ANNUAL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW GRIDIRON GUIDE ‘22 AUGUST 2022 A special supplement to The Wetumpka Herald & The Tallassee Tribune The Year of the Quarterback In-depth Season Previews Key Players Rosters, schedules, team info
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022 AUGUST 20222 • ALIGNMENTS • TIRES/BRAKES•EXHAUST • OIL CHANGES
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022AUGUST 2022 3 ANNUAL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW GRIDIRON GUIDE ‘22 AUGUST 2022 A special supplement to The Wetumpka Herald & The Tallassee Tribune The Year of the Quarterback In-depth Season Previews Key Players Rosters, schedules, team info ON THE COVER This year’s cover story is about the quarterbacks in Elmore County that get things done. For in-depth coverage of these teams and their quarterbacks, see pages 4 & 5. Gridiron Guide is an annual publication of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. It is designed to highlight the local prep football teams in the Elmore County region. STAFF PUBLISHER Steve Baker CHAIRMAN Kenneth Boone EDITORIAL Kaitlin Fleming, News Editor Dalton Middleton, Sports Editor Henry Zimmer, Sports Editor Willam Marlow, Multimedia Reporter Cliff Williams, Staff Writer CREATIVE SERVICES Audra Spears, Art Director ADVERTISING Tippy Hunter, Advertising Director Marilyn Hawkins, Sales Manager Sheryl Jennings, Account Manager CIRCULATION Erin LindaBurtonEwing ACCOUNTING Angela Mullins PRODUCTION Lee Champion CONTRIBUTORS Larry Robinson “It’s all about the audience.” — TPI TABLE OF CONTENTS 4page Quarterbacks are making a comeback this year THE YEAR OF THE QB 6page Length and speed to headline new Wetumpka football this season NEW SEASON, NEW 10COACH Youngpage team hopes to continue recent success THIRSTY TIGERS groupExperiencedhopes to lead SEHS back to playoffs RETURN TO 12PLAYOFFS page 16 Elmorepage sees bolstered roster in Caldwell’s first season PLAYING PANTHERS 20page enteringoptimisticcoachgroupExperiencedhasFranklin2022 FUELING THE FLAMES 18Experiencedpage Edgewood team faces tough schedule ALL BOOKED UP 22Reeltown’spage new region packed with powerhouses this year NEW REGIONThe Wetumpka Herald 127 Company Street Wetumpka, AL www.thewetumpkaherald.com334-567-781136092 Photos by Larry Robinson Cover designed by Audra Spears
WETUMPKA HOLTVILLE Payton Stephenson Stephenson has started each of the last two seasons at quarterback for the Panthers, and he’s found success both through the air and on the ground. After accumulating over 1,600 total yards during his sophomore season, he posted over 1,000 yards passing and 1,000 rushing last year.
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Jacob Bryant As a sophomore last year, Bryant passed for 1,259 yards, 7 touchdowns and 7 Ininterceptions.Stanhope’s spring game, Bryant passed for over 250 yards and three touchdowns in just over one half of a game.
ELMORE COUNTY
TALLASSEE
Austin Champion had the best season throwing the ball last year, but now he’s looking to make more of an impact running the ball like Rogers and Stephenson. In his first year in 2021, Champion completed 143 of his 271 passes for 2,215 yards, 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Tanner Potts Holtville welcomes back Tanner Potts for his second year as the starter, and he had a solid year as a junior. He completed 87 of his 173 passes for 1,101 yards, 9 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions. On the ground, he added 48 yards and two touchdowns.
Nate Rogers, only a junior, is entering his second year of starting for the Indians. Rogers, in his one year of starting, led Wetumpka to the playoffs. He had more success on the ground than through the air, but put up respectable numbers. He completed 80 of his 148 pass attempts for 1,045 yards, 7 touchdowns and 6 interceptions, but he also added 828 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Nate Rogers
Austin Champion
STANHOPE ELMORE EDGEWOOD ACADEMY Tyler Ellis Ellis enters the 2022 season with three seasons of starting experience under his belt. He helped lead Tallassee to a 7-3 overall record last season as the Tigers made the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
In Millbrook, the Stanhope Elmore Mustangs are looking for the opposite and are wanting to get quarterback Jacob Bryant more into the passing game. As a sophomore last year, Bryant passed for 1,259 yards, 7 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. The Mustangs didn’t pass the ball too much, however, as they wanted Bryant to learn the offense and focused on the run game. This year, star running back Antonio Trone is gone and Bryant seems much more comfortable throwing the ball.
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Edgewood Academy’s Austin Champion had the best season throwing the ball last year, but now he’s looking to make more of an impact running the ball like Rogers and Stephenson. In his first year starting as a junior in 2021, Champion completed 143 of his 271 passes for 2,215 yards, 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He had mild success on the ground as he rushed for 184 yards and four Championtouchdowns.losthisbig play threat in receiver Trevor Rodie, but he still has many playmakers on the outside. And while he’s been mostly a complete pocket passer, he will be a big part of the Wildcats’ run game this year.“Running is definitely something that he can do,” head coach Chad Michael said. “Early in the year last year, we didn’t do it as much because we didn’t want him to get hurt, but we’ve talked about it more as a staff and the thing with him is that he’s going to have to be a part of our running game. We can’t limit him just because we’re scared of him possibly getting hurt.”
The next most experienced starter is Elmore County’s Payton Stephenson. Stephenson has started each of the last two seasons at quarterback for the Panthers, and he’s found success both through the air and on the ground. After accumulating over 1,600 total yards during his sophomore season, he posted over 1,000 yards passing and 1,000 rushing last year.
The quarterback has and will always be the most important position on any football team, and there’s nothing better for a high school quarterback than having experience.Afterlast year featured four new starters across the county, all six high school football teams in the county - Wetumpka, Stanhope Elmore, Edgewood Academy, Holtville, Tallassee and Elmore County - now have experienced quarterbacks. All six teams return their starting quarterback from a year ago, and some of those quarterbacks have started for multiple years. Four of them are just entering their second year as the starter, but between the six of them, they have nine years of starting experience entering the 2022Theseason.mostexperienced starter is Tallassee senior Tyler Ellis, but he won’t be the only quarterback that head coach Mike Battles and the Tigers see this season. Ellis enters the 2022 season with three seasons of starting experience under his belt. He helped lead Tallassee to a 7-3 overall record last season as the Tigers made the playoffs for the first time since 2017. But, he and his family moved to Luverne this past spring, but moved back in the summer. During that time, Battles looked on his roster for a new starting quarterback and found junior Cade Everson. Ellis and Everson are very different quarterbacks, with Ellis being more of the typical pocket passer and Everson being more of a threat with his legs. Battles feels both quarterbacks deserve a shot to prove themselves, so they’re entering the season with the plans of running a two-quarterback system. “We’re still deciding how we’re going to utilize both of their talents,” Battles said. “I think they’re both going to play. They’re both competing for the job. We’re going to see how we can utilize what they do best, but also not make it where every team knows what we’re going to do when we bring each one in.”
All six county teams return starting quarterbacks in 2022
In Stanhope’s spring game, Bryant passed for over 250 yards and three touchdowns in just over one half of football. He’s gotten about 1 1/2 inches taller and gained 20 pounds, and he’s ready to lead a potent passing“Thisattack.year,he’s so much more comfortable and confident and he understands where the ball needs to go and why it needs to go there,” coach Brian Bradford said. “He’s anticipating the throws so much better than when he was younger. He sees what the defense is trying to do and can see the routes come open before they do. He’s a year more mature. He’s going to be a force this year.” Right down the street is arguably the county’s quarterback with the best ball security. Holtville welcomes back Tanner Potts for his second year as the starter, and he had a solid year as a junior. He completed 87 of his 173 passes for 1,101 yards, 9 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions. On the ground, he added 48 yards and two touchdowns. A lot of Potts’ offseason was filled with him leading the Bulldogs baseball team to the state championship, but since then, he has improved heavily on his throwing. Already a game manager, head coach Jason Franklin has seen him improve at just throwing the ball quicker and reading defenses quicker. With that, Franklin believes his passing attack is ahead of any other offense he’s had in his six years at Holtville.“Heis throwing the ball as good as I’ve ever seen him throw it. He’s doing extremely well throwing the football,” Franklin said. “He’s learning to read things a little sooner and speeding the process up. We’ve made some really good strides this summer in throwing the football. I think we’re way ahead of any year since I’ve been here, throwing the football.”
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The Panthers welcome in new coach Kyle Caldwell, a former quarterback phenomenon who knows all about being a dual-threat player. And with a bolstered roster, Caldwell believes Stephenson is the perfect guy to help Elmore County back to the top. “It’s just the natural abilities and the intangibles that are hard to coach,” Caldwell said. “It’s being able to escape the pocket so easily and throw on the run. When something breaks down, he can make bad things into good plays and that’s the toughest thing to coach. A kid either has it or he doesn’t, and Payton definitely hasAnotherit.” dual-threat quarterback with a new coach is in Wetumpka.NateRogers, only a junior, is entering his second year of starting for the Indians. Rogers, in his one year of starting, led Wetumpka to the playoffs. He had more success on the ground than through the air, but put up respectable numbers. He completed 80 of his 148 pass attempts for 1,045 yards, 7 touchdowns and 6 interceptions, but he also added 828 rushing yards and five touchdowns. He has a new head coach in 2022 in Bear Woods and a new offensive coordinator in Jonathan Chandler. Woods knows that Rogers can run and is excited to see that when the season starts, but Woods has said that Rogers looks like a completely new quarterback throwing the ball. “I think, without question, anyone who sees Nate throws the ball will know that’s not the same player,” Woods said. “He’s looking good. I’ve seen him throw and improve, and he seems comfortable. I’m excited to see that dynamic athlete part of him. He’s definitely the most improved player on our team because of the coaching he’s getting.”
THE QUARTERBACKYEAROFTHE
At linebacker, Justin Crumbaugh and Harris will play the two inside linebacker positions, while Finn Southwick, Kelby Walker and Micah Bigelow will playWoodsoutside.isespecially excited about his secondary, where Tristan Bennett returns as one of the starters. Kadarius “KD” Brown, who is a physical freak, plays strong safety. Jackson will play safety, and the other cornerback has multiple players fighting for a spot.
Woods, whose specialty is defense, made two pretty big position changes to his defense. He moved Ronald Harris, who was an All-County defensive lineman last year, to an inside linebacker. He also moved Dorion Jackson, one of the team’s top receivers last season, to free safety. They’ll headline a very athletic defense for the Indians.
On the offensive side of the ball, Wetumpka returns starting quarterback Nate Rogers, who burst on the scene last year as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the area. One of the biggest losses from last season, however, was at the running back position. Quinn Wilson and Stone Minnifield, both of which were AllCounty running backs, graduated. Mike Dillard is taking over that position this year, and he will play at running back and receiver, which is the position he is used to playing. The receiving corps will be led by Quashawn Wright, who Woods said is a “man-child” and a “True 6A No. 1 receiver.” He’s not the only receiver that the Indians have as Malik Owens, Jamarion Thrasher and Tykel Davidson will all play reps. Jackson will even move over and still get targets every“Outsidegame.of Wright who is a senior, that’s one of our youngest rooms,” Woods said. “They’re doing a whole lot of learning and for Nate, my challenge to them is to be line up correctly. it’s all about discipline and I demand them to be where they’re supposed to be when they’re supposed to be so they can execute.”
Logan Weighall will take over the majority of the special teams duties as he serves as the kickoff specialist, punter, and place kicker.
WETUMPK A INDIANSWETUMPKA
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
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Woods, who took over for Tim Perry after 10 years of leading the Indians, begins his coaching career on August 19 against Jeff Davis at home. When he does, Wetumpka will feature some new faces from last year’s team, and some players will be in some brand new positions. “Since I’ve gotten here, I’ve asked coaches all over the place how they evaluate their players and their teams, and I am doing it the same way that the CFL and college football teams do,” Woods said. “They build their teams, especially their defenses, with length and speed. And thankfully, a lot of our guys are fitting right into that.”
When tasked with building his first starting lineup with Wetumpka, first-year head coach Bear Woods approached it like college and Canadian Football League teams do: with length and speed.
Length, speed to headline new Wetumpka football
On the offensive line, there’s plenty of experience and talent as Jacobie Jenkins lines up at left tackle, Greg Brown lines up at left guard, Patrick Barfoot plays center, Jerrold Lovejoy plays right guard, and Clark Barker plays right tackle. Cooper Wheat will get playing time as well, while other names will rotate in and out.
File / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. Quinn Wilson runs the ball during a game between Wetumpka Indians and the Stanhope Elmore Mustangs at the Wetumpka Sports Complex on Friday, Oct. 22, 2021.
Up front on defense is where it begins, and Woods believes he has two starting defensive fronts. Ethan Bailey, Ethan Blake, Jaylon Rawls, Tim Rogers, and Dasean Smoke will all play at defensive ends, while Willie Cox starts at nose guard. “We have some real depth on the line. Between Tim and Ethan Blake, their average height is around 6-foot-3, so we have some real range and length at that position. But then on the inside we have some meat with Willie Cox in there, and Jaylon will play nose as well.”
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022AUGUST 2022 7 1 Justin Crumbaugh LB 2 Nate Rogers QB 4 Dorion Jackson FS 5 Michael Dillard RB 6 Quashawn Wright WR 7 Tristan Bennett CB 8 Jamal Davis LB 9 Ronald Harris LB 10 Dasean Smoke DE 11 Jamarion Thrasher WR 12 Malik Owens WR 13 Timothy George WR 14 Sawyer Robertson SS 15 Tristen Wall QB 16 Jushon Fleming LB 17 Tyler Mann SS 18 Evan Dillard WR 19 Micah Bigelow LB 20 James Ball CB 21 Kadarius Brown SS 22 Davin Lee CB 23 Kelby Walker LB 24 Finn Southwick LB 25 Corey Lawrence LB 26 Rafael Tillman CB 27 Seven Webb FS 29 Chris Lucas-Henderson SS 30 Ethan Bailey DE 31 Charles Dennis LS 32 Jaylon Rawls DL 34 Jaylen Reeves WR 35 Jayden Bennett CB 37 Jason Henegar LB 41 Lucas Price LB 42 Ethan Blake DE 50 Timothy Rogers DE 53 Brady Amerson LS 55 Clark Barker OL 58 Cooper Wheat OL 62 Charles Edwards DL 63 Patrick Barfoot C 65 Jacobie Jenkins OL 71 Greg Brown OL 74 Jerrold Lovejoy OL 75 Deilmalik Livingston OL 80 Brent Yankie WR 83 Jamal Davis WR 84 Andrew Voyles; WR 85 Logan Weighall P/K 87 John Wood WR 88 Kaden Cook -89 Gabe Myrick P/K 90 Elijah Peake DL 99 Willie Cox DL -- Jeremiah Jackson FS -- Clenangelo Peake LB WETUMPKA ROSTER No. Name Position WETUMPKA INDIANS at a glance Coach: Bear Woods, 1st season, 0-0 overall Class, Region: Class 6A, Region 2 Last year: 5-6, 3-3 in Class 6A, Region 3; lost to Saraland in first round of playoffs Stadium Name: City of Wetumpka Sports Complex Stadium Stadium Location: 2350 Coosa River Parkway, Wetumpka, AL 36092 Aug. 26 – at Baker Sept. 2 – at Pike Road* Sept. 9 – PARK CROSSING* Sept. 16 – at Russell County* Sept. 23 – GREENVILLE Sept. 30 – at Stanhope Oct.Elmore*7–Oct.Oct.MONTGOMERY*CARVER14–BYE21–SIDNEY LANIER* Oct. 28 – at Central of Clay *County-region game HOME GAMES IN ALL CAPS 2022 Wetumpka schedule File / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. Wetumpka celebrates after the defeated Stanhope Elmore to advance to the playoffs last season.
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022 AUGUST 20228 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 lldblfbl
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years. The team only has 51 players this year, so a lot of players such as senior Micah Cole will be playing both ways on the line. “We have a good chance to have a good offensive line,” Battles said. “We have some young guys who have gotten meaningful reps throughout the last few years. We have three juniors and two seniors starting for us, and they’ve all played in live games and done a good job.” On defense, the Tigers lost multiple All-County players who are now playing college football. But the good thing about having talented starters is having back-ups being able to watch them. Luke Burdette, who is serving as one of the team’s leaders this year, is the lone returner in the linebacker corps. He played outside linebacker last year and made plays all throughout the season. Most of the secondary are also the biggest playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. Leonard, who plays some running back, is a three year starter in the secondary and is one of the top defensive backs in the area. He is joined in the secondary by Ellis, Everson, Langford, and others.
File / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.
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By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Tallassee’s Jalyn Daniels (3) stiff-arms Elmore County’s Eyan Eason (22) during a game in Tallassee, Friday, Sep. 17, 2021.
Young team hopes to continue recent success
After making the playoffs for the first time since 2017, a very young and inexperienced Tallassee football team is hoping to build on last season’sTallasseesuccess.went 7-3 last season and lost in the first round of the playoffs, but the Tigers had one of the best seasons in recent school history. With that, however, was a strong senior class that graduated numerous All-County selections. With those players gone, new players are having to step up for Tallassee and are planning to show that they are just as good, if not better, than last year’s team. The biggest replacement will be the loss of running back Jalyn Daniels, who had a stellar season and was named All-Elmore County Offensive Player of the Year. In his place will be a running back room by committee. DJ Leonard, Josh Griffin, Caden Griffith, James Bender, and Travarious Langford. “All of them are going to get opportunities,” head coach Mike Battles said. “Last year, you’re a bad coach if you don’t hand him the ball 20-30 times a game. This year, we’re going to have to be more multiple and spread the ball out a little more. We’ll have multiple quarterbacks as well.” Tyler Ellis does return at quarterback, and the senior has started each of the last three seasons. He won’t, however, be the only quarterback for the Tigers this year. Cade Everson will rotate with Ellis as Tallassee runs a twoquarterback system. They are very different from each other and each bring a unique approach to the position, so Battles plans to use both in every game unless one separates themselves from the other. They have some weapons to throw to, but they did lose their biggest deep threat from a year ago with Ziggy Holloway transferring to St. James.Instead, Mason Stewart, Troupe Creswell, and the rest of the running backs will play at receiver. On the offensive line, Battles believes they will be talented but will lack depth compared to other
TALLASSEE TIGERS
The defensive line lost a lot of talent last year, but Battles hopes some young players step up and live up to their potential. He believes they can be really talented if they do.“You’re always concerned in that first game, but the only way for the young guys to get better and see what they’re made of is to get out there and play,” Battles said. “So we’re going to throw some youngins out there and see what they’re made of.”Tallassee opens the season on August 18 at home against rival Reeltown.
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022AUGUST 2022 11 1 Joshua Griffin RB/LB So. 2 Joseph Hooks B/LB So. 3 Travarious Landford RB/DB Sr. 4 James Bender RB/DB Sr. 5 Dontae Leonard RB/CB Sr. 6 Brody Ellis WR/DB Jr. 7 Luke Burdette RB/LB Sr. 8 Cade Everson QB/DB Jr. 9 Eli Whittington TE/DE So. 10 Tyler Ellis QB/DB Sr. 11 Bryson Rigsby QB/DB So. 12 Chase Cumley WR/DB So. 13 Jordan Holifield WR/DB Jr. 14 Tim Washington WR/DB Sr. 15 Jaden McKenzie RB/DB Fr. 16 Courtland Roberts RB/DB Fr. 17 Josh Johnson RB/LB Sr. 18 Mason Stewart WR/DB Sr. 19 Xavier Hill WR/DB -20 Caden Griffin RB/LB: Sr. 22 Carter Sayers TE/LB So. 23 Issac Miller WR/DB So. 24 Alec Carswell K Jr. 25 Shawn Ward WR/DB So. 27 Rush Wright WR/DB So. 28 Troupe Crestwell WR/DB Jr. 33 Mason Henderson TE/LB -34 Josh Boatwright LB/TE Sr. 41 Adairiun Henry TE/DL Fr. 44 Mason battles LB/SP So. 45 Christian McCary RB/DB Jr. 47 Nick Chandler LB/TE So. 48 Gabriel McCary TE/LB Fr. 50 Ta’Kary Ford OL/DL So. 51 Austin Gray OL/DL Sr. 52 Caden Clayton OL/DL Fr. 53 Brandon Barrow OL/DL Jr. 54 Jatown Griffin OL/DL Jr. 55 Caleb Segrest LB/OL So. 56 Nolen Addeo OL/LB Fr. 57 John Jeffery OL/DL So. 58 Monzavious Hooks OL/DL Jr. 59 Ben Carwile OL/DL Jr. 64 Braden Arnold OL/DL Jr. 65 Brody Wisener OL/DL So. 69 Jaiden Borum OL/DL Fr. 74 Will Thornton OL/DL Fr. 75 Micah Cole DL/OL Sr. 77 Omarion Quinn DL/OL Jr. 78 Zairen Lattimore OL/DL So. 79 Joel Holcomb OL/DL So. TALLASSEE ROSTER No. Name Position Grade No. Name Position Grade Aug. 18 – REELTOWN Aug. 26 – at Booker T. Washington Sept. 2 – CENTRAL OF CLAY COUNTY* Sept. 9 – at Beauregard* Sept. 16 – MARBURY Sept. 23 – at Chilton County Sept. 30 – at Elmore County* Oct. 7 – VALLEY* Oct. 14 – SYLACAUGA*Oct.21–BYE Oct. 28 – at Holtville * - region game HOME GAMES IN ALL CAPS 2022 Tallassee schedule2022TALLASSEE TIGERS at a glance Coach: Mike Battles, 11th season, 70-40 overall Class, Region: Class 5A, Region 4 Last year: 7-3, 5-1 in Class 5A, Region 4; lost to Greenville in first round of playoffs Returning Starters: Tyler Ellis (SR., QB); DJ Leonard (SR., DB/RB); Mason Stewart (SR., WR/DB); Micah Cole (SR., OL/ DL); Luke Burdette (SR., LB); Troupe Crestwell (SR., WR/DB) Class Distribution: 12 seniors, 12 juniors, 17 sophomores, 8 freshmen Stadium Name: J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium Stadium Location: 302 Gilmer Avenue, Tallassee, AL 36078
A year after just missing the playoffs by one game, Brian Bradford and the Stanhope Elmore Mustangs are hoping to get back on track.
Stanhope Elmore went 5-5 last season and 2-4 in AHSAA Class 6A, Area 3. But now the Mustangs are in a new area, focused more in the Montgomery area instead of Birmingham, and they’re ready to get back to the postseason. The Mustangs return 17 total starters to their team this year, including eight on offense and nine on an already strong defense from a year ago. Starting at quarterback for his secondconsecutive year is junior Jacob Bryant. The Mustangs didn’t pass the ball too much last year as running back Antonio
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Trone carried the load, but Trone is gone now.And with his departure, a few skill players have stepped up in the passing game and the Mustangs looks to be much stronger passing the ball. Jackson Thomas, a Troy commit, will be the No. 1 receiver after he had over 600 yards last year. He is joined by Tevin Landrum, Josiah Scott, and Colton Walls as starters in the passing game. “It’s crazy. We had a meeting and have to sit down and try to decide who the starters are, because we have a lot of talented kids who are going to get playing time at receiver. We really are two deep at every spot out there, and most of them are seniors and have played for four years. That room is probably the deepest we’ve had since I’ve been here the last 20 years.”
File / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.Stanhope Elmore’s defense takes to the line of scrimmage in a game against Calera in Millbrook on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021. MUSTANGSMSTANHOPESTANHOPEELMOREELMOREUSTANGS Experienced group hopes to lead SEHS back to playoffs By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor Aug. 19 – SHADES VALLEY Aug. 26 – at Eufaula Sept. 2 – RUSSELLSept.COUNTY*9–BYE Sept. 16 – at Carver Montgomery* Sept. 23 – PRATTVILLE Sept. 30 – WETUMPKA* Oct. 7 – at Sidney Lanier* Oct. 14 – PIKE ROAD* Oct. 21 – at Park Crossing* Oct. 27 – at Minor * - region game HOME GAMES IN ALL CAPS 2022 StanhopescheduleElmore * - region game See STANHOPE • Page 14
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022AUGUST 2022 13 1 DeShun Caffey DB Jr. 3 Kneikao Jackson RB Jr. 4 Jackson Thomas WR Sr. 5 Donnie Arnold LB Jr. 6 Orenthal Martin LB Jr. 7 Cortrell Mandosia DB Sr. 8 Jacorey Nobels WR Sr. 10 Tevin Landrum WR Sr. 11 JaShawn Mays DB Sr. 12 Josiah Scott WR Sr. 13 Israel Baker WR Sr. 14 Jacob Bryant QB Jr. 15 Colton Walls TE Sr. 16 Hunter Adams TE Sr. 17 Colby Beyer K So. 18 Karnovious Cunningham LB Jr. 19 Carter Smith WR Sr. 20 Davion Thomas RB Sr. 21 Asher Brendelson LB Sr. 22 Arther McQueen RB So. 23 Ortez Morris DB Jr. 24 Jermaine Ray DB Jr. 25 Germain Edwards RB Jr. 27 Joey Moore WR Jr. 28 Garrett Ogletree LB Jr. 29 Keonte Zeigler DB Sr. 30 Jamari Coleman WR So. 31 Zay Fields Wr Fr. 32 Dennis Toles DB Sr. 33 Nicholus Yeager RB Jr. 34 Zylan Foulks DB So. 35 Kendarius Grear RB Fr. 36 Joidaden Carter DB Fr. 37 DJ Brown QB Fr. 38 Brandon Voltz DB So. 39 Chazon Buycks LB So. 40 CJ Jackson LB Jr. 41 Edwardo Roblero LB Sr. 43 Jercobi Gibbons DB Jr. 44 Aiden Fruhauf TE So. 45 Christian Turner DB Sr. 46 Bradley Morgan WR So. 47 Kameron Anderson LB So. 48 Cameron Tillman RB So. 49 Terrion Jackson DB So. 50 Darien Smoke LB Jr. 51 Aveon Johnson OL Sr. 52 Xavier Foxhall DL Jr. 53 Cameron Mandosia LB So. 54 Gavin Stockdale OL Jr. 55 Davion Brown OL Sr. 56 Dale Perry OL Fr. 57 Demarcus Hood LB So. 59 Keishawn Croley DL So. 61 Slade Headley OL Fr. 62 Alfonaso Mendoza OL So. 63 Raul Garnido-Mondragon OL Fr. 64 Layton Cooper OL Jr. 65 Gabriel Lewis OL Fr. 66 Tristen Jackson OL So. 67 Jay Satterwhite OL Fr. 68 Haedon Hughes OL Jr. 70 Hayden Cord OL Jr. 71 Terry Bird OL Fr. 72 Bunny Jackson OL Jr. 73 Cameron Hodge OL So. 74 Andrew Erickson DL Fr. 75 Evan Gordy OL Fr. 76 Macin James OL Fr. 77 Jacob Tharpe OL Fr. 78 DeJaun Johnson OL Jr. 79 Jayden Marshall OL Jr. 80 DeMarion Taylor WR Sr. 81 Will Smith QB So. 82 Andrew Wilson WR So. 83 Eli Winsett TE So. 84 George Stewart WR So. 85 Grayson Jones WR Fr. 86 DeKamron Jones WR Jr. 87 Zac Holcombe WR Fr. 88 Chris Hardy DL Sr. 89 Jose Sorcia WR Fr. 90 Curtis King DL Jr. 91 Thomas Williams DL Jr. 92 Tyler Barrett DL Jr. 93 Maurice Armstrong DL So. 94 JaQuize Buycks DL Sr. 95 Terry Burke DL Sr. 96 Dash Kioni DL So. 97 Dayuh Gallo LB Fr. 98 Desmond Barnes DL So. 99 Kameron Stokes DL Sr. STANHOPE ELMORE ROSTER No. Name Position Grade No. Name Position Grade
Coach: Brian Bradford, 6th season, 30-25 overall Class, Region: Class 6A, Region 2 Last year: 5-5, 2-4 in Class 6A, Region 3; missed playoffs Returning Starters: Jackson Thomas, (SR., WR); Tevin Landrum (SR., WR); Josiah Scott (SR., WR); Colton Walls (SR., TE); Kneiko Jackson (JR., RB); Jacob Bryant (JR., QB); Avion Johnson (SR., OL); Davion Brown (SR., OL); Cortrell Mandosia (SR., DB); OJ Morris (JR., DB); Deshun Caffey (JR., DB); JaShawn Mays (SR., DB); Orenthal Martin (SR., DB); Donnie Arnold (JR., LB); Asher Brendleson (JR., LB); JaQuize Buycks (SR., DL); Kameron Stokes (SR., DL) Stadium Name: Foshee-Henderson Stadium Stadium Location: 4300 Main St, Hillbrook, AL 36054 at a glance
Having the ability to pass the ball well will help make Stanhope a more complete team, but the Mustangs will still rely on the run game. Kneiko Jackson will play a lot of running back, along with Orenthal Martin, Arthur McQueen and Davion Thomas.
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While those split reps at running back, they’ll be running behind a talented offensive line. Avion Johnson and Davion Brown are both returning from last year, and they’ll both split time between center and guard.Alongside them will be Gavin Stockdale, Haedon Hughes and others.Onthe defensive side of the ball, Stanhope will sport one of the toughest defensive lines across the entire state. Up front will start with JaQuize Buycks, a three-star lineman who recently committed to play for Liberty University. He is joined by Kameron Stokes, who also had an impressive season last year on the line alongside Buycks and Caleb Foster, who graduated last year. “The defensive line is where it starts, and to have two really good ones is huge,” Bradford said of Buycks and Stokes. “Both of them started every game last year and did a really good job. We are expecting a lot more of them this year since they’re both bigger, stronger, and faster.”Thedefensive line isn’t the only strong position group on the defense. Despite losing Patrick Williams and his plethora of interceptions last year, the secondary has four returning starters. Those include Cortrell Mandosia, OJ Morris, DeShun Caffey and JaShawn Mays, all of which have plenty of experience back there. The linebackers aren’t lacking experience either as Martin, Donnie Arnold and Asher Brendleson all return as “Thosestarters.threelinebackers are our main guys. They played a lot last year. Donnie was everywhere for us, playing defensive end and inside and outside linebacker. He’ll play a little more inside for us now. And Orenthal was our playmaker. He’s probably our most impactful defensive player. He makes a lot of plays for us on the outside.”
Stanhope
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STANHOPE ELMORE MUSTANGS
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When Kyle Caldwell was hired to lead the Elmore County football team, he had a tough challenge in front of him. Not only did he inherit a team that went 0-10 in 2021, but the roster size was one of the smallest across the entire state in Class 5A, if not the smallest.
While the number of new players are up, so is the number of returning starters this year. Elmore County returns 13 combined starters from the offense and defense, and their starting quarterback is back for his thirdPaytonseason.Stephenson has started each of the last two years and both rushed and passed for 1,000 yards last year. He is joined in the backfield by CJ Wilkes, who jumped onto the scene last year as a sophomore. They aren’t the only impressive skill players on the roster. Drake Bolton is returning at tight end, while three-star receiver Jabari Murphy will be back to continue making plays on the outside. Last season, he had 581 receiving yards and a handful of touchdowns. Luke Burdette will also play tight end, and senior receiver Garrett Allen will help take pressure off of Jabari in the passing game. “I don’t think there’s any one guy who someone will be able to stop and win the game,” Caldwell said. “My job is to make them stop multiple people. Make them stop Payton and CJ in the run game. All our skill guys will be able to take some pressure off Payton and let him spread the ball out and be a point guard.”Upfront, Elmore County will have Payton Hall, who didn’t play last year, along with Nicobe Hooks and Jonathan Thames coming back. They aren’t the only players coming back on the line, as Caldwell believes they have six players who can start at any time.
Elmore County sees bolstered roster in Caldwell’s first season
Last year’s team had only 39 members to start the season and lost player as the year went on. That’s not the case entering 2022. Caldwell’s first team has 73 members on it entering fall camp. Bolstering his roster was his top priority when he was hired in April. Now he’s hoping that will pay off as Elmore County starts the season on August 18 against Marbury.“Numbers help,” Caldwell said of improving from the 0-10 record. “That makes it where kids aren’t having to play both ways all the time. The team has done a great job of going and talking to their teammates that weren’t playing last year and encouraging guys to try. The kids want to be around each other and they enjoy their time together. So this group of kids that we have, they’ve done a great job of getting other kids to play even if it is their first time on a football field.”
Pernell Turner Jr. is the only returner in the secondary, but Carson Thomas will take a safety role while two sophomores, Jay Robertson and Mason Goggins, will take on roles at cornerback. Senior DeAvion Floyd will play wherever needed in the secondary.LoganPack, the team’s kicker and one of the top specialists in the state, returns to lead the special teams. He didn’t miss a single PAT last season.
Elmore County High School Panthers takes the field before the game against the Tallassee Tigers in Tallassee, Friday, Sep. 17, 2021.
That allows Myles Eyerly, who was an All-County offensive lineman last season, focus on the defensive line.Caldwell said Eyerly is a handful to deal with on the defensive line, and he’s only one of the four returning starters there. Luke Reinhart, Dylan Carter, and Kyle Doucette will also start and make big impacts.“It’sextremely important to have all of those guys coming back,” Caldwell said. “If you want to have a good football team, it starts with the offensive and defensive line. You can shut people down and change games when you have good lines. We’re excited about them.” At linebacker, sophomore Jackson Mann comes after recording 100 tackles during his freshman year last season. He is joined by Chris Holt, who is coming off an injury but had a good spring. Junior Drew Thornton will also play linebacker.
ELMORE COUNTY PANTHERS
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Writer
File / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.
69 Anderson Sharpe OL
37
28
32
13
11
43
50
60
47
72 Myles Eyerly OL
21
80 Asher Justice WR
52
65
68 Sam Deigo
ELMORE COUNTY ROSTER & SCHEDULE No. Name Position Grade No. Name Position Grade Aug. 18 – MARBURY Aug. 26 – at Autaugaville Sept. 2 – SYLACAUGA* Sept. 9 – at Central of Clay County* Sept. 16 – BYE Sept. 23 – at St. Clair County Sept. 30 – TALLASSEE* Oct. 7 –Oct.Oct.BEAUREGARD*14–atValley*21–HOLTVILLEOct.28–atJemison*-regiongame HOME GAMES IN ALL CAPS 2022 Elmore County schedule ELMORE COUNTY PANTHERS Coach: Kyle Caldwell, 1st year, 0-0 overall Class, Region: Class 5A, Region 4 Last year: 0-10, 0-6 in Class 5A, Region 4; missed playoffs Returning Starters: Payton Stephenson (SR., QB); CJ Wilkes (JR., RB); Drake Bolton (JR., TE/DE); Jabari Murphy (JR., WR); Nicobe Hooks (SR., OL); Jonathan Thames Jr. (JR., OL); Myles Eyerly (JR., OL/DL); Luke Reinhart (SO., DE); Dylan Carter (JR., DL); Kyle Doucette (SR., DL); Chris Holt (JR., LB); Jackson Mann (SO., LB); Pernell Turner Jr., (SR., DB) Class Distribution: 15 seniors, 23 juniors, 15 sophomores, 19 freshmen, 1 eighth grader Stadium Name: Burt-Hayne Field Stadium Location: 155 N. College St, Eclectic, AL 36024 at a glance
Tyler Payton RB 8th Colton Lowe LB Jr. Jacob Baker WR So. Zay Robinson WR Sr. Tate McNeely K Fr.
48
33
24
66 Aiden Payton
31
35
62
42
57
49
61
CJ Wilkes RB Jr. Payton Stephenson QB Sr. Jay Robertson DB So. Pernell Turner Jr. DB Sr. Jackson Mann LB So. Jabari Murphy WR Jr. Chris Holt LB Jr. Ryals McNeely WR Jr.
Luke Reinert LB So. Seth McGhee QB Fr. Hayes Fulmer WR Jr.
Garrett Allen WR Sr.
40
67 Patrick Hart
54
19
75 Mykale Williams OL
4
17
41
59
6
William Smithson LB Sr. Denver McKissic DB Fr. Marcavius Benton DB Fr. Matthew Bennet FB Jr. Mason Pack DB Fr. Wesley Pratt DL Sr. Holden Hines DL Fr. David Quinn DL Jr.
38
44
18
26
36
46
70 Kaden Hragyil
3
55
20
30
12
23
34
10
16
15
25
29
22
Trennen Coston DB So. Brandon Carroll LB Jr. Justin Brooks DL Fr. Hunter Denham LB Fr. Artavius Johnson DB Fr. Hudson Fulmer RB Fr. Tucker Mulder DB Jr. Mason Ayoub WR So. Caleb Bryant DB Jr. Bryant Duckett LS Sr.
53
14
Drew Knighton OL So. Nicobe Hooks OL Sr. Kyle Coucette DL Sr. Colby Blackwell OL Fr. Trevor Brown DL Jr.
8
78 Landen Thomas DL
5
2
27
Drake Bolton TE Jr. Ashton Evans WR Sr. DeAvion Floyd DB Sr. Parker Hobbs RB So. Masen Goggins DB So.
Payton Hall OL Sr. Joseph Roberts OL Fr. Hunter Collins OL Jr. CJ Browning DL Fr. Landon Yawakia DL Jr. Tyler Foster DL Fr. Evan Spence OL Fr. Luke Bowron DL Sr.
79 Dylan Carter OL
45
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022AUGUST 2022 17 1
73 Jett Tucker OL
Carson Thomas DB Sr. Logan Pack K Sr. Hayden Fochtmann WR Fr. Drew Thornton LB Jr. Gabe Kelly WR Jr. Kasey Kilpatrcik DB Jr. Tyler Woodfin DB So. Daylan Floyd DB So.
9
Jonathon Thames Jr. OL Jr. DL Fr. OL So. DL Fr. Fr. DL Jr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Jr. So.
58
56
39
63
The Wildcats will be led on offense by second-year starter Austin Champion. Champion was the area’s top quarterback last season as he passed for 2,215 yards and 28 touchdowns. He rarely used his legs, but when he did, he was effective on the ground as well with 184 yards and four rushing touchdowns. He is joined by five other returning starters on offense. Those five are running back Bradley Boone, receivers JB Collier and Gabe LeMaster, and lineman Wes Reeves and Bryson Boone.Collier and LeMaster, who both had successful seasons last year, will take bigger roles due to the loss of All-County receiver Trevor Rodie, who graduated in the spring. Rodie had 63 catches for 1,146 yards and 17 touchdowns.“Trevorhad such an outstanding season and I don’t seeing us reaching those numbers with anybody, but we have some really good guys out there who can make plays,” head coach Chad Michael said. “Gabe has really good hands and cant stretch the field vertically, and JB started in the slot last year and had four or five touchdowns. We have some weapons there.”Bradley Boone, when not playing running back, will catch passes as well as the Brock brothers. Brody and Brock Whitt are the two tallest members of Edgewood’s team, and they will play outside receiver and tight end for the Wildcats. Another big loss from last season is lineman Colton Jones, who is now playing at Belhaven University. But the team does return two starters on the offensive line in Reeves and BrysonThoseBoone.twowill also both play defensive line, and that’s where Bryson Boone shines the brightest. A year ago, Boone got to the quarterback at a better rate than nearly anyone else in the Boonecounty.had 66 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks last year. “He just has a motor and isn’t going to stop,” Michael said of Boone. “He played two games last year with basically one arm last year when he got hurt and couldn’t move his elbow. He told us he was fine and just told us to put him on the other side of the line and he’d use that arm instead. He doesn’t stop until he gets there and his technique helps out. We are going to move him around this year and will play everywhere depending on matchups.”Inasmall school like Edgewood, players are always going to play both ways. So Collier, LeMaster, Boone and Champion will also help out in the secondary, while some young faces will pop up in the linebacker corps. Sophomore Parker Shaw will start at middle linebacker, while senior Chance McDaniel and Michael McLing will both find spots at linebacker as Edgewood’swell.team will be tested early and often this year. The Wildcats are off for the opening week of the year, but they play host to Autauga Academy to start the year in Week 2. Autagua Academy is the defending AA state champions and are now in AAA, then they travel to Chambers Academy. Chambers is traditionally one of the toughest teams in the state. They also play Lowndes Academy, which won A last year. Macon-East is always good, and they end the regular season with Lee-Scott Academy, which is one of the top schools in AAA. “It’s going to be tough,” Michael said. “There aren’t many breaks throughout our schedule at all.”
EDGEWOOD ACADEMY Experienced Edgewood team faces tough schedule
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022 AUGUST 202218
The Edgewood Academy football team lost some key pieces to graduation last year, but there’s some talented experience coming back for the 2022 Edgewood,season.which went 5-6 last season and lost in the first round of the AISA-AA playoffs, returns six starters on each side of the ball this year.
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.
File
Edgewood Academy’s Tyler Wynn in a game against Lakeside School on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021. Edgewood won the game 39 -34. Aug. 19 – BYE Aug. 26 – AUTAUGA ACADEMY Sept. 2 – at Chambers Academy* Sept. 9 – ABBEVILLE CHRISTIAN* Sept. 16 – at Lowndes Academy Sept. 23 – FORT DALE ACADEMY Sept. 30 – BANKS ACADEMY Oct. 6 – at Macon East Academy* Oct. 14 – HOOPER ACADEMY* Oct. 20 – at Lakeside Oct. 28 – at Lee-Scott Academy * - region game HOME GAMES IN ALL CAPS 2022 Edgewood schedule
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022AUGUST 2022 19 EDGEWOOD WILDCATS at a glance Coach: Chad Michael, 3rd season, 12-10 overall Class, Region: AISA-AA, Region 1 Last year: 5-6, 2-2 in AISA-AA Region 1; lost to Escambia Academy in first round of playoffs Returning Starters: JB Collier (SR., WR); Gabe LeMaster (JR., WR/DB); Austin Champion (SR., QB); Bradley Boone (SR., RB/S); Wes Reeves (SR., OL/DL); Bryson Boone (SR., OL/DL) Class Distribution: 7 seniors, 6 juniors, 7 sophomores, 5 freshmen Stadium Name: Charles P. Storrs Field at Edgewood Stadium Stadium Location: 5474 Elmore Road, Elmore, AL 36025 2 JB Collier WR/DB Sr. 3 Gabe LeMaster WR/DB Jr. 4 Connor Pike RB/DB Fr. 5 Thomas Payton WR/DB Fr. 6 Tyler Wynn WR/DB Jr. 7 Logan Moomey RB/DE So. 8 Brock Whitt TE/DE Fr. 9 Chance McDaniel RB/LB Sr. 10 Cooper Freeman TE/LB So. 11 Parker Shaw RB/TE So. 12 Austin Champion QB/DB Sr. 14 Brody Whitt WR/LB Jr. 21 Bradley Boone RB/DB Sr. 25 Ethan Harris WR/LB So. 30 Jack Adams WR/DB Jr. 32 Jackson Hudson TE/LB Fr. 50 Zayne Talley OL/DL So. 51 Michael McLing OL/LB Sr. 52 Wes Reeves OL/DL Sr. 56 Will Reeves OL/DL So. 58 Bryson Boone OL/DL Sr. 60 Matthew Cox OL/DL Jr. 64 Max Ward OL/DL Fr. 65 Elias Collins OL/DL Jr. 77 Mason Tidwell OL/DL So. EDGEWOOD ROSTER No. Name Position Grade 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. Many a small thing has largemadebeen......withtheright kind of advertising. 2562344281 334-567-7811
Tyson Ratliff will also play on the defensive line, along with some other disruptors.
Some of those players will also star on the defensive line, while Kei Webb leads that bunch. Webb, at defensive end, is one of the top returners on defense after tallying 44 tackles and 4 tackles for loss last year.
Holtville Bulldogs take on the Reeltown Rebels last season.
Ty Langley is moving from the secondary to linebacker, while Conner Hackett and Josh Jimenez are also at linebacker. Those three, along with others, will have to replace Mikey Forney, a four-year starter who was named File / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.
HOLT BULLDOGSBHOLTVILLEVILLEULLDOGS Experienced group has Franklin optimistic entering 2022
See HOLTVILLE • Page 21
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022 AUGUST 202220
When teams do bring pressure, they’ll be blitzing the most experienced offensive line in the county. Holtville returns all five starting lineman from last season. That line consists of Ethan Alston, Lane Talley, Kris Cole, Carson Reese and Tristan Gulledge.
The Holtville football team returns a plethora of talent to its offense in the 2022 football season, so sixth-year head coach Jason Franklin is excited to see what his Bulldogs can do. The Bulldogs, which went 5-6 last season and fell in the first round of the playoffs, return eight starters to their offense, including all five offensive linemen and their quarterback. Those returners have all improved since last year, and Franklin believes his offense is the best he’s seen it entering the year since he’s been at Holtville.“Ithink we’re way ahead of any other year that I’ve been here in regards to throwing the football, so that’s a big plus,” Franklin said. “I like to throw the football and that’s my forte. I’ll be back calling the offense for the first time in the last few years, so we will see if our numbers in the passing game pick back up to closer to where they need to be.”
Leading the offense is Tanner Potts, who passed for over 100 yards per game last year while only throwing five interceptions on the season. He threw an interception only once in every 34 pass attempts. The receiving corps was hit the hardest by graduation last year, but Erik Adkins looks to be the Bulldogs No. 1 receiver. He was tied for second on the team last year in touchdowns, while Bryan Tate also looks to be a threat in the passing game after earning meaningful snaps last year.Shawn Brackett, an All-County player a year ago, will have an impact in the passing game and the run game. The star running back had 854 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns last year, while adding 20 catches for 247 yards and a touchdown.“Hedoes a really good job of catching the ball out of the backfield,” Franklin said. “In the spring, I think he had 65 yards receiving with another 70 yards rushing. If you can get a guy to go out there and give you both dimensions, it makes it tough for a defense to bring pressure.”
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Coach: Jason Franklin, 6th season, 27-27 overall Class, Region: Class 5A, Region 3 Last year: 5-6, 3-3 in Class 5A, Region 4; lost to Pike Road in first round of playoffs
Defensive Player of the Year last year.“In high school football, at some point those kids graduate,” Franklin said. “How does your coaching staff bring the mentality to your guys that yeah, he’s gone, but someone has to replace him. Those are big shoes to fill from Mikey, but I feel confident in our guys that they’re able to go out and really play good defense in the spring. I feel really good where we’re at right now.” Franklin knows the team will have to strengthen up the secondary after some injuries and graduation departures. Chasen Webster is one of the top players who returns with experience and he will play at cornerback.
HOLTVILLE BULLDOGS at a glance
Class Distribution: 16 seniors, 21 juniors, 23 sophomores, 15 freshmen Stadium Name: Boykin Field Stadium Location: 10425 Holtville Road, Holtville, AL 36022 1 Chasen Webster DB Jr. 2 Brett Franklin QB Jr. 3 Weston Tubbs DB Sr. 4 Shawn Brackett RB Sr. 5 Kei Webb DE Sr. 6 Erik Adkins WR Jr. 7 Caden Gaither WR Jr. 7 Gage Russom LB Fr. 8 Ty Langley LB Sr. 9 DJ Harper LB Sr. 9 Tyler Hackett FS Fr. 10 Keiland Baker QB So. 11 Anthony Chunn DE So. 11 Aiden Perry WR Jr. 12 Cedrick Croskey RB So. 12 Kellen Kimbro SS Fr. 13 Wade Glaze WR Sr. 13 Ivan Florez WR Fr. 14 Kaige Ferguson FS/P Sr. 15 Gunner Jones QB/DB So. 16 Tanner Potts QB Sr. 17 Connor Hackett LB Sr. 18 Brock Godwin DB Fr. 19 Colton Wheeler K Sr. 20 Jarod Johnson DB Sr. 20 Trey Wearthery DB Jr. 21 Sam Spangler WR Jr. 22 Gabin Weaver WR So. 23 Arkevious Turner DE So. 24 Braxton Potts RB So. 24 Joseph Higbee LB So. 25 Kelton Shuford WR So. 25 Joey Atchinson LB Fr. 26 Quez Buck WR So. 27 Tylon Guary DE Jr. 28 Luke Strength LB Jr. 29 Elijah Headley WR So. 30 Shalom McCloud DE So. 31 Chase Davis -- So. 32 Bryan Tate WR Sr. 33 Hunter Chavis RB So. 34 Teagan Dunnigan LB Fr. 35 Canon Russel WR So. 36 Joshua Jimenez LB Jr. 38 Beau Miller LB So. 38 Jarquez Brown WR Fr. 40 Dylan Farris LB Fr. 42 Eli Ham DE Jr. 44 Zach Forney LB So. 45 Chase Davis LB Jr. 48 Jackson Owens LB So. 48 Damien Florex RB So. 50 Lane Talley OL Sr. 52 Tyson Ratliff DL So. 52 Jace Rivers DL Fr. 54 Aiden Outlaw OL Fr. 55 LaDarrion Gardner DL So. 56 Dalton Redden DL Jr. 58 Tristan Gulledge OL Jr. 59 Dusty Bean OL Jr. 60 Ethan Hall DL Sr. 60 Jacob Knighten OL Fr. 62 Jacob Devaughn OL -64 Kris Cole OL Sr. 65 Max Simpson OL Fr. 66 Dylan Allen LB Jr. 68 Clifford Edwards DL So. 69 Casey Shaner DL Fr. 70 Nathan Free OL Fr. 72 Ethan Alston OL Sr. 74 Jesse Thomas OL Fr. 75 Carson Reese OL Jr. 78 Eric Augustine DL So. 79 Johnathan Sanders DL Jr. 80 Connor Luster DL So. 85 Adam Wilson DB Jr. 90 Hunter Phelps DE Jr. HOLTVILLE ROSTER No. Name Position Grade Holtville continued from Page 20 Aug. 20 – GOSHEN Aug. 27 – at West Blocton Sept. 3 –HOME*Oct.Oct.Oct.Oct.Oct.Sept.Sept.Sept.COUNTY*ELMORE10–atBeauregard*17–TALLADEGA*24–atMarbury1–BYE8–atClayCentral*15–TALLASSEE*22–atSylacauga*29–REELTOWN-regiongameGAMESINALLCAPS 2022scheduleHoltville 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 Pleaseincludename,number&writingsamples,ifpossible. Help us with our award-winning sports coverage
Returning Starters: Tanner Potts (SR., QB); Shawn Brackett (SR., RB); Erik Adkins (JR., WR); Ethan Alston (SR., OL); Lane Talley (SR., OL); Kris Cole (SR., OL); Carson Reese (JR., OL); Tristan Gulledge (JR., OL); Kei Webb (SR., DE); Ty Langley (SR., LB); Conner Hackett (SR., LB); Chasen Webster (SR., DB)
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GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022 AUGUST 202222
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
Reeltown Rebels practice their formations during a summer practice early in August.
By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Editor
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.” 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 athletes that we want to get in space.”
Henry Zimmer / Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.
See REELTOWN • Page 17
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.
REELTOWN REBELS
Reeltown’s new region competition packed with powerhouses this year
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.
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 at Tallassee, on August 19.
season on the road
GRIDIRON GUIDE 2022AUGUST 2022 23 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.”
