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KICKOFF 2010 A special publication of Advertiser The Clanton Inside: Schedules Rosters Photos Analysis

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Page 1: Kickoff 2010

KICKOFF 2010

A special publication of

AdvertiserThe Clanton

Inside:SchedulesRostersPhotosAnalysis

Page 2: Kickoff 2010
Page 3: Kickoff 2010
Page 4: Kickoff 2010

48 KICKOFF 2010

Jemison Thorsby

North Chilton County’s NewspaperTelling the stories that matter to you.A whole new way to be in the know in North Chilton County.

Copies will be available at the following locations:

ADVERTISERNORTH CHILTON

SERVING JEMISON AND THORSBY • www.northchiltonadvertiser.com

205-755-5747

Patch’s Country StoreCity Limit PackageKarl’s One StopPorter’s TexacoAll State /H & R BlockCountry SupplyTin Top BBQSunlight MinistriesSouth Calera GroceryCozy CornerGet It & GoPetals From the PastSmokey HollowJacksShellChevronSubway/ExxonCulp FruitsLittle Angels GroomingSue’s MartPeoples’ Hair

Donna’s Cut & StyleDollar General StoreBluebonnet Animal ClinicNapa AutoJemison Building SupplyA to Z PCJemison Trade CenterShear KnowledgeEllison Auto SalesQuail Ridge Apts.Wanda’s Family

Hair DesignBarry’s FurnitureCity LoansJemison FloristJemison Internal MedicineSubwayLittle Italy’sDari Delite ThorsbyDr.Van T. Greene

Lacordobesa tienda y panderia

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Buddy’s Wash HouseDaisie’s FloristMizzell’s Super SaverFront Porch Flea MarketChilton Water AuthorityGarrison Farm & HomeThorsby Post OfficePeoples Southern BankMain Street MarketFlip Flops and Polka DotsUnique Hair SalonThorsby City HallThorsby One StopThorsby Self StorageInstant Sign CenterMoney MartLittleton’s MowerParker Utility191 ExpressLand MartSuds-R-Us

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KICKOFF 2010 47

Maplesville

Verbena

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46 KICKOFF 2010

Isabella

Billingsley

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KICKOFF 2010 45

Spirit section

Friday nights not the same without bands, cheerleaders

Chilton Co.

Page 8: Kickoff 2010

With a strong arm and plenty of targets to throw to, the area’s biggest offensive threat is senior Maplesville quarterbackMatt Hamner.

Bombs away

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Whether catching passes or laying blocks, by the

fourth quarter defend-ers are tired of seeing

Thorsby seniorErick Camarillo.

Rebel resiliency

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Even if the defense plays Jemison’s offense perfectly, they still could be grasping at air because of the speed and quickness of junior running back Javae Swindle.

Can’t catch him

Page 11: Kickoff 2010

Defenders hoping to reach the Chilton County quarterback will

first have to go through senior right tackle

Blake Norman.

First line of offense

Page 12: Kickoff 2010

with six men near the football instead of seven, which is typical. “The formations are what that spread stuff is all about.”Other local teams can be found on the opposite end of the spec-

trum of offensive strategy. Under coach Scott Booth this season, Isabella will line up in the “Notre Dame Box,” an offense devel-oped by legendary coach Knute Rockne in the early 1900s. But don’t tell Booth his offense is outdated. Considered a new trend in college and the NFL, the “Wildcat” offense puts a running back in the shotgun to receive the snap from center—and has roots in the Box. “It’s been around forever; it’s nothing new,” Booth said of the Wildcat. “People say, ‘Notre Dame Box, that’s old timey,’ but it’s the same thing they think is so cool when they watch [former Florida quarterback] Tim Tebow.”In Booth’s offense, the quarterback lines up in the shotgun, with a

fullback next to him (Figure 2-A). A blocking back lines up behind the guard, and a wing back is off the line of scrimmage just wider than the end of the offensive line. Most often, the Mustangs will a tight end on either side of the line, but those players can also be split out wide and become like traditional split ends. The offense utilizes motion and deception, placing a premium on precise snaps from center, but Booth said the key is the quarterback is a threat to pass or run. “Most of the time, the quarterback takes the snap and hands off to the running back, and he’s out of the play. The defense doesn’t have to worry about him. So you’re playing 10-on-11,” Booth said. “When you line up against us, the quarterback is another player you have to worry about. It’s 11-on-11. He’s like another running back.”Another local team that will use the quarterback is Billingsley,

who, under coach Joe Nettles, will run the triple option. On any given play, an option quarterback will take the snap from under center, have the option of handing the ball off to the fullback shoot-ing up the middle or fake it to him and then run around the end of the line with the tailback following. From there, the QB can turn upfield or pitch it to the back. Hence, the three options: hand off, keep or pitch. “A lot of folks like the spread. It’s the same thing: a defense has got to play the whole field with the option,” Nettles said. “It’s tough to defend because you’ve got to be disciplined.” Billingsley will usually run its offense out of the “I” formation (Figure 2-B).Similar to Booth’s Box is Verbena’s double-wing formation (Fig-

ure 2-C). The quarterback lines up under center with a fullback directly behind him. There are wing backs off the end of both sides of the offensive line, and receivers are lined up wide on both sides of the field. Unlike most formations, Verbena’s double wing is symmetrical. “It makes the defense line up balanced, so you can predict what you’re going to get,” coach Mike Harris said. After lining up, though, Verbena uses motion before the snap and then misdirection after the snap.That’s not much different than what spread offenses try to do.

Essentially, offensive strategy in football is about creating favor-able matchups, whether it’s an option quarterback keeping the ball or pitching it depending on the direction taken by a defensive end, or if it’s a spread quarterback throwing to the deep receiver or the underneath one based on how a safety plays.Offensive strategies have come and gone, but the goal of moving

the football forward will never change.

40 KICKOFF 2010

E

E

T

H

F

F

E

H

Fl

E

Figure 2-B (Billingsley’s I-formation)

Figure 2-C (Verbena’s double wing)

EB

F

EW

Figure 2-A (Isabella’s Notre Dame Box)

Formations are nice, but it takes

players to make an offense

run. On the next four pages are some of the area’s

most important offensive weapons. 444

OFFENSE from page 3

X

X

H

H

F

F

Y

Y

Z

Z

Figure 1-B (Chilton Co.’s and Jemison’s spread)

Figure 1-A (Maplesville’s spread)

Page 13: Kickoff 2010

KICKOFF 2010 39

50-Garrett Dennis-Sr.31-Kelly Dorsett-Sr.

52-Jaycin Loury-Sr.28-Dustin Short-Sr.7-Christian Coston-Jr.12-Jeremy Creger-Jr.22-Marquez Deramus-Jr.

23-Bay Lucas-Jr.55-Justin Simmons-Jr.56-Alex Clackley-So.10-Phillip Hensley-So.65-Jacob Montgomery-

So.54-Brady Pope-So.8-Lattrell Jackson-So.5-Jon Cleckler-Fr.27-Jared Mims-Fr.

4-Nick Adams-Fr.62-Jacob Wilson-Fr.2-Jaryus Wilson-Fr.

Roster

Page 14: Kickoff 2010

(five) and tackles (98).Like the offensive side of the

football, injuries would be a se-rious problem for the Verbena defense because the team lacks depth.

LinebackersJunior Jeremy Creger and Mar-

quez Deramus will play middle linebacker. Verbena’s outside linebackers are hybrid defensive ends that will rush the passer as much as they drop back in cov-erage. Phillip Hensley and Jacob Montgomery have a leg up on these positions, and sophomore Lattrell Jackson will play some, too.

Defensive backsOpponents might have a hard

time throwing against the Red Devils because the secondary is Verbena’s most experienced unit, with all four starters re-turning from last season. Quar-terback candidates Christian Coston and Bay Lucas will also line up as the team’s starting cornerbacks. Lucas led all coun-ty defenders last season with eight interceptions. Dustin Short and Kelly Dorsett will man the safety positions.

Special teamsBay Lucas and Jeremy Creger

will be called on to punt for Ver-bena, and a group that includes Lucas, Christian Coston, Kelly Dorsett and Dustin Short will return punts and kicks.Placekicking duties are even

less settled. “We’re working on finding a kicker,” Harris said. “We haven’t had a kicker in a couple of years now. That will be

the thing, if we can find some-body that can do it consistently.”

To Find Out Log On To:http://spotted.clantonadvertiser.com

ADVERTISERThe Clanton

PHOTOS

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Red Devil Stadium

38 KICKOFF 2010

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VRed DevilsVerbena

2-minute drillClass 1A, Region 3

CoachMike Harris (Verbena, 1974), 35-77 in 11 seasons

AssistantsMark ClecklerBill Smith: receivers/linebackers/defensive backsChris Stano: offensive coordinator/quarterbacks/running backs

2010 schedule8/27 at Thorsby9/3 Wadley*9/10 at Notasulga*9/17 at Loachapoka*9/24 Isabella10/1 Fayetteville*10/8 at Talladega Co. Central*10/15 St. Jude*10/22 at Winterboro*10/29 Billingsley *-region game

Key gameVerbena’s last three region games will be tough, not least because a Red Devils squad that lacks depth will be beat up by that point in the season. So, it will be important for VHS to get a win against Fayetteville if they are to have any hope of making the playoffs.

2009 results (5-5, 3-4 region)at Thorsby (W, 14-6)at Wadley* (L, 3-0)Notasulga* (W, 36-8)Loachapoka* (L, 45-0)at Isabella (W, 32-6)at Fayetteville* (W, 34-3)Talladega Co. Central* (L, 34-13)at Donoho* (W, 36-0)Winterboro* (L, 28-18)at Marbury (L, 18-6) *-region game

Verbena starters can compete, but injuries could doom season

As a Verbena graduate and coach going into his eighth season, Mike Harris is familiar with the nature of football at smaller schools. But the 2010 season will be dif-ferent even for Harris. Graduation decimated

the Verbena roster, leaving Harris with less than 20 players for the upcoming season.Still, there is talent to be found. The question

will be whether the Red Devils can avoid inju-ries.

QuarterbackTwo players are vying to replace departed

quarterback Brad Boswell, a three-year starter. Neither Christian Coston or Bay Lucas, both ju-niors, will be as good a passer as Boswell, but they might make up for it with their running ability.“We’re going to involve the quarterbacks in the

running game,” Harris said.

Offensive backsJunior Marquez Deramus will play fullback.

Deramus weighs 185 pounds but runs as pow-erfully as bigger backs. In fact, Deramus played on the line last season.Verbena’s wing backs will be seniors Kelly

Dorsett and Dustin Short, both of whom have at least two years experience in the offense and averaged more than five yards per carry last sea-son.

ReceiversSophomores Phillip Hensley and Jacob Mont-

gomery and freshman Jaryus Wilson will see most of the snaps at the receiver positions. All three are new to the position, but Harris said he still feels good about the ball handlers on offense. “Our skill people, we’re going to be in pretty good shape; we just don’t have the depth,” he said.

Offensive lineIf Harris feels good about the skill positions, he

feels less so about the line, where the team sus-tained heavy losses to graduation. Senior Garrett

Dennis will lead the unit from his right guard position, and junior Justin Simmons is another returning starter. Simmons will play center.Look for the other starters to be senior Jaycin

Loury at left guard, sophomore Alex Clackley at left tackle and sophomore Brady Pope at right tackle. “They’re learning,” Harris said. “All of them on the line are rookies except two of them, and they’re in new positions.”

Defensive lineAlex Clackley and Brady Pope will play tackle

in Verbena’s 3-4 scheme. Justin Simmons will man the nose tackle position, where he started every game last season. Garrett Dennis was among county leaders last season in both sacks

On the offense Juniors Christian Coston and Bay Lucas will replace the departed Brad Boswell at quarterback but will bring more of a running style to the position than did the former three-year starter.

Garrett Dennis will be a crucial component of Ver-bena’s offensive and defensive fronts.36 KICKOFF 2010

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KICKOFF 2010 35

1-Stephen Mims-Jr.2-Trent McClain-Sr.3-Taylor Gunn-So.4-Nathan Oldroyd-So.5-Aaron Thornton-Jr.8-C.J. Melendy-So.9-Braden McRae-Fr.

10-Andrew Farris-Sr.11-Marcus Bray-Sr.12-Derek Childress-So.13-Bo Hoffman-So.14-Cameron Castleberry-Fr.15-Colton Castleberry-Fr.16-Kevin Owens-8th20-Nolan Hayes-So.21-Corey Balthaser-So.

22-Kalup Nunn-Sr.23-Tanner Bush-Sr.24-Christian Statham-Jr.25-Dustin Mims-So.27-Carlos Campos-Jr.30-Hunter Nicholas-So.33-Jacob Hamilton-Sr.34-Chaz Davis-Sr.35-Phillip Hicks-Sr.42-Dustin Wilson-Sr.

44-Shawn Fansler-So.51-Jonathon Spivey-Jr.52-Dylan Crocker-Sr.53-Austin Pickett-So.54-Erick Camarillo-Sr.55-Abraham Flores-Jr.56-Jeremy Varden-Fr.57-Sean Tillery-Jr.59-Justen Popwell-Fr.61-Brent Overton-So.

63-Brady Garrigus-So.72-Cain Castleberry-So.73-Jay Norwood-Fr.74-Gauge Brown-So.76-Eduardo Rico-So.79-Zac Hensley-So.79-Dakota Holcombe-Fr.80-B.B. Evans-So.

Roster

Page 18: Kickoff 2010

ham Flores and sophomore Brent Overton.“We’re a little bit inexperi-

enced, but as hard as they’ve worked this summer, I look for us to progress as the year moves forward,” Jackson said.

Defensive lineSenior Phillip Hicks will play

nose guard in Thorsby’s 3-4 de-fense. Lining up next to Hicks will likely be Jonathon Spivey and Dylan Crocker. “We’re go-ing to need our defense to keep us in games,” Jackson said. “I think, if we can stay injury-free, I think there’s the opportunity for to be better this year.”

LinebackersThe area’s top two tacklers

from last year return to the same unit this season for Thorsby. Se-nior Dustin Wilson racked up 122 tackles in 2009, second only to Erick Camarillo’s 129.Kalup Nunn is a returning

starter at the Rover position, a hybrid linebacker/defensive end. Another such position is Bandit, which will be manned by Bo Hoffman.

Defensive backsCornerback Marcus Bray and

free safety Stephen Mims are returning starters. The most

likely candidates to fill out the other two secondary positions are strong safety Tanner Bush and senior cornerback Trent Mc-Clain. Andrew Farris will rotate in when he’s able and when it won’t compromise his ability to the lead the offense. Junior Christian Statham will also be in the mix for playing time in the secondary.

Special teamsJunior Carlos Campos will be

the placekicker again this year. Campos has been efficient with extra points and can also kick field goals, a commodity in

Class 2A football. Andrew Far-ris punted last year and will do so again this year, along with Bo Hoffman.

Susan Bentley Field

34 KICKOFF 2010

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RebelsThorsby

2-minute drillClass 2A, Region 4

CoachBilly Jackson (Chilton Co., 1990), 2-8 in 1 season

AssistantsAb ArgentCorey Clements: offensive coordinatorJosh Deavers: defensive coordinatorShannon FarrisDerrick LittletonKeith Williams: running backs/defensive backsAmp Wright: running backs/linebackers

2010 schedule8/27 Verbena9/3 Francis Marion*9/10 at Isabella*9/17 at Billingsley*9/24 at Shades Mtn. Christian10/1 American Christian*10/8 at Hayneville-Central*10/15 Vincent*10/22 at R.C. Hatch*10/29 Horseshoe Bend *-region game

Key gameVincent. This region game late in the season could determine Thorsby’s playoff fate.

2009 results (2-8, 2-5 region)Verbena (L, 14-6)at American Christian* (L, 44-8)Pickens Co.* (L,33-14)at Fultondale* (L, 39-8)at Horseshoe Bend (L, 28-6)Vincent* (L, 36-20)Shades Mtn. Christian* (W, 28-6)at Isabella* (W, 32-30)at Hale Co.* (L, 20-12)Winterboro (L, 48-0) *-region game

Dedication to training might make winning a habit

The overall record may not look impressive, but Thorsby made great strides last sea-son under first-year coach Billy Jackson. The Rebels snapped a 17-game losing streak and, with a commit-ment to weight training and conditioning, laid the foun-

dation for future success.“We kind of had a little baptism by fire last

year,” said Jackson, who took the job after the team had gone through spring practices. “Com-ing into the first game, we really didn’t know

what we could do. The seniors last year bought in and worked hard during the summer.”The work in the weight room paid off last sea-

son and should again this year, Jackson said. “We’re more confident because of it,” he said. “You know, in the fourth quarter, you’re not go-ing to be dragging behind.”

QuarterbackSenior Andrew Farris will start behind cen-

ter for the third consecutive season. Farris was among county leaders last year in every statisti-cal category, passing for 708 yards. “We’ve put a lot of pressure on him to do a lot of things, for him to be young and inexperienced, but he’s done really well for us,” Jackson said.Sophomore Nathan Oldroyd will back up Farris

again and will also start for the Thorsby junior varsity team, picking up valuable experience.

Offensive backsSenior Kalup Nunn returns to his fullback posi-

tion and as Thorsby’s primary runner. Nunn av-eraged 6.7 yards per carry last season. Nunn will be spelled by sophomore Bo Hoffman.Jackson said senior Tanner Bush and sopho-

more C.J. Melendy will be considered co-starters at the H-back position. Bush is most effective as a straight-ahead runner, the coach said, and Me-lendy takes more of a slashing approach.

ReceiversFarris’ favorite target the past two seasons has

been classmate Marcus Bray. Last year, Bray av-

eraged 19.3 yards per catch, demonstrating his big play ability. Farris will also throw to junior Stephen Mims, another returning starter, and Nathan Oldroyd, who will man the “Y” position, which is similar to a tight end.

Offensive lineLast year’s “Y,” senior Erick Camarillo will

move back to the offensive line, where he played two years ago, because of the heavy losses to graduation the team’s front sustained. Camarillo will play the all-important center position and be flanked by guards Jonathon Spivey, a junior, and Dylan Crocker, a senior. Spivey is the only starter returning from last year’s line, and he will switch positions, from tackle last year.This year’s tackles will likely be junior Abra-

On the offense Thorsby’s three-headed monster of quarterback Andrew Farris, running back Kalup Nunn and receiver Marcus Bray accounted for more than 1,500 yards of total offense last season.

Andrew Farris returns to start at quarterback for the third consecutive year for Thorsby.32 KICKOFF 2010

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Anthony Johnson, right, will be one of Maplesville’s backup quarterbacks but will contribute the most as a wide receiver and linebacker for the Red Devils.

30 KICKOFF 2010

Mims Memorialsand

Funeral ServicesMonuments • Slabs • Caskets

Vaults • Grave Digging Service

Tim Mims, Owner

Maplesville,AL334-366-0336334-366-5670

Page 23: Kickoff 2010

KICKOFF 2010 29

2-Darrell Goodwin-Sr.3-Edwin Pettiway-Sr.4-Blake Crumpton-Sr.5-Tyler Crumpton-Sr.6-Demitrius Parker-So.7-Colby Chambers-Fr.8-Damian Mitchell-Fr.

9-Cameron Morrow-Jr.10-Cody Howell-Sr.12-Matt Hamner-Sr.13-Brett Connell-Jr.14-Brandon Morrow-So.15-James Madsen-Sr.19-Kelvin Hall-So.20-Anthony Johnson-So.21-Hunter McCay-Sr.

22-Brintain Hill-So.28-Brandon Abbott-Fr.31-Colby Niswander-Fr.32-Alex Payne-Jr.34-Jared White-Jr.36-Dustin Stephens-Jr.37-Forrest Stewart-Fr.40-Bobby Smith-Sr.44-Brett Walker-Fr.

50-Damian Smith-So.51-Josh Jones-Jr.53-Devonte Morrow-Fr.54-Kameron Ford-Fr.62-Neal Ousley-Fr.65-Johnathon Causey-Jr.66-Cameron Andrews-So.70-Devin Keener-So.71-Casey Atchison-Sr.

73-Dylan Wallace-Sr.74-Tyler Wheatley-Fr.75-Matthew Dunkin-Jr.76-Enrique Tapia-Fr.77-Tyler Vowell-Jr.79-Garrett Hooker-Jr.82-Keith Shields-Jr.88-Alex Smith-So.89-Austin Smith-So.

Roster

Page 24: Kickoff 2010

man years, and there’s not much drop-off in experience after them. Sophomore Devin Keener returns to his guard position, and junior Tyler Vowell is a returning starter at the other guard position. Junior Johnathon Causey split time with Vowell last season but this year will slide over and play center, the position vacated by Blane Fuller, the only member of the 2009 Ma-plesville squad that was lost to graduation.

Defensive lineMaplesville will use a defensive-

line-by-committee approach, and it will include the same guys that were on the committee last sea-son. Eleven Red Devils played on the defensive line last season, and all 11 return this year.Defensive ends will include ju-

nior Brett Connell, Darrell Good-win and Brintain Hill. Junior Keith Shields, Bobby Smith and Dylan Wallace will see time at defensive tackle. Wallace led all county players last season with 13 sacks—and it wasn’t even close; the next most was six, a mark reached by both Connell and Goodwin. Johnathon Causey and Tyler Vowell, the team’s biggest player at 275 pounds, will line up on the defensive front in short yardage situations.

LinebackersHubbert said his team has five

linebackers that are all considered starters: sophomore Cameron An-drews, Casey Atchison, Anthony Johnson, James Madsen and Ed-win Pettiway. “We’re real high on those guys,” Hubbert said. “We think they have a chance to do well.”Atchison led the team last season

with 119 tackles. Madsen wasn’t

far behind with 95 tackles.

Defensive backsCameron Morrow will use his

speed at either cornerback or safety. Morrow will be joined at corner by Blake Crumpton, Ty-ler Crumpton and Jared White. Sophomore Kelvin Hall will play safety, and Damian Mitchell, like

Morrow, could wind up play-ing either corner or safety. The Crumpton brothers were espe-cially good at intercepting the football last season.Tyler wound up with more, five,

but Blake tallied four picks in just five games, compared to 12 games for Tyler.

Special teamsCasey Atchison will kick extra

points again for the Red Dev-ils. Blake Crumpton will punt; Crumpton was the punter last year until suffering an injury. Hunter McCay and Dustin Ste-

phens will return kickoffs, and Stephens and James Madsen will handle punts.

George Walker Jr. Stadium

28 KICKOFF 2010

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Red DevilsMaplesville

2-minute drillClass 1A, Region 4

CoachBrent Hubbert (Lanette, 1989), 70-32 in 9 seasons

AssistantsEric Bailey: defensive coordinatorTate Leonard: offensive line/defensive line/special teamsJacob LittleJustin LittleBrandon Shanks

2010 schedule8/27 at Vincent9/3 at Keith*9/10 Holy Spirit Catholic*9/17 at Shades Mtn. Christian*9/24 Billingsley10/1 John Essex*10/8 at Pickens Co.*10/15 Autaugaville*10/22 Sunshine*10/29 at Sipsey Valley *-region game

Key gameAt Pickens Co. A former Class 2A power welcomes one of Class 1A’s elite programs—should be one the year’s best.

2009 results (10-2, 7-1 region)at Billingsley* (W, 35-0)R.A. Hubbard (W, 20-0)Sunshine* (W, 68-12)John Essex* (W, 61-6)at Autaugaville* (W, 40-8)at Linden* (L, 23-14)Akron* (W, 32-0)at A.L. Johnson* (W, 42-6)Holy Spirit* (W, 55-7)at American Christian (W, 28-0)Talladega Co. Central, first round playoffs (W, 48-13)at Loachapoka, second round playoffs (L, 18-12)*-region game

Devils thinking title with almost every contributor returning

The expectations are as high in Maplesville as they ever have been under coach Brent Hub-bert, and that’s saying some-thing. Hubbert has already led the Red Devils to two appear-ances in the state semifinals, and his 2010 squad might be his most experienced yet.

Only one contributor from last year’s team was lost to graduation. And at perhaps the most im-portant position, quarterback, Hubbert has a three-year starter who led Chilton County passers last season in almost every statistical category. As is be-coming the norm for Maplesville under Hubbert,

the moto this season will be “state championship or bust.”

QuarterbacksMatt Hamner, Chilton County’s leading passer

from a year ago, returns for his senior season. If Hubbert were going to put together an ideal quar-terback, it might turn out much like Hamner, who has started at the varsity or junior varsity level since his 8th grade season and measures in at 6’5” and 190 pounds. Hamner completed two-thirds of his passes last season for an average of about 150 yards a game and 16 total touchdowns.Sophomore Anthony Johnson and freshman Col-

by Chambers will back up Hamner.

Offensive backsFour players—juniors Cameron Morrow and Jar-

ed White, sophomore Dimitrius Parker and fresh-man Damian Mitchell—will share carries from the tailback position, which is similar to Maplesville’s other offensive back position except that tailbacks

are more likely to catch passes out of the backfield. Morrow is Maplesville’s fastest player (he’s been clocked in the 4.3-second range in the 40-yard dash), but Hubbert said, “I really couldn’t name a clear cut starter out of those four.”If you’re already impressed, consider that at the

other back position, Maplesville has senior Hunter McCay, who led all county running backs last sea-son with an average of 10.5 yards per carry and 17 touchdowns. Hubbert said he also like McCay’s backups, senior Bobby Smith and sophomore Brintain Hill.

ReceiversMaplesville will line up most often with three

wide receivers in the formation, but Hubbert em-ploys many more than three throughout the course of the game. “In any different game, we rotate about nine receivers,” Hubbert said. Starters will likely be senior James Madsen, junior Dustin Ste-phens and Anthony Johnson. Madsen led county pass catchers with 385 receiving yards last season.Seniors Blake Crumpton, Tyler Crumpton, Dar-

rell Goodwin and Edwin Pettiway also have ex-perience at the position, and Hubbert said two sophomores—Kelvin Hall and Brandon Morrow—emerged during the spring and fall and will com-pete for playing time.

Offensive lineSenior tackles Dylan Wallace and Casey Atchison

have started on the offensive line since their fresh-

On the offense The list of the county’s offensive statistical leaders last season looked like Maplesville’s two-deep roster. There were Red Devils among the top five in passing, rushing and receiving.

Cameron Morrow might be the fastest player in the county. He’s been clocked at summer camps in the 4.3-second range in the 40-yard dash.26 KICKOFF 2010

Page 27: Kickoff 2010

1998 Maplesville 47-01997 Maplesville 44-01996 Maplesville 62-121995 Maplesville 27-01994 Maplesville 50-01993 Maplesville 41-61992 Maplesville 27-61991 Maplesville 41-01990 Maplesville 34-01989 Maplesville 40-01988 Maplesville 34-61987 Maplesville 42-81986 Maplesville 47-01985 Maplesville 45-01984 Maplesville 26-61983 Maplesville 34-61982 Maplesville 27-141981 Maplesville1980 Maplesville 29-71979 Maplesville 35-201978 Maplesville 25-01976 Maplesville 7-61975 Maplesville 21-01973 Maplesville 10-61972 Maplesville 45-81971 Maplesville 12-61970 Thorsby 22-01968 Maplesville 56-6

Billingsley vs. ThorsbyBillingsley leads 16-4Longest streak: Billings-ley 10 games (current)2001 Billingsley 37-7

2000 Billingsley 16-101995 Billingsley 47-181994 Billingsley 42-81993 Billingsley 54-01992 Billingsley 62-201987 Billingsley 40-161986 Billingsley 34-0 (first round playoffs)1986 Billingsley 42-61985 Billingsley 18-01984 Thorsby 13-01982 Thorsby 35-61981 Thorsby 40-01979 Billingsley 45-61976 Billingsley 38-81975 Billingsley 44-81973 Billingsley 7-01971 Billingsley 51-01970 Thorsby 14-61967 Billingsley 60-14

Chilton Co. vs. VerbenaChilton Co. leads 13-7Longest streak: Chilton Co. 9 games (current)1987 Chilton Co. 28-01986 Chilton Co. 28-01985 Chilton Co. 14-1984 Chilton Co. 33-121983 Chilton Co. 26-61982 Chilton Co. 13-01981 Chilton Co. 12-71980 Chilton Co. 12-71965 Chilton Co. 47-19

1964 Verbena 23-121957 Chilton Co. 55-71956 Chilton Co. 19-71955 Verbena 7-61954 Verbena 14-61953 Verbena 12-71952 Verbena 27-01951 Verbena 27-01949 Chilton Co. 27-71947 Chilton Co. 32-61940 Verbena

Chilton Co. vs. MaplesvilleChilton Co. leads 17-1-1Longest streak: Chilton Co. 8 games1985 Chilton Co. 28-141984 Chilton Co. 42-201965 Chilton Co. 13-61964 Chilton Co. 19-01962 Chilton Co. 26-01961 Chilton Co. 7-01960 Chilton Co. 20-61959 tie 7-71958 Chilton Co. 20-01957 Chilton Co. 33-01956 Maplesville 25-71955 Chilton Co. 34-61954 Chilton Co. 27-71953 Chilton Co. 20-71952 Chilton Co. 27-261948 Chilton Co. 54-01945 Chilton Co. 36-0

1944 Chilton Co. 20-61942 Chilton Co. 44-0

Billingsley vs. JemisonJemison leads 10-7Longest streak: None more than 3 games (current)2001 Jemison 44-62000 Jemison 50-61993 Jemison 22-141992 Billingsley 40-121991 Billingsley 44-61990 Jemison 21-81989 Billingsley 18-141988 Billingsley 35-121959 Billingsley 13-01958 Jemison 26-141953 Jemison 15-01952 Jemison 12-01951 Billingsley 35-01950 Jemison 12-61949 Jemison 6-21948 Jemison 33-01947 Billingsley 6-0

Isabella vs. JemisonJemison leads 12-3-2Longest streak: Jemison 8 games1987 Isabella 14-131986 Jemison 28-0

1985 Jemison 13-01984 Jemison 20-121983 Jemison 34-71982 Jemison 50-01966 Jemison 33-01965 Jemison 20-01963 Jemison 13-01961 tie 7-71958 Jemison 15-121957 Jemison 19-61956 Isabella 48-01952 Jemison 20-121950 tie 6-61949 Jemison 6-01947 Isabella 14-6

Jemison vs. ThorsbyJemison leads 14-1Longest streak: Jemison 6 games (current)1995 Jemison 48-01994 Jemison 61-01993 Jemison 28-01992 Jemison 15-01983 Jemison 61-01982 Jemison 31-01976 Jemison 47-121975 Jemison 32-61974 Jemison 21-01973 Jemison 35-201972 Jemison 42-121971 Jemison 41-71970 Thorsby 28-141969 Jemison 21-20

1968 Jemison 39-6

Billingsley vs. Chilton Co.Chilton Co. leads 8-5Longest streak: None more than 2 games1999 Chilton Co. 28-141998 Billingsley 12-71997 Chilton Co. 26-131996 Chilton Co. 26-131995 Billingsley 24-131994 Chilton Co. 7-61993 Chilton Co. 21-71992 Billingsley 14-71991 Chilton Co. 14-01990 Chilton Co. 29-121989 Billingsley 25-121988 Billingsley 38-211950 Chilton Co. 39-13

Chilton Co. vs. IsabellaChilton Co. leads 9-0Longest streak: Chilton Co. 9 games (current)1961 Chilton Co. 34-01960 Chilton Co. 32-01959 Chilton Co. 42-61957 Chilton Co. 34-71956 Chilton Co. 33-61955 Chilton Co. 39-191954 Chilton Co. 45-01952 Chilton Co. 53-131928 Chilton Co. 43-0

KICKOFF 2010 25

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1998 Verbena 35-181997 Billingsley 30-6 (semifinals playoffs)1995 Billingsley 31-71994 Billingsley 50-141993 Billingsley 28-121992 Billingsley 48-01992 Billingsley 57-8 (second round playoffs)1991 Billingsley 22-61990 Billingsley 34-201989 Billingsley 14-61988 Billingsley 34-61987 Billingsley 27-01986 Billingsley 31-01985 Verbena 14-61984 Verbena 31-01983 Verbena 24-141982 Verbena 49-01981 Verbena 34-71980 Verbena 34-71979 Billingsley 28-71978 Verbena 28-71977 Billingsley 28-61976 Billingsley 20-31975 Billingsley 30-61974 Billingsley 28-61971 Billingsley 31-81969 Verbena 30-61967 Billingsley 23-131966 Verbena 17-31963 tie 0-01962 Verbena 38-191961 Billingsley 14-71959 Verbena 27-01958 Verbena 42-7 1956 Verbena 33-61955 Verbena 63-61954 Verbena 47-121953 Verbena 33-6/1952 Verbena 46-61951 Verbena 34-191950 Verbena 32-61949 Verbena 41-131948 Verbena 41-01948 Verbena 48-0

Maplesville vs. VerbenaMaplesville leads 33-14Longest streak: Maples-ville 13 games2007 Maplesville 51-82006 Maplesville 42-62005 Maplesville 48-62004 Maplesville 27-02003 Verbena 14-72002 Maplesville 42-82001 Maplesville 46-142000 Maplesville 24-01999 Maplesville 22-141998 Maplesville 27-01997 Verbena 12-61996 Maplesville 38-121995 Maplesville 49-121994 Maplesville 21-01993 Maplesville 26-121992 Maplesville 21-81991 Maplesville 33-131990 Maplesville 42-141989 Maplesville 20-01988 Maplesville 41-141987 Maplesville 34-01986 Maplesville 34-01985 Maplesville 28-61984 Maplesville 24-14

1983 Verbena 27-241982 Verbena 15-01981 Verbena 16-131980 Verbena 16-131979 Verbena 34-81978 Verbena 34-81976 Verbena 36-221975 Maplesville 28-121974 Verbena 13-61973 Verbena 12-81972 Maplesville 18-151969 Verbena 16-61968 Maplesville 44-61964 Verbena 21-81958 Verbena 26-01947 Maplesville 25-01946 Maplesville 20-71946 Maplesville 24-61945 Maplesville 19-01945 Maplesville 47-01944 Maplesville 26-01942 Maplesville 35-01942 Maplesville 13-6

Billingsley vs. IsabellaBillingsley leads 28-13Longest streak: Billings-ley 9 games2007 Billingsley 19-02006 Billingsley 50-142005 Billingsley 40-62004 Billingsley 50-232003 Billingsley 58-362002 Isabella 35-72001 Isabella 40-02000 Isabella 21-141999 Billingsley 24-211998 Billingsley 35-141995 Billingsley 42-71994 Billingsley 71-61993 Billingsley 54-151992 Billingsley 49-61991 Billingsley 20-61990 Isabella 21-121989 Isabella 16-151988 Billingsley 33-8

1987 Billingsley 55-6 (first round playoffs)1987 Billingsley 42-141986 Billingsley 35-01985 Billingsley 14-61984 Isabella 53-81983 Isabella 14-71982 Isabella 25-131980 Billingsley 28-01976 Billingsley 18-61975 Billingsley 62-151974 Billingsley 28-141971 Billingsley 63-01970 Billingsley 41-01969 Billingsley 32-01968 Billingsley 47-01967 Billingsley 27-71965 Isabella 40-31964 Isabella 33-71962 Billingsley 33-01960 Billingsley 7-01958 Isabella 7-281956 Isabella 40-01952 Isabella 13-0

Isabella vs. ThorsbyIsabella leads 26-12Longest streak: Isabella 8 games2009 Thorsby 32-302008 Isabella 49-72007 Isabella 46-62006 Thorsby 48-242005 Thorsby 51-122004 Thorsby 14-92003 Thorsby 48-142002 Isabella 28-02001 Isabella 29-02000 Isabella 32-01999 Isabella 26-201998 Isabella 14-91997 Isabella 14-131996 Isabella 21-201995 Thorsby 20-81994 Isabella 40-01993 Isabella 25-0

1992 Isabella 26-01991 Isabella 20-131990 Isabella 40-201989 Isabella 13-01988 Isabella 35-61987 Isabella 21-01986 Thorsby 9-81985 Isabella 31-251984 Isabella 34-81983 Thorsby 7-61982 Isabella 12-01981 Thorsby 50-81980 Thorsby 32-61979 Isabella 20-181977 Thorsby 6-01976 Isabella 46-121975 Isabella 20-141974 Isabella 20-141973 Isabella 36-71969 Thorsby 6-21967 Isabella 27-7

Thorsby vs. VerbenaVerbena leads 28-9Longest streak: Verbena 21 games2009 Verbena 14-62008 Verbena 28-02007 Verbena 14-02006 Verbena 18-122005 Thorsby 21-92004 Thorsby 6-02003 Thorsby 35-02002 Thorsby 54-182001 Thorsby 23-62000 Thorsby 13-01999 Verbena 28-01998 Verbena 44-71997 Verbena 49-01996 Verbena 36-141995 Verbena 49-81994 Verbena 60-61991 Verbena 37-61990 Verbena 20-121989 Verbena 47-01988 Verbena 21-0

1987 Verbena 27-01986 Verbena 28-01985 Verbena 21-101984 Verbena 60-61983 Verbena 44-121982 Verbena 35-71981 Verbena 14-01980 Verbena 14-01979 Verbena 55-01978 Verbena 12-61977 Verbena 42-121976 Thorsby 7-61975 Verbena 38-01974 Verbena 21-61971 Verbena 12-61970 Thorsby 28-61969 Thorsby 35-6

Jemison vs. MaplesvilleMaplesville leads 17-9Longest streak: None more than 3 games2001 Maplesville 19-162000 Jemison 25-231999 Jemison 21-01998 Maplesville 36-141997 Maplesville 34-71996 Maplesville 38-61995 Jemison 21-201994 Jemison 26-201971 Jemison 26-01970 Maplesville 28-01969 Jemison 56-141968 Maplesville 12-71967 Jemison 40-21966 Maplesville 26-61964 Maplesville 26-0 1960 Maplesville 27-01958 Maplesville 25-141957 Maplesville1956 Maplesville 40-71955 Jemison 14-61954 Maplesville 20-131950 Maplesville 41-01949 Jemison 12-6

1948 Maplesville 20-71947 Maplesville 14-71947 Maplesville 25-12

Jemison vs. VerbenaVerbena leads 15-9-1Longest streak: Verbena 9 games1999 Jemison 15-01998 Verbena 22-251997 Verbena 0-281996 Verbena 7-141977 Jemison 26-121976 Jemison 14-61975 Verbena 6-161974 Jemison 14-131973 Jemison 34-81967 Jemison 40-01966 Jemison 33-0 1963 tie 0-01961 Verbena 13-161960 Verbena 0-71958 Jemison 13-61957 Jemison 25-121956 Verbena 7-421955 Verbena 0-601954 Verbena 6-31953 Verbena 0-411952 Verbena 0-281951 Verbena 6-211950 Verbena 7-421949 Verbena 14-181948 Verbena 0-6

Maplesville vs. ThorsbyMaplesville leads 31-2Longest streak: Maplesville 25 games2003 Thorsby 27-62002 Maplesville 41-152001 Maplesville 28-72000 Maplesville 35-71999 Maplesville 36-22

24 KICKOFF 2010

Jemison leads its series against local rivals Billingsley, Isabella and Thorsby

Page 29: Kickoff 2010

Chilton Co. vs. JemisonChilton Co. leads 38-18Longest streak: Chilton Co. 10 games2009 Chilton Co. 19-122008 Jemison 28-212007 Chilton Co. 31-72006 Chilton Co. 41-202005 Chilton Co. 29-222004 Chilton Co. 33-202003 Jemison 28-132002 Jemison 28-212001 Jemison 35-152000 Jemison 35-01999 Jemison 41-221998 Jemison 34-271997 Chilton Co. 46-141996 Chilton Co. 48-211995 Chilton Co. 14-01994 Chilton Co. 28-141993 Jemison 14-91992 Chilton Co. 31-61991 Chilton Co. 42-71990 Chilton Co. 21-201989 Jemison 40-201988 Chilton Co. 28-201987 Chilton Co. 21-131986 Chilton Co. 6-31985 Chilton Co. 15-141984 Chilton Co. 10-71983 Jemison 14-01982 Jemison 16-141981 Chilton Co. 19-13

1980 Jemison 13-71979 Jemison 34-191978 Chilton Co. 20-61977 Chilton Co. 14-61976 Chilton Co. 22-141975 Chilton Co. 48-81974 Chilton Co. 15-01973 Jemison 23-211971 Chilton Co. 15-01970 Chilton Co. 13-61969 Jemison 19-61968 Chilton Co. 7-61967 Jemison 18-01966 Jemison 7-01965 Chilton Co. 26-121964 Chilton Co. 41-61962 Jemison 13-71961 Chilton Co. 20-61960 Chilton Co. 34-71959 Chilton Co. 14-01958 Chilton Co. 26-01957 Chilton Co. 47-01955 Chilton Co. 48-201954 Chilton Co. 33-201953 Chilton Co. 38-01952 Chilton Co. 27-61951 Chilton Co. 31-26

Isabella vs. VerbenaVerbena leads 39-17Longest streak: Verbena 9 games2009 Verbena 32-6

2008 Isabella 42-82007 Isabella 21-82006 Verbena 27-62005 Verbena 6-02004 Verbena 42-62003 Isabella 31-62002 Isabella 42-122001 Isabella 31-62000 Verbena 48-331999 Verbena 38-01998 Verbena 26-121997 Verbena 57-61996 Verbena 53-121995 Verbena 50-61994 Verbena 38-121993 Verbena 42-01992 Verbena 50-71991 Isabella 16-141990 Isabella 14-61989 Verbena 26-141988 Isabella 18-71987 Verbena 34-191986 Verbena 7-61985 Verbena 26-171984 Isabella 6-01983 Verbena 7-61982 Isabella 19-151981 Verbena 15-61980 Verbena 15-61979 Verbena 63-01978 Verbena 27-01977 Verbena 15-8

1976 Isabella 41-61975 Verbena 35-141974 Isabella 21-121973 Isabella 27-61972 Verbena 18-101970 Verbena 22-201969 Isabella 7-61968 Isabella 28-61967 Verbena 19-01966 Verbena 27-01965 Verbena 18-121964 Verbena 39-61963 Verbena 35-61961 Verbena 32-121960 Verbena 12-61956 Isabella 34-61955 Verbena 69-01954 Verbena 42-01953 Verbena 41-61952 Verbena 41-01950 Verbena 43-71949 Verbena 49-01947 Isabella 12-0

Billingsley vs. VerbenaVerbena leads 25-23-1Longest streak: Both teams 12 games 2007 Billingsley 39-202006 Billingsley 28-62001 Billingsley 46-02000 Verbena 34-121999 Verbena 46-14

Almost every Friday night brings another rivalry game for local teams. Listed below are the records for each series of games involving two local teams, starting with the most played series.

Page 30: Kickoff 2010

Billingsley vs. MaplesvilleMaplesville leads 33-24Longest streak: Billingsley 9 games2009 Maplesville 35-02008 Maplesville 40-202007 Maplesville 48-02006 Maplesville 42-82005 Maplesville 57-82004 Maplesville 39-262003 Billingsley 48-02002 Maplesville 28-142001 Maplesville 55-262000 Maplesville 36-01999 Maplesville 55-121998 Maplesville 36-81997 Billingsley 6-0 (third round playoffs)1997 Billingsley 40-01996 Maplesville 54-61996 Maplesville 38-6 (third round playoffs)1995 Billingsley 28-141995 Maplesville 14-13 (semifinals playoffs)1994 Billingsley 20-61993 Billingsley 22-01992 Billingsley 47-121991 Billingsley 22-131990 Maplesville 26-01989 Maplesville 14-61988 Billingsley 12-2

1987 Billingsley 28-31987 Billingsley 18-0 (semifinals playoffs)1986 Maplesville 28-12 (second round playoffs)1986 Maplesville 23-31985 Billingsley 8-01984 Maplesville 8-01983 Maplesville 21-01982 Maplesville 28-01981 Maplesville 13-41980 Maplesville 38-141979 Billingsley 27-01976 Billingsley 22-01975 Billingsley 36-01974 Billingsley 21-01973 Billingsley 7-61972 Billingsley 23-141971 Billingsley 7-01968 Billingsley 9-61967 Billingsley1966 Maplesville 34-01963 Maplesville 21-01962 Billingsley 27-71961 Maplesville 40-01959 Maplesville 12-01958 Maplesville 25-71957 Maplesville 41-311956 Maplesville 40-13 1951 Billingsley 19-01951 Billingsley 26-01949 Maplesville 51-0

1946 Maplesville 19-0

Isabella vs. MaplesvilleMaplesville leads 42-12-3Longest streak: Maplesville 19 games2007 Maplesville 58-142006 Maplesville 62-02005 Maplesville 55-02004 Maplesville 34-62003 Isabella 39-62002 Isabella 52-212001 Maplesville 46-302000 Maplesville 14-71999 Maplesville 34-01998 Maplesville 39-61997 Maplesville 58-61996 Maplesville 71-81995 Maplesville 43-01994 Maplesville 56-01993 Maplesville 14-31992 Maplesville 27-61991 Maplesville 38-01990 Maplesville 34-71989 Maplesville 30-01988 Maplesville 18-71987 Maplesville 9-71986 Maplesville 55-61985 Maplesville 34-01984 Maplesville 19-6 (second round playoffs)1984 Maplesville 10-9 (overtime)1983 Isabella 7-6

1982 Isabella 14-61981 Maplesville 28-61979 Maplesville 34-01978 Maplesville 18-01977 Isabella 14-121976 Isabella 22-0 1975 Maplesville 27-01974 Isabella 14-61973 Isabella 13-61972 Isabella 10-81968 Maplesville 26-01967 Maplesville 20-01966 Maplesville 31-131965 Maplesville 13-71964 Maplesville 20-71962 Maplesville 19-01960 Maplesville 2-01958 tie 20-201956 Maplesville 25-01952 Maplesville 14-131950 Maplesville 20-01949 Isabella 13-71947 tie 0-01946 Isabella 2-01946 Maplesville 12-61945 Maplesville 26-01945 Maplesville 24-01944 Isabella 8-71944 Maplesville 7-01942 tie 0-01942 Maplesville 27-0

Not so friendly

Page 31: Kickoff 2010

KICKOFF 2010 21

Woe to the tackling dummy that gets used during the first few days of fall camp, when players are anxious to hit something

Page 32: Kickoff 2010

20 KICKOFF 2010

Verbena linemen run through a chute designed to make them remember to stay

low when coming out of their stances.

TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

BUY ONECOMBINATIONDINNER AND

GET $2.00 OFFA SECOND

DINNER. MENUITEMS A-LOR 16-52

BUY ONEDINNER COMBOA-L AND GET A

SECOND OFEQUAL OR

LESSER VALUEFOR 1/2 Price

Dine-in orTake Out

MARGARITANIGHT

$2.00 OFFREGULAR

PRICE

Page 33: Kickoff 2010

KICKOFF 2010 19

1-Randy Satterfield-Fr.2-Eddie Hubbard-Jr.3-Kevin King-So.4-Trey Bryant-Jr.5-B.P. Reeves-So.6-Jesse Taylor-Sr.7-Cameron Bryant-Sr.8-Chase McCary-Jr.9-Kortlin Zeigler-Fr.11-M.J. McKenzie-Sr.12-Scott Clements-Sr.13-Brandon Arrington-Jr.

14-Jacob Hatch-Fr.16-Zak Kaylor-Sr.18-Keyshawn Jemison-Fr.19-Brandon Kornegay-Fr.20-Austin Chapman-Fr.21-Isa Bentley-Sr.22-Javae Swindle-Jr.23-Alex Salazar-Fr.28-Chase Elrod-Fr.29-Nick Worthey-So.32-Brandon Beck-So.34-Trahe Smith-Jr.35-Madison Bolton-Jr.36-Dustin McDaniel-Jr.37-Justin Crosby-Fr.

38-Davonte Wilson-So.40-Corliss Dates-Fr.41-Connor Lane-Fr.43-Kendrick McCary-So.44-Nick Steinmetz-Fr.45-Daniel Evans-Fr.46-Justin Caudle-Fr.47-Bradley Arrington-Jr.50-Brandon Campbell-Sr.51-T.J. Bryant-Jr.52-Markis Lucus-Sr.53-Freeman Ellison-Jr.55-Justin Nunn-So.56-Seth Earnest-Jr.57-Cody Chapple-So.

58-Crimson Kromer-So.59-Cortland Nunn-Fr.61-Giovani Morales-So.62-Guy Freeman-Jr.63-Dakota Harris-Fr.70-Logan Hendricks-Sr.65-Orry Smith-So.66-Ian Baird-Jr.67-Lukas Henderson-Jr.68-Jeffery Childress-Jr.70-Chris Wigington-Jr.71-Hunter Cowart-Sr.72-Joseph Hall-Fr.73-Brandon Stokes-Fr.74-Makenan Sciandra-Sr.

75-Josh Moore-Sr.77-Matt Nolin-Sr.79-Tyler Martin-Fr.80-Josiah Swindle-So.81-Cole Thompson-Sr.82-Slade Pilgreen-Fr.83-Paul Levering-Jr.84-Tyler Caudle-Jr.85-Blake Cleckley-So.86-Matt Mims-Jr.87-Charlie Lloyd-So.88-Rodell Chisholm-Sr.

Roster

Page 34: Kickoff 2010

last year, so they know what’s going on, too.”

Defensive lineNose guard Guy Freeman,

a junior, is the only returning starter for this unit. “The other guys we’ve got in that group, they play good in practice and they played good in the spring game—they just don’t have any live game experience,” Abbott said.

LinebackersIsa Bentley led the team last

season with 94 tackles, and he will once again anchor the line-backing corps. Joining him will be Eddie Hubbard and senior Cole Thompson, both of whom also have starting experience. Ju-niors Madison Bolton and Paul Levering, who Abbott said may as well be considered a starter because of the significant role he’ll play, will also help at line-backer.Defensive backsSenior M.J. McKenzie (safety),

Jesse Taylor (cornerback and/or safety) and Javae Swindle (cor-nerback) are all returning start-ers. “The only thing I’m con-cerned with is two of those guys (Taylor and Swindle) get a lot of reps on offense,” Abbott said.Abbott said coaches also have

much confidence in senior

Cameron Bryant, Kevin King, Trahe Smith and sophomore B.P. Reeves.

Special teamsBoth kickers from last season

were lost to graduation, but there will be many kick return-ers ready to go, including Eddie

Hubbard, Kevin King, Jesse Tay-lor and Javae Swindle.Junior Freeman Ellison will

compete for both placekicker and punter.Quarterback Scott Clements

could also wind up being the punter, and freshman Kortlin Zeigler could kick.

Panther Stadium

18 KICKOFF 2010

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Page 36: Kickoff 2010

PanthersJemison

2-minute drillClass 4A, Region 4

CoachBrad Abbott (Maplesville, 1987), 38-28 in 6 seasons

AssistantsJeremy Carter: defensive lineJon Clements: quarterbacksVan Clements: receiversJason Easterling: defensive backsDaryl Lowrey: offensive lineRonnie Parker: linebackersKelly Smitherman: running backs

2010 schedule8/26 at Chilton Co.9/3 Dallas Co.*9/10 at Holt*9/17 Bibb Co.*9/24 at Calera10/1 at Southside Selma*10/8 West Blocton*10/15 at Livingston*10/22 Greene Co.*10/29 Marbury *-region game

Key gameBibb Co. Jemison might be ready to challenge the team that went 12-1 last season.

2009 results (5-6, 5-2 re-gion)Chilton Co. (L, 19-12)Southside Selma* (W, 41-14)at Calera* (L, 42-21)Livingston* (W, 27-18)at Chelsea (L, 31-21)at Dallas Co.* (W, 21-6)Greensboro* (W, 21-6)at Bibb Co.* (L, 47-7)Holt* (W, 49-28)Shelby Co. (L, 35-7)at Anniston, first round playoffs (L, 27-12) *-region game

Experienced Panthers could finally get over playoff hump

Jemison has been a model of con-sistency in coach Brad Abbott’s six seasons, going 34-8 in region play and making the state playoffs each year. But the Panthers’ postseason predictability—they’ve lost in the first round each year—is some-thing they would like to change.There’s no reason to think this

won’t be the year Jemison makes a playoff run. The Panthers have a third-year starter at quarter-back, The Clanton Advertiser’s reigning Player of the Year at running back and experienced players on both lines, at linebacker and in the secondary.

QuarterbackThe importance of senior Scott Clements’ ex-

perience can’t be overstated. “It’s huge,” Abbott said. “It’s been a while since we’ve had a guy out there that has been with us for three years. It’s very nice to have that out there.” Clements completed more than 50 percent of his passes last season while throwing for eight touchdowns and 1,447 yards in 11 games.Backing up Clements will be junior Trey Bryant,

who didn’t play football last season but offers an intriguing skill set. Bryant will also play receiver and maybe defensive back.

Offensive backsShifty junior Javae Swindle will be a target after

receiving The Clanton Advertiser’s top football honor, but he will have help carrying the football. Senior Isa Bentley and juniors Dustin McDaniel

and Trahe Smith all saw playing time last season. Look out also for sophomore newcomer Kevin King, who has shown talent in practice.Abbott said sharing carries among so many tal-

ented backs shouldn’t be problem because most will also play on defense, making rest a premi-um. “There will be plenty of opportunities for them to get reps on both sides of the ball,” he said. Swindle last season averaged 6.7 yards per carry and 107.2 yards per game. He rushed for 14 touchdowns.

ReceiversSeniors Zak Kaylor and Jesse Taylor and junior

Eddie Hubbard all started at times last season,

and the trio will anchor the receiving corps again this year. Abbott said the strength of the group is running routes and that they are also remarkably athletic.Javae Swindle led the team last year with 349 re-

ceiving yards, but Taylor wasn’t far behind with 250 yards.

Offensive lineSeniors Hunter Cowart, Matt Nolin and Make-

nan Sciandra are all returning starters—though Cowart, now a center, and Sciandra, now a tack-le, switched positions in the offseason. “They’re smart—4.0 students out there,” Abbott said. “The other two we’re looking at were B-team players

On the offense Jemison returns its leading passer in Scott Clements and its leading rusher and receiver in Javae Swindle, but the most telling thing about this team is that both of those players are being pushed for playing time.

Opposing teams will see Eddie Hubbard all over the field: catching passes from his receiver position, making big hits as a linebacker and returning kicks.16 KICKOFF 2010

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KICKOFF 2010 15

1-Austin Haigler-Sr.2-Demetrius Henry-Sr.3-Caleb Freeman-So.4-Dylan Green-Sr.5-Nathan Smith-Jr.

7-Blake Edwards-Sr.9-Carson West-Sr.11-Casey Jones-8th

15-Matthew Jones-Jr.16-Tyler Smith-8th

20-Ricky Burt-Sr.21-Trae Calfee-So.

23-Kevin Kotke-Fr.25-Blake Thibodeaux-So.29-Jason Buchanan-8th

33-Mason Pate-So.34-Jordan Lenoir-Sr.35-David Minor-8th

38-Austin Parker-8th

40-Tyler Armstrong-8th

42-Nick Noah-Jr.45-Brandon Green-Sr.48-Todd Smith-8th

53-Chanley Ratliff-Fr.54-Jessie Cook-Jr.57-Cody Smith-Sr.

59-Christian Littleton-Fr.64-Tyler Edwards-So.70-Allen Smith-Jr.72-Ian Hall-Jr.75-Aaron Ratliff-So.77-Jarrod Green-Jr.88-Davis Ratliff-So.

Roster

Page 38: Kickoff 2010

guys in and out, the defense has a chance to see your personnel and do some subbing them-selves.”Seniors Talon Below, Dylan

Green and JD Lenoir; juniors Matthew Jones and Nick Noah; and sophomore Davis Ratliff will all contribute at the end po-sition.

Offensive lineThe most significant adjust-

ment on offense from last season will have to be made by Isabel-la’s centers, who are required in Booth’s offense to make precise snaps. “They’ve been strug-gling a little bit because it’s so different than anything they’ve done,” Booth said. “We try to keep them from getting frus-trated, but really, I think they’re on schedule.” Junior Jessie Cook and ninth grader Chanley Ratliff will see most of the time at center.The other four offensive line

spots will feature returning starters: junior Jarrod Green, junior Ian Hall, sophomore Aaron Ratliff and senior Cody Smith. Green and Hall will play tackle, as will sophomore Tyler Edwards. Ratliff and Smith will play guard along with ninth grader Christian Littleton and junior Allen Smith. “I think they’re a smart bunch; they understand football, which is a good thing,” Booth said. “And we’ve got some aggressive guys up there.”

Defensive lineThe defensive front features

more depth than perhaps any other unit on the team. The depth is needed because many of the players will also see time on offense.Talon Below, a transfer playing

his first year for Isabella, will see time at defensive end, along with Caleb Freeman, Matthew

Jones and Nick Noah. Defensive tackles will include Tyler Ed-wards, Jarrod Green, Ian Hall, Aaron Ratliff and Allen Smith.

LinebackersIsabella’s 4-3 defense will em-

ploy a middle linebacker, a strong side backer and one on the weak side. At middle line-backer, or “Mike,” fans will see Cody Smith and Mason Pate. Brandon Green and Aus-tin Parker will get most of the snaps at strong side linebacker, or “Sam.” On the weak side, or the “Will” position, will be Jes-sie Cook, Dylan Green and De-metrius Henry.Cook, Brandon Green, Dylan

Green and Cody Smith all start-ed games last season, so the Mustangs have much experi-ence in this unit.

Defensive backsAt small schools, most play-

ers—even quarterbacks—are often asked to play both ways, and Isabella is no different. Quarterback Austin Haigler will also use his talents at safety, where he started last season. Also playing safety will be Trae Calfee, Demetrius Henry, J.D. Lenoir and senior Carson West.

Playing cornerback will be Blake Edwards, Davis Ratliff, Nathan Smith and Tyler Smith. Edwards is a returning starter from last season.

Special teamsSenior Ricky Burt and Austin

Haigler will handle both place-kicking and punting duties. Both have been kicking the foot-ball well in practice.

Booth said he has emphasized the importance of special teams to his players. “A lot of times, at small schools when you’ve got guys playing all over the place, they’re on the field so much that they want to take a break on special teams,” Booth said. “We’re trying to teach them how important it is. A kick or a punt return can be the difference in the game.”

Bill Nabors Stadium

14 KICKOFF 2010

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MustangsIsabella

2-minute drillClass 2A, Region 4

CoachScott Booth (Central-Tuscaloosa, 1984), 35-61 in 8 seasons

AssistantsJared DayMike JonesRex LittletonGeoffrey LockhartLandon MimsMike RatliffClay Shearer

2010 schedule8/27 Coosa Central9/3 at Billingsley*9/10 Thorsby*9/17 at American Christian*9/24 at Verbena10/1 Central-Hayneville*10/8 at Vincent*10/15 R.C. Hatch*10/22 at Francis Marion*10/29 Shades Mtn. Christian *-region game

Key gameThorsby. The winner of this rivalry game will have a good shot at a playoff berth.

2009 results (2-8, 1-6 region)Jefferson Christian (W, 57-6)at Fultondale* (L, 28-6)Vincent* (L, 48-6)at American Christian* (L, 38-14)Verbena (L, 32-6)Pickens Co.* (L, 52-6)at Hale Co.* (L, 36-15)Thorsby* (L, 32-30)at Shades Mtn. Christian* (W, 29-6)at Lamar Co. (L, 48-0)*-region game

Fans hope Booth’s second stop at IHS as successful as first

Scott Booth returns to Isa-bella, and both coach and school hope he can recre-ate the magic from 2002, Isabella’s most successful season ever. The Mus-tangs made the semifi-nals of the state playoffs that year but haven’t

been close since. Booth left following the season to coach Paul W. Bryant High School in his na-tive Tuscaloosa and now brings back his “Notre Dame box” offense to a program that ended a 23-game losing streak and made the second round

of the playoffs in three seasons under previous coach Lanny Jones but won just two games last year. The Mustangs lost their top passer, rusher and tackler from a year ago, but should improve on that 2-win mark if they can adjust to Booth’s offense.

QuarterbackSenior Austin Haigler has proved to be a good

fit for Booth’s offense. Haigler, who was one of Isabella’s running backs last season, has enough size (he stands 6’3” and weighs 225 pounds) and speed to give opposing defenses fits. “In our of-fense, the quarterbacks is going to run it a lot,” Booth said. “That’s going to add a dimension to what we’re going to do.”Backing up Haigler will be eighth grader Tyler

Smith. “They’ve picked up on it pretty well,” Booth said about his quarterbacks learning a new offense. “It’s not an easy position to learn.

In this offense, there’s a lot of footwork to learn, but they’re catching on.”

Offensive backsIsabella will utilize a fullback, a blocking back

and a wing back in a variety of different forma-tions and for a variety of different assignments. Senior Brandon Green and Demetrius Henry and sophomore Mason Pate will all see time at fullback, the primary ball carrying position. Pate will also be in the mix at blocking back, joining eighth grader Austin Parker and sophomore Caleb Freeman. Senior Blake Edwards, junior Nathan Smith and sophomore Trae Calfee have

been playing the wing back position in practice.“We don’t have any blinding speed, but we’ve

got some quickness and they’re pretty physical,” Booth said of his backs.

ReceiversIsabella’s basic offensive formation will include

a tight end on either side of the line and nobody split out wide, but that could change on any giv-en play, with either or both tight ends lining up more like traditional wide receivers. Booth said, ideally, the same group of Mustangs will be ef-fective as tight ends or split ends. “We’re trying to work it so we can play with the same person-nel,” he said. “The less substitution we can do, the better I like it because, when your subbing

On the offense In 2002, Booth’s last season at Isabella, the Mustangs averaged scoring 36.2 points per game using the Notre Dame Box. IHS even put up 46-point and 48-point games in the state playoffs.

Austin Haigler’s 6’3”, 225-pound frame is ideal for Booth’s offense, which requires the quarterback to run the ball often.12 KICKOFF 2010

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KICKOFF 2010 11

1-Chris Felder-Sr.2-Chase Baker-So.3-Richard Hilliard-So.4-Vadall Morrow-So.5-J.J. Agee-Sr.6-Forrest Knight-So.7-Quentin Underwood-Sr.8-Ryan Baker-So.9-Jacob McKinney-Sr.10-Cameron Cummings-So.

11-Anthony Atchison-Sr.12-Dylan Jackson-Sr.15-Kip Cleckley-Jr.16-Dalton Harris-Sr.18-Montel Wilkes-Sr.20-Alan Lucas-Sr.21-Josh Easterling-So.22-Zac Burnett-So.23-Joe Looney-Sr.24-Michael Seaton-So.25-Allen White-Sr.26-Will Cooper-Sr.27-Tyler Jones-Sr.28-Kenneth Allison-So.

30-Austin Rossi-So.31-Cruz Edwards-So.32-Jermink Lykes-So.35-Jose Gonzalez-Sr.40-Ben Haye-So.41-Matt Thomas-Jr.42-Chance Brittnell-So.43-Nelson Builder-Sr.44-Chace Lucas-Sr.45-Dyquan Floyd-Jr.50-Brittan Scruggs-So.51-Keelon Reed-So.52-Colby Bernier-Sr.54-Blake Norman-Sr.

56-Britton Powell-Sr.57-Heath Bennett-Sr.58-Isaac Ford-Jr.59-Zach Headley-Sr.60-Dariel Maul-Sr.61-Nic Looney-So.62-Jenson Gore-Sr.63-Brandon Baker-Sr.64-Taylor Hudson-So.65-Jacob Littleton-So.67-Anthony Neece-So.68-Ty Moore-So.69-Jesse Moses-So.70-Chase Brown-Jr.

71-Nate Tompkins-Sr.73-Logan Baker-Jr.75-Murphy Wilson-Jr.76-Luke Smith-Sr.77-Spencer Watley-So.78-Justin Adams-Jr.79-Delondre DeJarnett-Jr.82-Brett Gandy-Sr.84-Jarvis Rogers-Jr.85-Blake Jenkins-Jr.86-Frank Bonagura-Jr.87-Zach McCraney-Sr.88-Dakota Martin-Sr.90-Nicolas Todd-Jr.

Roster

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Senior Heath Bennett and sophomore Spen-cer Watley will compete for the starting as-signment at center.“I think having experience on the offensive

line is as important as any position,” Carter said. “They’re the ones that make or break your team. They don’t get a lot of glory, but you definitely can tell when they’re playing well and when they’re not.”

Defensive lineThe Tigers should be stout on the defen-

sive front, too, and this group is possibly the deepest on the team. “That creates a lot of competition every day in practice,” Carter said. Senior Dariel Maul and junior Chase Brown are returning starters at defensive tackle, as is senior Chace Lucas at defensive end. Jenson Gore and junior Blake Jenkins will

also play defensive end, and juniors Isaac Ford and Matt Thomas will provide depth at defensive tackle. “Those defensive line-men play with [position coach Deon Tim-mons’] personality--high energy—which is really what you need down there in the trenches.

LinebackersThe graduated Cameron Minor led CCHS

in tackles last season with 105, but No. 2 on that list, with 98, was middle linebacker Dylan Jackson—and he’s back for his senior

season. Jackson also serves as a kind of quar-terback of the defense, receiving calls from the sideline and making sure his teammates line up correctly. “We put a lot on him, and he does a great job for us,” Carter said.Sophomore Richard Hilliard is also a re-

turning starter. Senior Colby Bernier and sophomore Ryan Baker will also play.

Defensive backsContinuing a theme for the Chilton de-

fense, much experience is back in the sec-ondary—all four starters from last year, in fact. Anthony Atchison and senior Quentin Underwood will again start the two cor-nerback positions. Returning at safety will

be Jacob McKinney and fellow senior Alan Lucas. “We’re really looking for a solid year out of that group of guys,” Carter said.Also seeing playing time will be senior

Will Cooper and sophomores Kenneth Al-lison and Cruz Edwards.

Special teamsSenior Zach Headley punted last season,

and he will try to assume placekicking du-ties this year as well. He’ll have competi-tion, though, from senior Zach McCraney.The Tigers have a multitude of options for

returning kicks and punts, including J.J. Agee, Anthony Atchison, Chris Felder, Ja-cob McKinney and Montel Wilkes.

Tiger Stadium

10 KICKOFF 2010

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TigersChilton County

2-minute drillClass 5A, Region 3

CoachBrian Carter (Billingsley, 1996), 8-14 in 2 seasons

AssistantsKess Cottingham: offensive lineEverette Lewis: defensive lineMatt Maddox: secondaryDeon Timmons: defensive lineJosey Shannon: receiversClark Watley: offensive lineCain Young: linebackers

2010 schedule8/26 Jemison9/3 at Demopolis*9/10 Brookwood*9/17 at Greenville*9/24 at Marbury10/1 at Selma*10/8 Paul Bryant*10/15 Wilcox Central*10/22 at Tuscaloosa Central*10/29 Shelby Co. *-region game

Key gameAt Selma. The Tigers will be play-ing their fourth away game in five weeks. If they steal a win, they’ll go into the homestretch of the schedule with momentum.

2009 results (5-6, 3-3 re-gion)at Jemison (W, 19-12)Demopolis* (L, 21-14)at Carver-Montgomery* (L, 35-3)at Gardendale (L, 23-14)Tallassee (W, 43-36)at Monroe Co.* (W, 21-14)Selma* (W, 14-6)at Wilcox Central* (W, 35-6)Greenville* (L, 28-21)Bibb Co. (L, 32-26)at Briarwood, first round playoffs (L, 39-14) *-region game

Everything in place for CCHS—except a quarterback

Chilton County improved from 3 wins to 5 wins from year one to year two of coach Brian Carter’s tenure, but the Tigers will be hard pressed to make a similar jump in year three because of the departure of quarterback Taylor

Hughes, who carried the offense, leading the team in passing and rushing yards.It might take two quarterbacks to replace

Hughes, but this year the burden will fall on a defense that returns nine starters. “We’ve got a lot of experience returning; we’ve just got to

turn that into finishing games,” Carter said.

QuarterbacksTwo sophomores, each bringing a different skill

set to the table, will try to duplicate Hughes’ production. Cameron Cummings played re-ceiver last season and is a talented runner. For-rest Knight, meanwhile, started at quarterback for the junior varsity team and is a more gifted passer.“Both of them had a really good spring and

summer,” Carter said. “They’re both still com-peting for the job. I think it makes them both work harder, knowing there’s a job to be won.”

Offensive backsUnlike quarterback, Chilton County fans know

exactly what they will get from the team’s run-ning backs. Seniors Joseph Looney, at F-back, and J.J. Agee, at halfback, were the regular start-ers last year.

Also in the mix is another senior, Chris Felder. Felder started the Tigers’ first game of the 2009 season, against Jemison, but was injured on a kickoff return. Agee came into the game and never relinquished his hold on the position, averaging 6.5 yards per carry and 85 yards per game. Felder will also play receiver.

ReceiversA host of new faces will line up at receiver: se-

niors Dalton Harris and Jacob McKinney and sophomores Chase Baker, Brett Gandy and Vadall Morrow. Seniors Anthony Atchison and Montel Wilkes are the only returning players with experience, and theirs is limited.

“Receiver is probably one of the least experi-enced positions on the team,” Carter said, but there is a silver lining. “They know the position is wide open, so they know they can get some playing time if they keep getting better. I’ve been pleased with the way we’ve looked so far.”

Offensive lineThe offensive front, meanwhile, will be the

most experienced unit on the team. Seniors Blake Norman (right tackle) and Brandon Baker (left tackle), junior Delondre DeJarnett (right guard) and sophomore Anthony Neece (left guard) are all returning starters. Carter was so confident in this group that he moved another returning starter, senior Jenson Gore, to defense.

On the offense Forrest Knight and classmate Cameron Cummings will have to make up the production lost when former quarterback Taylor Hughes graduated. Hughes led the team in passing and rushing yards.

Cameron Cummings played receiver last season but now brings his speed and athleticism to the quarterback position.8 KICKOFF 2010

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KICKOFF 2010 7

1-A.J. Tyus-Jr.2-Jimmie Lanier-Jr.3-Torrey Green-So.4-Reggie Browder-Jr.6-Devon Hardy-So.7-Garrett Price-So.8-Dalton Davis-8th

9-Zack Paulene-8th

11-Trey Tyus-Jr.12-Nick Messer-Jr.13-Devan Davis-Fr.14-Andrew Dudley-Jr.15-Tyler McLean-So.20-Alfreddie Caver-Fr.21-Jordan Ousley-8th

22-Dillon Reed-Sr.28-Ted Goodson-Sr.30-Abram Dudley-Fr.33-Cody McCurdy-Fr.38-Rashard Caver-8th

42-Telvin Tyus-Fr.44-Keyjuan Goodson-8th

45-Tommy Williams-Fr.50-Matt Prebula-So.51-Luther Tyus-So.52-Codie McGilliard-8th

53-Dustin Headley-8th

54-Carlos Caver-Jr.55-Octavis Harris-Jr.57-Isaac Green-7th

59-Brittan Stange-Sr.

61-Justin Blankenship-Jr.62-Jeffrey Carroll-8th

65-Jason Brookshire-Sr.66-Brian Dandridge-8th

67-Jordan Brown-Fr.68-Michael Barrett-8th

70-Darrius Miller-Jr.72-Jacob Carver-7th

73-Kendarius Waters-Fr.

74-Norman Laister-Sr.75-Cody Smitherman-Fr.77-Riley Tindol-8th

79-Adam Goodin-So.80-Brady Edwards-So.82-Hunter Neely-Fr.85-Quinton Hodge-So.88-Jaytarious Steele-7th

94-Timothy McFarland-Fr.

Roster

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kenship, and senior Brittan Stange and 8th grader Jeffrey Carroll will play center.“Right now, [offensive line] is the weak

spot because they don’t have any experi-ence,” Nettles said. Harris is a returning starter, but “it’s new to him, too, because the blocking schemes are different,” the coach continued. “They’ll struggle with it for a while.”

Defensive lineJustin Blankenship, Octavis Harris and

Britt Stange are the likely starters in Billing-sley’s 3-4 look. Nettles said it’s usually eas-ier for defenders to make the transition to a new scheme because the idea remains the same. “Defense is getting after somebody’s butt, is what that is,” Nettles said.

LinebackersReggie Browder, Devin Davis, Nick Mess-

er, 8th grader Jordan Ousley and 8th grader Zack Paulene are competing for the two outside linebacker spots. There’s also a log-jam at middle linebacker with Carlos Caver, sophomore Tyler McLean, Matt Prebula and A.J. Tyus competing for playing time.

“We’ve got a little more depth on defense than we do on offense,” Nettles said.

Defensive backsCornerbacks candidates are Ted Good-

son, sophomore Torry Green, Jimmy Lani-er and Devin Tyus. At safety, watch Brady Edwards, Jimmy Lanier and Garrett Price. “They have the potential to be pretty good,”

Nettles said in early August. “We’ve still got a lot of work to do.”

Special teamsTed Goodson will likely handle placekick-

ing duties, and Garrett Price could punt. Nettles said the return game was still up in the air but said Goodson would have a good chance to contribute here, as well.

Mims Field

6 KICKOFF 2010

First-year Billingsley coach Joe Nettles watches player practice tackling during practice.

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BearsBillingsley

2-minute drillClass 2A Region 4

CoachJoe Nettles (Pine Hill, 1966), 228-153-4 in 35 seasons

AssistantsShunn Bailey: wide receivers/linebackersChris Baker: defensive coordinatorJ.T. LawrenceTyson McLean: running backs/secondaryTodd ReeceNathan Thompson

2010 schedule8/27 Dallas Co.9/3 Isabella*9/10 at Vincent*9/17 Thorsby*9/24 at Maplesville10/1 at R.C. Hatch*10/8 American Christian*10/15 at Francis Marion*10/22 Central-Hayneville*10/29 at Verbena *-region game

Key gameAmerican Christian. Billingsley should improve as the year goes along, and a home upset over American Christian would be a statement.

2009 results (4-6, 4-4 region)Maplesville* (L, 35-0)Sunshine* (W, 33-0)at John Essex* (W, 50-18)at Autaugaville* (L, 14-12)Linden* (L, 39-0)at Akron* (W, 43-0)A.L. Johnson* (W, 6-0)at Holy Spirit* (L, 30-19)Parrish (L, 42-12)at Dallas Co. (L, 28-19) *-region game

Nettles will try to coach Bears back to among state’s elite

The post-James Carter era hasn’t gone smoothly for Bill-ingsley. Carter won 162 games and two state championships in 22 seasons, but the school is now on its third coach in four seasons since Carter’s retire-ment following the 2006 sea-son. The good news is that,

with this hire, Billingsley found a coach who is somewhat of a legend in his own right.Joe Nettles has won 228 games in 35 seasons,

including seasons of 10 wins or more with Class 5A Chilton County in 1996 (the school’s best sea-

son ever), Class 4A Winfield in 2001 and Class 2A Washington County last year. The Bears have the talent to earn Nettles his fourth double-digit win season, but the question will be how much the instability of the past four years might hin-der the team’s progress.

QuarterbacksNettles would like to use an option attack, but

how much of that Billingsley actually runs will depend on the quarterbacks, which include sophomore Garrett Price and junior Devon Har-dy. “We’re not going to ask them to do too much, put it in their hands to win or lose,” Nettles said.

Offensive backsThe reason Billingsley is likely to run the option

no matter the quarterback situation is to take advantage of the team’s skilled running backs. Freshman Devan Davis, an elusive runner, spent

much of fall camp running with the first team, though there are other possibilities at the posi-tion, including junior Jimmie Lanier and senior Ted Goodson.The fullback will also receive his share of carries

in Nettles’ offense. Candidates are junior Reggie Browder, who Nettles said possesses lots of tal-ent but just needs to push himself to improve, and sophomore Matt Prebula. “Both of them are good, strong backs,” Nettles said. “We’re going to give the ball to the fullbacks.”

ReceiversJunior A.J. Tyus brings experience to the flank-

er position. He will share time with sophomore Brady Edwards. Split ends will include junior Andrew Dudley, senior Dillon Reed and junior Trey Tyus. Receivers love catching the football, but Nettles said it’s important they understand that, in the option offense, a good block is often as important as any reception. “They need to learn to block,” Nettles said. “If he can’t block, he can’t play.”Looking for playing time at tight end will be ju-

nior Carlos Caver and junior Nick Messer.

Offensive lineSophomore Adam Goodin, sophomore Jason

Brookshire and 8th grader Riley Tindol should all see time at offensive tackle. Guards will include junior Octavis Harris and junior Justin Blan-

On the offense Nettles’ offense last season at Washington County scored an average of 28. 3 points per game as the Bulldogs went 10-3. Billingsley, meanwhile, reached the 20-point mark only three times all season.

Carlos Caver terrorizes opponents as a linebacker on defense and as a tight end on offense.4 KICKOFF 2010

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The science of moving the football

Thorsby is one of four local teams that utilize a spread offense. Other local strategies include the option at Billingsley, the

Notre Dame Box at Isabella and the double wing at Verbena.

served as a consultant for teams willing to pay.But there are variations in what the local teams do. In its most

common formation, Maplesville and Thorsby put their fullback directly behind the quarterback, who’s in the shotgun (Figure 1-A), similar to a formation popularized by the University of Nevada and called the “pistol.” The teams also use a halfback lined up as a slot receiver. The difference is that Maplesville’s “Y” receiver lines up away from the offensive line in the slot (Figure 1-A), while Thorsby’s “Y” is often in a three-point stance next to the offensive line, like a traditional tight end.No local team has enjoyed as much success with the spread

offense as Maplesville. The Red Devils have averaged about 37 points per game over the last six seasons—and, most im-portantly, the team has averaged almost nine wins per season. “We’ve had different types of quarterbacks—we’ve had the guys

that could run, and we’ve had guys that could throw,” coach Brent Hubbert said about the system’s versatility. “We’ve had personnel that would benefit in that offense, but we understand that we might not always have the personnel and it would just benefit us more to line up in the ‘I’ and go three yards and a cloud of dust. It’s a fun offense--that might be the most impor-tant thing. Everybody likes to throw and catch. If they’re having fun, they’re going to have more success.”Both Chilton County and Jemison split two running backs (a

fullback and a halfback) on either side of the quarterback, and line up the “Y” like a slot receiver (Figure 1-B). “The main thing that formation does is, that tight end being flexed, a linebacker has to move out,” Abbott said about forcing a defense to play

OFFENSE continued on page 40

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The science of moving the footballOffensive strategies vary among local teams

he concept of the game of football is simple: The team with possession of the ball tries to move it forward, ultimately into the end zone. The strategies on the best way to advance the ball, though, are complex and diverse. One would need only to watch a few local teams to understand there’s no one agreed upon way an offense should work.For several years now, the trend in high

school football has been toward the spread offense, in which quarterbacks drop into the shotgun formation, and receiv-ers and linemen stretch a defense to create space to catch the ball and running lanes for backs. Chilton County, Jemison, Maplesville and Thorsby all run offenses based on these prin-ciples—specifically, based on the system created by former Troy University and Auburn University offensive coordinator Tony Franklin.Franklin published his system, taught it at seminars and T

Page 51: Kickoff 2010

Welcome to another season of high school football! This magazine should find you at the best time of the year, when no team has

lost a game yet and players, coaches and fans are still dreaming about the possibilities for the season to come.For at least a couple of local

teams, Billingsley and Isabella, much of that hope centers around new coaches—new but not unfa-miliar. Joe Nettles, who in 1996 led Chilton County to its only unbeat-en regular season, returns to the area to coach Billingsley. Isabella, meanwhile, hired a former coach, Scott Booth, to try to recreate some past magic. Booth coached the Mustangs to the state semifinals in 2002, thanks in part to his unconven-tional “Notre Dame box” offense.In an age when many high school teams—includ-

ing several locally—are spreading players across the field and throwing around the football, Booth brings back what many would consider (though the coach would disagree with you) an old-fashioned offense. Nettles, too, will implement a system that hearkens back to football teams of old: the triple option.The arrival of these offenses is enough to make one

wonder just what it is about the systems that makes coaches so loyal to them. So, the coaches were asked that question. Some cited the way a particular forma-tion forces a defense to line, for some an effective offense is about motion and deception, and for others the most important consideration is the ease in which

an offense can be taught to the players. An analysis of the offenses employed by local teams is the cover story of this magazine and begins on the next page. You might learn a thing or two by looking at those X’s and O’s (well, maybe just O’s), but remember that every coach interviewed agreed on one point: the most important aspect of any offense, or team for that matter, are the guys wearing the uniforms. Good players can make a bad system work, and not so good players can slow down even the most well thought out attack. So, we featured several local players with full-page photographs meant to dem-onstrate what is needed to make an offense—any of-fense—move the chains and light up the scoreboard.Also, check out the center spread on pages 24-25.

The fact that every local team, regardless of classifica-tion, can rightfully claim a rivalry against any other local team is what makes football in the area unique. We’ve listed the series records of each team against every local opponent, which will no doubt serve as a source of pride for some teams and, for others, as motivation for upcoming games.Lastly, you might have noticed by now that this

football preview has been produced in a different format, a magazine instead of newsprint as in the past. We thought a magazine would better serve you, the reader, offering something that can be held onto and referenced throughout the season.As always, we’re glad you allowed us to be part of

your high school football experience. See you at the games!

Ð Stephen Dawkins

New look for a new year

The lineupOffense as a science

Local rivalries not so friendly

What makes the offense run

Friday night experience

Team analyses

2 Strategies vary among local teams

22 Records of series involving local teams

41 Area’s top offensive playmakers

45 Group photos of local bands, cheerleaders

4 Billingsley

8 Chilton Co.

12 Isabella

16 Jemison

26 Maplesville

30 Thorsby

34 Verbena

444

666

Stories by Stephen Dawkins

Feature photos by Jon Goering

Practice photos by Stephen Dawkins

Kickoff 2010 is published by

Clanton Newspapers, Inc.P.O. Box 1379,

Clanton, AL 45046

205.755.5747

Dawkins

Page 52: Kickoff 2010