Kickoff With The Times 2018

KICKOFF
AUGUST 22, 2018
INSIDE:
Etowah County
WITH THE TIMES
team profiles
Completing a dream:
Etowah's Jamin Graham,
Justin Harris and
Emil Smith each have
numerous Division I
football offers on the table
A new look: Teams move

up or down following
the latest round of
reclassifications. See
which region your favorite
team is in and who their
region opponents will be
Schedules, rankings
and more
D2 Wednesday, August 22, 2018 |
KICKOFF 2018 | Wednesday, August 22, 2018 3
C OAC H I N G C H A N G E S
KICKOFF WITH THE TIMES

School: Old coach; new coach
A.L. Johnson: Roosevelt Moore; Bruce Craig
Alexandria: Frank Tucker; Todd Ginn
Mary G. Montgomery: Chris Wilson; Stan McCain
Minor: Curtis Graves; Adrian Abrams
Moody: Jay Brown; Adam Wallace
Annison: Eddie Bullock; Rico White New Hope: Kenny Chadwick; Bart Stephenson
Arab: Adam Gilbert; Oscar Glasscock Northside Methodist: George Kenney; Jason Hurst
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S Ardmore: Andrew Smith; P.J. Wright Oneonta: Brandon Herring; Phil Phillips
Ashford: Mitch Sellers; Chris Littleton Opelika: Caleb Ross; Erik Speakman
STAY UP TO DATE Ashville: Trey Pike; Barry Simmons Park Crossing: Smitty Grider; Angelo Wheeler
Benjamin Russell: Danny Horn; Kevin Smith Pell City: Keith Etheredge; Wayne Lee
Follow us on Twitter Bessemer City: Quintin Jackson; Derone Fagan Phil Campbell: Ryan Swinney; Kevin Barnwell
@GTPreps B.C. Rain: Tellis Stone; Rick Cauley Pickens County: James Thompson; Michael Williams
@GadsdenTimes Brantley: Ashley Kilcrease; Roland Jones Jr. Pisgah: Anthony Jacks; Luke Pruitt
@GT_JJHicks Carver-Montgomery : Willie Spears; James Thompson Plainview: Dustin Goodwin; Nick Ledbetter
@GT_GregBailey Center Point : Shawn Gregory; George Bates Pleasant Grove: Jim Elgin; Darrell LeBeaux
@GT_KevinTaylor Chelsea : Chris Elmore; Dustin Goodwin Prattville: Chad Anderson; Caleb Ross
@Teddy_Couch Chickasaw : John Beverly; Jason Rowell Priceville: Dirk Strunk; Jason Simmons
@GT_MichaelRodgers Citronelle : Rusty Funk; Jason Barnett* Randolph: Nick Flanagan; Blake Killen
Clarke Prep : Billy Hamilton; Jimmy Hicks Rehobeth: Frankie Clark; Donny Gillian*
Follow us on Facebook Clay Central : Kris Herron; Danny Horn Robertsdale: Brian Campbell; Chase Smith
Gadsden Times Clements : Cody McCain; Michael Parker Rogers: Randall Martin; Jerry Fulks
Coosa Central : Shane Rary; Brett Thomas Russellville: Mark Heaton; John Ritter
Find us online at: Cottage Hill Christian: David Peebles; Chris Brazell Samson: Chris Littleton; Jason Wambles
gadsdentimes.com Corner: Zac Willis; John Clements Satsuma: Justin Thomas; Ray Nelson
Crossville: Miles Holcomb; Dusty Darnell Shoals Christian: Patrick Malone; Nick Flanagan
TEAM FEATURES Cullman: Mark Britton; Matt Plunkett Smiths Station: Adam Fossett; Mike Glisson
Coosa Christian .............................. 4 Dale County: Pate Harrison; Don Moore Southeastern: Michael Burkett; Kevin Byrd
Gaston ............................................. 6 Daleville: Rob Armstrong; Terry Woolf Springwood: John Gartman; Thomas Hill
Etowah ............................................ 8 Danville: Josh LouAllen; Shannon McGregory Sumiton Christian: Mike McCarty; Bart Black
Gadsden City ................................ 10 Dothan: Keven Jackson; Wayne White Tanner: Maurice Belser; Oscar Bonds
Hokes Bluff ................................... 14 East Lawrence: Jarrod Helms; James Moore T.R. Miller: Andrew Thomas; Keith Etheredge
Glencoe ......................................... 16 Edgewood Academy: Eric Folmar; Darryl Free Valley Head: Brian Knapp; Heath Vincent
Southside ...................................... 18 Elba: Ed Rigby; Pate Harrison West Limestone: Jordan Cantrell; Shelby Davis
Sardis ............................................ 20 Ellwood Christian: Mike Stokes; Migeual Catlin West Morgan: John Ritter; Mikel Riggs
Westbrook Christian .................... 22 Elmore County: Norman Dean; Jordan Cantrell Wilson: Scott Brown; Matt Poarch
West End ....................................... 28 Eufaula: Bryan Moore; Ed Rigby Winston County: Bart Stephenson; Mark Mitchell
Ashville ......................................... 32 Excel: Jason Wambles; Cody Sellers Woodlawn: George Bates; Karl Powe
Albertville ..................................... 34 Faith Academy: Jeff Estes*; Jack French Vincent: Wiley McKellar; Lucas Weatherford
Piedmont ...................................... 36 Florence: J.B. Wallace; Will Hester
Boaz ............................................... 38 Fort Payne: Paul Ellis; Chris Elmore
Cherokee County ......................... 40 Fultondale: Richie Busby; Don Dover
DeKalb Co. schools ...................... 41 Gardendale: Matt Plunkett; Chad Eads
Cedar Bluff.................................... 42 Glencoe: Rusty Davis; Brian Alred
Hanceville: Craig Flanigan; Cody McCain
OTHER FEATURES Hazel Green: Will Wagnon; Smitty Grider
Coaching Changes ......................... 3 Helena: Watt Parker; Richie Busby
Region Realignment .................... 13 Houston Academy: Jimmy Addison; Jamie Riggs
Cover Story ................................... 24 Jasper: Heath Brunner; Bryan Moore
Reclassification ............................ 30 Keith: Harry Crum; Anthony Lumpkins
Preseason Poll .............................. 43 Kinston: Jon Cooper; George Kennedy
Area Schedules ............................ 45 Lakeside: Jimmy King; Dan Klages
Save the Date ............................... 46 Loachapoka: Antonio Richards; L.C. Cole
Marengo Academy: Lebo Jones; David Atkins
ABOUT THE COVER

Etowah's Justin Harris, Jamin Graham and Emil Smith are three of the more sought-after talents in
the county at the Division I level. Harris had 26 offers and verbally comitted to Vanderbilt. Smith and
Graham have more than a dozen offers each and said they are not in any hurry to commit. While they
know they may go their separate ways after high school, they have the same goal in mind right now
and that's to win a state title. [PHOTO BY MARC GOLDEN/THE GADSDEN TIMES]
4 Wednesday, August 22, 2018 | KICKOFF 2018
COOSA CHRISTIAN CONQUERORS
Chase Burger returns to anchor the offensive and defensive lines for Coosa Christian. [PHOTOS BY MARC GOLDEN/GADSDEN TIMES]
Expectations are high

at Coosa Christian
By Kevin Taylor Senior quarterback Caiden Lipscomb offense that he understands why we do what
Times Staff Writer returns to run the Conqueror offense, which we do offensively and when we do what we
features plenty of weapons in the backfield need to do.”
E
xpectations at Coosa Christian are and at the receiver positions. Among the targets Lipscomb has to throw
higher than they have been in recent Lipscomb says he feels comfortable in the the ball to is sophomore 6-foot-3 receiver
years even though the Conquerors offense. Evan Delp. As a freshman Delp came on to be
closed the 2017 season with a 4-7 record. “Now I have a grasp of what needs to be a big playmaker for the Conquerors. Woods
Coosa returns its entire backfield and has done and how we run the offense,” he said. expects Delp to continue to be a factor this
some new additions to the team which could Woods said Lipscomb has become so com- season even though most opposing teams will
lead coach Navendra Woods’ squad back to fortable in the offense that he feels like his try to limit his touches.
the playoffs for the third year in a row. senior quarterback is now an extension of the “Evan is one of those kids who is a play-
“I expect big things this year. I expect to coaching staff. maker who will find a way to get open,”
finish No. 1 in our region,” he said. “I think “He’s definitely grown and matured from Woods said.
when Spring Garden and Cedar Bluff were in year one,” Woods said. “(He) knows what But Lipscomb won’t have just one target.
our regions, we had a mental block when we (offensive coordinator) coach (Christopher) Clay Waits will be on the opposite side of the
played them and from previous years. I feel Sanders is thinking, and they communicate field from Delp as another target. Waits didn’t
like, with new teams in our region, we can take well. We let him call plays in a recent 7-on-7 play football last year, but joined the squad his
over and finish No. 1 in our region.” competition. He’s that comfortable with the senior year.
Carston Lipscomb is one of a number of targets Caiden Lipscomb will be able to

throw to this season at Coosa Christian.
Dartavious Britton rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season for Coosa Christian.
“He’s another guy who will be Hunter Price and a couple more are
another big-time playmaker for coming along.”
us,” Woods added. “So basically the Burger said blocking for a veteran
(opponents’) defense will have to quarterback and with so many expe-
pick its poison.” rienced weapons behind him, serves
Lipscomb will also have a chance a great motivation.
to target his younger brother, Car- “It helps us a lot (having a veteran
ston, from the slot position as well quarterback) to know if we hold our
as running back Dartavious Britton blocks just long enough he’s going
who proved to be a weapon catching to put this team in the best possible
the ball out of the backfield. position to be successful,” he said.
“Me and Dartavious, we are so in Defensively, it may be one of the
tune that if he or I see something I’ll most experienced defenses Coosa
check into something else and he’s has seen in years. Most of those who
right there on the same page with were starters on offense will also
me,” Lipscomb said. start on defense.
Another new addition to Coosa’s “We are solid across the board,”
squad is Caleb Cates who will see Woods added. “Most everyone
action at running back and outside who started on defense last season
linebacker. Cates transferred in from returns.”
Ashville. So it’s understandable why the
Leading the way up front for the expectations and the excitement
Conquerors is returning All-Etowah leading up to the season are at a
County offensive lineman Chase much higher level.
Burger, who will start at center. “I think it’s the most excited I’ve
“We don’t have as much depth, been in a while,” Lipscomb said of
but we’re solid across the front. I the upcoming season. “Everyone
think if we can stay healthy we’ll be is buying more so into what we are
OK across the line. Chase and Brady trying to do and accomplish than in Caiden Lipscomb returns at quarterback on offense and linebacker on defense for
(Long) are the veterans on the line. previous years.” the Conquerors.
GASTON BULLDOGS
Tested in 2017, Gaston

optimistic about 2018
By Greg Bailey Jakob Gibbs.
Times Managing Editor Josh Campbell received
a lot of the fiery baptism,
S
wane Morris calls his starting at quarterback for the
Gaston High School Bulldogs as a freshman. He
football team’s 2017 a attended the Manning Pass-
“baptism by fire.” ing Academy in June and has
The Bulldogs won just one improved his arm strength,
of 10 games last season, were according to Morris.
shut out five times and gave “We’ll work on his deci-
up 35 or more points seven sion making as practice
times. rolls along,” the coach said,
The thing is, fire can burn using an automotive analogy
but it also can harden. Morris of a distributor cap — that
is counting on the latter as an offense starts with the
Gaston tries to bounce back quarterback and the “engine”
in 2018. has to be firing in the proper
“We’re a year older and a order.
lot of guys got some experi- Senior Lane Talbot, a
ence,” said Morris, who’s second-team All-State
beginning his sixth season linebacker and offensive
in his second stint as the tackle last year, has moved to Christian Farley is one of four seniors to anchor the Bulldogs’ offensive line. [PHOTOS BY MARC GOLDEN/
Bulldogs’ coach. (The first fullback. “It’s a new position GADSDEN TIMES]
was 2001 to 2009; he’s also a for him, but he’s handling the
Gaston alumnus.) transition well,” Morris said.
“We’ve got some kids “He’s well ahead of the game
coming back as seniors who and he’s getting his speed up.
have shown good leadership,” “He’s shown a lot of
he said. leadership by example and is
“It’s one of the better helping get people to realize
classes as far as leadership that we’re in this together and
that we’ve seen in quite a we need to fight to get things
while. We had a good spring done,” he said.
and summer, and we’re Talbot said the biggest
hoping to have a good carry- challenge he’s faced with
over into the season.” the position change has been
Injuries, both nagging and staying low instead of stand-
season ending, hurt the Bull- ing up after the snap. “I go in
dogs last season. “Our last expecting to hit somebody on
game, we had six starters on every play,” he said.
the sideline in blue jeans and He said he sees a major dif-
jerseys,” Morris said. ference in this year’s Bulldog
For instance, Gaston lost team: “We wanted to win last
junior lineman Cole Wad- year. This year, we expect to
sworth — described by Morris win.”
as one of the team’s “intel- That will be a challenge in
lectual leaders” — to a torn the re-configured Class 2A,
ACL on the third series of its Region 6, which now includes
opening game. Cleveland, Ohatchee, Ran-
He’s back to anchor the burne and Woodland along
line along with seniors Kelly with cross-county rivals
Davis, Christian Farley, Westbrook and West End.
Kavontae Lindsey and Ander- “Our region is tough,” Cole Wadsworth returns from a knee injury that knocked him out for the season last year. He returns
son Wadkins, and junior Morris said. “We’ve got some to anchor a veteran offensive line.
Malik Redmond
will be one of
Josh Campbell’s
targets at
split end for
the Bulldogs
this season.
Redmond
will also
play outside
linebacker on
defense.
good teams coming in. certain record to get to ABOVE: Lane Talbot, who was a
“However, the biggest the playoffs.’ We need to second-team All-State linebacker
one thing we need to do is focus on winning the next and offensive tackle last season,
try to win each week we game we play. If we do that, will move from his former position
play,” he said. “We don’t everything else will take at tackle to fullback this season.
need to say ‘We need a care of itself.” [MARC GOLDEN/ GADSDEN TIMES]
E T O WA H B L U E D E V I L S
Etowah craves a deep playoff run

By Teddy Couch
Times Staff Writer
T
he appetite is pretty big in
Attalla.
Etowah hasn’t won a state
championship since 1999 when Car-
nell Williams was leading the way at
running back. Fast-forward 19 years
later, the Blue Devils are coming
off arguably their most successful
season since.
Etowah finished 7-0 in region
play to win the region champion-
ship in 2017. The defense gave up
just 14.2 points per game and forced
three shutouts. The offense put up
29.2 points each game. Coach Drew
Noles’ group also advanced to the
quarterfinals for the first time since
1999. And to start out the 2018 season,
Etowah is ranked No. 2 in Class 5A in
the Alabama Sports Writers Associa-
tion’s preseason football rankings.
But the Blue Devils want more.
“I think I can speak for all the play-
ers and coaches: no one is satisfied Carter Dingler is one of two All-State linebackers returning this season for Etowah. Alex Howard returns to his defensive
with that,” Etowah senior defensive [PHOTOS BY MARC GOLDEN/ GADSDEN TIMES] tackle spot. He is one of three returning
lineman Alex Howard said. “I wasn’t starters along the defensive front for the
satisfied with it. The goal was to make Running back was last season’s Emaje' Graves is gone from corner- Blue Devils.
it to the state championship and we biggest strength for Etowah. With back, but he went down with an injury
didn’t make it.” the graduation of Murray State signee during the second half of the season.
The goal remains the same in 2018, Cory Thomas and Henderson State Jessie Altman, who was charged with
and the Blue Devils will have to go signee Caleb Horton, running back murder in the January shooting death
through a couple of county — and now now is one of the biggest question of a Gadsden teen, is gone from the
region — foes in hopes of getting there. marks. NyNy Davis, Trent Davis and defensive tackle spot. David Rutledge,
The Blue Devils are in 5A, Region 6 Reggie Phillips will look to carry the who rotated in along the defensive line,
along with some familiar faces in Alex- load in the backfield. also is gone.
andria, Boaz, Crossville and Douglas. Another big question mark, is who Howard, three-star defensive end
The differences come with the addition will be handing them the ball? Jamin Graham and Trey Cole are back
of Sardis and Southside. Etowah hasn’t Junior DeRickey Wright was the on the defensive front with all-state
played Sardis since 1963, while the starting quarterback last season while linebackers Jarren Wright and Carter
Blue Devils have taken on the Pan- sophomore Brady Troup served as the Dingler behind them. They were
thers the last two years in non-region backup. Noles said the quarterback known for stopping the run last year
contests. position still is “up in the air.” and will likely be known for the same
Etowah’s non-region schedule con- “DeRickey is 11-2 as a starter, but in 2018.
sists of Moody, Fort Payne, Pell City he’s also so versatile,” Noles, who “It’s the experience we have coming
and Gadsden City. The Blue Devils enters his sixth season as Etowah's back,” Wright said. “They work hard
renew their rivalry with the Titans on coach, added. “There are so many and we always run after practice. Just
Aug. 23 at Jim Glover Field to kick their things he can do, so we will definitely the hard work and talent.”
season off. It’s the first time the two be able to use both of those guys.” That’s not to downplay the Blue
cross-town teams have played since Both Wright and Troup have been Devil secondary led by Vanderbilt
2009. going up against an experienced commit Justin Harris. Emil Smith, who
“It’s nice to play teams we haven’t defense each day in practice. has FBS offers as a wide receiver, will
played since we’ve been in high The Blue Devils lost just three be alongside Harris in the secondary.
school,” Howard said. “Gadsden City, starters defensively as Evan Jones One question mark most may not Jarren Wright is another returning All-
I think that is going to be a game I’ll and Horton both primarily switched think about is special teams. The Blue State linebacker to solidify Etowah’s
never forget.” out from the same position at safety. Devils have to replace Raul Hernandez, defense this season.
who was the kicker for the past three one, the 31-0 loss at Briarwood Chris-
seasons. tian still leaves a sour taste in the Blue
“If somebody said, ‘what’s the Devils’ mouths.
weakest part of your team?’ That’s “(Last season) is something to build
the weakest part,” Noles said. “That off of, but at the same time we didn’t
doesn’t mean we don’t have guys that finish,” Noles said. “... To me, it’s
are working there. We just don’t have been a matter of staying hungry.
experience. We are working daily on I think ultimately, it’s easy to be
it. … Eric Edge is leading the way there satisfied with last year, but we didn’t
right now and he is returning as our finish what we were wanting to do.
punter.” We got work to do and we realize
Though last year was a successful that.”
DeAundrea Williams is one of a number of targets at receiver for Etowah this season.
G A D S D E N C I T Y T I TA N S
Titans trying to bounce back

after missing playoffs
By Teddy Couch
Times Staff Writer
T
he ending to last
season was not exactly
perfect for Gadsden
City.
It was quite the opposite.
With one kick, the Titans
saw their season come to an
end as Huntsville won 38-35
in the final seconds to secure
the fourth seed in Class 7A,
Region 4.
The Panthers were celebrat-
ing making the playoffs at
Titan Stadium as Gadsden
City played its last snap Oct.
27, 2017.
Bart Sessions wants his
team to remember that
feeling.
“We used it as if you don’t Jalen Robinson is one of a
want to feel that way (again), number of quarterbacks vying
then you take care of it in Jan- for playing time for the Titans.
uary, February and on through
the offseason and don’t leave moved to Region 3, but Austin
anything to chance that late in has moved up from 6A to take
the season,” the second-year the place of the Huskies. The
Gadsden City coach said. Black Bears made it to the Calvin Williams is one of three seniors in the Titans’ secondary this season. [PHOTOS BY MARC GOLDEN/
Sessions feels the mental- quarterfinals last season and GADSDEN TIMES]
ity of the football team has advanced to the semifinals in
changed in a positive way. the two years priors. The only
Players are encouraging fellow other change was Buckhorn
teammates. The Titans moving down to 6A with
have put extra work in the Florence taking its place. Bob
weight room, which has helped Jones, James Clemens, Spark-
the mindset of the team. man, Huntsville and Grissom
“It’s baby steps and it’s still remain in Region 4 with Gads-
a work in progress,” Sessions den City.
said. “We are not perfect There will be no breaks
yet and we know that. We during non-region play,
encourage them. We fuss at either. Gadsden City opens the
them. I know they get tired of season at Jim Glover Stadium
it some days, but they come against renewed 5A rival
back for more the next day and Etowah. It will be the first time
that’s what is fun about this the two have played in nine
group.” years, and the players from
The Titans want to get back both sides are looking forward
to the postseason after the bad to it.
taste of last season's strug- “It’s special to me because a Jamontez Woods will play a big
gles, but they’ll have a tough lot of my friends I grew up with part in Gadsden City’s success
road to get there. will be playing against each on offense from the running
Hewitt-Trussville has other,” Gadsden City senior back position. Donnie Ryan returns to anchor Gadsden City’s defensive line.
running back Jamontez Woods said. down a little bit so we can give one with defensive linemen Kris Yow one common goal in mind: a state
The Titans host 6A Oxford for their of them more of the reps, but right and Bronce Williams alongside Ryan. championship.
second game and end the regular now they are all three neck-and-neck Josh Richard, Sammy Goldthreate “We are not going to coach it or play
season at 6A Clay-Chalkville. All three in competition.” and Calvin Williams are seniors in the it without that being the goal,” Ses-
teams may be in lower classes, but But there is one common denomina- secondary with Tyron Tripp being a sions said. “Period. And we do back up
each advanced to at least the quarter- tor from last year, and it’s a big one: senior leader for the linebackers. a little bit and say we have to take care
finals last season. Woods. “We are all starting to gel together of business in the region and get in the
“Where we are at, those are the The senior three-star running back right now,” Ryan said. “At the playoffs, which is difficult enough.
people that we want to play,” Ses- (according to 247sports.com) ran for spring game, we were sort of coming Clearly you want to be the region
sions said. “That’s who we have to 849 yards and eight touchdowns on together. Now we are about there. champion, but if we are going to talk
play. No. 1, we want our kids in that 169 carries last season. He’ll no doubt Everyone is playing their role.” about anything, we are going to talk
environment to get them ready for be a big part of the offense in 2018 And they are all doing so with about blue maps.”
playoff-type environments. And we once again.
want them to compete against the “We think he is the premiere run-
best. Gadsden City is not going to back ning back in the state of Alabama,”
down from anyone.” Sessions said. “I would tell anybody
The Titans will see a lot of change that. We got to get him the football.
offensively. There will be a new quar- Everybody that we play knows that,
terback with new receivers. There also and that’s fine.”
is a new offensive coordinator in Mark Defensively, Donnie Ryan will be
Heaton, who was the coach at Russell- one of the leaders. The senior defen-
ville for the past four seasons. sive lineman is one Sessions said has a
The quarterback battle is between motor that doesn’t stop.
last year’s backup Jalen Robinson, a “He’s done a great job for us along
junior, and sophomores DeMarcus with three or four other seniors lead-
Macon and Jayden Lawson. ing that defense,” Sessions said. “We
“All three are capable guys,” Ses- are really excited to see them when
sions said. “There is going to have to they put the pads on.”
come a point where we have to pin it The defense will be senior-heavy,
REGION REALIGNMENT
Does it make
sense and cents
for schools?
By Kevin Taylor “It’s just so difficult for our fan
Times Staff Writer base to get up to the Tennessee state
line and vice versa,” Titans coach
E
very two years high school Bart Sessions said of traveling to
football coaches cringe over Florence. “It hurts our gates, and
the thought of reclassification I know it will hurt theirs when we
and realignment of the regions within have to go up there next year just like
each classification. when we go up into Huntsville and
The coaches wince when they look they come down here.”
at their new region every two years Schools like Gadsden City are in a
just to see who their future region Catch-22 situation. They are geo-
opponents will be and how far they graphically farther away from other
will have to travel. schools which are similar in size.
Reclassification within the Enterprise, which is a 7A school, is
Alabama High School Athletic Asso- apart of a region in which its closest
ciation can be a blessing for some opponents — Jeff Davis and Robert
coaches and athletic directors and a E. Lee (Montgomery) — are 82 miles
curse for others. away. Gadsden City’s closest region
Some see county rivalries renewed, opponent — Grissom (Huntsville) —
while others may see a budding now is 66.7 miles away.
rivalry go away because of region “Things people don’t talk about
realignment and reclassification. is that not only do we go up there
Not to mention some schools see (Florence), but so do 470-some band
a financial boost, while others may members go up there,” Sessions
take a hit because of longer travel and added. “There’s a game, at no fault of
poor fan travel that results in poor our own, will be a Thursday game in
ticket sales. Huntsville. You are taking up to 600
In the end, some coaches are kids on a Thursday night and then
sometimes left scratching their have to drive home and go to school
heads trying to make sense of the the next day. That’s tough.”
realignment. Coosa Christian saw its region
Two area schools which were almost double in size in terms of
adversely impacted by the recent mileage. The Conquerors’ closest
region realignments were Gadsden opponents in the last two years has
City High (7A) and Coosa Christian been Jacksonville Christian (27.5
(1A). miles) and Cedar Bluff and Spring
Both saw their region grow in Garden (34 miles). In turn, Coosa
terms of distance by 100 miles or picked up region opponents R.A.
more. Hubbard (97.9 miles) and Decatur
Gadsden City saw Hewitt-Truss- Heritage (75.5 miles). Coosa’s closest
ville (42 miles away) and Buckhorn opponent for the next two seasons
(78.5 miles) leave Region 4 and pick will be Gaylesville (39 miles).
up Austin (84.5) and Florence (121 “We’ll be fine financially, but it’s
miles). a big travel for our fans and our kids.
In Gadsden City’s previous region, I was thinking that maybe Appa-
the Titan football team would travel lachian or even Donoho would get
513.3 miles — one way — during a put in our region, but that didn’t
two-year period. happen,” Coosa Christian coach
This season and next, Gadsden Nevendra Woods said.
City will travel 598.1 miles — one
way to face their region opponents. See REALIGN, 27
H O K E S B L U F F E AG L E S
Eagles thrive in role of being the ‘hunted’

By J.J. Hicks
Times Sports Writer
H
okes Bluff proved in
2017 that being the
hunted instead of the
hunter was no hindrance to a
huge season.
A year after taking the state
by storm and reaching the
Class 4A high school foot-
ball semifinals after having
missed the postseason eight
straight seasons, the Eagles
took every team’s best shot
week after week in 2017. It
didn’t matter much, as coach
Mike Robertson’s team just
kept barreling ahead on its
way to a 10-3 record, being
ranked in the ASWA top 10
every week of the season and Jack Busch is one of three All-State players returning for Hokes
a state quarterfinal appear- Bluff this season. [PHOTOS BY MARC GOLDEN/ GADSDEN TIMES]
ance. A narrow 34-27 loss to
Fayette County kept Hokes
Bluff from repeating its 2016
semifinal spot, and perhaps
more. All-in-all, an impres-
sive pair of seasons.
But don’t expect this pro-
gram to rest on its laurels.
“They (other teams) are
hunting after us now, but
I’d rather be there than the
other way around,” Hokes
Bluff coach Mike Robertson
said. “I think we’re in good
shape. We’ve had three or
four good senior classes, and
that’s important to keep the
momentum going.
“Last year really doesn’t
matter, but I do think there’s
some carry-over. Success
does breed success, but you Carson Eubanks will be one of Hokes Bluff’s top targets at receiver Braydon Hill is another returning receiver for the Eagles, who have
can fall in a hurry if you don’t this season. a new quarterback this season.
do what you’re supposed to
do to prepare to continue to fullback/linebacker Levi defense. he could put up even bigger worker. He’s very, very com-
do what we’ve been doing.” Taliaferro (both who were Those are just two of the numbers after another off- petitive. When he gets the
Five players from the second team All-State play- losses that will hurt, but season of getting bigger and ball, he wants to score.”
Eagles received All-State ers) can’t be overlooked. Hokes Bluff, which opens the stronger. He’ll be taking handoffs
recognition last year, and Johnson grew from a game year at No. 5 in 4A, hardly is “He got to work a summer from a new quarterback this
three of those (first-teamer manager into a true play- bereft of talent. job this year, he got to do year. Gulledge, a junior who
Darrian Meads and second- maker with his arm and feet Meads, a first team All- a little concrete work with piled up 159 tackles last year,
teamers Ashton Gulledge and throughout his career, and State player in his freshman one of my former players takes over for Johnson. He
Jack Busch) are back. Taliaferro was an expert at and sophomore seasons, so he worked out in the hot also will continue playing
The losses of quarter- helping open holes for Meads rushed for 2,036 yards and sun and got a little bigger,” defense.
back Landon Johnson and and racking up big plays on 27 touchdowns in 2017, and Robertson said. “He’s a hard “We’re a little behind
because of spring training,” the Eagles into another rounds of the playoffs, still
Robertson said of the Eagles strong season. appears to be stout enough
not getting to practice much “He’s got a good head on to keep opponents in
in the spring because of a his shoulders,” Hill said. “I check, though some depth
run to the 4A state baseball think he’ll do what he needs on both sides of the ball
finals. “But that’s just an to do to get the job done.” will need to develop to give
excuse. Ashton’s very hard- “I think he’s well- the starters a breather, at
nosed, but he’s got to change respected,” Busch said. the very least.
that mentality just a little “As for me, being the one Another key will be not
bit. I’ve told him that it’s OK protecting him, I think it’s letting all the success go to
to run out of bounds if it’s going to be great for him to the Eagles’ heads.
not important. be behind me.” “I think we need to ignore
“Ashton’s going to be fine. Last season, Hill was the everybody telling us how
He does some things better Eagles’ leading receiver, great we are,” Busch said.
than other quarterbacks finishing with 735 yards and “We need to be as great as
I’ve coached. He’s got some 11 scores, and he’ll likely be everybody thinks we are. We
things to work on, though who Gulledge looks to most, need to put everything out of
he played quarterback up along with Carson Eubanks. our heads and work on us.”
through middle school. It’s Gulledge will be joined Reclassification didn’t Darrian Meads rushed for more than 2,000 yards last season and
an adjustment. He’s a threat by Hill and Eubanks in the affect the Eagles too much. was voted a first-team All-State running back.
to run it. Throwing it, he’s defensive backfield, while Hokes Bluff now is in 4A,
not going to make your eyes Busch and Houston Edwards Region 6 instead of Region calling the region “the SEC quarterfinal appearances in
pop out like Landon could, lead the way on the defen- 5, but it has the same teams Central.” the bag, the Eagles hope they
but he’s adequate enough of sive front. A unit that gave on its region slate but one “With the teams on our can take the next step in 2018.
a thrower to do the job.” up just 18.7 points per game, — Cleburne County moves schedule, everybody has a “The state championship,
Receiver Braydon Hill and including a combined 10 down from 5A to replace quality program,” he said. that’s everybody’s goal,”
Busch believe Gulledge will points to Madison Academy Saks, which dropped to “It’s pick your poison.” Hill said. “I think we have
be ready to help spearhead and Rogers in the first two 3A. Robertson is fond of With semifinal and what we need to get that.”
G L E N C O E Y E L L O W J AC K E T S
Glencoe moves
forward with a
new head coach
By Teddy Couch
Times Staff Writer
GLENCOE — The Glencoe Yellow

Jackets are moving on.
It’s a new year with a new coach
after coming off a rough 2017 football
season. Glencoe started the year with
two wins over county rivals West
End and Westbrook Christian then
bottomed out with eight consecu-
tive losses by a combined score of Andrew Massaro is one of two returning starters on defense for the Yellow Jackets.
374-62. He also will see playing time at running back.
But that was last year.
Brian Alred, who replaced Rusty LEFT: Julian Bethel is one of two returning starters on defense for Glencoe this
Davis as the Yellow Jackets’ coach, season. He also will see playing time along the offensive line. [PHOTOS BY MARC
wants to keep 2017 in the rearview GOLDEN/ GADSDEN TIMES]
mirror with no looking back.
“It’s done and gone,” said Alred,
who is a 1999 Glencoe graduate. “We
are just moving forward.”
The Yellow Jackets will be doing
so with a lot of new faces. Glencoe
has just two starters returning on quarterback battle between Sam
offense and defense. Hines and Colton Stone.
Normally that could be rough, but “Colton Stone is more of a physi-
it’s not necessarily a bad thing with cal runner,” Alred said. “Being a
Alred bringing in a new offensive senior, he is a little more developed
system. than Sam. Then you got Sam who
“The kids have bought in to what throws the ball a little better, but
we are doing,” Alred said. “We are he may not be quite as ready from a
preaching toughness – physical and running standpoint as what Colton
mental toughness. That’s what we is. So, we have to decide where we
are going to build our brand around. want to hang our hat. Both are good
That’s where I feel like we can win athletes. Whichever one doesn’t win
ball games.” the battle, we fully expect the other
Alred has brought a Wing-T based to play at running back or wing back.
offense to Glencoe. The expectation Somewhere like that.”
for the Yellow Jackets is to run the Running back will be a position
ball a lot with physicality being their where Glencoe hangs its hat, and
strong suit. Alred knows who will be manning
“We are trying to build our brand that position. Hunter Gray had an
around physicality,” Alred said. “We impressive spring, according to
are going to be a run-first football Alred, and will see a lot of touches in
team, and we are going to try to stay the fall.
between the tackles. It’s going to be “He is just a physical runner,”
like the old saying goes, 'three yards Alred said of the senior. “He’s the
and a cloud of dust.' That’s what I type of running back we want in
feel is going to give us a chance to be this type of offense. He’s a down-
successful.” hill runner. He’s not scared of
Glencoe is in the midst of a contact, and he’s not going to shy
away from it.”

Eli Huff and Andrew Mas-
saro will also see time in the
backfield at running back.
Hines, if he doesn’t win the
QB position, and Cam Harris
will play wingback.
“That’s one area I feel
blessed at is our skill guys,”
Alred said. “We got some
depth there.”
The offensive line, though,
doesn’t have as much. The
starting five on the line is set
with center Collin Hardy,
guards Will Harrison and
Luke Booker and tackles
Julian Bethel and Conner
Gray.
“That’s where we are
struggling depth wise,”
Alred said. “We got two or
three guys who are pushing
(the starters) pretty hard. If
something does happen to
one of those guys, I do feel
comfortable putting those
guys in.”
Bethel and Massaro are the
lone two returners from last
year’s defense, but noth-
ing will change defensively Hunter Gray is expected to get a lion’s share of the carries in
scheme-wise. Coach Charlie Glecoe’s Wing T offense.
Robertson will continue to
run the defense. semifinalist last season, in a lot out of us this year and
“On defense, we haven’t its place. That’s to go along that’s fine,” Alred said.
dropped,” Bethel said. with Piedmont, Randolph “I’m good with that. As
“We’ve gotten a little better. County, Weaver, Pleasant long as we believe in this
We’ve got new guys that Valley, Wellborn and B.B. locker room, that’s all we Luke Booker is expected to start at one guard spot along the
know what they are doing.” Comer to round out 3A, need.” Yellow Jackets’ offensive line this season.
Region play didn’t get any Region 6. The goal for 2018? Make
easier for the Yellow Jack- The Yellow Jackets will the playoffs for the first time shot to do that,” Alred said. think we might could slip in
ets as their region became certainly be an underdog in since 2015 and end a two- “That’s our big goal is to there and get the three, four
even tougher. Glencoe lost most region contests, and year losing streak to their make the playoffs. It’s going seed. … We want to make
Ohatchee as they fell to it’s a role Glencoe welcomes. long-time rival. to be tough to be a one or the playoffs and beat Hokes
2A, but gained Saks, a 4A “People aren’t expecting “We feel like we have a two seed realistically. But I Bluff.”
S O U T H S I D E PA N T H E R S
Inexperience doesn't
translate into youth
for Southside
By Michael Rodgers
Times Staff Writer
I
nexperience, not youth.
That's the recurring
theme with this year's
Southside squad, as many
players taking the field aren't
underclassmen, but they also
don't have many real-world
snaps under their belts.
Take the defensive second-
ary, for example. Coach Ron
Daugherty said that out of five
secondary players, four are in
their first year.
But those four include three Chance Moon is expected to anchor Southside’s defensive line this
seniors and a junior. season. [PHOTOS BY MARC GOLDEN/ GADSDEN TIMES] Senior Blake Habyan is a newcomer to the Southside football team,
Many players on the team but has locked down a starting spot in the secondary.
are like senior Blake Habyan, “We've been working out of have youth along with inexperi-
who only played basketball practice, going to the field and ence is on the offensive line.
until last year, when he came throwing, getting our chemistry Of Southside's top seven line-
out for football and earned a up,” Habyan said, and Daugh- men (including tight ends), five
starting spot in the secondary erty said chemistry is growing are sophomores.
by mid-season. for the entire wide receiving Daugherty said the group of
“They're kids that decided corps. sophomores started training
they didn't want the oppor- “He's been putting in a lot of in the weight room during PE
tunity to pass by to play some work, and it's been helpful,” class last year and have put in
football,” Daugherty said. Habyan said. the work needed to be offensive
“They're just competitors that Fortunately for the Panthers, linemen.
decided, 'Hey, I can do both.' they have a player like Kenneth “When you have a group of
We try to push the fact that kids “Cat” Bothwell Jr. as the focal guys who want to be offensive
can play more than one sport.” point of the offense. linemen, you've got a chance
That philosophy also shows Bothwell, a senior running to make Cat happy running the
up at the quarterback position. back who has offers from col- ball. If we all do our jobs, we
With the graduation of Gavin leges like Southern Miss, South feel like we can move the ball
Griffin, sophomore Michael Alabama, Central Michigan, on anybody,” Daugherty said.
Rich Jr. is set to take over con- Tulane, Samford, the Citadel, Defensively, Daugherty said
trol of the offense. Eastern Kentucky and Mercer, the number of players is as low
Rich is a golfer, and Daugh- ran for 1,222 and 12 touchdowns as they've been since he's been
erty said he has been putting in last season. coach, but the coaching staff is
hard work in the weight room to Bothwell took over the tail- working to keep players only
put on more muscle before the back position after Auburn playing on one side of the ball
football season. signee Alaric Williams with limited two-way action. Sophomore Michael Rich Jr. takes over the reins of the Panthers’
“He led the offense in the graduated. “I think last year we made offense at quarterback this season.
spring, but he hasn't taken a “Last year, I had to step up a lot of mistakes that we can
varsity snap yet except for the a little more and be a leader,” attribute to people playing will have to do more of that. There has also been a bit of
spring game,” Daugherty said. Bothwell said. “It's not a big both sides and not getting reps The defensive line is the most changeover on the defensive
Habyan, who also will play deal to me — sometimes you've on their main side of the ball,” experienced unit of the defense, coaching staff, as Jake Nich-
wide receiver, said he and Rich got to do what you've got to Daugherty said. anchored by Chance Moon, ols has taken over as defensive
have been working together do.” However, he said that with Jake Blankenship and Ethan coordinator.
during the offseason. One place where the Panthers any major injury, the Panthers Stevenson. Though he's the Panthers'
third DC in the last year, Daugherty said

there's still consistency there because
Nichols has been with the program for
some time.
Charles Nails stepped back as coordi-
nator after last season, and Kyle Routon
took over the position, but Routon left
in July to take over Oxford's wrestling
program.
There are significant scheduling
changes as the Panthers dropped from
Class 6A to Class 5A.
Gone are trips to Brewer, Cullman and
Fort Payne, and in their place are nearby
teams like Sardis, Boaz and Alexandria.
Etowah stays on the schedule but is
now a Region 6 opponent. Kenneth Bothwell Jr. rushed for more
“We welcome playing different than 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns last
schools, and it seems like it's schools season for the Panthers.
closer to us, so it's more rivalry-type
things,” Daugherty said. Bothwell said.
Last year's team started 0-4 but “Our strength is that these guys have
ended the season by winning four of its a will to win,” Daugherty said. “They
last six games, and Daugherty said that have the heart to battle every play, and
momentum carried over into the offsea- if that truly is a strength, we'll win some
son and spring and should roll into the ball games.
regular season. “Like what Cat said happened in the
“We weren't a team at first. We had middle of last year — if that goal hap-
to figure out each other, but as we came pens, I feel like our other goals will take
together, we started playing better,” care of themselves,” he said.
SARDIS LIONS
Sardis transitions to 5A
after a strong season
By Teddy Couch play with his feet. He’s not
Times Staff Writer going to stay in that pocket
very much. He likes to make
SARDIS CITY – For the plays with his feet. … I’m
first time in school history, excited about both of them
Sardis is in Class 5A. and to see what they can do.”
The Lions have a lot Whether it’s Presley,
of momentum to carry Owens or both at quar-
over during their move up terback, they will have
after winning the 4A, Region experience returning around
7 title last season. Sardis them.
started the season off 0-2, Senior Drew Vaughn will
staring Madison Academy return in the backfield along
in the eyes for its third game with senior Tristen Holcomb
of the year. The Lions ended and juniors Josh Scales and
up beating the Mustangs Trey Dalrymple back on the
18-17 and finished the season offensive line. The quarter-
winning seven of their final backs likely will depend on
eight to earn the region’s No. juniors Mason Golden and
1 seed. Jacob Hopper at the receiver
Then one playoff game and position. Juniors Temon
the season was over. Wilson and Luke Morris
Cherokee County ended also will be featured in the
Sardis’ season earlier than backfield.
anticipated with a 21-14 vic- “It’s a little bit harder to
tory. It still was a successful play a green quarterback
season and one the Lions will when they feel like they don’t
look to build from. have a lot around them and
The Lions now join they feel like they have to
Etowah, Southside, Alex- do everything,” Hill said. “I
andria, Boaz, Douglas and don’t think that will be the
Crossville in 5A, Region 7. case.”
Sardis will get to play more Most of the guys on offense
local teams than they have also will play on the defensive
in years past. Despite being side.
in the same county, it’ll Senior Tristen Holcomb returns to anchor the Lions’ offensive line this season. [PHOTOS BY MARC Sardis returns a lot of
be the first time the Lions GOLDEN/ GADSDEN TIMES] guys up front, which should
have faced Etowah (who be a strength. They will be
coach Gene Hill led from to travel to those games for Academy, North Jackson, quarterback position. Hill tested with several run-first
2002-2008) since 1963 and the most part.” Madison County, etc. said it will be ongoing until offenses in Region 7.
Southside since 1977. The players also “As far as competition, that the first game, and both “I just think that, overall,
“That’s very exciting to us are excited. has stepped up a notch or two,” could see playing time when we should be perfect on the
and I know to our fans,” Hill, “We will see a lot of people Hill said. “So we are going to the Lions’ season kicks off at defensive line,” Holcomb
who enters his eighth season that we know,” Sardis senior have to step it up a notch or Sylvania on Aug. 31. said. “At linebacker, we have
with the Lions, said. “We’ve linebacker Brandon Noblitt two as far as that goes.” “Jay Owens was our JV people returning and people
been traveling and play- said. “That will be pretty That step will come with a quarterback; he was the stepping up. We should be
ing teams like, for example, fun.” new quarterback. (varsity) backup and played set to stop the run game.”
Westminster Christian. No Though it'll better for Logan Gaskin gradu- a few snaps,” Hill said. “… Reaching the play-
one (around here) knows Sardis’ pockets and travel- ated after spending the last He really throws the football offs remains the goal for
where that’s at. There’s no ing-wise for fans, there’s four years as the starter at well. He’s got a really good Sardis. And if the Lions make
rivalry to that or anything no doubt the competition the spot. In his place either arm. He’s really accurate it back, it’ll be the first time
going on. So all teams on our will be tougher than in years will be senior Trent Presley throwing. He can run it since 2011-12 they reached
schedule, all our folks know past despite coming from a or junior Jay Owens. The some, but he’s not as fleet of the postseason in consecu-
where they are at and be able region that included Madison two are in a battle for the foot as Trent is. He likes to tive seasons. They certainly
Senior Brandon Noblitt returns to lead Sardis’ linebacking corps this season.
Michael Smith is one of a number of starters returning on defense for the Lions
this season.
will have some tough games under looking at the schedule is if we make
their belt after going through Region the playoffs, we should be battle-
7 and a non-region schedule of tested,” Hill said. “That should help
Sylvania, Geraldine, Albertville and us when we get to the playoffs then
Hokes Bluff. because we don’t have a week on the Trent Presley has been battling for the starting job at quarterback for the Lions.
“Part of the thing that helps us schedule we can let up.”
W E S T B R O O K C H R I S T I A N WA R R I O R S
Westbrook hungry for

another postseason trip
By Greg Bailey
Times Managing Editor
T
he Westbrook War-
riors in 2017 got their
first taste of postsea-
son football in five years.
It didn’t go well — the
Warriors lost 42-12 in the
first round of the Class 2A
playoffs to eventual semifi-
nalist Sulligent.
However, like kids licking
cake batter from beaters in
Mom’s kitchen, that taste
has only intensified West-
brook’s appetite.
The Warriors want to go
back to the playoffs — and
they want to go further. They
hope a stout offensive line
and physical play will get
them there.
“The kids want to build on
that (playoff appearance),
and I think we’ve got a good
opportunity,” said Brian
Mintz, who’s entering his
second full season as West- handful of starters on offense ABOVE: Dalton Morgan will be
brook’s head coach after and defense, and returns its one of the Warriors’ top targets
becoming interim coach two entire offensive line crew: at receiver this season.
games into the 2016 season. seniors David Barnett,
The playoff loss left the Jonathon Hall, Michael-Lake RIGHT: P.J. Wells is another top
Warriors at 5-6, their fourth Haygood and Jackson Lut- target for Westbrook Christian
consecutive losing season. trell; juniors Derrick Graham at receiver this season. [PHOTOS
However, they made the and John Harvey; and sopho- BY MARC GOLDEN/ GADSDEN TIMES]
postseason on the strength more Hall Boulware.
of a five-game midseason “That’s the strength we’re season.
winning streak, and Mintz going to build around,” The biggest question mark
said he thinks there’s been Mintz said. “We’ve got expe- is on special teams, where
a change in attitude and rience at all positions, and Westbrook must find a place
culture around the program. that’s going to be the key to kicker and a punter.
He said both players and our success. Luttrell, an offensive
coaches have heightened “We also have a lot of guard/defensive end, said
expectations. potential to be a physical the Warriors’ offense needs
“It was a breakthrough,” team, and you don’t always to do a better job of finishing
senior quarterback Jack- have that at smaller schools,” drives. “In our spring game,
son Cox said of making the he said. we got into the red zone five
playoffs. “We’d been 3-7 That gives coaches a or six times, and we tried
for three years, and this was chance to be more creative in everything we could think
a big step. Hopefully, we’ll their strategy, Mintz said. of but couldn’t find a way to
make an even bigger step He said his team has a score,” he said.
and go at least a couple of “good foundation of knowl- “If we figure out how to
rounds.” edge” and the “skill set” to finish drives, our defense
Westbrook is losing only a produce at a high level this is strong enough to carry
David Barnett returns to anchor an offensive line, which returns all of its starters
from a year ago.
Jonathon Hall is one of four seniors along Westbrook’s offensive line this season.
us through in some close-scoring Etowah County team, West End,

games,” Luttrell said, adding that along with Cleveland, Ohatchee,
the defense has the potential to be “a Ranburne and Woodland.
real nuisance” to opponents. The other non-region games are
Class 2A, Region 6, in which against Coosa Christian (the two
Westbrook finished fourth last year, local Christian schools haven’t met
has been completely restructured, in seven years), Ragland (where
and the Warriors will face eight new Mintz had a .677 winning percent-
opponents this fall. age and took teams to the playoffs in
The only returnees on the schedule each of his eight seasons as coach)
are Gaston, which remains in Region and Vinemont.
6, and Sand Rock, which becomes a “We don’t know a lot about those
non-region game. teams,” Mintz said. “Every opponent
Also gone from the region are will present a new look and we don’t
Asbury, Collinsville, Fyffe and have past experiences to know about
Section. In their place are another them and their kids.”
Completing a dream together

Etowah's Graham, Harris, Smith each have numerous D1 football offers
By Teddy Couch
Times Staff Writer
ATTALLA — For Jamin Graham,

Justin Harris and Emil Smith, it has
always been a dream to play ball at
the Division 1 level.
But it wasn’t football. And they
didn’t realize the opportunity would
come from the same high school.
The trio grew up playing basket-
ball and football. Graham and Harris
wanted to be college basketball play-
ers, while Smith was on the fence
between the two. Football became
the focus for all three once as they
realized more opportunities would Etowah’s Jamin Graham scores a touchdown after recovering a fumble against Southside at Jim Glover Stadium in Attalla last
come on the gridiron rather than the season. [PHOTOS BY DAVE HYATT/THE GADSDEN TIMES]
hardwood.
Graham grew up in the Attalla City Though they were all three at dif- said, as they played travel basketball Not anymore.
Schools system, while Harris was in ferent places, they still saw a lot of and youth football with each other. Harris and Smith made the move to
the Gadsden City Schools system and each other growing up. “We used to play against Jamin Etowah before high school, and now
Smith attended Westbrook Christian “Me and Justin have played because he played at Etowah. We all three have a chance to sign Divi-
School. together since we were four,” Smith used to be rivals.” sion 1 scholarships together.
Etowah’s Emil Smith make a catch as Southside’s Dylan Brooks defends at Jim
Glover Stadium in Attalla last season.
Harris, a three-star cornerback,

has 26 offers and wasted no time
deciding where he will play college
football. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound
senior committed to Vanderbilt on
June 24. Football wasn’t the only
reason he chose Vandy.
“I knew I wanted to go to an aca-
demic school,” Harris said, who has
a 3.8 GPA. “I’m good at academics. It
was always my dream to play in the
SEC. So when I went there, it just felt
like home.”
Smith holds 11 offers from South
Alabama, Arkansas State and South-
ern Miss to name a few. The senior in
no hurry to commit.
“I’m not in a rush right now
because there isn’t a lot of schools
pressuring me to commit yet,” the Southside’s Andrew Dunston is tackled
6-1, 180-pound three-star receiver by Etowah’s Justin Harris at Jim Glover
said. “So I’m just seeing what else I Stadium in Attalla last season.
can get. And if I don’t, then I’ll make
my decision.”
Graham wasn’t exactly sure how from. The three-star defensive end
many offers he has, but he named has an idea of when he hopes to make
Ole Miss, Louisville, Nebraska, UCF, a commitment.
Troy, UAB, South Carolina and
Memphis as schools he has offers See DREAM, 27
Morris was generally

REALIGN pleased with the new region
alignment.
From Page 13 “We are situated with a
region that stretches from
Ranburne to Cleveland.
On the flipside, teams That’s quite a distance, but
like West End, Gaston and you usually aren’t going to
Etowah received some good both in the same year,” he
news through the realign- said. “And the good thing
ment of the regions. All three about this is that every team
now have at least two region in this region pretty much
opponents from within travels well because there’s
Etowah County. some tradition to football or
“To have those teams even if there’s not much tra-
where kids know each other, dition, there’s a loyal fan base
coaches know each other, fans that makes you a good ticket.
know each other and gener- Getting county schools back
ate those healthy rivalries, it’s in (our region) is a big deal for
good for us. I’ve never played us.”
Westbrook, but now we have Etowah also benefitted
them in and then Glencoe as from the region realignment.
a non-region game, so we’ve The Blue Devils now have
got three in-county teams we two Etowah County schools
play. That’s great for budgets, (Sardis and Southside) in
fans and the overall climate for their region as well as Boaz,
football in Etowah County,” which straddles the county
West End coach Kyle Davis line. West End players rush out onto the field last season before the start of their season-opener against
said. “It cut the travel down, Glencoe in Walnut Grove. Westbrook Christian and Gaston are now in West End’s region following
For most schools in the but losing Guntersville – we reclassification and realignment in January. [KEVIN TAYLOR/THE GADSDEN TIMES]
AHSAA, realignment isn’t had developed bit of a rivalry
so much of a concern when there, so we hate to lose whole better for us.” Gadsden City at home and and that’s the last home game
comes to quality of oppo- that game,” Etowah coach In addition to lessening the then we play Sardis at home of the year for us. So we have
nents. The general concern Drew Noles said. “Arab and travel for his team, it allows and Moody has a new coach got some really big home
is how the new region affects Scottsboro were pretty good for bigger gates. and it will be their first game, games. We have six home
the athletic program’s pocket travel games for us. So in “We should have a good so there will be a lot of excite- games and the farthest we
book. losing those three games it financial year,” Noles added. ment in that game and Boaz have to travel is Crossville or
Gaston coach Swane definitely made our travel a “We open the season with is expecting a really big year Fort Payne, which isn’t bad.”
losing to Briarwood Chris- “It’s the same hunger,” them. And it’s always “yes they are still great football
DREAM tian 31-0 in the third round.
“We didn’t get our ulti-
Smith said. “Because step
one is to win the state
sir” and “no sir”. … They all
three realize they can learn
players. We wouldn’t be the
same without them.”
From Page 25 mate goal of winning the championship and get that something everyday and Harris, Smith and Graham
state championship last ring on your finger. And we that’s what they do.” are proud of their defense,
year,” Graham said. “We tell our guys everyday that All three are apart of a and they are also proud of
“I kind of want to go ahead have a pretty good team back this is really the year. We defense that gave up just each other.
and have my decision made again this year to do what got the coaches, the players 14.2 points per game with “They are like brothers to
up about mid or towards the we want to do: win a state — everybody.” Graham anchoring the me,” Harris said of Smith
end of the season,” Graham championship.” And that’s what it’s all defensive line and Harris and Graham. “So when they
said. That desire also comes about for Smith, Graham and Smith leading the way get an offer, it feels like I’m
Though the three Blue from basketball. The Blue and Harris — everyone in the secondary. But they getting an offer. It’s excit-
Devils have big decisions to Devils made a deep postsea- else. It’s not about their will be the first to say the ing. We are all pulling for
make on the horizon, there son run on the hardwood last individual stats or how defense wouldn’t be at the each other.”
is still unfinished business to season, but fell a game short many offers they have. level it’s at without Trey Whether or not the blue
take care of in Attalla. of the Final Four after losing It’s about the Etowah Blue Cole, Alex Howard, Carter map dream becomes a reality
Etowah advanced to the to Talladega 75-70 in the Devils. Dingler and Jarren Wright remains to be seen. But the
Class 5A quarterfinals last Northeast Regional finals at “You can get on them as to name a few. opportunity to sign a college
season, its furthest postsea- Jacksonville State. hard as you need to get on “If we didn’t have them scholarship is right in front
son run since winning the Though it’s a different them,” Etowah defensive on the team, our defense of them.
1999 state championship. sport, the craving of the coordinator Jamison Wadley wouldn’t be no where near And they get to complete
They could be satisfied, but blue map carries over to the said. “You can coach them as good,” Harris said. “Just their childhood dreams
they are anything but after football field. as hard as you need to coach because we have D1 offers, together.
W E S T E N D PAT R I O T S
A.J. Taylor, a transfer from Etowah, will start at one linebacker spot for West End. He also will see work at the H back position on offense. [PHOTOS BY MARC
GOLDEN/GADSDEN TIMES]
Patriots return a
veteran corps of players
By Kevin Taylor class last season and it translated season, Davis is encouraged by number of returning starters at
Times Staff Writer to a 3-7 season on the field. the tone of his team heading into the skill positions as well as the
Things are looking up for West the season. depth at those positions.
K
yle Davis understands the End and Davis this year. His squad “We have a group of kids who “We’ve got some guys who
ebbs and flows of being will feature 10 seniors, includ- are eager to get back onto the can run, some that can catch, but
a head football coach in ing returning quarterback Jacob football field. A lot of us feel like most importantly we’ve got a guy
Class 2A. Jones and returning offensive and last year’s record was not indica- who can get them the ball,” Davis
Some years the talent level is defensive lineman Jagger Barnett. tive of the type of team we had said of Jones. “Jacob (Etowah
above expectations with a high “We’ve got a big senior bunch but it was what it was,” he said. transfer) really didn’t know much
number of senior players and then and an experienced senior “Overall it was a disappointing about our offense, and by week
there are the lean years where the bunch,” Davis said. “They’ve season even though we were a win three he was ready to take it over.
number of seniors are few and far seen the good, and they’ve seen away from making the playoffs.” And quite honestly I was ready to
between. the bad.” In addition to a large senior give it to him, but fate came in and
The Patriots had a small senior After such a disappointing 2017 class, Davis is excited over the he tore his labrum. He couldn’t
throw the football, but

hung in there and worked
at receiver and safety for
us. But as far as putting in
the work in the offseason,
he’s done that. He’s come
back from his surgery and
is throwing the ball well
now. I think he’s getting
more comfortable with the
offense.”
With Jones returning at
quarterback, the Patri-
ots also have their leading
receiver and rusher back.
Eli Pearce was West End’s
top receiver as a freshman
last year and will be joined
by returning starter Caleb
Arledge in the slot position.
The Patriots have a three-
person rotation at outside
receiver with Donavan
Golden, Jeremiah Roberson
and Chamblee leading the Jacob Jones has overcome injuries to take over the starting
charge. Jackson Tidwell quarterback spot for the Patriots this season.
transferred in from Gadsden
City and will have an oppor- Jagger Barnett will anchor West End’s offensive and defensive
tunity to contribute from lines this season.
the slot position. He will also
serve as the Patriots’ backup
quarterback. offense where we have no defensive lineman in his
“I have a lot of confi- experience. We’re looking sophomore season. Patton is
dence in the receivers I at a couple of ninth-graders joined by Mason Barnett, a
have to throw to,” Jones who may have to step up two-year starter, who could
said. “I think they can do and play on the offensive line up at linebacker or the
big things for our offense. I line. defensive end spot.
think we’ve got the guys we “Defensive line, we’re West End has good depth
need to compete (within the returning a couple guys at the linebacker spot with
region).” who’ve played there for Etowah transfer A.J. Taylor
Levi Armstrong led West about three years and a at one linebacker position
End in rushing last season couple guys who’ve had and Armstrong at another.
and returns along with playing experience for two Hunter Tucker could see
Braden Cooper. years.” time at linebacker as well as
“So we’ve got some good Barnett is a three-year Braden Cooper and Mason
depth for a 2A school,” Davis starter. He broke his leg Barnett.
said. “We’re not a bunch of in his sophomore year and Like at linebacker, the
world-beaters out there and played with a broken leg Patriots’ secondary has a
have a long way to go, but without even knowing what number of returning start-
we’ve got kids that can make was going on. ers or players who have
plays.” “He’s a guy you can count seen significant time in the
Depth along the offen- on to be there,” Davis said defensive backfield.
sive and defensive lines is a of Barnett. “He’s had to Jeremiah Robinson returns
concern for West End this struggle through injuries to one safety position, while
season. There are quality with a leg and shoulder, but Pearce will be at one corner
returning starters there with he’s resilient. He’s been a spot and Jacob Chamblee at
players like Barnett, but the staple along the offensive another.
number of players who have line. When I’m not on the “We are replacing our
seen significant playing time field, he can be a coach on strong dog, but Adam Bates
isn’t there. the field for us.” returns at weak dog,” Davis
“We’re looking for a Joining Barnett along the said. “I believe you are going
couple more linemen espe- defensive front is Michael to see the intensity of this
cially on offense,” Davis Patton, who is a three-year defense pick up greatly from Michael Patton is a returning All-State defensive lineman and a
said. “There is a spot on the starter. He was an All-State last year to this year.” three-year starter for West End.
RECLASSIFICATION
By Teddy Couch
RENEWS REGION RIVALRIES
Times Staff Writer
W
hen it’s reclassification
time, coaches, players,
fans and media are all curi-
ous to see how it shapes out.
That’s because reclassification
usually causes a lot of change, and
this time was no different. Most
Etowah County schools will see a lot
of new — and old — region opponents
in the 2018 season.
Let’s dive in to how county and
area teams were affected by the
changes:
Class 1A
Region 7: Coosa Christian’s region

may be the same story as previ-
ous years with new teams plugged
in. Cedar Bluff and Spring Garden
each finished first and runner-up
respectively in Region 6 (Coosa’s
previous region) the last three
seasons. Coosa no longer has to
worry about either Cedar Bluff and
Spring Garden, but the Conquerors
will now have to deal with Falkville,
which finished 7-4 in 2A last year,
and Decatur Heritage, which is Southside’s Kenneth Bothwell tries to evade the tackle of Etowah’s Evan Jones at Jim Glover Stadium in Attalla last season.
30-8 in the last three seasons [PHOTOS BY DAVE HYATT/THE GADSDEN TIMES]
combined.
While it looks like on paper Christian stayed put in Region 6, and West End, but it never is. With are still there. Both schools faced
Falkville and Decatur Heritage will be but another county team (West two of the three county matchups off in an epic battle in the semifinals
the two favorites, Coosa certainly End) joined the party. coming later in the season (Gaston of the playoffs last season, one that
will be in the mix for the playoffs. It’s always fun to see county teams at Westbrook on Oct. 12 and Gaston Randolph County prevailed 35-28.
The rest of the region includes famil- face off. It’s even better when they at West End on Oct. 19), playoff The Tigers ultimately lost in the 3A
iar region foes in Gaylesville, Valley are battling for playoff contention. spots could very well be on the line. championship. The Bulldogs had
Head and Woodville along with the Now it’s time for some good news Region 8: Fyffe, Sand Rock and won the previous two state cham-
addition of R.A. Hubbard. The Con- and bad news for the county schools. Collinsville are the area teams who pionships and will look to get back
querors topped the first three teams Fyffe, which has not lost a region moved over from Region 6. And just for their third trip in four seasons in
last season in region play. Mean- game since Sept. 4, 2015, has moved like in the previous region, Fyffe 2018.
while, R.A. Hubbard has won just to Region 8. looks to be the favorite once again. It may seem the loss of Ohatchee
eight games in the last three seasons The bad news? Ohatchee has One more area team was added to would bode well for the Yellow Jack-
combined. moved down from 3A and will look the region as Cedar Bluff moves up to ets. It certainly doesn’t hurt, but in
Don’t count Coosa out for a to take a stranglehold on the region. 2A for the first time in school history. there place is 4A semifinalist Saks.
hosting bid in the first round of the The addition of Cleveland, who Asbury, Ider, North Sand Moun- Weaver has been a tough team to
playoffs, either. With a lot of skill has made the playoffs each of the tain and Section round out the deal with and that may not change
players returning, this experienced last four years, also isn’t a welcom- region. in 2018. B.B. Comer, Pleasant Valley
Conquerors team could be in position ing sight. Oh and don’t forget to add and Walter Wellborn round out the
to host their first playoff game since Ranburne, a team that’s made the Class 3A region.
2009 with an upset or two. playoffs in four of the last five sea- One would be hard pressed to find
sons, to the list as well. Region 6: Though it didn’t seem a region tougher than 3A, Region
Class 2A Woodland rounds out the region. possible before, Glencoe’s region got 6 outside of 7A, Region 3 (Hoover,
The road to the playoffs won’t be a lot tougher. Thompson, Hewitt-Trussville, Spain
Region 6: Gaston and Westbrook an easy one for Gaston, Westbrook Piedmont and Randolph County Park, Mountain Brook, etc.).
Westbrook’s Hunter Grimes tries to evade the tackle of Gaston’s Dakota Wright last Gadsden City’s Jamontez Woods breaks the tackle of Huntsville’s Read Windham
season. last season.
Class 4A end its 13-year postseason drought. at ending that streak despite their Black Bears.
move to 5A with a weaker bottom- It’s the first time Austin has been
Region 6: Hokes Bluff saw just one Class 5A half of the region. 7A in school history. The Black Bears
change in its region. have played well in 6A the past three
But that one change was a big one. Region 6: Etowah moves over from Class 6A seasons with a 32-9 record, includ-
Glencoe’s gain is to the benefit of Region 7 along with Alexandria, ing winning their region the last two
the Eagles as they no longer have to Boaz, Crossville and Douglas. Region 8: Albertville will be facing seasons.
worry about Saks, which won the There were only two changes a lot of new region foes once the The only other change is the
region last season. otherwise, and both were arguably season kicks off with its move from addition of Florence. The Falcons
In the Wildcats' place is Cleburne the two biggest changes in Etowah Region 7. move up from 6A and take the place
County with the rest of the region County. The Aggies will only have one of Buckhorn. The rest of the region
remaining the same (Anniston, Ash- Southside moves down to 5A after same region opponent in Fort Payne. stayed the same and it’ll remain a
ville, Cherokee County, Jacksonville, spending four seasons in 6A. Sardis The rest are teams Albertville hasn’t tough one. Bob Jones and James Cle-
Oneonta and White Plains). moves up to 5A for the first time in played in a while or never played: mens, despite having a down season
The top two teams in the school history. Buckhorn (1997), Hazel Green (2011), last year, will certainly be contend-
region look to be Hokes Bluff and Etowah won the region last season Lee Huntsville (2015) and Mae Jemi- ers in the region alongside Gadsden
Jacksonville. and will be the frontrunner to do so son (first meeting). City. Sparkman finished third in the
Never count Cherokee County out again. Southside, which ended the region last year to earn its first play-
as the Warriors will likely be in con- season winning three of its final four Class 7A off spot in 11 years.
tention for a playoff spot. With the games, will look to make the playoffs Huntsville isn’t a team to be
bottom of the region not being the for the first time since 2014. Region 4: Gadsden City’s region overlooked, as they knocked off the
strongest, could Ashville be in posi- Sardis won the 4A, Region 7 stays largely the same, but the Titans late in the regular season to
tion for its first playoff berth since championship last year, its first biggest difference is the loss of 7A clinch a playoff berth for the first
2005? The Bulldogs narrowly missed since 2011. The Lions haven’t made power Hewitt-Trussville as they time since 2013. It was just the
out on the fourth seed last season. the playoffs in consecutive seasons moved to Region 3. second time in school history Gads-
With Saks gone, Ashville will look to since 2011-12, but have a good shot In the Huskies’ place? The Austin den City missed the postseason.
ASHVILLE BULLDOGS
Bulldogs aiming for a playoff berth

By Michael Rodgers Ashville's region had a
Times Staff Writer logjam in 2017 with several
teams vying for the final play-
T
he Ashville Bulldogs off spot, which was claimed by
enter the 2018 season Cherokee County with a 4-3
looking for stabil- region record.
ity and a playoff run — two Ashville, Anniston and
things that have eluded them Oneonta tied with a region
in recent years. record of 2-5, and White
The Bulldogs have had three Plains ended the year 0-7.
head coaches in the last three Simmons told ashvilleath-
years, and new head coach letics.com that he's excited
Barry Simmons, a 1998 gradu- to get county rival Springville
ate of West End, is aiming to back on the schedule.
get the program on the right He also said he has a mind-
track. set for playing against tough
In a video interview with region teams that have made
ashvilleathletics.com, he deep playoff runs in recent
said one way to do that is by years, and that includes
looking at the history of the reminding his players that
program. those on the other team are
"There have been people high school athletes just like
here who have done great they are.
things at Ashville High "There's no difference
School," said Simmons, who between you and them,"
cited former coaches like John Simmons said. "Here's what
Grass, current head coach you've got to know: this
at Jacksonville State, Rush summer, and during the
Propst, who rose to fame as season, you've put in more
head coach at Hoover, and work than them. That gives
current UAB head coach Bill you an opportunity. It doesn't
Clark, who was an assistant guarantee a win, but it gives
coach for Ashville while his you an opportunity to go out
Ashville’s Kolby Armstrong tries to evade the tackle of West End’s Jackson Stancil during last season’s
father served as principal. there and win."
game in Walnut Grove. [PHOTOS BY DAVE HYATT/GADSDEN TIMES]
Simmons said he wants to
build the program and bring in
people with that same mind-
set of embracing the past and
looking to the future.
He said his goals are to make
it to the playoffs this year,
then make a deeper run next
year and the year after.
"In year five, I hope we're
in talks for a state champion-
ship," Simmons said.
A playoff run would be Ash-
ville's first since 2005.
The Bulldogs have as good
a chance at making it to the
postseason as any team in the
region as they moved from
Class 4A, Region 5 to Region 6.
Saks, a 13-1 team from last
year, moved out of the region,
and replacing them is a Cle-
burne County team that went
1-9 in Class 5A, Region 4 last West End’s Marcus Strickland tries to evade the tackle of Ashville’s Ashville’s Derrick Walker scores a touchdown in the Bulldogs’
year. Parker Jones during both schools’ season finale. season finale at West End last year.
| Wednesday, August 22, 2018 D33
A L B E R T V I L L E AG G I E S
Aggies looking to grind it out

on the ground this season
By Kevin Taylor Douglas, John Soi and Colton Little. Albertville’s Jacob
Times Staff Writer “We’ve had to change what we Dendy rushed for
do offensively because we have more than 1,100
D
ale Pruitt isn’t one of the so many running backs and fewer yards as a junior
winningest active high school receivers,” Pruitt said. “With that last season for the
football coaches in the state said, we’d like to run the ball from Aggies. [PHOTOS
for nothing. sets which are conducive to running BY MARC GOLDEN/
He is not the type of coach who the football.” GADSDEN TIMES]
has his team adjust to his offensive Ben Allen, who started the last four
philosophy, he adjusts to the talents games for the Aggies as a freshman,
of his team. returns to run the offense from the
A few years ago the Aggies were a quarterback spot.
spread team, which used the pass to “He can make plays, but he’s
set up the run. just young,” Pruitt said of his
But that was then. quarterback.
This season the Aggies will rely While the Aggies may not have
on a stable of running backs led many wide receivers this season,
by 1,100-yard senior rusher Jacob they do have veteran receivers.
Dendy. Joining Dendy for Albert- Isaiah Pankey is a three-year starter
ville’s hybrid Wing T set will be Tyler and is joined by Hayden Mann, who
Tarvin, Andrew Trammell, Brendan also played some at quarterback, and
Merrell, Tristan Jordan, Damion Merrell.
“We’ve had to change what we do offensively because we have so many

running backs and fewer receivers. With that said, we’d like to run the
ball from sets which are conducive to running the football.”
Coach Dale Pruitt
The Aggies return three starting offen- Starsky Davis, Nicholas Moore, Hunter
sive linemen and have a host of players Davis, Jordan Knight, Noah Groves, John
vying for some playing time at any of the Soi and Riggins will see playing time along
positions. the defensive front, while Austin Reese,
Tyler Kelly, Joe Hicks and Logan Miller Cade Bowman, Tarvin and Groves could
saw playing time over the last two years. chip in at linebacker.
They will be joined by Dawson Amos, The biggest question mark on the team
Ramel Sessoms and Trent Jones. will be in the secondary. Kai Jordan started
The Aggies also have Cameron Smith, as a freshman last year at safety and is the
Elijah Bowman, Noah Groves and Will Rig- lone returning starter.
gins rotating in at tight end. Last season the Aggies had a good mix of
The strength of Albertville’s defense will be youth and experience. This time they have
the Aggies’ front seven, according to Pruitt. a good bit of youth and some experience,
“We have more people who have played according to Pruitt.
and hope we have some playmakers there,” “They have been in the fire, but they are
he said. just young,” he said.
Albertville’s Matthew Nixon is tackled by Boaz’s Logan

Bailey after a pass reception last season in Albertville.
PIEDMONT BULLDOGS
New region to challenge powerhouse Piedmont

By J.J. Hicks Under coach Steve Smith, face two of the region’s top
Times Sports Writer the Bulldogs won state titles teams in Randolph County
in 2009, 2015 and 2016 and and Weaver, and those games
P
iedmont’s road to a have been contenders for it come in back-to-back weeks,
Class 3A, Region 6 title, the years they didn’t win it. Sept. 14 and 21.
not to mention a state It is the kind of program that The Bulldogs do get Saks at
crown, got more challenging reloads instead of rebuilds. home Oct. 5. Even the non-
with realignment. That’s good, because Pied- region slate is a challenge, as
Now not only do the mont lost some key players Piedmont visits a strong 1A
Bulldogs have to deal with from last season’s state semi- program in Addison to start
Randolph County and Weaver, final squad. the year, followed by a home
but 4A state semifinalist Saks Quarterback Cardavian game against a solid 4A team
joins the fray in 2018. Myers and running back Lee in Jacksonville. To close the
With four teams that could Stanley, two of the engines regular season, the Bulldogs
have a legitimate chance that drove the Bulldog offense visit Geraldine in a rematch
to win the region this year, to average over 37 points per of a playoff opener from 2017
Piedmont likely will have its game, have graduated. In that Piedmont won 26-6.
toughest road through the total, Smith’s team lost 13 By the time the Bulldogs get
regular season in a while. seniors. to that point, they will have
The good news is that The schedule this year earned whatever playoff seed
Piedmont is, well, Piedmont. has Piedmont on the road to they ended up with.
Piedmont’s Tadrian Fairs returns to a Bulldogs team which lost 13

seniors from its Class 3A semifinal team. [DAVE HYATT/GADSDEN TIMES]
B OA Z P I R AT E S
Boaz’s Jaden Hornbuckle was second on the team in receiving with 30 catches for 599 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
[PHOTOS BY MARC GOLDEN/GADSDEN TIMES]
Pirates return plenty of

weapons from a year ago
By Kevin Taylor in one season as they have in two
Times Staff Writer seasons, collectively.
“We’d like to be better than we
J
eremy Sullivan has every right were last year, but we need to run
to feel confident in his football the ball better,” he said. “We’ve got
team heading into the upcoming some weapons on the outside, but
season. (we) have to establish the run and
The Pirates head coach has a strong control the tempo of the game.”
nucleus of experienced players on Boaz averaged just shy of 125 yards
both sides of the ball, including his a game rushing with Christian Col-
quarterback, leading rusher and two lins shouldering much of the load.
top receivers from a season ago. He ran for 1,164 yards and 13 touch-
But it may be premature to expect downs last season as a junior, while
Boaz to earn a playoff berth after averaging 6.6 yards per carry.
going 3-7 last season. The Pirates The Pirates return six starters on
have not had a winning season in offense, including starting quarter-
three seasons and have not made back Easton Hardin, who threw for
a playoff appearance in as many 1,910 yards and 15 touchdowns as a
seasons. sophomore.
Even with a three-win season “He’s got a good arm and ran a 4.5
under his belt in his first year as head at (Jacksonville State’s) camp. He’s
coach at Boaz, Sullivan has created a really good decision-maker,” Sul- Boaz’s Christian Collins (9) rushed for 1,910 yards and 15 touchdowns last season
a stir of excitement. In just his first livan said of his junior quarterback. behind the blocks of teammates Hunter Richards, left, and Wesley Jolley, right.
year the Pirates won as many games “As a sophomore he had a little bit of Richards and Jolley also return this season to anchor the Pirates’ offensive line.
“We’d like to be better than we were last year, but we need to run the
ball better,” he said. “We’ve got some weapons on the outside, but (we)
have to establish the run and control the tempo of the game.”
Coach Jeremy Sullivan
Boaz’s Taylor Smith hauled in 51 passes for 964 yards and seven touchdowns last
season for the Pirates.
a learning curve and really improved Sullivan said he has about eight or
in the offseason. He’s a leader. He’s nine who could see playing time up
the kind of kid you just want to front at any point in the season.
follow. We put a lot on the quarter- On the other side of the ball, Sulli-
back on our offense, and he does a van hopes to see great improvement
great job.” from a unit which averaged giving
Hardin’s top two targets also up 362 yards of total offense a night
return. from a year ago.
Seniors Taylor Smith and Jaden The Pirates return six starters
Hornbuckle accounted for 81 total with their linebacking corps looking
catches, 1,563 yards and 14 touch- to be the strength of the unit.
downs. Smith led the team with 51 Colin Brooks, Coleman Small-
catches and 964 yards, while Horn- wood, Lorenzo Goss and Briley
buckle had 30 receptions for 599 Ramey all started last season at their
yards. Both had seven touchdown respective linebacking spots.
catches. “With so many back on that
If Boaz expects its backfield to side, I hope it will be a strong
improve from its production from point,” Sullivan said. “We have
a season ago, its offensive line will some new guys in the secondary,
have to follow suit. who we feel can help us. I think
Wesley Jolley (center) and we can have a pretty good year on
Hunter Richards (right tackle) will defense.”
anchor an inexperienced offensive Walt Williams is the lone return-
line. Jolley and Richards are the ing starter along the defensive
lone starters returning up front. front, even if he didn’t play defense
Filling the remaining spots along last season. Williams moves to the
the offensive line are a collection nosetackle position after starting at
of players, including Elijah Harris left guard last year.
(guard), Tyler Dugan (tackle) and Judd McKinney is the lone starter
Jackson Sarratt (left tackle) just to returning in the secondary from his
name a few. safety position.
C H E R O K E E C O U N T Y WA R R I O R S
Replacements will be key to Warriors’ success

By J.J. Hicks caliber leaves a big question change was powerhouse
Times Sports Writer mark as to who will replace Saks being replaced Cle-
what they brought, on and off burne County, who went
O
ver the last three the field. 1-9 in 5A. That means a lot
seasons, Cherokee One good thing for the of familiarity between the
County has re-estab- Warriors is that Dupree’s teams, and the Warriors
lished itself as a power in replacement at quarterback should like that since they
Class 4A. will be senior Caden Hub- got the better of Oneonta,
After missing the playoffs bard. When Dupree went White Plains, Anniston and
for three straight years, the down with an injury in the Ashville last year. Also,
Warriors reached the second quarterfinals against Hokes coach Tripp Curry’s team
round in 2015, then went to Bluff in 2016, Hubbard nearly knocked off Hokes
the quarterfinals in 2016 and replaced him and threw a Bluff on the road before
2017. touchdown pass in what went losing 27-21.
The challenging part of this on to be a 28-21 Eagle win. It looks likely that the War- Cherokee
year will be continuing to That kind of experience only riors, along with the Eagles County’s
maintain that level after some can be a positive. and Jacksonville, will be Chance Latty
key losses. Kendrick Fife likely will be the top teams in the region. reaches
Quarterback/defensive the top offensive complement With a few breaks and some for a pass
back Tyren Dupree and to Hubbard. He rushed for newcomers stepping up, batted away
linebacker Riley Russell, the 276 yards in a backup role last Cherokee County could be by Sardis’
4A Lineman of the Year last season. looking at a home playoff Chase Bright
season, have graduated along The new 4A, Region 6 game in the first round, or last season.
with nine other seniors. doesn’t actually have that even a region title, something [MARC GOLDEN/
Losing players of that much new in it. The only it last won in 2016. GADSDEN TIMES]
DEKALB COUNTY
Area teams hope for big 2018

By J.J. Hicks
Times Sports Writer
Here’s a look at some area teams for

the 2018 high school football season:

FYFFE: You know your program
is in a strong place when a quarter-
final playoff berth is considered a
disappointment.
But that 35-28 third-round loss
to Sulligent could be just what Fyffe
needs from a motivational standpoint
to get back to the state title game.
The Red Devils reached the finals
three straight years before 2017, win-
ning it all in 2014 and 2016.
It will be a bit more challenging with
the loss of players such as lineman Cole
Lyles (a Class 2A first-team All-State
player), athlete/defensive back Brant Fort Payne may have an overall new look this year with a new head coach (Chris Elmore) and the graduation of 15 seniors from
Rowell (also a first-team All-Stater) last season. [DAVE HYATT/GADSDEN TIMES]
and quarterback Seth Benefield.
But one thing won’t change this played every season since 1949, but
year: Payton Anderson will carry the it’ll have a little bit more meaning this
ball a lot. time around with Cedar Bluff moving
A finalist for the 2A Back of the up from 1A.
Year award, Anderson, a senior, was Scoring points for Collinsville wasn’t
unstoppable last season even though an issue in 2017, and it shouldn’t be
teams knew he was getting the ball. in 2018 either. Quarterback Kaleb
With another year of getting bigger Jones is back at the controls, and he’s
and stronger and improving in the a dangerous runner and passer. Mason
offseason, Anderson should be primed McKinney is a standout at running
for another monster campaign. back and defensive back; Michael
With a defense that always is stingy Tucker can catch it or run it, and
and coach Paul Benefield’s acumen, it Daniel Mann and Jarrod Barkley give
looks like another year of contending Jones two excellent receiving targets.
for a state championship for Fyffe. The weapons are in place for the
Panthers to get back to the postseason
COLLINSVILLE: It looks like Collins- and possibly even win the program’s
ville is ready to get back to the playoffs. first postseason game since a state
After missing the postseason in quarterfinal run in 2011.
2017, the Panthers look to have the
goods to break back through and play GERALDINE: Few teams in the area
beyond the regular season. have been as consistent as Geraldine
Last year, Collinsville finished 4-6 for the last decade or so.
overall and 3-4 in Class 2A, Region 6. The Bulldogs have made the playoffs
A 33-10 loss to Westbrook Christian in 11 consecutive seasons under Tim
on Oct. 6 ended up being the differ- Arnold and, now, Brad Waldrop.
ence, as the Warriors finished a game Last season’s postseason run ended
ahead of the Panthers and made the with a first-round defeat to Piedmont
playoffs. 26-6.
This season, Collinsville moves to Making the playoffs always is a goal,
Region 8, though it only has two new but winning once it gets there has been
teams on its region slate — North Sand a little more challenging: Geraldine
Mountain and Cedar Bluff, a rivalry
game. The Panthers and Tigers have See DEKALB, 44
C E DA R B L U F F T I G E R S
LEFT: Cedar Bluff’s

Ivory Starr returns to
the Tiger backfield after
sitting out much of last
season with an injury.
RIGHT: Cedar Bluff

quarterback Luke
Hampton returns to
lead the Tigers this
season. [PHOTOS BY DAVE
HYATT/GADSDEN TIMES]
Cedar Bluff looks to stay strong in 2A

By J.J. Hicks including dynamic all-purpose talent gameplanning. 14, they should have the inside track
Times Sports Writer Isaiha Jones. It will be difficult to unseat Fyffe on second place in the region and a
But it’s not about who the Tigers as the region’s top dog, as the Red home playoff game to open the post-
E
ven a move up to Class 2A lost, it’s who they have coming Devils have won two state titles in season, at least.
shouldn’t slow Cedar Bluff’s back that should make the transi- four years and look once again to be Cedar Bluff has proven, once
excellence too much. tion upward in classification a pretty right in that mix. But if the Tigers it gets to the playoffs, it can be
The Tigers, formerly a 1A team, smooth one. can knock off Sand Rock on Sept. dangerous.
now will be a part of 2A, Region 8 Quarterback Luke Hampton, a
along with Asbury, Collinsville, junior, returns after throwing for
Fyffe, Ider, North Sand Mountain, nearly 1,000 yards, along with 15
Sand Rock and Section. touchdowns, last season.
Coach Jonathan McWhorter’s Behind Hampton in the backfield,
team was an annual state title Cedar Bluff has an embarrassment of
contender in 1A; Cedar Bluff has riches. Travon Clifton returns after
missed the postseason just once running for 654 yards and five scores
in McWhorter’s 12 seasons as the in 2017. Coming back from an injury
coach, and it reached the state finalé is fellow running back Ivory Starr,
in 2006 and 2015. who was outstanding as a freshman
The region slate won’t be the easi- starter in 2016.
est — the Tigers have to go to Sand On the defensive side, it all
Rock and Fyffe, and those are the starts with linebacker Ross John-
teams that likely have the best shot son. A multi-year starter, Johnson
to finish ahead of Cedar Bluff in the recorded 87 tackles last year and
region. likely is the player opposing offenses
In addition, 10 seniors are gone, will focus most on avoiding when
Etowah, Hokes Bluff open year ranked in top 5

By J.J. Hicks Meads is a two-time first Lee-Montgomery (7-4) 27, Jeff
Times Sports Writer team All-State performer Davis (5-6) 17, Sparkman (7-4) 6,
despite being a junior in Enterprise (2-8) 4, Fairhope (8-3)
A
pair of Etowah 2018. Receiver Braydon Hill 2, Gadsden City (3-7) 2, Mountain
County teams will is one of the county's top Brook (8-4) 1, Theodore (6-5) 1.
open the season in athletes as well as an excel- *Austin played in 6A last season.
the top five in the Alabama lent defensive back. Ashton
Sports Writers Association's Gulledge, who will replace CLASS 6A
preseason high school foot- Landon Johnson at quar- Team (first-place); 2017 W-L; Pts
ball poll for the 2018 season. terback, was a second team 1. Pinson Valley (31); 15-0; 372
Etowah starts the year All-State defensive back in 2. Wetumpka; 13-2; 246
as the No. 2 ranked team in 2017, racking up 159 tackles. 3. Spanish Fort; 11-2; 224
Class 5A, while Hokes Bluff The lines will be fortified 4. Oxford; 12-1; 173
begins 2018 at No. 5 in 4A. by Jack Busch and Houston 5. Clay-Chalkville; 11-3; 172
It is the Blue Devils' high- Edwards, among others. 6. Opelika; 9-4; 104
est ranking since week nine Hokes Bluff reached the 7. Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa; 10-4; 94
of the 2016 season. state semis in 2016 and state 8. Saraland; 8-4; 71
Coach Drew Noles' team quarters last season; another 9. Eufaula*; 9-3; 49
is coming off a berth in deep postseason appearance 10. Homewood; 10-2; 48 Fyffe opens the season ranked No. 2 in Class 2A this season behind
the state quarterfinals could be in the cards. Others receiving votes: Muscle Leroy. [FILE/THE TUSCALOOSA NEWS]
and an 11-2 record. The Gadsden City received Shoals (9-3) 46, St. Paul’s* (14-1)
high expectations for this votes in 7A. The Titans are 46, Hueytown (5-6) 36, Daphne 7. Brooks*; 8-3; 107 2. Fyffe (13); 12-1; 313
year's team come from a coming off a 3-7 record (8-3) 27, Park Crossing (10-2) 18, 8. W.S. Neal; 6-6; 91 3. Luverne; 10-3; 220
large number of returning in coach Bart Sessions' Calera* (7-5) 17, Jackson-Olin 9. Clarke Co.*; 11-3; 61 4. Ariton; 10-2; 148
starters from 2017. Of the first year as coach, but (6-4) 17, Pelham (5-6) 6, Benjamin 10. Dale Co.; 7-4; 56 5. LaFayette; 9-3; 126
five players who received they are just two seasons Russell (7-4) 1. Others receiving votes: Leeds 6. Reeltown; 7-5; 125
recognition on the ASWA removed from a 7A semifinal *Eufaula, St. Paul’s and Calera (7-4) 52, Deshler (7-4) 36, Alabama 7. Ohatchee*; 8-3; 119
All-State team last year, appearance. played in 5A last season. Christian (10-3) 13, North Jackson 8. Goshen; 12-2; 118
three of those players (line- Piedmont is ranked No. 5 (2-8) 13, West Morgan* (10-2) 6, 9. Sulligent; 12-2; 60
backers Carter Dingler and in 3A after reaching the state CLASS 5A Williamson* (7-4) 3, Jacksonville 10. Aliceville; 7-5; 48
Jarren Wright and defensive semifinals in 2017. Fyffe, Team (first-place); 2017 W-L; Pts (8-4) 2, Handley (2-8) 1. Others receiving votes: Thorsby
lineman Alex Howard) are coming off a surprising quar- 1. Briarwood (31); 14-1; 372 *Brooks and Williamson played (8-3) 33, Abbeville (9-3) 26,
back. Howard also was The terfinal loss in 2017, begins 2. Etowah; 11-2; 256 in 5A last season. Hillcrest- Addison* (10-3) 23, North Sand
Gadsden Times' All-Etowah this season at No. 2 in 2A, 3. Vigor; 9-4; 231 Evergreen, Clarke Co. and West Mountain* (8-3) 21, Cedar Bluff*
County Defensive MVP in behind Leroy. 4. Carroll-Ozark; 11-1; 158 Morgan played in 3A. (8-4) 18, Daleville* (6-5) 11, Vin-
2017. Other area teams to receive 5. Demopolis; 11-3; 154 cent (5-5) 10, New Brockton (5-6)
That doesn't even include votes included Plainview in 6. St. Clair Co.; 10-4; 152 CLASS 3A 6, Collinsville (4-6) 4, Houston
players such as defensive 3A, Cedar Bluff and Collins- 7. Wenonah; 10-2; 138 Team (first-place); 2017 W-L; Pts Co.* (8-3) 4, J.U. Blacksher (6-5) 1.
back Justin Harris (a Vander- ville in 2A and Spring Garden 8. Tallassee*; 10-2; 91 1. Randolph Co. (15); 13-2; 295 *Ohatchee, North Sand Mountain
bilt commit), defensive in 1A. 9. Jackson; 5-5; 48 2. Mobile Christian (10); 9-4; 289 and Daleville played in 3A last
lineman Jamin Graham, Here are the Alabama 10. Beauregard; 10-2; 41 3. Gordo (2); 10-2; 214 season. Addison, Cedar Bluff and
quarterback DeRickey Sports Writers Association Others receiving votes: Dora* 4. Fultondale (3); 11-1; 194 Houston Co. played in 1A.
Wright and receiver Emil preseason high school foot- (9-3) 39, Alexandria (8-3) 26, Mad- 5. Piedmont; 12-2; 171
Smith, to name a few. The ball rankings with first-place ison Academy* (7-4) 26, Ramsay* 6. Saks* (1); 13-1; 155 CLASS 1A
Blue Devils also have several votes, last year’s record and (7-5) 16, Charles Henderson (6-5) 7. Thomasville*; 7-4; 134 Team (first-place); 2017 W-L; Pts
young running backs with a total poll points: 10, Munford* (9-2) 5, Bibb Co.* 8. Pike Co.; 8-3; 87 1. Lanett* (30); 15-0; 369
lot of talent. (11-2) 2, Central-Clay Co. (8-4) 2. 9. Wicksburg; 10-2; 57 2. Sweet Water (1); 13-1; 260
The Eagles are coming off CLASS 7A *Ramsay played in 6A last season. 10. St. James*; 8-4; 52 3 (tie). Pickens Co.; 12-3; 199
back-to-back deep playoff Team (first-place); 2017 W-L; Pts Tallassee, Dora, Madison Acad- Others receiving votes: Oakman 3 (tie). St. Luke’s*; 10-2; 199
runs and have a number of 1. Hoover (27); 11-3; 358 emy, Munford and Bibb Co. played (8-4) 51, Sylvania (11-2) 21, T.R. 5. Linden; 7-4; 140
players on this year's team 2. Thompson (3); 12-1; 258 in 4A. Miller (5-5) 20, Lauderdale Co. 6. Maplesville; 11-1; 135
who were big contributors 3. Central-Phenix City (1); 11-1; (6-5) 8, Westminster-Huntsville* 7. Brantley; 8-4; 118
to them. Their No. 5 ranking 241 CLASS 4A (6-5) 8, Weaver (7-5) 7, Prattville 8. South Lamar; 10-4; 95
already is higher than they 4. McGill-Toolen; 13-1; 219 Team (first-place); 2017 W-L; Pts Christian (3-8) 3, Plainview (9-2) 1. 9. Elba*; 8-3; 75
were ranked at any point in 5. Hewitt-Trussville; 11-1; 214 1. UMS-Wright (30); 13-2; 369 *Saks, Thomasville, St. James and 10. Marengo; 9-4; 47
2017 and, in fact, is higher 6. Bob Jones; 7-4; 124 2. Hillcrest-Evergreen* (1); 14-1; Westminster-Huntsville played in Others receiving votes: Millry
than Hokes Bluff has been in 7. Auburn; 10-2; 123 246 4A last season. (5-6) 24, Falkville* (7-4) 18, Hack-
the poll since 1998 despite 8. Spain Park; 6-5; 60 3. Fayette Co.; 12-3; 234 leburg (10-2) 16, Lynn (11-1) 16,
the Eagles winning the 3A 9. Austin*; 12-1; 57 4. Andalusia; 12-2; 197 CLASS 2A Mars Hill Bible* (7-4) 15, Isabella
state crown in 2001. 10. James Clemens; 3-7; 53 5. Hokes Bluff; 10-3; 155 Team (first-place); 2017 W-L; Pts
Running back Darrian Others receiving votes: 6. Catholic-Montgomery; 10-2; 125 1. Leroy (18); 12-3; 333 See RANKINGS, 44
After 12 playoff appear- field goal (second-longest in is an experienced returnee, 1989 except one (2011) under
DEKALB ances in 14 seasons, Ellis
left to take the same job at
state history) last season.
There are some playmakers
though, and he could take on
a bigger load until things get
Dale Pruitt, Clay McCall, Tim
Cochran and Goodwin.
From Page 41 LaFayette. Taking his place back. Michael Shaddix has settled around him. The Bears won the Class
will be Chris Elmore, who proven effective running and Though the Lions made 3A, Region 7 title last season
comes from Chelsea. catching the ball, and he also the playoffs, they finished before being upset in the first
only has won a first-round Elmore led Chelsea to a can play quarterback. Donald 4-7 and lost their final seven round 30-29 by Weaver.
game once (in 2012) during its 27-25 record and two playoff Winchester, a receiver/ games in 2017. Being consis- Region 7 wasn’t affected
current streak. berths in five seasons at the defensive back, and running tent throughout the season much by realignment; the
The run-heavy Bulldogs helm. He steps into a pro- back Junior Marquez will take will be important, as the only change was North Sand
should have the horses to gram accustomed to being a on bigger roles in the offense region schedule won’t give Mountain departing and
pound teams and wear them yearly contender for region after seeing playing time in them many breaks. being replaced by Susan
down. David White and titles and appearances in the 2017. Crossville does host region Moore, which went 4-6 last
Austin King are back to tote postseason. If the newcomers (includ- favorite Etowah on Sept. 7, year in Region 6.
the rock and lean on opposing In Ellis’ final season with ing the coaches) and but it must travel to Alex- If the Bears want to con-
defenses. the Wildcats, he led them to a returnees gel, then the Wild- andria and what is expected tinue battling Sylvania for
The defense, a strength last 6-5 record and a near-upset cats should be back in the to be a resurgent Boaz group region supremacy, it will have
season, does have some key of Homewood in the first playoffs again. before an open date Oct. 12. to replace some key mem-
players to replace. Linemen round of the playoffs. The Lions then close out the bers of last year’s squad. The
Patrick Stewart and line- Fort Payne moves from CROSSVILLE: For the first region with a home game quarterback-running back
backers Eduardo Garcia and Region 7 to Region 8 in time since 2004, Crossville against Sardis, which won its duo of Bailey Dukes and Clay
Thomas Willoughby all have Class 6A this season. The made the playoffs last year. region in 4A last year, and a Cooper are gone, as are full-
graduated. only team still in the Wild- The challenge now is road trip to Southside, which back/linebacker Zack Allen,
Geraldine remained in cats’ region from last year making it a regular thing. is moving down from 6A. receiver/defensive backs
Class 3A, Region 7 after is Albertville. The other It won’t be easy, though, The playoff berth in 2017 Cade Willingham and Chance
realignment, and very little teams in the region are Mae as the Lions move from Class created some momentum, Broyles and linebacker/tight
changed as far as its compo- Jemison, Lee-Huntsville, 5A, Region 7 to Region 8. and that could be enough to end Jacob Wooten, to name a
sition. The only change was Buckhorn and Hazel Green. Crossville will have most of propel Crossville in 2018. It few. In total, Plainview lost 21
North Sand Mountain drop- With a six-team region, the the same region opponents as will be doing it with a new seniors.
ping to 2A and Susan Moore, battle for the four playoff last year, but new additions coach, however, in Dusty The good news is that the
which went 4-6 in 2017, berths should be intense. Southside and Sardis will be Darnell. Bears have plenty of linemen
taking its place. It’s a tough region to pre- challenging games. with starting experience,
The Bulldogs finished dict; Mae Jemison made Making things even PLAINVIEW: No matter the including Ashley Spigner,
fourth in the region last the second round of the tougher will be replacing coach, Plainview always Alex Gonzalez-Ortega, Jona-
season but appear to have the playoffs last year but in 5A; some of the guys who helped finds a way to be successful. than Brown and David Mejia.
potential to finish higher in Lee-Huntsville was a sec- get Crossville into the 2017 Nick Ledbetter replaces As for the schedule, Pla-
2018. Plainview and Sylvania ond-round participant but postseason. Quarterback Dustin Goodwin, who left to inview must visit Sylvania
finished first and second in has a new coach and hasn’t Blanton Jones is gone after coach Chelsea, as the coach on Sept. 21, and that could
2017 in the region, and they’ll been a consistent playoff passing for 1,725 yards and 12 of the Bears in 2018. Led- be the game that decides the
likely be the teams Geral- team since the mid-2000s; scores and rushing for 1,006 better, a Plainview alum, eventual region winner. The
dine would have to knock off Buckhorn went just 4-6 last yards and 16 touchdowns. comes over from region rival Bears also must go to Ger-
to move up and get a home year but that was in 7A. Receiver/defensive backs Sylvania, where he oversaw aldine on Sept. 7, and that
playoff opener. Fort Payne loses 15 seniors Banks Jolley and Andrew the defense. one also could factor into the
this year, including quarter- Driskill, linebacker Jedd The new coach knows region race.
FORT PAYNE: For the first back Jay Ellis and the nation’s Hicks and lineman Dalton the tradition that the Bears However it turns out,
time since 2003, someone top-ranked kicker, Evan Peek are among the bigger have and what is expected. expect the Bears to at least
other than Paul Ellis will McPherson, who signed with losses for the Lions. Plainview has made the make the playoffs for the
coach Fort Payne. Florida and hit a 60-yard Running back Jay Luther playoffs every season since 29th time in 30 seasons.
RANKINGS AISA
Team (first-place); 2017 W-L; Pts
1. Autauga Academy (28); 12-1;
Others receiving votes: Corner-
stone-Columbiana (6-5) 10, Coosa
Valley (3-8) 8, Pickens Academy
Dowler, Fort Payne Times-Journal;
Craig Thomas, Florence Times-
Daily; Daniel Boyette, Huntsville
Southeast Sun; Josh Dutton,
Andalusia Star-News; Kyle Parm-
ley, Starnes Publishing; LaVonte
From Page 43 362 (6-4) 4, Abbeville Christian (5-8) Times; David Elwell, Decatur Young, Daily Home; Lee Peacock,
2. Tuscaloosa Academy (2); 8-2; 2, Success Unlimited (new team) Daily; David Mundee, Dothan Evergreen Courant; Lizi Arbogast,
281 1. Eagle; J.J. Hicks, The Gadsden Alexander City Outlook; Matthew
(10-2) 12, Spring Garden (8-4) 3. Escambia Academy; 12-1; 244 Times; Jake Winfrey, Cullman Puckett, Journal Record; Ross
11, Georgiana (11-1) 8, Decatur 4. Monroe Academy (1); 13-0; 213 VOTING PANEL Times; Jason Bowen, Jackson Co. Wood, Clarke Co. Democrat; Scott
Heritage (8-3) 4, Florala (3-6) 4, 5. Bessemer Academy; 8-6; 184 Alec Etheredge, Shelby Co. Sentinel; Jeremy Smith, Free- Fields, Opelika-Auburn News;
Wadley (12-1) 2. 6. Glenwood; 7-5; 152 Reporter; Andrew Garner, lance (Demopolis); Joe Medley, Shannon J. Allen, Sand Moun-
*Lanett, St. Luke’s, Elba, Falkville 7. Patrician; 9-4; 99 Atmore Advance; Ben Thomas, Anniston Star; Joey Chandler, tain Reporter; Shannon Fagan,
and Mars Hill Bible played in 2A 8. Chambers Academy; 12-1; 96 Al.com Mobile; Caleb Turrentine, Tuscaloosa News; Johnathan Cherokee Co. Herald; Stacy Long,
last season. 9. Pike Liberal Arts; 7-5; 82 Wetumpka Herald; Chris McCar- Bentley, Daily Mountain Eagle; Montgomery Advertiser; Thomas
10. Lakeside; 7-4; 29 thy, Gadsden Messenger; Cody Josh Bean, Al.com; Josh Boutwell, Scott, Selma Times-Journal.
2018 SCHEDULES FOR AREA TEAMS

Albertville Sept. 7 at Anniston Sept. 14 at Mae Jemison Oct. 5 at Pisgah Oct. 26 vs. Pisgah
Aug. 31 vs. Columbia Sept. 14 vs. Jacksonville Sept. 28 vs. Etowah Oct. 19 vs. Susan Moore Nov. 2 vs. Crossville
Sept. 7 at Fort Payne Sept. 21 at White Plains Oct. 5 vs. Lee-Huntsville Oct. 26 at Sylvania
Sept. 14 vs. Buckhorn Sept. 28 at Weaver Oct. 12 vs. Buckhorn Nov. 2 vs. Piedmont Sand Rock
Sept. 21 vs. Cullman Oct. 5 vs. Oneonta Oct. 19 at Hazel Green Aug. 31 vs. Gaston
Sept. 28 at Boaz Oct. 12 at Ashville Oct. 26 vs. Cullman Glencoe Sept. 7 at Ider
Oct. 5 at Hazel Green Oct. 19 vs. Hokes Bluff Aug. 31 at Ranburne Sept. 14 vs. Cedar Bluff
Oct. 12 at Lee-Huntsville Oct. 26 vs. Cleburne County Fyffe Sept. 7 vs. Randolph County Sept. 21 at North Sand Mtn.
Oct. 19 vs. Mae Jemison Nov. 2 vs. Southside Aug. 31 vs. Geraldine Sept. 14 at B.B. Comer Sept. 28 at Spring Garden
Oct. 26 vs. Sardis Sept. 7 vs. Section Sept. 21 vs. Walter Wellborn Oct. 5 vs. Fyffe
Nov. 2 vs. Guntersville Collinsville Sept. 14 at Collinsville Sept. 28 at Hokes Bluff Oct. 12 at Section
Aug. 23 vs. Plainview Sept. 21 vs. Asbury Oct. 5 at Pleasant Valley Oct. 19 vs. Collinsville
Alexandria Aug. 31 at Crossville Sept. 28 at Plainview Oct. 12 vs. Piedmont Oct. 26 at Asbury
Aug. 24 at Talladega Sept. 7 vs. North Sand Mtn. Oct. 5 at Sand Rock Oct. 19 vs. Weaver Nov. 2 at Westbrook Christian
Aug. 31 vs. Jacksonville Sept. 14 vs. Fyffe Oct. 12 vs. Cedar Bluff Oct. 26 at Saks
Sept. 14 at Boaz Sept. 21 at Ider Oct. 19 at North Sand Mtn. Nov. 2 vs. West End Sardis
Sept. 21 vs. Crossville Oct. 5 at Section Oct. 26 vs. Ider Aug. 31 at Sylvania
Sept. 28 at Cleburne County Oct. 12 vs. Asbury Nov. 2 at Sylvania Hokes Bluff Sept. 7 vs. Southside
Oct. 5 vs. Sardis Oct. 19 at Sand Rock Aug. 30 at Southside Sept. 14 at Etowah
Oct. 12 at Southside Oct. 26 vs. Cedar Bluff Gadsden City Sept. 7 at White Plains Sept. 21 vs. Douglas
Oct. 19 vs. Etowah Nov. 1 vs. Valley Head Aug. 23 at Etowah Sept. 14 vs. Oneonta Sept. 28 vs. Geraldine
Oct. 26 at Douglas Aug. 31 vs. Oxford Sept. 21 at Anniston Oct. 5 at Alexandria
Nov. 2 vs. Chilton County Coosa Christian Sept. 7 vs. Sparkman Sept. 28 vs. Glencoe Oct. 12 vs. Boaz
Aug. 24 vs. Westbrook Christian Sept. 14 vs. Austin Oct. 5 vs. Ashville Oct. 19 at Crossville
Ashville Aug. 31 vs. Appalachian Sept. 21 at Bob Jones Oct. 12 vs. Cleburne County Oct. 26 at Albertville
Aug. 24 at Ragland Sept. 7 at R.A. Hubbard Oct. 5 vs. James Clemens Oct. 19 at Cherokee County Nov. 2 vs. Hokes Bluff
Aug. 31 vs. Springville Sept. 21 vs. Decatur Heritage Oct. 12 vs. Florence Oct. 26 vs. Jacksonville
Sept. 7 at Jacksonville Sept. 28 at Victory Christian Oct. 19 at Huntsville Nov. 2 at Sardis Southside
Sept. 14 vs. White Plains Oct. 5 at Falkville Oct. 26 at Grissom Aug. 24 at Lincoln
Sept. 21 at Oneonta Oct. 12 vs. Gaylesville Nov. 1 at Clay-Chalkville Ohatchee Aug. 30 vs. Hokes Bluff
Oct. 5 at Hokes Bluff Oct. 19 at Woodville Aug. 31 vs. White Plains Sept. 7 at Sardis
Oct. 12 vs. Cherokee County Oct. 26 vs. Valley Head Gaston Sept. 7 at Woodland Sept. 21 vs. Etowah
Oct. 19 at Cleburne County Nov. 2 at New Hope Aug. 31 at Sand Rock Sept. 14 vs. Cleveland Sept. 28 vs. Helena
Oct. 26 vs. Anniston Sept. 7 at Ranburne Sept. 21 at Westbrook Christian Oct. 5 at Douglas
Nov. 2 vs. Vincent Crossville Sept. 14 vs. Sylvania Sept. 28 at Leeds Oct. 12 vs. Alexandria
Aug. 24 vs. Geraldine Sept. 21 vs. Woodland Oct. 5 vs. West End Oct. 19 at Boaz
Boaz Aug. 31 vs. Collinsville Sept. 28 at Pleasant Valley Oct. 19 vs. Ranburne Oct. 26 vs. Crossville
Aug. 24 at Arab Sept. 7 vs. Etowah Oct. 5 vs. Cleveland Oct. 26 at Gaston Nov. 2 at Cherokee County
Aug. 31 at Guntersville Sept. 14 vs. Douglas Oct. 12 at Westbrook Nov. 2 vs. Pleasant Valley
Sept. 7 at Douglas Sept. 21 at Alexandria Oct. 19 at West End Westbrook Christian
Sept. 14 vs. Alexandria Sept. 28 at Springville Oct. 26 vs. Ohatchee Piedmont Aug. 24 at Coosa Christian
Sept. 21 vs. Pisgah Oct. 5 at Boaz Nov. 2 vs. Cedar Bluff Aug. 31 at Addison Aug. 31 vs. Ragland
Sept. 28 vs. Albertville Oct. 19 vs. Sardis Sept. 7 vs. Pleasant Valley Sept. 7 at Vinemont
Oct. 5 vs. Crossville Oct. 26 at Southside Gaylesville Sept. 14 at Randolph Sept. 14 at West End
Oct. 12 at Sardis Nov. 2 at Plainview Aug. 31 vs. Asbury County Sept. 21 vs. Ohatchee
Oct. 19 at Southside Sept. 7 at Victory Christian Sept. 21 at Weaver Oct. 5 at Ranburne
Oct. 26 at Etowah Etowah Sept. 14 vs. Woodville Sept. 28 at Jacksonville Oct. 12 vs. Gaston
Aug. 23 vs. Gadsden City Sept. 21 vs. Valley Head Oct. 5 vs. Saks Oct. 19 vs. Woodland
Cedar Bluff Aug. 31 vs. Moody Sept. 28 vs. Cedar Bluff Oct. 12 at Glencoe Oct. 26 at Cleveland
Aug. 31 vs. Spring Garden Sept. 7 at Crossville Oct. 5 at R.A. Hubbard Oct. 19 vs. B.B. Comer Nov. 2 vs. Sand Rock
Sept. 7 vs. Asbury Sept. 14 vs. Sardis Oct. 12 at Coosa Christian Oct. 26 vs. Walter Wellborn
Sept. 14 at Sand Rock Sept. 21 at Southside Oct. 19 at Decatur Heritage Nov. 2 at Geraldine West End
Sept. 21 vs. Section Sept. 28 at Fort Payne Oct. 26 vs. Falkville Aug. 23 vs. Susan Moore
Sept. 28 at Gaylesville Oct. 5 vs. Pell City Nov. 2 vs. ASD Plainview Aug. 31 at Pleasant Valley
Oct. 5 vs. North Sand Mtn. Oct. 12 vs. Douglas Aug. 23 at Collinsville Sept. 7 at Cleveland
Oct. 12 at Fyffe Oct. 19 at Alexandria Geraldine Aug. 31 at North Jackson Sept. 14 vs. Westbrook
Oct. 19 vs. Ider Oct. 26 vs. Boaz Aug. 24 at Crossville Sept. 7 at Geraldine Sept. 28 vs. Ragland
Oct. 26 at Collinsville Aug. 31 at Fyffe Sept. 14 vs. Susan Moore Oct. 5 at Ohatchee
Nov. 2 at Gaston Fort Payne Sept. 7 vs. Plainview Sept. 21 at Sylvania Oct. 12 vs. Ranburne
Aug. 24 at Pell City Sept. 14 vs. Brindlee Mtn. Sept. 28 vs. Fyffe Oct. 19 vs. Gaston
Cherokee County Aug. 31 at Scottsboro Sept. 21 at New Hope Oct. 12 vs. Brindlee Mtn. Oct. 26 at Woodland
Aug. 31 vs. St. Clair County Sept. 7 vs. Albertville Sept. 28 at Sardis Oct. 19 at New Hope Nov. 2 at Glencoe
S AV E T H E D AT E
Mark these down as important dates

By J.J. Hicks
Times Sports Writer
Here’s a look at some of the

2018 high school football sea-
son’s key games for area teams:

AUG. 23
Etowah at Gadsden City

This probably is the highest
profile game of the season
involving two county schools,
and maybe the most intrigu-
ing. The teams haven’t played
in nearly a decade; the Titans
won the last meeting 51-6 in
2009.
AUG. 24
Westbrook Christian
at Coosa Christian
These two last played in 2011,
won by the Warriors 41-7. Unlike
that meeting, both teams are
coming off playoff appear-
ances. A win here would be a
nice starting point for another
playoff berth. Hokes Bluff’s Darrian Meads is tackled by Southside’s Chance Moon during high school football action in Hokes Bluff last season.
[FILE/THE GADSDEN TIMES]
AUG. 30
but the last time was in 1977. time coming in 1963. The Blue SEPT. 21 Jackets lead the overall series
Hokes Bluff at Southside Now they’re 5A, Region 6 foes. Devils are the favorites to win 42-31-1, but the Eagles have
One of the county’s most sto- Coach Gene Hill’s Lions lost Region 6, while the Lions hope Etowah at Southside won the last two in what’s prob-
ried rivalries of recent times, some key players but did win a to make a splash with an upset This might be the most intense ably the biggest rivalry game in
the Eagles won last year’s meet- region title last year. The Pan- win on the road. rivalry in the county. Now, it has Etowah County.
ing 30-7. Hokes Bluff has been a thers return star running back the added ingredient of being
deep playoff participant the last Kenneth Bothwell and have high Austin at Gadsden City a region game — heck, this one OCT. 5
two years; the Panthers’ move hopes. The new 7A, Region 4 features might even decide the region
to Class 5A could mean they five 2017 playoff teams, so it’s champion. Each team has won a Saks at Piedmont
could do the same. SEPT. 14 imperative for the Titans to win game since the series renewed A showdown of powerhouses,
games like this one. The Black in 2016. each team made the state semi-
AUG. 31 Westbrook Christian Bears move up from 6A after finals last year — Saks in 4A,
at West End two semifinal and one quar- Gadsden City at Bob Jones Piedmont in 3A. Now the two
Gaston at Sand Rock These county teams now sit terfinal runs in the last three See the previous week — Gads- are 3A, Region 6 foes, and even
2017 was a surprising down in 2A, Region 6 together. They years. den City will have to beat some though the region is loaded, this
year for Gaston, which normally last played in 2013, won by the quality teams to return to the one could decide who claims
is a playoff lock. Though this Warriors 45-20. West End hopes Glencoe at B.B. Comer postseason after missing out top honors.
meeting with Sand Rock no to rebound from missing the A young Yellow Jacket team last year and give coach Bart
longer is a region game, it could postseason, and the Warriors with first-year coach Brian Sessions his first playoff appear- Crossville at Boaz
help show if the Bulldogs are could still be working in some Alred faces one of the state’s ance as the program’s coach. The fourth spot in 5A, Region 6
ready to get back to their win- newcomers after some key most difficult slates in 3A, looks like it’s up for grabs, and
ning ways after a 1-9 season. departures. Region 6. A win early on the SEPT. 28 this game could determine who
region schedule would be a earns it. The Lions made the
SEPT. 7 Sardis at Etowah big confidence booster and Glencoe at Hokes Bluff postseason last year, and the
Despite only being 14 miles maybe even help with a play- Every year since 1944, these Pirates finished just one game
Southside at Sardis apart, these county teams only off push. two rivals have taken the field back of them despite winning
These two have met 31 times, have played twice, with the last against each other. The Yellow the teams’ game 45-44.
OCT. 12 Region 7. Both teams made the playoffs in

2017, but were knocked out in the first round.
Alexandria at Southside This time around, the winner of this one
Don’t be shocked if this one is for second might be the only team playoff-bound.
place in the region, or even first if one of
these teams knocks off Etowah. Coming Etowah at Alexandria
down from 6A and being led by their powerful These two easily could finish 1-2 in region
run game, the Panthers could grab a home play. The Blue Devils beat the Valley Cubs
playoff opener. last year and the year before, and probably
will be favored again this year, but Drew
Westbrook Christian at Gaston Noles’ team has to hit the road for this year’s
This matchup of county teams could be the edition.
deciding factor as to which one makes the
playoffs from 2A, Region 6; the same goes OCT. 26
for the next week when the Bulldogs visit
West End and the Sept. 14 game between the Coosa Christian at Valley Head
Patriots and Warriors. If the Conquerors’ game against Woodville
doesn’t decide their playoff fate, this one
Sardis at Boaz could. Coosa beat the Tigers 25-6 last year,
A rivalry game between two Sand Mountain and a win in this year’s game could be what
teams will take on more meaning now that lifts it to the postseason for a third straight
both are in 5A, Region 6. The Pirates lead the year.
all-time series between the programs 39-23-1,
but the Lions have taken the last three. Gadsden City at Grissom
It’s not inconceivable that the Titans could
OCT. 19 enter this one needing a win for a playoff
berth in the new, challenging 7A, Region 4. Glencoe’s Noah Huff tries to evade the tackle of Hokes Bluff’s Levi
Coosa Christian at Woodville Gadsden City beat the Tigers 19-0 last season Taliaferro during high school football action in Glencoe last season. [FILE/
This one could determine if the Conquerors and, in fact, never have lost to them in six THE GADSDEN TIMES]
are going to make the postseason from 1A, all-time meetings.

Kickoff With The Times 2018

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Kickoff With The Times 2018

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KICKOFF

AUGUST 22, 2018

A new look: Teams move

KICKOFF WITH THE TIMES

ABOUT THE COVER

COOSA CHRISTIAN CONQUERORS

Expectations are high

Carston Lipscomb is one of a number of targets Caiden Lipscomb will be able to

Tested in 2017, Gaston

Etowah craves a deep playoff run

Titans trying to bounce back

Eagles thrive in role of being the ‘hunted’

GLENCOE — The Glencoe Yellow

away from it.”

third DC in the last year, Daugherty said

Westbrook hungry for

us through in some close-scoring Etowah County team, West End,

Completing a dream together

ATTALLA — For Jamin Graham,

Harris, a three-star cornerback,

Morris was generally

throw the football, but

Region 7: Coosa Christian’s region

Bulldogs aiming for a playoff berth

Aggies looking to grind it out

“We’ve had to change what we do offensively because we have so many

Coach Dale Pruitt

Albertville’s Matthew Nixon is tackled by Boaz’s Logan

New region to challenge powerhouse Piedmont

Piedmont’s Tadrian Fairs returns to a Bulldogs team which lost 13

Pirates return plenty of

Coach Jeremy Sullivan

Replacements will be key to Warriors’ success

Area teams hope for big 2018

Here’s a look at some area teams for

LEFT: Cedar Bluff’s

RIGHT: Cedar Bluff

Cedar Bluff looks to stay strong in 2A

Etowah, Hokes Bluff open year ranked in top 5

2018 SCHEDULES FOR AREA TEAMS

Mark these down as important dates

Here’s a look at some of the

Etowah at Gadsden City

OCT. 12 Region 7. Both teams made the playoffs in

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