INSIDE: • In-depth season previews • Rosters, schedules, team info • Quotes from key HorseshoeCentralplayersCoosaBendDadevilleReeltown Benjamin Russell ON THE ROAD AGAIN AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN...
Henry Zimmer Sports Editor for The Outlook and Dadeville Record Martin’s
W
Best Source for News and Information
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022 AUGUST 20222
hether you play on Thursday, Friday or even an errant Saturday morning, any day is a good day for some high school football.Thisseason will be my first season covering high school football in this area. Admittedly, I spent my first few days scouring the internet and old Outlook newspapers to learn as much as I could on the teams in our coverage zone, as I was as new as could be coming into all of this.
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Days that end in ‘y’ are good for football In Print & Online www.alexcityoutlook.com256.234.4281TheOutlookSubscribe Today! Be a Know-It-All with Lake
I had no idea where old rivalries lied, no prior knowledge to any returning players. It was like learning a new playbook. I played high school football in Jacksonville, Florida. My teams played against some of the best players and competition in the country, including teams that boasted the likes of Joey Gatewood, Mac Jones, Jeff Holland and Derrick Henry.Irode the bench hard, but got my playing time, and somehow had to try and stop guys that would be playing in the NFL soon. I would take a math test, then have to try and tackle Shaun Wade later that day. So, I know what these games are like. But that is what makes high school football special. This is your opportunity to hit a future NFL athlete, block a five-star or run past a guy committed to your favorite college. To this day, I still point at my television and remember times that I played against these types of players. My high school was never favored to win any of these games, but we did not care. These nights were ours to take, and we were going to do anything we could to spoil a showcase night for a big star. (Except Derrick Henry, he killed us.)You may be a huge underdog, or favored to win by 100. Nonetheless, make the most of these moments as a player, a coach or even a fan. They do not last forever. I took my pads off for the last time before a three hour bus ride home after a playoff loss, the first time our school had made the playoffs in years. But I was a part of history and that was special. So, make these days special. They are truly gone before you realize. Let’s all enjoy the bright lights this season, some popcorn and high school football, no matter what day it gets played on.
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022AUGUST 2022 3 INSIDE: • In-depth season previews • Rosters, schedules, team info • Quotes from key HorseshoeCentralplayersCoosaBendDadevilleReeltown Benjamin Russell ON THE ROAD AGAIN AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN... ON THE COVER This year’s cover story is all about the many different road games local teams face this season. Page 7 for the story. 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. STAFF PUBLISHER Steve Baker CHAIRMAN Kenneth Boone EDITORIAL Kaitlin Fleming, Managing Editor Henry Zimmer, Sports Editor William Marlow, Multimedia Reporter Cliff Williams, Staff Writer CREATIVE SERVICES Audra Spears, Art Director ADVERTISING Tippy Hunter, Advertising Director Renee Trice, Regional Sales Manager Ken Rainbolt, Sales Manager CIRCULATION Erin LindaBurtonEwing ACCOUNTING Angela Mullins PRODUCTION Lee Champion CONTRIBUTORS Larry Robinson “It’s all about the audience.” — TPI TABLE OF CONTENTS 6pageAthletes featured on the cover share their favorite sports memories. Read about them and their memories. MEMORIES 4Benjaminpage Russell breaks in new head coach COACHNEW 7Teamspage will spend a lot of time on the road this season ON THE ROAD sofor‘CoosaRUSSAW:COACHishungryachangeandamI’ MAKING 20CHANGESpage 22 page aprogressmakingBendHorseshoeasprogram GENERALLY IMPROVING 16 Reeltown’spage new region competition packed with powerhouses this year NEW REGION, NEW FOES 10Dadevillepage looks to run the ball every chance they get RUN IT BACK NOW Y’ALL Alexander City Outlook 548 Cherokee Road Alexander City, AL www.alexcityoutlook.com256-234-428135010 Photos by Larry Robinson & Henry Zimmer Cover created by Audra Spears 12 page AREA SCHEDULESTEAM Mark these games down
By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Editor
Benjamin Russell High School Wildcats have been practicing in preparation for their season opening game at Sylacauga on Aug. 19, 2022.
New head coach bringing back old traditions “I think I have found a home. This is where I want to be, and I do not want to leave. I expect to be here for a long, long time.” — Smitty Grider Benjamin Russell head football coach
head coaching career started with Central Coosa in 2005 and now he is back in Alex City to finish out his head coaching legacy. With Grider hired in June, and his winning tradition locked in place, it was time for Benjamin Russell to take the next step in the team building process. Grider needed a staff. Grider immediately got to work and hired two new coordinators, Greg Crager and Jason Simmons. Crager was hired as the offensive coordinator, and Simmons the defensive coordinator. Both men were recommended to Grider by coaches he has met along his path, and both are the type of men Grider wants to help him lead his program. “I was hired on June 2, and we started summer workouts on June 13. I had to put a staff together really quickly, but we are really fortunate with the two coordinators that we hired,” Grider said.
The Benjamin Russell Wildcats have found their guy. As many around the community have already seen and heard, Smitty Grider has found his home with Benjamin Russell.“Idon’t want to go anywhere else now,” Grider said. “This is where I want to end my career. I think I have found home. This is where I want to be, and I do not want to leave. I expect to be here for a long, long time.” The Montgomery-native’s coaching career has spanned all over the state, but he has decided to settle down with Benjamin Russell, a school he said any coach would want to workGrider’sfor.
Henry Zimmer / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.
Benjamin Russell will look similar to years in the past, employing a spread offense and a multi-faceted defense.
BENJAMIN RUSSELL WILDCATS
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022 AUGUST 20224
See WILDCATS • Page 5
On the offensive side, Grider has seen big production in the summer from junior receiver Chris Foster and senior receiver La’Bronski McKinney. Senior receiver Corri Milliner is returning after being selected All-State in 2021.
While the style of offense and defense may be the same, Grider did admit that learning a new system has been a work in progress for his team.
When Crager showed up to his interview, he was not alone. The coach brought his whole family to talk to Grider about the potential opening at Benjamin Russell. “That will tell you that he is a true family man and a great guy,” Grider said. “He will be a great leader for our kids.”Simmons might have showed up to his interview solo, but he will not be alone for long. Simmons is from Sylacauga, so coming to Benjamin Russell was a way to get back close to home and be with his parents. “These guys are both veterans, and experienced. They know how the job is supposed to be done,” Grider said. With arguably the three most important coaching roles filled, that was good enough for Grider. Some promotions came from within the building, but the team will not field a complete coaching staff when the season starts. Grider valued quality over quantity in his hiring process and was fine with having a few auxiliary positions not entirely filled. “If you hire a guy late into the summer, that is the same type of guy that will leave you high and dry this time next year,” Grider said. “We will roll into this season with what we got and go from there in the offseason.” Coaches being set meant it was finally time for Grider to take a look at his team.
As for the defense, senior defensive backs Ensley Goggins and Ty Williams have been studs in the eyes of their new coach. Both were even rewarded by appearing at High School Football Media Days. “I think our skill players on both sides of the ball are the strength of our team,” Grider said. “We have the most experience there. We have some quality athletes in those groups. I expect big things.”
“Everything is new for the boys on both sides of the ball,” Grider said. “The kids have been really receptive to what we are doing though. We have a long way to go but we have made a good start.”
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022AUGUST 2022 5 BENJAMIN RUSSELL WILDCATS at a glance Coach: Smitty Grider, first season Class: Class 6A Region: Region 3 Last year: 5-5, 2-4 in Class 6A, Region 3 First Game: Friday, August 19 at Sylacauga Stadium name: Martin-Savarese Stadium Stadium location: 1685 Arena Rd., Alexander City, AL 1 Chris Foster WR Jr. 5’8 150 2 La’Bronski McKinney WR Sr. 511 165 3 Gabe Benton QB Jr. 6’3 210 4 Corri Milliner WR Sr. 6’3 175 5 Savon Spradley LB Sr. 5’7 185 6 Jy Hicks LB/RB Jr. 5’11 223 7 Ty Williams DB Sr. 5’8 150 8 David Lawson WR Sr. 6’1 185 9 Ensley Goggans DB Sr. 5’11 175 10 Malik Maddox RB Sr. 5’7 185 11 Bryan Simmons OLB Sr. 5’11 175 12 Chris Wyckoff DB Jr. 5’9 150 13 Kendrick Byrd QB So. 5’11 165 14 Jalen Daniel WR Sr. 5’4 125 15 Malcom Simmons DB Jr. 6’2 180 16 Cedarian Morgan WR Fr. 6’4 185 17 Caiden Hyde LB Jr. 5’10 185 18 Alijah Johnson QB Fr. 5’10 175 19 Shelton Wright TE Jr. 5’10 200 20 A’Quavius Marbury DB Fr. 5’9 165 21 Lajayvious Calhoun DB Fr. 5’9 150 22 Zy Owens DE Sr. 5’10 232 23 TJ Wilson RB So. 5’6 158 24 D’Nalius Woods DE Sr. 5’10 207 25 Christian Smith OLB Fr. 6’0 165 26 Jyque Norris RB Fr. 5’6 150 27 Demario Pearson WR Sr. 5’6 130 28 Isiah Stamps - So. -29 Lorenzo Crawford Jr. DB So. 5’10 141 30 Kolton Sims DB So. 5’9 143 31 Noah Alsobrook K Sr. 5’9 150 32 RyDarius Price DL Sr. 5’10 200 33 Cordel Mcneal LB Fr. 5’3 150 34 BJ Hicks LB Fr. 5’4 175 35 Carson Spears WR Fr. 5’8 145 36 Larjavious Jones DE So. 6’1 210 37 Ky’Marion Williams DL Sr. 5’10 250 38 Kaleb Robinson WR So. 5’8 125 39 Caden Bowen K Fr. 5’9 150 40 Noah Long LB So. 5’10 190 41 Ashtyn Russell DB So. 5’6 146 42 BJ Pullium DL So. 5’11 201 43 Hank Hunter OLB Fr. 5’8 165 44 Truett Harrelson DB Fr. 6’0 140 45 Kaleb Jones DB Fr. -46 Colton Walker DB So. 5’8 135 47 Inaze Thomas WR So. - 125 48 Jy Tuck - Fr. -49 Jordan Johnson DB Fr. 5’4 130 50 CJ Richardson DL Sr. 5’7 243 51 Cooper Spears OL Jr. 5’10 255 52 Cameron Vickers OL Sr. 6’4 251 53 Alijah Lucius DE Fr. 5’8 150 54 Jamicheal Moten DL Fr. 5’8 200 55 Jaxon Edwards OL Fr. -56 Jace Lucas OL So. -57 Austin Machen OL Jr. 5’6 203 58 Kentravious Varner LB Fr. 5’7 159 59 Princeton Mcneal DE Fr. 5’11 150 60 Jaydon Vickers DL So. 6’3 200 61 Jaquavious Graham OL Fr. 5’4 240 62 Chaden Allen OL Jr. 6’1 285 63 Jackson Colley OL Jr. 6’2 210 64 Jayden Wyckoff DL Fr. 5’7 185 65 Isiah Moten OL Fr. 5’7 213 66 Zyquon Marbury OL Fr. 6’2 315 67 Carson Brown DL So. 5’4 166 68 Jackson Padgett OL Fr. 5’5 180 69 Collin Thompson OL Sr. 6’2 255 70 Dawson Ray DE Fr. 6’0 160 71 Aiden Drozinski OL So. 6’0 300 72 Chandler Patterson OL So. 6’0 256 75 Kenardious Maxwell DL Jr. 5’9 225 76 CJ Johnson DL So. 6’1 310 80 Quiton Crew OLB Fr. -81 Micah Murphree WR So. 5’10 165 82 Brytavious Taylor WR Fr. 5’1 120 83 Makhilan Britton OLB Fr. 5’7 153 84 Lovell Kelly WR Fr. 5’6 135 85 Jaylon Baker WR Fr. -88 Jametrious Johnson WR Fr. -89 Christian Kelly WR Fr. -90 Tymon Belyeu DL Sr. 5’8 280 91 Ricardo Espinosa DL Jr. 6’0 315 92 Kade Senn LS Jr. 6’0 172 BENJAMIN RUSSELL ROSTER No. Name Position Grade Ht. Wt. No. Name Position Grade Ht. Wt. While it may seem that Benjamin Russell is set up for another middling season, Grider does not want this upcoming season to be labeled as a “rebuilding year” but rather a year to take a step forward and get better as a program.“Wejust want to be better,” Grider said. “Our goal is to be better every day. We want to be better tomorrow than we areWithtoday.”Grider’s goal of building Benjamin Russell back into a powerhouse, he wants to make sure his team does it the right way and represents Alexander City in the best way possible. “We want to put something on the field that the city of Alex City is going to be proud of,” Grider said. “That is not only in winning and losing, but how we act and how we are perceived.”Benjamin Russell opens its season on the road at Sylacauga on August 19. Wildcats continued from Page 4
BENJAMIN RUSSELL HORSESHOE BEND
FAVORITE MEMORIES:
Lane Burns is one of the key members of Reeltown Rebels’ monstrous offensive line. At 6’1” and 260 pounds, Burns is a tough match-up for any defender. Burns also gets in work as a defensive lineman. His favorite sports “Anytimememory: we win against our rivals, that is a pretty important day toBurnsLaneme.”
Avontae Wilson At 6’2” and 215 pounds, Avontae Wilson has an advantage over his opponents. This senior for the Dadeville Tigers is playing the field at tight end and inside linebacker. His favorite sports memory: “[We were playing] against Montgomery Catholic... I body slammed [Auburn commit and top-10 running back] Jeremiah Cobb.”
DADEVILLE
REELTOWN Ty Williams Ty Williams is a senior defensive back for the Benjamin Russell Wildcats. Williams stands at 5’8” and 150 pounds. His favorite sports memory: “Well, I hope my senior year is my favorite year altogether. If not, I may need to figure out a way to come back to high school!”
Luke Jones Luke Jones is workhorse for the Horseshoe Bend Generals. As a wide receiver and defensive back, Jones will see a lot of playing time. This senior stands at 5’9” and 150 pounds. His favorite sports memory: “I like celebrating with my team and leading my guys. When I am leading and helping my team however I can, I would say that is my favorite stuff.”
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022 AUGUST 20226
CENTRALCOOSA
Though the roster for the Central Coosa Cougars isn’t finalized, we know Elijah Richardson is a returning defensive back, loves to hit and is a force to be reckoned Hiswith.favorite sports memory: “Our homecoming week I grabbed a pick on the five yard line and ran it back 95 yards for a RichardsonElijahtouchdown.”
By
Horseshoe Bend is in for the biggest test of all, as the Generals have a gauntlet of four straight away games in the middle of their season. Every Friday night for a month the Generals will have to hit the road and win costly mid-season games. Last season, during the same August to September stretch, Horseshoe bend went“That1-3.was our draw,” said head coach Jeremy Phillips. “You are going to have to travel at some point anyway. I don’t like going on the road four games in a row, but you have got to do it. Our guys know how to play on the road, and know how to travel.”
schedule is a bit more forgiving, with the Tigers getting one home game under their belts before hitting the road in back-to-back weeks. A second home stand splits up yet another series of road trips for the Tigers.“You are really lucky if you can make your schedule work with five home, five away all split up evenly,” said head coach Roger McDonald. “In terms of scheduling, we just have to make it work. We have to be prepared to play at our place or halfway across theDadevillestate.” went 4-2 on the road last year, whereas Benjamin Russell struggled playing away from MartinSavarese Stadium, going 1-3. Central Coosa opens up with the most favorable schedule, at least in terms of home games, with three straight home contests to open the year. However, the Cougars end their season with three consecutive road games against teams that combined for a 23-12 record last year.
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022AUGUST 2022 7
Benjamin Russell starts its season with two straight away contests, before opening up at home almost a month after the season begins. But as soon as that game is over, the Wildcats will have to prepare to hit the road again for another road trip. “It is what it is,” said head coach Smitty Grider. “It is always preferable to open the season at home. Hopefully those road games will prepare us for when we have to make trips in the playoffs.”Dadeville’s
Sports Editor File / The Outlook The Dadeville
ON THE ROAD AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN... Area
take on the Reeltown
Reeltown’s schedule is a bit of a mixed bag, opening up its season on the road at rival Tallassee. One lone away game is buttressed in the middle of its season, before closing out with a three game road stretch that will have the Rebels traveling hundreds of miles combined around the state. “There is no place like home,” said head coach Matt Johnson. “I would rather play every game at home, but our routine stays the same no matter where we play.” Playing away from home is never easy. Teams and players in every sport feed off of the energy given by their home fans. Music from the band or cheers from your cheerleaders may be the difference in that last second, fourth quarter push. But many of these schools will feel the opposite for most of their seasons. Opposing bands, opposing cheers, long travels across the state all await these student-athletes. Only time will tell who will rise to the occasion and steal a game or two away from the sanctity of their home turf. teams to experience long stretches away from home HENRY ZIMMER Tigers Rebels at Reeltown in 2020.
Local schools are not going to have the luxury of home field advantage for much of the 2022 season. For many schools across the region, teams will be forced to pack up their buses and head to hostile environments all around the state on a weekly basis, instead of having their respective home crowds behind them.
“We have a tough road to close out my first year,” Russaw said. “By the end of the season though we should be in full form and hopefully healthy. We have a lot of games in front of us before that big stretch.”
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022 AUGUST 20228 COOSA VALLEY MRI Experience Excellence at Coosa Valley MRI COOSAVALLEYMRI.COM INSIDE COOSA VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER 315 W. Hickory Street, Sylacauga, AL PHONE: 256-207-2686 Schedule your appointment today!
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022AUGUST 2022 9
Sitting in his office chair, Dadeville head coach Roger McDonald leans far back, ready to talk some ball. He just came in from cutting the field grass but does not have a bead of sweat on him. After over 30 years of coaching high school football, he is probably used to the summer heat. Sitting in his newly built fieldhouse, he is surrounded by flat screen TVs on rollers and white boards with clusters of Xs and Os in different shades of blue and red marker. Of the dozens of plays on the board, almost all were run plays. It is no secret that Dadeville runs the ball. “We are I formation-ed up,” McDonald said of his offensive scheme. In his third year at Dadeville, McDonald is going to employ the same strategy he has used at every stop along his coaching journey: beating an opponent’s defense down with the run game. “We like to run the football,” McDonald said. “Whether we are good or not, we are going to find a way to be good at running the football. Not a lot of teams still line up under center. We sure still do.”
Dadeville’s Phil Dowdell runs the ball at a summer practice early in August.
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022 AUGUST 202210
DADEVILLETIGERS
See TIGERS • Page 11 Henry Zimmer / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.
“As crazy as it is, those two spots we feel like we are really good at,” McDonald said. Another receiving option for Dadeville is superstar tight end Avontae Wilson. Wilson, who is receiving some college attention, is an excellent playmaker and will be looking to make a huge splash in his senior season.Wilson can run, block and catch and as Dadeville’s tallest offensive weapon, he should be a huge threat in the red zone. He is proven and even in a run-heavy system, he will get his fair share of touches. Wilson also doubles as one of Dadeville’s eight returning starters on defense. Dowdell, Woody, Wilson and Doss make up just some of Dadeville’s veteran returning defense.
Rambo, who played defensive back last season, may become what McDonald calls a “time-and-a-half” player this McDonaldseason.wants to limit injuries and fatigue for many of his key players, most of whom play both ways. Having your starting quarterback also double as a corner, may not be the path to success for the
By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Editor
With the size and speed of Dadeville’s roster, it should not be shocking why the team runs the system it does.Thefirst line of attack for Dadeville starts up front. The offensive line has four returning starters, including both of its guards. Zi Moon and Will Johns will outfit the inside of the line, paving the way for a committee of running backs. Quarterback duties will be handled by Jordan Rambo, the starter for Dadeville’s playoff game last year. Rambo, who also plays corner, had on and off quarterback experience last season, splitting reps with incumbent Lane Smith. With Smith now graduated, Rambo will be Dadeville’s guy under center. “We feel really good about where we are with Jordan,” McDonald said a few weeks into summer workouts.Therunning back room for Dadeville will be a revolving door, as any number of guys could get any number of snaps. DaQuan Doss should be the main workhorse for Dadeville, entering his senior season. With an effective run game, McDonald says he could get sneaky and let his speedsters on the outside loose. The Tigers are returning both starting wideouts, seniors Antojuan Woody and Philstavious Dowdell, who also doubles as a state champion sprinter. While Dadeville unabashedly runs the football as its main form of offense, McDonald says that his receivers can and will mix things up.
Dadeville looks to run the ball every chance they get
Region 4 Class Distribution: 16 seniors, 12 juniors, 12 sophomores, 19 freshmen First Game: Friday,
Coach: Roger McDonald, third season, 12-8 overall Class: Class 3A Region: Region 4 year: 6-4, 4-3 in Class 3A, August 19 Tiger 227 AL
Health seems to be at the forefront of the Dadeville decision making. McDonald said he never wants to get beat with his best players on the sidelines. If the Tigers are to make a playoff run, health and depth are going to be paramount. “We feel good about everything,” McDonald said. “Our kids have worked hard. It is just a matter of who stays healthy and how good everyone else is.”
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022AUGUST 2022 11 Tigers. Instead, McDonald wants his essential players to rotate in only when needed, limiting the time played both ways. “There has got to be a time where you just have your best 11 on the field,” McDonald said. “We try to do that defensively as much as we can. But we also try to have time-and-a-half players. We have to find that mix and keeping guys healthy is part of that.”
vs. Comer Stadium Name:
Dadeville opens its season on August 19, at home against B.B. Comer.
Stadium Stadium Location:
Weldon St., Dadeville,
1 Antojuan Woody WR/DB Sr. 5’9 162 2 Jordan Rambo QB/DB Sr. 6’1 192 3 DaQuan Doss RB/OLB Sr. 5’6 171 4 Levi Childers WR/OLB So. 5’6 158 5 Jay Burns RB/ILB So. 5’11 189 6 Wardrellis Cox TE/DL Sr. 5’9 184 7 Phil Dowdell WR/DB Sr. 5’10 162 8 Cameron Heard QB/DB So. 5’9 143 9 Roderick Green RB/DL Fr. 5’6 190 10 Avontae Wilson TE/ILB Sr. 6’2 215 11 Ky Moss QB/DB So. 5’10 150 12 DJ Hall WR/DL Sr. 6’1 170 13 Lane Chayka TE/DL Jr. 6’1 194 14 Ivory Riggsbee RB/OLB Jr. 5’10 162 15 Jace Kirkland TE/ILB Sr. 5’10 206 16 Anthony Coker RB/OLB Fr. 5’0 109 20 Benton Baker WR/OLB So. 5’8 154 21 Carter Williams TE/DL Sr. 6’4 209 22 Carter Boswell WR/DB Fr. 5’11 136 23 Brandez Eason RB/OLB Fr. 6’1 166 24 Keyshun Woodyard WR/DB Fr. 5’8 135 25 Kodi Morgan WR/DB Fr. 5’10 128 28 Justice Rowe WR/DB Jr. 5’8 145 30 Logan Champion RB/ILB So. 6’0 191 31 Luke Champion WR/DB Fr. 5’9 131 32 Nolan Bobo WR/DB Fr. 5’6 132 33 Brady Knox K Fr. 5’1 95 34 Kenneth Garrett WR/DL Sr. 6’0 174 35 Tyler Colvin TE/DL Sr. 6’3 227 36 Ty Woolsey TE/DL So. 6’0 166 37 Xyen Davis WR/OLB So. 5’8 160 38 Tory Rimstad WR/OLB So. 5’8 148 39 Josh Huguley WR/DB Jr. 5’8 135 40 Terrance Stegall WR/DB Jr. 5’10 175 50 Dayton Lankert OL/DL Fr. 5’9 197 51 Dylan Worcester OL/DL Jr. 5’9 172 52 Isaiah West OL/DL So. 5’9 262 53 Thai Loring OL/DL Jr. 6’0 223 54 Gabe Abernathy OL/DL So. 6’0 230 55 Colton Liggitt OL/DL So. 6’0 230 56 Will Johns OL/DL Jr. 5’8 201 57 Brodie Ingram OL/DL Sr. 6’2 219 58 Kenwann Heard OL/DL Jr. 5’7 338 59 Hayden Carmack OL/DL Fr. 5’4 125 60 Zi Moon OL/DL Sr. 5’11 211 61 Tquevious Tolbert OL/DL Fr. 5’6 150 62 Shawn Stroud OL/DL Fr. 5’5 213 63 Lechevion Walton OL/DL So. 5’10 260 64 Tony Hill OL/DL Jr. 5’8 179 65 Kameron Moss OL/DL Sr. 5’11 259 78 Owen Higgs OL/DL Jr. 5’9 304 80 Hudson Smith WR/DL Fr. 5’5 127 81 Brody Buchanan WR/Db Fr. 5’1 95 82 Kenneth Lewis WR/DB Fr. 5’7 138 83 Coley Mims WR/DB Fr. 5’5 105 84 Kendarius Heard WR/DB Sr. 5’10 163 85 Caleb Brown WR/DB Fr. 5’8 148 86 Shandell Walls WR/DB Fr. 5’3 124 88 Javarious Askew WR/DB Jr. 5’11 122 DADEVILLE ROSTER No. Name Grade Position Ht. Wt. No. Name Grade Position Ht. Wt. Tigers continued from Page 10 Henry Zimmer / Tallapoosa Publishers Dadeville Tigers work on their tackling at a summer practice day in early August. Stay in the loop every Friday night. Visit ALEXCITYOUTLOOK.COM for game wrap-ups and final scores for the Dadeville High School Tigers.
Last
DADEVILLE TIGERS at a glance
McDonald said that his players practice both ways, no matter what, in order to be ready to play anywhere at any time. Off the field, the new fieldhouse and its facilities are helping Dadeville players stay in healthy shape.“We feel like the weight room, and our strength and conditioning program, we are finally where we need to be strength-wise,” McDonald said. “The key is just to stay healthy.”
FOOTBALL Aug. 19 at Sylacauga Aug. 26 vs Central of Clay County Sept. 2 vs Calera Sept. 16 at Homewood Sept. 23 vs Smiths Station Sept. 30 vs Chilton County Oct. 6 at Pelham Oct. 14 vs Briarwood Christian Oct. 21 at Helena Aug. 19 vs Comer Aug. 26 at Reeltown Sept. 2 at Weaver Sept. 9 vs Saks Sept. 16 at Wellborn Sept. 23 at Notasulga Sept. 30 vs Beulah Oct. 14 at Childersburg Oct. 21 vs Randolph County Oct. 28 vs Wicksburg Aug. 19 vs Verbena Aug. 26 at Talladega County Central Sept. 2 vs Vincent Sept. 9 vs Isabella Sept. 16 at Thorsby Sept. 30 vs Woodland Oct. 7 vs Fayetteville Oct. 14 at Comer Oct. 21 at Ranburne Oct. 27 at Autaugaville BENJAMINRUSSELL CENTRALCOOSADADEVILLETIGERS
NATION 22 Aug. 19 vs Wadley Sept. 2 vs Lanett Sept. 9 vs Luverne Sept. 16 at Highland Home Sept. 23 at Fayetteville Sept. 30 at LaFayette Oct. 7 at Reeltown Oct. 14 vs Barbour County Oct. 21 vs Goshen Oct. 28 at Beulah Aug. 18 at Tallassee Aug. 26 vs Dadeville Sept. 2 vs LaFayette Sept. 9 at Goshen Sept. 16 vs Barbour County Sept. 30 vs Lanett Oct. 7 vs Horseshoe Bend Oct. 14 at Luverne Oct. 21 vs Highland Home Oct. 28 at Zion Chapel Aug. 18 vs Reeltown Aug. 26 at Booker T. Washington Sept. 2 vs Central of Clay County Sept. 9 at Beauregard Sept. 16 vs Marbury Sept. 23 at Chilton County Sept. 30 at Elmore County Oct. 14 vs Sylacauga Oct. 28 atHoltville HORSESHOEBEND REELTOWNREBELS TALLASSEETIGERS'
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022 AUGUST 202214 Tallapoosa Publishers is looking for people with a love of sports and a passion for writing and/or photography to help us cover high school sports in Tallapoosa, Coosa & Elmore counties. Interested? Email Kaitlin Fleming kaitlin.fleming@alexcityoutlook.com Please include name, number & writing samples, if possible. Help us with our award-winning sports coverage
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022AUGUST 2022 15 | CRANK UP THE LIGHTS! IT’S FRIDAY NIGHT. Alabama Funeral Homes & Cremation Centers wishes all of the area teams a safe and successful 2022 season.
Football games are won in the trenches, and that is exactly where Reeltown head coach Matt Johnson wants his team to dominate. With humongous size and veteran experience on the offensive front, the hog mollies of Reeltown are looking to not only make a push on every play but push their team to the playoffs in the school’s new region. “I can’t say enough about our offensive line,” Johnson said. “This game is won and lost upfront. We put a lot of stock in our line.”
Much of Reeltown’s scheme allows for linemen to get to the second level, paving the way for backs and receivers. One could only imagine that the Rebel offensive linemen are licking their chops when they get a sweep or a screen call to go hit a defensive back in space.Quarterback Jake Hornsby will be taking over play calling duties for the offense. His offseason work and improvement from his sophomore to now junior year has earned him that right, according to his coaches. Hornsby will be taking the reins from Gabe Bryant, who graduated this past year. While not a returning starter, Hornsby did see action last season, so with a full offseason under his belt he should be ready to command the always action-packed Rebel offense. That offense will be paired alongside a defense that features the same principles: size up front, speed outside and veteran presences throughout. The Rebels run a 3-4 system, with a big run-stopping nose guard in the middle. Many of the players on the offensive line will rotate in at the crucial nose guard spot as they did last season, but Johnson was not too keen to say who will trot out for the team’s first defensive possession this season, rather opting to keep that position under“Wewraps.gotsome decent nose guards,” Johnson said. “We got some size.” Outside of the defensive line, three seniors are set to be the anchors of the Reeltown secondary. Zy Collins and Seth Hill are both seniors and leaders at the defensive back position. Omor Ponds will be the senior leader for the linebackers. “Those three are some key guys we
athletes that we want to get in space.”
Reeltown Rebels practice their formations during a summer practice early in August.
REELTOWN REBELS
As for some of those playmakers, sophomore running back Jeffrey Thompson was someone Johnson said will benefit from the team’s bulk up front. Wide receiver Connor Spain, a senior, is someone Johnson said will do “big things” in this upcoming season.
this
Reeltown’s new region competition packed with powerhouses year
By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Editor
On the line, four of the five starters will be upperclassmen, led by senior lineman Logan Dillard. Dillard is not only the leader of his position group, but also is the leader off the field for the Rebels. And the kid is downright massive.At6-5, 295 pounds, Dillard is huge. He will move around to different spots on the offensive line, much as he did last year, to give Reeltown a big body to send out to crush someone. Lane Burns, another senior on the line, will be paired up alongside juniors Jacob Hornsby and Zack Riley to make up the mostly veteran front. When looking at the size of Reeltown’s line, the position group more resembles a college squad rather than a high school. Burns clocks in at over 6’0, and 260 pounds and Riley is listed at 265. Add in sophomore Bowman Brumbeloe, who is 6’2, 325 pounds and Reeltown looks to have an almost college-level front.The average college offensive lineman weights about 300 pounds. The average Reeltown lineman weighs about 280. As for what type of offense that line will be blocking for, Johnson wants his team to be dynamic, employing a variety of schemes to get his slenderer play makers out in the open. “We will mix it up,” Johnson said. “You have got to cater to the guys that you got, and we got some pretty good
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022 AUGUST 202216
Henry Zimmer / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.
See REELTOWN • Page 17
The high goals Johnson has set for his team are not even talked about around the facility, as they should already be implied. “You expect to be in the playoffs every year, that is the goal,” Johnson said. “We don’t talk about maybe making the playoffs. Playoffs are expected. Anything less than that is a letdown.”Reeltown opens its Tallassee, on August 19.
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022AUGUST 2022 17 are really looking to get a lot of things out of on defense,” Johnson said. Experienced leadership is going to be key for Reeltown, as the team makes the adjustment to playing in 2A, Region 3 from 3A, Region 4. Reeltown will now be paired alongside Horseshoe Bend in Region 3, a region that also features many perennial powerhouses. Last season, Reeltown qualified for the playoffs in their former region, losing to the Opp Bobcats in the first round.This year Johnson knows his team has to be at its best, because any number of teams could make the playoffs and make a deep run. “It is a really tough region,” Johnson said. “With four teams advancing to the playoffs, that fifth team left out is going to be a really good football team. There are going to be two or so football teams that don’t make it, but in any other region they would make the playoffs.”Asforhis team specifically, Johnson said that the groundwork has been laid for Reeltown to make the playoffs every year, no matter what division the team plays in, or who they play. “We really look forward to this season,” Johnson said. “Our philosophy has been for forever, to not shy away from competition. We want to play tough schedules. We want to earn our way into the playoffs. We have been able to do that recently.”
REELTOWNREBELS at a glance Coach: year,Johnson,Mattseventh45-25overall Class: Class 2A Region: Region 3 Last Year: 6-5, 5-2 Class 3A, Region 4 Class Distribution: 7 seniors, 8 juniors, 14 sophomores, 6 freshmen, 3 eighth graders First Game: Thursday, August 18 at Tallassee Stadium Name: StadiumNix-Webster-O’Neal Reeltown continued from Page 16 1 Zy Collins WR/DB Sr. 5’11 160 2 Jeffery “Buck” Thompson RB/LB So. 5’9 180 3 Xavier Thomas WR/DB Jr. 5’9 140 4 Finn Henderson QB/DB So. 6’3 165 5 Seth Hill WR/LB Sr. 5’9 145 6 Takeo Potts RB/DB Sr. 5’9 150 7 Cruise Johnson FB/OL/LB So. 5’6 150 9 Arthur Woods WR/DB Jr. 5’8 145 10 Tyrese Fallin FB/LB Jr. 5’6 150 11 Larry Butler WR/DB So. 5’10 145 12 Connor Spain WR/DB Sr. 6’1 160 14 Jake Hornsby QB/LB Jr. 6’0 175 15 Caleb Spivey QB/LB So. 6’1 220 16 Alijah Woods QB/DB 8th 5’8 145 17 Catavis “Tae” Martin WR/DB So. 5’10 150 18 Demetrius Brown WR/DB So. 5’11 185 19 Hagan Lewis WR/LB So. 5’11 155 20 Brody Smith TE/LB Fr. 6’0 155 21 Omor Ponds RB/LB Sr. 5’7 165 22 Gaines Tapley WR/DB So. 5’6 140 23 Baylor Clayton TE/LB So. 6’4 215 26 Traylen Roberts RB/DL 8th 5’7 190 27 Devin Bragg FB/OL/LB Fr. 5’8 195 28 Canaan “CJ” Maddox TE/DL 8th 5’10 150 33 Kelan Bevels WR/DB So. 5’11 150 50 Zack Riley OL/DL Jr. 5’10 265 51 Dylan Bryant OL/DL So. 5’10 200 52 Jayvian “JJ” Kendrick OL/DL Jr. 5’8 150 54 Larry “Ace” Foy OL/DL So. 5’10 200 55 Jacob Hornsby FB/OL/DL Jr. 5’8 155 57 Aaron Clark OL/DL Fr. 5’11 210 58 Jaquan Harris OL/DL Fr. 5’9 230 60 Levi Waites OL/DL Jr. 5’5 190 63 Undrey Campbell OL/DL Fr. 5’9 220 65 Logan Dillard OL/DL Sr. 6’5 295 67 Casen Kelley OL/DL Fr. 5’10 255 73 Lane Burns OL/DL Sr. 6’1 260 77 Bowman Brumbeloe OL/DL So. 6’2 325 REELTOWN ROSTER No. Name Position Grade Ht. Wt. No. Name Position Grade Ht. Wt. Never miss updates on Reeltown High School Rebels. Visit ALEXCITYOUTLOOK.COM for final scores, exclusive video interviews, spotlights on players, weekly polls and much more. Henry Zimmer / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. Reeltown Rebels practice their formations during a summer practice early in August.
season on the road at
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022 AUGUST 202218 SPORTS EXTRASPORTS EXTRA STUDENTCOVERINGMISSDON’TIT!500ATHLETES ALABAMA’S BIGGEST WEEKLY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL EDITION SUBSCRIBE ALEXCITYOUTLOOK.COMTODAY A special section published every Saturday for The Outlook, inserted the following Wednesday for The Wetumpka Herald and The Tallassee Tribune, inserted Thursday for The Dadeville Record.
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022AUGUST 2022 19
Shundell Russaw was hired in late July to take over the Central Coosa football program. So far, the young coach has hit the ground running. “I got the opportunity a few days ago to come down to Coosa to see the culture and the climate, see the players walking around the halls, and I immediately fell in love with it,” Russaw said. “Right now in my life, Coosa is the place for me. I want to be here for a long time and build a program. I want to make some memorable moments.”
Taking a walk through the halls of Coosa, it is hard to miss the taxidermy Cougar and the athletic shrine to three Cougar athletic greats. Accolades collected by former NFL players Adalius Thomas and Justin Tuck and current NBA player Xavier Moon decorate the shrine to Cougar glory.Russaw knows that the future Tucks and Thomases are walking around him. It is up to him to find them. “The potential is here,” Russaw said. “They are walking right through these hallways. It is just up to somebody to believe in them. It is up to somebody to show up and lead them.”One of those players could be junior defensive back and wide receiver Elijah Richardson. Richardson is a leader on the Coosa defense. While he may not be the biggest player on the field, he has a pure knack for finding the ball. Last season he snagged eight interceptions, including a 95-yard pick-six.“Heis a leader on and off the field,” Russaw said. “I really enjoy that kid. He is definitely our smartest player.”Richardson plays both ways, as every Cougar will have to do with a limited roster, but his focus is on defense. And there is a simple reason for“Thatthat. kid sure likes to hit,” Russaw said.Quarterback M.J. Culpepper looks to be ready to take the next step, entering his senior year. He has a solid grasp on his offense and can direct players with ease. He even saw some snaps at running back in two quarterback sets. Players like Culpepper and Richardson have not experienced a lot of winning at Coosa. Russaw wants to turn that around to give the kids the high school football experience they deserve.“Atthe end of the day, it is not about me,” Russaw said. “It is all about the kids. It is about mentoring them and grooming them and having them ready for real life. Central Coosa is about to change.” Taking over a program that has struggled as of late certainly was not an easy decision for Russaw. A big factor in taking the opportunity for him and his family to “make a splash” with the Cougars. “I want to chase my dreams,” Russaw said. “I felt like I was ready. Coosa is hungry for a change and so amCentralI.” Coosa’s first game is August 19, at home against Verbena.
CENTRAL COOSA COUGARS
By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Editor
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022 AUGUST 202220
Aside from football, Russaw will also serve as the school’s head baseball coach and a physical education teacher. His most important role however will be an ambassador for not only his school, but his kids. “Our community is going to have to come together,” Russaw said. “We are going to have to help out in finances, stepping up at the school. Community and parent participation at school increases student success. When kids see their parents and mentors at school, it creates the mentality for those kids to want to do better. I want to bring that about. Coosa County will buy in. I have already gotten so much support.”Lastseason, Cougars players had difficult times getting to and from practice, as the school draws students from multiple different counties, with some commutes being well over 20 minutes one way. Practices last season consisted of less than a dozen players many times. Inconsistent ability to get together as a group led the team to a 2-5 record. Already, Russaw has seen his players buy into him and his scheme, and practices are mostly full. The coach has also been in touch with local churches to supply rides for kids who may need them, and to organize carpooling.Still,many players have not reported to practices yet and will probably not be seen until the first day of “Ischool.amfocused on putting my best foot forward to help change the culture and climate,” Russaw said. “Accountability and discipline are what I want everyone to learn. As parents we have got to communicate and work together to get the kids here. We are going to have groups where we can carpool from each direction.”
RUSSAW: ‘Coosa is hungry for a change and so am I’
Henry Zimmer / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. Central Coosa Cougars practice running the ball at an early August practice day.
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022AUGUST 2022 21 Antoneo Grant John WyattKenyonAlexJayvenAydenM.J.ConnorHeathLadarrianDemarkasLuisEliElishaDylanEthanElijahCassidyDevinRichardsonSweetHowardRichardsonMooreCalhounHayesSelfMartinezSandlinRansawJoinerMitchellCulpepperWilliamsJacksonWilliamsRichardsonKimbrell Charles Tillman Josh MarcusAustinDevinZiquiseJordanEthanIssaccTravantiJa’vanzavionGraysonKyleKalebWesleyCadeNigelJalenTorranceHarrisonKellyCorleyMillnerShurretteCasasBullardBallardKelleyAbstonThomasOdemLeeCrosbyStansberryAbstonDavisAdairCastleberry CENTRAL COOSA ROSTER Name Name CENTRAL COOSA COUGARS at a glance Coach: Shundell Russaw, first season Class: Class 2A Region: Region 4 Last year: 2-7, 1-5 Class 2A, Region 3 First Game: Friday, August 19 vs. Verbena Stadium Stadium:Name: Location: 243 County Rd. 75, Rockford, AL In Print & Online www.alexcityoutlook.com256.234.4281TheOutlookSubscribe Today! Be a Know-It-All with Lake Martin’s Best Source for News and Information *This roster is the most recent available and may not contain the most up-to-date information Good Luck to all Area Teams on a Great 2022 Season!
By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Editor
See GENERALS • Page 23
On the defensive side, a player who is also green to Generals football is senior Gains Thomas. This upcoming season will be the first ever football season for Thomas, but Phillips said the game came naturally and he expects big things on the defensive line from the newcomer.
Horseshoe Bend progressing as a program
Henry Zimmer / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022 AUGUST 202222
Horseshoe Bend High School was without air conditioning for a lot of this offseason, as the school was being remodeled. Coaches were tasked with leading workouts, and also painting walls. Offices were redesigned as rolling chair graveyards and box fans sat on the floor to try to circulate the summer air. Head coach Jeremy Phillips did not seem to care.Working in the hot, stuffy halls of the school’s main building is no different than playing on the hot field of Generals Stadium during the season. The mentality to not let adversity phase you, no matter the circumstance, is what Phillips wants his team to learn. Phillips’s team is made up of all kinds of kinds. He has players this year that have never played organized football before, mixed in with four-year veterans. This may not be the case at many schools, but it is what Phillips has to work with.“You just have to show up and play ball at the end of the day,” Phillips said. “We have really progressed in the years since I have been here. Guys are excited about football now. That is the building process.”
Horseshoe Bend Generals practice their formations during a summer practice early in August.
HORSESHOEBENDGENERALS
Phillips said two of his backs, freshman Braxton Wilson and junior Josh Hunt, will help lead the charge on offense. Instead of relying on having three guys in the backfield, Phillips wants his team to use multiple schemes to give his offense a needed boost. “I think they will be able to fill the shoes (of Brazzell),” Phillips said. “What we are going to do is more of a one tailback set, instead of having to have three tailbacks. We still have the ability to have three tailbacks when we need to. It kind of mixes up our looks and gives us an edge.”Asfor who will be handing the quarterback duties, the Generals will look to James Smith, who did not play organized football this past season. Smith transferred into Horseshoe Bend mid-season and had to watch the team from the sidelines before beginning play in the spring. “I thought he did well in spring,” Phillips said. “He really took on learning the offense. I have been impressed with him. He can run, he is very elusive. That really opens up our offense.”
“He really impressed me in the spring,” Phillips said. “He took on how to do the fundamentals very well. He is one of the hardest workers we got. He is going to make a big impact.Thedefense for the Generals will look to be about the same as in the past, employing a 4-2-5 and a 4-3. The defense will feature many familiar faces, including senior linebacker Rylan Sharpe, junior defensive back Charlie Shivers and former quarterback-turned-linebacker, senior Luke Jones but also the likes of players like Thomas.
A part of that building process for Phillips has been redesigning his offense this offseason, after the graduation of star running back Gavin Brazzell.TheGenerals typical wishbone offense will look a tad bit different this upcoming year, as Phillips is looking to keep defenses on their toes. “We are going to use a lot of RPOs,” Phillips said. “We are going to use some different reads to spread out the defense, different from what we have done in the past, in order to help on the offensive side of the ball.”
All of Horseshoe Bend’s players are prepared to play both ways. Such is the life of a smaller, 2A school. Players that may be known for defense, also play receiver. Guys like Thomas will play both ways. It is a sort of trial by fire for players who wear the red and white. Now, with a reclassification from District 2A, Region 4 to Region 3, the Generals’ players are going to have to be at their best, no matter where they are playing, if they want to build off of last year’s 3-7 record.
2A Region 3 features some heavy hitters, including a handful of teams that made the playoffs last season. However, if Horseshoe Bend wins just one more game this year than it did last year, the Generals too could be a playoff team.“It is going to be a tough region,” Phillips said. “We will be physically prepared. It just comes down to when it is time to make a play. If we steal a good game on the road, we could very well be headed to the playoffs.”
for
on their
you
on August 19. Generals continued from Page 22
• 256-215-5323 A
Publishers Inc. Quarterback
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022AUGUST 2022 23 HORSESHOE BEND GENER ALS GENERALS at a glance Coach: Jeremy Phillips, fourth season, 6-24 overall Class: Class 2A Region: Region 3 Last Year: 3-7, 2-6 Class 2A, Region 4 Class Distribution: 10 seniors, 13 juniors, 11 sophomores, 3 freshmen First game: Friday, August 19 vs. Wadley Stadium Name: Generals Stadium Stadium Location: 10648 Highway 22 E, New Site, AL 2 Dakotah Howard RB/DB Sr. 5’6 120 3 James Smith QB/DB Jr. 6’0 175 4 Dorian Wickersham WR/DB Jr. 6’0 160 5 Rylan Sharpe FB/LB Sr. 5’7 160 6 Carter Poe WR/DB Jr. 5’10 150 7 Brayden Anderson QB/DB So. 5’6 125 8 Charlie Shivers WR/DB Jr. 5’10 135 10 Luke Jones WR/DB Sr. 5’9 150 11 Cully Sharpe WR/DB Sr. 5’10 130 12 Josh Hunt RB/LB Jr. 6’0 145 13 Taylor Humphrey TE/DE Sr. 6’1 180 14 Braxton Wilson RB/DB Fr. 5’9 175 15 Jacob Turner TE/DL Sr. 6’4 225 17 Solompn Arnold WR/DB So. 5’10 140 20 Kole Evers FB/LB Jr. 5’8 150 22 Kori Woods RB/DB So. 5’6 125 23 Reed Godwin FB/LB So. 5’5 125 25 Trent Higgins RB/LB So. 5’9 160 27 David Layfield K Fr. 5’4 110 28 Connor Sharpe WR/DB So. 5’5 110 32 Seth King FB/LB Fr. 5’8 160 40 Jacoby Glenn OL/DL Jr. 5’10 175 50 Jadon Brooks OL/DL So. 6’0 190 52 Thomas Kinman OL/DL Jr. 5’10 180 54 Riley Goodwin OL/DL So. 5’10 240 55 Calvin Mangram OL/LB Jr. 5’9 190 56 Alex Martinez OL/LB Sr. 5’10 190 57 Riley Humphrey OL/DL So. 5’9 150 58 Ethan Mitchell OL/LB Jr. 5’8 160 62 Christian Brown OL/DL Jr. 5’10 195 64 Gains Thomas OL/DL Sr. 6’0 200 69 Sawyer Smith OL/DL Sr. 6’0 215 71 Wesley Moore OL/DL So. 5’10 220 73 Ethan Baker OL/DL Sr. 6’3 220 74 Jace McCord OL/DL So. 6’0 225 75 Brody Bryan OL/DL Jr. 6’0 260 77 Nathan Nelson OL/DL Jr. 6’0 235 HORSESHOE BEND ROSTER No. Name Position Grade Height Weight
at an early
practice. DON’T BE SIDELINED Heart Disease is Treatable. “Committed to providing the highest quality cardiac care, yet striving to provide the most comprehensive, cost effective treatment possible.” 1649 Highway 22 West
Henry Zimmer / Tallapoosa James Smith rolls out a pass August Alexander City, AL game the Horseshoe Bend staff and have already circled calendars is opening night against Wadley. The Generals will host the Bulldogs for a nonconference game; a rematch of the Bulldogs victory over Horseshoe Bend to last season. are a lot like us,” Phillips said. “They are going to line up and run the ball. We are going to have to match their intensity. Our boys usually rise up that game. It will be a fun atmosphere when show up here, it will be a packed house. It will be a fun time.” Wadley travels to Horseshoe Bend
for
players
open
“They
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022 AUGUST 202224 SUMMERTIME IS A SPECIAL TIME, IS YOUR HEART HEALTHY? Summertime means time on the water, time away from work, and more time with family and friends. Make sure your heart is healthy and ready for the season with an appointment at the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic at Russell Medical. Kevin Sublett, MD, is board-certified in cardiovascular care and offers the latest in prevention, testing, and treatment for keeping your heart healthy. Our clinic is backed by the knowledge and expertise of UAB Medicine, including: • Advanced ultrasound testing • Nuclear medicine imaging in fully accredited labs • Management of cardiac rhythm disorders • Interventional cardiology care Our expanded clinical team is ready to serve you. Schedule a visit today by calling 256-234-2644. HEART & VASCULAR CLINIC AT RUSSELL MEDICAL 3368 Highway 280, Suite 130 • Alexander City, AL 35010 (256) 234-2644 • uabmedicine.org/HeartRussell
