Is the sky the limit for BJHS, MA? During the last seven years, I have covered some of the best, and worst, high school football the state has to offer. From the dreaded and most powerful region in the state, Class 6A, Region 6, to 1A, AISA and 8-man football, I have covered it all. But I have never been as excited about covering high school football as I am this season. With Bob Jones, the largest school in the state, coming off the best year in school history, and Madison Academy doing the same in Class 3A, I couldn’t ask for a more exciting set-up to the 2010 season. With that being said, it’s time to take a look at what will (or could) happen this season for the Patriots and the Mustangs: Aug. 27 MA @ North Jackson — The Chiefs are coming off a deep run in the Class 4A playoffs, which doesn’t spell good news for the Mustangs. The Mustangs should make a run at the 3A state title, but this 4A power may be too much on the road. While the MA defense will attempt to keep athlete Montel Hale in check, the Chiefs will prove to be too much: NJHS 28 – MA 24. BJHS @ North Gwinnett (Aug. 28) — North Gwinnett has long been a powerhouse in the state of Georgia, but the Patriots are on the rise in the state of Alabama. However, the Patriots may not be ready for primetime yet, as the game is being regionally broadcast on CSS. Good news for Knology customers: this one may not be available locally: NGHS 35 – BJHS 21. Sept. 3 BJHS @ Hazel Green — Two road games to open the season? Not a problem for the Patriots. Look for Bob Jones to rebound in a big way to open 6A, Region 8, play: BJHS 50 – HGHS 7. MA vs. Sardis — If the Mustangs aren’t ready, week 2 could be as difficult as week 1. Good news is that Sardis quarterback Kyle Garmon, also the school’s all-time leading tackler, is gone. Look for the Mustangs to rebound in another close game: MA 30 – SHS 27. Sept. 10 BJHS vs. Florence — The Patriots ran away with the win over the Falcons last season, but Florence bounced back from the loss to finish the season 9-3. Florence head coach Alvin Briggs is no stranger to winning, as he did in Greenville, and this Florence team will be no pushover. If the Patriots don’t come out focused, this one could be a toss-up: BJHS 26 – FHS 23. MA @ Randolph — Randolph returns to varsity play for the first time in more than three decades, which spells good news for the Mustangs. Madison scored three touchdowns in one quarter of play against Randolph during a fall jamboree. This one will be three times as bad: MA 60 – Ran. 7. Sept. 17 BJHS @ Grissom — In a reversal of roles, Bob Jones has replaced the Grissom Tigers as the large 6A power in North Alabama. Grissom head coach Bobby Rhoads jumped ship and headed to Pelham, where his father once coached, which means the Tigers will be searching for, yet, another offensive identity. But that may be good news for a
Record Editor Austin Phillips team that lost to the Patriots last season, 49-0: BJHS 49 – GHS 3. MA vs. New Hope — Get there early for this one. The Mustang starters will rack up the numbers, the back-ups will rack up the playing time: MA 49 – NHHS 3. Sept. 24 BJHS @ Spain Park — Whoever scheduled North Gwinnett and Spain Park on the road (and Hoover at home) should be fired. Well, if it’s the same guy who led the Patriots to an 11-2 record, the best in school history, I guess we’ll have to give him a break. This could be a great tune up for the remainder of the region schedule, or it could be the straw that breaks the Patriots’ back: BJHS 22 – SPHS 17. MA @ Plainview — The Plainview Bears are turning the corner, and hosting this game doesn’t hurt. However, the Mustangs speed will be too much as quarterback Joe Dobson hooks up with receiver Kam Jackson early and often, while running back Josh Hamlett wears down the Bears in the end: MA 35 – PHS 14. Oct. 1 BJHS vs. Huntsville — Homecoming couldn’t come at a better week, as the Patriots will be healing from a hard-fought battle against Spain Park. Huntsville will remember last year’s 31-0 shutout, but they will also remember Trai Ragland and Collins Moore for years to come. Expect the running back and wide receiver to have record nights: BJHS 35 – HHS 14. MA vs. Sylvania — Sylvania is deeper than it was last year, but so is Madison Academy. While the Mustangs held strong and battled Leeds to the end, Sylvania was the Green Wave’s first victim in the playoffs to the tune of 56-0. Look the Mustangs to not take it much easier on the Rams: MA 40 – SHS 10. Oct. 8 BJHS vs. Buckhorn — This one won’t last long. The Bucks have taken the same approach as Bob Jones by scheduling the likes of Oak Mountain, Gardendale and Mountain Brook, but this schedule will wear down Buckhorn, while it strengthens the Patriots: BJHS 38 – Buck. 10. MA @ Pisgah — The Pisgah Eagles scored a lot of points in 2009, but had the unfortunate experience of running into the eventual 3A champs — Piedmont — in the first round. The Eagles will be explosive on offense, testing the Mustangs until the last play: MA 24 – PHS 23. Oct. 15 BJHS @ Sparkman — This one wasn’t close last year — 23-0 — but it was closer than it should have been. Look for the Patriots to separate that margin with big plays from big players: BJHS 45 – SHS 7.
The Madison Record STAFF Management Erica Slone
President & Publisher
Editorial
Austin Phillips
Editor
P.O. Box 859 151-C Hughes Road Madison, AL 35758 phone: 256.772-6677
MA vs. Geraldine — The Geraldine Bulldogs just made the playoffs last season, and was quickly booted by Clay County in 2A. The Mustangs will prove to have too much depth and too much size for the Bulldogs: MA 44 – GHS 14. Oct. 22 BJHS vs. Decatur — It took the Patriots a gamesaving interception by Collins Moore, a 30-yard reception by Moore and a 30-plus-yard field goal by Braden Hager with seconds left to defeat the Red Raiders in the playoffs. The Patriots had an easier time in the regular season — 20-7. The Red Raider defense will be stout, but the offense has too many question marks to win this one in Madison: BJHS 17 – DHS 7. MA @ Brindlee Mountain — This one won’t be close. It will, however, be a great warm-up to rest some starters and get some back-ups playing time before the playoffs: MA 55 – BMHS 7. Oct. 29 BJHS vs. Hoover — Revenge is sweet. Or so the Patriots are hoping. The Bucs got the best of the Patriots in the quarterfinals last season, and the Patriots will do everything to make certain that doesn’t happen again. Although this game is one week from the playoffs beginning, don’t look for either team to look ahead. Yes, revenge is sweet. But the second time these two schools meet, it will count for all the marbles: BJHS 20 – HHS 17. MA @ West Limestone — The West Limestone Wildcats are on the rise, returning 15 starters from a team that doubled its wins from the 2008 season. The Mustangs got the better of the 4A Wildcats last season, 36-21, and should be poised to do the same this season as the playoffs loom: MA 35 — WLHS 20. With the following games working out as predicted, the Bob Jones Patriots will be looking at another one-loss regular season and region championship, while the Mustangs will be looking at a one-loss season and another region championship. Both schools face a much tougher schedule, but out-ofregion games should prepare the teams for region play, and beyond. Don’t be surprised if you see both teams playing in Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn come December.
Story and photos by Austin Phillips
Trai Ragland RB
Bob Jones
Pa t r i o t s
A Hoover High School banner adorns the Bob Jones weight room, and the banner reads “2009 Class 6A State Champions.” Bob Jones head coach Kevin Rose put the banner up to inspire his team, which lost to Hoover last season in the Class 6A quarterfinals. Rose said he would take the banner down the when his team earned a replacement. Will this be the banner year?
Quarterbacks
Zach Freeman missed the Hoover playoff game last season with a concussion, and the senior gunslinger is eager to get back in the action. Freeman threw for more than 2,000 yards last season, accounting for 21 touchdowns and just four interceptions. Rose said Freeman is as good as any quarterback in the state, and, at 6’4, 175 pounds, he has the size to prove it. Jeffrey Moss, who filled in for Freeman with a 200-yard plus performance in the Hoover game, will back up Freeman, but Rose said both quarterbacks will play. Colin Cantrell, a smart senior who made a 33 on his ACT, could also see playing time.
at center, Brett Janikowski at right tackle, Scott Compton at left guard and Logan Brost at right guard. Giovanni Insignaris and Zack King will also look to work into the rotation.
Defensive Line
Seth Thomas, who has garnered offers from Jacksonville State and UAB, is the lone returning starter on the defensive line, although Sharad Tibbs gained significant playing time last season. Calynn Mitchell will also look to start on the D-line, while Daniel Johnson and Antonio Wilson will work into the mix.
Linebacker Running Backs
Trai Ragland, a two-year starter with an offer from South Alabama, has rushed for more than 1,000 yards each of the last two seasons, and Rose said he is expecting big things from the senior. Xavier Gaddy will also see playing time in the backfield, but the explosive speedster has been slowed in fall practice by a sports hernia. Nick Beavers, a two-time state champion in the 300-meter hurdles, will back up Ragland and see ample playing time.
Wide Receiver
Collins Moore was slowed during fall practice last year following shoulder surgery, but Rose said Moore’s “light came on” during the Patriots’ 49-10 win over Buckhorn in the 2009 season-opener. Moore recently committed to Ole Miss, and Rose is expecting big things from the senior. Carson Cooper, Nick Dahlgren, Yianni Sarris and Gaddy will also line up at receiver, for the Patriots.
Offensive Line
Tyler Ratliff is the only returning starter for a unit that is young and “pretty green up front,” said Rose. Ratliff will line up at left tackle, while Glenn Reese is expected to start
Collins Moore
Reggie Ragland was an All-State selection last year at tight end, but Rose has moved the junior to the defensive side of the ball to compliment Darius Tibbs. Rose said Tibbs is one of the best players he’s ever coached, and the dynamic of Ragland and Tibbs should make the Patriot defense a force to be reckoned with. Chris Caudle and Fred Williams will also see playing time.
AHSAA 6A, REGION 8 2009: 11-2 (8-0) Head Coach: Kevin Rose (11-2, 1 year) Assistants: Lance Clark, Chris Jones, Shane Medlen, Jimmy Don Nave, Travis Schrimsher, Bryan Styles, Eric Terrell and Kurt Yancey
SCHEDULE
Secondary
Rashad Goode and Alex Gilbert, whose father, Greg, played at the University of Alabama, are expected to line up on the corners. Rose said Gilbert had a great summer in 7-on-7 camps, and he expects his corners to lock down opposing receivers. Playmaker Dez Dennis will see ample playing time, while Zach Warren and Tony Brutofski are expected to start at the safety positions.
Special Teams
Braden Hager proved he can stand up to the pressure by nailing the game-winning kick against Decatur last season, and Rose is hoping Hager’s momentum will roll over into the 2010 season. Although he hasn’t punted for the Patriots in the past, Hager is also expected to start at punter.
DATE OPPONENT Aug. 28 @ North Gwinnett Sept. 3 @ Hazel Green* Sept.10 Florence* Sept.17 @ Grissom* Sept.24 @ Spain Park Oct. 1 Huntsville* Oct. 8 Buckhorn* Oct.15 @ Sparkman* Oct. 22 Decutur*
‘09 Score DNP 66-20 41-26 49-0 DNP 31-0 49-10 23-0 20-7
GAME TO WATCH Oct. 29 Hoover
DNP
Although the two teams did not meet in the regular season last year, the Bucs outlasted the Patriots in the quarterfinals en route to another state 6A championship. Playoffs Hewitt-Trussville Decatur Hoover
35-14 17-14 24-34
* Region game
2010 MADISON FOOTBALL 5
BOB JONES HIGH SCHOOL ROSTER No. Name
Pos. Ht.
Wt.
Yr.
No. Name
Pos. Ht.
240 Yr.
No. Name
Pos. Ht.
Wt.
Yr.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 28
QB WR DB RB LB DB WR WR DB QB WR QB LB RB WR DB WR WR LB RB RB DB RB DB RB RB DB
175 195 170 160 185 180 180 185 180 180 165 175 185 185 175 175 165 160 240 210 225 175 160 175 175 170 175
Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr.
29 30 31 32 33 34 36 37 39 40 41 43 44 45 48 50 52 53 54 55 56 57 59 61 62 63 64
DB DB RB LB RB LB WR DE LB LB LB LB LB DE OL OL DL DL OL OL OL DE OL OL OL OL OL
175 170 165 180 180 185 160 165 170 165 165 195 190 175 175 190 180 260 200 235 195 175 180 170 240 180 225
65 66 69 70 71 72 74 76 77 80 81 83 84 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99
OL OL DL OL OL OL OL OL DL DE WR DT WR OL WR TE DL WR WR DL DL DL DL WR K DL
170 175 205 270 240 240 240 285 265 175 145 155 155 160 170 200 210 185 230 180 215 190 215 190 190 160
Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr.
Jeffrey Moss Nic Dahlgren Zac Warren Nick Beavers Darius Tibbs Nick Richardson Doug Hess Collins Moore Dez Dennis Colin Cantrell Yianni Sarris Zach Freeman Tony Brutofsky Vaughn McCrary Casey Pursiful Rashad Goode Wesley Johnson Paris Erskin Reggie Ragland Trai Ragland Kailen Mitchell Alex Gilbert Xavier Gaddy Kevin Wright D’Marko Douglas Frankie Okirie Draylen Parker
stadium
6 2010 MADISON FOOTBALL
6-4 6-2 5-8 5-7 5-8 6-3 5-10 6-3 5-11 6-0 5-7 6-4 5-9 6-2 6-1 6-0 5-11 5-10 6-3 5-11 5-11 5-11 5-9 5-10 5-9 5-9 5-10
Gary McKelvey Deonte’ Campbell DeMarcus Haffley Fred Williams Jabbar Franklin John Caudle Ben Sanders Zack Noojin Alexan Herrington Leon Green Dustin Harraway Chris Caudle Casey Whitt Darian Madkins Josh Koopman Taylore Ernst LaDrake Abernathy Seth Thomas James Cox Jeremy Tuttle Branden Ray Carl Smith Wil Francis Ryan Rhodes Scott Compton Zack King Glen Reese
5-10 5-9 5-7 6-0 6-1 5-10 5-9 5-9 6-1 5-9 5-9 5-9 6-0 5-10 6-1 5-10 5-10 6-3 5-10 6-0 6-2 5-10 6-1 6-1 6-0 5-8 6-3
Madison City Schools Stadium
Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr.
Brent Rhodes Isobe Daso James Cooke Zack Nelson Brett Janikowski Giovanni Insignaris Logan Brost Tyler Ratliff Josh Harold Zack Jacobs Peter West Austin Stewart Nelson Blair Brian Rainwater Carson Cooper Jamel Harper Daniel Johnson Josiah Gibson Trey Williams Dominiq Johnson Antonio Wilson Conner Clark Shanard Tibbs Jock Sanders Braden Hager Cole Sparks
6-1 5-10 5-11 6-5 6-3 5-11 5-10 6-3 6-2 6-0 5-7 5-6 5-6 5-8 5-10 6-2 6-3 6-2 5-10 5-10 5-9 6-0 5-11 5-9 6-0 6-3
off campus, Madison
Pa t r i o t s f o o t b a l l
2010 MADISON FOOTBALL 7
Story and photos by Austin Phillips
Kam Jackson WR
Madison Academy
Mustangs
The Madison Academy Mustangs finished with the best record in school history in 2009 by capping off a perfect regular season and an appearance in the quarterfinals in head coach Eric Cohu’s first season. While the Mustangs lost several keys players from last year’s squad, Cohu is hoping that 2009 will be the second-best year in Madison Academy history — second only to 2010.
Quarterbacks
Joe Dobson, a transfer from Sparkman High, will take over under center this season, and Cohu is expecting a lot from the strong, fast and accurate passer. Dobson arrived in the spring and went through spring training with the Mustangs, something Cohu feels will be a tremendous asset when the season starts. Dobson threw for more than 200 yards in the spring jamboree game. Chris Clouser will back up Dobson, and the 6-0, 150-pound senior showed during the fall jamboree that he is more than capable of running the offense.
Running Backs
Jake Hamlett is back and looks to lead a strong trio of Mustang running backs. Joining Hamlett will be Marcus Sease, who was ineligible last season due to transferring. Cohu said his running backs should compliment each other, as Hamlet is strong and tough, while Sease is extremely fast, tall and athletic. Khyle Jackson, brother of wide receiver Kameron, will also work into the mix. Hamlett, Sease and Jackson offer differing styles that will wear down opposing defenses with up-the-middle power and outside getaway speed.
Wide Receivers
Kam Jackson, is a quick and explosive receiver, and Cohu calls him one of the quickest athletes he has ever coached. Not only is Jackson sure-handed and fast, but he has the uncanny ability to find the ball, and the end zone, at anytime. Look for Jackson to be one of the best receivers in the state. Hunter Olive, Ben Seabrook, Nick Haas and Chandler Trach will also line up on the outside for the Mustangs. Denver Rickets is expected to line up as a tight end for the Mustangs, while Colby Turner will see time at both tight end and receiver.
Jake Hamlett
Offensive Line
The Mustangs have no returning starters on the offensive line, but Cohu said what his line lacks in experience, they make up for in size. Jeff Coe and Hunter Whitener will look to line up at the tackles, Cole Corder and Blake Copeland at guard and Cole Swearengen at center. Look for Bennett Smith and Nick Colemen to also see ample playing time.
Defensive Line
Just like the Mustangs’ offensive line, the defensive line returns no starters. Jeff Coe, Cole Swearengen and Hunter Whitener are expected to work into the starting rotation, but Cohu said to expect at least nine players will play on the line, as the Mustangs look to attack opposing offenses by committee.
Linebackers
Colby Turner, Denver Ricketts, Jake Hamlett, Bennett Smith, Marcus Sease and Blake Copeland will all rotate at linebacker in Cohu’s 3-4 defense, giving the Mustang front seven some new faces and fresh legs throughout the game.
Secondary
Hunter Olive and Kam Jackson both return as starters on the corners, and Cohu said the duo is as good as any in the state. Chandler Trach and Nick Haas will provide depth on the corners. Khyle Jackson, Zefen Riggins and Hayden Faith are expected to rotate at the safety positions.
Special Teams
Bennett Smith is expected to handle both the placekicking and punting duties, and Cohu said Smith has strengthened his leg over the summer and gotten plenty of reps. Chandler Trach will look to handle kickoff duties.
AHSAA 3A, REGION 7 2009: 12-1 (7-0) Head Coach: Eric Cohu (12-1, 1 year) Assistants: Mark Berryman, Bobby Chandler, Chris Hershfield, Granville LeCroix, Gary Mayes, Ken Ricketts and Shannon Wimberly
SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT Aug. 27 @ North Jackson Sept. 3 Sardis* Sept.10 @ Randolph School* Sept.17 New Hope* Sept.24 @ Plainview* Oct. 1 Sylvania* Oct. 8 @ Pisgah* Oct.15 Geraldine* Oct. 22 @ Brindlee Mountain*
‘09 Score DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP 36-21
GAME TO WATCH Oct. 29 West Limestone
36-21
Although the Mustangs got the better of the 4A Wildcats last season, look for West Limestone to be better prepared against the Mustangs this go around. 2009 Playoffs Danville Winfield Leeds
21-3 17-13 21-24
* Region game
2010 MADISON FOOTBALL 9
MADISON ACADEMY ROSTER
No. Name
Pos. Ht.
Wt.
Yr.
No. Name
Pos. Ht.
240 Yr.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
WR DB DB WR DB DB WR DB WR QB QB QB RB WR P WR P/K K
180 170 180 150 155 200 170 185 180 145 145 155 130 160 175 165 135 140
Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Fr. Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. So.
19 20 21 23 24 25 28 30 32 33 34 45 50 51 53 56 58
WR RB DB LB DB RB RB RB DB DB DB RB RB DB RB DE LB
150 160 185 125 150 155 160 135 125 125 165 180 210 175 170 190 145
Joe Dobson Clay Whitaker Kameron Jackson Chris Clouser Ben Seabrook Marcus Sease Hunter Olive Khyle Jackson Zefen Riggins Thomas Nay Colby Crossfield Logan Hamlett Nick Haas Will Brown Jake Hamlett Hayden Faith Tyler Hogan Justin Wimberly
stadium
10 2010 MADISON FOOTBALL
5-11 6-0 6-0 6-0 5-10 6-1 5-11 6-0 5-8 5-8 6-0 5-8 5-10 6-0 5-9 6-0 5-11 5-9
Zach Adams Blain Denton Taylor Ziak Houston Lee Chandler Trach Patrick Hammond Chris Moorefield Covie Rigdon Peyton Royster Andrew Watson Colt Stewart Taylor Kelley Nick Holman Blake Copeland Ben McCafferty David Brothers William Harwell
Bill Washington Stadium
5-9 5-11 5-9 5-6 5-7 6-0 5-9 5-7 5-6 5-8 6-0 6-2 6-3 5-10 5-9 5-8 5-2
Sr. Sr. Fr. So. So. So. Jr. So. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. So. So. Fr.
No. Name
Pos. Ht.
Wt.
Yr.
60 62 63 65 66 68 71 73 75 76 77 78 80 82 85 88 89
LB LB LB LB DE OL OL OL OL OL LB OL DE OL OL OL OL
215 215 225 205 170 200 260 210 220 240 260 210 190 140 210 130 145
So. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. So. Fr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Fr. So.
R.J. Scruggs Bennett Smith Gray Huffman Garrett Lindsey Jamie Marshall Daniel Graveman Cole Swearengen Frank Williams Jacob Deep Cole Corder Hunter Whitener Jeff Coe Denver Ricketts Hunter Nelson Colby Turner Alex Hairston Kevin Karosich
on campus, Madison
5-7 6-1 6-0 5-9 5-9 5-11 6-0 5-8 5-10 5-9 6-0 6-3 6-3 5-11 6-2 5-8 6-1
Mustangs football
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