Shelby County Football by Shelby County Newsmedia, Inc.

SHELBY COUNTY

FOOTBALL 2018 HAWAII TO

BAMA

All 16 Teams Inside

Tagovailoa’s path to Alabama

SEASON OUTLOOK

Schedules, rosters, breakdowns and more for each team

CAN’T MISS MATCHUPS A look at the 15 must-watch games

ANCHOR

DOWN

Vandy commit Tran-Reno takes on new role

Newspapers, Inc. 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

“ 5 STAR RATEABIZ REVIEWS” 2018 Small Business of the Year

FINALIST

2018 Health Care Professional of the Year

FINALIST

Kodak 9000

205.665.2224

MONTEVALLOFAMDENTISTRY.COM Kodak 9000

Table of Contents

10 4

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Briarwood

Calera

Chelsea

Coosa Valley

Cornerstone

Evangel

Helena

Hope

Kingwood

Montevallo

Oak Mountain

Pelham

Shelby County

Spain Park

Thompson

100 Vincent

STAFF EDITORIAL Graham Brooks Stephen Dawkins Alec Etheredge Briana Harris Madoline Markham Keith McCoy Emily Sparacino Neal Wagner

PRODUCTION Connor Bucy Jamie Dawkins Kate Sullivan

MARKETING Kristy Brown Kari George Rachel Henderson Daniel Holmes Rhett McCreight Kim McCulla Nicholas McKnight Lindsay Milligan Stacey Meadows Viridiana Romero Kerrie Thompson

ADMINISTRATIVE Tim Prince Katie McDowell Hailey Dolbare Mary Jo Eskridge This is a publication of Shelby County Newspapers, Inc. P.O. Box 947 115 North Main Street Columbiana, AL 35051 phone: 205.669.3131 advertise@shelbycountyreporter.com

From the Editor

hile many people look forward to Christmas morning and waking up after a sleepless night of anticipation to the smell of homecooked food before sprinting down stairs to open gifts with loved ones, I look forward to the smell of the crisp fall air on Friday nights and that first touchdown scored each year. Last year, I had the opportunity to put this magazine together for the first time and I couldn’t have been more giddy. Once I saw the finished product, I was overcome with joy. You see, football has always been at the forefront of my life. As far back as I can remember, I was reading the Athlon and Lindy’s preseason college football magazines, creating my own preseason breakdowns via blog and doing anything and everything to be the biggest college football nerd in the world. To finally have my own preseason magazine that I had worked so hard on was a surreal moment. This year was no different. While it was a more stressful process this summer due to my fiancé being hospitalized for two weeks and other road blocks, between our photographer Keith McCoy, our designers Connor Bucy and Kate Sullivan, and myself, I feel as if we have created another top notch magazine previewing all 16 of Shelby County’s high school football teams. While I take my job seriously every day, this is something I pour countless hours into to make sure it looks appealing and is as informative as possible for every reader that ends up with a copy in their hands. I make sure to spend the entire month of July working on the magazine, to give coaches as much time as possible

to figure out their teams and rosters so that you, the fan, can have the best perspective on what to expect from your team. Inside, we have a preview of each team, including breakdowns of each position, the 2018 schedules and rosters, as well as team photos and much more. You’ll also find feature stories on both Briarwood quarterback J.R. Tran-Reno and Thompson quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, both of whom are committed to SEC schools, as well as Thompson’s turnaround from 0-10 to 12-1, Pelham’s Kasey Clark, Helena’s new head coach and the 15 can’t miss games of 2018. Those are just a few of the exciting stories across the county told in this magazine, but there will be much more with our incredible coverage throughout the 2018 season. We’ll be back again with our football videos this season, as well as other informative ways to reach and highlight our special athletes across the coverage area. My sincere hope is that you enjoy this year’s magazine and football coverage, and appreciate all of the work our photographers and designers put into everything. With several of the state’s best players residing in Shelby County, it should be another fantastic football season, so buckle up and let’s enjoy this journey together.

Alec Etheredge, Sports Editor

Alec.Etheredge@ShelbyCountyReporter.com

Cover photo by Keith McCoy Cover design by Kate Sullivan 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

A 4,370-MILE

JOURNEY TAULIA TAGOVAILOAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PATH TO ALABASTER, ALABAMA Written by ALEC ETHEREDGE Photographs by KEITH MCCOY and NEAL WAGNER

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

15-yard touchdown pass against No. 8 Kaiser High School on Aug. 7, 2015, is when current Thompson High School phenom Tualia Tagovailoa knew he had an ability to be a standout football player. Back then, before he was setting records in Alabama, Tagovailoa was a freshman quarterback at Kapolei High School in Kapolei, Hawaii. After the starting quarterback that night had gone 9-for-13 with an interception and just 59 yards in the first half, Tagovailoa was called on to start the second half. On his first drive, Tagovailoa led the Hurricanes on a three-play drive, capped off by a 15-yard touchdown pass from the freshman. He went on to finish the game 8-for-11 with 160 passing yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Oh, and an upset of the No. 8 team in the state by a final score of 49-28. “I was playing with the big boys, the varsity,” Tagovailoa said. “Then I threw that first touchdown and I told myself, ‘dang, that felt regular.’ After that, everyone’s expectations for me got higher, so I had to meet them. Getting that chance and winning, my confidence level just shot up.” In his first full game as a starter, Tagovailoa took on the state’s No. 1 team in 2015, Mililani High School, and despite a difficult loss, he threw for 394 yards and three touchdowns against an elite team as a freshman— assuring everyone’s expectations weren’t too high. In two years at Kapolei High School, Tagovailoa led the Hurricane’s to its best year in school history as a sophomore, and his 3,919 passing yards that year fell just 66 yards short of passing Timmy Chang for the singleseason record. Also, despite just playing two years, Tagovalioa was seventh on Hawaii’s all-time passing list with 6,073 yards and 64 touchdowns. Instead of returning for his junior and senior seasons, however, his brother Tua’s decision to play college football at the University of Alabama sent the family on a trek to the deep south of Alabaster, Alabama. KOA Koa means Warrior in Hawaii, and that’s exactly what Taulia was set to become. With the move to Alabaster to remain close to Tua, Taulia enrolled at Thompson High School in the spring of 2017 and instantly became a member of the Thompson Warriors’ football program. “It hasn’t been a bad move at all, I’m just chillin and enjoying it,” Taulia said. “It’s a football state and I love football, so I’m trying to take advantage of it. The hardest thing has been the training here. My body wasn’t used to this kind of training back home, but it’s been good to me,

Teamwork Is The Key To Winning.

205-980-3325

5499 Highway 280 East 280.chevyman.com

Kevin Liles

General Manager

COOSA VALLEY

Whether it is football, soccer, baseball, basketball, tennis or volleyball, sports injuries happen. When they do, you can turn to us to make sure your athlete is getting the most accurate diagnosis.

MRI

Be Safe Be Sure

INSIDE COOSA VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER 315 West Hickory Street Sylacauga 256-207-2686

COOSAVALLEYMRI.COM 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

I see the results and I’m happy with everything.” In his first season as a Warrior, Taulia picked up right where he left off at Kapolei and led Thompson to one of its best finishes in school history after finishing third in AHSAA history for most passing yards in a season totaling 3,823 yards and 35 touchdowns to pass former Alabama and Hoover quarterback John Parker Wilson. He also led the Warriors to their first region championship in 20 years and to the semifinals of the playoffs for the first time since the 1980s. Following his inspiring junior season, Taulia committed to the

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Taulia early on in his transition. While many may be skeptical of a new star in the locker room and the kind of attitude they’ll come in with, Taulia was no cause for concern. “The first day he was here and met the team, he started making friends and showing them what kind of player and leader he would be,” Thompson head coach Mark Freeman said. “He knew that he needed to form those relationships quickly with his teammates, because they were the ones that would determine his success.” HOALOHA It paid off and between spring Meaning friend in Hawaiian, practice and summer workouts, Hoaloha was a word that described Taulia had won over the locker room. University of Alabama where he will join his brother in 2019 after graduating from Thompson. His transition from Hawaii to Alabama could have been a difficult one that saw him never pick back up where he left off, especially moving into the state’s highest classification of football and the most difficult region, but Taulia wasn’t going to let that happen and immediately hit the ground running when he stepped foot into Thompson High School.

18,054

simple and has helped me “For my teams to understand the game so be successful, the much more. quarterback is the key,” “He’s helped me so Freeman said. “I make Through Taulia’s junior season, he and much, not just with the quarterback position his brother Tua have understanding schemes a tough spot, and I make combined to throw for and playing, but mentally them learn a lot because 18,054 yards in high as well. He’s definitely they are going to have school with Taulia still helped me take the next more opportunity to win having a year left at step in my game and has a game than anyone. We Thompson. made the sky the limit for are really good when me.” our quarterbacks are That trust between coach and good, and that’s the case with Taulia because he knows what he’s doing, quarterback has led to a mature and if he makes a mistake, he owns quarterback that holds himself accountable for each mistake he makes. up to it and learns from it.” “I kind of messed up a lot last year,” One of the reasons Taulia and his family chose Thompson when Taulia said with a chuckle. He recalled one play where he they were looking at places to move to be closer to Tua, was because of rolled out and tried to throw the ball Freeman and his ability to take elite away in a game against Vestavia, but quarterbacks and help them take that admitted to giving up on the play. He KAHUNA/KULEANA next step like he did as a personal threw toward one of his receivers just trying to get rid of the ball, but Kahuna means expert, something coach to Jameis Winston. “There were coverages I had never instead it found its way into the hands Freeman is to the game of high school football, while Kuleana means seen before when I got here,” Taulia of a defender and was picked off. “Momentum was on our side at that responsibility, something Taulia said. “I saw those and was like ‘dang, how do you counter?’ His way is so point and the defense was playing holds in his grasp on every play. “We had a quick bond my first day there, and that allowed us to get extremely close,” said former receiver Ahmad Edwards. “A teammate like Taulia doesn’t come every day. He’s just a really good person.” It’s a relationship that blossomed that first day and exploded during the 2017 football season as Taulia and Edwards had a connection stronger than the game of football. Those two went on to connect 118 times, which allowed Edwards to set a state record for most receptions in a season. His ability to form relationships not only helped him become a leader in the locker room, but also the exact player Freeman could mold into a superstar player.

Hollie Brown education major Calera, Alabama

At the University of Montevallo, we believe you are more than just a number. You are an individual becoming a leader in your field. Our premier educational experience is characterized by a vibrant campus community, personalized instruction and affordable tuition. Here you will find an environment designed for doing, thinking and achieving. With average class sizes of 23 students taught by high-quality faculty who care about your success, UM’s small atmosphere prepares you to enter graduate school or become a professional in your career. Your future is waiting…

I am becoming... a competitive cheerleader a scholarship recipient

an elementary school teacher

montevallo.edu | (205) 665-6030 admissions@montevallo.edu | #futurevallo www.montevallo.edu | (205) 665-6030 admissions@montevallo.edu | #futurevallo 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

good, so I knew I had made a mistake and put them in a bad spot. Whenever I make a mistake, the first thing I think of is Freeman and picture him yelling at me,” Taulia said, shaking his head and laughing. “I just take it in and tell myself next play. I immediately take responsibility and let him know, but then I move on.” Taulia knows if he continues to do things the right way and mature as a leader, he’ll be just fine moving forward. ‘OHANA ‘Ohana means family and is clearly one of the most important terms in Taulia’s life, specifically the relationship he holds with his Kaikua’ana, or older brother. Tua, who is expected to be the starting quarterback of the No. 1 college team in the country this year, and Taulia have a tight-knit relationship that is competitive, but also bonding. “We help each other by competing,” Taulia said. “If he does something I have to do it, and if I do something, he has to do it. I think that’s where the love between us comes in. We train together on the weekends and he helps me on the little things sometimes too. If we have time, we’ll pull up film and break down decisions that I’m making on the field. He helps me correct mistakes, and I would do the same for him.”

That love and respect, however, doesn’t mean they don’t take the opportunity to try and one up the other. At the time of Taulia’s first high school game as a freshman, Tua had already made a name for himself as a junior at St. Louis School in Honolulu, but despite the record-breaking path his older brother was on, Taulia had already beaten Tua. “Tua started as a sophomore, but I started as a freshman,” Taulia said with a smirk. “Tua was going to a private school, and the rules prevented him from playing as a freshman, but I’m just happy that I got to play earlier than him. That made

News delivered to you every morning

Dr. Jay Crisman Dr. Sarah Juliana Dr. Alston Whiten

Big City Quality. Small Town Caring.

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

my confidence level really high.” While both started playing the game at six years old, Taulia admitted Tua was a natural-born athlete, while he had to put much more work into trying to be as good as his older brother. With that work, however, he has turned into one of the best high school quarterbacks in the country, and between the two, they have combined to throw for 18,054 yards at the high school level. With one season left, Taulia not only plans to increase those numbers, but the senior quarterback is hoping to go out with a title four years and 4,370 miles after that first touchdown pass.

Sign up for the Alabaster daily e-mail. Look for this icon on our web site and follow the link to start receiving your daily e-mail.

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

ANCHOR

DOWN VANDY COMMIT TRAN-RENO CHANGES POSITION FOR SENIOR SEASON Written by ALEC ETHEREDGE Photographs by KEITH MCCOY

itting in the stands with his grandparents at Alabama football games when he was a kid inspired J.R. TranReno to attempt a life in football—something he didn’t know at the time would be one of his smartest decisions. A mere 10 years ago, Tran-Reno stepped on a football field for the first time as a third grader in the Oak Mountain youth league. Now, as a senior at Briarwood Christian School, Tran-Reno is heading into his third year as a starter on the Lions’ offense while being committed to SEC school Vanderbilt University. “Going to those games when I was little with my grandparents is what really got me involved in the game,” Tran-Reno said. “I was a baseball player first and foremost, but once I reached my eighth grade year, I was a little burned out on it and shifted most

of my attention to football.” That was a choice that just two years later would lead to Tran-Reno’s name as one of the elite in the state. After playing quarterback in middle school and his freshman season, TranReno made the move to running back as a sophomore. During his sophomore season, he quickly emerged as a starter and ended the season with 984 yards rushing, 255 yards receiving and eight total touchdowns. He went on to follow that up with a solid junior season that featured 1,696 all-purpose yards and 28 total touchdowns. Spending time as the Lions’ punter, running back, receiver and quarterback, Tran-Reno showed his true versatility and has now combined for more than 3,000 all-purpose yards in just two years. “That sophomore season was really a confidence booster because it showed I could play at the varsity level at a 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

young age,” Tran-Reno said. “It drove me to work harder and be even better the next year.” Now for his final season at the high school level, Tran-Reno and the Lions have some unfinished business to take care of after falling in the state championship game last year, and the senior athlete will be doing something a bit different on the field. THE CHANGE After spending two seasons as a running back, Tran-Reno is making the move back to quarterback for his senior season after the departure of All-County quarterback Michael Hiers. While some may be concerned about the transition, head coach Fred Yancey isn’t worried. “I’ve always looked at him as a quarterback,” Yancey said. “He could have played there the last two years, but we needed him to help us out in other spots. He practiced at the position every day last year and has

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

had a great summer at the position. He’s such a coachable player and has a strong arm.” While he has the arm, using it again is going to be the biggest transition Tran-Reno will have to make. “The biggest difference is going to be getting comfortable enough in the pocket to make the reads,” he said. “It’s really a mental thing. As a running back and receiver, my instinct is to look for the open place to run. As a quarterback, I’m going to have to read the entire field and find the open guy to throw to.” The good thing for Tran-Reno and the Lions is that he knows how to read a defense. As a running back and receiver, he knows where to be as a route runner and how to find the open side of the field as a running back, both of which will help scanning the field for an open receiver or escaping from the pocket if it collapses. “I know all of my reads and can make the throws,” he said. “As long as I can train myself to be comfortable in the pocket again, I’ll be able to find the

open guy.” While he’s going to be more of a passer this year, his instinct to run won’t simply go away. While Hiers was a player that escaped to look for the open receiver last year, Tran-Reno can escape to get up field. With the combination of his speed, his natural ability as a running back and the defense downfield covering receivers, if he escapes the pocket, there will be a lot of open field for big gains. That’s something Yancey and offensive coordinator Bobby Kerley are hoping will make the offense dynamic this season. THE EXPERTS Having those two experts helping Tran-Reno with the transition should help make it a smooth one. Yancey, who is heading into his 29th year as the Lions head coach, and Kerley, who has coached Tran-Reno since his middle school days, have both seen it all and have given the senior loads of confidence.

“We don’t get gun shy once we get to the

playoffs. We know it’s another game and we just want to go out there and handle our business. ” — J.R. Tran-Reno “It’s great to have coach Yancey,” Tran-Reno said. “He has so much wisdom and see’s the bigger picture. He loves telling stories about old Briarwood teams and players like the Castille’s (Caleb, Tim and Simeon), (Joe) Craddock and (Barrett) Trotter. He’s been coaching all of those years and has coached so many great players that it makes us want to be the best we can be for him too.” Reitterating similar words as Hiers did last year, Tran-Reno is also close with his offensive coordinator. “Me and coach Kerley are very tight,” he said. “We text every week. He’s like a father figure to me. The way he wants us to live as men of God and to be great husbands, it’s more than just his coaching side, but just trying to make sure we are better as men. He’s been a blessing in all of our lives.” Kerley was one of the masterminds behind moving Tran-Reno from running back out wide to receiver a lot last year. With teams loading the box to stop him, they tried to find ways to get the ball in his hands outside of just the backfield.

Now, he and Yancey have found a way to have it in his hands every play, and hope it pays off as well as last year’s decision did. REDEMPTION “The mindset never changes each year,” Tran-Reno said. “We want a state championship. My sophomore year, we made it to the semis. Last year, made it to state and lost. This year we believe is the year to take that next step.” That surely is the goal of Tran-Reno and the entire Briarwood team this season after heartbreaking endings to each of the past two seasons. In 2016, it was a six-point semifinal loss to Wenonah, in 2017, it was a threepoint loss in the final two minutes to St. Paul’s in the championship game. The 2016 loss was squarely on the minds of all of the Lions’ players heading into 2017 and it led to a 34-0 shutout of a top-5 Wenonah team in the regular season before eventually busting through the semifinals to get redemption. Now in 2018, the Lions are hoping 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

that unfinished business in last year’s state championship game will help lead them to another path of redemption. “Everyone was really disappointed,” Tran-Reno said. “We almost had it last year. We were all upset and disappointed. “That’s something that will fuel us. Our class isn’t used to losing. We have only lost three games. That drives us because we don’t like the feeling of losing.” It’s a challenge he and his

teammates won’t be scared of. “We have played on the big stages,” he said. “We don’t get gun shy once we get to the playoffs. We know it’s another game and we just want to go out there and handle our business.” Improving one step further in the playoffs each of the last two years, Tran-Reno is hoping he can help lead his fellow seniors to a storybook ending. “It’s an emotional time because I have loved every second at Briarwood,” Tran-Reno said. “There is nothing like

high school football. I want to go out and win a bunch of games, but have fun doing it. It’s the last time we are going to get to see a lot of guys, and we want to help each other be successful.” From the third grader sitting inside Bryat-Denny Stadium with his grandparents imagining himself as a football player, to the quarterback of the No. 1 Class 5A team in the state and committed to an SEC school, Tran-Reno has already been on a magical ride, but it’s journey that is just beginning.

HAVE A RECORD SEASON WITH RECORD RACK DEER FEED

30620 Alabama Hwy 25 | Wilsonville, AL 35186 | 205-669-6605 | www.CoosaValleyMilling.com 16

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Tips.ShelbyDA.com 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Cade Mango

BRIARWOOD CHRISTIAN LIONS

very year, the Briarwood Christian Lions seem to lose their most talented football players, but come the first game of the season they’ve figured out replacements from guys that take advantage of their opportunity and step up. That will be no different heading into head coach Fred Yancey’s 29th year as

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by KEITH MCCOY and TODD KWARCINSKI

head coach as the Lions will lose their four best offensive players: Michael Hiers, Carson Eddy, Hudson Hartsfield and Garrett Bell. Despite the loss of eight All-County worthy seniors, Yancey and the Lions have plenty to be excited about yet again this year with the return of dynamic playmakers like Mark Hand, Dalton Brooks, Trent Howard, Cade Dickinson

and Vanderbilt commit J.R. Tran-Reno, as well as several newcomers ready to make a name for themselves.

QUARTERBACK J.R. Tran-Reno has played running back, receiver, quarterback and punter during his two years as a starter at Briarwood, and during 2018 he will maintain two of those positions—

AHSAA 5A, Region 4 2017: 14-1 (7-0) Head Coach: Fred Yancey, (29th year, 269-91) Assistants: Bobby Kerley, Ernest Carroll, Brent Reese, Matthew Forester, Shane Harmon, Chris Donnelly. Last region title: 2017 Last playoff game: 2017

quarterback and punter. With the loss of Michael Hiers, who threw for 2,569 yards and 20 touchdowns last year, TranReno is sliding over to the quarterback position this year. Last year, TranReno totaled 954 rushing yards and 537 receiving yards with 26 touchdowns as a running back and receiver. TranReno, who is 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, played quarterback a lot up until his sophomore season at Briarwood, and Yancey said he has always thought of him as being a quarterback. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an athletic player that can throw the ball and will be able to escape up field on any given play.

RUNNING BACK With Tran-Reno moving to quarterback permanently, the starting running back will be junior Luke Prewett, who had a nice sophomore season totaling 694 yards and eight touchdowns last year as a backup. Standing at 5-foot-9, 186 pounds, he has gained even more muscle heading into his junior season and should have a big impact this season for the Lions. Behind him as a backup will be junior

Alex Key, who is around the same size as Prewett. Sophomore Andrew Hill, who wowed fans with his impressive moves and quick feet in a playoff game last year, will challenge both guys this year.

RECEIVERS With the loss of Carson Eddy and Hudson Hartsfield, there is a big gap to replace at the receiver position. Eddy ended last year with 77 receptions for 1,123 yards and 10 touchdowns to earn All-State honors. Hartsfield only caught 35 balls, but had 474 yards, which was good enough for 13.5 yards per catch. This year, the Lions will be looking at four guys to step up and separate themselves. Reid Mays and Bryce Perrien will both be seniors stepping into the X receiver position. Both are great route runners that can catch whatever is thrown their way. Another senior will be Jay Kynerd, who played some at running back last year. He is a speedy player that will handle the Z position. Junior Blake McKenna is another player the coaching staff is confident in. He will step into the inside

BRIARWOOD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2018 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 24

@ Vestavia (Jamboree)

Aug. 31

@ Chelsea

Sept. 7

@ Pleasant Grove*

Sept. 14

@ Woodlawn*

Sept. 21

Wenonah*

Sept. 28

@ Hartselle

Oct. 5

@ John Carroll*

Oct. 12

Parker*

Oct. 19

@ Ramsay*

Oct. 25

Fairfield (Thursday)*

Nov. 2

Hueytown * Region game

receiver spot where Tran-Reno spent a lot of time last year.

OFFENSIVE LINE The offensive line will also have to fill a big position with the loss of Garrett Bell, who was last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best lineman. Yancey, however, feels that if this unit puts in the appropriate work, it could be the best offensive line he has had at 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

LION FOOTBALL the school. Part of the reason for that confidence is the return of junior Trent Howard, who Yancey said is one of the best he’s ever had. Howard, who will play left tackle, stands at 6-foot-3, 265 pounds, and already has an offer from UAB. The rest of the line also stands at 6-foot-3, giving the Lions a solid tall offensive line. Ian Davis, a senior, will most likely play right tackle, but can play anywhere on the line he is needed. Ross Godbehere will most likely handle the right guard position as a senior. Two more seniors, Noah Whatley and Landon Burg, will fill out the line. Whatley will play at left guard and is moving over from receiver, while Burg will handle duties at center.

last year, but is making the move to DE. He’s dependable and quick off the line. While the defensive line will lose a Dorrill is a guy that has played for years, solid player in Patrick Blythe, they’ll but will get his first crack at starting get back their leader in Dalton Brooks, this season to make a name for himself. who totaled 49 tackles, 6.5 sacks and 3.5 Cole Scordino and Turner Murphy will tackles for loss a season ago. Brooks, both play a lot on the line as well. a senior, stands at 6-foot-5, 255 pounds, and will handle a tackle position. LINEBACKERS He was one of the best players at 220 Briarwood will lose a great linebacker pounds last year and has since gained in Gabe Russell heading into 2018, but 35 pounds of muscle, which has Yancey the Lions will get back leading tackler extremely excited. He’ll be joined at Mark Hand. Two years ago, Hand tackle by junior Paker Will, who is finished second on the team in tackles 6-foot-3, 250 pounds. Will played a lot as with 132 tackles, but led the team last a sophomore and has a lot of upside. year despite a lower number of 74 Junior Cole Garner and senior Colin tackles. At 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, he’ll Dorrill will hold down each end of the be back for his third year of starting line. Garner started at offensive guard and is in the best shape he has been in

DEFENSIVE LINE

GOOD LUCK Lions!

ARNOLD

MOONEY  REPUBLICAN

STATE HOUSE 43

Friends of Arnold Mooney P.O. Box 382466 Birmingham, AL 35238

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

BRIARWOOD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

NO.

NAME

POSITION

Mark Hand

Senior

Alaster Harris

Sophomore

Cade Mango

Senior

Daniel Corbin

Sophomore

Brooks Donnelly

Sophomore

Ross Johnson

Senior

Jonah Carroll

Sophomore

Christian Ferguson

Junior

Cal Higdon

Sophomore

Tyler Waugh

Sophomore

Chase Travis

Junior

Noah Nall

Junior

Sam Hamner

Senior

Quaid Rasmussen

Senior

Cade Dickinson

Senior

Cole Garner

Junior

J.R. Tran-Reno

Senior

Turner Murphy

Junior

Andrew Jones

Junior

Noah Whatley

Senior

Parker Hutson

Sophomore

Knox Wolsoncroft

Junior

Cohen Luker

Sophomore

Clayton Rasmussen

Junior

Matthew McKenna

Senior

Landon Berg

Senior

Sam Gage

Senior

John Ahston Perry-Heard

Senior

Luke Hand

Sophomore

Carson McKeen

Sophomore

Eli Steadman

Sophomore

Cole Scordino

Senior

Mason Algren

Senior

Ross Godbehere

Senior

Bryce Perrien

Senior

Parker Will

Junior

Jacob Burr

Junior

Ian Davis

Senior

Blake McKenna

Junior

Alex Miller

Junior

Andrew Hill

Sophomore

Trent Howard

Junior

Cal Reebals

Junior

Carson Miller

Sophomore

YEAR

Jay Kynerd

Senior

Harris Smith

Sophomore

Alex Key

Senior

Colin Dorrill

Senior

Tyler Smith

Sophomore

Will Barnes

Junior

Reid Mays

Senior

Chandler Key

Sophomore

Luke Prewett

Junior

Will Brewer

Sophomore

Bailey Salmon

Sophomore

Dalton Brooks

Senior

Michael Murphy

Senior

Ian Sorrels

Senior

Dalton Brooks

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Luke Prewett

BRIARWOOD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2017 RESULTS GAME

OUTCOME

SCORE

@ Moody

Win

19-7

Wenonah

Win

35-14

@ Fairfield

Win

23-6

Mortimer Jordan

Win

25-17

St. Clair County

Win

31-6

@ Woodlawn

Win

49-14

Shelby County

Win

39-14

@ Pleasant Grove Win

21-14

Madison Academy Win

27-3

Crossville

Win

62-0

@ Lee Huntsville

Win

35-14

Etowah

Win

31-0

St. Clair County

Win

37-33

St. Paul’s

Loss

14-17* *State championship game

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

during that time. Senior Matthew McKenna will also start this year along with junior Cal Reebals, both of whom will be starting for the first time. Luke Hand, Mark’s younger brother, will also get some time as a sophomore, and is a young guy Yancey is high on.

Jones and Cal Higdon will all get a lot of time in the secondary as well.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Noah Nall is just a junior, but will be going into his third year as the Lions’ kicker this season. He was solid last year, but has worked hard to be great this SECONDARY Andrew Sherrod and Carson year. Tran-Reno will handle the Donnelly are both gone and they punting duties again, while he take a combined 113 tackles, and Dickinson will be the two 19.5 tackles for loss, 20 pass return guys. breakups and five interceptions with them. The saving grace for PLAYERS TO WATCH Briarwood will be the return of J.R. Tran-Reno, QB. Luke free safety Cade Dickinson, who Prewett, RB. Trent Howard, OL. totaled 30 tackles, 2.5 tackles Dalton Brooks, DL. Mark Hand, LB. for loss and most importantly a Cade Dickinson, DB. team-high five interceptions last year. Another returning starter KEY LOSSES will be senior Sam Hamner, who Michael Hiers, Carson Eddy, should be an impact player as Hudson Hartsfield, Gabe Russell, well. Cade Mango, who was the Garrett Bell, Carson Donnelly, No. 1 backup last year, Chipper Andrew Sherrod.

We are not a jeweler store, we want to be

BRIARWOOD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL JEWELER · Custom design · Rolex repair · Jewelry repairs · Appraisals

WANT TO KNOW WHO SCORED DURING THE BIG GAME? Visit 280Reporter.com for the latest updates and recaps from Friday night football.

WE BUY GOLD AND DIAMONDS 2080 Valleydale Rd, Hoover, AL 35244 Located next to Ragtime café

205-987-2224

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

CALERA EAGLES

ead coach Andrew Zow will have a new task on his hands heading into his third years at the helm of the Calera football team. The Eagles, who have made the playoffs in five consecutive years, move from Class 5A up to Class 6A and into Region 3. It’s a region featuring teams like

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by KEITH MCCOY

Opelika, Wetumpka and Benjamin Russell that many around the state consider to be the toughest 6A region in the state, and one of the toughest of any classification. Opelika has made it to the third round of the playoffs or further in four of the last six years, including the last three years in a row, while

Wetumpka made it to the state championship game a season ago. They’ll also play a difficult nonregion schedule featuring other 6A teams like Chelsea, Helena, Pell City and Pelham. While it will be a difficult transition for the Eagles in 2018, they will have one of the strongest casts of returning

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

222273

Tyler Agnew

AHSAA 6A, Region 3 2017: 7-5 (5-1) Head Coach: Andrew Zow (Third year, 15-9) Assistants: Trey Simpson, Robert Albritton, Antonio Langham, Paul Hovey, Bart Raulston, Shontua Ray, James Knowles, Paul Winterbottom, Chris Stano, Jim Adams. Last region title: 2008 Last playoff game: 2017 CALERA HIGH SCHOOL 2018 SCHEDULE seasons, but in 2018 that depth has dwindled down. The Eagles will lose Mickens, who led the team in rushing last season after totaling 825 yards and 12 touchdowns on 137 attempts. Calera will, however, return second leading rusher Tyler Agnew, who ran for 432 yards and seven touchdowns on just 47 attempts, which was good enough for an average of 9.1 yards per QUARTERBACK All-County First Team and All-State carry. Behind that, Terry Burrells, Second Team quarterback Cornelius a returning defensive back, Justin Brown is back for his senior season Tyus, Fred Hurth and Ashton Shoddie after throwing for 2,334 yards and 25 will all add depth at the position. touchdowns and rushing for another 128 yards and one touchdown as a RECEIVERS junior. He’s already got offers from Back on this year’s squad at the Alabama, UAB and Vanderbilt, and receiver position are Tyler Ray, Dee that list could grow with another Woodson, Quindarius Crews and impressive year. Standing at 6-foot-5, Chandler Smith, all of whom caught 180 pounds, he has the perfect build at least four touchdowns and had 220for the position and should be in store plus yards last season. Three of those for another impressive year with a four—Crews, Smith and Woodson— nice crew of receivers to throw to. all had 530-plus yards receiving. The Eagles will also add in junior Dylan Killingsworth to the slot position, RUNNING BACK Between the Dozier Twins, who Zow says will be a great player. Trezman Harris and Dee Mickens, Dallas Toles is an athletic junior Calera has been loaded down with that will also play a key role at the depth at running back the last two position. Behind that strong group, players in the county. Depth will be a major concern, even if they were still at the 5A level, but with guys back on offense like Cornelius Brown, Jayson Jones, Tyler Agnew and some incredible receivers, Calera should at the very least continue their playoff streak this season.

DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 24

Pelham

Aug. 31

@ Pell City

Sept. 7

@ Wetumpka*

Sept. 14

@ Stanhope Elmore*

Sept. 21

Bye

Sept. 28

Bibb County

Oct. 5

@ Selma*

Oct. 12

Opelika*

Oct. 19

Benjamin Russell*

Oct. 26

Chelsea

Nov. 2

@ Helena * Region game

there are close to six young guys being developed.

OFFENSIVE LINE Depth is a major concern on the offensive line, but size and experience among the starters isn’t. Jayson Jones, Ryan Caver and Gabe Schweitzer are all back, while Blake Jones and center Caleb Buckhannon are both gone. Jones, who stands at 6-foot-6, 330 pounds as a junior, has 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

OJ Harris

committed to Alabama as a defensive lineman, but is a solid offensive lineman at left tackle as well. Next to him at left guard will be another good sized body in senior Logan Wyatt, who stands at 6-foot-4, 300 pounds. Caver will move over to handle the center duties for his junior season, while Schweitzer, a fellow junior standing at 6-foot-3, 285 pounds, will return to a starting position on the right side of the line. Cameron Rogers and Trey Yowe also have experience as bigger bodied guys and will help out on the line. Sophomores are showing a lot of promise as far

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

as depth goes, but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have to be will have big roles at the position physical in a tough region. as well. Zow says they can all rotate easily and most bring back playing experience from last year. DEFENSIVE LINE Jones will be the obvious anchor of the defensive line after totaling LINEBACKERS 22 tackles and seven tackles for loss Calera will lose leading tackler during his sophomore season as a Dyson Edwards at the linebacker defensive tackle. Rogers and Yowe position after the senior put together will be the other two key playmakers 94 tackles, including 14 for a loss, last at the position. Rogers ended last season. Despite that loss, the Eagles year with 30 total tackles, including return one of their best players to the four for a loss, while Yowe had 15 total position in O.J. Harris, who stands at tackles, including three for a loss and 6-foot-1, 225 pounds, as their best sized two forced fumbles. Hurth, Markell linebacker. He played a lot on the Kelley, Schweitzer and William Sims defensive line last year and totaled 37

CALERA HIGH SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

NO.

NAME

POSITION

Dee Woodson

WR/DB

Senior

E.J. Jemison

RB/LB

Junior

Tyler Ray

WR/DB

Senior

Tyler Agnew

RB/DB

Senior

Quindarius Crews

WR/DB

Junior

Jeremiah Jones

DB/WB

Sophomore

O.J. Harris

TE/LB

Senior

Justin Tyus

RB/LB

Sophomore

D.J. Williams

WR/DB

Junior

T.J. Gilbert

TE/LB

Junior

Trent Yowe

WR/DB

Junior

Morgan Clinton

RB/LB

Junior

Robert Gray

WR/DB

Senior

Arthur Seay

WR/DB

Senior

Chandler Smith

WR/DB

Senior

Blake Shoddie

OL/DL

Junior

Dominic Lilly

RB/DE

Senior

Camden Cline

TE/DE

Junior

Cornelius Brown

Senior

Tyler Olds

RB/LB

Senior

Dylan Killingsworth

WR/DB

Art Amos

WR/S

Junior

Trinitee Gentry

OL/DL

Freshman

William Sims

YEAR

Freshman Sophomore

Terry Burrells

RB/DB

Senior

Ryan Caver

OL/LB

Junior

Edwin Karanja

QB/DB

Junior

Jordan Williams

OL/DL

Junior

Christian Copeland

WR/LB

Senior

Gabe Schweitzer

OL/DL

Junior

Noah Williams

TE/DE

Sophomore

Micha Small

OL/DL

Freshman

Dallas Toles

WR/DB

Junior

Phillip Douglas

OL/DL

Senior

Fred Hurth

RB/LB

Sophomore

Jackson Waddell

DT/TE

Freshman

Markell Kelley

TE/DL

Junior

Trey Yowe

OL/DL

Senior

D.J. Edwards

WR/DB

Junior

Jayson Jones

OL/DL

Junior

Ja’kabi Baker

QB/DB

Junior

Cameron Rogers

OL/DL

Senior

Jonah Lee

WR/LB

Junior

Dylan Weiss

OL/DL

Sophomore

Jacobi Gaines

WR/DB

Junior

Zach Ford

Josh Gilliland

WR/FS

Sophomore

Jylon Jones

WR/DB

second on the team in tackles with 79, including 14 tackles for a loss. He also added 1.5 sacks, a forced fumbled, two fumble recoveries and three quarterback hurries. He is one of the top recruits in the state for the SECONDARY One of the most talented returnees class of 2020. He’ll be joined in the on the defensive side of the ball is secondary by Terry Burrells, who Trent Yowe at defensive back. Last started last year and totaled 21 tackles year as a sophomore, he finished and four pass break ups. Those two tackles, including 13 for a loss. After that, Morgan Clinton, T.J. Gilbert, Elija Jemison and Jonah Lee will all have significant roles as juniors.

Senior Sophomore

will be the leaders back there, but D.J. Williams, Derek Edwards, Robert Gray and Jacobi Gaines are all guys Zow is extremely high on as well. Jeremiah Jones and Josh Gilliland, both sophomores, as well as some of the receivers will help out for depth.

SPECIAL TEAMS One of the team’s fastest, most 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

EAGLE FOOTBALL Ford, K. athletic and best players will actually be handling the kicking duties this PLAYERS TO WATCH year. Zach Ford, who clocked a 4.5 40Cornelius Brown, QB. Tyler Agnew, KEY LOSSES yard dash, will return for his senior RB. Quindarius Crews, WR. Chandler Dee Mickens, Dyson Edwards, season to kick for the Eagles and is Smith, WR. Dee Woodson, WR. Jayson Blake Jones, Caleb Buckhannon, simply a special athlete. Jones, DL/OL. Trent Yowe, DB. Zach Jermaine Wilson, Zakiyah Johnson.

SERVICES: PROFESSIONAL PET GROOMING, PROFESSIONAL PET PHOTOGRAPHY

We can get you back on the field 101 Carrington Ln Ste C Calera, Al 35040

104 Market Center Dr. Alabaster, Al 35007

205-610-8818

Go Eagles!

205-621-3077

www.impactrehab-sportsmed.com

Go Eagles!

Representative

Corley Ellis Alabama House District 41

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

205-669-3179

207 Hwy 47 S â&#x20AC;¢ Columbiana

"make Toothbud Dentistry your dental home" 5075 Hwy 31 Unit B Calera, Al 35040

205-668-7766

Leading Edge Real Estate Nathan Storey | Realtor 105 East Owens Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35244 Rnstorey1@gmail.com www.NathanStoreyRealEstate.com

cell. (205)296.2712

WANT TO KNOW WHO SCORED DURING THE BIG GAME? Visit ShelbyCountyReporter.com for the latest updates and recaps from Friday night football. CALERA HIGH SCHOOL 2017 RESULTS GAME

OUTCOME

SCORE

Mae Jemison

Loss

27-29

@ Bibb County

Win

25-12

Dallas County

Win

53-7

@ Central Tuscaloosa

Win

22-14

@ Demopolis

Loss

17-21

@ Jackson-Olin

Loss

13-33

@ Jemison

Win

41-14

Sumter Central

Win

42-16

Marbury

Win

63-0

Sylacauga

Loss

45-35

Jackson

Win

28-27*

@ Beauregard

Loss

17-30* *Playoff game

Champions of Service In sports, the goal is to be the best. The same is true for Alfa Insurance®. We work to make every quote, claim or call a highlight. That’s why customers consistently give Alfa® high marks for service. Call Alfa®, and let us help you save on home, car and life insurance.

Andy Jones

71 Limestone Pkwy. Ste. A Calera, AL 35040

(205) 668-6928

ajones@alfains.com

CALERA HIGH SCHOOL 2017 STATISTICS Kenneth Mobley

71 Limestone Pkwy. Ste. A Calera, AL 35040

Points scored: 383 Points per game: 31.9 (County rank: 5) Points allowed: 248

Auto Home Life

(205) 668-6928

www.AlfaInsurance.com

Call Alfa®. The best agents in the business.

kmobley@alfains.com

Points given up per game: 20.7 (County rank: 4)

AO16

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Reggie Fisher

CHELSEA HORNETS

hris Elmore headed home to take over the vacant job at Fort Payne High School late in the spring, but he left behind a load of returning talent for first-year head coach Dustin Goodwin. Goodwin makes the move from Class 3A Plainview High School in Rainsville where he led his teams to the playoffs in

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by CARI DEAN and KEITH MCCOY

each of his three years at the helm. Now, the offensive-minded head coach will look to take advantage of some talented returning skill players this year. His new offensive style, paired with the return of a great defensive coordinator in Zeb Ellison, should equal success quickly for the Hornets. Last year, Chelsea finished the season

2-8, but those two wins came in their last three games, showing the desire never to give up. In 2018, with the confidence gained at the end of last season, the return of several key players, a total of 100 players out for the team and a new region, the Hornets should contend for a spot in the postseason.

Ethan Shaw

AHSAA 6A, Region 5 2017: 2-8 (2-4) Head Coach: Dustin Goodwin (First year) Assistants: Zeb Ellison, Gerald Neaves, Mike Reynolds, John Cause, David Crabtree, Kyle Caldwell, Lee Gibbs. Last region title: 2006 Last playoff game: 2016 CHELSEA HIGH SCHOOL 2018 SCHEDULE

QUARTERBACK With Goodwin taking over the job late in May, he is still trying to feel out a lot of positions and quarterback is one of those positions. It’s one of the most important decisions he will make early in his tenure saying “you’re only as good as your quarterback.” Senior Turner Griffin is the guy with the most experience after splitting time as a starter last year with Alec Little. While Griffin brings back the most experience, junior Caleb Moore and sophomore Nic Neaves will challenge

the senior. Moore is long and can throw the ball extremely well, while Neaves has a ton of upside and can be great with some growth. Griffin has the advantage to start due to experience, but Moore could get some time with his impressive arm so the Hornets can take advantage of a talented receiving corps. All three have a high football IQ and could run the offense if needed this season for the Hornets.

RUNNING BACK

DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 24

@ Oak Mountain

Aug. 31

Briarwood

Sept. 7

@ Carver*

Sept. 14

@ Jackson-Olin*

Sept. 21

Pelham*

Sept. 28

Bye

Oct. 4

Helena* (Thursday)

Oct. 12

@ Homewood*

Oct. 19

Minor*

Oct. 26

@ Calera

Nov. 2

Pell City

Chelsea will lose Kendrick Simpson in

* Region game

FREE FACIALS & FULL SERVICE HAIR SALON

NOW FEATURING BLOW OUT BAR!

15582 US-280, Chelsea, AL 35043 | (205)678-5944 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

CHELSEA HIGH SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

Collier Blair

Sophomore

Connor Mims

Junior

Peter Wren

Senior

Jordan Smith

Junior

Andrew Bartleweski

Senior

Dalton Shaddix

Junior

William Sullivan

Senior

Donovan Bivens

Sophomore

Gabe Ruffin

Sophomore

Baker Hix

Junior

Michael Gibbs

Junior

Matt Fant

Senior

Nolan Forehand

Junior

Grant Lamb

Junior

Richard Rabenau

Junior

Logan Brasher

Senior

Doug Wood

Senior

Luke Haywood

Junior

Caleb Moore

Junior

Will Neighbors

Junior

Kaleb Tindall

Senior

Wesley Pouncey

Senior

Nic Neaves

Sophomore

Marc Moody

Senior

Jacob Boyle

Junior

Robert Montgomery

Junior

Turner Griffin

Senior

James Turnes

Sophomore

Reggie Fisher

Senior

Xander Echols

Sophomore

Ladarius Gary

Junior

Preston Royster

Sophomore

Lando Nichols

Senior

Nathan Glidewell

Junior

Cameron Pierce

Senior

Matt Casey

Sophomore

Chandler Ard

Senior

Ty Adema

Junior

Colton Turner

Senior

Peyton Griffith

Sophomore

Avery Lawhorn

Senior

Hunter Thompson

Senior

Ethan Shaw

Senior

Alex Jones

Junior

Chad Carbonie

Sophomore

Andrew Parkinson

Sophomore

Stephen Fant

Senior

Tristan Carlee

Senior

Connor Griffin

Senior

Cody Cooper

Sophomore

Grant Lang

Junior

Garrett Evans

Senior

Connor Nauret

Junior

Jackson Jones

Sophomore

Kajani King

Junior

Bradey Shelnutt

Junior

Chandler Pruitt

Sophomore

Charlie Parkinson

Junior

Timothy Ransom

junior

Josh Shppard

Junior

Vick Lindsey

Senior

Eli Berg

Sophomore

Chris Knecht

Senior

Jake Adams

Sophomore

Desmond Battle

Senior

Adam Reeves

Sophomore

Gavin Curren

Junior

Zac Rowser

Sophomore

Holton Smith

Sophomore

Jackson Powers

Sophomore

Logan Shores

Sophomore

Will Peacock

Senior

Carson Freeman

Sophomore

Micah Prince

Senior

Ricky Whited

Sophomore

Todd Justice

Senior

Brock Forehand

Sophomore

Jamie Gandy

Sophomore

Colby Clemens

Junior

Joshua Tindall

Sophomore

Jakob Clayton

Senior

Alex Fritz

Christian Bullard

Junior

Tyler Spence

Junior

Hamp Waller

Sophomore

Anthony Franklin

Sophomore

Austin Callahan

Junior

Darnel Manuel

Sophomore

Cole Berryman

Junior

Avery Weldon

Sophomore

the backfield this year after totaling 734 yards and eight touchdowns during his senior season. The Hornets do, however, return sophomore Collier Blair, who was possibly the best freshman player in the county last year. Smaller, but tough, fast and shifty with a ton of upside, Blair was the only freshman listed on last year’s Chelsea roster. He’ll be one of the best playmakers on the team this

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

YEAR

year, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Blair will be joined by seniors Ethan Shaw and Vick Lindsey, who both had experience last year and give two older, mature guys, which is invaluable. Shaw is a slightly bigger back that can get some hard-nosed yards if needed, while Lindsey is a combination of Blair and Shaw. All three bring something

Junior

different to the table and will see plenty of time this season. Senior Desmond Battle will also help out as the team’s fullback this season.

RECEIVERS The position Goodwin and the Hornets should be most excited about heading into the 2018 season is the receiving corps. The bulk of the unit

a e R t Ge foorur t r o p p u S ! o S t T d E u N o R r o P O H e o r We' CHELSEA e F l m a c o o L S y d a e R t e ! l l G a b t o o F e m o for S

351 Chesser Dr â&#x20AC;¢ Chelsea, AL 35043

205-618-9399

www.limbaughchelseamotors.com 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Charlie Parkinson will be made up of upperclassmen, including five seniors and one junior, all of whom have plenty of playmaking ability. Seniors Reggie Fisher and Doug Wood will occupy the X receiving position to the weak side and bring plenty of athleticism and size to make plays. Opposite of Fisher and Woods, juniors Michael Gibbs and Lando Nichols will handle the Z position. Gibbs, an athletic playmaker that flashed some of his skills on the basketball court last year, could have a breakout season for Chelsea. Nichols has become Mr. Dependable for the Hornets in soccer and football and will carry that name into this season. Senior Andrew Bartlewski will also play a lot in different receiving roles. Another key for the Hornets will be the return of both tight ends, as Kaleb

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Tindall and Will Peacock return for their senior years.

OFFENSIVE LINE Last year, the offensive line was a worry spot heading into the season, but in 2018 it should be a position Goodwin is slightly more confident in thanks to the return of three starters. Seniors Marc Moody, Logan Brasher and Garrett Evans will all return to the line and will have a good feel for the game due to experience and improvement throughout last year. Junior Charlie Parkinson also got a good bit of playing time last year and will do the same this season. Behind that, several other players are battling to finish out the line and add depth.

DEFENSIVE LINE Chelsea lost some key players from

Kaleb Tindall CHELSEA HIGH SCHOOL 2017 RESULTS GAME

OUTCOME

SCORE

Oak Mountain

Loss

10-21

@ Briarwood

Loss

7-19

@ Wetumpka

Loss

22-44

Benjamin Russell

Loss

0-27

Pelham

Loss

23-36

@ Gardendale

Loss

28-41

Opelika

Loss

10-37

@ Chilton County

Win

25-13

@ Helena

Win

24-17

Cullman

Loss

29-37

“We See Success Every Day” • • • •

READING MATH ALGEBRA STUDY SKILLS

• • • •

WRITING CHEMISTRY CALCULUS GEOMETRY

• ALGEBRA 1&2 • ACT/SAT PREP, AND MORE...

TEXT or CALL (205)981-7155 tutoringclub.com • birminghamal@tutoringclub.com

CHELSEA HIGH SCHOOL 2017 STATISTICS Points scored: 178 Points per game: 17.8 (County rank: 13) Points allowed: 292 Points given up per game: 29.2 (County rank: 9) last year’s defense and it starts on the defensive line with Warner Wright at defensive end. Wright ended last year with 56 total tackles and two sacks. Luckily for the Hornets, they return another fine defensive end in Todd Justice, who will be one of the team’s leaders this year. He’ll be joined on the opposite end by another returnee with experience in Chris Knecht. At guard, Wesley Pouncey will be another returning starter to give the Hornets three trustworthy and knowledgeable guys up front. Behind that, a few other guys with experience will help out as well as a few young guys for depth.

LINEBACKERS The best player from last year’s Chelsea team was possibly Hunter Offord, who the Hornets will now have to replace. During his senior year, Offord totaled 75 total tackles and was the leader on defense. Like replacing Wright on the defensive line, however, the Hornets have 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Collier Blair

plenty of returning talent at the position. Brothers Stephen and Matt Fant will be two leaders at the position with a ton of experience. They’ll be joined by Coleby Clements and Cole Berryman, who both got some experience last year as well. Goodwin said he wants to see what happens with pads on before depth is figured out.

SECONDARY Connor Griffin and Will Sullivan both return to the secondary in 2018

for their second year after gaining a load of experience last season. Griffin will be a starting safety, while Sullivan will handle one of the cornerback positions. Junior Ladarius Gary, who is having a solid summer, will handle the other cornerback position. Depth behind those three is still a question mark heading into the season.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Hornets are still trying to figure out their kicking situation. Goodwin didn’t seem too worried about it and feels like someone will emerge in the kicking game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH Collier Blair, RB. Reggie Fisher, WR. Todd Justice, DL. Stephen Fant, LB. Matt Fant, LB.

Xander Echols is the bright spot on KEY LOSSES special teams heading into the season Hunter Offord, Warner Wright, as the long snapper, meaning the Kendrick Simpson, Dylan Seabolt.

Missed the

GAME? We ’ v e g o t y o u c o v e re d . V i s i t S h e l b y Co u n t y Re p o r t e r. c o m to find out what happened u n d e r t h e Fr i d a y n i g h t l i g h t s . 2017

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

HORNET FOOTBALL

GOOD LUCK

HOrnets!

Dr. Jay Crisman • Dr. Sarah Juliana • Dr. Alston Whiten

Go Hornets! Representative

“I can do all things through Christ.” Phil. 4:13 16233 Hwy 280, Chelsea  205-903-8591

Full Service Turf, Tree & Landscape Co

Pet Boutique

205-618-9496 16618 Hwy 280 • Chelsea

Licensed & Insured

Natural Foods

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

669-1925

callATM.com

STATE CERTIFIED #10658 • ISA Certified Arborist #WE-0817A

Corley Ellis

Alabama House District 41

(205) 663-7240

VIEWING MENU A LOOK AT THE 15 CAN’T MISS GAMES OF 2018 Written by ALEC ETHEREDGE

Park will travel to take on Thompson in another difficult test. The Warriors handled the Jags 40-17 last year and now 1. THOMPSON @ HOOVER get to play host this season. It will be a (SEPT. 7) Last year’s record against one key two-week stretch for SPHS. another, 1-1. Now it’s time to settle the 6. CALERA VS. PELHAM tie in just the third week of the regular (AUG. 24) season. With Thompson beating Hoover It’s a non-region game, but we’ll learn for the first time in school history last year, the Bucs getting redemption in a lot about both Calera and Pelham the semifinals of the playoffs and both during week one of the season in this projected to be in the top 5, this one has one. Both have a ton of talent and a bevy of recruits back this season. It should game of the year written all over it. give a feel of what Calera’s season in 6A will be like and whether or not Pelham is 2. THOMPSON VS. HEWITTa legitimate contender. TRUSSVILLE (OCT. 26) 7. CALERA VS. OPELIKA With the addition of Hewitt-Trussville (OCT. 12) to that same region, Thompson will also With Calera jumping into Class 6A as get a shot at the Huskies this season. With two quarterbacks both committed well as Region 3, the most difficult 6A to Alabama pitted against each other, region, a lot will be up in the air. If the this game will be nationally televised on Eagles can take advantage of their talent ESPN. The winner should have a strong returning, they’ll be in the running for a playoff spot, which will make this second chance at a region title. to last region game against powerhouse Opelika important. 3. PELHAM @ HOMEWOOD (SEPT. 7) 8. BRIARWOOD @ RAMSAY The last two years, this game has (OCT. 19) gone down to the final two minutes Briarwood is looking for its third with both teams tied. Unfortunately for Pelham, the Panthers have squandered consecutive region championship this away both contests. This year, however, season, but the biggest hurdle in the way Pelham gets back the best team it has will be a new addition to the schedule had in years, and now this matchup with in region foe Ramsay. The Rams won the Patriots is a region game. This may a region championship and state be the most entertaining game to watch championship in 6A two years ago and finished second in their 6A region last this season. year. 4. SPAIN PARK VS. HOOVER 9. OAK MOUNTAIN VS. CHELSEA (OCT. 12) (AUG. 24) One of the best rivalries in the county These two teams will start their will feature Spain Park looking for some major redemption. Last year, the Jags season against each other for the third held the lead with a minute left and consecutive year with Chelsea winning Hoover faced third-and-25, but the Bucs 49-33 two years ago and Oak Mountain heaved a Hail Mary that was caught for a getting redemption with a 21-10 win last first down. They went on to score and the year. Both will be looking to kick-start this season after difficult years in 2017. rest was history. 5. THOMPSON VS. SPAIN PARK (OCT. 5) A week before the Hoover clash, Spain

in a brawl on the field. Now, in 2018, it has been added as a region game and the last one of the year for each. It’ll be important to see who has grown from last year’s mishaps, and if the Wildcats can win this game to lock up their first playoff berth since 2009. 11. CHELSEA VS. BRIARWOOD (AUG. 31) Briarwood has started its season with Chelsea each of the last four seasons and will do so again this year. Chelsea had won three in a row before the Lions responded with a 19-7 win last year. 12. SHELBY COUNTY VS. MONTEVALLO (AUG. 31) A rivalry will be renewed between the two teams who have met 68 times, but haven’t played since 2003. 13. BRIARWOOD VS. WENONAH (SEPT. 21) After splitting two games in 2016 by six points or less, a rivalry was born between the two, especially since Wenonah won a semifinal matchup that year. Last year, Briarwood got redemption with a 34-0 win, but it should be another tough game this year. 14. SPAIN PARK VS. VESTAVIA HILLS (SEPT. 7) With Hewitt, Hoover and Thompson projected as the top three teams in the region, the Jags will have an important early stretch against Vestavia and Mountain Brook in back-to-back weeks that could determine a playoff berth.

15. CALERA @ WETUMPKA (SEPT. 7) In the third week of the season, Calera will have played two 6A opponents but no region game. That changes in week 3 when the Eagles take on Wetumpka. A win will show they can compete in a difficult region, 10. SHELBY COUNTY @ JEMISON while a loss could implicate a long first (OCT. 26) Last year’s 28-27 Jemison win ended season in Class 6A. 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

COOSA VALLEY REBELS By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by KEITH MCCOY and DAWN HARRISON

amie Scruggs has been a popular assistant throughout Shelby County for several years now with stops including Calera, Chelsea and Vincent. Now, in 2018, he will get his first crack at being a head coach after taking over the Coosa Valley job this spring. Scruggs not only has the mindset, ability and personality to turn the Rebels into a contender, but he has the potential to do so in a hurry. With the return of key playmakers and the addition of standout talent, Coosa Valley could have a special

year in his first season.

QUARTERBACK He may be the youngest starter on the team, but freshman quarterback Brayson Edwards is one of the players Scruggs gets giddy about when his name comes up. Edwards stands at 6-foot-1 heading into ninth grade and has an accurate, powerful arm. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a guy that understands his read and puts in all necessary work to be elite.

RUNNING BACK

The running back position will be taken over by senior Kaleb Allen, who is 6-foot-1, 215 pounds. He takes over for Lew Dale, who ran for 1,100 yards and six touchdowns last season. Allen is a powerful downhill runner with 4.8 speed. Slot receiver Tripp Allen will be his backup and brings the shifty, speedy style to the table.

RECEIVERS Tripp Allen, who has a smaller frame at 5-foot-8, 155 pounds, will be a speedy trustworthy slot receiver for

COOSA VALLEY ACADEMY 2018 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

NO.

NAME

POSITION

Jacob Brooks

WR/LB

Junior

Justin Tate

WR/DB

Jackson Bryant

WR/DB

Senior

Sammy Shepherd

OL/DL

Carson Alexander

RB/LB

Senior

Harley Gerald

OL/DL

Senior

Kaleb Allen

RR/LB

Senior

Logan Cairnes

OL/DL

Sophomore

Brayson Edwards

QB/DB

Freshman

Walt Watson

OL/DL

Sophomore

Tripp Allen

WR/LB

Senior

Jakob Laddie

OL/DL

Senior

Caleb Boackle

RB/LB

Eighth

Nico Deanna

OL/DL

Eighth

Christian Marler

WR/DB

Senior

Drake Stiles

OL/DL

Junior

Bailey DeShazo

WR/LB

Senior

Nicholas Shepherd

OL/DL

Freshman

Lucas Bynum

WR/DB

Eighth

Brodie Williams

OL/DL

Senior

Reid Maddox

WR/DB

Senior

Johnny Cates

OL/DL

Senior

Cole Davis

RB/LB

Sophomore

Jackson Armstrong

WR/DB

Eighth

Joseph Valenti

WR/DB

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Eighth

YEAR Freshman Senior

REBEL FOOTBALL Edwards as well. He’ll be joined at the slot by junior Jacob Brooks, who will also serve as an H-Back on occasion. X receivers will include Reid Maddox and Jackson Bryant. Maddox, like Edwards, has to be run off the field. He stands at 6-foot-2, 160 pounds and will be a deep threat with extreme athleticism. Bryant is a tad smaller at 5-foot-10, but serves as another wideout threat opposite to Maddox.

OFFENSIVE LINE Scruggs says he is most excited about the offensive line’s potential for this upcoming season in large part due to the average size being 270 pounds, while still maintaining mobility. Brodie Williams, a senior, will handle the guard position standing at 250 pounds. Drake Styles and Jakob Laddie are the two anchors. Both stand at right around 6-foot-2, 300 pounds and will handle the right and left tackle positions. Johnny Cates will handle the center duties and is another solid guy at 290 pounds. Sammy Shepherd will cap off the line at the left guard position and is the lightest of the bunch at 5-foot-9, 225 pounds.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Defensive ends will include the lighter of the offensive linemen in Shepherd and Williams, as they’ll look for speed off the three-man front.

LINEBACKERS The linebacking unit will be key in the 3-4 style defense. Outside linebacker roles will be filled by Jacob Brooks and Bailey DeShazo, while Kaleb Allen and Logan Cairnes will help sure up the mike position. Cole Davis will handle the majority of the middle linebacker role.

AISA AA, Region 1 2017: 3-8 (1-4) Head Coach: Jamie Scruggs (First year) Assistants: Jeff Edwards, Alex Adams, Kyle Bynum, Jared Watson, Bo Bishop. Last region title: 2010 Last playoff game: 2013 COOSA VALLEY ACADEMY 2018 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 17

@ Hooper Academy

The secondary will have plenty of ability to make plays on the ball this season, and Tripp Allen at free safety will be a big reason why. Scruggs said if he and Davis at linebacker have good seasons, the defense should be pretty good. Maddox and Bryant will be the two key cornerbacks with help also coming from Christian Marler.

Aug. 24

Pickens Academy

Aug. 31

@ Kingwood Christian

Sept. 7

Autauga Academy*

Sept. 14

@ Lakeside School*

Sept. 21

@ Lowndes Academy

SPECIAL TEAMS

SECONDARY

Sept. 28

Cornerstone Christian

Oct. 5

@ Edgewood Academy*

Oct. 12

Springwood*

Oct. 19

Evangel Christian Montgomery*

Oct. 26

@ Southern Academy Midway through July, Scruggs said the * Region game team was still trying to sort out special teams positions, but he sees Edwards as Reid Maddox, WR/DB. Brodie Williams, a possible punter for the team. OL/LB.

Most of those offensive linemen will PLAYERS TO WATCH KEY LOSSES play both ways, as the Rebels will use Brayson Edwards, QB/DB. Kaleb Mason Houston, Lew Dale, Chase a three-way rotation at nose guard. Allen, RB/LB. Tripp Allen, WR/DB. Carlee.

GOOD LUCK

(205) 672-2224

110 Wheat St | Harpersville, AL 35078 jismith@russelllands.com

rebels! 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Nick Green

CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN CHARGERS

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by KEITH MCCOY and LARRY DANCY

Green. Standing at 5-foot-6, 170 pounds, Green is a smaller guy, but Lee said this team wants to play for him and he has taken control of the job.

Tanner Falkner, two of the team’s best athletes. Blankenship ended last season with 1,626 total yards and was averaging close to four touchdowns per game. Both will be in the slot position and can alternate to running back RUNNING BACK Moving over from Shelby County alongside Crenshaw, who can also play will be one of the most exciting pieces receiver. Isaac Bradshaw will give an to this 2018 team as 6-foot-1, 215-pound additional deep threat. Jeremiah Crenshaw will be the starter. Crenshaw has had two good seasons OFFENSIVE LINE for the Wildcats, but will now be the While the Chargers will lose Allfeature back for the Chargers, and County lineman Landon Guy, they’ll something Lee sees as a difference have a solid group back this season maker this year. that will be led by Lane Bailey, who has started on the team since eighth grade QUARTERBACK and will be entering his sophomore Rhett Garrett stepped in and put RECEIVERS up an impressive senior season for Depth at receiver is in good shape season. Other key linemen will be Cornerstone in 2017, but now he has this year for the Chargers thanks to Justus Adams, Warren Goodwin, graduated and in steps senior Nick the return of Jake Blankenship and Brady Edwards, Zack Murphy and

oing into his second season as head coach of the Cornerstone Christian School Chargers, head coach James Lee has never been so excited and optimistic about an upcoming season, and for good reason. Coming off a 6-5 season that included a playoff berth in his first year as the head coach, the Chargers move down from Class 2A to Class 1A in the AISA and have much more depth than they did in the higher classification a year ago.

Go Chargers! Representative Corley Ellis Alabama House District 41

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

"BIG CITY QUALITY, SMALL TOWN CARING" Dr. Jay Crisman • Dr. Sarah Juliana • Dr. Alston Whiten

GOOD LUCK

Chargers!

AISA A, Region 2 2017: 6-5 (3-2)

CHARGER FOOTBALL While Green will be handling the quarterback position, he has also been the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lockdown cornerback for DEFENSIVE LINE Several of those offensive linemen the last two years and will continue will play both sides of the ball and to do so this year. Crenshaw will man transition to the defensive side of the the safety position creating for a scary line as well, especially at the defensive player deep down field. tackle position. Cannon Mann, the backup quarterback, and Isaac SPECIAL TEAMS Bradshaw will tie down the defensive Jace Bailey will continue to handle end position. the kicking duties for Cornerstone this season and Lee says he is a Division I kicker that can make it from long LINEBACKERS Continuing with that speed on the distance. outside, Bailey and Blankenship will man the outside linebacker position PLAYERS TO WATCH with good speed and an impressive Jeremiah Crenshaw, RB. Nick Green, amount of strength. The middle QB/DB. Tanner Falkner, WR/DB. Jake linebacker spot will be run by Mason Blankenship, WR/LB. Lane Bailey, Richards, who Lee says has plenty of OL/LB. potential. Jackson Causey.

Head Coach: James Lee (Second year, 6-5) Assistants: Randy Lewis, Dakota Falkner, Sam Adams, Jaime Garrett, Matthew Allen, Lance Brown. Last region title: 2016 Last playoff game: 2017

KEY LOSSES

SECONDARY

Landon Guy, Rhett Garrett, Ben Undersized at linebacker, Lee wants Perryman. to test Falkner out at corner this year.

CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2018 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 17

Sparta Academy

Aug. 24

@ Springwood

Aug. 31

@ Crenshaw

Sept. 7

Chambers Academy*

Sept. 14

@ Pickens Academy*

Sept. 21

Kingwood

Sept. 28

@ Coosa Valley

Oct. 5

@ Marengo Academy*

Oct. 12

Southern Academy*

Oct. 19

Meadowview*

Oct. 26

Bye * Region game

CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

NO.

NAME

POSITION

Isaac Bradshaw

WR/DL

Junior

Lane Bailey

OL/LB

Nick Green

WR/DB

Zeke Adams

ATH

Jace Bailey

Caleb Domino

YEAR Sophomore

Senior

Mason Richards

RB/LB

Sixth grade

Gabe Foster

Junior

Warren Goodwin

OL/DL

Freshman

Senior

Justus Adams

OL/DL

Freshman

Adam McBrayer

ATH

Senior

Jackson Causey

OL/DL

Junior

Tanner Falkner

RB/LB

Senior

Joseph Colbaugh

OL/DL

Sophomore

Cannon Mann

QB/DL

Cross Early

ATH

Jake Blankenship

Jeremiah Crenshaw

Andrew Flack

Blake Fulps

Junior Eighth grade

Junior

Zac Murphy

OL/DL

Junior

Freshman

Brady Edwards

OL/DL

Freshman

Senior

Seth Dillard

OL/DL

Sixth grade

RB/DB

Senior

Landon Alexander

OL/DL

Sixth grade

WR/DB

Junior

Brady Carlisle

OL/DL

Sophomore

Junior

Jonah Murphree

OL/DL

Freshman

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

EVANGEL CHRISTIAN LIGHTNING By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by DAWN HARRISON and KEITH MCCOY

vangel had one of the largest teams of our five ACSC/AISA level schools with 31 players last year, but now lose 15 seniors and 17 overall from that 2017 state championship team. Despite that, confidence is at an all-time high for the Lightning as they defended their ACSC state championship and have now won the title in seven of the last eight years. While they lose some talented players, they also get back several key contributors and will be a favorite to win the championship game again this year.

QUARTERBACK One of the team leaders is at a key position as junior quarterback Tyler Henderson will return. Henderson stands at 6-foot-5 and has a powerful arm that can put the ball on the spot. He still has some growing to do, but he

Your Conservative Voice for District 73

www.mattfridy.com

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Matt Fridy. 1900 Spring Creek Rd, Montevallo, AL 35115

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

had close to 1,600 yards last year for and 10 touchdowns on 45 receptions. Evangel and closer to 2,000 yards as a Seth Harrison, however, will be back freshman at Kingwood. as a starter and had close to the same reception total last year. Smith said Harrison is a trustworthy guy who RUNNING BACK There is no joking around when Will theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll likely go to in key situations. Ferrell totes the ball for the Lightning Yura Gothard will also play the position out of the backfield and last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and is a tough kid with great hands and freshman phenom should be even top speed. Smith said Carter Hand will better this year. With lightning quick also need to step up this year. speed, he has put on the muscle to match it. As a freshman in the state OFFENSIVE LINE championship game, Ferrell scored One of the more exciting spots on four touchdowns to lead Evangel to a the team this year will be the offensive dominant win in the title game. Chase line, which will be anchored by Samuel Jones will add another speedy back, Graham at the guard position. Graham while Will Parker and Daniel Viles will played last year and is considered the add powerful downhill runners. bell cow standing at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds. Senior Braydon Johnson, who is 6-foot1, 315 pounds, is going to handle the RECEIVERS Evangel will have a big gap to fill at right tackle position. Jared Warren receiver thanks to the loss of Coleby and Jahmad Quillman will also get Henderson, who led the team at the good playing time, while Zach Rickles, position in 2017 with 901 receiving yards Tanner Parks, Logan West and Noah

GOOD LUCK LIGHTNING!

ACSC 2017: 9-2 (4-0) Head Coach: Tim Smith (Second year, 9-2)

LIGHTNING FOOTBALL Murdaugh will also compete for jobs.

DEFENSIVE LINE Most of those same offensive linemen will hold down spots on the defensive line with Graham being a highlight at the defensive end position. The other defensive end position is still up in the air.

inexperienced this year with the loss of Coleby Henderson and Kamden Smith, but they’ll have some athletic and speedy guys ready to take the reins. Harrison, Ferrell, Arvizu, Gothard, Hand and Jones will all handle the cornerback and safety positions.

Assistants: Hagan Joiner, Billy Ferrell, Brian Wolf, Clayton Halbert, Jon Parker. Last region title: 2017 Last playoff game: 2017

SPECIAL TEAMS Hand will return to handle the place kicking duties for Evangel this season after having a solid year last year.

LINEBACKERS

John Lloyd, who totaled 96 tackles including 11 sacks and 10 for a loss, has graduated leaving a tough gap to fill. PLAYERS TO WATCH Luckily for the Lightning, the team’s Tyler Henderson, QB. Will Ferrell, defensive MVP in Hunter Green is ATH. Seth Harrison, ATH. Hunter ready to step in and fill the role. Outside Green, LB. Samuel Graham, OL/DL. of him, Viles, Parker and Murdaugh Nate Arvizu, WR/DB. will all help replace Lloyd’s production.

KEY LOSSES

SECONDARY The

secondary

will

John Lloyd, slightly Kamden Smith.

Coleby

EVANGEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2018 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 17

Evangel Christian Montgomery#

Aug. 24

@ Kingwood

Aug. 31

@ Lowndes Academy

Sept. 7

Freedom

Sept. 14

Ezekiel*

Sept. 21

@ Bessemer Academy

Sept. 28

Success Unlimited#

Oct. 5

Lighthouse Academy*

Oct. 12

@ Freedom

Oct. 19

@ Lyman Ward

Henderson,

* Region game #Game at Columbiana Sports Complex

EVANGEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

Will Ferrell

RB/DB

Chase Jones

Seth Harrison

Yura Gothard

WR/DB

Wyatt Picklesimer

ATH

Timothy Howard

FB/LB

Griffin O’Neal

Harris Black

Cooper Vowell

YEAR

NO.

NAME

POSITION

Sophomore

Daniel Viles

RB/LB

YEAR

WR/FS

Junior

Andrew Stafford

WR/DB

TE/SS

Senior

Grant Bruce

ATH

Junior

Will Parker

OL/LB

Sophomore

Jahmad Quillman

OL/DL

Junior

Sophomore

Hunter Green

LB/FB

Senior

ATH

Freshman

Noah Murdaugh

OL/DL

Sophomore

QB/DB

Freshman

Caleb Lumpkin

WR/DB

Junior

Samuel Graham

OL/DL

Carter Hand

WR/DB

Senior

Tanner Parks

OL/DL

Junior

Tyler Henderson

QB/FS

Junior

Braden Johnson

OL/DL

Senior

Nate Arvizu

RB/FS

Senior

Jared Warren

OL/DL

Sophomore

Sophomore Junior Freshman Junior

Freshman Senior

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Riley Marks

HELENA HUSKIES

fter spending 18 years at Fultondale High School, Richie Busby is making the move to Helena High School for the 2018 football season where he’ll look to turn the Huskies back into a playoff contending team that can make a push for deep postseason run. Busby spent the last five years as head coach at Fultondale and is coming

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by KEITH MCCOY, GRAHAM BROOKS and DAWN HARRISON

off his best season at the helm after leading the Wildcats to an 11-1 record. It bookended his time at Fultondale as his first season was a solid 10-2 season followed by records of 6-5, 5-6 and 8-3, respectively, before leading his team to that record-winning 11th game in 2017. While the Huskies are in somewhat of a rebuilding mode with a mostly new coaching staff and several juniors

leading the starting lineup, Busby said the expectations are to compete every day and they feel good about what’s to come. It all starts with the team’s mentality of moving forward and doing what it takes to be the best they can be and that’s been Busby’s number one task during the offseason.

AHSAA 6A, Region 5 2017: 1-9 (1-5) Head Coach: Richie Busby (First year) Assistants: Jim Elgin, Keith Maple, Scott Lowery, Greg Appling, Jody Colvin, Phillip Lawson, Maurice Whiting, Adam Bice. Last region title: None Last playoff game: 2015 HELENA HIGH SCHOOL 2018 SCHEDULE

QUARTERBACK

DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 24

@ McAdory

Aug. 31

Hueytown

RUNNING BACK

Sept. 7

Bye

The running back position is one Helena is thin at this year, but that’s not to say this team doesn’t have the athletes to have someone emerge at the position. Junior Daunte Cave will likely be the starter this year. He’s a player that Busby says they’ll try to get out in space so he can create plays and use his incredible athleticism. He’ll share time with Marquise Johnson and Jack Gay in the backfield on a

Sept. 14

Homewood*

Sept. 21

@ Minor*

Sept. 28

@ Southside-Gadsden

Oct. 4

@ Chelsea* (Thursday)

Oct. 12

Carver *

Oct. 19

Jackson Olin*

Oct. 26

@ Pelham*

Nov. 2

Calera

dual threat possibility to the table.

There are three units Busby feels extremely good about going into fall practice and it starts at quarterback with the return of Luke Stamba. When last year’s starting quarterback, Lawson Peoples, went down with an injury, Stamba stepped in to lead the team as a sophomore and showed plenty of promise. If the offensive line can give enough time to allow plays to develop, Stamba has the arm to make defenses pay. He is a competitor and a great leader that should bring a bit of a

* Region game

ARNOLD

GOOD LUCK HuSKIES!

MOONEY  REPUBLICAN

STATE HOUSE 43

Friends of Arnold Mooney P.O. Box 382466 Birmingham, AL 35238

Your Conservative Voice for District 73

www.mattfridy.com

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Matt Fridy. 1900 Spring Creek Rd, Montevallo, AL 35115

(205) 664-9 622 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Brodie Jones

regular basis. Johnson, a sophomore, brings a very similar playing style to the table as Cave. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extremely athletic and can make plays in space. Like Cave, Johnson will not just be running the ball, but can also catch out of the backfield to get the ball in open space. Gay, a junior, is the bigger of the three backs at 195 pounds, and is a player they feel confident in getting some tough yards when needed. Behind that, junior Brodie Jones will be a spot player to help out at running back,

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

while also playing on the defensive get a lot of targets is due to his 6-footside of the ball. 2, 180-pound frame. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a tall, fast and athletic player with a great set of hands that has Busby excited. RECEIVERS Riley Marks, while smaller at 5-footAn excited tone came over Busby when he got to talk about his receiving 10, 165 pounds, is a player that Busby corps in 2018. While the Huskies will really likes. He knows how to get open lose Justin Stuckey and Dionte Tolbert, and catches everything thrown his who combined for more than 2,000 way. Senior Caleb Owens has had a yards receiving in the last two years, good summer with the Huskies and there are some tough and talented is expected to have a role as well. guys ready to fill that void. One of the Matthew Hobbick is a guy with a ton go-to receivers this year will be junior of potential standing at 6-foot-2, 175 Ladarrius Rice. A big reason he will pounds, but is going into his senior

HUSKY FOOTBALL

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

year without having played in a while. Sophomore Jaden Jackson is very similar to Marks with his work ethic and also catches everything thrown his way. Chris Miller will handle the tight end position and has gone from 160 pounds at the end of last season to 190 pounds this summer and pairs that size with great hands. One last player to keep an eye on is senior Kenneth Jones who stands at 6-foot-2, 185 pounds and has a ton of athleticism. Busby said theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll play

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

6-7 of those guys each week.

around to play different positions on the line. Hunter Cunningham, a senior, and other young players will add depth OFFENSIVE LINE Busby eluded to the offensive line to the line to give the Huskies 7-8 being the most important unit on the players interchanging on the offensive team, and the one that will help this line. team be successful. Sam Regina, Chase Perry, Jamie Purkaphile, Seaburn DEFENSIVE LINE Hines and Mack Shannon will all play Helena will run a four-man front on on the line and look to be difference the defensive line with senior Reese makers. Purkaphile is the only one Davis and junior Ethan Trimm holding that will remain constant at the center down each end of the line. Trimm position, while the other four will move stands at 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, making

HELENA HIGH SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

Jayden Jackson

Riley Marks

Caleb Owens

Will Traweek

Ryan Lewis

YEAR

NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

Sophomore

Griffin Brewer

Senior

Junior

Tucker Knight

Junior

Senior

Noah McDonald

Freshman

Junior

Kayson Bustamento

Freshman

Senior

Don Fuller

Junior

Kenneth Jones

Senior

Kolby Hughes

Sophomore

Daunte Cave

Junior

Joey Corbin

Sophomore

Tyler Stephens

Senior

Iceberk Cave

Freshman

Zach Goodwin

WR/DB

Junior

Larry Gildon

Senior

Jack Gay

Junior

Ervin Jones

Junior

LaDarrius Rice

WR/DB

Junior

Jon Michael Combs

Sophomore

Matthew Hobbick

WR/DB

Senior

Nathan Dunaway

Junior

Luke Stamba

Junior

Brock Sisson

Sophomore

Matt Mizerany

Senior

Mac Shannon

Senior

Nick Butts

Junior

Caleb Boglin

Senior

Jake Schmidt

Senior

Kaleb Martin

Junior

Leon Moore

Junior

Jordan Economou

Junior

Cole Pugh

Junior

Jamie Purkaphile

Senior

Mac Turner

Freshman

Chase Holmes

Sophomore

Marquise Johnson

Sophomore

Matthew Ray

Sophomore

Jeremiah Cope

Junior

Kyle Schultz

Sophomore

Will Hawes

Junior

Sam Regina

Junior

Jade Hildreth

Junior

Seaburn Hines

Sophomore

Jarvis Elston

Sophomore

Hunter Cunningham

Senior

Jordan Pearson

Sophomore

Chase Perry

Junior

Chase Smith

Junior

Ethan Trimm

Charlie Harper

Sophomore

Ethan Acosta

OL/DL

James Preston

Sophomore

Bradley Avery

WR/DB

Sophomore

Bradley Davis

Sophomore

Jack Carson

Sophomore

J.T. Carson

Sophomore

J.C. Sivley

Freshman

Brodie Jones

RB/DB

Junior

Chris Miller

Junior

Peyton Woodall

Freshman

Jonathan Williams

Senior

Travis Porter

Junior

Kevin Kim

Sophomore

Bailey Doriety

Junior

Miquel Coronel

Sophomore

Bradford Willis

Senior

Zac Reed

Sophomore

Logan Maloney

Junior

Jacob Redman

Junior

him a tall athletic defensive end with a lot of upside. Davis is a little smaller at 5-foot-11, 215 pounds, but has speed and a nose for the football after converting from linebacker last year. Senior Jonathan Williams, who stands at 6-foot, 280 pounds, will be the

defensive tackle and is a player with as much talent as anybody on the team, and possibly in the county. Busby said he can be as good as he wants to be this year. Behind those three, sophomores Chase Holmes and Matthew Ray will have their chances on the defensive

Junior Freshman

line as well.

LINEBACKERS The linebacking unit is another one that has Busby excited this year and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because of three solid players with experience. Nathan Dunaway, one

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

HELENA HIGH SCHOOL 2017 RESULTS GAME

OUTCOME

SCORE

Mountain Brook

Loss

0-41

Chilton County

Win

20-0

@Pelham

Loss

25-29

@Homewood

Loss

7-37

Vestavia Hills

Loss

0-14

@Opelika

Loss

14-42

@Wetumpka

Loss

14-35

Benjamin Russell

Loss

20-38

Chelsea

Loss

17-24

@Pell City

Loss

7-34

HELENA HIGH SCHOOL 2017 STATISTICS

Logan Maloney

SECONDARY

SPECIAL TEAMS

This year’s secondary will feature Points scored: 124 several players capable of holding Points per game: 12.4 (County rank: 16) either a spot at safety or cornerback. At safety, the Huskies have three capable Points allowed: 294 players ready to step in including Points given up per game: 29.4 (County rank: 10) senior Jake Schmidt as well as juniors Zach Goodwin and Brodie Jones and of the team’s leaders, Cole Pugh and sophomore J.T. Carson. Senior Ryan Tucker Knight all have experience and Lewis will be the leader at cornerback will make this position one of the most and is one of those players with as trustworthy. Each of those guys are much talent as anyone, but just needs great competitors and Busby said Pugh to build his confidence. Matt Mizerany and Knight could even play defensive and Chase Smith as well as offensive end at times. All three of are juniors playmakers like Ladarrius Rice and and will have three younger players Matthew Hobbick, will all see time in under them that can add depth and will the secondary as well. learn from a great group of leaders.

Logan Maloney has emerged as a rising-junior that could handle the kicking duties in 2018 thanks to a strong leg for kickoffs and field goals. That being said, Griffin Brewer and Bradford Willis both return for their senior seasons and will be a part of the kicking game as well.

PLAYERS TO WATCH Nathan Dunaway, LB. Jonathan Williams, DL. Luke Stamba, QB. Ladarrius Rice, WR.

KEY LOSSES Justin Stuckey, Kopeland Rosser.

Dionte

Tolbert,

k Good Lu!!c! Aliyah

ASK YOUR STYLIST ABOUT:

• Weekly Product Specials • Gift Certificates • 15% off for you for all referrals • Wedding, Prom & Pageant Hairstyles

205.621.3125

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

BUSBY READY TO

TAKE CONTROL

Written by ALEC ETHEREDGE Photographs by GRAHAM BROOKS and CONTRIBUTED

elena High School is heading into just its fifth year of existence during the 2018-19 school year, but the football team is wasting no time trying to take the next step toward becoming a power program after hiring Richie Busby as its new head coach in the offseason. In their first four seasons with a team, the Huskies went a combined 18-25 with two playoff berths and just one winning season. At the end of the 2017 season, Helena decided to go in a new direction, which led to Busby interviewing for the job before eventually being hired. “We are thrilled to have Busby join the Husky family,” Helena High School Principal April Brand said. “He is a tremendous coach who brings the football experience, as well as the knowledge of building a successful program, that we were looking for. After a thorough selection process, it became

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

clear that Busby was the right choice for Helena High School. We are excited to have him and excited about the future of Helena football.” It became apparent because of his success at Fultondale High School where he spent five seasons and went a combined 40-17. During that time, Busby made the playoffs every season, winning two postseason games. His first year at the helm saw Fultondale go 10-2 and ended in the second round of the playoffs. Busby then rattled off 6-5 and 5-6 seasons, respectively, during his next two years. But he comes into Helena with a load of momentum as a coach. During 2016, he led the Wildcats to an 8-3 season, before having his most successful season at the helm going 11-1 in 2017, which set a school record. “I’m excited to be here and obviously have the goal of being successful right away,” Busby said. “But there is a lot that goes into building a successful

Missed the

GAME?

We ’ v e g o t y o u c o v e re d .

program. We are definitely going to get this thing going in the right direction, and it helps that so many people are bought in.” While the buy in is there, Busby knows it is going to take something much deeper down the line for this program to be successful. “We are an infant right now,” he said. “There is still a lot of equipment we need and other things that have been unavailable to us. We need to make the commitment to make this entire program as successful as it can be.” Busby said the administration, mayor and players are all showing how much they want to help the program be successful, and with the size of the school and a growing city of youth players, the future is as bright as it can be. While the Huskies have been in the 6A classification the last two years, they will face a new challenge in 2018 as they move into Region 5. They’ll keep traditional county rivals Chelsea and Pelham on their schedule, but Homewood, Jackson-Olin, Minor and Carver-Birmingham add new challenges. Some consider that an easier road to the playoffs than what Helena has faced in the past being in the same region as Benjamin Russell, Opelika and Wetumpka, who are state title contenders every year, but Busby isn’t buying that. “To everybody here it seems like a much easier schedule, but from an outsider’s perspective like mine, when you see that you’ll be playing teams like Homewood, Jackson-Olin, Pelham, Chelsea and others in region play, that’s difficult,” he said. No matter what the opponent’s jersey reads, Busby is ready and plans to have his team ready for any challenge.

V i s i t H e l e n a Re p o r t e r. c o m to find out what happened u n d e r t h e Fr i d a y n i g h t l i g h t s .

Make Yourself Stronger Than Your Excuses!

• Childcare • Classes • Personal Training

Joing Today!!! 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Jackson Davis

HOPE CHRISTIAN EAGLES By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by KEITH MCCOY and TWANNA ARNOLD

att Davis is heading into his second year as head coach at Hope Christian School, and is hoping the experience learned last year will transition into a successful 2018 season. If the success is there, it will be done with a limited roster of just 12 players due to graduates and transfers. It has forced the Eagles to sit out of the ACSC this year, which requires a total of 15 players on a team to be allowed to compete in conference games. Hope was faced with the decision of playing a complete schedule of nonconference games or sitting out the season, and for Davis’ players there was no hesitating when making that

decision—they wanted to play. They’ll suit up and do what they love each Friday night, hoping to improve on last year’s 3-6 record.

they will have several speedy and versatile players in the backfield. They’ll use a committee of four guys featuring Wesley Holsomback, Noah Douglas, Reece McGee and Evan Key. The only one that does have a bigger QUARTERBACK Hope Christian will play two frame and power is Key, who will be quarterbacks this season. Starter used in short-yardage situations. Jackson Davis is back for his senior year, while newcomer Noah Seiger RECEIVERS will also get a chunk of time at the Junior Josh Baize will be the only position. Seiger will be a good option to returner to the group this season, but give Davis a breather when necessary is primed for a great season. Hope will due to both playing on both sides of the also get two new faces in senior Logan ball. Overton and junior Matthew Mair. Both of those guys are tall and quick adding two deep threats for the Eagles. RUNNING BACK The Eagles don’t have a true power runner like they have in the past, but OFFENSIVE LINE

"BIG CITY QUALITY, SMALL TOWN CARING" Your Conservative Voice for District 73

www.mattfridy.com

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Matt Fridy. 1900 Spring Creek Rd, Montevallo, AL 35115

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Dr. Jay Crisman • Dr. Sarah Juliana • Dr. Alston Whiten

GOOD LUCK

EAGLES!

EAGLE FOOTBALL The offensive line will feature three solid playmakers starting with Willie Wade at center. The other anchor of the line will be Wayne Conley. Those two will be the beef, while Jacob Dorris will also handle a guard position opposite of Conley.

Key. That puts three impressive offensive skill players at the position.

SECONDARY

Baize and Jackson Davis both spent time at cornerback last year and will do so again this season. Both of those guys should lead the unit and are expected to be good. Blayton DEFENSIVE LINE All three of those offensive linemen Tierce and Logan Overton are two will probably see action on the playmakers that will also play in the defensive line as well, but some smaller secondary and know how to make and faster defensive ends will be used plays on the ball. to put pressure on quarterbacks. McGee and Douglas are two of the SPECIAL TEAMS guys that will help at that position to While the Eagles are trying to figure eliminate downfield threats. out the kicking game, speed on the team has them excited for the return game. LINEBACKERS Some of those linemen will be hybrid players that will spend time at PLAYERS TO WATCH linebacker with the same goal in mind Jackson Davis, ATH. Noah Seiger, of trying to keep the quarterback at ATH. Noah Douglas, RB/LB. Josh bay. Douglas is the main one that should Baize, WR/DB. spend time at both. Both quarterbacks, Jackson Davis and Seiger, will also KEY LOSSES spend time at linebacker along with Tyler Hubbard, Peyton Long.

NO REGION ALIGNMENT 2017: 3-6 (1-3) Head Coach: Matt Davis (Second year, 3-6) Assistants: Daniel Key, Johnny Gilbert, Danny Handley, Kyle Key. Last region title: 2010 Last playoff game: 2017 HOPE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2018 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 9

@ Chilton Christian*

Aug. 17

@ East Memorial

Aug. 24

@ Tabernacle

Aug. 31

@ Victory Christian (Miss.)

Sept. 7

Bye

Sept. 14

New Life

Sept. 21

Lighthouse

Sept. 28

Bye

Oct. 5

@ Lyman Ward

Oct. 12

@ Tuscaloosa Christian * Six-man game

HOPE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER 3

Harrison Davis

WR/DB

Freshman

Noah Douglas

RB/LB

Junior

Noah Seiger

QB/DB

Senior

Jackson Davis

ATH

Senior

Blayton Tierce

WR/DB

Sophomore

Jacob Handley

OL/DL

Matthew Mair

WR/DB

Junior

Reece McGee

RB/DL

Junior

Logan Overton

WR/DB

Senior

Jacob Dorris

RB/DL

Senior

Joshua Baize

WR/DB

Jackson Gilbert

RB/LB

Wesley Holsomback

Freshman

Junior

Evan Key

OL/DL

Senior

Freshman

Wayne Conley

OL/DL

Junior

Willie Wade

OL/DL

Junior

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Tyler West

KINGWOOD CHRISTIAN LIONS

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by KEITH MCCOY and LARRY DANCY

ingwood is coming off a 1-10 season in 2017, but earned a playoff berth at the same time. Now, the Lions move up to Class 3A in the AISA and will compete in a six-team region that saw all five of their future competitors finish .500 or better in 2017. While it’s going to be a difficult schedule to maneuver, Bradford loves the makeup of his team thanks to having 14 seniors this year versus the seven he had last year. He also said the team has put in the work this offseason and everyone took the summer workout period seriously.

into the season as the undoubted starter this year. While there was a battle for RECEIVERS the position, that certainty will not Tony Ruiz made the move from corner only give Picklesimer confidence, but to receiver last year and emerged as the team more experience with one a go-to target for Picklesimer. Parker quarterback. Foshee, who didn’t end up playing last year, has come back out for his senior season and will also get time at the RUNNING BACK After dicing up Kingwood’s defense position. Kingwood will also have a last year for the Hope Christian Eagles, new face in Felipe Minderhout. He can Peyton Long transferred to Kingwood play all over the field and will handle in the offseason and will now be the multiple aspects for the team. Connor Lions’ starting running back in 2018. Shaddix is another guy that can help Standing at 6-foot, 210 pounds, he is a out. solid bulldozer that will run downhill with power. They’ll also have that same OFFENSIVE LINE style runner in senior Jayton Denard, Austyn Franklin, a 6-foot-1, 230-pound who was a big part of the team last senior, will handle one of the guard QUARTERBACK Garrett Picklesimer ended up year. The Lions will also get back last positions. Boston Bush, who stands at 5-foot-10, 280 pounds, will handle the winning the job last year, and will go year’s leading rusher in Tyler West.

Your Conservative Voice for District 73

www.mattfridy.com

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Matt Fridy. 1900 Spring Creek Rd, Montevallo, AL 35115

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

GOOD LUCK Lions!

AISA AAA, Region 1 2017: 1-10 (1-4) Head Coach: Todd Bradford (Second year, 1-10)

LION FOOTBALL position of nose guard. Carl Sellers and SECONDARY Joe Randall will also get a lot of playing The secondary will be a bright spot time on the line. Staying healthy will be for the Lions this year thanks to the a must. return of Ruiz, Foshee and Jacob Bradford, who all have experience as DEFENSIVE LINE well as Alex Simpson, a transfer. Most of those guys will spend time on the defensive line as well, especially SPECIAL TEAMS Bush, Randall and Franklin. Garrett Last year, Kingwood didn’t have a Helmers, who will help out as an H-back trustworthy leg for kickoffs and often as well, will play a lot at defensive gave teams the ball near midfield. This end. Bradford is extremely high on year, soccer player Lake Weidler gives the senior, who didn’t missed a day of the team a solid leg for the kicking workouts this summer. game and can boot it to the endzone on kickoffs and can also kick field goals.

Assistants: Mike Robinson, Warren Watts, David Hobson, J.D. Shumate, Robbie Hawks, Greg Sellers, Ervin Wallace, Derrick Miles. Last region title: None Last playoff game: 2017

LINEBACKERS

The linebacking unit will be led PLAYERS TO WATCH by Franklin, who will split between Peyton Long, RB/LB. Garrett outside linebacker and defensive end. Picklesimer, QB/DB. Garrett Helmers, Long and Denard, the two powerful DL. Toni Ruiz, WR/DB. running backs, are expected to play big roles at the position this year too. KEY LOSSES Keaton Meeks, Cade Horton.

KINGWOOD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2018 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 17

@ Pickens Academy

Aug. 24

Evangel Christian

Aug. 31

Coosa Valley Academy

Sept. 7

@ Tuscaloosa Academy*

Sept. 14

Lee-Scott Academy*

Sept. 21

@ Cornerstone Christian

Sept. 28

Chambers Academy

Oct. 5

Glenwood Academy*

Oct. 12

@ Morgan Academy*

Oct. 19

@ Bessemer Academy* * Region game

KINGWOOD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

Parker Foushee

CB/WR

Senior

Felipe Minderhout

WR/FS

Senior

Tyler West

RB/DB

Junior

Carl Sellers

C/DT

Junior

Antonio Ruiz

WR/DB

Junior

Austyn Franklin

OG/DE

Senior

Drake Hickox

QB/FS

Eighth

Boston Bush

OG/DT

Senior

Garrett Picklesimer

QB/FS

Senior

Joe Randall

OT/DT

Junior

Jacob Bradford

Senior

Chris Le

OG/LB

Freshman

Connor Shaddix

OG/DT

Senior

Noah Watts

OT/DT

Jayton Denard

FB/LB

Senior

Gavan Hawks

WR/CB

Sophomore

Alex Simpson

WR/DB

Sophomore

Garrett Helmers

RB/DE

Senior

Peyton Long

RB/LB

Eighth

Senior

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

MONTEVALLO BULLDOGS

ontevallo’s 2017 football season was plagued with injuries and young players, which led to a 3-7 record at the end of the year despite starting 2-1 through the Bulldogs’ first three games. Heading into a new year, there is plenty of reason for optimism for the Bulldogs and head coach Brandon Wilcox, who heads into his third year

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by KEITH MCCOY

at the helm. Due to the number of injuries, several young players were forced to step in and start games as juniors, sophomores and even freshmen, to help the team push on. The Bulldogs will basically be playing a 5A schedule after moving up a classification from 3A to 4A and into a region featuring several teams that were in Class 5A a season ago. But with

the return of all of its skill players, including eight of 11 on offense and nine of 11 on defense, Montevallo will be a team to watch in 2018.

QUARTERBACK Both of last year’s quarterbacks will be back on the team this year after splitting the season due to injuries, but neither is projected to start this season. Instead, junior Jay Sullens

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

222273

AHSAA 4A, Region 3 2017: 3-7 (1-5)

Davion Gilbert

Head Coach: Brandon Wilcox (Third year, 13-9) Assistants: Ryan Poe, Kent Underwood, Chris Shelton, Matthew Allen. Last region title: 1995 Last playoff game: 2016 corps despite losing Daqwan Bryant and TaVarius Holman. It starts with J.J. Evans, who stands at 6-foot-3, 185 pounds. Evans was the team’s second leading receiver a year ago as a sophomore with 443 yards and six touchdowns. The third leading receiver was Davion Gilbert, who is one of the few receivers under 6-foot-3. He totaled 18 receptions for 283 yards and two touchdowns last season and will also be a junior. Jamarius Carter and Jabrian Sullens will be juniors RUNNING BACK Montevallo will bring a three-headed and both stand at 6-foot-5, 195 pounds. monster to the field each Friday night Those four targets will all be solid this fall. Juniors Jay Sullens and athletes and will make life easier for Deon Gilliland will be accompanied Inabinette as long as he gives them by sophomore Orlandis Weeks in a chance to make a play on the ball. the backfield this season looking to Avery Anfield and Dakotah Ross will complement one another. All three also provide depth at the position. have a very similar shifty style to their game. Sullens will move to running OFFENSIVE LINE back from quarterback and has great Wilcox knows the offensive line vision, while being dynamic in open is going to be the key to this year’s space. Gilliland is probably the most team as it is every year. It will be a difficult of the three to bring down challenge competing against teams with the first hit. Weeks started six with more depth and possibly more games last year as a freshman and size, but if they can allow just enough brings a combination of toughness and time for Inabinette to get the ball to vision to the table. playmakers, they will be doing their jobs. Three of the five on the line will be returning starters, while several RECEIVERS With three receivers standing at got time last year. The left side of 6-foot-3 or taller, Wilcox has a right to the line will be anchored by Rankin be excited about this year’s receiving Allen and Cam Conwell. Allen, 6-foot, and sophomore Davion Gilbert will be utilized at other positions, while junior Malik Inabinette steps into the starting quarterback role. Inabinette stormed onto the scene this spring and gave the coaching staff a guy they trusted a ton, as well as a player with a high football IQ. He’s a quarterback that knows how to make the correct read before the snap and can get the ball to all of the athletes in open space.

MONTEVALLO HIGH SCHOOL 2018 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 24

Marbury

Aug. 31

@ Shelby County

Sept. 7

@ Dallas County*

Sept. 14

@ Jemison

Sept. 21

American Christian Academy*

Sept. 28

Bye

Oct. 5

@ West Blocton*

Oct. 12

Sumter Central*

Oct. 19

@ Sipsey Valley*

Oct. 26

Greensboro*

Nov. 2

Lincoln * Region game

200 pounds, will play left tackle, while Conwell, 6-foot, 300 pounds, is the biggest lineman and will handle the left guard position. The right side of the line will be handled by freshman Isaiah Chapple and senior Cole Dennis. Chapple will handle the right tackle position, while Dennis will take on right guard. Xavier Bryant, the tallest player on the line at 6-foot-2, will be at the forefront holding down the center position during his junior season. Will Howell, a senior, will be a utility player that could also end up winning 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

MONTEVALLO HIGH SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

NO.

NAME

POSITION

JJ Evans

WR/DB

Junior

Jamion Prentice

WR/DB

Freshman

Davion Gilbert

WR/DB

Junior

Clay Massey

RB/LB

Freshman

Dakotah Ross

WR/DB

Sophomore

Jayvion Seay

WR/LB

Junior

Jamarius Carter

WR/DE

Junior

Rankin Allen

OL/DL

Junior

Deon Gilliland

RB/DB

Junior

Cameron Conwell

OL/DL

Senior

Jarius Sullens

RB/DB

Senior

Jaylon McKenzie

OL/DL

Junior

Orlandis Weeks

RB/DB

Sophomore

Isaiah Chapple

OL/DL

Senior

Avery Anfield

WR/DB

Senior

Cole Dennis

OL/LB

Freshman

Malik Inabinette

Junior

Will Howell

OL/DL

Senior

Jemari Harris

WR/DB

Junior

Xavier Bryant

OL/DL

Junior

Luke Oden

QB/LB

Freshman

Jaqwan Hill

OL/DE

Sophomore Sophomore

YEAR

Alexander Tyes

WR/DB

Senior

Hunter Bass

OL/DE

Isa Harris

WR/DB

Junior

Dylan Brantley

OL/DL

Junior

Stiven Ronquillo

Junior

Giovanni Mitchell

OL/DL

Freshman

Joseph Anderson

RB/LB

Freshman

Will Snuggs

OL/DL

Sophomore

Tamardreon Purnell

WR/DB

Freshman

Jayden Head

OL/DL

Freshman

Tavicia Tutt

WR/LB

Junior

Jabrian Sullens

WR/DE

Junior

a spot on the line.

DEFENSIVE LINE Just like the offensive line, the defensive line will be key in the entire defenses success for Montevallo this season. It’s a unit that will have to step up and be as physical as possible throughout the year. Montevallo will lose Demetrius Smith, who accounted for 74 tackles, including seven tackles for loss and two sacks, a season ago. Howell will definitely have a spot on the defensive line and will be a key in replacing Smith at defensive tackle where he’ll be joined by Chapple and Dennis. One of the two defensive end Allen can slide up from linebacker. spots will be held by Jaqwan Hill, a 6-foot, 190-pound sophomore. Jabrian LINEBACKERS Sullens and Hunter Bass will also play Building off of the front four, the a lot at defensive end, while Rankin next three on the defense that make

up the front seven will be an extension of the line and a unit that Wilcox says needs to attack the ball hard. Returning starter Jayvion Seay will help the Bulldogs accomplish that.

GOOD LUCK

BULLDOGS! Your Conservative Voice for District 73

www.mattfridy.com

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Matt Fridy. 1900 Spring Creek Rd, Montevallo, AL 35115

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

"make Toothbud Dentistry your dental home" 5075 Hwy 31 Unit B Calera, Al 35040

205-668-7766

Closed Monday • Tuesday-Friday 11am-6:30pm and Saturday 10am-4pm

We can get you back on the field 101 Carrington Ln Ste C Calera, Al 35040

205-621-3077

www.impactrehab-sportsmed.com

BULLDOG FOOTBALL tackles, two interceptions and one fumble recovery last year. J.J. Evans and Jay Sullens, two more offensive playmakers, will occupy the cornerback roles, while Davion Gilbert, Dakotah Ross and Isa Harris will all spend time at cornerback or SECONDARY While the front seven will be key safety as well. to Montevallo’s success, the backside of the defense will possibly be the SPECIAL TEAMS most confident part due to athletes The Bulldogs are having to replace everywhere in the secondary. All-State kicker Jonathan Grisham Avery Anfield will return to his from a season ago after he averaged 37.1 safety position after recording 66 yards per punt and had five kills inside Seay stands at 6-foot, 170 pounds, and will be a leader at the unit. He’ll be joined by fellow junior Tavisia Tutt as well as Allen, who brings the biggest frame to the table at 200 pounds.

the 10-yard line in addition to being a solid field goal kicker as a senior. Heading into fall practice, Montevallo was still looking for the right fit on special teams to replace Grisham.

PLAYERS TO WATCH Malik Inabinette, QB. J.J. Evans, WR/DB. Jay Sullens, RB/DB. Davion Gilbert, ATH. Jayvion Seay, LB.

KEY LOSSES Demetrius Smith, Tyler Olds, Daqwan Bryant, TaVarius Holman.

Missed the

GAME? GAME?

We’ve got you covered.

4563 Hwy 25 Montevallo

665-2712

Visit ShelbyCountyRepoter.com to find out what happened under the Friday night lights. 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

OAK MOUNTAIN EAGLES By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by KEITH MCCOY and BARRY CLEMMONS

ast season, Oak Mountain lost three region games by seven points or less, which ultimately ended up being the difference in the Eagles missing the playoffs. It was part of a five-game losing skid in the middle of the season after a 3-0 start to the season. Two of those losses came before a matchup with rival Spain Park on Friday, Oct. 27, but the Eagles were able

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

to bounce back with a dominant 29-3 win, despite being eliminated from the playoffs the week before. Oak Mountain then went on to beat Hazel Green during the final week of the regular season to end the year just how the Eagles had begun itâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;on a winning streak. Now heading into his seventh year as head coach of the Eagles, Cris Bell is hoping his young players and rising

leaders will use those final two games to their advantage and carry confidence into a new season. With 12 coaches on the staff and close to 80 players on the team this year, Bell feels his team is in the best situation it has been in in a while. Oak Mountain will be competing in the most difficult region in the state with three top-5 teams projected to start the season, but he and the Eagles arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t backing down

AHSAA 7A, Region 3 2017: 5-5 (2-5) Head Coach: Cris Bell (Seventh year, 34-30)

Jonathan Bennett

Assistants: Rusty Frisch, Austin Karcher, Steward Carlisle, Stuart Morrison, Riley White, Casey Rogers, Payton Holmes, Chuck Lunn, Matt Taylor, Stewart Civils, Bryant Kelley, Freddie Thomas, Wade Lyon. Last region title: None Last playoff game: 2016

from the challenge and feel like they Bennett runs much tougher than his have a good chance of winning on any size and totaled 337 yards last year, most of which came in the final two games. given night. Pound-for-pound, he’s as strong as anybody on the team according to bell. QUARTERBACK While returning athlete Luke Percer Judah Tait, a sophomore, will also get is competing for the quarterback job, some time and is a guy the coaching it sounds like Oak Mountain is going staff is confident in. to roll out freshman Evan Smith at the position this season. Bell said he has RECEIVERS confidence in both guys, but Smith will A guy with as much upside as anybody get his shot to impress. The biggest in the county is Trey Allen, who will worry is his youth, but Bell said he is occupy one of the receiver spots for Oak a leader and very confident to make all Mountain this year. Standing at 6-foot-4, of the plays he needs to make. If he is Allen was able to jump 6 feet, 11 inches able to pick up on schemes and handle in the state high jump championship the pressure of the position, Smith will this past spring. He’s athletic and just make a name for himself this season. needs to have the mindset of being able to make every play during the game. He totaled 16 catches for 209 yards last year, RUNNING BACK If Smith does handle the position but will be a much bigger part of the well, Percer will return for another game plan this season. He’ll be joined season at running back where he led by Noah Young and Zach Paisley at the team a year ago. In 2017, despite wide out, while Cole Thomas will play getting hurt and missing several games, in the slot. Other guys are also battling Percer ran for 570 yards and eight to help out in the slot and add depth to touchdowns. He is possibly the best wide out. Tight end is always a vital position for athlete on the team and will be a game changer this season. He’ll be joined by Oak Mountain as well, and this year the backup Jonathan Bennett, who played Eagles will have to replace All-County the last four weeks of the season last tight end Carson Bobo, who totaled 612 year. Standing at 5-foot-9, 160 pounds, receiving yards and nine touchdowns

OAK MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL 2018 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 24

Chelsea

Aug. 31

Bye

Sept. 7

@ Hewitt-Trussville

Sept. 14

@ Thompson

Sept. 21

Hoover

Sept. 28

@ Pelham

Oct. 4

Mountain Brook (Thursday)

Oct. 12

@ Tuscaloosa County

Oct. 19

Spain Park

Oct. 26

Vestavia Hills

Nov. 2

Center Point * Region game

last year. Seniors Andrew Bearden and Ryan Reuse, as well as junior Sam Johnson, will all get time at the position looking to fill Bobo’s shoes.

OFFENSIVE LINE Both Clay Collins and Russ Autry are back to handle the right side of the offensive line this year, which is exciting for Bell. Collins stands at 6-foot-2, 290 pounds, while Autry stands at 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, giving the Eagles 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Jalen Thomas

Luke Percer

OAK MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL 2017 RESULTS GAME

OUTCOME

SCORE

@ Chelsea

Win

21-10

Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa

Win

0-7

Huffman

Win

31-0

@ Vestavia Hills

Loss

0-7

Thompson

Loss

14-49

@ Hoover

Loss

7-59

Tuscaloosa County

Loss

28-33

@ Mountain Brook

Loss

28-31

@ Spain Park

Win

29-3

Hazel Green

Win

36-29

OAK MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL 2017 STATISTICS Points scored: 222 Points per game: 22.2 (County rank: 11) Points allowed: 248 Points given up per game: 24.8 (County rank: 5)

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

two tall and big bodies on the right side of the line. After that, Oak Mountain has six players that Bell feels comfortable with at center, left guard and left tackle. Zach Brown and Tyler Martin will handle center duties, Alex Mathis and Alex Burns will take left guard and Drew Padgett and Nathan Gordon will play at left tackle. The left side of the line will also feature three guys standing at 6-foot-2, 245 pounds or bigger. Padgett is the biggest at 6-foot-7, 245 pounds.

DEFENSIVE LINE

The defensive line also has some tall and big bodies ready to step in this season. Despite the loss of Jordan Davis and Ben Wilke, who combined for 86 tackles last year, Oak Mountain will have at least three guys on the line standing at 6-foot-3 or taller. Zykeius Strong, standing at 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, and Travis Thomasson, standing at 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, are both back and set for strong senior seasons up front. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also be joined by Jacob Katona who stands at 6-foot-4, 235 pounds. Those three will anchor the

EAGLE FOOTBALL

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

OAK MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

Xzavier Brown

OLB

Senior

Brandon Stephens

Senior

Zane Nelson

Junior

Nik Heino

Senior

Hasani Burns

Sophomore

Landon Holcomb

Sophomore

Jonathan Bennett

Junior

Reynolds Jones

Junior

Kyle Percer

Senior

Rayshawn Wilbert

Sophomore

Dylan Hoye

Senior

Clay Collins

Senior

Sam West

OLB

Junior

Zach Brown

Senior

Evan Smith

Freshman

Zach Hollington

Junior

Jimmy Harris

Sophomore

Drew Rowland

Sophomore

Luke Percer

ATH

Senior

Tyler Martin

C/LS

Eli Hackbarth

Sophomore

Nolan Fuqua

Sophomore

Tyler Do-Bui

Sophomore

Christopher Mattox

Sophomore

Gerald Austin

Junior

Will Pfaffman

Junior

Trey Allen

Senior

Jacob Payne

OLB

Junior

Christian Hood

DB/K

Senior

Alex Burns

Senior

Jacob Fitzgerald

Senior

Austin Smith

Junior

Zach Paisley

Junior

Cass Hansford

Sophomore

Senior

Cole Thomas

Senior

Andrew Lee

Sophomore

Aaron Brooks

Junior

Russell Autry

Senior

Jalen Thomas

OLB

Senior

Zach Bailey

Junior

Hogan Morton

Sophomore

Drew Padgett

Junior

Zach Taylor

Sophomore

Nathan Gordon

Senior

Juston Taylor

Sophomore

Elijah Perdue

Sophomore

Garrison Frisch

Senior

Alex Mathis

Sophomore

Zach Hagedorn

Junior

Sam Johnson

TE/P

Nic Randle

Sophomore

Harrison Miller

Sophomore

Josh Ferguson

Junior

Noah Young

Sophomore

Amar McIntosh

Sophomore

Ryan Hall

Junior

Tucker Boswell

Sophomore

Ryan Reuse

Senior

Junior

Judah Tait

Sophomore

Tyler McWilliams

Sophomore

Colton Johnson

Junior

Patrick Woods

Senior

Forrest Hardy

Senior

Jacob Goldfon

Junior

Colin Herring

OLB

Junior

Travis Thomasson

Senior

Jaqeh McFadden

Sophomore

Braxton O’Brien

Sophomore

Dean Null

Sophomore

Micai George

Sophomore

J.D. Davis

Sophomore

Cole Forbes

Junior

Bay Hughes

Senior

Carter Owens

Senior

Chase Schwender

Sophomore

Zykeius Strong

Senior

Andrew Bearden

Senior

line and will be joined by Jacob Payne, who was a backup last year, as well as Jalen Thomas who had 42 tackles last year. Both of those guys can play a couple of spots, while Thomas can move back to linebacker as well. Jacob Goldfon will also add depth.

LINEBACKERS Oak Mountain will also lose linebacker Jackson Murphy this season after he totaled a team-high 52 tackles, including five for a loss last year. That being said, they have some

ARNOLD

MOONEY

GOOD LUCK

EAGLES!

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

strong returnees at the position as well. Jacob Fitzgerald and Zay Brown will be two of the leaders at the position this season. Fitzgerald will play inside linebacker, while Brown will play outside. Fitzgerald will bring back 47 total tackles, including 6.5 tackles

 REPUBLICAN

(205) 663-7240

STATE HOUSE 43

Friends of Arnold Mooney P.O. Box 382466 Birmingham, AL 35238

Cole Thomas

for loss which was second on the team. Brown will add an additional 33 tackles back. Will Pfaffman will handle the middle linebacker spot, while Nik Heino will also get time at linebacker this season.

SECONDARY The Eagles will have to replace two cornerbacks this year that had two years of starting experience in Zach Nelson and Brett Cruce. Nelson had 40 tackles and a team-high four interceptions. While some new faces will be playing corner, Dylan Hoye and Garrison Frisch will both be back at safety this year. Frisch is the team’s leading returning tackler with 54, while Hoye added 46, giving Oak Mountain 100 tackles back in the secondary. At corner will be Zane Nelson, Zach’s younger brother, and Christian Hood, who has plenty of experience. Junior Aaron Brooks, who is speedy, and a couple of sophomores will add more depth in the secondary than year’s past for the Eagles.

EVERYTHING SHELBY COUNTY. ALL YEAR LONG. Go to Shelbyliving.com and subscribe for $20.59 a year or call 205-669-3131. @shelbylivingmagazine

@shelbylivingmagazine

SPECIAL TEAMS Christian Hood will handle all placekicking this season and could possibly be the kickoff guy as well. Sam Johnson, who has a strong leg, will be the punter and could also handle kickoff duties. Bell said he is a special talent.

PLAYERS TO WATCH Luke Percer, RB. Evan Smith, QB. Trey Allen, WR. Zay Brown, LB. Jacob Fitzgerald, LB. Garrison Frisch, DB. Dylan Hoye, DB. Jalen Thomas, DL.

KEY LOSSES Carson Bobo, Connor Webb, Jackson Murphy, Zach Nelson, Jordan Davis, Jacob Feenker. 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

PELHAM PANTHERS

fter a three-year absence from the postseason, Pelham stormed back into the playoffs in 2017, despite playing in one of the most difficult regions in the state. While the Panthers went on to lose their first-round matchup against Spanish Fort, that playoff berth showed the Tom Causey era was starting to take a turn toward the positive. Now in 2018, Pelham returns its best cast of players in several years

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by KEITH MCCOY and ERIC STARLING

and has as good a chance as any team in Class 6A, Region 5 to claim the region title. Pelhamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new region still features familiar foes such as Chelsea and Helena, but also adds new teams in Homewood, Jackson-Olin, CarverBrimingham and Minor. While those teams will be very competitive, the Panthers drop powerhouse schools Opelika, Wetumka and Benjamin Russell from their schedule. By no means is Pelham now in an easy region, but with the talent

returning across the board, the Panthers have a chance to win their first region championship since 2006, and just their third in school history at the end of the 2018 regular season.

QUARTERBACK The depth of talent quickly starts at the quarterback position with two capable athletes. Matthew Rye was the starter for most of last year and will return for his senior season, while junior Xavier Lankford is pushing hard for the starting spot. Rye got

Jalen Cook

AHSAA 6A, Region 5 2017: 5-6 (3-3) Head Coach: Tom Causey (Fourth year, 8-23) Assistants: Mike Talbert, James Thompson, Kevin LeSueur, Craig Hall, Sean Anderson, David White, Randall Reeves, Nathan Fordham, Steven Campbell, Ronnie Clemons. Last region title: 2006 Last playoff game: 2017 PELHAM HIGH SCHOOL 2018 SCHEDULE injured late in the 2017 season, which led to Lankford stepping in to take control. He flashed some impressive play during his time and got the fan base excited. At the time, Lankford showed better passing skills, while Rye was a better runner. Heading into the new season, Rye has worked on his passing and Causey said his improvement has been amazing. It has been such an improvement that neither quarterback really gives more advantage than the other as both are leaders in the locker room and physically tough. Despite opening up with a tough Calera team, you’ll most likely see both of these guys playing opening night.

RUNNING BACK Pelham loses All-County running back Nic Blackburn who ran for

close to 2,000 combined yards and 10 touchdowns in the last two seasons, which makes running back the biggest concern offensively. Jalen Cook, who moved from safety to running back last year, is a guy the Panthers will count on this season. The senior brings a good-sized athlete to the table at 5-foot-9, 190 pounds. He’ll be joined by sophomore Dylan Peterson, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound sophomore, who was Blackburn’s backup last year. Both of those guys are powerful, physical runners that should have good seasons. Freshman Gabe Gamble will give some extra help at the position standing at 5-foot8, 170 pounds, he’s a nimble runner with great vision, speed and slashing ability. He’s still learning the position, but could add some depth.

ARNOLD

DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 24

@ Calera

Aug. 31

@ Bibb County

Sept. 7

@ Homewood*

Sept. 14

Minor*

Sept. 21

@ Chelsea*

Sept. 28

Oak Mountain

Oct. 6

@ Carver* (Saturday)

Oct. 12

Jackson Olin*

Oct. 19

Northridge

Oct. 26

Helena* * Region game

RECEIVERS Whoever does win the starting quarterback job this year will have plenty of trustworthy talent out wide to get the ball to, which should make life easier for them. Edward Gipson is one of the most talented returning

SERVICES: PROFESSIONAL PET GROOMING, PROFESSIONAL PET PHOTOGRAPHY

MOONEY  REPUBLICAN

STATE HOUSE 43

Friends of Arnold Mooney P.O. Box 382466 Birmingham, AL 35238

(205) 664-9 622

104 Market Center Dr. Alabaster, Al 35007

205-610-8818

Your Conservative Voice for District 73

www.mattfridy.com

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Matt Fridy. 1900 Spring Creek Rd, Montevallo, AL 35115

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Kasey Clark

Edward Gipson

receivers in the county and will be the heartbeat of the offense this year with his energetic play. Standing at 6-foot-3, 200 pounds heading into his senior year, Gipson caught 35 balls for 564 yards and six touchdowns last year. While he’s still working to be his best without the ball, he’s a strong, explosive athlete that will touch it a lot this year. The Panthers will also get back a speedy Brandon Sledge, who is just 5-foot-8, 160 pounds, but has great feet, has spent a lot of time in the weight room and has the ability play all over the field. Last season, Sledge rushed for 371 yards and 11 touchdowns and also added 23 receptions for 297 yards and two touchdowns. Kasey Clark, a four-year starter, will join Sledge in the slot. Causey said he is the team’s overall leader and has knowledge unlike anyone else on the field. Those

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

three will be the stars, but guys like Ben Rushton, Tyler Deaver, Garrett Fox, Cody Ferguson, Christian Pritchett and Avery Childers will all add depth.

OFFENSIVE LINE With plenty of talent in the backfield and out wide, protection will be key to allow plays to develop this year and

Pelham is in a good situation on the offensive line with several returning starters back. It all starts with Gino Ramos who brings back the most experience. Ramos stands at 6-foot, 235 pounds and will play right tackle. It’s his third year as a starter and he is described as being reliable and solid as a rock. Nate Barron and Dakota McLaren will also be returning to the

Brandon Sledge

Dylan Peterson

line and in their second year as starters. Barron, who was in National Guard boot camp this summer, stands at 6-foot-5, 245 pounds and will be the left tackle during his senior year. McLaren, also a senior, stands at 6-foot, 250 pounds and will play left guard. The starting center will be Logan Atkins, who was a backup last year, but has gotten better since spring practice. Junior Jody Morton, who is another player standing at 6-foot and weighs 220 pounds, will start at right guard. Behind that Jesus Luna, Caleb Newell, Zander Terry, Christopher Quintana and Tyler Golden will all be second in the rotation.

DEFENSIVE LINE Pelhamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s defense may look a little different this year 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

PELHAM HIGH SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

NO.

NAME

POSITION

Cody Feruson

WR/DB

Junior

Caden Foster

OLB

Sophomore

Edward Gipson

Senior

Griffin Knight

OLB

Senior

Jaylen Cook

Senior

Isaac Brechin

Senior

Phillip Duke

Junior

Cameron Mcgaughy

Junior

Brandon Sledge

SLOT

Senior

Steven Parker

Freshman

Jackson Weaver

OLB

Senior

Christian Pritchett

SLOT

Xavier Lankford

Junior

Zach Ruschton

Sophomore

Tyler Deaver

Senior

Ryan Jewell

Senior

Garrett Fox

Senior

Brooks Cotton

Junior

Cambrin Carr

Junior

Jayden Taylor

Junior

Greg Blue

K/P

Senior

Isaac Cruz

Freshman

J.D. Wilkins

Freshman

Chase Christian

WR/DB

Matthew Rye

Grayson Dill

Senior

William Palacios

Freshman

William Lankford

Freshman

Zander Terry

Freshman

Jon White

Sophomore

Sina Vatany

Senior

Matthew Plummer

OLB

Junior

Dakota McLaren

Senior

Jack Fox

OLB

Junior

Jody Morton

Junior

Dylan Peterson

Sophomore

Chris Quintana

Sophomore

Patrick Durr

Senior

Michael Savage

Senior

Gaeton Rellah

Freshman

Caleb Newell

Freshman

Walker Lyles

SLOT

Sophomore

Jonny Pena

Freshman

Donnie Ball

OLB

Senior

Josh Thompson

Freshman

Kris Carter

Sophomore

Gino Ramos

Senior

Peyton Kanis

Sophomore

Oscar Aguiar

Freshman

Trevor Jones

OLB

Senior

Tyler Golden

Junior

Dorian Tolbert

Senior

Nate Barron

Senior

Tyler Zuiderhoek

OLB

Sophomore

Kam Wakefield

Jardell Cleveland

SLOT

Brayden Marlowe

Parker Pruitt

YEAR

Freshman

B.J. Maxena

Sophomore

Logan Atkins

Junior

Senior

Mason Dunkin

Sophomore

Junior

Jesus Luna

Freshman

Kasey Clark

Senior

Avery Childeress

Freshman

Brit Bass

Junior

Freshman

Grayson Redford

Gabe Gamble

Freshman

Nico Ramos

OLB

Nicolas Higdon

Freshman

Hunter Dezenzio

Ben Rushton

Senior

Stone Peerson

OLB

Gage Deloach

Senior

Vincent Lewis

Junior

Fabian Calderon

Freshman

Brock Higdon

Senior

Zach Verner

Sophomore

Jake Ingram

Freshman

Ethan Deveaux

Senior

Braden Lee

Senior

due to a change in style, but starting the front seven will be defensive end Brock Higdon. Higdon, who is committed to Western Kentucky, stands at 6-foot-7, 230 pounds and is entering his third year as a starter on the defensive line. He’s gotten better at being physical and will be the leader on the line. Jack lineman Donnie Ball, a senior, was originally a safety for the Panthers, but will now be in his second year as a starter on the defensive line. Anchoring the line will be Braden lee at nose guard. Lee, a 6-foot,

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

245-pound senior, is also in his second year as a starter but is coming off an injury that forced him out for the second half of last year. Senior Sina Vatony will close out the line as a defensive tackle after sitting out the last two years focusing on wrestling. Mason Duncan, Tyler Zuiderhoek, Vincent Lewis and Jayden Taylor will all add depth on the line.

LINEBACKERS One of the strongest position units on the team will be at linebacker

Senior

Junior Freshman Sophomore Freshman

thanks in large part to the return of Navy commit Ryan Jewell. Jewell, a senior standing at 6-foot-1, 230 pounds, is heading into his third year as a starter and has gotten even bigger and stronger in the offseason. He’ll occupy one of the inside linebacker spots alongside senior Dorian Tolbert, who will be going into his second year as a starter. The key outside linebacker will be junior Matthew Plummer, who is moving over from the slot position on offense. Plummer has gained 20 pounds in the offseason. Backups will

PANTHER FOOTBALL

2018 Fall Color Collection and Free Gift with a purchase of two or more cosmetic items 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

VISIT US TO FIND THAT UNIQUE PIECE TO MAKE A ROOM COMPLETE!

WANT TO KNOW WHO SCORED DURING THE BIG GAME? Visit PelhamReporter.com for the latest updates and recaps from Friday night football.

PELHAM HIGH SCHOOL 2017 RESULTS GAME

OUTCOME

SCORE

Homewood

Loss

22-29

Mortimer Jordan

Win

30-15

@ Benjamin Russell

Loss

28-35

Helena

Win

29-25

@ Chelsea

Win

36-23

@ Thompson

Loss

21-51

Wetumpka

Loss

14-55

@ Chilton County

Win

55-28

@ Opelika

Loss

21-41

@ John Carroll

Win

64-46

@ Spanish Fort

Loss

14-49* *State championship game

PELHAM HIGH SCHOOL 2017 STATISTICS Points scored: 178 Points per game: 17.8 (County rank: 13)

Pelham

Points allowed: 292 Points given up per game: 29.2 (County rank: 9) be Zach Rushton and Brayden Marlowe.

SECONDARY Patrick Durr is back again to lead the secondary from the cornerback position. Heading into his third year as a starter, Durr is playing as good as anybody on the team and can be a leader with his effort. He’ll be joined by junior Camerin Carr at cornerback, who has grown up a ton in the last six months and is a hard worker. The safety position will also be strong with returning starter Phillip Duke back for his junior season, as well as senior Jackson Weaver. Backups will include Kristopher Carter, Chase Christian, Trevor Jones, Griffin Knight and some of the receiving corps.

SPECIAL TEAMS The kicking game should be another positive for this year’s squad thanks to the return of All-County kicker Greg Blue, who will handle place kicking and punting. Salvador Jimenez is his backup and can also do a lot of positive things if needed, while Plummer will be the long snapper. The return game is likely to feature Gipson, who held that job last year.

PLAYERS TO WATCH Edward Gipson, WR. Brandon Sledge, WR/DB. Ryan Jewell, LB. Brock Higdon, DL. Kasey Clark, WR.

KEY LOSSES Nic Blackburn, Will Pierce. Jarrett McLaren.

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

DOING IT RIGHT KASEY CLARK LEADS BY EXAMPLE

Written by ALEC ETHEREDGE Photographs by KEITH MCCOY and ERIC STARLING

hen Tom Causey was brought in to take over the Pelham program four years ago, he relayed a sincere message to his future players, telling them he would do anything to help his players get to where they wanted to be. It was a message current senior Kasey Clark took to heart. “He promised he would give everything to us to get us where we wanted to go,” Clark said. “We decided right then as a team that we would give him everything we had since he was doing the same for us.” For the next three years, Clark and his fellow freshman have poured their hearts into turning the Pelham program around, and now in 2018, they have their chance to leave a mark.

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

A TRUE LEADER Being a leader, you have to learn from a leader, and that’s something Causey and Clark have displayed over the past three football seasons together. Causey will tell you that Clark is the epitome of a leader and someone the entire locker room loves and would give the shirt off their back for, while Clark will reiterate the same message about his head coach, who taught him to be that way. “He not only provided an example of how to perform on the field, but also how to be your best self in life,” Clark said. “He works to make sure we are the best friend we can be, the best teammate we can be, the best brother we can be and the best son we can be. He goes above and beyond and treats us just like one

“We’re hoping that love we

have for each other and the passion we have for wearing the Pelham jersey, along with the talent and hard work, will propel us to where we want to be, which is playing in December. ” — Kasey Clark of his own kids.” Clark said those characteristics make Causey like a second dad to him, while Causey clearly looks at him like one of his own sons. “I had a heart-to-heart with Kasey recently and told him sincerely that he’s going to be a hard player to replace,” Causey said. “I just told him, ‘Kasey, you’re going to be a difficult one to let go, I hope you know that.’ I started thinking about that recently as we got closer to the season, knowing this would be my last season coaching him. He just does everything the way he is supposed to.” Causey pointed to one case in particular to show the level of accountability in which Clark holds himself to. “Kasey had a tough practice recently where he knew he didn’t do everything as good as he could have,” Causey said. “He came up to me after and said ‘coach, I know I didn’t do well today, but I just want you to know that it won’t happen again.’ He took accountability for it, and he’s not just a guy that says that, he’s one that shows his improvement and does what it takes to bounce back from a difficult day.” That work ethic on the field is something Causey said represents the Pelham way. “He is Pelham,” Causey said. “He’s a great student, his teammates love him and he’s always so respectful saying ‘yes sir’ and ‘no sir.’ Kasey just represents what our team is.” His leadership, impressive skills and experience over the last four years at Pelham has led to some memorable moments on and off the field, something he is sad will be coming to an end so soon. THE RIVALRY While he has been part of a team that has battled through ups and downs over the last four years, a witty Clark knew exactly what the best memory from his time at Pelham has been. “Beating Helena the last two years,” he said immediately with a confident, smirky tone. Despite only playing twice on the football field since those two schools split five years ago, both wins by the

Honored to be a 2017 & 2018 Healthcare Professional of the Year Nominee by the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce

1960 Chandalar Drive Suite E Pelham, AL 35124 205-664-8881 www.roderickwhitechiropractic.com 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

DRIVE. focus. Heart. #ThePelhamWay PELHAMHIGHATHLETICS.COM 80

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

as much as they can to show how much Pelham meant to them, but with one of their largest senior classes this year, the hope is for that to change. “This is the biggest senior class we have had in years,” Clark said. “It’s not an idea of playing for ourselves, but playing for everybody wearing the jersey. “We want to leave a legacy that generations of Pelham High School students can look up to. It’s one thing to set an example while you’re there, but it’s completely different to actually make sure they are following through. It’s really important to have that sense of pride in your school and city. If you can give back, I don’t know why you wouldn’t come back.” Clark said this year’s team is bought in and loves each other so much that pride will be no issue this year or after they graduate. He also knows that gives them a good chance at success during his senior season. “We’re hoping that love we have for each other and the LEAVING A LEGACY passion we have for wearing the Pelham jersey, along with All of the blood, sweat and tears Clark has put into the the talent and hard work, will propel us to where we want to football team will mean nothing, no matter how successful be, which is playing in December,” he said. Kasey, who has been playing sports since the age of three, his senior year goes, if he doesn’t, as a leader, step up and is down to his final year wearing any Pelham sports attire, help the future of Pelham football. Something he and Causey both talked about was growing but there is no second-guessing the passion he will pour into making his final year the most memorable yet, because a sense of pride in their school and city. Since Causey took over, the Panthers haven’t had that he doesn’t want to let those down around him that have group of seniors that graduated and wants to stay involved sacrificed so much. Panthers, the rivalry has grown between the two in more ways than one. “It’s one of those things where you want to go eat that night and you have to make sure you don’t go into Helena because we want to spend our money in Pelham,” Clark said. “Or, if we are low on gas and in Helena we ask ourselves, ‘Am I sure I can’t make it to the gas station in Pelham,’ because we don’t want to pay for it in Helena.” While he was trying to exemplify the seriousness of the rivalry with that statement, he admitted they have a mutual respect, but that it’s “go time” when they step on the field. “That’s just a game you don’t want to lose,” Clark said. His hope is that he and this senior class can go out their senior season with an undefeated record against the Huskies, to help leave a legacy that future senior classes will continue to try and top.

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

SHELBY COUNTY WILDCATS

wning difficult situations and responding in the appropriate manner is important when leading a football program and that’s what head coach of the Shelby County Wildcats Heath Childers is trying to do. After starting the season 3-2 last year, the Wildcats lost five consecutive games to end the season

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by KEITH MCCOY

and it all came to a screeching halt with a fight on the field in their final game of the season — a 28-27 loss to Jemison. It marked the second game in a row that Shelby County had lost by two points or less to close out the season, which left a sour taste in the team’s mouths as did the three losses by 25-plus points the weeks leading up to those final two games.

Childers knows it wasn’t a good look for the football team, but it may have been the boost they needed to end the Wildcats’ eight-year playoff drought. A week after that final game, the culture around the program was changed and the sense around the program heading into the 2018 season is much better than it has been in a couple of years.

Chase Franklin

AHSAA 5A, Region 3 2017: 3-7 (1-6) Head Coach: Heath Childers (Fifth year, 15-25) Assistants: Casey Crumpton, Chris Perkins, Kyle Stewart, Mike Harrison, Jake Knight, Shannon Jones, Corey Hamrick, Josh Wallis.

While it still needs to be proven on the field, something Childers knows, the team moves from Class 5A, Region 5, which should be a slightly easier region. They return a good group of players that is bought in and working harder than any group under Childers has, but the tell-all sign will come on Friday, Oct. 26, when the Wildcats travel to Jemison for what will be a region game this year. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when we learn how much this team truly has grown, no matter the record at the time.

Chase Holliman got some time at the position last year and has a strong arm. He has also packed on a lot of muscle in the offseason. Sophomore Kaden Cardwell is the more athletic of the two and will challenge Holliman for the job. Childers said neither quarterback has separated themselves, but he has confidence in both to get the job done. Whichever one does get the start will have the emphasis of protecting the ball.

RUNNING BACK

There will be new faces at the running back position this year with The Wildcats are going into the 2018 guys either leaving the program or season with a strong quarterback graduating. One of the familiar faces competition between two players will be Nevada Wages, who brings capable of handling the load. Junior back the most experience. Wages

QUARTERBACK

Last region title: 2008 Last playoff game: 2009 SHELBY COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 2018 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 24

@ Childersburg

Aug. 31

Montevallo

Sept. 7

Chilton County*

Sept. 14

@ Bibb County*

Sept. 21

Marbury*

Sept. 28

Moody

Oct. 5

@ Demopolis*

Oct. 12

Bye

Oct. 19

Central Tuscaloosa*

Oct. 26

@ Jemison*

Nov. 2

@ St. Clair County * Region game

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

WILDCAT FOOTBALL stands at 5-foot-8, but is one of the toughest players on the team. Senior Austin Scott will help out at the position as well and is another tough runner that can get hard-fought short yard gains. Sophomores Tyrese Goodman and Raheem Montgomery will also help out in the backfield. Goodman is a fast athletic player that is nimble, while Montgomery is more of a fullback type player.

RECEIVERS

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

While Shelby County tends to run a lot of option on offense, the two quarterbacks with strong arms and the emergence sophomore Isaac Montgomery has given them faith in the passing game. In the spring game, Montgomery, who stands at 6-foot, 160 pounds, caught five balls for a little over 100 yards and a touchdown. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got great speed and athleticism that allows him to high point the ball extremely well. Childers couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but rave about him as a young man.

Chase Franklin, who carries a nice size at 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, will spend a lot of time as a receiver as well as an additional running back. Those two along with Goodman, Taylor Wilkins and Ericsson Goodman will all help the Wildcats spread the ball out this season.

OFFENSIVE LINE Up front on both sides of the ball, Shelby County has a good reason to have some confidence heading into

SHELBY COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 2017 RESULTS GAME

OUTCOME

SCORE

Holt

Win

51-8

@ St. Clair County

Loss

21-56

Moody

Win

27-21

@ Wenonah

Loss

8-52

@ Springville

Win

18-15

Fairfield

Loss

6-30

Pleasant Grove

Loss

6-49

@ Briarwood

Loss

14-39

@ Woodlawn

Loss

14-34

Jemison

Loss

27-28

Go Go Wildcats! Wildcats!

205-669-3179 207 Hwy 47 S Columbiana

the 2018 season and it starts with twins Dalton and Dawson Brooks. Dalton will handle the right guard position, while Dawson will play at left tackle. Both are great leaders with a ton of experience that Childers said was invaluable. They’ll be joined by J.T. Pennington, who stands at 6-foot-3, 250 pounds, and started last year as a freshman. Pennington has great feet and really improved late in the season last year. Junior Trey Aderhold will handle the center position, while fellow junior Hunter Barnes will anchor down the left guard position after handling that spot in the spring. There will be three or four others battling at the position as well, while Jessup Lodge will play tight end.

DEFENSIVE LINE The Wildcats will be going with a three-man front this year with Micah Hughes and Dawson Brooks locking down each end. Devon Montgomery will start his junior season at nose guard, while T.J. McGinnis, Tyler Echols and Pennington will all get time on the defensive line as well. Childers feels confident in the depth this year as he said eight or nine guys can roll in and play. It’s a unit that is playing well and just needs to be physical and aggressive every week.

LINEBACKERS The depth in the front seven continues to the linebacker position thanks to several of the team’s best athletes playing the position with experience. Shelby County’s starting mike linebacker will be Dalton Brooks, while Barnes, Raheem Montgomery and Scott will also interchange at the position. Outside linebackers will be Franklin, Wages, Aderholt and Landon Stewart. With the number of players there, Childers said the Wildcats have a better chance to stay fresh.

SECONDARY Both players competing to be the starting quarterback will join forces in the secondary as Holliman and Cardwell will handle the cornerback positions. Tyrese Goodman 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

SHELBY COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

NO.

NAME

POSITION

Casey Williams

Junior

Riley Giles

OL/DL

Tyrese Goodman

ATH

Sophomore

Eason Carlisle

OL/DL

Freshman

Jett Lodge

WR/DB

Sophomore

T.J. McGinnis

OL/DL

Sophomore

Chase Holliman

QB/DB

Junior

Hunter Woods

OL/DL

Sophomore

Chase Franklin

ATH

Senior

Kevin Arteaga

OL/DL

Freshman

Kaden Cardwell

QB/DB

Sophomore

Jac Glover

OL/DL

Freshman

Isaac Montgomery

WR/DB

Sophomore

Devon Montgomery

OL/DL

Junior

Landen Stewart

RB/LB

Sophomore

Noah Serritt

OL/DL

Junior

Austin Scott

RB/LB

Senior

Dalton Brooks

OL/DL

Senior

Connor Aderholt

QB/DB

Freshman

Dawson Brooks

OL/DL

Senior

Jaylen Mayfield

RB/DB

Freshman

Jackson Bailey

OL/DL

Freshman

Desmond Rogers

WR/DB

Sophomore

Tre Aderholt

OL/LB

Junior

Greg Oliver

WR/DB

Junior

J.J. Scali

OL/DL

Junior

Austin Dunn

WR/DB

Senior

Micah Hughes

OL/DL

Sophomore

Ericsson Goodman

RB/DB

Junior

Jessie Carter

OL/DL

Freshman

Charlie Taylor

WR/DB

Senior

Tyler Echols

OL/DL

Senior

Jordahn Garcia

RB/LB

Sophomore

Denton Keller

OL/DL

Freshman

Evan Joiner

RB/LB

Freshman

J.T. Pennington

OL/DL

Sophomore

Seth Hall

RB/DB

Freshman

Weston Dooley

WR/DB

Raheem Montgomery

RB/LB

Sophomore

Jonathan Whitman

OL/DL

Lloyd Harrison

WR/DB

Junior

Ethan Papp

WR/DB

Taylor Wilkins

WR/DB

Senior

Jessup Lodge

TE/LB

Will Price

WR/LB

Freshman

will also play some cornerback, while depth at the position will be provided by Wilkins and Isaac Montgomery. The main safety spot will be held by Ericsson Goodman. Austin Dunn will also play in the secondary and several others can move back from linebacker. It’s a position that will be key this season after the Wildcats gave up way too many deep balls last year.

YEAR Sophomore

Freshman Junior Freshman Junior

Dalton Brooks

SPECIAL TEAMS While Shelby County is still trying to figure out its kicking situation, the Wildcats were much improved overall on special teams last year and hope to continue that this season. Raheem Montgomery will help on kickoffs, PLAYERS TO WATCH while Tyrese Goodman and Isaac Dalton Brooks, OL/LB. Dawson KEY LOSSES Montgomery are capable as well. Chadwyn Russ. Lamont Brooks, OL/DL. Nevada Wages, RB/ Dontavio us Mayfield. LB. Isaac Montgomery, WR/DB.

"BIG CITY QUALITY, SMALL TOWN CARING" Dr. Jay Crisman • Dr. Sarah Juliana • Dr. Alston Whiten

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Bush.

GO WILDCATS! Representative

Corley Ellis Alabama House District 41

WANT TO KNOW WHO SCORED DURING THE BIG GAME? Visit ShelbyCountyReporter.com for the latest updates and recaps from Friday night football.

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Cedric Tooson

SPAIN PARK JAGUARS

he Spain Park Jaguars are a team that relies heavily on defense for its success under head coach Shawn Raney. The two years before 2017, the Jags gave up just 10 and 18 points per game, respectively. Last year, however, that number climbed up to 25.4 points per game. Going into the season last year,

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by KEITH MCCOY and STEPHEN DAWKINS

Raney expressed his concern about the defense, but this year, it’s a completely different tone from the head coach when he talks about that side of the ball. While Spain Park ended up in the playoffs last season, the 6-5 overall record and first-round exit weren’t up to par. It could have been a much better season for the Jags, who lost to

CIA 88

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Hoover in the final minute and lost to Mountain Brook in triple overtime. It seems as if they were just always a defensive play or two away from being a state-championship level team. This year, with an improved defense and plenty of offensive talent, they’ll have a chance to make some noise in the state’s most difficult region.

Jalen Henderson

AHSAA 7A, Region 3 2017: 6-5 (3-4) Head Coach: Shawn Raney (Seventh year, 40-17) Assistants: Matt Thompson, Marty Rozell, Chris Bell, Ryan Thompson, Keat Litton, Bob Bietighofer, Brian Manner, Eric Gibbons, Jason Hamlin, Darius Taylor, John Hardin. Last region title: 2015 Last playoff game: 2017 SPAIN PARK HIGH SCHOOL 2018 SCHEDULE

QUARTERBACK With the departure of All-County quarterback Braxton Barker goes 2,410 yards and 19 touchdowns, leaving a big gap for new starter Mason Pronk to fill. Raney, however, has plenty of confidence in the senior to step up and fill Barker’s shoes. He’s a steady and humble leader that can make plays as an athlete. He’s a program kid that knows what to run and do on every play. He will be backed up by Braxton’s younger brother Harrison Barker, who will be a junior this season.

RUNNING BACK

carries looking to take over the offense this year. He’s got the build and has put in the work this summer that should lead to a special senior season. Junior Manny Austin, who was on the junior varsity squad last year, will step in as a backup this season.

DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 24

Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa

Aug. 31

@ Bessemer City

Sept. 7

Vestavia Hills*

Sept. 14

@ Mountain Brook*

Sept. 21

Hewitt-Trussville*

RECEIVERS

Sept. 28

Bye

Kenyon Hines will be the guy at receiver this year. Hines got plenty of time last year and has seen his confidence soar in the offseason. Standing at 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, he’s built perfectly for the position and will make plays on the ball for the Jags this year. The only other wide out Raney feels extremely confident in heading into fall practice is Kameron McDaniel, who stands at 5-foot-9, 170 pounds, and brings a load of speed to the table as a track athlete. There are a chunk of juniors behind those two that Raney is hoping will step up to earn a big role this year.

Oct. 5

@ Thompson*

Oct. 12

Hoover*

Oct. 19

@ Oak Mountain*

Oct. 26

Tuscalossa County*

Nov. 2

@ Shades Valley

The running back position is one Spain Park tries to identify in its middle school kids so they can start preparing for the position. It has shown off over the last several years with Wade Streeter, Larry Wooden and D’Arie Johnson all etching their names in the Jags’ history books. Now, Jalen Henderson looks to do the same in 2018. Henderson was put on the field two years ago as a sophomore to play OFFENSIVE LINE With four seniors set to be on the fullback just because of his ability. Now as a senior, he brings back 579 offensive line this season, Raney feels yards and three touchdowns on 129 confident in the unit. They’ll lose

* Region game

Abdul Deeb, graduate, and Jayme Simmons, transfer, but they’ll get back William Mote, Josh Mullins and Cameron Young. Mote, a senior, is a three-year starter and will handle one of the tackle positions. Young is the biggest of the linemen standing at 6-foot-2, 290 pounds, and is a guy that Raney is extremely high on this year. Mullins adds an experienced senior as well as a good frame on the line. Zac Shaw, another senior, will move over from defensive line to the offensive 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

SPAIN PARK HIGH SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

Jaylen Ward

Cedric Tooson

Jalen Henderson

Trevor Bernier

David Moultry

Manny Austin

Jacob Jenkins

James Gilbert

Mason Pronk

YEAR

NO.

NAME

POSITION

Freshman

Alex Morton

YEAR

Senior

Micah Moore

Senior

Sam Moates

Sophomore

Senior

Dre Robinson

Senior

Freshman

Gage Hughes

Sophomore

Junior

Creel Richardson

Junior

Ben Hill

Sophomore

Jaquaylon Gipson

Senior

William Mote

Senior

Josh Cheatham

Sophomore

Jack Guthrie

Junior

Chris Mancil

Junior

Jayst Dorion

Senior

Brodi Susci

Sophomore

Zac Shaw

Senior

Demillion Simms

Senior

Ethan Prolsdorfer

Senior

Harrison Barker

Junior

Ben Franks

Sophomore

Braxton Hall

Senior

Claudio Sarniguet

Senior

Patrick Davis

Freshman

William Harper

Sophomore

Michael Neal

Junior

Goodwin Tidwell

Junior

Michael Ogletree

Sophomore

Chaz Bounds

Junior

Josh Wallace

Senior

Austin Pronk

Sophomore

Kenyon Hines

WR/LB

Senior

Colton Punzel

Senior

Joshua Stanton

Senior

Baylor Black

Sophomore

Dolan Wilson

Junior

Joseph Heatherly

Sophomore

Neal Partin

Junior

Josh Mullins

Senior

Colton Ledbetter

Junior

Zach Smith

Sophomore

George Hill

Junior

Brayden Boggan

Sophomore

Kam Beckham

Junior

Stephen Olson

Sophomore

Ben Rice

Junior

Zach McPeters

Sophomore

Kameron McDaniel

WR/DB

Junior

Cameron Young

Senior

Zach Rushing

Junior

William Vinson

Kishawn Dawsey

Senior

James Broderick

Richard Moss

Paul Wiggins

Khaleb Simmons

Braxton Harrelson

Marcellus Payne

Zachary Graham

Junior Sophomore

Junior

Michael Callens

Junior

Sophomore

Cooper Kelley

Sophomore

Junior

Grant Hall

Senior

Sophomore

Larry Ford

Sophomore

Senior

Johnathan Williams

Sophomore

Jake Horton

Junior

Keon Handley

Sophomore

Layth Abusuad

Senior

Jariun Mott

Sophomore

Drake Tabor

Braden Brock

Sophomore

DeQuarius Hill

Junior

Scott Moates

Senior

Kendarius Cunningham

Sophomore

Steven Pate

Senior

Jay Tibbs

Junior

Josh Burks

Junior

Ashanti Carter

Senior

Jackson Major

Sophomore

Clifford Robinson

Senior

Logan Edwards

Sophomore

Tay Smith

Sophomore

GOOD LUCK

Jaguars! 90

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Sophomore

ARNOLD

MOONEY  REPUBLICAN

STATE HOUSE 43

Friends of Arnold Mooney P.O. Box 382466 Birmingham, AL 35238

JAGUAR FOOTBALL side this year. Those four guys should get solid time at the position, while LINEBACKERS several others are competing for time Several players are still battling for as well. time at linebacker this season, but Moates, Wallace and Hines are three guys at other positions that can play DEFENSIVE LINE The defensive line is going to lose linebacker as well. They’ll also be Blake Hester and Robert Cook, who joined by senior Dre Robinson who has combined for 124 tackles, 14 tackles experience and is giving Raney a player for loss and seven sacks last year, but to be excited about. There are also four they’ll get back Cedric Tooson and an other upperclassmen linebackers and a array of guys with experience. Tooson few younger ones that should have the had 61 tackles last year, including six chance for time at the position as well. tackles for loss and two sacks. He’s a guy with a strong work-ethic and SECONDARY lofty goals that will push the defensive While the front seven is having to line to be their best. He’ll be joined replace a couple of its best players, the by Josh Wallace, who has three years back end of the defense is loaded with of experience, and Scott Moates, who talent this year. Braxton Hall, Kishawn brings back experience and will spend Dawsey and Demillion Simms all three time at defensive end and linebacker. bring back experience at cornerback A lot of these guys are hybrids that and should be primed for impressive will move back to play linebacker for senior seasons. Hall had 34 tackles a chunk of time as well, but several last year as well as three interceptions upperclassmen are battling for time on and will be the leader of the group. the line. They’ll also get help from 6-foot,

180-pound junior Colton Ledbetter at safety. Ledbetter played linebacker as a sophomore and is described by Raney as the best athlete on the team.

SPECIAL TEAMS William Mote and Trevor Bernier will be keys on special teams this season. Mote is a Division I caliber long snapper, while Bernier is returning to handle punting duties this year after averaging 38.6 yards per punt last year. Bernier could also be the team’s place kicker, but two young players are also battling for that spot.

PLAYERS TO WATCH Mason Pronk, QB. Jalen Henderson, RB. Kenyon Hines, WR. Kameron Young, OL. Cedric Tooson, DL. Josh Wallace, LB. Braxton Hall, DB.

KEY LOSSES Braxton Barker, D’Arie Johnson, Jalen McMillan, Robert Cook, Cole Star, Blake Hester. 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Michael Pettway

THOMPSON WARRIORS By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by KEITH MCCOY and NEAL WAGNER

istory was made in 2017 for the Thompson Warriors. They beat perennial power Hoover for the first time in school history, won their first region championship in 20 years, clinched their first playoff berth since 2007, made it past the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 1987 and advanced to the semifinals of the playoffs for just the third time in school history.

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

With that success has come a change in expectation to not just be a winning team, but a state championship team. Just four years removed from an 0-10 season in 2014, expectations may be slightly high for this season, but it has created a buzz around Alabaster that should be there. Thompson loses two receivers that combined for 2,538 receiving yards and four defensive players that combined for 452 tackles, 45 tackles

for loss, 11 sacks and 11 interceptions. That’s a lot of production to replace, but head coach Mark Freeman is a quarterback guru and with one of the country’s best quarterbacks in his second year of Freeman’s system, as well as several other key returnees, the Warriors will have a strong chance to defend their region title in 2018.

QUARTERBACK

AHSAA 7A, Region 3 2017: 12-1 (7-0) Shad Byrd

Ranked as the 163rd best player in the country, eighth best player in Alabama and sixth best pro-style quarterback, University of Alabama commit Taulia Tagovailoa gives Thompson one of the best players in the country for one more season. Last year, Tagovailoa finished third in AHSAA history for most passing yards in a season totaling 3,823 yards and 35 touchdowns. With an offseason in the weight room and more time to grasp Freemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offense, Tagovailoa is stronger and knows everything heading into the season according to the head coach, which sets up for another record-setting type of year.

yards, while posting a total of 21 touchdowns despite splitting time with Jojo Ford last season. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got several Division I offers and with three years of experience, Byrd will be the leader in the backfield again this year. Byrd will get help from two other exciting backs in junior Jojo Gaiters and sophomore Jarrett Crockett. Gaiters is a downhill runner, while Crockett adds great vision.

RECEIVERS

With the loss of both Ahmad and Mo Edwards, receiver is really the only question mark on offense. Ahmad set a state record for receptions with 118 last year totaling 1,464 yards, while Mo averaged 18.5 yards per catch and RUNNING BACK Just like Tagovailoa, the Warriors had 1,074 yards during the season. return a solid running back in 2018. Michael Pettway and Kyle Smoak are Shadrick Byrd is back after totaling going to be the two guys expected to 1,164 rushing yards and 178 receiving step up due to experience.

Head Coach: Mark Freeman (Fourth year, 22-11) Assistants: Shawn DeFoor, Mark Reaves, Jake Ganus, Brad Costanzo, Jake Helveston, Connor McGavin, Wes Murphy, Jordan Robertson, John Jones, Brad Easley, Brett Burnett, Thomas Rayam. Last region title: 2017 Last playoff game: 2017 THOMPSON HIGH SCHOOL 2018 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 24

James Clemens (Montgomery)

Aug. 31

@ Foley

Sept. 7

@ Hoover*

Sept. 14

Oak Mountain*

Sept. 21

@Tuscaloosa County*

Sept. 28

Bye

Oct. 5

Spain Park*

Oct. 12

Vestavia Hills*

Oct. 19

@ Mountain Brook*

Oct. 26

Hewitt-Trussville*#

Nov. 1

@ Crestview (Fla.) * Region game # ESPN

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

THOMPSON HIGH SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

Sam Reynolds

ATH

D.J. Douglas

Michael Pettway

YEAR

NO.

NAME

POSITION

Sophomore

Greg Green

Sophomore

YEAR

Senior

Carson Rockett

Junior

Brent Lowden

Junior

Jalen Bustamante

Senior

Kodie Robertson

Senior

Will Conner

Senior

Rondell Smith

Senior

Ahmari Burrell

Freshman

Michael Jackson

Sophomore

Sawyer Pate

Junior

Kamal Green

Senior

J.B. Mitchell

Sophomore

Ashton Muglach

Sophomore

Triston Woody

Sophomore

Landon Sample

Junior

Tyreke Bivins

Senior

Mason Crain

Senior

Taulia Tagovailoa

Senior

Jeremy Lewis

Senior

Shadrick Byrd

Senior

Avery Forrester

Sophomore

Kyle Smoak

Senior

Landon Hicks

Senior

Deanthony Sanderfer

Junior

Jeremiah Coney

Sophomore

Ruston Conn

Junior

Michael Specht

Sophomore

Chris Hopkins

Senior

Nick Wright

Junior

Bryson Turner

Junior

Gage Stapleton

Sophomore Senior

Elijah Clayton

Senior

Ethan Dunkin

Jeremiah Alexander

Freshman

Greg Inman

Senior

Gage Motes

Senior

Josh Ledbetter

Sophomore

Shafton Reese

Senior

Devin Haynes

Sophomore

Chris Hector

Senior

Mason Bently

Sophomore

Jojo Gaiters

Junior

Michael Bubel

Sophomore

Sean Bustamante

Junior

Aubrey Glidewell

Senior

Micah Layton

Junior

Anthony Kilburn

Sophomore

Daelon Vasser

Junior

Seth MacMillan

Senior

Andrew Barbour

Junior

Andrew Layton

Sophomore

Matt Hector

Senior

Conner Howard

Sophomore

Colt Pilkington

Sophomore

Caleb Weeks

Sophomore

Kristian Ellison

Junior

Dalton Lucas

Junior

Gavin Shipman

Sophomore

Dylan Walker

Junior

Dorian Jones

Junior

Jayme Motley-Simmons

Senior

Shikeim Richards

Junior

Amari Kight

Senior

Jax Van Zanot

Freshman

Noah Tanner

Junior

Trey Pucket

Sophomore

Gage McDaniel

Junior

E.J. Edwards

Sophomore

E.J. Shurles

Sophomore

Owen May

Junior

Jaiden Butts

Sophomore

Jarret Crocket

Sophomore

Sy Garret

Junior

Caleb Farmer

Junior

Ricky Selph

Sophomore

Evan McGuire

Junior

Brandon Hollifield

Sophomore

Kurtis Brown

Junior

Jordan Owens

Sophomore

Taylor Campbell

Junior

Tyler Roach

Sophomore

Caleb Tolbert

Junior

A.J. Bonham

Senior

9100 Hwy 119 | Alabaster, AL 35007

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

BuckCreekFamilyDental.com

Call Today! 205-624-4570

ADV32447

Martha Acton, DMD | Scott Kane, DMD General Dentists

Always Accepting New Patients!

THOMPSON HIGH SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER CONTINUED 89

Jonathan Smith

Junior

Damion Ubgo

Junior

Jacolbi Jones

Junior

James McLelland

Sophomore

Eric Mizell

Senior

Kâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Marion Hambright

Sophomore

Kole Mathews

Sophomore

Anthony Butler

Sophomore

Zach Raines

Junior

Markeese McNeal

Junior

WARRIOR FOOTBALL

GOOD LUCK

WARRIORS!

450 Southbrook Village Plaza Alabaster, Al 35007

Bring this ad in and receive 20% your next purchase

off UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP!

Visit us for all your printing needs. Mon-Friday: 8am -6:30pm Sat: 9am-2:30pm Sun: Closed P. (205) 664.2258 3590-B Pelham Pkwy Pelham, AL 35124 store1183@theupsstore.com

GO Warriors! 9200 Hwy 119 Suite 600 Alabaster, Al 35007

205-624-3088

Your Conservative Voice for District 73

www.mattfridy.com

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Matt Fridy. 1900 Spring Creek Rd, Montevallo, AL 35115

(205) 663-7240

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 300 Colonial Promenade Pkwy, Suite 2000 Alabaster, AL 35007

(205) 664-2522

www.GymTime.fitness

$15/month 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Taulia Tagovailoa

Que UAB commit Will Conner. Despite missing the first couple of games last season, Conner still finished second on the team with 137 tackles, including 16 tackles for loss and five sacks. He is one of the best in the state and will be the leader of the defense this year. After that, Thompson has a bunch of question marks at the position, but Owen May will get some time at inside linebacker.

SECONDARY While the Warriors will lose AllState defensive back Myles Brown, who had four interceptions a season ago, the secondary may be the strongest overall unit on defense. Thompson will return Jalen Bustamante, Tyreke Bivins and David Douglas, all of whom Pettway, a junior, will be an outside them two game-changing linemen. made an impact as starters last year. Those two guys will handle tackle Douglas picked up three interceptions receiver that can beat a defender or go up and grab a deep ball. Smoak, positions while Seth McMillan will last year, while Bustamante totaled 64 a senior, will be an inside receiver return to handle the center position tackles and an interception as well. and has continued to show progress for the second year in a row. Those They’ll be joined by Elijah Clayton this summer. A.J. Bonham and Chris three will be joined by Mason Crain and Sam Reynolds at safety. Hopkins will also play out wide, while and Greg Inman at guard positions. J.B. Mitchell can add depth both SPECIAL TEAMS outside and inside. Tristan Woody DEFENSIVE LINE Junior Evan McGuire will return and Andrew Barbour will both play Eric Mizell is back as a returning to handle place kicking, kickoff inside. starter standing at 6-foot-2, 275 and punting duties this year for pounds. Last year, he totaled 40 Thompson. tackles at the defensive end position, OFFENSIVE LINE This is where Thompson will win including five for loss and 3.5 sacks. PLAYERS TO WATCH its games this season. Returning He’ll get help from Aubrey Glidewell Taulia Tagovailoa, QB. Michael one of the best offensive lines in the and Will Hoffman, both of which got Pettway, WR. Shad Byrd, RB. Will state, Thompson will be able to take playing time last year in Thompson’s Conner, LB. Eric Mizell, DL. David advantage of all of its offensive skill 3-4 scheme, but Freeman is still Douglas, DB. Jalen Bustamante, DB. players. With the return of Alabama waiting for other guys to step up in Amari Kight, OL. Jayme Simmons, commit Amari Kight, who stands the fall. OL. at 6-foot-7, 305 pounds, the Warriors were already in good shape. But now LINEBACKERS KEY LOSSES they have added Jayme Simmons, Replacing Jalen Rayam, now at UAB, Jalen Rayam, K.J. Robertson, former Spain Park player and a and K.J. Robertson, now at Troy, will Ahmad Edwards, Mo Edwards, Division I recruit, to the team. He be a tall task this season after those Mackie McNeal, Alex Pearman, stands at 6-foot-6, 273 pounds, giving two started four consecutive seasons. Myles Brown.

Like a

good neighbor,

State Farm is there. Wesley Guy, Agent

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

1123 1st Street N Suite C Alabaster, Al 35007 Oﬃce 205-663-4666 Fax 205-663-4779 wesley@wesleyguy.com

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

K&J

is coming to you!

Invite us

to your next Wedding Rehearsal Dinner, Church Event, School Event, Birthday party and we'll bring

the desserts!

CHANGING THE EXPECTATION FROM 0-10 TO TITLE CONTENDER

F 236 1st Street South Suite 300 Alabaster, AL 35007

(205) 663-4827

kjselegantpastries.com 98

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Written by ALEC ETHEREDGE Photographs by KEITH MCCOY and NEAL WAGNER

our years ago, the Thompson Warriors were coming off one of their worst seasons in school history, an 0-10 disaster, but fast forward to the summer of 2018 and the Warriors are coming off one of their most successful seasons in school history and are now garnering rankings in several national football polls. It’s all part of a culture change that head coach Mark Freeman brought in when he took over the job in 2014, and it quickly transitioned to his players. “I remember a few times my freshman year where I just didn’t want to go to workouts so I would stay home instead,” said former THS linebacker and current UAB player Jalen Rayam . “The first day Freeman and his staff

got in, the coaches told us ‘You aren’t missing workouts no matter what, and we just got in that habit. He called several people out for their misbehavior on that first day.” “They’re watching everything you do, so you have to do every rep and you’re drenched after workouts, which wasn’t even heard of before Freeman got here,” said another former linebacker K.J. Robertson. In three years of starting under Freeman, Rayam and Robertson went on to become two of the best players in school history and are now at Division I schools UAB and Troy. Thompson went 5-5 in Freeman’s first year, and followed that up with another 5-5 season the following year, a year in

which several games were lost by three points or less. That all led to the penultimate 2017 season where the Warriors finished 12-1 in the semifinals of the playoffs, won their first region title in 20 years and beat Hoover for the first time in school history. Now, Thompson’s players see that with the hard work in Freeman’s system they can not only get a great college offer, but they can also compete for championships. “When I was brought in, they just wanted me to win games,” Freeman said. “Now they expect a state championship. It’s not bad, and you don’t want to ever diminish that kind of hype around a program, but it’s just crazy how much the expectation has changed in such a short time. You just have to hope the hype and expectation isn’t too high.” Freeman, however, is no stranger to success and the pressure that comes along with it. Going into his 20th season as a head coach in the state of Alabama, Freeman has seen it all since his first season as a head coach at Bessemer Academy in 1998. During his 10 seasons with the Rebels, Freeman won four state championships, had three perfect seasons and had six seasons with at least 11 wins, while making the playoffs every year. He stepped down after winning his fourth state championship in 2007 to take over as quarterback’s coach at Minor in 2008. But with his 17-6 record in the postseason at Bessemer Academy, that lasted for just one season before he finally got his first head coaching gig in the AHSAA when Gulf Shores High School hired him away from Minor High School in 2009. At Gulf Shores, Freeman led the Dolphins for just two seasons, but took them to just their second playoff berth in

Missed the

GAME? We ’ v e g o t y o u c o v e re d . V i s i t A l a b a s t e r Re p o r t e r. c o m to find out what hapened u n d e r t h e Fr i d a y n i g h t l i g h t s .

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

school history during his first season. That’s when he really hit the scene and was hired by Spanish Fort ahead of the 2011 season. Freeman led the Toros to an overall record of 50-7 record and two state championships in his four seasons at the helm. Finally, Thompson took notice in 2014. After an 0-10 season, the Warriors decided to make a splash by hiring Freeman to run the program in 2015, a decision that has now taken shape four years later. While it has looked easy for the head coach, not just this year but at every stop he has made, Freeman will tell you another story. “There is no magic pill,” he said. “It’s not about me. I can only do so much. As a coach, we have to rely on the players to buy in. Once they start trusting us and seeing results, all of the hard work they put in will show off on and off the field.” After back-to-back 5-5 seasons, the Warriors saw that hard work pay off last year with their most successful season since the 1980s. Now, headed into the 2018 season,

Freeman will have his first full group of players from freshman to senior season since arriving at the school. “They know what we expect now,” he said. “With this being the first full class, they’ve had the repetition in our system and know what to do each day at practice. Everything is running smoothly right now.” With players now comfortable in the system and several of the state’s best high school football players back on the Warriors’ roster this season, Thompson has reason to be confident in its ability

to compete for a state title. “They’re confident, but they are also holding themselves accountable,” Freeman said. “Them taking accountability and showing that level of maturity really is the key. Last year really was a confidence booster in those regards.” While the Warriors compete in the “Region of death,” they’ll be ready for a run at defending their Class 7A, Region 3 championship this season—knowing that a magic pill isn’t available to bail them out.

Cheer, Gymnastics & Tumbling Serving Ages 2-19

We are cheering you on �his season!

WARRIORS 300 Colonial Promenade Parkway Suite 300 Alabaster, AL 35007 205-664-4400 www.paulsdiamondcenter.com 100

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

205-668-2003 info@nxsgym.com www.nxsgym.com

nxs_gym

nxsgym

THE CARTER EVENT CENTER The Carter Event Center specializes in smaller events such as business/organization meetings, reunions, graduation parties, anniversaries, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Quinceaneraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, holiday parties, birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and soooo much more! Our event center can seat up to 75 people comfortably. Please call to schedule a tour!

844 Hwy 31 South Suite H Alabaster, AL 35007

205-800-9687

Kaleb Wilson

VINCENT YELLOW JACKETS

ucas Weatherford, who has made stops as an assistant coach in the county at Chelsea and Helena, takes over the reins for Vincent in 2018 after the departure of Wiley McKeller to James Clemens. In his two years leading the Yellow Jackets, McKeller took them from

102

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photographs by DAWN HARRISON and KEITH MCCOY

a winless team in 2015, to a 5-5 team that missed the playoffs by one game in 2017. He got the school interested in football again, and now Weatherford hopes to take that next step and put them back in the playoffs for the first time since 2014. With an offense that returns a 1,000-plus yard rusher, its starting

quarterback and key linemen, Vincent has a chance at success this year, but health will be key. With that in mind, Weatherford plans to rotate a lot to keep guys fresh throughout the season. Injuries cost the Yellow Jackets late last year as they ended up missing the playoffs, but this team has postseason written all over it in

AHSAA 2A, Region 4 2017: 5-5 (3-4) Head Coach: Lucas Weatherford (First year) Assistants: Ryan Halla, Ted Gipson, Corey Goodson, Shawn Martin, Jay Hamilton, Chris Ingram.

Chris Hardie

2018.

QUARTERBACK Dusty Davis is back for his junior season and is expected to be the starter after throwing for 1,393 yards and 10 touchdowns to just four interceptions as a sophomore. He knows and picks up concepts extremely well and has an impressive arm. Weatherford did say that sophomore Will Harris is still competing for the job, however. Harris is still learning a lot of the concepts, but is extremely athletic and can spin the ball nicely.

RUNNING BACK Despite missing the last three games of the 2017 season with an injury, Chris Hardie rushed for 1,170 yards and 14 touchdowns on 139 attempts as a junior. The firstteam All-County running back had multiple games with 200-plus yards and had a season-high 355 yards

in a win against Horseshoe Bend. Standing at 6-foot-1, 250 pounds, he can run over you and has breakaway speed at the same time. While Hardie will carry a lot of the load this year, Weatherford wants to keep him fresh and healthy late in the season, so he’ll make sure sophomore Tae McGregor and junior Robbie Albright get a lot of time as well. McGregor won the state track title this past year and is very speedy, while Albright can do just about everything on the field and will be used as a FLEX on offense.

RECEIVERS With the loss of Zavien Kelley, the Yellow Jackets are going to have to replace a lot of production at the receiver position this year. Kelley was named to the All-County Second Team as a senior after catching 45 balls for 851 yards and 14 touchdowns, including 218 yards in his final game. They’ll look to junior Malik Hamilton

Last region title: 2006 Last playoff game: 2014 VINCENT HIGH SCHOOL 2018 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

Aug. 24

White Plains

Aug. 31

@ Holy Spirit

Sept. 7

LaFayette *

Sept. 14

Bye

Sept. 21

@ Thorsby *

Sept. 28

Winterboro (Homecoming)

Oct. 5

@ Central Coosa County *

Oct. 12

@ Horseshoe Bend *

Oct. 19

Reeltown *

Oct. 26

Fayetteville *

Nov. 2

@ Asheville * Region game

as one of their talented athletes to be a producer. Hamilton is a guy Weatherford is extremely high on. Standing at 6-foot-3, 160 pounds, he’s

GOOD LUCK

"BIG CITY QUALITY, SMALL TOWN CARING" Dr. Jay Crisman • Dr. Sarah Juliana • Dr. Alston Whiten (205) 672-2224

110 Wheat St | Harpersville, AL 35078 jismith@russelllands.com

Emergency: (256) 404-8151

YELLOW JACKETS! 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

103

VINCENT HIGH SCHOOL 2018 ROSTER NO.

NAME

POSITION

Malik Hamilton

QB/DB

Dusty Davis

Tae McGregor

4 5

YEAR

NO.

NAME

POSITION

YEAR

Freshman

Zach Munoz

WR/DB

Senior

QB/DB

Junior

Ryan Culliver

RB/LB

RB/DB

Sophomore

Jake Walker

WR/DB

Sophomore

Kaleb Wilson

WR/DB

Junior

Jamarey Lawson

RB/DB

Freshman

K.T. Youngblood

WR/DB

Junior

Cole Gowers

WR/DB

Freshman

Will Harris

QB/DB

Sophomore

Tommy Minix

OL/DL

Junior

Chris Hardie

RB/DL

Senior

J.T. Youngblood

OL/DL

Junior

Cobe McKenzie

WR/DB

Sophomore

Torian Datcher

OL/DL

Junior

Robbie Albright

RB/LB

Senior

Drake Jobson

OL/DL

Sophomore

Caleb Scott

WR/LB

Sophomore

Martaviun Lawson

OL/DL

Junior

Griffin Martin

WR/DB

Freshman

Paul Albright

OL/DL

Sophomore

Zack Martin

RB/LB

Senior

Blake Roberson

OL/DL

Junior

Austin Brown

WR/DB

gotten tough and is extremely smart. Whoever doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t win the quarterback job will also be a wideout, while Albright and Kaleb Wilson will play at receiver as well. Four sophomores behind that will give added depth.

OFFENSIVE LINE With the return of juniors J.T. Youngblood and Martaviun Lawson, the offensive line is one of the most exciting aspects of the team according to the head coach. Youngblood was recognized around the state last year for his play as a sophomore and Lawson adds an experience that gives Weatherford a lot of confidence in the unit. Those two will be the

104

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Junior

Sophomore

leaders of the line, but will be joined by sophomores Drake Jobson and Paul Albright. Jobson will handle the center position, while the 6-foot1, 290-pound Albright will handle one of the guard positions. Juniors Blake Roberson, Tommy Minix and Brian Datcher will also help out on the line.

DEFENSIVE LINE Most of those guys on the offensive line will also switch over to play defensive line this year for the Yellow Jackets. Hardie, Lawson and Youngblood will be three keys on that front handling either defensive end or tackle. Datcher, Minix and Jobson will also play at the position, and

Weatherford stressed how important rotating out will be to keeping everybody healthy this season.

LINEBACKERS The linebacker position might be the most worrisome spot for Vincent heading into the 2018 season. Weatherford said the Jackets are a little thin at the position right now. Junior Ryan Culliver is expected to be one of the inside linebackers alongside Robbie Albright. Albright brings back 69 total tackles, including nine for a loss and seven sacks. Sophomore Caleb Scott can play both inside and outside linebacker, while Wilson and Zach Munoz will spend

YELLOW JACKET FOOTBALL a lot of time at outside linebacker. Weatherford also said several linemen can easily slide back to fill a spot at the position if necessary.

SECONDARY Both players battling for the quarterback position, Davis and Harris, will handle each cornerback spot this season. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be joined by an athletic McGregor at safety, who is extremely fast and athletic and will be able to make plays on the back end of the defense. Weatherford said Wilson and Munoz can help out in the secondary as well and young guys can be moved into the rotation.

SPECIAL TEAMS While a lot of teams donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know who their kicker will be heading into fall practice, Vincent has two guys they are confident in. Munoz is an accurate kicker and can punt the ball well, while Zack Martin has an extremely powerful leg and has

Robbie Albright

been kicking for the Yellow Jackets PLAYERS TO WATCH for several years. Both guys bring a Chris Hardie, RB/DL. J.T. little something different to the table. Youngblood, OL/DL. Robbie Albright, Jobson will handle the long-snapping RB/LB. duties, while McGregor is the main guy being looked at as a kick returner. KEY LOSSES Zavien Kelley. 2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

105

STATE RECORDS SHELBY COUNTY

AHSAA Football Individual Records

Tyler Watts, Pelham, 1994-97 - 22nd

OFFENSE - MOST POINTS SCORED, Season 204, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 2001 - T-34th

OFFENSE - MOST PASSES ATTEMPTED, Game 55, Mason Duke, Spain Park vs. Oxford, 2013 - 8th 53, Nick Mullens, Spain Park vs. Austin, 2012 - 11th

OFFENSE - MOST POINTS SCORED, Career 620, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998-2002 - 8th OFFENSE - MOST TOUCHDOWNS SCORED, Season 34, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 2001 - T-42nd OFFENSE - MOST TOUCHDOWNS SCORED, Career 102, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998-2002 - 9th OFFENSE - MOST FIELD GOALS MADE, Game 5, Crosby Gray, Spain Park (15) vs. Thompson (14), 2015 - T-1st OFFENSE - LONGEST FIELD GOAL 60 yards, Michael Proctor, Pelham (39) vs. Mountain Brook (16), 1991 - 2nd 51 yards, Jason Lang, Pelham vs. Shades Valley, 1994 - T-37th OFFENSE - MOST POINTS KICKING, Game 15, Crosby Gray, Spain Park (15) vs. Thompson (14), 2015 - T-6th OFFENSE - MOST EXTRA POINTS KICKED, Season 68, Graham Wilson, Briarwood (of 73 attempts), 1998 - 25th OFFENSE - MOST EXTRA POINTS KICKED, Career 180, Graham Wilson, Briarwood, 1997-99 – T-11th OFFENSE - MOST EXTRA POINTS KICKED, Consecutive 53, Michael Proctor, Pelham, 1989-91 - 18th OFFENSE- MOST KICKOFF RETURNS FOR TOUCHDOWNS, Season 5, Jason Wilkins, Shelby County, 1997 – T-1st OFFENSE - MOST YARDS RUSHING, Season 2,281, Shontua Ray, Montevallo, 1997 (11 games) T-45th OFFENSE - MOST YARDS RUSHING, Career 5,144, Arthur Johnson, Thompson, 1980-82 - 29th OFFENSE- Most rushing attempts, Game 46, Wade Streeter, Spain Park (63) vs. Hewitt-Trussville (64), 2014 - T-12th OFFENSE - MOST YARDS PASSING, Game 408, Tyler Watts, Pelham vs. Vestavia Hills, 1995 - 39th 401, Mason Duke, Spain Park (52) vs. Thompson (28), 2014 – 43rd OFFENSE - MOST YARDS PASSING, Season 3,823, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2017 – 3rd 3,469, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2007 - 9th 2,834, Parker Anderson, Pelham, 1999 – 41st 2,672, Michael Hiers, Briarwood, 2017 – 55th 2,501, Bart Yancey, Briarwood, 1990 - 69th 2,484, Tyler Watts, Pelham, 1997 – 72nd 2,388, Zac Oden, Montevallo, 2015 – 82nd 2,334, Cornelius Brown, Calera, 2017 – 97th 2,056, Jeff Flannery, Briarwood, 1998 – 130th OFFENSE - MOST YARDS PASSING, Career 7,968, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2004-07 - 12th 6,838,

Thompson ’82

106

Coosa Valley ’84

Briarwood ’98

2018 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL 2017

OFFENSE - MOST PASSES ATTEMPTED, Season 361, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2007 - 17th 342, Tyler Watts, Pelham, 1997 - 26th 335, Bart Yancey, Briarwood, 1990 - T-27th 303, Parker Anderson, Pelham, 1999 52nd OFFENSE - MOST PASSES ATTEMPTED, Career 1,008, Tyler Watts, Pelham, 1994-97 - 6th 966, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2004-07 - 11th OFFENSE - MOST PASSES COMPLETED, Game 32, Mason Duke, Spain Park vs. Oxford, 2013 - T-13th 31, Nick Mullens, Spain Park vs. Austin, 2012 - T-15th OFFENSE - MOST PASSES COMPLETED, Season 228, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2007 - 15th 204, Parker Anderson, Pelham, 1999 - T-26th 200, Tyler Watts, Pelham, 1997 - T-29th OFFENSE - MOST PASSES COMPLETED, Career 594, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2004-07 - 7th 519, Tyler Watts, Pelham, 1994-97 - 13th OFFENSE - MOST TOUCHDOWN PASSES, Season 47, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2007 - 3rd OFFENSE - MOST TOUCHDOWN PASSES, Career 88, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2004-2007 - 8th 55, Tyler Watts, Pelham, 1995-97 - 33rd OFFENSE - LONGEST TOUCHDOWN PASS 99 yards, Jeff Flannerty to Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1999 – T-1st 99 yards, Joe Craddock to Tim Castille, Briarwood, 2002 – T-1st OFFENSE - PASS COMPLETION PERCENTAGE, Game 86.2, Mason Duke, Spain Park (52) vs. Thompson (28), 2014 - 6th OFFENSE - MOST PASS RECEPTIONS, SEASON 125, Ahmad Edwards, Thompson, 2017 – 1st 70, Montez Billings, Pelham, 2002 - T-37th 70, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998 - T-37th OFFENSE - MOST PASS RECEPTIONS, CAREER 243, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998-2002 - 3rd OFFENSE - CAREER TOUCHDOWN RECEPTIONS 41, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998-2002 - T-12th OFFENSE - MOST YARDS RECEIVING, SEASON 1,459, Ahmad Edwards, Thompson, 2017 – 6th 1,305, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998 - 15th 1,170, Shannon Hartsfield, Briarwood, 1990 – 42nd 1,118, Mo Edwards, Thompson, 2017 – 54th 1,060, Bill Flowers, Pelham, 1999 – 70th OFFENSE - MOST YARDS RECEIVING, Career 4,122, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998-2002 (243 catches) - 3rd OFFENSE - TOTAL OFFENSE, Career

Shelby Academy ’98

Briarwood ’99

9,544, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998-2003 - 7th 9,164, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2004-07 - 9th OFFENSE - TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS, Season 53, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2007 - T-6th OFFENSE - ALL-PURPOSE YARDS, Season 4,079, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2007 - 6th 2,430, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1999 – 43rd OFFENSE - ALL-PURPOSE YARDS, Career 9,544, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998-2003 - 9th 9,164, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2004-07 - 14th DEFENSE - MOST INTERCEPTIONS, Game 4, Brandon Salser, Chelsea vs. Isabella, 1989 - T-6th DEFENSE - MOST TACKLES, Game 26, Ethan Simmons, Briarwood (14) vs. Vigor (13), 2012 – T-11th DEFENSE - MOST TACKLES, Season 285, Matthew Forester, Briarwood, 1998 - 1st DEFENSE - MOST TACKLES, Career 612, Matthew Forester, Briarwood, 1996-98 – 3rd DEFENSE - MOST FUMBLE RECOVERIES, Game 3, Jordan Carroll, Briarwood (32) vs. John Carroll (13), 2012 – 1st AHSAA Football Team Records COACHES WITH MOST STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS 3, Fred Yancey, Briarwood – T-13th MOST CONSECUTIVE GAMES WITHOUT A LOSS (Including Ties) 45, Shelby County (43-0-2), 1961-66 - 6th OFFENSE - MOST POINTS SCORED, Game (Both teams) 127, Spain Park (63) vs. Hewitt-Trussville (64), 2014 – 6th 117, Pelham (77) vs. Jackson-Olin (40), 2006 13th 114, Vincent (72) vs. Isabella (42), 2011 - 17th 109, Shelby County (69) vs. Marbury (40), 2015 – T-24th 103, Oak Mountain (60) vs. James Clemens (43), 2012 – 34th OFFENSE - MOST POINTS SCORED, Season 582, Briarwood Christian (15-0), 1998 - 51st 512, Calera (10-2), 2014 – T-111th MOST POINTS SCORED, Game (By losing team) 63, Spain Park vs. Hewiit-Trussville (64), 2014 – T-2nd OFFENSE - MOST PASS ATTEMPTS, Season 342, Pelham, 1997 - 10th OFFENSE - MOST COMPLETIONS, Season 200, Pelham (342 attempts), 1997 - 12th MOST TOUCHDOWN PASSES, Season 47, Briarwood, 2007 – 4th MOST FIELD GOALS MADE, Game 5, Spain Park (15) vs. Thompson (14), 2015 – T-1st MOST KICKOFF RETURNS FOR TOUCHDOWNS (Both teams) 3, Elba (59) vs. Vincent (20), 2012 – 1st

Briarwood ’03

Shelby Academy ’06

Coosa Valley ’10

AT RISK FOR

Concussion www.ChildrensAL.org/concussion In case of medical emergency, call 911 or go directly to your local ER

A concussion

is an injury caused by a blow to the head in which the brain moves rapidly and may collide with the inside of the skull. Even a minor fall or collision may be of concern, so be alert to symptoms such as headaches, unsteadiness, confusion or other types of abnormal behavior. Any athlete with a suspected concussion: n n n n

Should be IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PLAY/ACTIVITY Should be evaluated right away by a doctor/healthcare professional Should not be left alone Should not drive a motor vehicle

For a Concussion Clinic appointment,

call 205.934.1041

CHILDREN’S DOWNTOWN RUSSELL CAMPUS

CHILDREN’S SOUTH OUTPATIENT CENTER

1600 7th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233

Outpatient surgery, Pediatric Imaging, laboratory services and specialty care clinics

205.638.9100

1940 Elmer J. Bissell Road Birmingham, AL 35243

205.638.4800

It’s a great place to live. Whatever your species may be.

The renowned biologist E.O. Wilson has called it “an aquatic treasure house.” The World Wildlife Fund and Nature Conservancy included it as one of just eight “Hotspots of Diversity” in the entire world.

But, to us, it’s an unparalleled place to reconnect with nature by canoeing, kayaking, hiking, birding, botanizing, or merely floating in its waters.

In the clean water we return to the river, and through our efforts with Adopt-A-Stream, It’s the Cahaba—the longest free-flowing river SouthWest Water Company is doing our part to in Alabama, with more fish species per kilometer ensure the Cahaba is there for future generations than any other river in North America, including to enjoy—whatever their species may be. Join 18 species that exist nowhere else. with us by visiting bit.ly/AdoptCahaba.

To learn more, visit CleanerCahaba.info