Section b
WedneSday, aUGUSt 24, 2011
2011 HigH ScHool Football Preview
ROuGH & TOuGH 20
lacey, lucas fueling indians’ charge Every year there’s always debate as to who is the best pound-for-pound high school football player in Autauga and Elmore counties. The Progress has thrown its hat into the ring of competitive banter with its “Rough & Tough 20” 2011 preseason rankings. By Cortez Strickland cstrickland1@gannett.com 1. Justin Thomas
6. Lorenza Cooper
11. Jay Minor
16. Bailey Hansen
QB | Prattville | Sr.
RB | Marbury | Sr.
DL | Prattville | Sr.
DB | Edgewood | Jr.
If Thomas can avoid those nagging leg injuries, he’ll show why numerous SEC and ACC schools continue to recruit him despite his verbal commitment to Alabama. A stellar season by this quarterback could mean another state championship for the Lions.
2. Justin Shanks DL | Prattville | Sr.
The attention for Shanks, who committed to Florida State, went to another level over the summer behind his impressive camp outings. However, his onthe-field output hasn’t matched those numbers of other highprofiled stars. Stay tuned.
3. Caleb Gulledge OL | Prattville | Sr.
One of two Tide commitments at Prattville, Gulledge’s size and quickness off the line make him a perfect fit for the up-tempo scheme of Lions coach Jamey DuBose.
4. Kevin Lacey QB | Wetumpka | Sr.
The switch to quarterback should be an interesting process for the 6-foot-6 former defensive back. If he can make quick adjustments, expect programs like Oregon State to soon offer a scholarship.
As perhaps the most underrated player in Autauga County, Cooper amassed more than 1,400 all-propose yards in a tough region that included 3A heavyweights Leeds and Handley.
7. O.J. Howard
The 6-foot-2 defensive lineman is one of three Prattville teammates who have already given a verbal to South Alabama. He was one of the Lions’ top sack leaders, collecting a dozen a season ago.
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QB | Prattville | Sr.
No one can argue Whitlow’s talent or ability. If you don’t think so, ask your self how can someone who played mainly as the backup quarterback secure an offer from Arkansas State?
WR | Autauga Academy | Jr.
Like Shanks, the on-field production hasn’t equaled his off-season national attention. There’s more than enough time for Howard, an Alabama commitment for 2013, to mature as a playmaker.
13. Arie Anderson DL | Stanhope Elmore | Jr.
8. Derrick Moncrief DB | Prattville | Sr.
A playmaker in the true sense of the word. A hard-hitting defensive back with a mean streak. Southern Miss is getting a good one.
12. Jalen Whitlow
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A key cog in the defensive machine at Stanhope Elmore, Anderson finished with 81 tackles and a pair of sacks as a sophomore. He’ll be counted on more this season due to the program’s large graduation number on his side of the ball.
9. Dedrien Lucas
14. Bradley Steele
DL | Wetumpka | Sr.
OL | Prattville | Sr.
Lucas’ non-stop motor was one of the main reasons why the Tribe’s secondary caused so much trouble for opposing quarterbacks.
He’s the one of four starting linemen to have already committed, pledging his alliance with South Alabama, which also got a verbal from follow lineman and teammate Terrance Jones.
5. Austin Golson
10. Laronji Vason
OL | Prattville | Jr.
DB | Prattville | Sr.
With two seasons still remaining to improve and grow, the FSU commitment should be in the running for the nation’s top prep linemen by season’s end.
A get-in-your-face cornerback who can be left on an island by himself with the opposing team’s top receiver. He has already given a verbal commitment to Wake Forest.
He had more than 100 tackles, six interceptions and five fumble recoveries. And it was just his first season as a full-time starter, so expect to see those numbers go up.
17. JaQuille Ellis RB | Holtville | Jr.
Ellis created some buzz for himself despite being in a deep and loaded backfield in the Dawgs’ “Spin” offense. Whether at receiver or running back, he’ll keep defenses honest.
18. Jonathan Pearson LB | Prattville Christian | Sr.
Pearson’s abilities at linebacker have caught the eye of Wake Forest and Western Kentucky, among others. He had 77 tackles and three sacks a year ago.
19. Kenterrious Tyree RB | Stanhope Elmore | So.
With the backfield less crowded now, Tyree should be the featured back for the run-first, run-second offensive scheme of Mustangs coach Jeff Foshee.
20. Keyvon Owens DL | Marbury | Sr.
A late bloomer, Owens has generated some interest from several state colleges including Alabama State, Tuskegee and Faulkner.
15. De’Ante Lawrence LB | Prattville | Sr.
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An all-around and versatile performer who committed to Southern Miss. Lawrence might just be the best athlete of the two counties.
top: photoS by Mickey WelSh and lloyd GallMan/advertiSer left: advertiSer file photoS
INSIDE » Wetumpka 2B » Elmore County 3B » Edgewood Academy 3B » Tallassee 4B » 2011 Football Schedules 5B » Holtville 5B » Stanhope Elmore 6B
2B
WETUMPKA PROGRESS
Wednesday, AUGUST 24, 2011
WETUMPKA INDIANS AHSAA Class 6A, Region 4 » 2010 Record: 10-2 (the Indians lost to Daphne in the second round of the Class 6A playoffs after beating Prattville in the first round)
BIG SHOES TO FILL Will Lacey have golden touch for Indians? Head coach
By Tim Gayle tgayle@gannett.com
Chad Anderson
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» Age: 35 » Experience: Anderson, a graduate of Prattville High, is now in his 12th year as a football coach, either as an assistant or as a head coach at Wetumpka. Anderson, a graduate of the University of Alabama with a master’s degree from Alabama State University, has a wife, Meagan, and daughter, Annabelle.
Player profiles Damian Lewis
Kevin Lacey, above left, takes over as quarterback this year, replacing Jamal Golden. At right, running back Anthony Finney runs the ball during practice as the team prepares to build on last season’s success. PHOTOS BY MICKEY WELSH/ADVERTISER turning on the offensive line, the Indians are searching for a big-play threat in the backfield but believe they have a supporting cast that can take the burden off Lacey. “We ran the ball quite a bit last year, but we won’t really have that deep threat of Demario (Bell) or the jump ball factor we had with him in the red zone,” Lacey said. “We’ll be more of a downhill running team. I think we’re good enough to run the ball on anybody.” That could take the bur-
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We have to come together and figure out how we’re going to play together. We have to figure out we’re not the same team as last year. — Kevin Lacey, QB
den off the defense as well as it searches for defensive linemen to anchor the 3-4 scheme. “Defensively, the line is going to be a work in progress,” Anderson said. “We’ve got one of the starters coming back in a rotation of six. That’s going to
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he Wetumpka Indians will have a different look on offense this fall. For the past three years, it’s been Jamal Golden at quarterback, leading the Indians to some of their most exciting and monumental victories since climbing to Class 6A a decade ago. The graduation of Golden, the 2010 Mr. Football, creates a new challenge at Wetumpka. Not just at quarterback, where safety Kevin Lacey will assume the duties previously held by Golden, but in the entire psyche of an offense that had come to depend on Golden to make the big play when it was needed. “He had that spark about him,” said Wetumpka High coach Chad Anderson. Without Golden, Anderson predicts subtle changes in the Indians’ offensive attack. “We’ll definitely run more option with Kevin,” Anderson said. “Jamal was based more off a zone scheme with different types of angles. We have a different offensive line, too. They’re heavier, so it’s not a zone friendly group. I gave Jamal the option on every run to pull it if he saw grass, if he saw an end not paying attention and honoring him. I don’t know if you’re going to see quarterback sweeps out of Kevin, but I don’t know if he’ll need to do that.” With three starters re-
be the biggest thing.” Anderson said the success of last year’s squad will be tough to duplicate because of the team’s chemistry, an intangible Lacey and his teammates are searching for as the season opener draws near. “There’s enough to build
on, but right now we’re struggling to find our identity as a team,” he said. “We have to come together and figure out how we’re going to play together. We have to figure out we’re not the same team as last year.” Notes: The Indians not only lost “Mr. Football,” quarterback Jamal Golden, but also its big-play receiver, Demario Bell, which will change the look of the Wetumpka offense this fall. Although the Indians’ spread attack focuses a lot of attention on the quarterback, the Indians could have more brute strength in the trenches and should be a better running team this fall.
» Year: Sr. » Position: LB » Ht./Wt.: 5-11/185 “The best thing about playing high school football is learning the game, playing with friends and coaching support.” Kevin Lacey » Year: Sr. » Position: QB » Ht./Wt.: 6-5/185 “The best thing about playing high school football is the fans and playing in front of a lot of people.”
Wednesday, AUGUST 24, 2011
WETUMPKA PROGRESS
3B
ELMORE COUNTY PANTHERS
EDGEWOOD WILDCATS
AHSAA Class 4A, Region 3 » 2010 record: 4-6
AISA Class AA, Region 1 2010 record: 12-2, 5-1 Class AA, Region 1 » (beat South Choctaw Academy 49-7, Clarke Prep 43-40 and Springwood 41-0 in the playoffs)
STRONG FINISH
BULL’S-EYE
Panthers try to put second-half collapse in rear view mirror
cstrickland1@gannett.com
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t’s not how you start, but rather how you finish. That simple statement has to be posted somewhere in the locker room at Elmore County High after last season’s secondhalf meltdown which left school on the outside looking in at the playoffs. The Panthers sprinted out to capture four of their first five games against foes from Class 4A, Region 3 before falling victim to the injury bug that eventually resulted to a collapse which left the school out of the postseason for the second consecutive year. Senior quarterback Truman Franklin said those second-half adjustments are basic. “If we listen to our coaches and play harder then we shouldn’t go through some of those same disappointments we did,” Franklin said. “We got to come together as a team and play harder together.” Last season brought new experience to the group from Eclectic. “We knew that region was going to be tough,” Panthers coach Norman Dean said. “We played (teams) that we never played before and gone places that we’d never gone before, but should be a little more comfortable going at this year.” In hopes of avoiding another repeat, the Panthers should be equipped with enough depth and experience at key positions to remain on course.
“This is our chance to leave our mark for the younger guys as leaders of the team,” said J.J. Robertson, a senior middle linebacker. “You just want to go out and show your community on Friday nights that we worked hard and deserve to win.” The current seniors were merely freshmen the last time the Elmore County tasted the playoffs in 2008, when the school posted an impressive 9-1 regular-season record prior to being ousted by UMS-Wright in the second round. “We’re going to put a big load on these seniors,” Dean said. “We expect this group to give great effort and execution and put this program back to where it used to be. The program doesn’t belong to them, they’re just the caretakers.” Expect for special teams to remain a consistent unit for the Panthers. According to Dean, Elmore County has not surrendered a kickoff return for a score in six seasons nor allowed a blocked punt during that same span. “We pride ourselves on special teams, we’ve worked extremely hard at special teams,” Dean said with confidence. “We want to execute on offense, we want to hit hard on defense and want to be very sound in the kicking game.”
Head coach Norman Dean
head coach.
» Age: 46 » Experience: Dean served six seasons as an assistant and six as a
Player profiles Truman Franklin » Class: Sr. » Position: QB » Ht./Wt.: 6-5/195 “Playing under the lights and having fun.” J.J. Robertson » Class: Sr. » Position: LB » Ht./Wt.: 6’1/180 “Walking out right before the game and feeling the energy.”
Notes: Elmore County hasn’t fared well against schools from its own county, posting a combined 1-5 record against Tallassee and Holtville. … Over the last two years, the Panthers are just 3-7 in the latter portion of the season. They went 2-3 in 2009 and 1-4 a season ago.
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We expect this group to give great effort and execution and put this program back to where it used to be. — Norman Dean, head coach
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By Cortez Strickland
Cory Whetstone runs the ball during preseason practice.
Edgewood coach Bobby Carr is looking to lead his team, including players Cole Lipscomb, left, and Bailey Hansen, to the Wildcats’ third state championship in four years. PHOTOS BY MICKEY WELSH/ADVERTISER
By A. Stacy Long slong1@gannett.com
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he logo isn’t changing on the sides of Edgewood’s helmets this year, but there’s a symbolic addition that will stick to the Wildcats. With two state championships the last three years, a red bull’s-eye will likely center on the school’s helmet insignia and the Wildcats are confident their name has been circled (maybe in red) on opposing schedules. “We know we’re going to get everybody’s best game,” senior receiver/ defensive back Sam Coleman said. It’s become a fact of life for Edgewood, the price the Wildcats pay for a run of overwhelming success. Edgewood has a combined 35-4 record the last three years and -- except for a last-play field goal by Monroe Academy in 2009 -would have three straight state titles. And winning isn’t limited to just the gridiron. The school’s baseball team is a three-time defending state champion, too. “It says a lot about our teams in the past and they’ve raised the bar high,” said Bobby Carr, the football and baseball team’s coach. “Every team is going to give them their best game. Coleman and linebacker/fullback Ryan Jackson each wear their championship rings sparingly. They save them for special occasions but look at them most every day. It’s not just a reminder of what they’ve done. It’s motivation to add to the
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collection. “We have the talent,” Jackson said. “We have most of our players coming back and we know what it takes. “We love these rings, but we’ve got to focus on this season. It’s a lot of motivation, and we’re working hard to get another ring.” The Wildcats return their front eight players on defense and eight starters back on offense, too. That includes virtually all of their skill offensive starters, though they do need a new quarterback after AllState Matt Moore graduated. Carr, when practice started, was leaning toward Dylan Ingram after impressive summer 7-on-7 work. “We have a lot of weapons, and Dylan does a good job spreading the ball around to all of our guys,” Carr said. “He understands our offense and that is more than half the battle.” Still, tasting a title last year hovers in the back of their minds. The Wildcats beat Springwood 41-0, so there wasn’t any last-second drama, but it still hit them hard. Now, they just have to do it again. “It’s definitely harder,” Coleman said. “It gets tougher. Everybody out there looks at us and wants to see us lose.” Notes: Offensive lineman Mitch Greer was All-State last season. He missed the first week of practice this year because he was at a workout for the Detroit Tigers in Lakeland, Fla. Edgewood has suffered just one losing season under Carr, a 3-7 finish in 2007. Carr has had eight All-State quarterbacks in 15 years as a head coach.
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Elmore County’s Truman Franklin passes the ball during practice. The quarterback is beginning his senior year as he looks to lead the Panthers to a winning record this season. LLOYD GALLMAN/ADVERTISER
Edgewood seeks to defend another state football title
It’s a lot of motivation, and we’re working hard to get another ring. — Ryan Jackson, LB/FB
Head coach Bobby Carr » Age: 39 » Experience: Carr is 95-25 with two state championships in 10 seasons as Edgewood’s football coach. The Wildcats have also won three straight state baseball titles under Carr. Previously, he spent five years at New Life in Millbrook. His career record is 139-43.
PLAYER PROFILES Ryan Jackson » Year: Sr. » Position: LB/FB » Ht./Wt.: 5-11/250 Favorite movie? “I have a couple of them, but I’ll say “Friday Night Lights.” How they play the games and how they go through practices fits in with real high school football. I love that. I could watch that movie every day.” Sam Coleman » Year: Sr. » Position: WR/DB » Ht./Wt.: 5-10, 165 Favorite TV show? “That 70s Show.” It’s a pretty funny show about teenagers and the lives that they live. (Mila Kunis) is such a character and she’s crazy. She’s definitely a drama queen on that show.”
WETUMPKA PROGRESS
Wednesday, AUGUST 24, 2011
TALLASSEE TIGERS AHSAA Class 5A, region 2 » 2010 record: 9-2, 6-1
Second chances Can Jones inspire Tigers in second go-round?
Players run wind sprints during a recent Tallassee High School football practice. PHOTOS BY MICKEY WELSH/ADVERTISER
Ryan Taylor, left, and Cody Miller face off during practice. Taylor, an offensive lineman, said the team needs to help the younger players get used to the game. By Jay G. Tate jgtate@gannett.com
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ll Jared Jones wanted was a second chance. When coach Rodney Dollar in April left Tallassee unexpectedly for a job at Pike County, the Tigers needed to devise a quick solution. That’s when Jones, entering his third season as Tallassee assistant, indicated his interest in the job. Nevermind that his previous tenure as head coach with the Tigers, which ended in 2002, ended with a 1011 record. A stint at Oak Mountain as coach and athletic director yielded plenty of new insights that Jones insisted would make him more successful this time around. And that’s how Jones became the Tallassee coach — again. “I can’t believe how it all worked out. There are a lot of people to thank, starting with the superintendent and our principal,” said Jones, who officially will serve as interim coach this fall. “It’s a tough spot in a way, to be an interim coach, but how often do you get a second chance? I’ve learned a lot during the past 10 years. I’m hoping it’ll be a real easy decision for them at the end of the season. I want to be here.” Barring major problems, Jones will win plenty of games. The question at Tallassee is this: How many wins is enough? The Tigers return four starters along the offensive line and three along the defensive front, giving the team plenty of brawn up front. The downside? Seventeen players have graduated and the top returning tailback has been ruled academically ineligible. “We have a lot of young guys in some important spots,” offensive lineman Ryan Taylor said. “We just have to help them get used to playing and be patient with them. As long as they’re ready when playoff time rolls around — that’s all that matters.” Tallassee went 9-1 dur-
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ing last fall before losing to Spanish Fort in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs. It was the second time in three years that the Toros ended the Tigers’ season in the first round. The players say it’s personal. “I hope we get to see them again this year,” defensive tackle Dwight Phillips said. “It’s definitely personal. We have to get them.” How often does he think about it? “Almost every day,” Phillips said. Getting to the playoffs will be a straightforward endeavor. Though Tallassee used pieces of various systems last season, inexperience in the offensive backfield and brawn up front have changed the Tigers’ plans. Jones said the Tigers are going to run the ball. The featured back could be a freshman. Or a sophomore. The two junior candidates are defensive starters and Jones doesn’t want to sacrifice their contributions on that side of the ball. Tallassee expects to be tougher than ever this fall. Jones likes it that way. “I’ve been real encouraged by how the team has taken to the coaching change,” Jones said. “They could have pouted about this messing up their senior season. It hasn’t been like that at all. I feel like we’re all in this together. As a coach, that’s real encouraging.” Notes: Tallassee wants its running game to be tougher than ever, so interim coach Jared Jones is adding some serious size to the backfield. Defensive tackle Dwight Phillips, all 220 pounds of him, will moonlight at fullback this season. His job is to crush anything that gets in his way. “I can’t wait. I want to do it,” Phillips said. “I’ll have to get used to it, but I think I can be good at hitting people like that.” … Jones will coach this season as the Tigers’ interim coach, which is sure to provide some psychological challenges. Every game could be construed as an interview of sorts. Will that make every decision more difficult? “I don’t look at it that way,” Jones said. “I don’t feel pressure until the playoffs. That might be a little tougher, you know, coaching in the playoffs. But that’s a long time from now. I think people will look at the season as a whole when it’s over and decide.”
I feel like we’re all in this together. As a coach, that’s real encouraging. — Jared Jones, head coach
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4B
Interim coach Jared Jones » Age: 42 » Experience: Named interim coach in March. This will be his third season as a head coach.
Player profiles Dwight Phillips » Year: Senior » Position: DT » Ht./Wt.: 5-6, 220 “Losing to Spanish Fort in the playoffs really stuck with me. I think about it all the time. We have to find a way to get over that hump. I know we can do it.” Ryan Taylor » Year: Senior » Position: OL » Ht./Wt.: 6-0, 225 “It’s weird to say a 9-2 season is a disappointment, but we expect more at Tallassee. I don’t really care what happens before the playoffs. Once we get in the playoffs, that’s when I start counting wins. That’s when it matters.”
Head coach Jared Jones is looking to make the most of his second chance at leading the Tigers.
Wednesday, AUGUST 24, 2011
WETUMPKA PROGRESS
HOLTVILLE BULLDOGS
5B
2011 FOOTBALL SCHEDULES
AHSAA Class 4A, Region 3 » 2010 season: 7-4 (the Bulldogs lost, 35-27, to Jemison in the first round of the 4A playoffs)
Right Direction Bulldogs return 16 starters from last year’s playoff team
Wetumpka
Autaugaville
Autauga Academy
Aug. 26 vs. Greenville Sept. 1 at Robert E. Lee Sept. 9 vs. Sidney Lanier Sept. 19 vs. Prattville Sept. 30 vs. Carver Oct. 7 at Benjamin Russell Oct. 13 at Jeff Davis Oct. 21 vs. Stanhope Elmore Oct. 28 vs. Dothan
Aug. 26 at McKenzie Sept. 2 vs. John Essex Sept. 9 at Shades Mtn. Christian Sept. 16 vs. Sunshine Sept. 23 at Montgomery Catholic Sept. 30 at Pickens County Oct. 7 vs. Holy Spirit Catholic Oct. 14 vs. Maplesville Oct. 21 at Keith Oct. 28 vs. St. Jude
Aug. 18 vs. Prattville Christian Aug. 26 at Coosa Valley Sept. 2 vs. Cornerstone Sept. 9 at Jackson Sept. 16 vs. SMCA Sept. 23 vs. Meadowview Sept. 30 at Sparta Oct. 7 vs. Sumter Oct. 14 at Bessemer Oct. 21 vs. Clarke Prep Oct. 28 at Lowndes
(Class 6A)
Stanhope Elmore (Class 6A)
Aug. 26 vs. Thompson Sept. 2 at Prattville Sept. 9 vs. Carver Sept. 16 vs. Benjamin Russell Sept. 23 at Dothan Sept. 30 at Jeff Davis Oct. 7 at Sidney Lanier Oct. 14 vs. Robert E. Lee Oct. 21 at Wetumpka Oct. 28 vs. Selma
Holtville (Class 4A)
Holtville is bringing back seven starters on offense and nine on defense from a team that made it to the playoffs last season. PHOTOS BY LLOYD GALLMAN/ADVERTISER
Head coach Barry Gibson » Age: 57 » Experience: Gibson has 34 years on the sidelines, with the past three coming at Holtville.
Player profiles Daquarious McCall
Senior Mason Price said the summer workouts showed the younger players how hard they have to work to help the team excel on the field. By Cortez Strickland cstrickland1@gannett.com
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oltville entered uncharted territory last season with new opponents after the AHSAA’s realignment put them into a highly competitive region. Despite the new challenges and unfamiliarity, the Bulldogs pushed forward to claim their second postseason berth in three seasons under coach Barry Gibson, whose team finished third behind top-10 mainstays Dadeville and Beauregard in Class 4A, Region 3. “Taking that No. 3 spot was a step in the right direction for us because we didn’t know what to expect in a new region,” Gibson said. “We won seven games, and I was very proud of them for stepping up to the challenge.” With a positive first year as its confidence builder, Holtville looks to make even more noise this campaign with seven returning starters on offense and nine on the defensive side of the field. “We had an excellent offseason, perhaps the best since I’ve been here, and I know the guys are up for the challenge again,” Gibson said. “I feel good about our guys because they know what to expect now.” But the recent major shakeups in the backfield could be somewhat of a setback for the Bulldogs, who loss of key backs Akeem Bennett and Patrick Reed. Bennett was dismissed due a violation of team rules and Reed transferred to Sidney Lanier, Gibson said. Expect JaQuille Ellis and Antonio Kendrick to step in to fill the void. Ellis, a junior wingback, was a heavy contributor in a supportive role as season ago, reaching the end zone via the air and ground in the school’s complicated Spin’ offense. “We’re going to run that ball, that’s been our
reputation,” Gibson said. “We had some young guys back there a year ago, but one thing that’s going to be the difference maker is the experience they’ve picked up.” Senior Daquarious McCall feels offseason training and conditioning should help open up more running lanes for his teammates. “It’s our job to make sure we can pound the ball, basically we’re going to knock people’s heads off,” said McCall, who is an offensive and defensive lineman. “We’ve worked extra hard in the weight room.” Gibson said the commitment from players to summer workouts was the best he’s seen since taking over the program three seasons ago. “Showing up and working out every day during the summer showed leadership and commitment, something the younger guys can look up too,” senior Mason Price said. “It showed them how hard they need to work if they’re going help us reach our goals on the field this year.” While coaches stress the importance of taking the season one game at a time, Gibson has pointed out a pair of games — Marbury and Dadeville — that his squad has definitely circled on their calendars. “I think Dadeville is important because you want to knock off the best,” Gibson said. “But just as important, the (season-opener) against Marbury is as equally important because it’s the first one of the season and it’s a rivalry.” Notes: Gibson proved yet again he won’t allow any player to mess up team chemistry with the recent dismissal of RB Akeem Bennett. Prior to the start of the 2009 campaign, he parted ways with talented RB Akevious McCall, who had several high-profile schools interested in his services. … Scoring was never a problem for the Dawgs in 2010, as they put at least 40 points on the board four times — all wins. … Holtville has won two of the last three home games over rival Marbury.
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Taking that No. 3 spot was a step in the right direction for us because we didn’t know what to expect in a new region.
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— Barry Gibson, head coach
» Year: Sr. » Position: OL/ DL » Ht./Wt.: 5-10/233 “I think the best thing about high school football is the relationship between your coaches and players, and Friday Night lights.” Mason Price » Year: Sr. » Position: QB/ DB » Ht./Wt.: 5-9/160 “Memories you make playing beside your friends on the field.”
Aug. 25 vs. Marbury Sept. 2 vs. Munford Sept. 9 at Lincoln Sept. 16 vs. Childersburg Sept. 23 at Houston Academy Sept. 30 at Calera Oct. 7 vs. Dadeville Oct. 14 at Beauregard Oct. 21 vs. Elmore County Oct. 28 vs. Alabama Christian
Elmore County (Class 4A)
Aug. 26 at Alabama Christian Sept. 2 vs. Lincoln Sept. 9 at Munford Sept.16 vs. Calera Sept. 23 vs. Tallassee Sept. 30 at Childersburg Oct. 7 vs. Beauregard Oct. 14 at Dadeville Oct. 21 at Holtville Oct. 28 vs. Trinity
Tallassee (Class 5A)
Aug. 26 at Benjamin Russell Sept. 2 vs. Charles Henderson Sept. 9 at Eufaula Sept. 16 vs. Rehobeth Sept. 23 at Elmore County Sept. 30 at Carroll Oct. 7 vs. Russell County Oct. 14 vs. BTW (Tuskegee) Oct. 21 at Valley Oct. 28 vs. Beauregard
Edgewood Academy (AISA Class AA)
Aug. 18 vs. E. Memorial Christian Aug. 26 at Evangel Sept. 9 at Lakeside Sept. 16 vs. Morgan Sept. 23 vs. Pickens Sept. 30 at Restoration Oct. 7 vs. Springwood Oct. 14 vs. Abbeville Oct. 21 at Glenwood Oct. 27 at Fort Dale
Prattville (Class 6A)
Aug. 27 vs. St. Thomas Aquinas Sept. 2 vs. Stanhope Elmore Sept. 8 at Robert E. Lee Sept. 16 at Wetumpka Sept. 23 vs. Opelika Sept. 30 vs. Sidney Lanier Oct. 7 at Carver Oct. 14 at Benjamin Russell Oct. 21 vs. Jeff Davis
(Class 1A)
Marbury (Class 3A)
Aug. 25 at Holtville Sept. 2 at Leeds Sept. 9 at Central-Coosa Sept. 16 vs. Beulah Sept. 23 at Chilton County Sept. 30 vs. Handley Oct. 7 vs. Comer Oct. 14 at Clay County Oct. 21 vs. Walter Wellborn Oct. 28 vs. Jemison
Billingsley (Class 2A)
Aug. 26 at Dallas County Sept. 2 at Isabella Sept. 9 vs. Vincent Sept. 16 at Thorsby Sept. 23 vs. Maplesville Sept. 30 vs. Hatch Oct. 7 at American Christian Aca. Oct. 14 vs. Francis Marion Oct. 21 at Central-Hayne Oct. 28 vs. Verbena
(AISA, Class A)
Prattville Christian
(AISA, Class AAA) Aug. 18 at Autauga Academy Aug. 26 vs. Kingwood Sept. 2 vs. Morgan Sept. 9 at Tuscaloosa Sept. 16 at Escambia Sept. 23 vs. Lee-Scott Sept. 30 at Pike-Liberal Arts Oct. 7 at Bessemer Oct. 14 at E. Memorial Christian Oct. 21 vs. Hooper Oct. 28 vs. Restoration
East Memorial Christian (AISA, Class AAA)
Aug. 18 at Edgewood Aug. 26 vs. Bessemer Sept. 2 at Restoration Sept. 9 at Hooper Sept. 16 vs. Meadowview Sept. 22 vs. Kingwood Sept. 30 at Morgan Oct. 7 at Tuscaloosa Oct. 14 vs. Prattville Christian Oct. 21 at East-Macon
6B
WETUMPKA PROGRESS
Wednesday, AUGUST 24, 2011
STANHOPE ELMORE MUSTANGS AHSAA Class 6A, Region 4 » 2010 Record: 10-3 (the Mustangs lost to Davidson, 31-24, in quarterfinals of Class 6A playoffs after defeating GW Carver, 20-15)
HIGH EXPECTATIONS Mustangs plan to extend long homefield winning streak Head coach
By Cortez Strickland cstrickland1@gannett.com
Jeff Foshee
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» Age: 39 » Experience: Foshee spent two years as an University of Alabama graduate assistant and three years as the defensive coordinator at Stanhope Elmore High School before taking over the helm following the retirement of his father, Jimmy, in 2000.
Player profiles Casey “C.J.” Davis
Kicker Dalton VanCor, above left, said being a senior will bring out more pride in winning this year. Head coach Jeff Foshee, below left, said expectations are high for the Mustangs and the team wants it that way. Photos by Lloyd Gallman/Advertiser buzz last summer while in middle school, participating in Football University’s Top Gun All-Star Camp as an eighth-grader. The camp has featured with some of the nation’s top players and boasts an elite staff of some of football’s greatest minds. Top Gun has privately trained and mentored NFL quarterbacks such as Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and Eli Manning, among others. But Foshee was recently forced to juggle his depth chart at quarterback after Harris surprisingly transferred to a school in the Gulf Shores area. With his competitor out of the picture, Glenn assumes play-
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When you look up and see the student section filled and parents there to see their kids play, it brings out a lot of pride. — Dalton VanCor, K
calling duties with the first team and Tory Graves slides in as backup until Wilson is declared healthy enough for football activities. “He has accepted the challenge and I know he’s not going to make a lot of mistakes,” Foshee said of Glenn, a senior. “No doubt he can run the offense, he’s been out here two years so he knows what to do. Now is his opportunity. “It puts a lot more pressure on the other guys,”
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he bar has been set pretty high for Stanhope Elmore. A season ago, the Mustangs put together their best campaign, posting a 10-3 record that featured wins that halted long losing streaks against Prattville and Wetumpka and included a trip to the Class 6A quarterfinals. “Expectations have always been high and we want to keep them that way,” Stanhope Elmore coach Jeff Foshee said. “The guys have worked extremely hard this summer. Hopefully we can keep it going and maybe go a step further.” The Mustangs, who lost close to 30 seniors from last year’s squad, are expected to use the same formula that provided the Millbrook fans with loads of excitement in 2010. Foshee said he plans to continue calling the defensive schemes while the offense will operate out of the I-formation again. Stanhope Elmore’s running attack should continue to be the school’s bread and butter with Fred Harris, C.J. Davis and Kenterrious Tyree. If there’s one glaring concern for the Mustangs, it might come from the quarterback position. Last year’s starter, Brandon Wilson, suffered a broken leg during the spring and is expected to miss at least the first three games. Quarterbacks Garrett Glenn and freshman Nathan Harris came into the offseason neck-and-neck in a heated battle to land the job. Harris generated some
the head coach continued. “We’re going to move on and be fine. It does hurt as from a depth standpoint, though.” Six of Stanhope Elmore’s regular-season games are at the safe confines of FosheeHenderson Stadium, a field where the Mustangs have not lost at in two seasons. “When you look up and see the student section filled and parents there to see their kids play, it brings out a lot of pride,” senior kicker
Dalton VanCor said. “Being a senior, I know I will have more pride about winning (at home) more than ever.” A senior, Davis said protecting home-field advantage is perhaps the most important thing for him and his follow senior classmates because they don’t want to be known as the group who allowed the streak to end. Notes: Stanhope Elmore has not suffered a loss at FosheeHenderson Stadium since its 27-21 setback to Jess Lanier on Oct. 31, 2008 — a span of 11 consecutive home games including the postseason. … The Mustangs’ defense dominated more than half of their opponents a season ago, limiting seven schools to a touchdown or less.
» Year: Sr. » Position: Fullback » Ht./Wt.: 5-11/230 “Playing in front of your family and friends and your school and showing your talent to those you love the most on the football field.” Dalton VanCor » Year: Sr. » Position: Kicker » Ht./Wt.: 5-11/207 “Too many things to list — discipline, strength, toughness and effort.”