19 minute read
SPORTS
from 8.26.21
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
For 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: spain park KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
Journal photo by Marvin Gentry
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 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 slated to back up Smallwood. “He’s very similar to Evan in what he does,” Raney said.
2021 SCHEDULE
Aug. 20 Huntsville 37 - 13 (W) Aug. 27 Briarwood Sept. 3 @Hewitt - Trussville* Sept. 10 @Thompson* Sept. 17 Gadsden City* Sept. 30 Oak Mountain* Oct. 8 Hoover* Oct. 15 @Vestavia Hills* Oct. 22 Tuscaloosa County* Oct. 28 Hueytown
*Conference game
spain park
AT A GLANCE
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)
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.
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Offensive Line
The Jags have three returning starters on the offensive line, junior center Morgan Bowden (6-foot-1, 220), junior guard Rayshod Burts (5-11, 260) and senior tackle Conner May (6-0, 240).
Sophomores Hudson Cahalan (guard) and Conner Langston (tackle) will be the other two starters. “They are big, strong kids,” Raney said.
Seniors Travis Mann (center and guard) and Thornton Allen (guard and tackle) will provide depth.
DEFENSE
Defensive Line
Bowden, Bussey and Brian Alston give the Jags some experience at defensive end. Alston, a 6-2, 200-pound junior, already has received some college offers. Jarod Smith, a 6-5, 220pound freshman, also figures to play. “He’s got a chance to be special,” Raney said.
The Jags will rotate four players at defensive tackle, including returning starters Jamal Scott and Jackson Boler, both seniors. Senior Parker Stone and sophomore Josh Lewis are the backups.
Linebacker
Raney described his linebackers as a “good group.” At the forefront is senior Ethan Gutowski. “He’s the leader of the defense,” Raney said. “He’s a tough, hard-nosed player who has been good for us.”
Jonas Harrellson is another returning starter. Also in the mix are Jackson Mitchell, K.J. Rudolph and Landon Huey.
Junior Zamir Farris will be the primary threat out of the backfield this season.
Secondary
The secondary is another position with some experience, including returning starters Alex Smith and Tyler Hunter at cornerback and Jack Kendrick at safety.
Senior Tucker Steed and junior Stopher Walls also will play safety, while sophomore Jamari Mosley will be the reserve corner.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Talented kicker Drake Tabor graduated, but Raney believes the position is in good hands with senior Braxton Sumpter, whose brother Tyler starred at Spain Park and is now at West Virginia.
“Braxton will do all our kicking,” Raney said. “He has really good leg strength. I feel good about him and I feel good about our kicking game.”
Members of the 2021 Vestavia Hills High School varsity football team are: Will Cox, Luke Turner, Mason Perrigo, Zach Mueller, Kent Vickers, John Ross Ashley, Bryant Agee, Jordan Ross, Jack Davis, Daniel Reynolds, Jackson Ayers, Keown Richardson, Fort Edmonds, Morgan McInnis, Sam Carroll, Aiden Black, Gaines Johnson, Cooper Mollison, Zach Lightfoot, Luke Swanzy, John Paul Head, Michael Dobbs, Kohen Nelson, John Clark Williamson, Mitchell Towns, John Martin Richter, Audey Stein, Houston Owen, Chris Haynes, Matthew Ledbetter, Dylan Jaquess, Caleb Harwell, James O’Neill, Jay Faulkner, Cole Turner, Chandler Long, Thomas Waudby Jr., McCall Moore, Jaden Daniels, Vince Visser, Kaden Daniels, Colton Rohling, Jack Brewer, Chase Rose III, Thomas Brown, Russell Luccasen, Michael Lo Re, Davis Stewart, Rob Warnock IV, Jordan Skrabo, Jack Lockhart, Brenden Marshall, Trey Saunders, William Fitzpatrick V, Sims Nichols, Ben Keene, Luke Parsons, Walker Creel, Greer Smith, Luke Beckham, John Friloux, Charlie Ingram, Loftin Sheppard, Grant Downey, William Douglass, Alec Paraiso, Will Bond, Ford Brown, Alex McConnell, Aarya John, Bo Shea, Caiden Howle, William Sasser, Gibson Bean, Harrison Heath, Tucker Smitha, Clay Barnes, Samuel Hansen, Pierce Hanna, Tanner McInnis, Lane Whisenhunt, Walker Gardner, Jamar Wilkins, Riggs Manown, Gabe Adams, John Michael Chandash, Hill Hughen, Max Neuroth, Wheeler Smith, Mark Rainey, Andrew Spray, Jack Dawsey, Hill Stokes, Glen Porter, Noah Fouts, Blake Smitha, Thomas Ogletree, Jack Graveline, Sam Deason, Garrett Hurst, Ben Mendheim, Nelson Greiner, Wesley Smith, Allan Peterson, Elliot Gilbert, Whitten McCulley, Kaleb Glass, Ethan Denaburg, Hoke Smith, Hudson Hager, Jack McMurray, Evan Williams, Jack Poole, Mitchell Taylor, Josh Brooks, Alex Baldone, Jackson Baynham, Michael Kolen III, Sawyer Arnold, Jackson Macknally, Harrison Faust, Max Stewart, Griffen Thompson, Whit Bohorfoush, Brady Brown, Jake Murphree, Bret Vincent, Douglas Perry, Jack Thompson, Eli Freeman, John Hinton Hogue, Warren Ainsworth, Parker Fulton, Will Pattillo, Matthew Thackerson, Chuck Hammack, Gentry Sharp, Avery Creel, Reid Laughlin, Andrew Sykes, Wyatt Witherington, George Wolf, William Webster, Blake Smith, Grant Greenlee, Sully Blake and Blake Jeffers.
New Coach Optimistic About Rebels’ Season
By RuBin E. GRant vestavia hills KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
As he enters his first season replacing the legendary Buddy Anderson as head coach, Sean Calhoun inherits a Vestavia Hills football program that has made the state playoffs only twice since the Alabama High School Athletic Association went to seven classifications in 2014.
Those appearances came in 2015 and 2019. In three of their seven seasons at the Class 7A level, the Rebels have had losing seasons, including a 4-6 mark in 2020, but that included two forfeits because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Calhoun spent the past five seasons as head coach at Carrolton, Georgia, where his teams won three region titles and made five quarterfinal playoff appearances, compiling a 51-12 record during his time at the school.
Calhoun hopes to turn around the Rebels’ fortunes in his first season, although Vestavia Hills still plays in challenging Class 7A, Region 3 that also has two-time defending state champion Thompson and perennial power Hoover, the Rebels’ longtime rival.
“Our outlook is optimistic,” Calhoun said. “We’ve got a lot of potential, but that word can be scary at times.
“We’re working hard and we’ve got some goals. We’re going to do everything we can to meet those goals. We’ve got to compete as hard as we can, play sound football and be physical, especially with the people we play on our schedule.”
Calhoun has installed a spread offense and brought in Bert Newton to be the defensive coordinator to implement an aggressive, attacking defense. Newton had spent the past four years as the coordinator at Hartselle.
“We’ve got a bunch of kids who saw some time last year,” Calhoun said. “I think the Rebel Nation is going to like this team and will be excited to see them play.”
Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of the 2021 Rebels:
Journal photo by Jordan Wald
2021 SCHEDULE
Aug. 20 @Mtn. Brook 3 - 33 (L) Aug. 27 @Homewood Sept. 3 @Hoover* Sept. 10 Oak Mountain* Sept. 17 @Tuscaloosa County* Oct. 1 Thompson* Oct. 8 @Hewitt Trussville* Oct. 15 Spain Park* Oct. 22 Gadsden City* Oct. 28 @Shades Valley
*Conference game
vestavia hills
AT A GLANCE
Head Coach: Sean Calhoun 2020 Record: 4-6 Region: Class 7A Region 3: Hoover, Hewitt-Trussville, Gadsden City, Oak Mountain, Spain Park, Thompson, Tuscaloosa County, Stadium: Thompson Reynolds Stadium at Buddy Anderson Field (5,000) OFFENSE
Quarterback
Seniors Mitchell Towns and Fort Edmonds have been battling throughout the preseason for the starting job, and their battle will likely continue
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From page 24 into the season.
“We like to have competition,” Calhoun said.
Sophomores John Paul Head and Luke Turner will be backups.
“We’ll see how this all goes,” Calhoun said. “They all bring different things to the table.”
Running Back
Running back is one the Rebels’ deeper positions. Senior Bryant Agee returns as the primary back.
“He’s dynamic with the ball in his hands,” Calhoun said. “He had some explosive plays last year.”
Tucker Smitha, Jack Lockhart and Jack Davis will get their share of carries.
Senior Pierce Hanna, a standout baseball player, returns. He started as a sophomore but didn’t play last year.
Receivers
Calhoun likes his receiving corps.
“They’re talented but inexperienced,” he said.
The leader of the group is senior Cole Turner, the younger brother of former Rebel and current Clemson defensive back Nolan Turner.
Keown Richardson, Colton Rohling, Caiden Howle, Aiden Black, Audey Stein, Cooper Mollison, John Friloux, Max Stewart and Luke Swanzy are all competing for playing time.
Rob Warnock, Walker Creel, Warren Ainsworth, Clay Barnes, Will Bond and Wyatt Witherington are battling it out at tight end.
Journal file photo by Jordan Wald
Offensive Line
The Rebels have some experience up front with senior center Hill Stokes, a three-year starter, senior guard Jack Dawsey and senior tackle Hoke Smith. Two others who are likely to start are Nelson Greiner and Glen Porter.
Providing depth are Hudson Hager, who’s coming from the golf team, Alex Baldone, Sam Deason, Mitch Taylor, Riggs Manown and Whitten McCulley.
Running back is one the Rebels’ deeper positions. Senior Bryant Agee, above, returns as the primary back. “He’s dynamic with the ball in his hands,” Calhoun said.
DEFENSE
Defensive Line
Tackle Max Neuroth is the only returning starter on the defense. Calhoun describes him as a skilled defensive lineman.
The other starters and backups will come from a group that includes Andrew Sykes, Lane Whisenhunt, Blake Jeffers, Jamar Wilkins, Jackson Baynham, John Michael Chandash, Kaleb Glass, Gabe Adams and Walker Gardner.
“We’ve got a really good mix,” Calhoun said. “I think they will do a good job.”
Linebackers
Trey Saunders, who can play inside or outside, spearheads the linebacking corps. Davis Stewart, John Martin Richter, Caleb Harwell, Will Fitzpatrick, Houston Owen, William Douglass, Gaines Johnson, Kaden Daniels, Chase Rose and Sam Hansen are competing to be in the rotation.
Secondary
Senior Jackson Ayers, who can line up at corner or safety, returns as the most experienced defensive back. John Ross Ashley figures to play a safety spot. The cornerbacks will come from a group that includes Grant Downey, Kohen Nelson, Will Cox, Morgan McInnis, Zach Lightfoot, Michael Dobbs and Jay Faulkner.
“They’re all hybrid guys who can play a mixture of cornerback and safety,” Calhoun said.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Rebels have to replace Matthew McMeans, who graduated after a stellar career. “He was a good one,” Calhoun said. “It will be a daunting task to replace him, but we’ll give it our best shot.”
Towns is expected handle the punting duties with the placekicker coming from a group that includes Ben Keene, Russell Luccasen, Jack Brewer, Andrew Spray and William Webster.
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