Herald Fans’ Choice Player of the Week: Justin Crumbaugh

STAFF REPORTS TPI Staff

The votes are in, and this week’s Herald Fans’ Choice Player of the Week is Wetumpka linebacker Justin Crumbaugh.

Crumbaugh was the only defensive player on the list, and he shined in the Indians’ opening game last Friday night. Crumbaugh led all Wetumpka players with a career-high 16 tackles, one fumble recover and one interception returned for a touchdown.

He helped lead the Wetumpka defense to the Week One win by allowing zero points from the Jeff Davis offense. His pick-six in the final minute of the game clinched the win for the home Indians.

“He knows how to play the game and to be successful at linebacker, you have to want to get to the football,” Wetumpka coach Bear Woods said of Crumbaugh. “He wants to get to the football and you see that when he plays. He leads by example and that’s what separates him.” on defense.”

Crumbaugh and the Indians (1-0) travel to Mobile to face Baker tonight in Week 2.

Shelby County’s defense has as sound of a group as you could ask for, Franklin added. They have been in the right place at the right time, and they’re making nearly every tackle opportunity available.

That defense has been the key to their first two wins as they’ve set up the offense in easy scoring opportunities. The Wildcats have scored five touchdowns this season, while only four of them have come on offense.

The defense scored a touchdown in the opener, and the defense has given the offense outstanding field position on nearly every other scoring drive.

“Their head coach is a defensive guy and they’re going to play to the defensive strengths they have,” Franklin said. “They aren’t going to take risks on offense. They’re going to stay sound and they’re going to be more or less spread run and look to control the ball. That allows their defense to put them in a good situation. Their defense has done a good job of setting up their offense with short fields so far.”

Holtville’s offense, on the other hand, has found plenty of success early this season. The Bulldogs are led by running back Shawn Brackett, who has already totaled over 400 yards of offense and seven touchdowns through two games.

The Bulldogs are running a two-quarterback system as well. Senior Tanner Potts has taken the majority of the snaps and pass attempts, but sophomore Keiland Baker is getting significant playing time.

Potts has passed for 267 yards in two games, while Baker has not thrown as many but threw a touchdown pass last week. Baker is a threat with his legs and has scored rushing and on kickoff return this season.

“We actually had a few plays the other night where we had both of them on the field at the same time,” Franklin said. “It gives us a lot of lee-way to be multiple. If we don’t sub in a quarterback, they aren’t going to know who is playing quarterback. Both of them have different skill sets. Keiland is a really good runner, but he can throw it too. Tanner is more of a game manager and throws the ball well. As long a they don’t get greedy, this could be a blessing in disguise.” is I’m a defensive guy first. If you will bust your tail on defense for me, then you’ll have a lot more freedom to go out and play on offense. We will keep it mostly simple with some dribble and drive stuff to get the athletes out there and attack off the dribble. We want to use athleticism to get to the basket and make opposing defenses work.”

Wetumpka’s team went 15-11 last season but missed the playoffs after losing a close two-point game to rival Stanhope Elmore in the area semifinals.

The Indians return some talent from last year’s team, including star point guard Nate Rogers. Rogers led the team in scoring last year with 20 points per game, and he shot 45% from the field and nearly 40% from 3-point range. He added 100 rebounds during the year.

Rogers isn’t the only threat that returns from last year’s team. D’Marcus Peake is another talented guard on the team, and Landon Sargent and Walter Lacey each stand at 6-foot-4.

After seeing what he has on the roster, Thomas is excited to begin the season.

“I took notice of Nate about two years ago when I was at ACA,” Thomas said. “He’s just a competitor and he can score at any level. He can handle the ball and defend and he can do anything you ask of him. I’m excited to work with him and everyone else. I see a lot of versatility with this group, both offensively and defensively. I like D’Marcus Peake. He’s going to be another guy who we look towards with his energy and effort. I think we’re going to have a good group from that aspect of the game.”