 10-win teams, seven playoff teams and a road trip to Atlanta to play in the Freedom Bowl in game two. “It’s the toughest schedule we’ve played since I’ve been here,” said Rose. “You want to get off to a good start. When you play national powerhouse teams like we will the first two weeks, that might not be the case. “We can’t have a letdown. If we lose one, learn from it to get better. You can’t get too high and stop improving if you win them.”

BUCKHORN HIGH SCHOOL

uckhorn didn’t make the playoffs last year but won the final game 40-14 over North Jackson to give players some confidence in the offseason. More good news came in the spring when Buckhorn left 7A and moved to 6A, landing in Region 8. Keith Henderson returns as head coach, becoming the first coach since David O’Connor to stay more

By LINDSAY VAUGHT | Photos contrinuted by Lifetouch Photography

than one season. He is from Madison County and said he isn’t going anywhere. “I love it at Buckhorn. I’m fortunate to be there,” Henderson said. “The people, the kids and our coaching staff are phenomenal. It’s a great school. Sometimes I talk to the kids just about how beautiful the setting is, the facilities and buildings we have. Todd Markum, our principal, really supports us.”

Cole Styles, who won the quarterback job last year, has transferred to a high school in Tennessee, but Henderson said he sees that as a plus. Now Jaylon Dixon (5-foot-10, 175 pounds, senior) has moved to quarterback. “Jaylon played on defense last year but has played on the offense before. He has been in the program for years, so it was an easy transition,” Henderson said. “It’s not going to change what MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

BUCKHORN 2018 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 24:

@Madison County (away)

Aug. 31:

Florence (home)

Sept. 7:

Hazel Green* (home)

Sept. 14:

@Albertville* (away)

Sept. 20:

@Wetumpka (away)

Sept. 28:

@Sparkman (away)

Oct. 5:

Jemison* (home)

Oct. 12:

@Ft. Payne* (away)

Oct. 19:

Lee-Huntsville* (home)

Oct. 26:

Open

Nov. 2:

Grissom (home)

we do on offense. We run a spread look and try to be balanced in the run/pass. Jaylon can throw the ball well and make plays with his feet, so we’re excited about him leading the offense.” Last year’s starting offensive line all graduated, with Caleb Baker and Hunter Gates signing with Mississippi College – but there are young guys waiting to get their turn. Center Nick Stavish, tackles Will Garrison and Hayden O’barr, with guards Colby Nash and Mor-

gan Clonts, make up an impressive offensive line. Henderson also has talented receivers Kenneth Allison, Austin Wilson and Justin Hambrick returning. “We are going to be a better, more cohesive unit this year,” Henderson said. “We have nine seniors, which is a small group, but they have some talent, so we’re excited about this team. We had a full offseason with them in the weight room, 7-on-7s and the work we put in this summer.”

*Denotes Region game

RECORD PHOTO/ LINDSAY VAUGHT

Buckhorn players Jaylon Dixon and Nick Owens face the coming season with Coach Keith Henderson.

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

BUCKHORN HIGH SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER NO. NAME

GRADE

Keonn Pride

Justin Hambrick

Jaylon Dixon

NO. NAME

GRADE

Cade Moring

Dylan Tucker

FB, RB

CB, SB

Keonn Pride

OLB

Lyric Gurley

WR, CB

Dominic Laferrara

SS, FS

Kenneth Allison

WR, CB

Ian Underwood

MLB

Travis Pearson

Tyler Brown

DE, OLB

Cole Stiles

Sawyer Sisk

OLB

Clayton Mullins

Nick Stavish

Austin Wilson

Jabrelle Fearn

Preston Hudson

Brandon Keohane

Cameron Hereford

Ahmad Brazelton

Rayden Gray

Dilan Patel

Jabari Bishop

Morgan Clonts

Carson Spires

Hayden Buchanan

Colin Hall

MLB, QB

Hayden Schrimsher

Ryann Henry

Kobe Nash

NG, DE

Eriq Alexander

Jalen Tate

Amahni Spinks

Garrett Hunt

Andrew Robinson

Michael Posey

Albert Duffey

Will Garrison

G, DE

Dolphus Harris

Duncan Welker

Jarod Gordon

OLB

Hayden O’barr

Jeremiah Robinson

Takoma Mcallister

WR, TE

Alex Cross

Kitaeo Nance

Laron Coley

Riley Irwin

Nicklas Owens

MLB, DE

Devonte’ White

Zamarian Taylor

Grant Mullins

Noah Jones

Mohammed Nakhleh

Edward Smith

Logan Baker

Braden Roberts

Quinn Headen

Matthew Hartlley

OLB

Justin Edwards

Steve Anderson

Nathaniel Slate

Among seniors who will play key roles is mike linebacker Nick Owens (6-foot-2, 230 pounds, senior). Owens exudes confidence to his teammates, plus he has the size and experience after starting every game last year. Next to him are veteran linebackers Keonn Pride and Ian Underwood. “I trust them to do their jobs and

POSITION

make all the tackles they are supposed to make. There’s no reason why we should not go undefeated in our region,” Owens said. Buckhorn went 1-6 in region games last year, suffering blowout losses in five of those games to shake even the most ardent player’s confidence. It will help the Bucks to not face those teams this year.

POSITION

DE, T

“These guys have a maturity and confidence about them that I haven’t seen in a team in a long time,” said Henderson, who had a previous head coaching stop at Grissom, then Arab as an assistant. “We were a talented team last year, but the confidence level and belief in each other was just not where it needed to be.” MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL

arcus McCall can sense things changing at Columbia High School. McCall, entering his third year with the football program and second as the head coach, said he believes the Eagles will be much improved from a year ago. Will that result in more wins? That is still to be determined because Columbia plays in arguably the toughest region in the state, which includes Athens, Decatur, Cullman, Hartselle, Lee-Huntsville and Muscle Shoals in Class 6A, Area 7. Columbia finished 0-10 last season

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

Written by REGGIE BENSON and wasn’t competitive at all. That is what McCall said he hopes to see change this time around. “We’ve got to find a way to be competitive every night,” he said. “That’s the thing we’re embarking on this season. Rules say if you can do that, you’re going to break through the ice. We’ve just got to find that one to break through the ice.” Not only does McCall feel better about his team, he said he feels better about himself. A former basketball standout at Alabama A&M, McCall has put in the work to make his team and himself better. The Eagles played a spring game

for the first time in a number of years and also participated in two 7-on-7 tournaments – and came away with some much-needed confidence, McCall said. “I know our team and our players better,” he said. “They know me better. It’s a much better situation as far as chemistry goes. “We’ve got to accept that we’re at the bottom of the barrel. What is it that we’re not doing that other teams are doing? If we do the same things we did last year, we’re going to get the same result. “We have to start with moral victories. We’re striving to go

COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER NO. NAME

GRADE

NO. NAME

GRADE

Cameron Lopez

POSITION QB

Tyler Gamble

POSITION

Isaac Miller

RB/S

Eddie Whitehead

Atlas Campbell

WR/DB

Kyree Brown

RB/DL OL/DL

RB/LB

Hunter Marshall

QB/S

Jalen Hillman

Cornelius Chatman

Jake Morris

Brandarius Williams

WR/CB

Robert Silver

QB/WR

Daunte West

Edward Gaston

WR/DB

Derrick Bland

WR/S

Malcolm Kee

LB/DB

Nigel Hudson

Eric Bannister

Jalen Matthews

Brendan Whitman

RB/LB

Devann Key

Kolby Hammon

Carlton Rhodes

Dennis McGowan

Quiderrius Deloach

OL/DL

Riley Glasz

OL/DL

Jaden Jones

OL/DL

Jadarius Richardson

Logan Jones

Caleb Johnson

WR/DB

Darius Freeman

Montrell Alexander

DB/WR

Lavar Mitchell-Bibbs

Mark Smith

Jonathan Watson

Aiden Palmiero

Abraham Dharhan

Angel Garcia

Dimitri West

Gary Smith

Josh Salandy

Jontae Gomes

William Myrick

OL/DL

Ashton Miller

Cameron Turner

DB/WR

Jameer Rhodes

OL/DL

Damien Bannister

LB/RB

Montavious Harden

Tony Morton

forward and not backward. I’m more of a basketball guy, but I know enough about football. I don’t want to shortchange the kids.” According to McCall, Columbia was competitive against Madison Academy in its spring game and also found success in a pair of 7-on-7 tournaments. “It’s important for our kids to be in a competitive environment,” he said. One of Columbia’s top competitors is senior Jermyron Gilmore, 5-foot-7, 163-pound senior. Gilmore will see action at quarterback, running back and wide receiver, McCall said. “We’ve worked a lot harder this year,” Gilmore said. “We’ve got a lot more experience and we’ve got more help because our numbers have increased.” “He’s a good kid,” McCall said of Gilmore. “We love his athleticism and play-making ability. He always does what he’s supposed to do.” The Eagles have 52 players on their current practice roster, and McCall said he hopes to have up to 13 more

by next week. Key returners include quarterback Cameron Lopez, along with Jalen Matthews, Logan Jones, Jonathan Watson, Devann Key, Atlas Campbell and Quinderrius Deloach, in addition to Gilmore. Still, a number of them will have to play both ways. “We’ve got manage their stamina and fatigue,” he said. “With our numbers, or lack of numbers, we’ll do the best we can.” In addition to the higher number of players, McCall was able to add four more assistant coaches to his staff. “It gives us more help, more eyes, more management,” he said. “It forces the kids to stay on task because they know coaches are holding them accountable.” McCall said he is also holding himself accountable by learning everything he can to help his team be successful. “I have love for both games,” he said. “Basketball is something I’ve been around my whole life. When it comes to football, the unknown keeps me so intrigued, and it keeps me so pumped up.”

COLUMBIA 2018 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 24

Lee-Huntsville

Aug. 31

@Albertville

Sept. 7

@Muscle Shoals

Sept. 14

@Cullman

Sept. 28

@Huntsville

Oct. 5

Hartselle

Oct. 12

@Athens

Oct. 19

@Decatur

Oct. 26

@Mae Jemison

Nov. 2

@Randolph

KEY RETURNEES QB Cameron Lopez FB Jalen Matthews OL Logan Jones RB/WR Jermyron Gilmore OL Jonathn Watson LB Devann Key WR Atlas Campbell OL/DL Quinderrius Deloach MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

GRISSOM HIGH SCHOOL Written by MIKE KELLEY

econd-year head coach Chip English leans back in his chair and smiles in anticipation of the Tigers’ prospects for the 2018 season. “We have two guys on offense,

both seniors, that are really going to make a difference,” said English. “Running back Mel Dantzler was a 1,000-yard rusher last year. I really have high hopes for him.” He said he also plans to take advantage of

the explosive speed of another returning senior, Jerwaun Thomas. “We’ve clocked him at 4.3 in the 40yard dash. He’s a really dynamic athlete, and we have plans to get the ball to him in a number of ways.”

GRISSOM HIGH SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER NO. NAME

GRADE

NO. NAME

GRADE

Avonte Thompson

Devonte Ferrill

Mel Dantzler

RB/LB

Austin Motton

Jervea Peters

Harrison HemMerly

Amari Bailey

Matthew Banks

Jerwuan Thomas

ATH

Cameron Smith

Colby Thorgerson

Parker Adams

Vadin McCants

Tai Lologo

Cameron Hunt

Mekhi Bennett

OL/DL

Kaniel Green

Tyler Rolf

Caleb Peake

Patrick Boykin

Jonathan Sturrock

Miles Bean

Xavier Watkins

Maurice Burke

John Allen Stogner

LB /TE

Blayke Barlock

Elijah Johnson

ATH

Bryan Palacious

Alandris Smith

Noah Gardner

Mark Howard

ATH

Tyler Root

Landon Currie

ATH

Jesse Moffitt

Jayvion Leslie

Detreck Jones

Jaidence Powers

Chris Brown

Elijah Housen-Harris

Cash Buchanan

Mike Hudson

Stacyus Simpson

Ian McKinney

Jeff Campbell

Trevor Ramos

Alex Kachelhofer

Malik Clark

Kateo Nance

Eli Worsham

Kahlil Suanders

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

POSITION

Those runners will get the benefit of an offensive line anchored by three veteran returning seniors: Jeff Campbell, Parker Adams and Patrick Boykin. “We struggled with our offensive line last year, but those three should make that a very much improved area for us this year,” English said. Returning quarterback Caleb Peake, who showed a lot of promise in the 2017 season as a sophomore, is a big part of the winning formula for 2018. “We’re going to ask Caleb to do a lot but mostly just to get the ball into these other guys’ hands – but I have to say also that his passing ability has improved a lot,” said English, who has nothing but praise for Peake. “Caleb has worked very hard, and he has a coachable attitude.” In what English said he sees as the second year of a rebuilding program at Grissom, he points with some satisfaction to last year’s 3-7 record, an improvement on near total-loss

seasons of the past several years. “Last year was a stepping stone for us,” English said. “I’m really proud of our win over Huntsville High. That was a big psychological victory for us that helped tremendously to build morale and confidence.” Grissom’s defensive line might lack depth of experience in its younger players, but English said he expects a lot from the performance of two returning seniors, defensive end Harrison Hemerly and tackle Tai Lologo. “Tai is a very dominant player who will anchor our defensive line,” English said. “Harrison showed a lot of leadership last year on the field. He’s very vocal and really keeps everyone going.” English looks to Jauvion Lesley and Jerwaun Thomas to contribute to the defensive effort. “They’re both great guys who fly around the field and are not afraid to tackle. “ So as the season kicks off in late August, Grissom fans have reason to be optimistic. “We’ve done

nothing but ‘climb the ladder’ from when I first got here,” said English. “Support from the boosters and the school has been tremendous and is still growing.”

GRISSOM 2018 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 23

Hazel Green (home)

Aug. 31

Lee (home)

Sept. 7

Huntsville (home)

Sept. 14

@Sparkman (away)

Sept. 21

@Austin (away)

Sept. 28

Open

Oct. 5

Bob Jones (home)

Oct. 11

@James Clemens (away)

Oct. 19

@Florence (away)

Oct. 25

Gadsden City (home)

Nov. 2

@Buckhorn (away) MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

HAZEL GREEN HIGH SCHOOL Written by LINDSAY VAUGHT | Photos by Bill Miller photography

mitty Grider was looking for a change, and Hazel Green was looking for a coach. Both found what they were looking for after Principal Darrell Long interviewed Grider in March and offered him the job. Grider had a successful tenure as head coach at Park Crossing, a new 6A school in Montgomery. His 2016 team went 13-1 and came within a game of playing for a state championship. Overall, his teams went 7-3, 8-3, 13-1 and 10-2. Can he repeat that success at Hazel Green?

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

Grider’s first priority will be to keep his players from being lured away to other high schools after a 2-8 season last year under Will Wagnon. “It’s been great. The community has been welcoming and very supportive,” said Grider. “Mr. Long has given me everything I asked for. The players have been great. We had some players thinking about transferring, but they have bought into what we are doing, and all that has settled down. “We have a chance to be a really good team. The talent is there.” Grider faced the same challenge to keep his players at Park Crossing

from transferring. He has a track record of success, keeping them and sending them on to play in college. “I have good relationships with players,” Grider said. “They know I truly care about them as people, not just football players. When they believe that, they want to stay and play for you.” Grider has had the benefit of a full summer, with the team going through off-season workouts and 7-on-7 competitions. Chase Starling (5-foot-10, 180 pounds, junior) returns at quarterback, bringing a run/pass ability. Starling is a powerful runner, and Grider likes that.

“He’s a good player who is underrated. He is going to have a great year,” Grider said. “We have some experience at wide receiver and running back, and we’re working on developing an offensive line. We have some kids who can do the job.” Chris Carter returns at guard, and Jake Defoe will get playing time on the offensive line. Deontae Beauchamp is the playmaker Grider needs to open up the offense. “Deontae is a wide receiver/H back. He’s a big physical kid that can run and has great hands,” Grider said. “He is a match-up problem for a defense because of his size and speed. I expect him to get the ball a lot this year.” Dylan Avery leads the defense. Avery can play nickel back, linebacker and rush end. Garrett Cross is a versatile player who punts, kicks and plays outside linebacker. Grider said he was surprised no players had any offers to play college football. “I don’t know if it was because their record was not as good last

HAZEL GREEN 2018 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 23

@Grissom

Aug. 30

Sparkman

Sept. 7

@Buckhorn*

Sept. 14

@Lee Huntsville*

Sept. 21

Athens*

Sept. 28

@Gardendale

Oct. 5

Albertville*

Oct. 11

@Mae Jemison*

Oct. 19

Ft. Payne*

Oct. 26

Hartselle

Nov. 2

Open *Denotes Region game

year, and they didn’t get promoted or marketed enough,” Grider said. “We have taken them to camps, and schools know about them, and now they need to see them perform on Friday nights. They will get that chance.

Hazel Green players Deontae Beauchamp, Garrett Cross and Dylan Avery join Coach Smitty Grider at FCA Media Days.

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

HAZEL GREEN HIGH SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER NO. NAME

GRADE

NO. NAME

GRADE

Jason Betz

SS, FS, P

Bradley Hall

Stephan Torres

bradley miller

WR, FS

Michael Pitts

Chance Starling

Garrett Cross

Deontae Beauchamp

Chase Starling

Devon Campilango

POSITION

POSITION MLB, DE, OLB

T, FB

Ethan Turner

Joseph Vinson

Anthony Harbin

Matthew Loper

Jaylon Atkinson

RB, CB

Chris Carter

C, T

NaVell Blackmon

Bryant Forrester

PJ Mahoney

SS, WR

Jared Roper

Preston Adcock

Nathan Lasater

Eli Defoe

Chandler Brewer

Jacob Medlen

Knight Mathis

Dakota Hill

DE, NG

Jake Defoe

JP. Parker

CB, SS

Travian Davis

Jevon Parker

Tyler Betz

MLB, FB

DE, G

G, NG DE, DT

Joey Kimbrough

Jay Moore

Chauncey Andrews

CB, RB

Seth Upton

T, DE

John Boyle

Caleb Hand

MLB, TE

Caleb Crutcher

jonathan tate

T, DE

Garrett Gustafson

Micah Reid

Chris Jackson

Damien Cheatom

Ryan Sheedy

Jonathan Henderson

RB, CB

Chris Barnes

NG, G

Xavier Smith

Neal White

G, NG

Xzavier Smith

Haylon Damron

Jamal Osborne

Ecco Richardson

Adrian Gilstrap

FS, WR

David Hines

Landon Davis

MLB, FB

Davey Hines

Cainan Posey

Walter Pike

Don Shackelford

MLB, DE

Christian Logan

Chris Hereford

Jarren Mitchell

Branden Hilliard

FS, CB

Trey Perez

SS, WR, CB

Dareck Harris

WR, FS

Dylan Barker

TE, OLB

Tyrese Davis

OLB

Reggie Uzomah

Shontarious Elliott

WR, OLB

Kestian Hare

NG, DT

Cade Bromley

Johnathon Grant

Chance Lynch

thomas gresham

Ethan Linam

Clay Patterson

Jamal Lacy

Courtney Howard

Garrett Moorman

“We have eight to 10 seniors that can play college football,” Grider added. “I have connections with college coaches. I’ve found that most of the players are good students. We have an academic program to offer them support. The biggest thing is

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

CB, WR

FS, CB

DE, TE CB

Tyler Medlen

James Binkley

Andrew Robbins

G, NG OLB

DE DE, OLB

they’ve got to play well.” Hazel Green players can expect a different practice tempo under Grider. “We go at a fast tempo. We stay on a period clock. We want reps on the field,” Grider said. “We will teach them on film in the classroom.

I don’t want to hear long dissertations on the practice field. We will keep the players fresh. “We don’t practice a super long time. We probably run a game and a half at practice so we don’t run wind sprints.”

HUNTSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

ark Fleetwood knows a thing or two about rebuilding football programs. Not only did Fleetwood help rebuild as an assistant at the college level at Jacksonville State and Troy

Written by REGGIE BENSON University, he also has done it at the high school level. So, when Fleetwood took over at Huntsville High School last year, he knew exactly what he was getting himself into. “That was the idea,” said Fleetwood. “This is a place that has a lot

of tradition. There are a lot of people that love this place. They want to be somebody. They want this place to be a special school. “They had what I wanted,” Fleetwood added. “There’s a hunger here about wanting to have pride in the program.” MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

Fleetwood and company brought that pride back last year, leading the Panthers to a 6-5 record and ending their playoff drought. Now Huntsville, despite losing 32 seniors, aims to build on last year’s mark.

“Our goal is to be better than last year,” said senior running back Stoney Patton, who finished with 798 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns a year ago. “Offensively, we can hit from anywhere on the field. We can

run it, and we can pass it. We’ve got a lot of weapons. Defensively, we’re going to play fast and physical. “If we play the way we’re capable of playing, we can beat anyone.” Offensively, in addition to Patton,

HUNTSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER NO. NAME

GRADE

NO. NAME

GRADE

Graham Parker

WR/RB

Caleb Sullivan

Hayden Neighbors

Allen Travis

Jackson Glover

Kyle Jansen

Landon Coleman

Ethan Salmon

Connors Landwehr

WR/RB

Eli Abston

Jake Holder

Braxton Pepper

Zach Strange

John Bradley Whitmire

Drew Purdin

Braden Fleming

Witt Vincent

Tyler Toney

Stoney Patton

Floyd Blackwell

Trey Crutcher

Darvin Ford

Hayes Hedden

Wylder Herring

OL/LS

Hanes Green

James Sasser

William Stephens

Dawson Bain

Parker Williamson

Cole Batson

Zak Burnett

Owen Brown

Levi Gaskins

Jackson Stokes

Mason Stogner

Gavin Frazier

Armani Parker

Phoenix Ryan

Caleb Pruett

Andrew Ivester

Carlos Corbin

Luke Hammond

Willie McCauley

Jacob Aaron

Greg Lorino

WR/RB

Michael Finley

Kieran Craig

Kenoy Mitchell

Colin Rushton

Christian Donath

Landon McCrary

Melvin Espino

Alex Strange

Paul Fiore

Stephen Cagle

Kane Lang

Briggs Rehome

Brandon Kirkland

West Neill

Aiden O’Halloran

Connor Colvin

Parker Davis

Trenton Spray

David Orozco

Park Ellis

Jackson Litz

Noah Brown

Andrew Baxter

Jalin Boyd

Griffin Hall

Brandon Okweye

Slade Schultz

Malcom Locklear

Brycen Rehome

Tyler Bence

DL/TE

Jacob Knight

D J Mitchell

Alex Decker

Michael Crutchfield

Blake Neill

Landan Shelton

Cole Riley

Hunter Wilson

Aidan Hales

Jackson Cobb

Texas Williams

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

POSITION

Huntsville 2018 Schedule DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 23

@Decatur (away)

Aug. 30

Mae Jemison (home) (MF)

Sept. 7

@Grissom (away)(MF)

Sept. 14

@James Clemens (away)

Sept. 21

Sparkman (home)(A&M)

Sept. 28

Columbia(HC) (home)(MF)

Oct. 5

@Florence (away)

Oct. 12

Austin (home)(MF)

Oct. 19

Gadsden City (home)(MF)

Oct. 26

@Bob Jones (away)

Nov. 2

Open

the Panthers also return quarterback Jackson Glover, wide receivers Zack Strange and Hayden Neighbors, and three starters along the line of scrimmage. Glover completed 52 percent of his passes (124 of 241) for 1,602 yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions last season. “He has gone from 189 pounds to 212 pounds,” Fleetwood said. “We expect him to be a lot better this year.” Strange caught 38 passes for 405 yards and two touchdowns, while Neighbors, a 6-foot-3, 176-pound junior, has a chance to be special, Fleetwood said. Defensively, linebacker Park Ellis and cornerback Connor Colvin are the Panthers’ top two returning tacklers. Ellis, a 5-10, 170-pound senior, played in all 11 games last year and finished with 57 tackles, while Colvin, a 5-foot-10, 183-pound

senior, appeared in eight games and finished with 35 tackles. “We’ve got a good group of kids that are fun to be around,” said Fleetwood. “They care about each other. They listen and do the right things. They’re committed to doing the little things that help win games. “They’re concerned about the team and not themselves, and that’s what I like.” The schedule is difficult by most anyone’s standards. The Panthers play at Decatur, James Clemens, Florence and Bob Jones, while hosting Mae Jemison, Sparkman, Austin and Gadsden City. Patton said Huntsville will be ready. “Coach Fleetwood has made a huge impact,” Patton said. “He makes players want to play. He makes us believe that we can win. He’s a great coach, a great friend and a great example.”

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

JAMES CLEMENS HIGH SCHOOL Written by BOB LABBE | Photos by Greg Machen

inning Class 7A Region 4 is the first goal of this year’s James Clemens football team. After finishing fifth in the region standings with an overall record of 3-7 in 2017, the confidence level among the Jets is high, and the excitement is buzzing, as the Jets will have eight starters on both offense and defense returning for 2018. “We want to be the best in our backyard, and winning our region would not only be a big turnaround for our team but would be a first for our program,” said head coach Wade Waldrop. High expectations begin at quarterback. Last year’s expected starter, who did not play the entire season because of a pre-season knee injury requiring surgery, is fit and eager to lead the Jets. Jamil Muhammad (6-foot-1, 210 pounds, senior) is on locked-and-ready mode as starting signal caller. “I’m so excited to have Jamil back in the lineup, and having Conner Cantrell (5-foot-10, 170 pounds, sophomore), who started for us last season, as a backup gives us depth at quarterback for the first time in two entire seasons,” said Waldrop. “We definitely have tools to be better on offense.” “We’re coming back stronger as a unit, and this summer we put up a good amount of points,” added Muhammad, an early commit to Vanderbilt. “We’ll be more of a dynamic offense.”

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

Team

Team Date

Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. DateSept. 1

Alabama Alabama Crimson Tide Crimson Tide Arkansas Razorbacks Arkansas Razorbacks Auburn Tigers Auburn Tigers Florida GatorsFlorida Gators Georgia Bulldogs Georgia Bulldogs Kentucky Wildcats Kentucky Wildcats LSU Tigers

LSU Tigers

Mississippi Rebels Mississippi Rebels Mississippi St. Mississippi Bulldogs St. Bulldogs Missouri Tigers Missouri Tigers S. Carolina Gamecocks S. Carolina Gamecocks Tennessee Volunteers Tennessee Volunteers Texas A&M Aggies Texas A&M Aggies Vanderbilt Commodores Vanderbilt Commodores

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

15 8

22 15

2922

Sep Oct. 629

Sept. ct. 629

Oct. Oct. 136

Oct. Oct. 13 20

Oct. Oct. 20 27

Oct. Nov. 27 3

Nov. Nov. 3 10

Nov. Nov. 10 17

Nov. Nov. 17 24

Nov. W-L 24

W-L

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

JAMES CLEMENS HIGH SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER NO. NAME

GRADE

NO. NAME

GRADE

Xavier McKnight

POSITION DB

Aaron Rowe

POSITION PK

Chris Baker

Mike Murray

Nathan Lane

Brandon Mitchell

Joell Pierre

Darion Cooper

Jamil Muhammad

Eli Bolden

Chris Hope

Nathan Blanton

Connor Cantrell

Austin Schamburg

Zach Hopkins

Ryan Keepers

Dylan Blackburn

Sam Pratt

Manny Sanders

Cameron Stevens

Jaylen Lewis

WR/DB

Jerell Mitchell

Bryson Smith

Ayden McCrary

Tyrik Walker

DB/RB

Kenyon Suan

Austin McGhee

RB/DB

Jaycen Ervin

John August Busch

Jordan Johnson

Jaylin Ware

Zach Taylor

Collin Malone

Christian Brown

Chris Cooke

Edgerrin Watson

Jaylin Grigsby

Matthew Burrow

John Granger

Caleb Harris

Maxwell Perkins

Jacob Boyd

David Batista

Dakota Bell

Logan McMeans

Carson Boland

Aaron Boone

Tyler Davis

DJ Holden

Parker Wynn

Montreious Elliott

Jonathan Harmon

Jordan Blackburn

Garrett Paul

Tyler Jagielski

Tim Butler

Dante Snodrass

Trevor Hunziker

Caleb Williams

Peyton McCrary

Johnny Bryan

Drew Blackwell

Kameron Barnett

Daevion Davis

Ethan Pessoney

Sean Webster

Alex Forrest

Jesse Rowe

Devon Hadaway

Lee Coleman

Weston Pruitt

Kimadre Edwards

Additional offensive weapons Waldrop said he is looking to in 2018 include wide receiver Chris Hope (6-foot, 170 pounds, junior), who was All-State as a sophomore; running back Zach Hopkins (6-foot-1, 215 pounds, senior), who has Division I offers and has been a great player for three years; and offensive lineman Cameron Stevens (6-foot-3, 220 pounds, senior) and Matt Burrows

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

(6-foot-2, 300 pounds, senior), both of whom have size and strength – “and that’s the name of the game,” Waldrop said. “Our early tough schedule will tell us a lot, and if we can gel quickly, we can be a better offense,” added Waldrop. “If we can stay out of our own way, we’ll be OK.” The offense averaged 19 points per game in 2017, while the defense

OL OL/DL

held its own, allowing 24 points each outing. In 2018 the defense should be as good as last year, despite having very little depth. The starting 11 will be talented and will be led by All-State defensive lineman Daevion Davis (6foot-2, 305 pounds, senior), who has committed to Vanderbilt and said he likes the challenge of being a leader. “I’ve expected it for a long time, and it’s sort of a great honor,” said

Davis. “This is a team effort, and looking back, we definitely could have played in a lot more games than we did last season, but we’re going to bounce back.” The Jets are short in numbers at both linebacker and the backfield, and young players will be under consideration to get into the defensive mix quickly. Waldrop said he is concerned about the squad’s depth. “We’ll need some guys to grow up and play big.” The Jets’ kicking team is inexperienced. Drew Blackwell (5-foot-11, 155 pounds, senior) is a four-year player in the program but will see his first true starting playing time at punter. Waldrop said Blackwell has grown physically as much as

any player he’s ever coached and has committed himself to be better. Place-kicking duties are a battle between brothers. Jesse Rowe (6-foot-1, 175 pounds, junior) and Aaron Rowe (5-foot-9, 170 pounds, freshman) will possibly handle all place-kicking work between them. Both are long-time soccer players and have strong legs. Waldrop has five new assistants on his staff but is looking at his sixth season at James Clemens. If things go as planned, success will be aplenty. The season kicks off with the Jets playing in the annual AHSAA Champion’s Challenge Game versus Thompson High at Montgomery’s Cramton Bowl Aug. 24.

JAMES CLEMENS 2018 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 24:

@Thompson (Montgomery: Champion’s Challenge)

Aug. 30:

Clay-Chalkville

Sept. 7:

Bob Jones

Sept. 14:

Huntsville

Sept. 21:

@Florence

Sept. 28:

Open

Oct. 5:

@Gadsden City

Oct. 11:

Grissom

Oct. 19:

Sparkman

Oct. 26:

@Austin

Nov. 2:

@Hillcrest Tuscaloosa

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

JEMISON HIGH SCHOOL Written by BUD MCLAUGHLIN | Photo by Lindsay Vaught

fter two Class 5A playoff appearances in the past two seasons, the Mae Jemison Jaguars find themselves movin’ on up – to Class 6A. Head Coach Kelvis White said he looks on this as an opportunity,

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

even though Jemison is the thirdsmallest school in the classification. Along with the Jags, Region 8 includes Fort Payne, Lee, Buckhorn, Hazel Green and Albertville. “We’re excited about the opportunity,” he said. “I’ve stressed how big this is to the guys; the quality of

teams and players are better, but at the end of the day, you still have to go out and compete.” The Jags enter the season without a pair of All-Staters on offense, but White said his team won’t be short in personnel. “We have 90 kids out,” he said. “We have good numbers.”

JEMISON HIGH SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER NO. NAME

GRADE

NO. NAME

GRADE

Kyle Davis

Francisco Murell

Daymond Eason

Jose Gazga-Figueroa

Christain Wimberly

Michael Flynn

Duvine Beebe

Omar Brown

Desmond Howard

Amond Thompson

Keandre Gregory

Laterius Summers

D’Viance Ford

Iverson Abija

Kendrick Gregory

Darren Eason

Travis Matthews

Mondarius Thompson

Keshon Davis

Daeshawn Thompson

Jonathan Jones

Devin Eason

Taron Greenwood

Daion Campbell

Kel Woods

Cortez Richmond

Tralynn Meeks

Kauani Jones

AJ Harris

Diaris Donaldson

Briun Chandler

Damien Manning

Justin Davis

Wesley Clay

Nigel Johnson

Marlon Cole

Quame Tabor

Jonas Frank

Thomas Anderson

Jacquan Toney

Isiah Henry

Christain Campbell

Jacquise Richardson

Jacobe Jones

Jamar Thomas

Jeremiah Anderson

Darnell Grant

Makiahl Hunter

Anthony Saunders

Marques Hives

Desmond Pearson

Gus Sewar

Tyan Coleman

Demond Thompson

Elijah Smith

Chucquez Wilson

Kendrick Bynum

Jamari Jamar

Justin Richburg-Wade

Jordan Palmer

Markell Semmington

Silus Harrris

Cameron Montgomery

Eric Chandler

JohnVontae Williams

Elijah Walker

Ahmier Cawthorne

Jonquez Mitchell

Alexander Thompson

Damien Hernandez

Amond Turner

Jelani Phillips

D’Tayvious Phillips

Malik Toney

Among the returners is starting quarterback Daymond Eason. The junior will run the Jags’ split back Veer offense, “a throwback,” White said. “We installed it last year but we’ll also be a little more open.” Along with Eason, the Jags have three offensive linemen and wide receiver returning from last year’s 10-2 team. “That’s five key guys,” White said. On the defensive side, the team graduated all three linemen, including Charles Coleman, who is now on another Jaguars team – the University of South Alabama. White said

POSITION

this is an “opportunity to step up” for the younger players. All three linebackers are back, including last season’s leading tackler, Justin Richburg. Fellow senior linebacker Michael Flynn joins Richburg, while Ke’Andre Gregory, who has received D-1 offers, anchors the secondary. The Jags open the season Aug. 24 at Louis Crews Stadium on the Alabama A&M campus against Gardendale. “As the season goes on, we hope to get better and improve game to game,” White said. “They’ve got to get in there and play.”

POSITION K

JEMISON 2018 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

8/23

Thorsby

8/31

Greensboro

9/7

Central (Tuscaloosa)

9/14

Montevallo

9/21

Chilton County

10/5

@ Bibb County

10/12

Marbury

10/19

@ Demopolis

10/26

Shelby County

11/2

West Blocton MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

LEE HIGH SCHOOL

oming off their best season in more than a decade, the Lee-Huntsville Generals were not expecting a change at coach, but after Tony Woods was named principal at the school on Meridian Street,

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

Written by LINDSAY VAUGHT he elevated his defensive coordinator Jerry Ross to the head coach position. Last seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 8-4 record and playoff win over Hayden on the road have fans believing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but it will be tough to match after losing four-star defensive lineman Malik Langham,

a Florida signee, and two more allstate defensive players, linebackers Cortez Brooks and Jalen Humphrey. Offense experience is abundant, however, as Davarius Burks returns at running back, Chris Reid returns at wide receiver and Avarius Lewis

LEE 2018 SCHEDULE

returns at wide receiver/running back. Lewis plays both ways. Samir Allen at safety is one of two returning starters on defense. Ross has been on staff at Lee for four years, so he has been part of the

teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent success. He hails from Odessa, Texas, and brings a strict discipline, which he learned in the military. He said he plans to use that discipline he learned during his time in the Army to condition his team.

DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 24

@Columbia (away)

Aug. 31

@Grissom (away)

Sept. 6

Mae Jemison* (home)

Sept. 14

Hazel Green* (home)

Sept. 21

@Decatur (away)

Sept. 28

Open

Oct. 5

@Fort Payne* (away)

Oc. 12

Albertville* (home)

Oct. 19

@Buckhorn* (away)

Oct. 26

Athens* (home)

Nov. 2

Pinson Valley (home) *Denotes region games MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

LEE HIGH SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER NO. NAME

GRADE

NO. NAME

GRADE

KeMari Artis

Mason Wherry

Antonio Baker

Omarion Steger

Chris Reid

Zyreon Cole

Mykal Robinson

Traelon Thornton

Avarius Lewis

Derrick Pitts

Jackson West

JaDavin Johnson

DaMarcus Robinson

Kaleb Rice

Samir Allen

QaShawn Strickland

Fred Parker

Dylan Davis

Ismael Smith

Bryan Cordell

Ryan Anderson

Jordan Bell

Dakota Shrader

Andrew Henderson

Dazarius Burks

Brandon Bryant

Hakeem Jordan

DeWayne Winters

Shannon Madry

Aaron Rozier

Colin Hall

Christopher Strong

Kuazean Bou

Ross said a team he models after is the New England Patriots. “They are always organized and prepared. I am very intrigued by them,” Ross said. Ross said his goal for this season

POSITION

will come in three phases. Phase one is conditioning during off-season workouts. Phase two is discipline. Phase three will be at game zero, when the season begins. During practices, “I want the team

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MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

POSITION

to think as if they were in the actual game,” Ross said, adding he believes every practice should be treated as the “real deal.” Lee moves to Class 6A after two years in 5A.

MADISON ACADEMY

adison Academy has never backed down from a challenge, and Grant Reynolds, the Mustangs’ third-year head coach, said his team won’t back down this year either. Madison Academy will play at the 5A level this season. “We’re embracing it,” said Reynolds, who has led the Mustangs to an 18-8 record in his two seasons, including a Class 4A runner-up finish in 2016. “Our goals haven’t changed. We want to win our region and win the state championship.”

Written by REGGIE BENSON The Mustangs have done a pretty good job of doing that over the past few years. In the last nine years, Madison Academy has won seven region championships and since 2011 has either played for the state championship or won it five times. The Mustangs finished runner-up in 2011 and 2016 and won state championships in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Reynolds said he understands this year will be among Madison Academy’s toughest ever. “We know we’ve got our work cut out for us,” he said. “But our kids are resilient. They’re determined to do well.”

The Mustangs return 14 starters – seven on offense and seven on defense – as they prepare for arguably the most grueling schedule in school history. “I like where our team is,” Reynolds said. “Our quarterback, who was a sophomore last year, is a year older. We’ve got a lot of depth on the offensive line. I think this year our strength is up front – our defensive line and our offensive line. Hopefully we can move some people around.” Madison Academy is led by junior quarterback Luke Nail, running MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

MADISON ACADEMY 2018 ROSTER NO. NAME

GRADE

NO. NAME

GRADE

Evan Brooks

WR/DB

Jailen Holmes

TBD

Josh Malone

RB/LB

Chuck Moore

TBD

Hunter Schrader

RB/LB

Lane Killian

TBD

Tra Stover

WR/DB

Andy Schad

DE/LS

Kaden Lanier

DB/WR

Nick Nelson

OL/DL

Daniel Brent

RB/LB

Wil Clardy

TE/LB

Caleb Wimberly

WR/DB

JP White

OL/DL

Carson Kennamer

TE/LB

Jacob Schmidt

OL/DL

Eli Terrell

Kicker

Jalen Arnold

OL/DL

Clay Pitsinos

WR/DB

Mark Woeber

OL/DL

Luke Nail

Asa Barnett

RB/DL

Kaden “KD” Cherry

QB/RB

Chris Butler

OL/DL

Griffin Kennamer

TBD

Timothy Mitchell

OL/DE

John David Reynolds

DB/WR

Tannor Mitchem

OL/DL

Holden Blake

Cade Mitchell

OL/DL

Avery Seaton

Jay Ingram

OL/DL

Chris Claybourne

LB/RB

Brent White

OL/DL

Caleb Vess

TE/DB

Tristen Walker

OL/DL

Slate Rucker

WR/DB

Kaden Young

OL/DL

Jack Ward

WR/DB

Tex Bailey

OL/DL

Kyle Minor

WR/DB

Cam Mitchell

OL/DL

Jacobi McBride

DB/WR

Hunter Newell

WR/DB

Evan Craighead

RB/DB

Andrew Clark

DB/WR

back Daniel Brent, wide receiver Evan Brooks, tight ends Carson Kennamer and Evan Craighead and offensive linemen Tex Bailey and Mark Woeber. Nail, who is 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds, came in down the stretch last season. He finished with more than 1,500 yards passing, 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions. “Early on, he was learning our offense, but he played better as the year went on,” Reynolds said. Avery Seaton, a talented sophomore, will serve as the Mustangs’ backup quarterback, and Reynolds said fans shouldn’t be surprised if Madison Academy employs a two-quarterback system at times. “Avery has some ability, and I can see us using him some,” he said. Brent and wide receiver Brooks are being counted on to help Nail lead the offense. Brent has scholarship offers from Austin Peay, Eastern Kentucky, Georgia Southern, Jacksonville State and Mercer. Meanwhile, Bailey and Woeber lead an offensive line that has the potential to be really good, Reynolds said.

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

POSITION

Bailey, a 6-foot-4, 300-pound senior, has scholarship offers from Austin Peay, Eastern Kentucky and Samford, and Woeber, 6-foot-3 and 255 pounds, has a lot of ability. “I would love to be able to go into my senior year and win the state championship,” Bailey said. “We went to the state my sophomore year and lost to Handley. I’ve been wanting to be able to go back and win one ever since. I’d love to go back and win one my senior year. It would be a great way to go out.” Reynolds, who came to Madison Academy from Boyd Buchanan High School in Tennessee, reached back into the state and hired Chandler Tygard as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Tygard comes to Madison Academy from Ravenwood High School and before that spent two seasons at Notre Dame High School. “Ty has done a good job everywhere he’s been,” Reynolds said. “He’s going to do a good job for us. He’s going to help us play a little faster.” Defensively, Brent will play linebacker along with Kennamer, while Bailey and Woeber will start along the defensive line and Craighead and

POSITION

9 12

MADISON ACADEMY 2018 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 24

@McCallie, Chattanooga, Tenn.

Aug. 31

Lawrence County

Sept. 7

East Limestone

Sept. 14

@Brewer

Sept. 21

Ardmore

Oct. 5

@Guntersville

Oct. 12

Madison County

Oct. 19:

@Scottsboro

Oct. 26:

Arab

Nov. 2:

Brooks

Brooks will start in the secondary. Reynolds, who serves as his own defensive coordinator, said Brooks has a scholarship offer from the United States Naval Academy. The schedule is challenging. The Mustangs open the season at McCallie School and also play at Brewer, Guntersville and Scottsboro. Madison Academy hosts Lawrence County, East Limestone, Ardmore, Madison County, Arab and Brooks.

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MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

MADISON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

here’s a big task facing Head Coach Scott Sharp and this year’s Madison County Tigers: How do you replace two players who are on the rosters of Power 5 college teams this year? The Tigers graduated All-Stater Matthew Flint and Tae Provens from last year’s squad. Flint is at the University of North Carolina, and

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

Written by BUD MCLAUGHLIN | Photo by Melissa Brown Provens is with LSU. Sharp, however, said he isn’t concerned about who isn’t on the Tigers team; his concentration is on this year’s team. “We had a productive summer,” he said. “We have a long way to go.” The Tigers return Austin Mills at quarterback. He’s a 6-foot-2, 173-pound junior and is one of two quarterbacks on the roster. “We’ve got to keep him healthy,” Sharp said.

A challenge facing Sharp is new receivers for Mills to target – and that will mean a change in the offense. “We lost all our receivers (including Flint) from last year,” said Sharp. “It’s going to take a lot to replace them … We are going to do things a little differently this year.” So, look for the Tigers to hit the ground running – literally. “We’re going to count heavily on the offen-

sive line to help control the time,” Sharp said. The Tigers do have a veteran replacement for Provens in junior Mekhi Burdette. When Provens missed a few games last year with an injury, Burdette filled in more than adequately. “Mekhi Burdette will step in for us,” Sharp said. “He’s a hardnosed kid who can run very hard. He’s a tougher runner between the tackles.” On the other side of the line, Sharp has some holes to fill there, as well. “We lost two or our three top tacklers,” he said – but the Tigers will be a scrappy, everyone-on-theball type of squad. “Defense is a lot about the effort to get to the football,” Sharp said. “Our defensive line, up front, can do the job.” Keying the D-line is returning senior Jonathon Hastings. “He’s starting both sides of the line for us,” Sharp said of the 5-foot-10, 211-pound lineman. “He had a good summer, and we’re looking for a good season from him.”

MADISON COUNTY 2018 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 24

Buckhorn (home)

Aug. 31

Westminster (home)

Sept. 7

Guntersville (home)

Sept. 14

@East Limestone (away)

Sept. 21

Brewer (home)

Sept. 28

@New Hope (away)

Oct. 5

@Scottsboro (away)

Oct. 12

@Madison Academy (away)

Oct. 19

Arab (home)

Oct. 26

@Ardmore (away)

Playing to the Tigers’ advantage is a schedule that has the first three games at home. “We’d like to get off to a good start and build momentum,” said Sharp, “but it’s not going to be easy – no Friday night is going to be easy.” However, he added, “I like our work ethic.” The Tigers kick off the season Aug. 24 when Buckhorn pays a visit.

MADISON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER NO. NAME

GRADE

Ramiro Towers

Austin Mills

POSITION

NO. NAME

GRADE

QB/DB

Layne Gibbs

POSITION

Dylan Milam

H/DB

Mekhi Burdette

RB/OLB

Shawn Ammerman

WR/OLB

Emmanuel Fletcher

WR/CB

Caleb Gillespie

Quamaine Gamble

WR/CB

Micah Burdette

OL/LB

Ben Cagle

ATH/DB

Kaleb Kimbrough

OL/DL

Dalton Towry

RB/DB

Jordan Barr

OL/DL

Robert Berman

WR/DB

Brenden Thatcher

OL/LB

Tyler Hunt

WR/OLB

Jonathon Hastings

OL/DL

Austin Brandon

WR/DB

Kevin Montague

OL/DL

Adam Foote

LB/H

Riley Pair

OL/OLB

Case Watson

WR/DB

Jace Money

OL/DL

Isaiah Perdue

RB/OLB

Dylan Steelman

OL/DL

Wiley Henshaw

Lee Southard

OL/DL

Steven White

H/DE

Josh Cagle

OL/DL

Matthew Ashby

WR/DB

Jacob Sharp

OL/DL

Austin Brewer

WR/DB

Tate Rose

OL/DL

Hudson Kent

Edd Harbin

OL/DL

Mark Allen

WR/DB

Levi Lang

OL/DL

Ethan Lamb

WR/OLB

Chayton Watteau

OL/DL

Kade Hutchins

WR/DB

Eddie Garcia

OL/DL

Blake Bailey

WR/DB

Killian Davis

WR/DB

Evan Vaughn

WR/DB

Jacob Vann

WR/DB

Brayden Parton

H/LB

Sam Bulman

WR/DE

Ronin Jones

H/LB

RB/OLB

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

NEW HOPE HIGH SCHOOL

chool’s been open since the first week of August for New Hope, but the Indians’ football team has been in “class” since the spring. “Everything went well; we learned a lot,” said Head Coach Bart Stephenson. Noting that last year’s 1-10 season was not a good one, Stephenson said it proved to be a learning experience for the team, and 2018 “is a new year.” “We had a good summer,” he said. “It was a bad year last year, and we

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

Written by BUD MCLAUGHLIN all learned from it. They’re excited.” Stephenson said the team boasts a good turnout of players, with 40 putting on the pads, including 11 seniors – and he plans to play the kids who are there to play. “Our main objective is intensity,” Stephenson said. “I want kids who play hard, play all four quarters, and we’ve got the ones who want to be there.” The Indians will be running a multiple offense with sophomore Dylan Selvage at the helm, wide receiver Troup Cooper and tight end Kolby

Bolton, who was on the offensive line last year. New Hope has a stable bank of running backs, as well, with Dylan Sigler, Hunter Thompson and Zach Blackwood. “We’ve got three guys who can carry it,” Stephenson said. “We want to build our offense where you can’t key on one guy.” Stephenson said he plans to use the running game with a strong offensive line that can compete in the region.

NEW HOPE 2018 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

Aug. 24

@Holly Pond

(away)

Aug. 31

@Section

(away)

Sept. 7

Open

Sept. 14

@Pisgah*

(away)

Sept. 21

Geraldine*

(home)

Sept. 28

Madison County

(home)

Oct. 5

Susan Moore* (HC)

(home)

Oct. 12

@Sylvania*

(away)

Oct. 19

Plainview*

(home)

Oct. 26

@Brindlee Mountain*

(away)

Nov. 2

Coosa Christian

(home) *Denotes Region game

“I’m old school,” he said. “I like to line up and run straight at you.” On the defensive side, Stephenson said he’s got a “gritty group of seniors,” including Sigler at linebacker and 5-foot-10, 300-pound nose guard Marcus Cotton. “He’s got moves for a big guy,” Stephenson said. Aug. 24 it gets real as the season kicks off at Holly Pond in a non-region contest.

NEW HOPE HIGH SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER NO. NAME

GRADE

NO. NAME

GRADE

Walter Allen

WR/DB

POSITION 10

Caleb McCutcheon

WR/DB

POSITION

Ethan Hendrickson

WR/DB

Nathan Meeks

RB/DB

Dylan Selvage

QB/RB/OLB

Hunter Thompson

FB/LB

Connor Van

RB/LB

Elijah Smith

OL/DL

Zach Carlson

WR/DB

Clay Maynes

OL/DL

Kolby Bolton

TE/DE

Dalton Holcomb

OL/DL

Zion Davis

WR/F/S

Sam Stapler

OL/DE

Dylan Sigler

RB/LB

Caleb Thompson

OL/DL

Gunter Rundlett

WR/QB/DB

Landon Dowdy

OL/DL

Tristan Thomas

WR/DB

Howard Nash

OL/DE

Troup Cooper

WR/DB

Andy Jarrell

OL/DL

Gage Clark

QB/F/S

Tyler Hubbard

OL/DL

Turner Gibbs

WR/DB

Andrew Craig

OL/DL

Charlie Fourlough

FB/LB

Danny Olivaros

OL/DL

Jacob Gentry

Chase Seglar

OL/DL

Christian Smith

TE/DB

Thomas Walls

OL/DL

Landon Moore

WR/DB

Marcus Cotton

OL/DL

Zach Blackwood

WR/RB/DB

Christian Summner

TE/DE

Cody Sigler

FB/LB

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

RANDOLPH HIGH SCHOOL

he past three seasons at Randolph High School came in at 7-4, 6-5 and 6-5, but Head Coach Blake Killen said he expects to produce a better win-loss record for 2018. “It’s like a hump we haven’t been able to get over, but this is the year,” he said. Randolph will have to accomplish that, however, with a smaller squad than last year. Graduation took 22 seniors from last year’s squad, leaving the Rams 28 players in 2018 – the smallest team in years. A lot will be riding on three key returning players. Quarterback Graham Copeland, center Chase Hammett and guard Winston Kelly are expected to provide leadership and inspiration to a smaller and younger group of players than Randolph has

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

Written by MIKE KELLEY fielded in recent years. “They’re all seniors, so they will each play a lot of football,” said Killen. Copeland’s leadership, Killen added, will be crucial. “Graham is the team leader, and we’re going to go as he goes. We trust him,” Killen said. Offensively, Killen will also expect a lot from seniors Luke Allison, Rhett Black and Reed Thurmond. “They’re really good backs, and we plan to split the load between them running the ball.” That small team roster means several players will play both offense and defense. On defense, Chase Hammett will cover the noseguard position, while Reed Thurmond will play linebacker, and J.B. Stockton will play free safety. “Stockton has played about 30 games in the past

RANDOLPH 2018 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

Aug. 31

Lauderdale County

(home)

Sept. 7

@West Morgan

(away)

Sept. 14

Priceville

(home)

Sept. 21

@Danville

(away)

Sept. 28

@Westminster

(away)

Oct. 5

@D.A.R.

(away)

Oct. 12

Open

Oct. 19

@Fairview

(away)

Oct. 26

North Jackson

(home)

Nov. 2

Columbia

(home)

RANDOLPH HIGH SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER NO. NAME

GRADE

Graham Copeland

Race Wright

Curtis Cooper

Winston Kelly

Sam Hunter

Chase Hammett

Drew Stanley

Landon Carroll

Cayden Campbell

Fletcher Wilson

J.B. Stockton

Carter Wimberly

Harrison Weathington

Bryce Johnson

Brandon Holland

Tate Duncan

Luke Alison

Jack Wimberley

Reed Thurman

Noah Reed

Rhett Block

Daniel Helstowski

Fredrick Wessel

Samuel Grover

Evans Bryant

David Strickland

Jackson Rodgers

three years, and his experience will be crucial,” Killen said. Killen said conditioning is the key to performance from a small team roster. “We’re a small school, so we have to play everyone. That takes a lot out of a young man, but we sell our guys on the fact that they have to play all four quarters of each game,”

POSITION

NO. NAME

said Killen. “We believe a lot in conditioning. It really makes a difference that our guys are in good shape.” Of those five winning games in 2017, Killen said two stand out. “We beat Madison County, our natural rival, for the first time last year, and the win over North Jackson County was really satisfying because we beat

GRADE

POSITION

them at their place, which is always a tough place to play. “We’re really excited this year,” Killen added. “We’ll be playing some younger players, but we feel we are ready for the season.” The Rams will open the 2018 season by hosting the Lauderdale County High School Aug. 31.

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

SPARKMAN HIGH SCHOOL

Written by REGGIE BENSON

aron White knows things will be different this year. White, entering his second year as the head football coach at Sparkman High School, engineered a resurgence that saw the Senators end an 11-year playoff drought in 2017. Sparkman finished 7-4, losing to eventual 7A state champion Hoover in the first round of the playoffs. Despite losing 29 seniors, including eight that will be playing college football this fall, White said he expects the Senators to be competitive again this season. Still, he admits it will be a lot tougher. “We’re not going to sneak up on anybody this year,” said White, who won two Class 2A state champion-

SPARKMAN 2018 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 31

@Hazel Green

Sept. 7

@Gadsden City

Sept. 14

Grissom

Sept. 21

@Huntsville

Sept. 28

Buckhorn

Oct. 5

@Austin

Oct. 12

Bob Jones

Oct. 19

@James Clemens

Oct. 26

Florence

Nov. 1

@Decatur

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

SPARKMAN HIGH SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER NO. NAME

GRADE

NO. NAME

GRADE

Jakevion Dobbs

Jamyon Love

Alonte Harvey

Darius Love-Roston

Allen Betts

Scott Sisk

Jakobe North

Mackenzie Howard

Rondell Cole

Feliverto Ruelus

LB*

Hunter Martin

Terrance Lawson

Brandon McNeal

Johnathan Armstrong

Jacob Medlen

Tyeus Clemons

Kereon Coney

Dylan Clutts

KaRon White

Genesis Reedus

Layndon Varise

DJ Beale

Josh Warner

Lane Mason

Jarid Childress

Zavion Vann

Mehki Wall

Tate Campbell

Miles Tillman

Montrae Corbett

Angel Montoya

Markeith Oneil-Tyree

Reese Stogner

Austin James

Nick Sawyer

WR/QB

Deontez Cunningham

Hunter Moore

Garrett Connor

Evan Howard

Noah Lynch

John David Formby

Esiah Tovar

Heath Hill

Bryant Malone

Darien Brooks

Marrion Hammonds

Lucas Hansen

Ray Tyree

Chris Joiner

Alex Blake

Adrian Readus

Jacob Towry

DeMario Ingram

Austin Latham

Chance McClendon

Derrick Nathan

Ledarius Christian

Micah Pettus

Omarion Spears

DB*

Neal White

Joseph Fortson

Kenneth Loftin

Zacari Jefferson

WR*

Tyler Medlen

Larry Davidson

Zebulon Sanders

Henry Rountree

Blake Hicks

Tavion Rupert

Justin Hogan

Devaughn Lewis

Cameron Foley

Trey Howard

Zakolby Vann

Dell Pettus

Kevin Clinard

Clifton Shaw

Dylan Miller

David Herring

Jaxson Bannister

Taurean McCarroll

Matthew Byam

WR*

Caleb Ransaw

Joseph Wharry

Kevin (KJ) Reed

Tyler Vickery

Kenneth Dixon

WR*

William Taylor

Shawn Sellers

Nathan Gunn

Jakim Mixon

Destin Findley

Bradley Butler

Myles Terry

Xavier Hopkins

Gavin Ransaw

Cameron George

Trenton Harris

Koby Draper

Walton Vaughn

Garrett Atchley

Darien Carpenter

Nick Formby

Andrew Thrasher

James Rountree

Jorden Adkins

Brandon Taylor

Jamaruean Jones

DB*

Tyshun Gaiter

Tyler Nunn

DB*

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

POSITION

ships in 14 years at Tanner High School before coming to Sparkman. “Everybody has got us circled on the schedule.” Speaking of the schedule, it is difficult. In addition to a grueling Class 7A, Region 4 slate that includes the likes of Austin, Bob Jones, Florence, Gadsden City, Huntsville and James Clemens, the Senators’ non-region games are at Hazel Green and Decatur and a home game against Buckhorn. “We’re in one of the toughest regions in the state, and then we have to play three of the toughest teams in our area,” White said. Still, he said he believes the Senators have what it takes to be competitive. “Our kids are hungry,” he said. “We have some talented players. The battle is getting them to do what it takes to win all the time. They’re working extremely hard. They understand what it takes to win.” The Senators return 10 starters –

four on offense, five on defense and placekicker/punter Miles Tillman – from last year’s team. Tillman has a scholarship offer from Austin Peay. Offensively, Sparkman will rely on wide receivers Rondell Cole and Nathan Gunn, center Garrett Connor and guard Markeith O’Neal. Cole, a 6-foot-3, 185-pound senior, said opponents shouldn’t sleep on the Senators. “Coach White did a great job of coming in here last year and building the program,” said Cole, who has drawn interest from Alabama A&M and the University of North Alabama. “We bought in, and we’re even more invested this year. “The sky is the limit for this program. We’ve got a lot of talented players. I see great things in the future.” Sparkman has two huge holes to fill on offense. The Senators must replace do-it-all quarterback Devin Kimbrough and running back Hunt-

er Gibson, who finished with more than 1,000 yards. Newcomer Jacob Medlan, a sophomore, has the early advantage at quarterback, while senior Chris Joiner, who was a key contributor a year ago, will start at running back. Defensively, tackle Zavion Vann will anchor the front, while Bradley Butler and Xavier Hopkins return at linebacker. Cornerback Dell Pettus, a Troy University commitment, and safety Kerion Coney, are the leaders in the secondary. “I like our team,” said White, who has 111 players on the varsity squad. “The guys know what I expect. They know the type of guy I am and the kind of program I want to run. “One of the big things for us is we’ve gained some depth on both sides of the ball. That should buy us a series or two on offense and defense, particularly, early in the season when the weather can be an issue.”

ColeFP is a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) in the State of Alabama MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

ST. JOHN PAUL II CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Written by DYLAN SCHRADER

ast year the St. John Paul II Catholic High School Falcons went 1-9, winning the last game of the season against Clements. That one win might not sound like a big deal, but it was the Falcons’ first real win since 2013, outside of a credited win against J.O. Johnson in a forfeit in 2015. “The win last year showed our guys that we can play with anybody,” said Falcons head coach David Lloyd. “It’s just a matter of putting everything together and doing what we need to do.” This summer, the Falcons played two organized team activities with Madison Academy, seven-on-sevens with Falkville and a Madison Academy seven-on-seven tournament against Grissom, Bob Jones, Huntsville, Madison Academy and Westminster. “I think our guys have done a good job of carrying that momentum forward this summer, day in and day out,” Lloyd said. “We’ve been farther ahead this summer than we were last summer. “We want to keep up the energy and the hunger we had this summer and win more games,” Lloyd added. “We don’t want that one game to be how we leave everything. Our guys aren’t satisfied with that, and that has shown with our effort and how we’ve prepared every day this summer.” The Falcons graduated five seniors last year. The two biggest losses were Patrick McCarron and Nick Skarupa, both defensive linemen. “They really solidified our line,” Lloyd said. “They were our most experienced linemen and our best linemen. It’s going to be hard to replace those two.”

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

The leadership on defense will come from linebackers Joe Skarupa, Connor Sisk and Gerry McCarron. “Everything is going to run through those guys,” Lloyd said, “but we’ve got some new faces this year that I think will stand out.” The leader of the offense will be quarterback Seth Brown, a junior. “As far as position players, we’re looking at Seth to be our quarterback and the leader for our football team,” Lloyd said. “Gerry McCarron, who was our leading rusher last year, comes back as our half back. We also have a really good core of receivers that we’re excited about. ” The Falcons also have a secret weapon in the running back position to back up McCarron. “We’ll also get Dee Sledge back. He tore his ACL last year and didn’t get to play much, so he’s got a chip on his shoulder,” Lloyd said. “He’s had a really good summer, and he has something to prove.” One thing that might help the Falcons this year is moving down to Class 4A from 5A. “Dropping down to 4A, we feel a lot better about this season than we did playing in 5A last year,” Lloyd said. “The only team that is a carryover from last year is West Morgan. The other nine are brand new teams, so it’s a clean slate for us.” Lloyd said he wants more players to try out. “If we could get more guys out that want to play football, that would be great,” Lloyd said. “Other than that, I feel very good about where we are.” Brown shares Lloyd’s enthusiasm for the season. “I’m excited for this new year to start, and I’m ready to play,” Brown said.

ST. JOHN PAUL II 2018 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

Aug. 24:

Locust Fork

(home)

Aug. 31:

@East Lawrence

(away)

Sept. 7:

@Priceville

(away)

Sept. 14:

Fairview

(home)

Sept. 21:

North Jackson

(home)

Oct. 5:

West Morgan

(home)

Oct. 12:

@Randolph

(away)

Oct. 19:

@Danville

(away)

Oct. 26:

D.A.R.

(home)

Nov. 2:

@Douglas

(away)

ST. JOHN PAUL II CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER NO. NAME

GRADE

NO. NAME

GRADE

Quetin Weston

JP Ross

Sean Zerkle

Angelo Hunter

Marcus Jackson

Frederick Laue

Bryan Moss

Brennan Davis

Dee Sledge

Caleb Martin

Justin Locke

Foster Brown

Seth Brown

Ethan Oliver

Gerald Moore

Jacob Jtineant

Connor Sisk

Adrian Castaneda

Jack Sauter

Phillip Anderson

Charles Grelier

Chris Stokes

Gerry McCarron

Joe Skarupa

Dylan Cavaliere

Kurt Sarner

Jack Bridges

Gavin Faulds

Jack Slyman

Jay Spencer

Victor Malone

Chris Wright

Joseph Nicolle

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Written by DYLAN SCHRADER | Photos contributed by KWaldrup Studio and Design

ast year, the Westminster Christian Academy Wildcats went 6-5, which included a playoff loss to Saks High. This was a big improvement for the Wildcats, considering they went 2-8 the previous season. “I really feel like the guys have flipped a switch,” said Wildcats Head Coach Louis LeBlanc. “I feel like they have bought into it a little bit more, not just schematically but with themselves. So I feel like

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

they’ve taken that into the spring and summer.” The Wildcats lost a couple of big players going into this season. Tight end Michael Parker is now playing at the University of Alabama. Free safety and running back Jordan Smith is now playing at the University of the Cumberlands. However, most of the starters returned this season. “We’ve returned a lot of starters, so the holes were kind of few and far between,” LeB-

lanc said. “We’ve had some new additions from some guys that were walking the halls last year that decided to play, stepped in and assumed some leadership roles.” One of those new additions is Bailey Harrison. “We had a guy that’s never played before coming out as a junior,” LeBlanc said. “He’s a baseball player named Bailey Harrison. Big body, never played, but we put him out there at receiver/tight end, and it’s funny – he makes these hard

WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 2018 ROSTER NO. NAME

GRADE

NO. NAME

GRADE

Jackson Billings

POSITION WR

Matthew Bowman

Hunter McWhorter

SAF

Will Crocker

Brooks Reinhardt

Walker Thorsen

Nick McFarland

Cade Rawlings

WR/K/P

Jackson Clemons

Josh Talley

Luke Best

Matt Jensen

Justin Plott

JP Hall

Sam Sheppard

Chance Turner

Hunter Webber

Caleb Lindberg

Clay Doll

Joel Teague

John Stallens

Wesley Sellers

Ryan Demos

Gentry Waller

Ian Thies

Cade Atkins

Caden Best

Jordan Reynolds-Gleason

Robert McCoy

Reece Cameron

Carter Hayes

RB/SAF

Alex Johnson

Alex Stanley

RB/SAF

Parker Williams

Matthew Mantooth

Nathaniel Pride

OL/DL

David Byrd

Bailey Harrison

Preston Paparella

WR/DE

Layne Baldwin

Evan Sheppard

catches in traffic and just kind of stands there with the ball because he doesn’t realize what he did was pretty awesome. I’m excited about him, and I’m glad to have him for the next two years.” There is a connection between quarterback Ian Thies and wide receiver Brooks Reinhardt, who led the team in receiving touchdowns in 2017. “Those two have a great connection,” LeBlanc said. “Even my wife said something about it the other day when we were playing a seven-on-seven. She said, ‘There looks like there’s a rope connecting Ian to Brooks, and the ball just travels to it.’” The offense also has some other weapons in the skill positions. “Carter Hayes is our running back, and he’s always been a force for us,” LeBlanc said. “He’s also got great hands. “Jackson Billings had the most receptions of anyone on the team last year,” LeBlanc added. “He’s just one of those kids who just goes about the game, and when you look at the end

at how many yards he had and how many receptions he had at the end of the game, it’s always impressive.” On defense, the star player is senior “mike” linebacker Caden Best. “Last year, he had 193 tackles,” LeBlanc said. “He’s always been big, but this summer I’ve seen him get quicker and faster. He’s got an Air Force offer, so hats off to him for pushing himself and getting that offer.” Alex Stanley will be back at safety. LeBlanc said he is quick and has a great nose for the ball. LeBlanc said defensive end Nathaniel Pride is versatile and quick, and Gentry Waller is “explosive” on the defensive line. LeBlanc has been to the state championship one time in his coaching career, and he said he sees something similar in this team. “I’ve had the pleasure of being able to go to state championship one time as a coach when I was coaching at American Christian Academy as a defensive coordinator,” LeBlanc said. “Thinking back to that

POSITION

season, we weren’t the biggest or the fastest, but they were a great group. I see a lot of that in this team as far as gelling together, but being there before, I know that there’s a lot of things that have to fall in place.”

WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN 2018 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

Aug. 24

@D.A.R

(away)

Aug. 31

@Madison County

(away)

Sept. 7

Colbert Heights

(home)

Sept. 14

@Lexington

(away)

Sept. 21

Clements

(home)

Sept. 28

Randolph (HC)

(home)

Oct. 5

@Phil Campbell

(away)

Oct. 19

@Lauderdale County

(away)

Oct. 26

East Lawrence

(home)

MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018

WHERE EVERY PLAYER IS MOST VALUABLE

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MADISON COUNTY FOOTBALL 2018