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Ashley Hilyer
D. Mark Mitchell
Matthew Wallace
Emily Wright
David Yohn
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D. Mark Mitchell
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Jerry Ballas
Robert Noles
Steven Stiefel
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STAFF BIOS
Michelle Key, Publisher
Originally from Albertville, Alabama, Michelle Key and her family moved to the OpelikaAuburn area in 2011 after her husband’s retirement from the U.S. Navy. She is a graduate of Troy University, and she joined the Observer in 2014 as an office administrator before assuming ownership of the newspaper in January 2018.
Noah Griffith, Special Publication Coordinator
Noah Griffith began his tenure with the Observer in January 2023 as an intern and has continued to do high school sports reporting for the newspaper ever since. A graduate of Auburn University, Noah is an up-and-coming writer who’s no stranger to Lee County athletics. Hailing from Salem, Alabama, he grew up playing ball in the Phenix City area and graduated from Glenwood High School.
Anita Stiefel, Key Media LLC Managing Editor
Anita Stiefel joined Key Media in October 2023. A native of Fort Payne, she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Auburn University and completed doctoral studies at the University of Southern Mississippi. She has decades of experience working as a journalist and college educator.
Robert Noles, Photographer
Robert Noles is an award-winning photojournalist who has been with The Observer for more than 10 years. Originally from Tallassee, he is a graduate of Alabama Christian College and Auburn University.
2024–25 season
Friday Night Lights Shine Bright in Lee County
In anticipation of the moment when that first stadium light shines down and the kicker raises his hand to launch a new season of high school football, all hopes are at the ceiling. Why wouldn’t they be? It’s August — an entire season is laid out in front of us.
“To be honest with you, our expectation is to go win a state title. That’s why we’re here, right?” said Loachapoka head coach Branden Hall. “That’s why we coach. We want to develop these guys as human beings and make them better young men. And on that [point], why wouldn’t you shoot for the main goal? I don’t understand why you’d come up here and say you don’t want to win a state title. That’s my mentality.”
Before that long-awaited moment when all start afresh, 24 high schools from Lee County and the surrounding area took the podium at the seventh annual Fox Sports “The Game” High School Football Media Days at the Bottling Plant Even Center in Opelika on July 23-24.
There was a wide variety of schools in all different leagues, whether it be eight-man football, AISA newbies or veterans, AHSAA rookies or returning powerhouses — and they were all well represented. They made it obvious that high school football in the state of Alabama is rapidly advancing.
Preceding the coaches and players’ press conferences, the directors of both leagues: the AHSAA and AISA, took the stage. The AHSAA is welcoming two new Lee County schools, Glenwood and Lee-Scott Academy, over from the AISA. On the other hand, the AISA is set for its biggest field of teams in recent history with three new additions in the 2024-25 school year.
The ever-evolving landscape of high school athletics will be showcased in Alabama in 2024.
In the AHSAA, Loachapoka, who has become a powerhouse in Class 1A, is making the transition to 2A, Glenwood and LeeScott are joining AHSAA 3A in a region with Beulah, about 20 minutes up the road from each, Reeltown is moving up to 5A from 2A, Tallassee is swapping to 4A from 5A, as well as several others moving regions.
In the AISA, Chambers Academy is moving to 3A after being a top dog in 2A. It will fill at least part of the void left from Glenwood and Lee-Scott, who are leaving after running the floor in AISA 3A the past several years. No matter classification, though, each team will unite under that shared dream of winning a state title, but everyone will take a different
path to get there.
Some teams are looking to run it back, some just can’t wait for a fresh slate after a forgettable 2023 season and many are looking to build upon the steps they took last year. But one thing is the same for all — the boys are ready to take their hard work this summer to the gridiron.
“This is the start of my favorite time of year, and I hope y’alls too,” said Lee-Scott Academy head coach Buster Daniel. “I love watching basketball, baseball, golf and all those other sports, but there’s nothing like Friday night football.”
Noah Griffith
James Fogal, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, RICP® 1452 Opelika Rd Ste F Auburn, AL 36830-3355 www.countryfinancial.com/james.fogal james.fogal@countryfinancial.com (334)358-0174
Association News
AHSAA Associate Executive Director Kicks Off High School Football Media
By Ashley Hilyer
Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Associate Executive Director
Kim Vickers opened up the seventh annual High School Football Media Days at The Bottling Plant Event Center in downtown Opelika on Jul. 23.
Vickers, who was named associate executive director in May 2021 and inducted into the AHSAA Hall of Fame Class of 2024, has been with the AHSAA since December 2014 and spoke on behalf of AHSAA Executive Director Heath Harmon. Harmon, Oxford High School Principal, was announced as the sixth executive director in June 2024 following Alvin Briggs’ retirement announcement earlier this spring. Briggs’ retirement will be effective Sept. 2, and Harmon has already transitioned to his role, receiving support and advice from the former executive directors. Harmon has more than 25 years of experience as a teacher, coach, athletic director and administrator in AHSAA schools and could not attend due to an NFHS meeting in Indianapolis. Vickers expressed Harmon’s excitement for his new role.
Vickers began with a rundown of the classifications and playoff formats. “This year our Central Board did make some changes in the classifications with some of our fall sports that coincide with what we’re already doing with our spring sports, especially for the 7A class,” said Vickers. Additionally, the Central Board approved a different rotation for football beginning this year.
“Normally in the rotation for football, we have a southern division and northern division,” she said. “For the regions in football, one is going to cross over with four, and two is going to cross over with three this time. That is a change from what we’ve dealt with in the past. Normally it was one and two, and three and four.”
Likewise, the winter sports saw several changes, including a return to Alabama State University as a regional site for
Kim Vickers AHSAA Associate
Executive Director
basketball. All of the information for the sports was made available on Jul. 24 following the AHSAA Central Board of Control and Legislative Council’s approval of the publications including the handbook, consisting of the constitution and bylaws, and each sport’s section on the AHSAA website.
The AHSAA has faced several challenges in legislation along with eligibility issues.
“There is no such thing as a transfer portal for high school athletes, but they’re imitating what they see on social media with our collegiate athletes,” Vickers said.
She was the first person, other than the executive director, to handle eligibility in the AHSAA. In facing these challenges, Vickers said she credits the stability and governance of the association’s bylaws as being a great help by the state. Member schools of the AHSAA have the power to write, change and create bylaws.
“The consistency and upholding those bylaws is the biggest strength of the
association,” Vickers said.
One recent challenge the AHSAA is facing lies in the search for new sites for the Super 7 High School Football Championships. The University of Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium and Auburn University’s Jordan-Hare Stadium were removed from the rotation due to the expanded College Football Playoff. According to Vickers, the AHSAA is diligently working to find a location to utilize over the next few years. Birmingham and Protective Stadium will host the Super 7 this December, and Jacksonville State University and the University of South Alabama have expressed interest in becoming a host site. The AHSAA has also talked to Troy University and Alabama State University, but Vickers stated that these schools would still face the same playoff issues as Alabama and Auburn. The Cramton Bowl was also mentioned as a site for the Super 7, but the size and availability of suites would be an issue in accommodating corporate sponsors.
Vickers also said the AHSAA is excited for the first year of girls flag football as a sanctioned sport. Girls flag football has been piloted for the past three years, generating lots of interest and participation.
“We’re excited about that, and if you’ve never watched a flag football game, you need to get out there and watch them because they’re pretty intense,” Vickers said. Approximately 80 teams across the state will be classified into different regions this year, competing to make it to the Super 7 Championship.
Vickers closed with her thoughts on the looming unfortunate reality of similar NCAA Name Image and Likeness (NIL) deals coming to the AHSAA.
“We all know NIL for high school is something that’s knocking on our door,” she said. “I am personally a firm believer that high school sports are interscholastic; they teach life-long lessons. I’m not sure what the future holds with that, but we are going to try and fight it and keep the amateur status in high school sports.”
Expanded AISA Athletics Ready to ‘Keep Pushing Forward’
By David Yohn and Emily Wright
Roddie Beck, director of athletics for the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) for the past 18 years, helped open day two of High School Football Media Days.
Beck pointed to strong membership in the AISA with 89 member schools, saying that this year boasts “one of the largest memberships [the AISA] has had in a long, long time.” Beck expects approximately 40 schools to participate in athletics during the 2024-25 academic year, adding three more since 2023. He expressed his excitement at the continued success of the AISA.
“Financially, we are as strong as we’ve ever been,” eck said. “Athletically, we keep pushing forward.”
The AISA has announced that the 30 schools fielding squads for the 2024 football campaign will be divided into three classifications: eight-man, 2A and 3A. Those schools competing in 2A and in 3A will play the more traditional 11-man game. There will be a championship game for each one of the classifications. In addition to the 30 football teams, Beck said he is excited to have around 17 schools competing in cross country this fall, as well as 33 schools competing in volleyball. These two sports will both have 1A and 2A divisions. Beck said he is “looking forward to another great year” of competition within the AISA.
Dana Barker — President Big East Football Officials Association
Roddie Beck AISA Director of Athletics
Barker Searching for Help in ‘Giving Back’
By Emily Wright
Dana Barker, president of the Big East Football Officials Association, opened up the second half of the 2024 High School Football Media Days on July 24.
The Big East Football Officials Association serves schools as far north as Wadley and Roanoke and as far south as Barbour and Clayton counties. Big East has about 65 officials actively serving the local area, which is over 10 more than last season. Barker encourages anyone to apply, as more officials are always welcome. He states that participating as an official is an opportunity to “give back to the football program in your local area, have fun, and make a little bit of money on the side.”
“The mentality that I have, and that others have, is of a servant’s heart: wanting to give back,” Barker said.
There are no big rule changes within Big East’s handbook this year, so Barker’s focus for the officials lies in developing “soft skills.” He explained that the most important aspect of officiating is the ability to “talk to the coaches and players, not at the coaches and players.” The games are a cooperative effort on behalf of the players, coaches, and officials. As such, the relationships between those three groups are paramount to the overall success and enjoyment of the game. The officials are part of the high school football experience, and Barker wants to make sure that Big East can “give [the players] the best experience possible.”
Auburn High Locked and Reloaded
By Noah Griffith
Auburn High School football is 31-8 in the past three seasons since head coach Keith Etheridge took over and has been in the title game twice in the past four years, but they’re still yearning for their first state championship in program history.
The Tigers have all the pieces necessary to make it happen this year with a roster that is reloaded and back to full strength after an injury-plagued 2023 season. Following an 8-2 regular season last year, Auburn’s season was ended by eventual state champion CentralPhenix City in the second round of the playoffs.
“I feel really good about this year,” Etheridge said. “We just have to figure out a way to finish. ... Really excited to get this year started.”
Last season, Auburn was forced to rediscover its identity after losing starting quarterback Jackson Kilgore (right shoulder injury) for the season in a week two loss to Enterprise. Now, Kilgore is back to full health for his senior year and is supplemented by a surplus of talent across the roster.
It starts with running back Omar Mabson, who’s returning for his junior year after racking up nearly 1,700 rushing yards while splitting carries in the backfield as a sophomore. His outstanding season grabbed the attention of college scouts, as he received offers from Auburn University, Alabama and Arkansas, most notably. Etheridge voiced his confidence that the Tigers will be successful if they get the running back 15 to 20 carries each game this
Auburn High School Coach: Keith Etheredge Mascot: The Tigers
season.
That rushing threat will open the door for a talent-filled receiver room, led by athletic receiver Peyton Plott. Despite graduating their top wide out from last season, Ean Nation, Etheridge said this is one of the best groups of pass-catchers he’s had in 26 years of coaching.
The coach bragged on his quarterback for doing a great job distributing the ball to all of their ball carriers, but Kilgore pointed out that it’s an easy thing to do when he has so many good options.
“Very blessed to have the weapons that I do. ... My job is easy,” Kilgore said. “If the running game isn’t going right, just throw it — I mean they’re all down there somewhere. Vice versa: if the passing game isn’t working, Omar (Mabson) is just going to run it down their throats with the line we have, too.”
As Kilgore mentioned, a veteran offensive line group that’s returning four starters will ensure Auburn gets the most out of their skill players.
Led by seniors Hugh Bodiford and Clem Womack, the big guys are confident that they can open up lanes for their explosive playmakers after a year full of offensive adjustments while playing with only one
returning starter last season.
“I’m excited to have Omar back this year, actually, with the returning starters [on the line],” Bodiford, the Tigers’ center, said with a laugh. “We’re going to mash on the offensive line this year.”
The other side of the ball is flooded with talent as well.
Senior defensive end and Appalachian State commit, Caleb Pitts, and senior defensive back and Liberty commit, LaMychael Gunn, lead a defense that pitched two shutouts a year ago. According to Gunn, they plan to add to that total this season.
The offense and defense are returning a heavy load of last year’s contributors, but special teams is the one unit that isn’t.
Possibly their most impactful loss is what Etheridge said was the best high school kicker he’s ever seen; Towns McGough, who is preparing for his freshman season at Auburn University. But even there, Auburn has a junior kicker named Joseph Daniel that Etheridge said hit a 56-yard field goal in camp this summer.
It’s a challenge to find a weakness on this Tigers team. Still, they know they’ll all have to put superstar egos to the side and rally together to get past teams such as Central and Thompson, who have combined to win the 7A state championship each year since 2017.
“If we’re going to win the state championship, we need all these guys to have big years,” Etheridge said. “There’s so many great teams in our region, you can’t overlook anybody.”
Beauregard Seeks Third Straight Playoff Appearance
By Matthew Wallace
Beauregard High School looks to make it to the playoffs for the third straight year as the 2024 season nears its beginning.
Head coach Justin Jones, now in his fourth season as the Hornets’ leader, has led them to the playoffs twice in his tenure. Jones has a record of 20-13 in three seasons at Beauregard.
“We’re excited to start my fourth season here at Beauregard and get this thing started,” Jones said.
When Jones took over in 2021, the Hornets had not made the playoffs since 2018. Now, after two straight playoff appearances, Jones knows that the Hornets will not be taken lightly by their opponents.
“We understand that there’s no more of Beauregard slipping up on somebody like we did when I first got here,” Jones said. “We’ve ramped it back up, there’s none of that. We’ve been ranked in the preseason polls in the top 10 in the past two years. We understand that, it’s not necessarily a target, but understand there’s an established level of play and there’s an expectation we show up on Friday nights.”
In 2022, the Hornets got a home win over Marbury in the playoffs but in each of the past two seasons, Beauregard’s playoff run has ended on the road. In 2022, the Hornets fell to UMSWright in Mobile and in 2023, their season ended at Gulf Shores.
“I think the major steps in any 5A program ... number one is winning home playoff games
Beauregard High School
Coach: Justin Jones
Mascot: The Hornets
which we’ve done since I’ve been there,” Jones said. “But I think the next step for us is going to be going to the Mobile area and winning playoff games.”
One of the Hornets’ top returners is ZJ Grady, who is rated as a three-star recruit. Grady, a senior linebacker, had 75 tackles in the 2023 season with five tackles for loss and two sacks. Jones credits Grady for blocking the outside noise regarding his rating.
“They talk about the stars or whatever ... really, all those things don’t matter when it comes to your performance on the field and helping your team be successful,” Jones said. “And ZJ has done that.”
Grady also plays running back for the Hornets. In 2023, he ran for 251 yards on 37 carries, scoring three touchdowns for the Hornets’ run attack.
“He’ll do a lot for us,” Jones said. “He is a defensive starter but also plays a lot of running back for us on the offensive side of the ball in key situations.”
Just under a month from opening night, the Hornets still have players battling for playing time in practice. Despite the graduation of 2022 All-State running back Jacori Tarver, Jones said people will see “the same Beauregard” offense on the field.
“We’ve been a big run-heavy team the past two years,” Jones said. “With the graduation of Jacori ... things may look a little different but it’s still going to be the same Beauregard. We’re going to play physical. We’re going to run the football. We’re going to play at a tempo that helps us find success.”
Beauregard opens play at Wetumpka on Aug. 23.
“We’re excited at Beauregard again for this fall,” Jones said.
‘Hard-Nosed’
Benjamin Russell Team Looks to Build Upon Last
Year’s Success
By Matthew Wallace
In the three seasons prior to coach Smitty Grider’s arrival, Benjamin Russell High School won a combined 11 games. In Grider’s two seasons as coach of the Wildcats, they have won 18 games.
In 2023, the Wildcats placed first in their region for the first time since 2013, going 10-3 overall with a 5-1 mark against region opponents.
“We’re coming off a really, really great year for us in year two of my time over here at Benjamin Russell,” Grider said. “We went 10-3 last year and got beat on a last-second field goal in the third round of the playoffs. We were region champions for the first time since 2013. That was our goal when I was hired — to bring that Wildcat pride back to the high school in Alexander City.”
According to Grider, the run game will be a much larger part of the Wildcats’ offense in the 2024 season, especially with all the departures from last year’s team that passed for 3,011 yards.
“We’re going to be a little bit different offensively,” Grider said. “The last two years we’ve thrown it all over the yard and graduated 3,000 yards passing and 2,500 yards receiving. Offensively, we’re going
Benjamin Russell Coach: Smitty Grider Mascot: Wildcats
to have to run the ball, play action and RPO, to protect Cederian [Morgan], who’s our top target.”
The Wildcats will bring an experienced defense onto the field this season, bringing lofty expectations to that unit — especially on the defensive line.
“I think we’ve got seven or eight starters back defensively, and we’re expecting that unit to have a great year,” Grider said. “We feel like our defensive front will be the best part of our defense. Our secondary returns a lot of good players as well, but we’re still growing back there.”
The Wildcats’ season will begin with the return of a rivalry when they host Opelika High School on Aug. 23. That game will mark the first meeting of the schools since 2019.
“We open the season with Opelika [and] it’ll be a big night for both teams and we expect it to be a big crowd,” Grider said. “That’s always been a big rivalry for Benjamin Russell. It’s the team that Benjamin Russell has played the most in the history of the school, so it’ll be an
exciting night.”
Benjamin Russell’s tradition of highlytouted receivers continues with Morgan. Last year, Morgan caught 36 passes for 622 yards. A four-star recruit, Morgan is the top target for quarterback Alijah Johnson — but with increased coverage on Morgan, Johnson noted the importance of getting the ball to his other receivers.
“Everybody we played in 7-on-7, they double-teamed Cederian so we’re going to have to get other guys involved,” Johnson said.
After cruising through the first two rounds of the 2023 playoffs, the Wildcats’ season ended with a heartbreaking 31-28 loss to Pike Road in the third round — their deepest playoff run since 2015. Now, they bring higher aspirations into the 2024 season.
“One thing I want to improve on is to do better than last year,” Morgan said. “Last year, we made it to the third round so my expectation is a state championship.”
Like the players, the head coach is optimistic that his team can build upon last season’s performance.
“I’m really excited about this team, about what they’re bringing to the table,” Grider said. “It’s going to be a hard-nosed football team and hopefully we’ll be very successful.”
‘Really Big Things Happening’ for Beulah
By Noah Griffith
The Beulah High School football program is thriving after making its first playoff appearance since 2018 last season.
In his sixth season at Beulah, head coach Matthew Johnson is happy to have new administration that have displayed belief in the program he is building. Principal Bryant Lumpkin came over from Lannett this school year, and Johnson said he and assistant principal Adam Keel “have our back.”
Beulah’s leaders are pouring into its football program with the installation of a new, turf workout facility in November. At the conclusion of this season, they’ll level up once again with a move to a new stadium, which is currently in progress.
“It’s really good to have administration on your side,” Johnson said. “It’s changing the culture. [The team] has been working out for an hour and a half every day, and that changes a lot. We won’t go in there undersized anymore; we actually have a fighting chance.”
The Bobcats are looking to be good stewards of their increased support by improving each year. Making the playoffs has been a rarity for Beulah, who made it for the 15th time in the last 50 years in 2023, but it is striving to make an extended season a staple of its program.
Following a 4-7 finish with a 3-3 record in its 4A Region 4 last year, Beulah is
Beulah High School
Coach: Matthew Johnson
Mascot: The Bobcats
hoping improved fitness and more regular offseason workouts will be a difference maker in them coming out on top in close games. They went 1-3 in games decided by single digits a year ago, including a 14-12 loss to Loachapoka, who they will have a rematch with this in September.
The team of 35 is led by a senior class of 11 that is anchored by the guys up front. Beulah is only replacing one starting lineman from last year, and senior Matthew Kite said the offensive line’s goal as a unit is to lead and set an example of consistency for the rest of the squad.
“We have a lot of great guys coming back, but we also have a great class coming in that are still learning,” Kite said. “The goal for the offensive line is to lead the team, you know, it starts in the trenches and ends in the trenches.”
Three other seniors, quarterback/ defensive end Demarion Foreman, kicker/receiver/linebacker Reed Maloof and offensive/defensive lineman Canan Belbey joined Kite on the stage at media day. They all echoed the value of consistency and teaching the younger guys in order to leave a legacy that will
last at Beulah.
Last season’s goal was to get to the playoffs, but the hope this year is to compete once they get there. Beulah hopes to take another step in that direction and keep the program trending upward in 2024.
“We haven’t reached the playoffs two years in a row in 20 years, which we’ll try to change,” Johnson said. “We have the right guys, you know, the seniors who can do things the right way. That takes a lot of the work off of us [coaches] and allows us to reach our goals.”
‘Hungry’
By David Yohn
FB.T. Washington Seeking Continued Success
or the Golden Indians of Booker T. Washington, change will be the norm this season.
Head coach Deandre Austin is entering his first year at the helm. Moving to region 3 from region 2 has resulted in all new region opponents: Notasulga, Lee-Scott Academy, Beulah and Pike Liberal Arts are all new non-region contests. What the Golden Indians hope will not change is how far they advanced in the playoffs in 2023. Following a 6-4 regular season record and finishing third in the region, B.T. Washington went on the road and recorded a 22-12 win over American Christian. Another 22 point output from the offense resulted in a 13 point victory over Handley in round two. Jackson became the third victim, as B.T. Washington pulled out a 20-17 win. Eventual state champion Montgomery Catholic was not only one of the Golden Knights two region losses during the regular season, but proved too much in the state semifinals. Running back Javis Floyd not only wears No. 1 but stated the team goal when he said, “finish the job and win the state championship.”
Austin used one word: “Hungry!”
Besides Floyd at running back, other key players include No. 2 Dylan Purter at defensive back, No. 3 Jai Uhuru at linebacker and No. 4 Marquez Daniel at wide receiver.
Austin said he is excited to have the opportunity to serve as a head coach after stints at three Montgomery schools: Carver, Jefferson
Booker T. Washington
Coach: Deandre Austin
Mascot: The Golden Eagles
Davis (now J.A.G.) and Park Crossing. His final stop was for three years at Charles Henderson High School in Troy, where he was offensive coordinator. However, even a former OC must be smiling knowing that the defense at B.T. Washington was responsible for three shutouts in the regular season a year ago. Also noteworthy was the fact that the defense only surrendered 12, nine and 17 points in the first three rounds of the playoffs.
The Golden Tigers expect to field a squad of 55 players, and Austin said he feels this year’s team is hungry to sustain the success from the 2023 campaign. Austin also noted that his 4A team was tested by strong competition from
6A and 7A schools in summer OTA’s. Another positive that he pointed out is that BTW is transitioning to a 7-12 grade high school. This will allow multiple grade levels to workout and to practice together whenever the staff would like.
Again, Region 3 is full of new opponents for B.T. Washington, in this case, is not all bad as perennial powerhouses Andalusia and Montgomery Catholic are no longer region foes. Games three, four and five are at Lanett, and home to Lafayette and Reeltown. Games seven through nine are region tilts at Central Coosa, home against Horseshoe Bend and the final road game of the regular season at Ranburne. The Golden Knights will only load up the buses four times this year, and they will finish the regular season on Oct. 25.
B.T. Washington will enjoy their open week on Nov. 1, before the expected run in the playoffs begin.
Dynasty in the Making at Chambers Academy
By Ashley Hilyer
The Chambers Academy Rebels are looking to repeat their status as AISA State Champions and become the first team in school history to win a 3A Title.
After losing in the semifinals in 2021 and 2022, head coach Jason Allen led Chambers Academy to their third state championship victory in the 2023 season. The Rebels capped off their 12-1 season with a 2A state championship, defeating Banks Academy 41-14. Lee-Scott Academy, the 3A State Champions, handed Chambers Academy their only defeat of the season in week one with the Rebels losing by only a single possession.
“They got a little better every single week,” Allen said. “Once our team settled in on who we were, we found our identity, and we found what we’re good at. I think it’s important in life to find something you’re good at and build around it.”
Following the week one loss, the Rebels were undefeated for the remainder of their season, outscoring opponents 551-109.
Last year’s championship marked the third title in six seasons at Chambers Academy, and this year’s squad remains motivated. Allen said, “We’ve got a lot to play for. Our kids have got a lot to prove.” Going into the 2024 season, the Rebels have two goals for this season: be the first team in school history to win back-to-back state championships and be the first 3A state champions in the history of Chambers Academy. Chambers Academy
Chambers Academy
Coach: Jason Allen
Mascot: The Rebels
now competes in 3A after moving up from 2A, but Allen reported his team is excited about the transition and has been working hard this summer.
“Our guys understand that your football team is built in the summer ... if we quit working, then we will quit winning,” Allen said.
He also expressed that he is proud of this year’s senior class and where they have led the team. Additionally, the Rebels will be playing for more than just school pride this season — they will be playing for their state as well. Chambers Academy will travel to Starkville Academy to face the Volunteers in Mississippi on Aug. 23.
Allen announced it will be a home-andhome series, with Starkville Academy coming to LaFayette in 2025. The Volunteers claimed the MAIS 3A State Championship in 2017 and fell in the 5A State Championship in 2019.
“We wanted something for our team to be motivated for all summer to work hard,” Allen said. “I think our kids have kind of played this as an Alabama versus Mississippi thing. We’re playing for state pride.”
With the loss of AISA powerhouses like Lee-Scott Academy and Glenwood, Allen wanted his team to compete against strong
teams, like Starkville Academy, to prepare for the competition of AISA 3A. “We want to play good people. I think you find out who you are. You don’t always find out who you are when you’re winning by four, five or six touchdowns,” Allen said. Chambers Academy will face new region opponents like Valiant Cross Academy and Lakeside, but the Rebels will see familiar teams in their region like Edgewood Academy, Bessemer Academy and Banks Academy.
The Rebels seek to continue playing championship-level defense and keep scoring high points. Senior defensive back Aiden Anglin, who had two key interceptions in the 20-14 victory over Glenwood, and outside linebacker TJ Daniel will keep the defense together as strong communicators on the team. Offensively, the Rebels lost some players, but a majority will return. This includes Luke Tarver and Jacob Norgard, two all-state running backs with more than 1,000 rushing yards each.
“All the seniors understand that this is our last year, and we want to take it all in and not let anything go for granted,” Tarver said. “We just understand we won’t get this opportunity again, and we want to make the best of it.”
Daniel also said that they were able to build their team by battling together and playing for a coach who believed in them. The team’s motto was to “leave a legacy” last season and cement their place in Chambers Academy history as a championship team. Now that the Rebels have done that, their eyes are set on building a dynasty.
Culture Changing in Dadeville Under McKelvey
By Ashley Hilyer
The Dadeville Tigers are learning new systems under first-year head coach Chad McKelvey, hoping to make the playoffs for the fifth season in a row.
McKelvey took over after Roger McDonald stepped down from the position in January. The Tigers finished last season with a 4-5 record, placing third in 3A Region 4 and making it to the first round of playoffs, where the team fell to Thomasville for the second year in a row. McDonald led Dadeville to the playoffs each season in his four-year coaching tenure with the Tigers, including an undefeated regular season and region championship in 2022.
McKelvey spent 10 years at Dadeville High School starting in 2008 and served as offensive coordinator for the Tigers. Dadeville had several deep playoff runs and great players during McKelvey’s time. The most notable was Kyle Caldwell, who is now head football coach at Elmore County. Caldwell played at quarterback for the Tigers and went on to have success at the University of West Alabama. McKelvey said he looks forward to reconnecting with Caldwell in Dadeville’s season opener against Elmore County.
Following his time as offensive coordinator, McKelvey moved into administrative roles. He has been the principal of Edward Bell Career Technical Center in Camp Hill for the past couple of years.
He said he didn’t see the move back to football coming his way, but when the opportunity arose, he felt like the Lord was calling him.
“Man, I’ve had a blast getting back into this,” he said. “I can’t say enough about our players,
Dadeville High School
Coach: Chad McKelvey
Mascot: The Tigers
coaches, fans and the community. I’m really looking forward to a good year.”
He said he believes that the culture Dadeville is trying to build relies on team chemistry and knowing each other both on and off the field. Visiting his players and meeting their families is important to him.
“Four months ago, I didn’t know very many of these guys, and they didn’t know me,” he said. “Just getting to know each other on a personal level — knowing what their family life is like and them knowing what my life is like and how we can do more than just come to practice and show up together, but how we can live life together — we felt like that was really important for what we’re trying to do and build.”
Dadeville has had a successful spring, featuring new coaches and implementing new offensive and defensive systems.
“We’ve really challenged our players from a mental standpoint to learn some things that they weren’t accustomed to,” McKelvey said. “Some of them have spent a lot of time on the football field, but the things we were asking them to do were much different than what they’ve done in the past. It’s been very challenging for them, and they’ve responded very well and done a great job throughout the summer of working out and conditioning.”
The Tigers know they will need to be physically
prepared for their tough schedule. Dadeville will play non-region teams in 5A Elmore County and Valley, 4A Handley and 2A powerhouse Reeltown.
“Our non-region opponents are very challenging, but we see that as an opportunity to find out real early in the season where we’re at, how good we are and what we need to do to get better,” McKelvey said. AHSAA 3A Region 4 also brings in Lee-Scott Academy and Glenwood from the AISA, as well as B.B. Comer coming up from 2A.
McKelvey said he has challenged the Dadeville seniors with different player development opportunities this offseason, and according to McKelvey, they have done a fantastic job of becoming leaders. He spoke highly of his senior players during High School Football Media Days, saying, “They’re really, really good leaders. ...They represent themselves and their families well.”
Cam Heard is expected to be an explosive athlete with the ability to play multiple positions and make an impact for the Tigers on both sides of the ball. Outside linebacker and defensive end Tory Rimstad is a versatile player on defense who can also cover in space and Gabe Abernathy is set to be a vocal leader for the offensive and defensive lines. Two-way players like Ky Moss and Levi Childers will also bring physicality in the fall.
Rimstad expressed excitement for this season.
“We have a new opportunity to do things we never did last year.”
With strong senior leaders, the Tigers hope to seize this opportunity they have under McKelvey and build a culture at Dadeville while trying to return to the playoffs for the fifth year in a row.
Elmore County Looks to ‘Take That Next Step’
By Matthew Wallace
In every season from 2012-21, Elmore County did not qualify for the playoffs. However, the team has made postseason appearances in each of head coach Kyle Caldwell’s two seasons as coach of the Panthers.
In 2021 — the year before Caldwell’s arrival — the Panthers went 0-10. In Caldwell’s two seasons, the team has a record of 15-7 — a complete turnaround from where Elmore County was just a few years ago.
“I came in and even though they were 0-10, I didn’t see an 0-10 football team,” Caldwell said. “And they really bought into me but also our assistant coaches as well. ...So just empowering people and empowering kids and giving them leadership roles.”
Linebacker Jackson Mann was a freshman on that 0-10 team. Now, as a senior, he is hoping to help lead the Panthers to a third straight playoff berth.
“He [Caldwell] came in and helped us out and kind of changed the momentum,” Mann said. “Like I was saying, change the narrative. I feel like our group, our class, has really done a good job of changing that around.”
Many offensive players from the 2023 team have graduated, especially on the offensive line. The Panthers will still look
Elmore County Coach: Kyle Caldwell
Mascot: The Panthers
to get creative in the run game despite the loss of so much experience and size on the line. Competing in Region 4 of 5A football, a region highlighted by teams with strong run games, Caldwell noted the importance of being able to establish the run.
“That’s what we’ve been trying to figure out this summer,” Caldwell said. “How can we get our best players the ball in the best position to succeed? So we’ve got some guys that we’ve got to try and
equal out touches kind of like last year. Obviously, our region knows that you’ve got to run the ball pretty well to win a lot of games.”
For what the team lost in offensive experience, it returns in defensive experience. Caldwell said he expects a strong defense to be the team calling card, at least early in the season.
“Our staple early in the year is going to be to hang our hat on our defensive guys,” Caldwell said. “Defense wins championships.”
Caldwell said his hope is that the offense will progress and find an identity throughout the season, which could set the Panthers up for a run in the playoffs.
“If we can find our offensive identity early and in the middle of the season, hopefully by that break in the season after the bye week, we’ll catch our offensive firepower and we’re able to go on to the playoffs,” he said.
The Panthers have not made three straight playoffs since 2006-08, but could accomplish that this year. After finishing with an 8-3 record in 2023, but falling in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight season, the Panthers hope to take the next step in 2024.
“You also want them to learn — and they’ve done a really good job of that,” Caldwell said. “And hopefully, we can take that next step this year.”
James Fogal, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC®, RICP® 1452 Opelika Rd Ste F Auburn, AL 36830-3355 www.countryfinancial.com/james.fogal james.fogal@countryfinancial.com (334)358-0174
Glenwood Anticipates New Challenge in AHSAA
By Noah Griffith
Glenwood High School football is swapping to the AHSAA in 2024 after making the AISA State Championship the past two seasons.
The Gators will join 3A Region 4 alongside rival Lee-Scott Academy, who they faced in both of those championship matchups. The Gator-Warrior rivalry will transition into a region that includes Beulah (in Opelika), B.B. Comer (Sylacauga), Childersburg, Dadeville and Randolph County.
“It’s just excitement around the building,” said head coach Ryan Nelson. “I think it’s exciting from a standpoint of our kids doing something different and playing different teams. Look, the AISA is a great league, but the number of teams you play is not big. But again, I can’t thank the AISA enough for how they’ve treated me and how they treated our school for so many years.”
The Gators are led into the new journey by a coach who’s no stranger to public school athletics. Nelson served as quarterbacks coach and then offensive coordinator for 12 years at 7A Central-Phenix City and was coordinator in 2018 when the Red Devils won the state title.
Nelson said he anticipates a “challenging” first season in a new region among public schools, but he pointed out the difficulty added by the non-region schedule. With other teams already having scheduled games two years in advance, he wasn’t able to be picky about what non-region teams the Gators match up with in their debut season in AHSAA.
The first three games on the schedule are going to allow Glenwood to see where it stands
Glenwood School Coach: Ryan Nelson Mascot: The Gators
right out of the gate. The Gators open up with 5A Valley, who went 7-4 last season. They then face Elba from 1A, who finished 13-1 a year ago. Next, their first region game is B.B. Comer, who finished 13-1 and 7-0 in 3A Region 4 last year.
But it’s a test that the Gators are going into with excitement and confidence.
“I feel like we have a lot of dudes, so we’re going to compete like we always do,” said junior running back Carter Judah.
Along with staunch new competition, Glenwood will have the challenge of replacing several key contributors from last season. The Gators will have to reinvent themselves after graduating four-year starting quarterback, Dallas Crow, along with all-around star athlete, Camden White.
Glenwood hasn’t named any replacement starters, although Nelson said he has three guys who he feels confident can take snaps when the season opens on Aug. 23. Senior Levi Pinder and sophomore Trey Claridy both got game action at quarterback last season, and Jalen Stanley will join the mix.
Having multiple game-ready quarterbacks is a lesson Nelson has learned over the years, and he feels great about easing each of the guys in and potentially rotating snaps to start the year. Having Judah returning as the starting running back also helps anchor the offense as the quarterback situation plays out over the course of the season.
“Your system is your system,” Nelson said. “We’re going to continue to play rapid fire with a lot of pace and things like that. But also, when you’re breaking in new quarterbacks, sometimes you have to take the ball out of their hands a little bit. We feel like we’ve got three big time running backs as well that can take some pressure off those guys. That’s what we’ve been working on all summer is finding what we got, who we got, and we’ve got some lengthy receivers coming back also.”
That group of passers will also have new leadership in quarterbacks coach Zion Webb. This offseason, Nelson brought in Webb, who played quarterback for him at Central before going on to play at Jacksonville State University where he’s now third in program history with 7,819 career offensive yards.
Speaking of new leadership, Nelson also brought his father, AHSAA Hall-of-Fame coach Ron Nelson, over from coaching Glenwood’s junior varsity squad.
A lot is changing for the Gators this season, but a few core things will remain the same. Glenwood will still leave it all on the field each Friday night, and they’ll still do it against rival Lee-Scott, who they face on Oct. 18.
“Like coach Nelson said, we’re all excited about playing with public schools, but we’re still going to be playing the same brand of football we did against private schools,” said senior Markel Robinson. “We still want to control the ball, we still want to play fast and play fair, we’re still going to have class and we’re going to come in with a lot of swagger too. We know we’ll have more eyes on us now that we’re with [the AHSAA].”
Revenge Tour Loading for Handley High
By David Yohn
The Tigers of Handley High School lost just once in the regular season in 2023, and this year they will have an early shot at redemption. In fact, Clay-Central will make the short trip to Handley to open the 2024 campaign on Aug. 23. The Tigers will have to wait much longer to face the other team that got the better of them in the second round of the playoffs.
B.T. Washington made an impressive run to the state semifinals before bowing out to eventual champion Montgomery Catholic. Now, the Handley Tigers and the B. T. Washington Golden Indians will become familiar with one another as new Region 3 rivals. Between Clay-Central and B. T. Washington are eight opponents, three of whom were not on last year’s slate. Dadeville is a non-region foe, while Bullock County and Tallassee join Handley in the new Region 3.
Head coach Larry Strain is entering his 10th year at the helm at Handley and his 25th as a head coach. He said that his current team had the best attendance at summer workouts of any of his teams in his career. Handley has lost some numbers from its normal roster as enrollment is down recently. Instead of the usual 65-70 players, Strain says he has 48 ready to suit up in August. In fact, he suggested that the Tigers could be slotted to play in 3A in a couple of years. As far as the current region goes, Strain points to B.T. Washington as the favorite to finish at the top. Gone from the Tigers’ region are Jacksonville and Anniston. Last year, Strain noted that his team faced three Division 1
Handley High School Coach: Larry Strain Mascot: The Tigers
quarterbacks to open the season. Planning for the region opponents will not be easy as five have new head coaches. Coach Lawrence O’Neal is new to Tallassee, but Strain faced him when O’Neal was at B.T. Washington. St. James has been an opponent recently and now is a region foe. Cleburne County, Munford and Talladega remain as region games, all of which resulted in wins for Handley in 2023.
This year’s squad lost 24 seniors to graduation and will now rely on just eight seniors to keep
the Handley tradition going. Brody Estes, a wide receiver and linebacker, along with Caleb Whiddon, an offensive lineman and defensive end, are stepping into starting roles. Daquavian Slaughter, wearing the No. 1 jersey, returns at tight end and outside linebacker. The offensive line was made up of all seniors in 2023, so the Tigers must quickly gel up front for the opener versus Central-Clay.
Finishing 10-2 a year ago and as undefeated region champs has the Tigers aiming for a deeper run into the playoffs. Strain took Handley to the Super 7 in 2016, and Caleb Whiddon has faith in his veteran leader.
“I love Coach Strain as a head coach,” Whiddon said. “He knows what it takes to win.”
Horseshoe Bend Saddled Up for Year Of Renewal
By David Yohn
Following a 4-6 campaign a year ago, the Generals from Horseshoe Bend High School will play six opponents that were not on that 2023 schedule. Head coach Jeremy Phillips enters his sixth season at Horseshoe Bend, and he admitted that there are many unknowns that include some coaching changes for several opponents. Still, he said he is excited to have more games closer to home this year as his Generals move to region 4 in 2A.
Philips noted that the team lost 12 seniors to graduation last year, but said he is looking to the 10 seniors on this squad to lead the younger players that include 17 ninth graders. Overall, the Generals hope to field 35 to 40 players.
Helping to lead the way will be running back / defensive back Braxton Woods who amassed around 1,200 yards rushing last season. Phillips said Woods will be his primary kick returner as well. Senior Kori Woods will play at cornerback on defense as well as running back, quarterback and wide receiver on the other side of the ball. Fellow senior Carson Lewis will be the No. 1 deep threat for the Generals. However, Phillips wants to be physical up front and utilize the wishbone attack to wear down opposing defenses. He said he is pleased with his players’ buy-in this summer, noting that the squad will be stronger and faster as a result.
Horseshoe Bend H.S.
Coach: Jeremy Phillips
Mascot: The Generals
“A player led team is better than a coach led team,” Phillips said.
He credits coach Horn, whom he played for at Clay-Central, for helping to mold him as a player and for inspiring him to want to coach from an early age.
“Care about players,” he said. “Be honest with them. Work hard, Chase your dreams.” After listening to Phillips, it is clear that he is chasing his dreams as he inspires the next generation of players to do likewise.
He said he is happy to report that the youth programs are strong in the area, resulting in players being very familiar with the offensive and defensive schemes that he wants to utilize at the various levels.
Last year, Phillips led the Generals to four wins in their final six games. He also pointed out that some of the losses were closer games than the score would seem to indicate. Horseshoe Bend will open the season on Aug. 23 at home versus Saks. Starting at home will be foreign to the Generals as they opened the slate a year ago with three consecutive road trips. Games two and three are road encounters to Wadley and Reeltown, and will provide opportunities to exact revenge for defeats last year.
Starting with game four, Horseshoe Bend can settle into a regular pattern of home games followed by a road tilt. Game four is also the beginning of a four-game stretch featuring opponents that were not on the schedule in 2023. In fact, of their final six games, Lanett and Lafayette (games eight and nine) are the only two opponents that Horseshoe Bend faced last year.
White Plains, Ranburne, Loachapoka and Woodland are the new foes in 2024.
Lafayette Primed to Turn Persistence into Results
By Ashley Hilyer
After missing out on the playoffs the past two seasons, the LaFayette Bulldogs are ready to compete this fall.
The Bulldogs finished seventh in the AHSAA 2A Region 3 standings last fall with a 1-8 record. Their only win was a 30-0 shutout against region opponent Barbour County in week four. The last time LaFayette made it to the playoffs was in 2021, where they fell to Ariton in the first round when the now-senior leaders of the Bulldogs were only freshmen.
“They’ve seen losing, and they’re tired of seeing that,” said head coach Juan Williams. “They want to win now, and I think we are primed and ready.”
LaFayette is making the move from 2A Region 3 to Region 4 following the 20242026 AHSAA reclassifications. The team will still face familiar region opponents like Lannett, Reeltown and Horseshoe Bend, while Ranburne, Central Coosa and Loachapoka will be new region opponents for the Bulldogs.
“It’s going to be a battle,” Williams said. “Those four spots to get into the playoffs are going to be a battle. We can’t take anyone for granted, and everyone’s hungry. I look forward to the challenge.”
Williams said the Bulldogs are ready to compete in this tough new region with a strong defense and a lot of
Lafayette High School
Coach: Juan Williams
Mascot: The Bulldogs
offensive weapons. Kemare Harrington, a sophomore, is set to take over the offense at quarterback for the first time this season. LaFayette will have some young receivers who have “put in the work” this year, according to Williams.
The Bulldogs will have four returning linemen on both sides of the ball, including Corvantez Swint, who will be an anchor for the offensive and defensive lines. Senior players like Ja’Qualius “Turbo” Leverette, Julian Robinson and Jordan Johnson are expected to contribute greatly on both sides of the ball for the team this year as receivers and in the secondary.
The Bulldogs also welcome new offensive coordinator Travis Carswell, strength and conditioning coach Craig Agee and linemen coach Tre Turner to LaFayette. Carswell and Agee both bring more than 10 years of collegiate coaching experience to the team.
Along with the new additions to the coaching staff, Williams said it has been a great summer of working with his team. He said the Bulldogs understand it is going to take mental and physical preparation to prepare for their season, but that they are proud to play for their city.
“To be a Lafayette Bulldog, it’s about pride and actually [being] willing to work,” said senior receiver and athlete Julian Robinson. “We haven’t been real great the past couple of years, but we’re all buying in this year and are willing to work and become a better team, a better community, and just overall a better city.”
Williams is leading the way with this change in mindset. He was named the recipient of the 2024 AHSAA 2A Making A Difference Award for his impact on and off the field.
“I’m more appreciative of what these kids see in me every day,” he said. “They make a whole big difference in my life. The difference that they’ve made in my life is what that award meant to me.”
The team has bonded together through the highs and lows after going 3-15 in the past two seasons, and the seniors are ready to make it back to the playoffs for the first time since their freshman year.
Williams said he believes being together as a team is the most important thing for the Bulldogs going into the fall.
“It’s time. It’s time for Lafayette to get back on the right track. These guys have stayed with it, and that’s the most appreciative thing I can say about them. They’ve stayed when it’s been tough. When it’s 2-8 or 1-8, that’s tough. It’s easy to quit. None of these guys have quit on me. They’ve not quit on Lafayette, and they’re still here. We feel like it’s time.”
Lanett ‘Expecting a Lot of Great Things’
By Matthew Wallace
Anew era begins for the Lanett High School football program this season as R.J. McDonald takes over as the team’s head coach following the retirement of Chip Seagle. It not only marks a change for the Panthers, but also for McDonald as he takes a head coaching position for the first time.
“My first year as a head coach — it’s going to be a challenge but it’s what I embrace and I look forward to,” McDonald said. “I really enjoyed the summer. It’s one of the best summers I’ve been around.”
Though he has never been a head coach, McDonald said he is familiar with the Lanett program, serving as the team’s offensive coordinator for the past three seasons. McDonald is the Panthers’ third head coach in three seasons but just like his predecessor, he was promoted from within the program, allowing for continuity.
“Coach Seagle was really good for me,” McDonald said. “He taught me a lot. ...I think the big thing for us is we’ve got to keep that continuity and that was big for me. I didn’t want to do anything if I couldn’t keep all those guys on my staff. And every single one of them stayed, which I’m very blessed and grateful for.”
Though the Panthers only have four
Lanett High School
Coach: RJ McDonald
Mascot: The Panthers
seniors on the roster, they have plenty of experience throughout the lineup. McDonald said he will be counting on that experience to pay dividends this fall as his players have grown and matured.
“We only have four seniors,” McDonald said. “I’ve got 18 juniors, about 14 sophomores. So we’re real heavy in the middle. These guys have taken their lumps. They’ve played a lot
of ball. I’m really expecting a lot of great things out of them now that they’re older and mature.”
Another change for the Lanett High program this year is the new region the Panthers have been placed in. In 2022 and 2023, the Panthers were in 2A Region 3. Now, they move back to Region 4, where they were from 2020-21.
“Moving into a new region ... we embrace that challenge,” McDonald said. “It’s a tough region. We’re ready to get to work.”
The schedule not only looks different in the new region, but in non-region games as well. One of the most notable additions to the schedule is playing Greenville High School, a team out of Georgia — something Lanett has not done in quite some time.
“A team out of Georgia, that’s going to be a new, interesting thing,” McDonald said. “I don’t think Lanett’s played a team out of state in 15 years.”
Going into the 2024 season, McDonald said he can sense the excitement from the players, administration and community alike.
“I’m just really excited,” McDonald said. “There’s a lot of excitement around the program right now and a lot of belief and buy-in from the kids. And all of the administration and the community have been great. We’re looking forward to the season.”
Lee-Scott Going into AHSAA Strong
By Noah Griffith
The reigning back-to-back AISA 3A State Champions are beginning a new chapter. Lee-Scott Academy is joining AHSAA 3A Region 4 alongside rival Glenwood, who it has defeated in the state championship each of the past two seasons. The Gator-Warrior rivalry will transition into a region that includes Beulah, B.B. Comer (Sylacauga), Childersburg, Dadeville and Randolph County.
“Nothing against the AISA, but when you go to AHSAA it’s week in and week out,” said fifth-year head coach Buster Daniel. “We have to come prepared every week; we can’t overlook anybody. ... I told them before the summer started, we’re going to make it tough on you in June and July to set us up for success in September.”
Daniel began his coaching career in the AHSAA at Opelika High School before starting his tenure as a head coach at Valley High School, who’s in AHSAA 5A. Therefore, the competition of the Warriors’ new classification won’t surprise him in his eighth season as a head coach.
With so much success in recent years, including going 33-11 in four seasons under Daniel, Lee-Scott is looking to do a lot of things the same way, but conditioning is one area where the Warriors are ramping it up this year. In an 11-2 year last season, Lee-Scott won seven of its games by 30 points or more and topped 50 points four times. They are getting prepared to be in more hard-nosed battles this year.
The Warriors began practice on July 31, and they were challenged from the get-go.
Daniel said the team started off practices with
Lee-Scott Academy Coach: Buster Daniel Mascot: The Warriors
running tests.
“I think they [were] dreading it a little bit,” Daniels said. “The test is, they have to run 16 110s, and they all have to be a certain time. They don’t make that time, we run every morning until they do. We [have] to do something like this because, I’ m telling the guys, we’re going into a different league — there’s no more coming out of games at halftime. You have to play the full game, so we’ve got to be in the best shape of our lives, and the guys have responded. I think they are in the best shape of their lives.”
Along with an experienced coaching staff to lead the transition, Lee-Scott is returning a senior class of 18 — though some of those veterans have big shoes to fill.
The offense is led by third-year quarterback, senior Pelzer Reeves. The dual-threat QB will have several guys he can spread the ball to, including senior receivers Hutchins Sprayberry and Brady Cegielski as well as senior running backs Tyler Kennedy and Banks Sims.
The Warriors had the benefit of getting a lot of guys into games last season so all of those guys have plenty of touches, but as Daniel said, “it’s tough to replace a guy like Jake White.” White and running back JJ Meyers were about as explosive as it gets in various roles last season — in the return game, catching the ball out of the backfield and going deep, distracting the defense
with pre-snap motion as well as hammering up the middle for huge gains on handoffs. Another challenge is suring up the special teams without last year’s star kicker, Matthew Rolader. That’s a challenge that Daniel, whom a Lee-Scott coach called a “special teams mastermind,” said he will embrace.
Nonetheless, Lee-Scott is confident in its depth on both sides of the ball. The league is new, but replacing talent is a thing that Daniel prepares for every year.
“I’m really excited about [the senior class],” Kennedy said confidently. “We’re a tight group, you know, we’ve always worked together really good. We’ll be just fine.”
Lee-Scott will keep a lot the same in 2024, such as its competitive rivalry with Glenwood, but there’s no ignoring there’s also a lot that’s new.
There’s no “transition period” while jumping into a new classification — Lee-Scott is getting right into the thick of it. Seven of the 10 team it faces this season won 10 or more games last season, including three of its four non-region opponents: Loachapoaka (10-1), Wadley (11-2) and Reeltown (13-1).
On Aug. 23, it opens up with one of its three opponents with losing records in 2023, 3A Region 1 opponent Excel High (4-6). Although, in a schedule full of unknown opponents, LeeScott still has its bye week before facing the rival Gators on Oct. 18.
“I think all of my guys are excited for the competition, and they’re excited to show that they can play,” Daniel said. “At the end of the day, football is football — you’re going to play 11 on 11. I like our guys against anybody.”
Hall Embracing Head Role in Year One at Loachapoaka
By Noah Griffith
Branden Hall has had under many mentors in the first 10 years of his coaching career, so there’s a lot of lessons he wants to pass on to his players in year one as a head coach at Loachapoaka High School.
Up until now, Hall has been a position coach for the duration of his career under veteran head coaches such as Central-Phenix City’s Woodrow Lowe and Jamey Dubose, Russell County’s Rico White and Mark Rose and most recently, Auburn High’s Keith Etheridge. He made sure to voice his gratitude to those coaches who have helped him climb the ladder to get in a head coaching role, and he’s thrilled to be able to implement their wisdom into the “Poka way.”
“All of it,” Hall listed as the lessons from those coaches he wants to bring to Loachapoaka. “Coach Dubose teaches hard-nose, and coach Lowe was hard-nosed. Coach Ethridge: energy; playing with attitude and energy so you can play loose. ... My philosophy is to try to mold all of that together.”
Hall is reflecting on all those models he’s had in order to get the most of a team that is trying to figure out how to finish.
Loachapoaka has notched nine-win seasons each of the past two years, and it finished 10-1 while winning the region championship last season in 1A. Despite strong regular seasons, though, the Indians were defeated in the
Loachapoka High School
Coach: Brandon Hall
Mascot: The Indians
second round of the playoffs both years.
But with a new season comes new aspirations. Loachapoaka’s end goal is now looking beyond the regular season and continuing to dig further into the postseason. Hall said he recognizes it is a new start for him as a head coach but knows his role is to help the team build on the trajectory it is already on.
“Not too much has to change when you have a foundation that’s already set,” Hall said. “You just want to put your foot on the gas and continue to press the gas and move forward to get them over the hump.”
Led by senior quarterback/athlete Quinjavis Nelms, the returning players are giving Hall a lot of passion and energy in return. He said they are going into the season with a chip on their shoulder after falling to Brantley in the postseason last year, 14-12.
In particular, the offense is displeased with its performance in that loss. The players will be looking to display Hall’s hard-nosed value with a “two-back spread look” on offense, led by senior back Anthony West.
West will have the tough task of leading a backfield that has to fill the shoes of last year’s leading rusher, Jeremiah Darling, who
led the team with 960 yards on the ground as well as 15 touchdowns. Along with West, senior receiver Roderick Nelms will be the go-to playmakers for the offense that is looking to impose their will with a run-first offensive scheme.
On the other side of the ball, Hall brought in a new defensive coordinator in Demetrius Strong, who just helped guide the Red Devils to a state championship in 2023. He’ll lead a four-man defensive front that features senior defensive end Noah Norman.
At the end of the day, Loachapoaka has big expectations on both sides of the ball.
“My goal is to get over that second-round playoff hump and win it all, like coach Hall said,” said Quinjavis Nelms.
Going into a new classification, joining 2A Region 4 from 1A Region 4, Hall believes that the sky is the limit for the Indians if they stick to what’s gotten them here.
The coach explained that the school’s slogan, “the ‘Poka way,” means giving their best effort in everything they do no matter what the task or opposition is. The talent was already in place and the culture shift isn’t new, but Hall said he expects those practiced values of consistent hard work and strong morals to push them to the finish line as the program continues to rise.
“To be honest with you, our expectation is to go win a state title,” Hall proclaimed. “That’s why we’re here, right? I don’t understand why you’d come up here and say you don’t want to win a state title.”
Notasulga has Rivalry Game Circled to Begin Season
By David Yohn
The Notasulga High School Blue Devils are locked in for their season opener on Aug. 23. “The Battle of Highway 14” rivalry game will be played at Loachapoka this year as the Blue Devils look to avenge their 6-12 loss at home in 2023. While the opener is not a region foe, Loachapoka is a familiar opponent despite led by first-year head coach Branden Hall. Every team wants to be 1-0, but only one team along Highway 14 will get bragging rights for the next year.
Four seniors will provide leadership for the Blue Devils squad which will total 25 to 30 players. Juniors account for eight or nine slots on the roster, so there is a good mix of upper and underclassmen. Senior offensive and defensive lineman, Jamarion Austin, is the anchor of the guys up front and hopes to repeat as an all-area selection. Devon Gibbs and Ty Turk will be prime targets at wide receiver and will play as defensive backs as well. All three of these seniors have played together since eighth grade and hope to make a deeper playoff run this fall.
Assistant coach A.J. Williams, filling in for head coach Anthony Jones, said that the guys have been working hard all summer, knowing that this critical time of preparation will pay dividends down the road. Williams noted that the four seniors have set the bar high in terms of accountability, even picking guys up to make sure they are involved
Notasulga High School
Coach: Anthony Jones
Mascot: Blue Devils
in the weight room. He also stressed the importance of working on timing in all areas of the game so that the group “will be clicking on all cylinders by Aug. 23.”
Sprinkled throughout the 2024 schedule are four new opponents: Barbour County, Keith, Ellwood Christian and Autauga Academy. The final three in that list are new region foes, so Notasulga will need to win these games in order to improve on their third place finish in region play a year ago. The 2024 season will either conclude on Oct. 25 or the Blue Devils will enjoy their
open week just prior to the first round of the playoffs. A top two finish in Region 4 will result in a home playoff game which would be more palatable than traveling to kick off the playoffs.
Other region games feature opponents that the Blue Devils know well.
Autaugaville, Maplesville, Verbena and Billingsley return to face Notasulga, and they accounted for three of the Blue Devils’ five wins in 2023. Maplesville was the only regular season opponent to shut out Notasulga, so look for the Sept. 13 tilt to be a key indicator of just how high the ceiling is in 2024.
But, first things first: Notasulga wants to win The Battle of Highway 14.
“We lost that game last year 6-12, and I didn’t like that,” Gibbs very quietly and succinctly said.
Opelika Suited Up for 2024 Campaign
By D. Mark Mitchell
Opelika first-year head coach Bryan Moore was all business when it was time for Opelika to take the stage during FOX Sports High School Media Days, wearing a gray suit, white dress shirt and red tie. He was surrounded by five seniors wearing coats and ties: Malik Autry, E’Mauri Smiley, Brodie Jones, Traemon Thomas and Kyle Epperson.
After building up the program at Hartselle as head coach for the last four years Moore said he is happy to be back where he began his coaching career. He is looking to revive a talentfilled Bulldogs roster after being hired to replace former head coach Erik Speakman in December.
“This place [OHS] took a chance on this 22-year old, I learned so much here and want to give back to Opelika, a tradition rich place,” Moore said. “I have kept up with Opelika for the past nine years. Some of the players I know, some I do not know or may know a relative. The mission is to win a state championship, to win championships and that is it.
“We have been there twice in the last decade. One of those I was calling plays, we must find a way to get us over the hump. Of course, make the playoffs, win the region games, beat our
Opelika High School
Coach: Bryan Moore
Mascot: The Bulldogs
rivals but ultimately our goal is to win championship and help these young men to grow up and be men.”
Moore discussed some things he addressed after arriving: The strength program had to improve, the players needed to eat right — it all matters. The Bulldogs play in a tough region where it is important to play one’s best each week.
“Enterprise, Dothan, Carver are great teams — add Auburn and Central,” Moore said. “We must play our best each week or it is a loss.”
The Bulldogs will have big shoes to fill after graduating last year’s starting quarterback, Roman Gagliano, who is now preparing for his freshman season at Middle Tennessee. Moore addressed the quarterback position.
“We are working two sophomores: CJ Sankey and Colby Key, both are preparing,” Moore said. “Colby has had a great summer, both are improving and could play. It is more about the team, the speed of the game and competition will cause us trouble if we allow.”
The Bulldogs will have a lot of new leadership on offense in 2024. Along
with a new head coach and new QB, Moore brought in JD Atkins as offensive coordinator.
“I have known JD since arriving at Opelika,” Moore said. “He was the center when I was offensive coordinator. He followed me to Eufaula and Hartselle. I trust Atkins. Bottom line, we must run the ball efficiently as long as I am in charge.”
Opelika has not made the AHSAA football playoffs since moving to class 7A. Moore said he understands the Bulldog fans expect to be in the playoffs and make a run for the title.
To do that, the Bulldogs will have to get past Central-Phenix City, who has dominated class 7A Region 2, winning nine region championships in the past 10 years. Auburn High won the region in 2020 and played for two state championships during the same period.
Other teams in the region with playoff hopes are Enterprise and Dothan, who both made the playoffs last year. Carver is the new 7A team, joining the region after Lanier and Carver combined to make Carver-Montgomery. Rounding out the region is JAG and Smiths Station, both looking to improve.
Opelika’s non-region games are against two class 6A teams: Benjamin Russell and Pike Road and Calloway high in Georgia. Opelika begins the season Aug. 23 against Benjamin Russell in Alex City.
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Reeltown Managing High Expectations
By Matthew Wallace
In 2023, the Reeltown Rebels began the season by reeling off 13 straight wins, losing for the first time to Fyffe in the 2A state championship game.
“That was a great group last year, a great season,” said head coach Matt Johnson. “We fell to a great opponent in Fyffe.”
The Rebels lost starting quarterback Jake Hornsby, leading rusher Arthur Woods and leading tackler Tyrese Fallin to graduation.
“Coming off of last season, we’re replacing some key guys,” Johnson said.
“Obviously, our leading passer, our leading rusher, one of our leading tacklers on defense. We’re replacing all that and also a key returner in special teams. So we’ve got a lot of parts that graduated.”
Despite the losses, the Rebels bring back experience — especially on the offensive and defensive lines, with many multi-year starters set to return.
“It starts up front,” Johnson said. “Four of our five offensive linemen and three of our defensive linemen have been starters since their sophomore season. This is a group that’s got a lot of potential.”
Also returning is Tae Martin, who rushed for 672 yards and 11 touchdowns on 58 carries and caught 34 passes for 702 yards and nine touchdowns in 2023. In total, Martin had 1,374 yards in his junior season. Now, he returns for his senior season with
Reeltown High School
Coach: Matt Johnson
Mascot: The Rebels
the Rebels.
“[Martin] is basically an athlete for us,” Johnson said. “He does a little bit of everything — wide receiver, defensive back, he’s also a specialist we’ve got returning punts and kickoffs.”
The season begins with a big-time matchup at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery as the Rebels face T.R. Miller on Aug. 22.
“The mental aspect of success is so big,” Johnson said. “You know all the build up. First game out of the gate, it’s a quality opponent, it’s a big venue, it’s on the road. It’s a Thursday night so there’s so many differences that that game gives us. ...You don’t want to ride high on success or a win or the result of one game and on the flip side of that, if you come up short, you don’t want to let that be detrimental to your season.”
The Rebels have had success under Johnson as he enters his ninth season. In two of the past five seasons, Reeltown has reached the state championship game. Johnson knows the expectations for his team are high after what they accomplished in 2023 — but knows his team should not be focused on the expectations.
“What goes with that success we’ve had in the past is a lot of, I guess Coach Saban would call it ‘rat poison,’” Johnson said. “We go all offseason and hear about how good we’re going to be and we haven’t really done anything yet. That’s the message to our team: focus on our process of getting better each and every day and overcoming those pats on the back. They’ve earned that, but at the same time, you don’t want to let that turn into something that slips up on you that’s going to cause you to fail.”
One change with the Rebels this season is their region. Reeltown is now in 2A Region 4 after being in Region 3 in the past two seasons.
“There are some common opponents in our region that we’ve had the past couple of years plus some new faces that are going to increase the quality of football in this area,” Johnson said. “So really looking forward to that.”
Russell County Battle Tested and Ready for War
By Ashley Hilyer
Head coach Dillon Griggs and the Russell County Warriors have high expectations going into the 2024 season.
Griggs opened up High School Football Media Days by crediting Athletic Director Larry Knox, Principal Tonya Keene and Superintendent Dr. Brenda Coley for their support. Russell County School District Administration and the Board of Education recently approved a new $10 million athletic facility for the Warriors.
Russell County High School has seen several renovations in the past few years, including a turf football field, track, locker rooms, jumbotron and stadium lights.
“We’re just elated to be a part of a Board of Education and Administration that works so diligently to make sure our student-athletes have the best of the best so that they have the best chance to be successful,” Griggs said.
Russell County ended the 2023 season with a 2-8 record and finished sixth in 6A Region 2. However, the Warriors were only eight points away from the playoffs last fall and lost four of their games in the last minute, including single-digit losses to region opponents Stanhope Elmore (24-21) and Sidney Lanier (32-28).
6A Region 2 adds Percy Julian and Rehobeth to their region after losing Carver Montgomery and Sidney Lanier, but Griggs said Russell County is going to be a four-
Russell County Coach: Dillon Griggs
Mascot: The Warriors
quarter hard-nosed football team that should not be overlooked by their region opponents.
“I don’t think there is a team on our schedule that we can’t beat this year if we show up and play,” Griggs said.
According to Griggs, the little things have clicked this summer for the Warriors, with the team gearing up for fall camp with intensity. Russell County has had 97% attendance at summer workouts, and the team has competed well in four 7-on-7 tournaments this summer. Griggs said he has high expectations for this year’s Warriors team.
“The harder it is, the more they embrace it, and the more they love it.”
Russell County played 13 sophomores in addition to the junior class last year, so this season’s team is full of returning starters and veteran leaders who are ready to bring intensity to the field on Friday nights. Seven players return on defense, including senior defensive end Kameron Reese. Reese finished last season with 9.5 sacks in 10 games and is set to anchor the defense line along with a strong secondary and group of linebackers.
The Warriors return with all their starters except for three players on offense, including junior quarterback Bryson Riggins, senior receiver Denver Harper and senior running
back Devin Brown. After stepping in as a sophomore to replace Robert Calhoun at quarterback in game two, Riggins finished with 2,100 yards in eight games last season and will take the reins of the offense this season. Harper totaled over 1,000 receiving yards last fall and is committed to Cornell University. Brown has been the starting running back for the Warriors for the past three years and holds several collegiate offers. Tristan Taylor will hold down the offensive line as the center this fall after starting for three years.
Building off the foundation laid by previous teams, Griggs said this squad is “loyal to this program and each other” and that he believes this is the class that can make a playoff push.
The players echoed their coach’s sentiments, with Riggins saying, “We’ve got to let [what our coaches are pouring into us] out on the field and stay consistent and give it our all every Friday night.”
Griggs said he is excited going into his fourth year as head coach with senior leaders he has coached since freshman year.
“I love these guys, and this senior class literally means the world to me. I’m so grateful to be going into year four and to be able to go to war with them. I will say this, I don’t think there’s a better place to be than Russell County High School right now. You know, I can honestly say that we’re at a point where that ‘RC’ on their chest literally means something.”
Ready to Come Back: Smiths Station Looking to Be “Elite”
By Emily Wright
Head coach Bryant Garrison of Smiths Station High School is looking for a comeback by establishing a winning culture for the Panthers after finishing their 2023 with a 1-9 record in 7A Region 2.
This will be Garrison’s second season with the Panthers, but he has an experienced record as a coach. He graduated from the University of Alabama, working as a graduate assistant under such notable college coaches as Kirby Smart and Nick Saban. He said he credits their leadership for helping shape the way he operates today, especially when it comes to organization on the field and safety plays.
Garrison said that Saban and Smart changed the culture at Alabama, and that is exactly what he wants to do at Smiths Station. He has now served at several high schools across Alabama and Georgia. Garrison praises coach Chad Ashley of Hampton High School in Georgia for giving him his start in high school coaching. Since taking over the Panthers’ head coaching position from Mike Glisson in late February of 2023, he has been hard at work with his team in order to take them to the “next level.”
“It’s been a change, and the change has been really good,” Garrison said.
Smiths Station High School
Coach: Bryant Garrison
Mascot: The Panthers
“The players that are with me here today, along with everybody else, have really embraced that change. And they want to move forward and do great things. Kind of everything that we’re putting in needed to be ramped up. It needed to be taken to a different level.”
Part of this “ramping up” has involved an intensive summer training program. Garrison explained that the spring and summer seasons are “really important for us to establish our culture, our standard, what we wanted to be and our identity that we wanted to create at Smiths Station.”
The Panthers have a new and improved weight room, and Garrison thanked the Smiths Station administration and the Lee County Board of Education for the continued support and provision of resources so that the football program can become what Garrison knows it can be. The Panthers also possess experienced offensive and defensive coordinators, as well as several young coaching assistants that provide the team with much-needed energy. This combination of expertise and young blood is reflected in the players this year as well. Smiths Station’s 2024
roster boasts about 30 seniors that are being counted on for their experience and leadership. The Panthers also have plenty of younger players too, and Garrison looks to them to fill in the gaps and keep the team pushing forward into future seasons.
While the team’s practice and physicality is important when going into the 2024 season, it is all about the Panther’s mentality. Garrison said he tells his players that it is not so much about the mechanics of the game, but about “implementing our culture and our standard.”
“The bar has been set high,” he said. “Every day these guys come to work and they’re trying to reach that. And once they do reach it, I know that they will go above and beyond that.”
Garrison explained that, in order to create a culture of hard work, he strives “to be coaching good habits and good technique all the time.” The Panthers show up every day and ask themselves how they can “make sure we’re doing what we’re supposed to do, when we’re supposed to do it and how we’re supposed to do it.”
Garrison said that the team’s goal for this season is to “be elite. To get to that elite status, first of all you’ve got to be elite people. That’s with every choice, that’s with every decision that you make. You got to be elite in the classroom, you’ve got to be elite in the weight room
and on the practice field. You can’t really pick and choose when you want to be good. You’re either great all the time or you’re not.”
Garrison said he preaches to his team that, since their habits define who they are, they must do everything to the best of their ability, both on and off the field.
“For us to be able to compete at a high-level with those high level teams that are in our region, everything we do has to be at that level,” he said.
The challenging summer has allowed the Panthers to grow as a football program. They have participated in several 7-on-7 tournaments, the biggest of which was at Hoover. Garrison said that Smiths Station faced an eyeopening level of competition.
“We’re going to have to be ready week-in and week-out,” he stated. “We’re going to have to come to play every single night.”
Garrison’s commitment to Smiths Station is evident in everything he says. He said his main goal as head coach always is “to change the culture and change the narrative about who Smiths Station is and who Smiths Station is going to be going forward.” It is also clear that he cares about each and every member of his team, not just for what they can do as players, but for who they can become as people.
“I make sure to tell them I love them everyday because these kids are the world to me,” he said. “Them buying into what we’re doing and going out and trying to get everybody else on the same page makes, as a coach, your heart happy.”
The Panthers have seen the example Garrison has set for them, and they have worked hard and bought into the new mentality.
Senior players for the Panthers this season include inside linebackers Ethan Shuford and Lance Peterson, as well as running back Quenton Brooks.
“Nobody in our area has worked harder than us. This year we’ll have a much better season than last year,” said Brooks.
Peterson said he is looking forward to what the season has to bring.
“We have that eagerness — we’ve got a taste of what it’s like to be elite this year, and I think it’s safe to say that we’re striving towards that and we’re expecting good results,” Peterson said.
Shuford simply stated that Smiths Station is “ready to come back.”
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Southern Prep Team Aims to Build Upon Back-to-Back Semifinal Appearances
By Matthew Wallace
Camp Hill’s Southern Preparatory Academy Fighting Rangers have made the semifinals of the AISA eight-man playoffs in two straight seasons. Last season, the Fighting Rangers fell 6114 in the semifinals to Springwood.
“Last season, we finished 7-6, lost in the semifinals for the second year in a row,” said head coach Roland Bell. “Not quite as good as we wanted, but we got there.”
This year, the Fighting Rangers have experience on both sides of the ball. Five starters returned on each side of the ball for the eight-man football team.
One of the returning players is receiver Caleb Cole, who had 1,250 yards receiving on 67 catches in 2023. Cole caught 13 touchdowns last season for Southern Prep. Defensively, Cole made 142 tackles with six tackles for loss in the 2023 season. In addition, he intercepted seven passes. Now, he looks to improve on his performance from last season.
“For offense, I’m going to try to break 1,500 receiving yards,” Cole said. “On defense, I’m going to try to get eight interceptions.”
At the start of the 2023 season, the Fighting Rangers were a clear throw-first
Southern Preparatory Coach: Roland Bell Mascot: Fighting Rangers
team. As the season went on, however, Jahziyah Anderson stepped up as the team’s running back, leading to a more balanced attack. The same balanced attack is expected from the beginning of the 2024 season.
“Last year, to start the season, we did not have a running back,” Bell said. “So we were throwing the ball most importantly. Then once Jahziyah figured out, ‘Oh, I can actually do this,’ then we became a lot more balanced. ...The line is much better, the running back positions are much better. We can start balanced or run ahead, whatever we’ve got to do...”
Despite the experience on the team, one of the team’s leaders this coming season will be a freshman. Quarterback Brayden Pace will be under center for the Fighting Rangers. Though he is young, Pace has impressed his coaches during practices.
“In the spring, he actually outperformed our former quarterback who transferred out, so we’re not losing
anything,” Bell said. “We’re just fine.”
When Bell took over in 2018, the Southern Prep football program was on the verge of shutting down. Seven years later, the team is a constant playoff contender. Bell’s seven-year tenure at Southern Prep is second-longest in program history, only behind J.D. Gooden, who coached from 1962-72.
“Basically, in my interview when I was looking to get the job, it was to try to save the program because they were getting ready to shut football down,” Bell said.
“In the past, it was ‘Let’s try to build this thing.’ Now, we’re deep in the playoffs every year — let’s get better.”
Leadership the Key for Young Springwood Eight-Man Team
By Matthew Wallace
When Joey Burch took over as head coach of the Springwood Wildcats in 2021, he was the school’s fifth head coach in three seasons. Burch has not only provided stability for the Wildcats, but has also led them to success. Now entering his fourth season at Springwood School, Burch has led the Wildcats to a 16-7 record, with an appearance in the AISA Eight-Man Championship last season.
The first three years of Burch’s time at Springwood coincided with the school’s transition to eight-man football.
“When I took the job, I didn’t know anything about it ... and I actually told my boss that,” Burch said. “I said ‘I’m against it. I don’t think
Springwood School Coach: Joey Burch
Mascot:
The Wildcats
it’s what we need to do.’ Then, I started doing some research and watching some film and if you don’t count the players, it’s football, and the biggest challenge is you know what you want to do coaching-wise and you’ve got to figure out how to do that with three less players.”
In 2023, the Wildcats were the runner-up in the AISA eight-man playoffs, falling 66-18 to Cornerstone Christian in the title game. This year’s team has some players taking over key roles following the graduation of many of the players who helped bring the program to success over Burch’s tenure. Despite the loss of so many seniors, the expectations are high for the 2024 Wildcats.
“We’ve got a very good football team,” Burch said. “It’s a young team this year. We graduated a lot of great seniors last year. They were the core of the two years kind of going up and they did a great job for us and we really owe them at Springwood for getting us where we need to be. But I think this year [we’re] going to take [it to] the next level.”
A familiar face for the Wildcats is C.J. Johnson, who rushed for 156.9 yards per game and had 49.7 receiving yards per game last season. Johnson’s role expanded in the playoffs when, out of necessity due to
injuries, Springwood had to consistently run the Wildcat formation with Johnson under center in the title game.
“We ran out of quarterbacks so we put C.J. in the Wildcat and his tongue was hanging out. I felt sorry for getting him the ball so much but he was a trooper and he won’t ever tell me he’s tired,” Burch said.
Burch, who will aim for a more balanced attack, still expects Johnson to excel in every opportunity he has.
“I think C.J.’s going to shine regardless because not only is he a great running back — that was his first year playing running back — and really from the beginning of the season to where he ended was tremendous,” Burch said. “He’s developed and he’s got great hands as well so he’s going to shine regardless. We think we’re going to be able to be balanced this year.”
With the loss of so many seniors from the 2023 squad, one goal is prevalent among some of the Wildcats’ older players: leadership.
“My goal for the season is to be more vocal. We lost a lot of seniors,” said junior Tucker Sides.
Johnson echoed his teammate’s thoughts and goal for the season.
“My goal for the year is to be a great leader,” Johnson said.
If Burch and his players are correct, leadership will go a long way into making a return trip to the Cramton Bowl for the state title game in 2024.
O’Neal Ready to Rebuild Tallassee
By Ashley Hilyer
Lawrence O’Neal is returning to his hometown as the head coach of the Tallassee Tigers following a semifinals run with the Booker T. Washington Golden Eagles.
B.T. Washington reached new heights under O’Neal in his three years with the program. O’Neal finished with a 19-17 record and two playoff berths the past two seasons. The Golden Eagles finished 9-5 last season with a semifinals loss to undefeated Catholic Montgomery, the 4A State Champions. O’Neal said there is nothing but love for his old team, and he is looking forward to good things from B.T.Washington this fall.
After the 2024-2026 AHSAA reclassifications, Tallassee dropped from 5A to 4A and will now be region opponents with O’Neal’s former squad.
O’Neal decided to take the head coaching job of the Tigers because it was closer to home, and because it was a golden opportunity to rebuild Tallassee back into a respectable program within the state.
“It was just the right fit — the right timing for me to make the move,” O’Neal said. “Just to come back home, even though it’s not where I graduated from, it’s still home for me.”
Just up the road from Tallassee High School, O’Neal graduated from Reeltown High School where he played for his father. Jackie O’Neal coached the Rebels for 28 seasons and is the winningest football coach in Reeltown history and a member of the AHSAA Hall of Fame. Reflecting on his last ride coaching with his father in 2023 and time spent together watching
Tallassee High School
Coach: Lawrence O’Neal
Mascot: The Tigers
film, O’Neal said, “You can’t replace that.”
Tallassee finished last season 1-9 with their only win coming against non-region opponent Marbury in week five. O’Neal said he has high expectations for his team this season though, and the Tigers have hit the ground rolling in the off-season.
“The kids have really bought in to what we’re preaching,” O’Neal said. “Everything we preach is hard work. Hard work is undefeated; that’s kind of our motto, so if you put the work in, then you can kind of expect the results out.”
O’Neal said he wants Tallassee to be a hard-nosed and gritty team that’ll fight between the lines and give it everything they have to be successful. Offensively, the Tigers aim to run the ball and stretch the field, making their opponents cover the entire field. Tallassee might not have the biggest players on defense this year, but O’Neal said they will still play with physicality and a big heart that will allow them to “play the game the way it’s supposed to be played.”
Tallassee’s roster will have 58 players, with 23 seniors leading the way.
“This year we’re going to be going for a state championship,” defensive end Eli Whittington said. “Last year was not a good representation of the school at all. ...We’ve got to work for it, but [our coaches] have given us the path to get there.”
Players like running back Josh Griffin and receiver Kevin Mason look to make plays for the
Tigers on the offensive side of the ball.
Right tackle Carter Sayers said he and his teammates have set higher expectations for themselves; the Tigers want to make each other better. According to Sayers, the team will be able to do that under O’Neal this season.
“When Coach O’Neal came here for the first time, he kind of brought life into that weight room,” Sayers said. “He brought life into us players. He kind of put himself there for us, and it’s nice having a coach like that that’s more than a coach. You can talk to him when you need to. If you need something you can talk to him. He really makes it where you want to work hard because he’s given all of him to us. We need to give all of us to him.”
Tallassee opens up its schedule with four games on the road. Initially, the installation of turf was going to be completed at J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium but was pushed back for summer practice and will wait to be finished until the end of the season.
O’Neal said he looks forward to the away games, saying that there are fewer distractions on the road. Tallassee will be playing several new region teams that made playoff runs last season, including Booker T. Washington, Handley and St. James, who is moving up from 3A and coming off a semifinal loss to the 3A State Champion Mobile Christian.
O’Neal said he is looking forward to rebuilding the program using his fundamentals and philosophy, and his players are right alongside him.
“We’re just excited about what we’ve got going on at Tallassee High School. There’s no greater place in the state of Alabama right now than to be a Tallassee Tiger.”
Veteran Valley Squad Forging New Trail
By David Yohn
Coming off of their first playoff appearance since 2017, the Valley High School Rams are looking to change their mentality once they make it back to the playoffs. Last year’s first round loss to B.C. Rain has the Rams looking to make a deeper run this fall. Head coach Adam Hunter is entering his fifth year at the helm, and he is excited to watch his veteran linemen lead the way. Seniors are expected to claim those starting roles with the one exception being a sophomore. Hunter said he is hoping to develop enough depth up front so that he can have them play on just one side of the ball.
Behind that veteran line is Galvin Gross at quarterback. While he is a veteran on the team, he is starting behind center for the first time. Hunter praised Gross for putting in the work and said the offensive staff will look to “gel the offense around what he can do.” Other key seniors besides Gross include Zan Woody at wide receiver and running back Tylin Carrell. These three seniors have all started at one position or another since their freshman year when Valley was competing in 6A.
Hunter said he and his staff will rely heavily on the 20 seniors to lead the other 45 players on the squad.
Hunter said he is also excited to have a veteran staff by his side. The Rams defensive coordinator has 21 years
Valley High School
Coach: Adam Hunter
Mascot: The Rams
of experience, while their offensive coordinator once played for Hunter at Valley.
Looking back to the 2023 season, Valley finished with a 7-4 mark, including a 4-1 record in region contests. Marbury and Holtville are new region opponents, while Beauregard, Sylacauga, Elmore County and Central Clay are familiar foes.
Hunter points to Central Clay as the front runner, acknowledging that everyone is chasing them. The Rams most likely will need to repeat last year’s success versus Beauregard and Elmore County in order to secure at least one home playoff game. Valley squeaked out both of those road encounters in 2023, defeating the Hornets in overtime and the Panthers by a single point.
The Glenwood Gators, in their first ever contest in AHSAA football, will host Valley to start the season on Aug. 23. Previously a perennial power in the Alabama Independent School Association, Glenwood made a name for themselves in terms of their speed and athleticism. Hunter said he believes that the Rams and the Gators will quickly become a great rivalry game. The Rams will make the short 25 mile trip to welcome Glenwood to the AHSAA before
nearby Smiths Station High School travels up to Valley on Aug. 30. A quick 2-0 start would set up a critical region showdown at Central Clay on Sept. 6. The Rams will have an open week on Sept. 13, but then will be in action for seven consecutive weeks. Marbury visits Valley on Sept. 20, while the Rams will travel to Russell County and Sylacauga the following two weeks.
The last stretch of the schedule is kind, at least in terms of home games, as Valley faces Elmore County, Beauregard and Dadeville at home while the lone road opponent is Holtville.
Auburn High School
FOOTBALL SCHEDULES
- Aug. 23: vs. North Miami Beach, FL
- Aug. 30: vs. Vestavia Hills
- Sept. 6: vs. Opelika
- Sept. 13: @ Enterprise
- Sept. 20: vs. Johnson Abernathy Graetz
- Sept. 27: @ Moody
- Oct. 4: @ Central
- Oct. 11: vs. Smiths Station
- Oct. 18: @ Carver
- Oct. 25: vs. Dothan
- Nov. 1: Open
Beulah High School
- Aug. 15: @ Woodland (Tournament)
- Aug. 23: @ Abbeville
- Aug. 30: vs. Lanett
- Sept. 6: vs. Dadeville
- Sept. 13: @ Lee-Scott
- Sept. 20: vs. Glenwood
- Sept. 27: vs. Loachapoka
- Oct. 3: @ B.B. Comer
- Oct. 11: vs. Childersburg
- Oct. 18: Open
- Oct. 25: @ Randolph County
Dadeville High School
- Aug. 23: vs. Elmore County
- Aug. 30: vs. Handley
- Sept. 6: @ Beulah
- Sept. 13: vs. Randolph County
- Sept. 20: Open
- Sept. 27: @ Reeltown
- Oct. 4: @ Lee-Scott Academy
- Oct. 11: vs. Glenwood
- Oct. 18: @ B.B. Comer
- Oct. 25: vs. Childersburg
- Oct. 31: @ Valley
Handley High School
- Aug. 23: vs. Central-Clay County
- Aug. 30: @ Dadeville
- Sept. 6: vs. Cleburne County
- Sept. 13: @ St. James
- Sept. 20: vs. Munford
- Sept. 27: @ Lanett
- Oct. 4: @ Bullock County
- Oct. 11: vs. Tallassee
- Oct. 18: @ Talladega
- Oct. 25: vs. Booker T. Washington
- Nov. 1: Open
Beauregard High School
- Aug. 23: @ Wetumpka
- Aug. 30: @ Anniston
- Sept. 6: vs. Marbury
- Sept. 13: @ Sylacauga
- Sept. 20: vs. Elmore County
- Sept. 27: vs. Andalusia
- Oct. 4: @ Holtville
- Oct. 11: Open
- Oct. 18: vs. Central-Clay County
- Oct. 25: @ Valley
- Nov. 1: vs. Russell County
Booker
T. Washington High School
- Aug. 23: @ Eufaula
- Aug. 30: Open
- Sept. 6: vs. Talladega
- Sept. 13: vs. Tallassee
- Sept. 20: vs. Cleburne County
- Sept. 27: vs. Bowdon, GA
- Oct. 4: @ St. James
- Oct. 11: @ Munford
- Oct. 18: vs. Bullock County
- Oct. 25: @ Handley
- Nov. 1: Open
Elmore County High School
- Aug. 23: @ Dadeville
- Aug. 30: vs. Tallassee
- Sept. 6: @ Carroll
- Sept. 13: vs. Holtville
- Sept. 20: @ Beauregard
- Sept. 27: Open
- Oct. 4: vs. Central-Clay County
- Oct. 11: @ Valley
- Oct. 18: vs. Marbury
- Oct. 25: @ Sylacauga
- Nov. 1: vs. Chilton County
Horseshoe Bend High School
- Aug. 23: vs. Saks
- Aug. 30: @ Wadley
- Sept. 6: @ Reeltown
- Sept. 13: vs. Central Coosa
- Sept. 20: Open
- Sept. 27: @ White Plains
- Oct. 4: vs. Ranburne
- Oct. 11: @ Loachapoka
- Oct. 18: vs. Lanett
- Oct. 25: @ LaFayette
- Nov. 1: vs. Woodland
Benjamin Russell High School
- Aug. 23: vs. Opelika
- Aug. 30: @ Central-Clay County
- Sept. 6: vs. Calera
- Sept. 13: vs. Chilton County
- Sept. 20: @ Spain Park
- Sept. 27: vs. Charles Henderson
- Oct. 4: @ Helena
- Oct. 11: Open
- Oct. 18: @ Pelham
- Oct. 25: vs. Chelsea
- Nov. 1: vs. Percy Julian
Chambers Academy
— Aug. 23: @ Starkville Academy, MS
— Aug. 30: @ Fort Dale Academy
— Sept. 6: @ Valiant Cross Academy
— Sept. 13: vs. Edgewood Academy
— Sept. 20: @ Bessemer Academy
— Sept. 27: vs. Morgan Academy
— Oct. 4: vs. Evangel Alabaster
— Oct. 11: vs. Lakeside
— Oct. 18: vs. Banks Academy
— Oct. 25: @ Macon-East Academy
— Nov. 1: @ Abbeville Christian
Glenwood School
- Aug. 23: vs. Valley
- Aug. 30: @ Elba
- Sept. 6: @ B.B. Comer
- Sept. 13: vs. Childersburg
- Sept. 20: @ Beulah
- Sept. 27: Open
- Oct. 4: vs. Randolph County
- Oct. 11: @ Dadeville
- Oct. 18: vs. Lee-Scott
- Oct. 25: Open
- Nov. 1: vs. Sylacauga
Lafayette High School
- Aug. 23: @ Ellwood Christian
- Aug. 30: vs. Central Hayneville
- Sept. 6: vs. Ranburne
- Sept. 13: @ Loachapoka
- Sept. 20: @ Lanett
- Sept. 27: @ Red Level
- Oct. 4: Open
- Oct. 11: @ Reeltown
- Oct. 18: vs. Central Coosa
- Oct. 25: vs. Horseshoe Bend
- Nov. 1: vs. @ Barbour County
Lanett High School
FOOTBALL SCHEDULES
- Aug. 23: vs. Bullock County
- Aug. 30: @ Beulah
- Sept. 6: vs. Loachapoka
- Sept. 13: vs. Greenville (Georgia)
- Sept. 20: vs. LaFayette
- Sept. 27: vs. Handley
- Oct. 4: @ Reeltown
- Oct. 11: @ Central Coosa
- Oct. 18: @ Horseshoe Bend
- Oct. 25: vs. Ranburne
- Nov. 1: Open
Notasulga High School
- Aug. 23: @ Loachapoka
- Aug. 30: vs. Barbour County
- Sept. 6: vs. Autaugaville
- Sept. 13: vs. Maplesville
- Sept. 20: @ Keith
- Sept. 27: @ Pike Liberal Arts
- Oct. 4: @ Verbena
- Oct. 11: @ Ellwood Christian
- Oct. 18: vs. Billingsley
- Oct. 25: vs. Autauga
- Nov. 1: Open
Russell County
- Aug. 23: vs. Carroll
- Aug. 30: vs. Eufaula
- Sept. 6: @ Wetumpka
- Sept. 12: @ Percy Julian
- Sept. 20: vs. Park Crossing
- Sept. 27: vs. Valley
- Oct. 4: @ Stanhope Elmore
- Oct. 11: Open
- Oct. 18: @ Pike Road
- Oct. 25: vs. Rehobeth
- Nov. 1: @ Beauregard
Springwood School
- Aug. 23: @ Southern Christian
- Aug. 30: vs. Lighthouse
- Sept. 6: vs. Southern Prep
- Sept. 13: @ Cornerstone Christian
- Sept. 20: vs. Coosa Valley Academy
- Sept. 27: @ Heritage Christian
- Oct. 4: @ Evangel Christian
- Oct. 11: @ Meadowview Christian
- Oct. 18: vs. Hope Christian
- Oct. 25: vs. North River Christian
- Nov. 1: Open
Lee-Scott Academy
- Aug. 23: vs. Excel
- Aug. 30: @ Loachapoka
- Sept. 6: @ Childersburg
- Sept. 13: vs. Beulah
- Sept. 20: @ Randolph County
- Sept. 27: vs. Wadley
- Oct. 4: vs. Dadeville
- Oct. 11: Open
- Oct. 18: @ Glenwood
- Oct. 25: vs. B.B. Comer
- Nov. 1: vs. Reeltown
Opelika High School
- Aug. 23: @ Benjamin Russell
- Aug. 30: vs. Callaway, GA
- Sept. 6: @ Auburn
- Sept. 13: vs. Johnson Abernathy Graetz
- Sept. 20: Smiths Station
- Sept. 27: @ Pike Road
- Oct. 4: @ Dothan
- Oct. 11: vs. Enterprise
- Oct. 18: vs. Central
- Oct. 25: @ Carver
- Nov. 1: Open
Smiths Station High School
- Aug. 23: vs. Shaw (Georgia)
- Aug. 30: @ Valley
- Sept. 6: vs. Central
- Sept. 13: vs. Carver
- Sept. 20: @ Opelika
- Sept. 27: vs. Stanhope Elmore
- Oct. 4: @ Johnson Abernathy Graetz
- Oct. 11: @ Auburn
- Oct. 18: vs. Dothan
- Oct. 25: @ Enterprise
- Nov. 1: Open
Tallassee High School
- Aug. 23: @ Montgomery Academy
- Aug. 30: @ Elmore County
- Sept. 6: @ Munford
- Sept. 13: @ Booker T. Washington
- Sept. 20: vs. Bullock County
- Sept. 27: Open
- Oct. 4: @ Cleburne County
- Oct. 11: @ Handley
- Oct. 18: vs. St. James
- Oct. 25: vs. Talladega
- Nov. 1: vs. Holtville
Loachapoka High School
- Aug. 23: vs. Notasulga
- Aug. 30: vs. Lee-Scott Academy
- Sept. 6: @ Lanett
- Sept. 13: vs. LaFayette
- Sept. 20: vs. Reeltown
- Sept. 27: @ Beulah
- Oct. 4: @ Central Coosa
- Oct. 11: vs. Horseshoe Bend
- Oct. 18: @ Ranburne
- Oct. 25: vs. Pike Liberal Arts
- Nov. 1: Open
Reeltown High School
- Aug. 23: Kickoff Classic vs. T. R. Miller @ Cramton Bowl
- Aug. 30: @ Trinity
- Sept. 6: vs. Horseshoe Bend
- Sept. 13: @ Ranburne
- Sept. 20: @ Loachapoka
- Sept. 27: vs. Dadeville
- Oct. 4: vs. Lanett
- Oct. 11: vs. LaFayette
- Oct. 18: Open
- Oct. 25: @ Central Coosa
- Nov. 1: @ Lee-Scott Academy
Southern Prep Academy
- Aug. 23: @ Sparta Academy
- Aug. 30: @ Coosa Valley
- Sept. 6: @ Springwood
- Sept. 13: vs. Evangel Christian
- Sept. 20: @ Cornerstone Christian
- Sept. 27: vs. Hope Christian
- Oct. 4: vs. Heritage Christian
- Oct. 11: @ North River Christian
- Oct. 18: vs. Meadowview Christian
- Oct. 25: vs. Stewart County, GA
- Nov. 1: @ Southern Christian
Valley High School
- Aug. 23: @ Glenwood
- Aug. 30: vs. Smiths Station
- Sept. 6: @ Central-Clay County
- Sept. 13: Open
- Sept. 20: vs. Marbury
- Sept. 27: @ Russell County
- Oct. 4: @ Sylacauga
- Oct. 11: vs. Elmore County
- Oct. 18: @ Holtville
- Oct. 25: vs. Beauregard
- Nov. 1: vs. Dadeville
Ballard Pest Management, Page 21
Beauregard Drugs, Page 21
Budget Blinds, Page 16
East Ala. Friends of the NRA, Page 35
Economy Air, Page 16
Edward Jones, Page 42
Frederick Dean Funeral Home, Page 18
Glynn Smith Chevrolet, Back Cover
Harvest Thrift, Page 10
Hilyer & Associates, Page 43
Honeysuckle Cleaning LLC, Page 35
Jay & Susic Gogue Performing Arts, Page 6
James Fogal | Country Financial, Pages 7, 21
Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home, Page 3
J.Bryan Builders, Page 21
Insurance Solutions Group, Page 43
Lee County Board of Education, Page 10
Oline Price | Revenue Commissioner, Page 42
Opelika City Schools, Page 31
Orthopedic Clinic, Page 2,
Perception Therapy, Page 31
Proper Prep Services, Page 10
Whitts Auto Service Center, Page 43
