20 • Thursday, August 26, 2021
OVER THE MOUNTAIN JOURNAL
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
SPAIN PARK
Members of the 2021 Spain Park High School varsity football team are: Pierson Cole, George Gilbert, Tucker Steed, Brian Alston, Alex Smith, Landon Miller, Jackson Mitchell, Clay Spencer, KJ Rudolph, Evan Smallwood, Eathan Gutkoski, Jamari Mosley, Jerimiah Myers, Kelby Roberson, Mitchell Nutter, Jonas Harrellson, Dee Davis, Jack Kendrick, Colin Cutcliff, CJ Clency, Cameron Flanigan, John Michael Lee, Josyvan Almazan, Angel Ortiz, Jonathan Bibbs, Walker Russell, Caldwell Bussey, Jack Taylor, Keionte Robinson, Stopher Walls, Tyler Walker, Keaton Sandford, Logan Brownlee, Zamir Farris, Eli Johnson, Tyler Hunter, Grayson Brock, Logan Denson, Carter Dickinson, Jack Stewart, Zavier Long, Landon Huey, Jaylon Hatcher, Knox Holston, Evan Bishop, Dillon Orr, Jacob Roe, Braxton Sumpter, Will Duncan, Sam Lee, Chase Wolsoncroft, Aiden Bayne, Conner Langston, Lorenzo Garcia, Parker Stone, Coleman Gray, Conner May, Travis Mann, Sean Corey, Mason Cooper, Thornton Allen, Ashton Sauder, Landon Johnson, Morgan Bowden, Hudson Cahalan, Rayshod Burts, Josh Lewis, Evan Eaker, Alex Lloyd, Cam Mcfarlin, Jassiel Almazan, Grey Burton, Jacob Olsen, Mason Bowden, Micah Ford, Alden Dorn, Jackson Boler, Nikolas Alston, Jarod Smith, Morgan Rich and Jamal Scott.
New-Look Jags Will Be More Run-Oriented By Rubin E. Grant
F
OFFENSE
Quarterback
Talented quarterback Bennett
spain park KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH 2021 SCHEDULE Aug. 20 Aug. 27 Sept. 3 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 30 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 28
Huntsville 37 - 13 (W) Briarwood @Hewitt - Trussville* @Thompson* Gadsden City* Oak Mountain* Hoover* @Vestavia Hills* Tuscaloosa County* Hueytown
*Conference game
spain park AT A GLANCE
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
or the past few years, Spain Park has attacked opposing defenses with a spread attack. But with several of their skill players on their offense in 2020 transferring to other schools, the Jaguars are changing their look on offense this season. “In high school football, you have to adjust your offense and defense to the kids you’ve got,” Spain Park coach Shawn Raney said. “We’re going to a more option-oriented offense. It fits our personnel better. We are going to be more physical and run the ball more.” The Jags brought in Danny Ward from Oak Mountain to be the offensive coordinator. He was the offensive line coach at Oak Mountain, where they employed the option. Spain Park had a young defense last year and it showed as the Jags allowed 38 points per game. But Raney expects them to be improved this fall. “On defense, we started seven or eight sophomores last year,” he said. “They are all back and are about 20 pounds heavier and stronger, so we’ve got better size and strength. I think we will be better defensively.” Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of the 2021 Jags:
ed to back up Smallwood. “He’s very similar to Evan in what he does,” Raney said.
Spain Park coach Shawn Raney with, from left, Evan Smallwood, Tucker Steed, Tyler Hunter and Conner May.
Meredith transferred to crosstown rival Hoover after passing for more than 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns for the Jags in 2020. Junior Evan Smallwood will take
over and run the Jags’ new option attack. “He’s a great leader and has been a standout kid since he was at Berry (Middle School),” Raney said. “He’s
Head Coach: Shawn Raney 2020 Record: 4-6 Region: Class 7A Region 3: Hoover, Hewitt-Trussville, Gadsden City, Oak Mountain, Thompson, Tuscaloosa County, Vestavia Hills Stadium: Finley Stadium (5,000)
a real humble kid and a real quiet kid, but the kids love him and want to follow him. We have confidence in his ability to run the stuff we’re running.” Sophomore Mitchell Nutter is slat-
Running Back
The Jags lost plenty of firepower in the backfield when Justin Pegues transferred to Thompson. He had nearly 1,000 yards rushing (570) and receiving (426) last year. Junior Zamir Farris will be the primary threat out of the backfield this season. “He played quite a bit last year,” Raney said. “He’s a smaller back, but he’s really explosive and really fast. He’s also put on 20 pounds. He’s an excellent player.” Sophomore Zavier Long also will get plenty of carries. Junior Evan Bishop will play fullback and serve as the long snapper on kicks.
Receivers
The Jags also took a hit at receiver with Jaylen Ward and David Moultry transferring to Thompson. With them gone, the Jags plan to alternate players at wide out and in the slot. Among the group are Pierson Cole, George Gilbert, Landon Miller, Clay Spencer, Dee Davis and John Michael Lee. With their new offense, the Jags also will employ a tight end for blocking purposes, with two-way players Caldwell Bussey, Jackson Boler and Mason Bowden rotating at the spot. See JAGUARS, page 22
