Shelby County Football 2019 by Shelby County Newsmedia, Inc.

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Shelby County Football 2019

CONTENTS 4

QUADRUPLE THREAT Montevalloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dangerous offensive playmakers are ready to make noise

FINDING JOY Alabama commit Jayson Jones has a new passion for football ahead of senior year

VIEWING MENU A look at the 10 best games of the 2019 season

TEAM PREVIEWS 20 Briarwood 24 Calera 30 Chelsea 40 Cornerstone 42 Evangel 44 Helena 54 Montevallo 58 Oak Mountain 62 Pelham 74 Shelby County 80 Spain Park 84 Thompson 92 Vincent 2

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

STAFF

From the Editor

EDITORIAL

This year’s edition of the magazine gives COVERING FOOTBALL IN THE you a look at several of the top storylines, SOUTH, more specifically the state of

Graham Brooks Stephen Dawkins Alec Etheredge Briana Harris Madoline Markham Scott Mims Keith McCoy Emily Sparacino

PRODUCTION Connor Martin-Lively Jamie Dawkins Kate Green

MARKETING Kristy Brown Kari George Caroline Hairston Rachel Henderson Daniel Holmes Rhett McCreight Kim McCulla Stacey Meadows Jordan Price Viridiana Romero Briana Sanders Jessica Steelman 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

Alabama, is a way of life. Living in the football capital of the south, football in this state is more than a game, it’s the event everyone’s schedule is planned around. Since I was a kid, that’s all I can remember. During the fall, you plan everything around what time and day your favorite team is playing from high school on Friday nights to college on Saturday and the NFL on Sunday. While I’m an avid fan of college football and spend my entire Saturday in front of a TV or in a stadium, there is something special about the cool-crisp fall Friday nights that will always be special. A sense of community, each city seemingly shuts down as fans pour into their local team’s stadium to catch a glimpse of Friday night lights each week in support of their school. Family, friends, students and teachers gather in one place to support a group of young men who have poured blood, sweat and tears into representing the community with the name cemented on the front of their jerseys. Heading into my third year covering high school football in Shelby County, I can truly say I’ve met some of the most special young athletes in the sport from Division I caliber players to kids who have overcome difficult circumstances to chase a dream. In this year’s magazine, we decided to do a complete redesign on the inside content from design style to the information found. This decision was made with you, the reader, in mind to help give you as much information and as many statistics as possible about each team in our coverage area ahead of the season.

including Alabama commit and Calera defensive lineman Jayson Jones, Montevallo’s four offensive stars, Thompson’s hometown heroes and Pelham’s new starting quarterback. In addition to that, we look at what to expect from Chelsea and Helena heading into year two under their head coaches, while we also break down all of our teams across Shelby County from season previews to predictions, rosters, schedules and other new information that has never been included in the magazine. As a football nerd of sorts, I get so much joy out of putting this magazine together and take pride in doing so. My main goal is to make it look as professional as possible, and with the help of designer Connor Martin-Lively, photographers Keith McCoy and Dawn Harrison, and magazine editor Madoline Markham, I think we nailed it. In my three years, this has turned out to be my favorite of the magainzes simply because of the content and design of the inside, and I hope you all will appreciate all of the hard work and the new changes we have made. Thanks for your continued support of the Shelby County Reporter and for making my job so much fun. I look forward to seeing many of you at a stadium in Shelby County this fall.

Alec Etheredge, Sports Editor Alec.Etheredge@ShelbyCountyReporter.com

Cover photo by Keith McCoy Cover design by Connor Martin-Lively 2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Quadruple threat Montevalloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dangerous offensive playmakers are ready to make noise Written by ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photos by KEITH MCCOY

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

DYNAMIC DUOS HAVE BECOME MORE COMMON, and even triple threats, but a quadruple threat is rare, and something the Montevallo Bulldogs are poised to unleash during the upcoming 2019 football season. With the return of All-State quarterback Malik Inabinette, All-State receiver J.J. Evans, a dominant running back in Deon Gilliland and a receiver with breakout potential in Jamarius Carter, the Bulldogs could build off of last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s successful offensive season by becoming the best offense in the state. Each of those four senior leaders, however, knows how vital of a role they have to play in helping that come to fruition, rather than ending their season in the

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Deon Gilliland be able to evaluate my teammates around me and see what they need. I have to bring that mentality to the table for us to be successful.” If he’s able to improve in that role, he will pair it with the talent of being the state’s best returning quarterback. During his junior season, Inabinette threw for 3,376 yards, which led the state. He also posted 38 touchdowns and threw for 400-plus yards in three different games. It’s scary that he hadn’t reached his full potential and still put up those numbers, but now, heading into his senior season, Inabinette has more confidence and understands more QB1 about how to be successful at the As is the case with every offense, the position. “I’ve grown a lot of confidence,” he most important position aside from those blocking is that of the field general said. “I have a better understanding of at quarterback, something Inabinette what the defense is thinking and trust in my teammates around me. I’m not takes seriously. “I have to play a huge leadership role scared or nervous because of who I’m this season,” Inabinette said. “I need to around and my experience.” first round of the playoffs scoring just eight points as they did last year. Having played together since they were six years old, each one plans to put it all on the line every day this fall so they can end with a special run and have memories to share for a lifetime as four best friends who left a memorable mark on a program as the quadruple threat. “We’ve known each other forever,” Evans said. “We give each other a hard time every day, but at the end of the day we are brothers and this will be a special year.”

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

But that poise didn’t come over night. The summer before his junior season, Inabinette and the Montevallo offense struggled with growing pains. Head coach Brandon Wilcox recalled a 7-on-7 event where the team scored no points in three games and was the worst offense in attendance. But with work and forming team chemistry that quickly changed. For the senior quarterback, it was game one a season ago where he truly started to believe in himself and the team. “It really started the first game,” Inabinette said. “At first we started out kind of slow, but then we started kicking it up, and then I realized the potential we had on the offensive side.” That’s what kick-started a special 9-1 regular season, but injuries got to Inabinette near the end of the season, which caused the Bulldogs to make changes on the fly and led to the difficult ending to the year.

“We don’t want to come up short again,” Inabinette said. “Last year, we thought we were good enough to go all the way to the state championship. Now it’s our last year together and we’ve put in so much work together. We don’t want to see that happen again.” THE STANDOUT One of the reasons Inabinette’s confidence is so high is because of the talent he has to throw to with Evans, Carter and Kial Cottingham all out wide, but it of course starts with Evans, who had a historic season in 2018. As an All-State receiver, Evans posted 1,706 receiving yards, which ranks second all-time in the state’s history by just 29 yards. He also posted 18 touchdowns and became a highlytouted recruit in the country, who is now committed to Auburn University. “I automatically have to step up and be a team leader and captain,” Evans said. “I have to set an example for the

J.J. Evans younger guys. I also have to step up myself. Just because I had a great year doesn’t mean I don’t want to get better. I want to be able to read the defense automatically this season and continue to make big plays for my team. If they need me, I want to be there for them.” Evans has also worked on reading defenses to know where to go, especially with the threat of double and triple

teams this entire season. “Playing at quarterback some late last year when Malik got hurt, and doing it again in 7-on-7 this summer, I’m getting to learn a lot about reading the defenses, which is going to help me be a better receiver and overall player,” he said. “I need to be able to do that at every position, so it’s a good skill to add.”

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THE BREAKOUT STAR

every day during the spring to work with Malik,” he said. “I’ve been working on my footwork and route running and have met with a trainer, who has helped a lot.” After playing with his teammates since city league, Carter lost his love for the game for a short while and wasn’t ready to put that kind of work in early in his high school days. But going into his junior year, he started missing it. “I really missed the games and the environment of it all,” Carter said. “But most importantly, I missed playing with everybody and wanted to be with them. Now, I want to work hard, believe in my teammates, be a leader be coachable and give 100-percent effort.”

Standing at 6-foot-5, 200 pounds, Carter shouldn’t fly under the radar, but he will going into his senior season due to Evans being the focus of every defense. After not playing as a sophomore, Carter re-joined the team last year and posted 17 receptions for 255 yards and six touchdowns in basically half a season. With Evans expected to get so much attention this year, Carter knows he can have a breakout season because of his size in single-cover situations. “I feel like DBs are all smaller and not tall enough anymore,” he said. “That tends to create a mismatch, especially when you have such a good quarterback that can throw the ball and put it right on the spot.” THE DIFFERENCE MAKER It’s not that he doesn’t think there are good cornerbacks out there that can The key to any successful offense is play the position, but it’s his confidence in the work he’s put in and the team he balance. A heavy dose of passing and teams will sellout to stop the air attack. A has around him. “J.J. and I stayed after school almost heavy dose of running and they’ll do the

same to stop the run. But having a balance of both creates a two-headed monster that completes any prosperous offense. While attention will be given to the state’s leading returner at quarterback and receiver, if too much focus is on them, Gilliland will make them pay as a returning running back who ran for 1,088 yards and 13 touchdowns last year, while also adding 335 receiving yards. Gilliland knows he’ll have the opportunity to do that again this year and could be poised for a big season. Like the other three of the quadruple threat, this season will mean just a little bit more than stepping on the football field trying to win a championship. It marks one final memory to create with his brothers. “It’s going to be tough,” Gilliland said of his final season with his teammates and friends. “Growing up with these guys, they’re like brothers. I’m probably going to cry when the season ends. Playing together, I trust them. I’m not sure I’ll ever gain that kind of trust with anybody else.”

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Finding

joy Alabama commit Jayson Jones has a new passion for football ahead of senior year Written by ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photos by KEITH MCCOY

WITH COLLEGE COACHES BEGGING TO HAVE HIM ON THEIR TEAM, fans trying to sway him and a team full of players looking up to him as a leader, you may expect everything to be perfect for Calera senior defensive lineman Jayson Jones, but like all of us, he’s had his own share of demons to battle. His entire life, Jones has battled playing the game out of love or to just get him where he wants to go. But finding a passion on the defensive line and a love for hitting people and being physical made the four-star defensive tackle, who has a frame of 6-foot-7, 340 pounds, fall in love with the sport. “It’s the only sport where it’s OK to break bones and get away with it,” he said. “I love playing on the defensive line, I love making big tackles and I love to hit people.” Growing up that same passion wasn’t always there, and in his most recent high school football season, it wasn’t there either. On his journey for joy, however, the University of Alabama commit was able to overcome his demons to not only find a love for the game again, but become one of the most sought after defensive linemen in the country. FINDING JOY Jones got his start in football at the age of four when his dad asked him if he wanted to play. Already a big boy at that young age, he quickly made his debut on the defensive line—a position that would soon bring him a future he didn’t know was possible. “They stuck me at defensive line and I just tore up everything,” Jones said with a smirk. “I was always bigger than everyone.” But that young dominance only lasted for a short while before Jones decided to stop playing after first grade because he didn’t enjoy it as much as he thought he would. 2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

“At first, I just didn’t really want to play anymore,” he said. “I decided not to play from second until sixth grade.” Being bigger than everyone and knowing he could be pretty good at the game made it difficult for Jones to stay away from the game for too long though. “I saw all of my friends playing and started thinking to myself ‘maybe this could be a good opportunity for me,’ but it was hard. It was really hard,” Jones said of his entrance back into the sport. “I was so uncoordinated and wasn’t conditioned. It was horrible.” Jones, determined not to give up this time, stuck it out and went on to play both his seventh and eighth grade year for Calera’s middle school team. The year before he joined, the Eagles went 2-6, but the two years with his addition, they went on to have records

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

of 8-0 and 6-2, respectively. Through the difficulty of trying to regain his joy for the game and battling to get into game shape, Jones eventually started seeing the light at the end of the tunnel through those middle school days, and it all came together heading into his freshman season at Calera. “Ninth grade year is when I realized that I wanted to really play this game and that I could be great at it,” Jones said. And it wasn’t his own skill, but the leadership of upperclassmen Mackenan Thompson, Yatil Gant, Cody Cook, Caleb Buckhannon and Blake Jones, who helped Jones find his passion for the game because of their work ethic and ability to actually make him want to work harder. “They put me on my butt so many times,” Jones said chuckling at the

memory. “They really pushed me in practice because I had to go against them every day. I was trying to block those guys and get around them.” Jones, who wasn’t used to getting beaten by anyone because of his size and strength, had met a challenge, and hating to lose, it made him want to get back up and beat them. “I’m so blessed that I got the chance to go against those guys because I don’t know if I would be as physical as I am now without those lessons,” he said. “I wasn’t used to that so I would always get mad and it fueled me to get better.” Jones went on to become a starter midway through his freshman season because of that determination and because of that help from his teammates. Being a freshman with his size and ability to play one of the most physical

positions on the field, Jones quickly started getting recruiting attention, which led to his first offer from Eastern Kentucky University during his freshman year. And following an impressive sophomore season, his recruiting soared through the roof when offers from Alabama, Georgia and several other SEC and high-caliber Division I schools came calling. But one year later, Jones started to question his joy again. QUESTIONS RESURFACE “Last year, I’m not going to lie to you, I didn’t enjoy football one bit,” Jones said. “And that was before the season even started. I wasn’t going to quit because God gave me a talent and I wasn’t going to let that go to waste, but I wasn’t having fun and I didn’t want to go to practice or games. I was like ‘dang, what’s wrong?’ I had lost my love for the game.”

It was all part of a tumultuous season that ended with a 1-9 record for the Calera Eagles and a lot of question marks surrounding the future of the program. Jones also spent part of the season injured and just never seemed to play with the same angst he did as a freshman and sophomore. Following the season, however, the Eagles were forced to bring in a new coach in Trey Simpson after former head coach Andrew Zow left for Bessemer City. Now there seems to be a new-found excitement around the team and a belief they can be a playoff team again. “I was so confused by what was happening, but I recently just started loving football again,” Jones said. “There is a new energy with our team this year. I never would quit or give up, but we just weren’t in a good spot last year.” Now, Jones, who has been a team player by playing both the offensive and

defensive line at the 6A level, is excited about his senior year. While a future with the Alabama Crimson Tide and playing for Nick Saban awaits, he’s actually able to focus on his senior season with many of the friends he grew up playing with. “COOLEST MOMENT OF MY LIFE” Jones was quickly on the national radar as a top recruit in the country after the impact he was making at a young age, and one moment at the Alabama camp during the summer of 2017 became unforgettable. After putting forth a great showing at the University of Georgia’s summer camp on June 1, Jones traveled to Tuscaloosa to take part in Alabama’s camp, which created a life-changing moment. “I did really well at that camp, and beat some of the guys that are now there,” Jones said.

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

“I know it’s

going to be a fight every day. ” — Jayson Jones

He then recalled that before going to work out a guy came up to him saying head coach Nick Saban wanted to see him. “I was like ‘Did I get in trouble or something?’” Jones said grinning. “I was preparing an apology and everything. When I got there, he said ‘Come on in, sit down.’ Then he pushed that little button on his desk to close his door and I thought ‘Oh yeah, it’s over now, I’m done for.’” Instead, Saban sat across from Jones and told him how well he did in the camp and that he would be keeping an eye on him and his film throughout the season. “He himself, him himself, said that he wanted me on his team,” Jones said. “That really got to me. The person I grew up watching wanted me on his team.” It was a surreal moment for a young Jones who thought playing for a guy like Saban and a program like Alabama was only a dream. “When he said that, I was like wait a second, did he just say he wanted me on his team?” Jones said. “I thought it was supposed to be the other way around. I was stuck and couldn’t even think. “That was easily one of the coolest moments of my life. I will always remember that.” RECRUITING WHIRLWIND Following his dominant sophomore season, Jones started getting official offers from Georgia, Alabama and

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others, as he quickly became one of the most coveted players. “At first it was like ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe this,’” Jones said. “Especially when Alabama offered. I was in another dimension then. But as it kept going on and kept going, it was just another offer. I tried not to think about it too much because I know all of it can be taken away at any minute.” But that didn’t keep Jones from realizing what he has accomplished already in life—something many saw the potential for when he was a kid. “When we were kids playing in little league, people used to joke around that we would make it big one day,” Jones said. “But I never thought this would happen. I never thought I would be getting offers from Alabama or Auburn.” Eventually, Jones chose to commit to Alabama because of the opportunity it provided and the relationships he had built, especially with Saban. “I’m realistic and I know how important education is,” Jones said. “I

compete this season, but this is a different team that actually wants to be on the field. “We’re not going 1-9 again this season,” Jones said. “I’m really confident in our team. If everyone does their part and focuses on that only, we will have a very stable offense and a phenomenal defense.” Jones said he hopes the Eagles can go 10-0 with a deep playoff run, but expects the Eagles to at least be in the postseason this year. “We have way better team chemistry this year than we did last year,” Jones said. “Honestly, I feel like we can beat the crap out of a lot of teams this year if we stick to what we do best.” If there is anything Jones has proven on his journey it’s that he doesn’t like to lose and he doesn’t mind bouncing back. Whether it be from his battles THE PAST IS THE PAST with upperclassmen as a freshman or Following last year’s 1-9 overall his two stints of losing passion for the record, which included a 1-4 mark in game, Jones always got back up, and region play in Calera’s first year in he’ll do so again with his teammates in Class 6A, many don’t expect them to 2019. will always focus on that, but committing to Alabama was almost a business decision. I have a chance, even if the odds aren’t high, to play highly in this sport, and Alabama is the place that can help me get to the next level.” Jones knows it will be a major challenge, and that he’ll face plenty of hurdles as he did during his freshman season battling against upperclassmen trying to beat every one of them. “I have to become smarter, faster and stronger,” he said. “I know it’s going to be a fight every day.” But before that fight begins, he knows he has one last chance to prepare for that day as he looks to help the Calera Eagles put together a winning season in 2019.

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2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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VIEWING MENU A look at the 10 best games of the 2019 season

THOMPSON VS. HOOVER SEPT. 6

Having met in the last two Class 7A semifinal matchups, these two have become quick rivals. With several instant classics each of the last two years, including historic wins for the Warriors, this season’s matchup (or matchups) will be a can’t miss.

BRIARWOOD VS. RAMSAY OCT. 18

Last year, Ramsay came in and stole Briarwood’s region crown away with a 21-7 victory after moving down from Class 6A. With an entire offseason to let that stew, the Lions will be out for vengeance when the two meet this season.

THOMPSON AT HEWITT-TRUSSVILLE OCT. 25

If you missed last year’s instant classic on ESPN2, you missed one of the best comebacks of the year on a national stage. This year, the two replace Alabama quarterbacks, but should still light up the scoreboard.

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

MONTEVALLO VS. SHELBY COUNTY AUG. 29, THURSDAY

This county rivalry was renewed for the first time since 2003 last year with Montevallo winning an exciting 22-12 game. Whoever wins this year’s game will gain some early-season confidence.

CHELSEA VS. OAK MOUNTAIN AUG. 23

While these two teams finished a combined 4-16 last year, this will be an important rivalry game for each on opening night this season. A win could show that one of the teams has turned the page, while a loss could let last year’s demons creep back into their heads.

PELHAM VS. CALERA AUG. 23

This opening-night game should be thrilling, but more importantly it will give us a feel for where each team is at with high expectations for the 2019 season as Calera looks to bounce back and Pelham looks to continue trending upward.

HELENA VS. MCADORY AUG. 23

HELENA VS. PELHAM OCT. 25

Helena has the chance to be one of the best teams in Shelby County this year, and an opening-night test against McAdory will test them right out of the gate.

Possibly the best rivalry in Shelby County, this game could be massive on the final week of region play. A playoff spot could be on the line when they meet at the end of 2019.

10.

SPAIN PARK AT VESTAVIA HILLS SEPT. 6

Last year, Spain Park got off to a slow start in region play with backto-back losses to Vestavia and Mountain Brook. A win against the Rebels to kick off region play this year would be promising.

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BRIARWOOD

TEAM INFORMATION

LIONS For the first time in 30 years, the Briarwood Lions will head into a season with a new head coach after former head coach Fred Yancey announced his retirement at the end of the 2018 season. In steps former defensive coordinator Matthew Forester, who has led one of the best defenses in the state over the last several years, which has given up an average of 11.4 points per game over the last three years. While he’ll have to replace a legend that went 278-95 as a head coach with 16 region championships and six state championship appearances, Forester has the tools to start a successful tenure. The Lions’ offense should be improved with the return of their quarterback and running back, as well as a better receiving corps. The offensive line is also loaded, while the defense should continue to hold steady with an impressive front seven and Forester’s expertise coaching that side of the ball.

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK Last year, there were a lot of questions surrounding the quarterback position with athlete J.R. Tran-Reno expected to be the starter. Tran-Reno did end up starting early on, but the Lions then switched to sophomore Jonah Carroll. While they never found their groove, Carroll will return for his junior season an improved player, and there is plenty of depth behind him at the position. Standing at 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, he’s got the tools and now has an offseason of work to be prepared as the starter. But there are six quarterbacks on the roster, and pushing Carroll for the starting job are freshman Christopher Vizzina, who can be really good, and lefthanded junior John Elliot. All are capable, but to be a championship-level team, one will have to emerge as a leader of the offense.

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Jonah Jonah Carroll Carroll

CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 5A, Region 4 2018 RECORD 9-3 (6-1) HEAD COACH Mathew Forester RECORD 0-0 (First year) ASSISTANT COACHES Bobby Kerley, Ernest Carroll, Chris Donnelly, Matthew Furuto, Shane Harmon, Jay Mathews, Johnny Howard, Brent Reese, Jared Walker, Jay Wise. LAST REGION TITLE 2017 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2018

PLAYERS TO WATCH Luke Prewett, RB Despite missing the final three games of the season with injury, Prewett totaled 769 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 117 carries last year. Trent Howard, OL The best offensive lineman in Shelby County this year, Howard will help pave the way for Prewett, as well as the passing game. Cole Garner, DE With the departure of Dalton Brooks on the defensive line, Garner will need to step up. He brings back seven sacks and 43 total tackles.

RUNNING BACK While the Lions will lose Tran-Reno, who amassed 3,000 all-purpose yards in his three years as a starter, they’ll get back another experienced back in Luke Prewett. With solid playing time since his sophomore season as well, Prewett will go into his senior season as the lead back after totaling 769 yards and eight touchdowns last year despite missing close to four games with injury. Standing at 5-foot-10, 200 pounds, he’ll have the chance to be a 1,000-yard back in 2019. He’ll be joined by senior Christian Ferguson and junior Andrew Hill. Ferguson’s blocking will be key, while Hill adds a powerful workhorse with great vision.

2019 SCHEDULE Aug. 23: Bye Aug. 30: Chelsea Sept. 6: Pleasant Grove* Sept. 13: Woodlawn* Sept. 20: @ Wenonah* Sept. 27: Hartselle Oct. 4: John Carroll* Oct. 10: @ Parker* (Thursday) Oct. 18: Ramsay* Oct. 24: @ Fairfield* (Thursday) Oct. 30: @ Hueytown *Region game

also have play-making receivers. Senior Blake McKenna will lead the unit thanks to his size at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, as well as his route-running ability. Joining him will be junior Brooks Donnelly, who RECEIVERS doesn’t drop the ball and is athletic and Last year’s only concerns on the team fast. Fellow senior James Hancock will were quarterback and receiver. With also compete at the position, while junior experience at both of those positions, the Bailey Salmon should also create a Lions were likely a team that would have consistent guy. Luke Reebals, a competed for the state championship. sophomore, is a young and exciting This year, they’ll not only have Carroll playmaker that is also expected to step up coming back at quarterback, but they’ll out of the slot thanks to his speed.

Cal Reebals, LB Now that Mark Hand has departed, Reebals will be the leader at the linebacker position. He brings back 56 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and four interceptions. Jonah Carroll, QB Carroll started to get some experience last year, which should help him be more confident this season.

KEY DEPARTURES J.R. Tran-Reno One of the best athletes to ever play for Briarwood, Tran-Reno will be sorely missed after three years of doing everything on offense. Mark Hand A three-year starter, Hand ended his senior year with more than 150 tackles and posted 5.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss. Dalton Brooks A team captain, Brooks ended his senior season with 60 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He’ll be one of the most missed players defensively. Cade Dickinson From the secondary, he posted 60 tackles, forced four fumbles, broke up five passes and had two interceptions. That production will be difficult to replace.

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QUICK HITS REPLACING A LEGEND Simply put, Fred Yancey is a Hall of Famer in this state. In his 29-year career at Briarwood, he posted an overall record of 278-95, went 136-23 in region play, won 16 region championships, went to the playoffs 27 times, held a playoff record of 59-24, made six trips to the state championship game and had three state titles. There is no replacing him, just remembering the legend that was. THE RIGHT GUY FOR THE JOB While you can’t replace a legendary coach like Yancey, Briarwood made the perfect call by hiring Matthew Forester. Forester has been the team’s defensive coordinator the last few years, which should make the transition smooth. The defense has also been one of the best in the state in his time there. Over the last three years, the Lions have allowed just 11.4 points per game with a recored of 35-6 in that span. He has also helped Briarwood total 16 shutouts in his eight years, while holding 33 opponents to seven points or less in 103 games. DEFENSIVE FORCE Last year alone, Briarwood gave up just 11.1 points per game and in the last three years has given up 11.4 points per game. That’s what this team has been living on lately, and even with a subpar offense last year due to inconsistency at quarterback and receiver, the defense helped hold six opponents to seven points or less and nine to 14 points or less. If they are that good again this year, they’ll be competing for another region crown. CONSISTENCY ON OFFENSE While the defense can carry the team to the playoffs, we saw last year that the offense also has to be clicking for this team to be a strong playoff threat. Averaging just 25 points per game last year, the Lions will need to be more consistent, specifically throwing the ball and catching the ball, to be a championship contender. WELCOME TO THE LIONS’ PRIDE The schedule didn’t set up well for Briarwood in 2018, as the Lions had to travel in six of their first eight games. In 2019, however, the script flips and Briarwood will now play at home in six of their first eight games. The Lions have to take advantage of that and get off to a fast start.

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

2019 Briarwood Roster NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

Luke Hand

LB 11

Peyton Fox

LB 10

Brooks Donnelly

WR 11

A.J. Davis

WR 10

Christian Ferguson RB 12

Mathis Tindall

WR 10

Jonah Carroll

QB 11

Knox Merry

LB 10

Cal Higdon

DB 11

Noah Nall

K 12

Chase Travis

DB 12

Clay Dorrill

DL 10

Blake McKenna

WR 12

Buddy Campbell

LB 11

Luke Prewett

RB 12

Cole Garner

DL 12

Cohen Luker

QB 11

Miller Stubblefield

DL 10

Andrew Jones

DB 12

Grant Bruce

LB 10

Parker Hutson

LB 11

Hardy Thompson

LB 10

Eli Steadman

DB 11

Alex Hudson

OL 10

Luke Reebals

WR 10

Turner Murphy

DL 12

James Hancock

WR 12

Christian Pearson

OL 12

Sam Gage

RB 11

Garrett Harmon

DL 10

John Elliot

QB 11

Knox Wolsoncroft

OL 12

Christopher Vizzina QB 9

Charlie Heidepriem OL 10

Peyton Clement

WR 11

Holden Patterson

Seth Alford

DB 10

Clayton Rasmussen OL 12

DL 10

Haddon Stubbs

DB 10

Reeves Pylant

OL 10

Reece Garner

DB 10

Carson McKeen

OL 11

Cal Reebals

LB 12

James Michael Tedasco DL

Nicholas Dicen

WR 10

Alex Moorer

OL 10

Pierce Reichle

WR 11

Rich Connell

OL 10

Tyler Smith

DL 11

Parker Will

DL 12

Sawyer Tindall

WR 11

Alex Miller

OL 12

Andrew Hill

RB 11

Trent Howard

OL 12

Bailey Salmon

WR 11

Abner Taylor

OL 12

Tyler Waugh

LB 11

Harris Smith

OL 11

Alastair Harris

DB 11

Jay Butler

WR 10

Daniel Corbin

DL 11

Chandler Key

WR 11

Will Barnes

DB 12

Will Brewer

DL 11

Riley Margene

RB 10

Ethan Anderson

WR 10

Crawford Kent

LB 12

OFFENSIVE LINE While the offensive line is having to replace four starters, there are several seniors ready to step in for their turn, which is nothing new for the Lions, while they’ll also return Trent Howard as a three-year starter. Going into his senior season, Howard is committed to Georgia Tech and is one of the best linemen

in the state standing at 6-foot-4, 285 pounds. Alex Miller, Clayton Rasmussen and Christian Pearson are the three other seniors that will step in as starters. Forester said the team is counting on them to step up, but with experience in the system, they’ll have plenty of opportunity. Carson McKinney, Harris Smith and Abner Taylor

EDITOR’S 2019 PREDICTION (8-2) Year-in and year-out, it’s hard not to consider Briarwood a favorite to win the Class 5A State Championship and finishing further down the region standings than second seems nearly impossible. While there will be some adjustments early with their first new coach in 30 years, the Lions should be extremely good defensively yet again, which will allow them to ease into the season. If Carroll is improved at quarterback and the receiving corps can get open, Briarwood will easily be in contention for the region championship. With several 6A opponents on the schedule, and Ramsay in their region, it won’t be easy for the Lions, but they should still finish at least second in the region.

will add depth.

DEFENSIVE LINE Unlike the offensive line, the defensive line will get something rare with three returning starters. Normally having to replace most guys every year due to seniors stepping in, three-year starter Dalton Brooks is the only starter not returning. His 60 tackles and 15 tackles for loss will be difficult to replace, but with the return of seniors Parker Will, Cole Garner and Turner Murphey, the defensive front could be Briarwood’s strongest position. Garner totaled 43 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and seven sacks last year, and is now 6-foot, 225 pounds at defensive end. Will is now 6-foot-3, 290 pounds, and Murphey 6-foot-1, 220 pounds, which gives the Lions a ton of size. Tyler Smith, another senior, will join those three, while junior Daniel Corbin and sophomores Miller Stubblefield and Holden Patterson will also help out.

LINEBACKERS While the Lions will only return one starter at linebacker and have to replace All-State linebacker Mark Hand who posted 138 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks last year, they’ll get back several players who had solid playing time a season ago. Standing at 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, senior Cal Reebals will be the leader of the unit after posting 56 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and four interceptions there last year. He’ll be the only

returning starter, but juniors Luke Hand, Tyler Waugh and Parker Hudson all played at the position as well. All three stand at close to 5-foot11 and weigh between 180 and 200 pounds. Joining those four will be another senior in Crawford Kent, who is around the same size. Those five playmakers will all contribute a lot of time at the position.

SECONDARY The secondary will also only return one starter, and will have to replace leader Cade Dickinson, who posted 60 tackles, four forced fumbles, five pass breakups and two interceptions. In addition to him, another productive player is gone in Sam Hamner, but returning starter Alaster Harris will be back for his junior season. He’ll be joined by senior Chase Travis, who rotated in a lot last year and has an offer from Birmingham-Southern College. Other players who had experienced last season and will contributed heavily are Cal Higdon, Eli Steadman and Andrew Jones. Higdon and Steadman are athletic juniors, while Jones is a senior that Forester said has to have a big year. Fellow senior Will Barnes will also help at the position.

2018 RESULTS @ Chelsea @ Pleasant Grove @ Woodlawn Wenonah @ Hartselle @ John Carroll Parker @ Ramsay Fairfield Hueytown Valley @ Vigor

W 19-6 W 10-6 W 46-0 W 29-0 L 7-14 (OT) W 42-12 W 41-7 L 7-21 W 26-0 W 31-13 W 42-28* L 0-26*

*Playoff game

2018 STATS Offense Total points: 300 Per game: 25 County rank: 5 Defense Points allowed: 133 Per game: 11.1 County rank: 1

5-YEAR WIN TREND 14 12 9

SPECIAL TEAMS Briarwood will return All-State kicker Noah Nall for his senior season in 2019 after going 5-for-7 on field goals last year with a long of 43 yards.

2018

2017

2016

2015

4 2014

KEY NUMBERS

11.1 The defense giving up 11.1 points per game last year was the biggest key for this team. With offensive struggles, the defense gave Briarwood a chance at a Region Championship, and also carried them to the second round of the playoffs.

769

4,000

Luke Prewett started getting big minutes as a sophomore backup to J.R. TranReno, and moved into a more prominent role last year with Tran-Reno playing multiple positions, but this year, it’s Prewett’s time. He missed 3 1/2 games last year, but still managed 769 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He’ll be the leader of this year’s offense and has to take it seriously for the Lions to do the growing they need to on that side of the ball.

Briarwood has won at least nine games each of the last three years, and looks poised to do so again in 2019 if the offense steps up. Since 2016, the Lions have lost just six combined games, three of which came last year. So this is a team that isn’t used to losing, and they are players who don’t want to be the ones to let the program down.

Since starting his sophomore season, J.R. Tran-Reno totaled more than 4,000 all-purpose yards at Briarwood. Now, the former Lions’ star is off to Vanderbilt and will leave a massive offensive gap to fill. He not only played running back, but was also the starting quarterback at times, a strong receiver at times and the team’s leading kickoff return guy.

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

CALERA

TEAM INFORMATION

EAGLES Whenever a team changes coaches midway through the summer, there is always going to be some concern, but one way to squash those concerns is by returning 20 seniors and hiring a coach from within to lead the team. That’s exactly the case for the Calera Eagles, as former Alabama quarterback and Calera head coach Andrew Zow departed for Bessemer City, leaving former defensive coordinator Trey Simpson to take over the reins. Coming off a 1-9 season in their first year competing battling the 6A classification, that fresh change with a veteran squad may be just what the doctor ordered.

CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 6A, Region 3 2018 RECORD 1-9 (1-4) HEAD COACH Trey Simpson RECORD 0-0 (First year) ASSISTANT COACHES Chris Wilson, Paul Hovey, James Knowles, Tim Gilbert, Robert Albritton. LAST REGION TITLE 2008 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2017

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK Right now there is an open battle at quarterback between who the coaches consider to be one of the best athletes in the state in senior Quindarius Crews and sophomore Jacob Sommers. Crews has spent the last two years as a starting receiver amassing close to 2,000 receiving yards, but as the best athlete on the team, he may be asked to step into the quarterback role so he can touch the ball on every play. Standing at 5-foot-11, 185 pounds, he’s a high-IQ player who loves the pressure of the position. Somers is a smaller young player at 5-foot8, 150 pounds, but he’s a traditional drop back passer that is working hard. With him as the quarterback, Crews would be able to play at receiver. Consistency running the offense and being successful will determine the starter.

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Hart McGarry 205-690-3234

7950 Hwy. 31, Suite B Calera, AL hartmcgarry1@allstate.com

10472019

Proudly keeping Calera in Good Hands

Dylan Killingsworth

PLAYERS TO WATCH Jayson Jones, DL Despite missing four games last year, Jones put up seven tackles for loss and is one of the country’s best offensive linemen this year. Quindarius Crews, QB As a junior, he posted 756 receiving yards and six touchdowns despite quarterback inconsistency. This year he’ll move to quarterback as the team’s best athlete. Trenton Yowe, DB Known as a three-star recruit and one of the state’s top prospects, Yowe will be a leader in the secondary yet again for the Eagles. Ryan Caver, OL/LB From the standpoint of leadership and hard worker, Caver will be one of the biggest leaders on this year’s team as a three-year starter. Coaches describe him as an extension of the staff. Dylan Killingsworth, WR Killingsworth is another wideout for Karanja to trust this season, as he and Crews are a good one-two punch.

Quindarius Crews RUNNING BACK Overall, the running back position is young, but senior Blake Shoddie will lead the unit. With a 5-foot-5, 215-pound frame, he’s a bowling ball type power back with great feet. Sophomores Chris Cotton and Kobe Prentice will be the other two guys at the position. Cotton got a lot of playing time as a freshman and stands around 5-foot-10, 170 pounds. He’s a guy that can make one cut and take it to the house. Prentice is an extremely good athlete that is tough to get hands on with a size of 5-foot-10, 150 pounds. It’s a unit that can be good if the Eagles develop up front.

RECEIVERS While they may be down one of their best receivers if Crews is named the starting quarterback, the eagles will still have talent out wide led by senior Dylan Killingsworth. With great hands and strong route-running skills, he’s a leader and a guy that does everything

2019 SCHEDULE Aug. 23: @ Pelham Aug. 30: Pell City Sept. 6: Wetumpka* Sept. 13: Stanhope Elmore* Sept. 20: Bye Sept. 27: @ Bibb County Oct. 4: Selma* Oct. 11: @ Opelika* Oct. 18: @ Benjamin Russell* Oct. 25: @ Chelsea Nov. 1: Helena *Region game right to be good. Fellow senior Dallas Toles will be the largest receiver this season with a frame of 6-foot-1, 165 pounds. He not only has great speed and hands, but is the most physical as well. Sophomore Wesley Head will get a lot of playing time, while freshman Jaydian Rutledge could come along throughout the season.

OFFENSIVE LINE As is the case most years, this year’s offense will be as successful as its

Jayson Jones

KEY DEPARTURES Zach Ford One of the best kickers in the state over the last several years, Ford is now playing at the collegiate level and will be missed in close games. Cornelius Brown An All-State and All-County player in the past, Brown’s senior season wasn’t as memorable, but his talent and numbers will still be missed. Tyler Olds He flew under the radar last year, but posted 32 tackles for loss and nine sacks in his only year at Calera. 2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

offensive line. With four seniors leading the way, they’ll have a chance to be extremely good, but depth has to emerge. University of Alabama commit Jayson Jones and Gabe Schweitzer will

be the two anchors of the line as returning starters. Jones stands at 6-foot-7, 340 pounds and has all the physical tools needed, while Schweitzer is 6-foot-3, 300 pounds, and has the

potential to be a college player. Ryan Caver will also bring back a ton of experience as a three-year starter. He’s set to be the leader of the team as a selfless and humble guy. Jordan

KEY NUMBERS

756

147

Quindarius Crews has been a star at Calera High School for several years now, and he’s finally a senior with a ton of upside. As a junior, he posted 756 receiving yards and six touchdowns. This year he’ll take over at quarterback looking to bring consistency to the position as the team’s best athlete.

While he missed four games last season due to concussion and a knee injury, Jayson Jones still posted 29 tackles and seven tackles for loss. One of the country’s top recruits on the defensive line and currently committed to the University of Alabama, he’s clearly one of the best linemen in the state and will make plays for the Eagles in the backfield this year.

Calera scored just 147 points last season for an average of 14.7 points per game, one of the lowest totals in the county. This year’s offense has to take that to heart and do something about it. They’ll have enough talent at receiver and a quarterback that can make plays to help the offense be more productive in 2019.

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2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

71 Limestone Pkwy. Ste. A Calera, AL 35040

(205) 668-6928

kmobley@alfains.com

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City of

CALERA

Mayor Jon G. Graham and City Council

www.cityofcalera.org

Departments: City Hall 205-668-3500 Park and Recreation 205-668-7250 Library 205-668-7200 Police 205-668-3505 Public Works 205-668-3511 2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

QUICK HITS QUICK ACCLAMATION When their coach of three years left in the middle of June, there was little time for acclamation, but it has to happen. This team needs a leader and a coach to believe in after a tough 2018 season, and gaining that trust in a short period of time this summer will be key. PLAY AS ONE Last year, there were some difficult times at Calera. Any time a team struggles as bad as the Eagles did, it’s tough to be there for your teammates and to continue playing for their coach, but this is a new year, and this year’s team has several big names on it. Most of those guys are seniors, and they have a chance to set the perfect example for what Calera football should be about moving forward. PROGRESSION Any sort of progress will be seen as a win this year. After a 1-9 season a year ago, playing in a difficult area, hiring a new coach and going into the season with no momentum, just showing heart and pride for the team will be a victory this season, and with that, just maybe will come some wins. The key is to lead this team to the progression it needs to be successful in the future, and this year’s team has the talent to do that. WIN THE ONES YOU CAN While the Eagles played flat out bad at times last year, they were also hit with key injuries and didn’t have players in some games for other reasons. Throughout the season, they lost to Pelham after having a 21-3 lead, lost by one point to Bibb County, and lost to both Pell City and Helena in games they could have won as well. Playing in one of the most difficult regions, just winning those games they are in can make a huge difference this year. SHOCK THE REGION It will obviously be difficult for this team to make the playoffs with a late coaching change and coming off of a 1-9 season, but Calera has several athletes who are being highly recruited. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that they could slip into the postseason, but it will take a work ethic unlike any of them have put forth before.

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

2019 Calera Roster NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

Kobe Prentice

WR/DB 10

Mason McMillian

WR/S 9

Derrick Edwards

WR/DB 11

Edgar Garfias

WR/S 9

Quindarious Crews

QB 12

Tripp Gallahan

TE/DE 9

La’Paris Whately

WR/DB 12

Brodie Smith

TE/DE 10

DJ Williams

WR/DB 12

Corithian Richardson WR/S 9

Trenton Yowe

WR/S 12

Landon Martin

FB/DE 10

Fred Hurth

FB/DE 11

William Sims

G/DT 11

Jacob Sommers

QB 10

Ryan Caver

G/LB 12

Collin Shamberger

TE/DE 9

Jordan Bryant- Williams C 12

Zimer Jemison

QB/DB 9

Brodie Odom

C/DT 9

Dylan Killingsworth

WR/S 12

Elijah Jemison

T/LB 12

Art Amos

WR/DB 11

Anthony Rastelli

G/DE 11

Skylar Strawn

QB/DB 9

Morgan Clinton

G/LB 12

Tyler Nelson

QB 9

Camden Cline

T/DE 12

Alijah Franklin

QB/S 12

Markell Kelley

T/DE 12

Noah Williams

TE/DE 11

Jaylon Pearson

G/DE 10

Dallas Toles

WR/DB 12

Mason Colmer

T/DT 9

Wesley Head

WR/S 10

Walker Harris

T/DT 9

Preston Stokes

QB 9

Parker Lemley

G/DE 10

Kevin Holman

RB/LB 9

JaMichael Vines

G/DT 9

Michael Banks

WR/DB 9

Trey Bright

C/DT 10

Jonah Lee

FB/LB 12

Tanner Green

T/DE 10

Jacobi Gaines

WR/DB 12

Gabe Schweitzer

T/DT 12

Carter Sheehan

WR/S 9

Mathew Tucker

T/DT 10

Christopher Cotton-Taylor RB/LB

Ian McGrady

G/DE 9

Jeremiah Jones

WR/S 10

Jayson Jones

G/DT 12

Danici Cammona

RB /LB

TJ Allen

G/DT 9

Timothy Gilbert

TE/DE 12

Jaydian Rutledge

WR/S 9

Emory Hopkins

RB/LB 10

Mason Green

WR/DB 9

David Hooker

WR/DB 9

Zachary Mills

TE/DE 9

Aston Shoddie

RB/LB 12

Jordan Helm

K 11

Grayton Carlee

WR/LB 9

Williams will be the fourth senior to start and brings back some playing experience from last year. Behind those players, EJ Jemison, Markell Kelley, William Sims, Morgan Clinton, Matthew Tucker and Jaylon Pearson will all play important roles in the unit’s success.

DEFENSIVE LINE A lot of those linemen will also play on the defensive line, which makes depth a major factor. Jones is one of the country’s top defensive tackles and will be a nightmare for offensive fronts. Focus and double teams on him will pave the way for other guys to have an impact such as Kelley and Sims, who has started for two years. Junior Fred Hurth adds a relentless edge rusher with a frame of 6-foot, 240

pounds.

LINEBACKERS At linebacker, the starting four will all be seniors who bring back experience, but most will also be playing on offense as well. Caver will be the leader at the position as an extension of the coaching staff on the field. Joining him as returning starters will be Jemison and T.J. Gilbert. Gilbert is an athletic player that stands at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, who can make big plays. Morgan Clinton will also be key in stepping up this year. Some young guys will have to playfor depth, including sophomore Emery Hopkins.

SECONDARY The back end of the defense will also be

2018 RESULTS Pelham @ Pell City @ Wetumpka @ Stanhope Elmore Bibb County @ Selma Opelika Benjamin Russell Chelsea @ Helena

L 24-45 L 7-27 L 14-34 L 12-35 L 33-34 W 23-6 L 10-30 L 7-40 L 3-35 L 14-28

2018 STATS Offense Total points: 147 Per game: 14.7 County rank: 11 Defense Points allowed: 314 Per game: 31.4 County rank: 10

Jayson Jones veteran-laden with two seniors and three juniors bringing back experience. Killingsworth and Jacobi Gaines both bring back considerable playing time and are talented at the position as seniors, while junior Jeremiah Jones will return as a starting safety. Trent Yowe should also return to the position as a lockdown playmaker with college offers. Derek Edwards and Art Amos are the other two juniors who got some

5-YEAR WIN TREND

time last season and possess the necessary skills for the position as great athletes.

SPECIAL TEAMS The Eagles will have to replace one of the state’s best kickers in Zach Ford. Jordan Helm looks to be the guy poised to step into that role, but he’ll have big shoes to fill, while Crews could end up punting.

1 2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

EDITOR’S 2019 PREDICTION (4-6) I truly do think Calera will be a much improved football team this year, especially with 20 seniors on the team and a fresh coach that can get them to buy in, but one big problem still remains—depth. The Eagles have some of the best talent in the area, but most will be playing both sides of the ball and in one of the toughest 6A regions, that’s tough to handle in the second half. If they stay fresh, if they buy in and want to be on the football field, and if the stars do their part, Calera will shock some people this year, but they have to prove it on the field after last year’s 1-9 season.

Go Eagles!

GOOD LUCK

Representative

Eagles!

Corley Ellis Alabama House District 41

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2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

CHELSEA

TEAM INFORMATION

HORNETS Heading into fall practice a year ago, first-year Chelsea head coach Dustin Goodwin was still learning the names of his players after being hired late. That put the entire team on a drastic learning curve, as they tried to learn a new offense, but heading into 2019, Goodwin knows his players and the players know his system. Despite finishing the 2018 season with a 2-8 record, the improvement was already seen throughout the year with the Hornets winning two of their final three games. Five of their eight losses came by 13 points or less and three of those five by four points or less. While the record wasn’t what Chelsea wanted last year, the Hornets were on the verge despite trying to learn a completely new offensive system. Now, with a full year under their belt and a full summer under Goodwin, 2019 should represent a giant leap forward.

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK Chelsea will have to replace starting quarterback Turner Griffin, who posted 2,011 passing yards and nine touchdowns last year, and whoever takes over this season will be the key to the Hornets’ success. In Goodwin’s offense. This season, junior Nick Neaves and senior Caleb Moore are battling for the starting job, and one will have to emerge early in the season for the Hornets to have a chance at the playoffs. Neaves stands at 6-foot, 160 pounds and can throw and run the ball, while Moore has a similar game but is taller at 6-foot-5, 185 pounds. The winner of the job will come down to being able to command the offense as a leader. Jordan Thomas is also getting a strong look at the position, as is Coosa

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Ladarius Gary

CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 6A, Region 5 2018 RECORD 2-8 (1-5) HEAD COACH Dustin Goodwin RECORD 2-8 (Second year) ASSISTANT COACHES Zeb Ellison, Kyle Caldwell, John Causey, Stephen Clark, David Crabtree, Ray Franklin, Kerry Gleaton, Lee Hibbs, Gerald Neaves, Mike Reynolds, Dylan Seabolt. LAST REGION TITLE 2006 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2016

PLAYERS TO WATCH Collier Blair, RB Playing big minutes since his freshman season, Blair will now be a junior with plenty of experience in 2019. Michael Gibbs, WR Gibbs is an athletic presence for the Hornets and will have to step up and prove himself as a playmaker this season. Ladarius Gary, DB Gary isn’t just going to be a leader in the secondary, but will also be a leader of the defense during his senior season.

Xander Echols Valley transfer Brayson Edwards.

RUNNING BACK One of the biggest leaders on the team will return for his third year at the running back position in junior Collier Blair. Standing at 5-foot-7, 165 pounds, he’s no giant, but he is still one of the toughest players to tackle. He spent much of last year playing less than 100 percent, but this year he’s healthy again, which makes him an elusive and dangerous back. Behind him, junior Chad Carbonie will add another slashing back, while senior Kijani King will be a strong, downhill power back at 5-foot-8, 185 pounds.

Charlie Parkinson, OL Parkinson is one of three returnees on the offensive line, but at 6-foot-3, 270 pounds, he’s got great size and should be a leader.

2019 SCHEDULE Aug. 23: Oak Mountain Aug. 30: @ Briarwood Sept. 6: Carver-Birmingham* Sept. 13: Jackson-Olin* Sept. 20: @ Pelham* Sept. 27: Bye Oct. 4: @ Helena* Oct. 11: Homewood* Oct. 18: @ Minor* Oct. 25: Calera Nov. 1: @ Pell City *Region game

pounds, and is the most experienced and athletic of the bunch. Holton Smith will also be key at the position and with a smaller frame, he will be used a lot as a RECEIVERS speedy receiver out of the slot. Chelsea will lose its leading receiver Chandler Pruitt, also a defensive back, from a year ago in Lando Nichols, but will go into his junior season with a the Hornets will be deeper at the 6-foot-2, 180-pound frame as a strong position with several experienced leader and playmaker that can go get the players back led by senior Michael ball. The final major contributor will be Gibbs. Gibbs stands at 5-foot-11, 190 Gabe Ruffin, who stands at 6-foot-1, 200

Colby Clements, LB Clements started last year, and will be one of several leaders at the linebacker position for the Hornets this year. Cooper Neal, K Making 21 of 22 extra points and five of seven field goals with a long of 42, a game could come down to his leg, and the Hornets would feel confident in it.

KEY DEPARTURES Lando Nichols The team’s leading receiver last year, Nichols totaled 347 yards and three touchdowns on just 44 receptions. Turner Griffin It took him some time to get comfortable, but once he did Griffin was a solid quarterback who ended 2018 with 2,011 passing yards and nine TDs. Todd Justice Justice was Chelsea’s best defender in 2018. William Sullivan A strong player in the secondary, Sullivan posted two interceptions and was consistent all season.

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

QUICK HITS KEEP THE DEFENSE OFF THE FIELD Chelsea’s defense was arguably one of the best in the county last year, yet still gave up 25.9 points per game. The reason for that? They were on the field way too often. The offense went threeand-out on too many occasions, and while the defense held their own for at least a half, it became difficult to keep their freshness in the second half. WIN THE CLOSE ONES The offensive struggles led to just 18.2 points per game last year. The defense did keep Chelsea in games, but with little offensive production, the Hornets struggled winning the close games. Five of their eight losses were by 13 points or less, and four of the eight were by seven points or less. The offense not only needs to give the defense rest, but needs to pull out those close wins. FIND A RHYTHM OFFENSIVELY The positive for the offense is that they did score 30-plus points in three different games last year and two of those were in two wins in the final three games of the season, while they scored 20-plus in four of the final six. If the Hornets can come out and set that rhythm offensively early in the season and get off to a 2-2 start, that gives both sides of the ball a ton of confidence. FIND AN EARLY WIN Finding that early win is going to be key. Starting with Oak Mountain and Briarwood, it will be tough, but splitting one of those two games and then beating Carver-Birmingham in their first region game at home would be much better than last year’s 0-3 start that eventually became a 0-7 start.

2019 Chelsea Roster NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

Collier Blair

RB 11

Brock Forehand

DB 11

Ladarius Gary

DB/RB 12

Colby Clements

LB 12

Timothy Ransom

DB/WR 12

Marquis Turner

DL 10

Kijani King

RB/LB 12

Zane Shirley

LB 10

Gabe Ruffin

WR 11

Hamp Walker

DB 11

Michael Gibbs

WR 12

Mason Mosko

LB 10

Jordan Smith

LB 12

Sam Niven

P 11

Jordan Thomas

QB 12

Ty Forehand

WR 10

Adam Reaves

WR 11

Donovan Bivens

FB 11

Caleb Moore

QB 12

Baker Hix

OL 12

Dalton Shaddix

LB/TE 12

Will Fant

OL 10

Nic Neaves

QB 11

Grant Lamb

OL 12

Cooper Griffin

QB 10

Luke Haywood

OL 12

Thomas Simpson

WR 10

Will Neighbors

DL 12

Austin Callahan

DB 12

Lucas Stanton

OL 10

Holton Smith

WR 11

Robert Montgomery DL 12

Jackson Bailey

WR 10

James Turnes

DL 11

Gabe Senn

LB 10

Xander Echols

LS 11

Evan Durham

RB 10

David Meyers

OL 12

Christian Bullard

LB 12

Ty Adema

OL 12

Cade Turner

WR 10

Andrew Parkinson

DL 11

Darnel Manuel

DB 11

Cody Cooper

OL 11

Jake Adams

DB 11

Bradey Shelnutt

OL 12

Griffin Parrish

WR 10

Charlie Parkinson

OL 12

Grant Lang

WR 12

Josh Sheppard

OL 12

Conner Nauert

WR 12

Ethan Vickers

OL 10

Ernest Moore

RB 10

Eli Berg

OL 11

Chandler Pruitt

FS/TE 11

Colin Moore

WR 10

Cooper Neal

K 12

Blake Page

WR 10

Jack O’Neal

WR 10

Bryant Harris

TE/DE 10

Cole Berryman

LB/TE 12

Ryan McMullen

WR 10

Chad Carbonic

RB 11

Grayson Maddox

DL 10

Gavin Curren

LB 12

Jacob Maxwell

WR 10

Josh Williams

RB 10

Griffin Hughes

TE/LB 10

Logan Shores

LB 11

Alex Fritz

TE 12

Carson Freeman

FS 11

Connor Ridderhoff

OL 10

Ricky Whited

WR 11

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

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Chris Grace

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

2018 RESULTS @ Oak Mountain L 9-42 Briarwood L 6-19 @ Carver-Birmingham L 24-28 @ Jackson-Olin L 0-22 Pelham L 42-46 Helena L 21-28 @ Homewood L 7-34 Minor W 31-27 @ Calera W 35-3 Pell City L 7-10

Colby Clements

5-YEAR WIN TREND

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

pounds. Ruffin played a lot of snaps last year and should make plays in 2019. All four of those athletes bring something different to the table, while some younger players will add depth.

OFFENSIVE LINE One of the brightest spots for the

offense this season will be the offensive line, which will return three starters and two others with experience. Ty Adema, Charlie Parkinson and Baker Hix will all return with valuable experience this season. Parkinson is the biggest at 6-foot-3, 270 pounds, and will likely be a leader of the unit. Grant Lamb

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2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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after the loss of just about every player from last year, which could cause some growing pains, especially early in the season. Heading into fall practice, sophomore Garrison Maddox has stepped up, while several young players are battling. Goodwin said it’s a unit full of awesome players and moving pieces DEFENSIVE LINE The biggest concern for this year’s that could feature some of the offensive team is going to be the defensive line linemen as well. also got a lot of playing time a year ago as a junior and will again for his senior season. Senior Luke Haywood and junior Cody Cooper will also return some experience, while several sophomores could also play key roles.

LINEBACKERS What the defensive line lacks, the linebackers and secondary make up for. A unit full of leaders, the linebackers are experienced and play hard. Colby Clements will be the leader of the unit at middle linebacker with a frame of 5-foot11, 205 pounds. He’ll also be joined by returning starter Cole Berryman, who

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2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

KEY NUMBERS

2 The biggest confidence boost for the Chelsea Hornets in 2019 has already happened thanks to the two wins they picked up in their final three games of 2018. With a 31-27 win over minor and a 35-3 win against Calera, a young group was able to gain confidence under their first-year head coach. One might even say the 10-7 loss to Pell City wasn’t a bad thing, showing how close they were to a three-game win streak. The Hornets should use that as fuel early in 2019.

2,011 While quarterback Turner Griffin struggled at times in 2018, he eventually became a very consistent player that played a major role in the two wins near the end of the season. While the Hornets will need to be more consistent offensively this season, replacing Griffin’s 2,011 yards passing won’t come easy.

347 A big reason it won’t come easy is also having to replace leading receiver Lando Nichols, who was trustworthy out of the slot last season. This is a young team, and there are plenty of athletes who will have the opportunity to step up, but somebody has to form a connection with a new quarterback, and it has to happen fast.

30 While the defense was extremely good last season, giving up less than 30 points will be the biggest key for the team this year. Last year, they gave up 34 or more points in three games and lost all three. But in one of those games, the Hornets only lost by four points. When the defense gave up less than 30 points, they lost by no more than 13 points, and had a chance to win every game.

Collier Blair stands at 6-foot, 195 pounds. Several other juniors like Chad Carbonie, and a few from the secondary will help out.

and secondary, Goodwin hopes to play 5-10 players thanks to the depth at each.

SECONDARY

SPECIAL TEAMS

The secondary will also be loaded, and should be the strongest unit on the defense with the return of Ladarius Gary at cornerback. Pruitt will also play at the position as a safety, while Jake Adams, Carson Freeman and Gabe Ruffin all bring back playing experience. Between the linebackers

With the return of kicker Cooper Neal and long snapper Xander Echols, the Hornets will have a strong special teams unit. A punter has yet to be sorted out, but in addition to Neal and Echols, the return game on both kick and punt returns should be impressive with a speedy Gary set to return kicks.

EDITOR’S 2019 PREDICTION (4-6) A team that could have finished 6-4 and possibly 7-3 last year, Chelsea will be drastically better this season thanks to the comfort of understanding Goodwin’s play calling. A difficult region will make it tough to win six or seven games this season, but with the third and fourth playoff spot up for grabs, the Hornets will have a shot late in the season unlike last year. If quarterback play gets figured out, Chelsea could win more than four games, but that has to be proven on the field first.

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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Chelsea Hornets

creating buzz Heading into year two under Dustin Goodwin, Chelsea is primed for a step forward Written by ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photos by CARI DEAN

WHEN DUSTIN GOODWIN WAS HIRED from Plainview High School to be Chelsea’s new head football coach on May 18, 2018, school was a few days from letting out, spring practice had come and gone, and he knew none of his players with three months to prepare for the season. “I just didn’t know many of our players last summer,” Goodwin said. “The players were trying to learn a completely new system offensively, and I was just trying to learn their names and figure out a starting lineup as best I could.” While several of the assistant coaches were able to get Goodwin up to speed, it was still a difficult transition to make so late in the year with players also having poured so much into previous head coach Chris Elmore. Chelsea went on to lose its first seven games of the 2018 season, but that doesn’t tell the story of how the Hornets grew throughout the season. Not only did they lose five of their eight games by 13

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

points or less, but they lost four by seven or less and three by four or less. That, along with wins in two of their final three games, showed that Chelsea was on the verge of a major breakthrough in Goodwin’s first season despite a lack of understanding the offense and everybody still trying to get to know each other. Now heading into a new season, none of those problems are there, which could be a dangerous threat for opponents. “I know our kids now,” Goodwin said. “I know their names; I know my assistants better. We have the right tools to continue building in the right direction this season.” Part of the excitement surrounding the Hornets this season isn’t just that comfort level, but knowing they were on the verge last year, and now they don’t have to worry about learning a new offense along the way, instead, they get to work at perfecting it during the offseason. “Our bad days this year aren’t really bad days this year

because they understand so much more,” Goodwin said. “This year, when we have bad days, we may have to fall back on something and re-teach it slightly, but we aren’t having to re-learn it entirely.” While there will be question marks at several positions this season, if Chelsea can find the right fit at quarterback between Nick Neaves and Caleb Moore. If one of those guys emerges, the playmakers around them should help fuel a solid offensive attack that scored 30-plus points in three of

their final six games last year, while the defense should again be sound under coordinator Zeb Ellison. Despite being two non-region games, a lot will be learned about how good the Hornets can be in 2019 and how far they have come in year two under Goodwin in their first two games against county opponents Oak Mountain and Briarwood. A 2-0 start would go a long way to showing Chelsea is more than improved, but a regiontitle contender.

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2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

CORNERSTONE

CHARGERS It’s a new season for the Cornerstone Chargers, and with that comes the opportunity to put last year’s 2-8 record behind them. After winning their opener 41-14, the Chargers looked to be in good shape, but eight consecutive losses ensued before they won their finale 44-0 to close the season on a positive note. Last season was full of difficult circumstances, but it left a bitter taste in the mouths of a lot of young players, who never gave up on the season. Now a lot of those players are back, which gives the Chargers a deep roster full of players looking for redemption. Cornerstone will have a chance to be the best it has been under Lee, but it will take a collective effort from the team.

TEAM INFORMATION CLASSIFICATION AISA A, Region 2 2018 RECORD 2-8 (1-4) HEAD COACH James Lee RECORD 8-13 (Third year) ASSISTANT COACHES Chris Honeycutt, Sam Adams, Lance Brown, Rodney Tait, Randy Vanoy, Jaime Garrett. LAST REGION TITLE 2016 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2017

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK Cornerstone has a good problem of two very athletic players set to spend time at quarterback this season. Junior Lane Bailey, who stands at 5-foot-10, 190 pounds, and sophomore Kyler Simmons, who stands at 5-foot10, 165 pounds, both have the needed confidence at the position. Bailey played some last year and is a really good runner, while Simmons is younger, but has a ton of speed and athleticism.

RUNNING BACK At running back, the Chargers will have to replace both Jake Blankenship and Tanner Falkner, who were extremely talented. But Mason Richards and Bryant Talbert will bring two seniors to the table capable picking up the slack. Richards stands at 5-foot-9, 170 pounds, and will carry the load as a power guy, while Talbert stands at 5-foot-8, 150 pounds and will be the speedy back.

RECEIVER While the Chargers have confidence at both

Go Chargers! Representative Corley Ellis Alabama House District 41

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Justus Adams

GOOD LUCK Chargers!

PLAYERS TO WATCH Lane Bailey, QB/LB Possibly the best athlete on the team, Bailey is going into his junior season as a starter since eighth grade. He’ll possibly be the starting quarterback, and will be the team’s leading linebacker.

quarterback and running back, the receiving corps will need several players to step up. Senior John Robert Waugh will be the main target. Standing at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, he’s a guy that is long and can go up and grab the ball. Behind that, seniors Andrew Flack and Blake Fulps will add help, while others may still step into the role.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Justus Adams, OL/DL One of two impressive starters back on the offensive and defensive line, Adams is primed for a special year.

edge rushers and the leaders of the unit. There will be an array of others that play a factor on the interior portion of the line and add depth.

John Robert Waugh, WR/LB As another returning linebacker, Waugh will be key defensively, but he’ll also have to step up as the go-to receiver. Mason Richards, RB/LB At running back, Richards will be looked upon to replace the stats of Jake Blankenship and Tanner Falkner—a tall task.

LINEBACKER Possibly the best position unit on the team, the linebackers will feature Bailey and Zach Townley as leaders. Bailey is going to be one of the team’s leaders on both sides of the ball and can get 10-plus tackles per game. Townley was at Kingwood last season, and will bring to the table a strong frame at 6-foot-2, 205 pounds as a senior. Other athletes at the position will include offensive playmakers in Waugh, Simmons and Richards.

One of the strongest units on the team, the offensive line will allow those new guys at the skill positions to be patient and make plays. Having started three freshmen last year, the Chargers will return several players this season. Seniors Jackson Causey and Trey Landman will play on the line. Landman has good size at SECONDARY 6-foot-2, 320 pounds, while Causey, who In the secondary, Talbert and Fulps will is 5-foot-10, 230 pounds, will be looked at be leaders at the position, while Richards as a leader. Sophomores Justus Adams will also slide back to play defensive back and Warren Goodwin are also returning when he isn’t playing at linebacker. starters who add good muscle mass at the position. SPECIAL TEAMS Cornerstone will have one of the best kicking games in the county with the DEFENSIVE LINE Most of those offensive linemen will return of Jace Bailey, who has an also play on the defensive front as well incredibly strong leg, as well as the with Goodwin and Adams being the two addition of Mason Collins.

Mason Richards

2019 SCHEDULE Aug. 23: @ Sparta Aug. 30: Springwood Sept. 6: @ Crenshaw Sept. 13: @ Chambers* Sept. 20: Pickens* Sept. 27: Bessemer Academy Oct. 4: Coosa Valley Oct. 11: Bye Oct. 18: @ Southern* Oct. 25: @ Meadowview* Nov. 1: Morgan *Region game

2019 CORNERSTONE Roster NO. NAME POSITION YEAR

NO. NAME POSITION YEAR

John Waugh WR/LB 12

Jackson Waugh ATH 8

Justus Adams OL/DL 10

Kyler Simmons QB/LB 10

Andrew Flack WR 12

Jackson Causey OL/DL 12

Caleb Boackel ATH 9

Thomas Cleckler WR/DB 10

Seth Dillard OL/DL 7

Cash Causey ATH 7

Blake Fulps WR/DB 12

Zac Murphy OL/DL 12

Jace Bailey K 12

Lane Bailey QB/LB 11

Hunter Schlehmeier OL/DL 8

Mason Collins K 12

T.C. Sanders ATH 6

Landon Alexander OL/DL 7

Noah Schober ATH 7

Zach Townley LB 12

Brady Carlisle OL/DL 11

Mason Richards RB/LB 12

Jonah Murphree OL/DL 10

Trey Landman OL/DL 12

Zeke Adams ATH 7

Warren Goodwin OL/DL 10

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

EVANGEL

TEAM INFORMATION

LIGHTING State championships have become the normal at Evangel Christian School with ACSC titles in eight of the last nine years, and with 16 seniors returning to their 2019 team and 31 total players, head coach Tim Smith will look to lead the Lightning to their third in a row under his direction. One of the largest and deepest teams in the ACSC eight-man league, Evangel will yet again be the favorite to win it all this season, while also competing against several of the best AISA 11-man football teams as well. The Lightning will return one of the county’s best quarterbacks, as well as several talented skill players and an offensive and defensive line full of size, which has Smith excited about this year’s possibilities.

CLASSIFICATION ACSC 2018 RECORD 8-3 (3-0) HEAD COACH Tim Smith RECORD 17-5 (Third year) ASSISTANT COACHES Hagan Joiner, Billy Ferrell, Brian Wolf, John Parker. LAST REGION TITLE 2018 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2018

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK Returning to the quarterback position for his senior season will be Tyler Henderson. Standing at 6-foot-6, 205 pounds, Henderson will be starting for the fourth consecutive year in the county and third year in a row at Evangel. Last season, he totaled 1,922 passing yards and 23 touchdowns with just one interception.

RUNNING BACK Evangel will once again have an impressive running game in 2019 with the return of senior running back Noah Shears. While his size may not intimidate you at 5-foot-8, 150 pounds, he’s still a bruiser of a back with a ton of speed. Junior running back Daniel Viles will be the changeup at the position weighing 217 pounds.

RECEIVERS One of the most exciting playmakers on the field, Will Ferrell will lead the receiving corps during his junior season from the slot position. Standing at 5-foot-11, 184 pounds, he totaled 331 rushing yards and 253 receiving yards in just five games last year. He’ll be joined by senior Yura Gothard who played last

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2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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year, but has really improved going into his final year. They’ll be joined by Carson Henden out wide, while Noah Murdaugh will also help at the position.

and Marcus Bennett will be the backups.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

LINEBACKERS

Tyler Henderson, QB A three-year starter at quarterback, Henderson will be dangerous as a senior standing at 6-foot-6, 205 pounds. He threw for 1,922 yards and 23 touchdowns last year.

Hunter Barnes and Noah Shears are two guys that will be leaders at linebacker this year with the departure of AllOFFENSIVE LINE Smith said up front on the offensive County player Hunter Green. Cannan line is where Evangel can really win Mann will also play at the position as a some football games thanks to height starter. Noah Murdaugh and Riley and size. The center position will be up Mason will back those guys up. Cooper for grabs between Will Parker, Jacob Vowell and Timothy Howell will handle Jeffers and Jarred Warren, but Smith the outside linebacker position. said the best case scenario is for Warren to win the job. Tanner Parks, a 6-foot, SECONDARY 243-pound senior, and Zach Rickles, a In the secondary, Will Ferrell and 6-foot-4, 218-pound senior, will also get Yura Gothard will use their athleticism a lot of time. Behind that, Murdaugh, to lock down the cornerback position, Logan West and Caleb Lumpkin will get while Andrew Stafford will back them up a lot of time as well. as a senior. At safety, sophomore Harris Black, who stands at 5-foot-9, 160 pounds, will be one of the team’s most DEFENSIVE LINE Viles, the backup running back, will athletic players, while Carson Henden anchor at the nose guard position, and will play at the position as well. will be one of the team’s best players on the defensive side of the ball this year. SPECIAL TEAMS He’ll be joined by West and Parks as Evangel will go into the season looking backups. Parker and Jacob Jeffers will for a kicker and may go for two more be the two defensive ends, while Rickles often than not.

Noah Shears, RB/LB Despite missing all but four games last year, Shears still ran for more than 600 yards and will be dangerous if he stays healthy. Will Ferrell, WR/DB Possibly the best athlete on the team, Ferrell had 331 rushing yards and 253 receiving yards last year in just five games.

2019 Evangel Roster NO.

NAME

POSITION YEAR

NO.

NAME

NO.

NAME

Will Ferrell

WR/DB 11

Carson Henden WR/DB 12

Noah Murdaugh OL/DL

Harris Black

QB/DB 10

Cooper Vowell WR/DB 12

Elijah Henderson OL/DL

Chase Jones WR/DB 12

Daniel Viles RB/LB 11

Caleb Lumpkin

Yura Gothard WR/DB 12

Caleb Patton

Tanner Parks OL/DL 12

Eli Whitfield QB/DB 9

Hunter Barnes RB/LB 12

Marcus Bennett OL/DL

Tyler Jeffers OL/DL 12

Andrew Stafford WR/DB

Zach Rickles OL/DL 12

Timothy Howard RB/LB

Noah Shears RB/LB 12

Logan West OL/DL 12

Aiden Lau

DB/WR 9

Will Parker

OL/DL 12

Jared Warren OL/DL 11

Cade Dorough

ATH

Zachery Turner OL/DL 11

Riley Mason OL/LB 10

Cannan Mann QB/LB 12

Thomas Coach OL/DL 10

Tyler Henderson QB/DB

Jacob Jeffers OL/DL 12

POSITION YEAR

ATH

POSITION YEAR

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

HELENA

HUSKIES In the final six games of the 2018 season, we got a feel for what is possible for the Helena Huskies under head coach Richie Busby. After an 0-4 start, Helena went on to win four of their final six games to close out Busby’s first season and finish the year with as much confidence as any team in Shelby County. In addition to the impressive conclusion, two of Helena’s six losses came by 13 points or less, including a six-point overtime loss to eventual region winner Jackson-Olin. All of that is important to know because heading into 2019, Helena returns almost every player and is loaded with one of the largest class of seniors in school history at 27. It’s not only important from an experience standpoint, but the perspective of understanding Busby’s system and putting in an entire offseason to improve on what they didn’t understand throughout his first season.

TEAM INFORMATION CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 6A, Region 5 2018 RECORD 4-6 (2-4) HEAD COACH Richie Busby RECORD 4-6 (Second year) ASSISTANT COACHES Jim Elgin, Keith Maple, Jody Colvin, Phillip Lawson, Dale Massey, Adam Bice, Greg Appling, Scott Lowery, Maurice Whiting. LAST REGION TITLE None LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2015

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK The depth and experience starts at one of the most important positions with three-year starter Luke Stamba back to close out his senior career at quarterback. Stamba missed two games due to injury last year, but has put on 15 pounds of muscle in the offseason and now stands at 5-foot-10, 190 pounds. He’s a dual threat player that not only has two years of starting experience, but started playing his best football at the end of last year, which should carry into the 2019 season after putting in a lot of offseason work. While the offense struggled mightily at times in 2018, Stamba back and healthy should help this year’s team take a giant leap in the right direction toward being a dynamic offense. Behind that, sophomore Mac Turner and freshman Miles Mitchell are two young guys that have a

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Luke Stamba

PLAYERS TO WATCH Marquis Johnson, RB As a sophomore, Johnson rushed for 1,111 yards and eight touchdowns. He is the best returning back in the county. Seaburn Hines, OL Head coach Richie Busby has raved about Hines, who was a top-five lineman in the county last year as a sophomore. He may be the best this year. Nathan Dunaway, LB Played in just eight games last year, but still totaled 106 tackles and 11 tackles for loss. LaDarrius Rice, ATH One of the best overall athletes on the team and in the county, he’ll play any position. Last year, he was one of the best DBs in the county with four interceptions. Luke Stamba, QB He’s been through the ups and downs, but Stamba heads into his third year as a starter with the Huskies, and that’s experience that can’t be taken away.

Marquise Johnson bright future.

2019 SCHEDULE RUNNING BACK One of the most exciting positions on the team is running back thanks to not only the return of 1,000-plus yard back Marquise Johnson for his junior season, but also four other guys that will help him out. After not playing much early in the season as a sophomore last year, Johnson eventually got on the field and went on to total 1,111 yards and eight touchdowns in just eight games last season. Standing at 5-foot-10, 165 pounds, he’s a three-down back that gets better as the game goes along and can also catch out of the backfield. He’ll be joined by senior Brodie Jones as a similar style running back with great lateral ability and power. His experience will be key for the Huskies this season, and if he needs to take on the load for any reason, he’ll be able to do just that. Behind those

Aug. 23: McAdory Aug. 29: @ Hueytown (Thursday) Sept. 6: Bye Sept. 13: @ Homewood * Sept. 20: Minor* Sept. 27: Southside-Gadsden Oct. 4: Chelsea* Oct. 11: @ Carver-Birmingham* Oct. 18: @ Jackson-Olin* Oct. 25: Pelham* Nov. 1: @ Calera *Region game

two, junior Colby Hughes will be a between the tackles guy at 5-foot-9, 210 pounds, while senior Jeremiah Cope adds a versatile body that can play from the slot and sophomore Kaysn Bustamento adds a young exciting playmaker. Hughes will help tremendously in short-yardage situations, while Helena will try to get the ball to Cope out in space.

LaDarrius Rice

KEY DEPARTURES Jake Schmidt With nine tackles for loss, three sacks, three interceptions and 95 total tackles, his defensive presence will be missed. Jonathan Williams Posted nine tackles for loss last year for the Huskies, but more impressive were his 10 sacks, which will be tough to replace. Matt Mizerany Another defensive player that will be missed after totaling four tackles for loss, three interceptions and forcing two fumbles with 85 tackles. 2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

2018 RESULTS @ McAdory L 13-35 Hueytown L 7-28 Homewood L 6-48 @ Minor L 19-26 @ Southside-Gadsden W 14-7 @ Chelsea W 28-21 Carver-Birmingham W 16-0 Jackson-Olin L 16-22 (OT) @ Pelham L 7-37 Calera W 28-14

2018 STATS Offense Total points: 154 Per game: 15.4 County rank: 10

Defense Points allowed: 238 Per game: 23.8 County rank: 4

5-YEAR WIN TREND

2018

2017

3 2016

2015

between H-back and receiver. Moore started a few games last year and is The offensive depth continues at getting better with lightning speed, receiver with seven guys that could while Griffith had possibly the best play at any given time, including spring of all receivers and also senior Riley Marks. Now standing at brings a good frame to the table at 5-foot-11, 180 pounds, Marks has a 6-foot-2, 225 pounds. A guy with possibly the most good connection with Stamba and has put on a lot of muscle. He’s a guy upside will be sophomore J.C. that is competitive and knows how Sivley, who already stands at 6-footto get open as a returning starter. 4, 200 pounds. He’s got great hands Fellow seniors Chris Miller, Leon and is deceptively fast for his size. Moore and Will Griffith will also be Seniors Antonio Ruiz, a Kingwood extremely key. Miller’s size is great transfer, and Jack Gay will play as at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, as he also well, while athlete Ladarrius Rice, a started every game and can flex starting defensive back, will also get

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2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

KEY NUMBERS

1,111 On just 153 attempts, Marquis Johnson posted 1,111 rushing yards with eight touchdowns during his sophomore season. He’s a guy the Huskies will rely on heavily this season as one of the top returning running backs in the state.

4 After 12 consecutive losses and losses in 13 of 14 games between 2017 and 2018, the Huskies went on to win four of their final six games to end the 2018 season. They won three in a row before a heartbreaking overtime loss to a ranked JacksonOlin team and then won their finale against Calera. That’s the kind of turnaround you want to see under a first-year head coach.

Nathan Dunaway

There is one guy on this team that is truly special for multiple reasons, but just from a football standpoint, Richie Busby said at the end of the 2018 season that Seaburn Hines was the best offensive lineman he had seen in his 22 years as a head coach. He was just a sophomore. Now he’s a junior with more experience and size. He’ll pave the way for Marquise Johnson to have another special season.

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2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

2019 Helena Roster NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

Jayden Jackson

Lawson Smith

LB 11

Riley Marks

Kyle Schultz

OL 11

WR 12

Andre Odom

LB 10

Peyton Woodall

Joe Randall

OL 12

LB 10

Kyle Tolbert

DB 10

Mac Turner

Trace Barnett

OL 9

QB 10

Brodie Jones

RB 12

Chase Smith

Skyler Stevens

OL 10

DB 12

Hunter Bright

LB 10

Will Griffith

Sam Regina

OL 12

TE 12

Travis Porter

WR 12

Kolby Harris

Hunter Johnson

DL 11

QB 11

Jaysn Sutherland

DB 10

IceBerk Cave

Jake Julius

OL 9

LB 10

Errol Anderson

DB 10

Zach Goodwin

Seaburn Hines

OL 11

WR/DB 12

Logan Maloney

K 12

Jack Gay

Spencer Bozeman

OL 10

RB 12

Colby Thacker

WR 10

Ladarrius Rice

Chase Perry

OL 12

WR/DB 12

Tucker Knight

DL 12

Connor Pugh

Turner Morrison

OL 11

S 10

Noah McDonald

LB 10

Luke Stamba

Jack Blanton

OL 11

QB 12

Kaysn Bustamento

RB 10

Dom Fuller

Malik Jackson

WR 10

DB 12

Dylan Greer

DB 10

Nick Butts

Garrett Morton

WR 10

DB 12

Will Traweek

HB 12

Justin Yunke

Jack Carson

TE 11

S 10

Kane Noyes

LB 10

Leon Moore

Ryne Berry

WR 10

WR 12

Joey Corbin

DL 11

Cole Pugh

Antonio Ruiz

WR 12

DL 12

Jarvis Elston

LB 11

Grayson Garner

JC Sivley

WR 10

HB 11

Hunter DeVore

RB 10

Marquise Johnson

Connor Burton

TE 12

RB 11

Charlie Harper

LB 11

Jeremiah Cope

Justin Palm

WR 10

DB 12

Jon Michael Combs

LB 11

Will Hawes

Chris Miller

TE 12

WR 12

Nathan Dunaway

LB 12

Jade Hildreth

Scout Brooks

WR 11

DB 12

Brock Sisson

LB 11

Damien Hines

Nick Payne

DE 10

DB 11

Jake Dillard

OL 10

Jackson Snyder

Aidan Naron

K 10

DB 10

Dalton Griffin

OL 10

Kobe Hughes

Kevin Kim

DL 11

RB 11

Bryon Holland

DE 10

Cameron Stiltner

Miquel Coronel

DL 11

DB 10

Bryson Rhodes

OL 10

Joel Logan

Nathan Butts

DE 10

Chase Holmes

DL 11

James Preston

Zac Read

DL 11

DB 11

Matthew Ray

DL 11

Ethan Trimm

DL 12

do their jobs properly. Fellow senior Ethan Trimm, a 6-foot3, 200-pound defensive end, could have a really big year as well thanks to being long and athletic. Another player with a good span and great athleticism is sophomore Joel Logan, who already stands at 6-foot-4, 200 pounds. Joey Corbin, a junior, will play a lot on the interior portion of the line with a

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

frame of 5-foot-10, 225 pounds. John Michael Combs, Chase Holmes, Hunter Johnson, Jack Carson and Connor Burton will also play important roles for depth.

LINEBACKERS While two linebackers moved up to the line, it’s a unit that is still very experienced, especially with the return

of leading tackler Nathan Dunaway for his senior season. Standing at 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, Dunaway posted 106 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and two sacks last year. He’s a state champion wrestler, a captain and the leader of the defense. Sophomores Peyton Woodall, Iceberk Cave and Noah McDonald all got playing time last year as freshmen and will play key roles as sophomores

player, he’ll take on right tackle. Seniors Sam Regina and Chase Perry will join him with Regina standing at OFFENSIVE LINE Possibly most important of all the 6-foot-3, 290 pounds, and tackling the offensive experience, Helena will center position, while Perry stands at return four starters, which can be a 6-foot-2, 250 pounds and will handle scary thought to pair with all of that the left tackle spot. Going into his impressive talent at each skill position. junior season, Matthew Ray will be the Included in that will be junior Seaburn fourth returnee at left guard with a Hines, who stands at 6-foot-2, 305 frame of 6-foot, 245 pounds. At right pounds. Busby has already called him guard, Helena will use a committee of the best offensive lineman he’s coached guys, including Jack Blantan, Joe in his 22 years. As a Division I caliber Randal and Turner Morrison. some time at the position.

DEFENSIVE LINE The defensive line will look slightly different in 2019, but that doesn’t mean it’s inexperienced with several of the best tacklers on the team moving from linebacker to the trenches. Two of those guys will be seniors Tucker Knight and Cole Pugh, who both started at linebacker last year. Both stand around 5-foot-10 and weigh between 200 and 210 pounds. Their experience on the defense is key as guys that know how to

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(205) 664-9622 2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

QUICK HITS NOW OR NEVER Maybe that’s a bit of an extreme statement, but it’s the mentality that Helena’s players need to take into the 2019 season. With the return of their quarterback, their running back, several offensive linemen and some of their best defensive players, this is the best talent they have had in years. And with the way they ended 2018, the mindset has to be that they can do everything they want to this year. I expect big things and so should they. RIDE THE MOMENTUM WAVE Over the final six games of last year, the Huskies had their best stretch of play since the 2015 season when they finished 9-3. Winning four of their final six games last season was a huge momentum boost. DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS Last year, Helena’s defense was one of the best in the county when they started winning games in the second half of the season. After giving up 26-plus in their first four games, the Huskies responded by not giving up more than 22 the rest of the season with the exception of one loss to Pelham. For the year, the Huskies gave up 23.8 points per game, but that average dipped to 16.8 over the final six games. If the defense plays that well all season in 2019, this year’s team will be a playoff threat. OFFENSE DOESN’T HURT EITHER While the defense was spectacular last season, the offense struggled mightily at times averaging just 15.4 points per game. They scored more than 19 points in just two games and didn’t score more than 28 in any game. Simple enough, the offense has to play better this season to give the defense rest. An impressive offensive line, a returning quarterback, a returning 1,000-plus yard running back and three receivers should help. FAST START With the schedule identical to last year minus the location of each game, Helena knows they can handle the second half of the schedule, but getting off to a fast start will determine if they make the playoffs. While they don’t have to go 4-0 out of the gates, you can’t start 0-4. If Helena can go 2-2 through their first four games, that’s a start that would build confidence knowing the games they have left after that.

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Tucker Knight this season, while juniors Lawson Smith and Brock Sisson will play and battle for starting positions as well.

SECONDARY The returning leader in the secondary will be senior Ladarrius Rice, who is possibly the best athlete on the team. The senior recently received the first powerfive offer in school history from Wisconsin. Rice, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound corner back, had four interceptions last year with 33 total tackles and can also play at receiver. He’s possibly the team’s best athlete and will be used all over the field as long as he is fresh and ready to go. Zach Goodwin

also brings a good frame to the table and a ton of experience to the safety position as does seniors Chase Smith and Jabe Hildreth. All of those guys can play at the next level, while Dom Fuller, Nick Butts, Jade Preston, Damion Hines, Connor Pugh and Jackson Snyder will add depth.

SPECIAL TEAMS Senior Logan Maloney will handle all kicking duties for the Huskies this season and brings back plenty of experience. The return game should also be in good shape with guys like Rice and several other athletes capable of making explosive plays.

EDITOR’S 2019 PREDICTION (7-3) I was close to going 8-2 or 9-1 with Helena, that’s how much confidence I have in them going into the 2019 season. So the 7-3 prediction is a worst-case scenario, if the Huskies play up to their potential that is. With the most seniors in school history and everybody back on a team that won four of their last six games and lost to the eventual region champ in overtime, everything adds up for Helena this season. They showed they improved during Busby’s first year, and now with a full season and offseason with him, they should start the season like it ended last year.

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Helena Huskies

Mush

Huskies ready to win during Busby’s second season

Written by ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photos by KEITH MCCOY & JEREMY RAINES

COMING OFF A 4-6 RECORD IN 2018, people

Wins in both of those games could have put the Huskies as high as third in the region, but to bounce back from a around the state may turn their noses up at the thought of the Helena Huskies being a threat to win the Class 6A, bumpy start by finishing the season the way they did, the Region 5 title in 2019, especially competing against the Huskies have plenty of reason to feel confident in their likes of Jackson-Olin, Homewood, Pelham, Minor and program with a better understanding of what it takes to others, but with the return of 27 seniors and a second-year win under Busby, as well as a strong leadership role head coach, those not believing in Helena’s chances only amongst the upperclassmen. “We finished on a high note last year,” Busby said. fuel the fire. “There is a lot of excitement around our program right Last year’s 0-4 start seemed to be a difficult beginning now because it is building. We’ve gotten new turf and a for first-year head coach Richie Busby and his team, but how the Huskies responded, especially with a new coach, new track in, we’ve gotten our first power-five offer in school history, we’ve got several that have offers to play at is what became key. Helena went on to win three in a row and four of their the next level. There is a lot happening for us right now.” Going into his second year, Busby is now putting his final six games, with one of those two losses coming to eventual region champion Jackson-Olin in overtime by six touch on program and is working at turning Helena into a points. The Huskies also had a seven-point loss to third- powerhouse program, which he says starts in the weight room. place team Minor at one point during the season.

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

“Our strength and conditioning program has been really good,” Busby said. “If you look back at when I got here in February of 2018, our strength levels were not very good. Now, on our top-10 board in the weight room, we have a lot of kids over 300 pounds in the bench, we got 500-pound squatters and 300-pound power cleans. Overall, you can look at the kids and tell they’ve been in the weight room.” While it takes a while to build a program due to learning a new system and getting the student athletes to buy in at a young age, Busby came in with the goal of progress and set the goal of seeing a drastic improvement in the weight room within 18 months. “When we came in our goal was to in 18 months really see a change in their bodies, and we do,” Busby said. “I can’t be more pleased with how well coach Scott Lowery is running our weight room. He makes it fun, and our kids respond. That was the number one area we needed to address.” With that area of concern taking shape, the Huskies are in a good position thanks to good numbers in the program and a great senior class of leaders. While those numbers and seniors mean nothing without understanding Busby’s system or what they need to do to win, it was proven in the final six games last year that they progressed and got a better grasp of what to do. If they can bounce back from difficult circumstances and

learn on the fly like that after an 0-4 start, then it’s scary to think about what can happen with an entire offseason of work now knowing what to day. “Everything we can do to become a better program, I think we’re pushing those buttons and heading in the right direction,” Busby said. “When you’re building a football program, it takes so many good players and bodies that it takes a little longer to see those things come to fruition.”

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

MONTEVALLO

TEAM INFORMATION

BULLDOGS From a pure talent standpoint, the Montevallo Bulldogs are the best team in Shelby County heading into the 2019 season thanks to the majority of their team returning following a 9-2 year last season. With a record-breaking receiver and quarterback returning, as well as a running back that topped 1,000 yards, the offense is loaded at the skill positions this season and should come close to matching its 39.5 points per game from last year, but the defense will be the key to this year’s team matching last year’s success and its postseason run. If there is any flaw with this year’s team, it’s depth. Lack of depth caught up with the Bulldogs last year and led to a first-round exit in the playoffs, but the talent and experience they have this year should help them handle unforseen circumstances better.

CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 4A, Region 3 2018 RECORD 9-2 (5-1) HEAD COACH Brandon Wilcox RECORD 22-11 (Fourth year) ASSISTANT COACHES Chris Shelton, Kent Underwood, Matthew Allen, Jim Adams. LAST REGION TITLE 1995 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2018

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK The oozing of talent for the Bulldogs starts at the quarterback position with the return of Malik Inabinette. As a junior, Inabinette threw for 3,376 yards to lead the state in that category, while adding 201 rushing yards and a total of 43 touchdowns. He’s expected to be a more vocal leader this season and has an added confidence and composure to pair with the skillset of a dynamic quarterback. Having his three top targets back makes him a dangerous threat and possibly the best quarterback in the county this season.

RUNNING BACK Senior Deon Gilliland is the returning starter at running back after totaling 1,088 rushing yards and 335 receiving yards with 17 combined touchdowns, but there are three other guys that can take the pressure off of him as well. Gilliland is by far the lead back, and standing at 5-foot-9, 165 pounds, he’s

Malik Inabinette

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2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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PLAYERS TO WATCH J.J. Evans, WR Now second all-time in a single season in state history with 1,706 receiving yards last year, he’ll be the top target in the state this year. Malik Inabinette, QB As a junior, Inabinette threw for 3,376 yards and a remarkable 38 touchdowns. He also ran for 201 yards and five more touchdowns. Deon Gilliland, RB Gilliland also left his mark on the offense with 1,088 rushing yards and 335 receiving yards with 17 combined touchdowns. Jamarius Carter, TE Carter gives the Bulldogs another stellar offensive player at tight end after he broke onto the scene with 255 receiving yards and six touchdowns last year. He’s also the team’s kicker.

Orlandis Weeks powerful for his size and can take any carry to the house. Other backs will include Orlandis Weeks, Justin Tyus and Joseph Anderson. Weeks is another speedy guy like Gilliland, while Tyus and Anderson will be power backs.

RECEIVER While depth will be a concern at receiver this year, the Bulldogs have four solid starters, including the second best single-season receiver in state history. Last season, J.J. Evans gathered that honor when he totaled 1,706 receiving yards with 18 touchdowns. Now a senior, Evans is committed to Auburn and stands at 6-foot-3, 195 pounds. He’s not only a great playmaker, but leads the team vocally and by example. In addition to Evans, Jamarius Carter,

2019 SCHEDULE Aug. 23: @ Marbury Aug. 29: Shelby County (Thursday) Sept. 6: Dallas County* Sept. 12: Jemison (Thursday) Sept. 20: @ American Christian* Sept. 27: Bye Oct. 4: West Blocton* Oct. 11: @ Sumter Central* Oct. 18: Sipsey Valley* Oct. 25: @ Greensboro* Nov. 1: @ Lincoln *Region game a 6-foot-6, 205-pound sophomore, will also be back after totaling 255 yards receiving and six touchdowns last year. He has as much upside as anybody on the roster. They’ll be joined by Jemari Harris, who the coaches say may have the best hands on the team, while Kial

Jayvion Seay, LB Seay has to be the leader of the defense this season at the linebacker position as a three-year starter.

KEY DEPARTURES Jay Sullens A solid athlete on both sides of the ball, Sullens had 29 tackles and led the kickoff return game last year. Avery Anfield With 41 tackles and two interceptions, Anfield’s presence in the secondary will be missed. Cameron Conwell A three-year starter on the offensive line, Conwell was a trustworthy player who will have to be replaced. Will Howell Howell was the leader of the offensive line last year at center, which will cause a difficult transition for the Bulldogs this year.

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

QUICK HITS THE BIG THREE J.J. Evans, Malik Inabinette and Deon Gilliland combined for 6,170 yards last season as juniors. This year the big three of Shelby County will be back as seniors, and there may not be a better situation in the state with the connection between Evans and Inabinette and the ability of Gilliland to take the pressure off both with his legs. BEST OFFENSE IN THE STATE? With those three leading the way, Montevallo averaged 39.5 points per game last year and scored more than 40 points in six of their 11 games, more than 30 points in eight of 11 and more than 20 points in 10 of 11. This year, the Bulldogs may have the most potent offense in the state with almost every key player back on that side of the ball. DEFENSIVE IMPROVEMENT While the offense was exhilarating to watch last year, the defense struggled at times and needs playmakers to step up this year. They gave up a school record 70 points in one game and gave up an average of 27.9 points per game. Montevallo posted one shutout and gave up 12 points in another game, but beyond that, they gave up more than 20 points in every contest. STEP UP WHEN IT MATTERS Last year, Montevallo made the plays when it had to. In close football games, the defense stepped up and made stops when they needed to, while the offense also scored points late to put close games away. That will be key again this year with several higher-classification opponents early in the season. FIRST-ROUND HIJINKS Now we’re looking into a crystal ball and assuming Montevallo will make the playoffs, but if they do, they’ll have a first-round hurdle to overcome. After going 9-1 in the regular season last year with one of the best offenses, the Bulldogs came out flat in the first round of the playoffs scoring just eight points in a 28-8 loss to Andalusia. In 2019, the Bulldogs aren’t just a playoff team, they’re a team that should make a deep playoff run, and in order to accomplish that, they’ll need to use last year’s first-round loss as motivation to steamroll through the opening round this year.

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

2019 Montevallo Roster NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

J.J. Evans

WR/DB 12

Hayden Middlebrooks ATH 9

Justin Tyus

RB/LB 11

Jaylon Hudson

OL/DL

Kial Cottingham

WR/DB 10

Cole Dennis

OL/DL 10

Jamarius Carter

WR/DL 12

Blake Cummings

LB 12

Deon Gilliland

RB/DB 12

Xavier Bryant

OL 12

Anthony Martin

ATH 9

Jaqwan Hill

OL/DL 11

Orlandis Weeks

RB/LB 11

Spencer Adams

OL/DL 9

KamRon Goins

QB/DB 9

Hunter Bass

OL/DL 11

Kane Gentry

ATH 9

Dylan Campbell

OL/DL 9

Malik Inabinette

QB 12

Dylan Brantley

OL/DL 12

Jemari Harris

WR/DB 12

Brantley Burk

OL/DL 9

Demontre Lilly

ATH 9

Aaron Tyes

OL/DL 9

Joseph Anderson

RB/LB 10

Matthew Alexander

OL/DL 9

Tamardreon Purnell

WR/DB 10

Anthony McMillian

OL/DL 9

Gavin Monk

ATH 9

Jaydeon Head

OL/DL 10

Jamion Prentice

DB 10

Jaylon McKenzie

OL/DL

Jabrian Sullens

WR/DL 12

Kenan Underwood

OL/DL 9

Jayvion Seay

LB 12

Jorein Gilbert

OL/DL 10

Grant Cordes

LB 12

Timothy Waters

ATH 9

Rankin Allen

OL/DL 12

Daricus Inguez

ATH 9

Gabe Haynie

ATH 9

Justin Hoffman

OL/DL 9

Hykhem Chapman

ATH 9

Cottingham will play out of the slot as a sophomore.

OFFENSIVE LINE The offensive line will be one of the biggest keys on this year’s team with three of the six seniors on last year’s team being on the offensive line. The two returnees will be seniors Rankin Allen and Xavier Bryant. Allen will play at left tackle and stands at 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, while the similar-insize Bryant will be the center this year after playing guard last year. Hunter Bass, a junior, and Cole Dennis, a sophomore, are both physical tough guys who will also fill out the line. In addition to those two, senior Dylan Brantley will be a likely starter as well. No position is safe, however, as Jalen Hudson, Dylan Campbell, Carl Sellers and Jaylon McKenzie will battle for spots.

DEFENSIVE LINE Right now, the defensive line has the potential to be the deepest spot on Montevallo’s team this year. Starters will consist of two-way players Carter, Allen, Dennis and Bass. Carter, Allen and Dennis

are returning starters, while Bass got a lot of experience last year as well. Carter adds a fast, tall playmaker off the edge, as does Allen, while Dennis and Bass can block the middle. Jabrian Sullens and Jaqwan Hill are guys that could add depth if they do the work during the summer and early during fall camp.

LINEBACKER The best playmaker on the defensive side of the ball will suit up at linebacker in the form of Jayvion Seay. A 6-foot, 165-pound senior, Seay is expected to lead the entire defense as a three-year starter on that side of the ball. While the coaching staff is excited about him, they’re also excited about seniors Grant Cordes and Blake Cummings. Cordes stands at 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, while Cummings is 5-foot-11, 200 pounds. In addition to those guys, Weeks, Anderson and Tyus will all juggle their running back tasks with the linebacker position as well.

SECONDARY Several key offensive playmakers will also play in the secondary this season, which

2018 RESULTS Marbury @ Shelby County @ Dallas County @ Jemison American Christian @ West Blocton Sumter Central @ Sipsey Valley Greensboro Lincoln Andalusia

W 36-27 W 22-12 W 41-0 W 64-41 L 54-70 W 49-28 W 38-24 W 28-21 W 53-32 W 42-24 L 8-28*

*Playoff game

2018 STATS Offense Total points: 435 Per game: 39.5 County rank: 1

makes conditioning ahead of the season key. Evans, Cottingham, Gilliland and Harris will all play on the back end of the defense. They’ll be joined by freshman KamRon Goins, as well as Jamion Prentice, who started as a freshman last year. As a sophomore, Prentice already stands at 6-foot, 165 pounds.

Defense Points allowed: 307 Per game: 27.9 County rank: 7

SPECIAL TEAMS With so many athletes, the return game will be a positive for Montevallo this season, while the kicking game is still up in the air. Carter will remain the team’s punter and will possibly kick field goals, but last year, the Bulldogs went for two on multiple occasions and will likely do so again this year.

EDITOR’S 2019 PREDICTION (9-1) Combine the talent with the first-round loss in the playoffs last year, and this team shouldn’t just be good, but should also be hungry this season. Every position is oozing with savvy playmakers, and with an improved defense to compliment arguably the best offense in the state, it’s hard to see the Bulldogs losing to anybody other than American Christian again. The real fun will be to see what this team does to improve, and how they handle the playoffs.

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2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

OAK MOUNTAIN

EAGLES The Oak Mountain Eagles will have a balance of returnees that should have big years as well as several big gaps that will need to be filled in 2019 after putting together a 2-8 record last season. While the record wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t what the Eagles were hoping for, they did compete strongly against Hewitt-Trussville, Thompson and Hoover early in the season, who were the top three teams in the region. Following that, however, Oak Mountain struggled to rebound with injuries and more difficult games on the back half, which eventually led to an eight-game losing streak. Now, heading into a new season, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll return one of the most exciting playmakers in the state at quarterback, as well as one of the strongest running games in the area. The offensive line will be young this season, and that unit growing quickly will be key, while the defense should be much better.

TEAM INFORMATION CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 7A, Region 3 2018 RECORD 2-8 (0-7) HEAD COACH Cris Bell RECORD 36-38 (Eighth year) ASSISTANT COACHES Rusty Frisch, Steward Carlisle, Stuart Morrison, Danny Ward, Matt Taylor, Payton Holmes, Drew Pickett, Stewart Civils, Dalton Brown, Ryan Dobbs, Freddie Thomas, Wade Lyon. LAST REGION TITLE None LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2016

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK Just a freshman last year, Evan Smith came in for his first game and jaws dropped. Capable of taking the ball to the house any time he takes a snap, Smith totaled 861 yards passing and 755 rushing yards with 13 total touchdowns. Standing at 5-foot-11, 165 pounds, Smith is a smaller-framed quarterback that will continue to develop this season.

RUNNING BACK In addition to the running ability of Smith at the quarterback position, the Eagles will have a threeheaded monster at running back with Jonathan Bennett returning, as well as the additional help of Devin Holden and Judah Tait. Bennett knows the

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2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Evan SMITH

PLAYERS TO WATCH Evan Smith, QB As a freshman, he made stellar play after stellar play against the best defenses to finish the season with 1,616 all-purpose yards. He’s extremely dangerous running, and will be a more potent passer this year. Noah Young, WR Oak Mountain has been desperate for a standout wide receiver to step up recently. Young should have the chance to do that this year with incredible size and a quarterback who can get him the ball.

Judah Tait system best, and should benefit from the team going back under center for his senior season. Holden, also a senior, is a versatile back who is strong and fast, while Tait is a bull dozer that will be the more physical of the three after having a nice spring.

RECEIVER Mixing up the offense to throw the ball more will always be key for Oak Mountain, but with the departure of top target Trey Allen, the Eagles will need several players to step up and show something in order for the coaching staff to feel comfortable moving away from the run-option attack. Noah Young is a guy that has a ton of upside as a junior standing at 6-foot-4, 200 pounds. Kyle Percer, younger brother of Luke Percer, will be another guy the Eagles hope steps up, as will Zach Paisley, Harrison Miller, Hasani Burns and Sam Johnson.

2019 SCHEDULE Aug. 23: @ Chelsea Aug. 30: Bye Sept. 6: Hewitt-Trussville* Sept. 13: Thompson* Sept. 20: @ Hoover* Sept. 27: Pelham Oct. 4: @ Mountain Brook* Oct. 11: Tuscaloosa County* Oct. 18: @ Spain Park* Oct. 25: @ Vestavia Hills* Nov. 1: Pace (Florida) *Region game Zach Bailey will handle the left guard position as a senior, while junior Alex Mathis will take on the right guard position. Senior Zac Hollington and junior Drew Rowland will interchange at right tackle, with Hollington being a utility type of player.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Out of 10 defensive linemen, only two will be seniors. The Eagles will also have OFFENSIVE LINE After graduating six of seven guys on to replace Zykeius Strong and Travis the offensive line, including two-year Thomasson one the line, who combined starter Clay Collins, the Eagles will need for 105 tackles last season. The only several guys to step up to open up holes returnee at the position will be 5-foo-10, and protect a talented running game this 215-pound Jacob Goldfon at defensive season. Drew Padgett, who stands at end. Jacob Payne, who stands at 5-foot-11, 6-foot-7, 275 pounds, will be the only returnee at the position, and is considered 215 pounds, will also be key on the line at nose guard after missing last year with the leader of the unit at as left tackle.

Jonathan Bennett, RB The leading returning rusher for the Eagles, Bennett should be a leader at the position due to his knowledge of the system. One of three good backs. Jacob Goldfon, DE The only returnee on a young defensive line, he will have to help groom that unit. Drew Padgett, OL Similar to Goldfon on the defensive side, Padgett is the only returnee on the offensive line. Standing at 6-foot-7, 275 pounds, he’ll be a leader at left tackle. Will Pfaffman, LB A starter early last year, Pfaffman will return from a torn ACL to be a strong linebacker.

KEY DEPARTURES Luke Percer Percer will be sorely missed after rushing for 956 yards and 11 touchdowns a season ago. Trey Allen A standout high jump athlete on the track and field team, Allen would have helped out tremendously this year and takes 287 receiving yards and three touchdowns with him. Clay Collins A two-year starter on the offensive line, he will be the only missing piece to what could be an incredible OL for the Eagles. Jacob Fitzgerald Fitzgerald was Oak Mountain’s defensive leader last year finishing the season with 114 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss. Jaylen Thomas The best pass rusher on last year’s team, Thomas will be another key defender gone after posting nine tackles for loss and five sacks. 2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

2019 Oak Mountain Roster NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

Noah Young

WR 11

Amar McIntosh

DB 11

Mitch Allen

Nolan Fuqua

WR 10

Jaquarious Davis

DB 11

Christopher Mattox OL 11

OL 11

Hasani Burns

WR 11

Tucker Boswell

RB 11

Jonathan Bennett

Will Pfaffman

LB 12

RB 12

Judah Tait

RB 11

Kyle Percer

Jacob Payne

LB 12

WR 12

Colton Johnson

LB 12

Cameron Atkinson

Mattox Vines

LB 10

LB/TE 10

Aiden Lauglin

DB 10

Sam West

Colin Roberts

OL 10

LB 12

Colin Herring

LB 12

Evan Smith

Brady Reeves

OL 10

QB 10

Quest Agee

DB 10

Devin Holden

Kevin Hernandez

OL 10

RB 12

Jaqeh McFadden

RB 12

Ethan Hammett

Zach Bailey

OL 12

WR 10

Dean Null

DB 11

Jimmy Harris

Drew Padgett

OL 12

DB 11

Ashton Taylor

LB 10

Tyler Do-Bui

Nathan Besch

DL 10

WR 11

Caleb Webb

DE 10

Gerald Austin

Will Ford

DL 10

WR 12

Zach Smith

LB 10

Eli Hackbarth

Alex Mathis

OL/DL 11

QB 11

Chase Schwender

DB 11

Zach Paisley

Grayson Cowart

OL 10

WR 12

Andrew McCallister DB 10

Hogan Morton

Elijah Perdue

OL 11

DB 11

David Parker

LB 10

KJ Jackson

Sam Johnson

TE/P 12

RB 10

Landon Holcomb

LB 11

Jeremiah Kennedy

Harrison Miller

WR 11

DB 11

Reynolds Jones

DB 12

Zach Taylor

Jacob Goldfon

NT 12

DB 11

Jett Turner

RB/LB 10

Juston Taylor

Gavin Nelson

DL 10

LB 11

Nic Rigdon

OL 10

Zach Hagedorn

Micai George

DL 11

WR 12

Zac Hollington

OL 12

Nic Randle

Andrew Lee

DL 11

DB 11

Drew Rowland

OL 11

Cade George

Braxton O’Brien

DL 11

RB 10

Mason Burnett

OL 10

Charlie Serra

DL 10

GETTING YOU BACK

in the Game

Sports Medicine

Spine Center

Grandview Physicians Plaza 3686 Grandview Parkway, Suite 430 Birmingham, Alabama 35243

For an appointment, call 205-985-4111 • On-site MRI and Physical Therapy

www.SouthlakeOrthopaedics.com

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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

injury. Behind that, juniors Micai George and Andrew Lee will battle for time, both weighing 250-plus pounds. They’ll be competing with three sophomores in Caleb Webb, Gavin Nelson and Charlie Serra.

linebacker spots. Colton Johnson and Sam West will add depth at inside linebacker, while Reynolds Jones can play either of the positions.

SECONDARY

A very athletic unit, juniors Zach Taylor and Chase Schwender will be LINEBACKER The position Oak Mountain will two of the key players. Jimmy Harris, have to replace the most at is Dan Null and Eli Hackbarth are all linebacker thanks to the departures of juniors that will factor in at the Jacob Fitzgerald, Xzavier Brown and position as well, while sophomore Khalil Jackson is a young player that Jaylen Thomas. Senior Will Pfaffman, who stands at has the coaching staff excited. 5-foot-10, 205 pounds, was a starter last year before tearing his ACL and SPECIAL TEAMS will be one of the key leaders at the The punting duties this season have position. He and junior Justin Taylor already been settled, as Sam Johnson will play at inside linebacker, while will return to handle that as one of the Cameron Atkinson, Braxton O’Brien, best in the state. He may handle Collin Herring and Jaquarious Davis kicking as well, but an injury during will battle for the two outside the offseason may also limit him.

2018 RESULTS Chelsea @ Hewitt-Trussville @ Thompson Hoover @ Pelham Mountain Brook @ Tuscaloosa County Spain Park Vestavia Hills Center Point

W 42-9 L 47-52 L 21-35 L 20-48 L 21-52 L 0-21 L 7-10 L 0-21 L 14-28 W 38-8

2018 STATS

Offense Total points: 210 Per game: 21 County rank: 6 Defense Points allowed: 284 Per game: 28.4 County rank: 8

EDITOR’S 2019 PREDICTION (5-5) A 5-5 record in Class 7A, Region 3 is not a slight whatsoever. Instead, it shows the Eagles are a team that is on the verge with plenty of young talent, and if that talent grows up quickly, they’ll finish above .500. If it takes a while, they could finish below .500. Either way, this team has the setup to compete for a playoff spot if they can stay healthy this season in a competitive region.

(205) 664-9622

GOOD LUCK Eagles! 2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

PELHAM

TEAM INFORMATION

PANTHERS The 2018 football season marked the best in head coach Tom Causey’s four years at the helm for Pelham, but two losses by 12 points or less that Pelham had chances to win late kept the Panthers from finishing second and possibly even first in a difficult Class 6A, Region 5. Heading into the 2019 season, the Panthers will lose several key seniors, including 12 that made major contributions last year on both sides of the ball. That, however, doesn’t change what the outlook for this year’s team will be. Each year under Causey, the Panthers have improved, and with the return of a solid quarterback and the starting running back, they’ll have chances to build off of last year’s special offense, while also building off of their first playoff berth since 2014. Pelham will have a lot of new faces this year, but get a good look, because even if it isn’t this year, the Panthers have talent that bodes well for the future of this team.

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK The last two years, Matthew Rye and Xavier Lankford have battled for the starting quarterback position with each splitting playing time, but this year, Rye is gone and it’s fully Lankford’s job as a senior. While replacing Rye’s 961 passing yards, 401 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns will be a difficult full-time task for Lankford, he’s got a chance for a special senior season. He’s not only put in the time to get better in the offseason, but at 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, he’s got better size and is now a leader. He’s got the arm to be great, and now it’s his time to take control and shine in 2019. His backup is younger brother William Lankford, who will be a sophomore and is putting in a lot of work to be the future of the Panthers.

Large selection of ribbon and mesh wreaths

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Xavier Lankford

CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 6A, Region 5 2018 RECORD 7-4 (3-3) HEAD COACH Tom Causey RECORD 15-27 (Fifth year) ASSISTANT COACHES James Thompson, Ronnie Clemens, Chris McCrackin, Craig Hall, Mike Talbert, Keven LeSueur, Randall Reeves, Nathan Fordham, David White, Sean Anderson, Mitchell Bennefield, Scott Christian. LAST REGION TITLE 2006 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2018

PLAYERS TO WATCH Dylan Peterson, RB After a breakout sophomore season that featured 538 yards and seven touchdowns he’s primed for a strong year. Xavier Lankford, QB It’s finally his time. The last two years he has been in a battle with Matt Rye, but this year he’ll take the reins by himself.

Dylan Peterson RUNNING BACK Possibly the strongest unit on the team heading into 2019, Dylan Peterson will return to lead at running back as a 6-foot1, 210-pound junior. Peterson posted 538 rushing yards and seven touchdowns last year on just 83 carries in eight games as a sophomore. He’s expected to have a big junior season as a very strong and powerful back that also possesses a ton of speed. Peterson will be a difference maker when on the field. Gabe Gamble is in the position Peterson was as a sophomore last year. Gamble stands at 5-foot-7, 175 pounds, and is pushing Peterson to be his best. With great vision and quickness, Gamble is still learning the game but has a lot of upside. Isaac Brechin will add depth at the position as a sophomore.

2019 SCHEDULE Aug. 23: Calera Aug. 30: Bibb County Sept. 6: Homewood* Sept. 13: @ Minor* Sept. 20: Chelsea* Sept. 27: @ Oak Mountain Oct. 3: Carver-Birmingham* (Thursday) Oct. 10: @ Jackson-Olin* (Thursday) Oct. 18: @ Northridge Oct. 25: @ Helena* Nov. 1: Bye *Region game

Brandon Sledge, Edward Gipson and Kasey Clark. Those three totaled close to 1,500 receiving yards and were leaders. The unit will be young with just one senior expected to get a lot of playing time, while four sophomores, three freshmen and two juniors will play major roles. RECEIVERS Britt Bass will be the lone senior, while While running back and quarterback look to be in great shape, the receiving sophomores Grayton Rellich, J.D. corps and offensive line are both lacking Wilkins, Jaylen Tate and Christian experience. At wide receiver, Pelham will Pritchett will be key. Junior Walker Lyle lose all four of last year’s starters, including will also be key with a height of 6-foot-2.

Phillip Duke, FS With other defensive leaders gone, including Patrick Durr in the secondary, he’ll be looked upon to step up after posting 64 tackles and five forced fumbles last year. Matthew Plummer, LB Plummer will be a leader at linebacker. Logan Atkins, OL One of two offensive linemen back this year, he’ll be the key blocker for both Peterson and Lankford. Jody Morton, OL Morton will also bring back starting position on the offensive line.

KEY DEPARTURES Brandon Sledge An all-around athlete that posted 431 rushing yards and 307 receiving yards. Edward Gibson One of the best athletes last year. Matthew Rye Totaled 1,362 yards of offense. Kasey Clark With 424 receiving yards last year and just one drop, Clark is one of three key receivers who will be missed. Ryan Jewell Jewell led the team in tackles. Brock Higdon Higdon posted 13 tackles for loss.

“Have a great year on and off the field!” Mildred Lanier Pelham City Council Place 5 Serving You ~ Serving Pelham

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

QUICK HITS CONTINUE TO IMPROVE Each year under Tom Causey, the Panthers have improved going from one win his first season to seven last year. Now is the time to continue that improvement. The confidence is at an all-time high, and that’s exactly what Causey has been waiting for to make this team a threat. MINIMIZE LET DOWNS Last year, Pelham put together three different win streaks of at least two games, but each one was followed by a letdown. It was a special season regardless, but the Panthers should have beaten Minor and had Jackson-Olin on the ropes. Win those and they finish second in the Region. This year, they’ll have their chances yet again, and can’t have those same let downs. DYNAMIC DUO Dylan Peterson and Xavier Lankford will finally get to share the backfield together. Last year, Peterson was playing spectacular and went down against Jackson-Olin, which in turn saw them lose that game in heartbreaking fashion. This year, he’ll be paired with Lankford at quarterback, which might give Pelham the most potent QB/RB combination. FINISH Last year, the only game Pelham truly lost and got outplayed in was against Homewood in a 27-7 loss. The Panthers should have beaten Minor a week later, should have beaten Jackson-Olin in week 8 and had a 7-0 halftime lead on Hartselle in the first round of the playoffs before losing 35-7. If they finish, the Panthers win all three of those games. This year, they’ll have players back who hadn’t experienced situations like that before and will now know how to handle them to finish and put away opponents.

2019 Pelham Roster NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

DB 12

Philip Duke

Seth Branham

LB 9

DB 12

Drake Hickox

Caden Foster

DB 11

QB 9

Chase Christian

Nico Ramos

LB 10

DB 11

Isaac Brechin

Luke Pukstys

DB 9

RB 11

LB 10

Jack Fox

Jaxon Drake

LB 12

Xavier Lankford

Kamari Hollis

WR 9

QB 12

Steven Parker

Christian Pritchett

Slot 10

DB 10

LB 11

Jon White

Zachary Rushton

Slot 11

William Lankford

Brooks Cotton

DE 12

QB 10

Darius Copeland

Isaac Cruz

DL 10

Slot 9

JD Wilkins

Isaac Byrd

OL 9

WR 10

OL 12

Salavador Jimenez

Logan Atkins

K/P 11

Jaylen Tate

Mason Dunkin

DL 11

WR 10

Brit Bass

William Palacios

LB 10

WR 12

Mykell Prince

Zander Terry

OL 10

DB 9

Jake Fox

Caleb Newell

OL 10

WR 9

Matthew Plummer

Jody Morton

OL 12

LB 12

Noah Schilleci

Chris Quintana

OL 11

DB 9

Dylan Peterson

Kevin Palacios

OL 11

RB 11

Walker Lyles

Jonny Pena

OL 10

Slot 11

Gaeton Rellah

Trent McMinn

OL 9

WR 10

Jamal Miles

Oscar Aguiar

OL 10

Slot 9

Kam Wakefield

Tyler Golden

OL 12

DB 10

Kris Carter

Jackson Davenport

OL 9

DB 11

Peyton Kanis

Jesus Luna

OL 11

WR 11

Fabian Calderon

Zacheriah Bowens

TE 9

DB 10

Cameron Parker

Grayson Redford

DL 12

WR 10

Tyler Zuiderhoek

Hunter Dezenzio

LB 11

LB 12

Parker Pruitt

Stone Peerson

LB 10

DB 10

Cohen Lee

Jermaine Powell

DL 9

LB 9

Brayden Marlowe

Brian Terry

DL 9

LB 10

Christian Johnson

BJ Maxena

DL 10

DB 9

Gabe Gamble

Vincent Lewis

DL 11

RB 10

Nicholas Higdon

Keon Brooks

DL 9

DB 10

DL 9

Caleb Ward

Travis Kirkland

LB 9

DL 12

Ra’sen Martin

Tai’ Houston

DB 9

DL 10

Nicholas Bamberg

Jake Ingram

DB 9

Brodie Layton

DL 9

Zach Verner

DB 11

Memberships Available

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

NO. NAME

Cody Ferguson

Open To The Public

POSITION YEAR

Go Pelham Panthers

He will play at the slot along with Pritchett. Freshman Jake Fox is a guy that could jump on the scene with great athleticism and his ability to run routes and catch everything. Other freshmen like Darius Copeland and Jamal Myles are very explosive and could make quick impacts too. Junior John White will add depth and experience. It’s an inexperienced unit overall, but one with a lot of young

playmakers that could emerge.

three guys that have to step up. Golden and Atkins both stand around 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, while Morton will return as a OFFENSIVE LINE Up front, the Pelham will lose starters starter to the right guard position. Nate Barron, Dakota McClaren and Gino Sophomore Caleb Newell will be the Ramos, which leaves several big holes to biggest guy on the line with a size of fill, and right now, the Panthers are 6-foot-2, 260 pounds, while juniors Chris searching for a leader to step up heading Quintana and Jesus Luna will play key into the season. Seniors Tyler Golden, roles as well. Luna returns as a starter at Logan Atkins and Jody Morton will be left guard. Freshman Jackson Davenport

KEY NUMBERS

1,298 Brandon Sledge, Edward Gipson and Kasey Clark have all departed and with them they’ll take a combined 1,298 receiving yards, while Sledge also had 431 rushing yards. That is a strong group of athletes that could take it to the house in space and won’t be on the team this year.

(205) 664-9622

538 One of the brightest spots on the entire team will be the return of Dylan Peterson who rushed for 538 yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore. With the loss of the three key receivers, Peterson’s work load should increase this season.

32.5

Last year’s seven wins marked the most for Pelham in six years. The Panthers also saw head coach Tom Causey, who went into the season with an 8-23 overall record, pick up just one less win than he had in his entire career at Pelham the previous three years.

Pelham averaged 32.5 points per game last year with two quarterbacks splitting time. That was one of the best marks in the county. With only one quarterback set to take snaps this year, you can expect that number to remain if Xavier Lankford can handle the starting position.

GOOD LUCK Panthers! 2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

2018 RESULTS @ Calera W 45-24 @ Bibb County W 42-12 @ Homewood L 7-27 Minor L 21-28 @ Chelsea W 46-42 Oak Mountain W 52-21 @ Carver W 28-6 Jackson-Olin L 28-40 Northridge W 45-28 Helena W 37-7 @Hartselle L 7-35* *Playoff game

2018 STATS

Offense Total points: 358 Per game: 32.5 County rank: 3 Defense Points allowed: 270 Per game: 24.5 County rank: 5

had a great spring, and thanks to his athleticism, he will get some time as a backup at left tackle.

Sophomore Isaac Cruce, who stands at 5-foot-10, 225 pounds, will play a key role as well, and is the most improved player on the team according to Causey.

DEFENSIVE LINE The defensive line will also have to replace three starters with the loss of Brock Higdon, Sina Vatany and Braden Lee. Those three combined for nine sacks and 20 tackles for loss with Higdon being one of the leaders of the defense. This season, seniors Brooks Cotton and Grayson Redford will be key due to experience. Redford, who stands at 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, played some last year and had a good offseason, while Cotton was injured in the offseason, but has bulked up to take on a defensive end position. Junior Mason Duncan and sophomore Jake Ingram will also be important. Duncan had a great offseason and is the biggest lineman at 6-foot-1, 230 pounds. Ingram has come a long way in one year and already has a frame of 6-foot-2, 185 pounds.

LINEBACKERS Pelham will also lose three linebackers, including Ryan Jewell, who posted a team-high 110 tackles and 13 tackles for loss a season ago with four sacks. Causey says a lot of players will play at the position and gain experience. In a sea of youth, however, senior Matthew Plummer will be a bright spot as a returning starter at inside linebacker. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be joined by seniors Tyler Zuiderhoek and Jack Fox at outside linebacker. Zuiderhoek was a major contributor on last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team as well. Junior Zac Ruston also brings back a lot of snaps and will help at inside linebacker. Braden Marlowe, Jackson Drake, Seth Brannen, Cowen Lee, Caden Foster, Hunter Decenzio and Caleb Ward will all add depth at the position.

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

5-YEAR WIN TREND 7 5 2 2018

SECONDARY While there is a lot of inexperience in the front seven, the back end of the defense will feature several strong playmakers led by three-year starter Phillip Duke. The senior stands at 6-foot-1, 190 pounds heading into his senior season and brings back 64 tackles, five forced fumbles and two interceptions. He’ll anchor one of the safety positions, while junior Chase Christian will also get a lot of playing time. Senior Cody Ferguson will be the

leader at cornerback as a returning starter, while Chris Carter also adds an experienced guy at the position. The Panthers also have several young players ready to help.

SPECIAL TEAMS Salvador Jimenez will be the team’s kicker this year, but he will have big shoes to fill by replacing All-County kicker Greg Blue. The kicking game should still be consistent, however, while the return game will be powerful with several explosive playmakers.

2017

2016

1 2015

3 2014

EDITOR’S 2019 PREDICTION (5-5) Pelham is one of those teams that could lean toward either side of a .500 record depending on how the younger players do. The safest bet is to go an even .500 just based off of the schedule, but known as a physical team, they could easily be better. The backfield of Xavier Lankford and Dylan Peterson will be tough for anybody to handle, but losing three starters on the offensive line and three on the defensive line will be a huge blow. I don’t see them getting blown out in very many games, however, which means they’ll have chances to win games late.

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Pelham Panthers

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Get to know Pelham’s starting quarterback

Xavier Lankford Growing up in the city of Pelham, Xavier Lankford is heading into his senior year as quarterback of the Pelham Panthers looking to represent an entire community that he has known for his entire life. Having split time at quarterback with Matthew Rye each of the last two years at Pelham, he now heads into his final year as the starting quarterback by himself, and he’s looking forward to the challenge and pressure that comes along with that responsibility. Here we get to know Lankford with a Q&A, which dives into his life on and off the field going into his final high school season.

What age did you start playing the game of football? I started playing around kindergarten. It’s been something that’s been a part of my life as long as I can remember. My dad really wanted me to play because he could really play as a kid. It wasn’t forced upon me but I’m glad he got me involved. What was it like to interact with campers at the summer youth camp? I used to be one of those kids, so to get to teach them some of the things I’ve learned is pretty cool. I get to look back and reflect on what it was like growing up in a similar position. What position did you first play? Linebacker and fullback when I first started. When did you first play quarterback? Fifth-grade year. It took me a while to get there. I played a lot of positions in park ball.

Catch the

In Action Tune in for live game coverage every week on The River 93.3 FM. And, head over to Nino's Italian Restaurant to join Pelham players, coaches, and community for the live radio broadcast of the Coaches' Show on Tuesdays at 6 pm.

pelhamhighathletics.com

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

What other position do you like on the field? I really like wide receiver. Going one-on-one with somebody and trying to beat them is fun.

seeing. Going to the games and seeing them play without me was tough, so I wanted to have one last ride with those guys since I’ll be done with football.

How quickly did you fall in love with the sport? I really started to fall in love with it in middle school when it felt like the community and school were involved and supporting us.

What was the moment you decided football was a game you wanted to play? Sophomore year after the Thompson game and after final game against Spanish Fort. I thought I could be really good after that and decided to put all my time into getting better.

What is your fondest memory of the game? I really enjoyed last year’s Oak Mountain game. That was the happiest I’ve been after a game. What made that so special? Man, I never remember beating Oak Mountain in football like that. The way we beat them, it really felt good knowing we had come a long way from where we were. What other sports did you play growing up? Played basketball until sophomore year and will be playing again this year.

I know the last two years, you’ve split time with Matthew Rye at QB. What did you learn from that? I definitely learned a good deal from him. Learned how to lead a team and put them above individual wants. He taught me that and knowing what I need to do from the position. I wouldn’t have wanted to split time with anybody other than Matthew. It was a great experience. I know a lot of people wouldn’t say that, but it benefited me and was great for me in the long run.

Now, what does it feel like to know you’re the guy going into this season? What made you want to play basketball again for It feels good. I’ve enjoyed the time I’ve had as QB1, as your senior season? people like to say, and it’s something I’ll probably I knew I would regret not playing my senior year after remember for the rest of my life because the whole

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

community is behind me right now. Playing one of the most important positions on the field, and one of just a few seniors, how much of a leader do you have to be and how important is your position? I have to be a great leader because we have a young team, so it’s important for me to come in and be a voice for people to listen to. Speaking of the young players, I know you guys have a lot of them this year, so how do you go about bringing those guys up to speed and having them ready each week? The key is for them to be there every day and just get better. You can’t do everything in one day, but it’s important to build on and learn from each day. What excites you about playing the quarterback position? I like being able to not really control what happens every play because the team determines that, but having the ball in my hands every play. I love having the ball and trying to make a play. Do you like the pressure? I enjoy the pressure and like the big moments. I hope there are some this year. That’s where you figure out the difference between good and great QBs. What are your expectations for the 2019 season? I expect us to do a lot. We have to take every game one at a time. I want us to do something at Pelham that has never been done before. I know you want to take it one week at a time and you don’t look ahead, but is there a game you circle on the schedule as a Pelham athlete? Helena. That’s a game we have thought about since last year. It’s my senior year, and I’m really looking forward to that one.

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What makes that rivalry so much fun? Everybody knows everybody. We used to be one community and everybody has played since we were young. We’re friends off the field, so we want bragging rights when we see each other. What have you learned from head coach Tom Causey? I’ve learned so much. I’ve learned how to serve a community and treat everybody the same. That’s the one glaring thing he’s taught me. He also taught me to work while you wait so when it’s your time to be called on, you’re ready. What do you expect the emotions to be like with this being your final year at Pelham? It will be very emotional for me and all of the seniors, especially knowing where we came from and all the time and work we have put in.

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

SHELBY COUNTY

TEAM INFORMATION

WILDCATS It’s been 10 years since the Shelby County Wildcats made it to the playoffs, but heading into the 2019 football season, they have the build to be a postseason team in head coach Heath Childers’ sixth year at the helm. Each year, the Wildcats have missed out on the postseason by a game or two, and last year, it was five losses by 13 points or less, four by 10 or less and two by six points that kept them from reaching the playoffs. It was a team of mostly sophomores and a few juniors, and this year, that group of young players is back again and putting the work in to be the team that ends that excruciating drought hanging over their heads.

CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 5A, Region 3 2018 RECORD 3-7 (1-5) HEAD COACH Heath Childers RECORD 18-32 (Sixth year) ASSISTANT COACHES Casey Crumpton, Kyle Stewart, Mike Harrison, Chris Perkins, Corey Hamrick, Ryan Poe, Clay Shearer. LAST REGION TITLE 2008 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2009

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK Last year’s starting quarterback will return in senior Chase Holliman, but junior athlete Kaden Cardwell will also push for the starting job this season. Holliman is the better passer of the two and is slightly bigger and stronger, while Cardwell is an overall impressive athlete with great speed and feet. Both guys will be capable at the position, especially with talented help at both running back and receiver.

RUNNING BACK Shelby County will lose a breakout player at the running back position with the departure of Trinity Martin, who posted 1,921 all-purpose yards as a freshman. His move back to Huntsville, however, has opened the door for other talented players like juniors Tyrese Goodman and Raheem Montgomery. At 165 pounds, Goodman is going to be a slot back

Isaac Montgomery “IF YOU

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF and have DEDICATION and PRIDE - and never quit you’ll be a WINNER. The price of VICTORY is high but so are the REWARDS.”

BryantBank.com

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

PLAYERS TO WATCH J.T. Pennington, OL/DL A young player last year, Pennington was one of the best offensive linemen in the county as a sophomore and will be strong defensively as well. Chase Holliman, QB Holliman will need to make big plays this year, but he adds a steady leader as a senior returnee at the most important position on the field. Isaac Montgomery, WR/DB We never really saw his full potential as a freshman last year, but Montgomery will make a lot of plays as a junior. Tyrese Goodman, RB/DB With the loss of last year’s most productive backs, the door has been opened for Goodman to play a key role in the backfield, while he’ll also need to be a sure tackler in the secondary.

Chase Holliman player with a lot of speed that has the ability to do put up big numbers, while Montgomery will be a fullback standing at 230 pounds. Montgomery will have to replace another solid back in Chase Franklin, but both players have the ability to help the team keep a steady ground game. Behind those two will be plenty of depth in Greg Oliver, Ericsson Goodman, Evan Joiner and Landon Stewart. That depth will be the key in a run-first offense.

2019 SCHEDULE Aug. 23: Childersburg Aug. 29: @ Montevallo (Thursday) Sept. 6: @ Chilton County* Sept. 13: Bibb County* Sept. 20: @ Marbury* Sept. 27: @ Moody Oct. 4: Demopolis* Oct. 11: Bye Oct. 18: @ Central-Tuscaloosa* Oct. 25: Jemison* Nov. 1: St. Clair County *Region game

RECEIVERS While the Wildcats tend to be a team that relies heavily on the run, they’ll have one of the best threats out wide of any team in the county this year thanks to the return of junior wide receiver Isaac Montgomery. Standing at 6-foot, 170 pounds, he’s athletic with plenty of speed and great hands. If the run is respected too much, he can make any defense pay,

and if too much attention is paid to him, the run game will in turn make a big play. Behind him, Tyrese Goodman and Oliver will play out wide a lot as well, but depth is a concern due to Connor Aderholt being injured and out for the year.

Ty Smith, DB The secondary has been a weak spot for the Wildcats because of tackling, but as a sophomore, Smith has already asserted himself as one of the team’s best tacklers and will be a welcome addition to the unit.

KEY DEPARTURES Dalton Brooks A trustworthy player on the offensive and defensive line, he was a consistent force that will be missed. Dawson Brooks Twin brother to Dalton, Dawson Brooks also played on both the offensive and defensive line. Chase Franklin Franklin was a relentless leader for the Wildcats and did anything he needed to in order to help the team succeed.

OFFENSIVE LINE A big reason Shelby County could

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

QUICK HITS KEEP THE OFFENSE ROLLING While there was some tough sledding early on with 12 combined points through their first three games, Shelby County went on to score 40-plus points in four of its final six games, including the final three games in a row. If the offense continues to play that well this season, the Wildcats will be in just about every game. GIVE THEM SOME HELP As much as the offense will be key to the 2019 season, the defense has to be a million times better. Last year, the defense gave up 31.3 points per game, including giving up 40 or more points three times and 50 or more points twice. The defense has struggled for several years in a row, and has to be better. If the defense can match the offensive production this year, the Wildcats will be dangerous. WIN THE CLOSE ONES Aside from the defensive struggles, one of last year’s biggest determining factor for the Wildcats missing the playoffs were the amount of close games they lost. Shelby County lost five games by 13 or less points, four by 10 or less, three by nine points or less and two by six points. Just winning those two they lost by six points would have put Shelby County in the playoffs.

2019 Shelby County Roster YEAR

NO. NAME

Riley Giles

OL/DL 11

Tyrese Goodman

RB/DB 11

Eason Carlisle

OL/DL 10

Ty Smith

RB/DB 10

Kai Bennett

OL/DL 10

Chase Holliman

QB/DB 12

T.J. McGinnis

OL/ILB 11

Kaden Cardwell

RB/DB 11

Kevin Arteaga

OL/DL 10

Isaac Montgomery

WR/DB 11

Jac Glover

OL/DL 10

Landen Stewart

RB/OLB

Timothy Wyatt

OL/DL 9

Jaxon Griffith

QB/DB 9

Nathan Lansford

OL/DL 10

BREAK THE STREAK Shelby County will eventually make the playoffs again, but right now they are in the midst of a 10-season playoff drought. The last time the Wildcats made the playoffs was 2009, meaning if the Wildcats miss out this season, they will have not gone to the playoffs in 10 years. In 2009, the offense scored 34.2 points per game and the defense gave up 12.3 points per game. That shows how key it is for Shelby County to fix the defensive struggles this year.

Connor Aderholt

QB/DB 10

Cova Green

OL/DL 12

Jaylen Mayfield

RB/DB 10

Jackson Bailey

OL/DL 10

Dezmond Rogers

OLB 11

Tre Aderholt

OL/OLB

Greg Oliver

RB/DB 12

Jayson Scali

OL/DL 12

Greg Brasher

WR/DB 9

Micah Hughes

OL/DL 11

Hunter Woods

WR/DB 11

Tanner Stogner

OL/DL 9

Ericsson Goodman

RB/DB 12

Denton Keller

OL/DL 10

JeCoreyan Butler

WR/DB 10

Walker Kellis

OL/DL 9

Ken Cunningham

WR/DB 12

Montana Wages

OL/DL 9

DeAnthony Williams

WR/DB 11

Landen Stubbs

OL/DL 9

Evan Joiner

RB/ILB 10

Connor Rigney

WR/DB 9

Seth Hall

RB/OLB

Terrell Clements

WR/DB 9

Raheem Montgomery RB/ILB 11

Ben Smith

WR/DB 9

THROUGH THE AIR While the offense hasn’t been much of an issue the last few years, they’ve been running the option attack the majority of the time. With experience at quarterback and some talented athletes to make plays, it may be time to air it out a bit more in 2019.

Lloyd Harrison

WR/K 12

Weston Dooley

WR/DB 10

Camron Major

RB/LB 12

Genesis Taylor

WR/DB 9

Jeremiah McCarter

RB/LB 9

J.T. Pennington

OL/DL 11

Will Price

WR/DB 10

Jason Kelley

OL/DL 12

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

NO. NAME

POSITION

Casey Williams

WR/OLB

2 3

have its best season in a while this season is the depth it holds up front on both sides of the ball. Highlighted by J.T. Pennington, who stands at 6-foot-3, 287 pounds as a junior, the offensive line should have plenty of talent. Seniors Tre Aderholt,

POSITION

YEAR

Jason Scali, Riley Giles and T.J. McGinnis will all play on the line, as will junior Micah Hughes and sophomore Kai Barnett. Any of those guys can move to different positions if need be, while a few freshmen aren’t scared of the position either. With

KEY NUMBERS

136

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a tough drought for the Wildcats, but the last time they made the playoffs was 10 years ago in 2009. Not making the playoffs last year made it 10 consecutive seasons they had missed out on the postseason, but this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team will look to make history by changing that mark.

After scoring just 120 points through the first seven weeks of the 2018 season, Shelby County scored a combined 136 points in its final three games of the season. The offense went on to put up big numbers and will get back several of its best playmakers this season.

1,921

One of those playmakers is Trinity Martin, who was just a freshman last year. Despite his age, however, Martin held his own and posted 1,921 all-purpose yards with eight touchdowns.

Since 2010, Shelby County has given up 30-plus points per game in all but one season, and for the last four seasons in a row the Wildcats have given up at least 31.3 points per game. Just getting that number under 30 would be a huge help with an offense that should score points.

GO WILDCATS! Representative

Corley Ellis Mon-Thu, 10-7 Fri-Sat, 10-8 121 Old Hwy 25, Columbiana

Alabama House District 41

Good luck Wildcats!

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

2018 RESULTS @ Childersburg L 0-13 Montevallo L 12-22 Chilton County L 0-34 @ Bibb County L 24-30 Marbury W 44-18 Moody W 28-20 @ Demopolis L 12-40 Central-Tuscaloosa L 44-50 @ Jemison L 44-53 @ St. Clair County W 48-33

2018 STATS Offense Total points: 256 Per game: 25.6 County rank: 4

Defense Points allowed: 313 Per game: 31.3 County rank: 9

an offense that likes to run the ball, this position could be the difference in a successful 2019 season.

5-YEAR WIN TREND DEFENSIVE LINE

2018

2017

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2015

2014

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Several of the offensive linemen will also play on the defensive line, including Pennington, Hughes, Scali and Giles, while freshman Tanner Stagner is also getting some varsity reps. With players able to move in and out and to different positions, depth should help them playing two ways.

LINEBACKERS With a total of 10 players slated to spend time at both inside and outside linebacker, the linebacking corps should be deep as well. At inside linebacker, Raheem Montgomery, Jackson McGinnis and T.J. McGinnis will all be quality guys, as will sophomores Evan Joiner and Eason Carlisle. Montgomery and T.J. McGinnis are both returning players with experience, while the others are getting a lot of reps. At outside linebacker, Stewart, Aderholt and Ericsson Goodman will all be

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

Go Go Wildcats! Wildcats! returnees to the lineup, while Desmond Rogers and Seth Hall will be new additions to the rotation.

SECONDARY Like receiver offensively, the secondary has some depth issues this season, especially with the injury to Connor Aderholt. The Wildcats will have some strong playmakers in Isaac Montgomery, Tyrese Goodman and Greg Oliver all spending time at defensive back. Tackling, however, will be an emphasis on the back end this season, and sophomore Ty Smith, who will play safety, has already become known as the best tackler in the secondary, along with Montgomery. Cardwell will also spend some time at safety, while sophomore Jalen Mayfield will enter the rotation as a key player looking to replace Aderholt.

205-669-3179 207 Hwy 47 S Columbiana

SPECIAL TEAMS Shelby County will go into fall practice looking for somebody to step up as a kicker, but the return game should be a plus with so many talented athletes capable of making big plays on kickoffs or punt returns.

EDITOR’S 2019 PREDICTION (6-4) The schedule sets up nicely for Shelby County this year. So much so, that if the Wildcats can just get off to a 2-2 start through their first four games, they’ll likely make the playoffs for the first time in 10 years. That fast start is instrumental, however. Otherwise, the demons from the recent struggle immediately move to the forefront of their minds. It’s a team that honestly has the talent to be a three or four seed in the region, but the defense has to step up and the offense has to start fast. 2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

SPAIN PARK

TEAM INFORMATION

JAGUARS Make no mistake about it, the Spain Park Jaguars will be young during the 2019 football season, and they may be a year or two away from one of their deep playoff runs, but they have just the right number of key players and one of the best head coaches in the area that may allow them to play older than they are this season. Last year, the Jaguars finished 4-6 overall and missed the playoffs, but two losses by 10 points or less to Vestavia Hills and Mountain Brook early in the season is what made the difference. This year, the Jags will have some new talent with only 18 seniors on the roster and they’ll be coming in off a three-game win streak to end 2018, scoring more points in those final three games than they did the previous seven games. Despite the inexperience, Spain Park will have a Barker at quarterback and will have a bunch of explosive young playmakers with a veteranladen defense that knows the system and has waited for this opportunity.

CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 7A, Region 3 2018 RECORD 4-6 (2-5) HEAD COACH Shawn Raney RECORD 44-23 (Seventh year) ASSISTANT COACHES Matt Thompson, Marty Rozell, Chris Bell, Ryan Thompson, Keat Litton, Bob Bietighofer, Brian Manner, Eric Gibbons, Jason Hamlin, Darrius Taylor, John Hardin. LAST REGION TITLE 2015 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2017

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK Two years ago, Braxton Barker stepped in to take control for Spain Park at quarterback and went on to have an All-County season for the Jaguars. Now another son of former Alabama National Championship winning quarterback Jay Barker will step in thanks to the return of Harrison Barker. Standing at 5-foot-10, 180 pounds, Barker isn’t the biggest, but just like his dad and brother, his football IQ is extremely high. He’s a humble, hard-working player that is an extension of the coaching staff and knows how to lead. He split time last year with Mason Pronk, and is now primed for a special senior season.

Colton Ledbetter

CIA 80

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

PLAYERS TO WATCH Harrison Barker, QB

Barker got playing time in several games last year, but now it’s his time. He’ll have to be spectacular to help the Jags keep up with the likes of Hoover, Hewitt and Thompson. Jacob Jenkins, WR

With new faces and a relatively young unit, Jenkins will bring a versatile player to the table at receiver. Michael Callens, RB

Spain Park’s run game will shift from power to speed this year, and Callens will be the key to success at the position.

Braden Brock

Jake Horton, DE

RUNNING BACK Normally a power-run team that likes to play old-school football up front with big running backs, head coach Shawn Raney is having to change that philosophy slightly this year with a bunch of shifty, speedy running backs. Seniors Michael Callens and Tinazj Means are both around 5-foot-8, 155 pounds with great vision and speed, while sophomore Justin Pegues is close to the same size. The danger of each is the ability to make one move and go to the house due to their speed. The loss of 1,000-yard back Jalen Henderson and the lack of power runners will be important to watch for this season.

2019 SCHEDULE Aug. 23: @ Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa Aug. 30: Bessemer City Sept. 6; @ Vestavia Hills* Sept. 13: Mountain Brook* Sept. 20: @ Hewitt-Trussville* Sept. 27: Bye Oct. 4: Thompson* Oct. 11: @ Hoover* Oct. 18: Oak Mountain* Oct. 25: @ Tuscaloosa County* Nov. 1: Shades Valley *Region game

season for the Jaguars, and will also feature three sophomores likely starting. All will be able to block in space, which is RECEIVERS key with the smaller running backs. The receiving corps will also have some Junior Stephen Olsen is a returning relatively new faces this year as well, but starter to the position, while sophomores senior Jacob Jenkins will add a Jackson Boler, Connor May and Andrew trustworthy guy for Barker to throw to. Moses will all play major roles. Junior Jenkins stands at 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, Brayden Boggan and lone senior Chaz and will play H-back, tight end and out Bounds will also spend time on the line. wide. Sophomores David Moultry and Jalen Ward both have playing experience. DEFENSIVE LINE Ward played a lot at receiver last year, Despite new faces on up front on the while Moultry played at safety. Behind defensive side of the ball, the defensive those three leaders, junior Cooper Kelley line will be full of veterans that know the and senior George Hill will help add system and have worked hard to earn a depth. starting spot as juniors and seniors. Jake

OFFENSIVE LINE The offensive line will be smaller this

Horton will be one of the only returning starters as a defensive end. He stands around 6-foot-3, 210 pounds and played

Coming off the end, he can be disruptive on the defensive line. Richard Moses, LB

Moses will return to the linebacker spot this year as an experienced player. Colton Ledbetter, DB

One of the best athletes in the school, Ledbetter will be a leader in what should be an experienced secondary this year

KEY DEPARTURES Jalen Henderson

An All-County running back, Henderson totaled 1,010 rushing yards. Cedric Tooson

Tooson was one of the more special players in school history, but now he departs and will take 10 tackles for loss, six sacks and three years of starting experience with him. William Mote

A three-year starter that will be difficult to replace. Kenyon Hines

An all-around gifted athlete, Hines played on both sides of the football last year. Braxton Hall

One of the best defensive backs in the county last year, Hall had more than 50 tackles a season ago and was a three-year starter. 2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

QUICK HITS HIT THE GROUND RUNNING With a manageable first four games last year, as well as a relatively easy final three games, the Jags had a nicely laid out schedule in 2019, but got off to a slow start with losses in three of their first four games before the gauntlet of Hewitt-Trussville, Thompson and Hoover. The schedule sets up well for the Jags early again in 2019, and this season, they have to hit the ground running with a 4-0 start. ANOTHER BARKER With the departure of Mason Pronk comes another Barker to lead things. After Braxton Barker had one of Spain Park’s best seasons ever at the quarterback position two years ago, Harrison Barker, both sons to former Alabama National Championship quarterback Jay Barker, will now get his chance. Stepping in as a senior, he’ll look to lead this team to a playoff berth just as his brother did. PLAY SPAIN PARK FOOTBALL Over the years, especially under head coach Shawn Raney, the Jags haven’t been the flashy team that beats you with gimmicks or an air-raid offense; they’re a team that pounds the ball on the ground, plays good defense and takes advantage of opportunities. This year, the defense will be key in the team’s success and always is when the Jags make the playoffs. They’ll have a solid offense that can move the chains, but it will be the defense that determines their greatness in 2019. SPEED KILLS The Jags are a team that likes the power run, but with the departure of 1,000-yard running back Jalen Henderson, they’ll be left with a different type of backfield this season—three backs at 5-foot-8, 155 pounds. While Spain Park won’t have the typical between the tackle type runners the Jaguars are used to, they will have guys that can fly. If they get any space at all, they’ll be gone. It will, however, change the look of the offense a little bit, as they try to spread things out a bit more this season. WIN THE CLOSE ONES Class 7A, Region 3 is one of the most difficult areas for high school football around the country, which means you can’t miss opportunities. There are no guaranteed wins so losing close games can make all the difference.

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

2019 SPAIN PARK Roster NO. NAME

POSITION

YEAR

NO. NAME

POSITION

YEAR

Jaylen Ward

WR 10

James Broderick

FB 11

Michael Ogletree

DB 11

Jackson Major

DB 11

David Moultry

WR 10

Logan Edwards

K 11

Krishad Offord

WR 12

Alex Morton

LB 11

Larry Ford

DB 11

Dillon Orr

LB 10

Michael Callens

RB 12

Christopher Prolsdorfer WR 10

Jayst Dorion

LB 11

Gage Hughes

LB 11

T’Nazj Means

RB 11

Tucker Steed

Jack Baylor

LB 10

William Harper

DL 11

Harrison Barker

QB 12

Jamal Scott

DL 10

Chris Mancill

LB 12

Baylor Black

OL 11

Ben Rice

WR 12

John David Coggin

DL 10

Patrick Davis

DB 10

Travis Mann

OL 10

Justin Pegues

RB 10

Conner Elrod

OL 10

Michael Neal

LB 12

Chaz Bounds

OL 12

Cooper Kelley

WR 11

Thornton Allen

OL 10

Austin Hutcheson

QB 12

Parker Stone

DL 10

Dolan Wilson

WR 12

Victor Lam

OL 10

Neal Partin

P 12

Jackson Boler

OL 10

Colton Ledbetter

DB 12

Brayden Boggan

OL 11

George Hill

WR 12

Conner May

OL 10

Landon Miller

WR 10

Zach McPeters

OL 11

Bennett Meredith

QB 10

Stephen Olsen

Conner Blair

QB 10

Andrew Moses

OL 10

Zach Rushing

LB 12

Tyler Hunter

WR 10

Zachary Graham

DB 11

Rodney Scott

WR 11

Drake Tabor

K 11

Russell Partin

WR 10

Richard Moses

DB 12

Jake Horton

DL 12

Khaleb Simmons

DL 12

Joseph Heatherly

DL 11

Ethan Gutowski

LB 10

DeQarius Hill

DL 12

Pierson Cole

TE 10

Darius Dillon

DL 10

Goodwin Tidwell

DL 12

Jay Tibbs

DL 12

Braden Brock

DB 11

Braxton Sumpter

K 10

Logan Denson

DB 10

Samuel Garivay

DL 11

Sam Moates

FB 11

in every game last year. DQue Hill and Jay Tibbs are two other seniors that are primed to have big final seasons for the Jags, while junior Samuel Garivay will play on the interior portion of the line due to his strength. Another senior in Goodwin Tidwell

will also spend time at defensive end, while junior Joseph Heatherly will add depth.

LINEBACKERS Just like the defensive front, the linebackers are also loaded with seniors to

EDITOR’S 2019 PREDICTION (6-4) Spain Park’s entire season is a tossup that depends on how good Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills are. Those first two region games will determine the Jaguars’ fate with Hewitt-Trussville, Hoover and Thompson in consecutive weeks after. While they’ll have some veteran players stepping into roles this season, there is a lot of inexperience, which can hurt. The offense should be fun to watch with Harrison Barker leading the way and several playmakers. If they can win those two games against the Rebels and Spartans, it’s a young group that can gain confidence quick and will only get better.

give Spain Park a veteran front seven. Richard Moses is one of the returning leaders at the position, while Zach Rushing, Michael Neal and Chris Mancil are all primed for special seasons. Rushing is coming off an injury last year, but is primed to be a leader alongside Moses. They’ll lose Scott Moates and Josh Wallace at the position, but those four learned from both and are ready to take over.

best athletes in the school. Standing at 6-foot, 190 pounds, Ledbetter is a threeyear starter on the team and moved to safety from linebacker a year ago. He’ll be joined at safety by fellow senior Dolan Wilson, as well as juniors Braden Brock and Michael Ogletree. At cornerback, sophomore Patrick Davis is a Division I caliber player already standing at 5-foot11, 185 pounds. He’ll be joined by Jonathan Williams, who is extremely physical, as well as Justin Pegues.

2018 RESULTS Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa W 24-14 @ Bessemer City L 14-16 Vestavia Hills L 21-28 @ Mountain Brook L 14-24 Hewitt-Trussville L 13-44 @ Thompson L 7-35 Hoover L 7-32 @ Oak Mountain W 21-0 Tuscaloosa County W 42-21 @ Shades Valley W 42-10

SECONDARY In the secondary, Spain Park will only lose one key player in Braxton Hall, who was a three-year starter, but beyond that, they’ll have several juniors and two seniors set for big seasons. Colton Ledbetter will be one of the seniors at the position and is one of the

2018 STATS

SPECIAL TEAMS The kicking game should be a bright spot for Spain Park this season with the return of junior Drake Tabor to handle kicking duties as a junior, while senior Neal Parkin will handle punting duties.

KEY NUMBERS

Offense Total points: 205 Per game: 20.5 County rank: 7

Defense Points allowed: 224 Per game: 22.4 County rank: 3

5-YEAR WIN TREND

1,010

105

In 2018, the Jaguars lost three of their first four games, including two area games by 10 points or less. Those two area games were to Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills, and were the reason the Jags missed the playoffs. In a difficult region, winning those close games is important this season.

Spain Park always seems to have one of the top running backs in the state, and in 2019 it will be time for another one to step into place with the departure of Jalen Henderson who totaled 1,010 rushing yards and 16 total touchdowns last season.

In their last three games of 2018, the Jaguars outscored their opponents 10531 to finish with three straight victories. While they had six losses in a row prior to that, seeing that progress was a positive.

8 6

4 2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

THOMPSON

TEAM INFORMATION

WARRIORS The turnaround from 0-10 in 2014 to a combined record of 23-3 the last two years with trips to the semifinals and state championship game has been remarkable for head coach Mark Freeman and the Thompson Warriors. Heading into the 2019 season and the fifth year under Freeman, the expectation should be no different, but some new guys are going to have to step in and continue to build the program. The Warriors will lose one of the best quarterbacks in the history of Alabama high school football this year with the departure of Taulia Tagovailoa to the University of Alabama. They’ll also lose All-State running back Shadrick Byrd and several of their best defenders, but there is still plenty of talent back to help the Warriors compete for their second region title in three years.

CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 7A, Region 3 2018 RECORD 11-2 (6-1) HEAD COACH Mark Freeman RECORD 33-13 (Fifth year) ASSISTANT COACHES Brad Costanzo, Brad Easley, Brett Burnett, Connor McGavin, Jake Ganus, Jake Helveston, John Jones, Jordan Robertson, Mark Reaves, Shawn DeFoor, Woodrow Briggs. LAST REGION TITLE 2017 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2018

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK While losing Tagovailoa, who threw for 3,786 yards as a senior and for 7,054 yards and 71 touchdowns in just two years is obviously a big deal, the drop off won’t be as big as people might expect. Senior Sawyer Pate has been groomed into a player ready for the spotlight. He got time in the state championship game last year with Tagovailoa’s injury, and during the spring game threw for 333 yards and five touchdowns. He’ll have several talented receivers to spin the ball to and a strong backfield of running backs.

RUNNING BACK The Warriors will also lose a major contributor at running back in Byrd who totaled 1,403 rushing yards

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Jeremiah Alexander

PLAYERS TO WATCH Sawyer Pate, QB Pate looks to fill the shoes of Taulia Tagovailoa. Michael Pettway, WR Pettway had an incredible season last year with 1,208 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. Jeremiah Alexander, DE As a freshman, Alexander totaled 72 tackles, but more impressive, 16 were tackles for loss and six were sacks. J.B. Mitchell, WR Now a junior, Mitchell will be a second go-to target out wide. He totaled 788 yards and six touchdowns a season ago. Tre Roberson, ATH Roberson was injured most of last year, but this year will be a key contributor.

Tre Roberson and 15 touchdowns in his senior season alone. He’ll be tough to replace, but sophomore Brandon Franklin will step in looking to do just that. Still young, Franklin already has a frame of 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, and is the son of former Auburn standout Byron Franklin Sr. He’s a player you will hear about a lot this year and moving forward. He’ll be joined by two other guys capable of carrying the load in senior JoJo Gaiters and junior Jarett Crockett. Franklin is a powerful, downhill back, while Gaiters can also run downhill with shiftiness and Crockett is both speedy and shifty. It’s a very dangerous unit that can make a lot of noise if the offensive line steps up.

2019 SCHEDULE Aug. 24: Davidson# (Saturday) Aug. 30: Foley Sept. 6: Hoover* Sept. 13: @ Oak Mountain* Sept. 20: Tuscaloosa County* Sept. 27: Bye Oct. 4: @ Spain Park* Oct. 11: @ Vestavia Hills* Oct. 18: Mountain Brook* Oct. 25: Hewitt-Trussville* Nov. 1: Bye *Region game #Go Gold Bowl

talent this season. Back to lead the unit is senior Mike Pettway, who is going into his third year as a starter. Pettway was one of the state’s best receivers last year with 1,208 yards and 17 RECEIVERS Possibly the strongest unit of players touchdowns. With great speed and a on the team, Thompson’s receiving frame of 6-foot, 175 pounds, he’s tough corps will be loaded with returning to stop.

Sam Reynolds, DB Reynolds will be a leader in the secondary this year.

KEY DEPARTURES Taulia Tagovailoa He led Thompson to its first state championship appearance since the 1980s and threw for more than 13,00 yards and 130 touchdowns at the high school level. Shadrick Byrd Had close to 3,000 all-purpose yards and more than 30 touchdowns. Will Conner Posted 135 tackles as a senior and 272 combined in his final two years. Amari Kight Now at Alabama, he is one of three offensive linemen that will be missed. Jayme Simmons Simmons is now at UAB, but was a crucial piece to the offensive line last season. Seth Macmillan Macmillan was a consistent center.

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

2019 Thompson Roster NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

Sam Reynolds

ATH 11

Ahston Muglach

DB 11

Ryan Peppins

Chris Dickson

OL 10

WR 10

Karston Haywood DB 10

Michael Pettway

Michael Specht

OL 11

WR 12

Kendall Franklin

DB 10

Ja’Vone Williams

Isaiah Colbert

OL 10

DB 12

Bryson Turner

LB 12

Gavin Shipman

Devin Haynes

OL 11

DB 11

Caleb Tolbert

DB 11

Tyger Faavi

Mason Bentley

OL 11

DE 12

Nathan Riddle

LB 10

Tre Roberson

Mikey Bubel

OL 11

WR 11

Kurtis Brown

RB 12

Ahmari Bolden

Logan Pilkerton

OL 10

DB 10

Brandon Franklin RB 10

Jeremiah Alexander LB 10

Cole Hall

OL 10

Owen May

LB 12

Emmanuel Edwards DB 11

Marcos Guardado OL 10

Noah Hill-Shae

DB 9

Sawyer Pate

Kyle Wright

OL 10

QB 12

Jamal Peterson

RB 11

Andrew Barbour

Dalton Lucas

OL 12

WR 11

Evan Mcguire

K 12

Damian Ugbo

Conner Howard

OL 11

OL 12

Sasha Davidson

DB 10

Triston Woody

Dylan Walker

OL 12

LB 11

Taylor Campbell

DB 12

Carson Rockett

Anderson Lee

OL 10

LB 12

Christopher Lee

LB 10

Jax Van Zandt

Noah Tanner

OL 12

LB 10

Anthony Butler

LB 11

James Mitchell

Joseph Precise

HB 10

WR 11

Jeremiah Coney

NG 11

Zacharias Johnson WR 11

QB 10

Conner Harrell

DeAnthony Sanderfer WR

Benjamin Harris

LB 10

Casey Kimochu

WR 10

Brent Lowden

DB 12

Zach Stewart

WR 10

Daelon Vassar

LB 12

Kaleb Thompson

DL 10

Ruston Conn

Tyler Reid

WR 10

WR 12

DJ Lewis

DB 10

Bryant Spearman DB 10

Jordan Owens

WR 11

Malek Naija

DB 10

Shikeim Richard

Evan Kolodziej

WR 10

DB 12

Jordan Smith

DB 10

Trevor Hardy

Delandus Jones

WR 10

DB 10

Jackson Scott

LB 10

Brandon Holifield DB 11

Elijah Whittier

WR 10

Landon Sample

OL 12

De Davis

Jacolbi Jones

DL 12

DB 10

Colin Wesson

LB 10

Gage McDaniel

Greg Green

DL 11

DB 12

Montaj Cook

DL 12

Jermel Gaiters

Jacob Knight

DE 10

RB 12

Jonathan Young

LB 10

Markeese McNeal OL 12

Sean Bustamante LB 12

Preston Johnson LB 10

Nehemian Streeter WR 10

AJ Allen

DL 10

Peter Woods

DE 9

JaQuarian Moss

Joshua Smith

DL 10

DB 10

Kole Mathews

OL 11

Jarrett Crockett

K’Marion Hambright DL 11

RB 11

Piorre Carpernter OL 11

Dorian Jones

Parker Mitchell

LB 12

Jeffery Tubbs

DL 10

LB 10

QUICK HITS HANDLING A NEW QUARTERBACK Taulia Tagovailoa has been at Thompson for the last two seasons and was one of the best quarterbacks in the state’s history. Now, he’s gone, and in his place will step Sawyer Pate. Pate will be a senior, but while Tagovailoa was there, he took him under his wings and groomed Pate. Pate will have big

shoes to fill, but he has the mechanics and the receivers to step in and help this team back to the playoffs. SAME LOOK With Pate stepping in, this offense should still look similar. Despite the loss of Shadrick Byrd at running back as well, this team has several top-notch receivers back and a young backfield ready to step

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

up. If the offensive line gives Pate time, this year’s biggest question, he’s got enough good hands and route runners to be successful, while also getting the help of a hardnosed backfield. HOLDING DOWN THE FORT The offensive line is going to be this year’s biggest concern for

Thompson, more so than replacing Tagovailoa. Losing both Alabama Crimson Tide lineman Amari Kight and UAB Blazers lineman Jayme Simmons was enough of a blow, but losing center Seth Macmillan is also big. For this team to be successful, new linemen will have to step up and give Pate to spread the ball to his playmakers.

Tre Roberson, J.B. Mitchell and Sam Reynolds will be the other three key players. Roberson was injured last year, but is one of the school’s best athletes at 6-foot-3, 180 pounds, and totaled 102 yards and two touchdowns during the spring. Mitchell posted 788 receiving yards and six touchdowns last year and also stands around 6-foot-3, 180 pounds,

giving Pate two lengthy, athletic receivers to look for.

OFFENSIVE LINE Possibly the biggest key for the 2019 Thompson Warriors will be up front on the offensive side of the ball after the losses of every starter from last year, including Amari Kight and Jayme

Simmons, who are now at Alabama and UAB, respectively. Also gone is Seth MacMillan, who was extremely consistent. Into their places will step three guys in juniors Dylan Walker, Connor Howard and Michael Specht. Walker will be the only one with playing experience on varsity, while Specht is the largest of the

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2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

2018 RESULTS

three at 6-foot-3, 315 pounds. Howard also has a good frame at 6-foot-3, 270 pounds.

James Clemens W 38-7 @ Foley W 40-0 @ Hoover L 26-45 Oak Mountain W 35-21 @ Tuscaloosa County W 35-0 Spain Park W 35-7 @ Vestavia Hills W 21-20 @ Mountain Brook W 31-7 Hewitt-Trussville W 63-49 Florence W 45-14* Hewitt-Trussville W 37-13* @ Hoover W 31-28* Central-Phenix City L 7-52#

DEFENSIVE LINE Thompson will also be slightly thin on the defensive front this season with the departures of Eric Mizell and Will Hoffman, who combined for 24 tackles for loss and nine sacks last year. Damien Ugbo, Montaj Cook and Tyger Faavi are all seniors that will play big roles this season. Ugbo and Cook both bring back a good bit of experience, while Faavi will handle a defensive end position. Behind those seniors, juniors K’Marion Hambright, Greg Green and Anthony Butler will add excitement. Green and Butler will both be edge rushers standing close to 6-foot-2.

*Playoff game #State Championship

2018 STATS Offense Total points: 451 Per game: 34.7 County rank: 2

5-YEAR WIN TREND

While depth is a concern, as is the loss of Will Conner who led the team in tackles last year, the Warriors will return sophomore Jeremiah Alexander. As a freshman, he totaled 74 tackles, including 16 for loss and six sacks, and

5 0

2017

2016

2015

2014

It’s pretty simple this season. The Thompson Warriors will be as good as their offensive line. Even without once-in-a-lifetime quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, the Warriors will have their top three receivers back, three incredibly good running backs and a more than capable quarterback in Sawyer Pate. If the blocking for that group is there after replacing almost every starter on the offensive line, then Thompson could make another deep playoff run for the third year in a row. The defense will also be extremely young with a bunch of new starters, but if the offense is as good as they should be, that shouldn’t be too much of a factor.

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SPECIAL TEAMS The kicking game will be a huge positive for Thompson this season with the return Evan McGuire, who could be an All-State kicker this season with the right opportunities.

EDITOR’S 2019 PREDICTION (8-2)

2018

SECONDARY While the secondary will lose a combined 11 interceptions from the secondary, they’ll also have a lot of talent set to step up and make names for themselves. One of those guys will be freshman Tony Mitchell, who at 6-foot1, 180 pounds, already has SEC offers. He’ll play some cornerback and wide receiver, while Gavin Shipman and Tristan Woody are juniors set to take on the safety position.

LINEBACKERS

Defense Points allowed: 263 Per game: 20.2 County rank: 2

picked up several SEC offers. He’s one of the best defenders in the state and can make plays all over the field with a frame of 6-foot-2, 220 pounds. Owen May will be another experienced and capable player, while Jack Vanzant and Carson Rockett are two guys that will have to step up with similar size.

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Thompson Warriors

Hometown heroes Sawyer Pate and Mike Pettway look to continue Thompson’s resurgence Written by ALEC ETHEREDGE | Photos by KEITH MCCOY

QUARTERBACKING THE RED TEAM was Michael

Pettway returns as the team’s leading receiver, and will try to help Pate come along in his first full year as a starter Pettway and quarterbacking the black team was Sawyer Pate, the two pitted against one another as opponents looking to replace All-State quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, hoping to take the other down in Alabaster’s youth football who is now at the University of Alabama. They have big shoes to fill if they want to help Thompson league. maintain the success it has seen the last two seasons with Now, nine years later, the two have joined forces and instead of looking across the sideline at one another as appearances in the semifinals each year and a berth in the opponents, Pate will take snaps as the Warriors’ starting Class 7A State Championship game last year for the first quarterback and survey the field for his good friend and time since 1982. But wearing the passion of an entire city on their sleeves, leading Thompson receiver Pettway. The two seniors have grown up in Alabaster, and will Pate and Pettway are determined to make this season the now head into their senior seasons as starters together for most special season in school history. “We want to prove to people that we aren’t the old the first time at the varsity level.

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Thompson, and that just because we lost all of these big players we are still just as good as we have been the last few years,” Pettway said. When they do step on the field together this season, Pettway will return as the team’s leading receiver having posted 1,208 yards and 17 touchdowns last season, while Pate will step into his first season as a starter at quarterback. The connection between the two, however, goes back much further than that to when each was playing youth football. Both started playing the sport around the kindergartenfirst grade time frame after their parents signed them up, but it was third grade where they really got there first glimpse at each other. “Third grade through basically middle school, we both played quarterback,” Pettway recalled. “He was the Red team’s quarterback, and I was the Black team’s quarterback.” The two didn’t play against each other very often, but the competition was there regardless. “We are really big competitors and like to compete,” Pate said. “I think that’s healthy. He’s a great guy and we’ve taught each other things and have built on each of the lessons. That’s what’s helped us be great.” Eventually the competition came to a head in middle school when one would have to eventually emerge as the starting quarterback. During seventh and eighth grade, the competition continued with each playing a season as the quarterback, but eventually the decision was made for Pate to be the guy there moving forward, while Pettway moved to receiver. “It’s crazy. Even when we were battling for the job, we were always like brothers,” Pettway said. “Now that I’m at receiver, we still have that close connection.” There was some hesitation from Pettway, however, who thought seriously about quitting football altogether after

his eighth grade year so he could focus on basketball. “Coach (Mark) Freeman persuaded me to give football another try,” Pettway said. “That’s when I fell in love with playing football.” Pettway went on to play as a sophomore, before eventually becoming a full-time starter as a junior. “Growing up I loved basketball and had dreams of going to the NBA,” Pettway said. “It may sound crazy, but that was bigger than football and the NFL to me. Somehow God just turned it around.” Pettway has now admitted to liking the receiver position more than the quarterback position, and during his senior season, he’ll have the opportunity to help Pate make a name for himself. Since their days of playing quarterback for the Red and Black teams, Pate and Pettway have represented the city of Alabaster bleeding the Thompson red and black. Now going into their final season, they hope they can give the city one final special run. “Being the only person from Red team that I was on that is still here, it means a lot going into my senior season,” Pettway said. “Especially now with the community knowing that we are better than what we were. We have high expectations and don’t want to go back to the way things were for so long here.” Pettway said that special bond with his teammates and the city is what made him fall back in love with the game. “It all pushes me to be better and you feed off of that,” he said. “You want to be the best. Seeing how much Thompson was struggling, the group of guys in my grade wanted to be that group that led Thompson to a winning season and got Thompson back on the map.” While the team has been put back on the map over the last two years, the Warriors still covet a state championship, and if Pate and Pettway can lead Thompson to that grace, they’ll forever be known as hometown heroes.

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2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

VINCENT

YELLOW JACKETS With one year under his belt, Vincent head coach Lucas Weatherford will look to help the Yellow Jackets take the next step in 2019 after a 3-8 record in year one. While the Jackets did earn a playoff berth in Weatherford’s first season, that wasn’t the true victory he was hoping to accomplish. Only wining three games, Vincent had its share of struggle giving up 40-plus points in seven of their eight losses. The offense also struggled throughout the season only scoring more than 30 points in one game. This year, Weatherford is hoping for a culture change that sees his guys believe they can win every game, and while they’ll face several tough tests, it’s a team that is headed in the right direction with him at the helm, but success all depends on the players buying in and doing what it takes.

TEAM INFORMATION CLASSIFICATION AHSAA Class 2A, Region 4 2018 RECORD 3-8 (2-4) HEAD COACH Lucas Weatherford RECORD 3-8 (Second year) ASSISTANT COACHES Corey Goodson, Tim Junkins, Ted Gipson, Ryan Halla, Shawn Martin, Jay Hamilton, Jason Allums. LAST REGION TITLE 2006 LAST PLAYOFF GAME 2018

MEET THE TEAM QUARTERBACK Heading into fall camp, Will Harris is projected to be the starting quarterback as a first-year starter. Harris, a 6-foot-1, 165-pound junior, is an athletic playmaker that will allow the Yellow Jackets to do a lot offensively. Consistency at the position has been tough to come by, but his athleticism should allow him to make plays even without an open receiver.

RUNNING BACK Vincent will lose All-County and All-State running back Chris Hardie, who totaled 1,054 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground last year, but the Jackets will also get back several talented playmakers at the position. Junior Tae McGregor and senior Kaleb Wilson will be the two lead guys, while Ryan Culliver will also see time. Standing at 5-foot-9, 165 pounds, McGregor is a state champion in the 100-meter dash and 200-meter dash making him extremely fast. Wilson will also make his way back to the team after sitting out last year and brings another quick running back to the table. Culliver, who is 5-foot-8, 220 pounds, will be the power back for a change of pace.

RECEIVER The receiver position will be one of the biggest concerns for the Yellow Jackets this season with Treston Smith being the main guy. Smith is a 6-foot,

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Tae Mcgregor

PLAYERS TO WATCH Martaviun Lawson, OL/DL Lawson was a force on both the offensive and defensive line last year, and will likely be the leader of both lines this year as well. Kaleb Wilson, ATH Wilson has been an impressive playmaker on both sides of the ball the last two years and should have a big senior season. Tae McGregor, RB/DB Last season, McGregor got plenty of time as a sophomore and is expected to be a big contributor this season. J.T. Youngblood, OL/DL One of the hardest workers who also has fun every second he’s out there, Youngblood is a player on the line his teammates love to play with.

Cobe MCKENZIE 165-pound senior, who also plays basketball and can go up to grab the ball. He’ll be joined by juniors Cobe McKenzie, Caleb Scott and other freshmen and sophomores. Both McKenzie and Scott have the ability and will need to step up to take pressure off Harris.

OFFENSIVE LINE Weatherford is much more upbeat about the offensive line this season with seven guys he is confident in. The leaders of the unit will be Martaviun Lawson, J.T. Youngblood, Paul Albright and Blake Roberson. Albright is the biggest of those four at 6-foot-3, 325 pounds going into his junior year. Lawson, a senior, also has a ton of ability surrounding him at 6-foot-4, 285 pounds. Youngblood brings a third starter back to the line at the guard position, and stands at 6-foot-1, 275 pounds as a senior. Roberson, also a senior, will be the center this year. Those four will be joined by Drake Jobson, Drake Stiles and Evan Swain. There’s a chance all of those guys could be on the field at the same time for a bigger package, showing Weatherford’s confidence in the unit.

2019 SCHEDULE Aug. 23: @ White Plains Aug. 30: Keith Sept. 6: @ LaFayette* Sept. 13: Bye Sept. 20: Thorsby* Sept. 27: @ Winterboro Oct. 4: Central-Coosa* Oct. 11: Horseshoe Bend* Oct. 18: @ Reeltown* Oct. 25: @ Fayetteville* Nov. 1: Ashville *Region game

DEFENSIVE LINE That confidence in the offensive line carries over to the defensive front as well. Weatherford said Albright could be great at that position this season, while senior Torian Datcher will also be an incredible playmaker. Datcher stands at 5-foot-11, 315 pounds, giving the Jackets two good sized linemen that can disrupt the run and pass game. Youngblood and Lawson will also play on the line, while others will need to step up to add depth.

Martaviun Lawson

KEY DEPARTURES Chris Hardie One of the county’s best running backs the last two years, Hardie is one of the biggest departures this year taking with him 1,054 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns offensively and 36 tackles, including 12 for a loss and five sacks, defensively. Robbie Albright Albright will also be missed after posting 87 solo tackles, including eight tackles for a loss, while also spending time at receiver and running back.

LINEBACKER Last year, the linebacker position 2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

QUICK HITS GET THE OFFENSE BUZZING Averaging just 18.2 points per game last year, the offense struggled mightily at times. The Yellow Jackets failed to score 20 or more points in six of their 11 games and were held to less than 30 points in all but one game where they beat Winterboro 57-14. This year, they have the athletes to play much better on that side of the ball. SWARM TO THE BALL Just as the offense needs to improve, the defense needs to get drastically better this season. The Jackets have to use a team effort and swarm to the ball because with most players playing on both sides of the ball, it will be tough for a tired defender to tackle a player by themselves. After giving up 37.2 points per game last year, just trimming that down to less than 30 points per game should be the goal every game. USE WHAT YOU HAVE Vincent isn’t going to be the biggest team, or the deepest team, but they do have some of the most athletic playmakers in the area. With several of the athletes from this year’s Final Four basketball team also playing football, they’ll have guys that can make plays with the football. If they can get them out in open space, that will be key this year with no Hardie to just pound the ball up the middle. DOUBLE-SIDED TALENT Being a 2A school with the football program trying to revitalize, the Yellow Jackets don’t have the biggest numbers, which causes several players to play on both sides of the ball. Last year, the majority of players did so, and I expect that will happen again this season. The key to keeping them healthy and fresh is to rotate as much as possible so those two-sided players are actually effective. BRING ON THE EXPERIENCE Last year’s Vincent squad had just four seniors out of 25 players, meaning the 2019 team will return a ton of talent. A lot of those athletes will still be just juniors, while one of the places they’ll have the most experience is up front on both sides of the ball, which is arguably the most key spot on the field.

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

Drake JOBSON

2019 Vincent Roster NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

NO. NAME

POSITION YEAR

Treston Smith

WR / DB

Peyton Presley

WR / DB

Tae McGregor

RB / DB

Hayden Conley

WR / LB

Kaleb Wilson

RB / DB

Zack Wright

RB / LB

Cole Gowers

WR / DB

J.T. Youngblood

OL / DL

Will Harris

QB / DB

Peyton Lawley

OL / DL

Cobe McKenzie

WR / DB

Steven Davis

OL / DL

Caleb Scott

WR / LB

Evan Swain

OL / LB

Griffin Martin

WR / LB

Torian Datcher

OL / DL

Blake Allums

QB / DB

Drake Jobson

OL / DL

Austin Brown

WR / LB

Jacob Carter

OL / DL

Zac Carlisle

WR / DB

Drake Stiles

OL / DL

Ryan Culliver

RB / LB

Martaviun Lawson

OL / DL

Ty’Qun Goodman

WR / LB

Blake Roberson

OL / DL

Gavin Hardin

RB / DB

Paul Albright

OL / DL

was possibly the most worrisome spot going into the season, but this year it seems to be a bit more of a bright spot. Returning starter Ryan Culliver will play at the position, while sophomore Griffin

Martin and freshman Zach Wright are two young guys that have stepped up in the offseason. Caleb Scott and McKenzie will also play a major role at the position.

EDITOR’S 2019 PREDICTION (4-6) In addition to their three wins last year, Vincent should have won one more game, and this year, I think they’ll do just that. The Jackets aren’t an above .500 team just yet, but that could easily change throughout the season if the players start to believe they can win every week instead of being scared of their biggest challengers. There is plenty of talent on the team, but the offense has to be more consistent, the defense has to be better and the attitude to win has to be there. If that happens, the Jackets can be better than expected, but even at 4-6, they’ll still be right in the thick of things for a playoff spot.

2018 RESULTS White Plains @ Holy Spirit LaFayette @ Thorsby Winterboro @ Central-Coosa @ Horseshoe Bend Reeltown Fayetteville @ Ashville @ Abbeville

L 18-49 L 22-56 L 0-40 L 6-47 W 57-14 W 57-14 W 27-9 L 13-48 L 21-35 L 12-56 L 0-56*

*Playoff game

2018 STATS Offense Total points: 205 Per game: 18.6 County rank: 8

SECONDARY The secondary will feature several two-way players with Wilson, McGregor, Davis and Smith all expected to be key guys on the back end of the defense. Wilson will be the vocal leader back there, while Davis is extremely good at corner back. McGregor will play at both safety and defensive back, while Smith will switch between secondary and linebacker with McKenzie. In addition to those four, young guys

like Zac Carlisle and Gavin Hardin have stepped up.

Defense Points allowed: 409 Per game: 37.2 County rank: 11

SPECIAL TEAMS When it comes to the kicking game, Vincent is still trying to figure out what to do heading into the fall, but the return game is a positive for this year’s team. With McGregor and Wilson returning kicks, there’s a chance of a return for a touchdown every time the ball touches their hands.

5-YEAR WIN TREND

5 1

3 2018

2017

2016

4 0 2015

2014

KEY NUMBERS

2012 It’s been since the 2011-2012 seasons that the Vincent Yellow Jackets have been to back-toback playoff berths. They’ll have a chance to end that streak with a second straight playoff berth in 2019 after making it to the playoffs for the first time since 2014 last year.

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409

2,224

The Yellow Jackets gave up 409 combined points in 11 games last year, which equaled out to an average of 37.2 points per game. With most players playing both sides of the ball, it’s tough to have the necessary energy, but that’s a number the Jackets will hope to improve on this year.

In eight of their 11 games last year, the Yellow Jackets gave up 30-plus points per game defensively, while they gave up more than 40 points in seven of 11 games. That combined with an offense that only scored 18.6 points per game made life difficult at times.

One of the best players in school history, Chris Hardie totaled 2,224 yards rushing in his final two years at Vincent. His production both offensively and on the defensive line will be missed as he moves on to Jacksonville State.

Good Luck Yellow Jackets! 2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

STATE RECORDS

SHELBY COUNTY

AHSAA Football Individual Records OFFENSE - MOST POINTS SCORED, Season 204, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 2001 - T-34th OFFENSE - MOST POINTS SCORED, Career 620, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998-2002 - 11th 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 507, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson vs. Oak Mountain, 2018 – 8th 474, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson vs. Hoover 2019 – 17th 467, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson vs. Huntsville, 2017 – 18th 450, Malik Inabinette, Montevallo vs. Greensboro, 2018 – 27th 444, Malik Inabinette, Montevallo vs. Sumter Central, 2018 – 30th 439, Malik Inabinette, Montevallo vs. Jemison, 2018 – 32nd OFFENSE - MOST YARDS PASSING, Season 3,823, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2017 – 3rd 3,469, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2007 - 9th 3,376, Malik Inabinette, Montevallo, 2018 – 14 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, Tyler Watts, Pelham, 1994-97 - 22nd 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 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

2019 SHELBY COUNTY FOOTBALL

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 TOUCHDOWN PASSES, Game 8, Malik Inabinette, Montevallo vs. Greensobor, 2018 – 3rd 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 38, Malik Inabinette, Montevallo, 2018 – 16 36, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2017 – 24th 36, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2018 – 28th 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 - PASS COMPLETION PERCENTAGE, Season 66.0, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2018 – 29th OFFENSE – PASS COMPLETION PERCENTAGE, Career 63.6, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2017-2018 – 5th OFFENSE - MOST PASS RECEPTIONS, Season 125, Ahmad Edwards, Thompson, 2017 – 1st 74, J.J. Evans, Montevallo, 2018 – 37th 70, Mike Pettway, Thompson Warriors, 2018 – 40th 70, Montez Billings, Pelham, 2002 T-40th 70, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998 - T-40th OFFENSE - MOST PASS RECEPTIONS, Career 243, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998-2002 - 3rd OFFENSE – MOST TOUCHDOWN RECEPTIONS, Game 5, J.J. Evans, Montevallo vs. Greensboro, 2018 – T4 4, J.J. Evans, Montevallo vs. American Christian, 2018 – T10 OFFENSE – MOST TOUCHDOWN RECEPTIONS, Career 41, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998-2002 - T-12th OFFENSE – MOST YARDS RECEIVING, Game 269, J.J. Evans, Montevallo vs. Sumter Central, 2018 – 11th 245, J.J. Evans, Montevallo vs. Greensboro, 2018 – 24th OFFENSE - MOST YARDS RECEIVING, Season 1,706, J.J. Evans, Montevallo, 2018 – 2nd 1,459, Ahmad Edwards, Thompson, 2017 – 9th 1,305, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998 - 20th 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, Game 511, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson vs. Oak Mountain, 2018 – 13th 494, Malik Inabinette, Montevallo vs. Sumter Central, 2018 – 17th 490, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson vs. Hoover, 2018 – 19th 455, Malik Inabinette, Montevallo vs. Greensboro, 2018 – 30th 446, Malik Inabinette, Montevallo vs. Jemison, 2018 – 35th

OFFENSE – TOTAL OFFENSE, Season 4,205, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2018 – 8th 3,975, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2017 – 9th 3,577, Malik Inabinette, Montevallo, 2018 – 16th OFFENSE - TOTAL OFFENSE, Career 9,544, Tim Castille, Briarwood, 1998-2003 - 7th 9,164, Barrett Trotter, Briarwood, 2004-2007 – 9th 8,180, Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson, 2017-2018 – 15th OFFENSE, TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS, Game 8, Malik Inabinette, Montevallo vs. Greensboro, 2018 – T3 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 OFFENSE – MOST TWO-POINT CONVERSIONS, Season 15, Deon Gilliland, Montevallo, 2018 – 3rd 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 124, Montevallo (54) vs. American Christian (70), 2018 – 13th 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

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

We do a lot of things so he can breathe easier. Day in and day out, without a break or a holiday, we do the things we do to ensure your wastewater treatment system works for you and for Alabama’s environment. Things like keeping 273 miles of pipe working properly in Shelby County alone. And maintaining our capacity to return up to 7 million gallons of pure water a day to county rivers (enough to fill 318 Olympic swimming pools each month). We even manage 4,800 manholes in the county needed to keep our systems running efficiently and safely.

If stacked end on end, they would reach the height of Mount Everest, plus 31 football fields. And all the while we aren’t just meeting or surpassing all state and federal health standards. We’re also helping to lower the likelihood of algal blooms, which rob wildlife of life-giving oxygen in the water. Our pledge to you: we’ll keep working for healthy rivers, and healthy communities. Which means we can all breathe a little easier.

To learn more, visit CleanerCahaba.info