Gridiron Guide 2021 - Tallapoosa County

WHAT’S YOUR GAME PLAN? INSIDE:

• In-depth season previews • Rosters, schedules, team info • Key players

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

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AUGUST 2021

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Fall just doesn’t feel right without football

T

his time last year we were left wondering what would become of football season.

The results were mixed — the season got to play on to the delight of us all, but many teams were left without key players and several times teams had to completely forfeit games due to Covid-19.

Thankfully, it looks for now like we are going to be able to have a regular season, although the comeback of the pandemic is certainly putting us in jeapordy once again.

Listening to the Benjamin Russell band from our office every evening over the past few weeks, it’s impossible not to feel the swell of excitement rising up in you.

Whether it’s watching new Wildcat coach Aubrey Blackwell implement his new-age run-pass-option spread or the smashmouth, cloud-of-dust stylings of Dadeville’s Roger McDonald, every team is unique and brings something different to the field.

In the South, football is king and you can feel a different energy as fall

approaches — we were missing some of that last year as teams would be ready to go only to have a game canceled at the last minute.

For the players and coaches out there on the field this season, this is their chance to be a part of history, to be a part of a team and represent their communities with pride.

I am thrilled to be a part of it all as I get the honor of seeing the highlights of all our area games.

Our whole team is excited to once again provide the most extensive coverage of high school football in the state.

There’s nowhere we would rather be on Friday night than under the stadium lights, surrounded by members of our communities and cheering on our student-athletes on the field.

Jacob Holmes News Editor

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

TPI NEWS

A TRUSTED SOURCE YOU CAN COUNT ON

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

AUGUST 2021

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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page

SHOWTIME

Read a little about the some of this year’s key players and their favorites in film

NEW LOOK WILDCATS

This year’s cover story is all about the many different styles of play exhibited by area teams with one goal.

Read more on Page 7.

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Photos by

Jake Arthur and Andy Anders

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ON THE COVER

STYLIZED

Gridiron Guide is an annual publication of The Alexander City Outlook and The Dadeville Record.

It is designed to highlight the local prep football teams in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties.

Teams bring different approaches to the game

Publisher Steve Baker

Chairman

GROUND AND POUND

Kenneth Boone

Editorial

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Tigers rely on physical defense, rushing attack

Central Coosa moving forward despite uncertainties lingering

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Advertising

Tippy Hunter, Advertising Director Rachel McCullough, Sales Manager Elle Fuller, Digital Success Manager

MAKING STRIDES

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Creative Services

Audra Spears, Art Director

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STAFF

Jacob Holmes, News Editor Andy Anders, Regional Sports Director Siri Hedreen, Multimedia Reporter Cliff Williams, Staff Writer Betsy Iler, Magazine Editor

Benjamin Russell breaks in new program

Circulation

AREA TEAM SCHEDULES

Accounting

Inside today

Erin Burton Linda Ewing

Angela Mullins

Production Contributors Shelley McNeal

“It’s all about the audience.” — TPI Alexander City Outlook 548 Cherokee Road Alexander City, AL 35010 256-234-4281 www.alexcityoutlook.com

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Lee Champion

STRONG-WILLED

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Generals will lean on returning backs on both sides

PACKING COFFINS

Reeltown looking at its schedule one game at a time

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AUGUST 2021

File / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

Demarcus McNeal will be leaned on heavily in the Wildcats’ new spread offense.

BENJAMIN RUSSELL WILDCATS

New-look Wildcats hope to bring back traditions

By ANDY ANDERS Regional Sports Director

New-look Benjamin Russell hoping to bring back old traditions Andy Anders Last year’s 2-7 record is certainly not the standard at Benjamin Russell.

For a team that rattled off four straight 10-win seasons from 2012-15 and captured a state championship in 2001, 2-7 is borderline unacceptable.

There’s a lot of newness for the Wildcats entering 2021. New coaches, new key players, new approaches to the offseason. Through all that, Benjamin Russell is hoping to bring back its old winning ways.

“It’s probably one of the top five winningest programs in the state of Alabama,” new defensive coordinator Kendall Lacey said. “I think I was brought here because I’m excited to restore that tradition. I’m not saying it’s lost or they don’t care about football here, but I want to bring back the glory days.”

A lot has changed in a year.

Aubrey Blackwell was brought in as the new head coach and athletic director for Benjamin Russell’s program, fresh off a state runner-up finish at Montgomery Catholic in 2020.

With him he brings Jes Smith, who will

serve as offensive line coach, co-offensive coordinator and associate head coach for the Wildcats.

Blackwell and Smith set nearly every school record imaginable with the Knights last year, as their team boasted both a 2,000-yard rusher and 3,000-yard passer.

All with an offensive line that weighed in at an average of just 205 pounds.

They’ll team up with new offensive coordinator J.D. Atkins to try to inject some life into the Wildcats’ offense with a spread scheme focused on running the football to set up the pass.

“We both believe in running the football, controlling the football, winning the line of scrimmage being some of the most important things that we do,” new offensive coordinator Atkins said. “We both come from those same core beliefs and we line up very well when it comes to that.”

That offense will feature a new quarterback in sophomore Gabe Benton.

His decision making will be key on the run-pass option, a new-age triple option play that could be a staple of Benjamin Russell’s attack.

The offensive line in front of him doesn’t return many starters but is anchored by senior Trace McCaleb, who will begin at right guard for the Wildcats.

Sophomore Chaden Allen, senior

Weston Blake, junior Camron Vickers and senior Trey McMillan round out the rest of the current starting five. Sophomore Cooper Spears should be the first player off the bench on the offensive line, and can play either guard or tackle.

He’s still fighting for a starting spot, Blackwell said. In any case, there’s not a ton of seasoning up front. Only Blake and McCaleb have started on the offensive line in the past.

“Those kids work really, really hard, and they have the best O-line coach in the state of Alabama coaching them in Jackie Smith,” Blackwell said. “I have confidence that they’re gonna give us all that they’ve got, that they’re gonna play hard and represent us well.”

First-team All-Outlook wide receiver Marcus Freeman is gone from last year, but this year’s crop of weapons have shown off their skills in 7-on-7 play.

Benjamin Russell won the FCA 7-on-7 Championship in July, and the wideouts were so impressive collectively in the contest that Blackwell couldn’t single out any names when asked.

That said, each of Benjamin Russell’s starters out wide won’t have any varsity experience entering 2021.

Senior DeMarcus McNeal will be the first running back out of the backfield.

Junior Malik Maddox will come out when

the bellcow needs a break.

“We’re gonna count on him to give DeMarcus some spells,” Blackwell said.

“You’ll also see linebacker Jy Hicks and defensive tackle Zy Owens get some totes at running back.”

Two first-team All-Outlook defenders are back for the Wildcats in 2021 in defensive end Gavyn Vickers and linebacker Savon Spradley, both of whom should be among the best at their position across Tallapoosa county in 2021.

They’re two of three total returning starters on defense.

New defensive coordinator Kendall Lacey is trying to teach steady, aggressive tackling to his green troops, and in a hurry.

Huffman running back Makhi Hughes, a player with offers from the likes of Florida State and Kansas, awaits the Wildcats in Week 1.

Lacey holds an impressive set of credentials, having coached at the collegiate level with Waldorf University and spent time at Valdosta, the winningest high school program in the country. Like Smith, his ability to develop players will be tested this season.

A few key players have emerged in camp. Hicks and junior safety Ty Williams were two that Blackwell singled out as stepping up in a big way.

See WILDCATS • Page 5

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BENJAMIN RUSSELL ROSTER No.

Name

Position

Grade

Ht.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41

Chris Foster WR So. 5’7” Dontarius Thomas RB/DB Sr. 5’7” Gabe Benton QB So. 6’3” Corri Milliner WR/DB Jr. 6’1” Savon Spradley LB Jr. 5’8” Jy Hicks LB/RB So. 5’9” Ty Williams DB Jr. 5’5” Oliver Malone DB/WR Sr. 5’5” Ensley Goggans LB/DB Jr. 6’0” La’Bronski McKinney WR/DB Jr. 5’10” Bryan Simmons DB/LB Jr. 5’10” Chris Wyckoff DB/WR So. 5’8” Kendrick Byrd QB/WR Fr. 6’1” Ja’Nicholas Gamble LB Sr. 5’8” Jamar Leonard DB Sr. 5’8” Eli Billingsley WR Sr. 5’9” Caiden Hyde DB/LB So. 5’11” Brayden Pritchard TE Sr. 6’1” David Lawson WR So. 6’0” Jermaine Griffin WR So. 5’11” DeMarcus McNeal RB Sr. 5’3” Zy Owens DL/TE Jr. 6’0” D’Nalius Woods DL/LB Jr. 6’0” Josh Watson DL/TE Sr. 6’1” Jalen Daniel WR Jr. 5’4” Malik Maddox RB Jr. 5’6” Micah Stamps DB Sr. 5’7” Zy Ware LB Jr. 5’7” Chance Lumpkin WR/DB So. 5’9” Kolton Sims DB Fr. 5’9” Joshua Hutcherson DB Jr. 5’6” RyDarius Price DL Jr. 6’0” Nykillis Atkins WR So. 5’10” Carri Stone WR Fr. 5’6” Markeyus Mattocks DB Jr. 5’6” A’Corbin Kelley LB Sr. 6’1” TJ Wilson RB Fr. 5’9” Isaiah Stamps DB Fr. 5’9” Jayden Stanford LB Fr. 5’8” Jackson Hutto LB/SN Sr. 5’11” Ashtyn Russell DB Fr. 5’5”

Wt.

No.

Name

Position

131 168 210 151 191 189 148 140 172 153 164 148 162 181 152 142 162 198 171 161 160 218 229 232 119 168 146 155 144 145 137 220 128 128 130 167 170 143 178 170 150

42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 51 52 53 55 56 57 58 60 62 63 64 65 67 68 69 70 71 72 74 75 76 77 80 81 82 84 85 87 88 89 90 94

Gavyn Vickers DL/TE Sr. Collin Thompson DL Jr. Alan Lagunes Rojas K/P/TE Jr. Cole Hendrix LB Fr. Noah Long LB/TE Fr. Moses Averette LB Fr. Caleb McClendon OLB Fr. Ty Jackson LB/TE Fr. Weston Blake OL Sr. Camron Vickers OL Jr. Jon Sawyer Lawhorn OL So. Trey McMillan OL/DL Sr. CJ Richardson DL Jr. Austin Machen C So. Ky’Marion Williams DL Jr. Cade Alexander DE/TE Sr. Chaden Allen OL So. Jackson Colley OL So. Jay Marable DL Jr. Jayden Maloy OL Fr. Carson Brown DL Fr. BJ Pullium DL Fr. Trace McCaleb OL Sr. Zydrekus Tuck OL Sr. Cooper Spears OL So. Chandler Patterson OL Fr. Jaydon Vickers OL Fr. Aiden Drozinski OL Fr. CJ Johnson DL Fr. Jace Lucas OL Fr. Lorenzo Crawford Jr. DB/WR Fr. Jamarius Wilson WR Fr. Xazavier Alexander TE/OLB Fr. Demario Pearson WR Jr. Noah Alsobrook K/P Jr. Shelton Wright TE So. Kip Thompson TE Fr. Hayden Haddock K/P Fr. Tymon Belyeu OL Jr. Ricardo Espinosa DL So.

Wildcats “Ty didn’t play football last year, but Ty has also been a two-year starter for us on the basketball court,” Blackwell said. “He had some varsity games this year on that end. Ty will be starting at free safety for us.”

Blackwell named the secondary

Grade

Ht.

Wt.

6’1” 6’1” 5’11” 5’9” 5’11” 5’9” 5’10” 5’6” 6’2” 6’3” 5’10” 6’4” 5’6” 5’6” 5’10” 6’0” 6’1” 6’2” 5’7” 6’1” 5’6” 6’1” 6’1” 5’9” 5’11” 6’1” 6’1” 6’0” 6’2” 5’9” 6’0” 5’11” 6’3” 5’9” 5’10” 5’10” 5’8” 5’9” 5’8” 6’2”

235 230 200 155 162 188 160 155 246 241 171 248 210 216 258 200 255 180 175 207 215 180 225 240 210 223 220 290 255 192 145 138 155 139 155 172 170 133 250 305

continued from Page 4 alongside as a group that needs young players to step up entering this campaign.

Three of the four starters will be getting their first varsity game reps when they hit the field this fall.

Dontarious Thomas, a senior

BENJAMIN RUSSELL WILDCATS at a glance Coach: Aubrey Blackwell, first year Last year: 2-7 (2-4 Class 6A, Region 3) Offense: Spread Defense: Multiple Returning starters: Trace McCaleb (sr., OG); Weston Blake (sr., OG); Gavyn Vickers (sr., DE); Savon Spradley (jr., MLB); Dontarious Thomas (sr., CB) First game: Friday, Aug. 20 vs. Huffman Stadium name: Martin-Savarese Stadium Stadium location: 1685 Arena Rd., Alexander City, AL

cornerback, is the lone returner.

With the youth on the backend the Wildcats will rely heavily on Vickers and junior defensive end Zy Owens to lead the defensive line to a productive 2021. As the old adage goes in football, pressure beats

coverage.

“We need our defensive line to be our anchor,” Blackwell said. “Those guys are seasoned.”

The new season begins for Benjamin Russell against Huffman Friday.

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

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FILM BREAKDOWN: KEY PLAYERS REVEAL MOVIE FAVORITES

AUGUST 2021

BENJAMIN RUSSELL

HORSESHOE BEND Gavin Brazzell

Lane Smith

Gavyn Vickers is poised to be one of the most lethal pass rushers in Tallapoosa County this year. He’s garnered a reputation with Benjamin Russell’s new coaching staff as one of the team’s hardest workers, at times having to be told to slow down his vigorous workout routine.

He’s got a killer on-field mentality too — not someone opposing quarterbacks will want to see coming off the edge on Friday nights.

Favorite movie: Deadpool or John Wick If you could be any character in any movie, who and why?: “That crazy white dude that got hurt in Remember the Titans (Gerry Bertier).

That’s me.”

Gavin Brazzell has started all four of his years at Horseshoe Bend, and he’s developed into one of the area’s most explosive running backs, grabbing first-team All-Outlook honors in 2020.

He’ll provide a quick, dynamic option at tailback in the Generals’ wishbone. On defense, he’ll be the anchor of an experienced and solid Horseshoe Bend secondary at safety.

Favorite movie: Greater If you could be any character in any movie, who and why?: “Benny Rodriguez from The Sandlot. He’s just a cool dude.”

Quarterbacks aren’t always in the limelight in Dadeville’s 3.4 yards per carry approach to the game, but third-year starter Lane Smith unquestionably gives the team an experienced thrower of the football when it wants or needs to. Head coach Roger McDonald also praised Smith’s command of the huddle and knowledge of the offense, always a good trait for a quarterback to have.

Favorite movie: The Fast and the Furious If you could be any character in any movie, who and why?: “Dom. He’s tough. He just looks like he’s not scared of anybody, like whatever steps in front of him, he’s gonna conquer.”

Gavyn Vickers

REELTOWN Dee Griffin

You don’t earn the nickname “Alpha Dawg” from your team if you aren’t a certain type of football player. Dee Griffin will be the heart and soul of Reeltown’s offensive and defensive lines, a physical force that looks like he’s on a warpath when playing the sport. He’s got athleticism to back up his aggression, finishing as the top lineman in the Rebels’ iron man competition.

Favorite movie: The Fast and the Furious If you could be any character in any movie, who and why?: “Dom (from The Fast and the Furious). Just because I like muscle cars.”

DADEVILLE

CENTRAL COOSA

Majavious Culpepper The only underclassman to appear on this feature, Majavius Campbell returns at quarterback for the Cougars. Quarterback is always considered the most important position in football, but that’s especially true for Central Coosa, a team that intends to set up the run with the pass rather than the inverse. Culpepper has the tools to do it, with a background at wide receiver adding some athleticism to an arm that’s been steadily improving in accuracy and strength.

Favorite movie: Remember the Titans If you could be any character in any movie, who and why?: “The Rock’s character (Joe Kingman) from The Game Plan.

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File / The Outlook

Each team in the county brings a unique style, from Benjamin Russell (left) to Dadeville (center) to Horseshoe Bend (right).

DIFFERENT STYLES, SAME MISSION County teams to run variety of schemes in 2021

By ANDY ANDERS Regional Sports Director

County teams to run variety of schemes in 2021 Spectating a game or practice from the five schools covered by The Outlook reveals five distinct playstyles they employ.

From wishbones to I-formations to spreads, the teams of the Tallapoosa County area will take a smattering of approaches to moving the ball downfield in 2021.

Benjamin Russell has a completely retooled coaching staff going into the year, and as such a new offensive scheme.

The Wildcats will run a spread offense intent on establishing the run early before mixing in its aerial attacks.

What sets them apart is their use of the run-pass option, a new-age triple option play in which a quarterback can give the ball to his running back, tuck it for himself or throw it to a wide receiver running a short route.

“I wouldn’t say we’re a true RPO team, I think we’re just a true fast-paced,

multiple team,” Benjamin Russell head coach Aubrey Blackwell said. “We do several different things, and we try to have several different aspects of the game that we can do very well.”

The decision making of sophomore quarterback Gabe Benton will be paramount, and Blackwell has expressed confidence in his ability to perform.

On the flipside of the Wildcats’ intricate, layered scheme is Dadeville’s straightforward pound-the-rock strategy.

The Tigers will typically be under center in I-formation, and often utilizes multitight end sets to put even more bodies in the box. The “Tiger bone” will even make an appearance from time to time, the team’s variant of a three-back power I. “It’s simple, we try to run the ball and get 3.4 yards a carry,” Dadeville head coach Roger McDonald said.

Another team intent on pounding the rock, albeit in an entirely different way, is Horseshoe Bend.

The Generals’ primary formation is the wishbone, in which a fullback lines up behind a quarterback with two offset

tailbacks behind the fullback.

Such a scheme has a lot of quick-hitting runs and option plays, and places an importance on the two backs not carrying the ball to block for the one that is.

When not in a wishbone, Horseshoe Bend will likely be in a wing-T, with the two tailbacks shifting to wingbacks.

“We like power football. We like to run it inside, use the speed of our guys and our heavy guys up front to get movement,” Horseshoe Bend head coach Jeremy Phillips said. “Using our angles to get to where we need to be. When it comes down to it, we’re gonna go to our wishbone and line up and smash folks.”

Reeltown’s schematics hold a similarity to Benjamin Russell — they’ll be a spread team set on establishing a ground game.

With two very capable running backs in Dakarian “Juicy” Hughley and SeDarico “Scooter” Brooks and a stable of receivers head coach Matt Johnson in, there is a chance the Rebels could mix things up both in their play calling and formations at times this year.

“That’s our philosophy, our mentality.

We’re gonna establish the run,” Johnson said. “But when you’ve got a quarterback like we’ve got, and some receivers on the outside, you’re able to spread the ball out.”

Central Coosa is another spread team, but inexperience on the offensive line has generated a major difference in game plan for its offense when compared to Benjamin Russell or Reeltown.

Head coach Brett Thomas has said the Cougars will space out the ball in 2021, focusing more on the edges of defenses and a steady passing game to open the field up.

“Last year we were really pass-oriented, because we were trying to get the ball out of the backfield with our issues on the offensive line,” Thomas said. “This year we’re gonna stick with that same formula.

We’ll do things so that (our quarterback) can see, we’ll operate out of the shotgun and just give him enough time and space.

Because our line is still young.”

It should be fun to follow how the various playstyles of those teams covered

by The Outlook play out over the course of this season.

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AUGUST 2021

File / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

Dadeville’s Christian Nelson will lead the way for the Tigers’ rushing attack this season.

DADEVILLE TIGERS Smash-mouth running game, aggressive defense drives Tigers

By ANDY ANDERS Regional Sports Director

Smash-mouth running game, aggressive defense drives Dadeville into season Andy Anders Dadeville’s game plan isn’t complicated, and it certainly isn’t a secret.

The Tigers are going to line up and jam the ball down the throat of their opposition with a steady power running game, then play an aggressive, athletic style of defense aimed at stopping the run and eliminating big plays.

“I’m not a math major, but 3.4 times three, the last time I checked, is more than 10,” Dadeville head coach Roger McDonald said.

“That’s a first down.”

A wealth of starters return from last year’s 6-4 Dadeville team.

Their downhill running style starts up front with the offensive line, and four of five starters return from last year’s unit. From left to right the starting five will read Gabe

Abernathy, Will Johns, Spencer Meadors, Zi Moon and Colin Goodwin; the last of which landed first-team All-Outlook honors for his play in 2020.

The Tigers often bring in two-tight end sets to support their front five. Both starters are back there too in junior Avontae Wilson and senior Jordan Parker.

“We don’t ask them to do a whole lot,” McDonald said. “We do a lot of double teams, a lot of angle blocking. We just ask them to get after and work hard. They just give our backs a little bit of a crease, that’s what we’re trying to do.”

They’ll pave the way for senior running back Christian Nelson, another first-team AllOutlook performer from last year. McDonald said there’s two other backs he feels comfortable spreading the carries to, however, in senior Ja’Vuntae “Juicy” Holley and junior DaQuan Doss.

See TIGERS • Page 11

DADEVILLE TIGERS at a glance Coach: Roger McDonald, second year Last year: 6-4 (4-3 Class 3A Region 4) Offense: I-formation Defense: 4-4 Returning starters: Lane Smith (sr., QB/DB); Caleb Webb (sr., TE/DT); Colin Goodwin (sr., OL/DT); Will Johns (so., OL/DT); Spencer Meadors (sr., OL); Avontae Wilson (jr., TE/ LB); Jordan Parker (sr., TE/LB); Christian Nelson (sr., RB/LB); Philstavious Dowdell (jr., WR/S); Ja’Vuntae Holley (sr., RB/DB); Jaheem Brown (sr., FB/DE); Daquan Doss (jr., RB/LB); Gunner Fourtenbary (sr., K); Wardrellis Cox (jr., P/DB) First game: Friday, Aug. 27 at ECHS Stadium name: Tiger Stadium Stadium location: 227 Weldon St., Dadeville, Alabama

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Tigers

continued from Page 10

There’s a chance they can all see the field at the same time in Dadeville’s “Tiger Bone” formation, a three-back set.

Senior Lane Smith brings it all together at quarterback. It’s his third year starting for the Tigers at football’s most important position.

“He knows how to command the huddle, run the offense and handle situations,” McDonald said. “That’s what we ask of him. Make the plays. We want to be able to throw it when we want to throw it, not when we have to throw it.”

Dadeville’s 4-4 defensive scheme held opponents below 10 points on five occasions last season, and it’s a veteran group returning.

Four players that made first-team AllOutlook in 2020 are back for the Tigers.

Wilson and Parker help anchor the front seven at inside linebacker, while Holley and junior Philstavious Dowdell provide proven stars to compose half the secondary.

Juniors Jordan Rambo and Antojuan Woody round out the defensive backfield.

“We want to stop the run and not get beat in the secondary. It’s simple,” McDonald said. “We try to get our best athletes on the field and try to get as much athleticism and speed on the field as we can.”

McDonald plans to go four deep at defensive end and six or seven deep at defensive tackle to keep his players up front fresh. A 45-man roster means there will be a number of two-way players, thus rotation will be key.

Seniors Deshaun Hall and Jaheem Brown, yet another returning starter,

will begin games at defensive end, with junior Carter Williams and senior Xavier Alvies likely to receive significant playing time. At defensive tackle, Webb and Goodwin will start and be subbed out as needed.

“We just try to play a lot of guys,” McDonald said. “Some of them may be five-snap guys a game, some of them may be 15-snap guys. But being a (Class) 3A school, we’ve got a lot of kids who have to play both ways, so if we can just get two or three kids to combine for 20 snaps, that keeps some of our two-way starters from playing the whole time.”

Athletic outside linebackers are important to Dadeville’s scheme, as they’re called upon to not only play in the box against the run but also split out to cover receivers from time to time.

McDonald expressed a great deal of confidence in Doss, another returning starter, and senior Ladarius Heard to perform that role.

Nelson and senior Ruskin Gold could rotate in as well, while senior Buster Coker has shown the ability to play inside or outside, McDonald said.

An often ignored but still important phase, the Tigers should have an advantage on special teams in 2021.

Senior Gunner Fourtenbary proved a reliable option for Dadeville at kicker last season, to the point he was selected as the county’s best at the position

by The Outlook. The Tigers return their starter at punter as well in junior Wardrellis Cox. Dadeville kicks off its season at Elmore County Friday.

File / Tallapoosa Publishers

Jordan Rambo (11) and Ladarius Heard (8) take down a Beulah ball carrier last year. The Tigers will rely on an aggressive defense once again this year.

DADEVILLE ROSTER No.

Name

Grade

Position

Ht.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Lane Smith QB/DB Sr. 6’1” Jordan Parker TE/MLB Sr. 6’0” Ja’Vuntae Holley RB/DB Sr. 5’5” Zion Curry WR/DB Sr. 5’5” Christian Nelson RB/LB Sr. 5’6” Wardrellis Cox P/DB Jr. 5’8” Philstavious Dowdell WR/DB Jr. 5’8” Ladarius Heard WR/DE Sr. 5’10” Daquan Doss RB/OLB Jr. 5’5” Avontae Wilson TE/MLB Jr. 6’1” Jordan Rambo QB/DB Jr. 5’10” Dashaun Hall TE/DE Jr. 6’0” Gauge Daniel WR/DB Sr. 6’1” Ivory Riggsbee RB/DB So. 5’9” Jace Kirkland TE/LB Jr. 5’11” Dylan Moore K Sr. 5’11” Carter Williams TE/DE Jr. 6’4” Xavier Alvies WR/DE Sr. 6’0” Buster Coker FB/OLB Jr. 5’7” Antojuan Woody WR/DB Jr. 5’8”; Kemarcus Taylor WR/DB So. 5’8” Justice Rowe WR/DB So. 5’7” Ruskin Gold FB/OLB Sr. 5’10”

Wt.

No.

197 204 160 135 173 168 147 168 180 220 191 145 145 147 190 140 182 163 179 150 140 139 176

28 31 33 34 35 36 39 51 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 65 68 70 78

Name

Grade

Position

Brandon Pratt WR/DB So. Gunner Fourtenbary K Sr. Jaheem Brown FB/DE Sr. Derick Beckham WR/DB So. Kenneth Garrett WR/DB Jr. Zackary McManus WR/DB Jr. Caleb Webb TE/DT Sr. Dylan Worcester OL/DT So. Thai Loring OL/DT So. Gabe Abernathy OL/DT Fr. Grayson Knox OL/DT Sr. Will Johns OL/DT So. Brodie Ingram OL/DT Jr. Kenwann Heard OL/DT So. Spencer Meadors OL Sr. Tyler Colvin OL/DT Jr. Zi Moon OL/DT Jr. Hayden Wallace OL/DT Jr. Kameron Moss OL/DT Jr. Colin Goodwin OL/DT Sr. Canyon Jones OL/DT Jr. Owen Higgs OL/DT So.

Ht.

Wt.

5’10” 5’9” 6’0” 5’9” 6’0” 5’10” 6’0” 5’8” 5’9” 6’2” 5’8” 5’7” 6’0” 5’6” 5’7” 6’0” 5’11” 5’11” 5’8” 6’1” 5’11” 5’10”

145 180 210 140 145 145 271 165 196 225 180 220 202 335 167 22 240 240 250 310 270 300

FOOTBALL BENJAMIN DADEVILLE CENTRAL RUSSELL TIGERS COOSA Aug. 20 vs Huffman Aug. 27 vs Central of Clay County Sept. 3 vs Stanhope Elmore Sept. 10 at Helena Sept. 17 at Wetumpka Sept. 24 at Smiths Station Oct. 7 vs Pelham Oct. 15 vs Chilton County Oct. 22 at Calera Oct. 29 vs Sylacauga

Aug. 27 at Elmore County Sept. 3 vs Montgomery Catholic Sept. 10 vs Pike County Sept. 17 at Childersburg Sept. 24 vs LaFayette Oct. 1 at Goshen Oct. 8 at Trinity Presbyterian Oct. 15 vs Reeltown Oct. 22 at Beulah

Please note that team schedules are subject to change due to the pandemic.

Aug. 20 at Verbena Aug. 27 at LaFayette Sept. 3 vs Luverne Sept. 10 at Highland Home Sept. 17 vs Francis Marion Sept. 24 at Orange Beach Oct. 9 at Thorsby Oct. 15 vs Isabella Oct. 22 at Calhoun Oct. 28 vs Talladega County Central

NATION ' 21 HORSESHOE REELTOWN BEND REBELS

TALLASSEE TIGERS

Aug. 20 at Wadley Aug. 27 vs Victory Christian Sept. 3 vs Fayetteville Sept. 10 at Vincent Sept. 17 vs Randolph County Sept. 30 at B.B. Comer Oct. 8 at LaFayette Oct. 15 vs Ranburne Oct. 22 vs Lanett Oct. 29 at Woodland

Aug. 19 at Reeltown Aug. 27 vs Wetumpka Sept. 10 at Sylacauga Sept. 17 vs Elmore County Sept. 24 vs Pike Road Oct. 1 at Beauregard Oct. 8 at Talladega Oct. 15 at Holtville Oct. 22 vs Central of Clay County Oct. 29 vs Carroll

Aug. 19 vs Tallassee Aug. 27 at St. James Sept. 3 at Childersburg Sept. 10 at Montgomery Catholic Sept. 17 vs Goshen Oct. 1 vs Trinity Presbyterian Oct. 8 vs Beulah Oct. 15 at Dadeville Oct. 22 vs Pike County Oct. 29 at Holtville

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GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

14

AUGUST 2021

ALABAMA SPORTS WRITER ASSOCIATION PRESEASON RANKINGS The Alabama Sports Writers Association preseason high school football rankings with first-place votes, last year’s record and total poll points (*—team played in a different classification last season):

CLASS 7A

Team (first-place); 2020 W-L; Pts 1. Thompson (23); 14-0; 276 2. Hoover; 11-2; 191 3. Auburn; 11-2; 188 4. Hewitt-Trussville; 9-3; 171 5. Central-Phenix City; 8-5; 140 6. Theodore; 10-2; 112 7. Daphne; 10-2; 77 8. Austin; 8-3; 58 9. James Clemens; 8-3; 45 10. Enterprise; 7-4; 36 Others receiving votes: Oak Mountain (7-5) 17.

CLASS 6A

Team (first-place); 2020 W-L; Pts 1. Pinson Valley (21); 12-2; 268 2. Spanish Fort; 11-4; 207 3. Clay-Chalkville (2); 11-2; 192

4. Opelika; 9-3; 140 5. Briarwood; 9-3; 139 6. Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa; 9-3; 102 7. McGill-Toolen; 7-3; 91 8. Mountain Brook; 11-2; 57 9. Eufaula; 9-3; 41 10. Oxford; 11-2; 23 Others receiving votes: Hartselle (7-4) 20, Helena (7-5) 10, Saraland (11-3) 9, Carver-Montgomery (7-4) 6, Homewood (7-5) 3, Pelham (8-3) 2, Fort Payne (7-4) 1.

CLASS 5A

Team (first-place); 2020 W-L; Pts 1. St. Paul’s (23); 15-0; 276 2. Faith-Mobile; 11-2; 182 3. Pleasant Grove; 11-3; 161 4. Pike Road; 11-1; 152 5. Guntersville; 10-1; 133 6. Central-Clay Co.; 11-2; 102 7. Leeds; 9-3; 99 8. UMS-Wright; 8-5; 82 9. Alexandria; 11-2; 31 10. Russellville; 10-3; 28 Others receiving votes: Andalusia (7-4) 25, Tallassee (3-7) 22, Center Point (7-4) 12, East Limestone (6-4) 4, Fairview (10-2) 1, Sylacauga (7-3) 1.

CLASS 4A

Team (first-place); 2020 W-L; Pts 1. Gordo (16); 13-2; 246 2. Handley (7); 12-1; 203 3. Madison Aca.; 10-1; 196 4. American Chr.; 13-1; 157 5. Williamson; 7-4; 122 6. Jacksonville; 7-4; 68 7. West Limestone; 11-2; 66 8. Mobile Chr.; 9-2; 60 9. Vigor; 5-5; 58 10. Etowah; 9-4; 48 Others receiving votes: Jackson (6-5) 18, St. James (7-4) 16, Anniston (4-7) 13, Montevallo (6-5) 13, Deshler (6-5) 11, Madison Co. (8-3) 7, Bibb Co. (10-3) 6, Brooks (6-5) 2, Good Hope (10-2) 1.

CLASS 3A

Team (first-place); 2020 W-L; Pts 1. Fyffe (21); 15-0; 270 2. Piedmont (2); 12-2; 206 3. Catholic-Montgomery; 12-2; 177 4. Hillcrest-Evergreen; 6-5; 121 5. Montgomery Aca.; 13-1; 118 6. Slocomb; 10-2; 81 7. Plainview; 10-2; 80

8. Ohatchee; 11-2; 68 9. Flomaton; 8-3; 58 10. Opp; 8-4; 55 Others receiving votes: Bayside Aca. (8-3) 28, Thomasville (10-2) 20, Reeltown (5-5) 12, Dadeville (6-4) 5, T.R. Miller (9-3) 5, Daleville (1-9) 3, Oakman (7-4) 2, Excel (2-8) 1, SouthsideSelma (6-5) 1.

CLASS 2A

Team (first-place); 2020 W-L; Pts 1. Mars Hill Bible (17); 13-2; 255 2. Lanett (6); 10-3; 223 3. Abbeville; 12-2; 169 4. Clarke Co.; 8-3; 158 5. North Sand Mountain; 11-2; 131 6. Geneva Co.; 8-4; 105 7. Spring Garden; 12-2; 74 8. Elba; 6-4; 62 9. Westbrook Chr.; 10-2; 53 10. Falkville; 8-3; 43 Others receiving votes: Red Bay (9-2) 33, West EndWalnut Grove (4-6) 3, B.B. Comer (9-2) 1, J.U. Blacksher (3-7) 1.

CLASS 1A

Team (first-place); 2020 W-L; Pts 1. Brantley (19); 13-1; 261 2. Sweet Water (1); 8-3; 192 3. Pickens Co. (1); 11-4; 186 4. Linden (1); 14-0; 162 5. Maplesville (1); 10-2; 143 6. Decatur Heritage; 9-3; 130 7. Millry; 8-3; 86 8. McKenzie; 8-3; 52 9. Cedar Bluff; 6-5; 38 10. Loachapoka; 5-6; 33 Others receiving votes: Berry (11-2) 23, Florala (8-3) 4, Winterboro (9-2) 1.

AISA

Team (first-place); 2020 W-L; Pts 1. Pike Liberal Arts (23); 10-2; 276 2. Glenwood; 10-1; 198 3. Escambia Aca.; 10-2; 186 4. Autauga Aca.; 2-7; 160 5. Chambers Aca.; 12-1; 141 6. Bessemer Aca.; 8-3; 111 7. Tuscaloosa Aca.; 2-7; 86 8. Macon-East; 8-5; 66 9. Patrician; 8-2; 42 10. Morgan Aca.; 8-3; 27 Others receiving votes: Crenshaw Chr. (10-3) 8, Sparta (6-4) 8, Abbeville Chr. (10-3) 1, Monroe Aca. (6-5) 1.

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

AUGUST 2021

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15

16

REELTOWN REBELS GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

AUGUST 2021

Reeltown players ‘packing their coffins’ for 2021 football season

By ANDY ANDERS Regional Sports Director

In the late 1800s, when missionaries for Wycliffe Bible Translators sailed away from their homeland to spread the gospel, they knew there was a good chance they’d never return.

As a symbolic gesture, they packed all their belongings into coffins instead of suitcases.

When Reeltown football head coach Matt Johnson and the leaders of the Rebels’ football team read the story in one of the leadership training books they studied this offseason, they decided to adopt the mantra “Pack your coffin” as a core philosophy of the team.

It’s applicable in several ways for the sport. It means sacrificing for a cause you believe in. It means never looking back on your successes and your failures, but focusing on what you can do to get better in the future.

“Whatever it takes. Even if we have to pack our own coffin, that’s the mindset that we’re gonna have,” Johnson said. “We just related that to football. You’ve got all these excuses, all these outside people that are telling you great things or negative things or whatever. But you’ve gotta choose what to take to make yourself better. There’s some things you’re gonna have to pick up and pack, and there’s some things you’re gonna have to get rid of.”

Reeltown’s core of upperclassman leaders have adopted the philosophy, and with the kickoff of its season against rival Tallassee coming up Thursday, the Rebels hope to attack opponents with a physical approach to both offense and defense.

It’s part of the team’s mission to have every player be “all in.”

“I bought 200 poker chips that I designed that have our ‘R’ on it,” Johnson said.

“Says ‘all in,’ says, ‘buck stops here.’

Understanding what it means to be all in, what it means for the buck to stop here based off of another book we’ve studied.

Once they’ve bought into that, then we can expand on what it means to improve each and every day.”

There’s plenty of junior and senior talent to drive forward Reeltown’s all-in mentality.

Senior Dee Griffin, nicknamed “Alpha Dawg” by teammates and coaches, sets the tone on the offensive line as a multi-year starter with an aggressive presence on the field. The leading squatter on Reeltown’s

Reeltown’s Gabe Bryant snatches an interception against Holtville last season.

team, his explosion and strength at the line of scrimmage should provide an advantage on both sides of the ball.

Playing with him on the offensive line is junior Logan Dillard, a 6-foot-4, 280-pound monster with college interest, and senior multi-year starter Matthew Knox.

The other two offensive line spots were up for grabs entering fall training camp, and sophomore Jacob Hornsby scooped up one of them. The other is still an ongoing battle between Lane Burns and senior Jayvius Chapman.

Senior Dalton Bryant has been making a push as of late, Johnson added.

They’ll be blocking for another senior and returning first-team All-Outlook selection in senior Dakarian “Juicy” Hughley at running back. His blend of speed and power — Johnson said he runs a sub-4.6 40-yard dash and can squat 500 pounds — will set the tone for an offense predicated on running the football.

SeDarico “Scooter” Brooks should eat up a few carries as well once he’s back to full health. Junior Zy Collins could also be a factor.

“Juicy has had an unbelievable offseason,” Johnson said. “He’s in the top

five in our iron man. He’s quick, he can stretch the field with his speed.

“Any time you’ve got a 4.5, 4.6 guy squatting 500 pounds, that makes it interesting. He’ll carry the load, he doesn’t have a lot of defensive responsibilities, so he’ll be the bellcow to start with.”

Reeltown should also have the ability to spread things out, however.

Senior quarterback Gabe Bryant returns to take the reins of the Rebels’ offense, and he’ll have one of the county’s best wide receivers to throw to in senior Marcus Haynes, another first-team All-Outlook performer from 2020.

A difference from this year to years past, Johnson said, is young depth at the receiver position. Teams may have a tougher time loading up against the run.

Connor Spain, Arthur Woods, Demetrius Brown, Omor Ponds, Shelton Green and Xavier Thomas are all viable options for Bryant to air the ball toward.

“That’s our philosophy, our mentality.

We’re gonna establish the run,” Johnson said. “But when you’ve got a quarterback like we’ve got, and some receivers on the outside, you’re able to spread the ball out.”

While establishing himself passing

File / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

the ball, Bryant will be trying to stymie opposing passing games, as he will anchor Reeltown’s secondary at safety. Haynes played alongside him back deep in 2020, but this year he slid to “jack,” one of two hybrid outside linebacker positions in the Rebels’ 3-4 multiple defense.

Spain will take his spot at safety.

Speaking of Reeltown’s defensive scheme, one important piece of any 3-4 is the player at nose guard overtop an opposing center. A spot that is usually called upon to either eat a double team or defend both sides of the center in the running game, the Rebels are taking a by-committee approach to keep players fresh.

Burns, Bowman Rumbelow, Zach Riley and Logan Mask will rotate throughout games at the lone defensive tackle spot.

Griffin should help provide pressure off the edge.

“Two-gapping can be a complex thing, and we practice the actual two-gap read.

But if you’ve got a big body right there, you want somebody to demand a double team and be able to occupy an A-gap depending on flow and what the center does,” Johnson said. “We’ve got some guys that we just See REELTOWN • Page 17

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

AUGUST 2021

Position

REELTOWN ROSTER

No.

Name

Grade Ht.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 30

Gabe Bryant QB/DB Sr. Zy Collins RB/DB Jr. Marcus Haynes WR/OLB Sr. Xavier Thomas WR/RB/DB So. Seth Hill WR/DB Jr. Dakarian Hughley RB/DB Sr. SeDarico Brooks RB/LB Sr. Arthur Woods RB/DB So. Shelton Green RB/LB 8th Finn Henderson RB/LB Fr. Connor Spain WR/DB Jr. Jake Hornsby QB/LB So. Larry Butler III WR/DB Fr. Christian Taylor WR/DB So. Tanner Hill K/DB Sr. Hagan Lewis WR/DB Fr. Anthony Whaley RB/LB Jr. Omor Ponds RB/DB Jr. JJ Kendrick WR/DB So. Cooper Hardin QB/DB Fr. Joseph Green RB/LB 8th Ace Foy RB/LB Fr. Jeffrey Thompson RB/LB Fr. Tae Martin TE/LB Fr. Demetrius Brown WR/DB Fr. Jontravius Brown WR/DB 8th

6’3” 5’10” 6’2” 5’10” 5’7” 5’10” 6’1” 5’6” 5’9” 6’1” 5’10” 5’11” 6’0” 5’9” 5’11” 5’11” 5’8” 5’7” 5’9” 5’10” 5’8” 5’5” 5’8” 5’8” 5’10” 5’6”

Wt.

195 155 198 150 165 185 215 150 140 158 163 175 164 164 162 168 143 165 148 170 156 160 170 135 168 110

17

No.

Name

Position

Grade Ht.

32 33 40 42 45 50 51 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 62 63 65 67 68 70 71 72 73 74 75 78

Tyrese Fallin WR/LB So. Kelan Bevels WR/LB Fr. Devin Bragg RB/LB 8th Taylin Padgett WR/DB Fr. Cruise Johnson RB/DL Fr. Zane Milito OL/DL Fr. Matt Knox OL/LB Sr. Dee Griffin OL/DL Sr. AJ Ellis OL/LB Sr. Brady Hurley OL/DL Sr. Aaron Clark OL/DL 8th Michael Whaley OL/DL 8th Jayvius Chapman OL/DL Sr. Leviol Waites LB So. Xander Johnston OL/DL 8th Dylan Bryant OL/DL Fr. Logan Dillard OL/DL Jr. Casen Kelly OL/DL 8th Dalton Bryant OL/DL Sr. Baylor Clayton OL/DL Fr. Travis Webster OL/DL Fr. Bowman Brumbeloe OL/DL Fr. Lane Burn OL/DL Jr. Logan Mask OL/DL Sr. Jacob Hornsby OL/DL So. Zach Riley OL/DL So.

5’6” 5’9” 5’6” 5’7” 5’5” 6’1” 5’9” 6’1” 5’10” 5’10” 5’9” 5’11” 5’9” 5’5” 5’10” 5’7” 6’4” 5’6” 6’0” 6’2” 5’9” 6’1” 5’11” 5’11” 5’9” 5’10”

Wt. 154 128 160 178 135 180 191 250 165 170 210 174 205 180 165 170 275 185 185 190 165 306 267 260 205 238

REELTOWN REBELS

at a glance

Coach: Matt Johnson, sixth year Last year: 5-5 (3-4 Class 3A Region 4) Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Dee Griffin (sr., OL/ DL); Logan Dillard (jr., OL/DL); Matt Knox (sr., OL/DL); Dakarian “Juicy” Hughley (sr., RB/DB); Gabe Bryant (sr., QB/ DB); Marcus Haynes (sr., WR/OLB) First game: Thursday, Aug. 19 vs.

Tallassee Stadium name: Nix-Webster-O’Neal Stadium Stadium location: 4085 Ala. Hwy. 120 Reeltown, Alabama

2021 Reeltown schedule Aug 19 – TALLASSEE Aug 27 – at St. James Sept 3 – at Childersburg * Sept 10 – at Montgomery Catholic * Sept 17 – GOSHEN * Sept 24 – BYE Oct 1 – TRINITY * Oct 8 – BEULAH * Oct 15 – at Dadeville * Oct 22 – PIKE COUNTY * Oct 29 – at Holtville * - region game HOME GAMES IN ALL CAPS

Reeltown rotate in and out of there to keep them fresh.”

Ponds, the team’s top performer in its iron man competition, will start opposite Haynes at the “bandit” position as an outside linebacker. Both can be called upon to play either at a traditional linebacker depth,

continued from Page 16 on the end of the line or split out with a receiver.

“The ceiling for Omor is just endless,” Johnson said. “He’s a great, great kid.”

Woods and Collins round out the defensive backfield at cornerback. Thomas can spell either when needed.

“A lot of rotations, defensively especially, until we find that gel-in group getting into region play,” Johnson said. “Luckily we play two games out of the gate that are big games, but they’re non-region games.”

Reeltown’s season opens at home against rival Tallassee Aug. 19.

18

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

AUGUST 2021

AUGUST 2021

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

19

CENTRAL COOSA COUGARS 20

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

AUGUST 2021

Despite uncertainty, Cougars making strides entering campaign

By ANDY ANDERS Regional Sports Director

Due to transportation challenges, Aug. 12 marked the first practice in which Central Coosa had more than 12 or 13 players on the field.

Normally those numbers are in the five to eight range, according to head coach Brett Thomas.

The Cougars don’t know exactly what their starting lineup will look like long term. Some players only started practicing Monday, and due to the AHSAA’s rules for contact which require a minimum of five practices before athletes are full go, cannot play in Central Coosa’s Week 1 game.

Still, off a full spring and betterthan-usual summer, Central Coosa’s program could take a step forward this year.

“It’s really hard, because you’re working on a scheme five days before the first game,” Thomas said.

“We did it in the spring, but coming into the fall, we’re not gonna have the same boys we had in the spring, so you’ve gotta go over everything again. But that’s where we are.”

The wait until Monday to be at full strength changes the game plan for the Cougars’ coaching staff.

A shuffle has occurred relative to what they thought they’d be putting on the field at Verbena Friday.

“Some of our starters, on paper, haven’t shown up yet,” Central Coosa head coach Brett Thomas said Aug. 13. “We’re gonna have to redo our starting lineup, because those guys aren’t going to be game ready.”

There’s still a good bit of talent Thomas can count on though.

It starts with quarterback Majavius Culpepper, Central Coosa’s returning starter from last year.

“His form’s a lot better, passes are more accurate,” Thomas said. “Of course he’s gotten stronger.”

The offensive line in front of him is anchored by Dillon Calhoun at center, a player who grew roughly four inches in three months leading into August, according to Thomas.

Coosa’s only other experienced starter up front will be freshman John Richardson. Jordan Stansbury, a first-year player, has also stood out.

Cassidy Howard and Elijah Hayes should lead what will be a committee of running backs, but two speedsters on the outside will be called upon to create space for the Cougars’ offense, who plans to spread defenses out with its inexperience up

Majavius Culpepper returns as starting quarterback in 2021, one of the few sure things for Central Coosa.

front — wide receivers Trae Butler and Tyreek Epps.

“Tyreek is just about as fast as Trae,” Thomas said. “He’s slender, but he has a nice frame.

Hayes should be an important anchor at linebacker defensively, and several other names noted above will be contributing on that side of

the ball as many of Central Coosa’s starters play two ways. Calhoun will be a starter at defensive tackle, Howard another at linebacker.

One name that stands out on the defensive side is senior Braylon McKinney, the Cougars’ starter at nose guard who is back from 2020.

“He’s as strong as a bull,” Thomas

File / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

said. “He’ll also spend some time at fullback. He’s a load.”

Elijah Richardson will lead the way in the secondary, a ball-hawking center fielder at safety. Butler and Epps fill out the starting unit at cornerback.

The Cougars kick off their season Friday at Verbena.

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

AUGUST 2021

CENTRAL COOSA COUGARS at a glance

CENTRAL COOSA ROSTER

Name

Coach: Brett Thomas, fourth year Last year: 2-5 (2-4 Class 2A Region 4) Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Majavius Culpepper (so., QB/DB); Trae Butler (sr., WR/DB); Dillon Calhoun (fr., OL/ DL); John Richardson (fr., OL/DL); Elijah Hayes (so., RB/DB); Cassidy Howard (so., RB/LB); Braylon McKinney (sr., OL/DL) First game: Friday, Aug. 20 at Verbena Stadium name: Keith Bullard Stadium Stadium location: 243 County Rd. 75, Rockford, Alabama

21

Wt.

Trae Butler 5’10” Tyreek Epps 5’10” Cassidy Howard 5’10 Majavius Culpepper 6’2” Joshua Harrison 5’10” Elisha Hayes 5’6” Braylon McKinney 5’1” Alex Williams 5’6” Devin Sweet 5’9 Xavius Wilson 5’7” John Richardson 5’5” Conner MItchell 6’2” Heath Joiner 6’2” Antavious Gaddis 5’8” Dylan Calhoun 5’11” Jordan Stansbury 6’1” Quin Gilbert 5’8” Rydarious Gilbert 5’8” Jaterrion James

Ht.

Position

No.

Grade

160 WR 1 155 WR 7 Jr. 160 RB 9 Jr. 195 QB 12 Jr. 140 WR 16 Sr. 150 RB 25 Jr. 240 G 50 150 T 52 So. 195 T 54 190 G 55 150 G 58 210 G 60 Jr. 220 G 61 175 G 63 T 220 T 66 Jr. 250 T 74 Jr. 125 Sr. 125 Sr.

*This roster is courtesy of MaxPreps and may not contain the most up-to-date information

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22

HORSESHOE BEND GENERALS

AUGUST 2021

File / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

Holt Tidwell returns as a solid running back option for the Generals.

Generals relying on experienced defense, backs

By ANDY ANDERS Regional Sports Director

Horseshoe Bend tested a variety of offensive styles in the offseason, but at the end of it all it settled on what will be its bread and butter — the wishbone.

With a fullback and two tailbacks lined up behind an under-center quarterback, the Generals should feature a great deal of power runs and option plays from the formation once used by legendary Alabama head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.

Wing-T should also be heavily involved when Horseshoe Bend wants to run the ball outside and create confusion for defenses with different movements and fakes.

An experienced defense and productive rushers should help boost the Generals in 2021, and if the team can depend on its offensive line to move bodies at the line of scrimmage, it could lead to success this season.

“We like power football. We like to run it inside, use the speed of our guys and our heavy guys up front to get movement,” Horseshoe Bend head coach Jeremy Phillips said. “Using our angles to get to where we need to be. When it comes down to it, we’re gonna go to our

wishbone and line up and smash folks.”

Both the wishbone and wing-t feature three backs outside the quarterback, and Phillips feels he has four he can depend on.

Senior Gavin Brazzell is perhaps the best weapon of the bunch, lining up at tailback in the wishbone and wingback in the wing-t. His shiftiness and big-play ability landed him first-team All-Outlook honors in 2020.

Fellow senior Holt Tidwell put up 850 yards of his own last season and should provide a nice complement to Brazzell in the second tailback/wingback slot. Senior fullback Chandler McMath rounds out the starting backfield, a player who went for over 400 yards in 2020 as well.

Junior Rylan Sharpe will rotate in at fullback as well, keeping the duo fresh for their roles on defense.

It’ll be hard for them to go anywhere if the Generals’ offensive line can’t create movement, however. From left tackle to right, the starting five will read Sawyer Smith, T.J. Stegall, Brody Bryan, Calvin Mangram and Dewey Freeman.

They have a bit of size, weighing in at an average of 222 pounds. With Bryan, Mangram and Stegall all being

sophomores, however, it’s a group that will have to prove its mettle over the course of the year. Four of the starting five are fresh faces.

“What I like about them is that they’re gritty,” Phillips said. “They’re really big on trying to complete their assignments. A lot of things in the wishbone and wing-t, it’s more assignment than anything. Knowing who to block, getting in the correct position, talking to each other and communicating on the line. That’s something that I think we’ve gotten a lot better at.”

Phillips added that the group should have help from Horseshoe Bend’s tight ends. Junior Taylor Humphrey actually played offensive tackle in 2020 before sliding outside. Fellow junior Jacob Turner should be a factor as well.

The backs, line and tight ends all surround a brand new quarterback. Not just new in the sense that it’s his first year starting, this is the first year junior Luke Jones has played the position at all.

Phillips said Jones’ legs will be his main weapon at the position, and his decision making in the optionheavy wishbone is of paramount importance.

“Luke has progressed well from spring to now,” See GENERALS • Page 23

GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

AUGUST 2021

23

Generals

continued from Page 22

File / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

Returning linebacker Rylan Sharpe sacks Fayetteville’s quarterback last season.

HORSESHOE BEND ROSTER Name 2 3 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 22 23 25 27 28 40 52 54 55 56 57 58 62 68 69 71 73 74 75 79 81 87 95

No.

Grade

Dakotah Howard RB/DB Jr. Chandler McMath RB/DB Sr. Rylan Sharpe FB/LB Jr. Brayden Anderson QB/DB Fr. Charlie Shivers WR/DB So. Brayden Phillips WR/DB So. Luke Jones QB/DB Jr. Cully Sharpe WR/DB Jr. Josh Hunt RB/LB So. Holt Tidwell RB/LB Sr. Gavin Brazzell RB/DB Sr. Jacob Turner TE/DL Jr. Dorian Wickersham WR/DB So. Carson Lucas WR/DB Fr. Kori Woods RB/DB Fr. Reed Goodwin FB/LB Fr. Trent Higgens RB/LB Fr. David Layfield K 8th Connor Sharpe WR/DB Fr. Ethan Mitchell TE/LB So. Thomas Kinman OL/DL So. Riley Goodwin OL/DL Fr. Calvin Mangram OL/LB So. TJ Stegall OL/LB So. Riley Humphrey OL/DL Fr. Jacoby Glenn OL/DL So. Christian Brown OL/DL So. Dylan Green OL/DL So. Sawyer Smith OL/DL Jr. Wesley Moore OL/DL Fr. Jase McCord OL/DL Fr. Dewey Freeman OL/DL Sr. Brody Bryan OL/DL So. Brady Harris OL/DL Fr. Jaden Brooks TE/DL Fr Taylor Humphrey TE/DL Jr. Nolan Mangram OL/DL Fr.

5’6” 5’7” 5’7” 5’6” 5’10 5’10” 5’9” 5’10” 6’0” 6’1” 5’11” 6’4” 5’10” 5’6” 5’6” 5’5” 5’9” 5’4” 5’5” 5’8” 5’10” 5’10” 5’9” 5’11” 5’9” 5’10” 5’10” 5’5” 6’0” 5’10” 5’10 6’1” 6’0” 5’10” 5’11” 6’2” 5’9”

120 150 160 125 135 135 150 130 145 180 155 225 140 125 125 125 160 110 110 145 180 240 190 200 150 175 195 200 215 220 220 245 260 250 180 190 155

Phillips said. “His ability to throw the ball and everything has gotten better.

His pass reads and progressions have gotten better, I think the game has started to slow down a little bit (for him).

“He’s bought into it. He’s studied the playbook, he knows the playbook about as well as I do.”

Sharpe will be a second option at quarterback for the Generals.

Defensively, the Generals’ back seven should be a major strength, particularly the secondary.

Every starter at corner or safety has varsity experience. Two seniors anchor the unit, with Brazzell at safety and McMath at corner. Jones and junior Cully Sharpe round out the starting group.

“The secondary, I’ve been really pleased,” Phillips said. “I coach the secondary, I get real hands-on with them. They’ve really progressed and added on from what they learned last year, it’s nice to see. I’m not having to spend a lot of time going over the same things over and over and over again.

They already know the basics, so now we can go a little more in-depth.”

Sharpe is back as a steadying force at inside linebacker, joined by Stegall and Mangram, who will rotate with each other to stay rested for offense.

Tidwell will start for the fourth consecutive year at outside linebacker, perhaps the Generals’ most experienced player on either side of the ball.

Turner and Humphrey are both returning starters rushing off the edge on the defensive line, with Freeman, Bryan and Smith factoring in at defensive tackle.

“There’s a lot of starts on our defense,” Phillips said. “That’s one thing that I’m excited to see, is how their experience shows.”

Phillips noted that the Generals will be searching for ways to rotate key players, as with just 37 players on its roster, most of their top talent plays both sides of the ball.

Horseshoe Bend opens its season at Wadley Aug. 20.

HORSESHOE BEND GENERALS at a glance

Coach: Jeremy Phillips, third year Last year: 1-9 (0-7 Class 2A, Region 4) Offense: Wishbone Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Gavin Brazzell (sr., RB/S); Holt Tidwell (sr., RB/LB); Chandler McMath (jr., FB/CB); Rylan Sharpe (jr., FB/LB); Jacob Turner (jr., TE/DE); Taylor Humphrey (jr., TE/DE); Dewey Freeman (sr., OL/DL) First game: Friday, Aug. 20 at Wadley Stadium name: Generals Stadium Stadium location: 10684 Highway 22 E, New Site, Alabama

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GRIDIRON GUIDE 2021

AUGUST 2021